Niagara Falls Tourist Attractions: The Niagara Falls

The Niagara Falls are without doubt the area's main attraction and what all the visitors come to see. This spectacular natural phenomenon tumbles almost 60 meters / 197 feet and features two main areas, the Horseshoe Falls on the Canadian side, and also the American Bridal Veil Falls, on the North American side. Boat tours provide one of the best ways to fully appreciate the Falls and travel to the bottom of the waterfalls, where the view is particularly dramatic. The Maid of the Mist boat tours are amongst the most popular and operate from April to October, closing when the river becomes partially frozen. Offering another excellent view of the Falls, the souvenir shop's observation deck is free and provides superb photo opportunities.
Double Deck Tours: One of the most enjoyable ways to tour the Niagara Falls area, Double Deck Tours are the town's biggest tour company and comprise a fleet of bright red, double decker buses, which seat around 60 passengers. With different packages available, the tour buses offer a real insight into the area and take in many of the town's most popular sights, with the price even including admission to some top attractions. En route, you will be able to see the Niagara Glen, the Floral Clock, the Dufferin Islands, and the Falls themselves.
Casino Niagara : A major gaming complex in the town center, Casino Niagara is the place to head for if you fancy trying your hand at poker, blackjack or roulette. Featuring more than 100 gaming tables covering a vast area, the casino is also home to a number of lounge areas, restaurants and slot machines. Casino Niagara is within walking distance of many of Niagara Falls' main tourist attractions and museums.

Alien Encounter : Aimed very much at tourists visiting the town of Niagara Falls, Alien Encounter answers many questions about the possibility of life on other planets throughout the universe. Attractions here include life-size alien figures, animated laboratories and many models of alien movie favorites, including E.T., Star Wars characters and more.
Butterfly Conservatory : Located in the grounds of the Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens, the Butterfly Conservatory is a must-see attraction and extremely popular. Housing over 2,000 beautiful and often extremely large butterflies, comprising more than 40 species, the conservatory also features landscaped tropical gardens, with many exotic flowering plants and an impressive waterfall, all connected by a network of pathways.
Marineland : Located close to the Falls, Marineland is a major attraction and much loved by visitors to Niagara Falls. With an enormous killer whale enclosure, beluga whales, dolphin and sea-lion shows and many other aquatic animals, further attractions include roller coasters and fast rides. Marineland's Sky Screamer is famous for being the highest triple tower ride in the whole world and offers superb views of the surrounding area.

Niagara Helicopters: A flight in a helicopter over the Falls is perhaps the ultimate way to fully appreciate this watery wonder. Operating throughout the year, helicopter tours of the Niagara Falls area also offer views of many notable attractions and landmarks and include informative commentary along the way.

Japan's Most Popular Tourist Attractions

When foreigners go to Japan, Tokyo tops their list of places to see. Seven of the 10 most-visited destinations in the country are in the capital, according to the Japan National Tourist Organization.

This makes it easy for visitors to check the top spots off their must-see lists without leaving Tokyo, a sprawling city encompassing nearly every important aspect of Japanese life (except nature; "man-made" is the buzzword here). To get to the other spots on the top-10 list, a quick shinkansen (bullet train) ride is all that's required, and that's an experience itself, as the trains run at speeds of about 200 miles per hour.

Whether you choose to stay inside Tokyo's city limits or leave them, however, the complete tourism experience in Japan involves an equal mix of modern and traditional--easy to accomplish in the city and beyond.

When foreigners go to Japan, Tokyo tops their list of places to see. Seven of the 10 most-visited destinations in the country are in the capital, according to the Japan National Tourist Organization.

This makes it easy for visitors to check the top spots off their must-see lists without leaving Tokyo, a sprawling city encompassing nearly every important aspect of Japanese life (except nature; "man-made" is the buzzword here). To get to the other spots on the top-10 list, a quick shinkansen (bullet train) ride is all that's required, and that's an experience itself, as the trains run at speeds of about 200 miles per hour.

Whether you choose to stay inside Tokyo's city limits or leave them, however, the complete tourism experience in Japan involves an equal mix of modern and traditional--easy to accomplish in the city and beyond.

Why visit Zermatt in Switzerland

This area is home to some of the most dramatic Alpine sceneries in the country, including the town of Zermatt. The Matterhorn, Eiger and Mt. Blanc can all be seen (on clear days) on a trip via bus and cable car along the Pillon Pass. Other sights in the canton include a fresco that tells the story of William Tell (it's painted on a house in Ernen/Muhlebach) and Grand St. Bernard. Sion has enough old cathedrals and interesting buildings to justify an overnight.

Darjeeling: A Cool place

Darjeeling owes' its grandeur to its natural beauty, its clean fresh mountain air and above all, the smiling resilient people for whom it is a home. Known for its natural splendor, Darjeeling's best gift to its' visitors is the dawn of a new day. The mountains awaken first with a tentative peeking of the sun. A steep ride, five kilometers from Ghoom, or an invigorating walk up a steep incline, leads sun worshippers to Tiger Hill. The air is chilly with darkness and damp

Darjeeling offers all that is precious in nature-the hush of the hills, the green depth of the forest and the majesty of the mountains. It is a tradition while visiting Darjeeling to go to the Tiger Hill before daybreak to see the first rays of the sun strike the mountains. Another tradition is to spend a few hours everyday taking in the air at the Observatory Hill, the popular meeting place for tourists as well as residents. The Himalayan Mountaineering Institute is a paradise for trekkers. You can, if you wish, go on short or long treks, depending on your stamina and enthusiasm.

For witnessing the sheer magnificence of mountains, unsullied and pristine, nothing compares with a visit to the famous hill station of Darjeeling in West Bengal. Even as you drive up the curvaceous roads or take the famous toy train to your destination, you will be awestruck by the resplendence of nature. Go through our tour offers for Darjeeling and decide which one is the best for you. If you are not looking for the one given here, call us.

Mirik Lake,Darjeeling, Darjeeling Travel, Darjeeling Hotels, Darjeeling Tours, Darjeeling Tourism, Visit Darjeeling, Darjeeling all-inclusive tours, Darjeeling travel package Darjeeling is well linked by Air, Road and Rail network. There are flights from Calcutta to Bagdogra which is 90 kilometers from Darjeeling. The nearest railhead is Siliguri. The Toy train runs from New Jalpaiguri/Siliguri. Darjeeling owes' its grandeur to its natural beauty, its clean fresh mountain air and above all, the smiling resilient people for whom it is a home. Known for its natural splendor, Darjeeling's best gift to its' visitors is the dawn of a new day. The mountains awaken first with a tentative peeking of the sun. A steep ride, five kilometers from Ghoom, or an invigorating walk up a steep incline, leads sun worshippers to Tiger Hill. The air is chilly with darkness and damp.

Darjeeling offers all that is precious in nature-the hush of the hills, the green depth of the forest and the majesty of the mountains. It is a tradition while visiting Darjeeling to go to the Tiger Hill before daybreak to see the first rays of the sun strike the mountains. Another tradition is to spend a few hours everyday taking in the air at the Observatory Hill, the popular meeting place for tourists as well as residents. The Himalayan Mountaineering Institute is a paradise for trekkers. You can, if you wish, go on short or long treks, depending on your stamina and enthusiasm.

For witnessing the sheer magnificence of mountains, unsullied and pristine, nothing compares with a visit to the famous hill station of Darjeeling in West Bengal. Even as you drive up the curvaceous roads or take the famous toy train to your destination, you will be awestruck by the resplendence of nature. Go through our tour offers for Darjeeling and decide which one is the best for you.

Darjeeling is well linked by Air, Road and Rail network. There are flights from Calcutta to Bagdogra which is 90 kilometers from Darjeeling. The nearest railhead is Siliguri. The Toy train runs from New Jalpaiguri/Siliguri.

Hill Resot of Nainital

Need a break from the heat and the dust? Arrive at the hill resort of Nainital. The popular summer retreat of India, Nainital attracts innumerable tourists during the summer heat. The hill resort is indeed a pleasure. The gorgeous greens and the majestic mountains add to the beauty of the hill resort. The small town of Nainital in Uttaranchal is dotted with cottages, villas and bungalows. Situated at an altitude of 1,938 meters the hill resort of Nainital offers several places of interest to the tourists. The hill resort is believed to have derived its name from the goddess Naina. There is a temple dedicated to the goddess Naina too in Nainital. Other legend claims that the Naini Lake in Nainital lends its name to the hill resort. The natural beauty and the charm of the scenic spots besides the cool weather make Nainital the place to be in during the summers.

50 Most Visited Tourist Attraction in the World's

The three primary factors appear to be relative GDP (recall that significant majorities of the populations of China and India remain at subsistence level), the vast travel distances involved within those countries, and the lack of reliable visitor statistics. We were nevertheless surprised to learn that the Taj Mahal receives only 2.4 million visitors a year, given India’s population of over a billion. And while the Great Wall made the top 10, we couldn’t find any other Chinese domestic attraction that drew similar crowds. Expect that to change in the years ahead.

Washington, D.C.: About 25 million: The nation’s premier national park and its monuments and memorials attract more visitors than such vast national parks as the Great Smoky Mountains, Grand Canyon, Yosemite and Yellowstone -- combined. The nearby Smithsonian museums of Natural History and Air & Space welcome more than about 5 million visitors apiece.

So where did the numbers for our ranking come from? They’re based on the most up-to-date, officially sanctioned tourism statistics available (there were several likely candidates for this list which we unfortunately couldn’t include, owing to a dearth of hard numbers). When we couldn’t find figures from national and municipal tourism bureaus, we relied on reputable media sources and tourism industry newsletters.

We excluded religious pilgrimage sites, such as Saudi Arabia’s Mecca, India’s Varanasi, and Tokyo's Sensoji Temple, which according to the Japan Tourism Authority receives over 30 million visitors each year. We chose to include some famous churches in Paris owing to their status as cultural attractions and the high numbers of foreign tourists they receive. St. Peter’s Square straddled the line, but there are no estimates for tourist traffic versus religious attendance, so we included only visitors to the Vatican museums.

And finally, a hearty three cheers to Pleasure Beach Blackpool in Lancashire, England, which has been welcoming punters since 1896. After several decades of decline, this amusement park and its surrounding resort town now officially the most visited paid tourist attraction in the United Kingdom. Who’d have thought?

Ten tips for New York Tourists

Don't be intimidated by the big crowds and bigger buildings. New York can be a friendly and manageable city for visitors if you heed some of this time-tested advice.

1. Don't be afraid to wander. Start spreading the news: New York is the safest big city in the United States. Gone are the days when people were warned not to venture into Alphabet City or the Lower East Side. Pretty much nowhere in Manhattan is off-limits--though it's still an urban area, so do use your common sense (for instance, you may not want to walk around at 3 a.m. by your lonesome). Most of Manhattan, with the exception of a few downtown neighborhoods like the West Village, the Lower East Side and Battery Park, is laid out on a grid system with very few hills, making it extremely easy to find your way around. In fact, a highlight of your trip will likely be strolling the streets gazing at the fascinating people, buildings and sights that pop up on every corner.

2. Take the 'A' (and the 'B' and the 'C'…) train. Though the New York subway system is ancient—the first underground line started running in 1904—the trains are well-marked and surprisingly fast, often a better bet than cabs if you're trying to cross the city from east to west or vice versa, or traveling during the morning or evening rush hours. The subways do run 24 hours a day, but if you're alone, you may feel more comfortable taking a taxi after midnight, though you'll find many people still riding the rails. Try HopStop.com to figure out which subway line will help you reach your destination fastest, but keep in mind that there can be a lot of routes re-routed or closed for maintenance, especially on weekends, so also check the Metropolitan Transportation Authority's website for the latest subway route updates. Tip: The 7-day unlimited ride MetroCard is usually a good deal so you don't spend $2 on MetroCards each time you hop on the train.

3. Eat dinner early—or late. When New Yorkers eat out, they like to take their dinner between 8 and 10 p.m. If you want to eat at the same places they do, it's best to make a reservation in advance—at least a week ahead of time for most places and a full month ahead for perpetually booked favorites such as Daniel, Babbo and Le Bernardin—and to go for an evening between Sunday and Wednesday rather than the always-crowded Thursday through Saturday. But if you've left things till the last minute, try calling a day or two ahead and reserving a table either for before 7 p.m. or after 10:30 p.m., which exponentially increases your chances of getting seated, even at the hottest spots in town. Of course, this tactic won't work at the handful of trendy restaurants that don't take reservations in advance, like Momofuku, Boqueria and Bar Jamon. There, you'll have to queue up with the rest of the ravenous foodie masses.

4. The world on a menu. New York City houses so much diversity of cuisines that it's a shame to stick to tourist neighborhoods or chain restaurants you probably have at home. Travel to some of the city's ethnic enclaves to sample delicious, cheap and authentic fare. In Queens, an easy subway or cab ride from Manhattan, there's renowned Indian food in Jackson Heights (the area's Jackson Diner is regularly rated some of the best Indian food in NYC) and hard-to-find Egyptian cuisine in the "Little Cairo" neighborhood of Astoria. Astoria is also home to many old-time Greek restaurants, primarily situated on Broadway or Ditmars Blvd. You can have a more authentic Italian meal on Arthur Ave. in the Bronx than in the tourist-clogged streets of Manhattan's Little Italy, and it's hard to beat the soul food found in Harlem, including the famed, family-run Sylvia's. Consider expanding your boundaries with a guided neighborhood food tour, such as one offered by Savory Sojourns and run by Addie Tomei, mother of Marissa.

5. Scout out the smaller shops. It's nearly impossible to visit one of the fashion capitals of the world and not drop some dough on clothes, shoes and other goodies (unless you have a lot of willpower!). But don't just confine yourself to the shopping meccas of SoHo and Fifth Avenue, though each does have its own New York charm—SoHo for its beautiful 19th-century cast iron buildings and Fifth Avenue for its elegant department stores and proximity to Central Park. Head to the Lower East Side to check out intimate boutiques that feature local designers as well as trendy new and vintage pieces that you can't find anywhere else. You'll also find special shops sprinkled throughout the downtown neighborhoods of the West Village, the East Village and Nolita, as well as across the East River in artsy Williamsburg, Brooklyn.

6. Buy-buy Broadway. With the opening of Mel Brooks' Young Frankenstein last year, the top price of a Broadway ticket reached $450 for the first time ever. Though this is an extreme case, it's difficult to find a seat at a popular Broadway show for less than $100 nowadays. A couple of options can save you money: Sign up for the free discount ticket listings at www.theatermania.com and www.playbill.com, which offer savings on advance ticket purchases for select Broadway and Off-Broadway shows. Or get in line at a TKTS Discount Booth on the day you want to see a performance to save up to 50% on a variety of plays. (Tip: The South St. Seaport location is usually a lot less busy than the Times Square one, and only there can you purchase tickets the day before for matinees.) That said, if there's a particular Broadway show you've set your heart on, buy tickets as far in advance as possible (and be prepared to spend top-dollar). If your show's sold out, check out the online ticket brokers such as www.stubhub.com or www.razorgator.com, where people sell extra seats or re-sell ones they won't be using.

7. Hear the music. It's tough to claim boredom in New York. Every night of the week you can listen to world-class musicians of all types in venues across the city, from classic settings like Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center and Radio City Music Hall to gritty downtown (or, increasingly, Brooklyn) rock clubs to traditional jazz bars (though the era of the traditional smoky bar is over, since smoking was banned at bars and clubs in 2003). You can find indie rock events listed at www.ohmyrockness.com, classical music events at www.classicaldomain.com and jazz at www.gothamjazz.com. Best of all, some of these concerts are free of charge, especially in the summer months.

8. Pack your running shoes. On the weekends, Central Park closes to traffic and becomes a huge open-air running (and biking and inline skating) track. Enjoy the prime people-watching as you exercise, or opt for other scenic paths along Riverside Park on Manhattan's Upper West Side, along the Hudson River heading downtown to Battery Park, on a trail next to the East River, or across the Brooklyn Bridge. Though it's more comfortable to run in the spring or fall, you'll find many hardy New Yorkers braving the extreme heat and humidity of summer or the bitter chill of winter for their outdoor fitness fix.

9. Don't crowd yourself out. A lot of tourists (and relatives visiting local family members) who come to NYC can't get over how crowded the city is. The crazy secret about New York is that many locals can't stand crowds – which is why they stay away, at all costs, from Macy's anytime except weekday evenings, holiday store windows and Rockefeller Center between Thanksgiving and Christmas, and Times Square whenever humanly possible (except when they must venture over there to work or to catch a show). While you may want to see these iconic parts of New York City, consider planning your visit so that you're not hitting the big department stores, say, the week before Christmas – unless you think that braving hordes of pushy people is part of that old-fashioned New York City charm. (And it really isn't!)

10. Mind your city etiquette. Unfortunately, tourists have a reputation for doing a few things that drive New Yorkers crazy: taking up the entire sidewalk so that other walkers can't pass; coming to a complete stop at the top or in the middle of the subway stairs, thus blocking the way down; looking over a shoulder or down at a guidebook while ambling straight ahead, thus sideswiping people walking toward them. New Yorkers like to walk quickly with a purposeful strut and are often in (or appear to be in) a hurry. Respect their sense of purpose and be mindful of the space around you – and you'll win renewed respect for tourists from the world over! On the other hand, if you need directions or if you drop something on the subway or sidewalk, New Yorkers will be the first to run after you, offering their assistance. They really are nice folk, after all.

How to travel Like a Raja

In the early 18th century, an ambitious nobleman, Rawat Lal Singh, stabbed his friend in the neck on orders of the local king. The king's reward for removing a rival was a fief here in the southwest corner of the state of Rajasthan, where the nobleman built a fort perched on a cliff above a river filled with crocodiles.

For centuries, the fort proved impregnable. Only in recent months have the gates swung open to a new era of invaders: tourists.

In September, two brothers who are descendants of the murderous nobleman began accepting guests in five restored rooms of the Bhainsrorgarh Fort. The 25-acre property is the latest example of how India's noble families are turning towering antiquities into boutique hotels.

Rajasthan's Department of Tourism estimates that 130 forts and palaces have been converted into so-called heritage hotels during the past decade or so. Many are owned by families, like the Singhs, who lost their powers to govern and tax their fiefs after India's independence in 1947 but held onto much of their property and the historical landmarks on them. In some cases, the crumbling castles reflect crumbling family fortunes--and the hospitality business is a way to rejuvenate both.

The Indian government has nudged along the trend. In the early 1990s, it lifted a ban on India's erstwhile nobles transforming historic homes into commercial properties, according to Daleep Singh Rathore, assistant director in Rajasthan's Department of Tourism.

More recently, the government has extended loans to families hoping to open hotels in palaces and forts. The cash infusions have saved scores of forts and palaces that were falling apart, while helping to meet surging demand for high-end hotels among tourists and business travelers. While Mr. Rathore doesn't have details on how many have done so, he says there has been a substantial increase in recent years.

Indeed, Rajasthan's heritage properties are drawing more tourists who want to break from the well-trodden Taj Mahal path. In 2006, Rajasthan ranked fourth among India's states and municipalities in total foreign visitors, nearly doubling to 1.2 million from 2003.

Big hotel groups have long seen the potential for business. One of the first was Neemrana Hotels, founded by a Frenchman, Francis Wacziarg. In 1986, Neemrana Hotels converted a 15th-century fort between New Delhi and Jaipur and opened it as a hotel, called the Neemrama Fort-Palace. Neemrana Hotels has since restored several other tottering properties, including one in the nearby village of Kesroli, called the Hill Fort Kesroli.

The Tata Group's Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces operates three palaces in Rajasthan, including the Taj Lake Palace, aptly named because it's on an island in the middle of Udaipur's Lake Pichola. India's wealthy Poddar family, which has been involved in several heritage projects, took more than a decade to restore the Devi Garh Palace outside of Udaipur.

To tap into the tourist flows, Hilton International and India's Oberoi Hotels & Resorts are among those that have built properties near Rajasthan's forts and palaces.

Like the Singhs, many royal families are inclined to hold onto their former fiefs rather than sell to a hotel group. As Hemendra Singh was growing up, he estimates his family rejected 100 or so written offers to sell or lease the Bhainsrorgarh Fort, Neemrana Fort-Palace Hotel.

By venturing into the hotel business without established backers, though, Hemendra Singh and his brother Rajveer confront big challenges. Funding and staff training are merely two.

The fundamental challenge is how to turn a military fortress into a comfortable hotel. The fort--which once housed hundreds of soldiers and included stables for 250 horses and three elephants--was able to repulse the mightiest of attacks. The fort also had its own grainary and two separate wings in the main building for men and women. Yet it has stood up less well to Rajasthan's harsh desert climate and decades of neglect. Cracks have opened in now-abandoned rooms. Honey bees have taken over one of them.

Still, the two brothers--with assistance from their wives and a dozen staff hired from the local village--have managed to cater to high-end tourists. They charge about $365 a night for a room, all-you-can-eat royal cuisine included. Indoor plumbing, installed last year, has helped. So have touches like stained-glass windows in some of the spacious rooms. The main draw is sitting, dining and strolling around a fort hundreds of years old and hundreds of feet above the placid Chambal River, home to a crocodile sanctuary.

"This is my dream--to put Bhainsrorgarh on the world map," says 35-year old Hemendra Singh. He grew up in the fort and is now marketing it from New Delhi, where he lives in a less palatial third-floor apartment. The brothers aim to open another 15 rooms in the fort in the next five years.

--the Taj Lake Palace on Lake Pichola

--The Taj Lake Palace on Lake Pichola

Constraining the flow of tourists is the time it takes to reach Bhainsrorgarh. From India's capital, New Delhi, it's an 11-hour road journey or an overnight train to nearby Kota city.

An hour from Kota, after winding through narrow village lanes, the elder of the Singh brothers, 41-year old Rajveer, greets guests at Bhainsrorgarh Fort Hotel. He offers cool glasses of guava juice and wreaths of marigolds. Guests are escorted to rooms past mounted antelope heads, grainy photos of slain tigers and ancestor paintings.

The artwork features the family's notorious Rawat Lal Singh, whom the 19th-century British explorer and historian Lt. Col. James Tod called "a beacon in the annals of crime." In his three-volume history of Rajasthan, Lt. Col. Tod describes how the Singhs' forefather murdered the king's uncle, Nathji Maharaja. As one of his best friends, he was able to slip into the well-guarded chambers at midnight to slit the man's throat as he was bent in prayer.

According to the author, the last words the Maharaja uttered were: "What brings you here?"

The King of Udaipur elevated the Rawat Lal Singh family to the top tier of Rajasthani nobles, able to rule vast swaths of land, and granted it Bhainsrorgarh.

--Trident Hilton Jaipur near the Amber Fort

--Trident Hilton Jaipur near the Amber Fort

Work on Bhainsrorgarh Fort began in 1742, clearly with the worry of revenge in mind. The fort's short doorways force visitors to stoop when entering rooms, so sword-wielding hosts might more easily slice off the heads of unwanted guests.

Bhainsrorgarh's current host, Rajveer Singh, claims no hard feelings remain between the two families. Digging out his ancestor's 16th-century gold-plated dagger, fingering a blade still razor sharp, Mr. Singh says, "because of this dagger, we have this property."

But if the family still has the fort, being a royal isn't what it used to be. Instead of being waited upon, Mr. Singh spends his days hustling up and down stairs serving dishes that he and his wife help cook. The royal cuisine includes blackened chicken, mutton with gravy, freshly plucked okra and sweet shredded carrots for dessert.

Mr. Singh has also done away with the traditional attire of Rajasthani nobles--colorful turbans and pointy shoes--for jeans, leather loafers and a ranch-style canvas jacket. The wardrobe is more suitable to the Jeep drives he takes with guests through desert scrub brush to nearby villages.

Top 10 coastal wildlife hot spots

Stingray City, Grand Cayman

The clear, shallow water of Grand Cayman's North Sound teems with southern stingrays. They began to congregate here because it's where fishermen cleaned their catch. Now, they come for handouts from tourists. Ebanks Watersports (345/925-5273) offers trips to visit the sandbar, where passengers can touch, feed and snorkel among these gentle swimmers.

Depoe Bay, Oregon

From now until June, Oregon's "whale-watching capital" welcomes roughly 18,000 gray whales en route to Alaska. Visit the Whale Watching Center in Depoe Bay to learn the best spots to view the grays. (Insider's tip: Northbound whales, which migrate now, swim closer to shore than southbound winter travelers.) Spring Whale Watch Week, when center volunteers will be stationed along the coast to provide viewing tips and facts, starts March 22. Or, for an up-close glimpse, hop aboard a Tradewinds Charters tour

Assateague Island National Seashore, Virginia and Maryland

During spring and fall, this area's famed wild horses spend much of their time grazing the Virginia and Maryland coastlines. The best way to see the privately owned Virginia herd is aboard the Pony Express Nature Tour cruise. Captain Mark Coulbourne knows where the horses hang out (tours run May through October, 866/766-9794). On land, hike or bike the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge's 1 1/2-mile Woodland Trail to an observation platform overlooking the ponies' habitat

Big Pine Key, Florida

This is the only place in the world to see the pint-size Key deer. A subspecies of Virginia white-tailed deer, they stand just 30 inches tall at the shoulder. Go to the National Key Deer Refuge in the early morning or at dusk for the best viewing--you may spot a newborn during the April-to-May fawning season. Stop at the visitor center before heading to an observation platform, or hike trails to see the deer.

Maui, Hawaii

Many green sea turtles (or honu) that gather off Maui's shores eventually make their way to Maluaka Beach, also known as Turtle Town. To view the sea turtles in their natural habitat, grab your snorkel or scuba gear. Maui Eco Tours' Seafari claims an average of 15 turtle sightings per snorkel trip . Sign up with Tropical Divers Maui for an introductory lesson with a guided dive . The Turtle Lagoon at the Maui Ocean Center offers a chance to see the reptiles and stay dry.

Stonington Peninsula, Michigan

During August and September, thousands of monarch butterflies swarm Michigan's Stonington Peninsula on their long southern migration. You're likely to find many at Peninsula Point, a resting spot on the Upper Peninsula. Visitors can climb the 40-foot lighthouse for a bird's-eye view of the butterflies' journey across Lake Michigan, or observe them resting in the surrounding cedar trees. Pack a picnic, and don't forget a camera.

Delaware Bay, Delaware

Head here to visit one of the world's largest spawning grounds for horseshoe crabs. These crustaceans are protected at five community-based sanctuaries--Broadkill Beach, Slaughter Beach, Fowler Beach, Pickering Beach and Kitts Hummock, all accessible to the public. There are also plans for a horseshoe-crab museum and research center in Milton (the only other museum of this kind is in Japan). You can help save the crab: If you see one turned on its back, "just flip 'em."

Mosquito Bay, Puerto Rico

Often called bio bay, this is one of the best places in the world to experience bioluminescence, a natural glow produced by living organisms. You can observe the glowing dinoflagellates (a type of microscopic algae) throughout the year, but the best time to visit is during a new moon when the night sky is darkest. Blue Caribe Kayaks in Esperanza leads educational expeditions and invites you to swim among the "stardust" (787/741-2522/; reservations are highly recommended).

San Simeon, California

Winter is a great time to observe one of California's largest resident populations of elephant seals. Visit Friends of the Elephant Seal's Web site to learn about these funny-looking marine mammals and to get recommendations for the best places to find them. One top viewing spot: the Piedras Blancas rookery just north of San Simeon, where on-site docents will answer questions.

Knight Inlet, British Columbia

To see black bears and grizzlies, head to Knight Inlet, northwest of Vancouver. The Knight Inlet Lodge, open June through mid-October, offers three-, four- and five-day packages. A boat takes guests to a channel brimming with salmon and to other areas the bears frequent.

Lanai--Hawaii

Hawaii is a popular tourist destination and the state's bigger islands usually get the most visitors. That's why the state's smallest island is the perfect getaway for those looking for more low-keyed relaxation.

"It's just so different from any other Hawaiian island. You won't believe it," said Kathy Caroll of Mike Caroll Gallery. "I think people should come to Lanai if they want to experience complete and utter solitude. I can't think of a more relaxing place to be."

The destination spot may have a calmer vibe than the sometimes-crowded beaches and tourist destinations on the larger islands of Oahu, Maui and Hawaii.

"You come to Lanai and you commune with nature. It's a real experience; it's not something that's contrived," said Kepa Maly, of Lana'i Cultural Heritage Center.

Lanai, which also is known as the Island of Mystery and the Secluded Isle, only has about 2,800 inhabitants, which adds to its feeling of quietude.

The island's geography offers a view of different cliffs and rock formations.
"God has made all these rock formations," said Mike Lopez, of Trilogy Excursions. "I believe each formation represents something within itself."

Many see Lanai's landscape as a divine experience.

"One of the most amazing places to see here is Keahikawelo, otherwise known as the Garden of the Gods. It looks like a surreal landscape. It almost feels like you're walking onto the surface of Mars," Carroll said.

"When you go up onto the slopes, there's this amazing geology. The wind erosion that's occurred where the core of lava flows have remained intact," Maly said. "You get up on the flatlands, and onto the slopes above us, and you have this amazing mounding and piling of stones that some people would think, that's man-made. But in reality, it's God-made."

It may be the world’s most beautiful beach

Varadero, perhaps the most beautiful beach in the world, attracts tourists from all over the world and is a wonderful place to visit if you're looking to relax on a pristine, white-sandy beach with unbelievably gorgeous turquoise water.

I've been to the beaches of Australia, New Zealand, southern California, Portugal, Spain and the south of France and I've never seen a more beautiful beach than the 20-kilometre stretch of pure, white sand at Varadero.

Varadero was the winter home for super-rich Americans prior to the Cuban Revolution on Jan. 1,1959, with the likes of Al Capone and Joseph Kennedy (father of U.S. President John F. Kennedy) owning beachfront mansions. After building dozens of new hotels in the 1990s, Varadero now rivals Havana as Cuba's No. 1 tourist attraction.

Since first visiting Cuba in 1986, I've stayed at eight different villas and cabanas in Varadero, but my favourite is the Hotel Internacional. Opened in December, 1950, it was Varadero's premier hotel until the more luxurious hotels were built on the eastern edges of the town over the past 15 years.

A classic art-deco hotel located right on the beach, the Hotel Internacional, like much of Cuba, is a throwback to the 1950s. Its large, beautiful swimming pool is vintage '50s--so much so that you can imagine Burt Lancaster and Ava Gardner, sipping a piña colada and daiquiri poolside.

The hotel has a classic room called the Continental Cabaret, which is home to a spectacular dance show that rivals Havana's world-famous Tropicana nightclub for glamour. The room turns into a disco at midnight.

I always try to visit Havana, and this trip was no different as I took a two-hour bus ride to the capital city and spent three nights in the moderately-priced Hotel St. John's located in the lively Vedado area. It is an exciting, cosmopolitan city, teeming with life, energy and excitement, not to mention classic 1950s American cars.

I've decided that Havana is among my Top 5 cities in the world, up there with Amsterdam, New York, San Francisco and Sydney. I love walking around the city, whether along the Malecon -- the seaside road beside the Atlantic Ocean--around Vedado or La Habaña Vieja (old Havana).

On my latest trip, I walked to the bronze statue of John Lennon, which has the former Beatle sitting on a park bench near the corner of 17th and 6th Streets. President Fidel Castro unveiled the statue of Lennon--who has become a hero in Cuba for his stance against the Vietnam War and his fight for world peace--on Dec. 8, 2000.

Music is everywhere in Havana and you can hear incredible music emanating from any number of patios, terraces, bars, lounges and restaurants. You walk in free of charge and have a Cuban beer (Cristal and Bucanero are the best), Cuba Libre (rum and coke) or a daiquiri while listening to amazing music.

Get Active in Norway

Escape your everyday routine and try an adventurous activity holiday in Norway. Get back to nature as you experience this relatively undiscovered activity destination offering a variety of resorts and activities.

Norway’s stunning scenery is the perfect backdrop to enjoy the peace and quiet in a canoe, horseriding or for more adventure join FlatEarth and go glacier walking, abseiling, paragliding and much more.

Activity Holidays in Vradal Log Cabins

Visit the Telemark region of Norway on a self drive break. The beautiful resort borders placid Lake Nisser. Sail from Newcastle to Stavanger late on a Sunday night and your adventure begins as soon as you board the ship–great restaurants, bars, shops, even cinema swimming pool and casino.

Prices include 2 nights onboard ship, carriage of a standard vehicle 4/5 nights in a Vradal lodge, plus live onboard entertainment. After you arrive in Stavanger is about a 4 hour drive through picturesque country to Vradal where you stay in pretty lakeside log cabins. You can enjoy watersports, cycling and hiking. 7 nights from £155 pp 6May – 17 June and 2 Sept to 30 September / 6 nights from £203 pp 20 June – 26 August.

6 night activity holiday at FlatEarth

Sail from Newcastle to Bergen on the DFDS Seaways cruise ferry. If you like Adrenalin sports this is for you. Enjoy 3 fun packed days of activities with FlatEarth in the heart of the Norwegian Fjords. With over 25 years experience and located on the fabulous Hardangerfjord you’ll be enjoy individually tailored activities.

Each day you can choose a different activity including river and fjord Kayaking, glacier expeditions, climbing, abseiling, fishing, sea kayaking, canoing or mountain biking. Prices from £633 pp include sea crossings, return carriage of standard car, 4 nights at the Eidfjord Fjell and Fjord hotel, 3 days FlatEarth pass as well as breakfast and dinner at the hotel

6/7 night activity holiday at Voss

From £578pp for high season 19th june- 27th August, from £444pp for low season 25 Jan – 18 June and 28 August to 27 December.

Situated between the two famous fjords or Hardangerfjord and Sognefjord–Fleischers Hotel in Voss is a popular year round destination. The ideal base for various activities and in a beautiful setting. The attractive swiss style 19th century hotel is still run by the Fleischers family and offers modern amenities and traditional charm.

The hotel’s restaurant is renowned for delicious food including local fish and Norwegian specialities. Summer activities in Voss are extensive. Price includes 2 nights onboard, 5 nights at Fleischers, carriage of a standard car and great onboard entertainment

Activity Holiday to Lilland Hotel near Pulpit Rock

6 nights from £476pp in high season 20 June to 26 August). 7 nights from £505 pp in low season 6 May – 17th June and 2nd September to 30th September.

Pulpit Rock near Stavanger is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Norway with its unrivaled views. It is a popular hiking site. Sail to Norway from Newcastle and stay at the Lilland Hotel 30 minutes from Stavanger, the perfect base from which to visit Pulpit Rock. Two ways to visit Pulpit Rock –3 to 4 hour hike or a boat ride- both offer great views from the top. Price includes 2 nights onboard, 4/5 nights at the Lilland Hotel, carriage of a standard vehicle and a wide range of onboard entertainment.

London –– Budget Hotels

Historians of the English constitution said “London acted constantly as the purse and sometimes as the brain of England”. Time-by-time, its evidence can be seen thru various incidents. In 1665 it overpowered the great plague bravely and in the following year again its supremacy was proved by recovering itself from the great disaster of fire which destroyed more than 13,000 houses, St Paul’s Cathedral, the Royal Exchange, 86 churches and most of the guild halls.

Nowadays, London is known as the most expensive city in the world but still concept of budget hotels exist here. Bayswater and Victoria are the places in London where one can get budget hotels of own choices. One must remember that budget hotels London may misinform you. Hence, visitors must be conscious while choosing accommodation in budget hotels. London is identified as financial as well as educational hub in the world.

But perhaps, the tag of expensive is depleting its reputation and British government is perfectly aware with this fact. Hence, the cultural department along with media and sport department have prepared multi agency strategy entitled: “Winning – A Tourism Strategy for 2012 and Beyond”. Under this strategy, government has decided to promote budget hotels London to attract all income groups to visit London with friends and family.

Suitability of hotels in London mainly depends upon one’s planned activities, interests and budget. It is quite possible that one can get a hotel in London which will match entire required needs. For instances, if someone likes theatre than definitely West End should be the choice. West End is very famous for sound of music and dirty dancing. Some fashion conscious persons also may visit London and in that case Knightsbridge district will be the optimum location. It is famous for fashion boutiques and top department stores like Harrods and Harvey Nichols. If person has visited London due to its beautiful sights than Dockland may be the perfect location due to the proximity of world famous landmarks like St. Paul’s Cathedral, Tower Bridge and the Tower of London.

Wherever, you are staying in London but if you are looking for budget hotels then don’t forget to check travel certificate before selecting the accommodation. Beside this one must check linens and carpet on the floor which represent the cleanliness of hotel. Budget hotels are self rated hotels so don’t fix with the tag of three or four stars. Visitors should not depend upon the food service of the budget hotels as there may not be specified criteria about quantity and quality of food items. Hence budget hotel must be close to a good restaurant which could serve delicious and nutritious food. Security issue also may be main area of concern while choosing the budget hotel.

Thus, budget hotels are all about the wise decision of visitors. If, they have wisely checked each and every measures than undoubtedly it may be the amusing deal. On the contrary few stupid acts may ruin you.

Summer season—paragliding in Bhimtal--Nainital

Bhimtal has many tourist attraction, Para-gliding, Island restaurent in Bhimtal lake, Nakuchiatal and seven lakes cluster in Sat Tal, a picturesque picnic spot

Visit to Nainital-Bhimtal-Nakuckhiatal

Lakes has always been tourist attraction for children at their tender age as it is life experience to see water between the hills in form of springs. Colorful peddle, rowing-boats plying on the lakes make the place look more beauitful as the children and tourist take nice long drive with various boats peddling mannually

This facilities are well managed in Northern State of India, Uttarakhand tourist towns Nainital, Bhimtal, and Nakuchiatal the trio cities within radius of 30 Km, but is not given due publicity at national or International tourist maps.Trio towns attarct thousands of tourist round the year especially in Summers when the entire hotels are booked and children along with parents and tourist making beeline to these cities.

Bhimtal has many tourist spots like Island restaurent in Bhimtal lake, Para-gliding, Nauchiatal and seven lakes cluster in Sat Tal, a picturesque picnic spot where Ghatokach of Mahabharat fame lived in these hills with his mother. Bhimtal is very approachable as from road and rail it is hardly five hours journey approximately 250 Km from Delhi and highway is extremely safe and well maintain except some short patches.Near Bhimtal is another mid way city on route to Nainital is Bhowaili which has cantonment plus shppers market with various temples famous as Ghanti temples.Wishes of the devotees gets fullfiled as one comes to these temples.

As we move from Delhi by road we cross philkhua, Moradabad, Rampur, Rudrapur, Haldwani, Kathgodam then the first hill town enroute is Bhimtal which is about 20 Km from Kathgodam and it is about 4250 ft above sea level, three to four Km south of Bhimtal is Naukuchiatal.

The twin city of Bhimtal -Nakuchiatal has nice arragments of boats peddling and Lakes are quite bigs where one enjoys the fresh air and cold environment. Two city has enough tourist accomodation as it has many hotels on the periphery of the two lakes. The hotels are not very costly and moderately priced for stay and in lean seasons the rates are too economical specially for senior citizen cateogory. Just 20 Km from Bhimtal lies the most beautiful city of Naini Hills called Nainital which has its beauty of its own withs hotels line-up in one side of the lakes and on the other side--the Grand Hill which gives a majestic view for the tourist with city downtown and uptown markets for daily needs.

NainiTal is about 6000 ft above sea level and is cooler than Bhimtal and Naukchiatal.The Naintal which has main source of income from hospitality or hotel industry is busy round the years as tourist come from all part of the country to see the queen of Hills Nainital. Nainital is mid town to go to other tourist spots like Rani Khet, Almora, Kausani and other places of religious fervour. Experience to these cities makes you believe that India lives in hills with a quite, serene, life, with peoples worshipping and leading a pious life. Their houses are well kept with flowers and kindergarden well suited for their daily supply of vegetables, fruits and lush green lawns make their living more posh.

Cold breeze round the year,fresh uncontaminated environment and frugal traffic makes the city nice place to recharge ones energy. Bowali, the city on the midway has Lodge of International theosophical society, which has Library and spiritual meeting are held by the local theosophist, but this society is under the federation of Delhi region. Kathgodam to Naini hills many small towns like Rampura, sat Tal, Bowali, Naukchiatal, having hundred years old churchs and temples give its majestic look with natural scenes adds to its beauty.

During the month of April, May and June,july when the plains in Delhi are getting too much hot then the best weather to enjoy during summers are the Nainihills close to capital 280 Km with five hours drive to these cities with most economical lodging and foods, a paradise for health conscious people.

Top ten places: See in your lifetime

Travellers have always made lists of the top destinations to be visited in the world and even armchair travellers dream of experiencing the most unique and exciting sites the planet has to offer.

Bruce Poon, the founder of adventure travel company GAP Adventures, shares his top ten tourist places to see in your lifetime.

Despite recent troubles and ongoing Chinese domination, the Tibetan capital of Lhasa is at the top of Bruce Poon's list.

He says the spirit of the people of Tibet is still palpable in the city, which was at one time the spiritual and cultural heart of Asia.

The Potala Palace sits looming over the city and Buddhist monks pass by on their daily routines, reminding visitors that this city carries the pulse of a nation in change.

Every Saturday morning, the world's largest craft market in the Ecuadorian town of Otavalo comes to life with a wash of vibrant colour as the local Indians come down from the hills to market their wares.

India's Taj Mahal is in third place as the greatest monument to love on earth remains an inspiring example of beautiful architecture, creating a powerful effect on visitors from all backgrounds.

The highest waterfalls in the world are also the most spectacular. Angel Falls in Venezuela are approached by river and the canoe journey makes a trip to view this spectacular natural wonder unforgettable.

Watch rhinos and baboons roaming free against a stunning backdrop of the setting African sun in the Ngorongoro Crater.

This lush wildlife playground in the middle of the dry desert of Tanzania offers a truly unspoilt experience African, putting it in fifth spot.

In Guatemala, the ruined city of Tikal was built by the Mayans and seems remarkably undisturbed in the middle of its tropical jungle setting.

"By imagining how the Mayans once ruled this area of the world, it is easy to transport yourself back to a time of ancient and savage civilisation," Mr Poon said.

The desire to get off the beaten tourist track promotes the sandy peninsula of Placencia in southern Belize in seventh place.

This hidden gem remains undiscovered by mainstream tourists aside from a few lost backpackers and it is possible to relax with local villagers in total anonymity.

More lost islands are located just off the coast, which can be easily reached.

Ecuador makes Mr Poon's list a second time with the Galapagos Islands at number eight. Bring what you know about Darwin's research on evolution to life as you explore these curious islands.

This is still quite a remote destination, encouraging relaxation, learning and inspiration in a virtually untouched place.

The magnificent ancient caves of Pak Ou in Laos are set high above the Mekong River some 25 km from Luang Prabang.

These caves have been a place of Buddhist worship and solitude for more than 600 years and more than 4,000 images of the Buddha have been placed inside them over that time.

Hong Kong: Chinese New Year Travel Peak

With the Chinese New Year Golden Week just around the corner, the Tourism Commission has coordinated with government departments and the tourism industry, and liaised with Mainland tourism authorities, to draw up measures to prepare for the arrival of Mainland visitors during the travel peak period.

These measures include enhancing the flow of visitors at boundary control points, stepping up promotion of "honest and quality tourism" and shop inspections to protect tourists' interests, and advising visitors to cross the boundary at Lo Wu, or Shenzhen Bay Port and Lok Ma Chau Spur Line check point.

Commissioner for Tourism Au King-chi said they would monitor the recent Mainland snowstorms' impact on inbound and outbound travelers, and offer assistance when necessary.

To ensure tourists' safety, the Travel Industry Council has issued notices relating to several outbound group tours destined for affected provinces. The China National Tourism Administration has advised visitors to avoid affected provinces. When making travel plans, even if the weather is improving visitors should realise transport links and infrastructure in affected areas may not be fully functioning and may cause delays.

Hong Kong and Guangdong have set up an emergency notification mechanism to handle unexpected events concerning travelers of both places effectively. The joint command centre set up by the Immigration Department and other departments will be activated to monitor the situation at land check points and take prompt and flexible action when necessary.

U.K.: A Great Tourist Destination

United Kingdom can be a best destination option for the vacation to any age group of people. This beautiful country has a constitutional monarchy comprising of four constituent countries. These countries are England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, and collectively called United Kingdom.

London city is one of the major tourist attractions of the world and is a highest visited place in UK by tourist. In London (England) many famous tourist places like Alton Tower and Buckingham Palace are welcoming to the London visitors. Wales is another beautiful tourist destination in UK and traveling in Scotland is a wonderful experience to the tourist, because of its natural beauty and traditional approach. The large cities of UK like London, Edinburgh and Glasgow are famous for their cuisine, pubs, and traditional approach.

In all major cities of United Kingdom you can choose your accommodation according to your choice. These choice hotels are available in every city of the United Kingdom, with a variety of range. UK is fifth most powerful economy of the world and one of the major tourist destinations in world map therefore there is lots of good and cheap hotels are available according to your need and expenses. Inter city hotel, Maranton house hotel, Fraser Suites Glasgow- Scotland and many other good hotels are provide a best services to their customers.

There are various good cheap hotels in UK, which provides best facilities in lower prices. These cheap hotels are started their prices from 30 Euro to 40 Euro pre night. During the festival seasons like Christmas and New Year Four Star and Five Star hotels also offer various discounts in their services. So find a cheap hotel with best facilities is not a tough task in UK. UK is a place where you can find cheap hotels to Choice hotels easily.Source:http://ezinearticles.com/?UK---A-Great-Tourist-Destination&id=875213

Holiday Hotspots: going year 2008

Forget glitz, crowds and over-development: the key holiday destinations in 2008 will be those remote corners of the globe that offer comfort, solitude and authenticity, writes Mark Jones.

Once upon a time, writing an article of predictions such as this would have been a straightforward task. Name-check some big openings, whisk around the atlas with a style thermometer naming what's hot, where's cool, where has gone tepid and who's been frozen out.

No longer. Now you can't look forward in the travel business without grappling with the Big Issues: global warming, geo-politics, China, international security. Many of these issues came together at the Bali conference this month - and what a choice of venue that was. Only a few years ago, nowhere better symbolised the innocence of modern multicultural travel: a place where young Australians flocked to get drunk and rich Britons fled to chill out. Now Bali - sadder, wiser, bombed, more wary Bali - will become shorthand for nothing less than the battle to save the planet.

Greener travel: The great hope for 2008 is that tourism, like other global industries, can find a way to be both green and profitable. At present, niche operators such as hotelier Campbell Gray (One Aldwych and Carlisle Bay, among others) can safely target the sliver of wealthy travellers who really do prefer a single perfect apple in an earthenware bowl to a huge basket of waxy fruit wrapped in cellophane. Still, a decisive shift is taking place and any hotel-owner who thinks that going green means putting a little card in the bathroom asking you whether you want your towels washed has spectacularly missed the point.

The World Tourism Organisation (WTO) says that tourism accounts for 10 per cent of global GDP. International tourism will triple in next 20 years and international arrivals are expected to rise from 700 million to 1.6 billion by the year 2020. That's a lot of people on the move burning a lot of fuel. But no sane environmental campaigner can simply set up camp outside Heathrow and tell us to stop flying.

More WTO figures: tourism employs over 250 million people. It is the main money-earner for a third of developing nations and the primary source of foreign-exchange earnings for the majority of the 49 least developed countries. So by all means choose Norfolk rather than The Gambia for your summer holiday if it eases your worries about air miles. But be aware that a tourism drought in these countries will be just as devastating as any other kind.

Where you’ll be going: The indications are that we will be choosing our big holiday more thoughtfully, opting to keep it real and low-scale in Africa or Latin America. The success of Namibia and Botswana in limiting developments to a few high-quality lodges and responsible operators is encouraging others to follow suit. The coming year will be a landmark one in Zambia, where Abercrombie and Kent plans to open no fewer than seven new camps (four of them in 2008).

In Botswana, Colin Bell, the founder of Wilderness Safaris, has gone into partnership with Mark Read (the former head of WWF in South Africa) to create the Selinda Reserve (due to open in April). While in July, the celebrated Zambian guide Robin Pope is opening Pamulani in July, a new lodge on Lake Malawi, set inside a World Heritage Site.

South America will continue to supplant south-east Asia as the destination of choice for intrepid long-haulers and gap-yearlings. The Atacama Desert will get the boutique treatment with the new Tierra Atacama Hotel and Spa, while long-standing Latin American experts Cazenove+Loyd are beginning tailor-made hiking trips into the remote areas of the Torres Del Paine National Park in Chilean Patagonia. They have also spotted that Machu Picchu is becoming overworn and are starting treks through remote Andean villages avoiding the tourist trail.

Even before regime change happens in Washington, the hawks are in flight. That makes the prospect of visiting Iran or Syria, say, much more palatable. In fact, as anyone who has travelled in those countries knows, it's hard to feel safer and less hassled anywhere in the world; and it will take huge increases in visitor numbers to make magical places like Isfahan, Persepolis, Palmyra and Aleppo feel crowded.source:http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/main.jhtml?xml=/travel/2007/12/31/et-hotspots2008-131.xml

Tourism in Alberta

Alberta has been a tourist destination from the early days of the 20th Century, with attractions including national parks, historic sites, urban arts and cultural facilities, outdoor locales for skiing, hiking and camping, shopping locales such as West Edmonton Mall, outdoor festivals, professional athletic events, international sporting competitions such as the Commonwealth Games and Olympic Winter Games, as well as more eclectic attractions.

Edmonton (Alberta's capital city), Calgary, and the Canadian Rockies (Banff National Park and Jasper National Park) are the most popular destinations for visitors. West Edmonton Mall in Edmonton is the most visited attraction in the province. A million visitors each year attend Calgary’s world-famous Stampede, a celebration of Canada's own Wild West and the cattle ranching industry. Edmonton, known as Canada's Festival City, boasts a summer calendar of non-stop festivals, included the world-renowned Edmonton International Fringe Theatre Festival and the Edmonton Folk Music Festival.

Only an hour's drive from the Rocky Mountains, Calgary also makes a visit to tourist attractions such as Banff National Park something which can easily be done in a day. Calgary and Banff each host nearly 5 million tourists yearly, while Edmonton attracts 4.4 million visitors on an annual basis to the Alberta Capital Region. Jasper National Park is easily reached from Edmonton via the TransCanada Yellowhead Highway or on VIA Rail Canada.

Québec Aboriginal Tourism

Situé sur la pointe nord-est du continent nord-américain, le Québec occupe un immense territoire. Sa superficie de 1 667 926 km 2, représente trois fois la France, cinq fois le Japon, deux fois le Texas et sept fois le Royaume-Uni, ce qui en fait la plus grande province canadienne.

Son fleuve est bordé par le bouclier canadien au nord et par les Appalaches au sud. Ses vastes forêts comptent plus d'un million de lacs et des milliers de rivières. À mesure qu'on se déplace vers le nord, la végétation forestière composée de feuillus cède la place aux conifères dans la taïga, puis aux arbustes et aux lichens dans la toundra.

La ville de Québec, sa capitale, est perchée sur le cap Diamant d'où elle surplombe le fleuve Saint-Laurent. Berceau de la civilisation française en Amérique, seule ville fortifiée au nord du Mexique, elle figure sur la prestigieuse Liste du patrimoine mondial de l'UNESCO depuis 1985.

Sa métropole, Montréal, est la deuxième ville francophone du monde. Elle possède aussi le plus grand port intérieur du globe. Son architecture allie modernité nord-américaine et charme européen. Cosmopolite, elle possède sa Petite Italie, son quartier latin, son quartier chinois et son Village gai. BONJOUR QUEBEC.

Québec is primarily a French society thanks to its language and its culture. In 1974, the National Assembly (Québec's parliament) proclaimed French to be the official language of Québec .

The population is 83% francophone, while 11% of Québecers speak English in the home and 6% another language, i.e. Italian, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Greek, Vietnamese or Portuguese.

More than 40% of Québec's population is bilingual, i.e. speaks French and English. In Montréal, where this percentage is 64%, a full 16% of the population also knows a third language.

Located at the north-eastern tip of the North American continent, Québec covers an immense territory. Its 1,667,926-km 2 (643,990-sq. mi.) surface is equivalent to three times the size of France, five times the size of Japan, twice the size of Texas and seven times the size of the United Kingdom, making it Canada's largest province .

Québec's majestic St. Lawrence River is bordered by the Canadian Shield to the north and the Appalachian mountains to the south. Its vast forests shelter more than a million lakes and rivers. Further north, the deciduous forest makes way for the coniferous forest of the taiga, followed by the shrubs and lichens of the tundra.

Québec City, the province's capital, is perched atop Cap Diamant, from where it overlooks the St. Lawrence. The cradle of French civilization in North America and the only fortified city north of Mexico, Québec City has been on UNESCO's prestigious World Heritage List since 1985.

The province's metropolis, Montréal, is the second-biggest French-speaking city in the world and boasts the largest inland port on the planet. Its architecture combines North American modernity with European charm. Extremely cosmopolitan, it has its own Little Italy, Latin Quarter, Chinatown and Gay Village.

The Kootenay Rockies

Welcome to the Kootenay Rockies, British Columbia’s unique, mountain oriented vacation region, situated in the southeastern corner of the province.

The region includes five different, spectacular mountain ranges, including the Canadian Rockies, that create breathtaking mountain and river valleys each with their own character and each offering an incredible variety of unequalled recreational and getaway opportunities.

Visitors to the Kootenay Rockies region will truly experience the mountains of Canada – not just view the peaks from a distance. Vacations include clean, natural, uncrowded outdoor activities and experiences that reflect the lifestyle, the culture and the community of Canada’s West. Come discover why we are known as ‘British Columbia’s Mountain Playground’.

KLCC--Petronas Twin Towers

The 88-storey Petronas Twin Towers, otherwise known as KLCC the world's tallest twin structures. Located in the heart of the capital city, the crown of the Kuala Lumpur contains a complex of office buildings, conference halls, a sprawling park and an upmarket shopping complex.

Inspired by the geometric shape found in Islamic architecture, this gleaming mega-structure was designed by Argentinian-American architect Cesar Pelli.

Stretching out to one side of this architectural masterpiece is the spacious and beautifully landscaped KLCC Park. Other attractions at KLCC are Suria Shopping Complex, Petronas Philharmonic Hall, Petrosains Science Centre, Petronas Art Gallery and Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, where The Aquaria Oceanarium is situated.

Island of Bali

The island of Bali, a part of the Republic of Indonesia offers a wide variety of attractions making it as the ultimate tourism island for fun and frolic. The sheer physical and natural beauty of the place and the year-round pleasant climate make it as one of the most sought after holiday destinations world over. The atmosphere is relaxing, climate inviting and ambience enchanting. In short a perfect blend of a dream vacation.

How to reach: Ngurah Rai international airport is the airport at Bali. Most international visitors arrive by air, either directly or via Jakarta. There are direct flights to Jakarta and Bali from major airline hubs in Asia such as Singapore, Bangkok and Hong Kong as well as major Australian cities. Flying time to Jakarta is about 1.5 hours, to Singapore and Perth (Australia) 2.5 and 3 hours, to Hong Kong about 4.5 hours, and to Sydney/Melbourne about 5.5 to 6 hours. Transport from airport is also simple and affordable with private taxis and metered cab offering their services at affordable and bargain prices.

When to Go: The beauty of the place is its extremely mild climate through out the year. Tourists can expect pleasant day temperatures between 20 to 33 degrees Celsius round the year. From December to March, the West monsoon can bring heavy showers and high humidity, but usually days are sunny and the rains start during the night and pass quickly. From June to September the humidity is low, and it can be quite cool in the evenings and worth enjoying.

Where to stay: Bali is one place where you can get a super luxurious private seven room villa with own swimming pool and ocean view and all the facilities by paying a premium and also get the greatly affordable resort and apartment near the beach. Bali caters to every budget and every expectation. Everything is available here for a bargain.

What to see: Bali's natural attractions include miles of sandy beaches, picturesque rice terraces, towering and majestic active volcanoes over 3,000 meters high, fast flowing rivers with crystal clear water, deep and sharp ravines, pristine lakes and water beds, sacred caves and temples, and lush tropical forests full of exotic wildlife and flora and fauna. It offers natural beauty at its very best. The island's rich cultural heritage is also visible everywhere - in over 20,000 temples and palaces, in many colorful festivals and ceremonies in drama, music, and dance. View of the famous Besakih Temple on the slopes of holy Mount Agung, Lake Batur and it's active volcano, Ubud, Legian, Kuta, Nusa Dua, and the temples of Tanah Lot and Ulu Watu from a helicopter is a once in a lifetime experience and will leave you spellbound.

Specialty of the place: Bali is so picturesque and beautiful that it looks like a big landscape painted in myriad of colors and shades. It offers everything to everyone. Rice paddies trip down hillsides like giant steps, volcanoes soar through the clouds, the forests are lush and tropical, and the beaches are lapped by the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. The night life of the place is rocking with bars, pubs and discotheques open late into night offering great exeitment. and vibrant and people friendly and simple. In short a perfect setting for a most deserving vacation, you had been looking for.

Sentosa

Fun island ... themed entertainment ... tropical resort ... nature park ... Singapore's Island Resort.

A former fishing village turned British military base, Sentosa was transformed into an idyllic island resort in 1972 for the enjoyment and recreation of everyone. To describe Sentosa as merely one thing or another would do no justice to the multiple facets of this island jewel half a kilometre south of Singapore. Afterall, it is the variety and versatility that make Sentosa (meaning peace and tranquillity) different and special for millions of visitors from all around the world. And unlike any other vacation destination, you are right on the fringe of the city's buzz, which is just minutes away by cable car, ferry or via a 710-metre road link.

Once you step afoot the island, you can find your own slice of paradise among the many exciting attractions - history and culture come alive, entertainment by day and night, lush green surroundings to explore, manicured gardens, dancing fountains and two challenging international 18-hole golf courses with scenic undulating views. Today, Sentosa is a 390-hectare recreational haven boasting a kaleidoscopic range of attractions and activities which cater to a wide audience.

Beach lovers can enjoy exciting games and sea sports along the 3.2-km long sandy beaches stretching across Siloso, Palawan and Tanjong. You can indulge in a host of leisure activities such as cycling, in-line skating, canoeing, horse riding or simply unwind at the beach pubs. On weekends, the beach pubs will spring into action as beach volleyball fans flock to Siloso Beach for their favourite game. In recent years, Sentosa had also gained international fame for holding some of Singapore's most exciting themed events like the Sentosa Sandsation (an international sandsculpting event), Black Moon Foam Parties, Zouk Out Dance Festival and Sentosa's yearly Countdown Parties right here!

Nature: Nature beckons everywhere on Sentosa, do look out for our friendly peacocks, monkeys and squirrels along the way. Take a walk at the Nature Walk/Dragon Trail which meanders through a secondary rainforest and discover the many species of trees, plants, birds and insects found along this dragon-themed trail for that added dosage of legend and myth. Stop by the vantage point on the summit of Mount Imbiah for a scenic view of the neighbouring islands.

Tourist Information--Singapore

Singapore has always been his charming tropical scenery and hospitality and attracted visitors from all over the world tourists.

Country Description: The Republic of Singapore is an independent nation in Southeast Asia. Located at the tip of the Malay Peninsula, separated only by the narrow Strait of Johor from the mainland, it is a prosperous nation whose people enjoy one of the highest standards of living in Asia. Singapore's resident population of over 4.2 million inhabitants is comprised of 77% Chinese, 14% Malay, 8% Indian and 1% others. Common languages English, Chinese, Malay and Tamil. English is widely spoken.

Sitting just about 110 km (70 mi) north of the equator, the nation has a tropical, wet climate: hot, humid, and rainy with little seasonal change. Annual average temperatures range from a high 28 degrees C (82 degrees F) to a low 23 degrees C (73 degrees F).

Entry/Exit Requirements & Customs: Visitors, who hold a valid passport with at least six months validity and have firm booking and entry facilities to their next destination, may transit in Singapore without a visa. For more please visit Immigration and Customs.

Some items are not allowed to be brought into Singapore. Entry for some items will only be allowed on production of import permit or other authorisation from the relevant authority. For more please visit Immigration and Customs.

Security: Since 2001, in addition to enhancing security at key installations, the Singapore Government has implemented various measures to raise the overall level of security in Singapore and as a result the crime situation has improved significantly. Major crimes against tourists in Singapore are uncommon. Petty crimes such as pick pocketing and purse or briefcase snatching occur in tourist areas, hotels and at the airport.

Medical Facilities and Health Information: Good medical care is widely available in Singapore. Doctors and hospitals expect immediate payment for health services by credit card or cash.

Traffic Safety and Road Conditions: Singapore has a highly developed and well-maintained road and highway network. Driving is done on the left-hand side of the road and motorists should be particularly aware of motorcyclists, who often ignore lane markings. Public transportation and taxis are abundant and inexpensive.Other Travellers Essentials: Automated teller machines (ATMs) are plentiful in Singapore, and they are the best method for obtaining cash. Bank transfers generally take weeks, and surcharges are steep. Transfers from commercial services such as American Express and Western Union are generally efficient.

Summer Mountain Tips in Switzerland

Alpine Bike: is the name of the thrilling new trail from Scuol to Aigle. National Mountain-Bike Route No. 1 is a big challenge, even for athletic and technically skilled riders. In 16 stages and over 666 demanding kilometres, it traverses the mighty Swiss Alps. In the first few hours, riders soon get a taste of the drama to come: the route snakes through the Swiss National Park into the picturesque Val Mora. A gentle, leisurely path—pictured left—soon gives way to a demanding single-track trail threading through the timeless landscape. The Septimer pass is another highlight, but many more follow. Surselva, the Susten pass, Kleine and Grosse Scheidegg at the foot of the celebrated North Face of the Eiger, the Saanenland, the Col des Mosses: the trail passes through the finest mountain scenery in Switzerland. But even if you're in great shape, you can always take a break, by hopping on a train or bus to the end of the day's stage—all can be reached by public transport.

Glacier Express: 291 bridges, 91 tunnels, 7 valleys, 1 experience. The Glacier Express winds its way through the picturesque Swiss Alps, from the Piz Bernina to the Matterhorn. Starting in St.Moritz, travel along the world's most beautiful stretch of railway line to Chur, before passing between the sheer cliffs of the Rhine gorge, Switzerland's very own Grand Canyon. After crossing the 2,033 m high Oberalp pass, the warm sun of Canton Valais awaits you at the end of the Furka tunnel. Whether admiring the views while enjoying the wonderful cuisine in the historic restaurant car, or simply gazing out of the huge windows of the panorama car, the real icing on the cake is the first glimpse of the famous Matterhorn, as the world's slowest express pulls into Zermatt.

Ponte dei Salti: The magical jade green waters of the Verzasca river flow peacefully over smooth polished rocks, passing under the picturesque double arches of the Ponte dei Salti in Lavertezzo. Follow the river down the valley and you will find wonderful worn rock shapes and natural jacuzzis, and the trail to Brione is home to 34 works of art. Don't resist it - jump in! You will be hard pressed to find a more romantically beautiful place to do so. Are you looking for the ultimate adrenalin rush? Then look no further! The Verzasca dam on the Lago di Vogorno at the entrance to the valley is where James Bond once jumped 220m attached to no more than a rubber rope. For once, copying can be recommended! The "007 Bungee Jump"- lasts exactly 71/2 seconds - take longer to enjoy your well-earned dip in Lake Maggiore.

Lucerne’s Lake: When the steamer "Gallia"- arrives on Lake Lucerne's Lake Uri at Brunnen, on its way from Lucerne to Flüelen, even the passengers travelling first class lay down their silver cutlery and succumb to the pull of history. Just around the corner, the Schiller Stone pays tribute to the creator of "William Tell"-, a national epic, and in the distance lies the Tellsplatte, steeped in legend. A short distance further on and the steamer arrives at Rütli, the birthplace of the original confederation and the start of the "Swiss Path"-. Follow this trail to historical locations and picturesque beaches, passing spots perfect for windsurfing and sheer rock faces along 35 km of wonderful views.

Tourism in Malaysia

"Marketing Malaysia as a destination of excellence and to make the tourism industry a major contributor to the socio-economic development of the nation."
Tourism Malaysia's objective is to promote Malaysia as an outstanding tourist destination. We strive to increase awareness of Malaysia's unique wonders, attractions and cultures. Ultimately, our aim is to increase the number of foreign tourists to Malaysia, extend the average length of their stay and, in doing so, increase Malaysia's tourism revenue. We also aspire to develop domestic tourism and enhance Malaysia's share of the market for meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions (MICE).
Tourism Malaysia's activities are designed to stimulate Malaysian tourism and tourism-related industries. This helps promote new investments in the country while providing increased employment opportunities. The growth of Malaysian tourism will contribute positively to the country's economic development and quality of life.
Tourism Malaysia 30 Years
The Tourist Development Corporation of Malaysia (TDC), was established on 10 August 1972 as an agency under the former Ministry of Trade and Industry by an Act of Parliament. It was a year that saw full-fledged efforts and determination to promote tourism.
On 20 May 1987, the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Tourism was incepted. TDC was then moved from the Ministry of Trade and Industry to this new ministry. In May 1992, the Tourist Development Corporation of Malaysia Act 1972 was repealed and replaced by the Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board Act 1992. With this change, the Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board (MTPB), more popularly known as "Tourism Malaysia", was formally established. It was relieved of its former development and enforcement functions to enable it to focus specifically on promoting Malaysia at a domestic and international level.

Tourist Destination in South Australia

The tourist destinations in South Australia attract hordes of visitors every year to South Australia. The tourist destinations in South Australia are famed worldwide. The tourist destinations in South Australia include Victor Harbor, Port Pirie, Port Lincoln, Port Augusta, Murray Bridge, Mount Gambier, Adelaide, Flinders Ranges and the White Sandy Beaches. These are also the famous sightseeing places in South Australia. Visitors from all over the world arrive in droves each year to explore the site seeing places in South Australia.

Adelaide is one of the famous tourist destinations in South Australia. The capital city of South Australia, Adelaide is also known as the “city of churches”. Situated on the banks of the river Torrens Adelaide is a beautiful and well-planned city. The city is home to finest restaurants and shopping malls of the world. Adelaide is strewn with Edwardian buildings, churches and heritage buildings. South Australia popularly known as the “festival state” is home to the Adelaide Festival Centre which is renowned worldwide. The Adelaide Festival Centre stands on the banks of the River Torrens.
The Adelaide Festival Centre has enough room for 2000 people and houses a fabulous outdoor amphitheatre, artworks, sculptures, and numerous theatres. The Adelaide Festival Centre is reckoned as one of the world’s top live performance venues. Visitors from all across the globe embark on a tour to Australia. The tourist destinations in South Australia beckon tourists and visitors from all across the globe. Site Seeing in Port Augusta is an amazing and thrilling opportunity for the visitors.
The Rundle Shopping Mall in Adelaide is the largest shopping mall in the entire southern hemisphere housing more than 800 shops and several arcades. The Rundle Shopping Mall, Australia’s first shopping mall was established in 1976. Situated to the south of the Torrens River, the Rundle Mall hosts international fashion parades.
The White Sandy Beaches, one of the renowned tourist attractions in Australia lies to the West of Adelaide. One of the popular tourists haunts in South Australia, Glenelg is located in the Holdfast Bay and includes the famous tourist attractions in South Australia like the Kingston Park, Seacliff and Brighton.
To the north of the South Australian capital city of Adelaide stands the Flinders Ranges. The Flinders Ranges, one of the chief tourist destinations in South Australia dates back over a billion years. The place is also a favorite haunt for the paleontologists and geologists. Site seeing in Mount Gambier includes a visit to the Umpherston Sinkhole, District Maritime Museum, Port Macdonnell, Beachport Conservation Park, Centenary Tower, Piccaninnie Ponds Conservation Park, Lady Nelson Discovery Centre, Lake McIntyre, Mount Muirhead, the World Series Paintball, Courthouse Gallery and the Tantanoola Caves Conservation Park. Site seeing in Murray Bridge offers visitors and tourists the unique opportunity of exploring the scenic splendor and the spectacular tourist sites of Murray Bridge.

Sightseeing in Australia

Offering you the holiday of a lifetime, Australia is a destination that evokes wonder all the way. Be it the exciting beaches, cosmopolitan cities, exotic wildlife, aborigine sites or even the far-flung Outback-- everything about Australia contributes towards making it an experience of a lifetime. No wonder, sightseeing in Australia is something that leaves everyone enthralled, such is the variety this fascinating country has to offer.
Avid holidaymakers are always on the lookout for destinations that add up to something different and give them something to talk about. Australia is one such destination that never disappoints its visitors. As you travel to Australia, you discover a country known for its enduring spirit that has seen it through its tough and challenging formative years. Constantly referred to as a melting pot for varied cultures, faiths and races from across the globe, Australia truly adds up as a global destination. Every nook and corner of Australia has something new in store for its visitors. So sightseeing in Australia is something that has to be planned out in a very ordered manner.
Many of the cities of Australia have always been seen as perfect examples of fine planning, sound infrastructure and everything that is cosmopolitan. Adelaide, Canberra, Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, Darwin or Brisbane -- the list is indeed quite impressive.
The tourist attractions in Australia reflect the variety and beauty of the country in a very flattering manner. This is something every person who has enjoyed a travel to Australia will vouch for. Australia sightseeing tours with AsiaRooms not only cover the best of what this exciting country has to offer but also acquaint you with its very soul that is adventurous, daring and fun-loving.
As mentioned earlier, Australia's variety is something that sets itself apart from the rest. Be it partying, shopping, dining, scuba diving at the Great Barrier Reef, horse riding on the dusty outback, trekking through rough terrains, whale watching, canoeing or even white water rafting, you can never have a dull moment as you go exploring and sightseeing in Australia. Outdoorsy is what one will like to call Australia and its interesting people.