Top 10 Places to Celebrate Christmas

1. Las Vegas – Christmas is all about indulgence and treating yourself and your family, and what better place for this than the city of over the top luxury and entertainment that is Las Vegas. There are a number of impressive hotels that go all out for the Christmas and New Year period with some visually stunning decorations, and this time of year you can also get some great bargains as there is heavy competition among hotels to secure Christmas bookings. The Mirage is one of the biggest luxury hotels, and the massive aquarium in the lobby will take your breath away. It is also a casino and has its own shows such as the very popular Cirque du Soleil extravaganza, which you will need to book in advance as it can sell out at peak times.

2. Honolulu, Oahu – tropical beach resorts are always popular at Christmas time and the heart of Hawaii, the island of Oahu, is one of the best mid winter sun destinations, full of warm and welcoming traditional culture and beautiful natural scenery. The famous white tropical beaches of Waikiki are the perfect place to treat your family to a relaxing, memorable Christmas, and Honolulu city spares no expense on the holiday decorations and electric Christmas light parades.

3. Disneyland, Orlando, Florida – perhaps one of the most special places you can take your children for the Christmas break is Disneyland. It really is a magical place, and Christmas is extra special with some fantastic decorations all across the park and its hotels, with an amazing 50,000 lights decorating Sleeping Beauty’s Castle and a 60 foot Christmas tree at the end of Main Street. The rides themselves are also redecorated at Christmas, and kids will love the seasonal changes to the Haunted House, with a whole theme based on Tim Burton’s popular “The Nightmare Before Christmas” film featuring Jack Skelington. There is also an amazing Christmas Fantasy Parade which is unmissable as well as “West Pole” which is set up in Frontierland and features a get away for Santa so that he can unwind before his big day.

4. New York – Christmas in New York is spectacular, with some impressive decorations and fantastic shows and entertainments. A visit to the huge kids toy stores FAO Schwarz and Toys R Us in Times Square are truly magical, as well as the famous Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center and the amazing Christmas window displays at Macy’s and Saks Fifth Avenue. New York is very cold at this time of year and there is a good chance of snow falling, which can make getting around a bit awkward but adds to the magical atmosphere.

5. Meran, Southern Tirol Italy – This is one of the most popular skiing destinations in the world and also provides a number of other fantastic activities including hiking tours, mountain biking and the very popular lighted night skiing and sledding. The beautiful old Meran town centre was built in the 13th century and was formerly the capital of the Tirol area and offers some excellent and atmospheric shopping and dining experiences over the Christmas break.

6. Bay of Islands, New Zealand – New Zealand is an amazing country with such a lot to offer, and it is summer here in December so expect barbecues on the beach rather than open fires and eggnog. The Bay of Islands has some of the world’s most outstanding natural scenery with over 150 different tiny islands and secluded beaches, and you can stay in beautiful little secluded villas which look out over the miles of blue ocean. Seaside restaurants in the area provide fantastic Christmas feasts if you don’t feel in the mood to cook for yourself, and you can take memorable Christmas morning cruises out from Russell Harbour to watch wildlife such as dolphins and whales.

7. Edinburgh, Scotland – Christmas is always celebrated in style in Edinburgh, with fantastic firework displays and some great Christmas shopping and dining experiences. The luxurious Caledonian Hilton provides an atmospheric and intimate stay with roaring fireplaces and tasteful decorations, and a trip to the 600 year old St. Giles Cathedral on Christmas Eve to hear the sermon and carol singing is truly special and will get you in the perfect mood for Christmas day.

8. Malmö, Sweden – this beautiful city was built back in the 16th century and has some amazing buildings that look simply magical covered in decorations and a light blanket of snow. Christmas is celebrated on Christmas Eve by most families in Sweden, so make sure that if you want to eat Christmas dinner out you book up in advance on 24th, as most restaurants actually close on Christmas Day. Traditional Swedish Christmas feasts are based on mainly fish dishes, but you will find the odd turkey roast here and there.

9. Mexico City – there is a real party vibe in the capital of Mexico all year long, but things get especially hot at Christmas time, making this one of the best Christmas party towns in the world. Check into the Hotel Habita, which has a wonderful swinging rooftop lounge and lap pool, and is full of experienced party people looking to unwind and have a great time. You can eat a traditional Mexican Christmas meal in the fantastic courtyard at San Ángel Inn, which is a former Carmelite monastery built in 1692, and there is also some excellent gift shopping places in the nearby main square where artists and craftsman display their wares in various shops and stalls.

10. Boston USA – Boston has a real old world feel, with its grand old architecture and cobblestoned streets , and it is a real treat to spend Christmas here browsing through the shops and stalls and relaxing in one of the many coffee houses and cafes. The XV Beacon Hotel is a great place to stay combining vintage detail such as four poster beds with modern amenities (Internet connections and CD players) and it is close to the one of the oldest parks in the USA, Boston Common which looks simply stunning when it snows in mid winter.

Best Christmas 2009 and 2010 Holiday Concerts and Tours in North America

Trans-Siberian Orchestra started in the beginning of November long holiday run across North America with Christmas 2009 concert program. Two groups of TSO are touring simultaneously to visit nearly 80 cities in US, and Canada. In October the orchestra released new album, titled "Night Castle". The project consists of rock band, symphony orchestra and a large ensemble of vocalists.

Mannheim Steamroller already kicked off annual Christmas tour which covers 58 US cities this year. The show includes famous Mannheim Steamroller's Christmas sounds, and some multimedia effects. Tour itinerary lists Salt Lake City (UT), Indianapolis (IN), Chicago (IL), Denver (CO), Washington (DC), Houston (TX), New York (NY), San Francisco (CA), and many other markets. In addition to the tour the group is releasing album "Mannheim Steamroller Christmas - 25th Anniversary Collection" featuring famous holiday classics of Mannheim Steamroller.

Another great news that Radio City Christmas Spectacular, originally New York holiday show, is touring across over 20 North American cities in 2009/2010 season! The project will give concerts in Atlanta (GA), Baltimore (MD), Cincinnati (OH), Columbus (OH), Orlando (FL), Philadelphia (PA), Washington (DC), Toronto (ON), and in many smaller markets. Radio City Christmas Spectacular is wonderful holiday show for all family.

Pop singer/songwriter David Archuleta announced fall/winter 2009 tour to support his new album "Christmas From the Heart" released in October. The trek kicks off November 24 in Salt Lake City (UT). Archuleta will visit 17 cities including San Francisco (CA), Anaheim (CA), Kansas City (MO), St. Paul (MN), Cleveland (OH), and Baltimore (MD). David will perform Christmas songs, and his previously recorded material....

Kausani - The 'Switzerland of India'

The beautiful hill station of Kausani is located in Uttaranchal, India. It is just 53 km away from Almora which is another beautiful hill station of the state. Called the 'Switzerland of India' by none other than the 'Father of the Nation', Mahatma Gandhi, Kausani is the pride of the Himalayas.

An epitome of serenity and tranquility, and much famed for its pine trees covered valleys and the views of the snow covered peaks of the Himalayas, Kausani is honeymooners' paradise. From here, one can enjoy more than 300 km wide panoramic views of the Himalayas. The mesmerizing sight of the mountain peaks of the Trishul, Nanda Devi and Panchchuli from Kausani takes one's breath away. Kausani is also much famous for its beautiful sunsets and sunrises.

The place is so beautiful that it compelled even Mahatma Gandhi to prolong his stay here. He was supposed to stay for just two days here but the idyllic and stunning Kausani enticed him to stay here for 12 days during which he wrote his book on Anasakti Yoga. The place where the 'Father of the Nation' stayed is the Anasakti Ashram that shows Kausani's association with the Mahatma.

Kausani is also associated with the name of the great poet laureate Sumitranandan Pant who was born here. The Pant Museum at Kausani is worth visiting. Lakshmi Ashram at Kausani is yet another attraction of the place and worth visiting. It is symbolic of women emancipation.

Then there is the famous Baijnath Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva which is just 25 km away from Kausani. This 1000-year old temple is located in pleasant surroundings and attracts people inspired by nature and religion. Mythology has it that the Goddess Parvati went to marry Lord Shiva from this place. The Nanda Devi Temple located 10 km away from Baijnath is yet another prominent attraction of the place. It offers wonderful views of the Himalayas and the pine covered valleys below.

Kausani is well connected by rail, road and air. The nearest airport is at Pantnagar which is 180 km away and the nearest rail head is at Kathgodam which is 142 km away. The best time to visit Kausani is October-November and February-March.

Wildlife Tourism in India

The Indian Wildlife has been varied as well as rich in nature. Indian land is almost 4% is covered by the forests where there are 90 national parks and 482 wildlife sanctuaries. There is the mix of species of the various origins. There is the huge number of the national parks and wildlife sanctuaries in the country. According to the study India has about 60-70% of biodiversity of the whole world.

Our country is the home of the numerous mammals like Asian Elephants, Asiatic Lion, Bengal Tiger, Sloth Bear, Indian Rhinoceros and Leopard that is associated with deities. Other Indian mammals like Wild Asian Water buffalo, Nilgai, Gaur and several species of the antelopes and deer. The dog family members like Indian Wolf, Golden jackal, Bengal Fox and Dhole or Wild Dogs which are vastly distributed over the place. Stripped Hyena, Macaques, Mongoose and Langurs are also find here in vast number.

Indian Wildlife has has the 'Wow' factor as it is having the varied biodiversity and the heritage that attracts the tourists and the visitors from all over the globe. Some of the famous National parks in India are Jim Corbett National Park (Uttaranchal), Bandhavgarh National Park and Kanha National Park in Madhya Pradesh, Gir National Park in Sasangir (Gujrat), Ranthambhor National Park in Sawai Madhopur which is having around 585 bird species. The Jim Corbett was the first National Park of the country which was established in the foothills of Himalayas.

There are certain famous and adventurous wildlife sanctuaries in the country such as:

Bharatpur Wildlife Sanctuary in Rajasthan: It is known as the best bird sanctuary of the country. The Bharatpur Wildlife Sanctuary supports 300 species of birds and is spread over 29 sq kms.

Jim Corbett National Park: It has been located at the foothills of Himalayas. It is having the diverse variety of the flora and fauna. Basically it is famous for the Tigers, Leopards and Elephants. This national park has been established in the year 1936. About the flora of the Corbett it can be said that there are near about 110 species of trees, 50 mammal species, 580 species of birds, an 25 species of reptiles.

Gir National Park in Gujarat: It has been situated at the southwest peninsula of the Gujarat which is spreaded over 116 square mile of the state. The sanctuary has been made for the wild lions. The major wildlife attraction of the Gir National Park is the Leopard and it is known for the largest home for the Leopards.

Periyar National Park in Kerela: In the ranges of the western ghats in Kerela, Periyar National park is situated. It has been a home for the Tigers and Indian Elephants. The other major wildlife attractions of the Periyar National Park is the Gaur, Wild Pigs, Barking Dear, Sambar, Dole or Wild Indian Dog, Mouse Dear.

Manas National Park: Manas National Park or Manas Wildlife Sanctuary is situated at the foothills of Himalayas extended till the parts of Bhutan. The park has been home to the endangered species such as Assam Roofed Turtle, Golden Langur, Hispid Hare and Pygmy Hog. This wildlife sanctuary has been spread over 360 Sq km. It has been declared as the World Heritage Sites by the UNESCO and is basically situated in Assam, India.

Kaziranga National Park: Kaziranga National park is located in Assam. The park was declared as the highest Tiger reserve in the year 2006. The park has almost two-third highest density of the one horned rhinoceros. It has the vast number of the tall elephant grass, marshland and dense tropical moist broadleaf forest.

Kanha National Park: Located in Mandla and Balaghat district of Madhya Pradesh. Kanha National park is a home to the Royal Bengal Tigers, Sloth Bear, Leopards, Indian Wild Dogs and Barasingha. It has been established in the year 1955.

iExplore Egypt & Kenya Experience

Experience two sides of Africa. Explore the ancient wonders of Egypt before heading over to Kenya's Maasai Mara for intense game viewing....

Travelers have been marveling at Egypt's wondrous antiquities for thousands of years - even the ancient Greeks and Romans were awed by them. But today, a visit to Egypt is more than an immersion in past glories. The clamorous present is ever-present: Mud-brick villages sprout TV antennae, stone and glass high-rises tower over ancient monuments and pop music from boom boxes counterpoints the call to prayers.

Near all of Egypt is desert, but the small part that isn't - the valley of the Nile River - is vital to the nation (95% of the population lives within a few miles of the Nile's banks). Most tours of Egypt, whether by cruise, via train, on a bus or in a private car, never stray too far from the river's shores. Egypt is the largest country in the Arab world, and among African nations, is second in population only to Nigeria (Cairo, the continent's most populous city, alone has 16 million people).

Heaven on Earth

Cape Town is the capital of South Africa and is said to be the heaven on earth. It is a small town with many small roads along with the greatest mountains. It shows the greatness of nature and shows how small a man is in front of this great Mother Nature.

Cape Town is famous for its natural floral kingdom as well as its harbor. This town is one of the most popular tourist attractions of South Africa, with its wine tasting day trips, whale and dolphin watching.

Greatest Tourist Spot - North America

USA is located in North America and is one of the greatest tourist spot. People from all over the world come to visit the entertainment capital of the world—Las Vegas. Other places worth of attraction are Golden GateBridge in San Francisco, Mount Rushmore, and the spot of the former WorldTradeCenter in New York, Disneyland, and Lincoln Park. But the most famously visited place in USA is the Grand Canyon; it is actually a very sharp canyon by the Colorado River, Arizona that has the most mind boggling scenery. Scientists are of the opinion that the canyon has been created by the Colorado River over a six million year period. It is not the deepest canyon in the world, it is known for its extremely huge size and beautifully intricate landscape. The Grand CanyonNational Park is said to be one of the first National Parks in the United States and attracts more than five million visitors a year.

The Romantic Route Express

This trip covers some of Switzerland's most spectacular Alpine passes, the Furka Pass, the Grimsel Pass and the Grosse Scheidegg. For those who love steam trains, there is a special surprise, you can do part of the trip by the recently restored steam engine. The Swiss Alps are synonymous with picturesque Post Bus rides. And so, The Swiss Romantic Route is experienced on these very attractive and modern Swiss Post Buses. They complement the trains and boats, which are part of Switzerland's much admired public transport system. These buses are comfortable and safe. The drivers are especially trained to drive in all weather conditions and on tight alpine roads. The windows of the buses are huge and give all a good view of the Alpine world.

Route: Andermatt - Furka Pass - Gletsch - Grimsel Pass - Meiringen - Grosse Scheidegg - Grindelwald.

The Romantic Route starts in Andermatt where you will board one of the distinctive yellow coaches that make up Switzerland's much-loved Alpine Postbus fleet. Your trip over the Furka Pass to Gletsch, with views of the famous Rhone Glacier, promises to be an unforgettable experience.and skirts the Rhone Glacier on its way down to Gletsch. Steep switchbacks and many hairpin bends bring the bus to the Grimsel Pass (2165 m a.s.l.), then swoops by a deep blue manmade lake and on through the Hasli Valley to Meiringen, where the world-famous meringues, an airy confection of sugar and egg whites, were invented. Cool glaciers contrast the meadows exploding with color, all set to the sound of cowbells clanging.

Then it is on through the romantic Reichenbach Valley and over the Grosse Scheidegg. On the Grosse Scheidegg be prepared for the alpine triumvirate, Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau, the breath-taking mountains of this area. This valley was traveled two centuries ago by Goethe, Mendelssohn and Lord Byron, when they discovered the fascinating mountain world of the Bernese Oberland. Glaciers, Alpine pastures and cheese dairies all make the Swiss Alps look just as you expected. Eventually the bus reaches Grindelwald, the alpine village of world renown. Here, enjoy the views of the Eiger North Face, a daunting wall braved by many a mountaineer, as well as all the other imposing mountain peaks that surround this charming village.

Running once per day in both directions the approximate travel time taken is 7 hours. Seat reservations are mandatory and can be made at any Swiss train station or your local Swiss Travel System sales point. A surcharge is applicable for the same. Please note that the ride from Schwarzwaldalp to Grindelwald is not included. The charge needs to be paid directly to the bus driver. Swiss Pass discounts are applicable on this excursion.

Option: To really make this a unique adventure, take the vintage Furka Steam Train from Realp across the Furka Pass to Gletsch.

iExplore Central Mexico & the Pacific Coast Experience

Enjoy a 10-day cultural tour featuring Mexico City, central Mexico and the Pacific Coast.

One of the world's largest metropolis’ Mexico City is also the oldest urban center in the Western Hemisphere, when it was called Tenochtitlán…

Querétaro, one of Mexico's colonial jewels, and picturesque town studded with charming and amazingly well-preserved baroque churches, temples and mansions boasting graceful balconies and ornate facades.

San Miguel de Allende is so strikingly lovely in its architecture that it has been designated a national monument. Its many beautifully restored colonial mansions house delightful patio restaurants and fine shops. Students of all ages come to San Miguel de Allende to study art, painting, weaving, sculpting, photography and Spanish.

Guanajuato, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1988, is nestled in a narrow canyon between huge mountains, and a photographer's delight with its quaint plazas, colonial buildings, winding cobblestone streets, hidden alleyways and underground passageways.

Morelia, considered the aristocrat of colonial cities features few modern buildings, and architecture kept in the traditions of Old Spain. Wide polished-stone streets and stately buildings give this city its special attraction.

Guadalajara, one of the most serenely beautiful and stately cities in North America, is a city of parks and fountains, of monuments and rose-lined boulevards, a city alive with color. Its rich colonial heritage dates back to 1542 and is evident throughout the city.

The Costalegre, a stretch of Pacific coastline that runs from Manzanillo in the South to Puerto Vallarta in the North, is an area of unspoiled tropical jungle, gorgeous beaches, bays and lagoons filled with exotic birds, tiniy fishing villages, and small hidden luxury hotels. With exclusive polo tournaments, impressive cliff side golf courses and many famous weddings going on around the area, the Costalegre is becoming a sought-after destination for the rich and famous.

iExplore Canada - British Columbia Experience

British Columbia is Canada’s ‘outdoor playground’ offering year-round adventures for thrill seekers and nature lovers alike. Situated in BC’s southwest corner and bound by the Strait of Georgia, the Fraser River, and the Coastal Mountains, is the alluring city of Vancouver. In Vancouver, one can experience a wide array of recreational activities by day with the comfort of returning to urban amenities at night.

Continue on to the Sunshine Coast. While technically part of the mainland the Sunshine Coast, reachable only by boat or air; feels more like an island. BC Ferries sail regularly between main areas of interest offering visitors access to miles of pristine coastline and lush countryside.

Roughly the size of Holland, Vancouver Island is an exciting region rich in history and culture, wine and agro-tourism, wildlife watching and a plethora of outdoor activities. Also home to the historic capital city of Victoria, which is famous for its historic buildings and bustling inner harbor; no trip to the island is complete without visiting this jewel.

From the internationally renowned Metro Vancouver area to the 110 mile stretch of paradise known as the Sunshine Coast, & Vancouver Island visitors can experience BC’s breathtaking scenery their own way—from five-star resorts to rustic cabins, laid-back relaxation to white-knuckle adventure.

JUJUY

Full of contrasts, the Province of Jujuy opens up a plethora of dream destinations. Located in the extreme northern part of the North-eastern Region of Argentina, with altitudes ranging from 1259 m.a.s.l. to above 6000 m.a.s.l. it has a population of over 604 thousand people.

Its varied landscapes allows the traveller to practise different types of adventure tourism, while at the same time enjoying an immense landscape filled with colours, silences and sounds, amongst valleys and gorges, amongst mountains and water courses, and, all coupled to the simplicity and culture of its people.

Jujuy shares its 312 kilometres long northern frontier with Bolivia and in the west 139 kilometres with Chile. In the east and south it borders the Argentinean Province of Salta.

The Spanish conquistadors that arrived in these lands encountered numerous indigenous peoples, such as the Omaguacas, the Ocloyas and the Jujuyes. After several failed attempts to enter the Region, during which we may mention two occasions when settlements founded by the Spaniards were razed to the ground by the native population, the military superiority of the Spaniards finally prevailed and on April 9th, 1593, Francisco de Argañaraz y Muguía founded San Salvador de Velazco in the valley of Jujuy, the present capital of the Province.

During the wars for independence, Jujuy became the battlefield between the so-called Northern Army - el Ejército del Norte and the forces fighting on the side of the Spanish Crown. In 1812, the general Manuel Belgrano led an ordered retreat, known as the Jujuy Exodus - "Exodo Jujeño". The decisive action by general Martín de Güemes and the replacement of Belgrano by José de San Martín, ended in the liberation of the Province that achieved its autonomy in 1834.

In the territory of Jujuy, the traveller can go - always with San Salvador de Jujuy as a central point - from the almost glacier like cold of the Puna highland to the tropical warmth of the rivers close to the Río San Francisco River, passing through the temperate area of the Gorge of Humahuaca.

Thus, the traveller may chose without problem between a trek or horseback ride through the subtropical Andean low valleys - the Yungas, or else a tourist circuit of the so called Ramal Jujeño, which, although it is sometimes as a place of minor interest for tourism has the following to offer the traveller, the Valle Grande, Siete Aguas, Fraile Pintado and, especially the National Park of Calilegua, in which you will find the jaguarundi, the northern guemul and the River otter, three species in acute danger of extinction.

Throughout the Region, the houses seem to grow from the earth itself: made of adobe, clay and straw bricks, catching the attention of most tourists that visit the area, whether by car, biking, and hiking or by horseback.

Thus, Jujuy has become the Province of northern Argentina most visited by tourists. Its capital city of San Salvador de Jujuy, located 1660 kilometres from Buenos Aires, its rich history, its excellent roads, a modern airport, its multiple tourist circuits that include landscapes crowned by valleys and peaks, where one can practise all types of adventure tourism, coupled to its excellent network of services, makes this area a place to visit during any time of the year.
All you have to do is go there

ECOTOURISM IN SALTA

Indigenous Aboriginal Communities: Most are located in the northern part of the Province and belong to the Chiriguanas, Chané, Churupíes, Tobas and Wichí Missions, among others. They keep their customs and traditions intact and preserve the cultural identity that characterizes them.

Natural Reserves: Salta has three Provincial Natural Reserves: Los Palmares, Los Andes and Acambuco. Each one of them shows different varieties of plant and animal species, peculiar to the regions where they are located. Trekking, camping, photo safaris, bird watching, horseback rides and other activities can be practiced in the reserves, all under the supervision and responsibility of an adventure tourism guide or a park guard.

Scientific Excursions: The provincial territory has an ample offer of places fit for the carrying out of scientific studies; among them, in Guachipas, you will find the caves of Las Juntas with their ancient rock paintings, which need to be pointed out. Pre Columbian pictures, portraying complex rituals from the Santa María late culture period, can be appreciated.

There are also palaeontology excursions that allow travellers to recognize and appreciate the tracks left behind by dinosaurs, which roamed the Tonco valley area, approximately 65 million years ago. They are unique in the world due to their vertical position on a wall of rock.

Tourist Attractions in Phuket

Elephant riding: This is a good way to support the remaining domesticated elephants of Thailand and their mahout, is fairly cheap, and can be an interesting new experience. The elephants are well trained, and you can tip the mahout by giving the money to the elephant who will hand it to the mahout with its trunk.

Animal sanctuary: Visit the Gibbon Rehabilitation Project by the beautiful Bang Pae waterfall. They have a visitor centre manned by Western volunteers and English speaking Thai staff who will talk to you about the project. Talks are free, but please support the project by buying a souvenir, sponsoring a gibbon or giving a donation. Don't have your photo taken with a captive gibbon in Phuket or on the beaches.

Golf: The golf courses of Phuket are of international standard. Each one has its own particular challenges and scenic splendour that only Phuket can offer. Discount green fee are available by booking through Phuket golf booking agencies.

Golf courses in Phuket includes: Blue Canyon Country Club, Laguna Phuket Golf Club, Loch Palm Golf club Phuket, Mission Hills, Phuket Resort and spa, Phuket Country Club, Phuket Golf Courses Reservations, Thai Muang Beach Golf and Marina

Muay Thai training (Thai kick-boxing). The famous ones includes Suwit Muay Thai Boxing Camp and Chalong Chi Muay Thai and M.M.A. Training Camp
Experience the sensense of Thai Spa at Sukko Cultural Spa & Wellness

Watersports: Scuba diving, yachting, jet-skiing and parasailing are the most popular activities on the island. Most dive sites are off nearby islands, but distances are fairly short and there are dozens of dive shops and boats to cater to your needs, mostly based near Chalong Pier.

Other Activities: In Phuket, where everything happens for fun and adventure, you live life to the fullest with such a great variety of activities the paradise has to offer. Just besides the popular activities such as diving and snorkeling, golfing, Muay Thai, sailing and sport fishing, there are a bunch of other "must do while in Phuket" activities.

Climate: Phuket is hot and humid throughout the year. The high season is generally considered to be from November to May. During the summer monsoon season, mornings and afternoons are still sunny and clear, but it tends to rain in the evenings and water clarity goes down. Locals consider May to October the "cool" season, and the weather is quite tolerable, much more so than in the tourism centers around the Gulf coast. It's comparable to Florida's summer weather in temperature and intensity of rain storms: 25-33 deg C, flying clouds, short and thunderous rainfalls in the afternoons and evenings. Surfing is possible off the western beaches.

Geographic Facts: Phuket is the biggest island in Thailand, located in the Andaman Sea off southern Thailand. The island is mostly mountainous with a mountain range in the west of the island from the north to the south. The mountains of Phuket form the southern end of the Phuket mountain range, which ranges for 440 km from the Kra Isthmus. The highest elevation of the island is Mai Thao Sip Song (Twelve Canes), at 529 m above sea level.

70% of the island is covered by forest. The western coast has several sandy beaches, while on the east coast beaches are more often muddy. Near the southernmost point is Laem Promthep (Brahma's Cape), which is a popular sunset viewing point.

In the mountainous north of the island is the Khao Phra Thaeo Non-hunting Area, protecting more than 20 km² of rainforest. The three highest peaks of this reserve are the Khao Prathiu (384 m), Khao Bang Pae (388 m) and Khao Phara (422 m). The Sirinat National Park on the northwestern coast was established in 1981 and protects an area of 90 km² (68 km² marine area), including the Nai Yang beach where sea turtles lay their eggs. Looking north from Kata View Point over Kata Noi Beach, Kata Beach and Karon Beach. Looking north from Kata View Point over Kata Noi Beach, Kata Beach and Karon Beach.

One of the most popular tourist areas on Phuket is Patong Beach on the central western coast, perhaps owing to the easy access to its wide and long beach. Most of Phuket's nightlife and its cheap shopping is located in Patong, and the area has become increasingly developed. Patong means "the forest filled with banana leaves" in Thai.

Other popular beaches are located south of Patong. In a counterclockwise direction these include Karon Beach, Kata Beach, Kata Noi Beach, and around the southern tip of the island, Nai Harn Beach and Bang Tao Beach. These areas are generally much less developed than Patong, and sought out by individuals, families and other groups with a preference for more relaxed and less crowded environs than Patong.

There are several coral islands to the south of Phuket, the Similan Islands lie to the north west, and Phi Phi Islands to the south east. All the islands are suitable for diving.

Brief History: The most significant event in the history of Phuket was the attack by the Burmese in 1785. Sir Francis Light, a British East India Company captain passing by the island, sent word to the local administration that he had observed Burmese forces preparing to attack. Khunying Jan, the wife of the recently deceased governor, and her sister Mook then assembled what forces they could. After a month-long siege, the Burmese were forced to retreat March 13, 1785. The two women became local heroines, receiving the honorary titles Thao Thep Kasatri and Thao Sri Sunthon from King Rama I.

During the reign of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V), Phuket became the administrative center of the tin-producing southern provinces. In 1933 Monthon Phuket was dissolved and Phuket became a province by itself.

Old names of the island include Koh Thalang.

Phuket Villas - Your Holiday Home over the Andaman Sea

Embrace the new holiday style. Brought for discerned holiday makers who prefer to have both complete privacy of private villas and facitities of resort hotels, is our collection of Phuket available for holiday rental accommodation.
Let us introduce you to the new South-East Asian jewel. Blessed with wihte sandy beaches and pristine clear water, Phuket quickly gains its popularity as the new emerging beach tropical hoiliday destination. Latest security issues in Bali gives Phuket an even more competitive advantage, Phuket is definitely the next choice if you are still worried about many security issues in Bali.

Infrastructure, security, and government commitment to make Phuket a holiday paradise become give significant impact in addition to the natural attraction. Phuket has everything for everyone, from quiet secluded beach to the wildest nightlife you may ever imagine.

For those expecting to enjoy the island at their own pace, from the luxury of a private holiday home where you are free to decide between enjoying the sun on your private pool-deck overlooking the ocean at home and enjoying what the rest of the island has to offer, we provide Phuket villas—private villas available for holiday rental accommodation in Phuket.

Perching on sloping hill down to the beach, most Phuket villas enjoy unobstructed sprawling views over the Andaman Sea, from sunrise to sunset.

About Phuket
Phuket (formerly known as Tha-Laang or Talang) is one of the southern provinces (changwat) of Thailand. Neighbouring provinces are (from north clockwise) Phang Nga and Krabi, but as Phuket is an island there are no land boundaries. The island is served by Phuket International Airport, located in the north of the island. The ph of "Phuket" is an aspirated "p", so the name is pronounced (roughly) "Poock-get". The name Phuket is apparently derived from the word bukit in Malay which means mountain or hill, as this is what the island appears like from a distance.

Before that its old name was Ta-lang, derived from the old Malay "Telong" which means "Cape". The northern district of the province, which was the location of the old capital, still uses this name.

However, Wat Chalong is a beautiful Buddhist temple located on the southern end of the island. There is also the history to be seen in Phuket Town and, of course, the sights and sounds of the Vegetarian Festival.

Phuket might not have the historical sites that Bangkok and Chiang Mai have, but it does have a few. Most visitors spend their time at the beaches and in the bars. The most heavily-hyped attraction is the Phuket Fantasea show at Kamala Beach, a self-proclaimed "cultural theme park", but comparisons to Disneyland are exaggerated at best.

Beaches in Phuket
Bang Tao—You can choose Bang Tao beach for relaxing holidays. There is no noise from cars and bars as it's not a crowded place.

Surin Beach still has a small village atmosphere, but this is gradually changing as more and more major housing developments and hotel projects get underway. Accommodation is not cheap and the best prices are around 500 baht in the low season.

The beach itself is lined with tall casuarina trees and small Thai style restaurants. There is no nightlife to speak of, but there are many quality restaurants serving a variety of cuisines. Surin beach can become quite dangerous in the monsoon season due to its steeply sloping beach, and many unwary swimmers have lost their lives here; however this has not deterred the local surf enthusiasts and when the waves are right you'll see many Thais on surfboards.

Laem Sing Beach Beautiful beach accessible only by a short hike down a steep hill through lush forest. Well worth the exercise. The beach has 2 restaurants right on the sand serving good food and drinks at reasonable prices and with excellent service. Beware the rocks on either end of the beach whilst swimming.

See the beach and get some tan. There isn't much else to look at here except maybe under water. Fortunately, it's a beautiful beach and it faces west so you get nice sunsets. Although the beach is full of rental sun chairs, for the moment it is now as crowded as some of the more popular beaches along the Phuket's west coast.

Kamala provides a haven for those who prefer the quieter life. Although the southern end of the beach can get busy in the high season, the northern end is peaceful all year round. "Rim Haad" (Beach Road), at the southern end, has a number of small 20-30 room hotels for the low/medium budget traveller. Friendly service and village feel and a diversity of restaurants and small bars can be found on this small road. Cheaper food options/market stalls can be found on the main Kamala Road.

The only two tourist attractions Kamala has to offer (besides the beach) are the Fantasea show and the Buddhist temple at the southern end of the beach. At the middle of the beach, there is a small park with a tsunami monument.

Patong is the party capital of Phuket, with a sex-drugs-booze-saturated nightlife and a great beach. Mostly made up of hotels, restaurants, nightclubs and various tourist attractions, there's a thriving nightlife, with numerous "entertainment complexes" and countless bars clustered together in and around Bangla Road, and female, transgender and male prostitutes to cater to every taste. Massage parlors of the erotic as well the therapeutic (Nuad Thai) genre provide less alcohol/drug infested venues for punters and wellness seekers. One can even find masseuses practicing this medical art atop bamboo mats on the beach sands (100 baht and up).

Karon Beach is approximately 1.5 km long. Most areas are fully recovered from the tsunami, with just a few vacant lots still awaiting redevelopment. Not many hotels have direct beach frontage - most are across the road (which is not a busy one).

Unlike the busier and noisier neighbour Patong Beach further north, Karon Beach offers visitor a nice long quiet stretch of sand. Beach umbrellas decked out along the beach are available for rent. Facing west, it gives a beautiful view of the sunset.

Kata Yai Beach is approximately 1 km long. Much smaller and less crowded than Patong Beach. Fantastic surfing - highly recommended!

Rawai is located at the southern tip of Phuket. It is much less touristy than nearby Kata and Patong beaches and an excellent place to experience some real Thai culture. Rawai beach itself is only used to moor fishing boats and swimming there is not recommended, but there are a number of excellent beaches which are only a few minutes away by scooter/tuk tuk. In particular Promethep Cape is recommended for excellent swimming and snorkeling, although neighbouring Nai Harn Beach is popular with the older crowd.

Tourist Destinations of Argentina

Argentina is a land of varying landscapes. From the magnificent and colossal Andes to the beautiful Iguazú Falls, Argentina looks like a wonderland. Besides natural beauty Argentina houses some of the best architectural buildings, national parks, lakes and rivers and historical buildings. Thus tourist attractions to Argentina will not only make you happy but also it will inform you at the same time.

North-west Patagonia is called the Lake Districts. Argentina's Lake Districts are a paradise on earth for the tourists. The Colon Theater Buenos Aires is one of the best opera houses in the world. So if you love theatre you must drop into this historical theatre. Patagonia is one of the largest regions in Southern Argentina. Patagonia is a favorite tourist spot for the beautiful whales and penguins in Peninsula Valdes and the lake region of Bariloche, celebrated national parks and glaciers in El Calafate, and Tierra del Fuego, etc besides Penguin colonies, glaciers diversified wildlife.

Visit Metropolitan Cathedral the chief Catholic Church in Buenos Aires. The Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes is a must go museum in Argentina. The neo-gothic Basílica Nuestra Señora de Luján is one of the top ten sightseeing places in Argentina. This is also a holy devotional site which is visited by devotees throughout the year. This basilica is situated 43 miles west of Buenos Aires. Los Glaciers National park is located in the Santa Cruz Province in Argentina. This is the second largest in Argentina. The name of the park connotes to the huge ice cap in the Andes range which is infact, the biggest outside Antarctica. Chaco National Park has a variety of flora and fauna where the visitors can really have lots of fun. Inside the park one can get to see the various types of habitat such as Chaco woods, palm-dotted savannahs and marshes and lagoons. San Rafael Lagoon National Park in Argentina intoxicates the visitors with its scenery, the snow-capped peaks and the glaciers all round. Peninsula Valdes is Argentina's biggest wildlife preserve. So stay here and have the best time in your life in the company of the penguins, whales, orcas, seals and sea lions. In this place you can enjoy the flora, fauna, geography and history of this beguiling natural sanctuary. Visit one of the greatest waterfalls in Argentina the Iguazú Falls The waterfall arrangement comprises of about 270 falls along 2.7 kilometers' of the Iguazú River. You can enjoy some of the best attractions of Argentina here in Mesopotamia Region like the Iguazú Falls, the Iguazú National Park and the Jesuit monasteries in Misiones. Besides all the above places for tourists' attractions you must visit the Puente del Inc , Quebrada de Humahuaca , The Pampas region which is the breadbasket of Argentina, the spectacular and huge Andes Mountains , the warm and luring Beaches in Argentina and Argentina Volcanoes.

Places to Visit in 2009: Dubai, A Tourist Paradise

Dubai is fast emerging as tourist destination of choice. Especially European tourists are flocking toward the sunny beaches and above average night life is Dubai. When I was compiling a list of places to visit in year 2009, City of Dubai was amongst the top 10 places to see. It is in-fact one of those cities, where skyline changes fast, really fast. If you take a look at this picture taken in 1990… It was nothing more than a barren land where you find nothing but blazing heat and dust. At that time, very few people believed that this wasteland could ever be transformed into one of the most successful cosmopolitan city in the world.

Compare the above picture with the left side. These are pictures of same street. One above was taken in 1990 and The second one, below was taken 13 years after it, in 2003. Human imagination, combined with trillion of dollars can sure create wonders.

This does not end here. In fact, no one is really sure, where this will stop. Below is the another picture of same street. This one, taken in 2005.

The pace at which Dubai is making progress is mind boggling. The state has more workers, working on permits, than it has citizens. It is estimated that 15% of world’s high rise cranes are in Dubai at the moment. Can you count them in the picture below?

All this to construct, world’s most expensive and luxurious hotels…

Al-Burj (right picture), when completed, will be the centerpiece of these beautiful man made palm islands.

Top Honeymoon Destinations

Are you planning for your honeymoon? Got tired of thinking where to go? It is easy to choose a honeymoon destination of your choice with Travour. Travour offers you a list of top honeymoon destinations of the world. What makes a honeymoon destination rank in the top chart? Exotic environment, world-class hotels, privacy, fine dining, adventurous activities and make a destination rank among top honeymoon destinations of the world.

Top Honeymoon Destinations of The World: After your wedding lock, plan your honeymoon trips to a romantic destination, where you can spend some time with your partner. Some of the top honeymoon destinations of the world are USA, South Pacific, Africa, Australia, Caribbean islands, South America, Asia, Canada, France, Italy.

Luxury Honeymoon Destinations: If you want to spend your luxury honeymoon with great élan, head towards the various luxury honeymoon destinations. Splurge on the hotels and go for a candle lit dinner during your honeymoon. The topmost luxury honeymoon destinations include secluded islands, azure water, sandy powdery beaches, magnificent hill stations and places of natural scenic beauty. Avail the various facilities while spending romantic times at the luxury honeymoon destinations. Honeymoon vacation packages are offered for a worthwhile experience. Honeymoon travel specials are offered for a memorable romantic vacation.

Romantic Honeymoon Cruises: Have you ever thought of sailing with your partner on a luxury ship along a river? This is one of the most romantic way of spending your honeymoon vacation. Honeymoon cruises offer a number of facilities and services for the newly wed couples. A dinner or brunch on the cruise is the best way to celebrate your love. Dinner cruises generally offer a warm welcome with a rose for the couple, three course dinner menu, champagne toast, chocolate fountain, live entertainment and performance and spectacular view from the ship.

Greek Island Holidays - Number 1 British Tourist Destination 2009

If you think “where you spend your summer vacations?” It is not besides “The Greek Island”…………

The Greek Islands have been a favorite holiday destination for British holiday makers for a long time and there is a reason. Greek islands holidays can be summed up by the word paradise, offering beauty, tranquility and serene landscapes. Greek islands vary in type but most offer charming old fishing villages to enjoy, tourist beach resorts, amazingly clean sea and the all important factor of year round sunshine. People visiting Greek islands go there predominantly for the relaxation, but that is not to say that there is not a lot of nightlife in bars and discos if that is what you are looking for.

Greek Island holidays leave tourists always wanting more, to stay for another 2 weeks or even forever. Whether you are someone that is traveling to discover the history of Greece or just to sit and do nothing relaxing on its endless pristine blue flag beaches then swimming in the deep blue sea. Greece is a place that has history and endless beauty and Greek Island holidays truly have something for everyone of any age. The Greek islands are famous around the world and have a charm and personality unique to Greece. There are 72 Greek islands that are inhabited and open to receive tourists and every single Greek island is an experience in its own right. The locals are always friendly and welcoming and the crime rate is very low with very few incidents involving tourists each year. The resorts in Greek islands are well policed and in general are very well controlled communities with the highest level of comfort and security on offer for the tourists pleasure.

Before choosing the right Greek Islands holidays that is right for you it is always advisable to check out the information on the internet before getting the full sales pitch from some tourist brochure. There are also a wealth of forums where you can find out what real people thought of the Greek island you are considering. The variety is so wide and the general quality of the islands is so high that it is hard to make a big mistake when choosing an island, however to ensure that the facilities are totally up to your specific needs then the internet research is necessary. Greece offers hot summers by crystal clear deep blue seas and very mild winters. Due to the wonderful climate Greece offers, the tourism is a year round thriving industry.

Best Tourist Holiday Destination 2009

The start of the year 2009 marks the best time to decide for a holiday destination. Some of the best places to spend a holiday as a family, a couple or groups is in Spain, Thailand, Vietnam and historical places like the Greek Island. But on the top list this 2009 is Beijing where most of the people around the world will visit due to its promotion from last years Olympics a grand event held every 4 years where nations around the world gather and compete in various fields of sports. It is said that many tourist will head to Beijing for an exciting holiday season. However, communication problems seem to be the thing that would probably hinder Beijing from getting the eye of tourists.

If you consider cheaper but fairly exciting holidays, some of the most desired countries to go to are South America, Hungary, Morocco, Thailand, New Zealand and Jordan. You will find exciting and cheap holiday packages to these destinations this 2009. Vacation getaways to these places are suitable for tourists that maitain a certain budget and taking good deals just to spend a holiday.

Holidays in South America are awesome and the place is considered to be the most exciting destination among all other cities in Europe. Holiday ventures in South America are affordable and the place has a sensational charm and captivating scenes and sights for its guests. A place that you could never afford to miss on holidays.

If you want to purchase the best holiday deals that fits your income and is worth every penny you spend, HUngary is the place for you. The country’s capital Budapest is a magnificent city full of historical architectures, exquisite cuisine and attractive districts that are rich in culture. The Castle Hill is the prettiest district and the paprika accented food of this place is very much indulging. Aside from this, the place will fit guests that have low budgets since holiday packages to Hungary this year are more affordable than other Eastern European countries.

Morocco is another spectacular destination to come to this holiday season. The place offers magnificent sights to historical and cultural enthusiasts. Cities like Rabat, Fes, and Marrakech greatly exhibits the cultural and historical background of the old Muslims. The Atlas mountain range is also a great sight worth visiting. To sum it up, Morocco can offer a great holiday retreat to architects, historians and culture researchers.

The tribal culture of Africa has become popular to tourist that the country is presumed to be visited by many tourists this 2009. The place as so much to offer and is pretty much adventurous from exploratory point of view. TOurists who have experience the trip to the Omo Valley in Ethiopia are all overwhelmed by its history and culture. The holiday package for the year 2009 is very affordable, yet very impressive.

Other important places to visit in the year 2009 include Queenstown in New Zealand, Jordan, and Kathmandu in Nepal. The best holiday deals are the ones which include cheap flights, cheap rents and accommodation, and yet offers great fun to spend your best time in. The places just mentioned above fulfill the criteria of being the best holiday destination for the year 2009 in every possible manner.

Queenstown in New Zealand, Jordan, and Kathmandu in Nepal are also in the top list for the best tourist destinations this year. The best holiday deals are the ones which include cheap flights, cheap rents and accommodation, and yet every passing day seem a lifetime full of exciting adventures and lavishing trips. The 2009 best tourist holiday destination are composed of countries mentioned. So, pick a country, research and book a holiday before you’re left out.

The Most Overrated Tourist Attractions in Paris, France

Paris, France. A popular tourist attraction for countless years for countless reasons. These reasons range from popular family resorts and sight seeing to the more controversial and historic reasons to see locations used during the war.

However, once can simply not doubt the utmost attraction value of visiting Paris, France. It has been one of the world's leading tourist resort country's for countless years and is a popular choice for both regular tourists and historians alike. However, there are places in the country which take advantage of the general popularity of the place itself. Needless to say, not EVERY tourist attraction in Paris, France is a good one, it is up to your wise judgement and a little help from this article to judge for yourself which are the good, and which are the bad.

The common reason is for the theme parks, one of the most popular and famous for many years being of course, Disneyland, Paris. Children of younger ages go crazy to see their favorite Disney characters such as Mickey and Mini, and usually won't rest until they get their way. The thrill-seeker aspect comes in for younger children interested in smaller roller-coasters. There are several other popular theme-parks in Paris, for thrill seekers or for the more laid back, carnival type tourists. Whatever your fancy and preference, the theme parks in Paris seem to have it all... Until you get there and have paid your entrance fee, and realize that the adverts you saw on Television were simply hype, and aren't what they're made out to be. Over rated theme parks are popular in Paris, due to the popularity of the country itself.

Historians often go for the countless monuments in Paris, be it the legendary Eiffel Tower, the Notre Dame Cathedral, or recently, the more controversial location where Lady Diana was fatally wounded and later tragically passed away. This may seem a morbid reason to visit Paris, France, but there are many people in the world who actually take photographs of this area and the area surrounding as whether we like it or ot, it serves as a pinnacle point in our world history and serves as the setting point for the worst tragedy of the 1990's.

All of these locations however, are all media hyped in one way or another to make them seem a lot better and more interesting than they actually are. They are more interesting for aspiring historians rather than the common tourist, yet tourists still pay to see them, simply to say that they have seen them, whether they know the history or not. Most of Paris' monuments rely, or have relied on media hype to make them popular.

Whether it be the romantically themed hotels and restaurants, or the dull monuments, most things in Paris, France are simply media hype. Why it is a place i personally would like to visit, being a fan of history around the world, I would say the majority of tourists would not be impressed, from the hype they have seen on television, i do not think they would be impressed.

Children, however, are easily impressed, and this remains one of the key factors that Paris is so successful with its range of mediocre over-hyped theme parks. theme parks that sell tickets due to their name, hype and characters, not the actual theme-park itself.

I would reccomend Paris, ONLY if you are an aspiring historian, or have children who are fans of the Disney characters. The rest is smply media hype to make money from a simple tourist attraction country's well looked after namesake.

5 Architectural Landmarks: World's Best Tourist Attractions

The world and see some of its most beautiful architectural landmarks. These landmarks may not belong to the highest bracket of the most famous but certainly they aren't less beautiful. In fact, these landmarks belong to the most visited places in the universe:

1. Wat Phra Kaew : known as "The land of The Free", is one of the most visited countries in the world. One of its beautiful architectural landmarks that attract tourists from all over the world is the Wat Phra Kaew or Temple of the Emerald Buddha in English. It is regarded as the most sacred Buddhist temple in Thailand. It is located in the historic center of the country's capital - Bangkok.

2. The Great Bath and The Roman Bath in the city of Bath: The Roman Empire had been gone for so long but scores of its structural legacy like aqueducts, triumphal arches, baths and others can still be found anywhere else in its former colonies around the world. .One of the surviving structures built by the Romans is the Roman Baths complex, a site of historical interest in the English city of Bath. The complex is a very well-preserved Roman site of public bathing. The Baths are now a major attraction and, together with the Pump Room, receive more than one million visitors a year. Visitors can see the Baths and Museum but cannot enter the water. An audio guide is available in several languages.

3. Persepolis : Persia is the ancient name of a country which is now known as Iran, a country located in the Middle. One of the major attractions of this country is the Persepolis. It was the ceremonial capital of the Persian Empire during the Achaemenid dynasty. The UNESCO declared the citadel of Persepolis a World Heritage Site in 1979. Persepolis is a major tourist site because of its historical significance.

4. Hagia Sophia : Turkey is a country which is located in two continents, part of it belongs to Asia and the other part belongs to Europe. It is one of the most historic countries in the world and has so many natural and structural landmarks to offer, one of which is the Hagia Sophia (Holy Wisdom). It is one of the most visited structural landmarks in the world. Hagia Sophia is a former patriarchal basilica, later a mosque, now a museum in Istanbul, Turkey. Famous in particular for its massive dome, it is considered the epitome of Byzantine architecture. It was the largest cathedral ever built in the world for nearly a thousand years, until the completion of the Medieval Seville Cathedral in 1520.

5. The Alhambra : Spain was once the mightiest country in the world. It contains plenty of beautiful and historic landmarks. One other most visited landmark of Spain and one of the most visited in the continent of Europe is The Alhambra. Literally, The Alhambra means "the red one"; the complete name is Qal'at al-Hambra, which means "The red fortress". It is a palace and fortress complex of the Moorish rulers of Granada in southern Spain. It was once the residence of the Muslim rulers of Granada and their court, the Alhambra is now one of Spain's major tourist attractions exhibiting the country's most famous Islamic architecture, together with Christian 16th century and later interventions in buildings and gardens that marked its image as it can be seen today.

South Island Attraction with Blue Sky

The South Island of New Zealand comes with a reputation as a unique land packed with magnificent, raw scenery: craggy coastlines, primeval forests, snow-capped alpine mountains, fast flowing rivers and glacier-fed lakes, all beneath a brilliant blue sky.

Whatever your interest, you will wish that you had allowed more time to experience all of the great attractions in the South Island.

Why New Zealanders Love Their Gardens?

New Zealanders love their gardens. From the landscaped front lawns of their detached suburban houses to public parks and gardens in New Zealand, there are a wealth of botanic delights waiting to be discovered. The country's mild, temperate climate, its north-south axis and range of altitudes mean a wide variety of plants may be seen. These range from subtropical to subantarctic species, often within a couple of hours drive of each other.

New Zealand gardens boast a beautiful selection of native flowers and trees, including the magnificent flowering pohutukawa tree (known as New Zealand's Christmas tree because it flowers in December) and the alpine Mount Cook lily, the world's largest buttercup.

In many places, garden tours in New Zealand include private as well as public gardens. Some of the large private country gardens in the Eastland, Manawatu-Wanganui, Wairarapa and Canterbury regions were former estates and are quite spectacular.

The damp, lower slopes of Mount Taranaki are renowned for their rhododendron gardens, at their 'blooming best' in October, as are gardens in Dunedin. Christchurch, known as the Garden City, is well named with its extensive leafy parks and magnificent Botanic gardens. The annual Ellerslie Flower Show, is the largest floral exhibition in the Southern Hemisphere. It is held at the Auckland Regional Botanic Gardens in Manukau City over five days on 5.5 hectares surrounded by native bush. Not simply a display of flowers, Ellerslie has become a major cultural event, showcasing lifestyle, art, landscape and design, with creative displays of flowers and foliage. There are more than 300 exhibits with many of the displays presented taking months to build.

The picturesque South Canterbury district of Timaru is gaining a reputation as the rose garden of New Zealand. Roses thrive in Timaru because it has plenty of sunshine, warm dry summers, cold winters and definite seasons. Timaru is home to one of the world's most respected rose experts, boasts an impressive collection of public and private rose gardens and now it has its very own rose.

The new rose, a pale, creamy, apricot known as the 'City of Timaru', has been produced by famed British rosarian, David Austin, father of the English rose. Possibly the largest of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere, the Timaru rose garden in New Zealand attracts rose lovers from around the world.

The New Zealand Gardens Trust provides a searchable Web site of gardens in New Zealand, and the promotion of excellence in the open garden sector through the setting of recognised credible standards. The NZGT is working in partnership with Qualmark, New Zealand tourism's official mark of quality, to encourage our best New Zealand gardens to meet the high standards required of businesses operating in the tourism market.

New Zealand: Tourism Information

New Zealand has so many outstanding places to visit during a vacation that it is difficult to choose among them. I know that your vacation time is both brief and valuable. Our recommendations for the best places to visit will help you find the right place for your vacation in New Zealand.

Be sure to note that the period of the seasons in the Southern Hemisphere is the opposite of the Northern Hemisphere. During our summer they are experiencing winter. So if you want to ski in Queenstown, July and August can be the heart of the season. If you are not a skier, don't let the concept of winter stop you from taking your summer vacation in New Zealand, since the snow pretty much stays at the higher elevations.

A trip to New Zealand should cover the country's two major islands, known simply as the North Island and the South Island. Both islands are interesting, but we recommend that you spend the majority of you time on the South Island, which is pretty close to paradise.

The team at ThereArePlaces has developed a proprietary method for evaluating the attractiveness of towns and regions as tourist destinations. We used this methodology to create our list of the best places to visit in New Zealand. We believe that the cities and regions described below are the country’s key tourist destinations, contain New Zealand's best attractions and urge you to visit them during your travels in New Zealand.

South Island : The South Island is sparsely populated and brimming with outdoor adventure. You may see landscapes and scenery that you have not seen before, packaged in the most beautiful and moving of environments.

Queenstown : Queenstown, sited on the shore of beautiful Lake Wakatipu, is surrounded by the luscious beauty of a mountain chain known as the Remarkables. The town is the focal point for a large and diverse recreational area. Queenstown is a place where you can "sit and think" or participate in various outdoor activities, some of them quite unique. The shopping is OK but limited and cultural attractions are sparse.

Milford Sound : I think that cruising Milford Sound (a glacial fjord/fiord) is worth the cost of the trip to New Zealand. The Sound's scenery is spectacular - do not miss it! Most rental car agreements prohibit you from driving your rental on the road to Milford Sound. The Milford Road is subject to avalanches and landslides and is often closed on short notice.