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Exotic International Travel to Hong Kong
Monday, March 05th, 2012 /

If you are considering exotic international travel to Hong Kong, be sure also to take in the environs of Hong Kong, such as Zhongshan, Macao and Tai Mo Shan. Although Hong Kong itself is a wonderful place to visit, these other attractions offer you an alternative view of China that is less frenetic, and more akin to the China most people have in their minds.

The best way to see this part of China, and it is part of China because the British handed Hong Kong over to Chinese control in 1997, is by means of a personalized tour that only the best international vacation packages can offer. This enables you travel at your own pace, with your own driver, without the encumbrance of a group of others who might have different views than you as to how long to spend at each attraction.

Good planners arrange tours to suit their individual customers and their partners, and although the cost of these might be higher than you would pay for general vacation group packages, it is worth it if you are looking for luxury international trips as opposed to just an ordinary vacation. At least one travel company states that if you can’t live better away from home than at home, then why bother going? A good sentiment.

Back to Hong Kong as a destination for exotic international vacation tours. Its capital is the island of Victoria, which to many is synonymous with Hong Kong. Victoria sits in Hong Kong harbor, and Kowloon is the mainland part of the district. At night you can enjoy the magnificent laser light show from around 8 – 9 pm, when you can see a magnificent display of thousands of lights from the various tall buildings, including the laser beams that shoot across the sky. This show is accompanied by music. The Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade is great place from which to watch this display.

Make sure you also visit some of the fishing villages in the district, such as Aberdeen and the Sok Kwu Wan fishing village on Lamma island that is famed for its excellent Chinese seafood restaurants. You should also visit the Chinese border, out past Kowloon into the countryside. However, there is more to exotic international travel to Hong Kong than just that.

The first Europeans to settle in the Far East were the Portuguese, and the oldest settlement was at Macao, also known as Macau. This was also handed back to the Chinese, but you can still visit Macao, especially the Grand Prix circuit and the casinos: Macao is not nicknamed the ‘Monte Carlo of the Far East’ for nothing. It also has a unique combination of Portuguese and Chinese culture that is found nowhere else in the world.

Make sure that you also take a tour to Zhongshan, on the Pearl River delta. This is an 800 year old village covering some 20 square miles, inhabited by traditional fishermen and farmers. Also in the area is Tai Mo Shan (Big Hat Mountain), the highest mountain in the district, and providing magnificent views of the Lam Chuen valley and the Shek Kong Airport.

Hong Kong is not all high rise buildings and people dashing frenetically about talking to cell phones. There is also the peaceful part that comprises nine tenths of the district. Places such as the Chuk Lam Shim Yuen Buddhist Monastery and the Tang Chung Ling Ancestral Hall, with its delicate wood carvings and built in honor of Tang Chung Ling who founded the Tang clan. Close by is one of five famous walled villages, Lo Wai, built in the 13th century.

Make sure, if you can, that the Hong Kong packages you look at include trips to these places of interest that show the real China, as opposed to the westernized influences of Hong Kong as most people know it. Good vacation planners should include tours outside the environs of Victoria island and Kowloon and into the Chinese mainland and surrounding district.

It’s a long way to travel just to visit the skyscraper city that is just like any other modern day city, and miss the real flavor of the Orient that can be found just a few miles away. Real exotic international travel to Hong Kong must involve some element of the mystery of the Orient, and that is what you will find once you get away from the modern parts of the city. Take in a tea plantation, and perhaps a local traditional Chinese market, and try some of the more traditional fare as opposed to the very westernized food of Victoria.

That way you will see and taste the real China of this area, and have a truly exotic vacation to Hong Kong that you will be able to talk about for a lifetime.

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Africa Adventure Travel
Tuesday, December 14th, 2010 /

Africa is one of the few countries in the world where a vast amount of land still remains unspoiled and rich in majestic natural features; thus making Africa a perfect setting for an extreme adventure holiday. With beautiful untainted beaches, exotic nature and wildlife reserves, fascinating rock formations and wide open desert plains, every corner holds the promise of a new thrill.

Abseiling into the Abyss

It’s only just recently that abseiling has been recognised as an adventure sport. Before it was simply known as a method used to get down from mountain tops, but it’s proven to be a real adrenalin booster and has since become accessible as an extreme adventure activity. Table Mountain in Cape Town is known as the world’s highest commercial abseil spot, measuring a total of 112m and looking out over the city. If that doesn’t seem like much of a challenge to you, then Knysna and the Eastern Cape surely can offer some extra excitement, with abseiling spots that have you hanging sky high over crashing waves.

Canoeing Challenge

If you choose to go white water canoeing in Africa you’d better be prepared for the venture, because Africa’s rivers are not merciful on the timid. The Vaal River, with its fun twist of rapids, remains one of the most outstanding and indeed most popular spots to go canoeing. Warning: Be sure to hold on tightly to your pants. However, if you’re more interested in the scenic beauty than the aggressive plunge of the water, there are a few flat water canoeing routes you can check out. The Palmiet River runs through the dazzling Kogelberg nature reserve and only takes you over one or two mild rapids. Canoeing in the lakes of the Garden Route is equally delightful; taking you on a scenic journey to an idyllic overnight spot.

Dare to do some Downhill Mountain-Biking

When it comes to downhill mountain-biking, thrill seekers are spoilt for choice as there are so many fun and interesting trails already explored and many waiting to be uncovered. The Cape has some great single-track routes that take you through the exquisite pine plantations or alternatively you could book an escorted trip around the Cape Winelands. Another notable route is found in the De Hoop National Park, which lies close to Swellendam, featuring mountain trails ranging from easiest to most hardcore. For the experts, visit the Free State for a bit of a challenge.

Snowboarding in Africa

One would think that Africa, with her eternal blue skies and beautiful climate, is not really the first destination you’d choose to go snowboarding or skiing, since the vast majority of the population has never even seen real snow before. And that’s actually a fact. Our equivalent of snowboarding is sand-boarding, which requires double the amount of protective gear for obvious reasons. The locals know of one dedicated ski resort in the Drakensberg and even though the supply of self-produced snow is limited, that’s where they go to for a challenge, and to fall about on the fluffy white cold stuff. The more acclaimed ski resort of Africa is Tiffendel in Morocco which boasts a 600m ski run, but even this ski run is only covered in snow for three months of the year. Qualified instructors are on call to assist, so head to Tiffendell Ski Resort to do something different this winter.

Paragliding Paradise

The coastline is littered with popular spots for paragliding and hang-gliding in Africa. The obvious reason being that the closer to the ocean you fly the cooler it will be when soaring a thousand miles up into the air. Paragliding in the arid, dry regions is not impossible but the heat might just be a bit much for you. The coast also offers incredible ridge soaring and a picturesque views of the coastal cities, and when you land you can stop off at a beachfront bar for sundowners. The Garden Route offers a different type of paragliding experience; you can glide across the ocean and admire the playful dolphins and whales underneath you.

Karoo Biking for kicks

Africa is one of the very few destinations which boasts such diversity of superb mountain ranges, sun-streaked sandy deserts, lush forests, fruit-filled valleys and an untainted coastline. What better way to see all of Africa’s beauty than on two motorised wheels? Karoo biking is originally aimed at UK, US and German international visitors but each year the number of local bikers are increasing. BMW offers four standardised motorcycle tours, two of which are overnight packages that include accommodation at the deluxe Gamkaskloof Valley. Bikers who visit Africa particularly enjoy the Karoo as they are greeted with warm hospitality, friendly people and the variation of riding on both tarred and dirt roads.

African adventure travel is precisely that, an adventure. It is not a luxury tour and you’re definitely going to find yourself stuck in the mud more than once, therefore it is advised that you come with an open mind. If you’re young or young at heart, restless and an adrenalin junkie then an adventure vacation is just what you need.

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Tourist or Traveler
Wednesday, October 15th, 2008 /

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Less than forty years ago, tourism was encouraged as an unquestionable good. With the arrival of package holidays and charter flights, tourism could at last be enjoyed by the masses. Yet one day, it seems feasible that there will be no more tourists. There will be ‘adventurers’, ‘fieldwork assistants’, ‘volunteers’ and, of course, ‘travellers’. But the term ‘tourist’ will be extinct. There might be those who quietly slip away to foreign lands for nothing other than pure pleasure, but it will be a secretive and frowned upon activity. No one will want to own up to being one of those. In fact, there are already a few countries prohibiting tourists from entering certain areas where the adverse effects of tourism have already struck. Tourists have been charged with bringing nothing with them but their money and wreaking havoc with the local environment.

 

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Tourism is being attacked by more subtle methods, by being re-branded in the hope we won’t recognise it as the unattractive entity as it once was. The word ‘tourist’ is being removed from anything that was once called a holiday in the pamphlet that was once called a holiday brochure. Adventures, fieldwork assistants and volunteers don’t go on holidays. ‘Un-tourists’ go on things called ‘cultural experiences’, ‘expeditions’, ‘projects’ and most tellingly, ‘missions’. The word ‘mission’ is, perhaps unintentionally fitting. While this re-branding is supposed to present a progressive approach to travel, it is firmly rooted in the viewpoint of the Victorian era. The modern day un-tourist insists that the main motive behind their adventure is to help others. Whereas the mass tourist and the area they visit are condemned as anti-ethical and at loggerheads, the ethos of the un-tourist and the needs of the area they wander into are presumed to be in tune with.

To conclude with, we’re interested in making ourselves feel good, that’s why we’ve succumbed to the re-branding of our enjoyment, and refuse to take up a term we believe to be tainted. How many times have you owned up to being a tourist?

 

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How to Book Cheap Flights to Europe
Friday, September 19th, 2008 /

Run away from all the chains that follow you and bind you to responsibilities and burdens. Make way for a wonderful and heart melting trip to Europe. Places like Amsterdam, Berlin, Madrid, Rome, London, Paris, Prague, Stockholm and Vienna, are amongst few places that come to one’s mind thinking of Europe. Who has the caliber to resist all these overwhelming and beautiful cities! Walk out of your comfort zone only to enter another paradisiacal world- Europe.

Keep all worries regarding air fares and flights at bay as many travel sites are working really hard to make your trip as economical as you would have ever imagined. You are lucky enough to make use of the technology at hand and get set to enter the vicinity of these beautiful cities. These travel sites will arrange for you various flying options and air fare packages. With a flight to Europe from almost all major cities all around the world, traveling becomes a cake walk.

With some of the best packages and the most economical deals on your palate, it becomes much easier for you to pick the one that suits you. It offers you an option to see all discounts and offers given for the travelers by various airlines in a single go which makes you better equipped to decide. Click your way to that dream trip as your computer does all the necessary work for you. By following some easy steps as indicated on such sites, you can navigate to the desired options. It not only books for you the air tickets, but also manages hotel accommodations, currency changes, sight seeing and transportation and many such things which will make your trip a long and relaxing venture.

If it is only the fear of wasting your hard earned money and time that is compelling you to delay this much awaited trip, you have struck jackpot which should not be left. All these cities offer the vibrant colors of their culture. Where Amsterdam offers a peaceful retreat, Berlin attracts you for its lifestyle; where Paris lulls you for its fashion, London calls you for that perfect royal treatment that it offers you; Prague flaunts its customs, and Rome is all set to mesmerize you with its beauty. It takes much more than worrying about money to delay all such beautiful feelings that nature has to offer you.

Indulge yourself in the most stunning possessions that world has to offer, and give that perfect holiday as a gift to your loved ones. If business is what calls you there, don’t worry! East travel options are available for you too. Choose the option that suits your requirements and be sure that the travel managers will make your trip nothing less than the best.

Travel smart and get the comprehensive information about all the cities in advance. Plan your travel according to the season you love the most and give a chance to the websites to guide you through the travel high tides unscathed.

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Explore Europe by Train
Friday, September 19th, 2008 /

Train travel is no longer a thing of the past or the domain of young backpackers.
With a European inter-rail pass anyone can explore Europe from the comfort
of a train.

There are so many wonderful places to visit in Europe and the train really is
one of the best ways of getting around. It can deliver right to the
destination of your choice and when you have seen all you want
to see can carry you swiftly and comfortably onto your next destination.

From the fjords of Scandinavia to the beaches of the Costa del Sol. From
the Parthenon in Athens to the Kasbah in Marrakech it is all within
your grasp. Discover the beautiful Dordogne or visit the art galleries
of Florence, ski one day in the Alps and be on the beach at St. Tropez the next.
You can even visit some of the lesser known areas of Europe such as the Rila
Mountains of Bulgaria or visit Bran Castle in Romania, the reputed home
of Count Dracula.

A European rail pass can be valid for up to 29 countries for up to one month so it gives you
incredible flexibility to go where you want to go, when you want to go there.
It includes all the main European countries and North Africa as well.

Modern trains are now swift and comfortable, gone are the days of bone
shaking and hard, uncomfortable seats, you will be travelling in style
without the stress of driving or the delays and interminable queues
that flying so often involves. Plan your own itinerary and travel
to the destinations of your choice for one all inclusive price.

You can also book a couchette so you can travel to your next port of call
whilst asleep and arrive refreshed and ready to go.

There are 8 different zones to choose from,

A, Ireland

B, Sweden, Finland and Norway,

c,Germany, Denmark,Austria and Switzerland,

D,Bosnia-Herzogovina,The Czech Republic and Croatia

E,France, Belgium, Netherlands and Luxumbourg.

F,Spain, Portugal and Morocco,

G,Italy, Greece and Turkey,

H,Romania, Bulgaria,Serbia and Montenegro

A European inter-rail pass for one zone will last for 16 days for 2 zones
is valid for 22 days and for the really intrepid traveller you can purchase a
rail pass to all 29 zones which lasts for 1 month.

Explore Europe by Train-Inter-Rail Pass Rates.

1 zone under 26 — 145.00 pounds over 26– 215.00 pounds Child– 108.00 pounds.

2 zones under 26 — 205.00 pounds over 25– 295.00 pounds Child– 148.00 pounds

All zones under 26 –285.00 pounds over 26– 405.00 pounds Child– 203.00 pounds.

Child rates apply from 4-11 years, under 4′s go free.

So “let the train take the strain” and enjoy exploring Europe by train. The
only real problem is that with such a wealth of sites and wonderful places
to visit how do you decide where to go first!

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Adventures You Could Think Of Undertaking In Greece
Monday, July 21st, 2008 /

Greece is a land of mysteries, mythologies, tales of man’s ancient past and the immense developments it has garnered over the last three millenniums. It is known for having had a thriving economy, magnificent beaches, some truly world class Greek hotels and an unparalleled hospitality to offer, since graduating to be a modern European state. Travelers flock its landscape, as a result, to listen to its 3000 years old account and be a witness of its past glory. However, there are many other activities apart from visiting the archaeological sites that one should consider undertaking while being in Greece. We are going to discuss some of these outdoor activities, during the course of next few paragraphs.

Camping, hiking and trekking across scenic islands like Mykonos, Santorini, Tinos and Naxos is a popular activity in Greece these days. Steep rocks and natural environment make these trekking expeditions fun and excitement. Greek hotels and tour operators often help you plan out these adventures according to your needs. Vans and mini buses are pressed into service to ferry up people to rocky mountains where they are able to climb up steep slopes under watchful eyes. Such 7 to 14 day long camps can cost anything from $ 1000 to $2500 per candidate.

As an alternative, one should try undertaking a yacht journeys that will sail through scenic Greek islands. These trips may last up to three weeks and may cover many historic towns and scenic spots as they move from one to another tourist destination. There are several routes that one could choose to have their vacations planned. Greek hotels, in conjunction with major tour operators, will offer to arrange such yacht journeys for you. Travelers can take part in hiking, snorkeling, and carry on doing similar other stuff while being part of such tours. Exploration of various heritage sites and visiting taverna-lined harbors will also be part of your fun and relaxation!

Cycling and biking across Greek mountains and countryside is yet another way of enhancing one’s experience of holidaying. However, no significant help may be garnered either from Greek hotels or tour operators in this case, and one should try looking out for online resources instead. Some biking and cycling enthusiasts will extend guidance and logistic support, to help you carry out your biking expeditions. They will lead you into areas deep inside the Greek countryside and will help you bike through some very unorthodox routes. You will be able to have a close look at Greek countryside as you move on.

Visiting Greece’s archaeological sites is a key way of vacationing in Europe. However, it could be further enhanced by undertaking additional outdoor activities like biking, camping and sailing through various Greek islands. There can not be a better way than spending more time in the Greek countryside to get to know more about its culture heritage and life. Greek tourism has taken a good note of this aspect and accordingly worked out plans to provide you with several additional outdoor activities apart from extending an access to world-class Greek hotels and beaches.

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