Travel Places

Bali is small, you could traverse the entire during one leisurely day. There are also travel advisories issued against travelling there from various countries.

But, it is a beautiful destination. It has been hit by terrorist activities, but then so has most of the civilised world. Bali charms you and it’s people love to have visitors around them. Leave your heavy backpacks at home, carry a small bag and travel around in a bus, if you are adventurous. If you are looking for luxury, there are some awesome hotels and resorts all around you. There are also budget hotels and timeshare places, Bali loves everyone and makes a place for everyone.

Best time to visit :

The cooler months from April till October. The rest of the time it is more humid and there are chances of rainstorms.

How to get there:

By air, you can fly to Bali Ngurah Rai airport, just south of Kuta . Most international airlines have flights to Bali. By sea you can reach Java, just west of Bali by ferries. Or you can take an overnight bus from Jakarta and then take the ferry from Java

What to watch out for:

Beggars and peddlers and touts; they can make your life difficult by hounding you.

Minor thefts, such as bag snatching and pickpocketing are quite common.

Bad traffic: do not expect that if you are walking on the footpath you are safe, watch the traffic all around you and take your own safety precautions.

Go out and enjoy yourself, it is a great place to sit on the beach and relax.

It has been described as a city for lovers, but we would like to describe it as a city for all those who love anything that is beautiful.

A city of waterways and canals and gondolas and singing gondoliers, it defies description. Every building seems to be a monument to someone’s grand dreams. Meandering lanes and fabulous squares, castles housing fabulous treasures and museums housing amazing art collections, all these form part of this remarkable city.

The Piazza San Marco has more pigeons than people and occasionally it gets flooded, but just sitting there and enjoying the grandeur of the world’s largest square is enough to make it worthwhile.

The Canale Grande should be traversed late in the evening, when all the palaces along the way have been illuminated, and you can avoid all the daytrippers who throng the boats.

The Basilica De San Marco, a monument to Byzantine architecture is place of worship and a glory to behold. Once again go to see it in the evening when it has been illuminated, it is an unforgettable sight.

To see the real Venice walk through it s cobbled streets and along the canals, bridges and squares. Stand on the Rialto Bridge and watch the world go by.

Remember, Venice is beautiful but expensive. So look for cheaper ferry’s rather than gondolas, eat in smaller cafes rather than in the restaurants in the plazas and take a waterbus ticket and travel all over the city.

Switzerland is the one country in the world where beauty abounds in every corner and in every valley or hilltop. It reminds you of all the paintings and postcards you have seen, lovely green hills, flowers and snow-clad peaks and pristine cleanliness. Every road you traverse, every resort you go to leads to exclamations of joy, and a look of amazement and wonder of the face of the traveler.

The best time to visit Switzerland would be between June and September. The months of April/May and October are also good times, and since the crowds are less, the costs are lower. But the weather is slightly colder then, so go prepared for that.

Since tourism is one of Switzerland‘s biggest money spinners, you will find resorts and hotels and budget inns in every town. It is a highly efficient country, and all the trains and buses run with clockwork precision. The inter-connectivity by road and train is tremendous, so you can travel around with ease.

Do remember a few things when you visit Switzerland. All restaurants close by 9 pm, so if you are planning to wander around at night, please have your dinner in time. Food is more expensive here than in most European nations, so keep this in mind when you plan your holiday. Euros are not very welcome, since the Swiss are fiercely independent and would prefer that you use their currency.

These are but minor hiccups when you plan a holiday to this beautiful country. Nature is at her finest here, and you will leave with a lingering desire to come back again.

Most tourists who visit Spain, spend just a day or so in Madrid before moving towards the beaches or other resorts in the country. But Madrid deserves much more than this, it is a beautiful city, vibrating with culture and joy and history abound in every corner.

There is so much to see and do here. If you like watching people and mingling with the crowds, go to Plaza Mayor. Full of bars and restaurants, no one ever seems to sleep here. There are over 3100 culinary places in Madrid, so you are never short of choices. Madrid has the largest number of bars, per capita than any city in Europe, and Spain has some very fine wines. So go out and have a great evening!!

If you want to see beautiful palaces and buildings, go to the Palacio Real – a palace housing centuries of history within its ramparts. The treasures of this palace can keep you riveted for hours.

By far the best place to visit in Madrid is Museo Del Prado. You can easily get lost in this place while looking at one of the finest art collections in the world. It houses Flemish, Dutch, Spanish and German art collections.

If you are fond of good food, go and have a “tapas” at one of the eating places, or have some great fish at Plaza Mayor. If you like live music, join the crowd at Sala Heineken or  La Riveira, or just follow the sounds of a group playing music at any of the Plazas.

Well, what are you waiting for? Madrid beckons.

A citadel, a palace, a fortress, La Alhamabra is all this and much more. It is considered by many to be at par with the best monuments in the world and it is the most visited tourist destination in Spain.

The fortress has existed since the 9th century, but there are references to it only in the 13th century. The Nasrite sultans are believed to be the ones who built some of the more beautiful parts of this palace. In 1492, it became a Christian court, after Isabella and Ferdinand conquered Granada. Each successive ruler left his footprints in some part of this palace, as he added or enhanced the beauty of the fort.

In the 18th and 19th century this monument was neglected and left to be ruined and vandalized. However in 1870, it was declared a national monument, and restored to its days of glory.

If you are planning to visit Granada, we would recommend that you book your entry tickets in advance. Only a limited number of people are permitted inside the complex, and visiting hours are split into 3 time periods – morning, afternoon and evening. In order to avoid disappointment, make all your arrangements prior to leaving for the fort.

Once you have entered the complex, do make it a point to visit the Chamber of Comares and the Chamber of Lions. This palace is one of the last vestiges of Moorish rule in Spain, and it is a beautiful example of their unique architecture and their ability to build monuments that last through centuries.

More than a thousand islands to explore, glorious beaches, some incredible underwater vistas and coral reefs, can you ask for anything more than this? Maldives offers you all this and much more. Surf and sand, relaxation and pleasure, underwater beauty and pristine beaches all combine together to make this a great place to visit.
Getting there:

There are no prior visa requirements for Maldives. A 30 day visa is provided on arrival to almost everyone, based on immigration rules. Tourism is their main bread spinner, so all facilities are provided to make your visit a very happy one.
There are hotels and resorts of all shades and hues here. They range from the very luxurious ones such as Four Seasons Resort to budget places located on the beach. All of them provide easy access to the beach, since most activity centres around the seaside.

What to do there:

If you are interested in just sitting back and doing nothing, there is no better place than this. Time seems to stop here, nothing seems to be hurried or rushed. It is easy to forget the traffic jams and the pollution that we have left behind.

But we would definitely recommend that you try the water sports available here. The water here is in various shades of turquoise and it is crystal clear. There are few places that offer you such great views of underwater sea life. Have a look at the coral reefs, enjoy the diving and snorkelling facilities, and take part in the water sports. Go sightseeing in a boat and look at some spectacular scenery around you.

Turquoise water, white sandy beaches, tropical climate, flora, and fauna all together define Mauritius. Biologically diverse Mauritius is the by product of a volcanic eruption. It is a hot spot with Honeymooners and beach lovers. A traveler’s delight loaded with historical sites, cultural diversity and geographic variations, this island has welcoming warm people and the great hospitality makes you instantly fall in love with the place. Situated in the southwest of Indian Ocean it has a coastline of 177 kilometers almost entirely surrounded by coral reefs. Extinct craters, volcanic lakes, impressive tall mountains, crystal blue water, and ample sunlight conjure an exotic image of picturesque Mauritius. Famous English author Mark Twain wrote in his travelogue Following the equator that “You gather the idea that Mauritius was first made and then heaven and the heaven was copied after Mauritius.”

Best time to visit:-

Being Tropical Island, Mauritius is all too sunny and bright with southeast trade winds blowing from the Indian Ocean. December to April being a summer month can make you feel soggy; January and February are cyclonic months and are to be avoided unless you decide to stay inside during your visit. The perfect time to enjoy this beautiful island is between May to November when the temperature ranges from 25 degree to 30 degree Celsius.

Main attractions:-

1. If you think beaches are all about sunbathing and swimming, here is a surprise! There are lots more you can do: water skiing, wind surfing, snorkeling, parasailing, and fishing are major water sports you can enjoy. Grand bay, Blue Bay,Pereybere, Belle Marc,Flic En Flac, Le Morne and Tamarin are the famous beaches.
2. Triolet Shivala is the biggest Hindu temple of the island, built in1819. Hinduism is the major religion of this island. Pere Laval Shrine and Lake Bassins are the other noted pilgrimage sites.
3. Black river Gorges national park, La Vanille Crocodile park, Lle Aur Airgrettes and Domain Du chasseur are major wildlife destinations. Abode for more than 300 species of flowers, Mauritius is also home for some unique species of birds like Pink Pigeons. Hiking in lush green dense jungles is another activity which attracts wildlife enthusiasts.
4. Sites like ruins of European settlement, Balaclava and the Dutch ruins at Vieux Grand port give you the glimpse of medieval history.

Around the city:-

Taxi, bus, tram, scooter, and bicycle are major means of transport within the city. One can choose on the basis of comfortability and affordability. And if you are more of a discoverer, scooter and bicycle are the ideal choices. One should be careful while hiring a taxi as the drivers rarely go by meter and if you don’t negotiate and settle at an agreed price before starting, you will end up paying more.

Port Louis will cast an impression on you as you arrive there. It’s not only the capital of the country but also the biggest city. It bustles with major financial activities. Vivacity of the place can be felt at all the casinos, bars, shops, and restaurants. But the show stealer is Grand Baie, this party town is a cosmopolitan city with all the shopping destinations, luxurious resorts, beautiful beaches, cafes, casinos, and happening night life.

Mauritius is an ideal destination for all kind of vacationers and leaves you with a varied number of choices. A perfect holiday spot for exhilarating experiences.

Niagara Falls continues to be a popular vacation destination for honeymooners and families, alike.  If you are in the process of planning a trip, to this location, there are several tips you can follow that will prove to be a money savers.

Tip number one:  When booking your hotel reservations, choose accommodations on the American side of the falls. Rates are typically less expensive, in New York.  The properties might not be as elegant, but this choice means that you will have extra money to spend on other things.

Tip number two: If you will be flying to and from Niagara, do so during the week. The best days to fly, regardless of airline, are Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Traveling the remaining four days of the week can prove to be much more expensive.

Tip number three: If you will be purchasing souvenirs, do so at one of the many duty-free shops located in the area.  Most are open seven days a week and offer a variety of items including alcohol, tobacco, jewelry, clothing, leather goods and much more.

Tip number four: Visit the Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory. Open year-round, except on Christmas Day, this is a wonderful way to get up close and personal with more than 2,000 species of beautiful butterflies. You will also enjoy the rainforest setting, complete with exotic flowers and lush greenery. (When visiting, wear red to attract the most butterflies!)

Tip number five: Shop around for package deals; you’ll probably be surprised at the savings you can actually find.  Remember, if you will be traveling to Niagara Falls for your honeymoon; mention this fact when you are making any kind of reservations. Oftentimes, vendors will throw in additional perks, for honeymooners.

Tip number six: If you are planning a trip to advance and know that you will be eating at restaurants that except gift cards… purchase two or three of the smaller denomination cards per month. When it comes time for the trip, several if not all of the meals will already be paid for.

( Just make sure the gift cards you are purchasing will still be valid at the time of your trip.)

Common misspelling: Niagra Falls

Lanzarote may be a Spanish island by name.  But this little speck of Spain, which measures just 58km by 35km, is located just off the coast of Africa – and combines a melting pot of cultural influences which are part European and part Latin American.

This unique blend results from the fact that Lanzarote was once an important staging post between the New World and The Old.  As Spanish galleons transported Inca gold and silver back from South America to the homeland – via the Canary Islands.  Inviting frequent raids from English privateers such as Raleigh and Drake.

Today the island is home to around 127,000 citizens – the bulk of whom reside in the capital of Arrecife.  But this population is swelled by tourists – as since the explosion of package holidays in the 1970′s the island has established itself as one of the most popular destinations in all of Spain.  Attracting around one million visitors from Britain and Ireland alone every year.

The reasons for this popularity lie in the fact that Lanzarote enjoys a year round clement climate, due to its location on the same line of latitude as parts of Mexico and Florida.  With temperatures that rarely fall below 20c even in the depths of winter.

But Lanzarote offers more than just sunshine alone.  As this little island is big on attractions and unlike other Spanish sunspots remains relatively unspoiled.  Thanks to the work of an island born artist and architect called Cesar Manrique. Who campaigned against over development and worked in tandem with the island government to ensure that Lanzarote was not buried beneath a sea of five star hotels.

Thanks to Manrique’s influence the three main tourist resorts on the island are all well contained. Advertising hoardings are banned.  And no buildings taller than a Canarian palm tree are permitted.

Manrique also sought to create a unique range of tourist attractions on the island as an alternative to the golf courses and water parks springing up in the rest of Spain.  He sought to fuse art with nature – and working with Lanzarote’s unique volcanic landscapes he created a range of cultural sites such as the Jameos del Agua - where he transformed a collapsed lava tube into a lush underground grotto.

Lanzarote’s main tourist attraction though is the Timanafa Volcano Park.  Which is the epicentre of the eruptions that buried around one quarter of the island under a sea of lava back in the 1730′s.  At the time this event obviously caused devastation.  But today the volcanoes are a huge draw for tourists,. Attracting just under one million visitors every year.  Who are transfixed by the eerie landscape which is often likened to the surface of the moon.

The island has accommodation for around 65,000 tourists at any one time.  With apartments and holiday villas in Lanzarote * accounting for around two thirds of this capacity.  Whilst the remainder of the market is catered to by hotels and apart hotel complexes.

The Hawaiian Islands have always been one of the most visited tourist spots in the United States and if you have not been to a Hawaii yet, its time you got to see the best. It’s true – the famous Hawaiian beaches are one of the best beaches in the world with all the effects of the typical holiday. You can expect smooth miles of grainy beaches, crystal blue sea water, fun resorts, and a hammock tied to palm trees with a tropical cocktail in one hand.

Hearing about the Hawaiian Islands evokes images of the perfect vacation. You can reach there either by ship or by plane but to experience the oceans is another holiday altogether so the second option is most preferred. Reaching there is not as big an issue as deciding how to spend the vacation is – one should know about the beaches and resorts to enjoy the Hawaiian Islands, completely.

Lanikai Beach is one of the most popular beaches which literally means ‘heavenly beach’. Located on Oahu Island, locals consider it as the best swimming beach. Hanalei bay Beach is another popular spot for water sport enthusiasts. One can participate in snorkelling, boating, scuba diving and much more. This beach has beautiful landscaped complete with cliffs and waterfalls.

Other than beaches, one can go on of-the-trail walks, forest hikes and bird watching and a whole plethora of activities. The Hawaiian Islands offer comfort and peace beyond the scope of other holiday spots and one must try it.