French Architecture International Vacation Tips

Posted by admin | Posted in Travel Tips, international vacation tips | Posted on 03-06-2010

0

StopIf you are going on vacation to France then don’t miss out on the feast of splendid architecture that roams in the French countryside. These international vacation tips point out the real musts to include on your trip.

Languedoc-Roussillon is one of the most famous destinations not only in France but throughout the whole of Europe. It offers a rich selection of options for a demanding and finicky visitor. Located on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea it embraces a long stretch of stunning beaches.

Its plains are home to the finest grape vineyards dotted with many châteaux, which offer a wide selection of wines for tasting. Mountains, rivers and lakes are also a rich source of great scenery and wildlife viewing among others. But, my most favorite feature of the province of Languedoc-Roussillon is the major architectural elements. The colossal architectural value to be seen has been growing for hundreds, perhaps thousands, of years.

Carcassonne is one of the most popular of the large free-standing architecture in the area. It is a perfect reproduction of the medieval fortified city whose formidable layout makes it a difficult challenge for the Marauder to attack and conquer.

The city’s history can be traced back to Roman times, before the dawn of Christianity in the country. However, the fortifications today in Carcassonne were not consolidated until 1853 when the major restoration effort took lace under the highly appreciated architect Eugène Viollet-le-Duc.

The fortified city of Carcassonne now stands on the scale of 53 towers and double wall rings. With due recognition of the genius behind the construction of this stunning castle, it was made into a UNESCO Heritage Site in 1997.

Another remarkable genius working in the area is the Canal du Midi. It is a navigable network of waterways that stretches 360 km in length linking the Mediterranean to the Atlantic Ocean, and the city of Tolulouse to the Mediterranean port of Sete.

It consists of 328 structures of locks, aqueducts, bridges and tunnels that are strategically placed in precise locations to make this extraordinary engineering masterpiece of modern times possible. Even more remarkable is the fact that it was built between 1667 and 1694.

The builders of the Canal du Midi successfully merged utility with aesthetics, has incorporated the neo-classical themes in the design of structures. The channel continued to serve commercial traffic since its opening in 1681 until drought forced its closure in 1989. Now it was a popular jaunt for tourists on luxury barges and water activities like canoeing and fishing. It was declared a UNESCO Heritage Site in 1996.

Next on the list is the Pont du Gard, a magnificent aqueduct which is regarded as a great work of art of the Roman Empire because of its outstanding stone and brickwork.

There is some debate about when the aqueduct was actually built, some say that it was started around 19 BC, but it is suggested that the building was started as early as 1 century BC. Regardless, the fact that the Pont du Gard has stood in its stately splendor for thousands of years is truly amazing .

It was originally designed to transport water from sources of Fontaines d’Eure in Uzes over the Gardon river valley to the Castellum 50 km away. But because of negligence in passing centuries, it was useless and was converted as a bridge for pedestrians in the 18th century. It was then restored in the 18th and 19th century and has served as a major tourist attraction ever since. It was added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Site back in 1985.

Other notable structures and buildings in the Languedoc-Roussillon province that should be included in any traveler’s itinerary are: Arles - Roman and Romanesque monuments dating back to the first century BC, the Roman Theater and the ancient triumphal arch of Orange and the historic buildings in Avignon.

These structures are not only a feast for the senses, but also provide a wonderful insight into the historical conditions that led them to.

Get your FREE copy of the Globe Cheap Travel Report and International Discount Vacation Tips by visiting www.GlobeCheap.com or just CLICK HERE…

Share and Enjoy:
  • Digg
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • NewsVine
  • Reddit
  • StumbleUpon
  • YahooMyWeb
  • Google
  • Yahoo! Buzz
  • TwitThis
  • Live
  • LinkedIn
  • Pownce
  • MySpace

Latest Victoria Falls In Africa Travel Tips

Posted by admin | Posted in Travel Tips | Posted on 13-05-2010

0

StopConsidered the adrenalin capital of Africa, Victoria Falls is one of the biggest waterfalls in the world and these Travel Tips will open your eyes to the wonder of this beautiful region of Africa. It is found in the Zambezi River along the borders of Zimbabwe and Zambia and aptly called by the locals as Mosi-oa-Tunya which literally means “the smoke that thunders.”

The waterfall, measuring 1,708 wide, is a gigantic curtain of falling water. Due to its size and height, it creates an almost permanent mist around it coupled with the thundering sound of rushing water.

Both of these factors combined give Victoria Falls an aura of danger and mystery, which perfectly complement the adrenalin pumping activities available in the surrounding area of the waterfall.

As a National Park and a World Heritage Site, the Victoria Falls and its natural ecosystem is remarkably preserved despite the annual surge of many tourists looking for fun and adventure.

The Zimbabwe side wins the battle of better panoramic views of the waterfall and its gorges. However, if it’s a case of which side offers the best adrenaline sports choices, its fair game between Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Whether you choose Zambia or Zimbabwe as your base, you will not be left without countless outdoor adventure options. Bungee jumping and zip-lining over the gorges, white water rafting on its rushing and turbulent waters, jungle exploration, game watching, horseback riding and elephant trekking along the waterfalls’ back trails are some of the most sought after activities in the region.

Even more daring is to stroll with lion cubs in their natural habitat. Take note, these lions are carefree and are not restrained in any way. Don’t worry though, visitors have nothing but praises for this activity. You can choose to walk with lions at Masuwe Estate, a mere 10 minutes drive from the town of Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe side. In Zambia, Thorntree Lodge at Mosi-Oa-Tunya, a mere 10 minutes from the town of Livingstone, also offers the same heart-pumping adventure.

For a bird’s eye view of the falls, you can take a ride with the Flights of Angels - a helicopter ride that will give you a perfect view of the Victoria Falls and its surroundings from high up in the sky.

A sunset river cruise is popular among young tourists, not so much because of the romantic ambiance, but for the unlimited supply of booze that goes with it. These cruises are not a time for tranquil reflection of the beauty and color of sunsets but a wild ride of party people up for a good drunken time.

A visit to surrounding towns and villages should not be missed. It will not only give you a fascinating glimpse of their culture and everyday life, it will also give you the opportunity to shop for some local handicrafts and fresh farm produce.

The Livingstone market is one of the liveliest and most colorful of nearby markets and offers for sale, almost anything that may strike your fancy, from fruits and vegetables to wooden lions and elephants. It’s also a great place to buy some bright and colorful local fabrics known as chitenge.

The Globe Cheap Travel Guide reveals how anybody can take advantage of money saving Travel Tips, through travel secrets previously only known within the travel industry.

Get your FREE copy of the Globe Cheap Travel Report by visiting www.GlobeCheap.com or just CLICK HERE…

Share and Enjoy:
  • Digg
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • NewsVine
  • Reddit
  • StumbleUpon
  • YahooMyWeb
  • Google
  • Yahoo! Buzz
  • TwitThis
  • Live
  • LinkedIn
  • Pownce
  • MySpace

Pre Travel Research Tips That You Need To Know

Posted by admin | Posted in Travel Tips | Posted on 06-05-2010

0

StopYou can not travel without any research before your trip to any foreign lands, so make sure you take note of these vital Travel Tips. Even if you want to trust others, you just can not trust telling strangers where you want to go to. You must have at least an idea of how to go about and around the place, which is just not possible if you do not know anything about it beforehand.

Many postpone the completion of investigations, as they do not know how to start and have no idea what exactly they’re investigating. Therefore, to help with this task, here are some of the necessary tips that any traveler needs to know when they are going to travel:

Knowing where you are going. You know the name of your destination and know where you are on the map. But do what we know about the place? First, check the country as a safe destination. If it is safe enough for you to go, find out their admission requirements. Need a visa? What are the requirements? What other travel documents you need to prepare?

When all these issues are resolved, knowing the weather forecast for your destination to find out what clothes to pack. You do not want to end up wearing a sleeveless shirt and jeans in freezing temperatures. Next is to know the tourist traps of the area so you are not unprepared when you get there. Learning some basic phrases in their language is also helpful.

As a security measure, you want to know the common types of diseases in the area. so that you can take preventive action to avoid getting ill along the route. Check with your doctor and find out if there are vaccine shots or any drug that must be taken before and after departure.

If you take any gadgets and gizmos, finding available electrical outlets in the country may become complicated. You may need an adapter and you will be happy to know this in advance.

If you plan to get a rental car once there, do some research on their driving needs. Is your driving license sufficient or is it necessary to obtain a special permit? Prior knowledge of road conditions and travel by road is essential.

Planning to go shopping? Research on local prices of items you are planning to purchase. This allows you to set the budget and avoid being ripped off by local suppliers. You also get an idea of how far you can go to bargain.

Finally, if you plan to visit places of historical interest, be sure to know the local festivals and find out if the site will be closed at that time. You do not want to end up against a locked door when reaching your destination.

The Globe Cheap Travel Guide reveals how anybody can take advantage of money saving Travel Tips, through travel secrets previously only known within the travel industry.


Get your FREE copy of the Globe Cheap Travel Report by visiting www.GlobeCheap.com or just CLICK HERE…

Share and Enjoy:
  • Digg
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • NewsVine
  • Reddit
  • StumbleUpon
  • YahooMyWeb
  • Google
  • Yahoo! Buzz
  • TwitThis
  • Live
  • LinkedIn
  • Pownce
  • MySpace

Travel Tips To Save Money on Cruises

Posted by admin | Posted in Travel Tips | Posted on 29-04-2010

0

StopGoing to exotic destinations and scenic is to escape the monotony and stress of daily routine. Instead of wasting time in airports or arguing with taxi drivers, many travelers have found relief from the hassle of air travel and land on ocean cruises.

What better way to travel to holiday destinations to spend a vacation in a luxury cruise? Imagine days of pampering on board waiting to get to your destination. Much better is being able to stretch your budget while you’re at it. Therefore, I will serve well to reveal some tricks on how to save money on cruises.

Book your ticket when cheaper. You do not have to pay full price to enjoy the same level of pampering on a cruise. Time is essential. Shop around for early bird specials or last minute offers. These are valid marketing campaigns to maximize sales. The cruise lines want to make sure that they will sail on a boat full. Therefore, it is likely to offer large discounts to early birds to ensure full capacity. If your quota is not reached within 30-60 days before sailing time, a call for last minute deals is more likely. When demand is low, cruise ships are more than willing to lose a few hundred dollars on your cruise fare in the hope that their purchases on board will be covered by it.

Enjoy your dollars out of the discounts and other promotions. Believe it or not, the coupons for cruises are also available online. As for the official web sites of cruise lines, and its online travel agency. Cruise companies also offer complimentary drinks, food and transportation that can save you hundreds of dollars if you are sharp enough to grab them while available.

Consider the possibility of getting into an “all inclusive” cruise. These offers all-inclusive suite includes board, meals and drinks, accommodation and flights on the ground back to its port of embarkation. All-inclusive prices not only save a few hundred dollars, but will also help meet the budget and avoid overspending on your holiday.

Book a room cheaper. The location of your suite has a significant impact on the amount of your cruise will cost you. And an outdoor balcony or suite cabins are more expensive. If you do not have to have these rooms, then opt for an inside cabin, as they are much cheaper and also save you from having to watch the stormy sea, if time does not feel like being too nice.

Finally, do not spend on plane tickets if you do not have to. Many cruise unnecessarily spend hundreds of dollars on airfare to the port options unwise. Verify that the ports are closer to you and book a cruise from there. Consider driving to his home port of shipment to save on airfare. Most ports have been allocated secure parking spaces for cruise ship passengers, so you do not have to worry about your car while you are at sea.

Finally, the stock more affordable offerings that can help you save money on cruises, to use cruise comparison sites such as Travelocity, Cruisedirect, and Priceline. Check out the available offers and calculate what is the best deal of all.

The Globe Cheap Travel Guide reveals how anybody can take advantage of money saving Travel Tips, through travel secrets previously only known within the travel industry.

Get your FREE copy of the Globe Cheap Travel Report now;-
www.GlobeCheap.com or just CLICK HERE…

Share and Enjoy:
  • Digg
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • NewsVine
  • Reddit
  • StumbleUpon
  • YahooMyWeb
  • Google
  • Yahoo! Buzz
  • TwitThis
  • Live
  • LinkedIn
  • Pownce
  • MySpace

Travel Tips For Visiting Singapore

Posted by admin | Posted in Travel Tips | Posted on 01-04-2010

0

StopSingapore is clean, modern and sleek, however, if you scratch a little deeper than the initial impression one gets when visiting Singapore, you will discover an interesting melting pot of several cultures.

As a result, Singapore, albeit small, offers a diverse selection of cultural heritages, world-renowned cuisines, shopping alternatives and entertainment options, so please read on and enjoy these Travel Tips for visiting Singapore.

The population of Singapore is composed of three major groups, the Chinese comprising a majority of the population, the Malays taking up the second highest population, followed by the Indians as the third largest group. The influences of these three diverse groups are much apparent in their respective communities within the island-state of Singapore.

Chinatown
Chinatown showcases the cultural heritage of the Chinese lineage in the well preserved storehouses and temples. Some of its major attractions include the museum Chinatown Heritage Center, the city’s oldest Hindu temple of Sri Mariamman, the city’s oldest Hokkien temple of Thian Hock Keng, and the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple housing a 27 foot Buddha and a Buddha’s tooth.

Geylang Serai
This section of Singapore was originally home to its Malay population. It is characterized by stunning period architecture with a few touches of the Malay culture. Now, it is known for a string of great food haunts for various cuisines such as Indian, Malaysian and Chinese.

Some of its attractions include the Malay Village giving visitors a glimpse of old Malay life in this small island. Traditional Malay instruments, crafts and tools are also on display at this themed attraction.

Kampong Glam

This is my favorite part of Singapore. It is lined with colorful Arab shops and bazaars as well as a good selection of Middle Eastern restaurants where you can have a relaxing time smoking shisha. Colorful and intricate fabrics and a cornucopia of trinkets line up the street.

It is also known for Haji Lane, a small backstreet offering independent fashion finds and quirky pieces of jewelry. The nearby Bali lane, is a musician’s hangout where Indie bands occasionally perform free music jams in front of Straits Records, Singapore’s famous underground record company. Other attractions include Sultan Mosque, Hajjah Fatimah Mosque and bazaars in the Bugis area.

Little India
This section of Singapore is home to many Indian families and businesses. Several Indian temples built in the late 1800s are found in the area such as goddess Kali’s Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, the Indian-Muslim Abdul Gaffoor Mosque and the Vishnu’s shrine the Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple.

A Thai Buddhist Sakyamuni Buddha Gaya Temple (or Temple of 1,000 Lights) and the Taoist Leong San See Temple are also located in the vicinity. Little India is famous for its many food stalls and vegetarian dining. Currency changers and shopping are two other reasons for most tourist visits in this area. Indian money changers are known to give good exchange rates and are patronized for this reason.

The Mustafa Center, a 24 hour mall, is located in this area offering a wide array of merchandise round the clock. You can find almost anything in this area whether textiles, clothes, make-up, scents, or DVDs among many others.

Leave yourself plenty of time to explore. It is well worth it! The Globe Cheap Travel Guide reveals how anybody can take advantage of Discount International Travel, through Travel Tips and secrets previously only known within the travel industry.

Get your FREE copy of the Globe Cheap Travel Report by visiting www.GlobeCheap.com or just CLICK HERE…

Share and Enjoy:
  • Digg
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • NewsVine
  • Reddit
  • StumbleUpon
  • YahooMyWeb
  • Google
  • Yahoo! Buzz
  • TwitThis
  • Live
  • LinkedIn
  • Pownce
  • MySpace