The Roman experience in Italy

If you are visiting Italy, there is no way you are going to miss out on the Roman experience. Rome is a trek back into time to savor its many colors and tastes. Rome cannot be described simply. It is a combination of the Renaissance, the Imperial Rome, the Rome of the Popes and the Rome of the ordinary people. It is one of Italy’s largest and most populated cities and is situated on the Tiber River. Rome is also listed as a World Heritage site by UNESCO. With a history spanning over 2000 years, Rome is a place worth visiting if only to soak in the glorious heritage of its rich and radiant past.

The Pantheon

The Pantheon - Architectural splendor in Rome

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The Pantheon is a beautiful piece of art. It is situated in the centre of Rome; in Piazza della Rotonda. It is the perfect example of Roman architecture. The stunning building also houses the grave of the famous painter, Raphel.

The Colosseum

The Colosseum

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The Colosseum was built in 80 A.D. and is over 160 feet high. It was constructed as a place for gladiator and animal fights able to house more than 50,000 spectators. It is a world famous structure and still going strong in spite of earthquakes.

Things to do

Rome is not for the laidback. It is a city filled with activity so, gear up for a tour filled with chaotic life, an experience in itself! Visit the Vatican and the Sistine Chapel. You can get to see the work of Michelangelo and Botticelli here.

See the Trevi Fountain or the Fontana di Trevi that is one of Rome’s most popular sights. It is a huge water structure constructed on a small square with the Palazzo Poli serving as its backdrop. The fountain displays the sculpture of Neptune with Abundance and Health beside it. Do throw in that coin to return to the place once again!

Take a tour of St. Peter’s Basilica which is the world’s largest Basilica of Christianity. Around a thousand people can pray in it. It is filled with frescoes, statues and beautiful paintings.

See the Piazza di Spanga or the Spanish Steps as it is commonly known. The Spanish Steps holds a fashion show once a year during summer.

How to get there

Getting around in Rome is easy as it is not a very big place. In fact, going by foot is the best option as you get to see surprising places which you may miss otherwise. However, the bus service is Rome is good too. Trains run every 7-10 minutes. The metro subway is perfect for short term visitors. Although taxis can be rented, by far, the train service is the most efficient and economical way of moving around in Rome and Italy.

Orlando - Entertainment 24X7

If you are in search of wholesome entertainment for your vacation then this time, make it to Orlando. It is one of the most popular travel destinations in the world. Located in central Florida, it is famous the world over for attractions like Disney World, Universal Studio and Sea World. Named Orlando after a brave soldier Orlando Reeves who fought during the war against the Seminole Indian in 1836, Orlando is one great place to have fun. In fact, there are so many places to see, enjoy and have fun that you might run out of time!

Orlando’s main attractions are its theme parks.

The Walt Disney World Resort is one such tourist attraction.

Walt Disney World Resort

Walt Disney World Resort

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The Walt Disney World has four theme parks with 24 onsite resorts, golf courses, water courses and interactive video game park not to leave out the shopping area. The high tech rides, the wonderful shows with the cute characters provide great entertainment to last a lifetime!

Universal Studios, Orlando

Universal Studios, Orlando

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Universal Studios in Orlando has three onsite hotels and two amusement parks offering interactive adventure rides based on movies like Shrek, Revenge of the Mummy, Jaws, Men in Black, Alien Attack, Terminator, Jurassic Park and many more interesting movies. The whole process is great fun leaving you no time to pause and wonder. Universal Express Passes are available that offer faster access to select rides.

Sea World Adventure Park

Sea World Adventure Park, Orlando

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The Park is filled with a host of things like an amusement park, aquarium, beer garden, sea lions, whales, dolphins and the ever so cute otters. The Kraken roller coaster ride is another added attraction. It is also well known for the Sea World Animal Rescue Team that rescues endangered animals and takes care of them till they are fine.

Things to Do

Take an airboat trip through the headwaters of the Florida everglades or take a helicopter or even a hot air balloon ride giving you an entirely new experience.

Dine in the various theme restaurants with food served to you from all over the globe.

Take a walk in the Lake Eola Park if the roller coasters tire you out. The Park is filled with fountains, swans and a playground. The whole family is bound to enjoy it.

Go hiking in the Ocala National Forest if you need a change from all the parks.

The Disney town of Celebration is another place that is worth visiting if you have time on your hands. The place has an interactive fountain, beautiful houses and a playground for children to play.

How to get there

You can reach Orlando at the Orlando International Airport (MCO) being ranked one of the second largest airports in the world. Within Orlando, transportation is best done by FL Tours that take you to the all the places you want to go without any hitch. Trains, buses and cruises are also available as alternative methods of travel.

The Swiss Connection in Switzerland

The Land of the Alps, Switzerland is one of the most famous tourist destinations in the entire world. It is bordered by countries like Germany, France, Austria and Italy and offers some of the most panoramic views giving you ample opportunities to ski, fish, hunt and do some boating. No wonder, people rush to Switzerland for a grand holiday, with many movies shooting some of their best shots here. It is also one of the richest countries in the world with numerous people having Swiss accounts. There is plenty that you can see in Switzerland so you need to plan your visit beforehand. Here are some of the places you just cannot not miss.

Chillon Castle

Chillon Castle

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It is one of the most famous castles in Switzerland located on the shore of Lake Geneva. It has around 100 buildings and all date way back to the 11th century related to the Savoy nobility.

Piz Gloria atop Schilthorn Mountain

Piz Gloria

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2970 m above sea level

The Piz Gloria is a revolving restaurant atop the Schilthorn Mountain in the Swiss Alps. Apart from its unique location and structure, it is well known for having been used as the shooting site for one of James Bond’s movies, ‘On Her Majesty’s Service.’ The restaurant gives you a 360 degree view of the entire place even as you dine. It is definitely, one of the most spectacular sights in Switzerland.

Chalet in Switzerland

Chalet

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No stay or visit in Switzerland is complete if you haven’t stayed in a chalet which is a traditional wooden house. It makes you feel very cozy and comfortable.

Geneva Jet D’eau

Geneva Jet D’eau

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Considered as a symbol of the land, the fountain is located in the heart of one of the main cities in Switzerland and projects water as high as 140 meters.

What not to miss out on in Switzerland

Mountain sports are one of the most popular pastimes in Switzerland. So, don’t miss out ice climbing, ski touring, glacier walking and snowboarding.

Do take a ride in one of the world’s highest aerial cable cars up the Little Matterhorn at Zermatt.

Enjoy some of the country’s street parades or theatre performances.

Go lake cruising or ferrying on lakes like Lake Zurich, Lake Geneva, or Lake Constance.

Travel by the Glacier Express, one of Europe’s greatest rail journeys.

Traveling in Switzerland

Traveling in Switzerland is one of the smoothest and comfortable things that you will ever experience here. The public transport is clean, clear and punctual. You can get discount options on tickets for buses, trains or bike rentals. Driving by car is also one of the best ways to explore the country.

Currency

All ATMs accept foreign cards so getting cash is no problem. Although Switzerland is not part of the European Union, almost all public places like restaurants, supermarkets and the like accept Euro. Of course, the currency basically used here is the Swiss franc.

Best Known Products

If you are here in Switzerland how can you not have a look or purchase some of the world’s best known Swiss watches (Rolex, Omega), the famous Swiss chocolates (Nestle is a Swiss company by the way), the delicious Swiss cheese and of course the impressive Swiss knives!

Madagascar - The Land of The White Pygmies

One of the fourth largest islands in the world, Madagascar is surrounded by beautiful beaches and palm trees filled with natural reserves, grassy plateaus and dense forests. The Republic of Madagascar lies in the Indian Ocean separated from the African mainland by the 248 mile wide Mozambique Channel. The eco tourist friendly place is fun to enjoy amidst beautiful flowering plants natural history and a great place to explore and have an adventure of a lifetime.

Antananarivo

Antananarivo - Capital city of Madagascar

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The place retains most of its French flavor with French being the main language spoken here. Even the road and shop signs are in French.

Anjajavy Reserve

Anjajavy Reserve

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This is the best place to not only enjoy the natural habitat but also the natural history of the place. It is a nicely preserved habitat of dry deciduous forest with a lot of mouse lemurs, Coquerel’s sifaka, chameleons and the Madagascan fish eagle and of course the lovely beaches.

Ankarana Reserve

Ankarana Reserve

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Situated 65 km south of Diego Suarez, it has a plateau made of limestone in the shape of a fortress decorated with fields of pinnacles. You can find subterranean rivers, caves and passages underneath the plateau.

Mahajanga

Mahajanga - Town of Flowers

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Mahajanga, situated at the mouth of the Betsiboka River is a wonderful place to be in surrounded by shaded arcades, flowering bougainvillea shrubs and pre-colonial architecture. The place also has many churches and mosques.

Ambohimanga

Ambohimanga

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Ambohimanga is the birthplace of Malagasy state and is a significant Merina stronghold. The citadel’s main gate is a huge stone disc.

Markets of Madagascar

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The markets here are full of life with the various colors and scents. In fact, the daily Zoma Market is stated to be the second largest in the world. Other busy and interesting markets are the Bazary Be and the Toamasina Market which is the country’s main port.

Things to do

Visit the country’s national monument in Antananarivo which is the Queen’s Palace and the Royal Palace or Rova said to be occupied by the Merina Dynasty in the 19th century.

Don’t miss out on Ampefy which is a volcanic region with beautiful waterfalls and a natural reserve, Perinet that has innumerable species of orchid and the indri or the tailless lemur.

For those interested in water sports, try water skiing or sailing at Lake Mantasoa, Andraikiba Lake and Ramona. You can also do some river rafting in the Highlands and on the East Coast.

Relax on the innumerable beaches like for instance the one in Antseranana which is a cosmopolitan seaport overlooking lakes, waterfalls and grottoes.

Do snorkeling and diving at the tourist friendly place like Nosy Be.

How to get there

Madagascar can be reached by air anytime. Air Madagascar offers many frequent air services to and fro. Moving around in Madagascar can be done by the many coastal transport services. Small boat safaris are also available. Other modes of travel are the bus, train, taxi and rickshaw. Car and bikes are also available on hire to make your ride more personal and convenient.

Eastern Cape – The Land of The Great Karoo

Filled with sunshine the whole year around, the Eastern Cape is one great place to go for a vacation. If it is the seaside you are searching for or beautiful greenery and unspoiled areas of natural beauty then, the Eastern Cape is the place for you. A great hit amongst people wanting to get away from hurried, strenuous city life, the Eastern Cape serves as a respite with its innumerable mountains, game reserves, beaches and beautiful landscape. It is the second largest of South Africa’s nine provinces with world famous leaders like Nelson Mandela born here.

Port Elizabeth

Friendly City, Port Elizabeth

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The capital city of Eastern Cape is called so because it offers fun and attraction for families interested in a nice vacation filled with wildlife, nature trails and plenty of water sports. Port Elizabeth is the largest city on the coast between Cape Town and Durban.

Karoo Heartland

‘Dry heart’ of South Africa

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The large open spaces, the mountains, the towns and villages embedded with history and tradition and the beautiful sunsets personify all that is Eastern Cape in South Africa. The beauty of the rocky mountains and the succulents apart from the varies animals make a visit to Karoo Heartland a great experience.

Things to do

Don’t miss out on East London, the only river port city here filled with wide unending stretches of white beaches. The place boasts of its African lineage very harmoniously revealing its English and German connections too. People are very friendly here adding to your holiday pleasure.

Do visit Sunshine Coast that is filled with beaches, water sports, sheltered coves and the nature reserves. Its main charm is that it is yet to get commercialized unlike other tourist destinations.

Visit the Addo Elephant Park which also contains the Sundays River Valley a, crook formed within the Elephant Park.

Visit the Nelson Mandela Museum in Qunu which gives you an insight into the life of the man who freed mankind from the shackles of discrimination. See the Bhunga Building in Umtata, Mvezo, the birthplace of Mandela and Qunu, a village where the Youth and Heritage Center stands today.

Don’t miss Tsitsikamma which is a splendid piece of land surrounded by ancient trees and homes of wild animals. Gorges carve their way out through the mountains and trickle into clean streams, pools and even waterfalls. The Storms River is one such river. Canopy tours are available here.

Play with real lion cubs in the Seaview Lion Park in Port Elizabeth. Other animals like the giraffe, zebra, duiker monkeys and other species walk freely in this natural reserve.

Tstisikamma - place of abundant water

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How to get there

The airports are at Port Elizabeth and East London. When you get into Eastern Cape, moving around in a car is the best option especially between cities and towns. Minibuses are also available for longer distances. The train service is best suited for areas like the Wild Coast for the beautiful scenery otherwise; road travel is the best here.

Tags: Addo Elephant Park, Bhunga Building, East London, Eastern Cape, Karoo, Port Elizabeth, Qunu, Seaview Lion Park, South Africa, Sundays River Valley, Tsitsikamma

Pretty Venice: Land of Canals and Churches

Filled with attractive and beautiful monuments, Venice is one of the most important cities of Italy and of course, one of the most famous tourist destinations the world over. Its history dates back to more than 1,500 years old connecting about 117 islands with about 150 canals, around 400 bridges and innumerable ancient pavements and landmarks that still attract visitors in hordes. For those looking for a place that offers interesting towns, beautiful Gothic architecture, delicious Italian cuisine and of course most venerated and spectacular churches then, Venice is the place to go.

St. Mark’s Basilica (Basilica San Marco)

Cathedral of Venice

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It is one of the most famous sights in Venice dedicated to St. Mark in the 9th century. The church is a real masterpiece with beautiful carvings and statutes with five large domes. For those interested in having a view from the roof, a lift takes you up from where you can get a beautiful view above the lagoons and rooftops.

The Grand Canal

The Grand Canal - Connecting the City

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The heart of Venice lies in the Grand Canal that is actually a long stretch of water running throughout the city. It is also referred to as ‘the most beautiful street in the whole of Venice.’

Rialto Bridge

Rialto Bridge - The first bridge built atop the Grand Canal

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The Rialto Bridge was the first stone bridge to replace the earlier wooden bridge on the Grand Canal and was constructed by Anotnio da Ponte (Anthony of the Bridge). It is one of the cities most famous bridges with the commercial hub operating right from there. The surrounding area is bustling with activity especially the ever popular fruit and vegetable market apart from the Fondaco dei Tedeschi or the central post office.

Doge’s Palace (Palazzo Ducale)

Doge’s Palace (Palazzo Ducale)

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Situated just next to St. Basilica, it is a must see in Venice. It is one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture with the waterfront view simply splendid. Constructed initially as a fortress in the 9th century, the building now includes the Scala d’Oro that is a huge ceremonial staircase and the Sala del Maggior Consiglio that is actually a Grand Council Chamber. Many paintings are also on display so a tour of this place is a must as it serves as a memorable museum of sorts.

Things to do

The first thing that you need to do here in Venice is to take a Grand Canal tour on a ‘vaporetti’ or water bus. It will surely be one of the most romantic and beautiful rides that you ever had.

Visit St. Mark’s Square or the Piazza San Marco which is a popular tourist attraction with cafes, live music and the general busy life dominant here. The Square is surrounded by beautiful buildings on all three sides making the visit all the more worthwhile.

Watch a glass blowing demonstration or glass sculpture on Murano Island.

Visit Burano Island filled with brightly colored buildings.

Take a hike on Torcello Island to see a nature reserve and beautiful scenery.

How to get there

The Venice Marco Polo Airport serves a number of domestic and international flights. Getting around in Venice is easy with sights within walking distance. While walking is a good way to find your way around (with a map of course), water buses, water taxis, gondolas are the most common means of getting around in the city. Of course, regular taxis, buses and trains are also available, but the heart of the city is by water travel.

Tasmania - The Land of the Tasmanian Devil

Ask any child about the Tasmanian Devil and he is bound to identify the cartoon character on television. But, Tasmania is much more than this national emblem and its natural heritage called the Tasmanian Tiger. Situated 200 km south of Australia, Tasmania or Tassie as it is affectionately known is all about exotic sceneries, beautiful beaches, caves and gorgeous surf and a fun place to have the greatest adventure of your life. Combining modern facilities like restaurants, shopping centers, nightclubs and historic sites, Tasmania is all that you wanted to experience during a vacation not to mention the famous Wines of Tasmania and the Tasmanian Apples.

Cradle Mountain National Park

Waterfall - Cradle Mountain National Park

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Cradle Mountain Park with the Dove Lake and the Lake St. Clair National Park with their alpine peaks and beautiful lakes make it one of the most popular tourist destinations in Tasmania. As you take a leisurely walk you can experience and enjoy the natural beauty. What makes it all appealing is that there are a lot of places like the beaches for instance that are not crowded giving you more opportunities to appreciate the soothing atmosphere.

Port Arthur

Port Arthur

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Port Arthur is a historic site bringing alive the ruins of a cruel criminal colony in Tasmania where prisoners were sent. The place stands today as a reminiscence of survival. Today, the place is surrounded by impressive architecture and beautiful gardens and a museum.

The Tasmanian Tiger

The Tasmanian Tiger

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The Tasmanian Tiger is a national emblem of Tasmania. It became extinct due to the European settlers way back. Another Tasmanian creature facing threat is the Tasmanian Devil. A Tasmanian Devil Conservation Park exists in Tasmania especially to make the people aware of its existence and the importance of preserving it.

Things to Do

Tasmania is a great place for people interested in adventure sports. You can have fun kayaking, river rafting, jump falls, climbing, hang gliding, jet boating, sailing, golf and fishing.

Don’t miss out on visiting wineries like the Cascade Brewery which is Australia’s oldest operating brewery against the background of the Mount Wellington and untouched forest area.

Take a river cruise through the beautiful Gordon river from Strahan and enjoy the rainforest with the river flowing below.

Take a walk around Sullivan’s Cove and the Salamanca Markets. Many fishing boats, tall-masted wooden vessels and millionaire yachts come there. There are shops selling craft materials apart from coffee shops and eateries so you can have fun shopping and dining too.

Visit Hobart, the capital of Tasmania located down below Mount Wellington and Mount Nelson. Here, you get to experience the urban side of Tasmania with restaurants, shopping malls, clubs and other facilities available.

How to reach there

You can reach Tasmania by flight and with numerous flights available to and fro Tasmania making the place a well sought after economical destination. Getting around Tasmania is easy with buses run by Metro Tasmania being the largest passenger transport company in Tasmania. Cars (both public and private) are also available on hire.

Scintillating Sydney - The Harbour City

Sydney is one of the most well known cities in the world. It is situated in the state of New South Wales in Australia with its population comprising mainly of migrants and international students. The Portuguese, Chinese and the Brazilians live harmoniously in this easily navigable place of Sydney. Most people use this as the main entrance for Australia. The city has a lot to offer to the common tourist. It is a great place for both outdoor and indoor activities so you are bound to like the place and keeping coming back for more!

Sydney

Sydney, Australia

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Those visiting Sydney for the first time must visit the Centre Point Tower which gives a 360 degree view from above giving you the idea of Sydney as a whole.

Beach of Bondi

Beach of Bondi

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Things to do

Circular Quay can be the next place to visit as it is located just in front of downtown. Here, you can also get to see the Opera House which is a huge structure with a very impressive roof. The Harbour Bridge is another place worth visiting. The Rocks is one place visitors may find interesting as it was here that Captain Cook landed.

Do visit the Beach of Bondi which is one the most famous beaches of Australia. It is a great place to have fun playing volleyball, windsurfing, kayaking and surfing. When you come out on the streets of Bondi, you are greeted with innumerable cafes and night clubs so you are bound to have a great time on the whole.

See Darling Harbour that is another tourist attraction with one of the best salt water aquariums in the world.

Visit the Powerhouse which is a museum exclusively for machines and technology oriented stuff.

If you are in Sydney you are bound to indulge in some shopping. You can do your shopping in the Shopping Complex near the Great Barrier Reef. All kinds of souvenir shops are there exclusively for tourists. Visit the Paddington Craft Market and the Glebe second-hand market. You will enjoy it. And yes, don’t miss out on the Sydney Fish Market which is one of the biggest fish market in the Southern Hemisphere.

As you get out of Sydney, the spectacular gorges and beautiful mountains of the Blue Mountains will make you feel good. A cable car will give you beautiful sights in the Blue Mountain. The Great Diving Range is also nearby which are the biggest ranges in Australia.

How to get there

The best way to move around in Sydney will be either by foot or by public buses and ferries. They are easily affordable and efficient. The public bus system and the public city rail trains in Sydney help you get around quickly. Look out for the yellow and green ferries which are one of the most convenient ways to get around Sydney and other nearby destinations.

The Land of the Vietnam War

If all you know about Vietnam is the Vietnam War that took place ages ago, you cannot be blamed. Today however, Vietnam, stretching over 1,800 km up the eastern coast of Indochina is no longer the victimized land of war. It is a popular tourist destination where people not only come to honor those who died in the war but also experience beautiful authenticity of the Vietnamese culture, their traditions, the exquisite scenery, architecture and the hustle bustle of everyday Vietnamese life. The very fact that Vietnam is often opted for as a travel destination makes it a place worth visiting and experiencing.

Hanoi

Hanoi - Capital city of Vietnam

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It is the best way to experience a new way of life along the banks of the Red River which is set amidst yellow stucco buildings bordering streets with leaves. The Art Museum also stands here which has on display sculptures, paintings and other artifacts. You can also visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum where people pay respects to the leader. The city is a striking combination of the old and the new, the ancient and the modern with French colonialism architecture standing tall with the high rise steel and glass buildings.

War Remnants Museum

War Remnants Museum - Historical importance

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No trip to Vietnam is complete without a visit to the War Remnants Museum which gives an insight into the Vietnam War.

Reunification Palace

Reunification Palace - Symbol of a past history

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This palace served as a government building during the Vietnam War and represents in many ways as a symbol of the war in 1966. Its historical importance cannot be underplayed.

Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City -The business hub of Vietnam

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Also known as Saigon, most visitors visit Ho Chi Minh City when they land in Vietnam. Not only is the place filled with impressive architecture influenced by the French, there are also numerous hotels and other facilities to attract the tourists.

Cho Ben Thanh Market

Cho Ben Thanh Market - Authentic Vietnam

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For those interested in the real Vietnam experience, visiting the Cho Ben Thanh Market is a real must. Souvenirs, various types of food and animals are right there in the market and you can immerse yourself in the flavor of the Vietnam way of life.

Things to Do

Visit Binh Tay, a place filled with attractive little shops and teahouses.

A visit to a local neighborhood like for Cholon District 5 is a must as it gives you an idea of authentic Vietnam traditions.

If you are interested in hiking, then make it to Dalat which is a popular place to indulge in some climbing in the mountains, having a walk around Emperor Bao Dai’s Summer Palace or even horse riding.

Visit Halong where you can tour about 3000 islands around the Gulf of Tonkin by paddle wheeler or by high speed boat and have a great time exploring the beaches and the grottos.

Vietnam is a great place to grab hold of a bicycle and ride long distance.

Visit the Cao Dai Temple in Tay Ninh.

How to get there

Vietnam Airlines is the best way to reach Vietnam. Regular services are there and that include helicopter and express boats. Within the country, you can use the rail transport system or even buses, motorbikes and cycle rickshaws.

The Balinese Adventure in Indonesia

Bali has that magical and mythological feel to it and why not? It is a land filled with ancient temples, volcanic lakes, beautiful architecture and religious festivals. Bali is a land with ethnic culture and beautiful color. It is one of the several islands of Indonesia, situated between the islands Java and Nusa. The Balinese people are well known for their ethnicity and their creativity. In spite of modern influences, Bali has retained much of its ancient lineage in the form of sculptures, paintings and art and culture.

Pura Besakih

Mother Temple of Bali, Indonesia

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This thousand year old temple is one of the biggest temples in Bali. It is situated on the slopes of Mt. Agung. There are three main temples dedicated to the Trinity: Shiva, Brahma and Vishnu. A visit to the temple is considered a special pilgrimage for the people of Bali.

Terraced rice paddies

Terraced Rice Paddies

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A beautiful landscape between Candidasa and Amalpura.

Tanah Lot

Sea Temple of Bali

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Built by one of the last priests who came to Java in the 16th century, this temple is built on top of a rock surrounded by sea on all sides. The temple is mainly to offer homage to the guardian spirits of the sea.

Gunung Batur

This is the shadow of where we’re standing.

Gunung Batur - Symbolic of the female element

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It is one of the still active volcanoes at an altitude of 5,635 feet and considered one of the second holiest mountains on the island.

Ubud

Center of Balinese paintings

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Ubud’s Museum, Purl Lukisan is a wonderful place to observe and appreciate the Balinese art. Art work of famous artists like Hans Snel, Antonio Blanco and Arie Smith can also be seen here.

Things to do in Bali

Though only an island, Bali has innumerable activities that can be indulged in.

Don’t miss out on the many beautiful beaches here like those of Nusa Dua, Sanur and Kuta. You can laze around here.

Shop for exotic items made of wood, leather, carvings and stone. Bali is well known for its exquisite handicrafts, antiques, artifacts, stone carvings, paintings and masks. There are lots you can choose from.

Have fun tasting the many different dishes made out of the staple food of Bali – rice.

Go for submarine diving or take a walk in the ocean. If possible, try out white water rafting.

For the adventurous, bungee jumping and surfing are great options while those wanting an aerial view of all the exotic scenery can go for a helicopter ride.

Currency

Foreign currencies can be easily exchanged here with ATMs available in most places.

Traveling in Bali

Traveling in Bali is simple and uncomplicated. You can make use of buses, mini buses and bemos (actually a minibus or van with a row of low seats on either side) to move about within towns. Cars can also be hired and motorcycles used but do be wary when you are going alone as you need to be careful when you are on your own.

Be Aware While in Europe

Traveling to Europe can be a very rewarding experience if you plan carefully. I myself have made many trips to Germany and Holland, and quite a few times I have had problems of one kind or another, most which would not have happened if I had better foresight/ better planning.

Plan for the Euro Exchange. Your budget can be butchered by the unseemly high cost in tourist areas. Case in point while shopping in Frankfurt, I decided to take a break and sit down. I just happen to sit down in front of a Pizza Hut, a short while latter a waitress came out and ask if I wanted anything? So I thought what the heck I’m thirsty so I asked for a Coke. She came back with a .5 liter (16 oz.) glass of coke and ice. I enjoyed the tasty glass of pop and was ready to leave so I went to the window to pay for my drink.

5 Euro, Please she says. 5 Euro? You must have made a mistake, I just ordered a drink! I replied, She kindly pointed to the menu board behind her, and sure enough.5-Euro for an Lg.Coke. Which is about $6.25 USD for a Coke, I couldn’t believe it. The rest of my time in Germany was a lot like that, 35-50-euro for half-day stuff like small museums and tours, 70-120-euro for full day attractions. It kind of makes Disney’s $53.00 tickets look very cheap.

My solution to this price Dilemma was to do more local shopping and less sight seeing. A local mart sells 1 liter of Coke for 1.20- euro. And local stores are reasonably priced and there a great place to pick up sovereigns, Cheap! If you are wealthy this article might not apply to you however if you have to watch wasteful spending. Keep a close eye on the Euro Dollar. And plan for the extras. Watch the extra percents that you lose when exchanging your Dollars for euro-dollars and then when you spend the euro dollar. In general every time you spend 1-euro it could cost you $1.60 USD. Depending how you get charged at the exchange window and then the exchange rate. Some banks and few ATMs don’t charge for the conversion.

Plan for Safety while traveling in Europe, Train Stations are a haven for the homeless and vagabonds. Watch your pockets and your Bags. Never leave your luggage for a second, keep your hands on your bags while around the train stations.

Beware of Taxi Drivers abroad. In my experience a good percent of taxi drivers are what I can only describe as gypsies. Some of these operators have scams for all occasions, anything from their kid hiding in the trunk going thru your bags or just driving around pretending not to know where your building is, running up the fare. Needless to say don’t put your purse down and don’t flash things like wallet, passports, airline tickets, even wearing a lot of jewelry can be trouble. One other thing to remember is to read the Taxi’s number and time of day, and traveling late at night is always a bad idea.

JD Power & Associates Reports on European Hotel Satisfaction

While overall satisfaction among European hotel guests appears to have remained stable after achieving a five-year high in 2009, satisfaction with the rest of the guest experience has declined notably, when the benefit of lower guest room rates is removed, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2010 European Hotel Guest Satisfaction Index Study released today.  While these declines occur in three of four hotel segments included in the study, satisfaction in the economy segment has increased. The study, now in its sixth year, examines the overall satisfaction of European hotel guests based on seven measures (in order of importance): guest room; costs and fees; hotel facilities; check-in/check-out; food and beverage; hotel services; and reservations. Thirty-six hotel brands are measured and ranked in four segments: upper upscale, upscale, mid-scale full service and economy.

Overall satisfaction across the industry remains flat in 2010, averaging 745 on a 1,000-point scale, compared with 746 in 2009. In three of the four segments—upper upscale, upscale and mid-scale full-service—satisfaction has declined in all measures except cost and fees.  Throughout the economic downturn, many hoteliers reduced operational costs amid declining demand and lower rates.  After overall satisfaction peaked to a five-year high in 2009, reductions in areas such as hotel staffing and services and deferred investments in facilities have manifested in lower satisfaction scores in these areas in 2010. The economy segment, however, has demonstrated improvement in the areas of guest room; facilities and services; and costs and fees.

“When the industry begins to recover and occupancy and room rates increase, the positive halo effect from lower costs and fees will wear off and reveal deficiencies in services and facilities even more starkly,” said Stuart Greif, vice president and general manager of the global travel and hospitality practice at J.D. Power and Associates. “It will be critically important for hoteliers to make catch-up investments to improve the guest experience as the market improves. Understandably, hoteliers will want to hold off on increasing costs until absolutely necessary.  Those hoteliers that best manage the balance stand to benefit, while those that do not respond quickly enough risk losing more than the satisfaction of their guests–they risk losing guests to competitors.”
Upper Upscale Segment

Steigenberger Hotels and Resorts ranks highest in the upper upscale segment for a third consecutive year, performing particularly well in six of the seven measures that drive overall satisfaction: check in/check out; guest room; hotel facilities; food and beverage; hotel services; and costs and fees. Maritim Hotels and Sheraton Hotels & Resorts, respectively, follow in the segment rankings. Maritim Hotels performs particularly well in the reservations measure.
Upscale Segment

Among upscale hotel brands, Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts ranks highest in guest satisfaction for a second consecutive year and performs particularly well in five of the seven measures: check-in/check-out; guest room; food and beverage; hotel services; and hotel facilities. Following in the segment rankings are Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts and Iberostar Hotels & Resorts, respectively. Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts performs particularly well in the reservations measure, while Iberostar Hotels & Resorts performs well in the cost and fees measure.
Mid-Scale Full Service Segment

Improving from seventh rank position in 2009, Scandic ranks highest in guest satisfaction in the mid-scale full service segment. Scandic performs particularly well in two measures: check-in/check-out and hotel services. Best Western and Park Inn follow in the segment rankings, in a tie. Best Western performs particularly well in the food and beverage measure, while Park Inn performs well in the cost and fees measure.
Economy Segment

In the economy segment, Premier Inn ranks highest for a third consecutive year and performs particularly well in six of the seven measures: reservations; check-in/check-out; guest room; food and beverage; hotel facilities; and costs and fees. B&B Hôtels and Comfort Inn, respectively, follow in the segment rankings. B&B Hôtels performs particularly well in the reservations and hotel services measures.

The study finds that the availability of Internet service at hotel properties has become increasingly important to guest loyalty and advocacy rates. Hotel guest usage of Internet services has more than doubled during the past five years, from 17 percent in 2005 to 36 percent in 2010. When guests experience a problem with the Internet connection at their hotel, their likelihood to return to the property and to recommend the brand to others decline by approximately one-half, on average.

“Hotel guests expect Internet connections to be a staple of their hotel room—just as they would expect toiletries, a television and hot water,” said Mark Schwartz, director of the global hospitality and travel practice at J.D. Power and Associates. “Hoteliers that are unable to reliably deliver this service risk losing business.”

The study also includes the following key findings:

*    Among hotel guests who pay extra for Internet connectivity, satisfaction with cost and fees averages nearly 40 points lower than among customers for whom Internet service was included with their room rate.
*    When hotel guests have positive interactions with hotel staff, each interaction increases overall satisfaction by 27 points, on average. In addition, each positive staff interaction increases customer advocacy and loyalty rates by an average of seven percentage points.
*    Guests of luxury hotel properties have the highest rates of hotel staff interaction, averaging three interactions per stay. In contrast, guests of economy hotels experience 1.4 interactions per stay, on average.

The 2010 European Hotel Guest Satisfaction Index Study is based on responses from more than 14,000 guests who stayed at a hotel in Europe between July and September. The study was fielded between August and September.

Best Hotels in Italy

There's something about Italy which cannot be described in words and sketched in your imagination. No book, no well-researched article and not even a full documented program on the Travel & living channel can do the justice to the beauty of Italy. One has to actually fly off to Italy to gasp! at its splendors and spectacular views. No wonder, the Italian wedding of Tom Cruise and George Clooney's eye-popping villa in Italy, justifies that this European country can make tourists go weak on their knees. Popular Italian cities like Venice, Florence, Rome and Tuscany offers spectrum of attractions. Being one of the world's most sought after tourist destinations, Italy welcomes flurry of tourists every year in its best hotels.

The best hotels in Italy offer premium accommodation to the enthusiastic travelers and make their travel trip in Italy, a pleasant experience. We have short listed some of the best hotels in Italy-

Grand Hotel Atlantis Bay
Taormina, Sicily, Italy

Grand Hotel Atlantis Bay was built in 1960 and recently went under the renovation to match up the classic luxury standards. There are total 8 suites and all the rooms are fully furnished and spangled with necessary amenities to make the guest's stay comfortable and luxurious. Air-conditioned rooms, mini-bar, color TV with satellite, hair dryer, wi-fi, hotel bar, discreet cocktails and musical notes played by the pianist at the background are some of the comforting amenities that guests can always look forward to enjoy here.

Aldrovandi Palace 5 stars luxury
Rome, Italy

Located in the historic area of the historic Rome, between the Villa Borghese Gardens and the Borghese Gallery, The Aldrovandi Palace Hotel is a graceful 19th century residence which is a privately managed grand hotel. Furnished in accordance with the 19th century splendor, the hotel features authentic pieces of antique furniture and luxurious fabrics. Rooms are air conditioned with needful amenities and give delightful views. The hotel boasts eight magnificent conference and banquet halls for its business travelers.

Hotel Splendide Royal Rome
Rome, Italy

Luxurious, regal and colossal defines the worth of Hotel Splendide Royal in Rome. It is a luxury five star hotel, which was a 19th century palace remodeled into a luxury hotel. Spacious architecture, richness in style, immaculate interiors and world class amenities adds a lot of grandeur to this hotel's name, which convinces travelers to opt this place for their stay. The hotel offers premium accommodation in its 52 rooms including 17 suites.

Villa La Massa
Florence-Candeli, FI, Italy

Step into the fascinating 16th century's Medicean Villa La Massa and you know premium luxury awaits you. The Villa La Massa was turned into a luxury hotel in 1948 and offers lodging space in its 37 rooms including 10 suites to repose and retreat.

Grand Hotel Quisisana
Capri (Napoli)

The Grand Hotel Quisisana is a five star luxury and with its top-notch facilities, it joins the list of best hotels in Italy. Originally a sanatorium built in 1845 by Scottish doctor George Clark- The Quisisana is a symbol of Capri and has total 150 rooms, including suites and junior suites. The hotel's facilities include a gym, massage, sauna, Turkish and whirlpool baths, open air pool, a cozy indoor one, and two tennis courts.

Half board rate Europe: Breakfast & Dinner

Europe Playa Marina Hotel offers 159 rooms, all recently renovated which are distributed on 6 floors divided into two wings of the hotel; all with sea views to Mallocar bay or the calas. All the rooms are similarly decorated, keeping the Mediterranean style with warm colors and comfortable furniture. Each one have air-conditioning, mini bar, satellite TV, a large closet with safety deposit box, a direct line telephone and a complete bathroom with hairdryer, amenities, bathtub, bidet and huge mirror. 148 are double room with a twin bed, sofa bed for one and a dressing table with mirror, and a balcony with sea views. 11 are Junior Suites, with large living rooms which are well furnished with a sofa bed for two. Separated from the living room, the main room offers a twin bed, complete bathroom and a large balcony to enjoy spectacular sea views.

Hotels in Moscow: 3900 rooms in development

In Moscow in the next couple of years will appear at least 3,900 new hotel rooms. This number is mentioned in the projects of new hotels to be built or already under construction in the Russian capital.

According to the report of the American marketing agency STR Global, hotels in Moscow on the projected number of rooms occupy third place in Europe. Among recent high-profile projects in the hotel market in Moscow is hotel complex at Vnukovo airport, which will be created within the program of modernizing the airport.

First place in the ranking of STR Global, this time won London hotels. Capital of the United Kingdom, which in 2012 will host the Olympics, shows one of the highest rates of building hotels in the world. Already, the number of hotel rooms in London that are either just designed, or are actively being built, according to STR Global is more than 9700. Second place is occupied by the German capital Berlin. In Berlin, the total number of hotel rooms in development is amounted to 4.469.

Global hotel market is still far from stability, despite optimistic forecasts of several hotel chains and an increase in construction of hotels in China and India. Hotels in Europe show a decline that is evidenced by the policies of many large European hotel chains. Thus, the giant Accor had to get rid of much of its European portfolio in order to carry out large-scale expansion in the markets of Southeast Asia and India.

In the Old World, perhaps, only Britain can be called a rapidly growing hotel market. The report of STR Global provides for the figures of more than 28,000 designed hotel rooms. The report says that 10,000 hotel rooms in Britain are in varying degrees of construction. In total in Europe STR Global counted more than 120,000 hotel rooms that are either planned or under construction.

Hyatt, Carlson sign hotel deals in India, China

Hyatt Hotels Corp and Carlson on Wednesday unveiled plans to expand their Asian hotels businesses, showing that hoteliers are continuing to grow in India and China as the United States and Europe recover from the financial crisis.

Hyatt said it has 11 new hotel management agreements in China, doubling its total number of contracts there to 22. Travel and hospitality company Carlson said it will open eight hotels in India this year and plans to add at least another 15 in 2011.Lodging companies like these emerging markets where potential demand for hotel rooms outstrips supply.

About a quarter of Hyatt's hotels are outside North America, and it runs 17 hotels in China. It said the new agreements are for properties in growing Chinese cities like Dalian, Qingdao and Wenzhou.

The company said four China hotels Park Hyatt Ningbo, Hyatt Regency Jinan, Hyatt Regency Guiyang and Hyatt Regency Qingdao are slated to open in 2011, with an additional nine properties expected to open in 2012.

Privately held Carlson, which operates Radisson and Country Inns & Suites by Carlson, said it plans to have more than 100 hotels in operation in India by 2015.

Properties expected to open this year include the 178-room Radisson Hotel New Delhi Paschim Vihar, the 120-room Radisson Hotel Rudrapur and the 73-room Country Inn & Suites Gurgaon Sector 12.

Carlson operates about 1,075 hotels worldwide. Hyatt, which went public last year, has a portfolio of 445 properties, with more located in China than any other country except the United States.

Top Tourist Destination in Vietnam

Vietnam is one of the most popular of all tourist destinations, with a loyal following of regular returning visitors. The journey through the full length of the country is particularly popular, and the Mekong river trips are famous.

Vietnam is also one of the oldest, most diverse cultural mixes in Asia. Vietnam has a fascinating 2700 year history which has shaped its character. Every part of Vietnam has an incredible story to tell.

Many of Vietnam’s regular visitors have their favorite places, tours and journeys. It’s that sort of place, a preferred destination. Some people even do bicycle tours of the whole country, on a regular basis.

Luxury hotels in Vietnam have helped promote its tourism internationally, and have created a high standard of service and amenities. Resort accommodation of various kinds are also of a very high standard. In Vietnam there’s an endless choice of incredible beach resorts and the equally stunning mountain and inland hostels.

Hanoi

Hanoi is now a modern, bustling city with excellent accommodation, luxury hotels and resorts. That appearance is slightly misleading. It’s also an ancient city, and has a history that predates many Western nations. Hanoi tour packages are creative and imaginative and do justice to the past and the present. (Also check out the Ha Long Bay tours from Hanoi. Ha Long Bay is another gem in Vietnam’s north.)

Danang

Danang is another of the older cities in Vietnam in the central part of the country, and it’s something special. Danang has both incredible beaches and a backdrop of mountain and an inland area which is a trip in itself. Resorts in Danang are world class, and it’s a good place to base yourself for exploring Vietnam.

Not to be missed are the Marble Mountains, a place near Danang, an area of five marble and limestone mountains named after the traditional elements, fire, air, earth, water and wood. It’s also the home of brilliant sculpture, and if you’re looking for value you’ll find it there.

Hoi An

Just south of Danang is Hoi An. This place looks like it’s part of China, and its cultural history includes Chinese, Cham, and the Sa Huynh (Yellow Sand) people. This was part of the Champa Empire, early Vietnam’s southern neighbor.Hoi An, like Danang, has excellent resorts. This is a very peaceful place, with both modern facilities and a traditional environment.

Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, the old southern capital, has an astonishing history. It shows with every step through the city. The architecture, a mix of French colonial and modern, with an always interesting overlay of the indelible Vietnamese characteristics, is a tour of itself.

The Mekong

This is also the Mekong delta zone, where you can find the popular Mekong River with the big, famous, and irresistibly likeable riverboats. The giant Mekong River is justly famous for its own culture, a true international river running through six countries with a culture dating back for millennia.

Vietnam is truly loved by its regular visitors with superb resort accommodation and facilities. One trip there, and you’ll see why.

Top Tourist Destination in Oman

Oman is a unique, vibrant and exciting place. It’s one of the lesser known jewels of world travel, with a combination of wild natural environments and ancient and modern human history which could fill a library. The accommodation, resorts and hotels in Oman are excellent, and in many cases brand new. It’s becoming a tourist haven, and rightly so.

Things to do

This is a country for the true traveler-explorer. If you’re the adventurous type who also doesn’t mind having some luxury hotels and resorts handy, Oman has everything you could want. You can spend a long time here, just enjoying yourself. Decide what you want, then do it.

Places to go

Middle East fans will tell you that it’s like exploring a new world. That’s a pretty good description of the experience. Oman is the sort of place where even just planning the trip is fun.

Sohar

Sohar is in the north, on the coast. It’s the classic Arabian peninsula scene, a dazzling desert and a blue sea. Sohar is a very modern city, highly developed, but retaining the elegance of the true Gulf cultures. The history of this area goes back 5000 years! It’s the sort of place where you really want to go sight seeing, and checking out the incredible mix of the very old and the ultra modern.

Masirah

If you want elegance, unspoiled beaches and great resort accommodation in the middle of a wildlife reserve, you need to see Masirah Island. This is a true “desert island”, beautiful, peaceful, and the sort of place where a holiday really feels like a holiday. You can go sailing on ancient seas, or just lap up the comfort, food and tranquility to your heart’s desire. This is the sort of resort island where you simply have no choice but to enjoy having the time of your life.

Ancient Oman

Oman is definitely a must see place for the culture enthusiasts. The history of Oman becomes more incredible the more you find out about it. Oman was part of the Frankincense Route, a sort of latter day version of the Silk Road. Evidence of human habitation dates back thousands of years. There are ancient forts, cave buildings, and museums full of items that have had archaeologists flocking to Oman for a century or more.

The Castles of Oman

Oman’s many castles are justly famous. They’re true representatives of their times in history, and as places to visit, they’re breathtaking. Oman’s castles are the real thing, the story of the region in its most unambiguous form. These castles are the living proof of the real story of the Middle East.One of Oman’s castles, Nakhl Castle, is so old that it’s believed to be pre-Islamic, over 1000 years old. This is a big, businesslike military fortification, remodeled over centuries, with all the trappings of The Arabian Nights.

Put all these places together, and you’ll find you’ve created one of the best holidays you’ve ever had.

Top Tourist Destination in Kuwait

Kuwait’s recent history has obscured the fact that this ancient culture is a part of the real Arabia, and that the country retains strong links to its origins. This is a unique part of the world, where ancient and modern cultures and concepts meet on a daily basis. Kuwait itself is unique, with 60% of the inhabitants foreigners, and Kuwait City the main urban area of the nation.

Kuwait is extraordinary. There are so many places to explore that it really does take some time to even figure out where to go first. The cosmopolitan nature of the place and the ultra modern city belie the hidden treasures of the country and the natural environment. Hotels in Kuwait and luxury accommodation are synonymous. This is a place where you can really feel like you’re on holiday. There are so many attractions in Kuwait. These are a selection of some of the famous attractions:

Kuwait City

Kuwait City is the obvious major area for exploration. This isn’t a big place, but there’s a lot of fascinating things to see and do. In this area you will find markets galore, beaches, elegant architecture, and the genuine Kuwaiti culture. Kuwait City and the surrounds are very well organized for getting around. You can travel easily and comfortably, sampling the many different charms of the city. Most travelers take their time, exploring each of the Kuwait City’s multifaceted and fascinating districts.

Failaka Island

Failaka Island is the most popular tourist destination in Kuwait. This is another of the Middle East’s heirlooms. It was inhabited during the Stone Age. The ancient Greeks settled there. It was an ideal trading port for trade between Persia and the western Middle East.

National Museum and cultural heritage sites

Kuwait’s heritage is long, and it’s a true revelation to see how far back the region’s history goes. The National Museum of Kuwait, Bayt Al Badr and Sadu House are three must see sites for cultural interest. These three sites embody the painstakingly saved history of Kuwait, including the National Museum’s pieces which survived the recent destruction by the Iraqi invasion. Bayt Al Badr is a time capsule reflecting the traditional lives of the Kuwaitis. Sadu House is dedicated to traditional Bedouin Sadu weaving, the basis of the creation of traditional desert fabrics.

Sharq Mall

Tourism and shopping go together, and Kuwait has a lot of good shopping. Sharq Mall is Kuwait’s best known upmarket mall, a huge places with many different types of store.

Islands water sports and yachting

For a desert country, Kuwait has a lot of its fun based on the sea and luxury accommodation to match. Kuwait’s islands form ocean the backdrop for a range of water sports including:

Water-skiingJet skiingWindsurfingPower boatingYachtingScuba divingDivingIsland trips and picnic outingsFishing

Kuwait is the sort of place where you can pick a dozen things to do in a day. All of these incredible places to see and things to do are literally within half an hour of your hotel.

Top Tourist Destination in Saudi Arabia

Madain Saleh
Like in nearby Jordan, the Arab tribal people known as the Nabataeans are believed to be the ones who have left structures of ancient cities, in this case at Madain Saleh, an important southern city of the Nabataean Kingdom. Like at their capital of Petra in modern day Jordan, the Nabataeans created tombs by carving them out of the hillside. Indeed 131 tombs remain, in impressively good condition. Sanctuaries and religious structures were also carved from the rock face. These peoples mastered the art of rain and springwater collection for the dry season, making Madain Saleh an ancient oasis. Madain Saleh (City of Saleh), also known as Al-Hijr (“rocky place” in Arabic), was annexed by the Roman Empire in the early 2nd century AD. It formed a part of trade routes, until these moved to the Red Sea, with the local population also deserting this town. This may be a major reason why Madain Saleh has been left so well maintained. This impressive range of ancient structures sit surrounded by golden sand dunes, on the edges of Wadi Hanifa, a narrow valley. Madain Saleh was registered in UNESCO’s World Heritage list in 2008, becoming Saudi Arabia’s first World Heritage Site.

Ad-Diriyah
Beautiful desert sand coloured buildings or deep reddish brown walled remains greet the visitor at Ad-Diriyah. This settlement is believed to have been founded in the 15th century AD. Several villages later consolidated as Ad-Diriyah, the original home of the Saudi Royal family, and became an important point on pilgrimage routes. Revival of Islam in the area increased the town’s importance around the 18th century as scholars and merchants were drawn to the area. Ad-Diriyah became the centre of power for a large part of the Arabian peninsula. Some of the palaces have been beautifully restored, contrasting with the weathered walls of other structures that capture the historic feel of the area. After the Saudi conquest of Mecca and Medina the retaliating Ottomans attacked and destroyed much of Ad-Diriyah, in the Ottoman-Saudi war of 1811-1818. The capital later moved to Riyadh. The Saudi government founded the new town of Ad Diriyah in the 1970s, which lies in close proximity to this ancient town.

Jeddah
Jeddah is both a modern city, and Saudi Arabia’s second largest, and a historic city from ancient times. Historic Jeddah is housed within this modern city of 3.4 million. Over recent decades, local authorities have worked to preserve many of the buildings in Jeddah’s historic precinct. Ottoman art and Arabic designs are in evidence. Enchanting narrow laneways were designed as such, to provide shade and block out much of the sun’s heat. A bustling modern city has sprung up around the old town, so one can mix a bit of bargain hunting in the old souks with upmarket boutique shopping on fashionable Tahlia Street. Jeddah is also situated on the Red Sea, making it a popular retreat for Saudis seeking a retreat from the desert heat. Jeddah also gives access to Red Sea marine life and offshore coral reefs.

Top Tourist Destination in Malaysia

Malaysia is one of the most diverse nations in the world, physically and socially. Physically, it’s comprised of two quite different major land masses, and a large number of unique islands. It’s one of the world’s oldest multicultural societies, with a rich history of Chinese, Indian, and Malay cultures blended into one.

Malaysia has boomed in recent times, developing a modern nation from a colonial past. This is one of the world’s great ancient and modern trade route countries, with resort accommodation and luxury hotels catering for the business community as well as the tourist industry.

Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur is the capital and the showpiece of modern Malaysia. The Malaysians are justly proud of this big modern city, largely developed after the colonial period. “KL” is the usual start point for a Malaysian holiday, and if you want to start off with a real eye opener, a good look around Kuala Lumpur
will reward you.

The sights and contrasts of Kuala Lumpur are unforgettable. Near the famous Petronas Towers are still some reminders of the past. Malaysia’s diverse mix of cultures also provides a huge range of sights and sounds, including Chinatown, Putrajaya, Little India, and even religious caves.

There are many beautiful parks and gardens in the Lake Gardens, a favorite place of the British colonial social set in Kuala Lumpur. Near the giant Petronas Towers, a tiny deer, the size of a house cat, called a mousedeer or “kancil”, lives protected. The 20 hectare Kuala Lumpur Bird Park contains real birds of paradise. There’s even a Butterfly Garden, with 120 species.

Sabah

Sabah is a wonderland, with everything including the island which hosted the first “Survivor” TV show. There’s a world packed into this place, including a choice of fabulous beaches, and truly unique shopping on Gaya Street Sunday Markets, and that’s all practically within sight of your hotel. The famous orangutans and the rest of the natural environment aren’t far away, either. You can see why so many people love to explore Sabah’s green paradise.

Gunung Mulu (Sarawak)

The World Heritage Gunung Mulu Caves in Sarawak are the world’s longest. These caves are the true caver’s sort of place. The cave system is so complex that even the website needs 4 different links to regional caves to provide pictures of it. The Southern Hills, Hidden Valley, Gunung Api and Gunung Benarat caves are also set in some fantastically beautiful scenery, typical of Sarawak’s diverse natural world.

Pahang

Pahang State could have been designed as a tourist resort. It has brilliant beaches, offshore islands, dazzling resort accommodation, a national park and a wildlife reserve, mountains, forests, and that’s just in one sentence. Pahang’s assets are stunning. The South China Sea on its coast has hypnotized visitors for centuries with its fabulous beauty. Pahang is also 48% forest, and a mere 11% is urban. Aesthetically, that’s good news for any tourist, a place where you can really go on holiday from the rat race.

Malaysia contains a truly surprising combination of tourist attractions. The country is unique in its range of sites, activities, and the best in tourist luxuries.

Malaysia is one of the most diverse nations in the world, physically and socially. Physically, it’s comprised of two quite different major land masses, and a large number of unique islands. It’s one of the world’s oldest multicultural societies, with a rich history of Chinese, Indian, and Malay cultures blended into one.

Malaysia has boomed in recent times, developing a modern nation from a colonial past. This is one of the world’s great ancient and modern trade route countries, with resort accommodation and luxury hotels catering for the business community as well as the tourist industry.

Kuala Lumpur Kuala Lumpur is the capital and the showpiece of modern Malaysia. The Malaysians are justly proud of this big modern city, largely developed after the colonial period. “KL” is the usual start point for a Malaysian holiday, and if you want to start off with a real eye opener, a good look around Kuala Lumpur
will reward you.

The sights and contrasts of Kuala Lumpur are unforgettable. Near the famous  Petronas Towers are still some reminders of the past. Malaysia’s diverse mix of cultures also provides a huge range of sights and sounds, including Chinatown, Putrajaya, Little India, and even religious caves.

There are many beautiful parks and gardens in the Lake Gardens, a favorite place of the British colonial social set in Kuala Lumpur. Near the giant Petronas Towers, a tiny deer, the size of a house cat, called a mousedeer or “kancil”, lives protected. The 20 hectare Kuala Lumpur Bird Park contains real birds of paradise. There’s even a Butterfly Garden, with 120 species.

Sabah Sabah is a wonderland, with everything including the island which hosted the first “Survivor” TV show. There’s a world packed into this place, including a choice of fabulous beaches, and truly unique shopping on Gaya Street Sunday Markets, and that’s all practically within sight of your hotel. The famous orangutans and the rest of the natural environment aren’t far away, either. You can see why so many people love to explore Sabah’s green paradise.

Gunung Mulu (Sarawak)

The World Heritage Gunung Mulu Caves in Sarawak are the world’s longest. These caves are the true caver’s sort of place. The cave system is so complex that even the website needs 4 different links to regional caves to provide pictures of it. The Southern Hills, Hidden Valley,  Gunung Api and Gunung Benarat caves are also set in some fantastically beautiful scenery, typical of Sarawak’s diverse natural world.

Pahang Pahang State  could have been designed as a tourist resort. It has brilliant beaches, offshore islands, dazzling resort accommodation, a national park and a wildlife reserve, mountains, forests, and that’s just in one sentence. Pahang’s assets are stunning. The South China Sea on its coast has hypnotized visitors for centuries with its fabulous beauty. Pahang is also 48% forest, and a mere 11% is urban. Aesthetically, that’s good news for any tourist, a place where you can really go on holiday from the rat race.

Top Tourist Destination in Indonesia

Indonesia is the world’s biggest archipelago, containing thousands of islands. The country is a collection of many different local places of interest. Tourism in Indonesia is highly developed, including a wide range of tourist destinations, and excellent luxury hotels and hotel packages.

The selection of places to visit is vast, including many fascinating and unique sites and areas of interest. Indonesia is a big place, and the tourist is confronted with infinite possibilities of combinations of places to see and things to do.

This is a selection of five of the best and most dazzling of Indonesia’s tourist paradises:

Java

Java is the main island of Indonesia, in terms of population and development. It’s also one of the most unusual tourist destinations in the world. There are some extraordinary things to see in Java:

Borobodur Temple, the ancient Buddhist Mahayana monument. This is one of the great classics of Buddhist art, with no less than 504 Buddha statues and 2,672 relief panels.

Prambanan Temple, the Hindu Temple near Yogyakarta, a masterpiece of Hindu workmanship 47 metres tall, the equal of its Indian equivalents.

At the western tip of Java is the volcano Anak Krakatau, the “Child of Krakatoa”.

Sumatra

Sumatra is Indonesia’s big western island. It’s a very diverse place with many different environments and a priceless wildlife heritage which trying hard to survive the strain of modern times. Sumatra retains much of its ancient heritage and culture. It’s common to see ancient ways of life and fishing boats next to new four wheel drives and sleek modern power boats.

Bali

Bali, one of the world’s legendary tourist destinations, is the global traveler’s classic must see destination. Bali resorts are famous for their high quality, particularly in the Nusa Dua and Jimbaran areas of the island.

People don’t just “like” Bali, they love it. Each beach and resort has its own admirers, and the regular visitors come back many times. Bali’s reputation is based on a mix of its natural beauty, the fabulous holiday lifestyle, and a personal affinity. Everyone has “their” personal Bali. It’s one of the few places in the world where tourists care as much as locals about preserving the natural charm of the region.

Kalimantan

Kalimantan, formerly known as Borneo, is the big northern island, a wild area famous in colonial times for its wild jungles and their fierce inhabitants, the Dayaks. This is a truly incredible, magical place. You can see orangutans in their natural environment, go on river cruises up wild rivers, trek through one of the world’s great jungles, and see a real traditional longhouse and the famous Dayak dragon.

Sulawesi

Sulawesi is the large, island with four big peninsulas east of Kalimantan. The island is divided into North Sulawesi and South Sulawesi. This island is famous for its diving experiences. Sulawesi has a range of marine environments, including beautiful beaches. Inland, it has fabulous Lake Linow, and an active volcano, Mt. Soputan.

Indonesian holidays combine all the best elements of tourism; Excitement, exotic places, and real luxury.

Top Tourist Destination in Australia

Australia has a fabulous fun filled lifestyle, and a tremendous variety of places to see and things to do. Luxury hotels and resort accommodation are excellent, and you can get great deals all year round.

The Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef is a stunningly beautiful, almost addictive place. Its great reputation is based on the fact that tourists (and locals) can’t get enough of its endlessly fascinating moods and brilliant, unforgettable water worlds. It’s the Louvre of the ocean, the Sistine Chapel of the sea.

Sydney

Sydney is a big bustling city with an energy and vitality you can only find in a truly cosmopolitan culture. Sydney’s famous attractions are only part of the story.

The city itself has many features within walking distance of a city hotel:

The Harbor and Circular QuayChinatownThe Chinese GardenThe RocksDarling HarborThe Australian MuseumThe New South Wales Art Gallery

Within an hour’s travel, you can also find some true Australian icons:

Bondi BeachManlyThe Balmain waterfront and BalmainGlebe marketsThe Blue MountainsThe Norman Lindsay GallerySydney’s two huge national parks, with the unique local fauna and flora

Melbourne

Melbourne is Australia’s second city, full of places of interest. Melbourne has a vibrant night life, art and cultural scene, with both local and international arts on show all the time.

Within an hour of the city you can find:

The Mornington PeninsulaThe Yarra ValleyPhillip IslandHealesville Wildlife SanctuaryNational Gallery of Victoria

The Outback

The Outback inland is often called “the real Australia”, because it’s untamed, and has defeated many attempts to settle it. The Outback has deserts, wetlands, mountain ranges, vast scrublands, grasslands, and a full spectrum of Australia’s wildlife.

You have a lot of choices in outback tours:

Explore Kakadu, the northern inland wetland paradiseTry your hand at gold or opal miningSay hello to 4 metre crocodiles (preferably from a safe distance)Explore the NullaborExplore Broken Hill, the original home of Australia’s mining industry

Uluru

Uluru (aka Ayers Rock) is a sacred site to the local Aboriginal people, and it has become a symbol of the Outback to the society as a whole. Uluru is also a place of extreme variety, an artist’s dream of aesthetics. This is the real inland, a tough country that must be respected as well as appreciated.

Daintree Forest

The Daintree Forest in Queensland dates from a time before the eucalypts and other modern Australian flora took over the continent. The Daintree is an incredibly beautiful place, in which every tree, bird and animal tells a story of ancient times.

Tasmania

Tasmania is best known for its wildlife, but it’s quite unlike the rest of Australia. This is an ancient, stunningly beautiful island which has also preserved some of the world’s natural treasures.

Australia is one of the easiest places in the world to tailor your trip the way you want it to be, with hotels in Australia pampering you all the way. Take a break and have a ball!

Most Tourist Attraction Places in China

China’s rise as an economic super power has grabbed the world’s attention. Visitors are reminded that China has been a super power before, and its history and its present are awe-inspiring spectacles.

Everyone has their own personal China experience. The human history of China is no less impressive than its staggering array of historic sites, places to see and things to do. This is a country with more true stories than fiction.

China has a very well organized, efficient tourist industry, with luxury hotels and hotel packages throughout the country. There’s a vast array of fascinating places and experiences for visitors, including:

The Great Wall

The Great Wall, stretching across the north, stunned the first Europeans to see it. This is one of the real Wonders of the World, still astonishing as an engineering achievement.

The Yellow Mountains

The Yellow Mountains, or Huang Shan, are the mountains which drove China’s artists to centuries of work, trying to capture their beauty. These are archetypal Chinese landscape mountains, set in a pristine area in southern China.

Xian

Xian is the former capital of ancient China, and home of the famous Terracotta Warriors. This is where the early Silk Road trade began. It was one of the world’s first planned cities, an elegantly laid out masterpiece of architecture.

Shanghai

This huge, sprawling city sits on the ancient Pearl River’s mouth, a testimony to the rise of new China. Prepare to be dazzled, and also prepare to visit a city which takes second place to none for innovation and fascination. Resort accommodation in Shanghai is also the absolute top level of the industry, not to be missed.

The Three Gorges

The Three Gorges dam on the Yangtze is China’s biggest engineering project in recent times. As an achievement, it ranks alongside the Great Wall and the Grand Canal of ancient times.

The Silk Road

The Silk Road was a complex trading system which linked the ancient world. It was the original form of global trade. The Silk Road is now known to have been one of the primary means of the spread of ideas and culture throughout the world.

The Forbidden City

The Forbidden City is a huge complex in the heart of Beijing created to radiate power and to impress any onlooker. It still does, and visitors are treated to a site of pure Chinese culture which is unrivaled in its magnificence.

Yangtze

The Yangtze is one of the world’s biggest rivers, the river which helped to create and expand Chinese civilization. This is China’s ancient lifeline, providing food and transport for trade along the river.

Ming Tombs

The Ming Tombs are an avenue of monuments to the Ming Dynasty’s rulers. This was one of the all time greatest of China’s dynasties, and its legacy persists in all parts of Chinese life, a dearly loved part of the Chinese culture.

Summer Palace

The Summer Palace is a former residence of Kublai Khan. The Summer Palace contains a lot of the best and most fascinating aspects of Chinese art and design.

China never fails to impress visitors with its elegance, culture and natural scenery. China gets a lot of returning tourists, who just have to see more of one of the world’s true treasures.

Tourist Most Visited Places in Qatar

Qatar, a modern Arab state with high per capita income is contrasted by its beautiful deserts and historical forts and castles. More compact than its neighbours, this Arab state is a handy size for exploring, when you venture out from your hotel Qatar.

Forts, Towers and Castles
Al-Zubarah fort lies on the North-West coast of Qatar. It was built in 1938 on ruins of an older castle, and was actually an important defence post of the Qatari Coast Guard until the mid 1980s. Nowadays it holds artifacts from the nearby Al Zubarah archaeological area.

Also in the North-West, Al Shagab Fort and Al Rekaya Fort are just two kilometres apart, and were built sometime between the 17th and 19th centuries. Both are rectangular with four corner towers in the typical desert fort style.

In central Doha, Al-Koot Fort is an interesting destination. Designed to keep an eye on potential thieves at neighbouring Souq Waqif, even the fort’s mosque was built with this aim in mind – it has no roof or walls!

Local Islands
Ishat Island is located in the south-east of the country. Northeast of here is Schra’o Island, a haven for egg laying turtles and multitudinous sea birds. Hammocks cap off the relaxed feel for tourists. The island is a three hour speedboat ride away from Doha.

Fishermen and scuba divers alike will be drawn to Haloul Island, with its coral reefs and accompanying coral fish. Closer to Doha, Al-Saflia Island and nearby Alia island are small tourist islands, and just 15 minutes from the capital by boat.

For those that get a bit queasy with boat rides, rest assured that Qatar also offers around 500 kilometres of sandy coastline on the mainland.

Doha
The heartbeat of Qatar is Doha, the capital of 1 million residents, and 80 percent of the entire nation’s population. The city’s name itself originates from the Arabic, meaning “The Sticky Tree”.

The Museum of Islamic Art does not just house moving artworks, it is an amazing artwork itself. Its’ cubelike figure, matched with Islamic style curved archways, cuts an imposing presence in Doha’s skyline, as it sits on the water of Doha Bay.

The Corniche, Doha’s waterfront promenade attracts walkers, runners and rollerbladers to its relaxing 7 kilometre path along the shorefront of the Arabian gulf. Grassy areas and palms make a pleasant spot to enjoy the scenery, and maybe a picnic.

Don’t miss “The Pearl”, an ambitious artificial island building project akin to Dubai’s manmade sandy islands and luxury housing.

Desert Safari
Qatar is home to an inland sea, in the middle of the desert. It makes a great day trip for a swim and picnic. Tour operators can get you there by 4WD. The journey itself is an adventure all it’s own, as you climb up and down 60 metre high sand dunes along your picturesque way. The inland sea itself, known as Khor Al Adaid, laps the shores of both Qatar and Saudi Arabia. Camels, sand skis or an overnight stay can add another dimension to your visit.

Top Tourist Destination in Oman

Oman’s beautiful castles, ancient archaeological sites and the stunning Grand Mosque are complemented by its natural settings of beaches, wadis and deserts. Whether in Muscat or elsewhere, make your stay in any hotels Oman a comfortable one.

Castles

Al-Jalai fort, built by a Portuguese captain in the 16th century, occupies an eastern post on Muscat Harbour and overlooks Al-Alam Palace. It is twinned with Al-Mirani fort on a western post, both forts being used as defences during the Portuguese’s 60 year occupation of Oman, until their ousting by Omani forces in 1650.

Nakhal castle’s striking presence sits atop a rocky hill, and is believed to pre-date the Islamic era. Ar-Rustaq castle meanwhile, was added on to Persian ruins, and sits in an attractive valley of palms. Other Omani castles Sohar, Nizwa and Bahla are also worth visiting.

Archaeological sites

Excavation work has uncovered evidence of civilisations as old as several centuries BC. These discoveries dot the Omani landscape, with finds of jewellery, writings, statuettes and other artifacts attesting to the advanced nature of these societies. Samhuram and Qurum are two of many examples. Additionally, the 3000 year old bee-hive shaped stone Bat Tombs have been UNESCO listed.

Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque

Mountains provide the backdrop to the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, recently opened in 2001. The towering minarets that surround the main dome roofed structure dominate the skyline from the surrounding city. The main minaret stretches 91.5 metres into the atmosphere. After 6 years of construction, the mosque not only holds 20,000 worshippers, but also an Islamic studies centre, library, meeting and conference hall. Beautiful stone arches and arcades link the different sections of the mosque, and the paved courtyard covers a huge 24,400 square metres.

Beaches

Muscat is home to several popular beaches. Qurum beach offers picnic areas, shade under palm trees, and jet ski rental nearby. Marjan beach, also known as Turtle beach might give a lucky visitor a sighting of a feeding turtle. Coral and fish can otherwise be seen by snorkellers, close to the shore. Bandar Jissah also caters to snorkellers, and children, with a playground nearby. The rockpools here can be explored at low tide.

Located in the north of Oman, As-Sawadi island features beautiful white sand beaches, a range of watersports as well as diving, snorkelling and turtle watching.

The Dhofar coast features valuable inlets that provide sanctuary to 200 species of migratory birds and local fish species. The rich vegetation has also contributed to this area becoming a protected environmental region.

Wadis

Wadis, or valleys, that fill with water only after rainfall, are a feature of the Omani landscape. Wadi Darbat, in the Dhofar region is a popular example, with its waterfalls, green vegetation and caves making it a popular scenic spot. It is also vitally important in providing subterranean water supply to Dhofar.

Deserts

The Middle East is synonymous with deserts, and Oman is no exception. “The Empty Quarter” is the largest desert in the world, spanning not only Oman, but also Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Yemen. This huge region covering 1000km by 500km contains the world’s richest oil bearing area, but to this day remains unexplored in parts.

Fortune select Exotica Hotels wins World Luxury Awards

Fortune hotels premium brand Fortune select Exotica a subsidiary of ITC has won the World Luxury Hotel Award on 8th October 2010. Winners and finalists were announced at the 2010 WLHA Gala Ceremony held at Dusit Thani Hia Hin,Thailand, on the 8th of October 2010. Luxury hotels from regions across the globe such as the Phillipines, India, Greece, Argentina, China, South Africa, Maldives, Cook Islands, Australia, New Zealand, Israel, Mauritius, UAE, Italy, Thailand, Spain attended this years glamorous red-carpet event.Speaking on the occasion Mr. Alok Verma, GM, Fortune Select Exotica hotel, said "Fortune Select Exotica shines at hospitality industry's Oscars. For the first time , Fortune Select Exotica has been a proud contender in the hospitality industry's equivalent to the Oscars, recognizing the creme de la creme of the world's most exclusive establishments."

The World Luxury Hotel Awards, which has become a benchmark in exceptional achievement in hoteliering, has recognized Fortune Select Exotica, Navi Mumbai, India  in their 2010 awards ceremony held in Bangkok.

The World Luxury Hotel Awards are accepted as the pinnacle of achievement for Luxury Hotels worldwide, which was established as a celebration of ultimate achievement in hotelier. It is about congratulating hotels that have taken the extra step & such differentiated themselves from "good hotels" to "exceptional hotels". The World Luxury Hotel Awards accounts for all categories in the Luxury Hotel industry. Award winners set the benchmark for luxury hotels in achieving recognition for their world class facilities and service excellence.

All WLHA entrants are put through a strict selection criteria, and those that are selected as nominees are instantly rewarded by being actively marketed and promoted on the WLHA website and in an e-brochure distributed to travel agents worldwide. Nominees in all categories are then invited to attend a red carpet gala awards ceremony, held in a different exotic location each year. Here, they are recognised and rewarded for their achievements with an evening of luxury accompanied by fine wine, cuisine and world-class entertainment.

The Awards are exclusively for Luxury Hotels, Lodges & Resorts and do not include any other areas of the travel industry. The past winners of this award represented a veritable who's who of international hospitality heavyweights, such as the UAE's Emirates Palace Hotel, Ireland's Solis Lough Eske Castle and Thailand's Royal Sheraton Hotel and Towers as well as Maldive's Coco Palm Bodo Hiti and Zambia's Royal Zambezi Lodge.

While world-class facilities, service excellence, exceptional food, attention to detail and effective management remain the staple requirements for a WLHA nomination, the awards account for all categories in the luxury hotel industry, allowing for a diverse mix of entrants, from luxury spa, coastal and casino hotels to game lodges, golf resorts and country houses.

Fortune Select Exotica is honored with this ward as its caters to the basic requirement of the award , being carefully crafted blend of aesthetics to cater to today’s discerning business traveler. The hotel is equipped with all possible necessities for incoming global travelers, for whom Navi Mumbai is fast becoming an important destination and is the future for this region. Designed on a grand scale, the hotel offers contemporary architecture and interiors making it the ultimate destination at Navi Mumbai.

Fortune Hotels chain is known for the excellence of its cuisine and Fortune Select Exotica, the first hotel under the ‘Fortune’ brand in Mumbai, also ensures that its cuisine lives up to this reputation.

Each year, luxury establishments can be nominated by guests, travel agents or tour operators. Establishments are also welcome to nominate themselves via the WLHA website (http://www.luxuryhotelawards.com) . Votes are then cast by a selected panel of 50 leading tour operators and travel industry consultants.

About Fortune Select Exotica Hotel (FSEH) , Navi Mumbai:
Fortune Select Exotica Hotel (FSEH) , Navi Mumbai is a premium brand under Fortune Park Hotels Ltd, a subsidiary of ITC Ltd, opened in joint venture with M/S Exotic Cuisines Private Limited (ECPL).It its inception in 2008,thehotel was awarded “World luxury Hotel Awards 2010” and is certified for “Enhancing Environment Performance”. Apart from their world class cuisines, this 85 room property includes 50 Standard Rooms, 19 Fortune Club Rooms, 8 Fortune Club Exotica Rooms and 8 Suites. Their signature brand "Nakshatra", a unique interactive Indian restaurant, offers a wide range of dinning experience and the 24 hours coffee shop "Zodiac" offers multi-cuisine. Fortune Select Exotica also offers state-of-the-art banquet facilities for exclusive events and well equipped business centre, designated pool section, play room, superbly equipped gymnasium overlooking the swimming pool, spa and salon with jacuzzi & sauna and also a bar at lobby level named "Nostradamus".

Tourist Destinations of Europe – a Dream Holiday

Traveling this beautiful continent is dream of millions of people. The word beautiful is an under statement for the unexampled winsomeness of Europe. Europe has always been the most favored tourist destination in world. Further boost has been provided to Europe Tourism by the budget airlines. Europe tourism industry is flourishing at a great pace due to world famous tourist spots of Europe. In this fast world your weekend trip can land you at exotic beaches in Italy, at Windsor castle or serene banks of Rhine.

Europe has so much to offer that you will have to pre-plan well that which tourist destination you want to see when you are traveling Europe. Europe travel provides you a wide array of diversity, cosmopolitan cities combined with astonishing scenery. Europe has world famous tourist spots spread all over in countries like France, UK, Germany, Italy, Greece and Switzerland. This article will feed you with essential information on tourist places of Europe.

Getting in Europe- Major tourist spots:
The largest travel hubs of Europe include London, Paris, Frankfurt and Amsterdam which are further well connected to all other major tourist destinations of Europe. There are many budget airlines which offer very cheap flights to Europe. Main among these are AirBerlin, Centralwings, EeasyJet, HLX, Ryanair, SkyEurope Airlines and WizzAir. You can find the lowest fares on routes going to or from cities in the United Kingdom, Germany, Sweden, Ireland, Poland, the Czech Republic and Hungary. All of such flights need to be booked on the internet in advance.

If you plan to travel from cities like Beijing, Vladivostok and Moscow then a wonderful option is travel by Rail trough world renowned Trans-Siberian railway. After reaching Europe you can travel around by air Or Eurail. Passes of Eurail are the best deal if you plan to travel extensively around Europe. Eurail is more beneficial than cheap plane tickets. Eurail connects all the tourist destinations of Europe in Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and Turkey.

You can also take bus service which connects over 500 tourist destinations across Europe. Eurolines can take you any where from Sicily to Helsinki and from Casablanca to Moscow.

Tourist destinations in Europe:
There are numerous tourist destinations in Europe which can not be covered under one article so we will discuss these in a series of articles. Today we will talk about world famous mountain range- Magnificent Alps.

Alps:
Europe is a paradise for a person who loves mountains and is addicted to traveling snow covered high peaks. Alps provide a lot of variations as it is spread all across countries like France, Germany, Switzerland and Italy. You can choose your destination country as per your choice of culture, language and cuisine.

France is especially famous for its winter resorts situated in Alps. They are world famous for the high level of service and very fashionable hotels. Most famous place in Alps in France is Courchevel. It has become a symbol of the luxury and prestige. Chamonix is also famous place and is paradise for you if you are looking for best ski resorts. Moreover it is very cozy and world renowned.

Whole world knows that the best place to enjoy beauty of Alps is Switzerland. Its resorts are considered best in world but these are really expensive. For finding some affordable places you may need help of local people. The most prestigious resorts here are Zermatt, Saint Moritz, and Davos. Main cheaper resorts are Grindelwald and Gstaad. For more detailed information on traveling Europe follow our series of articles dedicated to Europe Tourism.