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.