Vietnam National Administration of Tourism

Lying on the eastern part of the Indochinese peninsula, Vietnam is a strip of land shaped like the letter S. China borders it to the north, Laos and Cambodia to the west, the East Sea to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the east and south.

The countries total length from north to south is 1,650km. Its width, stretching from east to west, is 600km at the widest point in the north, 400km in the south, and 50km at the narrowest part, in the centre, in Quang Binh Province. The coastline is 3,260km long and the inland border is 4,510km.

The Government has given the green light to the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism plan to air tourism advertisement spots on the Cable News Network

Most visitors to Vietnam get overwhelmed by the sublime beauty of its natural settings. The Red River Delta in the north, the Mekong Delta in the south. Stretched down from misty mountains to the delta on Chinese border, Vietnam is one of the most beautiful South East Asian countries. Its entire coastal strip seems to be a patchwork of brilliant green rice paddies cultivated by women wearing attractive conical hats.

The divine beaches of Vietnam along the coast, soaring mountains, cloaked by dense, misty forests make your holiday in the arms of nature really enjoyable and memorable. Despite ongoing economic liberalisation and its pressures, the dignified country of Vietnam has preserved its rich civilisation and highly cultured society, magnificently.
You will surely find out that it has overcome its post war fatigues and is now welcoming boom in budget travelling, coupled with the softening of government control.

When one region is wet, cold or steamy hot, some other is pleasant. The north becomes chilly from November to April and hot from May to October. There is the possibility of typhoons between July and November, affecting the north and central areas. South remains wet from May to November and wettest from June to August, while from December to April, it becomes dry. The hottest and most humid time is from the end of February to May. The central coast is dry from May to October and wet from December to February.

Travellers should plan their trip according to the Tet New Year festival, which falls in late January or early February. Though travel becomes difficult this time and hotels get full, the festival has its own charm.

Ho Chi Minh City is the very heart and soul of Vietnam. Being the largest city in the country, it is bustling, dynamic and industrious centre of the country, and also the economic capital and the cultural trendsetter. Travelling down to Ho Chi Minh, you may observe that within the teeming metropolis, the timeless traditions and beauty of an ancient culture are well preserved.

The city offers you several excellent tourist spots as museums, Botanical gardens, temples, pagodas and churches.

Hanoi is one of the most attractive cities, which charms the tourists with its attractive green boulevards and parks. It has shaken off its old hostile attitude and welcomes the travellers with new spirit. It is the most beguiling and slow paced cities in Asia, proving your visit excellent. It is pleasant, with a lovely landscape of lakes, shaded boulevards, verdant public parks, colonial French houses and astounding modern skyscrapers.

Hiking Through The Centuries

Wandering on the top of the world, in the footsteps of the Incas, looking out over the dramatic snow-capped peaks of the Andes and a glorious land of mystery and mysticism, where centuries past and present are seamlessly intermingled.

Peru’s layer upon layer of great civilizations are spread like patchwork across a country that is a masterpiece of diversity, parched coastal deserts, farming oases, quaint fishing villages, tropical jungle and colonial cities that echo the legacy of the Spanish conquistadors.

Amid the sands of Peru’s arid coast, the hectic metropolis that is Lima, the conquistadors’ city of the kings, is a culturally rich but modern city on the rise. The center of Spanish power in the New World for three centuries after Pizarro’s conquest of Peru, the capital is awash with a considerable legacy of colonial art and architecture, while its museums are bursting with artifacts of gold, ceramic and weavings unearthed from the country’s ancient settlements. And with enough ornately decorated churches to get churched-out, there’s nothing more rewarding than a Cusquena beer or a frothy Pisco sour in the midst of the upbeat and electric pulse of Lima’s artsy, bohemian suburb Barranco.

South through the endless sandy dunes that huddle against the cool waters of the Pacific Ocean, the rather unremarkable town of Nasca, a dusty outpost in the San José desert, belies an incredible and mysterious memento of ancient culture. Etched into the dry desert outside of town is a mysterious masterpiece of doodles. Appearing as little more than more than a confused jumble of shallow ruts in the sand and rock from ground level, a bird’s-eye-view reveals immense creatures, shapes and forms spread out for miles across the desert floor, which remain bafflingly clear of sand.

A short flight up into the majestic heights of the Andes offers a modern Mecca of tourism that’ll take your breath away not only for the altitude. The narrow streets of Cusco are lined with a mind-boggling mosaic of Inca stonework, which shows no sign of aging even after hundreds of years. Melded right onto these mortar-less walls is the elaborate colonial Spanish architecture, reflecting just a little of the mixed and colorful local culture.

Even higher still, above the city, the jagged teeth of the fortified walls of the sacred Sacsayhuaman offer the first chance to truly feel transported back in time to the realm of the Incas. But it’s merely a taste of what is still to come.

Heading over the pass, admiring breathtaking vistas of the noble Andes, and down into the fertile sacred Urubamba Valley is the first leg towards the unrivaled journey along the Inca Trail. Leaving behind the gentle riverside trails is a commitment to stride in the stead of a magnificent people. The stouthearted trudge up into the midst of the rugged snowcapped peaks to almost 14,000 feet, where they’re liable to become engulfed in clouds as they reach the infamous Dead Woman’s Pass.

From there the climate shifts along the hike, and there’s no telling what will be around the next turn. Dense highland vegetation gives way to steamy twisted vines and jungle flora until the trail turns sharply left and then heads through a stone archway, the sun gate, and the magical city of Macchu Picchu appears like a mirage, spread out across the hillside ahead, appearing and disappearing from a veil of clouds.

Even after days of hiking, the extra effort to reach the top of the nearby peak of Huayna Picchu is rewarded by a unique perspective on the magnificent beauty of the Incan city that managed to remain hidden from the Spanish conquests.

A pleasant train ride back through the sacred valley from the steamy town of Agues Calientes, at the foot of Macchu Picchu’s mount, offers some well-earned respite to the weary hiker, and an easier route back to Cusco.

Another unique and rewarding train adventure climbs up out of the bustle of tourism in Cusco to higher and cooler altitudes, dotted by mountain villages, where entrepreneurial locals appear from nowhere to offer up colorful array of food, drinks and local handy crafts at every stop. At first dominated by the magnificent Andes that tower over the deep, meandering valleys of the Huatanay River, the train chugs its way back down onto the rolling Andean plains, home to herds of alpaca and the endangered vicuna, to finally reach the shore of Lake Titicaca and the welcome site of the captivating city of Puno. Amid the barren mountains, the cobble-stoned streets, shy campesinos in traditional dress and the tricycle taxis are the true charm of this somewhat grey city.

The waters of Lake Titicaca shine iridescent blue through the clear sunlight in vibrant contrast to the red and brown-hued hills of the altiplano. Among the waves of this mountain ocean are islands that take you back in time and remind you once again of the rich, mixed culture of this stunning country.

Copyright (c) 2007 Lindsay Carswell

Tips On Traveling With Your Kids

I’ve gone on 3 long-haul flights, several stretches of highways and several more short-haul flights with my son. And he is only 2 1/2 years old.

Traveling is a big part of our lives. Globetrotting with a child may have made our planning schedule more complicated but, after several researches mostly from trial & error, we have realized one thing – it can be done!

Should you be planning on traveling soon, prepare yourself. Information on what can be done to avoid meltdowns due to boredom, what to bring to make it comfortable for both and what to do if there are problems would definitely help you be ready if and when something does come up. And, believe me, more often than not, something will.

Travel With Your Kids is one great resource for parents who will soon be traveling with kids, whether you are traveling near or far. “TravelWithYourKids is written by parents, for parents. Just because you have a kid (or even a gaggle of them) that doesn’t mean that you and your family are obligated to stay home. We have tips for you whether you’re traveling near or far.” “Written by parents, for parents” – that means, it isn’t just written by experts who studied the theories of parenting while traveling. Information is from real-life experts who lived the experience.

Also, here are some tips that can come in handy when traveling with your kids.

1. Convince your child that flying is fun. Talk to your kid before the trip and show him what awaits him. Just the idea of going in the air is enough to stimulate his imagination.

2. Use airline’s online check-in services the day before in advance, to guarantee that the whole family sits together and get the best seats (if best seats are not yet taken). To check which seats are the most comfortable and the best, www.seatguru.com provides airline information such as seating and in-flight amenities of 40 airlines.

3. When traveling with a baby, reserve a baby bassinet ahead of time. For kids who are too big for the bassinet, bring a baby-seat so that you don’t have to carry him/her the whole time.

4. Never forget to bring toys. This is very effective when there’s a lay-over or when you’re flying long distances. Bring your kid’s favorite toys, or buy him a new and interesting one to keep his attention while on board.

5. Upon boarding the plane, one parent should board ahead of all the family, to give him or her (it doesn’t always have to be Daddy) enough time to prepare the seats, fold the buggies, and put all hand luggage in the overhead compartment. The rest of the family can follow him or her afterwards without getting hassled that your troupe is blocking the way.

The Road from Vung Tau to Saigon

I had to go into Saigon on private business. A number of Decca people had private business concerns which I may deal with later. I took PB along as interpreter. I hired a car and chauffeur.
We left Vung Tau early in the morning, passed through Baria with no trouble and had gone a few miles further on when we heard an explosion up ahead. It was a beautiful day, after a number of years one gets used to the nightly crump, crump of artillery, one hopefully learns to differentiate between the sounds of outgoing and incoming shells, mortars or rockets, machine gun fire etc. One learns to live with it. To have one’s knee jerk for years after the war every time a car backfired or one heard a loud bang was for later. We pushed on and found a large crater in the road. As we were able to drive around it and there were no destroyed vehicles we were not unduly concerned. There was no traffic in either direction though.

A few miles later we arrived at a large village. There seemed to be a lot of activity, traffic had piled up, not moving in either direction. Questions were asked about what had happened on the road we had just come along, and we were informed that a bridge had been blown up ahead.
Like any loyal subject of Her Britannic Majesty, I decided it was a good moment for a tea break and we duly found a tea house where we discussed the situation, in the manner of people deciding, due to cloudy weather ahead, if they should continue with their picnic or not.

PB was North Vietnamese and they are a very steady people. We decided to abandon the car and driver, which could not continue anyway because of the blown bridge, and continue on foot and try to pick up transport further on.
We came to the end of the village and left people and cover behind us. The road was raised above surrounding rice paddies. There was not a cloud in the sky, not a sound to be heard. A beautiful day for a young couple to be walking along a quiet country road.
We came to the destroyed bridge. One span, about three feet wide, was still passable and we crossed over the first, destroyed part of the bridge. I then stopped and looked around me. There was the wreckage of one of these three wheeled vehicles. I couldn’t see the driver, perhaps he had fallen down below. I didn’t look below, it was not the moment for idle curiosity. I looked to my left and saw a rather fat peasant woman. I couldn’t see her face. Her body was in a most strange posture. Part of my own survival mechanism kicked in and I thought, ‘What a strange manner in which to pray’. It was the eternal prayor of death. This was one of the shades of fear I have talked about earlier, an escape from reality. The body goes calmly through all the actions required of it, but the mind blankets out the truth. I looked to my right and saw a young girl sleeping. She must have been about twelve years old. A very beautiful face, untroubled in its sleep. I looked down her body and saw her guts hanging out onto the bridge, her stomach ripped open. Hers was the final eternal sleep of death.
I looked around. Not a sound. No movement. Nothing. I looked up and high in the sky I saw a spotter plane. So high it might have been an eagle. I looked at PB, she remained very calm and without a word we continued. PB was always very brave. The fact that we would never show any weakness to one another I found quite natural. The fact that we might have both been nutty didn’t occur either. There is a Vietnamese phrase ‘dien cai dau’ again with no accents, which Americanised was ‘dinkydow’ which might have been appropriate.It means crazy.
We continued on for a half mile or so and I saw movement to my left. A patrol of Regional Force soldiers was advancing quickly along the drainage ditch beside the road. They were led by an ashen faced officer, his right arm held out in front of him holding a Colt.45. His shaking hand all too visible. He did not give us a glance. He looked how I inwardly felt. We continued on until we came across a lone three wheeled taxi vehicle, which for an exhorbitant fee took us to the next village where we found transport to take us to Saigon.
In Saigon I took care of my business. The evening was not quite as relaxed as I would have hoped. The dinner rather tasteless. We had to return the next day.

Kochi is Situated on the West Coast of India

Kochi formerly known as Cochin can be described as the Queen of the Arabian Sea. It is a city in the Indian state of Kerala which is situated on the west coast of India.

A cluster of islands, Kochi is the commercial city of Kerala and is one of the finest natural harbours in the world.

Public transport in the city is largely dependent on private buses. Taxis and auto rickshaws are available for hire. Narrow roads and large types of vehicles have made traffic congestion a major problem in the city.

Mild climates overflowing with bright sunlight and coastlines attacked annually by fierce typhoons, Kochis natural environment has instilled a unique temperament in its people.

The touristy part of this city is called Fort Kochi and practically every building there is European.

Kochi boasts the first Catholic Church in India St Francis Church. Built in 1546 by the Portuguese, about a hundred years later it became Protestant with the Dutch invasion and still about a hundred years later, the arrival of the British made it Anglican. In 1949, the congregation joined the Church of South India. Next to it is the huge parade ground, formerly used for the different armies and nowadays a favourite site for the youth to exercise cricket.

Katsurahama Beach in Kochi is the most famous for moon viewing. People enjoy the beach for long talks while having food and drinks until late at night. There are also a few souvenir shops, an aquarium, a museum dedicated to Sakamoto Ryoma and his statue.

Bolgatty Palace is a Dutch palace situated on the Bolghatty Island. At present it is being used as hotel. The island has a fine golf course and the panoramic view makes it an attractive picnic spot. Frequent boat service is available from the mainland.

The Chinese fishing nets are the only ones of its kind in India. It is believed that traders from the court of the Chinese ruler Kublai Khan introduced these nets here. Between 1350 and 1450 AD traders from the court of Kublai Khan set up on Teak wood and bamboo poles. The best place to watch the nets being lowered into the sea and catch being brought in is the Vasco da Gama Square, a narrow promenade that runs along the beach.

The Dutch Palace was originally built by the Portuguese. In the 17th century, the Dutch modified it and presented to the Raja of Kochi. The place has a fine collection of mural paintings.

How to Select a Voltage Converter for Your Next Trip Overseas

Whether you live in the United States, Canada, Mexico, or on another continent, traveling overseas can pose problems when taking along electrical appliances because of voltage differences in various countries around the world.

When taking an extended vacation, there are some electrical items you just can’t live without. Needed items may include battery chargers (for cell phones, digital cameras, and other portable items), hairdryer, electric shaver, radio, curlers, iron, VCR, and DVD player. Without a proper voltage match, you could permanently damage your electrical product when plugging it into a power source.

Understand Voltage Differences before You Go

It’s a good idea to research voltage differences before traveling. Some countries have an across-the-board standard of 110 volts while others have a standard voltage of 220. For example, North American countries as well as parts of South and Central America, the Pacific and Caribbean operate on 110 volts. Other countries around the world operate on 220 volts, while some countries have both 110 and 220 voltage.

If you’re traveling from the United States (with a 110 volt standard) to Europe, and the area you plan to visit only uses 220 volts, you will need an 110v to 220v voltage converter, also called a step up voltage converter. On the other hand, if you are traveling from a country in Europe that has a 220 volt standard to the United States, you will need a 220v to 110v voltage converter, or a step down voltage converter.

What is a Voltage Converter or Voltage Transformer?

A voltage converter is a device used to convert the voltage of a power source to create a usable – and safe – power supply. Another word often used for voltage converter is voltage transformer although there are actually differences between the two. A voltage transformer is usually bigger in size and is designed for longer, continued use. A voltage converter will usually either double or cut in half the voltage, but some converters can do both.

Voltage converters usually come with plug end adapters that enable the conversion of the shape and size of the plug’s end. The plug adapter can be used without the converter if no voltage conversion is needed. It’s a good idea to carry with you a variety of plug end adapters because some countries have many different types of outlets. For example, some areas do not use the flat prong outlet that’s used in the United States.

Frequency Gaps – Cycle Mishaps

Some countries not only have voltage differences, but also frequency (cycles per second) differences. Many electrical appliances are not affected by this difference; however, some are such as clocks, espresso makers, and other timed products. A clock, for instance, may not keep time properly if there’s a frequency difference. Also, it’s not recommended to use voltage transformers with heat-making products such as steamers, small electric heaters, or coffee heaters. Some hotels forbid the use of certain electrical appliances, so check with the hotel to be sure you can bring the items along.

VCR and DVD Voltage Converters

If you plan to take along a VCR or DVD player, there are several options. You’ll need a voltage converter with most regular video or DVD players. There are, however, innovative code free (region free) DVD players that offer voltage capabilities for 110 volts and 220 volts. These won’t need a voltage converter because it’s built in. Keep in mind that using a voltage converter usually won’t work if there are frequency differences or format differences with the provided television set. Find out in advance if there will be problems so you can prepare.

When buying a voltage converter or transformer, first find out what type of conversion you will need – step up or step down. Most online electronics outlets offer many different types of 110220 volts converters, transformers, and plug adapters so you can easily find affordable solutions when you travel.

How Do I Know If Flight Is Chartered Or Scheduled ?

At first this seems like an extremely simple question: chartered flights are obviously more expensive than normal scheduled flights. Most people get scheduled flights, why would you do anything else?

However, while this is obviously the case if you were to charter a flight yourself, in actual fact chartered flights are often chartered by holiday companies making them considerably cheaper. These flights have published schedules but the tickets cannot be purchased independently; they must be bpught direct from the holiday company itself. These chartered flights are the reason that holiday companies are able to provide such extremely cheap holidays.

What is a chartered flight? Flight charting is done by every airline and is required by airports before any aircraft can be given permission for takeoff. It basically refers to course plotting for the plane including scheduled take-off and landing times as well as the flight route. Many of the major well-known airlines charter their flights independently and publish schedules months or years ahead of time. Such companies are scheduled airlines. A chartered airline is an airline that specifically caters to individual customers and charters a flight for them. Such companies do charter flights for the rich and can cost a small fortune for a single flight, but this is not all that they do. By far the more common occupation for chartered airlines is chartering flights for large holiday companies. These companies charter much larger planes far further in advance, on a much more regular schedule. As such the flights chartered by holiday companies often appear similar to scheduled flights but with one important difference: the airline has no ability to sell individual tickets, the holiday company already owns all the seats on the flight.

Why choose chartered flights? The economics of the holiday chartered flight are actually fairly simple – at certain time of the year the demand for flights to key holiday destinations is much higher. This demand is amplified if the holiday company can assemble a package with a resort for cheap accommodation. It results in an ongoing cycle: the holiday company charters many flights and provides cheap accommodation at a resort; prices thus drop because of the enormous bulk purchases, and then demand rises further. In order for it to work every seat on the flight has to be taken. Scheduled flights usually cost more because they are compensating for the inevitable shortage of customers. Holiday companies can match demand and thus provide extremely cheap flights.

The benefits of the chartered flight are thus easy to see; while it at first appears that chartered flights may be more expensive, in reality they often work out to be considerably cheaper than anything a scheduled flight can offer. When you combine this with the cheap resort accommodation it equals extremely low prices for an extremely relaxing and easily organized holiday.

Liveaboat in the Andaman Sea

With its sheer beauty, perfect salubrious climate, and bio diversity, the Andaman Sea has now become one of the world’s premier cruising destinations. Sprawling over an area of about 700,000 square kilometers, the Andaman Sea is in the north eastern corner of the Indian Ocean.

Bounded by Myanmar to the north, Sumatra and the Strait of Malacca to the south, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands to the west, and Thailand and Malaysia to the east, the Andaman consists of thousands of incredible islands as well as a great number of sheltered anchorages.

Cruising along the Andaman Sea is a great way to explore some of the world’s beautiful destinations. Perhaps the most perfect destination for an enjoyable sailing in the Andaman is Phuket Island and Phang Nga Bay. Acknowledged as ‘the Pearl of the Andaman,’ Phuket is an incredibly diverse destination in Thailand, which is much famed for its magnificent scenery, fantastic coves and beaches, eye-catching tropical sunsets, glorious coastline, awe inspiring tropical gardens, superb coastline, rocky as well as sandy beaches, tall cliffs, dense forests, scintillating waterfalls, warm blue sea, and ancient temples. The bay of Phang Nga boasts of a number of legendary islands, in addition to the beaches such as Krabi and Phi-Phi. Sea canoeing through the Phang-nga would be a great experience.

Located on the north-west coast of Malaysia, Langkawi is yet another great destination for cruising in the Andaman. An archipelago consisting of 99 islands, Langkawi provides a unique tropical experience, with its unspoilt white sandy beaches and crystal clear blue water. A cruise through the islands of the Langkawi would be truly rewarding, and enables you to enjoy the rustic beauty of the place. In short, Langkawi is truly a yachting haven.

A part of the Union Territory of India, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands also provide a memorable yachting experience in the Andaman Sea. Situated about 400 miles west of Phuket in the Indian Ocean and consisting of more than 500 islands, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands’ all of the beaches are unparallel. Additionally, many of the islands in the Andaman and Nicobar are hilly and covered with tropical forests. Above all, these islands are a paradise to enjoy a variety of activities including snorkeling, scuba diving, and island camping.

Top cruising destinations in the Andaman Sea also include the Mergui, otherwise known as Myeik islands. An archipelago of 800 beautiful islands, Mergui is located on the southernmost part of Myanmar. Crystal-like clear blue water, immaculate white sands, and tropical rainforest, all of this make this island group truly an astounding spot.

One of the great advantages of cruising in the Andaman is that it is safe for sailing throughout the year, since it is not affected by tropical storms. Above all, you needn’t have to about plundering while sailing in the Andaman. The tribes found in these regions are amicable.

Almost every type of boat as well as yachts is available for a memorable cruise in the Andaman Sea. Charter bareboat would be a great choice for those who don’t want to crew on board or hire skipper. In charter bareboat, a boat or yacht is hired without crew. In most cases, bareboat is chartered with full tanks of fuel and water.

One of the great ways to explore the beauty of the Andaman Sea along with your family or friends is chartering skippered yachts, which mostly cover team training, onboard catering, corporate facilities, and itineraries. For those who want to discover the beauty of the Andaman with a blend of privacy and relaxation, a great option would be to charter a crewed yacht. This in turn provides an experience of staying in a luxury floating villa, and in most cases, it comes replete with gourmet meals and drinks, personal service, and finest accommodations.

Options are also available for those looking for sophistication, such as, luxury yachts, which features facilities including in-house theaters, Jacuzzis on deck, excellent cuisine, swimming pools, and fish fighting chairs. Classic yachts, catamarans, super yachts, and sail boat, are the other popular types of yacht charter.

A plethora of charter speed boats agencies are in the scenario to expert services. You can also utilize the services of boat brokers for an enjoyable cruising in the Andaman. Nowadays, many of the service providers have their own sites on the web, with details and information on facilities and packages available. Some of them even provide facilities to book online.

No Artificial Ingredients – Costa Rica

For a perfect blend of science, adventure, and hands-on learning, Costa Rica is an excellent destination for student group travelers. A republic in Central America, Costa Rica (literally “Rich Coast”) is bordered by Nicaragua, Panama, the Pacific Ocean, and the Caribbean Sea. The destination is divided into 20 natural parks, eight biological reserves, and a series of protected areas that will expand the regular science curriculum far beyond the walls of the classroom.

Outdoor activities include horseback riding, hiking, and guided bird-watching tours. While Costa Rica is has only about 0.1% of the world’s landmass, it contains 5% of the world’s biodiversity, with nearly a quarter of the country composed of protected forests and reserves.

The internationally-known Corcovado National Park is famous among ecologists for its biodiversity and is home to an abundance of wildlife. Students experience the park with horseback riding, expeditions to the Guayami Indigenous Reserve, and bird watching. Boat tours provide views of marine birds and dolphins. Corcovado is the last remaining large tract of lowland rain forest o the Pacific coast of Central America. Howler and spider monkeys, tapirs, anteaters, crocodiles, bull sharks, and exotic birds are just a few of the park’s inhabitants, along with a huge variety of tropical plant life.

Home to 320 species of birds, Tortuguero National Park is mostly recognized for its annual nesting of endangered green turtles and is considered the most important nesting site for this species. The park is also home to spider, howler, and white-throated Capuchin monkeys, the three-toed sloth, and the endangered manatee. The best way to see most of the park is from a boat. Evening guided tours enable students to visit the beachfront and see the Green Sea turtles nesting under the moon. During the tours, students can watch as the turtles struggle up the beach, dig their nests, and lay their eggs.

A walk through a Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve reveals a lush green garden of mosses, ferns, and flowers growing thickly on every tree. Clouds drift and settle among the slopes, providing moisture for the amazing plant growth. Wildlife includes the jaguar, three-wattled bellbird, and the famous and elusive Resplendent Quetzal. Of the 1,400 types of Costa Rica Orchids, 500 of them are found at the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve.

Students may enjoy a canopy tour of a cloud forest’s protected area, or explore the area by suspension bridges. Aerial tram tours travel through the treetops, where an incredible diversity of plants and animals can be seen. For a more rustic mode of travel, students may strap on mountain climbing harnesses and pull themselves along suspended cables to a series of wooden platforms built in the trees.

Highlights at the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve include butterfly gardens, reptile and amphibian exhibitions, hummingbird gardens, and a visit to an orchid garden. Night tours feature beautiful sunsets and a naturalist guide who explains the many unique elements of the forest and its inhabitants.

In addition to rain forests, Costa Rica is a land of volcanoes, waterfalls, and rivers. One of the most popular ways to explore its waterways is snorkeling. Here, students get in touch with the colorful underwater world where eels, lobsters, schools of fish, and the spectacular whale shark make their home. This is also a great time to try out the new sport of “Canyoning,” the exciting adventure of repelling down waterfalls. If that’s too adventurous, students can take a relaxing dip in volcano-heated waters after a hike on the active Arenal Volcano.

The capital city of San Jose is an open gateway to the country’s many interesting destinations. Costa Rica’s National Museum, located in the ancient Bellavista Fort, is the guardian of the country’s precious treasures and cultural heritage. The Jade Museum presents a number of important archaeological pieces, in addition to jade pieces and pottery. Presenting the rich culture of Costa Rica, Central Market is the city’s colorful marketplace. Within the cozy warren of alleyways, students discover flowers, baskets, spices, fresh goods, and souvenirs. At the nearby Pre-Columbian Gold Museum, visitors view more than 2,000 glittering pre-Colombian gold artifacts.

Ibiza Holidays – the party paradise

Also famous as the party city of Europe, Ibiza a part of Spanish Balearic Islands situated in Mediterranean Sea. The island is quite a tourist destination for those looking forward to some partying and lots of beach. A holiday in Ibiza might start with party but has lot more to it, such as pine forests, ancient UNESCO acknowledged town, amazing village beauty and a great cuisine.

Ibiza is more of a summer destination with its beaches and nightlife being acknowledged by tourists. Following are some of the popular tourist attractions to visit when holidaying in Ibiza:

Hippy Market – Punta Arabi

This hippy market is present on the land of famous club Punta Arabi, Es Cana. The market near Santa Eulalia is held on Wednesday and offers a huge collection of goods, such as clothing, batik wraps, East-Asian ornaments and jewelry and much more. The market is also known to have some of the real hippies roaming around.

C’an Marça Caves This tourist attraction of Ibiza is surrounded with magnificent views and has temples, figures formed by stalactites and stalagmites as well as an impressive show of light and sound. The caves also have the facility of multilingual guide for all kind of tourists and visitors.

Galleria Van der Voort

Visitors and tourist when holidaying in Ibiza are often smitten by the beautiful collection of pictures and arts, coming from great artists.

Ibiza Old Town

Established around 2,500 years back, the old and ancient town of Ibiza, Dalt Vila, has been quite a tourist puller. Visitors on a holiday in Ibiza never miss opportunity of experiencing whitewashed houses, cobblestone streets with narrow designs and all of it surrounded with beautiful harbor. The town also has shops, galleries and markets to wander and to buy some souvenir for back home.

Scenic Tour Train Popular among families holidaying in Ibiza, this is a 2 hours of ride that takes you through the stunning view of countryside.

Museum of Archaeology

The museum of archaeology is situated in the old town of Ibiza and is know for its spectacular collection and Punic artifacts. Apart from artifacts of Arab, Christian and Moorish, some of the things one can’t miss in this tourist attraction are the collection ranging from Punic era, prehistoric sites of Formentra and Ibiza as well as 7th-2nd century BC sanctuaries of Cuieram and Illa Plana.

When on a holiday in Ibiza you can always found leisure in following ways:

Beaches

The summer island Ibiza has amazing line of exotic beaches making it an ideal tourist destination. From parties, nightlife, nudity to lots of sand and water, the beaches of Ibiza are always crowded with youngsters. Some of the best beaches are Playa Talamanca, Santa Eulalia, Figueretas, Playa des Cana, Cala Llonga and Cala Lena.

The waterline of Ibiza is also loaded with amazing water sports, snorkeling and diving. The island of Ibiza also has great sports facility and amazing Golf and Go-karting courses too. For those who need something more to take back from apart from the fun and excitement, try out the shopping experience in Ibiza.

Best time to visit or holiday in Ibiza

The best time to visit or holiday in Ibiza is the summer time, usually the island is crowded with tourists and visitors in the sunny, hot and humid months from May to October.