Paris in a New Light: Experience the City’s Seasonal Offerings

While many flock to Paris to delve into sights and attractions such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and the Champs Elysees, the city of Paris hosts countless seasonal events, festivals, and celebrations each year. In addition to seeking out those iconic city sights, it’s a great idea to research seasonal happenings in Paris before you travel to the city. Doing so is sure to make your holiday experience all the more memorable and unique.


There are many resources than can point you in the right direction with regard to seasonal events and festivals in Paris. One trustworthy source is tourism websites, which usually keep a comprehensive calendar of events being held throughout the year. Whether you’ve already booked your holiday or are in the process of planning it, you can easily refer to such calendars and seek out events that might be of interest you. If you haven’t already arranged your holiday, and if your travel dates are flexible, you might even find an event that’s worth basing your travel dates around. Other resources that can provide useful information regarding seasonal events in Paris include travel blogs, travel agents, and travel guide books - the latter of which can be found in any major bookstore or ordered online.


Due to Paris’ size and wealth of culture, you’ll be able to find a host of events in the city - no matter what time of year you choose to travel there. For instance, if you’re planning to travel to Paris this autumn, you can enjoy the famous Paris Autumn Festival - on from September 15 to December 19. This event features theatre, dance and cinema exhibitions, most of them new, commissioned, or experimental works. Another autumn event is the Paris Garden Festival, held September 26 and 27, during which Paris’ most "secret", romantic gardens will open up to the public. The Fête des Vendanges de Montmartre - held October 7 to October 11 - is another popular autumn festival event.

If you’re travelling to Paris during the winter months, you’ll find even more exciting events to enjoy. The Fééries d'Auteuil, for instance, runs from December 5 to December 20 and offers a medley of concerts, special events, and a Christmas Market for guests of all ages to take delight in. The Carnaval de Paris, held February 14, is another well-known and loved annual event in the city.



However, no matter what time of year you plan to travel to Paris, it’s always a good idea to book your travel and accommodation well ahead of time. Paris cheap hotels tend to get booked up exceptionally fast during popular seasonal events - so the earlier you book, the better deals you’re likely to get. So, book your travel arrangements early, research seasonal events in the city, and get ready to enjoy a truly memorable stay in Paris.

How Benidorm Became a Tourist Destination

Today, Benidorm is a thriving, bustling tourist destination. Indeed, the sheer amount of tourists each year make it the third busiest destination in Europe. The only two which get more traffic are London and Paris. Benidorm holidays are known for providing incredible beaches, thriving nightlife and towering hotels, but it wasn't always this way.

Until Pedro Zaragoza Orts, the protagonist of our tale, came along, Benidorm was a small, coastal fishing village. It had a wonderful climate and magnificent mountains, but seemed destined to remain beautiful yet unknown.

In 1950, Zaragoza was appointed mayor. Recognising the potential of the place, and knowing what developments had been occurring in northern Europe, he set about turning it into a tourist hotspot.

He began by arranging for water to be pumped to the village from ten miles away, ensuring a large enough supply for his vision. The next step was to get in touch with major airlines in northern Europe and start encouraging the holiday makers. The slogan "sun and beach" was sent out, and planeloads of British tourists began to arrive. Cheap holidays to Benidorm were the latest tourist magnet, it seemed.


As more and more tourists flooded in, they brought with them an item that had become normal and commonplace in northern Europe, but in Franco's Spain caused uproar and went against the traditional Catholic values that were being enforced. The bikini hit Spain, but wearing it was forbidden. In 1953 though, Zaragoza allowed bikinis to be worn in Benidorm, saying that "you couldn't stop it."

The backlash was amazing. Members of the Civil Guard grappled with women in bikinis, escorting them from beaches and public areas, and Zaragoza was threatened with excommunication by the local archbishop. Until one morning, at 6AM, Zaragoza set off on his Vespa, making the eight hour trip to Madrid to ask Franco to give his permission for bikinis to be worn in Benidorm.

"I changed my shirt," he says, "but I went in to the General with my trousers spattered with motor oil… He backed me, and the bikini stayed."

But more liberal fashion policies aren't the only reason for Benidorm's success. In 1954, Zaragoza created and enforced the ‘Plan de General de Ordenación', which ensured every building site would have an area of land that wouldn't be used for construction, but must be maintained as a relatively plant-filled area, purely for leisure. This meant that Benidorm avoided going the way of other cities and being entirely swallowed by grey skyscrapers, and could maintain its lush, green appearance.

Benidorm's success today, and the sheer volume of holidays to Benidorm every year, is a testament to the work Zaragoza did, and his example was followed all across Spain. He went on to become a director in multiple companies, as well as president of his province's council, a civil governer and a member of Parliament, but Benidorm will remain his legacy.

Top 7 Most Popular Cities to Visit in the UK

The UK continues to be a popular tourist destination, with millions of visitors each year. In addition to continued foreign visits, we are seeing that due to the economic downturn more and more people are going to holiday at home, so expect a growth in UK domestic trips for 2009 and beyond.

In line with these vacation trends we have put together a guide to the Top 7 Most Popular Cities to Visit in the UK – so you can pick up some ideas for your holiday break. For more details please read on…

London
The UK’s capital city has long been the "jewel in the crown" of the UK tourism Industry. The city is located on the majestic River Thames and there is so much to see in the city. This bustling city is well served by the underground tube stations so it is very easy to get from place to place, and discover the gems of the city which range from the Houses of Parliament, Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, Big Ben, London Tower Bridge to Westminster Abbey and the British Museum!

London is a world centre for music, shopping, theatre, drama, literature and culture and if museums, theatre and drama are your thing, you are spoilt for choice here! You could take in a play at the National Theatre or visit the Tate Modern Gallery. Or visit the London Eye or take a boat trip on the River Thames! Or shop at Oxford Street or Regent Street! Whatever you decide to do a visit to London is a place you will always remember.

Edinburgh
Edinburgh is the capital of Scotland and is the seat of the Scottish Parliament. Being a University City, Edinburgh has over 60,000 students and attracts around 13 million visitors a year! You can find some of the most wonderful buildings of the British Isles here, including the 1,000-year-old Edinburgh Castle. The city is home to one of the most enchanting and exciting arts festivals in the world – The Edinburgh Fringe Festival.



Indeed the period from July to September is Festival Time in the city, with the Arts, Jazz and Blues Festival and the International Film Festival all taking place. The street Festival celebrating the New Year is called Hogmanay, and this is a party to beat all parties!

Edinburgh is not just about Festivals, for a bit of culture visit the Scotland Museum and the National Gallery of Scotland to name but two. You could also pay a visit to the mountain called "Arthur’s Seat", which is an extinct volcano located right in the middle of the city!

Manchester
The Manchester area was originally one of the centres of Britain’s Industrial Revolution, once being the cotton producing capital of the world. The city is home to plenty of museums, art galleries, theatres and libraries as well as wonderful architecture.




In 1996 the city centre was ripped apart after an IRA bomb which led to major urban redevelopment in the city centre, leading to a modern, and cosmopolitan city centre famed for its shopping!

Manchester is famed for its popular music scene, and many famous musical groups from the Hollies and the Smiths to the Stone Roses and Oasis hailed from the area. There are plenty of popular clubs to visit for live music.

Birmingham
The second largest city in Britain, with one million inhabitants, Birmingham was known as the Manufacturing Capital of the UK for generations. The Steam Engine, which was made James Watt, was first constructed here, along with the famed Orient Express, and the city was the home of the British Motor Industry.

With plenty of Museums from Cadbury World to shopping at the Jewellery Quarter, and plenty to buy at the new Bullring complex, there is something in Birmingham for everyone.




Glasgow
Glasgow is the largest city in Scotland, with 620,000 inhabitants in the city area.






It is a bustling city, situated on the River Clyde, and home to some beautiful Victorian architecture. Take in a visit to The Tall Shop (The Glenlee), check out the wonderful Glasgow Science Centre and the People’s Palace and Winter Gardens. The Buchanan Shopping Mall is a great place to visit for shopping!


Liverpool
A city that held the title of 2008 European City of Culture, Liverpool’s early claims to fame were due to its position as being one of the busiest trading seaports in the world. Located on the River Mersey, the city is home of one of the world’s most famous musical groups, The Beatles. No visit to the city is complete without indulging in some Beatlemania, and the best place to do so is to visit the wonderful Albert Dock alongside the waterfornt, which houses the Beatles Story Museum,


The International Slavery Museum, the Maritime Museum and also the Tate Gallery. Find out more about The Beatles Story. You could also visit the Cavern Club on Matthew Street, where the band began their career, and where a new club has been built on the original site. Liverpool is not all about nostalgia – it is a city famed for its nightlife and shopping!


Oxford
Oxford is home to Oxford University, one of the oldest establishments of its kind in the world, dating back to the 11th century! As you stroll through the streets of the vibrant University City you will be walking in the footsteps of presidents, kings, prime ministers and Nobel Prize winners who attended the famous University.


Some of the most famous attractions that are well worth visiting include the Ashmolean Museum, the Botanic Gardens, Christchurch Cathedral, the University itself and Bodleian Library.

Singapore holidays are full with fun and fiesta

Plural character of Singapore society could be seen in their structure of various national holidays which represent to various communities living in the country. Singapore celebrates the Chinese New Year, Buddhist Vesak Day, Muslim Eid ul-Fitr and Eid ul-Adha, and Hindu Deepavali, as well as Christmas Day and Good Friday. However, it is Vesak which is celebrated with full pomp and gaiety in Singapore. It is an annual holiday observed traditionally by practicing Buddhists in South Asian and South East Asian countries like Nepal, Singapore, Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Indonesia, Pakistan and India.
Singapore grooms multicultural society where people of various race and culture live in full harmony and happiness. The country rightly could be considered the ideal holiday destination for anyone who craves for a memorable vacation and wants to explore mist should go for holiday vacation in Singapore. A number of amusement parks present an ideal location for picnic and short excursions. Moreover, the country offers something to everyone and that may be one reason that Singapore has become the most sought after tourist destination in East Asia. Additionally, various theme parks in Singapore add value to Singapore tourism and enable it to vouch for more pleasing tourist spots.
Tang dynasty City Theme Park is a major tourist attraction in Singapore which portrays life and style of people living in Chang'an early centuries. The place wonderfully displays all facets of conditions and position of people living during the time. Offering unlimited fun and fiesta the Amusement Parks in Singapore are ideal holiday vacation in Singapore. For people who are foodie and want to explore food world in Singapore have numerous options and can enjoy delicious dishes at numerous restaurants and eating joints spread in Singapore.
The Wild Wild Wet Park in Singapore is a popular tourist destination in Singapore which attracts children as well as old people in large numbers. Considered as the biggest water park in Singapore it offers a perfect picnic option. Travelers have to buy a unique Funkey card which is made available by the amusement park authorities. The park is being opened from Monday to Friday and excellent transportation facilities are available to reach the place. You can board MRT and drop at Pasir Ris MRT which is the nearest station from the park.
Singapore vacation is incomplete without visiting the Fort Canning Park. Spread in an area of seven acres the park once belonged to the Malaya kings and could be considered to be the oldest parks of the country. In addition to the park travelers could enjoy visiting the Haw Par Villa which is filled with a large number of statues that belong to the Chinese mythology and customary life of China. Whereas Singapore houses various theme parks, its Singapore Zoo attracts travelers from around the globe. The zoo has more than 170 animals including of komodo dragons, spotted leopards, Chek Jawa, corals, starfishes and many others.

Eurostar London Paris Train

If you’re planning to take a train from London to Paris, then Eurostar is the way to go. Eurostar is a high-speed train service that provides a super-fast connection from London to Paris. The service operates from London’s St. Pancras International Station to the Gare du Nord Station in the heart of Paris. Services from London to Disneyland Resort Paris and other seasonal destinations in France are also available.

Eurostar is a viable alternative to air travel from the UK to Europe. Eurostar London Paris train takes just 2 hours and 15 minutes. The actual flying time for a London to Paris flight might be less than the train ride, but if you consider the time spent in commuting to and from the airport and the waiting time in between, then Eurostar definitely works out faster. This train is also more comfortable and convenient than flying. Journeys can turn out to be excellent sightseeing tours as trains pass through the beautiful the countryside of Kent and Northern France. Meals are served on board for Business Premier First Class passengers and are accompanied by metal cutlery and half-bottles of wine, on the house. Eurostar is a 100% non-smoking service.

Eurostar London to Paris fares start at £59 return on 2nd class. First class fares cost £149 return. The basic cost of an air ticket may be lower, but if you include airport taxes and the cost of commuting between city and airport, Eurostar tickets are likely to work out cheaper. Trains ply from St. Pancras International in Central London to Gare du Nord in Central Paris, at approximately one hour intervals, on all days of the year barring Christmas Day. Trains to Brussels are slightly less frequent. Some trains also stop at Ebsfleet International, Ashford International and Lille to pick up passengers. Lille is the primary interchange point for French TGV high-speed trains.

Eurostar London Paris train have an excellent track record of reaching their destinations on time. On an average over 90% of trains arrive on time or within 15 minutes of their scheduled times, in contrast to just 62.3% for flights on the same route. Eurostar is therefore the preferred mode of travel and it is no surprise that Eurostar Paris trains have captured over 70% of the London to Paris market from airlines.

All about Izmir

Located along the coastline of the Aegean Sea, Izmir is Turkey’s third most populated city with close to 3.5 million residents. The majority of the population are of Turkish decent, yet there are a large number of foreign residents attracted to the climate, lifestyle and highly developed infrastructure.

Izmir has been a popular destination for many years, with a long history dating back to settlements in the 3rd century BC. Throughout the history of Izmir, the city has attracted Italian, English, Dutch and French merchants as the port area acted as an important trade centre, especially during the 17th century. Izmir’s long multicultural history is also evident in the local cuisine, creating a fusion of influencing flavours.

The ideal position of the city’s port has continued activity to become today the country’s second largest, following Istanbul. The Izmir port also contains a free zone that was established in 1990 as a joint venture with the US. US influences in the local area also extend to the city being one of the locations of a US Space Camp.

Developing from a predominantly merchant trade, agriculture and fishing area, Izmir has become one of Turkey’s most dynamic cities of educated professionals with an enviable lifestyle. The desirable Mediterranean climate has assisted with the city’s appeal, with mild winters and long summer’s averaging around 30ºC.

The preferable climate has created an ideal environment for a healthy outdoor lifestyle, with an extensive variety of cultural events scheduled throughout the year. Open air theatres, exhibitions, arts centres, concerts and festivals enable a varied range of options to entertain locals and visitors. Other options such as amusement parks, an open-air zoo and bird sanctuary appeal to all ages.

The attraction of living in Izmir is further enhanced by the excellent network of transportation connecting the city to the rest of Turkey and several major cities throughout Europe. The international airport has been upgraded to cope with the growing demand, and construction is underway to connect it with the local subway system.

Modern, rapid train services run regularly along the coastal areas connecting Izmir to Istanbul, along with buses. A large coach terminal has recently been completed on the outskirts of the city, creating additional transport options. The extensive and modern transport services in Izmir connect all of the city’s ten metropolitan districts, creating an ideal location for permanent living as well as an attractive holiday destination.

Few landmarks of Izmir’s past remain following the past conquests and re-constructions, along with the modern growth and expansion of the city. Previously existing as a walled city with three castles and a large bazaar area, these days only part of the city walls remain and one of the castles. Standing in the surrounding hills, the one remaining castle of Izmir’s past acts as a prominent landmark of the city. Another famous landmark or more recent construction is the tall marble clock tower positioned on the edge of the harbour.

One of the more dramatic changes to the face of Izmir city in recent times was the result of a law passed in the mid 60s. Designed to replace the single story buildings of the city to larger 8 story apartment blocks for the rental benefit of landlords and building contractors, the local landscape changed dramatically. The instant increase in capacity of residents converted the agricultural and fishing town into the city it has become today. Currently housing 6 universities and a variety of schools renowned throughout the country, Izmir combines the perfect blend of educated professionalism with a coastal resort relaxation.

Skiing Vacations For 2010 - Canada

There's plenty of great ski holidays available in Europe, so it's surprising perhaps that quite a few Europeans make the trip across the Atlantic to have a ski holiday in Canada.

Maybe it's less of a surprise perhaps when you consider that no fewer than 5 of Canada's ski resorts made Conde Nast Traveler's Top 20 Ski Destinations in the world. This fact doesn't surprise Canadians, who have always known that skiing in Canada is a cut above the rest, nor to the Europeans who make the effort to visit.

The travel poll was Conde Nast Traveler's 13th annual ranking of world class ski resorts. Whistler-Blackcomb, a regular on the list, came top.

Whistler-Blackcomb will play host to many of the 2010 Winter Olympic Games events. This fact is a testament to the resort's ability to compete with the world's best ski resorts. It is the official Alpine skiing venue for the Vancouver 2010 games.

It has already held several pre-Olympic races and events, with more to come leading up to the Games. Local tourism officials and business owners are thrilled with the attention the 2010 Olympic Games have already brought to Whistler-Blackcomb. They expect a great ski holidays season next year as the Games draw ever closer.

Sun Peaks Resort in Kamloops, British Columbia blasted onto Conde Nast's list, taking 10th place overall. It also makes it the second best in Canada. This Canadian Ski Holiday Resort is relatively new by some world standards and has Olympic ties. Former Canadian Olympic skiing champion Nancy Greene is the resort's director of skiing. Greene, a major investor and developer of the resort is pleased to see Sun Peaks getting the recognition it deserves.

Other Canadian ski resorts to make the top 20 were Mont Tremblant resort in Quebec (no. 12), Big White in Kelowna, British Columbia and Lake Louise in Alberta (tie for no. 16). This strong showing for skiing holidays in Canada will likely continue to boost winter tourism long after the Winter Olympics have come and gone.

Lake Louise, like Whistler-Blackcomb, frequently makes a strong showing on the international ski scene. Nestled deep in the Canadian Rockies, it boasts some of the world's most breathtaking scenery. This Canadian ski resort will play home to a number of pre-Olympic events and races beginning in December. Her pristine snow and quality runs make it a force to be contended with on the international ski holidays scene.

Hopefully for these as well as other popular ski in Canada holiday resorts, it will be a good year for snow. Those who were fortunate enough to obtain season passes for last year's skiing got their money's worth with good snowfall throughout the season.

The wintry weather isn't the only thing that makes a Canadian spring ski holiday appealing. The weak Canadian dollar means that visitors from other countries can get more bang for their ski buck. The Canadian dollar has been languishing at just under 80 cents U.S. for a while - that translates to an extra 20 percent for American visitors.

Many tourism experts agree that a nod from Conde Nast Traveler is a significant endorsement. Over 32,000 readers, many well-versed in travel, voted in the ski holiday poll. Thanks to their knowledge, the enthusiasm of Canadians and the impending winter Olympic Games, Canadian ski resorts are bracing for a healthy 2010 and beyond.

Bhutan and Nepal, Two Wonderful Countries to Visit

For those who want to spend a holiday in some off- the -beaten –path countries, Bhutan and Nepal are the right choice. Both these countries are known for their geographical and cultural heritage. Bhutan is a country which offers picturesque views of mountains, and immense beauty in its culture. It is known as the calm land of Thunder dragon. There are a lot of beautiful Buddhist monasteries in Bhutan. Thimphu is the capital of Bhutan and it has a lot of beautiful places to visit. You will not find any traffic lights in Thimphu. It is the only city in the whole world, which functions without any traffic lights. Here, one can visit “Trashi Chhoe Dzong”, “Memorial Chorten” and other places.

Over the internet, one can easily find various holiday packages offered by different Bhutan tours and travel agents. According to the places you wish to visit in Bhutan, you can customize your holiday package.

Nepal is among those countries which earn a lot of money through tourism. The world’s highest mountain peak Mount Everest is situated in Nepal. If you are the one who loves to indulge in various adventurous activities like trekking etc., then you will definitely love to visit Nepal. Kathmandu is the capital of Nepal. It has several beautiful places like the famous temple of Pashupatinath, Bouddha, Nara Devi temple etc. Other beautiful places in Nepal include Lalitpur, Bhaktapur, Lumbini, Pokhara, Tansen, Gorkha etc. Numerous websites owned by a number of Nepal tours and travel agents can be found over the internet. Depending on your budget, you can easily find the most suitable travel package for your holiday in Nepal. There are a number of luxurious hotels available in Nepal. If your budget is not too big, then you can also easily find inexpensive hotels to stay in Nepal.

10 Things to do in San Francisco

One of the most visited cities in California is San Francisco, which is unsurprising, really, as this is a city known the world over for its fun-loving attitude, and the number of things to see and do here. For backpackers in particular, San Fran proves a winner, it’s outgoing nature and many cheap joints making it a rewarding experience even if you’re traveling on a budget.

The backpacker or budget traveler exploring San Francisco, then, a good way ‘in’ to the city is via one of the many San Francisco hostels. These hostels provide standard accommodation at cheap rates, making them the perfect haunts for those traveling while watching the purse strings.

The Adelaide Hostel and Hotel, for example, is a great San Francisco hostel located in Duncan Lane. With complimentary breakfast for the backpacker and decent services, this hostel has emerged as a hit among budget travelers. Another good hostel in San Francisco is the AAE Amsterdam.

Once you’re installed at your San Francisco hostel there will be a lot of things that demand your attention. Read on to find out about the ten things that you must do in San Francisco to make the most of your time in this beguiling American metropolis...

1. Walk around the city: San Francisco is a city that is safe for a traveler to walk around and explore. What’s more, it’s the type of place that truly reveals its beauty from the sidewalk. So grab a map and get stepping!

2. CityPass: This is an ideal way for backpackers to check out the city. It is a pass that gives you admission to the major attractions of the city, including the Aquarium of the Bay, the San Francisco Museum and the De Young Museum. The pass also includes unlimited cable car rides for seven days.

3. See the Golden Gate Bridge: A trip to San Francisco is incomplete without seeing the famous Golden Gate Bridge. This bridge is considered one of the Seven Modern Wonders of the World – it’s undoubtedly a masterpiece of human creation.

4. Visit the Presidio: After you have seen the Golden Gate Bridge, you should head to the Presidio, which is located in the same district. This military post was established way back in 1776 and is famed as being one of the oldest military posts in the nation.

5. Visit Fisherman’s Wharf: This is one of the most vibrant areas in all of the city. Check out the street entertainment, and (of course) don’t forget to try the fish in a local restuarant!

6. See Treasure Island: Take a Muni Bus and ride over to this artificial island bay. Once you reach Treasure Island, expect to be treated with a great view of the Oakland and the San Francisco skylines.

7. Take a Trip to Golden Gate Park: There are a number of things to do at the Golden Gate Park – like seeing the Conservatory of Flowers, experiencing the best of modern art in the de young Museum, visiting the Japanese Tea Garden, and spending time in the Strybing Arboretum, which houses an impressive collection of plants from the temperate regions.

8. Tour the Museums: For the backpacker who wants to know a city well, it is imperative to go and visit the museums of a city. While in San Fran, the Asian Art Museum, the California Academy of Sciences and the De Young Museum are definite must-sees.

9. See great ballet shows: Go to the War Memorial Opera House and catch a great ballet show for around only $10. San Francisco is famous for its great ballets and you can be sure that you get to see the best in the world here.

10. Get musical at the LovEvolution: For the backpacker who is a music lover, the LovEvolution is an event worth seeing. This music fest happens every year during late September or early October. With great music and love in the air, it inevitably wins the hearts and minds of those who go.

Rajasthan Heritage Tour

Affectionately dubbed “the land of raja-maharajas, Rajasthan truly lives up to its reputation. This most popular tourist destination of India has incredibly rich cultural heritage, which majestically reflects in its various attractions such as traditions, beliefs, customs, monuments, palaces, havelis, forts, dance and music, cuisine, art and architecture and fairs and festivals.

Even today one can experience the royalty and glory of the era of raja-maharajas in its opulent palaces, havelis and forts, most of which have been converted into heritage hotels. The Lake Palace, Umaid Bhawan Palace, Amar Vilas Palace, Ajit Bhawan Palace and Fort Rajwada are the most popular. You you wish to step back in time to the days of raja-maharajas, then stay at the heritage hotels of the state. Starting from the entrance to the interiors, facilities and services, everything offers royalty and luxury in abundance. In these heritage hotels you will be treated like a king! High on hospitality quotient, these hotels make evenings of their guests entertaining by organising mind blowing dance and music performances.

The Rajput rulers and Mughal Emperors were great patrons of art and architecture and the architectural marvels in Rajasthan are a great testimony to it. City Palace; Jaipur, City Palace; Udaipur, Lake Palace, Amber Palace, Meharangarh Fort, Amber Fort, Golden Fort, Patwon-ki-haveli, Jantar Mantar and Hawa Mahal are some of the richest(in terms of beauty) attractions of Rajasthan.

Apart from this, an interesting and unique way of experiencing the richness of Rajasthan is by taking a ride in its “Palace on Wheels”, one of the most luxurious trains in the world. Offering luxury and comfort in plenty, the train offers 8 days/7 nights tour. It covers several fascinating destinations like Delhi, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Ranthambore National Park, Chittaurgarh, Udaipur and Agra.

In fact, everything about Rajasthan has a “royal” touch to it. Experience it for yourself.

Rajasthan, the land synonymous with royalty is a great tourist destination to visit. Its rich cultural heritage attracts many a tourist from across the globe. Rajasthan Heritage Tourismhas a lot to awe-inspire tourists such as palaces, forts, havelis, palace on wheels(luxury train), heritage hotels, fairs and festivals and glorious cities teeming with attractions. A Heritage Rajasthan Tour is the best way of travelling back in time to the era of raja-maharajas.

Getting to Know Switzerland

About the country

Switzerland is blessed with all the bounties of nature. It is the most preferred tourist destination among all the countries in the world. The Alps region has a cold weather most of the times, where as the summers are warmer in the northern area. Visit Saas Fee to ski and snowboard. Dream of living in real life igloo can come true as many resorts, like Zermatt and St Moritz (which is a celebrity resort), had them built for their customers.

Culture

Italian, German and French are the official languages of Switzerland. Many English people can also be found here. Unwrapped flowers must be presented to the host to show appreciation. White asters and chrysanthemums flowers are reserved for funerals, so precaution must be taken when presenting flowers to others, even red roses are better avoided. One can move around in casuals but it is important to dress in warrant jackets and ties when attending social gatherings or when eating out at a fine restaurant. Swiss Franc is the currency used here.

Shopping

Switzerland is famous for its exotic chocolates, finest handmade clocks and luxury watches. Other specialties are embroidered linen, music boxes, wood carvings, Swiss cheese and Swiss army knives. Many shops remain close on Monday, so shopping should be avoided on that day. Since service charge is applied on all services, so tipping is an issue of free-will. 7.6% VAT is charged on all purchases made in Switzerland, which can be reclaimed later by asking for a global refund check, if the purchase crosses 400 CHF.

Electricity

The standard current used is 230 volts (AC) and 50 Hz.

Getting There

Swiss airline is the national airline of Switzerland, which connects to 71 destinations all over the world. Zurich is the most popular airport, located at a distance of 11km from the city. Every 15 minutes, trains shuttles passengers to their destination. Fly-Rail Luggage ticket can be bought if the passengers want to collect their luggage at the railways station rather than the airport. While leaving Switzerland, Fly-Rail Baggage service can be availed that enables passenger to check-in their luggage at the railway station itself. Other facilities provided here are duty free shops, banks, restaurants and car hire. Check out Geneva, Basle and Bern airport for offers.

Since weather conditions are worst during the winters, train is an efficient and cheaper option. They are also great if one wants to enjoy the scenic beauty of Switzerland. Swiss Pass can be purchased to visit most of the tourist attractions in Switzerland.

High quality roads are maintained here. Roads connect to Austria, Germany, Italy and France. But in winters things can get worse, so it is better to carry chains and snow tires. Cars should be kept to the right.

Duty Free Items

a) Visitors from European countries

200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco
2 liter of alcohol (up to 15 per cent) and 1liter of alcohol (over 15 per cent)

(b) Visitors from non-European countries

400 cigarettes or 100 cigars or 500g of tobacco
2liter of alcohol (up to 15 per cent) and 1liter of alcohol (over 15 per cent)

Meat items, narcotics and absinthe are strictly not permitted. Other items that come under the prohibited items list are firearms and animals.

About the country

Switzerland is blessed with all the bounties of nature. It is the most preferred tourist destination among all the countries in the world. The Alps region has a cold weather most of the times, where as the summers are warmer in the northern area. Visit Saas Fee to ski and snowboard. Dream of living in real life igloo can come true as many resorts, like Zermatt and St Moritz (which is a celebrity resort), had them built for their customers.

Culture

Italian, German and French are the official languages of Switzerland. Many English people can also be found here. Unwrapped flowers must be presented to the host to show appreciation. White asters and chrysanthemums flowers are reserved for funerals, so precaution must be taken when presenting flowers to others, even red roses are better avoided. One can move around in casuals but it is important to dress in warrant jackets and ties when attending social gatherings or when eating out at a fine restaurant. Swiss Franc is the currency used here.

Shopping

Switzerland is famous for its exotic chocolates, finest handmade clocks and luxury watches. Other specialties are embroidered linen, music boxes, wood carvings, Swiss cheese and Swiss army knives. Many shops remain close on Monday, so shopping should be avoided on that day. Since service charge is applied on all services, so tipping is an issue of free-will. 7.6% VAT is charged on all purchases made in Switzerland, which can be reclaimed later by asking for a global refund check, if the purchase crosses 400 CHF.

Electricity

The standard current used is 230 volts (AC) and 50 Hz.

Getting There

Swiss airline is the national airline of Switzerland, which connects to 71 destinations all over the world. Zurich is the most popular airport, located at a distance of 11km from the city. Every 15 minutes, trains shuttles passengers to their destination. Fly-Rail Luggage ticket can be bought if the passengers want to collect their luggage at the railways station rather than the airport. While leaving Switzerland, Fly-Rail Baggage service can be availed that enables passenger to check-in their luggage at the railway station itself. Other facilities provided here are duty free shops, banks, restaurants and car hire. Check out Geneva, Basle and Bern airport for offers.

Since weather conditions are worst during the winters, train is an efficient and cheaper option. They are also great if one wants to enjoy the scenic beauty of Switzerland. Swiss Pass can be purchased to visit most of the tourist attractions in Switzerland.

High quality roads are maintained here. Roads connect to Austria, Germany, Italy and France. But in winters things can get worse, so it is better to carry chains and snow tires. Cars should be kept to the right.

Duty Free Items

a) Visitors from European countries

200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco
2 liter of alcohol (up to 15 per cent) and 1liter of alcohol (over 15 per cent)

(b) Visitors from non-European countries

400 cigarettes or 100 cigars or 500g of tobacco
2liter of alcohol (up to 15 per cent) and 1liter of alcohol (over 15 per cent)

Meat items, narcotics and absinthe are strictly not permitted. Other items that come under the prohibited items list are firearms and animals.

Moving Yourself and Your Things at the Same Time

Are you worried about what will happen to your belongings when you move abroad? Have no fear. Overseas moving company is the answer to all your needs.

According to studies, over 40 million people are moving every year to the US alone. This does not count those who are moving to other countries. Just imagine the total number of people who are moving from one place to another.

Overseas moving companies are aware of the statistics. To solve the problem, they have branches all over the world to cater to this specific need. With the various companies that are now existing, all people have to do is choose the one that they think will give them the best service.

Overseas moving companies use different methods of transport in order to get their cargos to their destination. Some of these methods are by air, auto and boat transport. Some of them are making use of their own cargo methods. While others are affiliated with trusted and well-known companies that specializes in effective transportation.

1. Air and boat transport.

This is the method of transportation used if the cargo needs to be transferred from once country to another. These are the fastest method to use if the delivery is on strict schedule.

Although they can be quite expensive, owners are assured that their belongings will reach them in the best of condition and delivered right at their doorstep.

Air and boat transport have strict standards to follow depending on the rules set about by the individual destination. For once, there are taxes that need to be paid. This accounts to the expensive prices that overseas moving companies are asking for.

Furthermore, there are also inspections and check up on some ports. Certain regulations on some countries do not allow agricultural products to be shipped. This is along with other belongings that seem hazardous. Owners who want them to be brought into that destination need to have some papers signed first and presented to the proper authorities.

2. Road transport.

Road transport is a convenient way of shipping belongings. But this can only be done for short distances. For example, a certain country may be near yours and will not need air transport for you and your belongings.

So to avoid the hassle of having to bring them along with you, you get the services of overseas moving company. Getting the services of professionals can take away the worry that your belongings might get broken or destroyed in the process of transportation.

Road transports are known for their efficiency and careful maneuvers. These people know that they have important things with them. And they are always after customer satisfaction. Their main goal is to have these things brought to their destination on time and in proper condition.

Moving overseas is made easy by overseas moving companies. Try to think what it would be like without them helping you bring your stuff along.

The only thing you need to worry about is the budget that you will allot for their services. Be prepared to spend some amount of cash if you have a lot of things to bring with you. Another thing to remember is to have everything prepared and in order so that the overseas moving company of your choice can do the rest.

How to plan your gap year

So, you’ve decided to ditch school/uni/work/daytime TV for a year and venture out to see the big wide world. Awesome… but how to get it all sorted? There’s the question of where to go, how long to go for, what to do, how to get there, and that’s not even starting on the money! Don’t panic… just sit back and let a seasoned traveller walk you through the whole process…

1. Decide your budget

‘But I haven’t even decided where to go yet!’ I hear you cry. Well, that’s because you won’t be going anywhere unless you’ve got some cash stashed, or very generous parents/fairy godmothers. So, before you even open that guidebook, draw up a realistic plan of how long you’ve got to save for and how much money you can realistically earn, beg or borrow in that time. If you’re thinking about earning money while you’re away, either through TEFL or working holidays (for example in Australia), factor this in now. Once you’ve got you figure (be it £5,000 or (if you’re v. lucky) £15,000) you’ll be able to start planning in earnest.

2. How long do you want to go for?

The term ‘gap year’ is something of a misnomer, as very few people head out for their whole year – generally six months of working to earn the money, then six months out spending it on the road is a good balance, but pick whatever suits you (and your budget).

3. Where do you want to go?

All people belong to one of two schools of thought. One half of people like to fly by the seat of their pants, hopping from one place to the next, stopping off in random towns along the way, getting lost, and generally bumming around for a year. The second kind of person is the type who gets everything planned in advance, has all documents kept in triplicate and never runs out of clean underwear. I’m passing no judgement whatsoever on which is better, but if you belong to the first school of thought, planning where to go is not so much of an issue, so pick a country you’ll start on, then mosey along to step 5. For those in the second camp, start by picking 10 places you want to visit, then plot them out on a map. Work out how much (roughly) it’d cost to visit each one (budget around £1,000 for a round the world plane ticket), then if you can afford them all, great, but if you can’t, start crossing them off the list until you can afford to fit them all in.

4. What are you going to get up to?

The opportunities of things to do in your gap year are pretty endless, and you’ll want to leave yourself a good degree of room for manoeuvre when you’re out travelling: there’s nothing worse than feeling like you’re missing out as you planned everything in advance and don’t have any time/money left to do anything else. That said, it’s worth organising a few things (such as volunteer placements/teaching placements) in advance to give your gap year a bit of structure. For suggestions of what to get up to, try taking a look at i-to-i, a company who offer volunteer placements and TEFL courses, gapyear.com, a great directory of ideas and www.goabroad.com, a brilliant volunteering database. A word of warning though – if you’re using your gap year to get a leg-up in university/job applications, make sure what you’re planning will be seen as ‘constructive’ – so sitting on a beach drinking pina coladas has dubious merits when compared to helping out on a conservation project.

5. How are you going to get there?

If you’re doing a massive round-the-world trip, your first step will be negotiating a good deal on a round-the-world plane ticket. Gapyear.com has a great guide to these bad boys, which you can check out here: http://www.gapyear.com/rtw_flights. If you’re just going to one particular place and need one return ticket, make sure you shop around using sites like skyscanner.net, which searches all available flights to give you the best price. Plus, if you’re booking a volunteer placement through a company, ask if they partner with any companies/airlines to give you preferential rates. While, you’ll probably get to most of your destinations by plane, don’t ignore the extra fun and adventure (as well as green brownie points) you can get by going overland on trains and buses. Seat61.com is a great resource for planning train trips in far-flung places.

6. Get the boring stuff sorted

So you’ve decidied where you want to go, how you’re going to get there, what you’ll be doing once you’re there – surely that’s enough planning?! Well, almost. The last things you need to sort are not as sexy as all that, but are just as important: vaccinations, visas and insurance. Apply for visas as far in advance as possible – sometimes the cogs of bureaucracy move painfully slowly. For your jabs and anti-malarials (should you need them), just call your GP surgery and make an appointment at their travel clinic. They’ll be able to tell you what jabs you need depending on where you’re off to. Be warned: you may need to pay for your jabs. For insurance, as with anything else, shop around for the best deal, but keep in mind that lots of gap-year-esque activities like volunteering abroad, diving, bungee jumping etc, are not usually covered on standard travel insurance policies.

So, you’re all set! Now… all you need to do now is decide what to pack….

Holidays to Cyprus

Cyprus is located in the Mediterranean Sea and has an expansive coastline with a vast range of beaches from which to choose. These range from secluded bays, to lively resorts, sandy beaches and coves.

Perhaps the most well known beach is Phinikoudes Beach with its expanses of beach and blue sea. Two other popular venues are Pernera A Beach, a golden sand beach and Kapparis Beach. Most people associate Cyprus with Ayia Napa, a Mecca for the youth contingent with entertainment 24 hours a day. However, Cyprus offers much quieter places including small villages of the Akamas Peninsula and the golden beaches of the Karpas Peninsula.

There are also many mountain ranges amid citrus groves and a fair number of medieval castles with island views. The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) offers historic ruins and beaches.

The island is famous for its watersports, with waterparks and underwater worlds for snorkelling or diving. Because of the climate of steady winds and calm waters, windsurfing and sailing can be enjoyed all year round.

Culturally, Cyprus is diverse, dominated by Western Europe, but geographically very close to both Asia and Africa. Cypriots have a long heritage which is reflected in age-old crafts including the world famous lace industry.
As far as the climate goes, Cyprus holidays have a typical warm, dry Mediterranean climate, with rainfall mainly between November and March. Mild but wet winters and dry hot summers are the norm, and these are interspersed with short autumn and spring seasons. The mountains offer a different, cooler and moister temperature.

Five Strange Facts About Buckingham Palace

As one of Britain's most recognisable buildings, much has been written and published about Buckingham Palace. The official London residence of the British monarchy is well known the entire world over, but many small tidbits about its history remain largely unknown to the general public. If you thought you knew everything there is to know about this celebrated cultural landmark, think again: the following five strange facts about Buckingham Palace are sure to surprise you and give you a whole new appreciation for this remarkable building.

Go Round The Mulberry Bush
King James I had a rather brilliant idea: he would plant mulberry bushes in order to cultivate and encourage silk worms to grow on the land that he'd planted them on. Thereafter, Britain would become a top producer of silk and would enjoy incredible wealth through it. In the early 1600s, King James I planted these mulberry bushes on the site where Buckingham Palace would one day stand. Unfortunately, he planted the wrong variety and his dreams never came to fruition. It's safe to say, however, that Buckingham Palace has proved a longer lasting legacy after all.

A True War Survivor
Many people don't realise it, due to the many different facts about the Second World War, but Buckingham Palace was struck at least seven times by bombs. It was a natural target since it has always been a strong symbol of the British monarchy. Take advantage of London hotel deals and stop by the Palace to learn more about this fascinating chapter in its history.

When Hospitals Aren't Good Enough
In 1902, King Edward VII, suffering from a nasty bout of peritonitis, had to undergo surgery at Buckingham Palace. Incredibly, the surgery was successful and he went on to be ordained at Westminster Abbey soon after. Book a stay at cheap London hotel then use the money you save to plan an extensive visit to Buckingham Palace. There, you can regale your friends with this intriguing tidbit about King Edward VII and let them in on the news that the Palace has seen many strange occurrences, indeed.

Fighting Back Against The Enemy
n 1940, a German plane attempting to bomb Buckingham Palace was rammed by an RAF pilot named Ray Holmes. He had no ammunition left, so he rammed the plane as a last resort. The whole thing was caught on film, and can be viewed today. Watching it is a great way to put the "icing on the cake" after enjoying some great London hotel deals.