A Wild Adventure with Sharks and Rainforests at Beijing Aquarium

Author: eMarketingEye
Dubbed as one of the world’s greatest cities, the Chinese capital of Beijing enjoys the unique position of being the country’s principal political and cultural stronghold for centuries. Known for its illustrious universities and resplendent castles, towering stone facades and temples and the 2008 Olympics, Beijing is an integral part of China’s past and present. And as such this metropolitan giant is home to some of the nation’s key attractions.
A trip to Beijing would be incomplete without a visit to the Forbidden City (Imperial Palace) and Kubla Khan’s Beihai Park (Beihai Gongyuan) and Gong Wang Fu Palace. The Lama Temple and Old Summer Palace also known as Yuanmingyuan are also worth the visit in addition to the iconic Bird's Nest Stadium and historic Tiananmen Square.
Another must-see locale in China’s bustling capital is the Beijing Aquarium. Set within the gates of the sprawling Beijing Zoo in a giant construction of vibrant orange and ocean blue the Beijing Aquarium is spread across 29.7 acres. Officially dubbed the largest inland aquarium, it plays host to over 1,000 aquatic species and freshwater fish varieties. Separated in to seven sections, the aquarium comprises of the Shark Harbour, Rainforest Adventure, Wonder of Coral Reefs and the Rare Chinese Sturgeon Hall in addition to the Touch Pool, Marine Theatre and the Whales and Globefish Hall.
The Rainforest Adventure is ideal for children and nature enthusiasts as it recreates the atmosphere of walking within an Amazon rainforest complete with inland rivers, twenty-two tanks with over 100 varieties of freshwater fish species. The popular residents of this enclave include enormous salamanders, sea elephants and blood parrot fish.
The Wonder of Coral Reefs gives one the feeling of being under the sea with its overhead tunnels where fish and colourful inhabitants of the aquarium swimming overhead. For those who dare, Beijing Aquarium also houses a Shark Harbour which offers mind blowing interactive activities with these killers of the sea. Available activities include shark feeding, diving excursions as well as opportunities to dance with the sharks! Marine life aficionados would be amiss if they did not venture in to the Rare Chinese Sturgeon Hall which is home to the Chinese sturgeons unique to the Yangtze River while the Whales and Globefish Hall offers unhindered views of killer whales, sea lions and dolphins going about their daily routines is the ideal base for those who are looking for a luxury close to the aquarium. Owing to its advantageous location the hotel also offers easy access to all of the city’s prominent attractions.
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Visiting Greece

Author: Jim Guerra

side of Balkan Peninsula. It is also bordered by Bulgaria and Macedonia in the southeast.

Climate

It has three distinct climates namely Alpine, Mediterranean and temperate climate with mild and wet winters and also hot and dry summers due to Mediterranean affect. Alpine system is seen in mountainous regions. The temperate climate is seen near border along Macedonia. Athens has both temperate and Mediterranean weather.

Local Customs

The Greece is a place with strong historic and cultural background. There are different traditions and customs in different parts of the Greece. The throwing back of a hand is considered to be a negative gesture here in Greece. Casual dress can be worn most of the times. Smoking is prohibited in public transport services and public buildings. Tipping 12 to 1 percent is customary in restaurants, hotels and taxis.


Attractions
- The Olympic Games in Athens (the spot of the historic 2004 Olympic Games)
- Mardi Grass Celebrations in February
- The Parthenon in Athens
- Skiing in Arahova Mountains between October and March
- Easter Celebrations
- Thessaloniki's White Tower and country's rich Byzantine culture



- The south of Corinth
- The beaches in Lesvos
- The wine vineyards in the countryside
- The islands near the Aegean Sea
- The wildlife preserve in Alonissos (Sporades Marine Park)
- The famous, Moni Panagia Chozoviotissa, a Byzantine monastery in Amorgos


Travel

By Air - The national airline of Greece is Olympic Airlines. Many popular airlines like British Airways and Delta Airlines operate daily flight from Athens. The biggest airport is newly constructed Athens International Airport which is located like 17 miles northeast of the city. The other international airports of Greece are Heraklion (Crete), Thessaloniki (Macedonia) and Corfu (Kerkira).



By Sea - The popular Greek ports include Corfu, Heraklion, Igoumenitsa, Patras, Piraeus (Athens), Rhodes, Thessaloniki and Volos. Shipping vessels and ferryboat lines link these ports with Italy, Croatia, Cyprus, Russia and Turkey. Some of the popular cruises operating in Greece are Celebrity Cruises, Costa Cruises, Crystal Cruises, Festival Cruises, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Silversea and Swan Hellenic.

By Rail - If one is coming from UK, the best way is to take Eurostar train to Brussels or Paris and from there take connecting train to Greece.

Duty Free Items
1. Up to 200 cigarettes or 250 gm tobacco
2. 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars
3. 1 liter spirit over 22% or 2 liter wine
4. Perfumes - 50 gm or 250 ml
5. Gifts up to €175

Prohibited Items

Narcotics, firearms, ammunition, weapons, most meat and dairy products, eggs, plants, endangered species, fireworks and alcoholic beverages that contain more than sixty per cent alcohol.

An Overview of Sweden

Author: Jim Guerra

Electricity

Voltage - 230 volts, Frequency - 50Hz. Standard European 2-pin plugs are used.

Geographic Location

Sweden is a Nordic country lying in the Scandinavian Peninsula and is the fifth largest country in Europe. Its west neighbor is Norway; Finland in the northeast, the southwest border is surrounded by Skagerrak and Kattegat straits and the west coast is surrounded by Baltic Sea and the Gulf of Bothnia. Majority of the area is forest and there are thousands of lakes mostly in the Southern part of Sweden.

Local Customs

Like any other country Sweden has its own customs too. It is customary not to drink until the host makes a toast. Smoking is prohibited in most public areas. It is also customary to say Tack för maten to the host after having a meal which means thanks for the food. Casual dress is acceptable for everyday wear and formal wear for social gatherings. Also tipping up to ten percent is customary for service in restaurants and around same percent for taxis also.
Places to see

Stockholm - The biggest city and capital of Sweden and is one of the most beautiful cities of the world. The old town is a treat for your eyes and a walk around city's waterways and parks is an experience to cherish. Most visitors prefer walking around on foot and visit the medieval part of Gamla Stan. The city is basically constituted by archipelagos which are outstandingly scenic and can be explored by cruises.

Gothenburg - it is the second biggest city of Sweden. Not to be missed attraction in this city is Liseberg, a world class amusement park. It is home to popular museums like Ostindiska huset, Konstmuseet and Sjöfartshistoriska museet.
Vadstena - The Renaissance castle Vadstena slot & klosterkyrkan.

Visby - Port of Visby, ruins of Drotten, St Nicolai, St Lars and St Carin, cathedral of St Maria and Gotlands Fornsal historic musem.

Oland - Fort of Graborg, Eketorp museum and ruins of Borgholm Castle.




Travel

By Air - It is well connected to the rest of the world by air. Many international airlines serve Sweden apart from its national airlines SAS. The other airlines are Air Canada, Air France, Aeroflot, British Airways, Finn air, Lufthansa, Ryan air etc.

By Sea - The ferries connect Sweden with other destinations such as New Castle, Copenhagen, and St. Petersburg etc.

By Rail - Trains connect Ostend, Sweden to London. It is also connected to Denmark by Eurostar train.

By Road - Visitors from UK can drive to Sweden through Demark or Germany




Duty Free Items
1. Up to 200 cigarettes or 250 gm tobacco
2. 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars
3. 1 liter spirit over 22% or 2 liter wine or 32 liter beer
4. Perfumes
5. Gifts up to SEK 1700.

Prohibited Items
Narcotics, firearms, ammunition, weapons, most meat and dairy products, eggs, plants, endangered species, fireworks and alcoholic beverages that contain more than sixty per cent alcohol.

Planning an Inexpensive Trip to Saint Thomas

Author: Jim Guerra

If you are like most American families, it is likely that you are on a budget. With the cost of important merchandise, such as gasoline on the rise, you may find it difficult to keep yourself out of debt. If you are on a budget, the last thing that you may be thinking about is a vacation; however, it doesn't have to be that way.

If you are interested in taking a vacation you can. Each year, millions of individuals vacation while on a budget. Despite being on a budget, many of those individuals are able to vacation at some of the "hottest," vacation destinations in the world. It may take a little bit of saving and research, but you can easily be vacationing in luxury, despite the fact that your finances may not be on track.

As previously mentioned, a large number of individuals are able to vacation at popular destinations, despite being on a budget. If you are going to be planning a vacation, you mine as well make it the best vacation that you've ever had or ever will have. If this is the type of vacation that you are interested in taking, you may want to consider a St. Thomas vacation.

The beautiful island of St. Thomas is located in the Virgin Islands. St. Thomas is most-well-known for its warm climate and amazing beaches. The beaches and warm climate is what makes it an ideal vacation destination, especially for those who live in a colder climate. To many, a St. Thomas vacation only sounds like a dream. That is why you may be wondering how you can have a St. Thomas vacation on a budget. You can do so thanks to a number of travel discounts, price reductions, and vacation packages.


If you have children, you will need to schedule a family vacation. While you may think that vacationing with your children in St. Thomas is expensive, for the most part, it isn't. A large number of popular resorts, hotels, restaurants, and other tourist attractions offer price reductions for children. Some of the foresaid facilities may have restrictions on children that are eligible for price reductions. For instance, most resorts only offer the price reduction for children that are under the age of twelve.

In many other areas of the world, travelers wait until the last minute to schedule their vacation. This is often done in hopes of obtain last minute price reductions. With St. Thomas you are advised against waiting until the last minute the plan your vacation. Last minute price reductions are often offered in hopes of boosting sales; however, St. Thomas usually does not have this problem. For you, this means that it might be difficult or impossible to find last minute price reductions.

While last minute price reductions may not be available for your St. Thomas vacation, you do not have to worry. There are still a number of other ways to vacation in St. Thomas while on a budget. One of those ways includes obtaining travel discounts. Travel discounts can most often be obtained by discount travel websites. It is possible for you to find discounts on your hotel accommodations and your travel. In addition to travel discounts, many discount travel websites offer vacation packages.
When using the services offered by a discount travel website, you are encouraged to proceed with caution. It is possible to find out-of-date information and hidden fees on a discount travel website. A great alternative to discount travel websites is your local travel agent. Your local travel agent will not only book your reservations, but he or she may also be able to offer you suggestions that can be used while vacationing in St. Thomas.

While planning your vacation is important, it is not the only time that you will need to save money. While on vacation, you will need to continue to stay on your budget. By watching what you spend on food, drinks, entertainment, and souvenirs, you should be able to stay within your budget. If you do need to purchase souvenirs, you are advised to do so inland. While on your vacation, it is likely that you will see that things are often more expensive on the shoreline.

Train Travel in New Zealand

Author: Heidi Eberhart

Whether you are from overseas or from New Zealand - one of the best ways to discover New Zealand is by Train travel.You can travel by train between all three major New Zealand Cities from Auckland to Wellington and from Wellington to Christchurch (with a little bit of help from the Interislander Ferry).

The Overlander Train between Auckland and Wellington and vice versa

The famous Overlander train is easily the best way to get from downtown Auckland to the city of Wellington, in one worry-free journey - with various interesting stops along the way - one being at the Tongariro National Park. This is the longest train travel in New Zealand and takes approx 12 hours to complete, across the whole interior of the North Island in one single day. The Overlander train journey will take you from coastlines to mountains, from lush and green farmland to thick and beautiful native New Zealand.

Tranzcoastal Train connects Picton and Christchurch

Before you get to Picton on the South Island you need to take the ferry across Cook Strait. Passengers due to take the Tranzcoastal train from Picton to Christchurch can check their baggage through to Christchurch in Wellington - this makes things super easy and you only need to carry hand luggage onto the ferry and the Tranzcoastal train. The Tranzcoastal train has comfortable carriages with four seats around a table. All carriages have big panoramic windows to allow you to view the scenery along the east coast of the South Island. The train also has a caf� bar carriage offering snacks and drinks and some meals along the way. There is a full length open viewing platform on the Tranzcoastal train - ideal to make the most of your Train travel New Zealand. The Tranzcoastal train operates all year round, once daily in each direction - the journey takes approximately 5 hours to complete. If you wish to stop over for a night or two in Kaikoura to experience the world famous whale watch tour or go swimming with the Dolphins you have to break the journey up in Kaikoura!

Tranzalpine Train connects Christchurch and the Westcoast of theSouth Island

The train journey from Christchurch via Arthurs Pass to Greymouth is perhaps the most scenic train journey in New Zealand. This train also runs once daily between Christchurch, Arthur's Pass and Greymouth on the South Island's west coast. It is a journey through the magical misty mountain scenery of the Southern Alps and best taken during the winter months to view that majestic snow capped mountain peaks.Special fares available all year round. The Tranzalpine travels once a day in both directions.

The Taieri Gorge Railway Track & Trail link from Dunedin to Queenstown

Another highly recommended train travel New Zealand is the Taieri Gorge Railway between Dunedin and Queenstown on the South Island. The Track & Trail link Taieri Gorge Railway is a well preserved railway running daily all year round taking visitors and locals through spectacular scenery over parts of the old Dunedin-Cromwell branch railway and ends at Pukerangi which is about 58km from Dunedin. A minibus connection then takes passengers to Queenstown. This train service is highly recommended.

So ditch the plane ticket in favour of train travel New Zealand - you would be crazy to waste such a superb opportunity!

I Love Sightseeing Tours Of Italy - Winter Attractions And Events In Campania

Author: Levi Reiss

The Campania region located in southwestern Italy is quite a mixed bag. There are relatively poor areas and resorts priced for the jet set. Don't expect hot weather in the winter. The third Sunday of every month except August its capital Naples holds a really big antique fair in the Villa Comunale gardens. During the month of December the fair is open every weekend.

Naples is a fine Christmas destination. You'll see hundreds of Nativity cribs that are called Presepi. One of the best exhibitions is at the Church of Gesu' Nuovo, in Piazza del Gesu', starting about December 8. Via San Gregorio Armeno in central Naples is filled with displays and stalls that sell Nativity scenes all year. Il Museo Nazionale di San Martino in Naples has an elaborate collection of nativity scenes from the 1700s, considered among the best collections in the world.

Christmas time is also a feast for the ears. Outside churches and in many city squares in Naples, other locations in southern Italy, and even Rome you''ll hear bagpipe and flutes played by zampognari and pifferai often dressed in multicolored traditional costumes with sheepskin vests, long white stockings, and dark cloaks. Naples hosts a December Christmas market near Via San Gregorio Armeno, known for its many nativity workshops. Some of the vendors are dressed in traditional shepherd costumes. Sorrento, on the beautiful Amalfi peninsula in the Bay of Naples holds a Christmas market through January 6 in the main square. Traditionally on Christmas Eve people eat the dinner of the seven fish dishes. Can you believe that some people serve up to thirteen fish and seafood dishes?

Naples is known for its musical New Year's Eve fireworks displays. Be careful, in some neighborhoods, people still throw their old things out of their windows. So you may prefer watching the ceremonies on television. Naples originated the tradition known as Lo Sciuscio in which groups of amateur musicians including children go from house to house on New Year's Eve. If you want good luck in the New Year give them some money or candies. Not surprisingly, this tradition is kept more in the small towns near Napoli than in Naples itself. Caserta holds its Festival of St. Sebastian in January. Make sure to see its Royal Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was headquarters to the Allied High Command in World War II. Italy celebrates Saint Biago Day on February 3rd. He was the saint of the throat. It's a traditional to honor him by eating leftover Panettone (Italian Christmas cake) with a glass of wine; your throat will thank you. Some localities celebrate with parades, music, and bonfires. February activities include a fine fireworks show in the town of Mugnano di Napoli, near Naples, and a costumed races and sports meet in Avellino, home to some mighty fine white wine.