Top 5 Experiences Unique to Jerusalem

Jerusalem is a city of contrasts and has been at the forefront of Christianity and Judaism for two millennia. Despite it being a centre for religion, Jerusalem teems with culture, nightlife and beaches taking precedence over piety. Promoting the city as more than a destination for pilgrimage has been fueled by the Ministry of Tourism which intends to turn Jerusalem into a tourism hot spot with over 10 million travelers by 2020.
Here are top five hints to make piety and fun come together in Jerusalem:

5. Jerusalem at a glance

London’s Best Green Areas to Visit

Within any metropolitan city it can be difficult to find your way to calming green spaces for some well-deserved relaxation time. Here is a guide to some of Central London’s best green areas and parks that are open to the public throughout the year.

To find your inner Zen, why not visit the tranquil Kyoto gardens in Holland Park, Kensington. Originally built by a Japanese Garden designer and his team to celebrate the Japan Festival in London in 1992, this quiet part of West London is a popular favourite for locals and tourists alike.

Throw some bread to the Koi carp swimming in the pond or watch the water trickle down over the stone waterfall through the Japanese trees.

Holidays in Peru’s Colca Canyon

The south of Peru is home to some of the country’s best-loved sights, with Lake Titicaca and the famous Machu Picchu among the most visited locations on holidays in Peru. But just a little further south from Titicaca is an area of Peru that many miss out on their Peru holidays – the stunning Colca Canyon.

This vast rift is twice as deep as the Grand Canyon in the US, and four times as long. While the majority of it isn’t quite as steeply-sloped as its northern cousin, it more than makes up for this with the incredible terracing carved into the sides of the canyon by Peruvian farmers for time immemorial. These huge stepped terraces lend Colca an almost south-east Asian aspect, at least until you see one of the other typical sites of Colca Canyon – the giant Andean condors that make the valley their home.

Rotorua: Thermal Wonderland and “The Smelly City” of New Zealand

The first thing people will ask when you tell them you are heading to Rotorua for a vacation is “you do realise it smells??” accompanied by a slight change of facial expression. As you will find out on arrival to Rotorua there is a rather potent smell, like eggs, which is due to the large amount of Thermal Activity releasing sulfur into the atmosphere. The smell becomes unnoticeable after a few days and will in no way interfere with your enjoyment of the unique sites and attractions.

Kuirau Thermal Park

Fun Things to Do in Pattaya

The tourist industry in Thailand exploded in the 1960s, when visitors discovered the stunning forests, incredible Buddha statues, and historical sights of Bangkok. The country was one of the first areas of Southeast Asia to open up for international tourism, allowing people to experience a brand new world. If you're planning a visit, the resort town of Pattaya is one option to consider; once a small fishing village, this city has grown to welcome travelers from all over the world. Here are just a few of the things you can do on a trip to this resort-filled city.

The Sanctuary of Truth reaches almost 345 feet high, constructed entirely of wood. The temple is filled with Buddhist and Hindu sculptures; these include four large gopuras, which are ornate towers that represent each of the mythologies of Buddhism in Thailand, China, Cambodia, and India. It was built by a businessman, Lek Viriyaphant, starting in 1981; it's scheduled to be fully completed by 2025. Visitors can tour the neighboring waters in a speedboat, ride horses through the surrounding trees, and take part in the sanctuary's nightly dinner and dance show. You can even tour the grounds on an elephant.

Pet-Friendly Hotels in the United States

Your pet is part of your family, and it makes sense for them to travel with you. You may find it difficult to travel with your furry friend, though, because most hotels will not accommodate pets.

But you’re not completely out of luck. There are plenty of hotels that will not only accommodate your pet, but will also provide them with pampering and plenty of amenities. If you want to bring your dog with you while traveling, the following are some of the best hotels that accommodate man's best friend.

8 Unusual Destinations In Spain

Spain has long been a popular travel destination for people around the world. Spain’s wonderful climate, history and culture, beaches and many popular cities make Spain a regular part of their holiday plans. But why not try something a little different than Madrid, Barcelona, Benidorm or the Balearics? This article focuses on eight unusual destinations in Spain.

Cabo de Gata


The Mediterranean the way it used to be a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve the Cabo de Gata-Níjar Nature Reserve is a place most foreigners have never heard of. It was used in the filming of “Lawrence of Arabia” and Indiana Jones and the last Crusade” due to the clear blue water and its crystal white sand.  It is a place where you can find a quiet beach even in the height of summer. Cabo de Gata is difficult to get to with the nearest airport being Almeria.

Which Caribbean Beach Suits Your Style?

Have you been craving some quality time on a pristine sand beach, soaking up a warm tropical breeze while relaxing in the shade of gently swaying palm trees? The Caribbean offers thousands of beaches to choose from, but some have earned a reputation for attracting certain types of tourists. Here are the characteristics of some of the top beaches in the Caribbean so you can pick the one that best suits your tastes and make plans to soothe those tropical cravings on your next holiday.

Palm Beach in Aruba

Even Conde Naste agrees that the sugar white sands of Palm Beach and the family-friendly atmosphere brings out the child in even the most jaded traveller. The crystal blue waters are calm year-round since Aruba is well out of the “hurricane belt” that can ruin vacations to less fortunate islands. The tranquil waters along Palm Beach make it an idyllic setting for spending a fun-filled day with the kids taking sporadic retreats to the many bars and restaurants in the fabulous resorts that line the shore.

5 Most Expensive Restaurant Meals in the World

Even in a struggling economy, a visit to a restaurant is one luxury that most people understand. Most restaurants have created specials and deals to accommodate the economical climate, but others continue to serve meals that cost upwards of €1000. Read on for a list of the 5 most expensive restaurant meals in the world.

5. Beef and Noodle Soup- Approx. $320USD

A high-class take on a popular meal, the Beef and Noodle Soup served at Niu Ba Ba in Taipei, Taiwan took Chef Wang Cong-Yuan almost 15 years to perfect. The soup is composed of up to six different types of stocks and one of 20+ different noodle varieties, each unique to the restaurant. It also contains four different types of slow-braised beef acquired from Australia, the U.S., Brazil and Japan. Read more

5 of the Best Walking Trails in Spain

A holiday to Spain is any traveller’s dream come true.  Not only will it consist of being introduced to a vibrant culture and completely different way of life, it will also allow you to broaden your horizons.  While the island lifestyle, beautiful people and exoticism will all encourage you to try new things and help you create memories, some of your most spectacular times will be spent viewing natural sites. Expect to be moved by the tranquillity and beauty of the country while still being exposed to its colourful flora and fauna.  There’s a whole new world for you in Spain, just waiting to be explored.  Walking in particular, allows you truly take in your surroundings.  This is why I’ve compiled a brief guide to the top 5 walking trails in Spain for various levels of experience.

The Camino Full Walk

If you are planning on a self-guided adventure, this is a perfect option for you.  Enjoy the beauty of old Spain by making your way along the Camino Full Walk – arguably the most exciting and spectacular in the area.

Five of the world’s Greatest Hillside and Mountain Top Destinations

Mankind has always revered great mountains and imposing hills, and the fascination continues to this very day, with ambitious climbers tackling great peaks such as the Matterhorn, K2 or Mount Everest. Yet you do not have to ascend mighty mountain tops to experience the powerful presence of the landscape. From hillside cities to country retreats amongst the rolling hills, here are five holiday destinations to give you a reason to head for the hills.

Valparaiso, Chile

This South American port city is known as the San Francisco of Latin America for the incredibly steep hillsides that it is built upon. And in recent years the city has gained a degree of fame, and notoriety, for the thrilling down-hill cycling races held there. In particular, the Valparaiso Cerro Abajo is an incredible downhill bike ride from the very highest point of the city all the way down to the shoreline.

5 Destinations for Your Gap Year

As the summer approaches slowly and thoughts of blissful freedom and escape start to taunt us, for some a few weeks away simply isn’t enough. The time is now to see the world as it should be seen – with a backpack and spending time getting to know the people and places of your chosen destination.

One way of truly understanding a culture is to work within a community and many travellers opt to volunteer abroad. The biggest challenge is which destination to choose out of the overwhelming array of choices.  Here are a few ideas to whet your appetite, including one or two you’ve probably not considered.

Costa Rica

Costa Rica literally translated means ‘rich coast’ and the coastline of this Central American nation certainly lives up to its name. It’s probably the most expensive place to travel to in Central America due to its popularity but it’s cheaper than much of Western Europe and the US. With its stunning beaches, sprawling jungles and powerful volcanoes, the landscape also provides the perfect backdrop to your voluntary efforts. Whether it’s teaching English to young children, working to rebuild the community or participating in sea turtle conservation there’s a choice of projects to suit everyone. And when you’ve finished all of your hard work, head out for a spot of surfing on those pristine beaches.

Fun Family Activities for the Beach

There are several activities that the entire family can participate in on the beach. Although activities may vary from beach to beach and may be subject to change due to weather, there is always a ton of fun to enjoy! All activities make for a fun time together and enjoying the outdoors!

1. Sports

Of the various sports that can be played on a beach, volleyball has to be the most popular of them all. This particular sport is not the only sport meant for the beach though. Other sports include badminton, Frisbee and even tossing a football around for a game of catch. All of these sports are easy, cheap, and can yet be enjoyed by everyone involved in the game, no matter how many people are playing or their age.

China vacations - Shantou, The Hawaii of the Orient

Tourists rarely consider going to China for a sunny beach vacation, but the beautiful harbour city of Shantou maintains a subtropical climate that makes it an ideal year-round vacation destination. Often referred to as the Hawaii of the Orient, Shantou sports beautiful crescent beaches, crystal clear waters and fascinating offshore islands that beckon visitors from harsher climates to come relax and rejuvenate.

Zhongshan Park

Situated on the Qing Ao Gulf, the Shantou shoreline fosters a resort lifestyle with natural sea water bath houses, golf courses and fine dining establishments. The harbour view is graced by two bridges known as the Rainbow Shadows where pedestrian walkways offer spectacular city views that reveal a surprising blend of ancient shrines and modern skyscrapers.

Top Travel Entertainment

Travelling can be a long and tedious process, especially if you have young kids to keep amused. Depending on your mode of transport we have a selection of ideas to keep those attention spans entertained and reduce the reoccurring enquiry of ‘are we there yet?!’

Roadside Snap

If you are travelling by car and have limited ways in which to interact with your children without being distracted from the road, there are a few looking or guessing games that can be initiated. Not only will they occupy the kids, but they will also help if anyone is feeling travel sick by enforcing them to look out the window instead of down whilst moving.

Amazing things to do in Newcastle

Newcastle remains a popular destination in the UK for weekend breaks and it’s clear to see why. There’s something for everyone no matter what your interests are. But how do you squeeze so many activities into one weekend? Here are the 5 must things to see and do while in the city.

St James's Park, Newcastle

Places to shop

If you’re a shopaholic, you’re in for a treat. There’s no better place to indulge your passion for shopping than the city’s MetroCentre. Located on the outskirts of Gateshead, it is Europe’s largest shopping and leisure centre. Since opening in 1986, the MetroCentre has been under constant renovation, never resting on its laurels to bring the best shopping experience to the locals. By adding more floor space and areas, they have created a shopping environment that suits all ages and interests with high street names rubbing shoulders with small boutiques and kiosks.

Discover The Many Things To Do and See in Hanoi

With cheap flights to Hanoi, the cultural capital of Vietnam is within your reach! Previously known as Thang Long (The City of the Soaring Dragon), on the banks of the Red River you will find Vietnam’s heart and soul. With over 4 million inhabitants and so much to offer its guests, one visit to this incredible city won’t be enough.

Ha Long Bay

French-inspired architecture and well-preserved buildings lend an old-world charm to this colonial city. Book a cycle or cyclo (human-powered, this is the most popular form of transport) City Tour for a day or a half-day’s outing, to see the French Quarter, the Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake and the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.

Backpacking in South America: Low on Cost, Big on Adventure

Backpacking has emerged as one of the alternative ways to travel internationally for many age groups. It is small on cost and big on adventure which understandably appeals to a wide range of tourists. More so, backpacking has become quite an easy way to journey around South America. The continent has excellent road connections linking countries together, which makes it practical for many to go backpacking in South America. Here are some guidelines on how to work out your trip:

Guide to Brooklyn Bridge Park, New york City

The Brooklyn Bridge Park is located on Brooklyn’s East River shoreline and has the most spectacular views. It is a total of 85 acres going from Atlantic Avenue to Jay Street just north of the Manhattan Bridge. There are many attractions giving all visitors stunning views of Piers 1-6, downtown Manhattan, the harbor, and the Brooklyn Bridge.  Many events take place year round with visitors from all parts of the world.

Brooklyn Bridge

There are two Civil War structures and has been home to many popular TV series in the making. Back in 1642 is when the first ferry landed on the land where the Empire Fulton Ferry is located. Additional ferry services were offered on the waterfront at the end of the 18th century including the Catherine Street Ferry where the very first steamboat was landed.

5 Best Places to Travel in Summer 2012

San Francisco

Union Square, San Francisco

The St. Regis Hotel was honored with being named one of the best hotels in the USA for 2012. This modern hotel is in the same area and features 260 well-appointed rooms.

Create Memories in Malawi

Unspoiled Malawi - Africa's Tiny Gem

Lake Malawi

The sheer range of altitudes in the small country of Malawi makes it one of Africa's most varied and breathtakingly beautiful landscapes, with lush green plateaux, mountains, forests and river valleys. Formerly known as Nyasaland, and located in the southeast of Africa, Malawi is a landlocked country bordered by Zambia, Tanzania and Mozambique. Migrating tribes of Bantu first colonised this small country in the 10th century, and it was once again colonised by the British in 1891, who named it Nyasaland. In 1953 it became part of the semi-independent Central African Federation, before it gained independence and was renamed Malawi in 1964.

Daytrips from Las Vegas

At night it's like a shining beacon in the middle of a great, barren wilderness. The lights of Las Vegas can be seen for miles; the world's strongest beam of light is the Luxor Sky Beam and is said to be visible up to 250 miles away, so even when you can see it you might still have a way to go until you reach "Sin City".
Once you do finally arrive, you'll be greeted by dazzling lights, enormous hotel resorts, and magnificent statues and monuments including a 350 foot long replica of the Sphinx of Giza and a half-size replica of the Eiffel Tower.

There is so much to do here that you could stay entertained 24-hours a day for a very long time, but what about taking a daytrip away from the city?

Death Valley

Badwater Basin, Death Valley National Park

Best Cities to Stay in Bali

If you are someone who loves to travel and you want to go to a country that will give you a number of different experiences all in the same geographical location, you need to head to Bali! While Bali is justifiably famous for its tropical beaches and its gorgeous nature views, it is important to remember that it is also famous for its exciting and cosmopolitan cities. Consider what your options are when it comes to Bali’s cities and choose the ones that best suit you.

Denpasar

Denpasar is a city that is known for its hustle and if you want to make sure that you really touch ground in a real Bali city, it is definitely for you. There are plenty of museums and temples to see, and as this town is slightly off the beaten track for tourists, you’ll get to enjoy plenty of authentic Bali cuisine. When you go to Denpasar, make sure you look for the enormous Catur Muhka statue located in Puputan Square. This statue also makes a handy navigational aid as it is located in the center of the city. The Palace of Stria is another worthy place to visit.