Autumn Vacation In New Zealand

With the arrival of autumn in New Zealand, the temperature has settled and the landscape is a perfect picture of startling golds and warm reds, making it the ideal time for international tourists.

From March to May visitors have free reign to explore at leisure, as Kiwis have gone back to work and school, leaving New Zealand an international visitors’ playground.

Relax in one of the many picturesque wineries, feast on local delicacies, get actively involved in the many sporting events, or enjoy an art or music festival - all while taking in the diverse and beautiful New Zealand landscape and sharing the experience with friendly locals.

Food and Wine
Autumn is the time when grapes are plump, seafood is bountiful, fruit trees are luscious, and gardens abundant with home-grown vegetables.

Food and wine events are often coupled with outdoor concerts and jazz festivals and provide visitors with many opportunities to experience New Zealand’s award-winning produce in natural surroundings with million dollar views.

Auckland, City of Sails Vacation

There are a lot of beautiful places to see on earth. There are a lot that are worthy to see and to explore. There are also a lot that are included in my travel wishlist. Whenever and wherever you go, there are always cheap vacation packages that you can find. Whether you are looking for affordable accommodations or cheap flights to Auckland, to Paris, New York, London, Oslo or any destinations worldwide, you can always find one that best fit your needs and budget.

Let me share you a bit about sightseeing in Auckland and what are the things to do and experience in this so-called "City of Sails".

Harbour Bridge

This is considered to be the iconic symbol of Auckland. It connects Auckland and the North Shore. The Harbour Bridge has a Box truss design and has eight lanes. Its construction begun in 1954 and was finished in April 1959. I wish to cross this bridge in the future.

Auckland Town Hall

This is one of the historical buildings in Auckland and one of its famous sights. It is located in Queen Street in downtown Auckland. Administrative functions such as council meetings and hearings are held in this building. Its Great Hall and Music Chamber are also use as entertainment venues.

Don't miss to see the organ in the Town Hall. It is a "protected object" in New Zealand and also its largest musical instrument. It was was built by Orgelbau Klais of Bonn, Germany.

Kelly Tarlton's Underwater World

How you would love to see and experience different sea creatures? This is one of the things I would love to experience in Auckland, its public aquarium. Visiting the Underwater World and Antarctic Encounter can be an interesting experience. I will see if I can join the fish in a shark encounter in my future visit.

Auckland Domain

How about walking in one of the largest parks of the city? I would love to have a good sight of the harbour and the volcanic island of Rangitoto. Before I forgot, don't you know that Auckland is also known as the "City of Volcanoes". Auckland Domain, being the oldest park of the city is also one of the major tourist attractions in Auckland. I can imagine myself strolling there!

The "City of Sails" has still a lot of things to see and to discover. The ones I mentioned above are only some of them. If you are a museum fan, you can also visit the Auckland War Memorial Museum or the New Zealand National Maritime Museum. A walk to One Tree Hill or Mount Eden can also be a wonderful experience especially seeing the volcano cones. There are just a lot to see in this city and it is up to you to choice which is which!

Some kind of Vacation At Brazil

Usually when tourist judge the country of Brazil for its appealing characteristics one tends to assume more on the lines of their imposing soccer team or possibly an area of the rain forest but by no means the creation of magnificent gourmet foods. Well my friend, I have some attention-grabbing news for you. Brazil will wake up any tired taste buds and entice any idol palate you may have with its roast suckling pig, or its extensive selection of goat cheeses, the strange but tasty guava ice cream or perhaps with its natural sugar cane alcohol.

Minas Gerais in Brazil is a state that has become renowned for its unique cuisine. While in this area you must appraise the native favorites such as feijão tropeiro or tutu which are inclined to emphasize ingredients such as meat, beans and kale in place of the anticipated coconut milk or seafood which is most rampant along the Brazilian coast. This area of Brazil is also legendary for the cheese it formulates and the tropical sweets made from the natural sugar cane grown in the country.

Within the confines of Tiradentes one can find a condensed collect of baroque churches, many cobblestone streets, an abundance of flower gardens as well as an artists' studio. This small town of only 6000 residence is easily navigated on foot.

Another area that is conveniently situated at the hub formed by Rio de Janeiro, Belo Horizonte and São Paulo is the city of Tiradentes. During the weekend this district is a hectic town with people being lured by the magnificent 18th century architecture amidst the peaceful mountain backdrop. It has only been of recent origins that this Brazilian town has been decreed as one of Brazil’s better culinary centers.

So involved are the citizens within this city with the culinary arts that it appears like every second doorway within this historical centre leads to some sort of restaurant, café or bar. Upon sunset it doesn’t take long before the streets are bustling with movement as people rush to the various eateries to settle their culinary desires.

An interesting feature of this community is the immense number of “artisanal cachaca” which are prepared locally. The number has recently approached the 500 mark. For those who do not know, the cachaça is fire water. This esophagus burning concoction is a distillation created from the local sugar cane and is usually toned down a bit for the foreign visitors by the addition of extra sugar, some ice and slices of lime. While the Brazilians may drink it straight foreigners find it a little strong to say the least.

It has recently taken on the respect that was previously reserved for fine European wines and it is common now to locate tasting rooms which are locally known as cachaçarias, where one can leisurely sample shots of this uniquely flavor product. So as many foreign visitors of Vacation have discovered there is more to the Brazilian culinary taste then one would normally expect. When visiting this amazing country of contrasts make certain that you try some of their excellent food and drink.

Middle Eastern Food On Vacation

‘Middle eastern cuisine’ is a broad term that encompasses many different cooking styles from a number of different countries. Moroccan, Syrian, Greek, Arabian – the various cuisines of the middle east share a great deal – and have many differences.

The food of the Middle East is a celebration of life. No matter which country, the staples are the fresh fruits and vegetables that grow in the hills. The spices and flavorings of Middle Eastern food are those that awaken the senses, sparkling against the thicker, richer tastes of the main ingredients. Mints, lemon, garlic, rosemary – all have a fresh, astringent quality that cleanses the palate and refreshes the taste buds. Throughout the region, the cuisine varies – but these things remain the same: fresh ingredients, astringent and piquant spices, olive oil, and little meat.

Lebanese

The tiny country – about the size of Connecticut – is nestled into the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, at the very crook of the fertile Crescent. Its contributions to the cuisine of the entire Middle Eastern region of the world are unmistakable. The flavors that spice the foods of all the surrounding lands can be found here in abundance – olive oil, lemon, garlic and mint. Lebanese cuisine features such staples as kibbeh (ground lamb with bulghur wheat) and tabouleh (parsley, mint and bulghur wheat salad). The food is simply prepared, with the flavors blending together into a complex medley of earthy, fruity tastes and scents.

Syrian

If Syria had contributed nothing else to the world cuisine but pita bread and hummus, it would still be worthy of note. There’s far more to the cuisine of this small Middle Eastern country, though. Baba ganoush (pureed eggplant), stuffed olives and figs, peppers in olive oil – Syrian food celebrates the fruits of the earth and blends them to bring out the textures and flavors in surprising ways. Shish kebab and rice pilaf are two of the more well-known dishes, and while most people think of Greece when they hear baklava, the Syrian claim that it is based on their own dessert of batwala.

Arabian

The Bedouin of the desert once based their diets on dates and yoghurt with the occasional camel or goat to provide meat. Over the centuries, the nomadic tribes incorporated spices, meats and vegetables from other cultures into their cuisine. Today’s Arabian cuisine is a mingling of influences from India, Lebanon and further west. Lamb is the meat most often used in cooking, and it is prepared in a number of ways including shish kebab, spit-roasted, or stewed. The cuisine relies heavily on mint, turmeric, saffron, garlic and sesame. Rice and kasha are the most commonly consumed grains, and the spicing is fresh and astringent – meant to awaken and refresh the palate rather than burn it out.

Throughout the Mediterranean Middle East, the cultures and people have intermingled and carried with them their foods and traditions of eating. In no other place in the world can there be found a blending of cultures that has mingled so much – yet maintained such distinct, national flavors. Healthful, fresh, delicious and life-enhancing, it’s little wonder that the cuisine of the Middle East is among the most popular with diners the world over.

Tips On Dealing With Jet Lag At Vacation

On Vacation, Jet lag is an awkward side effect of jet travel when you cross too many time zones for your body's liking. Face it, most of us have enough problems when we shift just an hour to daylight savings. Follow these tips on avoiding jet lag to help reduce the effects. Not all these tips are relevant for every trip, especially if you're traveling on business at short notice, but at least some of them should be useful for you.

1. Adjust your sleep time

Start helping your body clock to adjust to the new time zone by changing the times that you go to sleep at night and awaken in the morning. You'll start to become accustomed to the new times. Make the adjustment about an hour each night.

2. Set your watch

As soon as you board your flight, set your watch to the new time. We look at our watches an amazingly high amount of times, so adjusting the time as soon as possible will help your mind realize that it's changing clocks.

3. Drink water.

Sure, you can ask the stewardess for water but they have hundreds of other passengers to look after as well. Buy a bottle of water once you've passed through airport control and drink plenty of water during your flight.

4. Say no to coffee and alcohol

They both act as dehydrators. So they'll help to dry up your body even more than the flight already does. Soft drinks or water are to be preferred.

5. Get some rest on the flight

Depending on how enthusiastic the cabin staff are, this may be easier said than done. And if that child behind you rocks your seat once more, then that's another story. If you get the option, a window seat or one in the center of a block of seats will minimize the number of people who need to ask you to move out of their way. Noise canceling headphones aren't standard issue on many flights, so if you are a regular traveler then treat yourself to a set. They really do cut down the disturbance of engine noise.

6. Go walkabout occasionally

OK, this is at odds with getting rest. But sitting down for hours on end isn't a good idea either. Walk up and down the aisles a few times. Not so much that you're pacing them but certainly go for this exercise a few times on a long flight. Just be certain not to time your expedition for meal or drinks or duty free services.

7. Adjust to your new time zone on the plane

If it's daytime at your destination, stay awake. If it's night where you are going, get some sleep. You can catch up on the in flight entertainment when you've got a bigger screen and better sound. Start adjusting as soon as you can.

8. Keep adjusting at your destination

Even if you've been on a plane for hours and hours. The sooner you start adjusting, the better. So if you arrive in the dead of night, get to sleep. A dose of melatonin may help here - it's a natural sleeping aid that's already produced by your body.

Chess Vacation in Russia

Russian language is a sophisticated, fascinating language with a reputation for being difficult for English speakers to learn. It's true that Russian language learners must master a new alphabet, completely new sounds, and even a new keyboard! So is attempting to learn Russian worth it? You bet! Russian language is spoken in Russia and other parts of Eastern Europe, and knowing even a few phrases will help you navigate Russian culture. It's also one of the world's great literary languages and has produced masterpieces taught and studied in schools and universities today. Crime and Punishment, Eugene Onegin, and The Overcoat can obviously be read in translation, but their linguistic nuances can be more thoroughly appreciated in the native tongue.

So maybe you're not ready to learn Russian language. That doesn't stop you from learning about it. The following article will give you an overview of Russian language's development, history, and usefulness, and it offers tips and information for language learners.

Russians have a thing for chess and, frankly, are very good at it. Being from San Diego, I thought chess was something you put photo albums in.

Playing Chess

Playing chess requires thinking ten or twelve steps ahead. If I wanted to understand the Russian mind, I had to learn to play chess. If nothing else, it would be a good way to pass the time. This I was told by Robert, an American living in the same town as me.

I wasn’t particularly excited about learning, but gave in one day after growing tired of staring out the window. I had seen the movie, "Searching for Bobby Fisher". What more could I possibly need? How hard could it be?

After beginning the game, Robert took pity on me after I apparently made some moves that were questionable. He explained why he was making particular moves and the resulting implications for my king. The game proceeded slowly while he explained strategies to his inattentive student. Then the magic moment occurred.

I imagine every teacher suffers from the occasional embarrassment of being outdone by a student. I like to call it beginner’s luck and invoke the empirical evidence at horse racing tracks and Las Vegas casinos. If you’re a first timer, you will always win. It doesn’t matter if you're betting on a horse because of the color scheme or hitting on black jack while already holding 19 in your hand. It just happens.

With our chess game, Robert had made a particular move and was in the process of explaining it. I sat staring at the board and thinking deep thoughts, which is to say I was wondering what was for dinner, etc. Just then, I noticed something on the board, moved my rook and declared, "Checkmate!"

Robert stared at the board. Then he started laughing. Then he wanted to play again. Being a good sport, I immediately announced my retirement as a chess player.

Unfortunately, I couldn’t leave my victory alone and gloated to a few people about it. Make no mistake, Robert would beat me a million times if we played a million games, but you have to live in the moment!

Within a few days, karma struck and I began to pay for my gloating. People would start showing up at my apartment with chessboards and, of course, vodka. The games were so laughably one-sided it was ridiculous. Typically, I would make two moves and then hear "Sah!" which I believe meant "check!" in Russian.

My humiliation occurred more or less every day for roughly a month. Some of the victorious would even come back for a second pounding. Finally, I had to take the dramatic step of refusing to answer the door.

Top Tourist Attractions Vacation in Thailand

Thailand construes to mean ‘the land of the free’ and true to its name, there are so many free things that you can only get in Thailand. Thailand lies in the heart and soul of Southeast Asia and is arguably the most beautiful place in the world. Be it the mouth watering dishes, lush green forests, the soothing winds, and the alluring beaches, you are sure to experience true exotic beauty, but only upon visiting Thailand. 

First things first, Thailand is geographically divided into 4 – the north hosts the forests and mountains, the central hosts farms and paddy fields, the northeast plateau is known for its rich anthropological and archaeological heritage and the southern peninsula is famous for tropical islands. People in the southern peninsula do tin mining, rubber cultivation and fishing.

Thailand’s diversity is beyond a shadow of a doubt rich, as there is more than meets the eye. From the welcoming and friendly people, to unrivaled culinary feasts, affluent history, great biodiversity, and outstanding beaches. Whether you are looking for a romantic holiday destination, a shopper’s paradise, or a haven to sample different culinary feasts, Thailand offers something for every traveler.

Some of the sporting activities that will give you a break from the beaches include snorkeling, scuba diving, water-skiing, and wind surfing to mention but a few. The capital city of Thailand is Bangkok, which construes to mean the ‘city of angels’. Bangkok is a mini-Thailand in its own rights, what of the many activities that take place in the city. It is the hub of industrial, commercial and cultural activities but amidst all the bustles and hustles, you can still experience some serenity and simplicity by visiting the Buddhist temples.

Being a cosmopolitan and all accommodative city, the Buddhist temples are strategically located close to cafes and nightclubs, talk of real convenience. A major tourist attraction you might not want to miss is Phuket, famous for its exotic island, an engaging and pulsating nightlife, and multi-cuisine bars and bistros all closely located to each other for convenience. Of equal importance and a must-visit is Chiang Mai, a location that combines the best of the old and the new of Thailand. In Chiang Mai you will find detailed temples and cultural remnants some dating back to 700 years ago. The Doi Suthep monastery is located over a mountain and overlooks Chiang Mai.

Being a cosmopolitan destination, communication is easy as most of the tourist spots, restaurants, hotels etc speak English and common European languages. By the same token, transportation is easy as you are lost for options, from a taxi, a city bus that operates within the city, a tuk-tuk (a three wheeler that allows you to ride open air) or if you are traveling long distance, you can always opt for the train.

Thailand has 3 major seasons with the cold one starting from November to January, summer commencing from February to May, and the rainy season commencing from June to October, but has enough sunshine for a perfect holiday. Many tourists however prefer to visit Thailand over the December and January months as it is the ideal season to party and relax.

South Africa’s Best Nature Vacation

If you are planning on taking a vacation to South Africa, you will be spoiled for choice when it comes to nature and wildlife reserves as the country boasts so many of them. Most holidaymakers to South Africa always visit to explore the inimitable and varied natural habitats, while at the same time meet and study the numerous animal species in the country. South African Safaris are quite popular vacation, offering you luxurious game lodge accommodation together with game drives offered by qualified and highly experienced game rangers. Here is a list of the top rated nature reserves that you must visit in South Africa.

Golden Gate Highlands National Park - Free State Province
It is strategically found at the foot of the Maluti Mountains and provides awe-inspiring views of Drakensberg. You will find extraordinary sandstone formations, interesting Bushman paintings, and lots of bird, plant and animal life, all which are sure to captivate lovers of nature.

Simangaliso Wetland Park (previously Greater St Lucia Wetland Park) - KwaZulu Natal Province
This nature reserve located on the Zululand coast of KwaZulu Natal Province offers you an opportunity to see crocodiles, hippos, turtles, and whales when in season. The place, whose name means ‘miracle and wonder’ is indeed appropriate, and has water sports too.

The Tswaing Nature Reserve – Gauteng
The name construes to mean the place of salt, and is located R35 north of Pretoria. While there are many species of birds and wild animals, the nature reserve is famous for the 220,000 year old crater that came into being after a huge meteorite believed to be 30-50m in diameter.

Kruger National Park - Mpumalanga and Limpopo provinces
Straddling two provinces, this world famous vast reserve offers a wide gamut of accommodation establishments that will work with all budget ranges, as well as unrivaled game viewing opportunity either guided or self drive. There are many species to view in the Kruger Park, the big 5 just among them.

Mabalingwe - Limpopo Province
The name of this reserve construes to mean "place of the spotted leopard". It is a luxurious, malaria-free reserve located 2 hours away from the capital, Johannesburg. You get great bird and big game viewing, as well as Horse safaris.

Table Mountain National Park - Western Cape Province
This natural park has the best of two worlds, as it is to be found in Cape Point extending downwards to Signal Hill and boasts the most scenic beaches worldwide, splendid, iconic Table Mountain, Fybnos-clad valleys, and rugged Cape Point protruding into the oceans of the Cape of Good Hope.

Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park - Northern Cape Province
This happens to be the largest conservation area worldwide, located on over 3.6 million hectares on the South Africa and Botswana border, in the Kalahari Desert. The Kgalagadi offers impressive panorama made of red sand dunes against a deep blue sky backdrop, making it an ideal park for photography lovers.

Pilansberg Nature Reserve - North West Province
This is a nature reserve of the Big 5 which is found on over 50,000 ha of untouched land in a malaria-free region. The National Park Alkaline Ring Complex which came into being after volcanic eruptions that occurred circa 1200 years ago is part of this nature reserve.

The Tourism Vacation Paradise On Costa Rica

Costa Rica is Spanish for ‘the rich coast’ and true to the name, this beautiful country in Central America is affluent not only in eco-tourism but also in beach resorts. At only 19,560 square miles, the tiny country, whose official language is Spanish, has a lot under its name for tourists to do and explore. It is bordered to the South by Panama and to the North by Nicaragua and boasts of being the most prosperous and stable country among all Latin American countries.

Costa Rica boasts a very diverse selection of bird species not found anywhere else in the world, in actuality, the bird species found in Costa Rica alone cannot match any found in North America and the entire of Europe. With that said, the micro-climates and eco-systems in Costa Rica are equally diverse in that apart from the coastal beaches, one will find dense jungles as well as rain forests with a very wide gamut of flora and fauna. It is due to the moisture of the mists found on the trees of these forests that some of them are referred to as cloud forests. Ensure you visit the forest that has a cable car set up that provides an aerial view of the flora and fauna of the place.

If you are a dare-devil, there is an opportunity for you to swing from one tree to another over a myriad of ropes attached together. As for changes in microclimate, you can be able to tell the difference in as little as 30 minutes of travel in the area. Costa Rica equally boasts of easily accessible volcanoes, some of which have turquoise colored lakes forming over their craters. A must see volcano is the Arenal, a very popular volcano that allows tourists to watch eruptions from a facility in close proximity to it. The facility has a beautiful outdoor hot spring that is heated by the volcano itself.

Away from the eco-system, there are numerous sporting activities one can enjoy in Costa Rica, top among them scuba diving. Costa Rica offers a truly unique scuba diving experience unrivaled by that experienced in the Caribbean waters.

Sloths,  jaguars, monkeys, reptiles, and birds are few of the exotic wildlife you will come across. What is more, if you are a lover of sea turtles, you will not be disappointed because certain beaches host these beach dwellers during their nesting period. The huge amounts of plankton available in the local waters act as a major attraction to large marine animals.

With that said, Costa Rica is accessible by air through its Capital City San Jose. Be advised that the capital city also has some attractions that might captivate you, such as colonial architecture, but the city might not be very safe for tourists, besides being overcrowded and polluted. However, you can use the city as your base for day trips to the different tourist attractions. Many tourists love to fly into Liberia, a town that borders the city on the northern part, and which is a bit quiet and serene and close to some of the top resorts in the north.

Bottom line, there is a lot waiting to be explored in Costa Rica, reason why many tourists will always go back after their visit as one cannot be able to explore all the treasures in a single trip. Costa Rica has become a popular and favorite tourist destination and has forced the government to set up tourist offices in North America to furnish travelers with enough information about the place.

The Hill Town of Shimla Vacation

The Marigold Holiday Cottages comprises of many individual Himalayan style cottages. These come with a fully equipped with kitchen setting. These cottages are ideal for a family vacation be it with the entire family or just with the spouse. The resort may offer some special Shimla Honeymoon Packages for guests. The cottages are set amidst mountains and they have scenic views of the valleys and mountains sides surrounding it. The resort also offers its guests a chance to engage in many adventure activities. Guests can take part in activities such as river rafting, trekking, mountain climbing and a range of other extreme sports. Opportunities for fishing and nature walking are also available at the Marigold Resorts.

The different cottages on offer include Studio Apartments, and Duplex Cottages. The rates are quite reasonable as well. The rooms are well furnished and they are equipped with most modern facilities. Cable television and en suite bathrooms are also available. Staying at the resort will rejuvenate your senses and bring you much closer to nature. The cottages have large windows that are ideal for catching a glimpse of the surroundings. Guests can simply sit and take in the wonderful view. The cottages are comprised of one or two floor units with a wooden stair case connecting the two. The cottages have a balcony with stunning views of the surroundings.

The resort has a pool table and other indoor games for its guests as well. Play rooms for kids are available. Conference facilities for guests who are inclined towards business are also available. Sippi Fair is located around 12 kilometers from the resort and this is one of the best picnic spots in the region. The stream flowing nearby offers excellent opportunities for fishing. This can be a soul stirring setting, especially for newly weds and couples. Like most Hotels In Shimla the Marigold has a lot to offer and it is worth the visit.

Cheap Trips and Vacation Packages

Did you know booking your vacation all at once can help you save money? Find cheap trips to top destinations worldwide and get great deals on vacations during the holidays. We'll make it easy to reserve your flight, hotel and rental car together with our vacation packages.

Vacation Chekclist On Bali

One of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, Bali for few years awarded as the world best island by The International Travel Magazine. There, however, are still many people who do not know in depth about the uniqueness of Balinese culture. Life in Bali is always related to "Tri Hita Karana" or a tripartite concept that include the spiritual relationship between human and God, and their environment.

The rapid growth of development in tourism has had a big impact and influences to Bali tradition and lifestyle. Interestingly, Balinese culture is still as what it was, growing along with the of globalization. It is the Balinese civilization what makes the island different from other destination.

Bali is an Indonesian island located in the westernmost end of the Lesser Sunda Islands, lying between Java to the west and Lombok to the east. It is one of the country's 33 provinces with the provincial capital at Denpasar towards the south of the island. the most popular Vacation islands in Indonesian.

With a population recorded as 3,891,000 in 2010, the island is home to most of Indonesia's small Hindu minority. In the 2000 census about 92.29% of Bali's population adhered to Balinese Hinduism while most of the remainder follow Islam. It is also the largest tourist destination in the country and is renowned for its highly developed arts, including traditional and modern dance, sculpture, painting, leather, metalworking, and music. Bali, despite being a tourist haven for decades, has seen a surge in tourist numbers in recent years.

The island of Bali lies 3.2 km (2 mil) east of Java, and is approximately 8 degrees south of the equator. Bali and Java are separated by the Bali Strait. East to west, the island is approximately 153 km (95 mi) wide and spans approximately 112 km (69 mil) north to south; its land area is 5,632 km².

Bali's central mountains include several peaks over 3,000 metres in elevation. The highest is Mount Agung (3,142 m), known as the "mother mountain" which is an active volcano. Mountains range from centre to the eastern side, with Mount Agung the easternmost peak. Bali's volcanic nature has contributed to its exceptional fertility and its tall mountain ranges provide the high rainfall that supports the highly productive agriculture sector. South of the mountains is a broad steadily descending area where most of Bali's large rice crop is grown. The northern side of the mountains slopes more steeply to the sea and is the main coffee producing area of the island, along with rice, vegetables and cattle. The longest river, Ayung River, flows approximately 75 km.

The island is surrounded by coral reefs. Beaches in the south tend to have white sand while those in the north and west have black sand. Bali has no major waterways, although the Ho River is navigable by small sampan boats. Black sand beaches between Pasut and Klatingdukuh are being developed for tourism, but apart from the seaside temple of Tanah Lot, they are not yet used for significant tourism.

The largest city is the provincial capital, Denpasar, near the southern coast. Its population is around 491,500(2002). Bali's second-largest city is the old colonial capital, Singaraja, which is located on the north coast and is home to around 100,000 people. Other important cities include the beach resort, Kuta, which is practically part of Denpasar's urban area; and Ubud, which is north of Denpasar, and is known as the island's cultural centre.

Three small islands lie to the immediate south east and all are administratively part of the Klungkung regency of Bali: Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan. These islands are separated from Bali by the Badung Strait.

To the east, the Lombok Strait separates Bali from Lombok and marks the biogeographical division between the fauna of the Indomalayan ecozone and the distinctly different fauna of Australasia. The transition is known as the Wallace Line, named after Alfred Russel Wallace, who first proposed a transition zone between these two major biomes. When sea levels dropped during the Pleistocene ice age, Bali was connected to Java and Sumatra and to the mainland of Asia and shared the Asian fauna, but the deep water of the Lombok Strait continued to keep Lombok and the Lesser Sunda archipelago isolated.

The tourism industry is primarily focused in the south, while significant in the other parts of the island as well. The main tourist locations are the town of Kuta (with its beach), and its outer suburbs of Legian and Seminyak (which were once independent townships), the east coast town of Sanur (once the only tourist hub), in the center of the island Ubud, to the south of the Ngurah Rai International Airport, Jimbaran, and the newer development of Nusa Dua and Pecatu.

The American government lifted its travel warnings in 2008. As of 2009, the Australian government still rates it at a 4 danger level (the same as several countries in central Africa) on a scale of 5.

An offshoot of tourism is the growing real estate industry. Bali real estate has been rapidly developing in the main tourist areas of Kuta, Legian, Seminyak and Oberoi. Most recently, high-end 5 star projects are under development on the Bukit peninsula, on the south side of the island. Million dollar villas are being developed along the cliff sides of south Bali, commanding panoramic ocean views. Foreign and domestic (many Jakarta individuals and companies are fairly active) investment into other areas of the island also continues to grow. Land prices, despite the worldwide economic crisis, have remained stable.

In the last half of 2008, Indonesia's currency had dropped approximately 30% against the US dollar, providing many overseas visitors value for their currencies. Visitor arrivals for 2009 were forecast to drop 8% (which would be higher than 2007 levels), due to the worldwide economic crisis which has also affected the global tourist industry, but not due to any travel warnings.

Bali's tourism economy survived the terrorist bombings of 2002 and 2005, and the tourism industry has in fact slowly recovered and surpassed its pre-terrorist bombing levels; the longterm trend has been a steady increase of visitor arrivals. At 2010, Bali received 2.57 million foreign tourists. It is surpassed the target of 2.0-2.3 million tourists. The average occupancy of starred hotels achieved 65 percent (last year 60.8 percent), so still capable for accommodates tourists for next some years without any addition of new rooms/hotels,[22] although at the peak season some of them are fully booked.

Bali received the Best Island award from Travel and Leisure in 2010. The award was presented in the show "World's Best Awards 2010" in New York, on 21 July. Hotel Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran also received an award in the category of "World Best Hotel Spas in Asia 2010". The award was based on a survey of travel magazine Travel + Leisure readers between 15 December 2009 through 31 March 2010, and was judged on several criteria. The Ayana Resort received the designation; #1 Spa in the world by Conde Naste's Traveller Magazine for 2010 by their readers poll . The island of Bali won because of its attractive surroundings (both mountain and coastal areas), diverse tourist attractions, excellent international and local restaurants, and the friendliness of the local people.

HOW TO GET TO BALI

With the increasing number of direct flight to Bali from some other parts of the world, it makes it easier to go to Bali. From Bali, flight to Jakarta is about 1.5 hours, to Singapore and Perth (Australia) 2.5 and 3 hours, to Hong Kong about 4.5 hours, and to Sydney/Melbourne about 5.5 to 6 hours, with various airlines offering their services. Please check at "airline info" for more information about flight schedules. Just make sure you look for "Denpasar (DPS)" instead of "Bali" in airline time tables. It is the capital of Bali. Or you can check your "Travel Agents" for more travel arrangements and accommodation.

Vacation Checklist On Egypt

Daily life in ancient Egypt revolved around the Nile and the fertile land along its banks. The yearly flooding of the Nile enriched the soil and brought good harvests and wealth to the land. Making mudbricksThe people of ancient Egypt built mudbrick homes in villages and in the country. They grew some of their own food and traded in the villages for the food and goods they could not produce. Cows grazing on the banks of the Nile Most ancient Egyptians worked as field hands, farmers, craftsmen and scribes. A small group of people were nobles. Together, these different groups of people made up the population of ancient Egypt.

Far from fecund banks of Nile, Egypt consist of a broad ocean of gold dunes and rocky lowlands. El Fayoum, Kharga, Dakhla, Farafra, Bahariya and Siwa: the Western oases of Egypt seem to be islands, not only among the endless expanse of Saharan sand, but also in time. In the middle of the White desert, from time immemorial, winds sculpted the rocks of limestone in strange forms: mushrooms, cones, columns and trays. In dusk and at dawn, these white trainings shine with a coloured brightness and pastel. Admire the survey of the sun during a promenade with back of camel, or the spectacular views which give the summits of the dunes of sand in the middle of the majestic expanse of the desert. The lovers of nature will be dazzled by a mottled multitude of rare birds. The day, slip under the shade of a palm into an idyllic oasis then, the night fallen on the camping, share the tea which give you the Bedouins. Finally, comfort your body and your soul in a sulphurous source of hot water. it must be a special vacation for you and your family. You will have feeling to have bared all big secrets of the desert.

Vacation Checklist On Tana Toraja Indonesia

Tourism in Indonesia is an important component of the Indonesian economy as well as a significant source of its foreign exchange revenues. In 2009, the number of international tourists arriving in Indonesia climbed 3.6% to 6.45 million arrivals from 6.43 million in 2008. The subsequent economical impact of this tourist influx in 2009 saw $6.3 billion US dollars spent by international tourists in Indonesia, at an average spend of US$129.57 per day and US$995.93 per visit. Whilst the number of arrivals increased in 2009 the total spent per visitor decreased leading to a revenues shortfall of US$1.07 billion when compared to the previous year.

Tana Toraja, literally "Torajaland", is a highland region of South Sulawesi, Indonesia. Tana Toraja, the famed "Land of The Heavenly Kings", or some people in southern region of South Celebes called people from north highland. Tana Toraja lies about 328 km north of Makassar, the capital of South Sulawesi Province, in the central highlands of South Sulawesi. At 300 to 2880 meters above sea level, Tana Toraja combines tropical lushness with alpine freshness. Daily temperature of 16 degrees Celsius to 28 degrees celcius promotes rest and recuperation. it's good place for vacation.

Bright green rice terraces, tall limestone outcrops and bamboo graves are set against a backdrop of blue misty mountains. Traditional Tongkonan houses stand proudly in this setting. These intricately decorated houses with upward-sloping roofs are the center of all Aluktodolo ( Torajan religion before the coming of missionaries; the ancestors belief ) rites; from storing the harvest in the carved rice barns, "alang", to slaughtering sacred water buffaloes at a week or more-funeral ceremonies. Tana Toraja's beauty is also reflected in its people. Although they are devoutly Christian ( there are small number of Moslems especially in the southern area), they combine this religious belief with magic and mysticism. Secure in their ethnic identity, they welcome visitors to witness their ceremonies.

Tana toraja is a sleepy rural region cultivating rice, cacao, coffee, and clove most of the year. Toraja's arabica coffee is known as one of the best in the world. These all change during the dry season,, from June until September, when Children are home from school, the rice is harvested and it's time for a "rambu solo' ", a complex funeral ceremony of the ancestors. During the time, Rantepao is transformed into a major tourist resort for national and international visitors.

Before the 1970s, Toraja was almost unknown to Western tourism. In 1971, about 50 Europeans visited Tana Toraja. In 1972, at least 400 visitors attended the funeral ritual of Puang of Sangalla, the highest-ranking nobleman in Tana Toraja and the last pure-blooded Toraja noble. The event was documented by National Geographic and broadcast in several European countries. In 1976, about 12,000 tourists visited the regency and in 1981, Torajan sculpture was exhibited in major North American museums. "The land of the heavenly kings of Tana Toraja", as written in the exhibition brochure, embraced the outside world.

Toraja is well known with the etcnic group in Sout Sulawesi. They have the traditional house called Tongkonan, The graveyard site on the rocky cliffs and beautiful wodd carvings. In Tana Toraja have famous beverage called toraja Coffees. Those coffees are made of the post harvest process, the wet hull method and becoming one of the b est coffee in Indonesia. In Tana Toraja, Rambu Solo called the unique funeral ritual. They do not bury the dead body until they have enough money to make the Rambu Solo. People can stay in the hotels or they can sleep in the villages on the way.

The ethnic groups in the mountain regions of southwest and principal Sulawesi (Celebes) are known by the title of Toraja, that has arrive to indicate “individuals who live upstream” or “those who live in the mountains”. Their title is in fact derived from Raja, which in Sanskrit implies “king”. The culture is hierarchically organized: the noblemen are called rengnge, the bizarre individuals to makaka, and the slaves to kaunan; delivery establishes that standing a person should occupy.

In 1984, the Indonesian Ministry of Tourism declared Tana Toraja Regency the prima donna of South Sulawesi. Tana Toraja was heralded as "the second stop after Bali". Tourism was increasing dramatically: by 1985, a total number of 150,000 foreigners had visited the Regency (in addition to 80,000 domestic tourists), and the annual number of foreign visitors was recorded at 40,000 in 1989. Souvenir stands appeared in Rantepao, the cultural center of Toraja, roads were sealed at the most-visited tourist sites, new hotels and tourist-oriented restaurants were opened, and an airstrip was opened in the Regency in 1981.

Tourism developers have marketed Tana Toraja as an exotic adventure—an area rich in culture and off the beaten track. Western tourists expected to see stone-age villages and pagan funerals. Toraja is for tourists who have gone as far as Bali and are willing to see more of the wild, "untouched" islands. However, they were more likely to see a Torajan wearing a hat and denim, living in a Christian society. Tourists felt that the tongkonan and other Torajan rituals had been preconceived to make profits, and complained that the destination was too commercialized. This has resulted in several clashes between Torajans and tourism developers, whom Torajans see as outsiders.

A clash between local Torajan leaders and the South Sulawesi provincial government (as a tourist developer) broke out in 1985. The government designated 18 Toraja villages and burial sites as traditional "touristic object". Consequently, zoning restrictions were applied to these areas, such that Torajans themselves were barred from changing their tongkonans and burial sites. The plan was opposed by some Torajan leaders, as they felt that their rituals and traditions were being determined by outsiders. As a result, in 1987, the Torajan village of Kété Kesú and several other designated "tourist objects" closed their doors to tourists. This closure lasted only a few days, as the villagers found it too difficult to survive without the income from selling souvenirs.

Tourism has also transformed Toraja society. Originally, there was a ritual which allowed commoners to marry nobles (puang) and thereby gain nobility for their children. However, the image of Torajan society created for the tourists, often by "lower-ranking" guides, has eroded its traditional strict hierarchy. High status is not as esteemed in Tana Toraja as it once was. Many low-ranking men can declare themselves and their children nobles by gaining enough wealth through work outside the region and then marrying a noble woman.

At least 25 cyclist teams from 20 countries will join "Tour de Toraja" in early 2012. The cycling event efforts to promote the province's tourism mainly Toraja area.