Spain is still the most popular choice for holidaymakers and as the euro falters, the British could be quids in as costs for everyday essentials keep going down. But how many of us actually listen to that little voice that tells us we are completely missing the point! As we head out to the Mediterranean Costas to indulge in the, lets be honest, “same old, same old” of sun, sea and sand and lashings of Ambre Solaire; for many families the thought of forcing our way in to the mass of inland Spain, just doesn’t appeal. How wrong we are!

In Spain reasonable prices are not limited to mass tourism. The excellent network of country cottages, farmhouses and rural hotels offer quality and luxury at such a fair cost that you could find yourself luxuriating in your own pool before slipping between the finest cotton sheets in a 16th Century perfectly restored “Masia”. Prepare your own gourmet meal in a top of the range kitchen with seasonal produce bought that day in the market, or if your middle name isn’t Jamie, then enjoy the gastronomic delights prepared by the regional local chefs.

The opportunities in Spain for recharging in any of the diverse and glorious landscapes are endless. Fighting for your space on a resort sun bed, or avoiding the dive bombing of other children in the pool, really can not compare with the peace of your own pool, surrounded by mountains, views out to sea, or enjoying the sheer space your children have to play in. Then there are the endless sports activities; white water rafting, horse riding, mountain or quad biking etc. Many country houses have their own tennis courts, where you can have a few matches with the family and friends before heading out into the local towns for “aperitivos” and “tapas”.

Long established as a fashionable holiday for the discerning Spanish, the Internet has stiffened the competition between rural accommodation and now quality, comfort and the friendliest of welcomes are taken as standard. Consequently “casas rurales” and “hoteles rurales” are flourishing despite the harsh economic climate. Another key factor in Spain’s blossoming for international travellers is the AVE, the high speed train network which now links the main cities of Spain. Having explored Madrid and its surroundings, in under two and a half hours you could be stepping off the train into the Moorish splendour of Seville. Or head the other way and in the same time be alighting in Barcelona, the sophisticated capital of Catalonia.

Long gone are the days of rickety trains and uncomfortable journeys, the AVE on board experience includes restaurants, cafes, films, music channels, entertainment activities for children and a full timetable of services with guaranteed punctuality. Thanks to the AVE, vastly improved road networks and the thriving rural accommodation market; we can now stop playing about on the fringes of what was seen as the impenetrable mainland, get in there and enjoy stunning Espana.

India – A blend of beauty, culture and love is known to provide unique and refreshing experience to every traveler who likes to see different colors of life at one place. The largest democracy in the world, the charm of India attracts millions of tourists every year. One of the most travelled tourist place in the world, India welcomes a large number of vacationers from all over the world through its charming tourist attractions and mesmerizing tourist and holiday packages.

Known for its spirituality and cultural heritage, India is a country with some of the most beautiful and wonderful tourist’s destinations and that is the reason why the tourism of India does not fail to enchant travelers with its variety. Rich cultural heritage, adventure, beautiful beaches, historical monuments, the variety of hills and mountains, breath taking landscapes, deserts and a rich flora and fauna are some of the main attractions of India tour. Whether you travel to the southern part or the beautiful northern India, you will always find something incredible experiences on every step. Whether you like serene atmosphere or the adventure, India is able to fulfill all your desires. The Himalayan region of India makes you want to know everything about the miraculous beauty of the mountains.

On one hand where the Northern India presents you the magnificent opportunities to travel around the Paradise on earth “Kashmir”, the extremely serene Himachal Pradesh and the wild park of Uttaranchal at the foot of Himalayan region, the national capital of India “Delhi” will make you enjoy and understand the history of India through its variety of historical monuments. The India travel and tourism is not just vast and welcoming but it makes the tourist fall in love with the country. The symbol of love “The Taj Mahal” in Agra is said to be India’s star attraction.

The Western region on the other hand provides the majestic culture and royalty of Rajasthan, Gujarat and Punjab. These are the most magnificent cities with the attractions like forts, Havelis, palatial palaces, holy temples, wildlife parks and sanctuaries, Gurudwaras and a lot of other attracts. The taste of food will make you eat more than you can chew and the dresses will make look even more charming. The eastern India is even more interesting with the variety of places like Sikkim and Assam, which is known to be the green tourism of India.

And of course, one cannot ignore the famous states like Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh, which are widely known for the beautiful temples and the caves. Ajanta and Ellora cave are the word famous and amazing attraction of Maharashtra state that represent the golden period of art in ancient India. The southern places like Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Kerala are extensively known for the beauty of hills, beaches, temples etc.

Even after such variety, the travel in India is affordable and the India holiday packages offered by many reputed tourism companies make it easier for everyone to enjoy the beauty and the charm of the most mesmerizing country in the world. The blend of uniqueness and variety, India is indeed the most wonderful tourist destination!

So are you planning a Disney trip? If you are, chances are you can use some great Disney tips to help you save some of your precious vacation time and of course your hard earned money. There are thousands of Disney tips and some that can save you and your family thousands of dollars. Since I can’t give you the thousands of tips here I can give you some of my favorites. For starters, if you’re going to Disney World bring your own food into the park. Bringing your own food will cut down on costs so you don’t have to eat at the expensive restaurants and food vendors at the park. Even the cheap ones are expensive! It also saves time to eat your own food. You don’t need to stand in line at a restaurant and you can even eat while you’re standing in line for a ride. Sorry you can’t bring food into Disneyland unless you have a special dietary restriction.

Another great tip to add to the arsenal of Disney tips is to consider staying at a Disney hotel. Staying at a Disney hotel allows you to take advantage of the Disney transportation and extra magic hours. Disney transportation is very important. A shuttle can take you to and from the park and hotel and can save you a ton of money if you’re not parking your own car. At the very least try to find a non Disney hotel that offers a shuttle service so you don’t have to pay those expensive parking fees. Definitely good Disney tips.

The extra magic hours are priceless. You’ll get a special pass for you to use at the park after normal business hours. If you can stay up later you can enjoy the rides when the crowds are not as dense. Especially the more popular rides. There are so many Disney tips. I hope these few helped you.

Sightseeing

Bulgaria has many archaeological Museums dotted around its towns, with beautiful churches and ruined fortresses dating back to the 14th Century. There are over 150 decorated monasteries to see in the towns, villages and scenic areas. Varna is the capital of Bulgaria with baroque, turn-of-the-century and contemporary architecture blended with shady promenades with a pleasant seaside garden. Varna is said to have the oldest gold ever found in Europe that dates back to 4500BC. It is a very modern city with the imposing Varna Cathedral. The Cathedral has many unusual stained glass windows and a bell tour with around 132 steps, but what a magnificent view once you have reached the top, a journey well worth doing. You will also find the ruins of the Roman baths dating back to the second century.

The archaeological museum is the place to go to see extremely valuable exhibits linked with the ancient Thracian culture, Slav and Proto-Bulgarian pottery and jewellery from the Middle Ages. Down by the sea gardens you have a wonderful dolphinarium where you can take all the family to see one of its 40 minute shows. Back in 1992 a baby dolphin was born to the aquarium. The national maritime museum has a fabulous display of marine guns and mine sweepers but the most valuable exhibit there is the Drazki torpedo boat, which earned its fame by sinking the Turkish cruiser Hamidie during the First Balkan War in 1912. It is said to be the only ship of its kind to be preserved till the present day. You will have plenty to see in Varna and its surrounding villages and towns; it is also a wonderful place for scenic hikes or bike tours.

Shopping

Varna has the one of the biggest shopping centres in Bulgaria, it was officially opened in 2008. It also houses an ice rink and cinema. It is the most modern building in Bulgaria. There are plenty of shopping facilities in Varna for your modern requirements and souvenirs. Outside of the main town and into the villages you will find more of the local art and crafts for the area.

Beaches

Bulgaria’s oldest beach resort is St Constantine and Helana which is approx 8 km from Varna. It is a very quiet place to relax and great for underwater diving. The most popular beach is Golden Sands, they call it the pearl as it has golden clean sand and a has a rich forest park to the back of it which keeps it cool in the sweltering heat during May to October. There are a lot of water sports and other entertainment to experience along the 3.5 mile long beach. It is a stunning area with plenty of photo opportunities.

Eating

There is a wide choice of dining in Bulgaria from Indian, Chinese, Mexican and fast food bars. There are also plenty of opportunities to taste the local more traditional foods. Among these you will find some are cooked with feta cheese, yogurt, vegetables and meat like a rich hearty stew called Gyuvech Kavarma. Another favourite is spicy meat rolled into balls and served with vegetables. There are plenty of fine dining restaurants and places to suit a family budget all around Bulgaria.

Nightlife

There are more than enough nightclubs and bars in Varna some near the beach front others into the town, where you will find a place to suit most tastes in music. You will also find a traditional English pub called Taifun that serves liver and onions with fries, salads and pizza and more than 16 different beers to try out. You’ll never be short of a night out in Varna and its surrounding areas.

Happy Holidays!

A luxury holiday in Africa sounds very appealing and there are lots of exciting things that you can do in such a great country.

As a continent Africa has lots to offer for a great vacation. There are great places to visit in Africa such as Mauritius, the Serengeti plain and Cape Town to name but a few. All these places boast wonderful hotels that will make your stay a wonderful experience.

Mauritius is literally filled with beautiful waterfalls, volcanic peaks and of course splendid forests to explore. There are many great spas for you to relax in, and the wonderful cuisine that you can try in many of the five star hotels are a treat to behold.

Cape Town itself has always been a popular destination for people looking for a great vacation.

You are literally spoilt for thing to do in Cape Town. The mountain scenery and magical landscapes are a fantastic experience along with the culture which all adds to a wonderful time. This is an ideal place for families and couples to spend their vacation.

Serengeti is in the east of Africa and again has been a popular choice of holiday destination for many people over the years. The wildlife that you can see on the Serengeti is unsurpassed anywhere in the world.

There is so much to do in the Serengeti. You could choose from camping, hot air ballooning, walking or even going on the wildlife tours that are available at very good prices. Your stay in the Serengeti can also be a great learning experience thanks to all the great wildlife that you can see in this part of the world.

You can even get the opportunity to mingle with the famous Maasai warriors. This tribe is one of the last remaining tribes to still be sticking to their culture.

Kuang Si Falls

Your vacation in Laos should include a trip to Kuang Si Falls, located about 29 kilometers (18 miles) south of Luang Prabang in Laos. Even though there is a small fee for entry to this piece of paradise, (these funds are used to maintain the property in and around the attraction) it will be well worth it. You are welcome to bring your Swim suit and enjoy any of the blue pools which collect the water from the falls. For the adventure seekers, hikers are allowed to climb to the top of the falls.

Patuxai

If you have ever been to Paris and visited the Arc de Triomphe you will immediately see a resemblance here at Patuxai. Considering the fact that Patuxai means, in Laotian, “Gate of Triumph”, the resemblance should not surprise you. In fact the plan by this former French Colony was to commemorate their independence with this monument. Even though the appearance of the monument is similar to that of the Arc de Triomphe, on closer inspection, an obvious Buddhist inspiration is quite evident. You may ascend to the top of the monument after a small fee, where the view will be well worth it.

Buddha Park

Located on the Mekong River shore, Buddha Park can be reached by taxi or by accessing the #14 bus from the main terminal in Vientiane. With operating hours between 8am and 6pm, there will be time enough to see everything. Considering the fact that one of the biggest sculptures here is a Buddha, one should never forget its name. You could spend most of the your day in the sculptures garden, (I know I would) just slowly enjoying the history of it all. This is a great opportunity to learn about the culture and history of Laos.

Luang Prabang:

Located more than four-hundred kilometers north of Vientiane, on the Mekong riverside, is Luang Prabang. Much smaller and closer than other towns in Laos, this town can be reached by air, or by a five hour bus ride. Because of the fact that everything is so close together, getting around this town will be a piece of cake. Much of the downtown area in Luang Prabang, was constructed around a low hill called Phou Si and it is there where you will experience views of the river and the town which will make your trip worthwhile.

Vientiane’s Promenade

Most promenades, by their very name, suggest a bevvy of possibilities and Vientiane’s Promenade is no different. The atmosphere and ambiance will make this venue, a perfect place to meet and greet others, or just sample some of the local cuisine. At sunset, you should make your way to the center of the promenade, where everything comes together, along with food stalls and a sunset that will make you wish you could stay forever.

One of the most beautiful and picturesque cities of the world, you better come here equipped with loads of space in your camera. One of the most photogenic cities in Europe, cheap flights to Rome aren’t hard to find, much like the thousands interesting things to do in the city. The Italian capital is a place of exciting surprises and enchanting attractions. The relics of yore and the remnants of the modern both exist harmoniously together. The time spent in Rome notwithstanding, be prepared to enjoy the world’s biggest open-air museum, as nearly every nook and cranny in the city looks like a masterpiece.

Exploring Rome through the usual guided tours and excursions is one thing but going off the beaten path is quite another, albeit both guarantee full satisfaction. It goes without saying that Rome is quite affluent when it comes to precious works of art, and cultural and historical heritage, and all of this on permanent display. Numerous museums, monuments, churches, piazzas and other significant historical sites dot the entire city.

Take a trip to Foro Romano, visit the building from Middle Ages, the Colosseum, admire great works of art at the National gallery of Art at the Palazzo Berbini, cherish antiquity at the National Museums of Antique Art, educate yourself in classical archeology at the Roman Civil Museum, or better still, keep aside and spend an entire day at the majestic Vatican Museum. No matter how many museums or art galleries you visit, you are likely to encounter fantastic paintings and sculptures of the Renaissance and the Baroque.

When in Rome, how can you miss an opportunity to visit the nerve center of official Christianity? The Vatican City receives more than a million visitors every year. There are some great sites to see and admire, including the eleven Vatican Museums, Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel, several Vatican Gardens, and various vineyards and orchards. Quite obviously, the eternal city is on a louder and nosier side, but even this chaos keeps you entertained throughout the length of your stay.

Sipping coffee at a roadside café, seeing people walk through the cobbled streets, and witnessing the perpetual buzz of vehicles and pedestrians keeps one amused. Culturally speaking, Rome event’s calendar is choc-o-bloc with festivals, live performances, concerts, religious celebrations and what not. You’ll absolutely love the opera houses and the excellent performances being doled out one after the other, or catch a music concert in full bloom with crowds and crowds of music lovers humming to their favorite numbers.

Also, there are plenty bars, pubs, nightclubs, discotheques, and fine restaurants to keep you captivated throughout the night. Shake a leg at a dancing place, drink a few beers at the happening pub in town, and enjoy interesting conversation with locals at a café later, you can do whatever you feel like. Being such a popular vacation destination, Rome caters to all kinds of tourists. You’ll easily find both luxurious lodgings as well as cheap hotel accommodations. Come and experience the ultimate thrill in Rome.

Hawa Mahal in Jaipur

Location: Next to the entrance of City Palace

Built by: Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh

Built in: 1799

Highlights: Its Rajputana architecture

How to reach: One can easily reach Hawa Mahal from the city by taking local Buses, Rickshaws and Taxis

Views of Hawa Mahal

Hawa Mahal is the famous Rajputana architecture and the most famous tourist attraction of Jaipur. The palace of Jaipur. The palace is such a spot that gives the awesome view for the spectators. It is the splendid view of the palace gives the look of the royal architecture. It is blended with the different colors of the Rajputana architecture.

The Hawa Mahal palace that is literally means to be the Palace of Winds. The palace is shaped in a pyramid shape and is five stories and is having 953 small windows and those are decorated with the lattice work. These windows are commonly known as the “Jarokhas” which is constructed in such a way that it looks like a honeycomb. The most attractive appearance in the replica of the mughal architecture to enhance the beauty of the palace.

Hawa Mahal Architecture

Hawa Mahal is made up in an elegant style with having the 953 windows and small balconies. Lal Chand Utsa has designed the Hawa Mahal and has dedicated it to the Lord Krishna and Radha and is having the fanciful structure which appeals to be royal. Hawa Mahal has remarked as the beauty of the mughal architecture and it has certain similarity with the Panch Mahal- the palace of winds at Fatehpur Sikri. The Hawa Mahal has the beauty of the that appeals to the best example of the romantic and is better known to be the example of solid architecture.

How to Reach Jaipur?

By Air:

Jaipur is the capital city of Rajasthan and therefore, it is well connected by rest of the big cities of the country. The airport is around 15 km away from the pink city and it takes around 25 min to reach in the Pink City. From Delhi and Mumbai one can take direct flight to Jaipur.

By Railways:

Jaipur is the city that is well connected through the railways. From Delhi the Pink City Express is the train that runs directly to Jaipur. It leaves at 6 am and reaches Jaipur at 11 am. Other than this train there also many such trains that connects Delhi and Jaipur.

By Roadways:

Jaipur is the city that connects almost all the major towns and cities of India.

Staying Options in Jaipur:

Jaipur is having lots of hotels and accommodation that offers all the modern facilities to the visitors from all parts of the world. The city is having the excellent infrastructure that makes the stay for the traveler a comfortable stay and tour. The Heritage and the culture of the city also offers a warm and the immaculate hospitality in the city.

The colorful fairs and festivals of Ladakh are kaleidescope to the vibrant culture of Buddhists. During the festive season, the barren mountain land turns out to be more lively. Hordes of people flock to Ladakh to enjoy the festive spirit, leaving behind all their tensions and worries.

Hemis Festival

Hemis festival is celebrated in Hemis Gompa with great pomp and grandeur. The festival commemorates the birth of Guru Padmasambhava, founder of Tantric Buddhism in Tibet. It is celebrated after every 12 years according to the Tibetan lunar month. In the festival people can have a glimpse of the largest Thangkha in Ladakh, displayed once in 12 years.

Sindhu Darshan Festival

Sindhu Darshan is the best way to get a feel of Ladakh culture. The festival promotes national integrity and communal harmony. Travelers can look for some fine collection of Ladakh handicrafts and gets an opportunity to interact with local people and know their rich culture and traditions. The cultural programmes performed by the people from different parts of the country are the major attractions of the festival. Evening gets glitzy and enjoyable with a grand feast and a campfire in night.

Ladakh Festival

Ladakh festival is celebrated in the beginning of September month. It is the major festival in the region celebrated with high festive spirit. The festival is organized by Jammu and Kashmir Tourism, to showcase the vibrant culture of Ladakh. Folk dance and music are the prime attractions of the festival.

Losar Festival

Losar festival is celebrated in winter season, in the eleventh month of the Buddhist year. The festival has its origin in the 15th century and is till now celebrated with great pomp and show. Rituals are performed by the Buddhist and they make offerings to Gods on this auspicious occasion.

Ladakh Fairs and Festivals mostly falls in the winter season.

If you are planning a trip to Paris, Disneyland should be first and foremost on your list of things to do. Not only can you enjoy the fun and excitement of both parks: Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park, but you can also enjoy shopping, eating out and relaxing in the most amazing village in the world. Here are just some of the things you can do during your visit:

Shopping

As well as the shops in the Resort, you can also visit La Vallée Outlet Shopping Village. It’s only a 5 minutes ride by car or shuttle from the Resort and with over 70 designer names available, as well as a sizable discount, you’ll be sure to find a bargain.

Sports

There are plenty of things to do within the resort for those of you who love sports. There is a 27-hole golf course, tennis courts, swimming pools and much more. The Disney Lake (Marina Del Rey) offers canoeing, boating and quadri-cycles every day (weather permitting) and for small children, a pony ride is a must!

Eating Out

There are so many places to grab a bite you won’t ever have to leave the resort. From cafes which serve favourites such as burger and chips to top restaurants for the more sophisticated palate, the Disneyland Paris resort has it all.

Relaxation

Disneyland Paris resort is not just about running around all day… if you want to relax in style, take a dip in an indoor pool and enjoy steam and sauna rooms. What better way to relax and invigorate!<

Disneyland Paris breaks are possibly one of the best ways to go from thrilling excitement to utter relaxation, all ‘under the same roof’, so what are you waiting for?

Ocean Freight Quote – If you move large volumes of cargo to or from the USA, STAT Logistics’ ocean services are the answer. With many differences in service, transit times and cost, it is critical to work with an organization that offers a wide array of options that meet both your service requirements and your transportation budget.