Tour abroad

Melbourne to Brisbane Family Discovery 15 day tour

2009-02-12T10:15:00.000-08:00

Itinerary

Days 1–4 Melbourne

3nts 4 * Novotel St Kilda

Explore the highlights of Australia’s culture capital, including St Kilda Beach, fantastic shopping and the EurekaTower – the only observation deck in the world that has you suspended 300 meters above the city. For soap lovers and sports enthusiasts of the family, Melbourne is home to Ramsay Street and the world famous Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), and family fun doesn’t get much better than the amazing Savannah Walkabout Wildlifeday trip from £76pp (optional extra), where you can get up close and personal with kangaroos and koalas – in the wild!

Day s 4–7 Yarra Valey , phillip island & Mornington peninsula

1nt Quality Yarra Glen Grand, YarraValley

1nt All Seasons Eco Resort, PhillipIsland

1nt Brooklands of Mornington, MorningtonPeninsula

Departing from Melbourne, this great self-drive tour takes in the YarraValley, pretty PhillipIsland and the picturesque MorningtonPeninsula.

The kids will love seeing dingos, wombats, kangaroos and platypus at the Healesville Sanctuary in Yarra, and the Penguin Parade at sunset on Phillip Island is not to be missed – entry to Penguin PlusParade from £31pp (optional extra). On the MorningtonPeninsula you’ll find a perfect blend of sun-kissed beaches, cafés, galleries and boutique shops. Drop your car off at Melbourne airport for your short flight to Brisbane.

Day s 7–12 Gold Coast

5nts 4 * Mantra Sun City including 3 Park Superpass

FREE upgrade to 1 bed suite*

Collect your hire car and explore Australia’s Gold Coast and Hinterland, using as your base the lively Mantra Sun City. Located in the heart of Surfers Paradise this is a perfect family destination close to all the action. Plus, the amazing value 3 ParkSuperpass offers access to Sea World, WB Movie World and Wet ‘n’ Wild Waterworld as well as a FREE return visit to the park of your choice.

Days 12–14 MoretonIsland

2nts Tangalooma Wild Dolphin Resort

Cruise across Moreton Bay to Moreton Island National Park, hometo Queensland’s wild dolphins – the kids will get such a thrill fromseeing just how far inshore the dolphins come. The island alsoboasts countless other exciting activities for the family to enjoy,including quad bike tours, whale watching, sand tobogganing andmuch more.

Days 14–15 Brisbane

1nt 3 * Medina Executive

A day to explore the best of Queensland’s capital city and perhaps climb to the top of the famous StoryBridge.

Includes:

• 14 nts hotel

• Qantas flights to Melbourne, returning from Brisbane

• Internal flights to Brisbane

• Transfers

• 4 days car hire in Melbourne

• 5 days car hire in the Gold Coast

• Self-drive kit

*Valid for stays 22–31 Mar 09.

Doha Qatar Tourist Attractions/Things To Do

2009-02-08T10:09:00.000-08:00

Qatar is fast developing as a major Mid-east destination, after opening its doors to tourism since 1989.

Qatar houses major historic forts, modern luxury hotels, impressive seascapes and sandunes and is home to the Al Jazeera headquarters, the Arab world’s answer to CNN.

Doha, the capital of Qatar is located halfway down the east coast of peninsula. Doha is an important commercial and Cultural center and is connected in an excellent manner with the outside world through state-of-the art seaports, airports and telephone links.

Tourists can explore the natural environment of Qatar by taking an exciting desert safari, relaxing at the many beaches and pools or just enjoying their favourite sport, be it bowling alleys, tennis, snookers, billiards, golf courses, or ice skating rinks. There is something for everyone in this wonderful place.

1. The Kingdom of Aladdin (Entertainment City)

The Kingdom of Aladdin is located at the West Bay area and comprises more than eighteen play features for all age groups. It also has an artificial lagoon, a rest house, a cafeteria and a theatre. It remains open Sunday through Friday, and Mondays and Wednesdays are dedicated for ladies and children under twelve.

2. Oryx Farm
Visitors to Qatar get to see the Oryx in its natural surroundings at the Oryx Farm, which is located at Shahaniya. Oryx, being the national animal of Qatar, one cannot find them in such large numbers anywhere else in the world. Arabia horses are well-known for their beauty. One gets to catch a glimpse of the Arab show and race horses that are pure-bred at the Al Shaqab Stud Farm. Other attraction is the Qatar Equestrian Club, where visitors come over to view its stables. Races and show-jumping events are held at the Rayyan Racing and Equestrian Club.

3. Water Sports and Cruises
Being surrounded by the Arabian Gulf on all three sides of the peninsula, there lies plenty of opportunities for cruising and water sporting. Sailing is a good pastime here, and many private firms offer windsurfers and dinghies for rent and there are sailing classes for novice sailors. A sunset cruise on a traditional dhow (Arab sailing ship) provides one with a stunning view of Doha at night, while luxury yachts could be rented for full day fishing trips. Apart from this, there are pedal boats, water cycle, parasailing, and wind-surfing.

4. Desert Safari
Making a trip to the inland sea, located in the middle of the desert, could be a fabulous way of spending the day. Sand dunes that are 60meters in height could be found along the way. Most air-conditioned vehicles are geared with necessary safety equipments to take one through an exciting, safe, tour to the mysterious desert. While traveling on the sand dunes, one gets to catch a view of the desert, and on listening closely one could hear the sands shift, while descending down the slopes.

5. Shopping
Eager shoppers can get whatever they wish for in the large shopping complexes or tiny stalls in the market. Doha, with facilities such as the Doha City Center, which is the largest shopping complex in the Middle East, offers brands of world-class reputation, in addition to various other exciting family facilities. In the markets, unlike in all other places, items are not marked with traditional price tags.

Changi Airport Guide - Duty Free Shopping Terminal 3

2009-02-06T11:32:00.000-08:00

[Airport]: Changi Airport
[City][Country]: Singapore, Singapore
[Website]: Changi Interntaional Airport

[Terminal 3 Shopping]

CHNG Kee's Spice of Life
Singapore's premier name in Oriental sauces and spice mixes, CHNG Kee's Spice of Life is a gourmet store offering well known premium and pre-mix sauces such as CHNG Kee's Black Pepper Kung Bo, Laksa Paste and Hainanese Chicken Rice Mix.

At the Spice Corner, customers can create and grind their own spice mixes after being inspired by live cooking demonstrations by CHNG Kee's in-house chefs. For the adventurous palate, exotic handmade pralines like Durian King and Lemongrass Dream will make memorable gifts.

B2 Mall @ T3 (Basement 2), Public Area
Opening Hours : 10 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Tel : (65) 6755 2262

Candy Empire
A dream come true for snack lovers, Candy Empire has the island's biggest selection of chocolates, biscuits and gourmet delectables. Jelly beans, wafers, marshmallows, nougat, popcorn, chocolate bars, liquorice, lollipops, gummies, muesli bars, rice crackers and sugar free choices are all sourced from quality manufacturers in Australia, USA and Europe. This is definitely the store to spoil your sweet tooth.

B2 Mall @ T3 (Basement 2), Public Area
Opening Hours : 10 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Tel : (65) 6543 1051

Chocolates.Candy.Delicatessen
Chocolates.Candy.Delicatessen by King Power International is a haven of indulgence for everyone. Walk in and be treated to a wide array of delighting treats from around the world. From celebrated brands like Toblerone, M&M's, Lindt, Merci or Ferrero Rocher to premium exclusives like Godiva, Valrhona or Favarger, you'd be sure there's something for everyone. Not forgetting our friendly sales staff who will be pleased to assist in your search for the perfect gift for your loved ones or simply pure gratification on your part. Enjoy.

Departure/Transit Mall
Opening Hours : 6.00 a.m - 1.00 a.m

The Cocoa Trees
"The Cocoa Trees" is a chocolate-lovers' dream-come-true. It offers the widest range of international brands under its various retail outlets and concessionaires. Famous brands include M&M's, Toblerone, Cote d'or, Daim, Swiss Delice, Belgian, Hawaiian Host, Droste, Ritter Sport and many more. We also carry premium chocolates such as Feodora and Neuhaus for the more discerning chocolate connoisseur.

Come visit us and be amazed by our interesting variety of chocolates for everyone at any occasion.

Departure / Check-in Hall Level 2
Opening Hours : 10 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Tel : (65) 6247 5450

Cheers
With a well-established network of more than 100 stores across Singapore, Cheers convenience store is the place for instant gratification any time of the day. Grab a quick drink and snack, or get hold of news dailies, magazines and toiletries around the clock.

Cheers is a wholly-owned subsidiary of NTUC FairPrice, the largest supermarket chain in Singapore.

Arrival Hall Level 1, Public Area
Transit Mall Level 3

Blush!
Sexy, exquisite and chic. Take a peek at Blush! and experience a delectable lineup of internationally and even exclusive intimate apparel brands from Europe and U.S.A like White Laundry, Princesse Tam Tam, DIM and Parah. In addition, the Blush! label of intimates and sleepwear is à la mode, designing stylish collections that are high in comfort and surprisingly modest in cost yet poised to meet the needs of sophisticated lingerie shoppers.

3-Top, Level 3, Public Area
Opening Hours : 10 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Tel : (65) 6241 982

Bottega Veneta
Bottega Veneta is the leader in luxury fashion best known for its signature leather goods, including handbags, luggage and leather wallets. The Bottega handbag boasts classic clean lines, the softest leathers, and a classic palette and designs. Its signature is its hand-woven leather bags, belts, and shoes.

Departure / Transit Mall South
Opening Hours : 6.00 a.m - 1.00 a.m

Burberry
Burberry is a distinctive luxury brand with international recognition and broad appeal. With a reputation for innovation, quality and style, it is well known for its creation of iconic products, including the trench coat, and the Burberry check. Positioning itself as the authentic British lifestyle brand, the store features high-quality apparel and accessories for both men and women.

Departure/Transit Mall
Opening Hours : 6.00 a.m - 1.00 a.m

Bvlgari
BVLGARI, the contemporary Italian luxury jeweller has been setting the pace for Italian styled jewellery for over a century. Spanning over 200 stores and at selected network of authorised retailers across the world, its daring and prestigious style permeates in each exquisite jewellery, fine timepieces, accessories and perfumes.

Every piece of BVLGARI product is luxurious and created by a distinctive clarity of design and detailed craftsmanship. BVLGARI has become a brand coveted by celebrities and royalties over the years.

Departure / Transit Mall South

Cartier
Cartier, the renowned French jeweler and watchmaker, has been associated with fine jewels since 1847. Cartier's creations illustrate the inventiveness of a jeweler who is inspired by history, and resolutely focused on the future. The maison's creations are designed to be timeless. Each creation represents a moment, an event, a story, an emotion. This is the first standalone travel retail store in Singapore.

Departure / Transit Mall North
Opening Hours : 6.00 a.m - 1.00 a.m

Charles And Keith
Conceived as the ultimate in ladies footwear retailing, the Charles & Keith retail concept store is the creation of ambience, merchandise mix and simplicity. Dedicated to the young and trendy, a range of luxury-made-affordable and contemporary ladies footwear awaits you with great excitement. Trendy, original creations, taking inspiration from an elegant style, is the result of a bright creativity and strong innovative style research. The different models proposed are outstanding precious workings, showcasing ornamental intelligence and well-conceived cuts to enhance the spirit and playful sensuality of the contemporary woman.

Look out for new designs every week.

Departure / Transit Mall North
Opening Hours : 6.00 a.m. - 1.00 a.m.
Tel : (65) 6446 7283

Chloe
Chloe, a name chosen for its warm, feminine appeal, was founded in 1952 by Gaby Aghion, an Egyptian-born Parisienne with a dark beauty and a bohemian spirit. Her vision to reject the stiff formality of the 50's and creates romantic, ultra feminine fashion lives on today. Chloe designs remain cutting-edge and timeless at once. This is the first-ever travel retail store to be launched worldwide.

Departure / Transit Mall North
Opening Hours : 6.00 a.m - 1.00 a.m

Chomel
It's an accessory heaven for all shoppers looking for variety and interesting accessories to dress themselves up or as gift ideas for their loved ones/friends. Affordably-priced, its well-stocked merchandise assortment ranges from crystals, pearls, rhodium and gemstones accessories to fashion timepieces, handbags and shawls.

These accessories are simply perfect, whether for normal daywear, or flaunted at fabulous parties.

3-Top, Level 3, Public Area
Opening Hours : 10 a.m. - 11 p.m

Coach
Coach offers a variety of handbags and accessories encompassing a wide range of materials and updated designs, but each collection embodies the same principles of classic design and American style. From handbags to backpacks, each style features signature details such as distinctive hardware, double-needle stitching and bound edges. Every Coach product embodies the perfect balance between aesthetics and functionality.

Departure / Transit Mall
Opening Hours : 6.00 a.m. - 1.00 a.m.

Fendi
The story of Fendi began in 1925 in a small workshop in Rome, on Via del Plebiscito, where Edoardo and Adèle Fendi made bags and fur coats. Today Fendi continues to astonish the fashion world with its innovative designs. The company's accessories are now found on the arm of many stars and signature bags such as the Spy, buckled B-bag, and embellished bucket bag are often in high demand sometimes creating long waiting lists.

Departure / Transit Mall Level 2

Gucci
The boutique showcases the latest collections of ladies' and men's leatherwear including handbags and wallets

Departure / Transit Mall South
Opening Hours : 6.00 a.m. - 1.00 a.m.

Hermes
Well known for the infamous Kelly bag and the Birkin bag, this legendary French luxury goods house offers the height of luxury with a nod to the house's equestrian heritage. You can find men's and women's ready to wear collection and the accessories line has structured bags, belts with chunky hardware and signature printed silk scarves.

Departure / Transit Mall
Opening Hours : 6.00 a.m. - 12.00 a.m.

Hugo Boss
Hugo Boss, a fashion house based in Germany, specializes in luxury and casual men and women's wear. The brand's various fashion lines are designed for different target groups, creating a brand world of extraordinary fashion diversity at a constantly high level of quality. The BOSS Black line offers versatile fashion ranges with a rich array of elegant "modern classics" in business, leisure and formalwear: perfect looks that satisfy the most sophisticated tastes. The BOSS Green line offers active, fashion-oriented men a sportswear collection of the finest quality.

Departure / Transit Mall North
Opening Hours : 6.00 a.m. - 1.00 a.m.

Luxury Ventures Fashionwear
The 8,500 sq feet space has an exciting line up of iconic brands which includes a unique shop-in-shop concept for Bvlgari, Cartier, Shanghai Tang, Bottega Veneta, Chloe, Tod's, Fendi, Hugo Boss and Ferragamo. In the general area, there is a wide selection of branded accessories available, ranging from sunglasses, ties, luggage, bags, belts, shoes, costume jewellery, from other major brands such as Longchamp, Lacoste, Tumi, Swarovski, and LeSportsac among others.

Departure / Transit Mall Central
Opening Hours : 6.00 a.m.- 1.00 a.m.

Madame Butterfly
Madame Butterfly, an oriental-themed lifestyle concept boutique of Singapore origins, features some interesting selections of modern Asian-inspired apparels and handcrafted accessories in natural gemstones, jade, cloisonné and glass beads. Enhance your living environment and bring about a touch of style with its exquisite selection of oriental-themed decorative; from porcelain figurines, hand painted & lacquer boxes to stationery for the home.

Departure/Transit Mall Level 2
Opening Hours : 6 a.m. - 1 a.m.

Marc O'Polo
Hailing from Scandinavia, Marc O'Polo has been the premium casual lifestyle brand at the top of every fashion-conscious head for over 40 years in Europe.

Making its debut at Singapore Changi Airport with its first outlet out of Europe, Marc O'Polo introduces sophisticated casual wear for both men and women in comfortable cuts and natural materials, guaranteeing distinctive quality and durability. Also available in store are high quality leather bags and accessories.

Departure/Transit Mall Level 2
Opening Hours : 6 a.m. - 1 a.m.
Tel : (65) 9735 3107

Mini Bits
Lots of Jewellery at Mini Bits
For something for a special someone, or even for yourself, check out Mini Bits which carries a wide variety of jewellery including bracelets, brooches, earrings, necklaces, rings and hair accessories. Popular gifts include high quality rhodium jewellery from Korea that is suitable for all occasions.

B2 Mall @ T3 (Basement 2)
Opening Hours : 7.00 a.m. - 11.00 p.

Montblanc
A name synonymous with designer pens and fine writing instruments made of lapis lazuli, sterling silver and solid platinum. Solid gold chronograph watches, sunglasses, belts, bags and wallets and desktop accessories are also available, and of course the unmistakable Montblanc fountain pen, the Meisterstück.

Departure / Transit Mall South
Opening Hours : 6.00 a.m. - 1.00 a.m.

Salvatore Ferragamo
Salvatore Ferragamo was born in 1898 in Bonito near Naples. Even Salvatore reached adolescence; he displayed a great passion for shoes. He knew very clearly early on what he wanted: to ennoble a trade considered humble and to create a form of quality craftsmanship through the search for functional and aesthetic perfection. The brand provided Hollywood's glitterati and many others with unique hand-made designs and spawned an emporium of luxury consumer goods for men and women.

Departure / Transit Mall North
Opening Hours : 6.00 a.m. - 1.00 a.m

Samsonite
Samsonite is the worldwide leader in superior travel bags, luggage and accessories, combining notable style with the latest design technology and the utmost attention to quality and durability. Utilising top designer expertise from around the globe, Samsonite creates unparalleled products that fulfill the travel and lifestyle needs of the sophisticated traveller. For 97 years, Samsonite has continued to build upon its rich design heritage.

3-Top, Level 3 (Public Area)
Opening Hours : 10 a.m. - 11 p.m.

Shanghai Tang
Shanghai Tang sets out to create the first global Chinese lifestyle brand by revitalizing Chinese designs - interweaving traditional Chinese culture with the dynamism of the 21st Century. Thus, resulting in a vibrant fusion of "East Meets West." In fashion, Shanghai Tang continues to evolve its distinctive style whilst employing elegance, comfort and vitality. In hard goods, Shanghai Tang's products are created for everyday use, emphasizing functionality, and always integrating the use of the Chinese motifs into their design. Shanghai Tang always uses the highest quality of materials, workmanship and much inventiveness in the construction of all their products.

Departure / Transit Mall North
Opening Hours : 6.00 a.m - 1.00 a.m

Sunglass Hut
Sunglass Hut is the fashion destination of the latest styles in sunglasses. Select from a range of the latest offerings from renowned brands such as Bvlgari, Burberry, Dolce & Gabbana, Ray-Ban and Vogue.

Departure / Transit Mall South
Opening Hours : 6.00 a.m - 1.00 a.m

B2 Mall @ T3 (Basement 2)
Opening Hours : 10 a.m. - 11 p.m

Aspial
As an international jeweller, Aspial creates sophisticated jewellery fashioned for woman. Aspial is about fashion in the design of every piece of jewellery.

Aspial houses the world's first Purple Gold and Champagne Gold jewellery designs, each a unique brainchild of Aspial designers. Other exquisite collections available include jewellery by international designers such as Furrer-Jocot, Lothar Keller and Stefan Hafner, the reputed jeweler of Hollywood's celebrities. The world's most perfectly cut diamond, Hearts on Fire is available at Aspial.

Aspial's fashion-forward collection is now available in eight cities - London, Frankfurt, Tokyo, Dubai, Beijing, Seoul, Taipei and Singapore.

Departure / Transit Mall South
Opening Hours : 6.00 a.m - 1.00 a.m

Perfumes & Cosmetics by Nuance Watson
Nuance-Watson offers a wide range of perfumes and cosmetics. In our stores,high quality products from established cosmetic houses such as Chanel, Christian Dior, Estee Lauder, and Lancome, and popular designer fragrance brands such as Calvin Klein and Giorgio Armani can be found in galore.

The newest product launches can be found in our shops. Our friendly sales personnel would be most delighted to show you the latest in make-up trends by established brands and your favourite perfumes, as well as satisfy your individual skin-care needs.

You may also enjoy great savings in our stores as our prices are up to 40%lower than the local city prices and are the lowest amongst the airports in Asia-Pacific.

Departure / Transit Mall North

Arrival North
Opening Hours : 6.00 a.m.- 1.00 a.m.

Arrival South

Departure / Check-in Hall Central

Departure / Transit Mall Central
Opening Hours : 24 hours

Departure / Transit Mall South
Opening Hours : 24 hours

Eu Yan Sang
Do you have a persistent cough? Are you suffering from a loss of appetite? Is your cholesterol level still too high? Rich in tradition and history, Chinese medicine could very well unlock the key to illness and ailments Western medicine has failed to cure.

If the shops in Chinatown were too much of a culture shock, the bilingual and informative staff here can introduce you a heady mix of herbs, tea leaves and animal parts to better health.

B2 Mall @ T3 (Basement 2), Public Area
Opening Hours : 7.00 a.m. - 11.00 p.m.

GNC
GNC is the world's largest chain of healthfood stores since the 1930s.

Today, there are more than 5,800 GNC stores worldwide. GNC is also the leader in the development and manufacture of dietary supplements committed to producing the highest quality products available.

Let GNC supplements be part of your strive for a healthier and more balanced lifestyle!

B2 Mall @ T3 (Basement 2), Public Area
Opening Hours : 10 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Tel : (65) 6836 0028

Harnn & Thann
Everyone's skin needs pampering in today's harsh climate. Harnn & Thann, from Thailand, combines the uniqueness of Asian culture, traditions and knowledge of natural therapy with modern technology. If you need to restore your balance, this is the perfect shop for you.

3-Top, Level 3 (Public Area)
Opening Hours : 10 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Tel : (65) 6339 7393

OSIM
OSIM, as a home grown Singapore brand, is proud and delighted to provide a differentiated and very tangible expression of 'Uniquely Singapore' through the modified and value-added OSIM Concept shop. With each experience and purchase of an innovative OSIM product, customers take home the essence of OSIM's healthy lifestyle, and a truly unique and memorable slice of Singapore.

OSIM, the global leader in healthy lifestyle products, currently offers the widest range of innovative products that are relevant to air travelers. Being the expert in comfort and relaxation, our holistic product offerings cater to the physical, mental and emotional well-being of our customers. The OSIM concept shop at T2 will be a milestone for the OSIM retail concept. It will feature a world's 1st for the OSIM retail: 'OSIM travel-comforts' consisting of all the innovative and portable gadgets that make life more comfortable, pre, during, and post traveling.

Departure / Transit Mall
Opening Hours : 6.00 a.m - 1.00 a.m
Tel : (65) 6747 6866

The Body Shop
Famous for creating a niche market sector for naturally inspired skin and hair care products, it is estimated that The Body Shop sells a product every 0.4 seconds with over 77 million transactions through stores worldwide. It has also earned a reputation as a socially and environmentally responsible company. Go ahead, pamper yourself and save the planet too!

3-Top at Terminal 3 (Level 3), Public Area
Opening Hours : 10 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Tel : (65) 6543 5113

The Wellness Store
Enjoy a warm and luxurious encounter with exceptional teas, spa products, lotions, massage oils, candles, and music. The Wellness Store is where the worlds of teas and spas come together.

Indulge yourself with the T380 tea, one of their magical creations.

3-Top, Level 3 (Public Area)
Opening Hours : 10 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Tel : (65) 6247 1150

Watson's Personal Care Store
This health and beauty chain offers a wide variety of medicines and toiletries. Their friendly staff is more than willing to answer any enquiries you might have.

B2 Mall @ T3 (Basement 2), Public Area
Opening Hours : 7.00 a.m. - 11.00 p.m.
Tel : (65) 6581 5950

Departure/Transit Mall
Opening Hours : 24 hours
Tel : (65) 6821 512

Lifestyle Electronics by Dufry
You'll find DVD and CD players, TV sets, MP3 players and more here. What's cool is the diverse selection of gadgets like the Mickey Mouse telephone, the Seiko Weather Forecaster, the Quicktionary Link Pen and the Omron Pulse Massager. There is also the Singapore-made Creative Nomad Jukebox player for the MP3 songs.

Departure / Transit Mall North

Departure / Transit Mall South
Opening Hours : 6.00 a.m. - 1.00 a.m

Sony Style
A luxurious shop like no other, Sony Style - Singapore Changi Airport brings a whole new level of retail experience to the international traveller. Refreshing and inviting, with just the right mix of products, this Sony shop is one of its kind in the world.

Enhancing retail experience, products on display are specially selected for international travellers. VAIO laptops, computer accessories, Cyber-shot digital cameras, Handycam, Playstation, Walkman audio equipment and portable Sony Ericsson items are the main products on sale. Displayed on practical, durable structures made of environmentally-friendly material; these products can be easily viewed and accessed. For added convenience, a product testing corner is included within the store to provide testing and answer product queries.

More than just a store for Sony products, Sony Style - Singapore Changi Airport is also a showcase of the service that we are known for. Served by warm, friendly knowledgeable staff, our service quality is aligned with the internationally acclaimed standards of Singapore Changi International Airport.

Departure/Transit Area.
Opening Hours : 6 a.m. - 1 a.m.
Tel : (65) 6546 2567

Vertu
Expertly hand-assembled and tested in Vertu's dedicated workshop in England, each Vertu handset is a finely crafted masterpiece of art and technology. Its first travel retail boutique in Asia, Vertu in Terminal 3 will feature the newly launched Ascent Ti, a 3G, quad-band GSM phone. It boasts a 3 megapixel camera, a Titanium chassis, cowhide leather back, scratch-resistant sapphire crystal face and polished ceramic.

Departure/Transit Mall
Opening Hours : 6 a.m. - 1 a.m.
Tel : (65) 6242 0555

istudio - Apple Premium Reseller Store
Get your Apple products from the Apple Premium Reseller at an international airport! Stocked with the latest MacBook, MacBook Pro, iMac, Mac mini, iPods, and accessories, you can also enjoy one-on-one consultations with their experts in the store, as well as live demonstrations.

Departure/Transit Mall
Opening Hours : 6 a.m. - 1 a.m.

Harris
Harris is a bookstore that offers you more than just the bestsellers. With their exceptionally wide range of titles, it won't be hard for you to find a reading companion. Pop by and pick up a book before heading to the plane or café.

Departure/Transit Mall South
Opening Hours : 6 a.m - 1 a.m

3-Top, Level 3, Public Area
Opening Hours : 10 a.m. - 11 p.m.

Hot Off The Press
"Hot Off The Press" continues to offer a wide variety in essential stationery, travel accessories, cards, and the latest and bestselling book releases for people on the move.

Departure / Transit Mall
Opening Hours : 6.00 a.m - 1.00 a.m

B2 Mall @ T3 (Basement 2)
Opening Hours : 7.00 p.m. - 11.00 a.m.

Body Contours & Nail Spa
What can be more gratifying than a visit to the spa after a busy shopping spree? Combining all the benefits of wellness and beauty in unique treatments, Body Contours & Nail Spa offers a blissful retreat to a state of total relaxation, rejuvenation and restoration for the mind, body and soul. Immerse yourself in the tranquil setting of peace and relaxation to experience a moment of total indulgence.

B2 Mall @ T3 (Basement 2), Public Area
Opening Hours : 10 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Tel : (65) 6241 2178

M1 Shop
MobileOne (M1) Ltd is one of Singapore's leading, most exciting and innovative mobile communications provider, offering a full range of mobile voice and data communications services over its 2G/3G/3.5G network. M1 also provides international call and prepaid services to both mobile and fixed line users. M1's partnership with operators, globally, ensures quality coverage and roaming services for its customers in over 200 countries. Widely known as an innovative operator with an established brand, M1 aims to be the leader in personal voice, business and data communications, focusing on value, quality and customer service.

Be smarter, faster, bolder and funnier. Be what you want. Be brighter with M1.

B2 Mall @ T3, Basement 2, Public Area
Opening Hours : 10 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Tel : (65) 6241 5844

My Foot Reflexology
It's cosy and warm, surrounded by the sound of water : a place where you would want to be to relax! My Foot Reflexology is a massage center which offers therapeutic massages to the traveller before flight; therapeutic massages that help to ease away discomfort, aches and tiredness, relax and de-stress physical and mental fatigue.

So, come and let us take care of you. To maintain a high level of service standards, our therapists are nationally certified.

Departure / Transit Mall
Opening Hours : 6.00 a.m - 1.00 a.m
Tel : (65) 6242 9110

Porter Xpress
Hotel-Airport Baggage Delivery Service
On arrival day, have your bags delivered from airport to your hotel, while you pursue your leisure or business plan after arrival. It saves you time and taxi-fare to go to hotel to drop off bags. It is ideal for those arriving in the morning.

On departure day, have your bags collected from your hotel and delivered to airport, while you pursue your leisure or business plan after hotel checkout. You no longer have to waste time & taxi-fare to return to hotel to collect your left baggage at hotel concierge after checkout. It is ideal for those with night departure flights.

Rental Service of 3G Mobile Broadband for Laptop
Visitors will now be able to enjoy convenient broadband internet service on their laptop anytime and anywhere. Mobile broadband on laptop is via a 3/3.5G USB modem, on free loan. Download broadband speed is up to 3.6MBps depending on plan. The cost-effective and convenient service is available for rental on a daily basis.

Arrival Hall, Public Area, Level 1 (Near Baggage Claim Belt 44)
Opening Hours : 10 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Tel : (65) 6242 0002
Fax : (65) 6298 2333

Mini Toons
This outlet carry goodies such as cartoon and character merchandise, fashion and accessories, gifts and toys, bags and waist pouches, drinks, candies and gummies at the most affordable prices.

B2 Mall @ T3 (Basement 2), Public Area
Opening Hours : 7.00 a.m. - 11.00 p.m.
Tel : (65) 6546 2210

RISIS
It was back in 1976 that the natural beauty of the Singapore's orchids was first captured for posterity: in pure, glistening 24 carat gold. The transformation of such an idea called for the dynamic combination of fantasy and capability. Thus RISIS was born: a name synonymous with what has become the most unique marketing and manufacturing facility in the world, a place where art and technology work hand in hand.

Today, RISIS produces a wide range of original jewellery and gift items of impeccable quality which are coveted both locally and the world over.

The RISIS shop at the Changi Airport offers a totally wonderful gift-shopping experience with a unique Asian touch.

Departure / Transit Mall North
Opening Hours : 6.00 a.m - 1.00 a.m
Tel : (65) 6545 3905

TOP Orchids
Orchids are well-known for their vibrant colours and long vase-life. Top Orchids carries a variety of products from fresh cut orchids in giftboxes to orchid plants, bouquets, arrangements, orchid and rose specimens, floral jewellery and life-like flowering orchid plants(art.flowers).

A memorable gift to bring back for oneself or as gifts of Singapore for friends and that someone special. Come visit us at our small, colourful flowershop next to the fern garden!

Departure / Transit Mall North
Opening Hours : 6.00 a.m - 1.00 a.m
Tel : (65) 6546 5732

Departure / Transit Mall South
Opening Hours : 6.00 a.m - 1.00 a.m
Tel : (65) 6546 5072

FIFA® Official Store
This first FIFA ® Official Store is a pioneering concept that creates a memorable experience for both football and fashion aficionados. It offers a unique range of official FIFA® merchandise inspired by the past, present and future of the game. For the first time, FIFA ® merchandise will be available to fans all year round and not just in host countries during FIFA ® events.

Five unique clothing lines have been designed to target male and female consumers of all ages, and appeal to football fans and trendsetters alike. Ranging from vintage-styled jerseys that honour past FIFA World CupsTM, to casual wear and high-end apparel, each item bearing the "Official Licensed Product" logo as a seal of quality.

Departure/Transit Mall Level 2
Opening Hours : 6 a.m. - 1 a.m.
Tel : (65) 9735 3107

Outdoors
Tackle New Terrain. Shop All Travel & Adventure Gears at 'Outdoors'

The wait is over. Outdoor enthusiasts are experiencing the selection of wide outdoor range of footwear, apparel and accessories with the opening of 'OUTDOORS'. OUTDOORS boasts everything a traveller will need to use, from full selection of internationally renowned outdoors gears of footwear, apparel, accessories dedicated to hiking, climbing, trekking, camping and bicycling, canoeing, kayaking and outdoor travel.

Here you will find our range of internationally renowned brands, such as Birkenstock, Papillo, Betula, Columbia, Teva, Dakine, Hi-Tec, Sperry Top-Sider, Thorlos, Keen, and Crocs.

3 - Top (Level 3), Public Area
Opening Hours : 7.00 a.m. - 11.00 p.m.
Tel : (65) 6242 3692

Colettee
Colettee, a name that is synonymous with good quality children's footwear, offers a wide selection for both boys and girls.

From the formal, fashionable to the casual and fun, you can find top-quality yet economical calf leather shoes for your kids. Colettee's shoes are lined with fine leather to cater to the needs and care of growing feet!

B2 Mall @ T3 (Basement 2), Public Area
Opening Hours : 10 a.m. - 11 p.m.

Kidztime!

Kidztime! offers internationally branded toys like Barbie, Barney, Thomas & Friends, Spiderman, Transformers, Hotwheels to delight kids and those who are still kids at heart. There are also collectibles, remote-controlled vehicles and a host of other products. Mothers with young infants can look forward to a variety of infant educational products from leading brands like Leapfrog, Fisher Price and PlaySkool.

3-Top, Level 3 (Public Area)
Opening Hours : 10 a.m. - 11 p.m.

Departure/Transit Lounge North
Opening Hours : 6 a.m. - 1 a.m.

Periwinkle
Mothers and kids can enjoy shopping together at Periwinkle. Jazz up the little ones' wardrobe with exquisite hand-smocked dresses, elegant party wear and embroidered top-and-bottom sets. The label's boys line, Periwinkle Junior, is also popular for its thematic storyline artwork, trendy design and wearability.

3-Top, Level 3 (Public Area)
Opening Hours : 10 a.m. - 11 p.m.

DFS Wine & Cigars
Wine Connoisseurs, novices or the plain curious will feel comfortable shopping for the right wines for the right occassions here. Check out the interesting range of wines from France, Portugal, California and Australia.

Departure/Transit Mall (Cigars by DFS )
Opening Hours : 6.00 a.m.- 1.00 a.m.

Departure/Transit Mall (Wine by DFS )
Opening Hours : 6.00 a.m.- 1.00 a.m.

Duty Free Galleria by DFS
A wide selection of premium spirits to choose from including Johnny Walker Red Label Scotch, Hennessy XO Grand Champagne, Camus L'Elegant, Chivas Regal, Martell Cordon Bleu and Absolut vodka.
Departure Transit Mall (Liquor & Tobacco by DFS)
Opening Hours : 24 hours

Arrival Hall Level 1
Opening Hours : 24 hours

Cold in the Capitol? Try Hot Fares to the Caymans

2009-02-06T11:18:00.000-08:00

Stuck on the East Coast craving a Cayman escape? Then this is your week. Through Dec. 8, Cayman Airways is putting fares between Washington, DC and Grand Cayman on sale to celebrate the carrier’s new non-stop, twice-weekly route between those destinations. Fares start at $99 one-way, based on round-trip travel between Dec. 13, 2008 and April 2009.

As an added perk, travelers who book flights and lodging through Cayman Airways will also be able to snag resort credits of $75 to $300, depending on the property they choose. The $300 credits are available at higher end properties, including the Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman and the Westin Casuarina Resort & Spa, while less expensive options like the Grand Cayman Beach Suites come with the lower $75 credit.

Richest Marine Park, Philippines

2009-02-03T11:07:00.000-08:00

Richest Marine Park

The Tubbataha Reefs can be found in Sulu Sea. This reef is considered as the world’s richest bio-geographic area. It was declared as the country’s first national marine park in 1988. The marine park covers 33,200 hectares and contains what is believe to be the world’s largest grouping of marine life. The Scientists claimed that more than 300 coral species, and at least 40 families and 389 species of fish were recorded in the area. Among the species identified in the area were manta rays, sea turtles, sharks, tuna, dolphins and jackfish. In 1993, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) listed Tubbataha Reefs as a world heritage site.

Budget-friendly villas in Huatulco Paradise

2009-01-31T10:42:00.000-08:00

If you have been looking for paradise your search is definitely over, you are welcome to visit and explore Huatulco with its 22 miles of virgin Pacific coastline, exotic views, amazing wildlife and unforgettable hiking and water sports. Huatulco is all things nature and unspoiled natural views. The weather is always warm and semi-humid.

Huatulco, Mexico has a mind-blowing concentration of the most luxurious 5-star resorts. But don’t be sceptic and believe me here you will find hotel or lodging to suit any needs and budgets.

So if you adore luxury and have a lot of money, you are welcome to stay in one those lush and chic 5-star hotels with first-class service and breathtaking views on Tangolunda Bay. Your will go crazy enjoying all their pools, restaurants, amenities, activities, and drinks.

If you would like to choose something chic, glam and luxurious and not to pay the price, as well as enjoy nature at its best and privacy is not an empty sound for you, think of huatulco villa rentals. You can book any villas you like.

And if you prefer budget-friendly holiday, you can always think of huatulco lodging. Such a room or house will include all the facilities you need and its price won’t burn holes in your pockets.

Choose … everything depends on you and don’t forget Huatulco is waiting for you!

Punalu’u Beach

2009-01-31T10:37:00.000-08:00

Punalu’u Beach is the most famous and highly visited black sand beaches on Hawaii ’s Big Island. Apart from enjoying incredible views of black sand you can watch the sea turtles, swimming and even snorkelling. This black sand is actually volcanic rock, that get its colouring when cooled and met by the ocean. It is forbidden to take this sand and home since a volcano goddess Pele can put a curse on you.

Pfeiffer Beach

2009-01-31T10:33:00.000-08:00

Of course I can tell you that the following beach is famous for its sunsets but, actually, not only because of them. The hills surrounding this Californian beach are extremely rich in Manganese Garnet. Ii washes down onto the beach every day thus creating a whimsical colour scheme. The entire beach looks like an abstract pink and purple painting.

Kaihalulu or red sand beach

2009-01-31T10:16:00.000-08:00

Tell me, please, how does a normal beach look? Water is blue and clear, sun is shining and sand is … white or gold, yeah? And will you like the idea when one of beaches is black or yellow? I guess you will be surprised, so you’d better find some information about them right now. Strangely Colored Beaches:

The following beach is known as Red Sand Beach and it is situated on the far side of Ka’uiki Hill. The sand gets its amazing colour because of the crumbling cindercone hill that surrounds the bay. It is almost impossible to swim here since the ocean is very severe, the path is slippery and full of pine needles. The only one thing I love about this beach is the view – it is mind-blowing. However, the beach is very isolated and it is possible to bath there even nude.

Forget about civilization here, it means no lifeguard, no facilities, seasonal high surf and amateur snorkeling and diving.

Tokyo Prince Hotel

2009-01-28T09:28:00.000-08:00

The Tokyo Prince Hotel Is Located In Central Tokyo, Japan, Just One-half Mile From The Tokyo Tower And Historic Zojoji Temple. The Tokyo International Forum Is Less Than Two Miles From The Hotel And The Hama Imperial Villa And Roppongi's Nightlife And Entertainment Venues Are Less Than Three Miles Away.
Fifteen Dining Options, Bars And Tea Rooms On Site Represent French, Japanese, Chinese And Casual Buffet Cuisine. This Hotel Also Features Vast Event Space, With Four Ballroom Areas And Several Meeting Rooms Accommodating Up To 2,500 Guests. The Staffed 24- Hour Business Center Offers Print, Fax And Photocopy Services. A Wedding Chapel Is Available, Along With Bridal Services On Site. Recreational Amenities Include A Seasonal Outdoor Pool.
Guestrooms At The Tokyo Prince Hotel Offer Views Of The Tokyo Downtown Skyline. Pale Wood Furnishings Include A Desk, Small Table And Two Sitting Chairs. Select Rooms Include High-speed Internet Access. Green Program
For Guests Wishing To Be Environmentally Friendly, The Hotel Participates In Active Environmental Friendly Practices. In Lieu Of A "No Room Cleaning" Request, A Jyp1000 Per Room, Per Night Credit For Hotel Facility-use Will Be Issued.
Please Contact Hotel For More Information.

Hotels

2009-01-26T10:26:00.000-08:00

Perched On The Side Of Mt. Namsan And Sporting Spectacular Views Of

The City, The Grand Hyatt Seoul In Seoul, South Korea, Is Located Less Than One Kilometer From The Itaewon Shopping District. The Property Is Approximately Five Kilometers From Downtown Seoul And 62 Kilometers From Incheon International Airport.

Enveloped By 18 Acres Of Waterfalls And Lush Landscaped Gardens, The Grand Hyatt Seoul Provides A Quiet, Soothing Environment. Inside, Public And Private Spaces Are Designed With Large Windows To Maximize Guests' Enjoyment Of The Hotel's Breathtaking Views. The Lobby And Its Lounge Feature Mahogany Paneling And Modern Furnishings. Guests Here Will Find Numerous Diversions To Behold, Starting With The Property's Fitness And Health Facility, Club Olympus. Outdoor Tennis And Squash Courts, An Exercise Room, An Indoor And Children's Pool, Spas, A Playground And A Seasonal Pool That Doubles As An Ice Rink In The Winter Are Among The Complex's Highlights. For The Executive Traveler, The Grand Hyatt Offers Large Meeting Rooms And Ballrooms, Many Of Which Can Accommodate Up To 1,000 People. Dining Options Are Varied, Too, With Two Japanese Restaurants, A Chinese Venue And The Paris Grill And Bar.

Guestrooms At The Grand Hyatt Seoul Have Neutral-colored Walls And Minimalist Décor. Features Include Cable Television, Down Comforters, High-speed Internet Access And Marble Baths.

With Its Tranquil Location And Contemporary Feel, The Grand Hyatt Seoul Boasts An Array Of Amenities For The Business And Leisure Traveler.

Please Note:
South Korean Citizens Will Be Charged The Vat On The Spot Prior To Check-out.

Vat Notice:
Please Note That Until 12/31/2008, The Standard 10% Hotel Vat Will Not Be Charged To Foreign Nationals Staying In South Korea For Fewer Than 6 Months. Foreign Guests Will Be Required To Present A Passport Upon Check-in For The Vat Fee To Be Waived.

Under water Tour

2009-01-22T13:02:00.000-08:00

The slow descent to the ocean floor reveals a changing kaleidoscope of colors and movement as tropical fish weave through underwater environment. A huge school of anchovies swiftly changes direction in a slick, silvery line as a large barracuda makes its entrance, while yellow grunts and sturgeon fish swim unconcerned nearby. Closer near the seabed, thousands of tiny coral colonies wind and twist over every surface creating a textured array of impressively large examples of boulder coral, brain coral and pillar coral.
The seeming tranquility of the environment is heightened by the waving sea fans and purple soft coral slowly undulating with the tide. Sudden movement catches the eye as a hawksbill turtle emerges from the sea grass and glides sedately out of view. The wonders of Aruba's underwater environment are accessible even to non-swimmers with Aruba's options of submarine, semi-submarine and sea trek adventures. The remains of shipwrecks, spectacular coral reefs and an abundance of colorful sea life comes into even sharper view through a fully narrated tour.

NASA invites you to travel to the Moon

2009-01-22T12:55:00.000-08:00

NASA is inviting citizens of Earth to add their name to an electronic roll-call destined to travel to the Moon aboard the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) later this year.

All you have to do is enter your details here, and they'll be put into a database for later storage on a chip aboard the LRO.

Cathy Peddie, deputy project manager for LRO at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, enthused: "Everyone who sends their name to the moon, like I'm doing, becomes part of the next wave of lunar explorers. The LRO mission is the first step in NASA's plans to return humans to the moon by 2020, and your name can reach there first. How cool is that?"

Once you've submitted your name, you get a printable certificate of participation - a nice touch for kids. The deadline for lunar explorers is 27 June.

The LRO is part of NASA's planned return to the Moon, and its objectives are "finding safe landing sites, locate potential resources, characterize the radiation environment, and demonstrate new technology".

The spacecraft will pack an array of instruments, including LEND (to "provide measurements, create maps, detecting possible near-surface water ice deposits"), LROC (to "address the measurement requirements of landing site certification and polar illumination") and LOLA, which will "provide a precise global lunar topographic model and geodetic grid". NASA has more tech details here

Top 3 New York’s Favourite Celebrity Hotels

2009-01-22T12:40:00.000-08:00

New York is one of the hottest places in the USA, it constantly attracts millions of tourists and numerous celebrities. It is a common knowledge that wondering its streets you can easily meet VIP Big Apple citizens. What is more, NYC is a home to many of the world’s most renowned celebrity hangouts, and we are ready to name you at least 3 of them:

Soho Grand

Location alone made this elegant and sophisticated hotel in New York City’s downtown neighbourhood, Lower East Side, the exclusive place for most celebrities to visit and stay. The hotel is all things luxury and Heidi Klum together with her husband Seal, Kevin Spacey, Lindsay Lohan, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Uma Thurman are constant guests in it. Soho Grand offers the chic full-service lounge and restaurant, as well as amazing shopping opportunities. Average nightly price $400.

Hotel Chelsea

The Chelsea Hotel can be found in the heart of the Chelsea neighbourhood of Manhattan, so it is the right place to enjoy both cultural and nightlife. The hotel is built in the Victorian style and it is a place that Bob Dylan, Leonard Cohen, and Jimi Hendrix love. Average nightly price $250.

The Waldorf Astoria

The Waldorf Astoria is one of the oldest and most prestigious hotels in the area, and such stars as Al Pacino, Chris O’Donnell, Ewan McGregor, and others spent a night or two in it. The hotel is the embodiment of luxury and splendour. Average nightly price $320.

Hotel Flamingo Las Vegas

2009-01-22T12:36:00.000-08:00

Located on the popular Las Vegas Strip, Hotel Flamingo is an ideal place to stay for tourists visiting this happening tourist attraction in the U.S. Best-known for its casino, the Flamingo Hotel has it all from a comfortable accommodation to a delicious dining and world-class facilities.

Accommodation

For accommodation, Hotel Flamingo offers the guests to choose from a variety of 3,545 rooms. All these well-adorned rooms provide the guests with all the latest state-of-the-art facilities including, cable TV, safes, high-speed internet access, irons, hairdryers and refrigerators.

Dining

Flamingo Hotel specializes in satiating its guests with all kinds of menus served in its various dining outlets like, Hamada of Japan, Java Coast, the Paradise Garden Buffet, Steakhouse46, the Tropical Breeze Café and Voga.

Casino

Spread over an area of 77,000 square-foot, the casino at Flamingo is what makes this hotel happening. Featuring over 1,600 slot machines, 89 table games and a sports book, the casino at this hotel is worth a visit during Las Vegas Tour.

Facilities

Some of the interesting recreation facilities provided at Hotel Flamingo Las Vegas are Tennis Court, Swimming Pool, Game Room, Meeting Room, Fitness Room and Business Center. Dry Cleaning, Car Rental, Wheel Chair Access and Wake-up Calls are some other basic facilities available at this superb hotel in Las Vegas.

European Christmas: Soho Hotel, London

2009-01-21T11:01:00.000-08:00

Europe is a very popular travel destination among travellers from numerous parts of the world. It has combined the most unusual things such as historic heritage and brand new sophisticated buildings, cozy and warm cafes and elegant, large restaurants, small souvenir shops and expensive boutiques … Europe is full of attractions and enjoy the whole list of them you can in a London Hotel SOHO.

First of all, I would like to mention, that it has nothing in common with its “popular relatives” in Manhattan and Hong Kong. This hotel is an exquisite and extraordinary urban country. What is more, it has nothing in common with traditional marble-chic hotel interiors: a 10-foot-tall porcelain Botero cat sculpture and neon-tinted Perspex are among main interior features it presents.

The Soho hotel is rather big and it has everything you need: a lobby bar, a restaurant, a library, numerous relaxing areas. The prices are not cheap one can do everything to visit SUCH great hotel.

Top 3 Things to See in Costa Rica

2009-01-21T10:34:00.000-08:00

Specops’ The Big Adrenaline Rush

Tortuga Island

vacation rentals in Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a bright and festive place with a great number of both natural and man made attractions. Apart from obvious beaches, mountains, waterfalls, and rainforests as well as churches, volcanoes, and historical buildings it has some things to please the eye even of an experienced traveller. They are the following:
What can be better than a comfy and beautiful house in the middle of cultural and historical attractions? And if such a house comes with 3 to 5 bedrooms, private baths, BBQ, large pools, and even spectacular views … that is very the enjoyment is.
If you haven’t enjoyed this tour you haven’t seen Costa Rica. The following tour offers a great excursion full of fantastic adventurers. You will see rain forests, exploding volcanoes and mind-blowing beaches – Costa Rica nature at its best. Activities include rafting, bungee jumping, and Scuba-diving.
The following series of islands presents pristine beaches, incredible views of the Pacific and no absence of people.

The world’s largest and most expensive ship for tour lover

2009-01-20T10:57:00.000-08:00

June 20, 2008 It’s destined to be the world’s largest cruise ship – when launched next year, Royal Caribbean’s US$1.24 billion Project Genesis will be 1,180 feet long, and carry 5400 passengers (6,400 at a pinch). It’s the most expensive ship in history, and it’s longer, wider and taller than the largest ocean liner ever built, (Cunard’s QM II), 43 per cent larger in size than the world’s largest cruise ship, (Freedom of the Seas) and remarkably, bigger than any military ship ever built, aircraft carriers included. In a world where choice of amenities count, Project Genesis has yet anothert trump card – in the the center of the ship is a lush, tropical park which opens to the sky.

We like the idea of living in the same space and changing the scenery outside, be it permanently (residential cruise ships or air vehicles) or part-time (cruise ships). Cruise ships are a relatively new phenomenon, born from reinventing many of the passenger liners made redundant by affordable air travel. Beginning with refitted ocean liners, cruise ships quickly evolved into purpose-built five star hotels, and then being the biggest meant having the most on-board amenities.

With its intention of taking the best of the land to sea the aptly-named Central Park spans the length of a football field. The aim is to make the park a public gathering place like a town’s central park, with pathways, seasonal flower gardens and a canopy of trees. Aiming to give the ship a number of distinct districts, the Central park neighborhood is one of seven neighborhoods to be unveiled on Project Genesis. Each neighborhood will provide vacationers with the opportunity to seek out relevant experiences based on their personal style, preference or mood.

Central Park’s central piazza will be the ship’s “town square” which will evolve from a tranquil and peaceful atmosphere during the day to a gathering space for alfresco dining and entertainment in the evening, where guests will enjoy concerts and street performances. The neighborhood is lined with balcony staterooms rising six decks high with views of the Park below and the sky above.

Surrounding this social space will be an array of restaurants, with choices ranging from fine dining to casual chic. Guests will have the option of an elegant dinner at the new 150 Central Park or a picnic lunch from the more casual Central Park Café, where they can sit outdoors and people-watch. Other dining choices will include: Giovanni’s Table, an Italian restaurant; Vintages wine bar; and Royal Caribbean’s signature Chops Grille steakhouse. Several bars will be scattered throughout the Park, including the Canopy Bar, located at one of two impressive glass-domed canopies, and the unique Rising Tide bar - the first moving bar at sea.

Truly an engineering feat, Rising Tide will span three decks and allow cruisers to enjoy a cocktail as they slowly ascend into Central Park and then descend back into the public spaces below.

“Our brand identity is founded in innovation and on delivering the best cruise vacation through ‘WOW’ experiences,” stated Adam Goldstein, President & CEO, Royal Caribbean International. “Central Park is a true evolution of cruise ship design and allows us to provide our guests with not only a more varied selection of balcony accommodations, but also a stunning public venue that will be a central element of the ship, both during the day and at night.”

Emirates Palace Hotel To Offer Worlds Most Expensive Holiday

2009-01-20T10:47:00.000-08:00

If you have spare $1 million in your account and heart to spill over the fat sum for recreational purpose then here is your bait. News is the Emirates Palace Hotel has plans to set a record by offering world’s most expensive holiday package priced at $1 million. This �once-in-a-lifetime” seven-night trip for a duo details at offering a deep-sea fishing trip, Emirates Palace Sunset and Desert Island Tour, gifts counting Emirates Palace Gold Champagne, the unique pearls in the world from Robert Wang and an assortment of sporting guns from Holland.

The guests are housed in a 680-square meter grand suite. The package counts the transportation facility for the first-class return from any international target serviced by a designated airline to Abu Dhabi followed by chauffeur-driven Maybach at pick you and all through your stay in Abu Dhabi followed by a daily spa healing in the Anantara Spa. The sales generated via this holiday package are anticipated to be donated to social and charitable organizations based in the UAE. The prospective clientele for this neat deal eyes only “celebrities, industry moguls, top names and businessmen”.

The Fairmont Banff Springs, Alberta, Canada

2009-01-20T10:39:00.000-08:00

The Experience

This hotel, set in the middle of the dramatic Alberta wilderness, looks on first sight like Hogwarts meets a Disney castle, with a touch of Scottish baronial. You get a plan of the hotel when you check in so that you don’t get lost (though it’s no guarantee), but you may just want to wander, since it’s so impressive: endless staircases, vaulted ceilings, towering stone columns—and the $2.3 million renovation in 2003 only made it more so. Still, this place is about recreation, the outdoors, and drinking in the clean air of the Canadian Rockies.

The Rooms

At the bottom end of the scale are the cozy Fairmont rooms with mountain views, traditional fabrics and furniture. But “cozy” means small—just 160-square-feet, and some come with a view of the parking lot. It's well worth the extra money to move up a couple of grades to the 260-square-foot Signature rooms (request valley side), which reflect the architectural style of the hotel. The fabrics, bold stripes mixed with soft florals, aren’t that easy on the eye, however. To get significantly more space, upgrade to at least the 444-square-foot one-bedroom suites.

The Service

This is a well-oiled machine. The staffers have friendly smiles and an attitude that goes beyond the usual platitudes, but unless you’re here for a week or more don’t expect to see the same person twice.

The Highlights

Don’t miss Heritage Hall (on a balcony overlooking the lobby), with its pictorial history of the mountain culture of the Rockies and the Canadian Pacific Railroad. To relax, chill out in one of the three waterfall pools or the mineral pool to soothe aching muscles, or try the spa’s Ultimate Ascent massage, which starts with the feet and works its way up the body. Dining opportunities are equally endless, but can be crowded if the hotel is full. Still, recreation is why most people come, and the list goes on and on: skiing, a championship 27-hole golf course, mountain biking—even bowling for indoor enthusiasts. Or just ride the gondola up the side of the mountain and take in the surrounding majesty.

World's Most Expensive Hotel Suites

2009-01-20T10:21:00.000-08:00

Hoping to live like a king next time you head to Vegas?

You're in luck. Stay in the 9,000-square-foot, three-bedroom Two Story Sky Villa at The Palms, and you'll receive the royal treatment, including access to a cantilevered Jacuzzi with clear views of the Strip, a butler, poker table, private gym and media room.

The princely per-night price? $25,000, landing it atop our list of the world's costliest suites.

It's not alone in its grandiosity.

"Hotels are trending toward having more suites," says Bjorn Hanson, a principal in the Hospitality and Leisure Practice at PricewaterhouseCoopers. "The economy is strong, corporate travel budgets aren't in a period of restriction, and it adds more sexiness to a hotel to have an extravagant room."

The Suite Life
While there are no clearly defined criteria, Joe McInerney, president and CEO of the American Hotel and Lodging Association, says that calling a room a suite means that it's larger than the average room at the hotel. And, instead of one room, a suite usually has a few separate rooms.

While it might add glamour for a hotel to have a suite, the most expensive ones are generally showcases and don't bring in a large amount of revenue for the property.

"The top-tier suites at hotels have very high price tags, and their occupancy might be much lower than for the hotel overall," says McInerney. "Hotels also anticipate these suites will be used on a complementary basis, so there will be limited revenue from them."

Likely candidates for these perks include celebrities and recognizable names. Housing a celebrity or high-profile person in a hotel's best suite is a marketing tactic that adds cache to the hotel and to the specific room.

Luxe Living
A suite's amenities can vary from genuine antiques and Oriental carpets to numerous flat-screen televisions and private terraces with panoramic views.

But McInerney says the one extravagance that distinguishes all top suites is service.

"The best suites in the world should have a service protocol that goes along with them. You should have a dedicated person at your beck and call," he says. "You can create the most deluxe suite in the world, but you need to have that special service that goes along with it."

If you stay in the $10,000-a-night Private Reserve at Soneva Gili Resort & Spa in the Maldives, for example, you won't just have one person taking care of you. Two personal assistants reside in separate quarters on the suite's premises.

Built over the water, this 15,000-square-foot, six-building complex boasts a glass-floored foyer that leads onto a large sun deck with a 12-person dining area. Two master suites have spacious living rooms and baths that qualify as retreats on their own: The circular glass shower is accessed via a walkway through a private garden, and the bathtub is on its own deck amid day beds for lounging. There's also a fully equipped kitchen, a spacious living room and a private spa with a sauna, steam room, massage pavilion and a gym. As if this weren't enough, you'll also be rewarded by stunning views of the Indian Ocean everywhere you look.

If you prefer a city vacation, you can't get more opulent than the $13,600 Royal Suite at the Burj Al Arab in Dubai.

This two-bedroom, 8,400-square-foot duplex suite, one of two in this 202-room property, overlooks the Arabian Sea and is decorated with leopard-print tufted carpets, Carrarra marble flooring and mahogany furniture. A dining area and Arabic-style lounge occupy the first floor. Both an elevator and a marble-and-gold staircase lead to the second floor, where one will find the master bedroom with a rotating four-poster canopy bed. Your personal butler can draw your bath in the marble bathroom, stocked with full-size Hermes toiletries. Before retiring, enjoy a movie in the suite's private cinema.

If you want a suite that has the added glitz of hosting luminaries, book the Imperial Suite at the legendary Ritz Paris in Paris. King Edward VII of England, Sir Winston Churchill and the Aga Khan are just a few of the famous people who have stayed in this two-bedroom suite, which goes for $13,500 a night. The 2,000-square-foot space is inspired by the splendor of the Louis XIV era and is filled with French 18th-century mahogany furniture.

At a time when the average cost for a hotel room in the U.S. is $103 a night, according to Smith Travel Research, a Tennessee-based company, how can you possibly justify spending over $10,000 for a suite?

Sapphire Seas Beach house

2009-01-19T10:40:00.000-08:00

This is one of the North Coasts most exclusive beachfront homes & is certainly one of the most exclusive holiday properties available.
This truly amazing multi-million dollar property nestles in a private estate, protected by a littoral rainforest headland.
Step off the end of the deck & you are on the sand of the beautiful & private Sapphire Beach. The rear boundary of this property is the high tide mark of the ocean. As beachfront as you can get!
Laze on the daybed under the thatched Balinese gazebo, overlooking the heated spa & 14m fully tiled wet edge pool to the stunning ocean just metres away.
Step inside & you will love the style & class of this incredible home. Finished with Italian travertine & limestone tiles, jarrah & rosewood timber & furnished with only the very best. Plasma televisions in both living areas & main bedroom.
Consisting of 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms & around 45sq of living, this home will comfortably accommodate 8 people (additional persons possible on request).
The 2 living areas feature bi-fold doors which completely open to the ocean giving the feeling of indoor/outdoor open living. The main bedroom with private spa bath opens with French doors to the gazebo/pool/spa area. Sleep to the beautiful sounds of the ocean just metres away.

A short beach walk will take you to a great bar & restaurant.

Sapphire Seas Beach House is the ultimate holiday destination to relax, unwind & treat yourself to the indulgence of luxury that you only ever dreamed of.

Inspections invited.

Minimum 3 nights stay. Shorter stays- POA.
Bookings can be made by Visa, mastercard, bankcard, American Express, cheque or by internet transfer.

Free broadband internet wireless & cable.
Cot & hi-chair supplied if required.
Fishing rods supplied for great beach fishing.

Extra details

Built in 2003, Sapphire Seas Beach House is a rare find offering accommodation as good as it gets. We compliment this amazing home with the service you deserve.
If there is something extra you may require, we will do our best to provide it for you.

All linen& beach towels are supplied.
Additional kitchen appliances include espresso machine, sandwich toaster, microwave, blender, dishwasher, rice cooker & world class Ilve oven.

Layout -
Located on the lower level, the master bedroom features a king bed, ensuite with spa bath, double vanity, walk-in robe & plasma TV. The French doors open out to the pool/spa/gazebo.
Also on the lower level is the large rumpus room with bi-fold doors opening the full width of the room to the ocean & the pool area. The rumpus also features a kitchenette with a bar table & stools with a large glass front bar fridge.
Garage, entry foyer, bathroom & laundry are also located on the lower level.

The upper level features the open main living, dining, kitchen & large balcony.
Second bedroom with king bed, ensuite, walk-in robe & private balcony.
Third bedroom with 2 queen beds, 2 way bathroom with mirrored built-in robe & private balcony.
Fourth bedroom with bunk beds. Double on bottom & single on top.

Outside…only the pictures can tell the story.

Be sure to view the image gallery & our online guestbook.

House is very child safe.
Weddings, parties & schoolies not permitted.
Stays of less than 5 nights incur a $350 cleaning fee.

Luxury private jet touches down

2009-01-19T10:37:00.000-08:00

A&K private jet is "the epitome of luxury travel".

Heaven at the world's first seven-star hotel

2009-01-19T10:25:00.000-08:00

Italian hotelier Alessandro Rosso is not afraid of a challenge. When the owner of the sleek Italian hotel group, Town House, decided to open a new flagship hotel in Milan, he didn't just want to create the best hotel in town. He wanted to create a hotel so good, it needed a whole new rating system. That's how the world's first seven-star hotel was born.

(Photos: Inside the world's first seven star hotel)

Until now, the best hotels in the world have been awarded five stars. This may come as a surprise to readers who have treated themselves to a stay at a so-called six-star hotel but, officially, there's no such thing. The term was first applied to Dubai's Burj Al Arab when it opened - not by the hotel itself, mind you, but by visitors and journalists as a way of describing the property's extra level of luxury. Since then, the term has been bandied about with increasing frequency. However, until now, there's been no official standard to distinguish an "ordinary" five-star hotel from one that offers an even more indulgent experience.

Rosso found a simple solution - he hired a company to create a new ranking system. Swiss company SGS specialises in management systems, audits and certifications. After analysing various structural and service aspects, it used the findings to create a set of detailed technical specifications that became Rosso's blueprint to deliver the world's first seven-star hotel.

The Town House Galleria is not an experience that everyone can enjoy. For one thing, room rates start at EUR1000 ($2035) a night, rising to EUR3900. For another, the hotel, which has just 20 rooms, seems to be booked out much of the time. As an exercise, I checked availability for 10 separate dates this year and found rooms on only two of them.

Just what is it that makes this hotel so special? I've studied some of the rating specifications. They state, among other things, that each room has to be individually furnished, there has to be a luxury chauffeur service and butler service available 24 hours a day. None of these is in itself a startling achievement - plenty of properties offer such services. So what sets Town House Galleria apart?

At first glance, the hotel entrance offers few clues. It lies inside a narrow, barely signposted courtyard that looks just like hundreds of others. The only touches of glamour are a stand of tall palm trees growing in one corner and, in another, an external glass-walled lift that provides a stunning view of said palms as you travel up to the hotel's entrance.

It's a view that only guests can enjoy. Stationed outside the lift is a single uniformed doorman who checks names to ensure only guests make the journey. It's a neat and simple idea that makes you feel like a VIP before you even set foot inside the hotel.

This, it turns out, is a keystone of the Town House Galleria experience. It's small, exclusive and intimate - a home-away-from-home for those for whom money is no object. Rather than using a room key, you choose a four-digit PIN that lets you into your room. It's personal and very civilised.

It's also simply stunning. What you don't realise entering via the courtyard at the back of the building is that Town House Galleria is located inside one of Milan's most magnificent monuments.

Located next door to the Duomo, the city's famous cathedral, the Galleria Vittorio Emmanuele II is a place that could only exist in Milan - a magnificent Belle Epoque construction that is part palazzo, part thoroughfare and part upmarket shopping arcade. With vaulted arches, mosaic floors, elaborately carved stone and ranks of statuary looking down upon passing pedestrians, it's as gorgeous as a Renaissance cathedral.

Beijing's Seven Star Hotel Inside The Pangu Plaza Will Open Soon

2009-01-19T10:14:00.000-08:00

While it seems most of the ordinary and extraordinary visitors to Beijing are holing up at the Intercontinental, anyone with a ton of money will surely bypass all other hotels for the Pangu Plaza. That is, when it finally opens.

NY Times reports:

Shaped like a dragon -- and stretching the length of seven football fields -- is a colossal row of stone buildings that boast a high-rise office tower, shopping mall, seven-star hotel and what the developer insists is the world's first traditional Chinese "courtyard in the sky."

According to the website, the hotel has 270 suites that are "especially designed for top-ranking officials in the world, leaders from all fields and top riches in the world." Translation: You gotta be very important to stay here.

Indeed, dinner in the Japanese restaurant inside starts at $600 a night and the cost of the presidential suite is up to $30,000 per night. God, we'd hate to hear what the standard suite rates are like.

And you will probably get your money's worth if you stay here. All rooms will have killer views of the Olympic stadiums like the Bird's Nest and the Water Cube. Plus you will be able to do some world-leader spotting too.

Ramada Resort Benoa Bali

2009-01-18T10:34:00.000-08:00

At The Tip Of The Tanjung Benoa Peninsula, Along Bali's Southernmost Nusa Dua Region Lies The Ramada Resort Benoa Bali (Indonesia). Set In A Sleepy Fishing Community, This Property Is 20 Minutes From Ngurah Rai International Airport.
The Three-story Ramada Resort Benoa Bali Is Enveloped By Tropical Palms And Other Flora, And It Features Typical Balinese Thatched Roofs And An Ornate Garden Gate. Inside, Spacious Public Areas Are Decorated With Stone Sculptures And Other Historical Embellishments. The Resort Offers Amenities For The Business Traveler Such As An Array Of Meeting And Function Rooms. The Puri Raja Ballroom Can Accommodate Up To 300 Guests, And The Boardroom Features A Full Range Of Audiovisual Equipment. Leisure Guests Can Take Advantage Of The Property's Outdoor Recreational Offerings, Including 2 Lagoon Pools, Beach Club, Spa And Fitness Center, And Tennis Court. Guests Can Dine Al Fresco At Tanjung Terrace Restaurant, And The Seaview Restaurant Serves Asian And Western Specialties. For Libations, The Property Features A Beach Bar, The Celepook Bar And A Lobby Lounge.
he 162 Guestrooms At The Ramada Resort Benoa Bali Are Spacious And Feature Contemporary Balinese Décor. Accommodations Include In-room Safes, Writing Desks And Coffeemakers. The Resort Also Features 18 Villas Set Amid Its Tropical Grounds.

ELLI BEACH

2009-01-18T10:23:00.000-08:00

If you want to work on your tan and relax in a cosmopolitan atmosphere, then you should definitely go for the long Elli beach of the city of Rhodes, one of the most frequented in the whole Dodecanese complex. Described by Lawrence Durell, the beach of Rhodos city as the finest beach in the whole Mediterranean, Elli lies between the Mandraki harbour and the Aquarium, in the northern end of the town.
Elli beach has everything you need to spend a perfect day under the sun – golden sands, sunbeds and colorful umbrellas to rent, inviting beach tavernas and fine restaurants, excellent seaside hotels for the little ones to splash in the pool, while you relax with a cocktail, and the atmosphere, attracting the photographers in their challenge to capture the colors and the perfect Rhodes beach panorama.
Although the most frequented of all Rhodes beaches, Elli beach never gets too crowded and you will find your perfect spot anytime. You will simply love swimming in the crystal clear and usually calm waters. The best beach spot is in front of the hotel Mediterranean, where you can also try your hands with the water sports, scuba diving or the beach volley.
If you feel lucky, you have the chance to challenge your chances inside the historic Hotel of Roses on the beach, as it houses the Luxurious Casino of Rhodes.
When dizzy from the sun, take a break and explore a bit the magical town of Rhodes, have a luxurious shopping session in the Turkish Quarter or enjoy a Greek specialty in the cozy tavernas from in the harbor area.
For a full day under the benefic sun of Greece, or simply for an evening break to walk along the beach enjoying the romantic atmosphere of Rhodes, Elli is a spot you should not miss during your Dodecanese adventure.

5 Reasons to Visit Cuba

2009-01-18T10:14:00.000-08:00

A friend of mine DOES believe that Cuba is the best place in the world. He travels there every year and always returns relaxed and happy. My question “WHY travel to Cuba?” provoked an ironical smile and he told me that … Cuba is not only about festive atmosphere and friendly people. all-night-long parties and numerous street bars, fascinating white sand beaches and crystal clear waters, Cuba is much more than these …

amazing Cuba Hotel

It is possible to find here any hotel you want. I mean it ANY: both luxurious and simple, expensive and super cheap. There are no limits here. But there is one circumstance, uniting all of them – first-class service and relaxed atmosphere.

cultural heritage

In Cuba you have a great opportunity to relive 20th century history. Just a short walk along Cuban streets can make you feel amazing: old palaces and churches, cobblestone streets, long-tailed Chevys and Buicks … See socialism in action.

fascinating beaches

Cuba’s coastline is approximately 5,000 miles long and it offers more than 300 mind-blowing beaches with all kinds of sand. Waters in Cuba are warm and transparent, and they ensure fantastic snorkeling and diving experiences.

beaches

Cuba’s coastline is approximately 5,000 miles, and it offers more than 300 mind-blowing beaches with almost all kinds of sand from snow white to golden sand. What is more, Cuba is about warm and clear blue waters perfect for snorkeling and diving.

entertainment

Cuba is an island of numerous attractions: salsa, hot party nights, national music, museums and galleries, amazing shows and delicious drinks.

Believe me, Cuba has something for everyone. Enjoy Cuba Travel Deals and visit this Paradise

When Two Extremes Meet

2009-01-18T10:09:00.000-08:00

Sights of Morocco by Car

2009-01-17T07:47:00.000-08:00

Morocco is, hands down, the most popular country in all of Africa. Tourists from all over the world flock to Morocco to explore the area while submersing themselves in the music, cuisine, and distinct culture. Morocco is so popular, in fact, the country plans to host more than 10,000,000 visitors by the end of 2010.

The country is huge and there is a lot to see and do. One of the most highly recommended methods for exploring the country is to simply rent a car and hit the roads on your own. While public transportation is available for those who may not want to go at it alone, the ability to drive through Morocco will give you the opportunity to stop at places that are a little bit further off of the beaten path.

Finding a rental car to drive during your trip through Morocco is no different than it is in most major cities around the world. You should be able to arrange for a rental car in advance by making a reservation with a major international chain such as AVIS, Hertz, or even Budget. Check the internet and consider asking your local travel agent for recommendations, as the average rental car can cost anywhere between $40 and $85 per day, if not more.

If you carry full coverage on your personal vehicle your coverage may or may not extend to your rental car, depending on your carrier’s rules regarding rentals out of the country. Despite this fact, it’s still best to purchase automobile insurance from the rental car company. While your personal coverage may pay for damages to the vehicle itself, it absolutely will not pay for the “loss of use” charges your rental car carrier will assess to cover the money they are losing while the car you damaged is undergoing repair.

As with most rental car companies, the driver of your vehicle will have to be at least 25 years old, have a valid driver’s license, and possess a credit card to pay for charges. Be sure to check in advance to find out if you need to fulfill any special requirements for an international driving permit.

Casablanca is the setting for the famous movie and is also home to the second largest mosque in the world, Hassan II Mosque;

Essaouira is a beautiful harbor town you won’t want to miss. A relaxing afternoon in a café after a morning of watersports or photography should top your agenda. This is the perfect Moroccan destination for anyone who wants to spend a day or two in complete relaxation.

Saint Augustine, Florida-shopping

2009-01-16T12:58:00.000-08:00

Saint Augustine, Florida is one of the oldest cities in America, so it only makes sense that they would have some of the best stores, right? To make a long story short, Saint Augustine is an incredible destination for tourist of all ages and interests, but outlet shopping is the icing on the cake.

The Premium Outlets is an outdoor mall with a collection of shops complete with some of the biggest names in retail. It’s here that you’ll find Coach, Banana Republic, Chico’s, and even Tommy Hilfiger. We recommend staying away from the mall’s food court and returning to the city’s historic center for meals at some of their finest restaurants, including A1A Aleworks. You’ll enjoy kicking back with a beer and lovely seafood dish after a hard day of shopping.

Hilton Auckland

2009-01-14T12:37:00.000-08:00

The Hilton Auckland Is A Modern Six-storey Waterfront Hotel, Set At The End Of A Wharf Extending 300 Metres Out To Sea, One Kilometre From The Sky Tower. This Six-floor Hotel Features 166 Guestrooms, All Of Which Include Custom-woven Carpets And Furnishings Made From Local Timber, And Are Equipped With Satellite Television, High- Speed Internet Connections, Minibars And Safes. Rooms Open Onto Balconies With Street Or Harbour Views And Bathrooms Include Hair Dryers And Bathrobes. Guests Of The Hotel Have Complimentary Access To The Heated Outdoor Pool And The Health Club, Which Offers A Jetted Tub And Cardiovascular And Weight Machines. A Personal Trainer Can Be Provided On Request, And Pampering Services Are Available In The Hair And Beauty Salons. The Hotel's Contemporary, Minimalist-style Restaurant Serves A Selection Of Innovative A La Carte Dishes Made From Local Produce For Breakfast, Lunch And Dinner. Guests Can Socialise Until The Early Hours In The Facilities On Site, And Valet Parking Services Are Eers And Wines, And 180-Degree Views Of The Harbour. Those Visiting On Business Can Stay Connected Via High-speed And Wireless Internet Access And Make Use Of Fax, Copying And Secretarial Services In The Business Centre. Multilingual Staff At The 24-Hour Front Desk Can Exchange Currency, Provide Around-the-clock Room Service, And Book Tickets For Shows And Sightseeing Excursions. Guests Arriving By Car Will Find Secure Garage Parking Available On Request (Surcharges Apply). The Hotel Is Sited One Kilometre From The Sky Tower, The Tallest Building In The Southern Hemisphere, Which Functions As An Entertainment And Cultural Centre, Hosting Live Music, Cinemas And A Casino. Those In Need Of Retail Therapy Can Browse For Bargains At Victoria Park Market And Parnell Village, Both Within Three Kilometres. Auckland International Airport Is 25 Kilometres Away, With An Approximate Driving Time Of 30 Minutes. Weekend Special: Book A Stay For Travel In A Twin Or King Hilton Guestroom Now Through November 30, 2008 On A Friday, Saturday Or Sunday And Receive A Free Room Upgrade To A Twin Or King Deluxe Harbour View Room. Please Contact Hotel For More Details.

Donovan House - A Thompson Hotel, Washington, D.C.

2009-01-14T10:57:00.000-08:00

Location.

The Donovan House is located in Washington, D.C.
Adjacent to Thomas Circle
Six blocks from the White House
One mile from the Smithsonian Institution Museums

Hotel Features.

Complimentary wireless Internet access throughout the hotel
Lobby furnished in limestone and teakwood
Eggplant and olive hues incorporated throughout the hotel
Rooftop pool and lounge
Fitness center

Guestrooms.

32-inch flat screen televisions
iPod docking stations
Minibars with snacks by Dean & Deluca
400-thread count Sferra bedding
Tubular, glass-enclosed spiral showers connect bathrooms and sleeping areas
Toiletries by Keihl's

Area Attractions

Thomas Circle: Adjacent
The White House: 6 blocks
International Spy Museum: 0.5 mile
Ford's Theatre: 0.75 mile
Smithsonian Institutions Museums: 1.0 mile
United States Holocaust Memorial Museum: 1.0 mile
Washington Monument: 1.0 mile
Washington Harbor: 1.5 miles
Georgetown: 2.0 miles
Lincoln Memorial: 2.0 miles
Thomas Jefferson Memorial: 2.0 miles

Hotel Monaco Washington D.c. - A Kimpton Hotel

2009-01-14T10:50:00.000-08:00

Location. Hotel Monaco, Located In Downtown Washington, D.c., Is Part Of The Historical Penn Quarter Neighborhood. Centrally Located, The Hotel Is Across The Street From The National Portrait Gallery And The Verizon Center. The International Spy Museum Is One Block Away.
Hotel Features. A National Historic Landmark, Hotel Monaco Blends Rich History With Modern Design. White Columns, Stone Stairways And Classic Exterior Architecture Reflect The Building's Nineteenth-century Past. Bright Primary Colors, Geometric Fabrics And Modern Artwork Decorate The Hotel's Interior. Breakfast, Lunch And Dinner Are Served Daily At Poste - Modern Brasserie Restaurant. Contemporary Specialties Include Braised Short Ribs Of Beef With Red Mustard Greens And Corn Hash, And Beef Carpaccio With Striped Bass And Tuna Tartare. Outdoor Seating Is Available During Warm Weather. An On-site Fitness Center Includes Cardiovascular Equipment And Free Weights. Hotel Monaco Is Pet Friendly. Upon Arrival, Pets Receive Food And Water Bowls, A Bottle Of Evian Water, A Map Of Dog Walks And A Special Treat. Food Items For Dogs Are Available On The Room Service Menu. A Complimentary Wine Hour Takes Place Each Evening In The Lobby.
Guestrooms. Guestrooms Seamlessly Blend Traditional Vaulted Ceilings And Segmented Arches With Modern Furnishings. Bright Reds, Blues And Oranges Cover The Beds. Black And White Geometric Curtains Accent The Windows. Dark Wood Furniture Completes The Room's Look. Bathrooms Include Deep Soaking Tubs And Aveda Toiletries. Rooms Feature Complimentary Wireless Internet Access And Safe-deposit Boxes That Fit Laptops.

Welcome to the Hotel Harrington

2009-01-12T01:52:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the Hotel Harrington
Washington, D.C.'s oldest continuously operating hotel.
Opening day: March 1, 1914
Do you know who the president was in 1914? Click here to find out.

The Top Five Reasons for Staying with Us

Since 1914, over 10,000,000 (ten million!) guests have called the Hotel Harrington their home away from home!!

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436 11th Street, N.W. (corner of 11th & E Streets, N.W.) Washington, DC 20004-4389

Phone: (202) 628-8140 Toll-Free Reservations: (800) 424-8532

Guest Fax: (202) 393-2311 Office Fax: (202) 347-3924

reservations@hotel-harrington.com

Loews Miami Beach Hotel

2009-01-12T01:49:00.000-08:00

Location. Located directly on the beach in South Beach's Art Deco District, the Loews Miami Beach Hotel, Fla., stands three blocks from the Miami Beach Convention Center. Lincoln Road pedestrian mall is positioned one block from the hotel.
Hotel Features. A palm-lined corridor leads to a tiled lobby with stately columns and sweeping staircases. Emeril's Miami Beach presents the celebrity chef's famous menu of New Orleans-style cuisine and hosts Emeril's Jazz Brunch every Sunday afternoon. The fashionable Hemisphere Lounge serves more than 350 varieties of martinis. Preston's provides oceanfront ambience and prepares Mediterranean fare, while Sobe Coffee Bar serves coffee, pastries and fresh fruit juices. The poolside Nautilus Bar prepares grilled selections. Function space accommodates from 30 to 3,000 attendees. Wireless Internet access is available for a fee, and a business center offers fax, photocopy and print services. Recreational amenities include an outdoor pool with a cascading waterfall, a children's outdoor pool, and a spa tub. The limited-hour fitness center contains a full range of workout equipment and offers classes including Pilates, spinning and seasonal beachside yoga and power walks. The Elemis Spa features a global menu of 24 treatments, steam rooms, spa tubs and the Calming Lounge. This hotel offers a Very Important Teens programs and hosts supervised recreational activities for children. Pets receive signature gifts, and the hotel provides local grooming and veterinarian contact information.

Stanley Hotel-one of the most famous haunted hotels in the USA

2009-01-11T05:51:00.000-08:00

“7,500 Feet Above The Ordinary. This hotel is situated among amazing natural conditions and landscapes. Beautiful Estes Park, incredible mountain view, valleys, the place the future meets the past… Special offers, spa center, modern amenities and so on…”

Have you ever read Stephen King’s book “The Shining”? Terrifying and scary. Half of this book was written while spending a night in a room 217 (a nice room, yeah?). But, according to the official data, room number 418 is more awful than 217.

What’s strange?

Strange noises, children plays in the hall (although, there were no children at the hotel), creased bed (although, the room was empty). Previous owners of the hotel: F.O. and Flora Stanley are reported to visit it and very very often.

Mobile Hotels - Brand New Living Technique

2009-01-11T05:39:00.001-08:00

Recently, representatives of a popular hotels chain Travelodge reported, that very soon they will amaze the world with their new type of hotel, even motel.

This kind of hotel has no analogues. It will be called Travelpod. So, each pod is a polycarbonate glass box, that contains the whole accommodations of a normal hotel. Namely: TV, fridge, air conditioning system etc. The Travelpod, will have such a size: 6 metres by 2.4, and possesses a double bed, carpets on floors, and night table and nobody has forgotten about blinds.

Designers and creators of this new type of a permanent living consider it to be a real breakthrough in a hotel industry. Such mobile hotels will be of great popularity among those, who are adore visiting various outdoor events and feel themselves comfortable, while being at the music festival, for example. Manufacturers believe that these hotels are going to make a success and find their own place on the market. It is going to be a perfect alternative to a sleeping bag or a tent - at the same time you are among the nature and separated from such its disadvantages, as: insects, noises, harsh winds and unpleasant smells.

Some people don’t think, that there will be a lot of people, ready to rent it, but not so far, one woman had rented 20 mobile hotels in order to celebrate her daughters wedding (namely to locate guests there). They are completely transparent, you can see the world around you and nothing will disturb you…

Ipanema’s New Luxurious Hotel Fasano Rio de Janeiro

2009-01-11T04:57:00.000-08:00

My dears, the above written title is the right one, so, Ipanema is not only about shoes, it is about breathtakingly beautiful places, splendid national colour, clear glassy pools, lively night scenes, glam boutiques, thickly forrested foothills and other natural attractions. Calvin Klein (a famous fashion designer) is one of the regular visitors of Ipanema. But, even despite its numerous attractions, the city has one very reasonable drawback - the lack of not even luxurious, but decent hotels. The level of the existing hotels (unfortunately!) is not of the kind most travellers might expect.
So, it is a legendary event, finally, Ipanema got the hotel it really deserves. I am talking about the Hotel Fasano Rio de Janeiro. It was opened in August and built by Brazilian hotelier Rogerio Fasano and its design was developed by Philippe Starck. The hotel consists of 91 rooms and made from the sleek wood, glass and metal. This hotel will be the prime center of attraction for anyone coming to Ipanema!

Freeport, Maine-Outlet Shopping

2009-01-10T08:47:00.000-08:00

Freeport, Maine is known for being the home of the L. L. Bean store, but this town has much more to offer. With over 170 outlet stores in the area, you’re bound to find your favorite clothing, toys, jewelry, electronics or anything else you can imagine. Whether you’re looking for a luxury outlet or a major international chain, you’re bound to find it here. Examples include specialty toys from Made in Maine, Jones New York, and even Anne Klein.

Some hotels in the area offer special packages for those in town merely to shop. At the Harraseeket Inn, for example, you can purchase a two-night package that includes your room, a buffet breakfast, dinner for two, and even an afternoon tea - that is, of course, if you bother to return from your shopping spree for a break. You’ll receive a $25 gift certificate, which should be more than enough to get your shopping spree started. Please don’t forget how beautiful Freeport, Maine is while you’re there. Make sure you get away from the stores and take at least one walk along the coast!

Sea Temple Palm Cove, Queensland

2009-01-10T08:37:00.000-08:00

Whether you are seeking luxury resort accommodation for a romantic getaway or a venue for 5 star meetings and events, the Sea Temple Palm Cove offers all the the amenities you need for an impressive break on the beaches of Australia’s famous coastline and is just 30 minutes from the city of Cairns.

Last minute rates for this five star resort start from just $194

The Most Spectacular Caves in the World

2009-01-09T18:47:00.000-08:00

There’s absolutely no equivalent in this world, no sight quite as awesome, as a deep, dark, cave system, densely laced with craggly, gnarly limestone formations. Humans have had an inherent fascination with caves since the dawn of civilization. Indeed, some cave art in France dates back at least 32,000 years. Whether for ceremonial rites or to witness the sheer and mysterious beauty of nature, these ten caves certainly qualify as spectacular.

Mammoth Cave, Kentucky - USA
In central Kentucky sits a National Park, UNESCO World Heritage Site and International Biosphere Reserve, all in one extraordinary package. Mammoth Cave National Park contains a record length cave system, Flint-Ridge - number one in the world believe it or not - and with it, the fabulous Mammoth Cave.

Sarawak Chamber, Borneo, Malaysia
Within the remarkable Good Luck Cave in Gurung Mulu National Park in wild and exotic Borneo is a massive chamber. The Sarawak Chamber is so massive in fact, that it dwarfs the more famous Big Room in Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico by more than three times and measures 700 m long, 400 m wide and over 70 m high. Incredibly, discovery of Sarawak was relatively recent, in 1981.

Cave City Of Vardzia, Georgia
Queen Tamar, first female ruler in Georgia’s history and indelible monarch of the medieval Golden Age, had a plan to protect her people from Mongol invaders. Build a city in a mountain. The result, in 1185 no less, was the peerless monastery cave city of Vardzia. With agrarian terraces, over 6,000 apartments, a throne room, irrigation system and sole access via a network of tunnels close to the Mtkvari River, Vardzia was a marvel. Despite subsequent earthquake damage in the late 13th century, the old city is paramount tourist attraction today. Beautiful murals still grace the walls and incredibly, some of the old irrigation pipes still function.

Cheddar Gorge Caves, Cheddar, Somerset, England
The town of Cheddar in Somerset county, England, is famous for cheese of course. But with only one producer of the popular variety left in the town of 5,000 people, caves have become the major attraction. Deep within massive Cheddar Gorge is a network of caves that attract over half a million people a year. Ironically, the two primary caves in the gorge, Gough’s and Cox’s, were apparently home to prehistoric cheese artisans.

Postojna Cave, Slovenia
Perhaps the most popular tourism spot in all of Slovenia, the Postjona Cave is a remarkably long system, which thanks to the erosion powers of the Pivka River, remains one of the most beautiful in the world today. A full 5.3 km of the cave are available for tourists to explore and believe or not, with near ideal acoustics, Postojna can hold 10,000 people for concerts.

Travel without air travel - it is not possible - the world’s first twin-deck, twin-aisle airliner don't forget to travel in

2009-01-09T09:46:00.000-08:00

The Airbus all new design Super jumbo, the A380, is the world’s first twin-deck, twin-aisle airliner. Advantages of the A380 include lower fuel burn per seat and lower operating costs per seat.

The 555 seat Airbus A380-800, with a non-stop range of 8,000nm, was launched in December 2000. The aircraft entered production in January 2002. First flight (with the Rolls-Royce engines) took place from Blagnac Airport, Toulouse, in April 2005. Over 100 test flights were completed before its first commercial flight by Singapore Airlines from Singapore to Sydney.

Other test flights included one in October 2005, a third in November 2005, fourth in February 2006 and fifth in May 2006. One test aircraft took part in the flight display at the Farnborough International Airshow in July 2006.

The A380, powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 900 engines, received joint European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Type Certification on 12th December 2006. In March 2007, one A380 test aircraft flew to New York and one to Los Angeles, the first transatlantic flights of the A380.

The first A380 was delivered to Singapore Airlines (SIA) on 15 October 2007, and entered service on 25 October with a flight from Singapore to Sydney. SIA sold the tickets for the flight by online auction on eBay, the proceeds going to charity. A second A380 was delivered to SIA in January 2008 and a third in March 2008. SIA began scheduled A380 flights between Singapore and London on 18 March 2008.A further 12 aircraft will be delivered in 2008, 21 in 2009 and with figures for 2010 still under consideration after news in May 2008 that Airbus has reduced its delivery schedule following a review of its delivery programme. Airbus originally planned 13 aircraft for delivery in 2008 and 25 in 2009 after finding its ramp-up plans made in 2006 could not be achieved due to underestimates in the amount of time and resources required to make the jet.

The first flight with the General Electric / Pratt & Whitney Engine Alliance GP7200 was in August 2006 and the A380 powered by the GP7200 received FAA and EASA certification in December 2007. Launch customer for the A380 with this engine is Emirates with first delivery scheduled for July 2008. Emirates plans to launch the A380 on its Dubai to New York route in August 2008.

Airbus Industrie is a consortium formed by EADS and BAE Systems. EADS, the European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company, was formed by a merger of Aerospatiale-Matra of France, Daimler-Chrysler Aerospace of Germany and CASA of Spain (former members of Airbus). In October 2006, BAE Systems completed the sale of its shareholding to EADS, which is now the sole owner of Airbus.

Airbus’s A380 aircraft sections will be transported from sites in Broughton (UK), Hamburg (Germany), Puerto Real (Spain) and St Nazaire (France) in a specially constructed huge roll-on / roll-off vessel, the “Ville de Bordeaux”, built by Jinling Shipyard in Nanjing, China.

The vessel was launched in July 2003 and has the largest water stern door (22m x 14m) ever built on a ro-ro vessel. The vessel will take the components to Bordeaux. From there they will be transported via specially constructed barges up the Garonne River and then transferred by road trailer to the final assembly line in Toulouse. A second ro-ro vessel, the City of Hamburg, built at ST Marine in Singapore, is to be delivered by the end of 2008 and a third in early 2009.

Maximum operating speed is Mach 0.89 and the range is 15,000km or 8,000nm with the maximum number of passengers.The turnaround time at the airport terminal, including passenger disembarking, cleaning, restocking and embarking the passengers for the next flight is a minimum of 90 minutes.

The A380 is the first major commercial airliner programme with a freighter version being co-developed as part of the new aircraft launch. The A380-800F will transport 150t of freight using standard, interlineable containers and pallets. The full payload range of the A380-800 F is 5,600nm. Launch customers are FedEx (ten aircraft) and Emirates (two) and first deliveries are scheduled for 2008.

Other probable derivatives of the A380 are an extended range version, A380-800R and a stretched version A380-900.

The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel Best in NYC

2009-01-08T04:38:00.000-08:00

Most Americans don’t feel like making long trips and they choose inside country travelling, for example, New York. Christmas and New Year here are unforgettable. In order to get a first-class holiday you are welcome to stay at the best NYC hotel ever - The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel.
The following architectural masterpiece is situated in a luxurious part of the city on Manhattan’s Madison Avenue. The hotel has a great concentration of royalty, heads of state and celebrities. The location is fantastic, the hotel is within a 5-minute-walk to main tourists attractions and boutiques.

All rooms are perfectly and luxuriously furnished. They are chic and fab and have everything even the most experienced and rich traveller needs. Bathrooms are marble and come with whirlpool tubs. Views from rooms are mind-blowing.

The only one minus, is of course their price.

A Savage Beauty Of Punta Grande Stone Hotel

2009-01-08T04:30:00.000-08:00

The following hotel is a perfect place for those adoring adrenaline and extreme. It is situated on the island El Hierro, and occupies a very dangerous place on the end of the rock where the stone meets the water.
Frankly speaking, apart from amazing location it has nothing to discuss. It is exactly the place where you can forget about the typical bustle of urban living.

One More Ode To Bora Bora

2009-01-08T04:17:00.000-08:00

Oh, Bora Bora… a drink, a mysterious place, Pearl of the Pacific, an island full of legends and incredible places. A lot can be said, but Bora Bora (to my mind) is the most famous single island in all the world.
I have already told you some interesting facts about Bora Bora, but the temptation to tell more is so unbearable. That’s why, this time I am going to tell you about flights to Bora Bora. It’s a common knowledge that you can go to this island from the most parts of the world, but some sites offer flight planning and hotel booking plus dismounts. That’s why it is better to choose reliable site and to save money while simultaneous booking.
Borabora has not only adorable landscapes, it offers green lush forests, friendly people, local traditions, turquoise and sapphire shades of the lagoon… It is one of the most fascinating places to swim, dive, sail, snorkelling, and cruising. I think, we will hardly find at least one person doesn’t dreaming about visiting this magic island.
Bora Bora is an ideal place for honeymoon couples and just people in love. What I like the most about this place, it has a lot of opportunities even for budget travelling. In any hotel Bora Bora you’ll find everything you have been dreaming about.

You Need Boys? I don't think so. A ladies only floor in Manhattan - Hotel

2009-01-06T10:18:00.000-08:00

You’ve got me right dears ))) How about a completely ladies-only floor. This idea was realized in the Premier Hotel (formerly the Premier at Millenium Broadway). It really has a completely women’s floor.

The hotel has 125 rooms and one floor belongs exclusively to women. The floor is accessible only with an elevator key card. There are seven rooms on the floor. Each room has yoga mats, lighted make-up mirrors, wash mitts and women’s magazines.

It seems to be a very unusual decision, especially when most women still remember (at least I still remember) college sorority house. But … And what I like the most, such floors will guarantee safety to those travelling alone.

Do you like this idea???

Welcome to Hotel Rouge

2009-01-04T09:31:00.000-08:00

Within the monochrome sea of standard Washington DC hotels, the Hotel Rouge stands out as a world of color. Part Wallpaper Magazine, part Wall Street Journal, our hip, urban hideout is the ideal choice for travelers looking to work or play. Surf the ‘net in style, mingle at the bar, or bask in the personalized service of our attentive staff. The sleek atmosphere of our lobby and creative guest rooms provide guests with endless opportunities to explore and interact. Indulge in all things red at our luxurious downtown DC hotel, where high-tech business amenities and sophisticated comfort combine within a vibrant urban setting

A Paradise In California - Hotel Sausalito

2009-01-02T10:36:00.000-08:00

Today I would like to tell you about one of the most charming hotels I have ever visited - hotel sausalito. It belongs to such places you fall in love from the first sight. I mean it. So some facts I liked the most about it:

the Hotel is a three-story, 102-room California Craftsman style building
all rooms are not very spacious but stylish and beautifully furnished
the rooms are cleaned daily
friendly staff and the owner

most rooms have large towels, a view out to the bay and a flatscreen tv with cable
the location if perfect for shoppers, people in love, friends, party-goers. It is located within walking distance of numerous shops, restaurants and night attractions
this place has everything even the most demanding traveler needs: markets, transport, friendly people, nature sightseeings
perfect for active people, because here they will find great opportunities for hiking in Muir Woods, sailing and ocean kayaking
great for honeymoons, picnics, small and long vacations

Love this hotel and the contrast of really chilling and peaceful atmosphere in it and hustle-bustle of the Bay out of it!

Dubai Dream Homes - Dubai Best

2008-12-29T08:56:00.000-08:00

Dubai is a magical emirate, showing unbelievable economical growth and stunning combination of past and future, old and almost fell into ruins buildings with brand new and super modern ones. These modern buildings are cool, bright and look at their predecessors with obvious sarcasm. How am I to know about it? Well, I am going to Dubai and thoroughly read everything about this emirate. So, Dubai has more luxurious hotels than any other country, more property for sale, many international companies invest their money in Dubai, it is a glam, stylish, cosmopolitan, wealthy international business and pleasure hub.

Interesting fact! Concentration of Haute Couture dresses in Dubai reaches the highest possible level. Sheiks have deep pockets and adore their wives.

As recently as 30 years ago Dubai was a sandy desert and now it is a popular international center and an attractive resort. Everything in Dubai aims to impress and to my mind, the seven star Burj Al Arab hotel is the most unusual and cool building in Dubai. Have you ever seen a hotel this nice?

Life is very expensive in Dubai, and governmental far-reaching plans about future intensive building don’t make it cheaper. More and more people think about Dubai property. I am not a millionaire and just don’t feel that way about Dubai (at least now). But, one day I would definitely like to see it all with my own eyes and to buy property abroad. Especially, when Dubai offers such profitable suggestions. To my mind, Dream Homes WW can help me greatly. It is an international lifestyle and investment property site with properties around the world. And why not? Everybody can dream and may be one day, dreams will come true. Enjoy photos, my dears, seeing is believing.

The Snowiest Ski Resorts In The World To Your Itinerary

2008-12-28T09:54:00.000-08:00

sWhat’s a winter without snow? If you live in places closer to the equator you’re probably wondering what a winter is like with snow. In some places it snows mere inches at a time - in others a foot or more. The mountains in Colorado or the Pennsylvania Poconos lure skiers from all over the country on an annual basis, but are these the best places on earth for skiing every year?

Imagine what it would be like to wake up one morning and find four feet of snow from a single storm piled beneath your window - with more on the way. I searched the world high and low and identified some amazing places where the incredible levels of snowfall are unrivaled. The beautiful landscapes combined with deep powder promise skiing excursions so spectacular you’ll never want to leave. Be sure to add one of these places to your itinerary when you plan your next ski vacation!

MT. Baker Ski Area - Washington State:

The Pacific Ocean lies a mere 40 miles west of the Mount Baker Ski Area, which sits on top of the Mount Baker stratovolcano. The clouds are constantly filled with moisture here, contributing to hundreds of inches of snow on the slopes every single year!

Niseko Resorts - Japan:

On the northern island of Japan, at Hokkaido, virtually tons of snow is dumped on ski resorts each winter. The incredibly cold air from Russia hits the Sea of Japan where it combines to form moisture-rich clouds that eventually hit Japan. Some of the best ski resorts in the region in clued Higashiyama and Grand Hirafu.

MT. Hood Meadows Ski Resorts - Oregon:

With ski lifts taking enthusiasts over 7,300 up the mountain, it’s no surprise to find fresh snow on these slopes almost every single day. With over 2,100 acres to explore, the average ski run lasts an astounding three miles in length. The resort lies on the side of a volcano, only adding to its allure.

Love To shopping - Biggest Shopping Malls In America - not to forget

2008-12-27T10:07:00.000-08:00

Some of us were simply born to shop! Little corner stores and even department stores just won’t cut it. Instead, we seek out large shopping malls - huge shopping malls - shopping malls that would take days to thoroughly explore.

Here’s our list of the biggest and best shopping malls in America. Make sure your walking shoes are in good condition before you leave the house. You’re going to need them to get through some of these marvelous shopping hot spots!

Malls Of America - Bloomington, Minnesota:

With well over 500 stores, the Mall of America has long held the reputation for being the largest mall in America. Within the mall you’ll find the Nickelodeon Universe theme park, a 14-screen movie theater, a miniature golf course, the LEGO Imagination Center, an alternative high school, a wedding chapel, and a complete aquarium. You’ll also find hotels, several anchor stores, and restaurants. Something’s wrong if you can’t find something to do in the Mall of America.

Woodfield Mall Schamburg, Illinois:

When Woodfield Mall originally opened in 1971 it housed a mere 59 stores. Over the next two years it grew to 189 stores and for a while held the title of the largest mall in the United States, but no longer. Now, with over 285 incredible stores and restaurants, the mall has a unique reputation. Because of its location the mall is an excellent test market for designers. Often times its space is filled with concept stores for prototypes of new brands of clothing, makeup, electronics, and other fun gadgets!

The Galleria - Houseton, Texas:

The Galleria itself is not only the seventh largest mall in the United States but it is also the largest mall in the state of Texas. With over 2.4 million square feet of leasable space, the mall features not one but TWO complete Macy’s stores along with its other anchors and stores that form the 375 shop collection. The shopping center features two Westin hotels, three professional office towers, and a laundry list of high end stores. Hold onto your wallet.

What to do & not to do while touring in Brunei

2008-12-25T11:44:00.000-08:00

One of the worst things you can do in a foreign country is make a social mistake that deems you, in the eyes of residents, nothing more than an ignorant tourist. While some mistakes may only slightly offend your host or the person you area dealing with, some may result in incredibly embarrassing situations, severe anger, or public outrage.

The country of Brunei is located on the shores of the Island of Borneo and is the only sovereign country located on the island. The official name, Negara Brunei Darussalam, loosely translates to “The Country of Brunei, Abode of Peace.”

he country is mainly comprised of Malay and Chinese citizens, with some indigenous tribes and other ethnic groups scattered throughout. While Bahasa Melayu (or Malay) is the official language, you’ll find that the English language is spoken quite fluently throughout the country. The official religion of Brunei is Islam, though you will find Buddhists, Christians, and a number of other beliefs as well.

As with any foreign country, there are a few things you should keep in mind when visiting Brunei. While most locals are tolerant of tourists not being familiar with their customs, it is better to show respect by at least attempting to act properly while visiting. Keep the following in mind.

Dress codes in Brunei: The dress code in Brunei is modest, at best. Your best bet is to take note of the dress worn by the locals in the area you are visiting and dress accordingly. While the weather can be very warm, it is not acceptable to dress too casually when attending religious or business events.

Regardless of your ethnicity, anyone visiting a mosque should remove his or her shoes upon arrival. Women should have their heads, knees, and arms covered at all time. While in the mosque, make sure that you never touch the Koran or pass in front of a person who is kneeling in prayer - instead go around or behind the person.

Hand Gestures

Different ethnic groups have different traditions when it comes to introducing ones self and shaking hands. In Brunei it is customary to lightly touch hands and then bring your hand to your chest. While it is not forbidden, you may notice that some people refuse to shake hands with those of the opposite sex. Do not take this personally.

Americans tend to point or gesture with one finger. If you need to gesture in Brunei you should point with the thumb of your right hand. The other fingers of that same hand should be folded under the thumb while gesturing.

Food and Drink in Brunei:

During Ramadan, those of the Islamic faith fast during the day, from sunrise until sundown. While you are not required to fast while visiting, it is considered polite to refrain from eating or drinking in front of those observing Ramadan. Instead wait until you are in the privacy of your hotel or restaurant.Even if you are not hungry or thirsty it is considered polite to accept at least a small taste if something is offered to you. If you want to refuse something, you should lightly touch it with your right hand while doing so as a sign of thanks and respect.

If you are given a gift of food be sure to pass it with your right hand only. If needed you can use your left hand to support your right hand, but should never take or pass anything with the left hand as the dominant hand.

Because the Muslim population makes up the majority of the country you will not find alcohol for sale in Brunei. The government does, however, allow for the private consumption of alcohol by those not of the Muslim faith. Visitors are allowed to bring up to 2 bottles of alcohol and 12 cans of beer per entry. The alcohol is duty-free and can be consumed privately in your hotel room.

Monetary Exchange in Brunei:

Take some time to familiarize yourself with the currency in Brunei before you leave. Doing so will make it easier for you to communicate while in the country and will lessen the chances of you being taken advantage of.

Money in Brunei is known as the Brunei Dollar and is similar to the US dollar in notes: $1, $5, $10, $50, $100, etc. Coins are available in 1, 5, 10, 20, and 50 cent increments. The current exchange rate of the Brunei Dollar (BND) to the US Dollar (USD) is approximately 1 USD to 1.65 BND.

There are dozens of incredible places to stay and things to see within the country of Brunei. Use a little bit of common sense combined with education and research and you’re guaranteed to have the most unforgettable trip of your lifetime!

Shop In The Luxurious Malls In Bangkok While Touring

2008-12-24T21:11:00.000-08:00

Bangkok is a bustling city always peppered with excited tourists and equally eager vendors who will do everything to make a sale. Since good buys abound in this pulsating city, then you must make sure that you get your hands on some real good bargains during your visit to Bangkok. The malls would be a good place to start as these multi-storey shopaholics’ heaven can accommodate every meticulous taste and budget.

CENTRALWORLD SHOPPING COMPLEX
Ratchaprasong Intersection, Pathumwan (take the Skytrain and get off either at Chitlom or Siam stations)
10:00 am – 9:00 pm daily

The CentralWorld Shopping Complex is the newest addition to the roster of shopping malls that compete to be the best shopping mall in the land. Locals would tell you, though, that this particular mall will make other malls fade in the background now that it has its own new and rebranded look.

Its total area is 30% larger than any shopping establishment in Bangkok and all of its 550, 000 square meters of retail space is occupied by the best tenants that provide a superb collection of products and services that includes over 500 stores made up of key outlets like Zara, Timberland, Next, etc. There are also 50 restaurants, 21 cinemas, a food court and two department stores. But these stores are no ordinary stores as the CentralWorld Shopping Complex has decided to bring the shopping experience of consumers a notch higher by introducing “mega-stores.” These spacious stores measure between 2, 000 sq meters up to 8, 200 sq meters. Examples of these stores are SuperSports, B2S, Toys ‘R’ Us, the Central Food Hall, etc. One of the department stores, Zen, occupies a total of seven floors!

Since this shopping mall values its customers’ comfort, they even made sure that customers will not have any difficulty finding a parking space when they decide to bring their cars. The indoor parking lot, said to be the biggest in Thailand, measures a whopping 287, 000 square meters. It is so huge that 7, 000 vehicles can be parked here at any given time.

Biggest Trees in The World - Not To Miss

2008-12-23T10:36:00.000-08:00

Looking for something different to do on a lazy weekend? Perhaps a trip to the nearest park or forest to explore the terrain is in order. Imagine the look of wonder on your child’s face as he stands next to the trunk of one of the largest trees in the world, suddenly realizing how tiny he is in comparison. The biggest and best trees can be found all over the world. Check out a few of these incredible species.

1. Douglas Fir: Deep within Point Reyes National Seashore park in California, you’ll find yourself surrounded by the Douglas Fir tree. Simply look up and you’ll see that the fir trees stand taller than most of the other trees on this side of the Inverness Ridge. A Douglas Fir is a coniferous tree that can range from anywhere between 20 and 120 meters, or 394 feet, tall. This makes it one of the tallest tree varieties in existence.

2. Mountain ASH: The Mountain Ash tree, also known as eucalyptus regnans, is most commonly found in Southeastern Australia. There are a number of different trees that use the name “mountain ash” and none of them are related. This particular tree, however, is a different species of Eucalyptus that can grow up to 230-400 feet tall. The tree is known for being the tallest flowering plant in the world. The ones pictured were seen outside of Marysville in Victoria, Australia.

3. Karri: A Karri tree is yet another species of Eucalyptus and is also most commonly found in Western Australia. Its 90-meter height ranks it amongst the tallest trees in the world. The Karri tree is usually only found in high rainfall zones. Due to its brilliant colors, and because termites don’t like the taste, the wood of the Karri tree is often used in building homes and roof tops. In Gloucester you’ll find a tree that was pegged so that visitors could climb it to watch for brushfires. Don’t climb if you’re afraid of heights!

4. Kauri Pine: The Kauri Pine tree, also known as the agathis, can be found across a number of Pacific countries and islands, including Australia, New Guinea, New Zealand, and Malayasia. These trees have existed since the Jurassic period and usually feature incredibly wide trunks. The trees grow tall, but normally don’t have branches until high up in the tree itself. Look south of the equator for these monstrous trees, especially in places like Waipoua Forrest in New Zealand.

5. Turkey Oak: The Turkey Oak tree is also known as the Turkish Oak. This specific variety of oak tree can usually be found in the southern portions of Euripe and Asia. These gigantic trees grow up to 40 meters tall and features trucks up to two meters in width. If you thought the acorns falling in your backyard were huge, imagine having one with a 2 centimeter (almost a full inch) cup fall on your head? Keep your eyes peeled for these trees in places such as the Croome Landscape Park in Worcestershire, England.

Dubai Plans To Build The Biggest Bridge Ever

2008-12-21T10:10:00.000-08:00

They have the only 7 star hotel in the world, Burj Al Arab. The tallest building in the world is under construction in Dubai, and now they want claims on the biggest friggin bridge in the world. The bridge will be 1.7 km and 205 meters in height. Building will start next month as they plan to construct 12 lanes that will allow 2,000 vehicles traveling back and forth in one hour. All this will cost a measly $817 million but why stop there?? They should include an airplane strip, build a bridge on top of the bridge,…maybe include the biggest launch pad for NASA as well. Ok I’m getting a bit carried away, but you go Dubai! Keep building these monstrous buildings.

Overlooking the Belém Tower on the Tagus River

2008-12-21T09:53:00.000-08:00

Bargain-seeking tourists have long flocked to Lisbon, typically among the most affordable of European cities. But now the Portuguese capital is also emerging as a cultural force. The new Berardo Collection Museum, in the historic Belem district, boasts a major trove of modern and contemporary art. Designer hotels like Fontana Park and Jerónimos 8 are attracting style-savvy travelers. And the Design and Fashion Museum, scheduled to open in late 2008, will go a long way toward cementing the city’s avant-garde status.

Stupas on the grounds of Pha That Luang in Vientiane, Laos.

2008-12-21T09:43:00.000-08:00

Vietnam and Cambodia are so 2007. Now, Laos is shaping up to be Indochina’s next hot spot. Ancient sites like the Wat Phou temple complex and the capital city of Vientiane are drawing culture seekers. Luxury teak houseboats are cruising down the Mekong. And global nomads are heading to Luang Prabang to sample the Laotian tasting menu at 3 Nagas or hang out by the infinity pool at the seriously upscale Résidence Phou Vao.

Basalt Organ - A natural Wonder

2008-12-20T10:19:00.000-08:00

For many basalt may mean nothing more than plain volcanic rock, but when Mother Nature puts her mind to it, she can use it to create natural masterpieces like the ones you are about to see. Here are the world’s most beautiful “basalt organs”, proof of nature’s artistic sense and mathematical genius.

Jusangjeolli – South Korea

Stretching 2 km along the coastline, the 20 meters basalt columns of Jusangjeolli look like giant sentinels guarding Jeju Island. The spectacular beauty of Jusangjeolli Cliffs makes it one of the most visited sights in Korea, although the island alone offers many other interesting attractions.
Formed around 250,000 years ago, as a result of cooled and compressed lava, Jusangjeolli has suffered many weather-induced transformations, but managed to maintain its imposing façade.

Silent Beauty Of Paris In Winter

2008-12-20T10:05:00.000-08:00

I’ve seen a lot … And I think I will see even more … These people are too stupid to pay attention to their own mistakes … I saw everything … I mean it … EVERYTHING ))) ((( … Smiles, happiness, sorrow, tears, proposals, break ups … Nothing changes in the course of time – I am still here and people still make stupid things … It’s life and it doesn’t matter what you think of it, just be honest, nothing depends on you … You’d better live and try your best to make every minute and every second of your life worth noticing, since it is so boring here …

New Titanic New Express- New Travel Experience

2008-12-19T10:51:00.000-08:00

The New Titanic ship join in the world same as before passenger ship and biggest passenger ship.

That’s include everything which is need for every time and every place and every mode.They have include playground , swimming pull,hotel,motel,diner room,dance room,club hall, hall room, rest house,tanis coat etc and etc. Some picture also include with it.

World's Biggest Building Comming To Moscow: Crystal Island

2008-12-19T10:41:00.000-08:00

Moscow’s rapidly growing skyline will soon feature an eye-popping new addition: Crystal Island, which will be the world’s biggest building when completed. Sir Norman Foster’s mountainous 27 million square feet spiraling “city within a building” will cost $4 billion and it is scheduled to be built within next 5 years.

The Crystal Island will be Lord Foster’s second large scale project in the Russian capital, and his third new building design that resembles a volcano (we’re talking about his two mountainous buildings in Astana, Kazakstan). Although many people are calling this design the ‘Christmas Tree’ of Moscow - we can’t help but be reminded of the utopian and also rather volcanic X-Seed 4000 design for Tokyo. Unlike that pipe-dream project, however, Foster has a track record of getting buildings built, so the likelihood is high that we will see this striking structure towering over the Kremlin within 5 years time.

The statistics for the project are absolutely staggering; floor area alone will be four times the size of Pentagon in Washington DC. The incredible 1500 ft. tall multi use structure will feature 900 apartments, 3000 hotel rooms, an international school for 500 students, cinemas, a theater, sports complex and much more. There will also be a 16,500 space underground parking lot for all the visitors. The Crystal Island visitors will be able to enjoy panoramic views of Moscow on the viewing platforms located 980 ft. above ground.

And as we’d expect from Foster + Partners, this soon-to-be world’s biggest building will also incorporate a number of sustainable design features into the overall scheme. The exterior facade will be solar responsive and will include solar panels which, along with wind turbines, will generate electricity for the huge tower. Natural ventilation will be provided thanks to numerous strategically placed large atriums. The internal environment will also have dynamic enclosure panels slotted into the structural framing that will allow daylight to penetrate deep into the heart of the structure; the panels will also be controlled to modify temperature inside the building – closed in winter for extra warmth and opened in summer to allow natural ventilation. Energy management is at the heart of this structure, several on-site renewable and low-carbon energy generation projects are planned.

2008-12-18T08:35:00.000-08:00

First World's Longest Trans-Sea Bridge Opens up In China

Hangzhou Bay Trans-sea Bridge was opened to traffics on a trial basis on May 1. China inaugurated the longest’s bridge in the country as part of its effort to boost economic integration and development in the Yangtze River Delta.

Presented as the “world’s longest sea bridge”, the 36-kilometre (22-mile) structure connects Jiaxing city near Shanghai to the port city of Ningbo in the eastern province of Zhejiang.
The 11.8 billion yuan (US$1.7 billion) bridge cuts the length of the road trip from Shanghai to Ningbo by 120 kilometres. Link

HANGZHOU, June 8 (Xinhuanet) — China started Sunday the construction of its first sea-crossing bridge, also said to be the longest in the world, at the Hangzhou Bay in east China.

With an estimated investment of 11.8 billion yuan (1.42 billionUS dollars), the 36-km-long Ningbo Hangzhou Bay Sea-crossing Bridge is much longer than the 25.23-km-long Chesapeke-Bay Bridge Tunnel in the United States and the 25-km-long Saudi Arabia Baharian Cause Way.

With a designed life span of 100 years, the bridge will have six lanes in two directions which allow for a driving speed of 100km per hour.

The Hangzhou Bay is a gulf in the East China Sea. Famous for the Qiantang River Tide, one of China’s natural wonders, the bay is encircled by a group of economically booming cities including Shanghai, China’s leading industrial and commercial hub, and Ningbo, one of China’s leading port cities.

The Yangtze River delta, where the bay is located, accounts for two percent of China’s total land space and 10 percent of its total population, but contributes to 22 percent of the national gross domestic product.

The S-shaped stayed-cable sea-crossing bridge, linking Cixi City on the southern bank of the bay and Jiaxing City on the northern bank, will be completed in 2008.

Upon completion, the bridge will shorten the distance between Shanghai and Ningbo by 120 km.

The bridge is a coastal routeway connecting the areas along theBohai Bay, the Yangtze River and Pearl River deltas. It is also the largest project of the planned 5,200-km-long national highway that runs through China from Tongjiang of northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province to Sanya of south China’s Hainan Province.

China’s first self-designed and self-built bridge, the Qiantang River Bridge, about 200 km away from the new sea-crossing bridge, was completed in 1937. Up to now, China has constructed thousands of bridges on its rivers.

Construction of the new sea-crossing bridge is an indication of China’s increasing economic power, and it is expected to boost economic development in the Yangtze River delta, said Jin Jianming,an official in charge of the bridge construction.

It shows that China now is capable of building world-class bridges, he noted.

Following the Hangzhou Bay bridge, a number of sea-crossing bridges at the Bohai Bay, Huangdao in Shandong Province and East China Sea will be constructed involving more than 100 billion yuan(12.09 billion US dollars), authoritative sources have disclosed.

In the early 20th century, Dr. Sun Yat-sen, forerunner of the democratic revolution of China, had initiated the construction of a Hangzhou Bay trans-sea bridge.

Preparations for constructing the bridge started 10 years ago, and more than 500 experts had spent eight years on designing the Hangzhou Bay bridge, which sets many records in China’s history ofbridge construction.

Costing the biggest investment in building a single bridge in China, the bridge is the first State Council-approved large infrastructure project on China’s mainland that invites private investment.

Seventeen private enterprises will invest 50.25 percent of the total funds needed to build the bridge. The remaining part of the investment will come from some state-owned enterprises.

Upon completion, daily traffic volume on the bridge is estimated to reach 45,000 vehicles during its first year of operation. The bridge is scheduled to open to traffic in 2009. source

Cox's Bazar, The World's Longest Beach In The World

2008-12-18T08:04:00.000-08:00

Cox’s Bazar is known for its wide sandy beach which is claimed to be the world’s longest natural sandy sea beach. It is an unbroken 125 km sandy sea beach with a gentle slop. Since the rise and fall of the tide here is not great, it is a good place for sea bathing.

The main attraction of Cox’s Bazar is the long sandy beach that stretches from the mouth of the Bakkhali river going all the way to Teknaf. Although commonly known as Cox’s Bazar beach, it stretches far beyond the area designated as Cox’s Bazar town.

Cox’s Bazar, arguably the best tourist spot in Bangladesh, is visited by a large number of tourist from Britain, America, Korea, Japan, India, Nepal, Pakistan and many more countries each year. Though there is no specific record in Bangladesh Porjatan Corporation (BPC) on how many people usually visit Cox’s Bazar each year but an AFP report says that during the winter 10,000 available rooms in the beach area hotels usually remain occupied almost seven days a week.Accommodation near the beach varies from an expensive range to a reasonable price. Many private hotels, BPC Motels and two Five Star hotels are located near the beach.

Cox’s Bazar, mostly famous for its beautiful sea beach and the sunset, has several other attractions, including:

Laboni Beach: This is the main beach of Cox’s Bazar and is considered the main beach due to the fact that it is closest to the town. Close to the beach, there are hundreds of small shops selling souvenirs and beach accessories to the tourists.
Himchari: Located about 18 km south of Cox’s Bazaralong the sea beach, is a nice place for the picnic and film shooting. This picnic spot is famous for its waterfalls. The road to Himchari runs by the open sea on one side and hills on the other which makes the journey to Himchari very attractive. Its another attraction is the Chirstomas tress.
Enani Beach: Located 35 km south of Cox’s Bazar, this white sandy beach is located within Ukhia Thana. This beach is famous for its golden sand and clean shark free water which is ideal for sea bathing. Most tourists prefer to come down here for relaxing because it is free from the crowd of tourists that is usually seen at the Laboni beach.

The sand at Cox’s Bazar beach and surrounding areas is rich in heavy-metal mineral content. The heavy minerals of Cox’s Bazar beach sands are dominated by hornblende, garnet, epidote, ilmenites (both unaltered and altered) with magnetite, rutile, pyrite and some hydroxides. Cox’s Bazar beach alone is believed to have a deposit of 5.119 Mt of minerals @ 0.04% mon, while nearby Enani beach is expected to have another deposit of 0.729 Mt. of minerals @ 0.13% mon. Surrounding islands of Maheshkhali, Kutubdia and Nijhum Deep as well as mainland beach in Teknaf area are also believed to have similar large deposits. The total deposit in these locations is about 20.5 million tons of raw sand, which contains 4.4 million tons of heavy minerals (sp gr > 2.9).

Washington Plaza

2008-12-17T11:03:00.001-08:00

A Sleek, Modern Choice Among Downtown Washington DC HotelsEnter a world of friendly, personalized attention at the Washington Plaza. Designed in 1962 by world-famous architect, Morris Lapidus, this landmark hotel in downtown Washington DC creates a splendid balance of cosmopolitan ambiance and unpretentious hospitality -- in a colorful, vibrant location. Step out our front door and view the newly renovated Thomas Circle, part of the city's original L'Enfant Plan. Enjoy a short trek to a treasure trove of museums and monuments. Or experience some of Washington's premier shopping and nightlife. Discover why our spacious accommodations are some of the most popular among business and leisure travelers. These downtown Washington DC hotel rooms are situated in a fantastic urban setting: Ideally located at Thomas Circle, near Massachusetts Avenue, in the heart of Washington DCFive blocks from the White House and Washington Convention CenterMinutes from major museums, monuments, and attractionsClose to the city's best shopping and hottest nightlifeA short walk from the McPherson Square Metro StationFour miles from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)Click here for more Businesses & Attractions near our Hotel On The Washington DC Metro.
A Resort-Style, Yet Business-Friendly, Hotel In Downtown Washington DCTake a bit of 60's style, blend it with a dash of contemporary panache, and voila! You've got the essence of the Washington Plaza. Everything about our enticing hotel in downtown Washington DC was designed for your comfort. Curved hallways eliminate the sense of walking through long corridors filled with undistinguishable doors. Retro artwork graces the walls, creating an ultra-chic atmosphere. Unwind at one of our acclaimed onsite eateries -- which beckon with amazing choices for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. When the weather permits, dive into DC's best swimming pool, or enjoy a wonderful outdoor barbecue. Whether you're here for a business meeting or vacation, our lively hotel located in downtown Washington DC is bound to please, with first-class features that include: 340 spacious guest rooms, including 15 junior suitesWireless high-speed Internet access, in all areas of the hotel12,000 square feet of comfortable meeting space, some of DC's best, accommodating up to 500DC's most beautifully landscaped swimming pool, ideal for relaxingComplimentary use of our newly renovated fitness center, allowing you to maintain your workout regimenNo. Ten Thomas Restaurant, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinnerThe International, our onsite lounge, where you can sit by the fireplace sipping a martini or enjoy our winter fondues, served each Wednesday nightConcierge service, to attend to your every needValet or self-parking, in our covered, indoor garageClick here for more about our Downtown Washington DC Lodging Features & Services. Enjoy attentive service and delightful comfort, in the heart of Washington DC, at the Washington Plaza. Boasting vibrant accommodations, a colorful and modern décor, and wonderful amenities, we're a popular destination for business and leisure travelers. Book your downtown Washington DC hotel reservations online today for preferred rates. Click here for our Downtown Washington DC Hotel Deals & Vacation Packages.

Welcome To Our 5 Star Hotel In Sydney, Australia

2008-12-17T10:55:00.000-08:00

Radisson Plaza Hotel Sydney is an intimate, boutique style, five-star hotel housed within a heritage-listed building that is located in the heart of Sydney. The stunning sandstone facade of the building dates back to the 1800's and blends beautifully with the chic, calm and contemporary interior. Our Sydney hotel, conveniently located in the Central Business District of Sydney, is also easily accessible to several Sydney attractions, including the Rocks, Darling Harbour, the Sydney Opera House, the Botanic Gardens and is also only a short walk from Pitt Street shopping mall.

Top 3 Most Expensive Beach Cities In California

2008-12-16T10:39:00.000-08:00

Why is it so popular? Because of its views. They are truly amazing and considered to be one of the most beautiful views in the USA. The nature is really spectacular. Everything can be found here – dolphins, numerous beaches, forests, charming cliffs, shops, cafes, clubs, restaurants, amazing marine life at the Stephen Birch Aquarium-Museum as well as the Museum of Contemporary Art. Snorkelling and scuba diving are highly popular here.

Santa Monica with the median price: $1.65 million

The city is located right near the waterfront, thus offering mind-blowing views. Most of the houses are located in such a way in order you to enjoy the ocean views. All Santa Monica Beaches symbolize Southern California lifestyle. They offer attractions, nature and culture all mixed up ))) The Pacific Ocean won’t leave you indifferent!

Santa Barbara with the median price: $1.6 million

Santa Barbara is not only a beautiful and expensive place to visit, it is a kind of place that seems to have everything even the most demanding traveller needs: landscapes, history, sightseeings, night life, beaches, restaurants, vineyards ….

Meet World's First Refrigerated Beach In Dubai

2008-12-16T10:36:00.000-08:00

And one more story about Dubai’s mind-blowing design and architecture – this time they are going to build the world’s first refrigerated beach at a luxury hotel. The following masterpiece will help beach lovers not to burn their feet. Just imagine, the whole construction will look like a real one (I mean natural) and will prevent people from overheating. Special heat-absorbing pipes will be built under the sand and giant wind blowers will be placed right on the beach.

But everything is not THAT great, a lot of scientists claim that such projects can have a very important and potential impact on climate change.

The concept is completely clear, super rich people don’t care of weather and climate problems they simply hate scalding sand and want to walk on a bit colder variant.

Luxurious Stay In Mauritius

2008-12-15T11:27:00.000-08:00

Planning to explore Mauritius this vacation? Then make the best of your Mauritius holidays with some great luxury holiday offers. Catering to the needs of business as well as leisure travelers alike, Mauritius resorts have set a standard for themselves in the hospitality industry. Come grab luxury holidays in Mauritius for the on-coming Christmas and New Year celebrations.

Le Saint Geran Mauritius

Located just 50 minutes away from the airport, Le Saint Geran is on of the most popular resorts in Mauritius. Preferred by tourists all over for its world-class facilities, this hotel houses mostly sea-facing luxurious rooms and suites. For dining, the guests can satiate their taste buds with their favorite cuisine at its Le Terrasse Restaurant. While staying at the Le Saint Geran Hotel, guests can plunge into a number of recreation facilities like Golf Course, Pool Villa, Beach, Massage Center and Givenchy Spa.

Le Touessrok Mauritius

Ideally set in the vicinity of the white sand beaches, Le Touessrok is a first class resort in Mauritius. Perfect to add on to a luxury holiday in a place like Mauritius, this hotel knows how to satisfy its guests with its world-class facilities. All the rooms, be it Deluxe rooms or Ocean Suites have been elegantly adorned in this hotel. Dining at Le Touessrok is a pleasure with the presence Safran Restaurant. Guests can relax while staying at this hotel using the facilities like Golf Course, Givenchy Spa, Pool and Beach.

Dark Mysteries Of Dracula's Castle

2008-12-15T11:23:00.000-08:00

Romania is not only about unexpectedly poor people and delicious cheese. It is about one of the hottest castles ever – Dracula castle or Bran castle. This masterpiece of architecture is situated near Bran and was named a national monument and landmark in Romania.

The castle became popular when it was mentioned as the home of the titular character in Bram Stoker’s Dracula. Nowadays, the castle is a museum and everybody concerned is welcomed to visit it.

The castle stands in the charming Carpathian mountains and according to numerous believes it was one of Prince Vlad Tepes’ temporary residences…

Originally, the castle was built as a fortress in 1212. In no way this castle should be mistaken for the actual Castle Dracula (now in ruins), it can be found on the Arges River.

Hot Winter In Thailand

2008-12-15T11:19:00.000-08:00

It is so cold outside … The weather is chilly and furious: severe wind rushes into your face and provokes nothing but tears and anger. How could it happen to us: I thought he was about to propose and he was about to breakup and call it quits. I am in despair and I am freezing … There is the only one thought in my mind: that is not the way everything should be and this winter is not where I belong right now… I have to find the way out … I have … I have to change this country for something warmer … At least for a couple of weeks. Where to go? Where?

… I have been to this country before, and something about it has been always screaming “too simple” to me … But now, everything is right on the contrary: this country became my salvation, a fire to warm me up and a friend to soothe my pain …

No more tears, no more lies, no more you in my life … warm crystal blue waters have washed away everything and cured me … This country is full of attractions and friendly people, always ready to help …

Christmas Spirit Of Mexico

2008-12-15T11:13:00.000-08:00

Christmas is and has always been the most important and cheerful family holiday. It is time when all members of a family gather, cook dinner, open presents and celebrate this event. Christmas is great when snow is falling and the festive ambience is created. But there are some countries where snow falls all year round and they simply fed up of it and all its “friends”, such as frost and severe winds. If you feel like spending your Christmas in a bit warmer parts of the Earth, I highly recommend you to pay your attention to Huatulco, that is a paradise-like Mexico region.

I am ready to bet that such vacation will never leave you indifferent and will warm you up. The following resort is an embodiment of first-class services as well as beautiful and clean nature landscapes. Huatulco is a center of international tourism that offers amazing opportunities for both active pastime, such as surfing and passive pastime, for example tanning and lying on the beach.

Huatulco villa rentals is the best way to enjoy the whole beauty of Mexico, you can simply rent a villa and tailor your trip according to your needs: plan your day, eat where and what you want, discover new places, come back and go out when you are ready … etc.

If you have any problems, you are welcome to consult reliable and friendly professionals, for instance the ones My Huatulco Vacation has.

Mexican Christmas is unique and long, since it starts on December 16. The event is very festive and religious, most people try their best to decorate houses and buy new fancy outfits. Many Mexican families attend a midnight mass on Christmas Eve.

Don’t miss the atmosphere of real and warm Christmas!!!

Top 5 Incredible Hotel Swimming Pools

2008-12-10T20:08:00.000-08:00

When summer is here and high temperatures are a must there is no other way to escape heat as to find the right swimming pool. Gone are the days when a notion chlorine was synonymous to them, nowadays pools are as sophisticated and beautiful as never before. What is more, very often the pool draws visitors to a resort. I would like to tell you a couple of words about the hottest and most incredible hotel swimming pools.

La Casa Que Canta, Mexico

The following freshwater infinity pool offers incredible view onto Mexico’s Zihuatanejo Bay and seems to be an integral part of it. There are special places for sitting and enjoying the views.

Intercontinental Hotel, Hong Kong

The hotel is famous for its incredible “infinity” pools, each one big and heated to different temperatures in order to meet the needs of numerous people. The best view is opened from the spectacular private infinity pool in the new 7,000-square-foot presidential suite. The suit boasts a 2,500 square foot terrace where the private pool can be found.

Le Meridien Hurghada: Makadi Bay, Egypt

It was a real surprise for me to include an Egyptian hotel into the following list. But Le Meredien can be called everything but boring and simple. The main feature of it is a 68,889-square-foot swimming pool, and it snakes around the hotel, providing numerous places for entertainment and private activities. This pool considered to be the largest pool in the Middle East.

The Biltmore Hotel, Coral Gables, FL

This pool features approximately 700,000 gallons of water and 23,000 square feet and it is called the largest hotel pool in the continental U.S. It draws attention of numerous celebrities and designers which adore making their shows in it.

Blue Lagoon, Iceland

It is one the greatest nature pools made by a person. It uses the whole advantages of Iceland’s grand geothermal peculiarities. The following pool offers an incredible views and swimming right in the middle lava fields (and snow in the winter).

Lonely Places In The Earth

2008-12-10T20:07:00.000-08:00

People drain me, even the closest of friends, and I find loneliness to be the best state in the union to live in.

Margaret Cho

I don’t know what made beautiful and clever women say such words … But the reason is this expression DOES exist and I just think the following picture perfectly complements it. Since I don’t want to think about something awful in her life. I just would like to treat her as a talented and creative person that needed some breaks to stay away from people …

It seems to me I can imagine her going out of the following boat: and sitting near it, dreaming or writing poems … or may be just thinking about her past and future and forgetting about the present. … And finally I can not but mention the sun beam … Everything will be OK. I am sure!

Nemo33-the deepest Diving Pool In The World

2008-12-10T20:05:00.000-08:00

I like everything that is the … and it doesn’t matter whether it is the biggest, the nicest, the quickest or simply the deepest. So today I would like to tell you about the deepest scuba diving pool in the world. You can find this masterpiece in Belgium and it offers 105 feet (33 meters) of warm (91F/33C) crystal clear tropical water. The pool is called Nemo33 and it was built namely for scuba diving training.

That is … the biggest scuba diving swimming pool is situated in Belgium and not in Dubai. It contains 2.5 million liters (660,430 gallons) of spring water and it is a perfect place for all divers. Nemo33 offers not only multiple levels for training but special tunnels for diving learning.

The pool itself was designed by a Belgian diving expert, John Beernaerts. It is popular not only among divers and those adoring too dive, numerous film-makers and scientists view it as an excellent opportunity to make movies.

There is computer-controlled filtration system in the pool that is responsible for normal water condition. The pool has a number of underwater caves, as well as a large circular pit at 33 meters. Both experienced and not very experienced divers can train there.

The pool has special windows for everybody concerned to enjoy the diving process!

Happy Halloween Dear Travelers

2008-12-10T20:03:00.000-08:00

Here’s wishing your Halloween is a sweepstake of fun!

The Devil's Swimming Pool-would you dare to swim

2008-12-10T20:00:00.000-08:00

Just one look at the following shots makes me feel scared. These people seem to be so brave to swim at the edge of the Earth. But, no! Everything is not so complicated. The following pool is called the Devil’s Pool and it is situated in Zimbabw, Africa, and it is a part of the magnificent Victoria Falls at a height

of 128m. During the months of September and December, the water level is not very quick and rather low, that’s why people can swim as close
as possible to the edge.

Frankly speaking everything is not that dangerous. Since the pool has great natural walls in order to protect tourists from falling.

Top 3 Amazing Waterfalls

2008-12-10T19:54:00.000-08:00

Waterfalls … they are miracles of nature. We’re used to enjoy them in full blossom when the water flow is strong and dangerous and when water is happily cascading over rocks … but sometimes waterfalls can be … frozen and it is a completely another story to tell.

The Fang Waterfall, Colorado

Colorado is extremely popular during winter months, when climbers from all over the world visit it in order to perform the Fang waterfall climbing. The enormous ice pillar of the waterfall forms on exceptionally cold winters. It looks not only enchanting but so dangerous. And the wall is as slippery as hell.

Hokkaido, Japan

Hokkaido is famous for its great winter activities. You can find everything here: slopes and ice castles, ice festivals and ski facilities and even frozen waterfalls. The only one problem they are very dangerous in Japan and very often they happen to collapse.

St Louis Falls in Beauharnois, Quebec

These sick layers were quick and strong water flows in spring, summer and autumn and now they attract only tourists and photographers.

Kashmir Valley Beauty

2008-12-10T19:49:00.001-08:00

I am ready to say that if there is heaven on the Earth – it is here in Kashmir Valleys. Kashmir is one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen and it really deserved the right to be called Switzerland of the East.

It is a place of: numerous cherry blossoms and crystal clear waters, saffron fields and peaceful lakes, startling gardens and regal Chinar trees, Kashmir offers incredible nature landscapes and sceneries. Kashmir is one of the most beautiful parts of India and it is really fascinating to enjoy its natural beauties. This place is always beautiful and it doesn’t matter what season is now.

In Winter Kashmir is snow white and charming, in Spring it is young and blooming, in Summer it is joyful and happy and in Autumn it is flaming and dare.

There are a lot of versions as to the name origin. I love the following one that states- this valley was called in this way only when the people of Kash caste settled here permanently. In Kashmir one can buy numerous clothes, presents and simply lovely things.

Top New Year Celebration Destination

2008-12-10T19:47:00.000-08:00

New Year is a great holiday and many people adore spending it at home, while others dream about distant places and they will for sure like this information…

New Years in New York
Since Christmas New York City transforms into a magical and really festive city, it gathers thousands of tourists. The weather can vary from mildly cold to bone-chilling. In New York you can spend New Year Eve both outdoors and indoors. So, while outdoors you are welcome to visit: Fifth Avenue store windows, Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center, Top of the Empire State Building, Skaters at Rockefeller Center or Wollman Rink. While, indoors, you are welcome: Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Nutcracker at Lincoln center, Santa at Macy’s.
It goes without saying, that in any case it will be rather cold outside and there will be a lot of people, but be sure you’ll catch the spirit of Christmas and forget about everything.
New Years Eve at Disneyland
New Year’s Eve at Disneyland is a great fun! It’s a fantastic, incredible party, it promises tons of fun, crowds of people and magic in the air! You’ll meet all your favourite cartoon-heroes (special parade) and experience incredible fireworks! Don’t miss!
Rio De Janeiro, Brazil
Just imagine, the entire city rushes towards the beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema in order to: enjoy fireworks, music, and … to jump over 7 incoming waves right at the midnight. Thus, they’ll be lucky the whole year. You’ll face the biggest beach party in the world, all people wear white. It’s a great place for those adoring active celebration, exuberant gay, crowds of half-naked people, beer and dances. Sometimes the weather is not so hot as the atmosphere. So, go straight to numerous night-clubs and celebrate…
Sydney, Australia
If you adore fireworks shows you have to be in Sydney, ’cause an extravagant show of approximately 80,000 fireworks will hardly leave you disappointed. In this cool beach town it’s impossible to feel boring. Harbour Party at Sydney’s is famous all over the world and is really a magical one. Sydney is the first city to celebrate New Year Eve. If you are tired of crowds but still want to enjoy the marvellous show, sit on the steps of the Sydney Opera House. Also, before celebration, visit one of numerous Sydney’s high-rise restaurants and enjoy the city.
Goa, India
If you are dreaming about white sandy beaches, luxurious hotels/bungalows right on the shore, sun and surf - visit Goa in India. Also, it’s a perfect variant for both privacy and entertainment. Those in love will find here absence of crowds, sun, water and paradise. Others will go crazy from great nightclubs.

And, by the way, nobody has rejected an old and reliable variant - celebration at home. Choose the best!

Top 5 Christmas Travel Destinations

2008-12-10T19:39:00.000-08:00

Las Vegas

I am ready to ensure you, the Sin City is always glad to meet everybody concerned and to make you enjoy the life of guilty pleasures and constant fun. In Vegas you will have the most rocking Christmas ever, it will be your Christmas without any limits and borders, without principles and boring minutes.

New York

Christmas in NYC is fascinating and charming, you will like the sharp contrast of megapolis life and touching Christmas atmosphere. The Times Square is adorable during Christmas-time. Frankly speaking, you will seem to be at a one long-lasting party with millions of friends.

Paris

The city of lights, elegant women and delicious wine is always there to open its doors during Christmas time. Relax and enjoy charming French music under the night sky lit with fireworks.

Rome

Rome is a perfect place for those who treat Christmas not as a solely entertainment holiday. Rome offers traditional Christmas since it is a symbol of religion. The churches are beautifully decorated on Christmas and Rome welcomes its guests.

Goa

Goa in India is a perfect place for those who are fed up with cold weather and snow. Goa offers the best of sun, sand, sea and delicious food. The following small state is a mesmerizing blend of modern and old life.

Happy Christmas )))

When Winter Meets Autumn

2008-12-10T19:21:00.000-08:00

The following picture perfectly shows us a situation when two seasons meet. Here winter meets autumn and surprisingly non of them wants to fight and to prove something. They just have a nice chat and think what to do … A mind-blowing picture

World's Most Luxurious hotel: The Atlantis Palm In Dubai

2008-12-09T20:40:00.000-08:00

The following hotel seems to be a fairy-tale building and not a hotel at all. The 113-acre Atlantis hotel in Dubai is situated right in the middle of the Palm island (known as the 8th Wonder of the World) and it was opened in September 2008. The hotel is already named the The Palm Jumeirah’s heart.

The hotel offers more attractions than even the most experienced traveller can imagine ))) First of all, it is themed around the lost ruins of Atlantis and then the hotel features

“Aquaventure” – a 42-acre waterpark;
“The Lost Chambers” – a special magnificent labyrinth of chambers where everybody concerned can enjoy fantastic underwater world with over 65,000 fish;
“Dolphin Bay” with numerous dolphins;
“Ambassador Lagoon” with the most unusual species of marine life.
In the following hotel the only one thing you have to worry about is money, the rest you can buy. Spa and Fitness Center, Atlantis’s Aquatic Gardens, windsurfing, kayaking, up-scale boutiques, ultra-chic nightclub and many other entertainments can be found on-site.
What is more, there are numerous facilities for children of every age. If you don’t feel like sitting in the hotel day and night, you are welcome to perform numerous excursions to … , for example: Indoor Ski Resort, the world’s only 7 Star Hotel - Burj Dubai and the famous Dubai Marina.
There are 17 restaurants on the territory of the palm Hotel offering a myriad if numerous delicious dishes.

Hong Kong

2008-12-09T19:34:00.000-08:00

A frantic, hurly-burly mixture of capitalism and exoticism, Hong Kong has been called the “most thrilling city on the planet.” Change is the constant in this city of 6.9 million. Its main attractions lie in Kowloon, which juts from the tip of southern China, and on Hong Kong Island, with its Central downtown district, just across the harbor. The island of Lantau is home to the airport and several large country parks. Outlying islands are less densely populated but readily accessible. An extensive transportation network linking the city’s various districts include tunnels, ferries, subways, and, of course, taxis, which are plentiful and cheaper than those in comparably sized cities.

Budapest

2008-12-09T19:27:00.001-08:00

Budapest—a city of thermal baths, cafés, striking turn-of-the-century architecture, and most of all, a city of the Danube, “whose gentle waves,” according to the great Hungarian poet Attila József, “embrace past, present, and future.” Straddling the wide river, which separates hilly Buda from level Pest, the Hungarian capital offers one of the most striking metropolitan panoramas in Europe. Budapest is a city of music, from the classics of Bartók and Kodály to the contemporary fusion of folk, klezmer, jazz, and Gypsy sounds. Long hidden behind the Iron Curtain, Budapest is rightfully regaining its reputation as one of the most vibrant capitals of central Europe.

Dubai: Jumeirah Beach hotel

2008-12-09T19:08:00.000-08:00

The wave-shaped Jumeirah Beach Hotel in Dubai has rooms that overlook the Persian Gulf.

Ask 3 Question Before Buying Travel Insurance

2008-12-09T19:01:00.000-08:00

With the threat of unexpected flight cancellations, lengthy delays, airline mergers and bankruptcies, many travelers are considering travel insurance for the first time.

But researching travel insurance and choosing the right plan takes time, patience and an unusual affinity for reading fine print. Policies are notoriously complex. Start digging through pretty much any policy out there, and you’ll find more ifs, ands or buts than the ones found in traditional insurance policies.

So, is travel insurance right for you? Maybe. We’d be lying if we told you there was some tried-and-true method or standard formula for answering that question. Before you gamble (because all insurance is, in essence, a gamble) on travel insurance, ask yourself the following questions.

When Driving Kicks Flying's Butt

2008-12-09T18:50:00.001-08:00

If anything says summer, it’s a good old-fashioned road trip. And according to some calculations from the Car Care Council, a non-profit that educates consumers on the importance of proper vehicle care, driving can save you a bundle on your next family vacation.

If you’re looking at a trip of 500 miles or less for a family of four, the Car Care Council’s Rich White says driving is a far more cost-effective and convenient way to travel than jumping on a plane - even if you’re driving an SUV and gas were to hit $5/gallon this summer. White estimates that a family of four traveling on a 500-mile trip would save at least $1,000 by driving, maybe more.

Read on for White’s thoughts on why driving kicks flying’s butt, what to do before you head out on the trip and how to stay safe and happy along the way.

Other than saving money, what advantages are there to driving?

Travelers have so much more control over every part of their vacation by car as opposed to by plane. When you go, when you arrive, when you stop to eat, if you want to change your itinerary - that costs you nothing. Try to do that by plane, there are fees. Even if you could find an alternative flight, you’re at the mercy of someone else when flying, and you have very little flexibility and no options. Now they’re charging for a second bag. You’re going on vacation, and you can only take one bag – if you pack your car, you can take a gallon of facial lotion if you want.

You’re based near DC. Would you rather spend two hours stuck in traffic around the Capital Beltway or two hours stuck at the airport waiting for a delayed flight – and why?

I think because you can control when you’re driving, you can avoid the beltway during rush hour, you have alternative routes. You can go down 181. You have no choice when you go to the airport. If you take an hour to get to the airport, and you get there an hour and a half early, and you stand in line and then you leave, get to the other end, and then wait in line to go get a rental car, for a 500-mile trip, you’re spending almost as much time as you would had you driven. And then you have none of the other advantages of driving.

World's Smallest Park

2008-12-09T18:42:00.000-08:00

If you ever find yourself in Portland, Oregon you may want to check out a small piece of real estate on the busy downtown street of Front Ave. It may be small, but in no way is it minuscule. The Guinness Book of World Records has named this 2 foot circular plop of grass the world’s smallest park.

Mill Ends Park, which looks very similar to a potted plant on my Grandma’s front porch, has quite the fan base and back story. History states that the park was created by a journalist who noticed a vacant dirt hole in the median of a road that was supposed to hold a light post. He decided to plant some flowers in the discarded and forgotten piece of terra firma. The journalist then began to write about “the park” in his columns and created fanciful stories of small leprechauns who played in the park.

In 1976, the plop of turf became recognized as an official city park. Countless donations have been made to the park over the years including a tiny swimming pool for the butterflies (equipped with diving board), a miniature Ferris wheel, and assortments of colorful flowers.

… I am thinking or starting a park of my own, “DeVey’s Playstay.” It will have a beach for the snails and a birdbath for the ladybugs.

How To Score Tickets For The Airship Zeppelin

2008-12-08T06:12:00.000-08:00

Travel geeks and science junkies alike have been buzzing about the Zeppelin NT07 aircraft scheduled to arrive in California this month from Germany and promises an entirely new sight-seeing medium for travelers in the months and years to come. While the above photograph is an artist’s composit, it’s not far off from reality. The ship has already taken its maiden test voyage and should be floating through Bay Area skies by year’s end.

Owned and operated by Airship Ventures, which will use Sunnyvale’s Moffet Field hangars to house the giant, the airborne marvel will transport up to 12 passengers on trips over the Bay Area once it is up and running later this fall. Inflated with inert helium gas, the ship doubles as a massive roving billboard that will no doubt hold much allure for advertisers.

The big question for travelers is, of course, how can I get tickets? Expected to fall in the range of $500 a piece, according a story in New York Times earlier this year, tickets certainly won’t come cheap. But the real problem will be finding them in first place. The company estimates that it will only offer a few thousand in its first year of operation. Luckily, those in the know can queue up for tickets before the masses find out by signing up for the reservations mailing list in advance. When the company is ready to start signing people up for flights, you’ll be among the first to know…

South beach condos

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From the glint of the stars to the shimmer of the skyline, South Beach Condos + Lofts captures the magic that is Toronto. Huge floor-to-ceiling windows offer a wonderful portal on the world and the views go on forever: the sun sparkles off the lake; the greenery surrounding you uplifts your spirits; the beckoning lights of the skyline showcase the city's nightlife. Now slowly turn around and look inside your home. The views inside rival those outside; an array of elegant finishes inspired by nature stimulates the imagination. No matter which way you turn, the vistas and views are deeply, soulfully satisfying.

The Flower of the East, Iran

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Resembling a Flower as its name suggest, the luxury Persian seven-star hotel, ‘The flower of the East’ is located on Kish Island in Iran and is due to be completed by 2010.

Tameer Towers Abu Dhabi

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Tameer Towers in Abu Dhabi is set to complete in 2011 and will incorporate a luxurious seven star hotel.

Morgan Plaza Beijing

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The Morgan Plaza is a super-luxury 7 star hotel under construction in Beijing, China. Although it was set to be finished last month’s, there has been no official confirmation of it completion yet but it definitely going to be completed in time for the Beijing Olympics. When completed it is rumoured to be possibly more luxurious than the Burj Al Arab and has been considered to be the official landmark of China, still in competition with the Shanghai World Financial Center.

The plaza will contain two pavilions, a temple, the world’s best Japanese restaurant and a 600 meter long corridor.

The Centaurus: A Seven Star Hotel

2008-12-07T02:03:00.000-08:00

The Centaurus is coming up over 6.59 acres of land in Islamabad's arterial corridor, called Blue Area & is scheduled to be completed by 2010.

Top Snowboarding destination

2008-12-07T01:00:00.000-08:00

It’s almost that time of the season to strap on your snowboard and bust an Indy 540 with a mute grab. I have no idea what that means, but do remember I scored a lot of points for that skill on an addicting video game in my youth. Kayak.com has put together this list of top snowboarding destinations around the world.

Anywhere, Colorado – The Rockies are a hotbed for winter sports. There are so many mountains and lodges to choose from, such as Vail, Breckenridge, and Aspen, to name a few. I think Colorado should change its state nickname to “the winter wonderland.”

Big Sky, Montana – Enjoy over 150 runs down three different mountains, as lift lines are almost non-existent. At night, the lights come on and a section of the slope is transformed into a “tubing park” for an extreme sledding experience.

Whistler, British Colombia – They are hosting the next winter Olympics! You can be assured that the mountain is receiving some of the best treatment and attention in the world, to assure it is in pristine condition for the upcoming games.

Zermatt, Switzerland – This winter town is like no-other in the world. With car’s not allowed, pedestrians walk the narrow cobblestone streets and are treated to spectacular clear views of the Matterhorn and Swiss Alps. The snowboarding and skiing are top-notch.

Chamonix, France – Hailed as the most famous ski town in France, Chamonix has a small town feel in the shadows of large mountain peaks. Spend the day boarding down the scenic trails, and unwind at night at the pedestrian center featuring shops, boutiques, and restaurants.

2008-12-07T00:56:00.000-08:00

Top Zoos Across The Globe

Who needs a pet, when you can go to a zoo and see hundreds of large animals up close and personal? A trip to the zoo is always a fun adventure for people of all ages, and often results in a learning experience as well. We have put together a list of top zoos to visit.

1. Royal Melbourne Zoo, Australia - See the kangaroos in style at the award-winning Melbourne Zoo. A fun overnight package is available, where you get to camp out at the zoo and listen to the sounds of monkey’s hooting and hippo’s snorting.

2. London Zoo, England - This is one of the oldest zoos in the world, and was originally created to house animals in order to study them for scientific purposes. The zoo has over 750 species of animals, and features a beautiful aquarium of colorful fish from around the world.

3. San Diego Zoo, California - This is one of the largest zoos in the world, with over 4,000 animals. Exhibits are constantly changing, so returning guests will see something new each visit. For you bird lovers, this zoo has some of the largest free-flight aviaries, which allows the birds to fly all around you.

4. Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Florida - This attraction combines the learning atmosphere and sightseeing of a zoo with the excitement of an amusement park. The whole family will enjoy the themed areas, roller coasters, and giant ”Tree of Life.”

5. Philadelphia Zoo, Pennsylvania - Pennsylvania is rich with our nation’s history. After visiting the Liberty Bell, be sure to check out the nation’s very fist zoo. That’s right, the Philadelphia Zoo first opened its doors in 1874, and now averages over a million visitors a year.

2008-12-07T00:29:00.000-08:00

Don't Miss: Water Fire In Province, RI

Back during the summer of 1997, a friend and I were strolling along the canal in downtown Providence, where I went to college. We were talking, the sun had already gone down, but the sky had yet to light up with stars. Without warning, what we thought was a kind of menacing, rhythmic laughter wafted up from the direction of the water. We looked towards the sound and noticed something neither of us had seen downtown before: individual fires dotting the length of the canal. We were immediately entranced - and not just a little bit freaked out. The music chosen to accompany what we later discovered was an outdoor sculpture exhibit by artist Barnaby Evans was downright eerie, especially in the dark.

What we stumbled upon quite by accident that night has grown over the last decade to become one of the city’s premier outdoor events. On Saturday nights throughout the year, WaterFire Providence takes over the cityscape as the sun sets. So many people flock to see the 80 fires flickering along the city’s waterways that the sounds - which are part of a continuous soundtrack featuring globally-influenced ambient compositions ranging from Armenian folk melodies to Russian Orthodox liturgical music - are no longer haunting, but rather wonder-inducing in their other-worldliness.

On many WaterFire nights, live bands and DJs join the fray to turn parts of the downtown are into an outdoor ballroom and concert venue, where onlookers can catch dance performances, take free salsa lessons and boogie on into the night with the fires in the background (check the web site for the full summer season schedule and special non-Saturday WaterFire lightings). With the outdoor setup, proximity to downtown restaurants and hotels, and live entertainment, this is one of those rare urban events that holds just as much appeal for families as it does for college kids, romance-seeking couples and curious tourists. What’s more, with a suggested donation of $3-$5, it’s an affordable attraction in a hip, but wallet-friendly city located just an hour from Boston, three from New York and just over four from Philly.

2008-12-07T00:17:00.000-08:00

Kayakers Go Kayaking

Despite popular belief, few of us employees at Kayak.com have actually been kayaking before… until last week.

That’s right, just recently we had a team building event which found ourselves exploring the Pacific Ocean and a nature reserve in two-person kayaks. Some of us caught on quicker than others.

Having been in the water less than a minute, the kayak I was riding in managed to creep dangerously close to a group of sea lions tanning on the harbor dock. As they began to bark hysterically and crash into the water, one thought raced through my head. “Why are they called sea-LIONS?” As these huge animals began to belly flop into the water off the pier, it became apparent that they weighed about as much as my car, causing turbulent waves to form which rattled our dwarfed plastic kayak.

After our sea lion safari was over, a couple of teams decided to race each other to discover who the Paddle Kings and Queens were. Depending on who you ask, you will receive different answers on which kayak team was victorious.

Between races, we navigated our way around families of feeding otters and wading birds. The weather was great for a late September day, and all us Kayak.com employees managed to stay in our kayak for the entirety of the ride.

All in all, it was a great outing. The shoulder muscles are a little fatigued at work this morning, but it comes with the job description when working for Kayak.com!

2008-12-06T23:31:00.000-08:00

Kayak's Top 5 Reasons To Visit Cincinnati

• One serious half-dome. Boasting a rotunda that holds the distinction of being the largest half-dome in the Western Hemisphere, the Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal draws just as many visitors with its impressive architecture and 75-year history as it does with its three museums (Cinergy Children’s Museum, the Cincinnati History Museum and the Museum of Natural History and Science) and IMAX Theater.

• Midwestern munchies. From the town’s famous Cincinnati chili (which residents will gleefully drizzle over anything from hot dogs to spaghetti) to Findlay Market (pictured above), a public market and foodie haven that’s been operating since 1855, this river city is known for good noshing.

• River recreation. Its location along the Ohio River - the Mississippi’s largest tributary - makes this a destination full of opportunities for outdoor fun. Riverboat cruises down the Ohio River, available from companies like River Escapes Cruises and BB Riverboats, are popular among tourists and a great way to see the cityscape from a new vantage point. The river is also a hub for land-based entertainment and outdoor festivals, the best example of which is Cincinnati Riverfest, a free event held annually on the Sunday before Labor Day. Each year, over 500,000 people descend upon the Sawyer Point waterfront to view one of the nation’s largest privately-funded fireworks displays.

• Players a plenty. For sports enthusiasts, Cincinnati offers year-round intrigue with the MLB’s Cincinnati Reds and the Great American Ballpark; the NFL’s Cincinnati Bengals and Paul Brown Stadium; the Cincinnati Mighty Ducks and Cincinnati Gardens and numerous college teams.

• Park ‘n ride amusements. Adrenaline junkie teens, splashing tots and ‘coaster crazy adults will find a summer’s worthy of family entertainment at nearby amusement and water parks like CoCo Key Water Resort, Coney Island, Kings Island and The Beach Waterpark.

For more on what to see and do in Cincinnati, check out the Northern Kentucky and Greater Cincinnati Visitors Bureau.