A Tourist Guide To Nice

Posted on November 20th, 2008 in Articles by admin

Nice is a beautiful city on the Mediterranean side of the south coast of France. It is a great settle point to exploring the French Riviera and Provence region. It boasts fascinating historic culture and is very popular with artists.

Travelling There
If you are after exploring the Côte d’Azure (French Riviera) then Nice International Airport is the most conveniently located and easiest option. Two TGV high speed trains reach Nice each day from Paris. That journey takes a total of six hours one way. There are large roads entering the city from all areas making car and bus a good travelling option as well.

Accommodation Options
There are accommodation options to suit all budgets and requirements. However, the famous Hotel Negresco is an impressive feature on the Promenade but is quite pricey and extravagant. Hotels are generally the most expensive option where as guest houses and pensions provide cheaper letting rates. Accommodation options are more diverse towards the train station and away from the city.

A Brief History of Nice
Settlements in Nice date back to four hundred thousand years ago. By the 10th century, the city had established itself as a trading port. In the early 20th century, Nice became popular with artists and was a favourite location for Pablo Picasso. These days it is one of France’s best loved seaside towns and is visited by thousands of tourists every year.

Sights and Attractions
Walk along the Promenade Des Anglais to capture the feel and atmosphere of the Côte d’Azur. Nice is a typical traditional French city with narrow streets, shuttered houses and baroque churches so a wander around is always a pleasant experience. As mentioned earlier, the area is famous for being a popular destination for world renowned artists so it is worth checking the galleries and museums within Nice.

Dining Options
The French have a positive reputation for food and the wine meaning that in this popular area you will have endless choices. The most expensive restaurants are found along the seafront promenade. The many bars within the town allow provide some delicious and unique French specialties. Nice is renowned for its nightlife so you will never find yourself bored and out of opions in the evening.

Shopping
The centre of the city is the main area for shopping. There are running through the week that provides an alternative to the many high street shops.

A Tourist Guide To New England

Posted on November 19th, 2008 in Articles by admin

New England is a beautiful part of the USA with both rural and urban areas. The region has a vast history that can be seen and felt within its traditional villages and impressive metropolis areas. The areas beaches are natural and rugged in appearance and the architecture portrays the revolutionary history. New England is comprised of the states of Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont.

Travelling There

Flying is an easy option as Boston’s Logan International Airport receives flights from all over the world. If you are traveling from within the USA then the rail service would be a suitable option. This runs from Boston along the east coast as well as inland. Driving is also an option as the roads in the area are of good quality and networked.

Accommodation

The region is huge and offers all kinds of accommodation for a range of budgets. This includes hotels, villas, cabins or campsite accommodation. However, the region gets busy in holiday seasons so it is important to pre-book well in advance.

History

The region obtained its name when the English colonised it under the rule of James I. During this time, New England’s income came mainly from the many fishing, farming and timber industries within the area. However, colonizing the region was no east task as the Native American Indians fought and fought for the freedom of the territory up until the American Revolution, where the battle ended and the Americas won.

Sights and Attractions

Boston is a must see if you go to New England. It is a beautiful city with enormous historical appeal. There are also numerous museums and restaurants that makes for a great few days stay. To get a feel for the historic times of New England, drive up the coast and experience the beaches and rural setting. Cape Cod is the location that the tourists tend to head for.

Shopping

The many cosmopolitan cities provide a great choice for the ‘shopaholics’. Boston is riddled with huge air-conditioned malls and shopping centers. If you like browsing through markets then you are in luck as the majority of urban areas in New England have weekly markets.

Dining Options

There are dozens of great restaurants to choose from in New England. The majority of eating establishments are proud of their fresh seafood. Cape Cod has plenty of dining options that offer a unique experience to customers. The region itself is famed for clambakes and bean suppers so they are a must have bite to eat.

A Tourist Guide To Munich

Posted on November 18th, 2008 in Articles by admin

Munich is the third largest city in Germany and is the capital of the State of Bavaria. The city is renowned worldwide for its famous annual beer festival named the Oktoberfest. The Isar River cuts though the city and contains most of the attractions on its left bank.

Travelling There
Flying is easy as the Franz-Josef-Strauss Airport connects Munich with many other European destinations. The journey to the city centre is approximately forty minutes and can be made by train or car. The city’s rail links are excellent and connects to most major German and European cities. Road links within and around the city are also good and are cheaper than the rail service.

Accommodation Options
Accommodation options in Munich are vast and prices decrease towards the outskirts of the city. The busiest season in Munich is between October and May so be sure to book any accommodation well in advance. There are types of accommodation for all from hotels to bed and breakfasts, inns, hostels and campsites.

History
Over the years since Munich was first founded in the 12th century, it has grown in the reputation of being both cultural and artistic. National Socialism developed in Munich following the First World War. The city then got struck heavily during World War Two and has since had the damage repaired and had become a modern metropolis.

Sights and Attractions
Munich’s old town (known as the Altstadt) is a popular sightseeing attraction. Stroll through it towards the beautiful square (Marienplatz) and through the lanes that contain some impressive cultural and historic features. The Westend of Munich is a much more modern experience. This is the area where the Oktoberfest is held and is a great laugh for any party enthusiasts. Schwabing is home to Europe’s largest park where there is plenty to do and see.

Shopping in Munich
Munich has excellent shopping opportunities where you can pick up a variety of designer goods as well as traditional Bavarian handicrafts. There are piles of shopping malls and areas all over the city so you will never find yourself wanting more.

Dining Options
Munich has a great selection of places to eat out at ranging from restaurants to bistros, bars and takeaways. It is easy to find both traditional and international cuisine at the majority of restaurants. However, be sure to get cash out prior to eating as most restaurants in the city do not accept credit.

A Tourist Guide To Menorca

Posted on November 17th, 2008 in Articles by admin

Menorca is part of the Spanish Balearic Islands. This group of islands are renowned for they’re natural beauty and warm Mediterranean climate, and Menorca is not short of any of it. Menorca has a vast historical and cultural interest and is a popular beach resort holiday choice usually for couples and families wanting a peaceful break.

Travelling There

By far the most common way of travelling to Menorca is by air to its International airport. Flights arrive at the airport at different days during the week from all over Europe. The only other way of reaching Menorca is by ferry. This can either be from the other Balearic Islands or from a Spanish mainland port such as Barcelona.

Resort Choice and Accommodation

The majority of people that holiday in Menorca stay in the popular resorts on the south of the island. Cala en Porter and Son Bou-San Jaime are two of the more popular resorts with gorgeous beaches and a wide range of accommodation choice. If you are looking for a more extravagant vacation with high quality services and exclusive hotels then stay on the north coast of Menorca. If you are interested in this kind of holiday then check out accommodation at Fornells and S’Arenal d’en Castell. The north side of the island has a more rugged coastline and natural beauty.

The History and Culture of the Area

Menorca was named by the Romans and it translates to ‘little one’. However, evidence suggests people were living on the island prior to this time. The culture of the island has largely been formed from its numerous occupiers. At one time or another Menorca was run and influenced by the Moors and Arabs, Visigoths, Catalans, Aragon Spanish and the British.

Menorca Sights and Attractions

The history and culture of Menorca can be felt strolling around the streets of Mahon. Its natural harbour is very impressive and world renowned for its size. The buildings within the town are very old and hold great history. The Arch de San Roque is the remains of the old city wall and is the oldest feature of the city. The whole island is filled with beauty and culture so a visit to any of the towns would not disappoint.

Shopping in Menorca

As it is a small island it is mainly the markets and local craftsmen that attract the shoppers. They sell leather products and ceramics that are unique and great value. Mahon is the main area for shopping and many of the stores are open late due to their afternoon siesta closure.

Eating and drinking

Despite there being a huge range of restaurants across the island, the prices can be high and the menu is often limited. Also, it can be difficult to adapt to the late eating times of 8pm onwards. A good tip is to eat somewhere that is busy with locals as the food will be of much better value there.

Benidorm And The Costa Blanca Travel Tips

Posted on November 16th, 2008 in Articles by admin

Benidorm Spain is located about forty five kilometres northeast of Alicante. It is one of the main attractions on the Costa Blanca. This city was built for tourism. The beach front and other areas are lined with hotels offering many choices in accommodations. Benidorm is surrounded by mountains. This protects the city against cold winter winds. The climate is mild in the winter months. The city is most popular among tourists in the summer. There is plenty to see in the daytime and a bustling nightlife after hours.

Spain: Tips for Travel
Most people getting cheap Benidorm flights into Alicante airport when visiting this city. Once you arrive, there are plenty of choices for travel throughout the area. The Benidorm bus has frequent routes from the airport to the city. The railway runs a similar route. There are about twenty car hire companies that operate in Benidorm. All will pick you up at the airport; just let them know when you make a reservation.

The choice you make in travel will depend on how much you plan to travel throughout the region on your vacation. If you plan to travel to surrounding cities, a car is the best bet. This will allow you the freedom to move around the region. If you plan to stay within the city for most of your trip, public transportation will serve your needs well.

Benidorm Attractions
Benidorm offers something for everyone in terms of attractions. There are holiday and theme parks, as well as other attractions that are great for families. Single people will enjoy the beaches and vibrant nightlife of the city. Golfers will enjoy the great golf courses in and around the city.

The city has three beaches. The Playa de Levante is also known as the rising beach. This beach is more secluded, but tends to draw a younger, single crowd. The Levante is a topless beach. The Playa de Poniente is in a busier area. This beach tends to attract families and older people. The small beach in between these two larger beaches is called the Playa Mai Pas.

The main street on the beach and the city square are car free zones. No traffic is allowed in this area, which makes it nice for walking. The area is home to a variety of restaurants, dance clubs and bars. This is a busy area both day and night during the summer travel season.

The Lemon Express is a thirty mile rail journey from Benidorm up the coast of Spain. This offers a scenic tour of the coastline. The train leaves from Benidorm and travels up the coast. You will enjoy the scenic view of the Spanish countryside from the train.

There is also plenty to do with the family in this city. Families will enjoy the Terra Mitica, a theme park in Benidorm. The name in English is the Mythical Land. This theme park features ancient Greek, Egyptian and Roman civilizations. There are plenty of rides here for kids of all ages. In addition, the park offers play areas for younger children.

The Terra Natura Park is a wildlife park. This park is home to over five hundred animals of about two hundred different species. You will get to see animals in their natural habitats. The park is set up in four theme areas. There is also a park with a playground for the kids to run and play.
Spend some time researching the variety of attractions and accommodations in the Benidorm area when planning your vacation. You will find there is something for every member of the family. Good planning will ensure that everyone has a great time on your vacation.

Attractions Guide for Singapore

Posted on November 15th, 2008 in Articles by admin

There are myriad reasons for you to visit Singapore! Although it is the smallest country in Southeast Asia, Singapore is one of the most beautiful countries in the world. The combination of dream-like, exotic landscapes, imposing ancient temples and worship sites grant the island a mysterious, almost unreal feature, immersing travellers into a deep state of relaxation, appeasement and contemplation towards the wonders of nature. As soon as you arrive in Singapore, you will be overwhelmed by the magnificent sites and ancient architectonic structures, emerging from a landscape that seems to be untouched by man. The multitude of parks, botanical gardens and the beauty of the beaches found in Singapore render the diamond-shaped island a marvellous destination for tourists from all over the world.

Contrasting with the exotic landscapes, vast parks and ancient architectonic remains, imposing sky-scrapers, wide boulevards and modern monuments suggest the advanced civilization characteristic to Singapore, defying the struggled history of the country afflicted by many political conflicts in the past. With a population of around 4.5 million people, Singapore has a pronounced syncretic character, bringing together people of different ethnical groups and various religious beliefs.

Due to the multitude of Singapore attractions, the best thing to do is to seek the help of a local guide. Singapore guides can take you to the most interesting sites and local attractions, helping you discover the beauty of the island. Considering the fact that the majority of people in Singapore are fluent English speakers, the language barrier shouldn’t be an impediment in interacting with the locals. If you decide to seek the help of a Singapore guide, you will be taken to a wide variety of ancient temples, monuments, parks, botanical gardens and even ports, sites of great importance to Singapore.

One of the most important Singapore attractions is the temple Thian Hock Keng, referred to as the Temple of Heavenly Bliss. Thian Hock Keng is an ancient Chinese worship site, initially built in tribute to Ma Po Cho, the patron goddess of sailors, also known as the Mother of the Heavenly Sages. The temple was reconstructed in the 19th century by Tan Tock Seng and Tan Kim Seng, highly respected personalities in the history of Singapore. The entrance inside the temple is guarded by the statues of two imposing lions, symbols of strength and fertility in Asian culture. At the temple gates, “door gods” provide further protection against evil spirits, purifying temple visitors from malignant energies. In front of the altar is the statue of Ma Po Cho, flanked by statues of the Protector of Life and the God of War.

Singapore is a country with a very interesting culture, built on the scaffolds of different ancient traditions and beliefs. If you decide to visit Singapore, you will be amazed by the intriguing contrast between ancient and modern, old and new, tradition and libertinism. A trip to Singapore is undoubtedly a remarkable and unforgettable experience for tourists from all over the world!