10 Popular Islands

The popularity of island getaways has tremendously increased over the years. The sun kissed beaches and numerous outdoor activities are ideal for travel enthusiasts. Some of the famous islands include the Hawaiian Islands and some Asia-Pacific ones. This is a list of top 10 popular islands.

1. Maui islands (Hawaii, U.S)

Maui, voted as the Best Pacific Island, is home to the effervescent Hawaiian aloha spirit. It is a tropical haven and a classic honeymooning spot. Maui’s exotic and dreamy romantic air is a heavenly experience for tourists. Haleakala National Park, Pipivai Trail and Waimoku Falls are attractive options in Maui.

2. Bali (Indonesia)

Bali is perfect for adventure enthusiasts. This picturesque island is the best culmination of modern tourism facilities and deeply rooted Hindu culture. Bali offers an inexpensive holiday to all and sundry. You can experience a plethora of spiritual and physical attractions here. The Elephant Safari park, White water rafting on the Ayung River and Reef cruise to Lembongan Island is a must for travelers. Markets of Kuta and Sanur of Nusa Dua are shoppers’ paradise.

3. Galapagos Islands (Equador)

This charming land was voted as the Best Scuba Diving vacation in 2001-2002. Galapagos is a UNESCO world heritage site .It is home to a few of the rarest and most spectacular flora and fauna of the world. For those who enjoy water sports, scuba diving and snorkeling here will prove to be unforgettable experiences. A trip to Charles Darwin Research Station, Darwin Bay and Sierra Negra Volcano are utopic experiences.

4. Cape Breton Island (Canada)

Cape Breton Island was voted the Most Beautiful Island. This is Canada’s top golf destination. Some of the popular pastimes in its sprawling hotels are hiking, summer day camps, boat tours and horse back riding. A visit to Cape Breton Highlands National Park, Amoeba Sailing Tours and Cheticamp Whale Cruisers feature on the itinerary of visitors here.

5. Kauai (Hawaii, U.S)

The Garden island of Kauai is ideal for those who wish to view pure, lush landscape devoid of vast urban settlements and high rises. Wings over Kauai gives travelers an aerial tour of Kauai. The cascading waterfalls, rugged cliffs of Na Pali coast, Waimea Canyon-the Grand Canyon of the Pacific represent nature’s unadulterated beauty.

6. Mount Desert Island (Maine)

This island exemplifies the beautiful coexistence of land and sea, people and wildlife. The 7 mile long Somes Sound in Mount Desert is the only fjord on the East coast of United States. It is famous as the home of the Acadia National Park and Bar Harbour. Mount Desert is a natural stunner and exploring its numerous avenues makes for a perfect holiday.

7. Aeolian Islands (Italy)

The blend of smoking volcanoes and active scintillating wildlife are alluring. The minute island of Stromboli confesses to be a marvel with its volcanic fireworks. Aelion is rich in cultural heritage. Therefore a visit to Museo Eoliano and St. Bartholomew Cathedral are interesting insights into the island’s past.

8. Maldives

Snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing, sailing and surfing on crystal clear waters is ideal in Maldives’ coral islands. Shopping in the numerous flea markets is a fun pass time. A wedding in this divine land can be a breath taking experience.

9. Vancouver Island (Canada)

With abundant wildlife and interesting outdoor activities, Vancouver Island is ideally enjoyed out of doors. Vancouver Island Music Fest is a treat for music enthusiasts. The Long Beach, Tofino provides the best surfing in California.

10. Bermuda (Atlantic Islands)

With a visitor return rate of over 50%, Bermuda is a perfect family holiday destination. Dolphin Quest-Swim, private island tours and Championship Golf courses are perfect.

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10 Famous Beaches in America

The following is the list of top 10 famous and exotic beaches in America. People from all over the flood come to these beaches for having the time of their lives.

1. Bahia Honda, Florida

This park is known for its vast white and sandy beaches. The smallest beach is Calusa which is situated on the northwest side of the island. This area is dotted by many small pavilions in this area. The shallowest beach situated on the south of the island is Loggerhead. In the Sandspur area, there are three large pavilions including a bathhouse with outdoor, fresh water showers.

2. Hapuna Beach, Hawaii

Next on the list is Hapuna Beach in Hawaii. This beach is about 200 feet wide and 1/2 mile long. Many people engage in swimming the facilities for which are excellent. The beach is famous for its crystal clear water, full facilities and beautiful scenery. At the south end of the beach, you can engage in snorkeling and can see attractive fish and coral reef.

3. Fort Desoto Park, Florida

At the entrance of Tampa Bay in the southwest corner of Mullet Key is located this beach. The whole island is now Fort De Soto Park, a Pinellas county park where you can have access to nature trails, fantastic beaches, fishing, boating, camping and much more.

4. Hulopo’e Beach, Lanai, Hawaii

This protected beach is considered to be one of the safest places for swimming. Its coral formations and nice sandy beaches make it an ideal recreational spot on Lanai. You can find varied and colorful fish and unique coral formations as this beach is situated in a protected Marine Life Conservation Area. You can find the Pu’u Pehe Rock, also known as Sweetheart Rock to the left of the beach.

5. St Joseph Peninsula State Park, FL (Cape San Blas)

This beach is noted for its striking dune formations and has miles of white sand beaches, a favorable climate and heavily-forested interior. The peninsular park spanning 2,516-acres is bound on three sides by the Gulf of Mexico and the waters of St. Joe Bay.

6. Ocracoke Island, North Carolina

This island which is a part of Hyde County is accessible only by water or air. The Cape Hatteras National Seashore, with the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Pamlico Sound on the other side, and the 16 miles of superb beaches is a spot not to be missed.

7. Kailua Beach, Hawaii

Rated as the “Best beach in the world”, Kailua Beach is a wonderful place to enjoy swimming and beach recreational activities. The white sandy beach is considered to be a world-class wind surfing destination for amateurs and professionals alike. In Kailua town there are several shops that provide rental gear and also offer lessons.

8. Caladesi Island State Park, Florida

Having 108 slip marina and 3 miles of nature trail, Caladesi Island on the Florida Park has something for everyone. There are bath houses, picnic pavilions and park concession offered for everyone. You can also enjoy your visit owing to facilities for nature studies, fishing, shelling etc in this place.

9. Hamoa Beach, Hawaii

Situated close to Hana, this beautiful public beach shares some facilities with the Hotel Hana Maui. The vegetation is lush and sea cliffs surround the bay. This beach is also considered to be one of Hawaii’s best beaches. The little coconut-topped island of Alau lies on the off-side.

10. Cumberland Island, Georgia

The Cumberland Island is another famous beach which extends 17.5 miles long and occupies 36,415 acres. It is well known for its wild turkeys, sea turtles, armadillos, wild horses, abundant shore birds, maritime forests, dune fields, historic structures and marshes.

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10 Nightlife Cities of the World

An active nightlife is quickly becoming quite common with all ages in the recent times. In fact, going out late nights to the clubs and pubs was considered quite unacceptable, a few years back. But, today the day does not come to an end with the sunset, it is as bright and lively as during the day, or in fact more. Most of the places concentrate on the facilities and the options that they offer to people in the darkness of the night, especially for socializing and merry making.

1. Las Vegas, Nevada

It is one of the most famous nightlife cities where people seem to have an opposite clock. They sleep during the day and enjoy their lives during the night. You can find each and every sinful whim here even when you are looking for things like drinking, gambling and even stripping. This place has so much to offer that you will get tired of spending but the things will not come to an end. It has a lot of casinos and nightclubs of international quality to offer to all its tourists.

2. Ibiza, Spain

Ibiza is famous for the fast paced clubbing and the various DJ clubs. It also has many world famous DJs. The beaches of Ibiza are certainly not meant for the faint-hearted people as the party goers who come here remain in the alcohol induced gazes and ecstasy for weeks.

3. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

If you are planning to flirt, drink and dance all through your holidays, Rio will be the best place to do so. This is the city which is famous for bringing sex out of the bedrooms to the streets. Rio is also famous for horizontal dancing and has the darkest of the clubs in the world.

4. Amsterdam, Holland

Beneath the well structured architecture rests a sin city in Amsterdam. Amsterdam is famous for its cozy bars and cafes. This city has all the utter sins for sale. It also offers many adults-only entertainments for the party goers. This is evident from the drug filled cakes and the women-for-rent streets.

5. Miami, Florida

Miami is famous for its changing trends in partying. The place has many hot and happening late night partying spots. The beaches of Miami are particularly famous for the same reason. South beach is the most happening spot of Miami.

6. Dublin, Ireland

Dublin is not only the capital of the country but also the central party location of Ireland. The stylish cocktails of the city have always described the nature of the city. Drinking and dancing of this city has always been top class and the city has a lot of clubs and bars.

7. Moscow, Russia

Moscow from the time when communism went down has been a favorite spot for partying. The flavor of vodka and the cash flowing in the city makes it a hot spot for partying. Moscow is most famous for its late night parties.

8. New York City, New York

New York City is known as the city which never sleeps. The same is applicable with the partying scenario of this city. The music and drink bars and pubs has been the major attraction of the city. The city is very adaptive in case of the changing trends of partying.

9. Pattaya, Thailand

The usage, ‘city of the sin’ is most apt to the city of Pattaya. It is famous for the ’working girls’ and the massage parlors. The exotic Thai massages are famous all over the world.

10. Jakarta, Indonesia

If you are looking for a wild day out, you must go to Jakarta. Clubs has been the life of the city and the major source of entertainment to tourists. All those sins which can be done in your favorite nightlife spots blend together and form the late night parties of Jakarta.

What are you waiting for, go get your ticket for the favorite nightlife spot.

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Top Ten Thai Dishes

The South-East Asian country, Thailand has become one of the most popular tourist destinations today. Every year, thousands of tourists from different parts of the world visit this country to spend a memorable vacation. There are several reasons that have added to the popularity of this country. The wide range of activities and affordable holiday deals are obviously the most important reasons behind tourist attractions.

Nowadays, many companies have established their offices in Thailand, and the country also attracts numerous people for professional reasons. Whether you are planning a trip to Thailand for professional reasons, or just for an entertaining holiday, you should taste the mouthwatering dishes offered here. Whether you are in Phuket, Bangkok or Pattaya, you should taste the Thai dishes in your trip.

Thai cuisines have received immense popularity among the tourists. If you do not check out the dishes, your trip will certainly remain incomplete. However, if you do not have any idea of the popular Thai dishes, and do not want to take a chance with unknown cuisines, you can check out the top ten Thai dishes.

1. Pad Thai Or Fried Noodle

Pad Thai or the fried noodle preparation is one of the most popular Thai dishes. Prepared with vegetables, fish sauce, eggs, tamarind juice, crushed peanuts, red chili pepper and other seasonings, Pad Thai is available in almost all eateries. However, for the best taste, you should opt for the fresh cooked noodles.

2. Kang Keaw Wan Kai or Chicken Curry(Green)

The name might not initially allow you to experiment with the dish. However, if you taste it, you will surely like this little spicy and sweet chicken curry. Prepared with sugar, fish sauce, coconut milk and green chili paste, this chicken curry is an excellent side dish with rice.

3. Tom Kha Kai Or Chicken In Coconut Milk Soup

Tom Kha Kai is one of the most popular chicken soups offered in Thailand. Prepared with different types of edible herbs, this soup is high on nutritional values. If you prefer non-spicy dish, this is for you. Yet, if you want you can get it seasoned with fish sauce, lime and chili.

4. Tom Yam Goong or Spicy Shrimp Soup

When you are in Thailand, you should taste shrimp preparations at least once. The sour and spicy, Tom Yam Goong is one of the traditional dishes of Thailand, and is known to be the most popular shrimp soups prepared in Thailand. You can undoubtedly refer it as the signature dish of this country.

5. Tom Yam Gai or Chicken Soup(Spicy)

The clear chicken soup, Tom Yam Gai enjoys popularity among people who are not very much fond of the shrimp dishes. Though this is a less spicy soup, you can add fish sauce, chili and lime seasonings to make it delicious.

6. Panaeng or Meat in Spicy Coconut Cream

If you are looking for beef or pork dishes, Panaeng is for you. The sweet and spicy dish can be prepared with pork, beef and even chicken. This preparation is best served with steamed rice. Similar to Thai red curry, it has a rich and thick gravy, which makes it perfect side-dish with rice.

7. Moo Sa-Te or Grilled Pork Sticks with Turmeric

Moo Sa-Te is also a popular pork recipe in Thailand. Curry powder and turmeric sauce, when added to grilled pork brings a mouthwatering taste. If you want to taste some yummy pork preparations, you should not miss this dish. Served with saucy dips, this dish is available in almost all the restaurants.

8. Som Tam or Spicy Papaya Salad

Spicy Papaya Salad or Som Tam is known for its sour and spicy flavor. This spicy salad is prepared with fresh vegetables like tomato, beans and papaya. Served with sticky rice and grilled chicken, Som Tam will surely make you fall in love with Thai cuisines.

9. Gai Pad Met Mamuang or Cashew Nuts In Stir-Fried Chicken

Gai Pad Met Mamuang does not match with the conventional Thai dishes. Yet, it is one of the most popular Thai preparations. The salty and sweet fried chicken and cashew nut is best for someone who is not fond of spicy or sour dishes. It is also ideal for children.

10. Por Pia Tord or Fried Spring Roll

If you are looking for the perfect appetizer, fried spring roll or the Por Pia Tord is for you. Served with sweet and sour sauce, this appetizer is not very spicy, and will not affect your diet chart to a great extent.

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Top Ten European Beaches

When it comes to holiday planning, European beaches enjoy immense popularity among tourists. For ages, the European beach destinations have attracted people to enjoy their holiday breaks, or short weekends. Whether it is a stag party, or a hen weekend with friends, or it is a trip with family, European beaches have it all. The pleasant climatic condition and the wide range of entertainment activities offered in the European beaches make them the favorite of everyone. If you are planning a holiday trip, you can surely check out the European beaches.

The broken coastline of the continent has led to the formation of different beaches, which attracts innumerable tourists every year. The beaches have something for everyone, and so you can easily plan your honeymoon or your family trip here. As there are thousands of beach destinations in Europe, it might be a little tacky for you to find the perfect destination for your trip. However, if you check out the list of the top ten European beach destinations, the task of selecting the ideal beach destination will become simple.

1. Costa Del Sol, Spain

The climate of the Spanish beach, Costa Del Sol makes it one of the most popular beach destinations of Europe. This beach receives little rainfall, and so you can visit it at any time of the year. Different types of entertainment activities including the beach bars have made this beach popular among the youths.

2. Costa Dorada, Spain

The natural beauty with dunes and sand beaches has made Spanish beach, Costa Dorada a popular tourist spot. The shallow water of this area makes it an ideal place for the kids, and you can surely plan a family holiday here. A wide range of accommodation facilities are provided here to make your trip comfortable.

3. Costa Blanca, Spain

If you are looking for a thrilling nightlife, and need a perfect beach destination for partying with friends, Spanish beach, Costa Blanca is for you. It is better to plan a long holiday break when you are coming to Costa Blanca. Apart from the beach activities, you can check Terra Mitica, Entertainment Park in Benidorm.

4. Costa Del Garraf, Spain

It is rightly said that Spanish beaches attract everyone. Costa Del Garraf beach in Spain is not only the ideal holiday destination for straight couples, but also it is one of the best places for the gays. The beach located in Sitges is known to attract thousands of gay couples every year.

5. Ibiza, Spain

Bars, clubs and DJs make Ibiza the perfect place for stag parties and hen dos. The nightlife that is offered here can be rarely matched with any other countries in the world. Though Ibiza attracts people for its nightlife, it has some of the important cultural sites too. You can visit Benirras Bay to have a look at the “God’s Finger”, one of must see places in this beach destination.

6. Sardinia, Italy

Sardinia is one of the most beautiful beach destinations in Italy. Yet, it is a little unconventional tourist spot as it does not offer an exciting nightlife. However, if you want to be close to nature and check out some historical spots, Sardinia is for you. Nuraghe, the megalithic building structures, which are found in different parts of Sardinia, is a major tourist attraction.

7. Languedoc-Roussillon, France

If you are fond of adventurous water sports like scuba diving, Languedoc-Roussillon in France is for you. When you are planning a trip to Languedoc-Roussillon, you should include a trip to the vineyards, which is a major attraction here.

8. Corsica, France

The mountainous island beach of France, Corsica attracts tourist for its turquoise water and secluded beaches. If you are planning a trip to this place, you should check out the special dishes, which are often known as the fusion of Italian and French cuisines.

9. Algarve, Portugal

When talking about the European beach destinations, Algarve in Portugal deserves special mention. Pleasant climate, magnificent and endless beaches make it the perfect place for the vacationers. If you are planning a trip to Algarve, you can hang out in Vila Nova De Milfontes, Cove, Faro, Odemira or Lagos.

10. Brighton, England

The short distance between Brighton and London has made Brighton a popular beach destination. The sports complex that has been developed here offers a wide range of sports activities, including Frisbee and beach volleyball. Apart from this, the Brighton Artists Quarter also forms a major attraction here.

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Top Ten Cheap Holiday Destinations

If you are looking for a great holiday but can’t afford to spend a fortune, you need to know where the best places to visit on a budget are. The following list isn’t just a run-down of cheap holidays; these destinations add value to your trip by making it fun and exciting, as well as being light on your pocket. So, get out and book some cheap holiday fun before they are all snapped up!

1. Sri Lanka

Known as the pearl of the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka is a beautiful tropical island near the tip of the Indian sub-continent. The temperature ranges anywhere from warm to hot with no traditional seasons. Due to its size, the island can be explored very easily and there are many cheap tours to take. For a relaxing beach holiday, Sri Lanka cannot be beaten.

2. Nepal

If you have an interest in Buddhism or your spiritual side needs reawakening, Nepal is an excellent destination. Well known for being a great sanctuary for backpackers, the country is cheap and has a wealth of history to explore. The local villagers are generous with what they have and you can learn about the local culture while sampling ethnic dishes.

3. Iceland

Due to the collapse of the Icelandic currency, now is the best time to visit Iceland and see amazing scenery unlike anything else on Earth. Volcanoes, bubbling mud and great nightlife in the capital make for an unforgettable trip; all this just a few hours from home.

4. Mexico

This is where Americans head for their cheap holiday destination and we can make it ours too. With tasty food and even better beaches, which are backed up by great flight deals to encourage tourism in the area, it is certainly worth a look. You can even find cheap flights if you look online.

5. Bulgaria

Cheaper than most of Europe, this country is steeped in history and has some great beaches. Package holidays are a dime a dozen and our currency is still managing to hold up against the local Lev. Bulgaria is still relatively undiscovered, ensuring your stay will be peaceful and quiet.

6. Las Vegas

Believe it or not this once expensive holiday destination has become one of the cheapest and more interesting holidays you can take. With the credit crunch hitting gamblers hard, there are discounts and bargains to be had. Just be careful not to gamble all of your money away.

7. Thailand

This relatively small paradise is still one of the best value for money options in the Far East. The flights may be a little on the long side, but once you get there you have incredible scenery, sandy beaches, warm climate and the notorious Thai nightlife.

8. Budapest

On the banks of the Danube this city has architecture to die for and enough art museums to satisfy anyone’s tastes. This romantic city is special and above all, it is still has cheap food and wine. Great for a weekend break.

9. Mumbai

Just about anywhere in India is going to be cheap, but Mumbai offers something special. From the searing poverty of the slums to the financial centre which has new buildings and some of the best restaurants in the World, you will see all that life has to offer. You can get a sense of perspective in a city like Mumbai.

10. London

The recession has meant that even the most expensive city in the UK has dropped its prices. You can now find special deals in London hotels and restaurants and can even visit a show and stay the night at half the price it used to be. Now is definitely the time to visit the UK capital.

Featured, Travel
Tags : cheap, destinations, holiday, places, top 10, Top 10 List, Top Ten, top ten list, travel, vacation,

Top Ten Cheap Holiday Destinations

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Monterey Bay Shores, Resort World's Most Environmentally Friendly.

Monterey Bay Shores, Resort World's Most Environmentally Friendly.

Monterey Bay Shores_ (MBS) is the amazing new ideas that are built to convert the former mining land in California's remote sand into a resort that is very full of life and preserve the environment with facilities that support reforestation. MBS will be equipped with a home spa facilities, health centers, restaurants, meeting rooms, condominiums, swimming pools, and coastal tourism.

In other words, the U.S. government is also preparing the resort as a tourist with a variety of playground which is of course based on environmentally friendly technology. Yes, where it also planned to be built location of greening education so that later the visitors would be customary to always live 'Go Green' when they spend the time to visit this resort. If this project really goes according to plan, MBS will be the most environmentally friendly location in the U.S., and perhaps in the world.

Eco-resort situated in a mine MBS dead sand, which has been operating for more than 60 years. This idea looks bright given the presence of sand mining that is very damaging natural ecosystems and disarm the soil layer which is an important layer in the process of greening. The plan, 85% of the Monterey Bay region will function as a safe haven and breeding of native flora and fauna of America and more than 6.7 hectares will be dedicated as a habitat for endangered species and restoration of coastal ecosystems. In addition, another 5 hectares will be built as a park, leaving only 4% area for resort facilities. car park Location for visitor will be built underground.

Even the access road was planned to be built from rocks that line the streets of grass. In other words, the streets of MBS does not use asphalt. As a source of electrical energy in the MBS, the plan will use wind and solar resources coupled with a geothermal pump as the main supplier.

Sources of electrical energy here is very necessary considering the very magnificent resort. But it also tricked with the technology is very energy efficient building that reaches more than 50%. Plus the location of windows and rooms that are designed to optimize daylight to reduce lighting needs.

With a fresh coastal breeze and is always available, the need for refrigeration or air conditioning easily handled through natural ventilation techniques. Plus, each wall will provide natural biofiltration system that will improve indoor air quality and reduce dependence on artificial air.

MBS Building will be built from a hybrid system of prefabricated panels and can be recycled by using sustainable materials. Water-saving technology will also be used to reduce the need for clean water by 50%. All irrigation water will be produced from recycled stormwater-on or from rainwater catchment systems.

Source: www.montereybayshores.com
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Namdaemun Market @ 남대문 시장

I love it when the air is cool and crisp.

The sky is sparkling blue.

One fine day in Seoul.

I can't really remember where the building selling this stuff located.

When I arrived there, I met the place by accident while trying to

avoid the heavy rain. Just when I turned my head to the left, I

saw the bling bling..so shiny and I was almost blinded. The building

has a few levels, I just stopped at the lowest floor where they made

the brooches right there.

According to my friends who love accessories, the design of Korean

brooches are not the same as in Malaysia. I don't know how true it is cause

I don't really do shopping much. I'm a shop-not-a-holic..hehe..

멍게 - meongge. If you like raw food aka sashimi, try this.

The inside of 멍게 - meongge and eat it with gochujang - spicy sauce.

Pretty hanbok for the little ones at home.

How to go to Namdaemun Market

If you stay in Myeongdong area, it is pretty near and walking distance to the market.

It is located near to Hoehyeon subway station. Under Namdaemun-no (the main street to the north of the market) is an extensive underground arcade - Hoehyeon Underground Shopping Arcade

Tips:

• Go to the market early in the morning like 09:00
• Bargain like crazy because the initial prices of the goods are normally much higher. For shoppers like me who hates to haggle, go straight to Lotte Mart or Home Plus if you only want to buy candies or groceries. Cheaper and no haggling needed.  

Myeongdong to Hoehyeon

2 minute, 1 station, 0.7km

900 won by T-Money, 1,000 won by cash

Hoehyeon subway station, Line 4, exit

What to shop at Namdaemun Market
You can shop for souvenirs to bring home but I suggest that you can get better choices in Insadong.

• clothes - I prefer going to Dongdaemun to shop for clothes than here.
• shoes
• fabrics
• tableware
• flowers
• vegetables
• ginseng products - I bought a few packets for friends and family. There's one good brand recommended by Min Young.
• toys
• watches
• sunglasses
• brooch (accessories)
• Hallyu souvenirs

Tourist spot by walking distance from Namdaemun Market

• Namdaemun (Great South Gate)
• Seoul Station
• Deoksu Palace
• City Hall

Video courtesy of Andyhwaiting

Check out more comprehensive details of Namdaemun Market at Asia-Planet.

Pictures courtesy of Iris, Fiza, Nyna and Hanim

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Another Beach vacation Ideas

vacation Ideas

Nothing in the world beats a family beach vacation, whether it's at a deluxe resort, or a simple campground on the beach.

Below, are some ways you might do your vacation:

Caribbean Beach Vacation
1. Families flock to Jamaica and the Dominican Republic for their all inclusives with waters ports and kids clubs.
2. At some resorts the kids programs are outstanding, with separate leaders and activities for many different age groups.
3. Pool complexes - some resorts have water parks.
4. The prices can be high, although they will drop from May to December. Hurricane season is in those months as well, although most resorts offer weather guarantees.

Mexico Beach Vacation
Even though tourists zip down to Mexico and do what they want at a condo or small hotel, beach vacations at all inclusive resorts are still the best way to go for families.

The Riviera Maya, an hour south of Cancun, has the second largest barrier reef in the world. It also has many activities for families to explore outside of the resort. You can rent a car, hire a taxi, or even take a public bus.

Hawaii Beach Vacation
When you go to Hawaii, you shouldn't expect to find all inclusive resorts in the Aloha state.

Hawaii is known for lush luxury resorts, such as the Grand Wailea on Maui, or the properties on the Big Island's Kohala Coast.

To find more affordable options in Hawaii, the Waikiki Beach area is breathtaking, fun for the entire family, and offers several different lodging options.

With plenty of options available to you and your family, vacation ideas on the beach are always something to look forward to. There are many beaches out there, all you have to do is find the one that fits your needs - and your budget.

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9 Beach Vacation Ideas

9 Beach Vacation Ideas

When it comes to go on your beach vacation, it can be very hard to pick a destination. There are many places you can go, whether you want to explore the
beaches of Hawaii or just play golf in Georgia. Below, you'll find 9 ideas to help you decide on where to go for your vacation.

1. Hawaii resort
You can choose to put your freq

uent flier miles to good use and take a beach vacation on the island of Hawaii. Here, you can relax on the beach, swim in
the ocean, play golf, and even indulge in one of the many innovative spa treatments. Hawaii enjoys some of the best weather in the world - making it a great choice for your beach vacation.

2. Golf and Beach in Georgia
Popular among the East Coast, the Cloister at Sea Island in Georgia offers you 54 holes of championship golf, sandy beaches, and a wide array of things for you to do.

3. Oahu beach vacation
At the Kahala Mandarin Oriental you can expect to be pampered like never before. You can visit the spa, take scuba diving classes, or choose to swim it up
with the dolphins. The resort is conveniently located 15 minutes away from Honolulu and Waikiki Beach.

4. Virgin Islands vacation
At this vacation destination you can enjoy blue waters and sandy beaches. The Ritz Carlton, and St. Thomas resorts offer you the best of luxury hotels during your beach vacation in the Virgin Islands.

5. Half Moon Bay California
Located just 30 minutes by car away from San Francisco, the Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay is a quick beach vacation away from the normal busy life of the city.

6. Luxury Beach Resort of Bermuda
Two hours away by flight from New York City, Bermuda is a quick and ideal vacation away from the East Coast. Ariel Sands offers you 47 guest rooms with gourmet food and breathtaking views.

7. Romance and seclusion in Jamaica
With unique rooms and splendid views of the Caribbean, gourmet cuisine and amazing beaches, The Caves resort in Jamaica helps to set the beach vacation mood like never before.

8. Lakeside Resort Georgia
Near Atlanta Georgia, the Lake Lanier Islands offers a golf course for golf lovers and a waterpark with several water rides, slides, and water attractions the entire family will enjoy.

9. Family fun in Hawaii
The Kona Village Resort in Hawaii offers you several vacation activities that include snorkeling, kayaking, sailing, volleyball, tennis, fishing, scuba diving, and glass bottom boat tours.

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Traveling Around the St. Thomas Island

Traveling Around the St. Thomas Island

St. Thomas, an island located in the Virgin Islands, is a popular vacation destination. If you are interested in planning a vacation to St. Thomas, there are a number of important decisions that you will have to make. One of those decisions involves travel.

When it comes to travel, there are many individuals who only are concerned with how they will get to St. Thomas. While it is important to know how you will get to the island, you will also need to know what you will do once you arrive there. Even if you are staying at a beach resort that offers a large number of onsite activities, services, and facilities, it is still likely that you will want to get out and see what St. Thomas has to offer. Before you can do that, you will need to develop a travel plan.

As with many other popular vacation destinations, St. Thomas has a wide range of travel methods. Many of these travel options you can do yourself, but others may require the assistance of others. To determine which method of travel will be best for you while on vacation in St. Thomas, you are encouraged to fully examine each method of travel. Once you have familiarized yourself the advantages and disadvantage of each, you can make an informed decision.

One of the most popular ways to get around the St. Thomas island is to drive yourself. Since you flew into the area, you will have to arrange a car rental. Car rentals are available all around St. Thomas. When renting a vehicle, you may have to obtain a new auto insurance policy. This auto insurance policy is only temporarily, but it is needed in St. Thomas. You will find that most United States insurance companies do not cover driving in foreign counties.

The biggest advantage of driving yourself around is that you will have complete freedom with where you can go. Driving is also nice in St. Thomas because of the size of the island. During your vacation stay, you can easily drive the whole length of the island. You may find this exciting because it may enable you to get a chance to view the whole island.

While driving in St. Thomas is popular, there are many individuals who are uncomfortable driving or they are unable to altogether. An alternative to driving yourself is taking a bus. Buses departure and arrive at popular vacation destinations in St. Thomas on a daily basis. In addition to transporting vacationers from the airport to their destination, bus route can often take you right into the most popular shopping centers. For the most part, bus travel is the most cost effective way to travel in St. Thomas.

In addition to taking a bus, it is also possible to travel around the island in a cab. Taxi cabs are a great way to see St. Thomas; however, they can be a costly way to travel. Apparently, in St. Thomas a number of taxi cab drivers do not monitor the distance that they travel. Unlike taxi cabs in the Untied States, meters are not used. This means that you will need to be careful when taking a cab. It may be best to request the cost of travel before you even step inside the vehicle.

The above mentioned methods of travel are the most popular in St. Thomas; however, they are not the only ways that you can get around. When making travel arrangements, many vacationers do not even consider traveling around St. Thomas by foot or bicycle. If you are in a popular area of St. Thomas you may find everything you need located close to your hotel or resort. If this is the case, you may want to consider walking to your destination or renting a bicycle. You can easily rent a bicycle for the day or for your whole stay.

Whether chose to travel around St. Thomas by foot, bike, bus, taxi cab, or car rental, you are sure to get where you need to go. Each method of travel is effective. The best method for you will all depend on where you want to go and how much you want to pay to travel.

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All-Inclusive Vacation Resorts in St. Thomas

All-Inclusive Vacation Resorts in St. Thomas

Each year, millions of individuals, couples, and families make the decision to schedule a vacation. St. Thomas is a popular vacation destination, unfortunately, a large number of individuals believe that a St. Thomas vacation is out of their reach. If you are interested in scheduling a St. Thomas vacation, you should not let the cost of vacationing there prevent

you from vacationing at your dream destination.

If you are interested in how you could be spending your vacation in St. Thomas without having to be concerned with the price, you may want to examine all-inclusive resorts that can be found in St. Thomas. Many couples and families find that they are able to save a large amount of money by booking their vacation at an all-inclusive resort.

When examining all-inclusive resorts in St. Thomas, you are encouraged to take a number of important factors into consideration. One of these factors is what each resort considers to be all-inclusive. All-inclusive resorts come in all different shapes, sizes, and styles. Each of those resorts is likely to have different resort rules and regulations. You may find that a number of these rules and regulations are placed on all-inclusive packages.

What one popular St. Thomas resort may consider all-inclusive, another resort may not. That is why it is extremely important to determine everything that is considered in an all-inclusive resort package, before making your reservations. Fine dining, beach travel, and onsite entrainment is often included in most vacation packages. Alcohol may or may not be included in an all-inclusive package. Some St. Thomas resorts offer their guests all the free alcohol they can drink and other require that alcohol be paid for or a limit is placed on the number of drinks you can have.

When examining all-inclusive resorts in St. Thomas, you are also encouraged to consider the type of vacation that you are planning on taking. St. Thomas is a popular vacation destination for couples looking for a romantic getaway or families who are on a family vacation. There are a number of all-inclusive St. Thomas resorts that have age restrictions.

The age restrictions in place at many St. Thomas resorts are designed to help create a romantic environment. These restrictions often keep children, under the age of eighteen, off of the resort. If you are planning on vacationing with your family, it is important that you schedule your vacation at a resort that caters to individuals of all ages. Below is an overview of two popular all-inclusive St. Thomas resorts that are ideal for family vacations.

(1) The Wyndham Sugar Bay Beach Resort and Spa comes highly recommended by past St. Thomas vacationers. This all-inclusive resort is located within a short driving distance to the closest airport, making the Wyndham Sugar Bay Beach Resort and Spa ideal for couples traveling with their children.

Located directly on the beach, the Wyndham Sugar Bay Beach Resort and Spa offers an unlimited number of beach side activities. These activities may include, but are not limited to, swimming, sun bathing, snorkeling, scuba diving, and boating. Beach lovers, of all ages, will enjoy vacationing at this all-inclusive resort.

(2) The Bolongo Bay Beach Club and Villias is one of the most highly rated all-inclusive resorts. Bolongo Bay Beach Club and Villias is ideal for romantic getaways, weddings, honeymoons, business meetings, and family vacations.

On and offsite activities and facilities are geared towards individuals of all ages. Adults and children will have fun playing on the beach, swimming in the hotel pool, playing numerous outdoor sports games, participating in snorkeling tours, and much more. Whatever you and your family are looking for, the Bolongo Bay Beach Club has what you may need.

As previously mentioned, additional all-inclusive resorts can be found on the St. Thomas Island. It is important to remember to closely examine each resort and their policies before placing your reservations. By taking the time to examine multiple resorts, it will be easier to make sure that you get everything that you want and need while on vacation.

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Mexico Vacations: A Lovers Paradise

Mexico Vacations: A Lovers Paradise

Mexico vacations are available for individuals of all ages. While many enjoy taking their family on a Mexico vacation, there are others who choose to vacation in Mexico alone with their spouse. With all of the romantic destinations in the world, you may be wondering why you should vacation in Mexico.

Romantic getaways in Mexico are popular for an unlimited number of different reasons. Perhaps, the climate is what draws in most couples. Almost all year long, the climate in Mexico is tropical, warm, and inviting. Many couples schedule a Mexico vacation to escape their cold weather. In addition to escaping cold weather, there is just something about a tropic environment that generates romance.

Aside from the weather, many of the vacation destinations found in Mexico are geared for couples that are looking for a romantic getaway. There are a number of popular vacation destinations in Mexico, the most popular being Mexico’s beaches. If you are interested in scheduling a romantic getaway at a Mexico beach, you have a number of different options to choose from.

When vacationing at a beach in the United States, many couples visit the beach and then return to their hotel room. Similar accommodations are available in Mexico; however, the area is most famous for its beautiful beach resorts. If you are looking to have direct access to the beach and everything it has to offer, you may want to consider booking a stay at a

.

In addition to having onsite accommodations, many Mexico beach resorts are known for their romantic environments and atmospheres. By directly contacting a beach resort or by researching one online, you can easily determine whether the resort caters specifically to couples. When looking for a romantic beach resort, you may want to consider the onsite activities for children. If children are allowed to stay onsite, many romantic hotels refrain from offering onsite activities; this may help to keep the setting more mature.

The Mexico destination you select to vacation at is important when planning a romantic getaway. In addition to destinations, you will want to consider the activities that you can participate in. Mexico has an unlimited number of vacation activities that can be found all around the country. The best way to bring romance to your vacation is to determine which of the vacation activities brings you pleasure.

Just a few of the many things that you can do while vacationing in Mexico include boating, swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, and horseback riding. Many couples find beachside horseback riding to be relaxing and romantic, all at the same time. While snorkeling or scuba diving, you may be amazed with what you see and learn. For many, this excitement helps to generate romance.

When booking your romantic Mexico getaway, you may find that the cost of vacationing in Mexico can be expensive. If you are planning a romantic vacation, while on a budget, you can still visit many of the above mentioned destinations and participate in many of the above mentioned activities.

To obtain low-cost reservations in Mexico, you are encouraged to search for vacation packages or all-inclusive packages. Traditional vacation packages often combine hotel and travel accommodations. In addition to including hotel and travel accommodations, all-inclusive vacation packages are likely to include your cost of foods, drinks, and possibly your entertainment. You can easily search for these Mexico vacation packages by directly contacting a vacation resort or by visiting the resort’s online website.

While it is nice to plan your own romantic Mexico vacation, you may want to consider acquiring the services of a travel agent. Travel agents often operate locally or online. In addition to offering you suggestions on romantic vacation destinations, your travel agent will likely save you money. A large number of travel agents are given special deals and discounts on many vacation destinations, including Mexico. Many of these deals are not available to the general public.

Whether you choose to enjoy a romantic getaway at a Mexico beach or you choose another location, you are sure to enjoy your trip. With all that it has to offer, Mexico can easily be considered a lovers paradise.

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Creating a Travel Plan for Your Mexico Vacation

Creating a Travel Plan for Your Mexico Vacation

Planning is key to enjoying a great vacation when visiting Mexico. Taking the time to plan your trip ahead of time is the best way to enjoy your vacation. Planning is not only needed to enjoy your vacation, but to stay within your budget, have access to entertainment, and have a backup plan should anything go awry.

When creating a Mexico travel plan, it is advised that you include the cost of your trip, as well as your spending mo

ney. If you are planning a family trip, you may want to let your children participate in the plan by letting them decide where they’d like to go and what they’d like to see. A Mexico travel plan is also important because it can and should be used to manage your time. Careful planning can prevent burnout. You are encouraged to make a list of the top destinations that you would like to see. Be sure to include museums, beaches, historical landmarks, and anything else that peaks your interest.

Planning your budget will help prevent spending on an impulse. You will find that there are many opportunities to purchase souvenirs in Mexico. With a preplanned budget, you should be able to enjoy the benefits of Mexican shopping. You can easily use calculators to determine the exchange rate between the United States and Mexico. Taking the exchange rate into consideration is the best way to effectively budget your money. You should also plan for tipping when preparing your budget.

If you decide to vacation at an all-inclusive resort, then the cost of airfare, hotel, and food will be provided for. However, it is important to note that certain restrictions may apply. At an all-inclusive resort, you will have to pay for the extras, so make sure that you include anything that you may to purchase. Extra money should be set aside for shopping in the markets and traveling outside of your resort.

Planning for your entertainment ahead of time will help to prevent overspending. You should determine ahead of time what activities you would like to engage in. Planning and budgeting for your Mexico vacation can be difficult, especially when it comes to entertainment. You may find that you and your family will want to make a last minute stop. This is why it is advised that you plan for unexpected stops and purchases. If you have already set aside some money for an unexpected activity, you won’t have to worry about the cost of a last minute decision.

Finally, your plan should consist of contact information and an emergency back up plan. Whenever you are visiting a foreign country, it is important that you create an itinerary with all of your information and the details of your trip. That itinerary should be left with a close friend, family member, neighbor, or co-worker. In addition, you should also register with the United States Embassy or Consulate offices when you arrive. If anything happens while you are in Mexico, seeking the help of the U.S. Embassy or the nearest consulate office will provide the quickest and most effective assistance.

Before leaving for Mexico, make sure that you have up-to-date passports for all family members, as well as other forms of identification. By creating a travel plan, sticking to your budget, and creating an emergency backup plan, you can ensure that you family will have a wonderful vacation in Mexico.

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Common Cruise Ship Amenities

Common Cruise Ship Amenities

Are you interested in taking a cruise? If so, you are not alone. Each year a large number of individuals consider vacationing aboard a cruise ship. If you have never been on a cruise ship before, you may be wondering what activities, facilities, and services can be found onboard. The activities found onboard a cruise ship will vary from ship to ship, but many cruise ships have a number of activities and services in common.

Some of the most well-known facilities found on cruise ships are dining halls, restaurants, and cafeterias. Large cruise ships

may offer a number of onboard dining facilities. It is important to note that many of these dining facilities are considered upscale restaurants. In addition to a sit-down restaurant, there area usually a number of small eateries located onboard. Elegant dining restaurants are popular among cruisers. To ensure that you are able to enjoy an elegant meal, you are encouraged to schedule a reservation as soon as you board the ship.

Aside from dining facilities, bars and dancehalls are also found on most cruise ships. As with most of the bars and dancehalls found on land, there may be age restrictions in place. If you are traveling with your family, they may have to complete other activities while you enjoy the nightlight over the seas. If this should occur, you are in luck because most cruise ships have daycare centers and other activities geared towards children of all ages.

When it comes to placing your child in the care of a ship’s daycare center, you are urged to quickly familiarize yourself with the staff. This familiarization may help to calm your nerves. It is also important to note that cruise ship employees are often closely monitored, highly educated, and properly trained. While it may be difficult at first, you should feel comfortable leaving your child in the care of a cruise ship childcare worker.

Childcare is ideal for smaller children; however, if you are traveling with a teenager, daycare may not be an option. Swimming pools, libraries, video arcades, and movie theaters can often be found on cruise ships. Adult supervision is a policy that prevents children under a certain age from roaming freely around the ship.
Teenagers may be able to visit these facilities without adult supervision. Each cruise ship is likely to have different adult supervision policies. You are encouraged to review these policies before purchasing your tickets.

In addition to the above mentioned bars and dancehalls, gaming halls or casinos can be found on most cruise ships. As with gambling on land, there are age limits on those that can gamble aboard a cruise ship. Popular gambling activities include slots, blackjack, poker, and much more. Many onboard casinos are open for business twenty-four hours a day. Gambling is a popular cruise ship pastime. If you are booking a cruise just to gamble, you may want to further explore the gambling options aboard each ship.

Cruise ship operators know that many travelers take a cruise to escape their daily routines. Unfortunately for some, one routine that cannot be left behind is exercise. That is why almost all cruise ships have onsite fitness centers and fully equipped gyms. These gyms are often similar, and sometimes even better, than the gyms found in your hometown. In addition to a fitness center, a large number of cruise ships have jogging tracks.

If a particular activity or event is the only reason why you are interested in booking a cruise, you are urged to physically check for that event or activity before making your reservation. The above mentioned services, facilities, and activities are found on a number of popular cruise lines. These cruise lines are likely to include, but are not limited to, Carnival Cruise Lines, Paradise Cruises, Royal Caribbean, and Celebrity Cruises. With the click of a mouse or a toll free phone call, you can easily determine if your favorite activities can be found aboard the cruise ship of your choice.

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Advantages and Disadvantages of All-Inclusive Cruise Ships

Advantages and Disadvantages of All-Inclusive Cruise Ships

Vacationing is a pastime that is enjoyed by many. While vacations are nice, needed, and important, they can become costly. This cost is often associated with additional expenses such as food, beverages, and entertainment. If you are interested in vacationing aboard a cruise ship, but you are worried about the cost, you don’t necessarily have to be.

All-inclusive cruise ships are cruise ships where just about everything is included. The cost of your drinks, food, and entertainment are often taken care of. If you are wondering whether or not you should book reservations aboard a traditional cruise ship or an all-inclusive cruise ship, you are not alone. A large number of travels wonder the same thing.

When it comes in all-inclusive cruise ships, there are a number of advantages and disadvantages. To determine whether you could benefit from an all-inclusive cruise ship, you are encouraged to weight the advantages and disadvantages each. After you have considered each, you are encouraged to make a decision. If the advantages outweigh the disadvantages then an all-inclusive cruise ship may be just what you need and visa versa.

The biggest advantage of all-inclusive cruise ships is that most of your needs are taken care of. As previously mentioned, most all-inclusive cruises cover food, drinks, and entertainment. If you are interested in drinking a large amount of alcohol or feasting on the amazing onboard food, you may be able to do so free of charge. You may also be granted exclusive admittance into movie theatres and video arcades.

To many, having foods, drinks, and entertainment provided free of charge sounds too good to be true. In some cases, it may be. While many of your food and drinks are included in an all-inclusive package, not all are. It is possible that you may be required to pay for your alcoholic beverages. There are some cruise ships where alcohol beverages are included in the package, but on others it is not.

When it comes to food, your food at a sit-down restaurant may be provided free of charge, but your snacks are typically not covered. This often includes snacks or small meals purchased at onboard specialty shops and vending machines. If your snacks and small meals are not covered, you can prevent the extra expenses by eating a large meal. You may also be able to save money by brining your own snacks onboard, if the cruise ship allows it.

As mentioned above, entertainment is often included in an all-inclusive cruise ship package. As with food and drinks, the entertainment is often limited. It is likely that you will gain free admission into a dance or ball, but you will not be able to gamble free of charge. If you are interested in gambling aboard the ship’s casino, you will have to come up with your own funds.

When it comes to the cost of an all-inclusive cruise, there are many travelers who get confused. The cost of an all-inclusive cruise may seem high, but it is often that way to cover the cruise line’s expenses. For many individuals, the cost of an all-inclusive cruise is a great value. To determine whether or not you will save money aboard an all-inclusive cruise, you need to estimate your cost of food, drinks, and entertainment aboard a traditional cruise. Simply by comparing the two, you can easily determine which cruise package offers the better deal.

The advantages and disadvantages of all-inclusive cruise ship vacations are important. By examining each and comparing them to what you want and need out of your cruise, you can easily determine which cruise ship vacation package is right for you.

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