Jumat, 19 Desember 2008

* Maui Vacation *


Maui vacation advice, recommendations and Maui Map for friends in nine languages.

Maui Vacation Maui my way is your complete guide to my favorite Maui vacation experiences. My name is Scot, and I provide you with a Maui Map as well as advice and recommendations on activities, restaurants, beaches, hikes, snorkeling and much more. Why have I taken the time to build this site? Fun and Aloha! I lived on Maui for 10 years and get asked for Maui vacation advice by friends, family and co-workers all the time. I am not a Maui vacation sales company so I won't waste your time trying to sell you second rate experiences and bad information. My goal is to share aloha and help to make your Maui vacation a memorable and exciting, perhaps even romantic, on and off the beaten path trip! I have provided a description of each activity, directions and GPS coordinates to find each spot as well as an interactive Maui Map to help locate stuff. Maui Vacation Discounts has links to the best airline prices and other discounts. Maui checklist has a comprehensive Maui packing and planning list

My favorite and by far the best printed Maui vacation resource available with excellent directions, pictures and historical information is Maui Revealed. This is a must have unless you are going to carry your laptop with you on each adventure ; )

Maui Vacation advice including, Beaches, Restaurants, Snorkeling, Nightlife, Hiking, Golf Course Guide and more...



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Minggu, 14 Desember 2008

PARIS

Paris being the "City of Lights" and "Romance" attracts people from all over the globe. Being one of the most visited and hot tourist destinations, Paris is considered quite expensive. But do not panic as it does not mean that you cannot dream of going to the most romantic city in the world.
http://honey-traditional.blogspot.com/
It is very much possible to visit the expensive Paris within limited budget. For that you just need to plan your trip and follow some budget tips. Rest assured you will enjoy a fabulous trip of your lifetime.

Accommodation

* If you want to save on accommodation, consider staying in smaller towns where it is cheaper. When you are planning to visit Paris, you can look out for Paris hotels which are located near or well connected to the Metro or the RER (the suburban train lines), or even have the option to stay in a near by city like Chartres which is just train ride away. It will save a lot on traveling as well.
* You can also look out for star ratings of Paris hotels according to your budget and need. The Paris star-rating system is good and dependable. Even if you stay in one star less than your desired hotel, it will not make much difference in terms of comforts and facilities. You will find that sometimes even these lesser-rated Paris hotels are far better than their peers a notch up.
* However, if you are planning to stay in a town for more than a week, it is advisable to stay in a vacation rental or serviced apartments than a hotel. You can save on eating out as you can cook on your own in the fully equipped kitchen. Your have the privacy and comforts of home in these vacation rental or serviced apartments. However, the only disadvantage of not staying in hotel is that you will miss the personalized service of hotels.
* If you do not want to spend on accommodation you have the option of home exchange. It is possible if you are living in a big city which is also a popular tourist destination. While they visit your New York City Apartment, you can stay in a Paris couple’s Paris apartment.
* For a change from your usual stay in hotels, you can consider camping in Paris. It can be a lot fun. With France’s government-regulated star rating system, even a pricy two-star hotel can be equivalent to four-star campground.

Rail

* Get a rail pass if you are going to travel for long distances or for a few days of rail travel, as it is the best and only way to travel cheap.

How to Get Cash

* It is advisable not to visit exchange companies as the rates are terrible and commissions high. The best way to get Euros is by withdrawing at an ATM in Paris or charging on a credit card. It is the most budget way to get Euro.

Eating Out

* You can save on your hotel breakfast which is usually overpriced and consists of just few pastries and coffee. You can visit the local café and start your day with a breakfast and spend half or quarter the price for a pastry or croissant. You can also inform them when you are booking your room or checking in whether you want breakfast or not as you can be automatically charged for it. However, it will be much cheaper if you opt only for coffee in the room instead of full breakfast.
* Instead of spending money on all three meals a day, you can indulge in one great big French meal and preferably lunch. You will be served the same food for dinner for lesser money. For a low price, you can have the prix fixe menu consisting of a starter, main dish and dessert, and sometimes even wine.
* Having eaten much in lunch, you can go for cheap pastry and sandwich for dinner. Or if you prefer, you can go for the big three-course dinner and have sandwich lunch instead. Almost all over Paris, sandwiches are very good and usually cost around 3.5 Euros.

Transportation

* Paris is well served by good transportation thus, making it easy for you to access to any part of the city. It is easy to get from one town to another as smaller towns in Paris are also linked by good transport system. If possible try to avoid hiring or taking taxis because it is expensive. However, if you are not sure or confident about your specific destination, you can always e-mail the tourism office to enquire about their transportation system.

Follow these tips and you need not ruin your trip or make it too difficult to enjoy your trip to Paris. So, do not miss the opportunity to visit Paris as you only live once.

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Safari with your Family

Family life will never be the same at Riverdene Lodge situated in the world renowned Shamwari Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. In line with the worldwide trend of families "doing it together ", Adrian Gardiner, CEO of the reserve brings this concept into vivid reality. Riverdene Lodge embodies pure elegance in the wilderness with a traditional colonial African feel and ambience offering as experience designed specifically for families with its newly renovated accommodation focused on both adults and children alike

Riverdene Lodge brings to the family vacation seeker nine inter-leading luxury family rooms accommodating a maximum of 24 guests including children. All luxury rooms are fully air-conditioned and equipped with televisions. Private balconies lead onto the landscaped garden. Riverdene Lodge has two expansive, elegantly furnished casual lounges and a glorious sunroom designed to maximise our life giving African sun. Loads of space for families to be together and yet sufficient space in between for a degree of peace & quiet! Their magnificent rim flow swimming pool is designed to entice guests to relax and restore their energies. With the outdoor life being an integral part of an African Safari, the Riverdene Lodge lounge opens onto a spacious outdoor braai (Afrikaans word meaning barbeque) area where the African stars at night can form the basis for your youngster’s love affair for Africa in such a real way!

What makes Riverdene such a great find for families? Each family will receive personal attention from their assigned ranger for the duration of their stay. To really appreciate and understand the African wilderness areas, you have to have an " interpreter ". This is where each ranger and tracker at Shamwari comes into their own. Highly trained and experienced in this art of being a part of the Cycle of Life, they impart their knowledge and personal Safari experiences to both parents and their children at a level both will learn and grow from. As an added value item at Riverdene, they have developed a really cool and effective children programme for the aspiring adults to get closer to understanding Mother Nature.

In supporting this family vacation drive, the newly renovated accommodation at Riverdene Lodge will feature two supervised playrooms for children activities. Supervised spacious green lawns with a jungle gym, and a sports and social programme such as soccer, cricket, treasure hunts and swimming will be arranged to entertain and teach children. A special children focussed menu will be available, and dedicated child minders will be on hand at all times.

Upon arrival, each child will automatically receive a Born Free Foundation certificate. Special daily educational game drives on the Reserve for children with their parents will be organized with specific trips to the Born Free Center and the informative and fascinating Shamwari Film Studio.

The children will be introduced to the Shamwari Game Reserve and Born Free Foundation’s challenge to promote the conservation of species and the protection of habitat whilst maintaining a human and compassionate approach to the welfare of animals.

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Senin, 08 Desember 2008

Choose Your Best Romantic Paris Hotel


This anniversary you want to gift your partner something different. You are running out of ideas and have tried all option. Still, you are indecisive as what to do. If you are looking for that something special and unique gift, a trip to the most romantic city, Paris, can be that perfect gift you have been looking for.

You may think why Paris? Why not Paris? Paris is often referred to as the most romantic city in the world. It is immensely popular among couples, lovers and honeymooners. The romantic city welcomes everyone with open arms. Not only are Parisian romantic, even you will find that accommodations and Paris romantic hotels exudes romance as these romantic hotels are tailor made to give an ambience of intimacy and romance.

Paris offers numerous romantic hotels. Choose the best romantic hotel and make your anniversary a special one to cherish for the rest of your life. You can choose your ideal Paris romantic hotel according to your preference. Some of the romantic hotels are listed below:

  • Hotel du Jeu de Paume
    If you want to stroll hand-in-hand with your partner, leisurely dine and kiss while overlooking the Seine River, Hotel de Jeu de Paume is the ideal place for you. Formerly a royal tennis court, this four-star hotel has perfect location, in the center of the city in the heart of the charming Ile Saint Louis neighborhood. The architecture of the hotel is marvelous with interiors featuring timbered beams. What more you can get fabulous views on the open indoor courtyard provided by the glass elevator.
  • Chateau de Montvillargenne
    Make your anniversary cherishable in a stunning castle of 1900. This hotel is the epitome of romance featuring a whirlpool tub in every finely appointed non-smoking room, an indoor pool, a sauna and three golf courses within just five minutes of the chateau. From the Chantilly rail station it is located a mile and 20 miles from the city.
  • L'Hotel
    This can be your ideal romantic hotel as the atmosphere is very intimate and inviting. You can spend your most intimate moments in this quaint, boutique style hotel nearby cafes as you gaze into your partner's love struck eyes. Honeymooners will appreciate the thermal baths right inside the hotel. You will simply love the themed rooms which are marvelous and luxurious. Situated in the vibrant and artistic Left Bank St. Germain de Pres neighborhood, it boasted of formerly seeing guests like Oscar Wilde and other authors.
  • Hotel de Banville
    Stay in Hotel de Banvlle and have the privilege to view the Eiffel Tower from some of the rooms featuring balconies. If love quietness, then this lovely and charming small hotel in the quiet 17th arrondissement is the perfect gateway for romance. Feel indulgent in the turndown service, robes and slippers. The decor and style of each room is unique.
  • Hotel Britannique
    Your limited budget should not come on the way of your romance. Hotel Britannique is a cheap hotel in one of the central locations in all of Paris, in the first arrondissement and a block away from the Seine. The rooms are small, but just perfect for both of you.
  • Hotel Claridge Bellman
    Hotel Claridge Bellman is the ultimate place to experience true French joie de vivre. Located near the Champs Elysees, the Claridge is a lovely 42-room small hotel. You can feel yesteryear Paris in the beautiful decor. You can spend some precious intimate moments at the Claridge Honesty Bar as you serve yourself. Guests have the privilege to choose any period-decorated room.
  • Hotel Saint James & Albany
    You and your partner can take a romantic stroll near the Tulieres Garden which is situated near this former residence of a Duke. Built in the 1600s, this hotel exudes class and boasts of spa services, including an indoor pool and massages. Couples of honeymooners can indulge themselves in the hotel restaurant which is simply great.
  • Hotel Lutetia
    Hotel Lutetia is ideally located in the Left Bank. Enjoy your stay in this art deco hotel as you and your partner spend some unforgettable moments here. The hotel speaks of Left Bank style and ambience is intimate and romantic. The hotel has large rooms.
  • Duquesne Eiffel Hotel
    Take the opportunity to stay near one of the major symbols of romance, the Eiffel Tower. This fine intimate hotel is situated in a renovated 18th century townhouse and is just a short walk from the Eiffel Tower. Get yourself a room with a view of the Eiffel Tower.
  • Hotel Vernet
    A stay at Hotel Vernet near the Arc de Triomphe and just off the Champs Elysees can make your anniversary or honeymoon truly splendid. Indulge and relax in the spa services, including a pool, sauna and Turkish bath at no extra cost. It is located within walking distance.
Paris romantic hotels will compel you to come here again and again. Be early bird and book your ideal Paris romantic hotel.

The Author is a contributing writer to the website http://www.apartotels.com that was established in 2004 and since then is operating over more than 3000 serviced apartments which are situated in all the important locations of London, Paris and other European cities. The serviced apartments are suitable for a single person to a large family for short-term as well as long-term stay.Phone: +44 20 8680 3001Fax: +44 20 8603 7321

Article Source: http://www.ArticleBiz.com

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Nightlife in New York


If you have planned to visit New York then do not worry about your entertainment. Yes, only New York is a city where you can enjoy your every moment with your girlfriend or wife. New York is only a city where you can say that no city like there best entertainment place.

You can say New York can sleep in night but there bars and clubs always runs. New York bar’s and night club open from 11 pm to whole night and there bars time starts from 9 pm to onward. Here in night club and bars you can see world’s best facilities.

Guys from 18 years and 21 years can only enter in night clubs and bars. Here in New York clubs are divided into different categories means if you like Jazz music then you are lucky because only New York in USA have world best Jazz clubs. And it is always seen that there is a lots of member who already have a yearly full membership in Jazz clubs. So you can understand that how Jazz music is famous in New York. So if you are in New York and have planned to go nightclub then you must go Jazz clubs. I am sure that you really enjoy your great holidays there.

If you are interesting to find night clubs with dance then you can see lots of club in New York. Here yes you can see nightlife with full of colors. In New York if any one under 21 and wants to enjoy nightlife in New York there government has already given few approval to nightclubs owners that they can run there nightclubs in New York for the guys whose age between 16 years to 20 years but they can not serve any vulgar things in there clubs.

You can also go that night clubs which provides you famous bands because it is rare to listen famous bands in any other countries but in New York it is common to see "famous bands"

Every one have there own choice some one like dance, drink etc but some one like peace so do not worry in New York you can also find different kinds of clubs. Here in New York City there are many "comedy clubs" which entertain you with full of joy.

So enjoy your vacation in New York with my travel guide to New York traveler who looking for nightlife in New York and happy journey.

David Shang is writer of two travel portal. If you have plan to book your cheap flight tickets for your cheap family holidays then visit his site and save your money on every booking with his site.

Article Source: http://www.ArticleBiz.com

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How To Find The Perfect Hotel For Your Vacation


Hotels come in all shapes and sizes. Unfortunately, you cannot always tell whether or not a hotel is worth the price you will pay for your stay. Even within a chain, some locations may be clean and comfortable while others are dirty and less than desirable. So how do you choose the perfect hotel for your vacation? Here are the top things to look for when choosing a hotel:

Read online reviews, looking for a fairly high customer rating.

In many cases, you will be able to find online the hotels available at your destination. No hotel is going to post bad reviews on their own websites, but third party review sites often have customer reviews available. Look for high ratings (usually in the form of stars), but at the same time, remember to take this advice with a grain of salt. There is nothing stopping an employee from the hotel from logging online and posting a good review. At the same time, people with good travel experiences are usually not as vocal as people with bad travel experiences. So, although customer reviews can give you some insight, they should not be your only information about a hotel.

Look for a hotel with transportation options.

When you are traveling to a city far away from home, you will probably get there via airplane. That means that you will either be relying on public transportation or a rental car to get from place to place once you arrive in that city. If you can find a hotel that offers transportation to certain areas, that is a major benefit. Many hotels near airports, for example, offer park and fly programs. Some hotels also offer shuttle bus options to local tourist destinations, and all-inclusive resorts may even have day trips available where you can ride a bus to multiple locations all day. Check into these things for each hotel you consider when planning your vacation.

Ask what kind of technological amenities are available.

Not only is it important that your hotel has amenities like vending and ice machines, but it is also important to consider the technological amenities you may need as well, especially if you are traveling for business reasons. Today, many hotels offer wireless Internet connections. Some also offer Internet cafes or self-service business centers for printing, faxing and copying on the go. Beyond the technological aspects, you should also ask if the hotel offers free laundry services, pool access, parking, room service, and so forth.

Look for a room that meets your sleeping, bathing and eating needs.

The most important things you will be doing in your room are sleeping, bathing, and (possibly) eating. So, you want to make sure that the hotel you choose can accommodate you and your travel companions. For example, some hotels only offer king-sized beds in single rooms. If you are traveling with four people, you might have to sleep in two smaller beds if you choose certain hotels. Other hotels may only offer a shower stall and not a full bathtub, which may or may not suit your preferences. Also, do not assume that your hotel has a mini-fridge, coffee pot, or microwave in the room. This is not always the case.

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Lisa Parker is a freelance writer who covers the travel industry, often writing about specific topics such as vacation destinations and travel deals offered by a travel agency.

Article Source: http://www.ArticleBiz.com

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Minggu, 07 Desember 2008

New Year 2009




New Year is the world's most popularly celebrated festival. Perhaps, everybody would like to know how these celebrations began, from where it originated and what is so important about the festival. Let's give you an insight to the origin of this grand event in a brief form.

Origin of New Year dates back to the era of emperors. They thought of celebrating a special day which should dot a day for beginning and end of the year. First New Year celebrations were noticed in Mesopotamia around 2000 years. It was celebrated at the time of Equinox in mid-March by the Egyptians, Persians and Phoenicians while Greeks celebrated it on winter solstice.

Ancient New Year Calendar
First New Year celebrations were noticed in Mesopotamia around 2000 years. It was celebrated at the time of Equinox in mid-March by the Egyptians, Persians and Phoenicians while Greeks celebrated it on winter solstice.
As per the ancient Roman calendar New Year fell on March 1. This calendar just had ten months and March was the first month of the year. The calendar originated by the cycles of the moon, beginning in spring and ending with autumn planting.

Inclusion of Two Calendar Months
It was Numa Pompilius, the second king of Rome who divided the year into twelve lunar months by adding the months of January and February. The New Year was shifted to January as it marked the beginning of the civil years in Rome. But this was not fully accepted by the people of Rome and they continued celebrating in the month of March only.

January 1- an Official Date of New Year Celebrations
The Roman emperor Julius Caesar officially declared January 1 to be a New Year in 46 B.C. Romans worshiped God Janus who had two faces, one looking forward and the other looking backward. The month of January was named after this Roman God and it gave an idea to the emperor to establish January as a gate to the New Year. It is said Caesar celebrated January 1 - New Year by ordering the revolutionary Jewish forces to route back.

People began New Year celebrations on January 1 after many years. They ritualized the beginning of the year by acting and re-enacting the world of the past before peace proliferated. People learned January as first month of the year and with this the tradition of following Julian calendar.

Abolition of Roman New Year Date
In the medieval period, pagan festivals were given more importance and March 25 was announced as the beginning of the New Year. March 25 was called the Annunciation Day as on this day Mary got the news that she should be impregnated.

Later, the King of England ensured that Jesus' birth December 25 should be commemorated as New Year.

Gregorian Calendar
About 500 years later, Pope Gregory XIII abolished the old Julian calendar and introduced Gregorian calendar which comprised of a leap year after every four years to maintain balance between seasons and calendar. Finally, in 1582, Gregorian calendar was set to celebrate New Year on the first day of January.



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Sabtu, 06 Desember 2008

Jogja Traditional Indonesia

Indonesia,yogyakarta is famous as one of the main tourist destinations in Indonesia. A great number of officials, including country leaders, and tourists have already visited Yogyakarta. Whenever one mentions Yogyakarta, the idea of various tourist attractions will come to his mind; The great Sultan's Palace, Parangtritis Beach, Borobudur and Prambanan Temples, Merapi Volcano as well as the performing arts like Ramayana Ballet and Wayang Kulit.

The cultural colour of Yogyakarta is still obvious because of the temples, traditional buildings, various cultural activities, and a number of famous artists. This is accentuated by the presence of living tradition and everyday life of Yogyakarta community which is art loving and hospitable.

Yogyakarta is ready to host more visitors who are eager to enjoy its enchanting nature and culture by providing tourist facilities, attractions, guides, and other services. Your visit to Yogyakarta will be welcomed warmly.


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Jumat, 05 Desember 2008

EUROPE a never-ending journey

Europe…. An evocative name, but also the name of a continent that many people don´t know very well. We offer you the chance to discover Europe through our website. Our goal? To make you want to visit it by yourself!

visiteurope.com

You will have to organise your journey according to your personal preferences, your priorities, your budget and the time available for your trip. Use our Travel Planner tool and visualise your chosen route… or routes!
Whether you wish to pedal, fly or drive, you´ll find an original, convenient way of travelling around Europe that suits your preferences and at your own pace.

We want you to fall in love with Europe, today and forever.

  • You feel like being idle, going to the beach or the countryside, or you can’t resist the lure of the mountains? Europe is the place to go!

  • Do you like partying at night and sunbathing during the day? Europe is the place to go!

  • Do you like discovering cultural heritage, museums, castles and monuments? Europe is the place to go!

  • Do you like doing sport during the day and enjoying operas in the open air in the evening? Europe is the place to go!

  • Do you like getting away in nature, discovering varied fauna and flora in national parks? Europe is the place to go!

  • Do you like coming in contact with welcoming local people and different cultures? Europe is the place to go!

Europe has taken on the task of making its territories and cities accessible to everyone, and so offers solutions adapted to people with disabilities.

The Eurostar

Modern means of transportation let you to travel between different European regions or countries in the shortest time possible: domestic airlines and an increasing number of low-cost companies offer a variety of connections at highly competitive prices. Railways are another fast, ecological option when travelling between European countries: the TGV in France, the ICE en Germany, the AVE in Spain, the Eurostar between Belgium and the United Kingdom through France and the famous tunnel underneath the English Channel, as well as the Thalys train, which operates in France, Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands.

Six major European railway companies (from Austria, Switzerland, Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands) set up a partnership in 2006, known as Rail Team. The objective of this alliance is to become an alternative to airline alliances for passenger transportation.

In addition, Europe is devoting considerable time and resources to ecology: railway transportation has increased everywhere, as seen above, but other operations have also been launched in several countries. For instance, if you would like to visit cities while riding a bicycle, you may well be able to: more and more major cities are renting bicycles for hours or days, sometimes even on a “help-yourself” basis. Modernised tramways are also becoming increasingly popular in places that had stopped using them in the 60s/70s, so the appearance of these cities is being nicely modified.

When visiting Europe today, thanks to New Technologies, you can rely on several mobile solutions, such as GPS, PDA or cellular phones. A large number of tourist areas are equipped with multilingual audio-guides, so you can enjoy your visits to historical or cultural sites without missing a detail.

European hotels, found traditional by some and modern by others, are following the same trend: today, many of them offer an internet connection in every room or wifi access in the whole hotel. In many major cities, wifi access is provided in the city-centre itself, near their most visited districts.

What? You’re not ready to set off yet? Explore our pages… then pack your suitcases. We’re expecting you!



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Hawaii is like no other place on earth.


Home to one of the world’s most active volcanoes and the world’s tallest sea mountain. Birthplace of surfing and the hula. Former seat of a royal kingdom. Hawaii is one of the youngest geological formations in the world and the youngest state of the union. But perhaps Hawaii’s most unique feature is its Aloha Spirit: the warmth of the people of Hawaii that wonderfully complements the Islands’ perfect temperatures.

There are primarily six major islands to visit in Hawaii: Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, Maui, and Hawaii’s Big island. You’ll find each island has its own distinct personality and offers its own adventures, activities, and sightseeing opportunities. We invite you to explore all of Hawaii to find the unique island experience for you.

Hawaii Quick Facts:

  • Kauai's incredible Waimea Canyon is 10 miles long, and one mile wide.
  • Duke Kahanamoku, the "Father of Modern Surfing," grew up in Waikiki on Oahu.
  • The tallest sea cliffs in the world can be found on Molokai's north side.
  • A hulking ship is still trapped in the waters of Shipwreck Beach on Lanai.
  • The crater of Haleakala on Maui is roughly the size of the island of Manhattan.
  • Kileaua Volcano in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on Hawaii's Big Island is the world's most active volcano.


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Bali, Indonesia

Bali’s varied landscape of hills and mountains, rugged coastlines and sandy beaches, lush rice terraces and barren volcanic hillsides provide a picturesque backdrop to the colorful and deeply spiritual culture of this "Island of The Gods." First discovered by an international community of traveling surfers and hippies, you can party til dawn in the beachside clubs at Kuta and then sleep on the long, wide beach the next day. For a calmer, more spiritual escape, you can check out the temple sites on Bangli, scuba dive in the global center of bio-diversity off the coast of the island, shop in the unique markets, or simply spend your days swaying in a beachside hammock. From outdoor activities to spiritual escapes to beach relaxation, Bali has a lot to offer travelers with a spirit for adventure and a desire to see one of the most beautiful islands in the world.

No matter what your travel style or budget is for your trip to Bali, there are lots of options for travelers to customize their dream vacation. We’ve got some great deals on airfare to Bali. Once you’ve got your ticket booked, you can check out the many accommodation options on the island which you can both read about and book right here on our site and range from luxury resorts, to cheap, backpacker hostels, mid-range hotels, villas and guest houses. So, you’ve got your ticket in hand, your hotel booked and now you need some ideas on what to do when you arrive in Bali. Want to scuba dive among some of the most impressive sea life in the world? Surf some of the best waves in warm waters? Hang out at the beach? Or maybe you’d like to sign up for a tour to get the most out of your trip to Bali. Whatever you’re looking for, we’ve got it here.

In the pages of WhyGo Bali, you’ll find everything you need to plan your trip to this Indonesian island of paradise. Whether you are on the hunt for the best deals on your airfare or you’d like to get the inside scoop on hotel and hostel options in Kuta or Lombok, you’ll find all the best resources just a click away. Want to know how to navigate the local culture and find the hidden gems most guidebooks skip? We’ve got the most comprehensive guide on Bali out in the world of the wide web, with experts who have lived and traveled there giving you tips, information and ideas on how to make the most of your trip to Bali. So, join our community of Bali lovers and travelers, pack your swimsuit, and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime!

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Introduction to Bangkok, Thailand

The headlong pace and flawed modernity of BANGKOK (called "Krung Thep" in Thai) match few people's visions of the capital of exotic Siam. Spiked with scores of highrise buildings of concrete and glass, it's a vast flatness which holds a population of at least nine million, and feels even bigger. But under the shadow of the skyscrapers you'll find a heady mix of frenetic markets and hushed golden temples, of glossy cutting-edge clubs and early-morning almsgiving ceremonies. Most budget travellers head for the Banglamphu district, which is just a short walk from the dazzling Grand Palace and Wat Po and the very worthwhile National Museum. For livelier scenes, explore the dark alleys of Chinatown's bazaars or head for the water: the great Chao Phraya River is the backbone of a network of canals and a useful way of crossing the city.

Bangkok is a relatively young capital, established in 1782 after the Burmese sacked Ayutthaya, the former capital. A temporary base was set up on the western bank of the Chao Phraya, in what is now Thonburi, before work started on the more defensible east bank. The first king of the new dynasty, Rama I, built his palace at Ratanakosin and this remains the city's spiritual heart. Initially, the city was largely amphibious: only the temples and royal palaces were built on dry land, while ordinary residences floated on thick bamboo rafts on the river and canals, and even shops and warehouses were moored to the river bank. In the late nineteenth century, Rama IV and Rama V modernized their capital along European lines, building roads and constructing a new royal residence in Dusit, north of Ratanakosin.

Since World War II, and especially from the mid-1960s onwards, Bangkok has seen an explosion of modernization, leaving the city without an obvious centre. Most of the canals have been filled in, to be replaced by endless rows of concrete shop-houses, sprawling over a built-up area of 330 square kilometres. The benefits of the economic boom of the 1980s and early 1990s were concentrated in Bangkok, as were the calamitous effects of the late-1990s economic crisis, both of which attracted mass migration from all over Thailand and made the capital ever more dominant: the population is now forty times that of the second city, Chiang Mai, and Bangkokians own four-fifths of the nation's cars.

Bangkok, Thailand

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Kamis, 04 Desember 2008

Tips for Traveling Abroad

For detailed information about steps you can take to ensure a safe trip, see How to Have a Safe Trip. Meanwhile, here are some quick tips to make your travel easier and safer:

  • Register so the State Department can better assist you in an emergency: Register your travel plans with the State Department through a free online service at https://travelregistration.state.gov. This will help us contact you if there is a family emergency in the U.S., or if there is a crisis where you are traveling. In accordance with the Privacy Act, information on your welfare and whereabouts will not be released to others without your express authorization.

  • Sign passport, and fill in the emergency information: Make sure you have a signed, valid passport, and a visa, if required, and fill in the emergency information page of your passport.

  • Leave copies of itinerary and passport data page: Leave copies of your itinerary, passport data page and visas with family or friends, so you can be contacted in case of an emergency.

  • Check your overseas medical insurance coverage: Ask your medical insurance company if your policy applies overseas, and if it covers emergency expenses such as medical evacuation. If it does not, consider supplemental insurance.

  • Familiarize yourself with local conditions and laws: While in a foreign country, you are subject to its laws. The State Department web site at http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1765.html has useful safety and other information about the countries you will visit.

  • Take precautions to avoid being a target of crime: To avoid being a target of crime, do not wear conspicuous clothing or jewelry and do not carry excessive amounts of money. Also, do not leave unattended luggage in public areas and do not accept packages from strangers.

  • Contact us in an emergency: Consular personnel at U.S. Embassies and Consulates abroad and in the U.S. are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to provide emergency assistance to U.S. citizens. Contact information for U.S. Embassies and Consulates appears on the Bureau of Consular Affairs website at http://travel.state.gov. Also note that the Office of Overseas Citizen Services in the State Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs may be reached for assistance with emergencies at 1-888-407-4747, if calling from the U.S. or Canada, or 202-501-4444, if calling from overseas.

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