Travel Around Planet

Archive for July, 2010

Choose A Luxury Holiday In The Maldives

The Maldives are the perfect destination for anyone seeking a luxury holiday as they offer more than 80 islands for exploration. Each island has its own unique atmosphere and there are plenty of resorts that provide everything you could ever want from a tropical island. The Maldives are not only a popular destination with honeymooners and couples seeking romance they also offer adventure.

There are actually around 1200 separate islands located in the Maldives although many of them are uninhabited. Set in the Indian Ocean the nearest neighbors are India and Sri Lanka. The most populated island is Male a busy thriving island where at least a third of the population lives and home to the international airport. Most people arriving in The Maldives fly into this airport and then have to get another smaller aircraft or a boat out to their chosen island or resort. The main area of Male is the northern waterfront and where most of the trade and business is carried out. The waterfront area and surrounding streets are teeming with shops selling plenty of local goods and produce. In the same area can be found the Fish Market and the Local Market an interesting place to soak up the local culture and pick up a few bargains. You will see dried fish fresh fruits and vegetables and the catch of the day arriving fresh from the fishermen.

The climate in the Maldives is constant all year around and temperatures average 70 80 degrees on most days. The islands are lush with foliage and exotic plants and the cool evening breezes from the ocean means that it is never too hot for visitors.

Think of the Maldives and the images that spring to mind are of stunning beaches spectacular sunsets and luxurious resorts. However investigate a little further and you will discover there are plenty of other activities to entertain you on these beautiful islands. Many activities are waterbased with surfing snorkeling and diving the most popular. You can always book a boat trip around the islands to investigate the most stunning beaches you are ever likely to see. On the beaches you will also find the opportunity to parasail and admire the views from above join in a game of volleyball or try waterskiing.

The Maldives are a popular diving destination as the warm waters surrounding the islands are home to hundreds of exotic marine life and opportunities are plenty. Most resorts will be able to organize a diving trip for you. There are also safari cruises that let you experience the world under the ocean as well as looking for whales and dolphins and even sharks.

There is a variety of accommodation on offer in The Maldives and what you get depends on what you pay. If you are looking for a luxury holiday there are plenty of firstclass resorts with delicious food attentive staff and luxurious villas surrounded by turquoise waters and powdery white sands with private beaches. Choose from a thatchedroof bungalow set on stilts overlooking the ocean or a firstrate villa set in a private garden. Some resorts have every facility you would ever need for a luxury holiday including fresh water lagoons sea sports their very own diving centre and spa treatments. They give you every reason not to have to leave the resort. Robinson Crusoe style hideaways are perfect for honeymooning couples with villas and rooms dotted along the beach hidden away amongst the tropical plants and foliage they provide the ultimate in privacy.

The Maldives are the perfect destination for a luxury holiday providing sun sand and sea on its numerous stunning islands. Also discover tailor made holidays in unique and colorful destinations like Kenya Europe and the Caribbean that can be designed to meet your needs and fulfill all your expectations.

About the writer:  Michiel Van Kets provides article services for David Williamson who works for Only Exclusive Travel an agency bringing you the finest collection of luxury holidays fantastic honey moons and exotic holiday destinations around the world. For information on holidays in Africa and at destinations like The Maldives and Hawaii please visit the website.

Macau Travel Info For Your China Vacations

This article is about the China vacations and you can find some useful information in it if you are planning your China vacations now.

The Macau Special Administrative Region commonly known as Macau or Macao is one of the two special administrative regions of the People’s Republic of China the other being Hong Kong. Macau lies on the western side of the Pearl River Delta bordering Guangdong province in the north and facing the South China Sea in the east and south. The territory has thriving industries such as textiles electronics and toys and a notable tourist industry that boasts a wide range of hotels resorts stadiums restaurants and casinos. This makes it one of the richest cities in the world. Macau’s economy is based largely on tourism much of it geared toward gambling. The gaming tourism and hospitality industry is estimated to contribute more than 50 of Macau’s GDP and 70 of Macau government revenue.

First there are three useful advices for your Macau travel:

1. The RMB or U.S. dollars are not accepted in Macau and you’d better do the currency exchange before you arrive Macau. You can only use the HK or Portuguese Escudo PTE here. 1 HK = 1 Portuguese Escudo in Macau. If you are also going to visit Hongkong the HK is your good choice because the Portuguese Escudo is not accepted in Hongkong. You will need to get some changes for the bus service too like some coins. Usually the bus in Macau costs HK 2.5 for one person. You can do the currency exchange in Macau for sure but the exchange rate are not so good here comparing with other cities in China. The digital video and digital camera are good equipments for your Macau travel. You can use your cell phone here if your cell phone service provider can provide you the international roam service in Macau.

2. If you are planning to visit Macau in the weekend and will need to stay here for one night you’d better ask a local travel agent travel agents in Macau or Zhuhai to make a reservation for you first. You will find it very difficult to find a hotel with reasonable price if you don’t do the reservation in advance. The cost will be about HK 7001000 if you don’t make a reservation. If you do this in advance your travel agent can help you to get your room at only about HK 300. Sometimes it is even lower than this if you are lucky.

3. The people in Macau speak three languages: English Portuguese and Cantonese. You can choose the Xinmalu Street Shizheng Square as your first stop in Macau. The Macau Government Tourist Office is in this street and you can get free Macau maps here. They can be very helpful for your Macau travel. You can find more information about the China vacations Beijing flights and Lhasa travel at Travel2ChinaInfo Dot COM

Here is a list of the useful phone numbers in Macau:
Emergency: 999.
Emergency for travellers from China mainland: 110.
Emergency for foreigen travellers: 112.
Fire: 572222.
Shanding Hosptital: 313731.
Hotline for travellers: 333000.
Macau Government Tourist Office: 315566.
Consumers’ Association: 307820.
Macau International Airport: 861111.
Weather info: 1311.
Time: 141.

The main bus lines in Macau are:
1 1a 2 3 3a 4 5 6 7 8 8a 9 9a 10 10a a0b 12 16 17 18 19 23 28b 28bx 28c 32. HK 2.5 for one person

Some 4 stars and 5 stars hotels in Macau:
4 stars hotels : Fuhao Hotel tel: 853 782288 Zhongguodajiudian Hotel tel: 853 851166 Jingao Hotel tel: 853 781233 Junyi Hotel tel: 853 837788 Macau Holidy Hotel tel: 853 783333.
5 stars hotels : Pujing Hotel tel: 853 577666 Kaiyue Hotel tel: 853 831234.

Copyright belongs to Travel2ChinaInfo Dot COM . You can find more information about lhasa travelbeijing flights and china vacations from our web site.
NOTE: Permission is granted by the copyright owner to disseminate this article in whole or in part provided credit is given to the author with a link to the article’s source URL Travel2ChinaInfo Dot COM and this NOTE is not removed.

About the writer:  About the author: Shane Lee. Copyright belongs to China vacations infoShanghai flightsBeijingChina airfare . More China vacations info at: Beijing travel info for your China vacations.ShanghaiChina vacations info at: China vacations infoMotels in Shanghai.

Student Group Travel And Cultural Spanish Excursions

For educators nothing is more meaningful in student group travel than seeing a student connect with a new culture through a cultural immersion program. Rich destinations such as San Antonio Costa Rica or the Yucatan Peninsula provide opportunities for student groups to experience the wonders of these countries while learning about their language and the local customs.

San Antonio Texas is one of the most beautiful and culturally rich cities in the United States where student groups can explore the relationships between Mexico and the U.S. and become immersed in the local social cultural and linguistic adventures.

Imagine the fun and connections made as students participate in a dance lesson at the Instituto de Mexico where they also have the opportunity to examine works by local artists. Later they can experience the famous San Antonio River Walk with a cruise and Mexican dinner. The Paseo Del Rio in the heart of the downtown is the pride of the city. River cruisers travel the RiverWalk’s three miles past unique shops restaurants and nightclubs. A visit to San Antonio also includes a visit with University of Mexico students who are trying to perfect their English skills. More Spanish adventures are available with visits to attractions such as the Spanish Governor’s Palace in the Alamo Natural Bridge Caverns and the studio of an internationally renowned blind artist.

In addition student visitors come away with a greater understanding of Texas history and folk culture gain new appreciation for Texas architecture with visits to various missions including the Alamo and create their own Mexican artwork.

An immersion trip to Costa Rica provides student with an opportunity to practice their Spanish skills and interact with Costa Ricans. Students will gain confidence as they meet residents of communities and small towns who are eager to welcome and communicate with them in their native tongue.

Student groups can also become acquainted with the geographic diversity and beauty of Costa Rica with a visit to Arenal Volcano National Park hot thermal springs and the famous Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Visitors cross the Selvatura hanging bridges and take a canopy tour on the zipline above the treetops where wildlife and natural habitats abound. The adventure also includes travel to Manuel Antonio National Park with its unusual combination of white sand beach and evergreen forest. En route visitors observe country life with a visit to a traditional Costa Rican farm. And imagine the surprise one experiences as they view one of the largest colonies of crocodiles in Costa Rica at the Tarcoles River.

In addition to interfacing with cultural Costa Rica travel groups learn about the region’s wide variety of flora and fauna visit with local artists and enjoy popular activities such as rafting horseback riding and beach activities.

Student tours find new inspiration for learning with a culturallyrich trip to Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. They not only work on their Spanish conversation skills but also explore the wild beauty of Mexico’s natural environment.

Visitors become acquainted with two marvelous Cenotes located in a small village. The Cenotes or sinkholes are where underground rivers have broken through the limestone crust of the earth. A ride on horsedrawn trucks brings students into the jungle to visit and swim in the beautiful clear Cenotes.

Conversational Spanish is also a highlight of the program when students meet with a local Spanish teacher and then enjoy a walking tour of Merida the capital of the state of Yucatan. In the evening the traditional dance of the Yucatan the Jarana is an exciting spectacle.

No visit to Yucatan is complete without a tour of the Mayan archaeological site of Uxmal where the 115foothigh Pyramid of the Magician and the impressive Governor’s House are wonders to behold.

Student tours also embrace the Spanish culture in Yucatan by learning handicrafts and culinary skills of the country learning Latino dance steps with a Salsa dance specialist and snorkeling in the freshwater lagoons of XelHa.

About the writer:  travel adventures Travel Adventures is staffed by educators who understand the needs of teachers. Serving over one half million students since our inception we provide hasslefree travel arrangements while empowering teachers to create change by expanding the classroom to the world.