Sri Lanka is Becoming the Shopping Centre of South Asia

December 14, 2009 · Filed under Uncategorized · Tagged , , , , , , , , ,

Sri Lanka, the navigational hub of the Orient in the ancient world, is an island in the Indian Ocean. From north to south it has a maximum length of 447 km and at its widest point it measures 219 km with a total land area of 65,610 sq km.

The Island enjoys pleasant tropical climate relatively hot in the plains and cooler in the central highlands.

The majority is Singhalese 74 percent who speak an Indo Aryan language called Sinhala. Other major ethnic groups are Tamils and Moors. Majority of the population is Buddhist.

Sri Lanka, the Isle of Serendipity is a tourist paradise with an abundance of tourist attractions like the sunny beaches, glorious ancient cities, salubrious hill country, beautiful fauna and flora, exquisite handicrafts, world renowned gems, traditional dance and drama, colourful festivals, smiling people and not forgetting the mouth watering cuisine.

Sri Lanka is fast becoming the shopping centre of South Asia. It is also the ideal venue for Meetings, Incentive travel, Conferences and Exhibitions in this part of the world. It is the Mother Natures gift to eco tourism enthusiasts.

Over one thousand kilometres of palm fringed sandy beaches encircle the Island. Sri Lanka is never out of season for a beach holiday. There is always some part of the beach that has friendly and warm waters. The beach resorts in the West Coast, South Coast and the East Coast are popular among the tourists who enjoy taking a dip in the warm waters and relaxing on the sandy beach.

Fauna and flora are protected and preserved in several national parks and nature reserves offering the visitor an opportunity to taste the natural beauty. There are eleven such National Parks in the Island but the most popular for viewing animals are the Ruhuna. From the safety of a park bungalow or a covered jeep, visitors can watch several species of animals and birds roaming freely in these extensive reserves

Most Sri Lankan towns, except the larger cities like Colombo and Kandy, are rather low on entertainment. In large hotels, there will often be nightclubs; some hotels, clubs and other venues also offer cultural performances by traditional artistes.

It is fast becoming the shopping centre of South Asia. Several new shopping Malls are opened up in the City offering international brands of mens and womens wear. Garments manufactured in Sri Lanka are of the highest quality which is in great demand in most countries including USA and UK.

Souvenir hunters will find the Handicraft shops including the government handicraft emporium very interesting with a large and wide array of local handicrafts on offer. Tourist shops approved by the Ceylon Tourist Board are found in all tourist resorts.

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Cheap bus tours – your best way to see Australia

December 12, 2009 · Filed under Uncategorized · Tagged , , , , , , , , ,

When you think about Australia, you think about its amazing wildlife, natural scenery and the incredible hospitality of the local people. Travel by bus in Australia and take advantage of cheap bus tours and bus travel. You can purchase cheap bus tickets as bus passes to enjoy discount bus travel from coast to coast. Bus travel in Australia lets you explore the wonders of the country step by step, enjoying its diverse destinations and having an unforgettable experience.

As more and more people are attracted by cheap bus tours, companies present their travel products and offers on the Internet. They realise people are looking for comfortable yet affordable ways of traveling and came up with cheap bus tickets. Today, if you want to travel by bus you have a wide online choice of traveling options that involves a variety of cheap bus tickets or cheap bus tours.

If you are an independent traveler looking for a sense of adventure and keen on exploring, then Australian cheap bus tours represent just the thing for you. You can choose a pre-determined route and travel as much as you like in that direction. It is guaranteed that you will be amazed not only by the scenery but also by the variety of travel provided. With such services, you will benefit from one of the most incredible travel packages ever and really discover the adventurer in you.

What does Australia means besides the Great Opera House in Sydney? With cheap bus tours, you will get a taste of some of Australia’s more enticing regions, including Perth, Kalgoorlie, Adelaide and Brisbane. Depending on the type of pass you choose, you will probably end up seeing one of the most spectacular sights ever on the face of the Earth, meaning the Great Barrier Reef and the multitude of Australian National Parks such as Kakadu.

On the Internet, there are a lot of reputable companies advertising cheap bus tickets. Still, you should always go for the ones presenting all the information and offering you a wide variety of choices. You must be acquainted with the rules of each kind of Aussie travel pass, learn about food & accommodation, plus what does the price includes (transportation, available transfers and national parks entry fees). If you want to get a little feel for the Aussie continent, then at least you should do it the right way.

Australia is indeed one of the most desired holiday destinations. With the help of cheap bus tickets, people are able to explore the mainland and its wonderful cities like Darwin, the east coast with its agriculture and of course the inland parts of New South Wales. If you go for the Aussie Reef and Rock Pass, you will really get a taste of excitement, especially as you get to visit the Great Barrier Reef as well as explore the prehistoric Ayers Rock.

Cheap bus tours are advantageous for those wanting to see as much as possible and yet not spend a fortune. The freedom to travel is great and you have various cheap bus tickets to choose: western explorer pass, east pass, central coaster, pearl diver and outback pass. Each one of these passes has incredible things to offer; for example, if you go for the pearl diver pass, not only you will travel along the western Australian coastline, but also visit a historic pearling centre in Broome. There are so many things Australia has to show, you just have to build up the courage and go for it.

Do not hesitate to book cheap bus tours when you travel. Modern coaches, equipped to offer the highest standards of comfort are prepared to take you wherever you decide, from all of the 1100 destinations possible. The prices are incredible and you may take a bus pass for 12 months. Transfers can also be a great option, helping you to discover more amazing things about Australia. Are you ready to benefit from one incredible travel deal? Just close your eyes and picture yourself snorkelling over the Great Barrier Reef!

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Holidaying in Broome: The Hidden Pearl of Western Australia

December 6, 2009 · Filed under Uncategorized · Tagged , , , , , , , , ,

If you want to experience another facet of Australia, head for Broome, an exotic oasis in the heart of the country’s last great wilderness area.

Broome is an exotic blend of seaside resort and frontier town with and colourful mix of architectural styles. Add in a delightful beach and a rich and unusual history all in a tropical climate, and you’ve got the recipe for a great vacation.

Broome’s exotic nature stems from its history. Its location on the Indian Ocean made it a perfect spot for pearling and it attracted people from all over the world, especially Japan.

Today’s Broome is a chic modern town with art galleries and jewellery shops chic cafes with a wide range of attractions. You can see the pearling luggers at the wharf and in the bays, and buy pearls in Chinatown. For a taste of history, there’s a Japanese cemetery, the last resting place of over 900 pearl divers.

Other than the city, the big attraction is the famous Cable Beach, a 14-mile stretch of pristine sand washed by a limpid blue sea. To truly appreciate the magic of Cable Beach, take a camel ride at sunset. The swimming is good too. Roebuck Bay on the eastern side of the town is also popular.

Broome is also a delight for ornithologists as flocks of shorebirds land at Roebuck Bay on their annual migration from north Asia. Summer is the peak time to view them but fledglings often remain there for the first two years of their lives.

Transport: getting there and getting around

Broome International Airport provides transport to several regional and domestic towns and cities.

Public transport in Broome is minimal but there’s an hourly bus service to Cable Beach. The flat terrain makes it fine for cycling and rental bikes are readily available.

Climate:

Broome has a tropical climate with basically two seasons – dry and wet. During the dry season from May to November, temperatures peak at around 30 C. Most days are clear and sunny. In the wet season, temperatures get up to around 35 C. Humidity is high and heavy downpours are sporadic. The area can get hit by cyclones and summer storms.

Accommodation:from cheap stays to luxury resorts

Check on the internet for the range, location and cost of Hotels in Broome
Check on the internet for the range, location and cost of Broome hotels
Check on the internet for the range, location and cost of Broome accommodation

Events:what’s on and what’s hot

*Broome’s flagship event is known as ‘Staircase to the Moon’. It occurs when a full moon reflects off mudflats in Roebuck Bay during low tide. The effect is like a glorious set of stairs reaching up to the moon. Occurs March through to October.
*In September, the importance of the pearl industry is captured in Shinju Matsuri, which started in 1970. The name means ‘festival of the pearl’ in Japanese and the event is an extravaganza which includes an opening ball, carnival and float parade, mardi gras, together with many cultural activities.
*Opera Under The Stars is held in Broom and Kimberly in August.

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Save Money by Packaging Your Own Holiday

December 4, 2009 · Filed under Uncategorized · Tagged , , , , , , , , ,

Travel is evolving. The days of giant package holiday companies providing almost everyone with a one size fits all holiday are numbered. Every detail of ones holiday was catered for by the tour operator. Flights, hotels, villa accommodation and tours. Two weeks in July with roast beef and fries at the bar. Today and in the future we are seeing change and the trend is towards independent travel.

The independent traveler is on the scene and with the arrival and growth of the internet individuals no longer need accept a tin sardine holiday. The arrival of cheap airlines has helped persons make considerable savings by booking early and travelling in the low season and in the middle of the week. There has been more and more one way tickets purchased. The modern traveler wants more flexibility and will often extend or shorten their trips depending on how much they are enjoying themselves.

The reliance on packaged holidays has caused severe pressures on the infrastructure and environment of holiday hot spots like the Algarve and Majorca, Spain. Their ability to monopolise the accommodation market and dictate pricing has not only created ghost towns that are virtually deserted for most of the year, it has also conned thousands of people with misleading real estate opportunities and created a housing bubble and surplus as well as unnecessarily spoiling miles of coastline.

There are huge benefits in renting holiday villa accommodation with the owners direct over accepting a tin sardine holiday. There are fewer middle men taking their hefty commissions for renting the villa, apartment or hotel room to you. You can save money when these savings are passed on. You get to choose exactly which property you are renting. Instead of finding yourself in a murky hotel room with a leaking sink or a green swimming pool you have the freedom to personally speak with someone you can trust and who takes pride in providing a service of a higher standard and better value for money.

The idependent traveller has far greater freedom to change their plans and discover spontaneously. The trend towards independent travel has colossal benefits for the environment and local economies. Instead of profits being siphoned off into the already inflated bank accounts of mammoth corporations, small businesses and the local economy get a bigger slice of the pie. The season is extended as independent travelers take advantage of lower prices and less competition in the shoulder and low seasons.

Independent holiday makers travel further afield and to more diverse locations off the beaten path. Instead of large concentrations of people arriving in a single location in July or August the independent traveler will venture elsewhere reducing the environmental footprint and helping the economies of more rural economies.

In the traditional package holiday situation tradition and culture were at best artificial spectacles such as a flamenco night in Tenerife and at worst local people have felt exploited and tourists unwelcome. The mammoth companies keep sending the tourists and in locations such as Majorca where the package still rules restaurant proprietors needn’t worry about reputation or providing value for money because tomorrow a new load of pale faced tourists will be arriving.

By travelling independently one has far more freedom. Free to choose, free to move, free to travel onwards, to follow ones intuition, to enjoy and interact with the local people, to see the real culture and to travel in a more environmentally sustainable way that benefits the local people and their economy.

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Holidays are Perfect in Pattaya

December 3, 2009 · Filed under Uncategorized · Tagged , , , , , , , , ,

One of the largest cities of tourism in the world, Pattaya is situated in the southeastern part of Bangkok – the capital city of Thailand. Pattaya has lot to offer tourists. It is filled with lot of wonderful attractions and this made the city a popular tourist attraction.

Pattaya was a small unknown fishing village in Thailand till the end of 1960s. By the end of 1960s, some Bangkok residents came here to spend their vacation and made it a local tourist spot. It was used as an official rest and recreation center For the US forces during the Vietnam War. The city’s growth to vibrant tourist center was very fast and now-a-days it is considered as Thailand’s largest resort.

Pattaya, the beach resort with city status, holds a lot of attraction for every one. Unlike other resorts around the world, Pattaya has good natural surroundings and provides everything you think regarding recreation, entertainment, fun and sightseeing. It is ideal for all kinds of travelers including sports enthusiastic, couples of all ages looking for a break and leisure and those who are just looking for warm sunshine.

You can have the opportunity to visit open-air bars, nightclubs, cabaret shows and discos in the night. South Pattaya is considered as the nightlife center of Thailand. Shopping can be an evening attraction and you can buy Thailand’s best buys such as silk, gems and jewelry, tailor made clothing and handicrafts from the malls of Pattaya.

Numerous accommodation facilities are available in Pattaya including luxury hotels with private beaches, bay side hotels and bungalows, economy class hotels and guest houses with small comfort. As Pattaya has an unbelievable option of accommodation to suit every pocket, you can choose your favorite accommodation facility that suits your pocket. Unlike other places, wide range of restaurants are available throughout Pattaya which offers Thai, Chinese, Indian, Japanese, French, German, Italian, Belgian, Lebanese and Mexican cuisines. Everybody can find mouth-watering food here in Pattaya at reasonable price.

The comfortable way to reach Pattaya is by bus. Buses are available from Bangkok’s new Airport and the Eastern and Northern Bus Terminal in every 30 minutes. If you like to drive yourself and reach Pattaya then there are lot of options to rent a motorcycle, bike, car or jeep.
There is lot of options for active visitors in Pattaya. It is considered as one of the oldest diving centers in this part of Asia. Facilities for activities such as windsurfing, water skiing, sea walking, swim sunbathing, snorkeling, sailing and fishing are available at reasonable rates.

There is also an option to go for a trip to offshore islands. You can take water scooters for rent to explore the bay and motorcycles, cars or jeeps to explore the nearby beaches and other tourist spots outside the resort. Tennis lovers can play their favorite game and enjoy in the courts of leading hotels. Pattaya is also a perfect place for golf enthusiasts. There are around 18 golf courses around Pattaya. Most of the courses have international standard with 18 to 27 holes. It is considered as a best place to play golf around the world. You can also enjoy other activities such as bungee jumping, snooker halls, bowling alleys, shooting galleries and archery.

Pattaya is one of the most popular beaches in Thailand and is a mind-blowing place for both tourists and natives alike. The reason why Pattaya has became most popular among the tourists is that the city is situated near the shopping centers, bars and hotels. Visitors can find everything they need without much problem.

Jomtien Beach is another attraction in the city with lots of hotels and restaurants. The beach holds a large amusement center with water park attractions, a roller coaster, a monorail and fun attractions for children. There are several other attractions which Pattaya can offer including places for go-cart racing, Pattaya Beach Resort Water Park, the Sri Racha Tiger Zoo and Funny Land Amusement Park, a crocodile farm and museums. Several shopping centers are there in Pattaya which everybody likes to visit while in Pattaya. Visit this enchanting place for your next vacation.

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Hong Kong as a Special Administrative Region of China

December 2, 2009 · Filed under Uncategorized · Tagged , , , , , , , , ,

Hong Kong was once a sleepy fishing village. But, with the arrival of the British in 1842, it became a crown colony of the United Kingdom, which continued until 1997, when the British handed it over to China, after signing an historic agreement by the then prime minister of the UK, Margaret Thatcher, and the then Chinese President, Deng Xiaoping.

The city has now become one of the vibrant destinations in the world, apart from being a prominent economic center in Asia. The World Tourism Organization rates the city among the 15 most preferred tourist destinations in the world. Al though a part of China, Hong Kong is quite different from rest of the nation, and has its own government and legal systems, monetary policy, and immigration policy. Situated in Eastern Asia, bordered by the South China Sea, it is made up of three areas, such as, the Hong Kong Island, Kowloon Peninsula, and the New Territories as well as the Outlying islands including Lantau Island, Lamma Island, and Cheung Chau Island.

The center of economy, entertainment, and politics – Hong Kong Island is considered the heart of the special administrative region. Stretching from the Tin Hau to Chai Wan on the eastern part of the island is the prime residential area of the region. The northern part of the island is the main commercial as well as entertainment area, stretching from the Central District to Causeway Bay. Likewise, the southern part of the Island is home to some of the destinations that are abound in natural beauty, such as, Deep Water Bay, Repulse Bay and Ocean Park, which is one of the top-most theme parks in Southeast Asia.

However, most popular among the destinations in the island is the Peak, the highest point on the island that is perched at an altitude of 554 meters. The Peak serves as a perfect base to have a bird’s eye view of the whole of the thriving island as well as the spectacular Victoria Harbor, which is one of the three natural water harbors in the world.

One of the most popular ways to reach the Peak is to take a ride on the Peak Tram, which runs from the city center and reach here within seven minutes. Another stunning landmark of the island is Bank of China Tower – a soaring 70-storeyed building. In addition, situated on the southwest coast of the Island is the Cyberport, a high-tech facility supporting the multimedia, telecommunications, and IT industries.

The island is also much famed for its destinations including Aberdeen, a traditional village inhabited by hundreds of fishermen. From traditional style Chinese boats to most sophisticated boats, an amazing variety of fishing boats can be seen here. Further, located here are the HK Convention and Exhibition Center and Golden Bauhinia Square, which stands as a symbol to memorize the Return of Hong Kong to its motherland.

Kowloon is an exciting part of the city, and is considered one of the prominent industrial and commercial hubs of the nation. It is also home to one of the busiest airports in the world, namely, Kai Tak international airport. A ride on Star Ferry from Kowloon across Victoria Harbour to the Island would be a great experience. On utilizing the excellent options rendered by Kowloon, the city has now become a prominent shipping center in the world.

A visit to Hong Kong is incomplete without touring its amazing attractions such as Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank (HSBC) Building, Exchange Square and the International Finance Centre, Victoria Park and the Hong Kong Central Library, The Fringe Club and the Foreign Correspondents’ Club, Happy Valley and Sha Tin Racecourses, and Murray House.

Attractions in Hong Kong also include an array of Buddhist as well as Chinese temples including Man Mo Temple, Chi Lin Nunnery, Wong Tai Sin Temple, Che Kung Temple, and Tin Hau Temple. In addition, included in the landmarks are a range of museums, such as the Arts Centre Pao Galleries, the Racing Museum, the Film Archive, Hong Kong Heritage Discovery Centre, and Sheung Yiu Folk Museum.

Gastronomy – The city boasts of a variety of excellent options to satisfy your gastronomic needs, with restaurants providing cuisines, ranging from Japanese, French, and Italian to Asian and Chinese cuisines.

Shopping – Fabulous choices are available in the city for a great shopping, with a variety of shops on such happening areas as Stanley Market and Temple Street.

Also referred to as the ‘Pearl of the Orient,’ the city provides excellent options to cater to the accommodation needs of all types of tourists, no matter you are a budget conscious traveler or a luxury lover traveler. Many of the hotels and resorts are located within the heart of the city, and hence are within easy close proximity to almost all top tourist attractions.

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Circa Nightclub Toronto

November 29, 2009 · Filed under Uncategorized · Tagged , , , , , , , , ,

October 4th, 2007 – The Toronto nightlife scene glows remarkably brighter now that legendary New York nightclub guru Peter Gatien has unveiled his highly anticipated project, CiRCA nightclub. Hailed as Gatien’s most extensive project ever, the 55,000 square foot CiRCA is unlike anything the world has ever seen, offering a multifaceted club with a unique blend of arts, fashion and entertainment.

Peter Gatien started his career in the 70’s spanning three decades known as the “King of Clubs” in New York City. His accomplishments include the opening of Limelight, Palladium, Tunnel and Club USA. Gatien’s current undertaking will encompass everything he’s learned over the years into one truly astounding project.

Located at 126 John St. in the heart of the Entertainment District, Gatien has overhauled the former Playdium / Lucid building into what promises to be one of the most sensory stimulating club experiences you’ve ever had. Building on the existing architecture of an open concept with overhanging balconies, Gatien has transformed the four floors into distinctly themed areas capable of accommodating 3,000 people.

Gatien has invested heavily into the $6.5 million club which will also serve as a giant interactive canvas. Local area and international artists are invited and encouraged to push the creativity envelope and showcase their work. Ongoing contributions will ensure a dynamic atmosphere that is frequently changing. All in all, this will add an exciting dimension to the club industry while beautifully highlighting the artistic and cultural diversity of Toronto.

Aside from the main dance floor which can accommodate 1,000 people, CiRCA will feature several other intimate and distinctly themed areas. The world’s first SKYY Cinema Lounge includes a state-of-the-art screening room with a bar, DJ booth and 16 foot screen presented by SKYY Vodka.

The Sensa Bar will further your experience with its sensitive surfaces that react to touch and movement. Highly responsive surfaces can be programmed to allow for an entertaining level of interaction, and two private booths put you in control allowing for changes in lighting and music.

The Ball Room caters to the distinguished clientele who prefer a more refined setting. The luxuriously appointed room will include its own bar and DJ booth to create the intimate feeling of being at a private social club.

Embrace your inner child in the Kidrobot Room. Founder of Kidrobot Paul Budnitz has designed a room allowing patrons to admire and purchase the exclusive products. Kidrobot fuses urban street trends and pop art to create limited edition collectible toys and apparel. The buzz around this collaboration has quickly stretched across the globe with enthusiasts and collectors alike.

After months of anticipation, CiRCA opened its doors on October 4th to glowing reviews. If you happened to miss the unveiling you can still experience this unique endeavor every Friday and Saturday night.

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National Air and Space Museum Highlights Nation’s Progress in Flight

November 29, 2009 · Filed under Uncategorized · Tagged , , , , , , , , ,

A key part of the Smithsonian Institution that student group travelers to Washington, D.C., will want to take in, is the National Air and Space Museum on the National Mall. With hundreds of original, historic artifacts on display, including the Wright 1903 Flyer; the Spirit of St. Louis; the Apollo 11 command module Columbia; and a Lunar rock sample that visitors can touch, the Museum will captivate students and visitors for hours on end.

There are some 22 exhibition galleries in the Museum, including an IMAX theater, flight simulators, a three-level shop, and a food-court-style restaurant.

A favorite gallery, “How Things Fly,” includes science demonstrations; paper airplane contests; and interactive devices. Another feature is the “Early Flight” gallery, which highlights some of the earliest notions of flying through the first decade of powered flight.

Visitors can also see the original 1903 Wright Flyer and 170 other related artifacts in a special exhibition, “The Wright Brothers & The Invention of the Aerial Age.”The Flyer will eventually be returned to its usual hanging position in the Milestones of Flight gallery.

The history of human space exploration is detailed in two exhibitions, one being “Space Race,” which includes artifacts such as the V2 ballistic missile, a full-size Hubble Space Telescope test vehicle, and the backup Skylab space station that visitors can walk through.

The story of America’s effort to land a human on the Moon is told in “Apollo to the Moon,” where the original space suits worn by Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin on the Moon are on display.

The Museum on the National Mall also features several exhibitions covering Earth and planetary studies. “Looking at Earth” shows visitors how views of the planet from above have helped provide better understanding of the Earth. Examples of satellite imagery and aerial photography are on display.

The “Exploring the Planets” exhibit highlights the history and achievements of planetary explorations, both Earth-based and by spacecraft. On display is a full-scale replica of the Voyager spacecraft which traveled to the outer planets: Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune.

Another display, “Explore the Universe,” demonstrates the various methods used by humankind to observe the skies throughout the ages, starting with the naked eye, through telescopes, and finally into the digital age.

A view of the Tycho Armillary Sphere reproduction is on display in “Explore the Universe.” The Sphere was built by Danish astronomer Tycho Brahe in the late 1500s to study the sky and to teach about the celestial coordinate system.

A companion facility to the Museum on the National Mall is the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center near Washington Dulles International Airport, which provides additional exhibit space.

The center, named in honor of its major donor, features the large Boeing Aviation Hangar in which aircraft are displayed on three levels. Visitors can walk among aircraft and small artifacts in display cases and view aircraft hanging from the arched ceiling on elevated skywalks. Many engines, helicopters, ultra-lights, and experimental flying machines are on display in a museum setting for the first time. Among the aviation artifacts on display are the Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird, the fastest jet in the world; the Boeing Dash 80, the prototype of the 707; the Boeing B-29 Superfortress Enola Gay; and the deHavilland Chipmunk aerobatic airplane.

The James S. McDonnell Space Hangar opened in November 2004 and displays hundreds of famous spacecraft, rockets, satellites and space-related small artifacts. The centerpiece of the space hangar is the Space Shuttle Enterprise. Other space artifacts include the Gemini VII space capsule; the Mobile Quarantine Unit used upon the return of the Apollo 11 crew; and a Redstone rocket.

The Donald D. Engen Observation Tower provides an excellent location from which visitors can watch air traffic at Dulles Airport.

The Center also offers an IMAX Theater; flight simulators; food service; a museum store; free docent tours; daily educational programs; and school group tours.

A special feature of the Center is the National Aviation and Space Exploration Wall of Honor, a permanent memorial to the thousands of people who contributed to aviation and space exploration.

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Spa Tour Western Cape

November 26, 2009 · Filed under Uncategorized · Tagged , , , , , , , , ,

Tour Spa Baths in the Western Cape
A spa holiday brings up thoughts of complete luxury, pampering and indulgence. And so it should! Spas are an exquisite way to pamper your body and revitalize yourself. The term “spa” first came about in Belgium where a town called Spa treated illnesses caused by an iron deficiency with drinking iron bearing (chalybeate) spring water. And so the tradition has grown to not only help one’s health but one’s happiness and serenity as well. South Africa has many spas available boasting organic and indigenous beauty products and highly skilled beauty therapists, not to forget the incredible scenery and wildlife of the area. The Western Cape has fantastic spa facilities set amongst a scenic route with wine farms and rustic charm. The perfect way to explore these spas is a self driven tour through the Boland to Hermanus.

The ideal start to the tour would be Cape Town, the Mother City and host to all things modern, glam and cosmopolitan. The accommodation available is a range from five star exclusive hotels to comfortable backpackers. However, if participating in a spa trip, it would be worth finding accommodation at some of the various spas in the area. Many of the exclusive hotels in the area are host to their own spa facilities. Unforgettable pampering and indulgence are available in areas such as Newlands, Camps Bay, Sea Point, Constantia, the V&A Waterfront and Durbanville. Other exiting activities available in Cape Town are festivals, wine farming, a theme park, beautiful beaches, award winning restaurants and state of the art shopping malls. After spending two days in Cape Town, the tour moves on to Paarl.

Paarl is situated approximately a 40 minute drive from Cape Town and is part of the Winelands area. The scenery is peaceful yet dramatic and provides the perfect setting for visiting the spas available. There are two main spas, one on a golf resort and the other in a hotel resort with a wellness centre. The accommodation in Paarl is varied, ranging from hotels to B&B’s but as aforementioned, it would be ideal to stay at one of the spa facilities which offer accommodation. Other activities to keep you entertained in the area are wine tasting, golf, hikes, museums, a nature reserve and horse trails. After two nights relaxing and playing in Paarl, the tour heads for Arniston.

Arniston is a quiet town built in a quaint seaside style and founded when a boat named the Arniston floundered of its coast. Today there are many wrecks to be explored off the coast and make an ideal snorkelling excursion. Other activities available are bird watching, whale watching and exploring the nature reserves. The town has one spa which doubles up as a hotel, providing the perfect place for a stopover. The town also offers accommodation in self catering cottages and guest houses. With amazing scenery, situated just outside the little fishing village the spa is a great place to unwind and relax. After spending a night in Arniston, the tour moves on to Hermanus.

Hermanus is a world famous seaside town, namely due to the whales which come to visit in spring to mate and calve. Humans flock to this town just as the whales do to spend quality time in the amazing and vibrant area! Hermanus has six spas and some available are part of major resort hotels, providing an amazing town for indulgence and fun! Other activities available are shark cage diving, whale watching, art galleries and vineyards. The accommodation available is anything from exclusive five star hotels to backpackers and many of the spas are part of hotels. After spending two wonderful days in Hermanus, the tour heads back to Cape Town for the final two days of the tour.

Back in Cape Town, the Mother City is available for all the exploring and spa needs you may have. If the first two days were spent at a city spa, why not try a country spa or seaside spa as Cape Town offers all of these. And after nine days of sheer luxury, the tour comes to an end on day ten.

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Branson – Where Family Meets Fun

November 26, 2009 · Filed under Uncategorized · Tagged , , , , , , , , ,

Picking a vacation destination for your family can be a serious challenge. While many places look inviting, each member of your family must be considered. There is one place that you can rely on to make your upcoming family vacation a success: Branson, Missouri.

Outdoor Activities – Each year, hundreds of thousands of families plan Branson Missouri vacations for the chance to replace the hassles of home with the beauty and relaxation of Southwest Missouri. Located in the beautiful Ozark Mountains, outdoor activities abound in and around Branson. From renting a boat on Lake Tanycomo to hiking the trails around the historical Marvel Cave, you and your family can appreciate true American beauty on your next vacation.

However, there is more than hiking, fishing and boating in this piece of American paradise. A round of golf should be on the itinerary for each of your Branson, Missouri vacations. With 12 championship-level golf courses, you and anyone else in the family can get in a good round while you are away from home.

Shopping – What if someone in the family doesn’t love the outdoors? At Branson Landing, your family can shop – forever. With hundreds of stores and retail outlets, Branson vacations can give everyone a chance to take something new home from vacation. Branson Landing is located on the scenic waterfront and features a thrilling water fountain display synced with lights, music and fire!

Silver Dollar City – Silver Dollar City is one of the most attractive options of our Branson vacation packages because it offers a historical glimpse of the 19th century Ozark culture. From amusement park rides to crafting, Silver Dollar City is a fun way to experience the past. The staff at Silver Dollar City all wear traditional 19th century garb, giving any visit to this unique attraction an authentic feel.

Known to many as the “Family-Friendly Las Vegas”, Branson Missouri vacations feature much of the same type of lights and excitement as America’s Sin City but in a family-oriented fashion. With no casinos or gambling, you don’t need to worry about exposing your children to anything you wouldn’t be comfortable with. This city’s tourism was founded on a family experience.

Nightlife –You won’t need to worry about keeping the family entertained in the evening either. Branson vacations give millions of concertgoers the chance to see some of the best Americana music on the stage. From the famous Grand Palace Theater to Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede, Branson is THE way to experience live entertainment.

Branson vacation packages make planning your trip easy, too. Rather than arrange accommodations and entertainment separately, Branson vacation packages let you book an entire itinerary with one simple purchase. Even better, they can save you some serious money!

Why look anywhere else for your next family trip? Branson vacations give you everything you need and ensure that your family will enjoy some precious time together. Check out the variety of vacation packages available and let your whole family know that it’s time to have some fun!

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