New York Landmarks

New York is the city that never sleeps. From the busy midtown section to the South Street Seaport, New York is the largest city in the United States. It is also the second largest city in the Western Hemisphere, just slightly behind Mexico City. From the finest restaurants to exquisite shopping, New York City attracts thousands of visitors and tourists each year. Whether it's taking a Circle Line cruise around Manhattan, or visiting the world famous Empire State Building, New York is also a city of historic landmarks and neighborhoods. As the world's true melting pot, the City features some of the finest architecture and buildings on the planet. The city is also lined with a number of historic museums, including the world-renown Metropolitan Museum of Art. This elegant and lavish museum is a premier destination for tourists and locals alike. From historic art pieces and ancient artifacts to contemporary works, the Met is truly a New York landmark and cultural institution. In fact, you can spend an entire day at the Met, while enjoying adjacent cafeterias and the finest selection of international restaurants. The Museum of Modern Art, MOMA, also has a diverse collection of art, media, and film pieces for just about everyone.
When visiting New York City, Central Park is also a must. As a New York City landmark, Central Park is situated in the middle of Manhattan, and encompasses a large area of the city both north and south. From jogging and walking to live entertainment, Central Park captures the true allure and essence of New York City. The park is also home to several festivals each year, which attract thousands of tourists and locals. While Central Park captures the true spirit of independence, it's also a haven for nature enthusiasts and bird watchers. You can also take a boat ride, have a picnic, or simply take in the sites by strolling around the park. Visiting New York City would not be complete without a tour of the Empire State Building. This world-renown skyscraper is based in mid-town, and offers a spectacular view of the entire city from its observation deck. It is; however, best to purchase your tickets in advance, due to the long lines at the ticket box office. In addition to the Empire State Building, the Statute of Liberty is the ultimate symbol of American freedom. This world famous statue and island is simply a must for all New York City tourists and travelers.
For theater aficionados, Manhattan's theater district showcases the finest plays and events on the planet. From Times Square and Rockefeller Center to the Broadway district, these New York landmarks welcome thousands of visitors each year. Whether its ice skating or taking in a Broadway show, you and your loved ones will have countless hours of non-stop entertainment. If you love history, no New York trip is complete without a visit to the American Museum of Natural History. With a range of historic and contemporary exhibits, this Museum is the perfect place for all visitors. New York tourists will also love the Staten Island Ferry, Ellis Island Immigration Museum, and the prestigious Grand Central Terminal. With so many activities and events, New York Landmarks continues to attract millions from all over the world!

Rockefeller Center is the New York landmark place to see and visit. For more details, visit the website online!

Photo Tour Experience in Guilin - A New Phenomenon

One of my good friends in Guilin is a man from Belgium, an unassuming, softly-spoken man who has one discerning feature: his love of photography and his desire to make 'custom photo tours' is one of the principle reasons for travelling in China.
Taking photos while travelling is not a new concept, indeed photography has been an inseparable part of travel since commercial touring began; the new phenomenon is tourists visiting a region with the express purpose of capturing the environment through a lens. Guilin is a perfect example; a easily accessible tourists destination, which has not been over-developed and a wide-range of locations perfectly suited to photography: Longsheng's Longji Rice Terraces, Yangshuo's vibrant West-Street and rural landscape surrounding it, or simple the amazing karsts that are dotted all throughout the city of Guilin and its surrounding counties.
Upon first hearing about 'photo tours' I was slightly sceptical, I was concerned about the tedium of trudging through a rice-paddy with a tripod at dawn however I discovered that far from being a detracting feature, being on a photo tour grabs you by the collar and draws you into locations and situations that you would never have experienced from the inside of a bus. Getting up at 5:30am may not be for everyone, but it offers one a chance to see a landscape in a totally new way. From a personal perspective, I had visited Yangshuo too many times to recall, but it wasn't until I got out from a wooden cabin the middle of a village at 5am, climbed a nearby mountain to capture the first shards of sunlight did I realise how special this part of China really is, it is really the fabric of dreams.
These tour groups don't just walk the weld-trodden tracks of other tourists; they enter into the local community to capture what defines China: its people. Walking into a ram-shackled house near Longsheng to photograph an old many preparing a meal was one of the most rewarding experiences I have ever had; his withered old hands, the lines across his face, his rusting blade, the stump of wood he was using as a chopping board convey the real story of China, a photo tour can take you beyond the 'retail' travel experience and deliver something ultimately much more meaningful.
Typically speaking this are small groups that run over the course of a week, groups usually consist of travellers from different countries with a common passion; photography. When staying in the city accommodation is of a high standard, but when you leave the city groups usually move into smaller, more remote areas without premium accommodation. Guilin is the perfect place to contemplate organising or joining a photo tour, the mix of natural wonder and western amenities mean that travellers don't have to rough it too much, furthermore Guilin has some of the most iconic and photogenic landscape in China, if not Asia. For those travellers coming to China who want to do more than just live memories, but actually create them then a photo tour is right up your alley. There are also other destinations for you China Photo Tours, find it by yourself.

If you want to know more information on China Travel, welcome to see our website: http://www.visitourchina.com/. We are your friends in China. Let's discover China together!
You can find a China City Tour at http://www.visitourchina.com/city/

Pride of the South: Exploring Many Worlds of Karnataka

Pride of the South is one of the two itineraries of the Golden Chariot, one of the most revered luxury trains in India. The Pride of the South itinerary provides a heady mix of destinations and attractions that will enable you to catch a glimpse of South Indian history and culture. The train travels to some of the most fascinating destinations in Karnataka and sun kissed beaches of Goa on a week-long ride.
The journey spanning over 7 nights and 8 days include visit to the 'Garden City' Bangalore, wildlife reserve of Kabini/Bandipur, Mysore, medieval temples of Belur and Halebid, heritage sites of Hampi and Badami and tropical beaches of Goa.
Pride of the South journey will commence from Bangalore, the capital city of Karnataka. Bangalore is also known as the 'Garden City of India' owing to its salubrious climate and lush greenery. The city offers a unique blend of rich cultural heritage and picturesque locations. Besides natural beauty, guests also get to enjoy a cultural extravaganza at Chitrakala Parishad before embarking on their journey on board the Golden Chariot.
The next destination included in Pride of the South itinerary is Kabini/Bandipur. Bandipur is renowned for being the hunting ground of erstwhile kings of Mysore. The Bandipur National Park is formed with the adjoining Nagarhole National park, Mudumalai National park and Wynad wildlife sanctuary. The place is home to around 70 Bengal tigers, 3,000 Indian elephants and over 300 species of birds. The jungle tour starts with a safari boat ride into the heart of the park, where you are sure to spot some rare wildlife animals and bird species.
Moving on your Pride of the South tour, you will arrive in Mysore next. The attractions you will visit here are Mysore Palace (A royal palace built in Indo-Saracenic style), Brindavan Gardens and the island fortress of Srirangpatna.
Hassan, the famous temple city of Karnataka is the next destination of this itinerary. Today's sightseeing includes a visit to Shravanbelagola. Located 52 kilometer away from Hassan, Shravanbelagola is an important Jain pilgrim centre. The city houses Asia's largest monolithic statue of Gomateshwara which is situated atop of Vindhyagiri hill.
Later today, you will be taken to Belur and Halebid. Belur was the early capital of Hoyasala Empire The major attraction here is the Chennakesava Temple Complex, built by King Vishnuvardhana, to commemorate his victory over Cholas. Halebid was the capital of Hoyasala Empire. The city is home to some of the finest temples built in Hoyasala style of architecture. The famous among them is the Hoysaleshwara temple dedicated to Hindu God Shiva.
On the sixth day of your Pride of the South itinerary on board the Golden Chariot you will arrive in Hampi. The much-admired Dravidian temples are the major attractions in this city. Virupaksha temple, the Elephants' stables, Hazara Rama temple, Vittala temple and local craft markets are some of the attractions which you visit today. These group of monuments are recognized UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Badami, famous for its rock cut cave temples is the next destination of this itinerary. Located at a distance of 22 kilometer from Badami, Padattakal is famous for its historical temples. The temples placed in the town displays both Dravidian and Nagara style of architecture. Group of Monuments at Padattakal are recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Site.
On the penultimate day of Pride of the South itinerary, the Golden Chariot will arrive in Goa. Old Goa renowned for its churches and cathedrals and an Old Portuguese house known as Sola Souto Maior are today's tour highlight.
The Splender of the South tour itinerary lets you explore many worlds of Karnataka. With ancient temples, wildlife reserve and heritage sites, this luxury train tour on board the Golden Chariot offers all the varieties which are expected in a luxury rail journey.

Harren Le is an avid traveler and has same passion for writing. His articles offer practical information, review, news and interesting trivia about traveling and Luxury Train tour across India.

Turks and Caicos Holidays: Animating With Beautiful Beaches

Breathe in the virgin ambience of beaches accompanying huge palm trees decorated to create a beautiful landscape. White sand stretched across dozens shades of turquoise water creating awe-inspiring contrast." Willing truly to indulge in same fervor? Then suffice your screaming senses with a break on Turks and Caicos holidays. Indeed these Caribbean gems are for lifetime luxury vacations. Countless isolated islands letting you view sensuous surroundings and fantastic view contributed by the several species of flora and fauna, summing meaning of luxury beach vacations.
Wake up with a swim; this luxury beach vacations lend visitors to try Snorkeling and Scuba diving in crystal water. Apart from diving in one of the world's best spots, visitors are lured by the charm of windsurfing, sailing and kite-boarding fulfilling the reason for luxury beach holidays. And here comes the vital part of any outing - Accommodation. Turks & Caicos holidays can be laced with world class amenities with the presence of several luxury boutique hotels suiting travelers' tastes.
Revive yourself on luxury tailor made holidays with the following accommodations:
Amanyara
Amanyara is located near to Malcolm's beach and at the edge of Caribbean Sea. Its existence on the peaceful place, away from the buzzing life makes it highly desirable for ideal Turks & Caicos holidays. The rooms of the Amanyara have excellent interiors with the sliding glass doors leading to room entrance with spacious bath room. Rooms are attached with twin terraces; one to dine-in the beautiful setting, while other let the visitor feel the comfort in peaceful surroundings on the cushions. This luxury boutique hotel is must for embracing pleasure on outing.
The Veranda
Couples and families can relish the beauty of world renowned Grace Bay Beach while sitting in beachfront cottages of the Veranda resort. Pair your luxury tailor made holidays and traditions of Caribbean Island in magnificently designed 168 beautifully designed studios and bedroom accommodations. The rooms offering mesmerizing views of ocean and garden and beachfront restaurant is located to suffice both your appetite and senses. Luxury beach vacations at Veranda let you gather tranquility at Sabai Spa.
Grace Bay Club
Luxury vacations let the visitors on 11 acres stretched beachfront Grace Bay club hotel having spacious 38 suites designated at five-storey buildings equipped with all the pleasures. There are ocean facing junior suites and family friendly villas. Scintillating longest Caribbean Bar - The Infiniti, expanding till the shores of Grace Bay offers guests tapas and cocktails.
Parrot Cay
Parrot Cay is a hideaway in 100 acres sprawling paradise in corner of Turks and Caicos. Rejuvenation and Pleasure can be sought from beach houses and Villas. Delight your taste buds and health with nutritive organic meals and Caribbean inspired dishes at poolside Lotus restaurant. 40 minutes boat ride from Providenciales Airport will make you reach this luxury boutique holiday.

Quintessentially Travel offers luxury tailor made holiday packages for Turks and Caicos holidays and other Caribbean destinations. Visit site and choose best luxury vacation packages for you and make your holidays remarkable.

Train From Paris To Amsterdam

Are planning on visiting Amsterdam from Paris? These are the most popular cities in Europe that are not terribly far apart. Are you in a dilemma on which mode of transport to use? Since the two cities are 260 miles away, this is a straight-line distance. This route is route is very popular among the locals and tourists working their way around the continent. Therefore, you might be wondering, what mode of transport will I use to get the best deal? You can either use a car, train or an airplane. Therefore, if you can afford the time, train and car will give the more picturesque. However, if time is not in your side the best option will be flying, flying will offer you an enjoyable and relaxing journey.
However, I would highly recommend you to use a train from Paris to Amsterdam.
The main reason why I will recommend taking a train from Paris to Amsterdam is the fact that it will take you less than four hours to reach Amsterdam, using the Thayls high speed trains. The trains are high speed through between Brussels and Amsterdam. The trains start at central Paris at the Gare du Nord station and stop at central Amsterdam. The journey is stress free since the train will make several stops along the route which includes Brussels. Fortunately, opting for a train will be the choice as you will enjoy the scenery that is found along the route.
With the advent of technology you can book your train ticket making sure you get the best deal. This way you will get the cheapest prices, with no middlemen, no booking fees, no postage costs or agency mark ups. The other advantage of booking online is that you will be able to book in advance and early, these tickets offer deep discounts over full price.
Moreover, Thayls trains are very convenient as they run 6 to 8 trips each day. This means that you can go to Amsterdam and back to Paris on the same day. If you travel by train from Paris to Amsterdam all your needs are catered for, by this I mean that these train offer both first class tickets and economy class tickets. However, if you choose first class tickets you will have to pay a little bit more than those in the economy class. First class ticket come with a host of other privileges such full meal and drink services.
Considering other circumstances, you will find out that flying and taking a train between the two cities you will take the same time. These circumstances include transportation to and from the airport, and the time you have to arrive early to check in safely. Therefore, bearing that in mind you and I can say that taking a train from Paris to Amsterdam is the best option.
Therefore, it will be prudent to mention that by train from Paris to Amsterdam will be a great alternative to flying. This is because you will avoid the endless airport lines and also being able to get a closer glimpse of the French or European countryside.

Visit Train From Paris To Amsterdam To Get More Details Information on Cheap Ticket, Fares, Schedule, and More.

How to Master the Art of Communication While Travelling

Whether you decide to travel the world or travel through a particular country or region, backpacking can be an incredibly rewarding and memorable experience. While travelling can be a truly fulfilling thing to do with your life, communication will be an important part of your overall experience, as keeping in touch with the people left behind will be very important, especially during certain times of the year, such as birthdays, Christmas and new year.
But how do you keep in touch with your nearest and dearest? Depending on where you're travelling to, keeping your friends and relatives up to date with your latest adventures can be quite difficult, especially if you are going to some of the less industrialised countries in the globe, where telecommunications and the internet aren't as readily available. However, a little forward planning can do wonders in this field, and if you go to a new country prepared, you will find it easier to find and use things like a telephone and the internet.
So whether you're going to be staying and perhaps working in one particular country for a while, or if you're not going to be in one place for long, you need to work out how you're going to stay in touch with the people you love back home. But for those people that are going to be moving around a lot, this can be quite difficult, especially if you are on something like a road trip, where you move from city to city. However, this doesn't mean that it is impossible to call loved ones, just make sure that when you have access to a phone or the internet that you use them, as there might not be any in the next town.
If you're going to be staying in one place for a while, then you will probably find it much easier to stay in touch, such as by arranging a weekly phone call or a weekly email. In fact, staying in one place for a while can mean that you can take advantage of the postal service, as you can send letters and parcels, which can have a much more personal touch than an email. This will be especially useful during Christmas, when you and your family will be able to send packages to each other, which can work out quite cheap, especially if you find a specialist parcel service which can deliver to the UK, and your destination, whether you're in Europe or beyond.
So organisation, as with many things is key when it comes to staying in touch with loved ones when you're abroad. So if you want to stay in touch with the people that matter most to you, then there's no reason why you can't, you've got to make the time to make a phone call, type an email or simply write a letter or send a parcel via a reliable parcel delivery service, and that way you won't miss out on any gossip whilst you're away.

Harvey McEwan writes to offer information and advice on a variety of areas, from technology to holiday destinations. Read through Harvey's other articles here to find out more.

Bali's Beaches

Every year thousands of people choose to head off on one of the many fantastic Holidays to Bali, and with its sun kissed beaches and azure seas it's easy to see why. The island itself is fairly small; you could drive around it in just one day, so you can pack a lot into a short break. This article takes a look at the island's top beaches to prime you for this beautiful island.
Starting with the more popular south is the brilliant Jimbaran Beach. Located near what used to be one of the islands small southern fishing villages, now replaced with a mix of luxury five star hotels and other lodgings, this beach gives a good taste of the island. Although it can be busy it can still provide you with a dose of white sand and warm waters, all conveniently close to your hotel. It allows you to take a quick dip before dinner or spend more time lounging after a morning in the town.
Heading out a little further from the busier city is the fantastic Kuta Beach. It's another popular beach, but as its Bali's longest beach it means there's always plenty of room. The short walk from the city allows you to enjoy the islands scenery and when you're on the beach you're still close enough that you can pop back later in the day if you fancy some shade.
If Kuta is still too busy for you, and who doesn't need a little piece and quiet from time to time, then you should have a look at either Legian Beach or Lovina Beach. Legian Beach is a bit of a hike from the city, but because of this it doesn't draw the crowds so much. If you are looking for something a little more water based then Lovina Beach may be ideal for you, as it's a great place for snorkelling and often has dolphins visiting the bay.
Finally, for something a little more special, there's Dreamland Beach. This romantic little get away is a great beach for sunbathing, surfing and just spending time with loved ones. It's also worth staying a little later here as walking down the beach watching the sunset is a spectacular end to a brilliant holiday.
So if you're a sun worshiper or a beach lover Bali really does make for a fantastic holiday experience, either on its own or as part of one of the larger Holidays to Thailand packages.

This article was written on behalf of Bridge and Wickers who offer a great selection of Holidays to Bali as well as other Holidays to Thailand

Sailing Vacations In Italy

SAILING VACATIONS IN ITALY -CALABRIA MUNICIPALITY OF BELVEDERE MARITTIMO
We will start our sailing vacations in Belvedere Marittimo.
Belvedere Marittimo with its small port can take in three-metre long boats during summertime.
In front of our eyes small villages, such as Sangineto, Bonifati and Cittadella del Capo follow one another; one can reach them by going up along winding roads. We might as well drop anchor of our sailing boat near grotta delle Colonne (cavern of Columns) or the Rizzi cavern, a squared cliff from where it is absolutely worth diving.
Eventually, we sight the safe port of Cetraro, used by a large fleet of fishing boats, whose capacity can take in ships of considerable size and where basic services are provided, such as refuelling and highly skilled mechanical and electrical assistance.
CETRARO
Our Italy sailing vacations adventure will continue to next stop. Our seafaring imagination flies to the ancient name of this small village, Citrarium, that is the village where citrons are grown, and find ourselves daydreaming and fantasizing about travelers and rabbis coming from the synagogues scattered along the coast and other Mediterranean countries, who used to come over here to get the perfumed and delicious fruit for their feasts. And while rabbis, comfortably stretched out under citron trees carefully examined fruits looking for any possible flaws, mariners used to eat mint-seasoned pilchards, drink Cetraro red wine and «scirubette» made with citron juice.
The village of Cetraro, as marine tradition has it, is a point of reference for the observation of weather changes. In the villages located along the coast, to the south of Cetraro, fishermen still today, during their excursions to sea, scan the ominous clouds and flashes of lightning coming from the mountains overlooking the village, and usually say: «Quandu lampa 'o Citraru ricogghjiti 'o pagghjiaru», meaning: «When thunderbolts are seen striking over Cetraro, you had better stop at the nearest port».
Our sailing vacations trip now heads for Acquappesa, goes beyond Intavolata, then the Waldesian village of Guardia Piemontese, Fuscaldo and Paola, which has become internationally known as the birthplace of san Francesco, the monk who crossed the Straits between Scylla and Charybdis using his cloak as a sailing boat.
Then we decide it's time we stop for a break at the Blue oasis of the Isca rocks, near Amantea and, on a rubber dinghy, we get ashore where a great number of other dinghies are moored. We wander and nose round the village, looking for Arabian nights' ambience (the small village was once the seat of a seventeenth-century emirate) and for the «mustica», a dish that was served in a bowl named «mustica», after the Arab word mosteqo, «bowl». Here one can try two of the many Calabrian specialities: dry chocolate-coated figs -stuffed with almonds and walnuts -, and high-quality DOC wines from the Savuto valley.
Here we will finished our first part of sailing vacations in Calabria (Italy).

Hot Air Ballooning in Cumbria

Sharing borders with Scotland, Northumberland, Durham and North Yorkshire; the predominately rural county of Cumbria is a fantastic place for sightseeing with the beautiful Lake District National Park making up over 30 miles across of countryside, lakes and mountains. A hot air balloon ride across Cumbria provides a truly unique experience of one of the largest counties in England.
With its mountainous backdrop, the Lake District National Park is one of the UK's most popular holiday destinations and has provided inspiration for many successful poets, musicians and artists. The area has many lakes and several mountains, also known as 'fells'; including Scafell Pike, the highest mountain in the country.
The quaint Newby Bridge is a popular launch site in Cumbria, overlooking the busy River Leven that flows in to Lake Windermere. Situated in the Lake District, you will be able to see many water sports enthusiasts taking to the water throughout the year. The Newby Bridge Hotel was one of the first manor houses to be built on the shores of Lake Windermere, the largest natural lake in England.
Close by is the industrial town of Barrow-in-Furness. Often associated with iron and steel works, the town grew rapidly in the industrial revolution to become a major shipyard. If you end up near its peninsula, you may see Piel Island across the harbour complete with its abandoned medieval castle.
Alternatively, you may wish to set off on your hot air ballooning adventure in Dalemain, near the market town of Penrith, complete with its fourteenth century castle that was built to offer some defence in case of a Scottish invasion.
If your balloon flight takes you north you are likely to encounter the city of Carlisle. Originally a Roman settlement built to serve Roman soldiers that were based at Hadrian's Hall, Carlisle is known as the 'Border' City and is the main cultural and commercial hub of the county. There is also an affliction placed on the city known as The Curse of Carlisle, invoked by Archbishop Dunbar in the sixteenth century, so be wary if you are planning a visit!
Throughout history, Cumbria has been known as a common area of attempts to invade the country from the north. Hadrian's Wall was built as one of the main fortifications built across Great Britain by the Romans. Most of the wall is intact to this day and has become the most popular tourist attraction in the north of England and is accepted as one of the most important monuments remaining from the Roman Empire.
Wherever the wind may guide you, a hot air balloon ride over Cumbria is one of the best ways to capture the beauty of the county.

Submitted by Eve Ashwell, Digital Marketing Executive at Virgin Balloon Flights. Virgin Balloon Flights operate the largest fleet of hot air balloons in the UK, offering the experience of hot air balloon rides from over 100 launch sites across the country.
For more information on ballooning in Cumbria visit Virgin Balloon Flights at virginballoonflights.co.uk.

Travel Itinerary: Galapagos Islands and Machu Picchu

As famous destinations in South America go, the Galapagos Islands and Machu Picchu are two at the top. Comibinig the two gives people on a tight schedule the ideal opportunity to see the most of the continent.
Combining these two destinations is relatively simple and can be done in as little as seven days. Start by flying to Guayaquil or Quito - Ecuador's international airports.
Daily flights leave both airports for the Galapagos Islands where your tour will meet you. It is possible to travel independently and arrange your trip there, but as the airport is located away from the main town and with little public transport serving it, the wise option is to pre book a tour.
Ranging from staying on land in a luxury hotel with day trips to spot wildlife, to all inclusive sailing packages, even those prone to sea sickness can enjoy the wildlife on offer.
Playful sea lions, penguins, iguanas and the oddly named blue footed boobies await. Although expensive, a tour of the Galapagos Islands is one of the most exciting and inspiring trips you can take affording stunning views and plenty of wildlife.
After your cruise of the islands, fly back to the mainland and onto Lima and Cusco.
Those on a tighter schedule can take the first train to Aguas Calientes, from where you catch the bus to the ruins. Situated at 2430 metres above sea level, it is advisable to pay the $14 for the return bus ride, saving you the two hour walk.
If you have time, it is a good idea to travel to Aguas Calientes and stay over night in order to catch the first bus up to the ruins the following morning. Watching the mist clear to leave behind the view of the ruins is an awe-inspiring sight, it is also when the ruins are the least crowded. A further reason to stay over night and take the first bus ride up is to be able to climb Huayna Picchu.
This peak inside the park offers views across the ruins, but there is a daily limit of only 400 climbers, allocated on a first come first served basis. Note that tickets to Machu Picchu can only be bought in Aguas Calientes.
They are valid for three days and students with a valid ISIC card receive a 50% discount. After your day at the ruins take the train back to Cusco before flying home.

Machu Picchu and Galapagos tours can be the perfect vacation. Find the best travel agency to make your Galapagos and Peru dream come true.

The Greek Isles - Off the Beaten Track

Greece is one of the most popular holiday destinations in Europe, and it's easy to see why with its mix of hot climate and warm waters. However, a holiday here doesn't mean you have to get stuck with the crowd of tourists; there are many Greek villas and islands that are a little off the beaten track and provide a great place to stay and an escape from the crowds. This article takes a look at a few of these great island retreats to give you a taste of what's on offer.
First up we have the island of Kalymnos. It's easy to reach, with great connections from both Athens and Kos, and is located close to the island of Leros. The island itself it the very picture of a traditional Greek island, the dry scrub mountains, soft sandy beaches and deep blue seas. The island is also known for its unusual black sand and its sponge diving tradition.
If you want somewhere even easier to get to, but just as overlooked, then the island of Evia is an even shorter trip from Athens than Kalymnos. It's the second largest of the Greek isles, after Crete, and makes for a great destination for anyone who enjoys long walks and traditional Greek towns. The island is dominated by Mt Ochi, which is ringed by small towns and villages and makes for a fantastic hiking experience. If you're looking for something more coastal then the island can provide that too with its many small bays and coves, making it the perfect place for snorkeling and swimming.
Now for something a little more picturesque. The tiny volcanic island of Nisyros is often overlooked as a holiday destination; but if you're just taking a short stay in Greece, 3 to 4 days, then it makes for a rather perfect holiday. There's more than enough to pack a short holiday with activities, visiting the steaming volcanic craters, walking the islands fantastic trails, seeing the old forts an monasteries and visiting the health spa.
Finally, and it's another small one, is the island of Spetses. The island is small but perfectly formed and because of its lack of cars, due to sever restrictions on motor vehicles, it's a haven for cyclists and hikers. There's only one town on the island which means everywhere is within walking distance, including two of the islands best beaches.
So if you're looking for a holiday in Greece, be it one of the family villa holidays or just a stay in a hotel, why not take a look at some of the lesser visited islands for a real escape.

Abercrombie and Kent villas offer a range of Greek villas as well as other fantastic Family villa holidays.

England Offers A Host of Attractions For Tourists

England is full of amazing buildings and locations that are top priority on most tourists' agendas. The range of bed and breakfasts in England will find you very close to most of these attractions. The mysterious Stonehenge has been a worldwide attraction for years. Over 5000 years old, this amazing collection of stones erected in a circle has perplexed and enthralled those who witness its remarkable location. The landscape is full of prehistoric mounds and carvings giving you an idea of the life of those before us.
Windsor Castle has been the home of the royal family for 900 years. It is the world's largest and oldest occupied castle. An opportunity to watch the famous spectacle of the changing of the guard shouldn't be missed and be sure to explore the township that has sprung up around this great castle. A tour of the State Apartments and St. George's Chapel is also available and highly recommended.
Bath is well known for its fascinating and elegant Georgian architecture. The brilliantly proportioned streetscapes will enchant you. If you visit Bath you will get an opportunity to view the famous Pulteney Bridge, Bath Abbey and the Roman Baths, the best conserved Roman spa from the ancient world.
Built in 1894, one of London's most memorable landmarks is the Tower Bridge. Crossing over the Thames it sits next to the Tower of London. Visitors can view the expanse of London from the elevated walk ways and explore the Victorian Engine Rooms. There is also a bridge lift schedule so you can witness the fascinating rising of the bridge when large vessels approach.
York Minster is one of the most stunning cathedrals in England. It is also the largest Medieval Gothic building in Europe and holds the world's best collection of stained glass. Finished in 1408, it took 250 years to build and its connection with faith has a history of over 2,000 years.
If your bed and breakfast in England is near Warwickshire, visit Stratford Upon Avon. Famously known as the birthplace of William Shakespeare, the picturesque gardens and excellent displays will take you right back to the time of this great playwright. This famous location has a great deal to offer the visitor including the beautiful riverside setting, a host of historic houses, the famous theatre, flourishing street markets and first-rate shops and restaurants.
The Tower of London has an amazing history ready to be discovered by you. In its time it has been a royal palace, a fortress, a prison, an armoury, a treasury and an astronomical observatory. The greatest attraction however are the Crown Jewels held in the White Tower.
Across the Chiltern Hills you will find Oxford the home of the great University. The elegant old buildings and the courtyards were home to many famous scholars including Albert Einstein. The Bodleian Library and Christ Church College are particularly worth viewing.
Warwick Castle is an amazingly preserved building over 1,000 years old. The great towers and blockades are still in excellent condition. Explore the chilling dungeons or wander the beautiful gardens of Warwick Castle next time you are staying in a bed and breakfast in England.
West Minster Abbey is the most important church in England and is the site of every coronation since 1066. If you want to get a feel for the royal history of England then Westminster Abbey is a must. With its beautiful architecture it stands as another Gothic masterwork.

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Santiago, Chile: Traveling on the Cheap

For all those backpacking South America, understanding what to check out in Santiago, Chile is vital to have fun on your visit. Sure, there are actually very little clear days due to its smog which envelops the metropolis and the streets tend to be so noisy that from time to time you'll want to escape to the mountains just to find a spot to relax, but really, why would you wish to rest, especially when you're surrounded by this sort of lively and exciting place?
Therefore don't feature relaxing on the activities to do in Santiago, Chile checklist - there's almost no time for this. As part of your stay, you'll notice that the city offers a way of life of its very own, apart from all else.
Roam In the City
Even when you don't want to fork out a lot of money in the metropolis (which can be quite difficult to steer clear of, especially given that it is a huge shopping and modern capital), there are still worthwhile things to do in Santiago, Chile. With the camera, follow the streams of the Rio Mapocho. It will get you up to the city's core towards the Alameda whereby many of Chile's superb architectural points of interest, galleries and cafes are located.
When deciding what to do in Santiago, Chile, don't miss exploring the Plaza de Armas just a few blocks off of the river. The plaza is where many of Chile's significant parks are located. Influenced by a French lawn specialist, the parks nearby are filled with trees and tend to be divided into a series of small squares. Additionally, there are loads of small art galleries within easy reach such as the Museo de Bellas Artes.
Cool Cafes
For virtually any vacationer, the old-time charm of the area may be overwhelming. However a checklist of what to do around Santiago, Chile is in no way perfect without having the chance to spend time in one of Santiago's coffee shops. The cafe scene here can't be overlooked, particularly for anyone with a love of java.
Investigate the Art World
Santiago is filled with numerous talented artists that public sites have a tendency to overflow with works of art as well. Amid these spots is Sculpture Park in which thirty installations are found by a range of local artists. In case you're fortuitous enough to travel throughout the summer months and are wanting to know what you can do in Santiago, Chile during that season, mark your calendars of the fantastic events located in this location.
University Life
The Republica is known as the College belt in Santiago, Chile and must be incorporated as among your attractions in Santiago, Chile merely because it demonstrates the way Santiago has developed in terms of its democratic system from the time that Pinochet was ousted. Around here, you'll find a number of major schools along with smaller colleges. Aside from the educational model, what's interesting about the vicinity are the architectural buildings that have been turned into universities. What was previously estates for the local elite are now community structures dedicated to increased education. The Salvador Allende Solidarity Museum is also located here.

The South America Tourist is an all-inclusive resource for backpacking South America (http://southamericatourist.com/).

4 Top Destinations to Explore While Walking in Italy

Wherever you go walking in Italy, there's guaranteed to be a plethora of amazing sights and places of historical interest to discover. For those who go walking hoping to feel a connection to the places they choose, there are many locations in Italy that seem to reveal something of the place, whether it's the architecture, the culture, the history, or even just the spirit of the area. Take a look at these top sights to see while you're walking in Italy. Although they are popular as tourist destinations, don't let any bias towards this fool you - there is a lot to be said for some of the most famous sights of the country.
The Colosseum
One of Rome's most famous tourist attractions, the Colosseum was built somewhere between 70 and 80 AD, and is one of the most iconic historical buildings in Rome, and the one that is often selected to depict the grandeur of the ancient Roman civilisation - along with its bloodthirsty and brutal nature! During its heyday, the Colosseum could hold 50,000 or more spectators for its different events.
The Vatican
Another location in Rome (although technically it is its own country), the Vatican is the official residence of the Pope, and also boasts some of the most stunning architecture you're likely to see in the whole of your travels walking in Italy. One particular attraction of the Vatican is the Sistine Chapel - its roof painted by Michelangelo and its dome being a timeless piece of artwork that never fails to impress visitors
The Tower of Pisa
This is one architectural marvel that was amazingly not intended at the time of its creation. In Pisa, a tower constructed in 1173 began slowly to lean to the side; viewed today, the famous leaning tower of Pisa is a marvel, and has become one of the most-visited sites in the country.
Venice's Canals
Venice (sometimes known to those on holidays walking in Italy as the 'Sinking City') is a legendary destination. Many people regard visiting Venice as an essential experience in life, partly due to the unique canals which provide transportation around the city. The architectural beauty of the city is unmatched, and the cuisine is to die for! Visitors can have a break from their travels on foot by taking a gondola ride through the city - a romantic experience that has to be tried to be believed.

Tony Maniscalco is the Sales and Marketing Manager for Ramblers Worldwide Holidays. Join us walking in Italy to see scenic locations & landscapes at the best value prices. We offer over 250 guided group walking holidays in over 65 different countries.