Macau is arguably the most popular day trip from Hong Kong. However, if you have been to Macau and don't feel like going back for another visit, a good day trip alternative is to take a 2 hour train ride to Guangzhou.
Guangzhou's rich historical heritage makes it a favorite among day trippers. It has plenty of attractions to delight visitors of varying interests. Whether you are interested in history, natural scenery or simply want to chill out and enjoy a pleasant city vibe, this city will surely not disappoint.
If you are into temples, museums and shrines, you will have plenty to explore when visiting Guangzhou. There is the ancient Temple of the Six Banyan Trees that are believed to date back to 537 AD of the Liang Dynasty. The structure's sheer age is an attraction in itself but tourists go to the Temple to take a look at the city's highest pagoda.
The Chen Family Temple is another major temple attraction. It is a complex of 19 buildings that hold valuable exhibits consisting of ancient artifacts, artwork, jewelry and jade carvings. Other interesting temples include Temple of the Five Celestial Beings and the Guangxiao Temple.
Not interested in another Asian market with the usual knock-offs and cheap merchandise? You just might change your mind with Qing Ping Market. You will not find the usual market merchandise here - Qing Ping is a herbal medicine market where you will be astounded at the sight of rows of countless exotic animals - dried and alive - and a profusion of leaves, twigs and powders from different kinds of plants most of which you may not even know exist! If you are into the bizarre, its going to be one of the highlights of your trip.
Performing arts enthusiasts should check out a Cantonese Opera performance. Of course, the words are all in the Chinese language but when everything else is breathtaking, so it is not really that important what the actors are actually saying.
How about chilling out in an island with a charming colonial vibe? You can have that too in Guangzhou. Hop on a ferry to Shamian Island right smack in the heart of the Pearl River. European inspired buildings adorn the area and there are many open air cafes in where you can sit back and enjoy the pleasant ambiance. On your way back to the city, take a night cruise along the river and enjoy the romantic play of the city's lights against the water.
If you want to be closer to nature, you can't miss a visit to Yuexiu Park. It features verdant hills, serene lakes and beautifully tended gardens. There are also many sculptures, antiques and beautifully constructed traditional buildings scattered around for visitors to enjoy. The best time to visit is during autumn because the flowers are in full bloom and a flower exhibition is usually celebrated during the season.
Other Guangzhou attractions worth visiting include the lush greenery of the White Clouds Mountain, the imposing Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall and the scenic Martyr's Memorial Garden.
Sunee is author of this article on Hotels in Thailand. Find more information about Phuket Hotels here.
Macau is only an hour away from Hong Kong. You can just hop on a ferry, enjoy the ride along the vibrant coastline and you will be there before you know it! So, if you are visiting Britain's former colony you might as well drop by Macau and experience the Portuguese charm that is quintessential of the city's atmosphere. Colorful colonial buildings, neoclassical churches and cobblestone squares are just some of the attractions that draw the crowd to this enchanting city.
The Leal Senado Building stands proud as the centerpiece and as you stare at its whitewashed facade against a bright blue sky, it's almost hard to imagine that you are actually in China and not in an elegant European town. While you are surveying Leal Senado, it is best to grab a map which are distributed for free in the area.
Largo do Senado is the street to go to if you want to experience the unique European ambiance in Macau. Its sprawling square is beautifully laid out in mosaic cobble stones and brightly colored buildings line up along its narrow streets.
With your map at hand, go east and be on your way to the 16th century church of the Holy House of Mercy. Its facade may not be as grand and impressive as the other churches you have seen before but the fact that it is 600 years old make it worthy of note. If flair and color is what you are looking for, then check out St. Dominic's Church and its playful yellow and green color palette. Don't just snap a photo and be on your way, there's more to check out in the church's interior. Go inside and proceed to the back, a small museum is hidden from sight. Its valuable collection of local and Portuguese art works make it a definite must-see for art enthusiasts.
Of course, you cannot miss Macau's most photographed landmark, the ruins of the church of St. Paul. Only the facade remains standing but the structure managed to remain stately and regal despite the unfortunate fire that destroyed the rest of it a few centuries ago.
After you have had enough photos of the ruins, follow the path to the right of St. Paul's facade and watch for the escalator that will lead you to Monte Fort. The fort dates back to 1617 and was built by the Jesuits to discourage any attack. It is scenic enough for a relaxing stroll and provides a good view point of the surrounding landscape.
If you are done with your survey of Macau's little Portugal but left with plenty of time to spare, there are still several things you can do to while the hours away. You can don your swimsuit and go frolic in the city's many beaches. Macau's climate is mostly bright and sunny and warm, so you can take advantage of it and work on your tan while you are there.
Or, you can visit one of the many world famous casinos and try your luck. Macau's casinos are elegant and luxurious and you are sure to get a great deal of pampering while you are enjoying your time and making a donation to one of the casinos.
Sunee is author of this article on Hotels in Thailand. Find more information about Phuket Hotels here.
Langkawi is a small island-district located offshore Malaysian mainland. It is one of the most visited destinations in this part of Southeast Asia. Its natural endowments and rich cultural heritage draw hundreds of thousands of visitors to its coastlines every year. It is also easily accessible from the equally popular tourist destinations of Singapore and Thailand.
Langkawi is adored mainly for its exquisite beaches, azure blue waters and powdery white sand shores. Cenang beach is a favorite tourist jaunt where you can easily get lost in the crowd. It also has the highest concentration of commercial establishments catering to the needs of the throng of visitors for accommodation, food and shopping. More tranquil and quiet alternatives include Tanjung Rhu Beach, Burau Bay and Kok Beach.
Spelunking or caving is another favorite activity in Langkawi. Gua Cerita is a popular choice, perhaps because of the interesting tales of mystery that are linked with it. Ask your local guide for an interesting re-telling of the legend. Gua Langsiar is perfect for those who want some mountain hiking adventure and a panoramic view of the sparkling sea along the way. Finally, there is the Gua Buaya or the Crocodile Cave with the Kilim River flowing past it. Why it's called Crocodile Cave is a good piece of trivia for you to find out!
The archipelagos rich natural diversity provides Langkawi with exciting destination options that keep its visitors occupied with plenty of things to do. Waterfall-hopping is an exciting alternative to lazy afternoons at the beach. If you are up for short treks along mountain trails, you will be treated to a beautiful view of the cascades and a cool dip in their natural pools. You can choose between the 30 meter-high Temurun Falls, the spectacular 14-tier Durian Perangin Falls, or the Telaga Tujuh and its seven natural pools.
There are also nearby islands where visitors can go on day trips. Your fantasy of a deserted island in the middle of the deep blue sea is not far from reality in the surrounding areas of Langkawi. Pulau Dayang Bunting should not be missed because it's the closest you can get to the perfect tropical wonderland. It features limestone shills, tranquil lakes, dense forests and thriving wild life - perfect combination for those who are up for some island adventures. There is also the Pulau Singa Besar famous for its unique geological formations, the most popular of which is the Singa or Lion formation.
There are plenty of other attractions in Langkawi for those who do not care about going on tropical adventures. For a panoramic view of the island, hop on the Langkawi Cable Car and be taken for an exciting ride. Love art? You can spend hours after hours examining more than 2500 exhibits at Galeria Perdana. There's also the Underwater World of Langkawi that is a must for marine life enthusiast. For a dose of local crafts, visit Langkawi Crystal where you'll find countless exquisite designs of handmade crystal and you just might find the perfect souvenir for your Langkawi escapade.
Sunee is author of this article on Hotels in Thailand. Find more information about Phuket Hotels here.
Planning a family vacation can be a little tedious especially when you are considering various preferences and interests. This is especially true when your family is composed of different age groups.
You need to take into account your enjoyment as a couple, your teenagers hobbies and your toddlers care. Good thing, there are now plenty of vacation options that cater to families and the assortment of needs that go with them.
When choosing a family vacation option, it is important to pay attention to the dynamics and flexibility of your destination. The activities and entertainment selection should be diverse enough to keep individual members of the family amused and excited. The venue should also have adequate security measures to keep youngsters safe and sound without parents having to always keep them within sight. Finally, since it involves more than a few individuals tagging along, the cost that goes with the vacation should also be family friendly.
Resort vacation - if you don't want to risk the possibility of sea sickness on a cruise vacation, you can enjoy similar amenities and perks in a resort vacation. Resorts catering to family holidaymakers are also equipped with age appropriate entertainment alternatives. They also have facilities to keep toddlers entertained while the elders enjoy on their own. If you worry about the cost, there are plenty of resorts that offer all inclusive prices so that family vacationers can keep their expenses within their allotted budget. Whether you want to spend your time on a tropical paradise, on a winter wonderland or an indoor theme park, there are plenty of resort vacation options to choose from.
Cruise vacation - if your family enjoys water activities and do not mind cruising on open sea for a few days at a time, this could be the perfect getaway for the whole family. Most cruises offer all inclusive prices that include accommodation, food and entertainment options. Cruise ships are also equipped with family friendly amenities such as giant pools, water slides, movies, playgrounds and recreation rooms for the whole family to enjoy. Some cruise lines offer family staterooms so you can all be together. You also get to visit exotic destinations that you and your children will find exciting to explore and discover.
Adventure vacation - families who enjoy an active lifestyle may want to go on an adventure vacation where all members of the brood can have hands on experience on different exhilarating and exciting pursuits. The options are limitless. You can choose a scenic route and explore the area on a cycling tour. You can also go on a trekking or camping trips where you can teach your children to better appreciate nature and the diversity it represents.
How about water fun adventures, such as going canoeing, sailing or kayaking? You don't have to go in different locations to do all these. Check out the state park nearest you. Find out the activities they offer as well as the amenities and facilities available. You may discover that you don't have to travel far to have a great family vacation time.
Sunee is author of this article on Hotels in Thailand. Find more information about Phuket Hotels here.
Most often than not, couples spend so much of their preparation time on the wedding details that they tend to overlook the specifics of their honeymoon.
Unfortunately, the honeymoon usually comes right after the chaos of wedding celebrations giving newlyweds no time to rectify their lack of preparation. So, they just rush into their pre-booked flights and discover too late that they have cooked up a big anti climax instead of a spectacular highlight. You don't want to commit the same mistake.
Set a time to sit down and talk it over. You don't need to allot more than a day or two to do this. Most couples tend to forgo after-wedding preparations because of the erroneous belief that it will take so much time from their hectic schedule for before-the-wedding preparation. In fact, you can discuss the matter during your free time together such as during lunch or dinner. The important thing is that you have allotted a particular time to talk about your ideas on where and how you want to spend your first few days or weeks as a married couple. This will give you the right mind-set to focus on just one topic - your honeymoon!
Agree on a budget. Weddings can be costly and you don't want to worry about your finances during your first year as a couple. So, set a budget that you can afford and not a budget that you wish you had. This amount will guide you in choosing where you can go, where you can stay, what entertainment options you can enjoy and what types of restaurants you can visit. Remember, you don't have to break the bank to have a wonderful honeymoon. All it takes is good planning and a touch of creativity on your part.
Discuss where you want to celebrate love and romance together. It is important to see eye to eye on your destination. You want to have a great time as a couple, so you want to consider each others interests when choosing a honeymoon spot. You may also want to recall the places you've visited together and consider the sites that gave both of you much fun and excitement. It could be a tropical beach, a winter getaway, a glamour camping trip or an African safari.
Book everything in advance. Early birds do not just get to save but also get to have more time to enjoy. Advance bookings, from your flights to your massages, usually get discounted prices compared to on-the-spot appointments. When you get to your destination, you will not have to waste your precious time on this mundane task but you can immediately get on with having a good time. Moreover, it's a convenient way to avoid joining the usual queue. With pre-bookings, you can be sure to have your preferred restaurant, service or activity available at your convenience.
Finally, take advantage of honeymoon perks on offer. Hotels, restaurants, spas and what-have-you usually have special prices and/or freebies for newly weds. So take time to find out what privileges are available for you to enjoy. These bonuses are usually designed to create an atmosphere of romance and passion for the newlyweds - just perfect, don't you think? Oh... And congratulations!
Sunee is author of this article on Hotels in Thailand. Find more information about Phuket Hotels here.
Many of us can't get enough of medieval old towns. Aside from being visually enticing, there's a unique romantic atmosphere that seem to pervade in its every corner that many travelers, like me, find irresistible. One such medieval legacy is the capital town of Lithuania, known as the city of Vilnius.
Vilnius is home to the largest surviving medieval old town in Northern Europe. Aptly named the Old Town, it made the UNESCO World Heritage List for its rich historic and aesthetic value. There are more than a thousand centuries old structures, houses and churches to be discovered and marveled at in the area. I suggest taking lazy strolls along its ancient streets and allow its old-world charm to pleasantly transport you back in time.
First, it's nice to get your bearing of the city's expanse and lay out. One place for that in Vilnius is the TV Tower. It stands at 1071 feet and ranks as the highest structure in Lithuania. Don't worry, you will not be taking the stairs to reach the summit, it comes fully equipped with high-speed elevators. It also features a rotating platform which provides an expansive panoramic view of the city. You may also want to try bungee jumping right off the observation deck roof!
Some of the biggest and most impressive structures in the area are churches and cathedrals. Their facades alone make visitors do a double take followed by a fumble for cameras. Watch for the beautiful intricacy of the St. Anne porticos and the thousands of staccato sculptures prominently displayed in the churches of St. Peter and St. Paul. Whether you are a faithful, an avid architecture fan or just plain curious, a tour of Vilnius churches will surely leave a lasting impression of grandeur.
I have yet to see a Medieval Town without its share of several museums. Vilnius is no exception. It is home to the National Museum which allows visitors to take a quick glimpse at the history of the region throughout the centuries. You may also want to visit several interesting other museums in the area such as the Lithuanian Energy Museum, the Railway Museum and the Applied Art Museum.
Of course, castles are always part of the medieval era. The Gedyminas Castle, standing sentry on a hill, is worth visiting for its historical importance in the country's independence. The Trakai Castle, on the other hand, is a picture right out of fairy tale books with its tranquil lakes and colorful houses which lovers and honeymooners will find perfectly idyllic.
Vilnius may be a city famous for its medieval town but it remains updated with contemporary entertainment. There are plenty of bars and pubs in the area that offer great venues for all night partying and dancing. There are also several selections of cafes and restaurants for those who prefer quiet conversations with friends. Shopping is also very much alive in the city.
As a capital of Lithuania, Vilnius is home to several shopping malls and upscale niche shops that shopaholics will find extremely enticing and delightful.
Sunee is author of this article on Hotels in Thailand. Find more information about Phuket Hotels here.
This South American gem is famous for its glitzy capital Buenos Aires. When one speaks of Argentina a colorful picture of passionate music, frenzied tango, fantastic shopping and exemplary historical figures come to mind. However, Argentina has more to offer, it is home to some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world – the ideal site for a great outdoor adventure.
Now emerging as one of the tourist favorites in the area is Rio Negro. It is home to some of the finest resorts in Argentina owing to its picture perfect landscape of white capped mountains, romantic lakes and imposing glaciers.
During the cold months, skiing is the attraction but the area transforms into a verdant locale for hiking and mountaineering during the turn of the season. For a rewarding hiking experience, take the route to Cabeza del Indio, a fantastic rock formation that also treats its visitors to spectacular overlooking views of surrounding areas.
Other Rio Negro attractions include Nahuel Huapi National Park and the vast lake that is its namesake. This national park features the nature preserve of Isla Victoria, abode of highly diverse flora and fauna. If you want to visit the island, you can join arranged boat tours to the area or you can approach a local fisherman to take you there for a lesser cost.
Another idyllic region with bountiful gifts of nature is at Chubut Province. Nature preserve sites are abundant in this area. You can choose from the wildlife sanctuaries of Peninsula Valdes, bird sanctuary of Isla de los Pajaros and colonies of sea mammals at the Punta Delgada. These are wonderful places to relax and share the beach with interesting personalities such as the elephant seals, sea lions and penguins to name a few.
Another destination that offers stunning views and plenty of opportunity for outdoor fun is Santa Cruz. Treat yourself to a UNESCO World Heritage site in the Los Glacieres National Park where splendid views of rugged mountain peaks reflected on glacial lakes are plentiful. You don’t want to miss out a striking show of nature at the Canal de los Tempanos or the Iceberg Channel where colossal icebergs collapse in the most dramatic manner right into the placid Lake Argentino. If you want to get up close and personal to a floating iceberg, you can easily book a ride on a boat at Puerto Bandera and glide along side massive chunks of ice on your way to Lake Onelli.
For some fishing action, Nequ้n is the region to go. Its town of Junin de los Andes is renowned for rich trout fishing spots. It is also home to the most scenic road routes in Argentina known as the “route of the seven lakes” where you start from San Martin to Bariloche passing along picturesque lakes, frosted mountain peaks, and a sprinkling of waterfalls and gigantic trees in between.
The Lanํn National Park is just a short drive away and certainly worth a visit for a great hike. If you crave for some pampering after your jaunts in the wilderness, you don’t have to travel far because there’s a nearby resort of Villa la Angostura at the Nahuel Huapi National Park.
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Hotel Booking in Thailand - Jewel of the World - Thailand
Sunee is author of this article on Hotels in Thailand. Find more information about Phuket Hotels here.
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What to Do in Ottawa Canada
Thinking of visiting the capital city of Canada? Ottawa has plenty to offer its visitors. It may not be buzzing with hectic energy like other metropolitan cities, but it possesses a relaxed atmosphere and idyllic charm that gives much pleasure to guests who intend to just unwind and chill out. Even Ottawa's attractions offer tourists a laid back way to experience the city's scenery.
Ottawa is strategically located on the banks of the Ottawa River. It provides a perfect backdrop for various water activities such as canoeing, kayaking and boat riding. The Rideau Canal, particularly, is a favorite among tourists. This canal winding through the heart of the city was aptly declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
If you fancy seeing the city while gliding through the waterway, you can go board one of the many cruise and pleasure craft available in the area. The Rideau Canal is also something to behold during winter as it transforms into the world's largest naturally frozen skating rink.
To those who want a taste of Canadian shopping, Byward Market is the place to go. It is one of the largest public markets in the country. It offers almost everything, from fresh produce to signature fashion pieces. There are also plenty of al fresco cafes and gourmet restaurants in the area. Watch for secluded cobblestone squares to experience the old-world market charm.
Parliament Hill is also worth seeing when you are in Ottawa. It offers a dramatic view of the Ottawa River and the imposing Parliament buildings make for an excellent photo opportunity. Moreover, it displays hundreds of gargoyles and reliefs intricately carved on the buildings stonework. Watch out for the sound of the 53-bell carillon in the Peace Tower when the clock strikes the next quarter hour. Also, be on the lookout for the daily free concert performances offered by the Dominion Carilloneur. If you happen to be in the area during Christmas season, you can't miss the magnificent exhibition of thousands upon thousands of Christmas lights stunningly displayed across the hill.
Situated just minutes from the Parliament Hill is the 361 square kilometer expanse of the Gatineau Park. It features various nature trails that wind through forests, lakes and scenic viewpoints. During warm months, visitors can choose from various exciting activities such as cycling, hiking, swimming and camping while cross-country and downhill skiing are the favorite activities during winter.
For the most picturesque scenery, I highly recommend taking a look at Canada's extraordinary geological formations, the Canadian Shield and the St. Lawrence Lowlands, from Champlain Lookout at Eardely Escarpment. To those who are working on a budget, you will be glad to know that admission to Gatineau Park is free of charge.
If you want to experience the full bloom of Spring in Ottawa, visit during the Canadian Tulip Festival and be treated to the colorful display of tulips in all their glorious splendor. Make sure to join the more than 600,000 visitors in a parade of spectacular Spring color along the Tulip Route.
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Sunee is author of this article on Hotels in Thailand. Find more information about Phuket Hotels here.
There are security lines in almost all airports in the world these days. If you want to get through those lines like the frequent flyers do, there are a few tricks that will make it easier for you and everyone around you. Think ahead, so you're not doing all of this just as you get to the head of the line.
Empty your pockets of loose change. Wallets and cell phones should go into one of those little bins they provide also. Remember heavy watches, bracelets, and belt buckles can set of the alarm, so take those off, and stow them in your carry-on bag before you get to the front of the line or put them in the bins.
Consolidate books and snacks so you won't have as many things to gather back together once you've been screened.
In the United States, you have to take your shoes off. Slip-on shoes will come off and go on faster. Zippers and laces will slow you down... have your shoes untied or unzipped before you get to the front of the line. (Take care when you put them back on that you don't trip before you're put back together!)
Have your one quart/one liter plastic bag with your liquids, creams and gels out of your carry-on, and put it in a bin. Remember each liquid should be 3 ounces/100 ml or less, right? There shouldn't be any loose liquids in your carry-on bag. If you have "medically necessary" liquids or baby food, in most countries, those can be outside of your plastic bag allowance, but you must notify a screening officer.
Have a plan when you put things into bins on the screening belt. If you put things through the screening in the right order, you'll be able to put yourself back together faster afterward. Here's a good way to do this.
First put your shoes, coat and your carry-on "personal item" (usually your smaller bag) in the first bin. They will come through the x-ray first, and you can be putting them back on while you're waiting for your other items to be screened.
If you're carrying a computer, put your carry-on bag for your laptop in the bin ahead of your computer, then when your computer comes through, you'll have the laptop bag ready to slip the computer right into it.
If it's going to take you a long time to put your shoes back on, collect all of your belongings and move to the side so the line doesn't get jammed up. There are usually a few chairs against a wall nearby where you can sit down and put yourself back together.
You will annoy your fellow travelers AND the screening agents if you stand there and try to put those shoes on.... leaving your bin on the screening belt with others backing up behind yours. Airports report that almost half of all security checkpoint bottlenecks are caused by people putting themselves together after screening without moving to the side.... don't let this be you!
You're going to read this, and next time you travel, you're going to move through that security checkpoint with a plan... and they'll think you're an expert traveler no matter whether you travel often or not.
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Most resorts in any part of the world offer leisure activities like swimming, walking, tennis, squash, hiking, dancing and more. In certain parts of the world, the leisure activity is the entire reason for the vacation, but there is no other place like
Forget about Skiing on the slopes of
Traveling is in human nature and we find it a fascinating journey to explore other lands and see how the people live, dress, act, and communicate. The fascination and passion to travel has landed many countries in wars though due to taking over lands. In modern times, traveling to other lands is for leisure purposes only and for people that want to see the attractions and historical structures that other countries possess, it also provides the chance to learn and expand your knowledge.
Apart from playing golf on a Saturday morning or getting together with your friend on the weekend, what else do you do for leisure? Do you travel? If not, then now is the time to think about your options when it comes to exciting and affordable travel. There are many countries in the world that will give you an amazing traveling experience as well as being filled with leisure activities.
About the Author
Suneejae is author of this article on Pattaya hotels. Find more information about Pattaya Golf Course here.
