Traveling to New Orleans

Wander through the narrow streets of the French Quarter and you'll see that there's more than Bourbon Street. The antique shops on Royal and the many talented street performers near and at Jackson Square adds a rich flavor to your New Orleans experience.

If you want to see the sights and be among locals then you need to move away from the Quarter and go explore the up and coming Mid-City area and the beautiful Garden District. To explore the Garden District take the St. Charles streetcar. Get off and make your way to the hub of that area: Magazine Street. The eateries and small shops that line each side of the street pleasantly mingle with the different residences that reminds us this is a vibrant community. Stop and browse (even buy) some of the tasty chocolate treats at the Blue Frog Chocolates. Or perhaps you might want to have a drink at the Bulldog.

If you wanted to go to the Mid-City area that's an easy streetcar ride down Canal. If you get off at Canal and Carrollton and head towards City Park you'll find your way to Brocato's. This Italian ice cream parlor has good cappucinos and other treats that will warrant a walk in the park. Speaking of the park, City Park has so much to offer! There you find the art museum, botanical gardens, and even an amusement park and storyland for the kiddos.

After a day out and about, relax with some great music and drinks. The best place to hear local artists is on Frenchmen. That's where all the little venues like the Spotted Cat Music Club or Snug Harbor. Mojito's offers Latin music and dancing on Saturday nights as well.

Now that we've moved and been absorbed by the city, my husband and I have become spoiled with the food. Mandina's in Mid-City (right next to the Canal Streetcar line) has amazing shrimp remoulade and other goodies that every foodie should try before leaving the city. Just look for the pink house on the corner. There's also Katie's that's not far from Mandina's but hidden among the houses on the side streets. That's where you can delicious food and even if there's a wait (and there usually is) it's absolutely worth it. The oysters there are amazing!


Even with this little teaser of New Orleans, the activities, restaurants, and attractions are endless. You'd have to come back for more or stay and discover it all.

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Places to See on Your Holidays in New Zealand

New Zealand is known as the beautiful land of the Kiwis and Kangaroos. New Zealand is a beautiful country full of lush forests, stunning beaches and amazing mountain peaks. It also is full of wildlife and the pleasant climate makes it an ideal place to visit and unwind. It is growing in popularity with tourists and has some great holiday home accommodation to rent as holiday homes.

Due to the fabulous outdoor life style that New Zealand has to offer, you will find some of the most diverse range of holiday home accommodation to rent here. There are some luxurious holiday villas with swimming pools by the sea. In the more built up areas of New Zealand there are a good selection of self catering holiday apartments. Further inland you can rent a country holiday cottage and up in the mountains are some great ski chalets.

The history of New Zealand is a mix of European, Maori, Pacific and Asian cultures. The Maoris were the early settlers who are said to be Polynesians and have links with Hawaii culture. Later the European and Pacific settlers came to New Zealand. As a result New Zealand has a true cosmopolitan feel to it.

New Zealand is made up of the North and South Islands. The Southern Island is home to Christchurch, Mount Cook and Queenstown. You can rent self catering holiday apartments in these three cities in New Zealand and explore the local architecture.

Christchurch has some amazing scenery with its vast pasture lands and the huge expanse of sky between the silvery beaches and the peaks of the mountains behind. Aoraki Cook Mount which is the highest point in New Zealand is found here. The beaches are clean and many tourist visit here to see whales, seals and dolphins. The cities of Timaru and Christchurch have grand architecture of the colonial period and are very popular destinations with holiday makers.

Queenstown is on the shores of the Lake Wakatipu and was first discovered by the Maori Hunters. The town is known for its recreational activities with many outdoor activities and it has a reputation for also having a great night life. Many holiday makers split there holiday and rent a holiday home on the South Island and use it as a base to explore this beautiful country. They then move on to the North Island and stay in a holiday home there.

Fiordland National Park is called the eight wonder of the world by Rudyard Kipling. It is a mix of the waterfalls, rainforests, lakes and granite peaks. This combination makes one of the most scenic views that you will ever see in your life. Fiordland is also famous for the three great walks of Route burn, Milford and Kepler Tracks.

The Northern Island is a beautiful place with many things for tourists to do and see. It is home to the truly cosmopolitan cities of Auckland and Wellington and the astounding Rotorua. Many holiday makers stay in self catering holiday apartments in Auckland and use it as a base to explore this amazing city.
New Zealand really is an amazing country to visit on holiday and one of the best ways to stay here is by renting holiday home accommodation. By staying in a holiday home in New Zealand allows you to explore this beautiful country.

The Northern Island is a beautiful place with many things for tourists to do and see when staying in holiday rentals [http://www.compareaway.co.uk]. It is home to the truly cosmopolitan cities of Auckland and Wellington and the astounding Rotorua. Many holiday makers stay in self catering holiday apartments [http://www.compareaway.co.uk/holiday-apartments] in Auckland and use it as a base to explore this amazing city. New Zealand really is an amazing country to visit on holiday and one of the best ways to stay here is by renting holiday home accommodation. By staying in a holiday home in New Zealand allows you to explore this beautiful country.

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Things to See and Do in Indonesia

Bobbing around in tropical seas and draped across the equator, the archipelago of Indonesia has lots to offer its visitors from picture postcard beaches, a kaleidoscope of marine life, stunning scenery, terraced hillsides, lush forests, and above all, gentle people ready to welcome you with their warm smiles. For the visitors, Indonesia is an adventure in waiting - whether it is Bali with its terraced rice fields or Borobudur's architectural treasures or Kalimantan's remote jungle interior - there is something to capture everybody's imagination.

If you are planning a trip to Indonesia, you may wish to include any of the following attractions in your things to see and do list.

Gili Islands: Located on the north western tip of Lombok, these three islands are home to deep-water coral reefs and pristine beaches. The islands are perfect for those looking for a tranquil haven though once you have had your fill of the serenity, you will find all-night dance party destinations within a stone away.

Istiqlal Mosque: One of the largest mosques in the world, this modern mosque in Jakarta, Java, attracts a fair share of visitors from across the world.

Jungle trek: Those looking for a bit of adventure can try out the jungle trek through the rainforests. You will find the most remote and untouched terrain in Irian Jaya, Kalimantan and Sumatra. You can also explore the trails in Muller Mountain in Kalimantan and Bukit Barisan National Park, a remote peninsula in Sumatra.

Prambanan temple complex: Constructed around 900 AD, these temples form the largest temple complex on the island of Java. The complex was however deserted soon after it was completed, probably due to the eruption of the nearby Mount Merapi. The temples were restored in 1953 and today they are the counted amongst the greatest of Hindu shrines. Although there are 24 temples here, the dominant ones are the Brahma Temple, the Vishnu Temple and the Shiva Temple. If you are visiting from May to October, you can see the Ramayana Ballet, a traditional Indonesian dance based on the Hindu epic.

Pulau Bunaken: Indonesia's coastline is said to be home to 15% of the world's coral reefs. An impressive number of about 3000 fish species and 300 types of coral are found in the crystal clear waters. The best places to view the amazing marine life are Bunaken National Park and Lembeh Strait in North Sulawesi.

Puppet shows: These shows are one of the more popular attractions of Indonesia. Especially worth a mention are the puppet shows staged through out Java. Traditional wayang golak and wayang kulit marionettes act out popular legends that form the cultural fabric of the country. Some of the performances can last all night long.

Beaches: The best beaches can be found in Bali. From pristine white-sand beaches to the more wild, rocky and volcanic ones with black sand, you'll find a beach of your choice. Also if you are planning a beach holiday, you will find several Bali villas with the sand right at your doorstep.

Preety is a travel writer with Eats & retreats a modern online magazine with unique travel articles, photo galleries and a selected portfolio of holiday villas and apartments featured by Web Perspective Ltd.

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The Best Places To Visit in South America

Peru
One of the best places to visit in South America is Peru, particularly Northern Peru. As a matter of fact, many travel forum members would recommend it to everyone who is heading to South America. Peru is quite often overlooked but this particular side of the country definitely is a budget's traveler's goldmine with access to archeological sites, great beaches and the birthplace of 'ceviche' - a (spicy) seafood Salad native to the coastal regions in South America.

However, most travelers miss out on half the country by flying into Lima and only traveling south. Northern Peru is home to the Incan ruins and the civilizations that came before them. If you are looking for something fun, the 'Carnaval' is one of the biggest parties in South America, if not the world, but finding somewhere to sleep in South America can be quite a difficult and expensive experience.

Panama Viejo and Caraz
You may not know this but the best places in South America are rather something that you would not expect to be. Panama Viejo is the most ancient settlement of the South America along the Pacific coastline while the Caraz is the heart of Tunshucayco ruins of Chavin civilization believed to be one of the oldest in Peru.

However, there are various and different kinds of modern monuments and ancient remains that are definitely worthy to travel South America. This particular continent in the world is like a store of the unbelievable and the diverse, where you can basically encounter several African-like streets and be able to see Egyptian-like pyramids - thanks to the Mayans, Incas and Aztecs. In regards to these pyramids, it is basically a wonder how it was possible to build similar pyramids in different corners of the globe.

Cruising Destinations
As one of the many cruising destinations, South America is exotic in its own way that other regions simply can't touch, blending touches of the fjords of Norway and Alaska, the cosmopolitan cities of Europe and the vast stretches of rugged terrain in Australia. The Chilean fjord's snow-capped volcanoes and spectacular frosty glaciers are certainly some of the most dramatic highlights during a cruise to South America. The sophisticated and sassy Beunos Aires - dubbed as South America's Paris, will definitely seduce your senses with the country's sultry tango and fragrant Argentinean cuisine.

As you may already know, the planet's fourth largest continent covers thousands of miles from the equatorial tropics to the sub-Arctic and you will definitely find no trace of cruise ship congestion in these areas - whether the cruise ship is sailing around Cape Horn, anchoring in Antarctica or docking in lively Rio de Janeiro. With all that has been said, you definitely can't miss such an opportunity of a lifetime.

Cusco and Iglesia de San Francisco
The Cusco is the ancient capital city of the Incas and it is considered as the living museum of the Peruvian history. Cusco definitely has several Spanish colonial churches and mansions sitting perfectly atop the constructed Inca walls of exquisitely carved granite blocks that fit together without mortar. If you already have visited this remarkable city, you may have noticed that the hills lay more terrific examples of Inca masonry such as the zigzagged defensive walls of Sacsayhuamán and the smaller ruins of Q'enko.

In Venezuela, the Iglesia de San Francisco has its own rich history. Having that said, the Iglesia de San Francisco is the church where Simón Bolívar was proclaimed El Libertador in 1813, and the site of his massive funeral in 1842 - the year his remains were brought back from Colombia some 12 years after his death.

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Exploring the Heart of Poland

Poland is a land rich in history and culture. From snow-capped mountains to beaches and ancient cities, Poland has it all and is one of the most fascinating places in Europe to visit. The cities, villages and countryside are vibrant and welcoming. There is an entire wealth of things to do for those who are seeking an adventuresome trip including skiing, horseback riding, camping, hiking and so much more. Discover the Poland that is returning to its roots with over 2 million ecologically friendly family farms throughout the land each welcoming any visitor willing to take the time to learn about their deep love of nature and sustainability.

Located on the Baltic Sea, Poland even has some great beaches to enjoy during the summer. Here is beaches have clean sand and shallow waters that are perfect for traveling with children. A dense network of rivers and lakes throughout the Polish countryside gives adventurers a chance for kayaking, canoeing, or white water rafting on guided tours throughout beautiful natural landscapes. Nestled in the mountains or by the sea you will also find a host of spas and wellness resorts with natural springs and healing relaxation. There is so much to see in do but if you aren't convince yet, here are some of the best places to explore while in the heart of Poland.

Warsaw
As Poland's capital city it is most likely the entry point for many travelers and boasts over 1 million inhabitants. The most visited area is by far the Warsaw Old Town which is made up of six distinct districts all of which are charming, trendy, and historic all at the same time. Almost entirely destroyed during World War II, the people of Warsaw have spent the last 70 years coming back from the brink. Rebuilt from the ashes, the city is now exciting, vibrant and modern while coupled with Polish tradition.

Explore the cities roots along Nowy Swait Street and you walk amongst the colorful houses and building of the historical Old Town. Here you will find the medieval St. John's Cathedral which typically has music and festivities in the warmer summer months. Eventually you'll find yourself in the main Old Town Square that dates back to the 14th century including the narrow houses that surround the square. You'll find plenty of sidewalk cafes, restaurants, and shops to enjoy as you explore as well. Walk along the Royal Route to the Wilanow Palace and the Royal Castle along with scenic parks and museums to explore.

Krakow
Attracting thousands of tourist every year because of its historical relics and creative energy, the second largest city of Krakow should not be missed. Tour the 13th century Town Hall Tower or along it's own Royal Route with its palace, castle and charming cobblestone streets. Make sure to see the impressive medieval fortification, the Barbican whose immense walls used to defend the city and its inhabitants.

Wroclaw
A much lesser known gem of the historic lower Silesia region of Poland is the city of Wroclaw though it is not to be missed. The city itself has seen a turbulent past with both the Nazi's and the Soviet Union claiming the city to name a few. However now the bejeweled city has long since come back and is considered a highlight of the nation of Poland. See the Rynek, or the largest central square in Europe around which city life has revolved for centuries. You'll find the 14th century Town Hall that also houses the city's museum. Tour the Royal Palace and its historical museum also.

The city is full of beautiful gardens and parks making it especially nice place to visit in the spring and summer months with the flowers are in bloom. Stroll along the former Salt Square which is now a flower market as well. There is no shortage of things to do here as well as you can find operas, music festivals, and theatres. In May and July you'll can take part in the Festival of Good Beer or even the International Film Festival held here. Wroclaw is often called the city of monuments as people pay homage to their city's long history. The fountains and monuments make the city a colorful and magical place.

Poznan
No trip to Poland would be complete without a stop at the cradle of the Polish culture. Poznan has an international flair and an ancient history. Here the first king of Poland was crowned in the 11th century and you can find a wealth of gothic cathedrals, parks, squares, and old streets. See the Renaissance era Town Hall or the medieval city castle, called the king's last castle with the Lion Fountain in the courtyard. This is a bustling city and an important economic and cultural center of Poland so there is no shortage of things to do and see while exploring all that makes the Polish people who they are by understanding where they come from.

For more information on traveling to eastern Europe please visit http://destinationeuropeonline.com/locations/eastern-europe.php

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Cape Town Vacation - Travel Guide

Cape Town is popular for its rich multicultural background. It is, in fact, one of the globe's multicultural metropolitan areas and is the 2nd most densely populated city in South Africa with an estimated 3.5 million residents. Cape Town also covers the largest inland area in the entire South African territory. The city is bordered by the Indian and Atlantic Ocean and the view when you are on Table Mountain of Cape Good Hope is simply breathtaking. This particular city is a preferred amusement venue of many international rock trips and famous jazz artists.

Cape Town is wonderfully gorgeous simply because of its shimmering shorelines as well as vineyards that decorate the edge of the actual city. The scenery within this city are like no other, unique and elegant. Visitors really like to watch whales and dolphins parade along its shore lines. Luxury boat racing activities are usually additionally a common happy and thrilling exercise with regard to people and visitors.

If a person want to relax through pampering yourself, you may discover plenty of luxurious spas in Cape Town. A person can additionally find majestic African hotels, mother nature influenced accommodations, and a store shopping area with more than 400 global manufacturer stores.

Tourism is a very active business here in Cape Town as millions of visitors come and enjoy all of nature's wonders and fun activities every year. But of course, your vacation will not be total with out viewing the Kruger National Park, a safari recreation area along with all the wild animals you may discover in Africa. You can also visit historical places such as Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for eighteen years. The waters in Cape Town are relaxingly warm particularly in St. James Beach where you can also see colorful beach houses that truly a spectacle to behold. Boulders Beach one of the most beautiful beaches in Cape Town where you can also marvel at the sights of African penguins.

For good entertainment, great authentic African food and liquor, you can find it all in the well-liked bars and cafes in the center of Cape Town. For sightseeing, you can enjoy the stunning views on top of the Table Mountain. Surfing is actually one of the most beloved sports in the city where the yearly Red Bull Big Wave Africa Surfing Competition is held.

Climate: Though Cape Town remains gorgeous all year round, activities come to a halt during the winter months of June through August. These are the months when and cold and wet seasons are experienced. Winter season happens from May to September with large cold fronts from the Atlantic Ocean with large precipitation. Rain falls occur in winter time as well. 

Summer time occurs from November through March that is generally warm and dry although frequent strong winds can also be experienced. These strong winds are loved by locals as it cleans the air of pollution. Hot scorching days are experienced for about two weeks in the month of February or March.

Transportation: Cape Town has cable car methods that take people on top of mountains. International flights are also available via the Cape Town International Airport and it will serve local flights as well. The Port of Cape Town is base to numerous ships and is one of the most frantic shipping ports in the globe. It's Metrorail system is one of its effective public transports, Golden Arrow Bus Services, metered and min-bus taxis, as well as minibuses that operate in fleets.

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Best Thailand Travel Guide

This Best Thailand Travel Guide combines useful information about Thailand in many aspects in order for travelers who wish to experience this country to have a brief view of the nation. The Guide will first explain about the country in general before describing what it has in each region so that travelers can decide where they want to go to make the most out of their trips.

One of the distinctive points about Thailand is the Thais. Many people know this nation as the Land of Smiles as the Thais are easy-going and always smiling. Thai people are normally kind, warm and welcoming to foreigners. Tourists can feel quite comfortable asking for directions or helps from Thai strangers during their trips. Some believe that this is the influence of Buddhism, which is the religion that approximately 90% of the population is believed in.

Besides the friendly people, the country has a great combination of unique culture, interesting long history, amazing cuisine and beautiful nature. As a result, Thailand has a vast variety of holiday destinations and activities for tourists to enjoy. Tourists can choose to experience many things in this territory from thick jungles, all-night parties, stunning beaches or something else that would appeal to everyone.

Besides the tourist attractions, Thailand is also an excellent place to shop due to the incredibly low price items available. To make this article the easy and the best Thailand travel guide, the content in terms of attractions will be divided into regions, North, Central and South; due to the distinctive characteristics of each part of the country.

As mentioned, each part of Thailand has different characteristics and cultures. To the north of Thailand, especially in Chiang Mai, you will find some beautiful mountain landscape with many orchid farms and elephant training camps which would give visitors some unique experience that hard to find elsewhere. Up To Chiang Rai and the Golden Triangle area, travelers can visit the hill-tribe people that still have strong native culture and rituals.

With the extremely different way of living for these hill tribes, travelers can experience another world on this same planet. In addition in this area, tourists can have a chance to see nice view of Me Kong river, one of the World's greatest rivers originated from Tibet area and divide Thailand territory from Laos. Moreover, if ones wish to enjoy camping in the greenish forests up the hills, this can also be done in the northern region due to plentiful of the green areas that still beautifully exist in this part of the land.

Next is the best Thailand Travel Guide in the central part of the country. In this part, there are still a lot of natural attractions in boundless national parks with some stunning waterfalls. Additionally, there are more of the ancient cities with the existed ruins in Ayutthaya and Sukhothai that can say a lot about the long history of the nation. Last but not least, the capital city, Bangkok, is also located in this region.

To introduce Bangkok separately as it is the place where most visitors begin their journey in this country due to that Bangkok International Airport is the major arrival spot from flights around the world. Bangkok is one of the most crowded cities in the world with lots of traffic congestion, large amount of population and high-rise buildings; yet, it is the city with complete facilities, convenient transportation systems and large shopping malls and streets.

Finally for this best Thailand Travel Guide is the southern region, the slimmest and longest area of Thailand. This region is the land in the middle of the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea so that beaches are the highlights of this area. Tourists are guaranteed to experience amazing beaches, stunning beautiful tropical islands and sparkling blue water. Moreover, many alternative western-standard accommodations are available from world-class hotels to backpacker places that can be matched with every taste and budget. Due to the existed beautiful reefs and underwater creatures, Scuba diving and snorkeling are normal activities visitors often choose to enjoy in this area.

There is a Thai joke saying that there are 3 seasons in Thailand: hot, hotter and hottest. Normally, most Thailand travel guides would say that the most recommended season to come to Thailand is during November to February as it is the least hot period, yet, the sun still shines beautifully. March to May is considered too hot as it is the hottest period, which could be less tolerable for visitors especially westerners. And as the rain would then arrive during June to October, it is considered as too wet in the monsoon season of Thailand.

However, this Best Thailand Travel Guide would choose to also recommend travelers to consider this wet season because this would be less crowded time to visit many attractions such as well-known beaches, ancient cities or temples. The best thing is that during this time with occasional rains, travelers can pay for much less for air fares and accommodations. Well-known hotels can reduce their rates up to 50-60% so that visitors can enjoy superior facilities at minimal expenses.

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How To Choose Your Travel Destination Wisely

Choosing a travel destination is a decision that requires keen consideration. Especially for new places where you have not toured before it is important to do some research about the places to understand the culture and the traditions there. You can do this by visiting the internet to get detailed information about the place or you can use guidebooks. If you intend to travel in the future, below are some of the ways to choose a travel destination.

Interests
Depending on what your interests and hobbies are, you will arrive at a favorable travel destination fit for you. For instance, if you are in to bird watching you should consider a place that offer bird watching. Are you a wildlife lover? Then visiting a country that has a range of wildlife would be a great plan and so on. Where you intend to travel should offer a spot for your hobbies and interests so that you can have a good time.

Visa
Before you decide on a travel destination, it is important to consider the travel and visa requirements for the travel. For instance, people who are within Visa Waiver countries do not require applying for tourists' visas earlier since they are issued with the visa upon entering the port as passport stamp. Hence, it is important to apply in advance so that you can obtain your visa before travelling.

Vaccination
Before setting on your travel, it is important to be familiar with the vaccination recommended for the country. By searching the travel destinations, you will be able to find information that regard to the matter and if any recommendations have been given, you may be required to take the doses as per the requirement.

Safety issues
It is important to check on issues of safety that regard the country in which you intend to travel. Be sure to refer to the office of consular affairs just to ascertain that there is no travel advisories that have been issued regarding to the country that you intend to visit in any of its cities. If you are touring your country, you may verify the safety of some of the areas that you intend to visit.

Mode of transport
There is a wide variety of methods of transport that you can choose, ranging from, train, plane, sea, and bus depending on the destination. If you are traveling around your country by train, getting a rail card and booking in advance is one of the ways that you can use to lay your hands on those cheap train tickets.

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Lombok Island, Indonesia - The Little-Known Bali Beater

Background Information
If you try to find information or guide books about Lombok,9 times out of 10 you'll find it grouped together as Bali/Lombok or Lombok/Gili Islands, almost as an after-thought. However, this does little justice to the pristine beaches and serenity that Lombok offers, unlike its Bali counterpart. Expect good local food, even friendlier locals and the touch of simplicity often missing from our daily urbanised lives. While it looks relatively close on the map, in reality,it takes about 4-5 hours to sail through the Straits. Lombok is about ¾ the size of Bali.

Best time to visit
The average temperature in Lombok is 29°C to 34°C, which in other words, means it is hot and humid year-round. Best time to visit is any month apart from the peak periods of June-July and December.

Budget
TheTravelManual Team spent less than US$339 for 9 days in Bali, Lombok and Gili Islands. This includes our transport,accomodation and daily expenditure costs.

What to do
* Ride on a motorbike around Lombok Island
Riding on a motorcycle through the streets of Lombok is one of the best things you can do there.Theroads will bring you along the coast of Lombok where you will be able to enjoy the beautiful scenic views of Lombok. Along the way there will also be warongs.It would also be a good time for you to get to know the locals as they are a friendly and warm bunch. Do stop at Coco Beach as it houses the best satay we have ever tasted, the flavour possibly enhanced by the stunning beachside location.
* Mount Rinjani
Mount Rinjani is the second highest volcano in Indonesia and trekking up will take up to 5 days. Other thanenjoying the scenic views of the volcano, you can also experience the Rinjani waterfall. If you are into trekking, this is definitely a must-go. You can always approach one of the travel agencies available in Lombok to get package deals.
* Pasar Bertais (Bertais Market)
If you wish to submerge youself further into the beautiful Lombok culture, the Bertais Market is recommended. Bertais Market is an open air market where you can experience the truly Lombok culture. You will also be greeted by the wonderful locals and can use the opportunity to mingle with them.
* Komodo Island
As the name suggests, it the an island which houses over 2500 giant Komodo dragons in the Komodo National Park. There are travel agencies which offer 1/2 Day tour packages around Komodo Island from Lombok.
* Jeruk Manis Waterfall
Jeruk Manis Waterfall is located in East Lombok. The locals believe that this waterfall has many charms and that it can cure certain diseases and baldness if you bath in it. Even if you are not superstitious the trail to this 600m waterfall and the scenic view that you will be able to see will definitely make it worth going.
* Kuta Beach Lombok
Lombok's Kuta Beach is located at the South coast of Lombok. It is known for the towering waves. It is also a popular destination for surfers. There are surf boards for rent or you can also bring your own. It is also less congested compared the Kuta Beach in Bali. You can always the ever helpful locals to where the good surfing spots are. It is about 90 mins drive from Sengigi.


For more information about Lombok Island, or even Bali, Gili Islands, do go to our main site at http://www.thetravelmanual.com

We are a team of budget travellers who search through the Asia region for trips rich in experience, but low on cost. Let us share with you our experiences and tips for a fulfilling holiday in Asia, without burning a hole in your pocket! Refer to our full website for all the details, tips and bargains at [http://www.thetravelmanual.com]

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5 Amazing Experiences to Have on a Shanghai Holiday

Shanghai is a bustling metropolis in the world's most dynamic and fast-paced nation. The futuristic 'frontier town' atmosphere of this party city is infectious; immaculate tree lined streets open out onto futuristic skylines, with many hints of European-style buildings as opposed to the Imperial palaces of Beijing. Shanghai is a must-visit destination on one of the many fantastic China tours available and below is a roundup of the most amazing experiences to have on Shanghai holidays.

Have a cocktail at the Glamour Bar
Visit this iconic bar for nibbles, a drink or two, or even a delicious evening meal. With three gorgeous bars to choose from you can relax in the sumptuous surroundings and indulge in a glass of champagne or one of their famous Lychee Martinis. The Glamour Bar also hosts many evening events such as live music, book launches and wine talks. It's very popular though, so be sure to arrive before midnight unless you want to queue!

Take a break in People's Park
This tranquil area of greenery is a refuge from the hustle and bustle of Shanghai city. The park is built on the grounds of a former race track and just north of People's Square, where you'll find the main shopping street and a handful of museums. Within the park you'll find the Shanghai Museum of Contemporary Art and a charming bar at the edge of the pond. In the summer, many flock to People's Park to catch the beautiful pink lotus flowers that ring the pond bloom.

Take a mental picture of the Jade Buddha
This is one of the few active Buddhist monasteries in the city. The namesake of this temple is just under two metres high and lives in its own hall above the temple. Unfortunately, visitors are not permitted to take photographs of the statues, but it's certainly worth seeing during your holiday to Shanghai. On the ground floor there is a large stone Buddha that visitors are allowed to photograph.

Embrace being a tourist along Old Street
This renovated stretch of road dates back to the Qing-dynasty and is full of quirky tourist shops where you can pick up souvenirs and mementos of your trip. The bazaars are overflowing with traditional and wacky gifts, from jade jewellery and shadow puppets to beautifully painted kites and ornamental teapots.

Hunt for a masterpiece
Shanghai has a thriving modern art scene and there and plenty of galleries to visit. Many are housed in the north of town in the industrial buildings there with a mix of modern art, sculpture, photography and independent films.

This article was written by Thom Sanders, on behalf of Wendy Wu Tours, who offer a wide range of trips to China, including a selection of fantastic Shanghai holidays.

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Top Tips to Know Before Your Holiday to Venice

Planning the perfect holiday to Venice can be a joy but it can also be something of a worry. After all, you're probably going to be spending a lot of your hard-earned cash and want to make sure you're going to get the best experience you can for it. So, here are a few tips on planning your holiday to Venice that you might find helpful.

1. Think about your real interests. If you want beach and sea interspersed with a little culture then you might be better off further around the lagoon and close to the beaches (Venice Lido). Make sure your destination has Vaporetti connections (water buses) that run regularly to the city itself.

2. If you don't like a lot going on around your hotel instead preferring a little more peace and quiet, then avoid hotels that are close to the major tourist centres like St Mark's. The city can be very busy in the peak summer weeks and the streets in the very centre are crowded for much of the day and night.

3. Try to select a hotel that has some water frontage in close proximity. That's because if you take a water taxi from the airport (note - that can be expensive) it will be able to drop you and your bags that bit closer to your final destination.

4. Similarly, also look at the Vaporetti dropping off points in the tourist web sites. Once again, selecting a hotel relatively close by might mean you avoid needing to drag your suitcases longer distances across the town once you've got off the bus from the airport.

5. A holiday to Venice can be magnificent at any time of the year but in spite of sea breezes, the city can be hot at peak summer times with an average temperature of around 28C. That's not scorching, but if you don't like heat when you're exploring a city then try to visit in spring or autumn.

6. Be clear on your budget. City-centre holidays in any major European city are going to cost a considerable sum of money. If you are on a very tight budget, consider staying somewhere on the outskirts of town or a few kilometres away. You may save a lot of money in accommodation costs, though that will be offset a little by public transport costs. However, providing you can tolerate a little bit of commuting at the start and end of day, you may still save some serious money by doing so.

This is truly one of the world's greatest and most beautiful cities. It's somewhere everyone should see. Just a little thought and care when selecting your actual destination in the city could add to your enjoyment of your holiday to Venice.

Lukas Johannes is a driver for Shuttle Direct. If you're heading off on a holiday to Venice, Shuttle Direct can provide pre-booked shuttles to this and all major destinations all over Europe. Wherever you travel, Shuttle Direct can make sure that you don't miss your car on your holiday abroad.

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5 Beautiful Places to Discover in Thailand

A popular destination for travellers, Thailand has something for everyone, from 5 star luxury seekers to money conscious back packers. It's a land with a fascinating history, breathtaking scenery, ancient temples and a long standing culture of Buddhism. With palm studded beaches, sugary white sands, azure seas and idyllic islands it's the ultimate place to relax and let the laid back atmosphere wash over you.

Phuket
Probably one of the best known Thai destinations after Bangkok, Phuket was made famous as far back as 1974 when it featured in the Bond film, 'Man with the Golden Gun'. In Phuket you can experience a hedonistic lifestyle as you relax on miles and miles of soft sandy beaches by the shimmering aquamarine waters of the Andaman Sea. It's the perfect place to try out some water sports or just eat and drink in the many restaurants and bars which line the sands.

Maya Bay
Another beach made famous on the big screen, Maya Bay played a central role in the 2000 film 'The Beach' starring Leonardo di Caprio. Beautiful white sand surrounded by coral reefs and limestone rocks; it proved to be the perfect location although the landscaping carried out by Fox productions didn't endear the film makers to the locals. It seems nature has now reclaimed its birthright, the 2004 tsunami removing most of the Fox productions landscaping and returning it to its natural state.

Kanchanaburi
A major tourist destination, Kanchanaburi has a truly magnificent landscape with waterfalls, forests, rivers and caves dating back to the times of Neolithic man. It's the ultimate outdoor adventure park with all sorts of activities available from rafting, canoeing and fishing to golfing, mountain biking and bird watching. There are even treks into the dense jungle in search of elephants for those of you who like a little more adventure in your life. But if this seems too much like hard work then just relax on the beautiful white sand beaches.

Koh Phi Phi Don
Hindus, Buddhists and sea gypsies live in harmony in this hedonistic paradise where unspoiled beaches, clear emerald seas and craggy cliffs make up the familiar landscape of this area. Koh Phi Phi, like most islands, can only be reached by sea in one of the puttering colourful long tails and once you are there, you'll find that there are no roads and no traffic in this unspoilt haven of tranquillity and peace. In fact the most arduous thing you'll have to do here is raise your cocktail glass or maybe practice a few downward dogs during a yoga session on the pristine beaches.

Haad Rin, Koh Pha Ngan
If you're finding all this talk of relaxation too staid for your tastes and you'd prefer somewhere with a party atmosphere then head to Haad Rin, a beach which is more famous for its Full Moon Parties than for its natural attractions. That's not to say that it isn't beautiful, it still has the requisite golden sands, crystal clear waters but it also has a lively vibe which lasts all day and well into the night.

James Howson is a timeshare and travel expert with Travel & Leisure Italy. He has over a decade of experience reviewing top resorts and locations around the world, but in particular in Europe

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Come and Explore Incredible India

India is simply awe-inspiring and incredible for its unparalleled beauty. Its picturesque landscape, long coastline, beautiful beaches and lofty mountains will give you a memorable experience. Having a number of tourist attractions and beautiful places, India has become the tour capital of South Asia. Any beauty seekers can come to explore this prime holiday destination of the world. A family trip to India can ensure you the most captivating experience of your life. Come and explore incredible India.

India tour packages will take you to popular tourist places in India: from lofty Himalayan (in the north) to exquisite Indira Point (in the south). In this land of diversity, you will find everything amusing and enchanting. This vast land offers an assorted representation of Southern Asia.

If you are an outsider and know nothing of India, you can take the advantages of India tour packages offered by various travel agencies. Many of them entertain travelers with a customized holiday planning. They will arrange your itineraries in such a planned way that you will be able to cover a number of dream destinations en-route. Their custom India tour packages have designed to cover maximum tourist destinations in a tight schedule and tighter budget.

Now have a look at the must see tourist places in India
The Taj Mahal
Taj Mahal is one of the seven wonders in the world. This marble vault is an epitome of love and devotion. Located in Agra, this marvel of Mughal architecture has won the heart of many travelers over the years.
The Himalayan
This snow-capped mountain in the north of India is most interesting. This God gifted mountain offers breathtaking beauty. Watching the sunrise, standing before ice-clad Himalayan, is rally an unforgettable experience for any globetrotter.
Goa
Goa, the best Indian resort, is the land of full fun and frolic. Here you can experience lovely golden beaches, beautiful resorts and serene stretches of emerald backwater. Here you can partake in various activities like snorkeling, beach walking and swimming.
Delhi
The capital of India, Delhi is one of the most sought after detonations in the world. This historic city offers a number of monuments and nostalgic historical structures. Here you will have a number of historical forts and ethnic things.
Kashmir
Known as earthly heaven, Kashmir offers the most beautiful sight in the world. Travelers come here round the year to enjoy its scenic beauties. Anyone who comes here keeps the place in his heart as his lifetime experience.
Kerala
Kerala, Gods own country, is globally known for its lovely beaches, natural beauty, and beautiful resorts. Its palms, sands and ocean have made the land a dream destination.

Aaden Bell is a travel writer. He writes articles on tourist places in India and India tour packages

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