Travel Around The World

Katrina Disaster Tours Still Popular

2009-02-22T12:22:00.000-08:00

"This is the last pretty thing you're going to see until we get to the lakefront," tour guide Rose Scott tells passengers gazing at the live oaks of City Park.

They're a bit more than an hour into a van tour of the destruction of Hurricane Katrina. Scott's employer, Isabelle Cossart of Tours by Isabelle, calls it 70 miles of destruction in 3 1/2 hours.

Nearly two years after Katrina turned the New Orleans area into a lake of misery, demand for tours of the devastation overwhelms that for visits to mainstay attractions such as cemeteries, plantations and swamps.

"Our survival depends on it. If I quit doing the post-Katrina city tour, I'm out of business," Cossart said.

Scott's van passes the convention center and Superdome, where thousands of refugees suffered after Katrina. "The convention center was never supposed to be a shelter. That's why they didn't have food there," she says.

She turns the van toward areas little known to outsiders before Katrina: Gentilly and Lakeview, where the view of Lake Pontchartrain provides respite on the way to the Lower 9th Ward. Scott drives on to St. Bernard, the hard-hit parish just east of New Orleans where she lived until the storm.

"It used to be, we did nothing but plantation tours," Cossart said. The $58-per-person Katrina tour now makes up three-quarters of her business, and she recently bought a third van.

Tourism officials have struggled with post-hurricane stress on the industry. Some downtown hotels - including the Hyatt and the Fairmont - remain closed. But the convention center and most tourist attractions are open. The bellwether French Quarter was almost untouched by hurricane.

Kelly Schulz, spokeswoman for the New Orleans Convention & Visitors Bureau, said the disaster tours help convince travel agents and convention bookers that devastated areas are distant from tourism venues.

Cossart said the tours began just over a month after Katrina, which struck Aug. 29, 2005. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers hired her as a guide for Japanese engineers who had worked in Kobe after the 1995 earthquake.

After visiting levee breaches, the wiped out Lower 9th Ward and Biloxi, Miss., Cossart said she asked how long they thought it would take to rebuild. Their answer, she said, was 10 years plus time for political maneuvering.

Scott, who is living an hour northeast of New Orleans in Carriere, Miss., has gutted her 3,100-square-foot house in Chalmette but hasn't yet decided whether to rebuild. She worries about environmental safety because more than water was released by the storm.

As she pulls into her old neighborhood, she tells passengers about the 1.3 million-gallon spill from the nearby Murphy Oil tank farm that complicated her cleanup and clouded her future.

For Scott, Katrina and its aftermath are very personal matters. Cossart asked her how she felt about disaster tours. Her response was quick to the point. "This is history. People need to see what happened here so they can fix it where it never happens again."

By JANET MCCONNAUGHEY, AP

Southwest Tries New Ways of Boarding

2009-02-22T12:21:00.000-08:00

Families with young children are usually invited to board their flights first, along with other special needs passengers.

But what if families with children weren't among the first to board? Might the process go more smoothly?

While it might sound counterintuitive, it's something Southwest Airlines has been experimenting with on flights from San Antonio.

"The major goal is to try to give a better customer experience for boarding," said Susie Boersma, manager for airport performance improvement.

The airline's effort to improve the boarding process comes at a time when the entire airline industry is struggling with increased delays, cancellations and passenger complaints about deterioriations in service. Several high-profile incidents in the past year have involved traveling families, most recently a woman who was escorted off a plane because her toddler kept saying "Bye-bye plane!"

Southwest, a Dallas-based discount carrier, is famous for its unassigned seating, which some have dubbed the "cattle call."

In each of the scenarios the airline has been trying, families were invited to board after the "A" group. Passengers in the "A" group are typically those who arrive early or who checked in online beforehand.

In one scenario, a few rows of seats were set aside on the plane for flight attendants to use if a family couldn't find seats together. In the other scenario, no seats were reserved.

In either case, families who had already obtained an "A" pass could sidestep the experiment of boarding later and board with the "A" group if they wanted to.

But some traveling families said they'd be happy to give up the privilege of boarding first, if it made the process easier.

"I'd be willing to go after the 'A' group," said Christine Smith, 34, who traveled on a test flight from San Antonio to Dallas last week with her 6-year-old son, Tanner.

Aimee Flanagan, 34, who was on Smith's flight with her husband and three children, said she wouldn't mind boarding after the "A" group, because it might reduce the pressure to get settled while a long and impatient line of people wait behind her.

When families board first, "there's no time to get situated. You have to be in the aisles," she said. "And the kids are over here and you still haven't figured out where to sit."

The day after her test flight, Flanagan said that boarding after the "A" group worked out just fine. Fewer seats were available, but her family was still able to sit together. She still felt the pressure to get seated quickly, though, as others boarded after her.

Southwest officials stress that they are not trying to separate business travelers from families. But some passengers say that's exactly what they'd like to see.

"If you have X amount of families, however many people who are in families, have X seats sectioned off," said Flanagan. She said doing that would keep everyone happy, including all the annoyed travelers she's seen giving families dirty looks.

It's also possible that Southwest may not change anything and continue to pre-board as usual, the company said.

Dallas-area architects Dan Henke and Fred Cawyer, who travel Southwest once or twice a month, are happy to have family pre-boarding continue as usual, even if that means a longer wait and fewer available seats. "I think I like letting them board first," Henke said. "Then I don't have to sit next to them."

They'd also support separate sections for business and family passengers.

"These flights are so short, I can tolerate it," Cawyer said of sitting next to a crying child for the less-than-one-hour hop from San Antonio to Dallas. "If it's going to Pittsburgh, shoot me."

In addition to the "Bye-bye plane!" case, other incidents involving families in the past year include a family taken off a flight when their child threw a tantrum and refused to wear a seat belt, and protests held nationwide in support of a nursing mother who was ordered off a plane because she wouldn't cover up.

By ELIZABETH WHITE, AP

Start with West Attractions

2009-02-22T12:19:00.000-08:00

Tip 5: Start with Attractions

If your crew -- be they children or children-at-heart -- are over the whole Fantasyland thing, I highly recommend starting with Attractions West (as the vets call them -- that’s code for "the attractions on the west side of the park"). This means you'll want to hit Adventureland, New Orleans’ Square, Critter Country and Frontierland. Why? Because if you're swift about it, you can knock all of their rides out well before lunch, and save the rest of the day for standing in lines. But there’s a science to it, which brings me to my next tip …

Tip 6: Load Your Fastpasses

Fastpasses are either God’s gift to Disneyland, or the devil’s blight on Walt’s park -- it depends on who you ask. The whole concept is to “save your spot in line” so that you can go do other things (i.e., eat, shop and do other things that cause you to spend money) instead of waiting in an endless line. But if you learn to use the system to your advantage, you’ll maximize your amusement time.

For example, let’s say we’re starting our day in Attractions West. Get a Fastpass for Indiana Jones -- known back in the day as “Temple of the Long Line” -- and then go directly to Pirates of the Caribbean. Once you’re done on that ride, go directly to Haunted Mansion. By the time you’re out of the mansion, you should be able to get a new Fastpass. If not, skip over to Critter Country for The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, and by the time you get off that ride, you should be good to go for Indy. But wait -- before you get on Indy, make a stop at the Fastpass distribution for Splash Mountain. Do Indy, maybe squeeze in a whirl on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (or some target practice at Frontierland’s Shootin’ Exposition), then you’re set to go on Splash Mountain. But before you do that, stop off and get a Fastpass for Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin …

See where I’m going with this? It always helps to have a plan. The thing is, others are going to have the exact same plan, so don’t fret if Fastpasses run out for the day. Just use your time in line as quality time. (Easier said than done when you’re all bouncing around like crazies, right?)

Tip 7: Nail Your Characters Early

If your little ones are dead set on having their pictures taken with princesses and mice and bears, best to do it sooner than later, as the lines get longer as the day goes on. The princesses take up court in the Fantasyland Theatre, Buzz Lightyear hangs out in Tomorrowland, Pooh and the gang take over Critter Country, Mickey and Minnie are easily found in Toontown, Ariel has a clamshell in the fountains near Tomorrowland, and Aladdin takes up shop in Adventureland, while a mix of characters sometimes take over the Small World area. Sometimes the villains come out to play around Fantasyland, and old-timers -- like Brer Bear -- chill near Adventureland. Sometimes it’s set, other times it’s luck of the draw, but if you miss someone during the day, sometimes they make a post-parade appearance on Main Street near the Mad Hatter.

Tip 8: Eat Early, Eat Often

Restaurants get busy at predictable times -- especially during high season in the summer and around Christmas. To combat it best, do mini-meals at the concession stands all around the park. Grab a turkey leg here, a container of crudités there, and you won’t feel the sting of hunger at all. And if you do, at least it’ll tide you over until the rush subsides and you don’t have to fight nearly as much for a table somewhere.

As a breakfast tip, on days without Early Entry, try going to the park a half-hour before opening to have breakfast at the Carnation Café, sandwiched in between the watchmaker and the ice cream parlor on Main Street. The wait staff is expert at delivering your food and check in perfect timing to make rope drop, all with a smile. If you want to make lunch or dinner something special, make your first stop of the day the reservations desk at the Blue Bayou, the restaurant that puts you right in the Pirates of the Caribbean ride. Great food and a great atmosphere ensure your dining experience will be unforgettable. Of course, your other options for lunch are to eat in Downtown Disney, or try some of the dining options at the hotels. But why would you want to leave the park once you’re in? (The answer? You wouldn’t.)

Tip 9: Switch Parks Midday

Right around the time lunch starts to get nuts and you’ve successfully nailed all the rides in Attractions West, that’s the right time to make your way across the esplanade to Disney’s California Adventure. As the park is smaller and doesn’t hold as many people as Disneyland, it’s a great way to get a little breathing room and still hit some great rides before dusk. Don’t miss Soaring Over California (the hangliding ride), Tower of Terror (the elevator drop ride) and California Screamin’ (the roller-coaster), all of which have Fastpass -- and great views.

By CARLY MILNE

Skip the Parades, Shows and Fireworks

2009-02-22T12:18:00.000-08:00

Tip 10: Skip the Parades, Shows and Fireworks

You don’t want to waste time watching rubberheads in choreographed dance and colorful explosions over the Matterhorn, do you? Of course not -- you want to ride the Matterhorn, and parades followed by fireworks are a great time to get a lot of riding done. As the shows swallow up a lot of the crowds, the lines tend to get leaner, which means you have that much more opportunity to maximize your ride count. That said …

Tip 11: Don't Skip Parades, Shows and Fireworks

Really -– don’t. I can condone skipping the parade if you’re either above a certain age or below a certain tolerance level, but you have to see the fireworks at least once. They really are an incredible masterpiece of timing and choreography, best seen from directly in front of Sleeping Beauty’s castle, but enjoyed no matter what location you see them from. Plus, the magic and entertainment of Fantasmic is unparalleled (though I recommend seeing the less crowded late show, if your little ones have had a nap).

Tip 12: Do Open to Close

Maybe I come off as a bit fanatic, but there’s something so magically all-encompassing about being there right when the gates open to riding every last ride until they kick you out. It gives one a sense of accomplishment … or obsession, take your pick. Regardless, it does make your trip memorable, and gives you plenty of time to see, do, re-see and re-do all the things that you want to, whether you’ve planned to stay for a day or a week. Plus …

Tip 13: Shop Late

Don’t waste your valuable ride and character-visiting time shopping for -- and carrying -- souvenirs. All the shops on Main Street are open an hour after park closing, and Downtown Disney shops are sometimes open for two hours after park closing, depending on the day and season. But if you really must, must, must spend money right that second, make arrangements for them to deliver your bags to your room (another benefit only allotted to on-site hotel guests).

Tip 14: Ditch the Kids

Yes, you love them -- but you also just let them drag you around miles and miles of amusement parks for hours on end. Isn’t it time for a little grown-up get-together? Don’t worry about the kids -- the Grand Californian has babysitting options, that give kids the chance to watch movies, make crafts, and even get rooftop seats for the fireworks with skilled caregivers that will keep an eye on them until you’re finished doing whatever it is you want to do. After all, the Disneyland Resort isn’t just fun for kids.

Some adult recommendations? How about spa treatments at the Mandara Spa followed by an incredible dinner at the Napa Rose? You could go for the wine country duck confit with spring vegetable fricassee and porcini mushroom foam appetizer followed by a main of white truffle honey glazed pacific salmon with white asparagus, coastal mushrooms, baby “red lace” mustard greens, green lentil puree and minneola essence. Or, go big and sign up for the Vinter’s Table, a chef’s tasting menu designed to be paired with the best wines from wine country. Just make sure you save room for dessert! The kids might be miffed, but you can pay them off the next morning with breakfast at the Storyteller’s Café. With grown-up breakfast options for mom and dad, a delicious buffet for all ages and wandering characters to spice up the dining experience, all will be forgotten … and you’ll be more than ready to tackle another day of rides, or use it as your last hurrah before you catch your flight home.

By CARLY MILNE

BART San Francisco Map

2009-02-22T12:17:00.000-08:00

Unique in and of itself, San Francisco’s subway system isn’t your average transportation. San Francisco is a peninsula surrounded by water on three sides, thus creating a challenging engineering feat to connect the cities across the Bay. Because the MUNI bus system in San Francisco is very well organized, and digging subway tunnels under the city is not always an option, BART is geared toward local commuters first, tourists second. That doesn’t mean you can’t download a BART San Francisco map and hit the sights, just be prepared to use a combo of above ground MUNI busses and underground BART trains to get where you need to go.

Locals have a love-hate relationship with BART, which has found its way to the blogosphere among San Francisco intellectuals. Standing for “Bay Area Rapid Transit”, BART offers 104 miles of track, 43 stations serving upwards of 330,000 people a day. And despite paling in comparison to other subway systems in terms of size and usage, BART holds its own with five lines that delve deep into the greater Bay Area cities. Tourists benefit from this simplistic setup in that day trips to UC Berkeley, downtown San Francisco, and both Oakland and San Francisco International airports is possible. Plans are in the works to take BART deep into Silicon Valley connecting San Jose as well.

Those planning a trip to San Francisco can get the most out of a BART San Francisco map. This allows visitors to effectively plan a Raiders game in Oakland, a tour of Scharffen Berger Chocolate in Berkeley then end up having sushi in Union Square all in one day. BART subway tickets are can be loaded up with money similar to a debit card. Keep in mind that the tickets you purchase for BART are only good on BART trains, unless you purchase a BART Plus ticket, which can be used as local fare on multiple Bay Area bus lines in half month increments. This is the best option for tourists. Snag a BART plus ticket, download a BART San Francisco map and you’re good to go.

By ROBIN AGUILAR, AOL

London Tube Map

2009-02-22T12:16:00.000-08:00

Few cities are as entwined with their subway as London. Officially opening its doors in 1863, and serving over 3 million riders a day, the London Tube is one of the oldest and most prevalent rapid transit systems in the world. And the local love affair with the London Underground is stuff of legend; from the pop culture phenomena “Mind the Gap” campaign to keep riders from tripping on the gap between train and platform, to the tragic terrorist attack that took place in 2005. The London Tube has survived just about everything critics and fans can throw at it, and keeps on growing.

Known as the “London Underground” or by locals as “The Tube”, this advanced subway system boasts 275 stations spanning over 253 miles in and around the greater London metropolitan area. Travelers to London find the Tube map to be somewhat confusing, as the twelve subway lines intersect to form a colorful octopus. Many critics of the London Tube map agree that actual distances between stations are not accurately portrayed, in an effort to make more money off unsuspecting riders. Regardless of drawbacks, for many travelers, the London Tube map is the only way to see the city.

Savvy travelers to London always research and secure a Tube Map before they go. Combined with a trusty London travel guide, the Tube map allows visitors to plan their visit and ultimately reduce stress. Take the time to familiarize yourself with the varying subway lines, where they do and don’t go, as well as keep tabs on station closings and outages. The Transport for London website offers email alerts to keep you posted of important Tube delays while in London. Also available are London Tube maps with the fare zones distinctly mapped out, so travelers can get a good idea how much they’ll be spending on tickets for the Tube. This allows you to decide to pay fares on a one-off basis, or invest in multi-day tickets or an Oyster card pay-as-you-go-credit card.

A must-see for travelers, many London Tube stations have transformed into transit art galleries. These stations are decorated and adorned with works from local artists, courtesy of Platform for Art and Poems on the Underground initiatives. Developed to enhance rider experience, these art projects have given elegance to the London Tube rarely found outside of the UK.

By ROBIN AGUILAR, AOL

Upscale Vegas Hotels Lure Big Spenders

2009-02-22T12:14:00.000-08:00

In the rarified world of luxury hotels, it's not only the thread count of the sheets or the sheen of the marble but the sincerity of the staff that separates the best from the rest.

Casino developer Steve Wynn recalls getting the bad news that his Bellagio resort would be getting four stars instead of five from Mobil inspectors more than a year after its opening in 1998.

"It was an unfortunate exchange at the front desk with the anonymous shopper," said Wynn of the property now owned by MGM Mirage Inc. "And room service trays, after people had eaten breakfast, were left outside the door in the hallway."

While such minor annoyances might have been acceptable in the land of free drinks, bargain buffets and sequined showgirls, such service no longer passes muster in upscale Sin City.

As budget options like the Stardust and New Frontier have been imploded to make way for more expensive, classier resorts, a battle is being waged for the tourist dollars of the upper crust.

Details such as pronouncing a hotel guest's name correctly and delivering room service within five minutes of the appointed time are crucial to attaining the top ranks from such agencies as Mobil, AAA and Michelin.

Higher rankings mean higher room rates for operators. Likewise, restaurateurs covet the rankings, which bring headlines and crowds of big-spending customers.

In the case of The Venetian, owner Las Vegas Sands Corp. was able to raise the average daily room rate in the first three quarters of 2007 by $22 from a year earlier -- to $259 -- after spending $100 million on renovations to achieve five-diamond status from AAA.

For the 4,000-room hotel, which opened in 1999, that means millions of dollars more to the bottom line, said senior vice president Paul Pusateri, who spearheaded the drive to improve its four-star rating.

The property doubled the number of pillows on each bed to four, increased the thread count to 260 on its sheets in standard rooms and installed flat panel TVs and automatic drapes.

It also began running secret shoppers through its property at least every two weeks, testing employees on hundreds of AAA and Mobil rating criteria, such as making eye contact, dealing with communication breakdowns and responding to requests quickly.

When service slips, employees are notified immediately.

"It is as simple as one team member not being able to pronounce the name of the shopper and therefore not using it, for example," hotel operations vice president Kirsten Dimond said.

At the Wynn Las Vegas, whose Tower Suites hotel-within-a-hotel was awarded Las Vegas' only Mobil five star resort rating last year, average room rates were a market-leading $282.

"Rich people know what the best hotel is in every city of the world," Wynn said. "Mobil is a confirmation of that."

Celebrated chef Joel Robuchon, whose namesake restaurant at MGM Grand received Michelin's only top three-star rating in Nevada last month, said the key is guest satisfaction.

"I'm very happy about it, but the stars are not my main focus," Robuchon said by telephone from his restaurant in Macau. "For me, the best thing that can happen is when guests make their next reservation even as they are leaving."

The Las Vegas area boasts five resorts and four restaurants with five diamonds and more than a dozen of each with four. Elsewhere in Nevada, there are five AAA four-diamond properties, including the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa & Casino; Harrah's Lake Tahoe; and Cactus Petes Resort Casino in Jackpot.

Reno's best properties, such as the Grand Sierra Resort & Casino; Eldorado Resort Casino Reno; and Siena Hotel Spa Casino, received three stars and diamonds from Mobil and AAA.

By RYAN NAKASHIMA, AP

How Hotels are Rated

2009-02-22T12:11:00.000-08:00

The key to great hotel service is the arrival sequence, and it begins beneath the covered driveway known as the porte-cochere.

On a recent, unannounced annual inspection, The Associated Press accompanied an AAA inspector into the Hilton Grand Vacation Club on the Las Vegas Strip, most recently ranked as a three-diamond hotel.

The green Subaru wagon arrived on a not-busy Tuesday afternoon and the visitors already were out of the vehicle before three valet workers moved to assist them.

"I see the valets, and they're just sort of chitchatting," said the inspector, who asked not to be identified so she could perform occasional anonymous stays. "This could be a four. Did I get four-diamond service on arrival? No."

Inside a room, assistant executive housekeeper Gerardo Chavez-Mendoza nervously looked on as the inspector ran her hands over the granite countertops and then into the coffee maker, with the drama of a mother inspecting her teenage son's room.

"You're not going to like this," she said, pulling out a wet, used coffee bag.

"Wonderful," Chavez-Mendoza said, visibly upset.

North America's most popular guidebooks -- Mobil and AAA -- rank up to three levels on their respective star or diamond charts with in-person, unannounced inspections. A rank of four or the highest, five, requires an incognito stay.

As a result, property managers encourage their employees to be on the ball -- all the time.

"After the first six months, they really realized there's no point in trying to find out who the shopper is," said the Venetian's Dimond.

Cleanliness, safety and reliability are the base standards for obtaining a listing in the guides and the lowest one star or diamond rating. From there, standards diverge slightly.

Mobil requires onsite restaurants for a two, while AAA does not. At a Mobil three, the bathroom is expected to have "hygienic soap, shampoo and four other bath amenities"; while AAA expects "two large bars of soap or equivalent; one bottled item; attractively presented" and other amenities at the front desk.

At the four and five levels, rooms are expected to feature such touches as accent pillows, artistic interiors, insulated ice buckets, bathrobes and often brand-name bath goods. Warm, sincere greetings, often by name, are expected in every interaction.

Some properties attempt to go beyond the requirements, aiming for the wow factor that amazes guests and secret shoppers.

At Bellagio, a five-diamond, four-star property, flowers are shipped in from around the world to fill the 13,500 square-foot conservatory near the lobby, which is changed out five times a year.

"We go out and search for the Christmas tree that we need three, four months in advance. We fly flowers in from Holland," president Randy Morton said. "That's a Bellagio diamond, I guess you'd call it."

At the highest levels of service, Mobil rates only 37 hotels and 16 restaurants as five-star in North America; while AAA gives its top designation to 100 hotels and 60 restaurants in the U.S., Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean. Michelin, known more as a restaurant guide, gave its top three stars to 68 restaurants in 22 countries, but it's unclear how many hotels got the top honor of five red pavilions.

Because of differing standards, it's difficult to say which rankings are more exacting. Some operators said Mobil's targets are tougher than AAA's to meet, since they cover more areas of service, such as at poolside or in the casino. Michelin, operating in North America since 2005, is a more unknown quantity on the hotel side.

Whatever the standard, more Las Vegas resort developers are getting in on the upscale act with billion-dollar developments.

Las Vegas Sands' $2.6 billion Palazzo is set to open its doors by the end of the year, while Wynn's $2.2 billion Encore property opens in early 2009. The $2.8 billion Fontainebleau, along with MGM Mirage's $7.8 billion CityCenter are to open later that year. Boyd Gaming Corp.'s $4.4 billion complex, Echelon, is scheduled to open in 2010 and developer Elad IDB plans to spend more than $5 billion to open The Plaza hotel and casino on the Strip in 2011.

When Wynn won his coveted Mobil five stars last year, he said he spent millions advertising it, not only to flaunt the distinction, but to egg on his competitors.

"Since I made a fuss about our five stars, that will inspire other people in town to be jealous and to upgrade," Wynn said. "The more that Las Vegas is perceived to be a really high-class destination, the bigger the market gets. That's a good thing for all of us."

By RYAN NAKASHIMA, AP

Top 10 Road Stops

2009-02-22T12:09:00.000-08:00

It's the dreaded question on every road trip, the one that almost always brings a muted scream from parents -- "Are we there yet?"

Instead of jumping off the highway for a pit-stop at the rest stop, why not take a real break at an iconic American roadside attraction -- or an attraction that’s destined to become one? Here are ten picks sure to relieve boredom -- and gives you an interesting answer to the question of ‘are we there yet?’

Attraction: Kentucky Artisan Center
Location: Berea, KY
What To See: The staff jokes that it's got the cleanest restrooms along Interstate 75 -- and it sure does. But the Kentucky Artisan Center offers a lot more than spiffy bathrooms; it also boasts a restaurant, gallery space, and a shopping wonderland of true American-made treasures, from Appalachian crafts to quilts, art glass, oil paintings and pottery -- all the work of Kentuckians.

Attraction: Superman Museum
Location: Metropolis, IL
What To See: It’s a bird, it’s a plane -- no wait, it’s a museum! More than 20,000 objects of super-hero proportions are housed in this Metropolis museum dedicated to the man of steel, who according to the comic books, came from a town called Metropolis. Outside the museum, a huge and hulking monument to the Man of Steel is the perfect backdrop for a family photo -- you can even immortalize your visit by buying a brick in the pathway being constructed for the Lois Lane statue.

Attraction: Rock City Gardens
Location: Chattanooga, TN
What To See: Perhaps the most iconic of all roadside attractions, Rock City is where you can see seven states fro, the top of Lookout Mountain, search for gnomes in the gardens, squeeze through a crevice called the Needle’s Eye, and contemplate the state of your love life form the dramatic Lover's Leap.

Attraction: Five Rivers Center
Location: Mobile, AL
What To See: One of the newest attractions in Mobile, Five Rivers offers travelers a chance to jump off Interstate 10 and jump into a kayak for exploring the expansive wetlands of lower Alabama’s Gulf Coast. Take a guided tour or push off on your own – but keep an eye out for gators, too.

Attraction: Griffith Park
Location: Los Angeles, CA
What To See: Take a hike, a horseback ride or a stroll through the zoo at Griffith Park, an urban oasis in Los Angeles that is perhaps most famously known (and portrayed in movies) as home to the Griffith Observatory. But in addition to being home to the observatory, Los Angeles Zoo and the Gene Autry Museum of Western Heritage, the park is also home to the famous ‘Hollywood’ sign.

Attraction: Bronner’s
Location: Frankenmuth, MI
What To See: It’s Christmas year-round at Bronner’s the winter wonderland that’s full of zillions of holiday lights, ornaments, trees, stockings, yard art and just about anything one could need or want. There’s even a chapel for meditating, or perhaps escaping from the merry madness.

Attraction: Corn Palace
Location: Mitchell, SD
What To See: It’s never the same place twice -- literally. Each year since the turn of the last century, more than 275-thousand ears of corn and dozens of other crops are fashioned into an elaborate design on the exterior of the Corn Palace. It was the best way the local farmers could show off the fruits of their harvest -- rye, corn, wild oats and more. There’s also a doll museum, prehistoric Indian village and a history museum in Mitchell.

Attraction: Mall of America
Location: Minneapolis, MN
Details: It’s shopping nirvana for her, an amusement park for the kids, and Dad? Well, he just gets to pay for it all. Just kidding -- he can hang in the more than 14 sporting goods stores, the 20 sit-down restaurants or join the kiddies on the roller coaster. With 4.2 million square feet of shopping, dining and entertainment, boredom is impossible.

Attraction: Spam Museum
Location: Austin, MN
What To See: 16,500 square feet of SPAM, glorious SPAM, from SPAMburgers in the cafe to sculptures in the exhibit area. Learn fun facts – like the astonishing news that Hawaiians buy 6.7 million cans of the ham-and-whatever-it-is canned meat annually. Why? That’s one question that’s not answered at the museum.

Attraction: Golden Gate Bridge National Park
Location: San Francisco, CA
What To See: The views are astonishing, the bridge a marvel of engineering – and it’s a must-stop if you’re within 50 miles in any direction. There are beaches and hiking, the country’s most infamous prison-- Alcatraz. For the most rugged and least crowded experience, try the abandoned armories along the coastline. But The Rock isn't the only place worth visiting. Try the Muir Woods monument for a bit of peace and quiet among the redwoods trees; the historic Presidio for a step back into time (and through an amazing cemetary); and Land's End, the rocky headlands best for a bit of hiking.

By SALLY WALKER DAVIES

Road Stops To See in America

2009-02-22T12:05:00.000-08:00

Attraction: Griffith Park
Location: Los Angeles, CA
What To See: Take a hike, a horseback ride or a stroll through the zoo at Griffith Park, an urban oasis in Los Angeles that is perhaps most famously known (and portrayed in movies) as home to the Griffith Observatory. But in addition to being home to the observatory, Los Angeles Zoo and the Gene Autry Museum of Western Heritage, the park is also home to the famous ‘Hollywood’ sign.

Attraction: Bronner's
Location: Frankenmuth, MI
What To See: It’s Christmas year-round at Bronner’s the winter wonderland that’s full of zillions of holiday lights, ornaments, trees, stockings, yard art and just about anything one could need or want. There’s even a chapel for meditating, or perhaps escaping from the merry madness.

Attraction: Corn Palace
Location: Mitchell, SD
What To See: It’s never the same place twice -- literally. Each year since the turn of the last century, more than 275-thousand ears of corn and dozens of other crops are fashioned into an elaborate design on the exterior of the Corn Palace. It was the best way the local farmers could show off the fruits of their harvest -- rye, corn, wild oats and more. There’s also a doll museum, prehistoric Indian village and a history museum in Mitchell.

Attraction: Mall of America
Location: Minneapolis, MN
Details: It’s shopping nirvana for her, an amusement park for the kids, and Dad? Well, he just gets to pay for it all. Just kidding -- he can hang in the more than 14 sporting goods stores, the 20 sit-down restaurants or join the kiddies on the roller coaster. With 4.2 million square feet of shopping, dining and entertainment, boredom is impossible.

Attraction: Spam Museum
Location: Austin, MN
What To See: 16,500 square feet of SPAM, glorious SPAM, from SPAMburgers in the cafe to sculptures in the exhibit area. Learn fun facts – like the astonishing news that Hawaiians buy 6.7 million cans of the ham-and-whatever-it-is canned meat annually. Why? That’s one question that’s not answered at the museum.

Attraction: Golden Gate Bridge National Park
Location: San Francisco, CA
What To See: The views are astonishing, the bridge a marvel of engineering – and it’s a must-stop if you’re within 50 miles in any direction. There are beaches and hiking, the country’s most infamous prison-- Alcatraz. For the most rugged and least crowded experience, try the abandoned armories along the coastline. But The Rock isn't the only place worth visiting. Try the Muir Woods monument for a bit of peace and quiet among the redwoods trees; the historic Presidio for a step back into time (and through an amazing cemetary); and Land's End, the rocky headlands best for a bit of hiking.

By SALLY WALKER DAVIES

Put Away Your Checklists and Slow Down

2008-11-18T10:22:00.000-08:00

What do you think of this itinerary?" a fellow traveler once asked. His message listed 29 countries on six continents, with line items such as "Brazil: 5 days, Argentina: 6 days, Chile: 3 days, then fly to Australia: two weeks." The list went on and on like that, for a period covering one year. My reply was, in short, that she should throw out two-thirds of the destinations and start over.

The U.S. is living in a competitive society. Even when we try hard to avoid it, we are under pressure to stand out, to do better, to win every contest. We're wired to try to come out on top whether in our jobs, our sports contests, our classes, or our excursions to the mall or the car dealer. Raised on this competitive spirit, many travelers have trouble letting go when they decide to circle the globe for the first time. They want to see the most places, get the most passport stamps, and check off the most pages in the book 1,000 Places to See Before You Die.

Unfortunately, their whirlwind year abroad leaves them with mere snatches of memories. They form few relationships that last more than a day. Far too many of their stories revolve around the process of travel: bus rides, train rides, ferry rides, and time spent waiting for all of the above. Instead of stopping to smell the papayas, they choose to smell more diesel fumes.

I once read an article in one of the glossy travel magazines about a 65,000-mile round-the-world journey by one of the magazine's writers. It ended up being an article about planes, airports, and checking in and out of hotels. The writer wasn't content to actually spend some time in places and see what made them tick. Instead he had to turn it into something fit for reality TV: a challenge, a race, an endurance test. How long did he spend using this $5,300 batch of tickets through 46 cities? Less than two months. The longest he spent in one place was four days. He proudly listed the average hours of sleep per night at 4.5 and the number of cups of coffee at 249. When he says, "All too often, I could be found running breathless for my next flight," I couldn't help but mourn the giant waste of opportunity.

This is an extreme example of course, and probably one that only someone with a fat expense account would undertake. But the guiding mentality is not uncommon for those planning their first journey around the world. Many of them want to "do it all," as if this will be their only trip away from home for their entire life. As a result, their impressions of a city are limited to monuments and transportation depots. The only locals they meet are ones trying to sell them something.

On our third time circling the globe, my wife and I suffered a particularly hellish ferry ride out to the Togian Islands off Sulawesi in Indonesia. The overstuffed boat left after midnight (hours late) and hit rough seas, forcing nearly everyone into a state of regurgitation. In the morning the sun came up on our boat, which was moving along the equator, and we all baked until arriving at our destination a couple of hours before sunset. When we finally threw our packs down in our beach bungalow, Donna and I vowed not to leave for at least a week. Another couple came over with us on the same ferry. They had already breezed through South America, Africa, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand in a mere 10 months and were frantically trying to cram in their list for Asia before their RTW ticket expired. They ended up staying three nights on this blissful (and blissfully cheap) tropical island, then bid everyone goodbye. They had places to go, sites to pose in front of, things to check off their list. They only had a year to see the world and, by god, they were going to see it all. "This is the longest we've ever stayed in one place!" they explained cheerfully.

When we asked them earlier what they thought of particular places we had all been to, they'd talk about their guesthouse, what the buses were like, or that perfect slice of chocolate cake they'd gotten at some cafÃ©. They hadn't had the time to delve any deeper. Like a glossy travel article that doesn't look much different than a tourism board brochure, their stories didn't have any meat. Many of the towns they had visited were already fading from memory, just a blur of one-night stopovers.

Here are a few tips to remember when planning an around-the-world trip. Keep them in mind, and I promise you will get a lot more out of your trip.

1. All countries are not created equal.

Two days in Singapore may be enough to get a good feel for the place. Two days in Turkey is a joke, just a glorified layover. I lived in Istanbul for five months and never ran out of things to see. And although the city is fantastic, one city does not a country make. London is not England any more than New York is America. To really experience a country, you need to spend some quality time off the main tour bus route.

Don't forget that it takes two or three weeks just to get your bearings in India and twice that to really see more than a few states. You can see a lot of Laos in two weeks, but if you're going to Vietnam for two weeks, pick the north or the south -- you can't see both in that short amount of time.

2. Pick clusters, not far-flung destinations.

Many travelers try to plan according to some internal priority list and end up paying a fortune to fly to disconnected spots on the globe. They want to visit China, Fiji, New Zealand, Chile, Mexico, and a dozen other places in Europe and Africa -- never mind that the destinations are nowhere close to each other.

There's a good reason Southeast Asia is so popular with backpackers. You can fly into Bangkok and then visit a long list of exciting places going overland or with short-hop flights. If you like a place more than you thought you would, you can stay longer. If you're disappointed, you can move on to the next spot quite easily. You can then get easy flight connections from Bangkok to anywhere in Asia and most places beyond. Similar clusters exist in the Middle East, East Africa, Central America, and parts of South America.

3. Go for quality over quantity.

When I took my third round-the-world journey, some of my family members were surprised that my wife and I were returning to some countries for the second or third time instead of going to all new places. We made this choice, however, because we knew we had only experienced the tips of the iceberg in Indonesia, Nepal, and India and wanted to see a lot of areas we had missed. We knew our experience would be more meaningful than if we went somewhere less interesting just to check off a box. As a result, we spent three months in Indonesia and really explored several islands in depth, at a pace that was never rushed. We learned enough of the language to chat with locals who didn't speak English. We got to places most tourists don't have time to visit and none of it was a blur.

4. Get off the beaten path.

Don't make your trip a long string of monuments, museums, and buses. Most of us have parents or family friends who have done some kind of "Europe in Eight Days" tour or a 1-week Caribbean cruise and we wonder how they could have really done anything of substance. Yet some backpackers end up doing an elongated version of this over a 1-year period, hitting the main sites and quickly moving on. When you get off the beaten path, however, you see a whole different side of a country. When you have loads of time in a less-touristed area, you can take things as they come. You can accept invitations from local families. You can follow advice from books that take you to a place that isn't even in the guidebook. You can rent bikes to go exploring or just walk around without a map. You can spend time with people who don't just see you as a walking wallet, and you can take life at their leisurely pace.

Remember, real travel is not a competition, and there's no winner. Nobody back home will care if you've been to 30 countries or 10 -- trust me. Really see and feel the 10 and you'll be much more fulfilled. Travel is much like the snack foods you can't stop eating -- you won't be happy with just one trip. Save some places for the next round.

By Tim Leffel

Fly to the Cluster and Save Big Time

2008-11-18T10:12:00.000-08:00

A trekker on the Annapurna Circuit in Nepal.

Planning an around-the-world journey can seem overwhelming: you’ve got to figure out what vaccinations you need; you have to decide what to pack for an entire year; plus you have to wrap up your affairs at home. Many people work on plans for weeks or months before realizing that their budget doesn’t match their ambitious plans.

Unless you have a fortune, you can’t afford to spend the whole trip in expensive “first world” countries. Destination choices have a bigger impact on your travel budget than anything else—far more than your around-the-world flight deal, where you stay, or what you eat each day. And if you are worried about money the whole time you’re traveling, you probably won’t enjoy the experience very much.

The first rule of affordable around-the-world travel is to spend a good portion of your time in areas where you don’t have to worry much about money. Even a budget traveler can easily blow $100 per day in Western Europe or Japan. To spend $100 per day in Laos would require staying at a very fancy hotel, eating at the most expensive restaurant in town, and ordering French wine with lunch and dinner. Otherwise, $20 a day can set you up rather well.

Unfortunately, many first-time around-the-world travelers base their itineraries on some smorgasbord of unrelated countries. They act like the world is an all-you-can-eat buffet with 193 items and they must try as many as possible. These travelers end up rushing around and spending a lot of time in transit instead of really getting to know places and the people.

So the second rule of affordable travel is to arrange your trip by clusters: choosing groups of countries in the same region instead of stringing together a dozen flights to carry you to widely-separated spots on the globe.

Go for the Clusters

If you fly into one country in a cluster, you can visit many others overland without having to shell out for more flights. Plus you have the flexibility of staying longer in one country or moving on sooner depending on how things turn out. You are not locked down to a rigid itinerary.

In general, traveling around the clusters listed here will cost a fraction of traveling through the U.S., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, or Western Europe. Even in the cheapest countries, however, there are resort areas built to accommodate consumptive tourists with fat wallets: places like Cancun in Mexico, Agadir in Morocco, Sharm-el-Sheik in Egypt, and Kemer (near Antalya) in Turkey. Avoid these spots unless you are hankering for a place just like home—with prices to match.

Cluster 1: Southeast Asia

Southeast Asia is undoubtedly the most popular part of the world for shoestring travelers, and justifiably so. Collectively, the whole area is a terrific value.

You can move around almost effortlessly through Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Burma, Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia. If you have the desire and the time, you can travel between all of these places without ever getting back on a plane. You could easily spend a year just in this area and still only get to know a fraction of its stunning diversity of cultures, religions, and landscapes.

There are beaches, jungles, volcanoes, lagoons, mountains, crater lakes, and river deltas. You will stay at postcard-pretty beaches so perfect that you can’t believe you’re paying $5 a night and not $500. Below the water, there are hundreds of prime spots for diving and snorkeling.

Cluster 2: Eastern Europe and Turkey

Prices are up all over Europe largely because of the decline in the dollar’s value, but Eastern Europe is still a relative bargain. You get old-world architecture, good beer and wine, and interesting cities without prices that will make you gasp. You also avoid the hordes of package tourists, apart from a few select cities and beach resorts. The best bangs for the buck are in Hungary, Romania, and Bulgaria, though the Czech Republic is still a great value if you get out into the smaller towns. However, in all of Eastern Europe prices have shot up about 30 percent for Americans in recent years. So be sure the guidebook you are using was researched after 2003.

In Turkey, prices have stayed more stable and there’s even more to see, including more Roman ruins than in Italy, plus the Ottoman sights and the Byzantine ones, and the strange rock formations of Cappadocia.

Cluster 3: Morocco, Egypt, Jordan, and Syria

Getting to Morocco from any of the other countries in this cluster requires a flight, but overland transportation will cover the rest. Each of these countries stands out for its wealth of attractions squeezed into a relatively small area.

All the major sites of Egypt are along the Nile. View thousands of years of history, from Alexandria down to Aswan. And if you get “templed out” you can head to the Red Sea coast for some of the best diving and snorkeling in the world. Jordan is the home of Petra, one of the world’s greatest open-air museums, filled with buildings carved into the rocks. It is also the site of the bizarre Dead Sea, interesting desert castles, and the Roman ruins of Jerash. Few travelers fit Syria into their trip, but those who do rave about the unparalleled hospitality and the architecture of Damascus and remote ruins. (Syria can also be reached overland from Turkey.)

Morocco is the land of casbahs, winding alleys and souks, desert oases, and much more. Apart from the famed cities of Fez and Marrakesh, there is plenty more to see; Morocco’s topography ranges from the rolling Sahara desert to the cool Atlas Mountains.

Cluster 4: Latin America

For residents of the U.S. and Canada, Latin America is a natural first or last stop on a journey around the world. You can get to any capital in Central or South America in a day; you don’t have to deal with jet lag; and learning Spanish is a whole lot easier than learning Czech or Vietnamese. On top of all this, most currencies in the region are closely tied to the dollar so sudden price jumps are rare.

While few of the countries in Latin America are quite as cheap as the bottom rung in Asia, you won’t need a lot of dough in Guatemala, Bolivia, Nicaragua, or Ecuador.

Peru, Argentina, and the islands of Honduras are a bit costlier; so is Mexico—especially in the resort areas. In any of these countries, however, you can travel for one-fourth to one-half what you would spend in the U.S., as long as you steer clear of the package-tour spots.

You know the highlights: Argentina includes the very European and stylish city of Buenos Aires and the remote landscapes of Patagonia. Peru was the land of the Incas. The Mayans left their footprints in Honduras, Guatemala, and Mexico. The spine of the Andes mountain range runs the length of South America, and there is no shortage of jungles and beaches. Throw in deserts, salt plains, the Amazon, colonial cities, canyons, waterfalls, and a long coral reef. There’s no end to what you will discover.

Cluster 5: India and Nepal

The title of “cheapest destination in the world” fluctuates with exchange rates, but India and Nepal are usually in the running. In these countries, you can still find $1 hotel rooms in some areas, a 50-cent meal almost anywhere, and train prices that Europe hasn’t seen since the 1950s.

These are the ultimate budget destinations. A shoestring backpacker can stuff a few essentials into a backpack and travel around in one of these countries for two or three months on $1,000.

Some say that India is a “love it or hate it” destination, but it’s not uncommon to feel both ways the same day. The poverty and poor sanitation are very real, but so are fantastic sights, dazzling splashes of color, and some of the best deals on the planet—though sometimes you’ll wonder what planet you’re on.

There are so many highlights in India that it takes months—or several trips—to do the region any justice. Nepal has the stunning Himalayas, interesting Hindu and Buddhist architecture and temples, and wildlife reserves filled with rhinos and elephants.

As for geographic variety, there’s plenty: white-sand beaches, jungles, deserts, endless plains, hillside tea plantations, and a big section of the Himalayas. The cities range from magical princely kingdoms to the teeming craziness of the big cities. You’ll experience many mental and emotional states here, but boredom won’t be one of them.

You can eat every meal in restaurants in India and Nepal and still spend less per day than you would on one sub sandwich at your local deli. Places where the locals eat cost next to nothing, and even restaurants serving “Western” food will usually have plenty of choices under a dollar.

By Tim Leffel

Argentina

2008-11-02T11:09:00.000-08:00

Argentina forms the eastern half of South America's long, tapering tail. It's a big country - the eighth-largest in the world (with 0,6% of the world's population).The population is estimated at approximately 37.000.000 people. Argentina is the second largest country in South America in terms of land area (approx.1,000,000 sq. miles). The country is bordered by Bolivia and Paraguay to the north, Chile to the west, and Brazil, Uruguay, and the Atlantic Ocean to the east. It also shares the offshore island territory of Tierra del Fuego with Chile, and continues to dispute the ownership of the Islas Malvinas (the Falklands to the Brits), which Great Britain invaded in the last century.

There are 5 distinct sections to Argentina, the coast and beaches in the east, the snow-capped Andes mountains to the west, humid jungles up north, Patagonia down south, and the Pampas (fertile plains), in the center of the country. Argentina's 33 million inhabitants are of Spanish, German, Italian, and English decent.

Colombia

2008-11-02T11:07:00.000-08:00

Colombia was one of the three countries that emerged from the collapse of Gran Colombia in 1830 (the others being Ecuador and Venezuela). A 40-year insurgent campaign to overthrow the Colombian Government escalated during the 1990s, undergirded in part by funds from the drug trade. Although the violence is deadly and large swaths of the countryside are under guerrilla influence, the movement lacks the military strength or popular support necessary to overthrow the government. While Bogota continues to try to negotiate a settlement, neighboring countries worry about the violence spilling over their borders. Colombia is located in Northern South America, bordering the Caribbean Sea, between Panama and Venezuela, and bordering the North Pacific Ocean, between Ecuador and Panama.

Ecuador

2008-11-02T11:02:00.000-08:00

The "Republic of the Equator" was one of three countries that emerged from the collapse of Gran Colombia in 1830 (the others being Colombia and Venezuela). Between 1904 and 1942, Ecuador lost territories in a series of conflicts with its neighbors. A border war with Peru that flared in 1995 was resolved in1999. Ecuador lies nestled in the Andes Mountains with Colombia to the north and Peru to the south. It is on the Equator from which it derives its name. The jungles of the Amazon basin lie inland to the east whilst the western coastline is on the Pacific Ocean. The Galapagos Islands also belong to Ecuador. The country is split into three main geographical regions - the eastern jungle, the central Andean mountains and the western coastal zone

Paraguay

2008-11-02T11:01:00.000-08:00

In the disastrous War of the Triple Alliance (1865-70), Paraguay lost two-thirds of all adult males and much of its territory. It stagnated economically for the next half century. In the Chaco War of 1932-35, large, economically important areas were won from Bolivia. The 35-year military dictatorship of Alfredo STROESSNER was overthrown in 1989, and relatively free and regular presidential elections have been held since then.

The Republic of Paraguay is a country of some 5,000,000 inhabitants and occupies an area of 406.752 square kilometers.The capital is the city of Asuncion.

Chile

2008-11-02T10:59:00.000-08:00

Chile is a long and narrow stretch of land at the southwestern end of América, between Los andes mountain range and the Pacific Ocean. The country is divided into 12 regions plus Greater Santiago, 51 provinces and 335 municipalities. The capital Santiago (of the New Extremadura) was founded on 12 February 1541 by the Spanish Conqueror Pedro de Valdivia. The official language of Chile is Spanish spoken without regional variations. Other languages spoken in very restricted areas are: "Mapudungu" (mapuche language), "Rapa Nui" (spoken in Easter Island) and "Aymara" (spoken in some areas of the mountains in the North).

Peru

2008-11-02T10:57:00.000-08:00

Peru, the largest in area in the Andean countries, was the cradle of the most advanced indigenous civilizations and most powerful empire in pre-Columbian South America - that of the Incas. Peru was also the focus of Spanish colonial domination for its first two hundred years of rule. What remained of pre-Columbian America with regard to people, culture, and settlements is perhaps better represented in Peru than in any other country. The Andes are the site of the most fascinating pre-Columbian cities of South America-like the great city of the clouds, Machu Picchu.The country has a 2,400 kilometer (1,500 miles) long coast on the Pacific Ocean and borders Colombia and Ecuador in the north, Brazil and Bolivia on the east, and Chile on the south. It is the only country that borders all the other Andean states.
The Andes are by no means the only region to visit in Peru. Also of great interest is Peru's narrow, lowland coastal region, a northern extension of the Atacama Desert. Although the Atacama is generally known as the most arid region on the planet, the climate along Peru's shores is made cooler and less dry by La Garuùa, a dense fog created by the collision of the frigid waters of the Humboldt Current with the heated sands of the Atacama. Lima, Trujillo, and Chiclayo, three of Peru's major population centres, are located along this coastal desert.

Suriname

2008-11-02T10:55:00.000-08:00

Suriname (formerly Dutch Guyana) is a small Republic on the Northeast coast of South America. It borders French Guiana in the east, Brasil in the south, Guyana in the west and the Atlantic Ocean in the north, and has an area of 163,265 square kilometres (63,064 square miles). The country contains many rivers and some mountains (highest point 1280 metres). The larger part of the country consists of uncultivated rain forest.The people are a multi-cultural blend and the land has many beautiful natural resources that make it unique. It is not unusual to see monkeys traversing the trees and boa constrictors crossing the various roads that are traveled daily. The Amazonian interior is unspoiled and sparsely inhabited. The official language of Suriname is Dutch. A reasonable number of people also speak English. Surinamese children are taught English in primary school starting in the seventh grade. The lingua franca in Suriname is Sranan Tongo. This is a creole language spoken by almost everyone. Suriname's national anthem is written in Sranan Tongo.
Nearly all 386,372 inhabitants of Suriname (1990 count) live within a 30 km wide coastal region. The capital Paramaribo lies about 20km south of the coast at the west bank of the Suriname river. It has 150,000 inhabitants.

Uruguay

2008-11-02T10:52:00.000-08:00

The República Oriental del Uruguay is situated on South America's Southern Cone, its eastern shore lies next to the Atlantic Ocean between the 30th and 35th southern latitude parallels and between the 53rd and 58th western longitude meridians. It is the warmest zone within the southern region. Uruguay borders Brazil on the north and northeast; Argentina on the west and south, the River Plate to the south and the Atlantic Ocean to the east. The climate is mild and mostly uniform in the whole country with distinct seasons. The absence of mountains exposes the region to a wide spectrum of cold and humid southeasterly winds. As its name indicates the wind comes from the southeast, and the southerner or "pamperos" which blows from the Patagonia Andes.

Venezuela

2008-11-02T10:51:00.000-08:00

Venezuela was one of the three countries that emerged from the collapse of Gran Colombia in 1830 (the others being Colombia and Ecuador). For most of the first half of the 20th century, Venezuela was ruled by generally benevolent military strongmen, who promoted the oil industry and allowed for some social reforms. Democratically elected governments have held sway since 1959. Current concerns include: drug-related conflicts along the Colombian border, increasing internal drug consumption, overdependence on the petroleum industry with its price fluctuations, and irresponsible mining operations which are endangering the rain forest and indigenous peoples. When the first explorers arrived, they saw houses over the Sinamaica lagoon (Zulia State), close to Maracaibo; those houses reminded them of the city of Venice. They called the region "Little Venice", which in Spanish would be Venezuela.

Belgium

2008-11-02T10:44:00.000-08:00

Nestling between the Netherlands, Germany, Luxembourg and France, Belgium occupies 30,518 square kilometres and is home to 10.2 million people. Belgium is Europe in a nutshell, multicultural and multilingual. Flanders in the north, a flatland criss-crossed by canals, is proud of its great art cities, Antwerp, Bruges and Ghent. To the south in Wallonia, you will find the rolling hills of the Ardennes, numerous castles, and the cities of Liege, Namur, and Tournai.

Belgium is a small country (11,730 square Miles, the size of Maryland) with a population of slightly less than 10 million. It has been a constitutional monarchy since 1830. There are three languages (Dutch, French and German). However, English is widely spoken. Many people think that "Flemish" is a separate and independant language. It's not. Flemish is just another name for the Dutch language, spoken with a "Belgian" accent. The three regions (Flanders, Wallonia and Brussels) have self-government in many spheres. Belgium has retained its old-world charm in the preservation of its ancient buildings and historical traditions.

Cayman Islands

2008-10-25T14:46:00.000-07:00

It is unlikely that the British, or anybody else for that matter, would have desired the Cayman Islands quite so much when they were first discovered. Columbus originally named the islands 'Las Tortugas' (The Turtles) because they were utterly covered in them. More worryingly, the word 'Cayman' probably derives from the Carib word, 'Caymanas', meaning 'marine crocodile', suggesting that the islands were also the favoured home of scores of lizards. In addition to this, the Cayman Islands have long been associated with the history of buccaneers and pirates, who once established hideouts here.

All of this is easy to forget as you luxuriate on wide, sandy beaches with crystal-clear waters that teem with coral reefs and marine creatures. The Seven Mile Beach on Grand Cayman is particularly popular and deservedly so. Rather than combating pirate invasion, the closest you will probably get to exertion is diving in shipwrecks, walking through rainforest, and letting velvety stingray brush against your legs.

There are three islands in this British Overseas Territory: Grand Cayman, Little Cayman and Cayman Brac. The latter two are the smaller of the Cayman islands and were discovered by Columbus in 1503. Sir Francis Drake explored the area in 1586, but it was 1670 before the islands came under full British rule. Grand Cayman was settled from Jamaica by 1672; Little Cayman and Cayman Brac were settled some time later and maintained a separate administration until 1877. The governor of Jamaica held administrative responsibility for the islands until 1962, when Jamaica itself became independent. Since then the islands have had their own governor appointed by the British Crown.

British Virgin Islands

2008-10-25T14:42:00.000-07:00

Some may be aware that Norman Island, one of over 50 idyllic islands that constitute the archipelago of the British Virgin Islands, was supposedly the location that Robert Louis Stevenson based Treasure Island on. Today's visitors might not stumble across swashbuckling pirates or half-concealed troves of treasure, but they will find a highly prized booty of soft sand and gentle, teal waters.

The British Virgin Islands comprise sloping hills of green and the impressive Mount Sage National Park, but are really renowned for the nautical thrills on offer. Year-round winds provide exceptional conditions for sailing, and the British Virgin Islands happily celebrate this asset by staging frequent regattas and fairs. In addition, extensive coral reefs and famous shipwrecks are enough to entice anyone into the waters for a dive. For travellers who prefer to watch the sea rather than get into it, there is the breathtaking chance of spotting dolphins and whales criss-crossing the surface.

Jost Van Dyke is the party island, where holidaymakers and locals can shake their bodies to calypso and gulp down tasty cocktails.

Paradise does come at a cost. Overall, the British Virgin Islands are quite an expensive destination. But, for some, this is the necessary price of saving a Caribbean gem from over-commercialisation. If this is the intention, the British Virgin Islands are, for now, a resounding success.

Bonaire

2008-10-25T14:38:00.000-07:00

Bonaire is a prime example of nature at it’s loveliest – it literally translates as 'good air'. On parts of the island, giant salt lakes loom on the horizon. Beneath the water's surface, rainbow-hued fish drift in between coral.

The second-largest island in the Dutch Antilles has desert-like terrain offset by inviting turquoise waters. Bonaire is paradise for watersports lovers. Some argue the diving and snorkelling is the best in the Caribbean, since Bonaire's relative lack of tourism means much of its coral has gone undisturbed. For those seeking sailing or windsurfing, the characteristic windswept postures of the divi divi trees show that Bonaire's warm, dry and breezy climate is ideal for these sorts of activities.

Bonaire is highly eco-friendly and keen not to impair the fragile infrastructure of the coral, nor unsettle Bonaire's serenity with heavy development and glitzy nightlife. Consequently, Bonaire's beautiful beaches and safe waters have remained intact. Flamingos still wander the landscape of multi-hued salt plains (some even say that they outnumber Bonaire's human population) and multitudes of birds seek sanctuary in Bonaire.

Barbados

2008-10-25T14:32:00.000-07:00

Barbados is famed for its easy-going calypso culture, where a strong sense of history and culture fuses with a laid-back vibe.

On land
With music as one of its societal bedrocks, Barbados revels in a vibrant nightlife. Pristine sandy beaches and glass-clear water are hemmed with palms and vibrant flora on a backdrop of impressive 18th-century colonial streetscapes, like in the capital, Bridgetown. Land-based attractions run from lush botanical gardens and historic plantation houses to sumptuous tropical spas and first-rate golf.

At sea
From the little-developed rugged coastline of the Atlantic eastern flank to the attractive resorts of the Caribbean shoreline, Barbados offers world-class, warm waters for diving and snorkelling. Underwater caves teem with colourful fish amidst vibrant coral reefs.

Orientation
Mount Hillaby, the highest point in Barbados, rises to 336m (1,102ft) in the north-central part of the island. To the west the land drops down to the sea while the east stretches to rugged upland regions. Southward, the highlands descend steeply to wide valleys. An absence of any significant lakes or rivers means Barbados relies on rainwater-fed underground streams and springs for its water supplies. A mixed terrain comprises clay, limestone and chalk covered by a thick coral layer.

Global relations
Barbados’s geographic position has profoundly influenced its history and economic fortunes. Since the late 17th century the island has been a major link between Western Europe, Africa and South America. However, it is Barbados’s long association with Great Britain that has shaped the local character. Post-independence developments have done much to foster a heightened sense of cultural nationalism yet island traditions remain more Anglo-influenced than any other Caribbean island.

Bahamas

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The quiet coves, sheltered bays and crowd-free beaches of the Bahamas offer visitors the intimacy of a secluded retreat within a surprisingly expansive archipelago. Twice the size of Spain, the Bahamas is actually made up of over 700 palm-fringed isles.

Totally tropical
Named from the Spanish baja mar, meaning 'shallow sea', the Bahamas is blessed with clear, turquoise waters that are home to ancient shipwrecks and a rainbow of coral reefs teeming with fish. Pastel-coloured seashells and clapboard houses painted in bubblegum hues sit amidst a tropical landscape dotted with vibrant blooms. On many of the Bahamas' most unspoiled coastal stretches, empty beaches offer total tranquillity with the occasional squawking of an exotic bird and gently lapping waves the only distraction.

Plenty to do
For a change of pace, head to one of the islands' bustling straw markets to haggle over spices, ceramics, handicrafts and local art. Enjoy diving, snorkelling, windsurfing and parasailing or take to the fairways of a world-class golf course for ocean-facing holes.

Bahamian beats
Umpteen Bahamian bars and clubs pulsate with island rhythms, from pumping goombay and calypso to Junkanoo beats. Discover riotous dance festivals that mix African slave-trade rituals with Bahamian tempo and American hip-hop twists. Or experience the age-old traditions and legends of the islands at local cultural celebrations amidst costumes, food and song

Aruba

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It is not difficult to lean back and take it easy on an island such as Aruba. Its way of life is just the tonic for any frazzled visitor: like the aloe vera gel whose origin of plant is everywhere on the island, there is something here to soothe anyone's daily stresses and abrasions.

Oranjestad highlights
Aruba's capital, Oranjestad, dazzles any visitor with the orange facades that brightly array the architecture. The colour indicates the island's historical ties with The Netherlands - although seceded from it in 1986, Aruba's head of state is still the Dutch ruling monarch.

Oranjestad has some of the best duty-free shops in the Caribbean. There are also flamingos to spot in the national park, desert flora, caves with ancient drawings to explore and natural phenomena to discover.

Beaches and watersports
Arubans know that they live on an island with the best that Caribbean sea and sand has to offer. The sea is populated by creatures of all colours: parrotfish splashed in dazzling teal and gold are a popular sight in Aruba's waters.

There is something for everyone, with certain beaches regarded best for activities such as snorkelling, surfing, windsurfing and diving.

Antigua and Barbuda

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Low-lying and volcanic in origin, Antigua & Barbuda form part of the Leeward Islands group in the northeast Caribbean and have certainly adopted the notoriously ‘Caribbean' way of life. This is a place to take things easy, stroll around markets, sip the fresh juices of coconuts and pineapple and meet friendly locals.

Unsurprisingly, Antigua & Barbuda's way of life is governed by water, and any visitor will find that their stay is too. Nelson's Dockyard in the English Harbour is at the forefront of Antigua & Barbuda's vast yachting and sailing scene.

Unlikely, but should you grow weary of Antigua & Barbuda's nautically themed activities, the area also abounds with colourful bird and insect life. Barbuda is an unspoiled natural haven for wild deer and exotic birds and boasts the Frigate Bird Sanctuary. There are also national parks and blow holes to discover, including, of course, the Devil's Bridge, a natural phenomenon crafted by the colliding of Atlantic and Caribbean surf.

Antiguans are proud of their human history too, especially as it documents their release from colonisation, slavery and sugar plantations. This keenness to remember emancipation is apparent as towns proudly proclaim names such as Liberta and Freetown.

Anguilla

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What Anguilla lacks in size, it more than makes up for in that much-sought Caribbean asset: pristine, powdery beaches. Boasting 19km (12 miles) of white coral coastline, Anguilla's calm and polychromatic waters are enough to lure any potential visitor.

Comprised of several other islands and cays, Anguilla is rapidly becoming a holiday haven for the rich and famous. Brad Pitt, Robert de Niro and Robin Williams have all relaxed in the island's vivid blue ocean, no doubt sipping on expensive cocktails.

For those seeking an altogether cheaper type of cocktail, nothing can beat staring out at a Caribbean sunset while sipping an Anguillan tipple in one of the many beach bars. Those who like their food need not worry either, since restaurants on the island are excellent and offer a mixture of cuisines, with a natural emphasis on seafood and alfresco dining. Nightlife is centred on hotel nightclubs or barefoot dancing in those beach bars.

If you ever get bored of relaxing, there are loads of activity choices. Many resorts and hotels are situated on the beach and offer boating, snorkelling, fishing and scuba-diving equipment for adventurous types. For the culturally minded, Anguilla, despite its diminutive size, has around 15 art galleries to stroll around and observe Anguillan talent. Wherever you are though, those beautiful beaches are only minutes away.

Côte d'Ivoire

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During Medieval times, the region that is now Côte d’Ivoire was at the centre of several major African trade routes, linking the empires which then existed in Ghana and Mali. European traders had been present in the region since the 15th century, but it was not until the 19th that the French undertook a determined penetration of the region.

The territory was later incorporated into French West Africa until it was granted independence in August 1960. The leadership of the country was taken over by Félix Houphouët-Boigny, a quirkily effective politician who dominated the country’s political life for the next 30 years. Houphouët-Boigny retained close links with the West – especially France, but also apartheid South Africa.

During his time in office, Côte d'Ivoire was renowned as the most prosperous and most stable country in the West African region. It also hosted the largest French community in francophone Africa. His rule was shaken by economic recession in the 1980s, when commodity prices of the main exports, cocoa and coffee, plunged. Domestic pressure for democratisation produced further stresses.

The first multi-party elections since independence were held in 1990 which Houphouët-Boigny easily won against veteran opposition leader Laurent Gbagbo.

Houphouët-Boigny died in December 1993 and was replaced by the former speaker of the National Assembly, Henri Konan Bédié. The careful ethnic and regional balance which Houphouët-Boigny had nurtured, together with his welcoming of immigrant workers, was soon compromised. Bedie introduced the concept of 'Ivoirite' (Ivorian nationalism) into the political discourse, which quickly acquired xenophobic connotations. This began a sequence of events which was to deprive the country of its long record of stability and prosperity.

An armed rebellion in 2002 split the nation in two, and the main players in the conflict have so far failed to find a political solution. Although the fighting has stopped, the country remains divided and peacekeepers patrol the buffer zone between the rebel-held north and the government-controlled south.

Congo (Democratic Republic Of)

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Congo (Dem Rep) has many beautiful landscapes, with lakes and forests, waterfalls and wildlife. However, this is a vast country, with an almost non-existent transport infrastructure. It is mired in conflict and a long and intricate history.

A five-year civil war from 1998 to 2003 resulted in the deaths of around 3 million people, not only through the fighting itself, but also through hunger and disease.

Joseph Kabila, son of assassinated former president Laurent Kabila, was installed as president in 2001 and elected by the people in a historic presidential election in 2006. He now faces the formidable job of bringing back some level of normality to this scarred country, where the threat of civil war has not disappeared

Comoros

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The Comoros islands' vegetation is rich and varied: 65% of the world's perfume essence comes from here, being processed from the blossoms of ylang-ylang, jasmine and orange. Spices, including nutmeg, cloves, pepper, basil and vanilla, are another mainstay of the economy. The islands are of volcanic origin and are surrounded by coral reefs and the more energetic travellers will be eager to climb to the top of Mount Karthala, an active volcano on Ngazidja, or enjoy a vast range of watersports.

A former French Overseas Territory, the Comoros only became fully independent in 1975, despite consistent pressure on the French from the islands’ government. The main reason was the position of Mayotte, one of the original Comoros island group, which insisted upon retaining its links with France.

With Mayotte going its own way, the Comoros islands joined the United Nations as the Federal Islamic Republic of the Comoros, comprising three islands: Ngazidja (formerly Grande Comore), Nzwani (formerly Anjouan) and Mwali (formerly Mohéli). Mahoré (Mayotte) is administered by France but is claimed by the Federal Islamic Republic of the Comoros.

Since independence, instability has characterised post-independence politics on the islands, with several coup attempts.

Chad

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There is much to recommend in Chad. Its capital, N'Djamena, is a friendly and laid-back city with a wonderful Central Market, where the whole experience of haggling for African produce is exceptionally good fun.

Lake Chad, once one of the largest freshwater lakes in the world, is still a serene sight to behold, despite its gradual shrinkage due to climate change and increased demands. It is still of huge economic importance, providing water to millions of people in surrounding countries. Indeed, Chad itself, although one of the poorest of Africa's nations, is still geographically staggering, ranging from desert in the north to fertile farmland in the south.

Chad was first defined as a national territory in 1910, as one of the four making up French Equatorial Africa. Chad achieved independence in 1960 with François Tombalbaye, leader of the Parti Progressiste Tchadien (PPT), as prime minister. Its history since then has been characterised by political instability and tensions, largely due to religious and cultural divisions between the Muslim north and Christian/animist south - a pattern that may be found in many other African countries, including Nigeria and Sudan

Central African Republic

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The public face of the Central African Republic is one that is both politically brutal and environmentally savage, troubled by recurrent Harmattan winds. Yet the private face of this country is one with an attractive countenance of forests, waterfalls and magnificent national parks that teem with wildlife. Despite the dangers that lurk in a city such as Bangui, the country's capital is friendly, with a strong emphasis on arts and crafts.

Cape Verde

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The Cape Verde Islands are a bewitching blend of Portuguese and West African influences, with European-style architecture mingling alongside traditional African scenery.

Made up of ten volcanic islands and five tiny islets, Cape Verde combines spectacular mountain ranges with deserted beaches. Each individual island has its own character, from lush and lively Santiago to the quiet diving islet of Boa Vista. The islands have some of the best windsurfing conditions in the world, and diving is a treat, with many 16th century shipwrecks lining the ocean floor.

Many visitors' first impression of Cape Verde comes through the mournful songs of Cesaria Evoria, the island's best known singer. The ‘barefoot diva' is the best exponent of morna, a lovelorn type of folk music similar to Portuguese fado. Music is a key component of life on Cape Verde, and several islands stage exuberant carnivals, with the best known being the Baia das Gatas Festival.

Since achieving independence from Portugal in 1975, Cape Verde has struggle economically. However, the government is now focused on attracting tourist to the islands, and with the beauty of its scenery and friendliness of its people, they should have no problem in succeeding.

Cameroon

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It is now a cliche to say that Cameroon is Africa in miniature but, as with cliches sometimes, there is an element of truth in the statement: everything you would expect from the African continent seems to be consolidated in Cameroon. The south has tropical rainforests and deserted golden beaches, whilst the northern parts have great expanses of desert, vast lakes and savannah, and volcanic mountains in-between. Wildlife is scattered throughout the country, with ample opportunity to view elephants, lions and other creatures large and small.

With such diversity and the possibility of game-viewing, it comes as a surprise to many that Cameroon is not a more frequently visited tourist destination. Yet poverty continues to blight the country and much of Cameroon's infrastructure is underdeveloped, from transport to accommodation. The unemployment rate is high and those who are employed perform mostly agricultural tasks.

The major spoken languages are French and English but a multitude of more than 200 ethnic languages are also in circulation, with various tribes populating the country. In recent years, divisions have once again been accentuated, particularly on account of opposition to President Biya from Muslim communities in the north and anglophone regions that fear discrimination at the hands of the predominately francophone regime.

Relations with Nigeria, Cameroon’s powerful neighbour, are also awkward as the result of several outstanding border disputes (linked in part to control of the oil-rich Niger delta); the main one, involving an area known as the Bakassi peninsula, has seen occasional small-scale military clashes between the two sides.

Despite its troubles, Cameroon has a wealth of activities and beautiful destinations to keep any traveller enthralled. Go, before it becomes 'discovered'.

Burundi

2008-10-25T13:44:00.000-07:00

Burundi is geographically at the heart of Africa but, sadly, has also been at the heart of African horrors in recent years. Here is a country of wonderful landscapes, from mountaintops to forests, huge lakes to tropical plateau. Yet this topographical patchwork mirrors Burundi's cultural patchwork, one which has interwoven both Hutu and Tutsi tribal strands, often with violent consequences.

Burundi's situation is improving. President Nkurunziza, democratically elected in 2005, is engaged in peace talks and has announced applauded measures, such as that of introducing free education. However, there is still a danger of indiscriminate attacks from rebel groups in Burundi. Until these incidents are fully quashed, many will miss out on seeing the beauty of Burundi for themselves.

Burkina Faso

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The landlocked state of Burkina Faso remains poor even by West African standards. However, the government is investing in tourism and measures have been taken to increase the accommodation available in the country and to make tourist destinations more attractive.

Wildlife is a key element of this objective in the eastern part of the country while the central part around Ouagadougou concentrates on business tourism. The west focuses on cultural tourism, the north on the discovery of nomadic populations and traditions.

Botswana

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Outstandingly dramatic, Botswana encompasses striking salt pans, diamond-rich deserts and fertile flood plains which teem with game. The north, in particular, offers superb wildlife-watching opportunities, making this one of southern Africa's top safari destinations.

A sizable proportion of the country - over 40% - is given over to national parks, reserves and private concessions, where tourists crane their necks out of jeeps to check out the roving animals. But Botswana's policy of favouring low-impact luxury tourism ensures that even the most famous game-viewing areas rarely feel crowded.

The jewel in Botswana's crown is, without a doubt, the Okavango Delta - the largest inland delta in the world. Its seasonal lagoons and waterways are crammed with hovering birds, while zebras and giraffes amble across vast grass flats. Northeast of here is Chobe National Park, home to gigantic elephant herds, some of them 400-strong.

Botswana is one of Africa's success stories. Since gaining independence in 1966, it has achieved steady economic growth through successful exploitation of its agricultural potential and its enviable diamond reserves. It has not escaped controversy - the HIV/AIDS pandemic and alleged maltreatment of the Kalahari Bushmen have caused international concern - but it remains a peaceful and stable nation of remarkable natural beauty.

Benin

2008-10-25T13:24:00.000-07:00

Benin, formerly known as Dahomey, was one of the first countries in the 1990s to successfully effect the transition from dictatorship to a pluralistic political system. Today, it is one of the most stable countries in Africa.

Although Benin has seen economic growth over the past few years and has a high standing with the international community, it remains among the world's poorest countries. Within West Africa, Benin enjoys stable relations with Nigeria, the main regional power. The only significant problem has been a long-running border dispute with Benin’s northern neighbour, Niger, over ownership of islands in the Niger River. This was finally resolved by the International Court of Justice in July 2005, which awarded 16 islands to Niger and nine to Benin. Both countries accepted the ruling.

Angola

2008-10-25T13:22:00.000-07:00

Angola is re-emerging from decades of civil war, and adventurous travellers are beginning to tentatively discover its Portuguese architecture, 1650km (1025 miles) of coastline and little-visited wildlife parks.

Thick forest, elevated plains and forceful rivers define the country's landscape - along with the sands of the Namibe desert. Visitors can search for African wildlife, including the black palanca antelope, a species unique to Angola.

A ceasefire was finally achieved in 2002, paving the way for a final political settlement and, in April 2003, the people and government of Angola celebrated their first year of continuous peace for more than a quarter of a century.

Although there is still some sporadic fighting, notably between government forces and separatist groups in the oil-rich Cabinda enclave, most of the country has now embarked upon the monumental task of reconstruction.

Algeria

2008-10-25T13:17:00.000-07:00

With more than four-fifths of its territory covered by the Sahara desert, the Sahara is Algeria's most striking feature and is drawing increasing numbers of tourists. Several flights operate from Algiers, the capital, to Ghardia, Djanet and Tamanrasset, as well as to smaller towns, oases and oil settlements.

Algerian oases generally defy the European cliché of a small patch of palms forever threatened by encroaching dunes as they are often fairly large towns with highly organised, walled-in gardens with date palms, and mosques, shops and monuments. Les hommes bleus, blue-robed Touaregs, who are the ancient nomadic inhabitants of the Hoggar Mountains, can be seen making their way in camel caravans around the inscrutable desert.

A large country, Algeria was originally inhabited by the Berbers until the Arabs conquered North Africa in the seventh century. Staying mainly in the mountainous regions, the Berbers resisted the spreading Arab influence, managing to preserve much of their language and culture until the present day. Today, they make up some 20% of the total population.

Part of the Turkish Ottoman empire from the 16th century, Algeria was conquered by the French in 1830. The country was given the status of a département in its own right. The struggle for independence began in 1954 headed by the National Liberation Front, which came to power on independence in 1962.

In the 1990s, Algerian politics was dominated by the struggle involving the military and Islamic militants. In 1992, a general election won by an Islamic party (FIS - Islamic Salvation Front) was annulled, marking the beginning of a bloody campaign which saw the slaughter of more than 150,000 people.

An amnesty in 1999 led many rebels to lay down their arms. Violence has largely abated, although a state of emergency remains in place. In 2001, the government agreed to a series of demands by the minority Berber community, after months of unrest involving Berber youths pressing for greater cultural and political recognition.

It should be noted that Algeria faces a serious internal security problem from terrorist insurgency and that travellers by road in northern Algeria are at risk of attack by terrorist groups. It is advised that all travellers be extra cautious with personal security arrangements throughout their stay. All travel to the southeastern provinces of Tamanrasset, Djanet and Illizi is currently advised against.

MARMARIS

2008-10-10T12:57:00.000-07:00

Marmaris is by far Turkeys most famous resort and definitely the most popular. It is a hub of activity at the height of the summer with plenty of bars, discos and restaurants to keep, even the most enthusiastic holidaymaker, happy 24 hours of the day. From the old town, with its winding streets, alleys and whitewashed houses and Bazaar right down to the Palm lined promenade and the Marina, with its private yachts, there is always something to see and do. Marmaris has a vibrant atmosphere and is frequented by many repeat visitors who have made this stunning resort a “home from home”, some returning perhaps 2 or 3 times a year. The Bazaar and shops are always busy with people looking for a bargain and bartering is the order of the day, enjoyed by customer and shopkeeper alike. Opportunities abound for all sorts of adventures in Marmaris, whether you decide to try parasailing or water skiing, a Gulet Cruise, or go for something a bit more relaxing and have a Turkish Bath and Massage. Frequented by young and old alike this resort is most definitely the “in” place to be amongst all the Turkish Resorts and most certainly worth a visit. Don’t miss the Friday Market, which sells everything from food to jewellery!

ICMELER

2008-10-10T12:55:00.000-07:00

Known as the quieter, alternative to Marmaris, Icmeler, which is only 9km away stands in its own right, a pretty little resort in a beautiful setting, nestling between a backdrop of lush green mountains and the deep blue Aegean Sea. Chosen by those who are looking for a smaller resort, Icmeler has plenty to offer. There are plenty of shops, many of which are jewellers, and an indoor market, but more unusually there are the craft stalls on the banks of the river, which are marvellous for souvenir hunting. This small town has a lovely cosmopolitan feel and a great atmosphere. There are plenty of bars and restaurants to while the evenings away in and the beautiful beach will more than take care of the days.

KUSADASI

2008-10-10T12:54:00.001-07:00

Kusadasi is one of Turkey’s principal tourist resorts and lies on the West coast just 90km from Izmir.
Having a typical Mediterranean climate it provides the ideal spot for enjoying the lovely sandy beaches and warm clear waters that this lovely resort has on offer. The Kusadasi Setur Marina is one of the largest and best, equipped Marina’s in Turkey and provides an ideal setting to sit and have a drink or a meal watching the boats and yachts sail in.

Kusadasi has many fine examples of Ottoman and Turkish buildings and Mosques, some dating from as far back as the 17th Century.

Kusadasi provides a fine blend of traditional authentic Turkish living with modern day facilities. It’s typically narrow winding streets add to that authentic feel and its centre is built around the famous Bird Island with its castle

OVACIK

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The smaller resort of Ovacik runs directly into Hisaronu. These two, once sleepy villages, have woken up to tourism and have more or less merged together. In Ovacik you will find all the amenities and facilities that Hisaronu has to offer. Ovacik lies on the hillside taking advantage of the surrounding scenery, cool mountain breezes and beautiful views.

OLUDENIZ

2008-10-10T12:49:00.000-07:00

The ideal location if all you want to do is, relax, soak up the sun, watch the sunset and plan your next lazy day. Oludeniz is by far one of the most beautiful places in Turkey. Famous for its outstanding Blue Lagoon and Lagoon Beach, Oludeniz boasts beautiful white sandy beaches against a backdrop of lush green mountains. This idyllic location has a protection order so there are no unsightly developments to spoil the landscape. Its natural beauty attracts young people from all walks of life giving it a very upbeat cosmopolitan atmosphere.

HISARONU

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The charming hillside resort of Hisaronu is very popular with British holidaymakers and is set on a high plateau 4km from the coast. Regular courtesy buses from the hotels and the local Dolmus, run back and forward all day long taking people to the beach at Oludeniz. One of the advantages of Hisaronu, being in the hills, is there is always a cooling breeze in the evening and this can be very welcome after the heat of the day. Hisaronu has many shops, bars and restaurants to while away the evenings into the “wee small hours”.

FETHIYE

2008-10-10T12:44:00.000-07:00

The market town of Fethye sits overlooking a wide blue bay with a background of wooded mountains. With its’ bustling tree lined promenade, busy bars and restaurants this beautiful seaside town has managed to retain its Turkish character. The cobbled streets are packed with shops selling all types of goods from genuine designer clothes to Turkish Delight in great abundance and variety. But this is not all that Fethye has to offer. Don’t miss a visit to one of Fethye’s ancient sites, the amphitheatre and the rock tombs are well worth a visit. Excursions abound in the Fethye area, Dalyan with its famous Turtle Beach and Mud Baths, and trips to Xanthos, Patara, Ephesus and Pamukale are all readily available. Although not having a beach as such there is plenty to see and do and the nearest beach at Calis is only a short Dolmus ride away.

CALIS BEACH

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The lovely holiday resort of Calis Beach is set in a natural bay surrounded by 12 islands. It is famous for its sunsets over the bay and the views here really are stunning.
If it’s a holiday lying on the beach that you’re after then look no further than Calis. The shingle beach stretches for 4km with plenty of bars and restaurants along the front. The atmosphere is very informal and relaxed here making it an ideal spot for families and sun worshippers. The larger resort of Fethye is 5km away and the local Dolmus runs regularly between the two.

TURGUTREIS

2008-10-10T12:40:00.000-07:00

Very much the least developed of the resorts of the Bodrum Peninsula, the little fishing village of Turgutreis, with its picturesque harbour, is becoming more and more popular with holidaymakers. Breathtaking sunsets, which can be enjoyed from one of the many fresh seafood restaurants and bars on the waterfront, are one of the main attractions. Turgutreis is well worth a visit, it has a relaxed village atmosphere with a great deal to offer. There is a lovely sandy beach with many facilities for water sports, a few small shops, bars, and restaurants selling fresh seafood that help to make a holiday here an absolute delight.

GUMBET

2008-10-10T12:38:00.000-07:00

The very lively resort of Gumbet is the ideal choice for young people. The main attraction of this resort is the fantastic opportunities it offers for all kinds of water sports. Windsurfing, in particular, is very popular here as the cool, reliable breezes provide the perfect conditions for this sport. For the less active, the golden sand and shingle beach is the ideal spot for soaking up some sun or cooling off in the clear blue waters. There are plenty of restaurants and bars on offer along the sea front and the lively and friendly atmosphere continues until late. Definitely not a resort for solitude seekers.
(Approx transfer time from Bodrum Airport 30mins)

BODRUM

2008-10-10T12:37:00.001-07:00

The town of Bodrum has a lovely relaxed atmosphere with a bustling nightlife. There are plenty of lively restaurants, bars, outdoor café`s, and busy shops. At night the action keeps on going with late opening shops, bars and restaurants. The restaurants serve in to the wee small hours and there are plenty pf music bars and dance venues, including the well-known Halikarnas and M&M open-air discos. If you are looking for a few hours of tranquillity then try a boat trip to one of the secluded sunbathing spots nearby. The boats also call in to some of the lovely villages dotted around the Peninsula, virtually untouched by the 21st century, or for a spot of sunbathing take a short “Dolmus” ride to some of the lovely beaches such as Gumbet, Bitez or Turgeitreis.
(Approx transfer time from Bodrum Airport 30mins)

BITEZ

2008-10-10T12:35:00.000-07:00

Only 5mins drive from Gumbet and 20 mins from Bodrum, the resort of Bitez is another resort, famous for its water sports. Para sailing and water skiing are among the most popular. There is something for everyone here, from drifting along in the deep blue waters on a Pedalo to windsurfing along with the help of the cool sea breezes. Bitez is one of the more serene resorts of the area but if you are looking for some nightlife then take a short bus ride in to either Gumbet or Bodrum. Bitez offers a relaxing holiday with plenty of options for the more adventurous.
(Approx transfer time from Bodrum Airport 40mins)

ALTINKUM

2008-10-10T12:34:00.001-07:00

With its wide stretches of golden sand lapped by the clear waters of the Aegean it is little wonder that life in Altinkum revolves around the beach. Over one kilometre of sand stretches from the rocky headland to the small harbour giving plenty of opportunity for lazing on the beach and soaking up the sun, refreshed by the cool sea breezes. Should the urge to be active possess you then try your hand at windsurfing or going for a pedalo ride. For those who like a more active holiday sun sea and aren’t the only things that Altinkum have to offer. Just 4km from here lies, the Temple of Apollo Didyma. The sheer size of the columns is both awe inspiring and testament to the ingenuity of ancient civilizations.

SIDE

2008-10-10T12:30:00.000-07:00

SIDE Side, the town where, legend says, Anthony and Cleopatra met in 42 BC. is an extremely beautiful spot. The word Side means pomegranate, and this was the symbol of the town for many years. This mainly, unspoiled town is full of Roman ruins the most famous of which is the amphitheatre, known as the “elephants foot” where a lively programme of entertainment is provided throughout the season. Other important Roman ruins are the Apollo Temple and the Athena Temple. The Temple of Apollo is where Anthony and Cleopatra supposedly met and lovers still meet there to this day. Best seen at night, this beautifully illuminated, Roman Ruin sits high, at the end of a long, palm lined, sea front, flanked on one side by lovely bars and restaurants and on the other, by the softly lapping waters of the Mediterranean Sea, a truly romantic spot.

BELEK

2008-10-10T12:28:00.000-07:00

Belek, home of some of the most beautiful golf courses in Europe, is located half way between Antalya and Side. The area consists of many holiday villages and golf hotels all attempting to out do each other in luxury and architectural beauty and the magnificent sporting amenities they offer. This relatively, new tourist region has the most fantastic scenery. The unspoiled forests rolling down towards the glistening beaches, set against a backdrop of mountains provides the perfect setting for a wonderfully relaxing holiday. Golf is one of the main attractions here, especially in the spring, autumn and winter months however the area is particularly suited to family holidays as well as these fantastic up and coming complexes provide a plethora of activities and entertainment for all ages. (Approx transfer time from Antalya Airport 40mins)

GOLF GOLF GOLF GOLF AND MORE GOLF!!!

With Scottravel you design your package! You select how many rounds you want to play! You pick your Tee Off Times! You select the course.

ANTALYA

2008-10-10T12:16:00.000-07:00

The Antalya region of Turkey is something that is fairly new to the holiday market. It is a region steeped in history and Roman ruins. The town of Antalya itself dates back to 159B.C. A truly beautiful city dotted with relics of its long and interesting past. A visit to this area provides the holidaymaker with a wide variety of things to do from fantastic golfing facilities to visiting the cultural Aspendos festival, which is held every year from July onwards, or visiting the town of Side, where Mark Anthony met Cleopatra, or so legend has it. This area of Turkey has a particularly mild climate in the winter months, which is particularly suited to Golfers, conditions are perfect in April, May and October. The summer months see temperatures in the region of 50c + One of its other attractions is the amazing scenery created by the Taurus Mountains, which act as a backdrop along the beautiful coastline. Inland there are many opportunities to visit cool calm lakes and waterfalls. The waterfall in the town of Manavgat is one of the most beautiful surrounded by parkland where you can have a meal in one of the restaurants as the cool waters actually flow amongst the rocks beneath your feet. Trips can also be taken to the famous cotton fields and carpet weaving schools, where the locals are only too willing to show off their skills. Many other excursions are available, for example these are 2 day trips to Cappadocia and Pamukkale, the Aspendos Festival, White water rafting, Sea Cruise, Aquapark and Safari Picnic trips are all amongst the most popular.

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2008-09-18T15:46:00.000-07:00

Cancun Mexico

2008-09-12T15:33:00.000-07:00

By Eric Morris

Cancun is an important city in Quintana Roo estado ("state"), southeastern Mexico. The name applies to the city as well as to the adjacent island resort area. Cancún city is located on the northeastern coast of the Yucatán Peninsula and is essentially a service town for the resort area of Cancún situated on an L-shaped Cancún Island (13 miles long by 0.25-mile across). A causeway to Cancún city links the resort area of Cancún (also called the Zona Hotelera/Hotel Zone). Cancún Island, with its skyscraper hotels and sprawling resorts, and the coastal area occupied by Cancún city has abundant white sand beaches, palm groves, and coral reefs, with virtually no rainy season, as the jungles in southern Quintana Roo state draw off almost all the yearly rainfall.

Originally settled by Maya Indians, the area was first described and named Cancúne (Mayan: "Vessel at the End of the Rainbow") in 1843 by the American explorer John Lloyd Stephens and the British explorer Frederick Catherwood in their classic work Incidents of Travel in Yucatan (1843). Cancún remained a small fishing-and-gathering settlement of about 100 Maya until 1970, when, after a three-year study of conditions by the Mexican government in association with private interests, the area was selected as a suitable site for an international holiday center.

Within a decade, a steady flow of tourists from all parts of the world had established Cancún as a successful experiment in planning an entirely new city and resort area. Many housing problems persisted even within the service town, where about 30,000 workers lived in rudimentary shacks. Cancún city is linked by highway with Puerto Juarezto in the north and Puerto Morelos to the south. An international airport is located 12 miles south of the city on the mainland. Population of Cancún city in 1990 was 167,730.

Own A Slice of Paradise in Mexico Quintana Roo

2008-09-12T15:32:00.000-07:00

By Doug Fowler

Is your heart set on a getaway home in Mexico Quintana Roo? Real estate Mexico Quintana Roo brokers offer a plethora of rental and purchase options from ocean front villas and bungalows to condos and apartments to make your Quintana Roo real estate dream come true.

Quintana Roo, the youngest state of the Mexican Republic stretches down the eastern part of the Yucatan Peninsula and has an area of 50,212 square kilometers. This enticing state is bordered by the Bay of Chetumal and Rio Hondo to the south, the Caribbean Sea to the east and the country of Belize to the south. It is the youngest state in the country.

Being the eastern most state, it is the first state to receive the morning rays of the sun. It is also one of the only states that can boast of magnificent underground rivers with limestone sinkholes, perfect for diving. Its beautiful natural landscape, idyllic location and wonderful climate make it the perfect holiday destination. The state of Quintana Roo with its magical beauty and mystical history lures all types of travelers.

From untouched beaches and large coral reefs to important archaeological zones and state-of-the-art spa-treatments, Quintana Roo has enough to offer both the luxury as well as the budget traveler. As far as accommodation is concerned, whether you are looking for a simple studio unit to rest at the end of long day, a large private vacation home for your family or a full service star hotel to pamper yourself; you are sure to find what you want at Quintana Roo.

Chetumal, lying on the shores of the Bay of Chetumal is the capital of magical Quintana Roo. Chetumal Bay forms the mouth of the Hondo River, the only river in Quintana Roo and the natural border between Mexico and Belize. Some of the most stunning Mayan ruins are to be found in this bewitching state, including Tulum, Coba and Kohunlich. Sian Kaan, the largest reserve in the state, and Holbox, a splendid place for bird-watching, are a delight for naturalists. The state is also well known for its pristine beaches and exclusive tourist facilities at other destinations like Cancun, Cozumel, Puerto Aventura, Isla Mujeres, Akumal and Playa del Carmen. Activities range from ecotourism, horseback riding and golf, to fishing, snorkeling, scuba diving, surfing and sailing.

Over the past five years, the Quintana Roo real estate has generated a great deal of interest from citizens from the United States. Its proximity to the US and gorgeous beaches tempt the holidaymaker to own a piece of paradise in this enchanting terrain.

Because Quintana Roo was, until recently, an underdeveloped region, the Mexican government has simplified real estate Mexico Quintana Roo acquisition by foreigners. Anchored by Cancun, Cozumel Island and Playa del Carmen, the entire Mexican state of Quintana Roo’s Caribbean coast of over 200 miles is rapidly being developed, and you too could own your own little apartment, condo, villa or bungalow in Mexico Quintana Roo.

An Insider's Guide to Cancun and the Riviera Maya, Mexico

2008-09-12T15:31:00.000-07:00

By Carolyn McFann

Living in Mexico was an adventurous fairytale; due to the variety of things to do, beauty of the country and the kindness of its residents. I am originally from Ohio but spent substantial time living in Mexico, studying the nature and history of this beautiful place. Here are some ideas and tips I learned from being there that may help you on your next trip to the Yucatan Peninsula.

Using the public bus system is infinitely cheaper than taking taxis everywhere. If you are looking for cheaper transportation to and from the airport, take the bus to downtown Playa del Carmen or Cancun. It is easy and the bus stations are centrally located in both cities. You can choose to ride an air-conditioned bus for a small amount more than the non air-conditioned bus. I would use either, whoever left soonest. There are bus schedules posted for local travel or throughout the country. The nicest buses when I was there were the plush tour buses for longer trips, called ADO. Really nice buses that cost more but are worth it.

If you need to make phone calls in Mexico, buy a phone card there and use them from any pay phone. They can be used to call internationally as well. The locals, many of which do not have phones in their homes, use them all the time. You can buy them in the Casas de Cambio (places where you can exchange your money into Mexican pesos). A note on exchanging your money, check around, to look for the best exchange rates as they may vary place to place.

Those who don't scuba can enjoy the beauty of the underwater coral gardens and scenery by snorkeling. Go to the scuba shops and inquire about what excursions they offer for snorkelers, or ask your resort's front desk if you can sign up for snorkeling tours there at the hotel. Wear sunscreen while doing this daytrip, don't expect a white t-shirt to protect you, because it won't. If you don't use sun protection, you will come back lobster-red, trust me.

A word about avoiding Turista (Montezuma's Revenge, the Tourist Trots). These very unpleasant bacterial infections happen, frequently, to travellers. To avoid spending most of your vacation in the bathroom recuperating, I suggest you don't eat raw fruit (unless it's already peeled), and don't drink drinks that have ice that isn't round, with a hole in it (purified water ice cubes). The large resorts' food is safe, as far as I have experienced. I've stayed in a few before moving to Mexico and never got sick by eating or drinking their food. Big resorts take precautions against contaminated foods and drink. But, out on the street, those bacteria free float into the food offered at taco stands (and I love those, by the way), and wherever fruit is sold. If you buy fruit, peel before eating it. If it isn't peelable, then forget it. Drink purified, bottled water at all times. If you go to day-long trips out in the heat, bring a gallon jug of water, you will need it.

Hire only qualified tour guides through reputable agencies (usually found through the hotels or your travel agent). Don't use freelance tour guides because I was told when living there that some will make information up as they go along. Independent tour guides will approach you at places like the ruins of Coba, Chichen Itza and Tulum, for example. Go with a tour group to these places. I liked the Apple tours, but there are many others that are good, too. Ask around to see who are most highly recommended. Chichen Itza is a big site, worthy of seeing, if you are going to choose a sight to see. The pyramid there, called El Castillo, is spectacular. I have been inside it (very, incredibly claustrophobic if you decide to brave it up the narrow stairway inside) and on top of it (steep stairs lead up to a few small rooms on the top, where nobility would perform rituals, etc.) Take a camera and stop at the nearby hotel for lunch if you have the chance. There was a show there where dancers in Mayan dress entertained us as our group ate there. It was a good break from the heat of sightseeing this ancient city. Word to the wise, bringing a family-size vat of sunscreen wouldn't be a bad idea. And as much water as possible. Walking around the site all day will dehydrate and bake you if you aren't careful.

Check out the cenotes (lakes of brackish water in the jungle), accessed by taking buses or taxi, along the Playa del Carmen-Tulum corridor. I liked going to the Cenote Azul or the Cenote Dos Ojos. Cenotes attract nature, and while visiting them, I saw a variety of fascinating flora and fauna from basilisk lizards to a diving duck. Cenotes are the entrance points to underwater caves, which are only safe to go to with certified dive experts. Underneath the Yucatan peninsula there are a large network of underground caves that expert divers like to explore. Do not attempt to dive these on your own, because it is dangerous. If you want to see what an underground cave is like, go nearby to the nature park of Xcaret, where there are underwater caves for the public to swim in.

Speaking of Xcaret, it is a must to visit if you love nature. It is full of educational activities and fun things to do for the whole family. Expect to spend an entire day there. There is swimming with dolphins, horseback riding, exploring an ancient Mayan village, seeing Mayan dancing shows, snorkeling in a large lagoon, all built into the jungles. It is a top-class place, and even has its own small zoo, butterfly garden and aviary. I know, I used to be the main illustrator for the park years ago. The restaurants are atmospheric and the food is good. Don't forget to see the Mayan musicians do their flying pole exhibition, which is done all day long. They start on top of a pole, and "fly" down, while playing their instruments, while hanging from ropes by their ankles. You won't see anything quite like it out of this region. Xcaret has a variety of natural history exhibits near their large gift shop. It is a "must" for all.

If you want a fun trip by boat, go to Playa Linda (in the Hotel Zone of Cancun) and hop a boat over to Isla Mujeres. Aqua Tours has a big, luxurious yacht that goes over there a few times a day. On the way to the island, you are served drinks, are entertained by the staff and get a great view of the Cancun coastline. Once at Isla Mujeres, you are taken on excursions to places like Tortugranja (a sea turtle farm, where they raise endangered sea turtles from small to large), or Hacienda Mundaca (a supposed former estate of an ex-pirate, who built it for his love interest, according to local legend). They offer snorkeling, too. It's a fun day trip, and the shopping is pretty good on the island, too.

Another interesting place to visit is Merida, the capital city of the state of Quintana Roo (where Cancun is located). It reminded me of Europe, with its lovely, large mansions,outdoor cafes and stately buildings. There, you will find the United States embassy, among others. If you need to replace a lost passport or talk to embassy officials, this is where you want to go. It is a very international place, worth the very long bus ride from Cancun.

Downtown Cancun has a few interesting places to shop. There are authentic food and crafts at Plaza 2000, or see Chedraui (a department/ grocery store), or Pelicano (another general merchandise store). I haven't been to Cancun since the devastating hurricane there, so check to see if these places are still in operation, if so, they are definitely worth going to. Take a bus or taxi to these places, to get a more "authentic" Mexican experience. Staying just in the Hotel Zone is fun, but not a slice of everyday Mexican life. Try some of the great food stands where the locals go. I love the chicken cooked on spits everywhere, called "Pollo Rojo" (red chicken) due to the spices used. It is to die for and incredibly cheap. If you see people on the street selling tamales, try them, they are excellent and really cheap. I could easily eat my way through Mexico by living on tamales (meat inside a corn-based "cake") and empanadas (meat turnovers) alone. If you buy bakery items in Mexico at the grocery stores, bear in mind that they use much less sugar than Americans are used to having, in their recipes. I like the Conchitas, breads shaped like shells. If you want sweets, buy the cakes sold under the brand name
"Bimbo" (yes, that is the name of it). It is a major bread and snack food producer in Mexico.

Enjoy your stay in the lovely Mayan Riviera. Walk the beaches and admire that stunningly turquoise water, it is truly paradise. Enjoy the hospitality of the friendly and helpful Mexican nationals. Remember to have fun, but remember, it is a foreign country, so obey their laws and be respectful of the differences in culture. If you go, you'll want to go back again and again. I know I did. The more you go, the more you know. Living in the Yucatan was an unforgettable experience, visiting there is too, so make it a memorable trip for yourself by seeing as much of it as you can. You won't be disappointed.

Cancun Vacations

2008-09-12T15:30:00.000-07:00

By Jennifer Bailey

Welcome to Cancun: fourteen miles of white talc sand, remarkable biodiversity of over 475 bird species, sapphire blue lagoon and a sunny climate. Located in the state of Quintana Roo at the Southern-most tip of the peninsula, Cancun is the tourist Mecca of Mexico. The government of Mexico provides a safe environment for tourism to flourish and is similar to Miami or Myrtle Beach but with more international flare. One of the most visited tourist spots in Mexico, Cancun boasts over twenty-five thousand hotel rooms, suiting all budgets and packages.

The Caribbean Sea offers a spectacular view and works as a soothing balm for tired spirits. It is a home to various marine species and tropical fish. Besides having exciting activities like parasailing, kayaking, snorkeling, Cancun also boasts of some of the best nightlife of world. For a quieter scene, head for the lobby bars, where you will be entertained by Flamenco and jazz.

Situated in the heart of Mayan world, Cancun is within traveling distance of several Maya ruins. Chichen Itze, one of the most famous sites in Mayan history, is very near Cancun. Downtown Cancun can offer you authentic Mexican food. The attractive boutiques here will have everything, from hats, cigars to exotic perfumes and souvenirs. People can also have a glimpse of the real lives of native Mexicans who live in the district. The locals inhabit the 22 kilometers sandy strip running between the lagoon and seaside hotels.

Until 1974 Cancun was not very developed and remained unpopular with the tourists. Now it is as cosmopolitan as the French Riviera and is counted among the world's top resorts. The climate here remains sunny for around two hundred days, so it offers plenty of time to head here. While packing, include light cotton clothes, as it is not very cold here. For evenings and formal wear, light jackets will do just fine.

The Alhambra - Grenada

2008-09-12T15:27:00.000-07:00

By Mike McDougall

The Alhambra is touted by many as being the best preserved example of a Moorish palace in Europe. Located in the Andalusian city of Grenada the ancient fortress is undoubtedly the city’s most famous site. The name Alhambra translates as “Red Castle” in Arabic and was described by Moorish poets as “a pearl set in emeralds”. The fortress occupies an ideal strategic defensive position flanked by a river to the north looking towards the towering Sierra Nevada. The Alhambra has had a rich and chequered history that has seen it under the rule of many and face near destruction at the hands of aggressors and natural disasters alike.

The strategic use of the site dates back to the 9th century when it is thought that Sawar ben Hamdun took refuge in the “Alcazaba”; a small fort located on the site of today’s building. It is recorded that he began to develop and expand the site, clearly seeing the location’s tactical strengths.

Most of the work that made the Alhambra how we see it today was carried out much later by the Moorish kings Yusuf I and Mohammed I in the 14th century. The Alhambra was set up as a royal residence for the Moorish Kings in the late 13th century and the first king to take residence there was the aforementioned Mohammed I, the first King of the Nasrid dynasty. As you would expect, the royal residence was extremely impressive and beautifully furnished throughout and the splendid Arabesques and architectural touches are ascribed to the kings of this period.

After the Christian conquest of the city in 1492, the Alhambra was to undergo a few changes. The victorious Charles V pulled down the Moorish winter palace and rebuilt sections in the simple renaissance style – an action that is much lamented today due to there being precious little Moorish art and architecture in Europe.

The citadel was seriously threatened in 1812 by the attacking French forces and indeed two of the towers were blown up, causing large-scale damage. The whole building very nearly suffered the same fate as Napoleon was bent on blowing the Alhambra up completely. His plan was only foiled when one of his own soldiers, a cripple who had a personal grudge against his illustrious commander, defused the explosives, thus saving the Alhambra. In 1821 an earthquake caused further damage to the fortress but work to repair the Alhambra was started in 1828 by the architect Jose Contreras and was eventually finished some years later.

For modern visitors to the Alhambra there is a huge amount to take in with many celebrated parts to the citadel. The most famous of these is probably the “Patio de los Leones” (Patio of the Lions), a beautiful rectangular courtyard surrounded by a gallery supported by 124 marble columns. Above each arch is a mesmerising series of arabesques and squares of intricate filigree work. In the centre of the courtyard stands the famous Fountain of the Lions with its twelve white marble lions encircling the feature.

The “Salon de los Embajadores” (Hall of the Ambassadors) is the largest of its kind within the Alhambra. It served as the grand reception room and hosed the throne of the sultan under the citadels Moorish rule. The walls are covered with beautiful ornate tiling and the majestic ceiling is inlaid with white, blue and gold – designed as an exhortation to the heavens.
The “Sala de las dos Hermanos” (Hall of the two Sisters) is so called because of two huge, unblemished slabs of marble that were laid as paving within the hall. There’s also a beautiful indoor fountain and the domed ceiling, possibly the finest of its kind, is honeycombed with thousands of tiny cells. This “stalactite vaulting” displays the architectural brilliance of the Moors. Other highlights in the Alhambra include the “Sala de Justicia”, the “Patio de Mexuar” and the “Peindar de la Reina” (The Queens robing room) – all elegantly designed and decorated.

Granada, Alhambra and Beyond

2008-09-12T15:26:00.000-07:00

By Edward Kirwan

Granada, in the east of Andalusía, is a city steeped in Moorish tradition. The Alhambra Palace which was recently short listed as a Seventh Wonder of the New World, is truly wondrous but there is so much more to see and do.

The last stronghold of the Arabic/Moorish kings, Granada has retained and celebrates much of its ancient history. A bustling city, it happily combines the old with the new. It can be enjoyed largely on foot using the Gran Via as your central point. Stroll in the tranquil Gardens of Triunfo, gaze at the Hospital Real and the Carthusian Monastery. Take in the glorious Gothic style Royal Chapel and renaissance Cathedral where Isabel and Ferdinand are entombed. You will be sure to find an eatery to your liking among the many atmospheric restaurants, cafes and bars. Happily, unlike much of modern Spain, Granada's bars still offer generous free tapas.

The old Moorish Quarter, the Albaycin, offers narrow shaded streets and is an ideal maze to explore. From the Plaza Larga you can take a stroll along the walls of the Alcazaba de Cadima to the main ancient gateway, the Puerta de Elvira. From Saint Cristobel Mirador de San Nicholas you can gaze upon the Alhambra and the Sierra Nevada beyond.

The Alhambra is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and marks the beginning of the Nasrid Dynasty, under Mohammed Ibn Alhamar in the 11th Century. It graciously overlooks the city of Granada and the vast surrounding lands. This great fortress-cum-palace is easily accessible by car, bus or for the stouter among us, on foot. No visit to Granada is complete without experiencing the magnificent Royal Palace and the Genaralife's well kept gardens.

Granada also acts as a centre for visiting the Sierra Nevada some 75km distant. The area offers full winter sports facilities, walking tours, cycling, horse trekking and many more activities besides. This is truly an adventurer's paradise. The ancient whitewashed villages of the Alpujarras, famed for the Lanjaron water and more recently, Chris Stewart's book "Driving over Lemons", lie to the southeast. Among these, Trevelez lays claim to being the highest village in all of Spain.

From Granada it is possible to ski in the morning and swim in the sea in the afternoon. If this is for you, head south to the lesser known Costa Tropical, an hour's drive away. It has quiet sandy coves and beaches stretched along the craggy coastline between the Almeria and Malaga provincial borders. Many of these beaches are barely accessible by car but well worth the effort of reaching them. Among these are large, dedicated naturist's areas.

For those that like to take things a little easier, La Herradura (meaning "horseshoe"), Almuncecar, with all popular facilities, Salobrena, with its castle and Motril for its easy yet working town demeanor are all worth visiting.(forget visiting the port). For sailors and scuba-divers the well maintained and expanding Marina del Este (between Almunecar and La Herradura) provides excellent facilities in a secluded and tranquil setting.

Venturing away from the Mediterranean and to the east of Granada, lies the intriguing troglodyte town of Gaudix. Having sandstone as a natural resource, half the town's population live in caves. And yes, you can stay there. To the northwest lies the old fortified town of Moclin with its magnificent views, one of the last Moorish strongholds before Granada fell to the Christians in 1495. Further afield, to the southeast you can enjoy the relaxing spas of Alhama de Granada.

Granada is easily accessible by air from its newly upgraded international airport to the west of the city. The modern road infrastructure allows easy access to your destination by car or bus. Granada both ancient and modern is there to be enjoyed.

The Alhambra In Granada, Andalucia - Exploration Of The Moorish Architectural Heritage In Spain

2008-09-12T15:23:00.000-07:00

By Markus Mross

Andalucia, the southernmost province of Spain, has one of the most changeful pasts in European Mainland history. The strategic importance of the Strait of Gibraltar as bridge between Africa and Europa has always Andalucia been a key passage point for the most different ethnic groups,
especially during the period of the Barbarian Invasions between 300 AD and 700 AD. All settlers
and invaders left their cultural and architectural imprints on the region, thereby making it a melting
pot of various cultural influences. Flamenco music, which presumably developed out of Indian,
Greek, Christian, Mozarabic and Moorish influences in the so-called "Flamenco triangle" formed
by Seville, Jeréz de la Frontera and Cádiz from the 14 century onward, is the most noteworthy example resulting from this exotic and fascinating, century-long culture mixture.

Over the course of the centuries Andalucia has seen many conquerers and traders come and go, including the Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, Vandals and Visigoths. The 7th century marks
the beginning of a 500 years long Moorish domination. During the Middle Ages Andalucia enjoyed
a time of cultural and economical prosperity. Arts and sciences such as astronomy, medicine, philosophy and mathematics were florishing under Moorish rule. Between the 7th century and the
12th century Andalucia experienced one of the longest periods of religous and political tolerance between Christians, Muslims and Jews in European Mainland history. This climate of mutual tole-
rance and respect and the relative religious and cultural freedom promoted the cultural exchange between all ethnic groups. The century-long Moorish domination and the period of cultural prospe-
rity were considerably weakened with the fall of Seville in 1248 and collapsed completely when
the last remaining Islamic stronghold, Granada, was reconquered by the Catholic kings of Spain
in 1492 during the Christian Reconquista.

The Umayyad invasion of Andalucia in the 7th century gave rise to a very strong, century-long in-fluence of Moorish architecture in Andalusian construction style. Its most notable examples can be found in Granada, Córdoba and Seville.

An impressive historical monument is the "Alhambra" (derived from Arab "al-hamra" (the red castle)) in Granada, a Moorish mosque, palace and fortress complex located at the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Its construction already began in the 8th century and it was considerably expan-
ded during the Nasrid Dynasty in the 12th century. The fortress ("Alcazaba"), the Nasrid Palaces ("Palacio Árabe", "Palacio Nazaries" or "Casa Real"), the Gardens of the Generalife ("Palacio de Generalife") and the Court of the Lions ("Patio de los Leones") with their Mudéjar and Mozarabic
style are true masterpieces of Moorish architecural art and always worth visiting for the historically interested traveller. The Alhambra was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1984.

Another spectacular piece of Moorish architecture is the "Mezquita" (derived from Arab "masjid" (mosque)) in Córdoba, the former Aljama Mosque. It was built on the ruins of the Saint Vicente Visigothic Christian basilica ("Basílica Visigótica de San Vicente") between the 8th century and the
10th century under the Emirate and Caliphate of Córdoba in Umayyad style. After the conquest of Córdoba by the Catholic kings of Spain in 1236 the Mezquita it was reconsecrated as Cathedral of Córdoba ("Catedrál de la Mezquita de Córdoba") and serves as a Roman-Catholic cathedral until
today.

An amazing Moorish construction is the "Giralda" (weathervane)) in Seville with its Almohad style,
an ancient minaret from the city´s Almohad Mosque built between 1184 and 1198. In 1248 Seville
fell into the hands of the Catholic kings of Spain during the Christian Reconquista. A Roman-Catholic cathedral, the Cathedral of Seville ("Catedrál de Sevilla" or "Catedrál de Santa María de la Sede"), was built from 1401 to 1519 on the former site of the mosque and the Giralda was converted into
a bell tower. The Cathedral of Seville with its Gothic, Baroque, Moorish and Renessaince style and breathtaking examples of Gothic woodcarving houses a large collection of religious sculptures,
jewelry items and paintings and the supposed tomb of Christopher Columbus. It is the largest
Medieval Gothic cathedral anywhere in the world and is a must for every lover of Medieval Gothic church architecture.

A further fascinating historical sight is the Alcázar of Seville ("Alcázares Reales de Sevilla") with the "Patio de las Doncellas" (The Courtyard of the Maidens), a palace of the Catholic kings of Spain with its Mudéjar, Mozarabic, Gothic and Renaissance style. The Alcázar (derived from Arab "al-qasr" ("palace)) was built between the 12th century to the 17th century on the site of the former Almohad palace "Al-Muwarak" (the blessed).

The Alcázar and the Cathedral of Seville werde declared world heritage sites by the UNESCO in 1987.

Travel Tips For Visiting the Alhambra

2008-09-12T15:21:00.000-07:00

By Stewart Palmer

When holidaying in Spain recently, we decided to visit the Alhambra. We did a little research on the internet prior to our holiday and read that it is advisable to book tickets in advance for tours of the Alhambra palaces and the Generalife. The articles we read warned us that even if tickets were available on arrival, the queues for them are usually very long.

As it would be almost unthinkable to visit the Alhambra without going into the palaces and Generalife, we decided to purchase our tickets online. When booking you are required to stipulate both date and time of your visit and the tickets are printed with these on them. However, it is very important to understand that this is time of admission to the palace of the Nasrid Kings and not the time you need to arrive at the main entrance of the Alhambra.

In addition to allowing for the ten minutes it takes to walk from the main entrance to the palace, you also need to allow at least fifteen minutes for the "Tickets Only Queue" which forms outside of the Alhambra.

Our appointed time was 10 a.m. and more by luck than judgment, we arrived at the Alhambra at 9.25 a.m. By the time we had parked, got though the main entrance queue, hired our recorded tour guide phones and walked to the Palace of the Nasrid Kings, it was 9.55 a.m., by which time the queue for the 10 a.m. tour had already mixed itself up with queues for later tours. If you miss your slot, your ticket becomes invalid and we only just made it in time.

The system may sound somewhat bureaucratic but once you get inside the palaces and Generlife you will appreciate why it is necessary. It prevents these beautiful buildings and gardens from becoming overcrowded, allowing just about the maximum number of tourists possible without spoiling views, causing discomfort or hurrying your tour. We quickly realised how efficiently it worked and congratulated the Spaniards for having a system that is sadly lacking in historic buildings in other countries. Our only criticism is that advance publicity, including the official web site does not present the system in sufficient clarity or stress the need to pre-book as strongly as it needs to.

The Alhambra visit took us four hours and we could easily have spent more time there if our schedule that day had been less ambitious. We were totally overcome by the magnificence and splendour of the palaces, the beauty of the gardens of the Generlife, and the views and vistas of the Alhambra's almost surreal surroundings. The meaning of the word Generlife is "Garden of Paradise" and I can think of no more fitting a description for it than that. Even though the day we visited was at the end of June with temperatures reaching 32 degrees, the nearby Sierra Nevada were still snow-capped. Out of all the wonderful historic places we have visited throughout Europe, none compare with this setting.

We most certainly intend to visit the Alhambra again but would most love to do so in spring time when the temperatures are lower, the flowers are even more magnificent and more snow can be seen on the mountain backdrop.

What You Must See on Your Holidays to Iran

2008-09-12T15:20:00.000-07:00

A large country in the Middle East, Iran has a rich history and vast amounts of unexplored, hidden treasures to show the tourists. One of the world's oldest civilizations is from Iran, which today has grown to have become among the leaders in the world. It occupies a high level when it comes to international economy and energy security, since it has the largest reserve of natural gas and petroleum. An alternate name by which Iran is referred to is 'The land of kindness', which reflects on the personality of the people living in this country.

There are millions of people who visit Iran yearly for a holiday, and when they do there are several sights which are visited. But amidst them all, there are five things one must not miss, which are,

Kind of like the Central park of New York, the Imam Square is where all the activities in Iran take place. This is where people come together, to either spend an idle evening, or to celebrate a local festival. The place is always buzzing with activity and there are stores around the square from where one can pick up trinkets and other memorabilia to take back home.

When a person drives down to the place, they will be surprised at the sheer size of the desert and the monument called Choqa Zambil standing tall in the place. It is one of the UNESCO's world heritage sights and preserved by the Government. The ziggurat at the Choqa Zambil is proof of the architecture that is unique to Iran, and found nowhere else in the world.

A throne of the Jamshid, Persepolis is a magnificent palace built around 512 BC and that has survived getting burnt to the ground in 331 BC. The ruins are what we see today, which have been preserved and restored as it were back then. The first thing we see as we step into this complex is the Xersxes' Gateway, which is huge and has intricate carvings on it.

The fun is in getting to Kharanaq rather than at the venue itself. The drive from Yazd winds around loops and quiet long stretches of roads. Some parts of the village is said to be over 1000 years old. The main focal point here is the Qajar era mosque, built in the 17th century and today being restored. For more adventure, one can walk from the village to about 250 meters down the valley to an ancient well kind of structure, which was built to provide water to the fields around the area.

The majestic Mil e Gonbad tower has been so beautifully preserved, that one will not believe that it was built nearly 1000 years ago. The visitors are taken on a tour of the entire building, and to the centre from where one can hear echo from absolutely any point in the tower, making them wonder in awe.

Traveling to Iran? Get it Right the First Time

2008-09-12T15:19:00.000-07:00

By Walter Matthews

Every person who holds a non-Iranian passport requires a visa for entering Iran. Nationals of Singapore, Turkey, Slovenia, Saudi Arabia, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and Bosnia Herzegovina do not require a visa if their intended duration of stay does not exceed three months.

Requirements for obtaining an Iranian Visa

Individuals traveling to Iran can apply for a visa at the Iranian Embassy located in the visitor's home country. Visitors are only allowed to travel to those cities that are mentioned in the visa.

In order to get a visa, the individual who wishes to travel to Iran must have a "Letter of Invitation" from an Iranian sponsor. This Letter of Invitation should be certified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

For tourists, the person who acts as a sponsor is usually a hotel or a tour operating service. After permission is granted, the Letter of Invitation is sent to the Iran Consulate overseas to the place where the visa was issued. This entire procedure can take up to a month before a visa is issued.

The Letter of Invitation is a detailed document that must contain specific information in order for a visa to be issued:

First and last (sur) name
Nationality/citizenship
Sex and marital status
Date of birth and place of birth
Passport number, date and place of issue and validity
Occupation and place of work (name and address of organization are required)
Proposed date of arrival and departure

Types of Iranian Visas

Anyone wishing to travel to Iran can apply for either a Transit Visa or a Tourist Visa. The type of visa you receive and its valid duration is dependant on the country were the visa is being applied for as well as the current political situation in the Tehran Foreign Ministry.

The norm is that tourist visas are issued for a month. However, depending on political actions at the time of application, it can difficult to obtain anything for more than a 10-day period.

Visa Application Requirements

Anyone wishing to apply for a tourist visa to Iran is required to submit the following:

Two copies of the completed visa application form
Passport with at least 6 months remaining until expiration. The passport must have a minimum of two pages that are blank
Two passport size photographs ( ladies are required to observe the Islamic code ejab in their photographs)
Invitation letter with all the necessary information
Day-by-day itinerary
Visa fees payable by money order or cash

Applicants are also required to submit round trip airline tickets and proof of hotel reservations.
It is important to note that the visa will only be valid for those cities which are annotate on the visa.

All tourists who wish to stay for a period longer than three months must apply for and obtain a residence permit. This application has to be made at the Police Headquarters or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Tehran within eight days of arrival in Iran.

Getting the right documents to travel to Iran shouldn't be hard. If you follow the rules and allow plenty of time for processing, you will have no problems getting a visa.

Cycling in Iran, Meet The Iranian People

2008-09-12T15:16:00.000-07:00

By Peter Vanderlans

Few believe me until they travel there. Iran is a magnificent country. People are extremely friendly. It seems the difference between politics and people couldn't be bigger. After writing about my canoeing and kayaking experiences, I started reading about my Iran experiences. In most of the areas where I traveled, there was not much water, especially east of Esfahan.

I was at my bicycle at the time, crossing from north west to south east, from Turkey to Iran. It was a journey of about 6 weeks and parts went through complete empty areas, deserts. Not everybody can handle cycle in a desert for a few days but I loved it. From Bam to Zahedan was 550km or so and it was wonderful. In other areas I found lots of hospitality. Believe me, there are no countries in the world where you find more hospitality then in Iran. Example?

Usually around 1 pm I was looking for lunch. And many times local Iranians invited me to join them and the family for lunch in their houses. It always went this way. First enter the house to the guest room, drink some strong black tea with sugar rocks and then move to the living room for lunch.

In the living there were seldom tables and chairs. A table cloths was on the floor, dishes came in and everybody tucked in and eat. Most of the time, men, women and children were around and women usually didn't wear the scarf which is outside mandatory. Believe me, Iranian women are beautiful.

After the lunch my host would offer me more tea but once I would make a suggestion to leave it was always answered the same way. "You can't go sir, dinner is almost ready" (remember it was still only 4pm), but there was no way I could leave. Chatting, walking around in the garden, meeting friend X and family member Z and time was flying.

By 8.30 pm dinner was finally ready. At 9.30 my host usually told me where I could sleep by rolling a mattress on the floor and telling me where to find the toilet and bathroom. "What time do you get up? 7am? Good, I will come with breakfast!", was the usual comment I got.

At 7am sharp he would knock on the door. Then we would go to the living room and having breakfast with fresh warm breads, cream cheese, apples, homemade yoghurt, and, as always the black tea with sugar rocks. Btw, you don't put the sugar rocks in the tea, instead you dip them and suck the sugar! After breakfast the host usually came up with fruits and more breads for on the way. "Maybe you will not find a place to eat"! Well, I was always able to find a place to eat and many times I had to refuse the food they wanted me to bring as I couldn't carry it all on the bicycle.

That is also Iran, that is the story you seldom hear. But that is also the story that tells you that people are people, everywhere. And Iran was one of my favorite countries to travel, Living there is a different thing though.

Travel a Lot For Business? Don't Forget a Travel Pillow!

2008-09-12T13:41:00.000-07:00

By Sherry L Harris

Business travelers that are on the road a lot should always carry their own travel pillow. A good travel pillow can serve many purposes. It can be a pillow, a neck pillow, a back pillow, something to keep the light out of your eyes, and much more.

It's also a good idea to have your own travel pillow for sanitary reasons. Airlines disinfect their pillows, but there is still a good chance that dust mites or other things could be living inside. I don't know about you, but that is gross to me. Yuck!

When you have your own cushion that is soft and clean and has not been used by a thousand other people that week, you will be much more relaxed. And, as an added bonus, you will sleep more soundly on your pillow.

When you are buying a travel pillow for yourself or a loved one look for a pillow that has a flexible stuffing, so that it can be reshaped and used as a neck pillow or padding, if need be. It should also have a removable cover that can be taken off and washed. A small pillow should be able to be wadded up and shoved into a pocket or purse because you might not always be able to get to your carry on bag easily to get your pillow.

If you are crafty you can make your travel pillow or make a pillow for someone you love. Choose a soft but easily washable fabric for the cover and put a zipper or a snap on it so you can take the cover off for cleaning. If you want to make the pillow more relaxing, put some fresh herbs like Lavender flowers or some Chamomile or Peppermint in a sachet and tuck that inside the pillow.

When the herbs get stale you can just take that sachet out and put in a new one. Be careful that the herbs you use are not too strong though or the rest of the other people on the plane might object to you using the pillow.

Along with your travel pillow you should also carry a travel blanket. A light travel blanket will make it easier to sleep on the plane and it will give you a little extra warmth on the airplane and in the hotel if you need it. A cashmere shawl or large scarf can do double duty as a light but warm travel blanket that you can easily carry with you.

So, next time you boss sends you off another trip across country, don't forget your handy dandy travel pillow. Here's to your rest, so you can have a great meeting.

Contour Travel Pillow

2008-09-12T13:37:00.000-07:00

By Manuel Wiggins

Contour travel pillows are available for both adults and children. For adults they are available in two shapes.

The horseshoe shape that goes around the neck and supports the head while sleeping in flights. They are easily available and the most used type. They are made of polyester blend and are fiber filled. They cushion the neck and the head. They are covered with fleece or cotton and are resistant and durable. Most companies offer them as machine washable. Inflatable and non inflatable contour travel pillows are also available. They are easy to carry and can fit into the smallest of places.

The cost for the pillows range from $12-$15. There are many that are shaped flatter unlike the horseshoe shape. They support both the sides of the head. These can be used in planes, trains, buses and also in the back of the car.

For children, the contour travel pillows are smaller in shape and are designed to resemble various animals such as leopards, dogs, cats, lions, zebras and many other animals. They are made in the same way and care is taken so that they don't cause any allergy or rashes in children.

The wedge shaped pillow is also a contour travel pillow. It serves the same purpose and lets you travel in ease without a neck crick. It helps you to relax and you wake with more vigor and vitality.

The inflatable travel lumbar pillow provides comfort not only for your necks and head but also for lower backs and legs. It packs neatly and takes very little space. These pillows can be deflated with just a press of a button. Since it's so compact it can be easily packed away in the briefcase. It has a removable cover in polyester that can be easily machine washed.

Egypt Travels

2008-09-12T13:15:00.000-07:00

By Eddie Tobey

A tour to Egypt can be a good experience with the variety of delights that the country has to offer. A large number of tourists flank the world-famous Sahara desert and the Giza pyramids. One would wonder how a country with its hot and dry climate, plays such a gracious host to so many people. However, every day there is an increasing number of people visiting Egypt. The main tourist attractions in Egypt are the Sahara desert, the Giza pyramids and the Karnak temple.

The Sahara desert is the largest in the world, encompassing approximately 3,320,000 square miles. Geographically, on the west of the desert lies the Atlantic Ocean, and to its north are the Atlas Mountains and the Mediterranean Sea. To the east lies Red Sea, and to the South, a zone of ancient, immobile sand dunes. The desert is a beautiful sight when the golden rays of the sun glisten on the sand dunes.

The Giza Pyramids in Egypt are in Greater Cairo and are one of the wonders of the world. The Egyptian pharaoh Khufu of the Fourth Dynasty built this monument around the year 2560 BC, to serve as a tomb when he died. The tradition of pyramid building began in Ancient Egypt, so as to serve as a ""platform"" covering the royal tomb. Today, the Great Pyramid is enclosed with the other pyramids and the Sphinx, in the tourist region of the Giza Plateau. The structure consists of approximately 2 million blocks of stone, each weighing more than two tons. These are popularly referred to as either “The Granaries of Joseph” or ""The Mountains of Pharaoh"".

The Karnak Temple is in El-Karnak, a small village on the banks of the river Nile. The temple consists of an open-air museum that has four main parts namely, the precincts of Amon-Re, Montu, Mut and the temple of Amenhotep IV. This temple was constructed around the 18th century B.C. The Karnak temple is the most-visited site in Egypt after the Giza pyramids and is the largest ancient site in the world.

The Valley of the Kings and the modern Opera house are other popular attractions in Egypt.

Egyptian Pyramids

2008-09-12T13:13:00.002-07:00

By Richard Monk

Egypt and pyramids are two words that just go together. In a testament to the advancements of the Egyptians, those pyramids by and large stand today thousands of years later.

Egyptian Pyramids

Egypt is a country that brings to mind vast deserts and huge, imposing pyramids. Situated in the Northeastern part of the continent of Africa, this country has been inhabited by advanced societies and cultures for thousands of years, and is still a site of mystery and intrigue to this day. Among all of the topics surrounding this area of the world, ancient Egypt pyramids have to be the most interesting and researched. These pyramids were built by a society reaching far back into history.

The time period of the height of Egypt is said to have begun around the year 3500 BC, and it is said to have ended around 30 BC, when the Roman Empire took over Egypt. During these three thousand plus years, many rulers, or pharaohs, oversaw the country through different dynasties. Most of the pharaohs decided to have pyramids constructed so that they would have opulent final resting places in which to be entombed.

The shape of the Egypt pyramids is said to have been derived from the primordial mound that early Egyptians believed Earth was created from. Also important to the shape was the fact that the pyramids were built as burial chambers, and the Egyptians are also thought to have believed that this shape would help to “launch” the deceased into the afterlife (through a tunnel at the uppermost point of the pyramid – this is seen in the Great Pyramid of Giza). Pyramids were also originally covered with a white limestone covering, to give them a shining appearance when viewed from afar. This was because of the third reason for the pyramid's shape – an echoing of the sun's rays.

There are believed to be between 80 and 100 pyramids, although there is no exact number known due to the fact that many of the smaller pyramids have fallen into disrepair. The three biggest and most well-known of these pyramids are the pyramids at Giza, located outside of Cairo, Egypt. These pyramids were listed as one of the Seven Wonders of the World, and in fact, they are the only Wonder still standing in modern times.

A trip to see the Egypt pyramids is something on many people's wish list. With their mystical qualities and fascinating history, the pyramids are worth traveling to see. Whether it's because of their unique shape, the fact that they are large burial chambers, or just that they are some of the largest man-made structures in the world, the Egyptian pyramids will be sure to continue to hold our interest for many years to come.

Conspiracies: The Pyramid and the Sphinx

2008-09-12T13:13:00.001-07:00

By Steven N. Ng

Egypt has long been the source of countless conspiracies, ranging from ancient lost civilizations to extraterrestrial markers. The reason for this focus is likely because Egypt is the most romanticized ancient civilization, and also because it is home to the mystical Great Pyramid of Giza, the only surviving Wonder of the Ancient World. This article will describe some of the conspiracies surrounding the Sphinx and the Pyramid.

The Riddle of the Sphinx

Most of the conspiracy theories revolving around the Sphinx usually involve its age. The Sphinx is generally accepted to have been built along with the Pyramids of Giza around 2500 BC. It is even accepted that the face of the Sphinx bears the likeness of Khafre (Chephren), the Pharaoh during that time.

However, there was no written record from that era regarding the Sphinx or its construction. In addition, the human head of the Sphinx is small in relation to the rest of the body, indicating that the head bearing Pharaoh Khafre's likeness could have been carved out of a larger lion's head. These points led some researchers to believe that the Sphinx could have been built much earlier by a more ancient civilization, thus starting a whole host of conspiracy theories.

Geologist Dr. Robert Schoch and author John Anthony West made a case that the erosion marks on the Sphinx appears not to be made by wind or sand, but by water, such as falling rain. They used evidence of other structures in the Giza area to prove their point. If this were true, the construction of the Sphinx could then be dated back to at least 5000 BC, when the area still received substantial rainfall, in contrast to desert conditions later on.

In his official website, Director of the Giza Monuments Dr. Zahi Hawass provides various points suggesting that the evidence used in proving Dr. Schoch's theory is flawed.

Adding to the conspiracies surrounding the age of the Sphinx, writers Graham Hancock and Robert Buvaul provide evidence in their book Message of the Sphinx that the creation of the Sphinx and Pyramids can be pushed back as far as 10,500 BC using astronomical data.

Secret of the Pyramids

The Pyramids of Giza have been the objects of many conspiracies over the years. Many people believe that the Pyramids are a link to an ancient lost civilization, and may still contain evidence to prove it. Many conspiracy theories regarding secret chambers and passageways within the pyramids exist to this day.

These conspiracy theories became even more widespread in 1993, when Dr. Zahi Hawass announced that the Great Pyramid of Khufu was to be closed to the public for a year. The reason given for the closure was to facilitate cleaning, conservation and restoration of the interior chambers in the Great Pyramid.

However, conspiracy theorists believe that the Egyptian authorities had uncovered evidence of a lost civilization in the Pyramid, and were secretly excavating it to reveal more information.

During the conservation process in 1993, robots were used to explore the small ventilation shafts leading from the "King's Chamber" and the lower "Queen's Chamber" in the Great Pyramid. An intriguing discovery was made: partway through the shafts of the "Queen's Chamber" were "doors" with handles.

In order to prove the transparency of their work and debunk any conspiracies, Dr. Zahi Hawass decided to partner with National Geographic to explore beyond the "doors", and provide a live telecast of the exploration to the rest of the world.

After much publicity, the expedition commenced, with footage telecast live around the world. During the last minute of the show, a camera was sent in a hole made in the "door" of the shaft, revealing another "door" behind it. And that was when the show finished. Conspiracy theories started sprouting, asking the following questions: "What's behind the 2nd door? Why did the show end so abruptly? What are they hiding from us?"

The Great Pyramid Of Giza - A Monumental Structure

2008-09-12T13:08:00.000-07:00

By Felix Koskei

Egypt is one of Africa’s richest countries in terms of history. Egypt’s history goes back to the ancient times before the Bible. The biblical and cultural history of Egypt is as diverse and intriguing as the undiscovered tombs and cities lying underneath the desert sand in Upper and Lower Egypt.

Cairo is a city full of life. One aspect I quickly noticed when I set foot in Cairo is the traffic. Cairo is home to over 16 million inhabitants of which an additional 2 million people commute into the city in the morning and depart at sunset. In spite of the city having huge multiple-lane spaghetti highways, the traffic is extremely heavy. As you approach the city centre, a highway of 3 lanes is tuned into 5. The most notorious motorists are the taxis. As one drives in the city, one of your hands will permanently remain on the horn. I thought Nairobi had the worst traffic congestion in Africa, but Egypt for sure makes Nairobi’s traffic child-play.

The pyramids at Giza can be clearly seen from most parts of the city on a clear day. The Great Pyramids of Giza is such an imposing and monumental structure. It is absolutely mind-boggling to imagine that the ancient man with limited technology and workmanship could put up such a huge structure. Of course, how the pyramids were built is a question of great global debate and may never be conclusively answered. Other theories even point to outer space aliens as the sole builders of pyramids in Egypt.

The great pyramid of Cheops, which is the largest of the pyramids in Giza stands at height of 140 metres. It is a spectacular sight to arrive at the foot of the pyramid and just gaze at its sheer size. It is estimated that each block of stone weighs about 2.5 tons and over 2.3 million of these blocks were used to build this pyramid. It is estimated that the Great Pyramid of Cheops weight over 6 million tons. One aspect that I noticed while viewing the pyramids from afar is the precise and exact structural design. Although most of the encasing marble was removed centuries ago and subsequently eroded by rain and sunshine, safe for the top most apexes, the triangular structural design is absolutely perfect.

The most intriguing aspect of the pyramid is the entry passage into its inner chambers. This is a task many people including myself found challenging. Anyone who is 6 feet tall like me will definitely run a sweat while trying to maneuver the way up the internal chambers of the pyramid. The entrance is about 1 meter square. This does not end there; I then realize that this is actually a stair case passage rising at an angle. Have you ever tried climbing up a stair case in a crouch position? Imagine climbing stairs that the whole passage is 1 meter square. To make matters worse, it is summer time and the temperatures outside is around 35 degrees Celsius. The stair case passage in the pyramid has no windows or air condition; so you can imagine how hot it is. Other passages descend as other go horizontal. Inside the pyramid are different burial chambers for the King and Queen. The tomb was of course robbed centuries ago and was found empty by archeologists. Any information about King Cheops was subsequently taken during the robberies and very little is known about him. He is thought to have been the ruler of a highly structured society and he must have been very wealthy. King Cheops was buried alone in this massive pyramid. It is estimated that his pyramid was built between 2589 - 2566 BC.

From the Pyramids, I visited the Valley of Temple where dead kings were mummified. The mysterious Sphinx kept guard at the cemetery for over 5000 years.

Egypt will not be complete without a visit to the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities housing the largest collection of Egyptian monuments in the world, 250,000 items. Here, you can also see the jewellery of the famous King Tut Ankh Amun, which dates back to 1352 B.C. A tour of the Citadel of Saladin is a must. This was built in 1176. The Alabaster mosque of Mohamed Ali which was built on 1824 AD is also worth seeing.

In the evening I went for dinner in a floating restaurant while cruising down the River Nile. On board there was a beautiful belly dancer to entertain the diners and a folkloric show. The cruise deck provides a beautiful night skyline of Cairo. The city is very well lit at night.

In the summer time, Cairo is mostly active during the night than during the day. This is due to the high temperatures experienced during the day. Stores, restaurants, malls etc remain open most of the night.

Other areas to visit in Egypt are Luxor, Alexandria and Sharm El Sheikh. A 4 day luxury cruise along the River Nile is an awesome experience.