Travel Asia – Such a Blast!

I am in awe when my boss asked me to join him in his business trips in Asia. I have never been to any country in Asia so definitely, I was so excited. I’m half- Chinese, but I was raised in Pennsylvania, so this trip is mostly well- looked forward to. As oriented, I along with another representative, we will be trekking around Indonesia, Philippines, and Singapore – places where I’ve only read in magazines and have seen in television news. Now, I will be able to catch a glimpse of these worth- visiting nations. I have been preparing for trips for quite some time now, since my father loves to travel. He’s into mountains and roads, so all of his whereabouts include Blue Ridge Mountains and the famous, Poconos. Moving on, I’ve brought with me things that are essential for trips like: 

1. Prescription for immunization, only if you are suddenly flying abroad, but you may prepare for this a month before your travel, to ensure that you’re fit and allowed to go out in the country; 

2. Clothes necessary to keep up with the weather changes so beforehand, you must have researched about this important matter, as we certainly don’t want to catch flu while travelling; and 

3. Passport which is a requirement substantiating your stay from one country to another.

Arriving in our first destination, which is the Philippines, warm people have welcomed us by singing and dancing for us, in the tune of their native song. I was enraptured by the beauty of the country, especially with their food, which I believe is the best indulgence I had from among the other trips we had. I love their “adobong manok” (chicken in vinegar sauce), and their layered glutinous rice and coconut dessert, called “sapin- sapin”. We also went to Mall of Asia (MoA) which is regarded the largest mall in Asia, and to Boracay, which is also known as “the beach that never sleeps’, where we’ve tried the banana boat ride. Truly, its pristine waters are a home to the kind of traditional activities the natives and foreigners are looking for.

Our second destination went well too. Singapore is truly a vibrant,sophisticated city-state. Dubbed as The Garden City, it never failed to indicate its mission on cleanliness. After witnessing a parade at the Square at Furama, where we’ve devoured a lot of their luscious chocolate cakes, we went shopping to Orchard Road. This is one of the most visited shopping areas in Singapore which is a one-way street flanked by distinctive shopping malls on both sides of the road. Afterwards, we went to an ethnic clave called Kampong Glam which features traditional artifacts, clothing, ethnic delicacies and other cultural treasures.

Our last trip summed up in Bali, Indonesia where we spent the rest of the days relaxing in the luxurious villas in the district of Seminyak. There is simply no more the need to search for hotels in the area and all the trappings of mass tourism when retreat homes of these kinds are too special to decline.

The whole 3- week business trip has never been a business trip at all. It was I can say a vacation in disguise. I enjoyed every moment of it.

Author Bio: Mitchell Zavich Zunia is a native of Pennsylvania, and had graduated at Robert Morris University with a degree in International Studies. She is a field photographer for a high- flying publication in Pittsburgh. Also, she’s the online content coordinator for www.allseminyakvillas.com. You may follow her on Twitter @MitchellZunia

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Five Do-Not-Miss Attractions When You Visit Bali

Bali is an island province in Indonesia and the largest tourist destination in the country. Its island population of nearly 4 million people is almost all Hindu, with tourism accounting for 80 percent of the island’s economy. It is one of the most incredible destinations in the world, offering beautiful sandy beaches with stunning coral reefs, epic mountains and extinguished volcanoes, amazing wildlife and five-star spas and restaurants staffed with incredibly friendly people.

In fact, Bali was given the prestigious Best Island award in 2010 from Travel & Leisure magazine, whose readers cited its attractive surroundings, diverse tourist attractions and excellent array of restaurants and spas.

Bali is renowned for its natural beauty, as well as a highly developed arts-oriented culture that includes both traditional and modern dance, music and artisans specializing in all sorts of sculpture, painting, leather crafting and metal-working.

One thing to be absolutely sure you visit on your Bali trip is the Sacred Money Forest in the village of Pedantegal. The walk-through tour of the nature reserve includes both the Balinese jungle and a sacred temple, the Pura Dalem Bentuyung Temple, where the governing council maintains the strict sanctity of the site. The monkeys are friendly and overly curious, so tourists are warned to hold on tightly to all their belongings, especially shiny objects such as jewelry and watches.

If you’re looking for a little exercise to keep things lively, be sure to catch the Jegeg Bali Cycling Tour. Small groups, and extremely knowledgeable and friendly tour guides, provide a passionate and personal exploration of this wonderful country; they teach about the locations, culture, people and religious ceremonies.

For a truly unforgettable experience, see a Barong Dance Performance. Many troupes perform this ritual dance.  The performance tells the story of a truly frightening god, Barong, who is summoned to defeat an evil woman bent on destroying one of the Balinese kings in the 10^th century. It helps to know the basic story behind the ritual, but you can enjoy it without knowing the background.  The dance is colorful, enthusiastic and unique.

Visit the mountains and volcanoes for a pleasant change from the beaches and lowlands. Danau Bretan, also known as Lake Bretan, is a gorgeous lake located in the crater of an extinguished volcano. It has a fantastic temple from the 17^th Century on the shore of the lake, Pura Ulun Danau Bratan, which is dedicated to the goddess of the lake.

And last, but certainly not least, you will probably want to spend at least a few days at the beach. There you can surf the waves, snorkel and scuba dive among the incredible coral reefs. You can also just relax and enjoy the beautiful white sand beaches. A popular resort is Nusa Lembongan, or Lembongan Island, where automobiles are forbidden and the setting radiates peace and serenity. The island is popular as a day destination or its waterfront huts are popular for overnight stays.

If you need further information on planning your trip to Bali, as well as specific recommendations on where to stay and what to eat while there, please check out Ryan Jamerson’s excellent review of travelling to the island on JustLuxe, “Escape to Bali!” 

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Romancing Kerala: Perfect Destination for Honeymoon

When Kerala was christened as God’s Own Country, the spotlight shifted from a very traditional, laid back and self-contained state to one that welcomes tourists from across the world. Kerala has and opened up its various secrets - the backwaters, the pristine beaches, the enchanting hills et al.

Kerala has something for everyone. If you’re seeking to romance the hills, there is Munnar and vagamon. If beaches float your boat, there is the plentiful coastline covering the beaches of Kovalam, Cherai, Varkala, Kappad and a few other secluded finds. The backwaters will welcome you with open arms at Kumarakom and Kuttanad. Explore the forests of Thekkady and Silent Valley. All in all, Kerala is a one-stop destination for terrains of all sizes and desires.

Kerala has a coastline covering 580 km and is dotted by sandy beaches. Plenty of resorts are present all along the coastline. Some of these resorts and hotels have a beach of their own and will dish out the best services.

Apart from the proverbial surrounds, Kerala boasts of evergreen forests and biodiversity that rivals the best. The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve houses some of the most important species of Asian Elephants, Bengal Tigers, Leopard, Nilgiri Tahr and various other species of fauna. 

Getting to Kerala is easy as major cities in the state such as Cochin and Trivandrum are connected globally as well as to most cities in the country. All major airlines have flights to Kochi and Trivandrum.

Accommodation in Kerala ranges from some of the most luxurious chains to some that fits every budget. Kovalam and Varkala beaches attract the most tourists and thus have the most options when it comes to accommodation.

Culture lovers will also rejoice and revel as Kerala dishes out its culture in dollops. Popular Kerala culture that draws a majority of the attention is the Kathakali dance and the Kalaripayatu style of martial arts. Kerala is one of the most eclectic spots for a holiday destination.

Kerala awaits you, fly to Kerala, today.

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Parks and Gardens of Bath, England

The gardens and parks located in Bath provide countless occasions to enjoy the warm summer months. During a stay at one of the beautiful Bath hotels, remember to explore the splendid gardens in the area.

Hanham Court Gardens

On the banks of the River Avon, the garden is visually pleasing with romantic architectural designs. The garden has been designated by Garden Illustrated as the number one Dreamy Garden in 2010.



Prior Park Landscape Garden

Designed by Bath entrepreneur Ralph Allen based on input from Alexander Pope and Lancelot Brown. The garden has sweeping valleys with magnificent views of the city of Bath and the wooded landscape.

Kilver Court

Kilver Court is a retail destination located in the beautiful Somerset countryside. The estate houses exclusive designer clothing store, bakery and gift shop. The gardens are a combination of immaculately designed with geometric shapes.

 

Royal Victoria Park

Created in 1829 the Park was named after Princess Victoria's first visit to bath at the age of 11. The park is comprised of 57 acres populated with beautiful trees with access to a pond, golf course and bird avery.

World Heritage Site

Listed as a world heritage site since 1987, the garden is an extraordinary destination to explore the history of the city of Bath. Exploration opportunities include Roman remains, and neoclassical buildings contained in an innovative garden design.

Parade Gardens

Located in Central Bath, the park is an excellent destination for a relaxing retreat and shopping. Overlooking the River Avon, the garden is one of the finest in the country and offers concerts and entertainment during the summer.

 

Henrietta Park

The 7 acre park located near the center of the city was originally established to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria during 1897.

Alexandra Park

Named after Queen Alexandra, Alexandra Park was established in honor of Edward VII’s coronation.

Dryham Park

Located on the estate of the Ellicott 17th century mansion, Dryham Park has 8 acres of enjoyable activities for families. Families are able to enjoy the picnic and play area as well as explore the wildlife located on the property.

 

Corsham Court

The gardens are part of a stately Elizabethan Manor from 1582. The estate has extensive formal gardens designed by landscape architect Lancelot Brown in 1760.

Alice Park

On the outer edges of Bath, the 8 acre park was entrusted to the city in 1937 for public use. Initially a memorial in honor of Heber Montgomery of Batheaston’s wife, the park is now a wonderful destination for children and adults.

Sydney Gardens

Located behind Hobart Museum, the garden is the oldest park in Bath. The park is lined with fine trees, flower beds and shrubberies. There are also tennis courts, playgrounds and cycling paths.

 

Iford Manor and the Peto Garden

The award winning garden is known for its tranquil beauty. From 1899 to 1933 the estate was home to landscape gardener Harold Peto.

Georgian Garden

Georgian Garden was redesigned in 1985 to reflect the original design dating back to 1760/1770. The recreation was based on excavation performed by the Bath Archaeological Trust.

 

Hedgemead Park

Located below the Camden Crescent, the park is lined with beautiful trees and shrubs displaying delicate roses. Families are also able to enjoy the children’s play area located in the garden.

The Botanical Gardens

Formed in 1887, the nine acre park is a collection of plants on limestone in the West County area.

Westonbirt, The National Arboretum

The National Arboretum is a 600 acre site containing 3,000 diverse temperate trees. One of the most diverse collections of temperate trees and shrubs in the world.



Brokerswood Country Park and Woodland Railway

Formerly a part of the Royal Forest of Selwood, the eighty acre park has a variety of activities for families. Attractions include adventure playgrounds, railway and fishing lake.

Somerset Lavender

The garden is a family run lavender farm that is a wonderful location to enjoy afternoon tea and a light lunch.

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The Many Festivals of Tenerife – A Guide to 2012

Carnivals in Tenerife, also known as ‘Carnavals’, are mostly held in February over Lent. The original meaning of the word carnaval means ‘to give up meat’ and encompassed other luxury foods, hence Lent and Pancake Day in the UK. Tenerife is famous for the spectacular parades, costumes and street parties, especially the one in Santa Cruz, which is the largest on the island.

One thing you need to know before you go on is that all Carnivals in Tenerife feature the ritual of ‘the Burial of the Sardine’ on Ash Wednesday, which symbolises getting rid of excess and being reborn. Strange, but true. Here is your ultimate guide to the best carnivals happening in Tenerife.

The Top Three Carnivals

1. The Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife 17th Feb to 22nd Feb 2012

This is a huge celebration that wins in the noise-making and attendance stakes. The street parties don’t start until midnight, there are drag queen marathons and fancy dress is not optional unless you want to stand out like a sore thumb!

Get there early and hold onto your spot near the beginning of the parades to get the best view. (Wear comfortable shoes as you will be on your feet for a long time) Remember your camera as words will not do the parades justice. Plus, make sure you join in, you will have the best carnival experience if you don’t just spectate.

2. The Carnival of Puerto de la Cruz, 16th – 25th February 2012

This Carnival has much of the same buzz and atmosphere as the slightly larger Santa Cruz, it usually starts a day or two later, with the procession of the recently elected Carnival queen. On Ash Wednesday the ‘Burial of the Sardine’ happens, as is the carnival tradition.

Remember to wear black as it is a mourning ceremony and funeral procession, even if it is of a fish! The ceremony ends in fireworks in the harbour, where the sardine is set alight. This Carnival has also recently revived the 19th century tradition of ‘the killing of the snake’, which represents freedom from slavery.

3. Los Cristianos 3rd – 11th March 2012

Held in March, slightly later than the larger two Carnivals, the Los Cristianos Carnival is a much smaller affair and is great if you are planning a holiday to the south of the island, as you won’t have to travel north. There is a huge influx of tourists in the area over the carnival, so make sure you book your holidays early if you want to be close to the action!

The Best of the Rest

These smaller carnivals do not release dates until later on in the year, but if you are planning a holiday here then be sure to check the local tourist boards for information.

· Los Gigantes has a small carnival each year, including a masked ball held in the open air with live music. During the day, there are children’s activities and parades, as well as the main parades in the evenings. And of course, last but not least, they have the ‘Burial of the Sardine’, followed by a ‘Widow’s Ball’.

· a small town called Tacoronte, they have a carnival known as the Piñata Chica, which follows the same pattern as the larger carnivals, but normally takes place over a weekend. On the Saturday morning there is a farmer’s market, followed by the musicians’ procession and a party in the evening. The Sunday is where this carnival really comes into its own - they have a procession of vintage cars, ending with wine tasting. The evening is then filled with celebrations and the traditional ‘Burial of the Sardine’, which takes place at the Plaza La Estacion.

· La Laguna holds their festival in early March, when the weather is getting warmer and there is less chance of rain. This carnival is much less popular with tourists, but still has big street parties, so head here for a more authentic Spanish carnival experience.


· Carnivals in Tenerife get more unusual the smaller they are, in Guimar they celebrate the end of carnival with a spooky street theatre performance, known as ‘Las Burras de Guimar’ (the Donkeys of Guimar). The performance portrays the traditional belief that all witches turn into donkeys on this night. At the end of this performance, the witches are burned alongside the ever-present sardine.

· The highlight of the fiesta in La Orotava is the carpet of flower petals and sand that is made to cover the streets. The whole town participates in planning the designs of the flowers and sand carpets, which depict biblical scenes. These murals are made using all of the different coloured volcanic sands from the surrounding areas

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Top 3 Beaches in Asia you Should Visit

When summer rolls around, what is the first thing you start to think of? For most people it would be the beach! Think about how fun it would be to run around the beach in your two-piece bikini without a care in the world. Nothing is more relaxing than spending a lazy day at the beach. You can go sun bathing, engage in water sports or just walk on the warm sand hand in hand with your special someone. Beaches are a popular vacation places for many tourists – especially during summer time. If you want to maximize your beach experience, here are the top 3 beaches in Asia you should visit.

Boracay, Philippines

Boracay is a small island located at the tip of Aklan. It’s famous its beautiful white sand and pristine water. Plus, it also has a great party atmosphere.There are tons of things to do in Boracay. You can go island hopping, jet skiing, parasailing and shopping in the day. At night you can put on your sexiest beach wear and move to the groove at any of the local clubs in the beach front. If you are looking for something fun to do this summer, visit Boracay and experience the time of your life.

Koh Phangan, Thailand

Koh Phangan was once the favorite vacation spot of King Chulalongkorn’s. It was originally the “secret vacation place” of many backpackers. However, the beauty of its beaches soon became known around the world which is why it has now become a hotspot for tourists. This small island offers many activities such as snorkeling, diving, swimming and myriad of other water sports. Another thing that Koh Phang is famous for are its Full Moon Parties at Haad Rin – a small town located at the edge of Ko Pha Ngan. The party takes place at one the main beaches on the island – Sunrise Beach.


Bali, Indonesia

Bali is another prime vacation spot for tourists for three main reasons:good food, cheap prices and of course, beautiful beaches. For those who want to have fun on a budget, Bali is the place to go. You’ll have a great time experiencing its rich culture and meeting the friendly locals. It also has great parts which have lively music, loads of beer and exotic fire dancers. Kevin Preble resides in Phoenix Arizona where he is a student of life and his favorite hobby is learning about wine and the wine industry from the views of wine brokers. He enjoys road trips and traveling throughout the southwest and finding good wine pairings to serve with

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Tips for traveling in big cities

Traveling in big cities can be a positive experience in a different way. Yet it can be stressful, chaotic and most important dangerous. In big cities like New York City, Barcelona and Hong Kong, you always need to be aware of the people around you, especially when you travel alone. That is why individual travelers do not visit big cities that often. Although by taking a few pre-cautions you can make your trip easier and safer. To help you out there in the big cities here are some tips you can follow.

• Luggage

The golden rule for your luggage in big cities is to take only what you need. You should leave your valuables locked up safely in your apartments in New York City.This is a comfortable way of travelling but it also enables you to find what you need in emergency. You should never leave your luggage out of sight as it will be gone in a few seconds.

• Money
Do not take all of your credit cards with you while you are travelling in big cities. Only take a few with you and make you that you do not have your PIN numbers in possession. If you have cash money with you try to divide the money into different pockets. For example put some in a pocket of your bag and the rest in your sock. If you got robbed of the money in your bag you always have the one in your sock for emergency.

• Clothing
If you travel in big cities the chance you got mugged is bigger than usual. The number one travel rule is to not dress up like a tourist. Do not wear any jewelry or clothing that shows your wealth this will make you more vulnerable for thieves and you will put yourself at risk.

• Attitude
When travelling alone act confident and always act like you know what you do and where you have to go even if you don’t! Avoid looking in maps in the middle of the city. A touristic attitude can wake up the attention of thieves and they will start following you. Even with all these pre-cautions someone start following you there are some things you can do. For example duck in to a shop and wait until the person passed the shop. If you see that he is hanging outside and like waiting for you do not hesitate to ask the shop owner for help. Because of this feeling of getting mugged in big cities often lead to false alarm. But you can always prevent this kind of incidents.

Sadettin is a huge fan of travel and blogs for Apartime.com, who provides holiday rentals in New York City

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How to Organize for a Trip Overseas

After I graduated in college, I decided that I wanted to see the other parts of the world and so for my graduation gift, I told my father that I wanted to travel. I chose Singapore as my destination and my two siblings also decided to come with me. We made some preparations since it would be the first time for us to visit another country. My aunt who has already traveled the entire the world gave us some useful travel tips overseas and even until now we still try to remember those every time we go somewhere.

Everyone wants to travel but the problem is not everyone can afford. The good thing is traveling is becoming more affordable these days so that more and more people can experience what it feels like being in a foreign country and see things for the first time. In order to save money, you have to choose off peak months to travel like August, September and October in some countries because these are usually rainy days so the tickets are much cheaper as well as the accommodation. Plus, it will not be very crowded because less people travel during these months. The only thing is that the weather may be a bit unpredictable but most of the time it would be rainy so you have to prepare jackets and hats. This is if of course you want to save.

My aunt also advised us that we need a little organizer where we can put some money, passport and other necessary documents. It is also important that you do not leave your valuables in the hotel or if it is really needed, ask the receptionist to keep it for you because they have a special vault for that. If you are bringing two or three luggage for example, try to separate your clothes. Put some in other luggage so that when worst comes to worst like if you lose one luggage then you still have clothes in other luggage. Also, be aware of thieves because they are just lurking around so keep your valuables as safe as possible.

There are so many things that you have to keep in mind while you are traveling especially if it is your first time. According to my aunt, you have to be very careful especially when you are in another country. She also told us that some taxi drivers might try to fool us so we should be aware of it. Try to communicate with the locals for directions or instructions. As far as I could remember these are only some of the overseas travel tips that my aunt shared with us, the rest are just common sense.

Lam Bong is an Author living in Sydney, Australia. He is interested in reading and creating websites. His latest website is about Early signs of menopause earlysignsofmenopause

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