Popular

letter

Monday, September 27, 2010

New York and Spain: Top Destination Search Charts

There is no other place than the city that never sleeps. New York, a place for everything and everything that are out of ordinary, a big state with the best of everything; from the great outdoors to the arts, to foods, to music. New York has almost have everything that can be found in both ends of the world. There are many things to love about New York. As a tourism destination, New York never fails to show a thrilling excitement and an old feel that is accentuated with its people’s almost busy lifestyle. 

Spain – if you are adventure seeker and an old fashioned individual, this place is just perfect for you. Spain has the second largest number of UNESCO World Heritage sites in the whole world. And that is just amazing!

What is more exciting to know about these days is that both stands out in either the most searchable place in the charts for tourism destination. Travelling to these two countries, exudes warmth and something that is familiar to the feeling. Spain as the most searched country for this year, from around May to July, some marketing firms had mentioned this out in the first release of the news in UK .

The reports was used by UK Web Browsers for the quarter that found ‘flights to NY’ and ‘chepa flights to NY were the second and third most popular search terms in the travel sector.

NY had at least around 3.89 percent flight searches compared to 3.16 percent in the same month last year. The US fared well generally, with Florida and Orlando also in the top 10 searched for destinations, but UK favourite Spain topped the charts with Tenerife, Malaga and Alicante all remaining popular; while Spain gather around 16.59 percent of searches and flights within the Euro zone accounted for under half, which is 43.32 percent of the total searches done in the span of three months.
These search polls are reflecting a good standing for Spain and NY in the areas of the travel destination places. Robin Goad, an Experien Hitwise’s director of research said that the US is clearly still a big attraction for the travellers during holidays in the US.

Furthermore, he said, “The fact that only six destinations in the top 50 kept the same place as they had last quarter shows just how changeable search behaviour is online in the travel sector.

“The increased interest in the UK point to a recurring trend in ‘staycation’ holidays this year. Newquay has emerged as one of the most up and coming UK holiday destinations jumping from 49th place to 31st place in the top 50 destinations list.”
While cities like Florida, Malaga, Dalaman and Orlando are the next cities following the two which is the NY and Spain. Greece climbed two places in the quarter to seventh, boosted by the surging interest in resorts and Zante, as well as, Rhodes, Crete, and Corfu. It is much cheaper holidays and the prices are low in which Greece has also adapted since last year is paying dividends.

Thursday, September 23, 2010

TANAH LOT – BALI

Terletak di desa Beraban atau 13 km sebelah barat Tabanan, Pura Tanah Lot hampir selalu ditawarkan oleh setiap pemandu wisata di Bali untuk dikunjungi. Tempat yang asik tuk memotret sunset ini (sambil duduk2 dan minum kelapa muda) memiliki keunikan antara lain lokasi pura yang berada diatas bukit batu besar pinggir laut. pada saat air surut dan tingginya tidak lebih dari selutut, kita masih bs nyebrang menuju tempat itu.
Image Hosted by ImageShack.us
Menurut sebuah sumber tersebutlah legenda dari kisah perjalanan pendeta asal Jawa Timur bernama Dang Hyang Nirartha yang tengah menuju ke timur untuk menyebarkan ajaran Hindu. Sampai pada suatu saat, Dang Hyang Nirartha tiba di salah satu pantai dengan pulau kecil ditengah lautnya dengan tanah parangan dan bebatuan keras di bawahnya. di tempat itulah sang pendeta beristirahat dan tak lama kemudian datang para nelayan membawa sesembahan untuknya. kemudian di tempat itu Dang Hyang Nirartha menyampaikan ajaran agamanya dan menyarankan masyarakat sekitar tuk membangun tempat suci di pulau tempatnya menginap. Sepeninggal sang pendeta, masyarakat membangun tempat suci di atas pulau dengan nama Pura Luhur Tanah Lot yang artiya tanah di tengah laut.
Image Hosted by ImageShack.us

Ternyata tidak semua orang boleh masuk ke dalam pura tsb. para wisatawan hanya diperbolehkan melongok dari bawah pura. hanya orang2 tertentu yang hendak bersembahyang atau melakukan kegiatan keagamaan yang diperkenankan masuk ke dalam pura. Terkait dengan konsep triangga (penggambaran tubuh manusia dari kepala, badan hingga kaki), pura ini menjadi terkait dengan 2 tempat suci lainnya di Tabanan, yaitu Pura Luhur Batukaru (hulu) dan Pura Puser Tasik (madya) serta Pura Tanah Lot sebagai hilirnya. Pura hulu dan hilir ini pun digambarkan sebagai simbolisasi lingga dan yoni, Pura Luhur Batukaru sebagai lingga (purusa)dan Pura Tanah Lot sebagai yoni (segara). perpaduannya menjadi sumber kehidupan yang mensejahterakan manusia disekitarnya.
Image Hosted by ImageShack.us
Di sebelah utara pura, tepatnya di dalam gua bawah tebing, terdapat ular yang dikeramatkan. ular pipih beracun berwarna hitam kuning ini dipercaya sebagai selendang Dang Hyang Nirartha yang terlepas saat sedang bertapa dan hingga kini menjadi penjaga pura. di tempat ini pula terdapat sumber air tawar bernama Tirta Pabersihan (biasa digunakan sebagai sarana memohon kesucian).

Sunday, September 19, 2010

Top Religious Attractions in the World

Religious attractions such as churches, cemeteries, and old temples are some of the best places to go to when you are celebrating your special moments with someone during a trip to Europe or anywhere in the world. There are some places that are very warm and cozy, however, there are some things that are not quite interesting unlike what others can give.

So we gather some sample religious attractions in the world, for you to see. Read on:


St Peter's Basilica, Rome
This is the best place to start with all the mesmerising St Peter’s Basilica, it is in the heart of the Vatican city and one of the top most church that is frequented in the whole world. It is one of the many old churches that is used for certain Papal activities. It is said that the St Peter church has the largest and the most beautiful interior in the whole population of the Christian church in the world. While there are some paintings that were made specially the dome; it has permeated some old tradition and historical evidence, it is believed that St Peter’s tomb is lying directly under the altar, and the Basilica has always been one of Rome’s most cherished attractions.

The Blue Mosque, Istanbul
One of the best mosque in Istanbul at the moment, and it is known as the Blue Mosque. Some of the worshippers here are believers of Hindu religion and there are ceramics and monuments that are also a recurrent feature of traditional Hindu worship. It is made up of terracotta temples and the entire shrines constructed out of the clay-based engravings that have held firm for some 400 years ago.

Dohány Street Synagogue, Budapest
This is one of the best Jewish attractions in Budapest. It is the Dohany Street Synagogue also known as the Great Synagogue. One of the largest synagogue in Eurasia and second only to New York’s Temple Emanu-El on the global stage. Although the history of this synagogue reflects a sad experience and years from the Nazi occupation in Budapest, it is by far the best place for the jewish believers.

Grand Palace Bangkok
Temples are a remarkable sight. They are a sight to contemplate to, in how old it is til the monks created it. It is the haven for tourists especially the Grand Palace in Bangkok. The dazzling figurine that is clothed in gold in which the legend tells that it was made to celebrate the 500th anniversary of Buddha attaining Nirvana.

The Western Wall, Jerusalem
Known as the Wailing wall, and from Muslims to Jews, the Western Wall has been going back and forth to the other hands and the country is now under the Israeli’s control. Barack Obama and Pope John Paul II are among the dignitaries who have taken part in the famous tradition of cramming written prayers into the cracks of the wall – with a million such notes being deposited every year.

Sanctuary of Apollo, Greece
This is an archaeological site with modern town in Greece on the south western spur of Mount Parnassus in the valley of Phocis. It is known to be the site of the Delphic oracle, which is the most important oracle in the classical Greek world. The ruins of the temple of Delphi is still visible today even dated from the 4th century BC. It was built and erected on the remains of an earlier temple, which was from 6th century BC.

Sunday, September 12, 2010

Top Selection of Iconic Travel Experiences

Have you been to places where you really desire the most?

Have you done all the things you need to do, in planning your long overdue vacation?

Are you looking for some fun things to do in some places that really are fascinating to visit?

Then we suggest checking out all the great places we had compiled for you travel guide:


Hawaii, USA

Hawaii is the one of the best surfing paradise in the whole face of the planet. Its volcanic nature underneath the island just makes it more susceptible to greatness. It has been the place in the US that has these natural beauty, warm tropical climate, and inviting waters and waves. It is far most popular because of its tropical location and also with its unique culture. If you are hoping for a surfing lesson, then Hawaii is the place to go.


Vietnam
Artists flock this country because of its artistic culture still flourishing until this point of time. The people here are also humble and kind. The best place to go here is the Hanoi, on the banks of the Hoi An River, there is the Red Bridge Restaurant and Cooking School, that is actually of the many restaurants that offer courses to cover the demand of Vietnamese cooking. When you go to the local markets here, you will see a lot of selected ingredients and learn what it is for just by looking and observing the street vendors. You can learn many things in their everyday activities. It is best to bring with you your cameras and a few money to go for the shopping.

Rishikesh, India
Rishikesh is a legendary place in India that is rich in the different spiritual and yoga center. It is sometimes nicknamed as the world’s capital for Yoga. Yoga is a form of meditation and relaxation that needed deep concentration and focus. Down the serence foothills of the Himalayas, there are special retreats that invites a yoga enthusiasts to practice stretching, breathing, and contemplation alongside with a yogi master. The place is just awesome to see, as the tranquillity covers the whole feeling and environment of Rishikesh.

Kyoto, Japan
The best thing to do here is to practice calligraphy or if you have not heard about it, it is best for you to learn it while you are here in Japan. Japan has made its name on the mark for using traditional characters of Japanese Calligraphy. Practice of Calligraphy is not easy, there is a focus that needs to practice and it could make you feel frustrated at times it is a bit rewarding once you get the hang of it.

Esingeni, Kenya
Kenya known for its wilderness and superb location for camping and everything there is about it. There are some survival course in Kenya’s pristine wilderness, allowing foreign tourist to enjoy the wonders of the the place as well as being able to develop the many basics of surviving skills. Participants are believed to learn how to construct shelter, make fire, located and prepare food, and extract some water from plants. Isn’t that amazing?

Shaolin Temple, China
Monasteries or Temples in China are usually in the form of the Buddhist type temple. Shaolin refers to Shao as “Mount Shaoshi”, it is a mountain that is located in the Songshn Mountain Range, and lin, which means forrest. The name just simply means monastery or temple in the woods of Mount Shaoshi. Best thing to learn here and try is the Kung Fun lesson. There are many foreigners who come by and study the art of Kung Fu and they are usually trained at the 1500 year old monastery. It is a first thing to check out once you get to China.

These are just some of the few places that are really exciting to check out as soon as you start planning for your vacation this coming holiday season or even during your month long vacation.

Friday, September 3, 2010

Hotels in Jakarta


Featured Hotels in Jakarta

1. Hotel Gran Mahakam 5-stars hotel  Jln. Mahakam I No.6, Blok M, Jakarta (Selatan)
- in Jakarta’s Blok-M district, Hotel Gran Mahakam offers rooms with cable TV and private bathrooms. It features an outdoor pool, 2 restaurants, a bar lounge and free parking. 

2.   Hotel Aryaduta Semanggi 5-stars hotel Jl. Garnisun Dalam No.8, Karet Semanggi, Jakarta
- Hotel Aryaduta is located in Jakarta’s Sudirman Business District, next to Plaza Semanggi Shopping Complex. The hotel offers an outdoor pool, tennis courts and a restaurant. Free parking is available.

3. Aston Rasuna 4-stars hotel Tower A - Lower Ground, Komplek Apartemen Taman Rasuna, Jl. HR Rasuna Said, Jakarta
Aston Rasuna is located in Jakarta's Central Business District, about 3 km to Pacific Place Shopping Mall. The hotel offers free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and a spa.

4. Hotel Indonesia Kempinski Jakarta 5-stars hotel Jl. MH Thamrin No. 1 , Jakarta 
- Located in Jakarta's city centre, Hotel Indonesia Kempinski offers luxurious accommodation with free internet access. The hotel has a rooftop pool, a fitness centre, 9 dining options and free parking.

5. Somerset Berlian Jakarta 5-stars hotel Jalan Permata Berlian V, Permata Hijau, Jakarta
- Somerset Berlian Jakarta offers serviced apartments with 2 or 3 bedrooms and fully-equipped kitchens. It features an outdoor pool, a fitness room, cafe and free parking. 

For more information booking click here

Hotels in Bandung

 Featured Hotels in Bandung

1. Vue Palace Hotel
Vue Palace Hotel in Bandung is a 1-minute walk from Stasiun Bandung Train Station. It features an outdoor pool and 2 dining options. Free Wi-Fi and parking are provided.

2. Arion Swiss Belhotel Bandung
Arion Swiss Belhotel offers 4-star accommodations in the heart of Bandung. The hotel is within walking distance of popular shopping centres and the railway station

3. Aston Bandung 
Located less than 1 km from the Bandung Train Station and less than 4 km from the Husein Sastranegara Airport, the Aston Bandung Hotel offers modern rooms and apartments with free internet access.

4. Novotel Bandung 
This 4-star is centrally located in the heart of Bandung. The Bandung Train Station is 1 km and the Husein Sastranegara is 3 km away. Free Wi-Fi and free parking are available. 

5. Scarlet Dago Hotel
Scarlet Dago Hotel is a boutique hotel located in the centre of Bandung. It is within walking distance of popular outlet shopping and golf courses. The Bandung Train Station is 5-minute walk away.

For more information booking.click here
 

Hotels in Yogyakarta


1. Melia Purosani is located in the heart of the cultural area of Yogyakarta and offers spacious accommodation and comfort while its facilities include a freeform outdoor pool and spa

2. Hotel Santika Premiere Jogja offers rooms with free Wi-Fi and flat-screen cable TVs. It features an outdoor pool, fitness centre, 24-hour restaurant and free parking.

3. Located in the heart of Yogyakarta near the popular Malioboro district, the historic Phoenix Hotel is a colonial landmark from 1918 

4. Hotel Cakra Kembang is located close to the famous Malioboro Street and Sultan Palace. It offers free Wi-Fi and parking, hot and cold shower, an outdoor pool and a restaurant. 

5.  Situated among lush, tropical gardens in the Prawirotaman area, Dusun Jogja Village Inn is an environmentally friendly hotel only 10 minutes’ drive from the Kraton Palace and Yogyakarta city centre

For more information booking click here

Best 5 Places To Take Children On Holiday


Orlando, Florida

Florida has to be one of the funnest, most exhilarating places to take young children. With the success of the Harry Potter books and movies, Universal Studios has opened a Harry Potter attraction, filled with rides and scenes from the films, such as Zonko’s and Ollivanders. Not only does Universal Studios feature Harry Potter rides, it also features the extremely fun Spiderman 3D ride as well as a plethora of other amazing attractions.

Feel like seeing one of the most fierce yet stunning creatures to walk the planet? Take a trip to Gatorland. Here you can experience the true size and power of these magnificent animals with live feeding shows through out the day. If space is more your thing, take a day trip to the awe inspiring Kennedy Space Centre where you can get a close look at the Shuttles used for space exploration. Seaworld is a great place to relax while seeing what life underwater is like, and is also home to the world-famous Killer Whales, with shows showing the size and power of these beautiful mammals. Make sure you get to these places early to see everything.

Australia

A great place for young children who enjoy not only looking at, but also learning about all types of wildlife, Australia provide incredible views as well as the pristine waters found at The Great Barrier Reef. If you have ever wanted to live out the hit motion from Pixar, Finding Nemo, The Great Barrier Reef can provide that with an excellent place to soak up some sun and relax. Australia Zoo is another place to see some of the most dangerous yet beautiful animals to roam not only Australia, but also other parts of the world. Feel like watching a live show? Visit the world famous Sydney Opera House. Australia offers older children great opportunities to try mountain climbing, cycling and canoeing plus many more fun and exhilarating activities for them to enjoy. Bondi Beach is a great place to spend an entire day admiring the beautiful water, building sand castles and eating ice cream and other treats.

Disneyland / Disneyworld / EuroDisney

One of the most magical places to go on holiday with young children, Disneyland can offer not only hours and days of fun, but breakfast with famous Disney characters such as Mickey Mouse and Goofy. Hotel accommodation is also available so children wont have to stray too far from the park when it comes time to sleep, and for the adults, spas and restaurants are available in most of the hotels. There is no shortage of shows performed by your favourite Disney characters, rides to go on, parades and, depending on the time of year, a magical fireworks display behind Sleeping Beauty’s Castle. For all you young children who wish to become Jedis, train at the Jedi Academy in the ways of the force and see if you can defeat the evil and all-powerful Darth Vader and his Stormtroopers. If you have trained well you can be part of a live show to show your Jedi skills.

JapanFor any young child who has a passion for computer games, retro games and arcades, Japan can offer them this plus lots more. Most young boys are fascinated with the Samurai and Ninjas. Why not take them to a Samurai Dojo where they can fully immerse themselves in the mysterious world of the Samurai. Japan also has some of the nicest natural scenery as well as extraordinary buildings. With the amount of popular arcades around kids will surely tire themselves out playing Dance Dance Revolution and the many other interactive arcade machines. Japan can also be a great way to introduce children to different foods and drinks, some drinks are exclusively released in Japan including a wide range of strange but interesting flavored Pepsi.

New York

How could New York not be mentioned? For all you young fans of the film Night at the Museum, why not take a day trip to the Museum of Natural History? You can experience the Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton used to create Rex in the film. Central Park is also a great place to have a picnic and relax in the surroundings with the whole family. F-A-O Schwarz is the famous toy shop feature in the classic film Big. Remember that scene where Tom Hanks plays Chopsticks of the giant floor piano? Well, here’s your chance to relive that moment for yourself!

Pets travelling long-haul - is it right?


You have to travel a long distance and your pet will be going with you. Like most people, you probably have some misgivings about the whole undertaking because of the potential effects on both you and your pet. Is it fair to bring your pet along on a long-distance trip?

What will happen when you take them with you?


Of course, sometimes there’s no choice. If you’re moving, you want to bring your dog, cat, or other pet along with you. Most of us consider our pets to be members of the family, and can’t imagine going to a new location without them. Other times you’ll be away a long time and either don’t want to leave your pet with someone else, or your pet needs special care, like medications, and you want to make sure they get administered.

In most cases, travelling long distances with your pet will be just fine – if you’re willing to make some preparations ahead of time and adjust your travel schedule to accommodate your pet.

If travelling by car, you will not be able to stop only for petrol. A pedal-to-the-metal trip may be fine for you, but your pet needs more frequent breaks. Remember, he or she has a much smaller bladder than you!

They have smaller bladders!

A good idea is to take a few small trips with your pet in the car before the long haul. Go to a park, the grocery store, or a friend’s house. This way you can determine if your pet rides without a problem, or has a tendency to get sick. Just like humans, some animals do better in a moving vehicle than others do. But medications like Dramamine or even Xanax can be prescribed by your veterinarian to help your pet during the ride. If your pet gets carsick, it’s a good bet an airplane ride will have the same effect, so this is a great way to prepare for a flight, as well.

Whether travelling by plane or car, pack some of your pet’s normal food and bring it with you. This is not the time to try new foods! Canine and feline stomachs react much differently to a change in menu than do human tummies, so keeping to the same food your pet has been eating is very important.


Make sure you feed them as you would normally

Another must is a complete check-up by your veterinarian. You want your pet in top condition before the trip, and only your veterinarian can give the proper examination. Tell the vet about the trip, when you’ll be leaving, where you’re going, and how you’ll be travelling. The vet will be able to give you suggestions to make the journey easier on both of you.

If you’re travelling by plane, the airline may require a letter or certificate from your veterinarian stating that an examination was done and that your pet is in good health. If you’ll be flying with your pet, doing your homework ahead of time is critically important. Find out which airlines will transport pets, what types and sizes of pets they’ll carry, and under what conditions. Some airlines won’t transport during very cold or very hot weather, so the timing of your trip may need to be flexible.


Check if you can bring your pet…

What kind of carrier or crate does the airline require? How will water be provided? How long will your pet be in the crate before the plane takes off? What if your pet needs medication during the trip? How will you pick up your pet once the plane lands? Getting answers to these questions is a minimum, and you may think of more.

Crates are the safest place for your pet to be, whether travelling by road or air. Get your pet used to the crate and make it a pleasant place. Put in a favourite blanket or pillow and perhaps a chew toy if you’ll be taking a dog. In the weeks leading up to your trip, let your pet take rest breaks at home in the crate, and sleep in it overnight. Your pet will associate the crate with warmth, safety, and his “people”. Being able to stay in this safe place that’s associated with good things will go a long way towards calming your pet.

Consider how your pet reacts to strangers. Driving with you in a car may be preferable to flying, where strangers will surround your animal. Also, remember that the hold of a plane can get cold, so if your pet will not be travelling with you in the plane’s cabin, make sure blankets are available in the crate.


Keep them warm
If flying, re-confirm the procedures for claiming your pet when the plane lands. See if the ground crew at the departure airport can give you instructions regarding the layout of the arrival airport. Your pet will want to see you as soon as possible, just like you’ll want to see her!

If travelling by car, be sure to take frequent rest breaks. Once per hour is not too much. Everyone enjoys a chance to get out and stretch the legs, and some water – though not too much – should be given at each stop. This is also an excellent chance for you to evaluate how your pet is handling the trip. If need be you can administer a motion sickness pill or find a shady spot to let your pet cool down. Summer travel can be especially hard on your long-haired friends, even with windows open or air conditioning running.


Or keep them cool

Once at your destination, make sure your pet gets prompt attention. Offer hugs and water immediately, and a chance to find a nearby bush. Everyone in the travelling group will enjoy a few minutes to check out the scenery and get their bearings. A treat or snack may be in order, but a large meal for your animal should probably wait, especially if your furry best friend was plagued by motion sickness, even minimally. In a couple of hours offer a small meal of his or her usual food and see how your pet tolerates it. Work your way back to a normal feeding schedule from there.

With just a little planning and a few simple adjustments, you and your pet can have a safe journey and be ready for adventure as soon as you reach your destination!

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Amazing Mechanical Elephant


A team of French designers have taken recycling to an extreme by building a gigantic mechanical elephant sculpture using over 45 tons of reclaimed wood and steel. The robotic sculpture can carry up to 49 passengers at a time on a 45-minute walk.