Once a secret hideaway, Anguilla has come into its own as a Caribbean hot spot for Hollywood starlets and honeymooners alike.

But don’t let Anguilla’s popularity scare you away: it is certainly well-deserved, as proven by this island’s beautiful beaches, posh resorts and overall laid-back charm. There are 33 beaches on this 16-mile stretch of island, and the best part is that they are all open to the public.

This is truly a dream for beach hoppers looking to check out a few sandy shores before settling down on one. One of the most popular beaches is Shoal Bay, a 2-mile strip of pearly-white sand on the Atlantic side that has a convenient equipment rental on site for visitors. Rendezvous Bay is another gem, renowned for its stunning seascape and shallow, family-friendly water.

With the powdery beaches and tranquil atmosphere, most visitors will find it hard to peel their bodies off their beachside lounge chair. However, there is plenty to explore both on land and under the sea. The island’s coral reefs provide snorkeling fans with the perfect backdrop of vivid coral gardens, bright schools of fish and low-gliding stingrays.

At Stoney Bay Marine Park there is a sunken Spanish ship dating back to the 18th century that is an underwater treasure trove for scuba enthusiasts. But if you just want to pull that beach chair under a palm tree and spend the day staring out at the azure waters, no one is going to argue with that.

Getting There
Nearest Major International Airport: While visitors cannot get a direct flight from North America, Anguilla is a short flight from other Caribbean destinations. Most flights connect through San Juan or St. Maarten to Wallblake airport. Island hoppers can also take a ferry from St. Maarten to the Blowing Point ferry terminal.

Ground Transportation: The best way to get around the island is by cab. But for those diehard explorers who wish to trek around the island without a schedule, a rental car is a great option. However, drivers must apply for a temporary license and, keeping to Anguilla’s British ties, keep on the left side of the road.

Timing
As the temperatures drop in the winter, tourism booms in the Caribbean. Anguilla is no exception to this rule. The high season runs from December through April, and visitors can expect the prices to go up during this time. The average monthly temperature hovers around a very pleasant 80 F.

Lodging
A trip to Anguilla’s famed beaches does come at a cost — and a high one at that. The island’s popularity has exploded in recent years, thanks to vacationing movie stars and plenty of media attention, and of course, those stunning beaches. The grand dame of the beach is surely Cap Juluca with its striking Moorish buildings, secluded rooms and some of the island’s best beaches. The prices at CuisinArt Resort and Spa may be steep, but foodies will surely overlook the expense once they get a tour or the resort’s awesome hydroponic farm and enroll in cooking classes at the gorgeous stadium kitchen. The Arawak Beach Inn on Island Harbour Beach has 17 pastel beach bungalows that fit the bill for budget-conscious travelers. Many of the rooms are equipped with kitchens to help cut costs even further. On the opposite extreme there are private villas, where the island’s wealthiest visitors relax and unwind. Visitors looking for the atmosphere of a private home at a (somewhat) lower cost should consider the resort at Covecastles.

Cuisine
The island’s culinary specialties include spiny lobster and other treats from the sea as well as traditional dishes made with goat. Many of the island’s best restaurants come with a view of the water and a high price. The most romantic dinner might be served at Malliouhana Restaurant; its sweeping ocean views and dreamy candlelit setting provide the ideal backdrop for an elegant French meal. The meals at Blanchard’s can tempt even the most sophisticated palate, and the restaurant’s relaxed elegance can’t be beat. The tiny cottage that is home to Hibernia only has room for 11 tables, making it a great choice for an intimate and creative epicurean adventure. Finally, for diners looking to keep the tab low and the atmosphere casual, Ripples and The Pumphouse Bar & Grill fit the bill.

Travel Tips
The rest of the world has caught on to this not-so-secret hideaway, and Anguilla’s resorts are considered to be some of the best in the entire Caribbean. This means that it’s important to book early so that rooms aren’t filled up. Also, many of the island’s resorts shut down for the months of September and October, so plan accordingly.

While You’re There
Put on some dark shades and pretend you’re dodging the paparazzi like the rest of the Hollywood stars enjoying cocktails and live music at the beach bar at Johnno’s.

Hail a boat from the dock at Island Harbour and get onboard for the 3-minute boat ride to Scilly Cay. This private island is a great pick for sunbathing, snorkeling and feasting on the grilled lobster and infamous rum punch.

Shopaholics take note: A 20-minute ferry ride will take you to French St. Maarten for an afternoon of browsing and bargaining at that island’s many shops.

To Fake That You’ve Been There
Invite your friends over for an island-themed barbecue and brag about your run-ins with Jennifer Aniston or Gwyneth Paltrow at one of the many resorts while you mix up a tasty rum punch.

source: www.travelchannel.com

The fifth Disney theme park in the world, Hong Kong Disneyland is located in Penny’s Bay on Lantau Island.

Built with Chinese customs and culture in mind, Disneyland in Hong Kong is a rich mix of the flair of the orient with the traditional outlay of the Disney parks you’ve come to know and love.

If you are traveling to China with your family, or even if you are just a kid at heart, a sidetrip to the Disneyland in Hong Kong will be well worth your time.

There’s a reason Disney theme parks have been one of the world’s most popular destinations for decades. And if you really want to splurge, make sure to stay at the Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel, so you can be surrounded by Disney Magic at all times.

Like its famous American counterpart, Hong Kong Disneyland is divided into four different themed lands – Main Street U.S.A., Adventureland, Fantasyland and Tomorrowland. Each one features whirling rides, affable characters roaming the paths, and other Disney-themed excitement.

Main Street is a whirl of lights at nighttime, like Christmas all year round. During the day it’s where you’ll find the parade of characters, and in the evening all heads turn towards Cinderella’s Castle, where a nightly fireworks display draws oohs and aahs from the crowd. Adventureland is outfitted with the Jungle River Cruise and the popular Tarzan’s Island.

Feel the Gs when you get on the fan-favorite Space Mountain, as you are sent twisting and twirling into the darkness in Tomorrowland. This is also where you”ll come across the Orbitron and Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters and various other space-related attractions. Fantasyland is the park’s largest section and features signature rides like the Mad Hatter’s Tea Cups.

And children young and old always love the Winnie the Pooh ride, as you take a journey through the many adventures of the lovable bear. Here you’ll also find a slightly altered version of the It’s A Small World ride, tailored to include scenes from Chinese culture, along with other scenes unique to Disneyland in Hong Kong.

For those looking to make the park a focal point of their trip, the Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel is one of the best places you’ll find to stay, and is an essential part of any vacation package to Disneyland Hong Kong. Built to resemble a tropical cotton plantation and was its construction was inspired by the many other Disneyland hotels operating throughout the world.

No matter where you are, you can always take a trip back to your childhood by visiting one of the Disney theme parks. But none of them match the exotic flavor of Hong Kong Disneyland – so get a room at the Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel and see why the park is one of the finest Disney exports in the world.

Jakarta has been in the news quite often lately, but certainly not for the tourist sights.

When political chaos reigns the streets can be packed with protestors and idealists fighting the corrupt political system. Once things cool down, expats can show their faces again.

To most travelers, Jakarta as a starting or ending point of their trip. However, Jakarta is one of the most exciting night-life cities in the world.

Although Jakarta itself doesn’t have many “sights” to offer, it is the lively commercial centre of Java.

In addition to several museums, the heart of the old Dutch town at ‘Taman Fatahillah’. National Monument or known by locals at Monumen Nasional [Monas] and National Museum or Museum gajah nearby Merdeka Square.

Sunda Kelapa, is the old harbour from which merchantmen from all over the world come and go. Take a weekend charter to Anak Krakatoa, and compare it to Captain Cook’s 1773 description. The night-time southern sky is not something you will soon forget.

Indonesia is a wonderful country with beautiful, friendly people. It is a wonderful mixture of beauty and chaos that you will either love, or hate. The rice paddies, volcanos, small villages and ocean beaches are incomparable in this world.

The Maldives is one of the few that not only delivers on this promise from the moment you step out of the plane, but keeps on delivering every day.

This tiny country in the middle of the Indian Ocean to the south-west of India is made up of 1200 tiny coral islands. With the highest point above sea level being around 2M, the Robinson Crusoe life style is everywhere you look.

The main income for the country is tourism and many of the islands boast resorts catering to every type of traveller from backpackers to the rich and famous. Having said that though, the government is very aware of the fragile nature of the environment they live in and tightly control the impact of tourists on both the local environment and population.

As a tourist, you are free to wander as you like on the resort islands and capital city, but travel to local villages and towns is strictly through guided tours. Other forms of travel within the country must be requested and permitted through the government.

Landing at the main airport is an interesting adventure for those more familiar with larger areas of land. It resides on its own island which had to be extended to get the runways long enough for the larger jets to land. This can make landing an exciting prospect as you appear to float past small islands and fishing boats, only seeing solid ground a few seconds before you feel the touch down.

From the airport you can take internal flights, water taxis or private jet boats to your resort. People travelling to resorts which are further away may have to stay over night in the capital city Male before catching an internal sea plane flight to their resort.

Under its protection, a small town grew up, whose population had reached 13,000 by 1818.
Not much happened thereafter until 1st February 1839, when a British ship – the Wellesley – anchored off Manora. Two days later the little fort surrendered without a shot being fired on either side. The fickle finger of fate had suddenly shoved the sleepy back-water towards becoming a megalopolis, a world city.

WRESTED FROM THE SWAMPS: The settlement was remote and swampy, isolated by hundreds of miles of bleak desert in every direction but the sea. Nonetheless, within four years, the capital of Sind was transferred there and building began in earnest. By 1847 the Napier Barracks (now governinent offices) were completed. A census next year showed that the population had already reached 50,000.

The filth and squalor proliferated, everything became plastered with smelly black mud from the mangrove swamps, so a Municipal Committee was formed to levy funds and provide public utilities. In 1848 the municipality’s income was Rs.6,000; in 1849 it was Rs.18,000 and in 1850, Rs.27,000 – an increase reflecting the mind-boggling population explosion.

The committee laid out a whole network of roads, named after itself; in what is now Central Karachi. Preedy Street was named after the Revenue Commissioner; McLeod Road after the Collector of Customs and so on. Even in those days Karachi had a traffic problem. There were so many carts and carriages that the roads had to be paved with gravel chippings (an unheard of refinement, way ahead of London.)

The streets were watered daily by municipal bullock carts, to damp down the dust. As revenues increased, public works were undertaken on a grand scale. Frere Hall (a museum and library) was finished in 1865,
Mereweather Clock Tower in 1867, Boulton Market in 1883, Empress Market in 1889… The town turned into a city.

As people poured in, the drinking water problem, always difficult, became acute. There is no natural source of water in Karachi; all water consumed there must be fetched from somewhere else. Last century, water drawn from the Indus was brought by camel train to the cantonment. The wealthier merchants sent mule carts to the sweetwater springs in nearby Clifton.

Less fortunate people bought drinking water from municipal watercarriers until household pipes could be laid. Though provision proceeded apace, demand has always been ahead of supply. Karachi’s poor, in places like Korangi, are still waiting for safe drinking water. At the turn of the century a public tram service commenced from Saddar (the cantonment) to the new harbour at Kiamari.

The horses wore straw hats to avoid sunstroke and water for them was provided by the philanthropic “Drinking Trough Society of Karachi.” The troughs can still be seen here and there in the city. Modernising the harbour commenced in 1860, proceeding by fits and starts. By 1882 the Mereweather Pier was completed and pilgrims for Mecca no longer had to embark at Manora. By 1900, Karachi was one of the the biggest and best outfitted ports in the world.

Nonetheless, it continued to be troubled by the ague and the plague until the sanitation system was completed, just after the first World War. The war itself brought immense prosperity to Karachi’s merchants. Clifton’s promenade, pier and park were gifted to the city by Sir Jehangir H. Kothari OBE in 1919. The complex Cost Rs.300,000 to build, an absolute fortune in those days. Other public parks, including the Zoological Gardens on Garden Road were laid out at this time.

Even more new roads and buildings were constructed in the interwar period. As the population approached the quarter million mark, those who could moved out to the suburbs, building houses in a style best described as “South Asian Hollywood.” commuting arrived with a vengeance and one of the world’s first rapid transit systems was inaugurated.

Things to do in Karachi

Karachi, which lies on the southern coast of Pakistan, is a huge city and a thriving metropolis. With around 12 million people, this city provides plenty of things to see and do, and the chief danger may be being overwhelmed by the sheer amount of places to visit and things to see.

Karachi is located on the edge of the Arabian Sea, and enjoys a milder climate than you will find if you go inland. Summers are still hot, of course, since you are in the Middle East, and you should also be aware of the summer monsoon season. But whenever you go, you shouldn’t have to much trouble having a good time, as the vibrant city provides plenty to keep the traveler occupied and entertained.

The Mohatta Palace

This impressive building was built by Seth Shivrattan Mohatta, a businessman, in 1927. Its owner originally planned for it to be an opulent summer house. The Mohatta Palace was acquired in 1947 by the government of Pakistan for the ministry of Foreign Affairs, after which it was sealed off for over a decade, from 1980 to 1995. After the government of Sindh purchased it in 1995, the Mohatta was converted into a museum, and now is open for all to enjoy. The museum showcases the arts of Pakistan, from ancient calligraphy and textiles to modern arts and photography.

The Great Fiesta

The Great Fiesta is an outdoor water park, with pools and rides spread out over 55 acres of Karachi. Take the rainbow slide off of the Big Monster, or go down the 60 foot drop of the Free Fall slide. For a more relaxing ride, you can float down the Lazy River on a tube, and The Great Fiesta also has a kid’s pool, complete with its own mini-slides. Also on site is a quality restaurant serving Pakistani, Chinese, Barbecue and traditional Mughal food.

Wetland Centre

The World Wildlife Federation established this centre in 1996 to help conserve the natural wetlands of Pakistan. It is located west of Karachi, about 35 minutes away from the city by car. Located on theSandspit Beach, the Wetland Centre is a great place to see green turtles, flamingoes, Dalmatian Pelicans, gulls, terns and more. Also available is a half-day tour into the Mangrove forests, a natural envirorment of Pakistan. Tourists are shown the natural ecosystem of the forests and their inhabitants.

Here’s presenting to you a destination situated in Far East Asia in the country of Japan.

Welcome to the ski resort destination of Niseko. Covered with deep inches of soft powdery snow the mountain slopes in the ski resort destination of Niseko present a beautiful heavenly picture to tourists visiting it.

This skiing destination comes under the single brand identity of Niseko United which under it shades three skiing areas all of which are of international standards.

Reaching There:

Located on the Hokkaido island of Japan, this ski resort destination of Niseko is situated on Mt Niseko Annupuri. The nearest airport to this destination is the New Chitose Airport while there is also present the opportunity of taking the rail road and getting down at Kutchan which is the nearest railway station from Niseko.

Skiing Locations:

At Niseko no one is bound to go back disappointed. There are several choices of slopes for every kind of skier who wishes to tame the sking slopes at this ski resort destination of Niseko. With smooth running slopes as well as many off piste slopes there is surely no dearth of options to keep you busy here on the slopes.

With several gentle slopes identified for beginners and similarly tree runs, half pipes and other options for the intermediate skiers there is surely plenty of choice here at this ski destination of Niseko.

Just check out the skiing timings before starting your skiing adventure. Also available is the option of several guides who can take you on an adventurous cross country skiing trip to allow you to really feel and taste the real excitement!

There are plenty of staying options available in Niseko ranging from cultural pensions to luxurious apartments.  There are around 150 hotels and resorts and all of them are with in walkable distance from the ski destination.  Some of the resorts offer stunning views of Mt. Yotei volcano and sea of Japan also. Almost of all the hotels provide shuttle services.

Not only the remnants of the old city parts give a colourful impression. In Jaipur, many tribal people dress up in their traditional costumes and sell bangles and other handicrafts at one of the many street markets.

These markets are especially concentred in the older area of the city that is enclosed within a long wall (at least within what is left of it) with seven gates.

The jewellery markets are good places to spend your time and money. The Iswari Minar Swarga Sul minaret and the city palace are both interesting historical sights and landmarks. Both the Jantar Mantar (observatory) and the central museum will keep you from the city’s hustle and bustle for quite some time.

However, the main reason why Jaipur is famous is because of its Hawa Mahal, or ‘Palace of the Winds’. Although you might expect it to be a bit more impressive, it sure makes a strange impression to see this red sand-stone palace amidst all Jaipur’s recent hustle and bustle. The story goes that the ladies of Singh’s harem where not allowed to go outside, but that they were allowed to look outside without being spotted by the ordinary people.

Hence they all got their own window and in case you’re wondering, don’t start counting. There are 953 of those little windows that served as a gateway to a little glimpse of city life and, probably, freedom. Another historical place worth visiting is the Amer Palace.

A good place to stay while there is the Rambagh Palace, which is a big palatial hotel right in the heart of the city.

Sukhothai Thailand is one of the country’s many fascinating and ancient attractions. As with the city of Ayutthaya, Old Sukhothai was one of Thailand’s most important metropolitan hubs during ancient eras.

Known as the First Thai Empire, the Sukhothai Kingdom lasted for almost exactly two centuries after its inception in 1238.

Today the old city, which contains many fantastic Sukhothai temples, sits alongside a small city known simply as New Sukhothai. As a result of the old city’s historical flavor, and the amenities presented by the newer iteration, this is one of Thailand’s most rewarding tourist destinations.

Historically speaking, Old Sukhothai is an important founding stone of what we today call Thailand. Before the thirteenth century, the country was composed of a set of small autonomous kingdoms; none had any real claim to power over a substantial part of Thailand.

Then, in 1238, Po Khun Bankklanghao and his brother Po Khun Phameung wrested Sukhothai from the Mon, a Southeast Asian people believed to have originated from Myanmar, and began to expand the kingdom under the name of the Phra Ruang dynasty. Sukhothai Thailand was thus born, and it lived an illustrious life before eventually being overthrown in the fifteenth century by invading Ayutthaya forces.

For visitors to Thailand, then, Old Sukhothai is an important place to see if they want to get a true flavor of the country’s genealogy. Today, Old Sukhothai is basically a historical park, featuring a dazzling collection of Sukhothai temples the likes of which you’ll not see anywhere else in the world. Covering an area of roughly 50 square miles, this is the type of place to which tourists can dedicate wondrous hours of exploration, particularly if they’re interested in the history of Thailand.

Old Sukhothai as it currently stands is split into five zones, with the central zone being most visitors’ first port of call. There’s a good museum here to give you a basic understanding of what the historical site is all about, but really it’s the Sukhothai temples in the zone that call for the most amount of attention. Man Mahathat is widely considered the standout temple here, with its giant statues of Buddha, while Wat Sra Sri is also a mesmerizing ruin to seek out.

If you want to spice up your visit to Sukhothai Thailand, renting a bike is a good way to go about things. This puts you at an advantage to those on foot as you can see more temples in a shorter amount of time; it also means you can enjoy peddling through the well-cultivated surrounds at your own pace. Another great thing to do while here is to visit just as the sun rises, for the numerous Buddhas often glow gold with the sun’s early-morning rays.

Geographically speaking, Old Sukhothai is situated between Chiang Mai and Bangkok; it can be reached within a day from both cities, normally by coach. Consequently, a great short itinerary of Thailand could include a trip that starts in the northern city of Chiang Mai, before traveling south to Bangkok via Sukhothai Thailand, and Ayutthaya could also be included en route.

Borneo Island is the third largest island in the world. Famous for its protected National Parks, Borneo Indonesia offers a superb mix of Malaysian culture and teeming jungle wildlife.

A Borneo holiday is a great way to discover the best of South East Asia with an unrivaled eco-experience. While Borneo is split between Malaysia, Indonesia and the tiny Kingdom of Brunei, each specific territory offers a unique perspective.

Borneo Indonesia is famed for its wildlife conservation. The abundant Borneo rainforest is home to some of the world’s most endangered species including the clouded leopard, the Borneo elephant, sun bear and gibbon.

The Borneo rainforest is also rich with adventure sports including trekking, caving and climbing. Both the Gunung Mulu National Park in Borneo Indonesia Sarawak district and the Mount Kinabalu Park in Sabah, offers a great Borneo holiday destination.

The parks offer some fantastic jungle trekking through rugged terrain and deep river gorges. Gunung Mulu National Park in particular boasts some good caving and climbing.

Organized jungle treks to climb Mount Kinabalu in Borneo Indonesia are a popular excursion and an excellent way to explore Borneo Island. Mount Kinabalu is located in Borneo’s Sabah district and the summit can be reached relatively easily. Within the Kinabalu National Park is the Poring Hot Springs. The steaming sulphorous water serves to soothe aching muscles after a keen trek up the mountain summit. Also located in Borneo’s Sabah district is the Sungai Kinabatangan River. The area provides one of the best places to view wildlife on Borneo Island. The river and surrounding jungle trails provide good rafting and mountain biking respectively. Borneo’s river systems are also home to indigenous Iban communities. Borneo travel to visit these fascinating people can be organized along with a stay over in one of their tribal longhouses.

In Sarawak, the Bako National Park is famous for its diverse flora and fauna where trips with a Borneo travel guide prove a great way to discover the Borneo rainforest with its wild orchids, mangrove forests, Proboscis monkeys and snakes! Sarawak is also home to pepper gardens, cocoa fields and rubber plantations.

Both Kinabalu and Gunung Mulu National Parks are conservation areas where protected species of animals are nurtured back to a healthy population. In the districts of Sarawak, Kalimantan and Sabah, tourists can visit Orangutan Rehabilitation Centers where many of the animals that have been orphaned or rescued in some way, are prepared for release back into the Borneo rainforest. Visitors can see the Orang-utan’s at feeding time. Many of Borneo’s wildlife sanctuaries run volunteer projects lasting from 2 weeks to 3-6 months, were volunteers can be directly involved in preserving these precious animals.

Boneo travel can be as diverse as the country itself! Usually a combination of different types of transport gets you into the National Parks. Borneo is easily accessible by air with good connections to all over South East Asia. Borneo’s river systems and coastal sea provide the most convenient way to travel between districts.

Away from the jungle canopy Borneo travel to the coast confronts the tourist with impressive stretches of golden sandy beaches and laid back fishing communities. Around Brunei, the districts of Kuala Belait and Tutong are home to many beautiful beaches. In Jerudong, a visit to the bustling morning fish market and food stalls bring Malay culture to the fore. It is also a popular Borneo holiday destination for its beach.

Borneo is also a world renowned destination for its marine life including the presence of whale sharks and turtles. Excellent scuba diving off the coast of the small Borneo island of Pulau Sipadan is famed for its vertical coral wall.

With a laid back vibe and an excellent reputation as an eco-tourism destination, a Borneo holiday brings you back to nature with the best of South East Asian culture.

From here the Chinese Communist Party rules over its enormous empire while further to the south, you will find more and more free trading with new capitalists, having contributed to form the new face of China over the last decades.

Beijing has come a long way from the dusty communist capital of the seventies and eighties to a modern city with the usual high rising buildings and shopping malls. At the same time, hotel and restaurant standards have improved enormously. It may not yet be able to compete with Hong Kong or Shanghai, but in its runup to the 2008 Olympics, it is trying real hard.

Naturally, Beijing has some of the most superb examples of Chinese architecture. No other place in China offers such a large number of old buildings as Bejing. On top of that, Beijing is one of the more convenient starting points for visiting The Great Wall.