Arabah is a section of the Great Rift Valley and it is located between the Dead Sea (north) and the Gulf of Aqaba (south) forming part of the border between Jordan (east) and Israel (west).

Petra represents the ancient world’s heritage culture. It is a beauty hidden behind layers of mountain. The ones who have seen it say it is a treasure beyond comparison. It is now said to be one of the seventh wonder of the world and it belongs to the UNESCO world heritage site. The entire red rose city of Petra has such a charismatic appeal that it attracts anyone & everyone who enters the city, taking them to a different world of divine beauty and mystery. Petra mainly is admired because of its picture perfect architecture, its complex structure, quality and the non mentionable mere size.

Petra is said to have its origin before 106 AD; its culture is said to have been flourished in almost 400 years old. The one’s who visited it say that it is a site that can never be forgotten. The city of Petra takes its name, which is the Greek word for “rock”, from the fact that it is most notable for its buildings and tombs that are carved directly into the red sandstone that serves as the city’s natural protection from invaders. Its popularity with tourists may also have a connection to the city’s Biblical significance. It is here where King Aretas called for the arrest of the Apostle Paul at the time of his conversion.

Location & How to Get to Petra

This historical fortress is located 170 miles southwest of Amman, Jordan on the edges of the Wadi Araba desert. It is also 50 miles south of the Dead Sea and the only way to enter the city is through a narrow crevice called the Siq. One has to uncover a very narrow path of mountains, kilometer by kilometer before they get to see the majestic beauty of Petra.This path is only about five meters wide, with sandstone walls towering up hundreds of meters high on both sides. This long, narrow & not very well lighted gorge is very cool & soothes the visitors before it unfolds the mystery step by step.

A taxi is the best means of transportation to get from the Queen Alia International Airport to Amman. Remember to ask the driver to take you to the Wahdat bus terminal, since there are two major bus stations in Amman. Destinations are usually printed in Arabic on the respective buses, so if you do not read Arabic, ask to be shown to the bus that will take you to Petra.

Gulf Coast Beaches

Gulf Coast Beaches are known for their calm clear waters and soft white sand. Shelling is also very popular in the area. Some of the beaches are full of activities and party spots, others are private and secluded. Whatever you’re looking for there’s a Gulf Coast beach for you.

East Coast Beaches

Florida’s Atlantic Coast Beaches are as diverse as Florida itself. In the north part of the state, the beaches are natural have many areas where hardly a condo or hotel can be found. The sand is hard enough to drive and ride a bicycle, the seas are rougher and the shoreline is wind swept. In South Florida, beaches are influenced heavily by the Gulf Stream, the sand is soft, the water is warm and crystal clear seas glow with many shades of blue and green.

South Florida Beaches

Trendy South Florida is home to the beaches that Florida is known for. South Beach, Fort Lauderdale and Palm Beach are winter playgrounds to millions of visitors world-wide. But Floridians know that its the summer season when all those beautiful beaches come alive with sexy bodies and calm crystal clear waters with its many shades of blue and green. South Florida Beaches are also sheltered by the Bahama chain of islands from many huge swells generated by Atlantic storms.

Panhandle Beaches

The Panhandle of Florida is known for its beautiful beaches and crystal clear water. When you visit the Panhandle you’ll be amazed at how different it is from Florida’s East Coast, the water is a beautiful shade of clear green, thus the nickname ‘Emerald Coast’, and the beaches are so white and soft, it’s like walking on sugar.

Northeast Florida Beaches

Florida’s Northeast beaches are the first ones you come to when you enter the state. Our beaches run along several state parks and have trails you can hike or bike along; you can drive on several and even horseback ride right in the surf of a few. They have posh resorts with piers and boardwalks and the wide sand is great for lying out or looking for shells.

Central Florida Beaches

Central Florida is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world and some of Florida’s best beaches are within an hour’s drive of the Orlando attractions. Beaches in Central Florida are also known for surfing as they are completely exposed to the Atlantic storms. So grab your suit and board, take a break from the crowds and cool off at Orlando’s closest beaches.

Our Favorite Beaches

Here’s a list of our favorite beaches in Florida in no particular order. Some are popular for the crowds of beautiful people they attract, others for their natural beauty and secluded locations. Whatever their allure, each is unique and special in its own way.

In the 14th century, these hermit monks built 20 different monastaries to get away from Turkish occupation. The tall cliffs were the perfect escape for these monks. At first only ladders and ropes were the only way to reach these monestaries. During the 1920s steps were carved out making it more accessible. Today only six monestaries remain.

Best times to go May and June, it has the most comfortable weather. Acquaint yourself with Greek Orthodoxy to get the most enjoyment.

How to go: use buses from Thessaloniki, Ioannina, Trikala, and Athens. Lots of lodging options in Kalampaka at the base of Meteora.

During periods in its history, Sicily was occupied or controlled by the Phoenicians, Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans, Byzantines, Muslims, Normans, Austrians, Spanish and the Bourbons. In 1861 Sicily joined with Sardinia and regional states along the peninsula to become the country today called Italy.

Sicily is approximately the size of Maryland or about 1/9th the size of the island of Great Britain. Sicily includes the Aeolian Islands to the north, which are popular with tourists, as well as lesser known islands to the northwest, west and southwest. Messina, located in eastern Sicily, is just 30 minutes by ferry from Calabria (the toe of the boot) on the mainland of Italy.

Modern Sicily is an enigma. It historic treasures are decaying at an alarming rate and urban decline is widespread. Monies designed to be applied to preserving its attractions mysteriously disappear and rumors of Mafia involvement are widespread. To be honest, many travelers are disappointed in Sicily.

Well, if things are so gummed up, why visit? Our answer involves the attractiveness of Sicily’s historic buildings, its impressive archeological sites, sunny beaches and, of course, its food. So, let’s start by describing Sicily’s treasures and then you can decide whether a trip to Sicily should be on your list of places to vacation. If you decide to go, avoid the summer months if possible, as the island bakes in extreme heat, especially in July and August.

Best Places to Visit in Sicily

Palermo offers a host of interesting sites that highlight the Norman period of the island’s history. Be sure to see the Temple di Normi, the regional Archaeology museum, the Duomo and the buildings of the Old Town in the historic center of the city. Also, visit nearby Monreale for its delightful Norman cathedral and cloister and more distant Cefalù for another Norman cathedral famous for its mosaics.
See our Palermo and Vicinity Photo Guide for additional information and photographs showing the details of the area’s leading attractions.

Erice, high on a hill overlooking Trapani and the distant Egadi Islands, was originally colonized by the Phoenicians. Today it is known for the two scenic castles (one built by the Normans, the other Islamic in origin) that dominate this historic city. Erice has managed to preserve its medieval look and is interesting enough to deserve a brief visit.

Segesta is known for its exceptionally well-preserved Greek temple and neighboring amphitheater, both located on the slopes of Mount Bàrbaro, in a gorgeous section of the Sicilian countryside.

Selinunte was one of the first areas colonized by the Greeks in Sicily. Eventually conquered and razed by Carthage, Selinunte offers several excavated temples that are worth a visit. Although there are fewer standing-temples here than Agrigento, there is also less surrounding development.

Agrigento (Valley of the Temples), founded in the 6th century B.C., was an important and prosperous center of the Mediterranean world in the 5th and 6th centuries B.C. Today, the remains of the city can be found in Agrigento’s Valley of the Temples, an archaeological site that is world famous for its outstanding collection of excavated Greek temples.
See our Photo Guide to Agrigento for more details on the amazing antiquities to be found at the Valley of the Temples.

Piazza Armerina is the closest town to the famous Roman Villa at Casale. Although the identity of the Roman luminary who built the villa remains unknown, this luxurious, large estate is famous for the number, quality and beauty of its numerous mosaics. Be sure to consider at stop at Casale, as it mosaics are regarded as the finest Roman mosaics still in situ, anywhere in the world.

Siracusa was once the largest city in Magna Graecia and was proclaimed by Cicero as the “The greatest Greek city and the most beautiful of all.” Siracusa was the birthplace and home of Archimedes, as well as other famous Greeks.
Two areas of the city bear inspection.
The Neopolis Archaeological Park on Terminite Hill has a number of historic sights, but its well preserved Greek theater is the most popular attraction.
Ortygia (Ortigia), an island, contains the historic core of the city and is worth a look. Although the oldest sites were cannibalized in the past, Ortygia is a pleasant place for a stroll and some modest sightseeing.
See our Photo Guide to Siracusa for additional information and some great photographs of Siracusa’s leading attractions.

Mount Etna is the largest volcano in Europe and one of the most active in the world. Catania is the closest stop for a tour for the volcanic Mount Etna, although many arrange a tour from Taormina instead.

Taormina is the leading vacation and resort area of Sicily. The town has many delights, including a fantastic Greek theater that overlooks both the sea and Mount Etna. Taormina’s beaches are prime sunbathing areas.
See our Photo Guide for more details.

The Aeolian Isles , comprised of seven islands off the northern shore of Sicily, were named based on the belief that they were the home to the Greek God of the winds. The islands are scenic, fun to visit and extremely popular in the summer. Lipari is largest island and the one most popular with visitors.

source: www.thereareplaces.com/Guidebook/pdest/italy/sicily.htm

Plitvice National Park in Croatia is considered to be one of the most beautiful natural sights in Europe. Due to its natural beauty and significance, this system of 16 interlinked lakes and a large forest complex around it were set aside as a national park in 1949. In 1979 the park was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

The sixteen lakes are separated into an upper and lower cluster formed by runoff from the mountains, descending from an altitude of 636 m to 503 m over a distance of some 8 km, aligned in a south-north direction.

The lakes are separated by natural dams of travertine, which is deposited by the action of moss, algae and bacteria. The encrusted plants and bacteria accumulate on top of each other, forming travertine barriers which grow at the rate of about 1 cm per year.

The lakes are renowned for their distinctive colours, ranging from azure to green, grey or blue. The colours change constantly depending on the quantity of minerals or organisms in the water and the angle of sunlight.

The interior of the Canyon is adorned with a vast maze of multicolored mesas, cliffs and promontories punctuated by a labyrinth of smaller canyons and gorges.

The ever-changing play of sun and shadow on the multihued rock layers produces a breathtaking display best seen from the visitor’s center on the south rim. The only access to the interior of the canyon is by hiking or by riding mules down the precipitous trails.

source: www.usatourist.com/english/traveltips/best-us-destinations.html

When we imagine Ireland, we picture beautiful seascapes, green countryside, quaint villages, friendly pubs, Guinness, Irish folk music, the landscapes in Irish literature and country characters.  Ireland is all that and more.

The Emerald Isle, Eire, Hibernia and Erin are just some of the names that have been applied to Ireland. Some of the names reflect past history, while others hint that Ireland is many things to many people.  Today, the two most important names are the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.

It seems as if there is always a catch when describing the haven of the Irish.  Although it is a modestly sized island, it contains two, independent countries.  The Republic of Ireland occupies over eighty percent of the Emerald Isle landmass and has the most people (4.2 million).  Northern Ireland, which is part of the United Kingdom, takes up the other sixth of the area and has a population of approximately 1.6 million.

Many people know Ireland through familiarity with county names like Cork, Kerry, Galway, Ulster and Down, as these and other county names reflect an Irish heritage.  Others have been beguiled by the Ireland we know from song, stage and the movies.   The map above shows the location and names of the storied counties of the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.

Ireland’s history mixes many cultural and political influences, but it is mainly the story of one country split into two parts that seem to be slowly merging back together.

Ireland sits to the west of Britain and its history was long overshadowed by that of the British Empire.  The distance separating the two islands across the Irish Sea is modest, especially in the north, and this resulted in Ireland being invaded by most groups that had occupied Britain.

The Celts arrived in Ireland between 600 B.C. and 150 B.C.  Various invading groups established regions of the island as their territory and established a tribal culture that lasted for several centuries.  It is somewhat curious that the Romans did not follow the Celts across what is now known as the Irish Sea.   Although the Romans conquered most of Britain, they showed no real appetite to invade the modest island to the west.  While there is evidence of Roman settlement in the Southeast of Ireland, it appears that this movement of people was not a strategic move sanctioned by Rome.

The next great invasion occurred when the Norsemen took an interest in Ireland around the 8th century.  Eventually this tide was blunted when the Danes were defeated by the Irish Brian Boru (King of Munster) at the start of the 11th century.  By this time, however, the Vikings had settled throughout Ireland and were slowly becoming “Irish”, just as the Celts before them.

During this era, Ireland was loosely divided into the four regions of Connaught, Munster, Ulster and Leinster, as shown on the right. These areas represented kingdoms of a sort and it is thought that a fifth region, Meath, merged into Leinster. These areas declined and their boundaries dissolved after a new invader conquered Ireland.

The Normans (English) began their attempt to control Ireland in the 12th century and this started more than 700 years of rebellion against the imposition of rule by England.

The tensions between the Irish and the English came to head during the early 20th century. A failed 1916 Easter Monday Rebellion touched off several years of guerrilla warfare that in 1921 resulted in a treaty granting semi-independence from the UK for 26 southern counties; six northern (Ulster) counties remained part of the United Kingdom. The terms of the 1921 agreement establishing the Irish Free State sparked a civil war that lasted between 1921 and 1923. Eventually the Free State became Eire in 1937 and a true, independent republic in 1949.

Today, Northern Ireland remains part of the United Kingdom and this at the discretion of the majority of its citizens. Although the “Troubles” in Northern Ireland have been lessened due to the influence of the Good Friday Agreement of 1998 (and implementation in 2006), there are still some difficulties related to a faction, known as the Irish Republican Army dissidents, who opposes the IRA’s decision to abstain from violence and work towards a peaceful resolution of the issues. Search our blog for current news on Northern Ireland or any of the destinations we cover around the world

As you travel through Ireland, you will hear many reminders of the Irish Potato Famine (also known as the Great Hunger or “An Gorta Mór”) that occurred from 1845 to 1851. Blights infected the island’s potato crop resulting in a failed harvest that lasted through several planting seasons. Over one million Irish lost their lives to starvation or disease associated with the famine during the Potato Famine. An even larger group was unable to cope with the economic hardship of the famine, which lead to the Irish Diaspora. As a result of the famine and subsequent migration, the population of Ireland decreased by half. If you are interested in more details, see this site for a comprehensive review of the famine.

Over the last several decades, the Emerald Isle has evolved into a capable economic power. In 1973, The Republic of Ireland tied its future to the European Union (EU), resulting in significant economic growth, especially during the last twenty years. Many of the Irish claim most of the benefits of the union have unfairly benefited Dublin, while the rest of the Republic has gained less from membership in the EU. In part this is true, but for travelers, the condition of Ireland’s road network is a significant improvement over its state in the past. In addition, many of the improvements in the Ireland tourism scene have resulted from EU projects.

In 1966, the Republic’s population became predominately urban, a trend that continued until recently. According to the 2006 Census, the rural population is once again beginning to increase, although this may only be a sign of the increase in suburban living around Dublin and other leading cities. Regardless of the cause, it important to note that Dublin packs in about a quarter of the country’s population, much of it comprised of migrants from the countryside and an increasing number of immigrants from other countries.

The Traveler’s Ireland

From the travelers point of view there is little to differentiate the “two” Irelands. The “Troubles” that had plagued Northern Ireland for so long, seem to be a thing of the past and more visitors are thinking of trips to Ireland, without differentiating between the two jurisdictions.

We think you will find that the beauty of Ireland lies in its people and culture. Yes, there are interesting landscapes and well-known attractions, but these are not quite the “stuff” that makes Ireland so memorable. For many travelers, the historical and physical attractions of the Emerald Isle are quite separated from the unique people who with their warm Irish culture have managed to make a relatively small island into an icon known and recognized around the world.

Ireland’s cities, towns, and villages bear names familiar to most travelers, even if they have never visited Ireland. Most populated places are small, spread along one major street and surrounded by miles of countryside. Large or small, urban or rural, the Emerald Isle’s towns and villages are good places to visit, great places to catch a meal, and fun places to visit a pub and interact with the locals.

Many of Ireland’s inhabitants are accomplished story tellers and the best tellers of tales can be found in pubs. If you are in the mood for stories, there is nothing like a Guinness to start a conversation. Others flock to pubs that offer music, as the Irish have developed country music and dancing to a fine art. Even those Irish who are not especially musical will often burst into song at a moments notice – with or without the Guinness.

source: http://www.thereareplaces.com/Guidebook/pdest/eipts.htm

From the tree-lined Las Ramblas to the narrow alleys of Barri Gòtic; from the beachside nightclubs to the city’s dozens of sacred churches and cathedrals, this city by the sea offers travelers an overwhelming variety of cultural, artistic and wholly entertaining attractions. It’s the perfect city for spending a week and seems to attract every type of visitor: the family, the adventurer, the couple, the backpacker, the culture lover. And on and on…

Most of the activity in Barcelona revolves around Las Ramblas, a series of narrow streets and alleys centered on an area known as La Rambla, a tree-lined pedestrian walkway filled with street performers, vendors and locals. The nearby neighborhood of Barri Gòtic is also popular among travelers for its gothic churches and cathedrals. Both Las Ramblas and Barri Gòtic, two of the most walkable neighborhoods in Barcelona, are excellent for accommodation, restaurants and nightlife. And if your idea of a perfect vacation isn’t complete without the beach, well, Barcelona offers some of those, too — though travel writers say they’re far from pristine.

Other Barcelona attractions revolve around one of the city’s spiritual founders, Catalan artist Antoni Gaudí. When you travel to Barcelona (and, if you’re going to Spain, you must travel here), there is no better place to ponder the Barcelona skyline than from Gaudí’s colorful, mosaic-filled Parc Güell, or to recall the city’s rich cultural and religious heritage from his masterpiece, the daunting Church of the Sacred Family (Sagrada Familia). Gaudí wasn’t the first of Barcelona’s artistic innovators, but his works — strewn throughout the city — offer excellent insight into the city’s rich personality.

Many Barcelona citizens regard themselves as “Catalan,” named for the Catalonia region surrounding the city. The official languages are both Catalan and Spanish, but most speak Catalan as a primary language, especially in Barcelona.

Barcelona is located on the northeast coast of Spain on the Iberian Peninsula, which borders France to the north and Portugal to the west. The city is about 400 miles northeast of Spain’s capital (and cultural rival), Madrid.

For those with a few days in the city and an interest in seeing some of the most popular sights, the Ruta del Modernisme is the cheapest and most flexible option. The pass provides discount admission to dozens of Modernista buildings in the city, and comes with the purchase of a guidebook.” — Let’s Go Barcelona
Barcelona Turisme sells passes such as the Barcelona Card and the Articket, as well as tickets for the sightseeing bus. Passes generally make the most financial sense for people who plan on visiting a number of attractions.” –

Barcelona Hotels

Barcelona’s accommodations range from spare youth hostels to extravagant waterfront hotels, with particularly great options in the Barri Gòtic and Eixample neighborhoods. Hostals, which cater to Barcelona’s backpacker tourists, are scattered throughout the city, but especially in the Las Ramblas, El Raval and Barri Gòtic neighborhoods. Travel experts recommend booking your room well in advance to get the best deals, especially if traveling in the summer.

Things to Do in Barcelona

Barcelona has some of the most unique and inspiring architecture in the world, so a tour of the city’s parks, museums and churches is a must. According to travelers, you won’t want to miss out on seeing Gaudí’s Casa Batlló or Sagrada Familia (Church of the Sacred Family) and Parc Güell. Later, relax on the waterfront with a cool cerveza (beer) or glass of cava, accompanied by some tapas, all the while enjoying an excellent view of the Mediterranean. After a brief siesta, travel writers suggest you hit the nightlife in Las Ramblas.

Barcelona Restaurants

Writers say you can find great restaurants around Las Ramblas or Barri Gòtic, serving both eclectic international cuisine and traditional Catalan or Spanish fare. The dishes are usually centered on meat or seafood; few restaurants offer vegetarian options. Tapas are common food items at bars and cafés, and their small portions allow visitors to fully sample the region’s culinary variety. For dessert, travelers recommend Bubo for “beautiful” and “delicious” pastries and cakes.

source: http://travel.usnews.com/Barcelona_Spain/

It is a huge vibrant city that never seems to sleep. There are many opportunities for entertainment in its myriad of nightclubs, bars, theaters, and sports arenas. There are lots of cultural attractions in its museums, art galleries and concert halls.

Visit the two national parks of Canadian Rockies and find why most of the travelers choose Canadian Rockies as their home away home [Canada Travel].

This place offers you the best of the best. It offers you the hikes that you don’t want to miss, scenic drives and many more natural highlights. You can go for the vacation even along with your children.

Winter is a great time to enjoy the place. During this time, you can try sports like skiing, snowshoeing and then relaxing around a roaring fire on every evening.