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By Alan, on January 27th, 2012
 Finland is a country that is known for its lakes and saunas but that’s not all the country has to offer a visitor. There is an enormous amount of countryside as well as some spectacular cities. Located in one of the most beautiful national parks in the whole country is found around the village of Iso Syote.
Here you will find beautiful log cabins which are surrounded by some of the most stunning scenery in all of Finland. The charm of the town is indescribable and visitors will have their breath taken away when they stay in this town. In the winter this part of Finland is blanketed in snow and at night you will be able to enjoy the stars as well as the famous Northern lights.
The winter is long in Finland and once the snow melts visitors coming in the warmer months will find a land full of colour and beautiful sites. There are numerous exciting activities to take part in Finland during the warmer months and in the northern part of the country the sun doesn’t set for several months.
Finnish culture is very diverse and wildlife safaris are an important part of it. Here you will be able to see some of the indigenous animals to Finland such as reindeer. Ranua Wildlife Park is one of the best to visit and has a diverse range of animals including polar bears, brown bears and foxes.
It is also a great location to come and fish, which is a very popular pastime in Finland. The clean rivers and lakes make it a perfect environment for providing a relaxing and peaceful fishing experience. If you are seeking something less rural then in the north of the country you will find fascinating city of Oulu.
By Alan, on January 27th, 2012
 There are many people who visit Japan each year, and there is no reason that you shouldn’t be one of them. If you do decide to go, then Kyoto should be a destination that you make a priority. Once you’ve checked the flights and sorted the money out, then you can get down to the serious business of deciding what to visit. There is plenty to choose from, so take your time. There are beautiful buildings, gorgeous gardens and attention-grabbing galleries.
As one of the few major Japanese cities that wasn’t bombed by the allies there are still plenty of pre-war buildings that you can look at. These range from the simple townhouses (machiya) to the mighty palaces and castles that date back to when Kyoto was the capital of Japan up until 1868.
One of the most impressive buildings that you can see in Kyoto is the Imperial Palace. It is essential to book a ticket for entry, otherwise you risk being disappointed. It has been destroyed many times over the centuries but it has stood in its current appearance since 1855.
Another incredible building is the Nijo Castle, made in 1603 for the first shogun of the Edo Period, Tokugawa Ieyasu, to live in. Nearby there are other buildings from the same period surrounding a traditional garden, and together they form a UNESCO World Heritage site.
For the art lover, make sure you check out the Municipal Museum of Art. Housed here are more than 2000 works of art. There are breath-taking paintings, glorious sculptures and delicate calligraphy on show.
The gardens are most famous for their cherry blossoms in spring and autumn. Eastern Kyoto has some of the most popular gardens for seeing blossoms, such as at the garden of the Heian Shrine. If you’re visiting in Spring, make sure to check it out.
By admin, on January 20th, 2012
At first glance, long-haul holidays for two or more weeks can appear pricey, and that’s before you even think about your accommodation. Luckily there are many great-value flights, accommodations and holiday package deals on the market that will help keep the costs to a minimum. Us Brits have always had a soft spot for Florida, it’s increasingly become one of the most popular family holiday destinations, its plethora of theme parks and attractions, friendly people and incredible weather attract many repeat visitors and each year there is something new to explore.
An emergence of excellent online, independent British tour operators have made visiting the Sunshine State very easy, affordable and most importantly 100% secure. British Airways and Virgin Atlantic holidays to Florida are increasingly popular, their direct flights and trusted names entice many holidaymakers from the UK, plus online tour operators continuously source the best deals and offers so the customers receive the best price possible for packages to Orlando, Miami and Tampa.
Start your holiday in style, Virgin Atlantic holidays to Orlando offer you comfort and peace of mind as well as great value. Massive airline sales allow customers to book all throughout the year, with great deals on spring, autumn and winter Florida holidays – not to mention fabulous school summer holidays deals, but book early as these often get snapped up very quickly.
Thomas Cook Florida deals also offer fantastic value, with a couple of flights a week flying directly into Sanford Orlando from London Gatwick, Manchester and Glasgow.
Ocean Florida – online USA and Florida specialists – source top flight deals and combine them into fantastic packages with world-class hotels, condos or even a stunning Orlando or Gulf Coast villa from their own extensive programme, plus they’ll even pre-book your park tickets and car hire and add them into your ATOL-protected Florida holiday package.
By Alan, on January 19th, 2012
 The island paradise ofZanzibarlies off the coast of mainlandTanzania, a short flight fromDar Es Salaamof only 20 minutes. It is also one of the greatest destinations for holidays in the whole of Africa and will especially appeal to these seeking a holiday in a warm and peaceful environment. Many of the tourists who come to Zanzibar do so to escape the hectic pace of modern life, but there is also much to see and do on the island.
Zanzibar was at one time one of the major exporters of highly in demand spices around the works, and although the islands main source of income is now tourism, and they rely on the spice trade a lot less these days, spices are still widely grown, used and also exported. A spice tour is highly informative and gives you a real insight into how a spice becomes the commodity that we buy in little glass jars from our supermarkets.
Some of the greatest coral reefs that exist in the Indian Ocean are off the coast of Zanzibar, and the only way to explore them properly is to dive right in amongst them and bask in the luxurious waters. Apart from the reefs the Indian Ocean is also home to all manner of vibrant and amazing marine life, and you can get up close and personal with trumpet fish, clown fish and even giant starfish.
There is an untouched forest area on Zanzibar known as Jozani, which is home to numerous types of animals and plants, the most famous being the native red Colobus monkey. You can take tours of the forest which includes locating these monkeys and getting close enough to them to observe their life style and habits in safety without disturbing them in any way.
Zanzibar is also the name of the main town on the island, which is a fascinating place to walk around. You can even get yourself a guide to show you around the area and give you lots of background information on the stunning sights that you are looking at. The town is also a great place to pick up your holiday souvenirs from as well as African style clothing and ornaments.
Around the coast of Zanzibar are many hubs for a wide range of water sports that you can take part in. Parasailing in particular has enjoyed a huge surge in popularity recently, but there are still many fans of the kite surfing you can participate in on the east coasts beaches of Paje. Sea kayaking is another popular water sport, and experienced kayakers can also attempt surfing the waves as they break over the reef.
By Alan, on January 17th, 2012
 While the jungles of Indonesia are these days tamer than in the times of the Borneo headhunters, the modern day thrill seeker can still find plenty to give them their adrenaline rush. Whether you choose to go trekking in the mountains and jungles of this vast archipelago, go diving in the biologically diverse waters or visiting some of the few remaining tribes, Indonesia is still a location full of thrills if you want them.
From the smoking Java volcanoes to Papua’s snow capped peaks, Indonesia offers trekkers a vast range of choices, regardless of your skill level. The further afield you venture the more help you should seek from a travel agency to assist you in organising your trip. These agencies can often get you better deals on airline tickets and also arrange accommodation and transportation in areas where these facilities are scarce.
Papua is the easternmost province of Indonesia, and often experiences periods of civil unrest, so make sue you have the latest information before you set off. The snow covered peak of Carstensz Pyramid, known locally as Puncak Jaya, is Papua’s highest mountain, but the climb up it is for experienced climbers only.
For those who are looking for a challenge that doesn’t entail carabineers,TrikonMountain, the third highest in Papua, would be ideal. All trekkers who come to Indonesia are required to obtain a climbing permit, which your travel agency will organise. You can combine a trek with a visit to one of the tribal groups who remain on the island, and experience first hand what it is like to truly live off the land.
The crystal clear, blue Indonesian waters, which teem with all manner of marine life are a divers dream. Some of the worlds best diving can be found here, and there are many options to fit all budgets; from a quick dip off Bali’s coast to a two week dive that will take you into some areas that would be inaccessible otherwise.
By Alan, on January 10th, 2012
 Iceland is a trip that is unforgettable, given the excellent scenic views and the friendly nature of the people that live there. It will be hard to ever take a trip half as magical once you have been to Iceland if you make sure that you stop by some of the top attractions in the country.
First off, make sure to venture towards the Blue Lagoon which is a geothermal lake that is thought by many to have natural healing properties. The water in the lagoon is kept at 40C and is so clear that you can see through it while bathing. One of the most stunning aspects of the lagoon is the fact that you can bathe in a natural jet stream while surrounded by ice and snow.
Other natural attractions that you make sure you see while in Iceland are the many geysers that are dotted around the country side. Strokkur geyser in particular is one of the most famous geysers in Iceland and also one of the most predictable, making it almost a sure thing that if you wait 15 minutes or so you will get to see it shoot up into the air.
To get a look at the Icelandic natural wildlife make sure to head over to theWestmannIslands, where you can arrange a tour to see some of the best landscape in the country. Often referred to as a paradise, the islands are a sight to behold.The Lake Myvatn Conservation area is also stunning, and you can see lava fields, a crystal clear lake, mud flats, and volcanic craters all in one. While in the park also make sure to stop by the Waterfall of the Gods which is one of the strongest waterfalls in Europe.
By Alan, on January 3rd, 2012
 Slovenia is a small country located between Italy, Hungary, Croatia and Austria and in recent years has become a big attraction. It is very easy to reach the country through all major forms of transport and for those holidaying in the Alps is only a short drive away. The town is known for its thermal spas and lively towns and is also a place where you can come to swim in the Adriatic Sea. The cave systems located in the towns of Skocjan and Postojna are unique in the cuisine is something that is influenced from many different countries across Europe.
In the North you will find the Julian Alps which many would call some of the most beautiful mountains and all of Europe. It is a paradise for people who enjoy kayaking, biking, walking and fishing among other activities. The National Park in the region is untouched and there are thundering waterfalls and majestic peaks to be seen. Hikers are treated to a well marked paths and there are also plenty of activities for those who prefer watersports.
As a tourist destination Slovenia dates back to the 1800s and there are numerous hotels and other forms of accommodation for visitors in the country. Bled is one of the most famous holiday destinations in the country and has a great deal to offer visitors, especially those who enjoy sports such as golf or tennis. There are numerous cultural events held in the town all year round which are also worth attending.
Winter sports have become increasingly popular in Slovenia and the skiing locations here are known for their fair prices and safety. One of the most famous ski centres in all of Slovenia is Kranjska Gora which has over 30 km of ski runs rated at numerous different difficulties. There are nearly 20 ski lifts available for skiers and plenty of accommodation options, including studio apartments as well as modern hotels. Private rooms are also another place to stay while skiing in Slovenia and many of these are run by local farms.
On the other side of the Alps near Maribor you will find a particular family friendly skiing area which has over 20 lifts and has a reputation that extends internationally. The skiing area is over 200 ha large and there are a huge range of skiing runs in this skiing area which extends for a total of over 50 kilometres.
The area is particularly family friendly because of its excellent skiing school which is catered towards children, especially those of the younger age. The school has plenty of equipment for people to rent and there is a specially designed ski run which stretches for 5 kilometres where children can learn to ski. The slope is also lit during the night time with bright floodlights so that guests in this part of Slovenia can ski whenever they wish.
The hotels in this part of Slovenia are some of the best in the country and they offer a first-class experience for guests. The facilities at these hotels are excellent and offer everything you would expect during your holiday. Slovenia is known for its thermal spas and many of the hotels in this region have them and provide a perfect place to relax after a day skiing. Food at these hotels is generally a very high quality.
By Alan, on December 29th, 2011
 New Zealand includes a good number of large and smaller lakes. The springs in the Central Highlands are fed by Lake Taupoand the Tongariro River on central North Island which is by far the largest lake in the country.
With an area of 616km² it is bigger than Lake Constance. The lake is located in the caldera of a super volcano of epic proportions and therefore is obviously of volcanic origin.
The next largest lakes are all located on the South Island and were carved out by glaciers. The largest of these glacial lakes is Lake Te Anau, with an area of 344 square kilometres, followed by at 80km long and 291-square-mile Lake Wakatipu near Queenstown, and the 192km² Lake Wanaka. An interesting aspect of these designated Southern Lakes regions is that many of the glacial lakes are deeper than their surrounding altitude, thus is the basis for the individual lakes below sea level.
New Zealand is also criss-crossed by numerous rivers and streams. The longest river in the country is located in the North Island, the Waikato River with a length of 425 km, which flows from Lake Taupo to south of Auckland at Port Waikato where it joins the Tasman Sea. The Clutha River in the south of New Zealand’s South Island is, at 340 km, the second longest river in the country.
It rises out of Lake Wanaka and flows about 75 km to the south of Dunedinin into the the South Pacific. The third longest river in the country, the 290-mile Whanganui River on the North Island at Wanganui flows into the Cook Strait.
By Alan, on December 29th, 2011
 Suzhou in China is famous for its canals, stone bridges, waterways, pagodas and exquisite and classical gardens. More than 42% of the city is water, and is bisected by the Great Canal that stretched from Shanghai to Hangzou, and Suzhou well deserves its reputation as the Chinese Venice.
The history of Suzhou dates back 2500 years, and is also famous for the ancient pagodas and temples that were recognised for their classical nature and beauty in 1997 when the gardens were listed at world heritage sites by UNESCO.
Situated only 100km from Shanghai, Shuzhou is one of the major cities in the south east of jiangsu province, and its strategic position on the Yangze River delta and close proximity to the likes of Hangzou and Shangai has been instrumental to its development, both culturally and economically.
It thoroughly deserves its status as one of the must see destinations for travellers to China, and nobody who visits should deprive themselves of at least a few days in Shuzhou. One of the main attractions when you get here is Zhuozheng Yuan, or the Humble Administrator Garden. It one of the largest in the city and has an around of approximately 52,000sq metres.
It is also one of the four most classical gardens in all of China, the other three being the mountain resort of Chengde, the Summer Palace and the Lingering Garden, also found in Suzhou. Zhuozheng Yuan was first created in 1509 and began life as the private garden of a former public servant who simply wanted somewhere to spend a humble life.
When you take into consideration, however, that it is said to have cost a boatload of silver to create, and was 16 years in the making, there is nothing particularly humble about it at all.
By admin, on December 22nd, 2011
Whenever we think of Iceland, cold climates come to mind. You certainly don’t think of packing a swimsuit and tanning lotion. But now there is a different way of experiencing the country, through its heated swimming pools. The country has natural geothermal energy so practically every town has a large heated swimming pool where everyone goes to socialise and take in the beneficial purity of the water for healthcare. When driving along the roads, you can see from distances hot water a steam being pumped from the ground and this is used in the large swimming pools in the hotels. The water is also minalmally treated so people can benefit from its purity.
All of the large pools have at several “hot pots”. These are hot tubs that are filled with water and heated to different temperatures. These much smaller pools are the place to be if you want to score a business deal, meet new friends and catch up with the family and social interactions can be seen between seniors, children and business professionals. Even if you do not speak Icelandic, people will likely try to include you in the friendly discussions.
All the pools are not that expensive to visit and towel and swimsuit rentals are handly available. The best way to experience the pools is to swap between the colder lap pool and the hot pots. Despite Iceland’s famously cold winters, most pools are outside and it can be an uncomfortable run from the two pools. One of the most famous pools to visit is the Hverageroi pool, which is 45km from the capital city and takes advantage of the areas dense geothermal activity with similar facilities: hot tubs, a lap pool, a sauna and a spa and fitness centre. If your budget is still being stressed, it is best to obtain travel vouchers for Iceland to make sure you get the best deal.
Article by Emily Patterson
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Finland is a country that is known for its lakes and saunas but that’s not all the country has to offer a visitor. There is an enormous amount of countryside as well as some spectacular cities. Located in one of the most beautiful national parks in the whole country is found around the village of Iso Syote.
