Top 10 Cultural Holiday Destinations

Recently, I found one article regarding top 10 cultural holiday destinations. The lists of top 10 beaches are endless, so let’s concentrate on interesting destinations from another angle. Of course, it all depends on your personal preferences, but for cultural holidays you can’t beat these.

1. Athens, Greece

This is an amazing city with its mixture of ancient and modern. A wander around the Acropolis and seeing the Parthenon from so many places in the city has to be top of the list. The museums in this capital city are unique and if you have never been to Greece, then you really should make it the one place to visit on your bucket list.

2. Crete, Greece

The Minoan civilization is one that had the most amazing statues, architecture and running water. In the Palace at Knossos you can see the labyrinth where the Minotaur was supposed to have lived and devoured the maidens and young men sent to Crete every year. The whole island is steeped in myth and history and is just the place for people who want to combine culture with relaxing on pristine beaches.

3. Indus Valley, Pakistan

This area is unknown and unexplored by the West in comparison to Egypt for example. However the Indus Valley civilization was truly ahead of others not only in Asia but also in the world.

4. Prague

While this is not an ancient site in the same way as those mentioned above, it is well worth visiting, especially in springtime when the trees in the streets are in full blossom. There is the architecture to wonder at and the Torture Museum for those with a sense of the macabre.

5. Isfahan, Iran

This was once an important city in the Persian Empire and the artisans of the city still produce items which are exquisitely made and designed. The ornate gate at the entrance of the city is worth seeing and tourists will readily appreciate the beauty of this once splendid city.

6. London

London is steeped in history and ancient buildings abound. You can even find the old walls of the capital city if you get bored with the museums, art galleries and historic buildings that are just waiting for you to visit. Wear comfortable shoes!

7. Paris

Paris rivals London and probably has as many interesting museums, art galleries and historic buildings. The Notre Dame Cathedral and the Palace at Versailles are truly magnificent, and if your visit coincides with the Beaujolais Nouveau celebrations, you will have a memorable stay. However it is wise to avoid eating in tourist areas, but try to eat where the locals do, in small bistros which serve hearty traditional dishes.

8. Moscow

A visit to Moscow will amaze and delight with its grandeur. The elaborate onion shaped domes on the skyline are very imposing and make a lasting impression. The Hermitage takes days to go around and all culture vultures will love it. The Russians believe that it is much better than the Louvre, but you would have to judge for yourself. The Russians you will encounter are on the whole keen to meet foreigners and learn about their views and lifestyles. Don’t be surprised if you are taken into homes and asked a lot of questions about how you live and what you think of Russians and Russian history.

9. Mexico City

Mexico City is home to what is probably the best Anthropological Museum in the world and again this takes days to view in its entirety. The treasures of the ancient Mayan, Aztec and Olmec civilizations are incredible. Of course you may want to extend the trip and take in Macchu Pichu; this was not included in this top 10 as it cannot sustain the ravages of more tourism. The sad thing about the ancient ruins of the world is that so many tourists clambering around the ancient sites damage them and it would be a shame if future generations could not visit them because of the destruction we have caused.

10. Rome

Rome or the Eternal City has much to offer the cultural tourist, not just the pantheon and the Coliseum, but a whole host of archaeological sites all over the city and the surrounding area. It should probably have come nearer the top of the list, but again, it depends on personal judgment. As you travel into the city you will see people living around ancient ruins, and only then can you truly appreciate how great the ancient city was. You can also visit Pompeii and Herculaneum while in Rome and these sites will really help you to see the splendour of the old Roman Empire.

I hope with this article, it would give you more interesting places to visit.

Source : http://www.tydpf.org

I-CITY, SELANGOR, MALAYSIA (CITY OF DIGITAL LIGHTS)

Here I want to share an exciting place in Malaysia. Sure you all are interested in the bright lights here.

Information

 

I-City located in Shah Alam, Selangor is known as the city of digital lights. It is recognised at the first lightscape tourism destination in Malaysia with state-of- the-art LED technology showcase.

The digital city includes trendy shopping streets and equipped with a theme park to cater to visitors' looking for a place to unwind.
The township accommodates high-tech infrastructure allowing for a unique display of digital lights. These attractions are located at CityPark and CityWalk.
You can chill in the park, view the wonderful sculptures and experience a whole new world with its dazzling light showcase. It is ideal for the whole family.
Do bring a camera to capture the wonderful and majestic light displays. It is truly magical!

How to get there

From PJ/KL , use the Federal Highway heading towards Shah Alam. Exit at the Batu Tiga Toll Station, look for the first BP gas station you see. Then turn left at the UiTm/i-City signage. Drive onwards till you reach the traffic light and turn right. Drive on the left side of the road until you see the Shell gas station and KFC before the traffic light. UiTM will be on your right. Turn left before the traffic lights, then go straight until you reach a T- junction then turn left. When you see a chrome ball turn left & left again, and you will reach i-City.

Who to contact

   
Kindly visit their website at http://i-city.my for more information.

Accommodation Overview
Shah Alam offers several 3 to 5-star hotels. This destination is only 40 minutes away from Kuala Lumpur's city centre, where a full range of accommodation is available.

Nearby Attractions
- Blue Mosque 4.2km
- High 5 Bread Town Museum 7.5km
- Forest Research Institute of Malaysia (FRIM) 24.88km
- Carey Island 26.72km
- Batu Caves 29.15km
- Zoo Negara 34.17km
- Sepang International Circuit 43.79km

Hopefully this information will help you to know Malaysia better and enjoy to visit Malaysia.

Source : http://www.tourism.gov.my

Big things to come for Johor's east coast

Ever come to Malaysia, here I would like to introduce one more interesting places in the southern portion Malaysia, Johor.

BOOMING A multi-million ringgit project at Tanjung Leman will add more flourish to the vibrant tourism sector in the state's east coast.

The Fishing Bay Resort is among the many resorts in Mersing. It offers a breathtaking view.

The tourism sector for Johor's east coast received a huge boost recently when Johor Corporation (JCorp) announced the RM100-million Tanjung Leman resort town project at the popular beachside destination.

The mixed development, which includes a resort, theme park, agrotourism attraction, marina, 700 units of houses and 93 shoplots, is expected to spur economic activities in the surrounding areas.

Located about 120km from Johor Baru, Tanjung Leman is one of many beaches along Johor's east coast. This stretch of beach has a jetty which provides ferry services to nearby islands. There are also chalets and the Felda Residence resort.

The beauty of the state's east coast has been known for many years as it is blessed with sandy beaches. The coast is also teeming with fish that attract many anglers. Johor's east coast stretches from Pengerang at the southeastern tip to Mersing at the northeast.

Tanjung Leman is among the many tourist destinations between these two points. Other popular beaches along the same stretch are Desaru, Tanjung Balau and Tanjung Sedili.

Mersing and Tanjung Leman are located within the East Coast Economic Region (ECER) which is among the comprehensive development blueprints put in place by the government.

All these locations are expected to become boom towns in the years to come.

Many of these towns are considered small and are less congested compared to towns along Johor's west coast.

It is something one notices whenever one drives to this part of Johor. Instead of the busy north-south expressway at the west coast, there is a trunk road that stretches from Kota Tinggi to Mersing.

This trunk road is dotted with hilly terrain, jungles, villages, small towns and oil palm estates.

It is a less congested route. Though that can be a much-welcome respite for motorists, many also find that it can be somewhat deserted at night.

Some motorists try to avoid these roads after dark because of the many ghost stories that have been told about this stretch.

Nevertheless, Johor's east coast is an ideal place for nature lovers.

The Panti bird sanctuary in Kota Tinggi has been named by experts as one of the top four birdwatching spots in southeast Asia. It is located along the same trunk road, several kilometres north of Kota Tinggi.

Spread over 1,600 hectares, the sanctuary is known as a stopover for about 48 per cent of the total bird species found in peninsular Malaysia.

Managed by the state Forestry Department, the sanctuary has an 8-km bird-watching trail known as Bunker's Trail.

Nature lovers may be able to see tropical lowland birds and migratory birds from Myanmar, Thailand, India and Mongolia at certain times of the year.

Desaru, with its sandy beaches that are lined with trees, is another popular beach for Johoreans and foreigners alike.

The name is a combination of the Malay words desa (countryside) and rhu (casuarina tree). The beachside has several resorts, chalets and a public beach popular during weekends and public holidays.

The annual Desaru International Triathalon, which is normally held from September to November, also attracts sportsmen from across the globe.

Further down, at the southeastern tip of Johor, is Pengerang which is poised to become a boom town because of its oil and gas (O&G) industry.

Menteri Besar Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman said Pengerang may well be on its way to becoming an O&G hub bigger than Kerteh in Terengganu.

This scenario is likely due to a RM60-billion refinery and petrochemical integrated development (Rapid) petrochemical complex slated for opening in 2015. Another RM6-billion deep-water petroleum terminal will also be built in Pengerang. These two projects will certainly create a ripple effect on tourism and spur the economy for local residents.

The town of Sungai Rengit, which is barely a few kilometres from Pengerang, is famous for its seafood restaurants, and this will bring in more tourism earnings to the town once the O&G projects are completed.

Johor's east coast will thrive even more now with more development projects in place.

Places like Pengerang, Tanjung Leman and Mersing will become more vibrant in years to come.

Source : nst.com.my

“Can’t Miss” Tourist Attractions in Atlanta, Georgia

Atlanta is an incredibly diverse and fascinating city, and there are many sights and activities to keep you busy during your stay.

And with the world's busiest airport serving this great southern city, hunting down cheap flights to Atlanta isn't all that tough.

Here are five of the top tourist attractions in Atlanta that the whole family can enjoy.

Saving tip: If you plan on visiting all five, you might consider purchasing an Atlanta CityPASS, which grants visitors admission to all five attractions for just $69.

World of Coca Cola : The World of Coca Cola is comprised a large Coke museum (featuring Coke paraphernalia both old and new), a tasting room (where you can sample some of Coke’s most famous products), and a large gift shop where you can purchase Coke-related souvenirs. Prepare for a sugar rush!

CNN Atlanta Studios : News junkies will love touring the global headquarters of CNN. Tickets are available for two different tours : the Morning Express Tour (a tour of the morning show) and the CNN VIP Tour. Detailed information on tour times and ticket prices can be found on the CNN tour website.

High Museum of Art: Atlanta’s world-class High Museum of Art boasts and impressive permanent collection, as well as a variety of well-curated temporary exhibitions throughout the year. On view between September 25, 2011 and January 8, 2012 is The Sculptures of Grainger McKoy, an artist known for his life-like wildlife sculptures. Picasso to Warhol, an exhibition featuring fourteen twentieth-century artists who redefined the very idea of art, is on view between October 15, 2011 and April 29, 2012.

Georgia Aquarium: Kids of all ages will be awed by the sea creatures at the Georgia Aquarium. A variety of tours and educational programs are available (see the Georgia Aquarium’s website for more information).

Atlanta History Center: The Atlanta History Center is comprised of the Atlanta History Museum, Centennial Olympic Games Museum, Swan House, Smith Family Farm, six historic gardens, and the Kenan Research Center. Visit one or all of these sites to learn more about the history and culture(s) of Atlanta, or simply stroll the Center’s stunning grounds.

Source : blog.onetravel.com

7 Tips Money Saving Travel

Where attractive destinations you want to go? Sure, you want some fun in this December. If you're not getting a bonus or under financial pressure, you need to plan ahead. I have tips for you.

Unless you receive a whopper bonus or an unexpected Christmas windfall, for most South Africans ‘kicking back’ and taking a break often comes with a nasty price-tag. Beat the annual holiday splurge that can leave you with little more than a peeling tan and a bad bank balance come January by taking a frugal vacation.

Here's how the smart holiday-maker will be living it up during December without breaking the bank in 2012:

1. House-sitting
This is a great idea if you’d like to earn a few bucks while on holiday. Many people go away each year leaving their homes and pets unattended for long periods of time and need a house-sitter to keep an eye on things. This is a perfect opportunity to enjoy free accommodation and earn some spending money while you’re at it!

2. Swap houses
If a ‘bells and whistles’ holiday is too pricey this year, why not just swap homes with someone instead? It works by trading places with other frugal travellers like you or family and friends for the holiday and is a smart way to enjoy a getaway without forking out a cent for accommodation.

3. Sleep under the stars
Camping is another adventure-filled, cost-effective option for those who are keen to explore the great outdoors. Not only will you save tons of money on accommodation and meals, you’ll also enjoy getting back to basics by cooking potjies on a fire; taking long walks in the forests or beachfronts or reading that holiday novel you’ve been meaning to get around to without any TV interruptions!

4. Try something new closer to home
Talk to family and friends for recommendations and look for destinations that are closer to home and affordable. Often the smaller, unknown spots offer the most unexplored beauty and best hospitality.
So instead of the usual, pricey vacation, why not try something new?

5. Stay-cautious
Although the idea of going away to a new, unexplored holiday destination sounds more fun than staying at home; the reality is it’s often more expensive. Become a tourist in your own city by exploring the local galleries, farmer’s markets, beaches or picnic sites.
Not only will this save you tons of moolah on travelling, accommodation and all the other associated costs of going on holiday; the ideas are endless and can be as easy as camping in your backyard if you so wish.

6. Fly local or go road-tripping
Sometimes flying is cheaper than driving. If you decide to fly local, subscribe to low-cost airlines’ mailing lists, such as kulula.com, for regular special deal offers. Book early, avoid peak travel times and always be on the lookout while comparing prices.
For international trips, take advantage of medical aid. They could also come in handy when booking accommodation as hotels often honour them for free or discounted rooms.
If you’re driving, why not grab a bunch of friends and turn it into a road trip? This way everyone can chip in on the petrol and other expenses along the way. Also ensure your car has a service done upfront to avoid any expensive tow-in costs in case of an accident.

7. Enjoy all the free entertainment on offer!
Sometimes you can spend so much money getting to your destination that you don’t have enough left to enjoy anything while you’re there. Keep an eye out for free activities on offer in your local city or even holiday resort. Why not take the kids to build sandcastles on the beach; enjoy reading a book in the garden or go and have a sunset picnic in a scenic spot?
You could also opt for adventurous nature activities such as bike riding, hiking or swimming. Search your local newspaper for listings and holiday go to guides to spot any free events or activities that could be worth exploring. Once you start looking, you’ll be surprised how much there is to do.

There are many ways to save on holiday. So while you may not be able to go to Europe or afford lavish hotel trips each year; with some smart planning, dedication and research you can still have an enjoyable, relaxed getaway. Being frugal during the rest of the year can also make an immense difference to your holiday budget.

Enjoy your holidays with this new tips. 

Source : women24.com

Tips To Save Money On Family Travel and Vacations

This are some tips to save money on family travel and vacations. Hopes this can help.

Family travel and vacations have never been a cheap endeavor for most and more than ever families are looking for deals on their vacation. Knowing how to search for the deals and using a few quick tips can help save you money no matter if you are going on a large vacation to some island resort or simply traveling a few hours by car to a state park. Check out a few of the tips to save money on family travel and vacations below.

Book Your Travel In Advance – A tip that almost everyone knows but needs to be pointed out is that if you book ahead you can save money. While it depends on where, what, and when you’re booking your travel you can save anywhere from 5% to 30% when you book your travel at least 30 days in advance with ideally booking your travel at least 90 days in advance to get the maximum savings.

Don’t Be Afraid To Call – While booking your travel online is easy and usually ideal for those with busy schedules, don’t forget to also pick up the phone. Many websites including Expedia, Orbitz, Travelocity, and Hotels.com all have the option to call and book. Many times when you call you can find exclusive travel coupons available for their website as well a other discounts you may be missing. So don’t just settle for booking your travel online when you can make a 15 minute call to the company to possibly save a few dollars to a few hundred bucks. This tip also works with individual hotels.

Compare Travel Websites – if you’re going to be booking a hotel room or your entire vacation online then make sure you compare all of the travel sites to get the best deal. The website I feel is the best for comparing all the travel sites at once is Kayak, they usually test out to have the best deals as seen in our review of Google Flight search. All you do is go to the website, put in your information, and it will compare your destinations across multiple websites. It works great with individual hotels or hotel and flight combinations but isn’t available for vacation packages due to the complexity of each specific package.

Use Coupons and Deals – another common sense goal is to make sure you search for coupons, deals, and discounts ahead of time for not only the activities you plan to do but also any travel you may doing. We have various coupons for travel from online travel agencies to rental car companies and even tickets for attractions. For instance if you’re booking your hotel through Expedia then you would go to our Expedia hotel coupons page or if you were looking to go to SeaWorld then you would go to the SeaWorld coupons page to find some deals. You can find coupons for almost every place imaginable so take a few minutes to search around.

Rent A Car – instead of trying to take one of those expensive shuttles or taxis from the airport you can save money by renting a car in many cases. While it isn’t always true, you can usually save money by renting a car which also gives you flexibility to be able to drive to other locations when you arrive which will help save on other transportation costs. We have many deals available for rental cars companies including our most popular section for Enterprise Rent A Car coupons.

Buy Multi-Day Passes – not only can you buy multi-day passes for places like Disney or for specific cities, you can also get discounts for buying these tickets as a family. Most cities that are tourist attractions will have some type of multi-day pass where you buy a ticket which gets you access to almost all of the attractions in the area for one low price. We have a CityPass discount code to help you save more on the passes from CityPass but you can find other companies who provide the same thing in the place you’re traveling to.

Prepare Food Ahead of Time – nothing “eats up” your money like eating out for every meal or having to purchase snacks from a vending machine or cart in the tourist area of your vacation location. By packing some food ahead of time or going to the local grocery store in the area once you arrive will potentially save you a couple hundred, especially with a large family.

So by following some of the common sense tips we put above as well as some of the more unique tips you should be able to save some on your next family vacation. Just remember that there’s always a way to save more money on everything and when you keep that mindset you can achieve the ultimate frugality.

Source : buzzraid.com