RSSOct|23|2011
Preparing for Travel to Sri Lanka
Posted by Noemi as Asia
Sri Lanka is a lush island, referred to by many as a tropical paradise. If you’re planning a trip to Sri Lanka, then you are in for an intoxicating journey into a land that, in some places, time seems to have forgotten, while in other places, is a modern cityscape, bustling with people. When you visit Sri Lanka, you truly are getting the best of not two, but a multitude of worlds, from scenic coastline beaches to hauntingly spiritual ancient sights. Ensure your best chances of having a smooth and safe vacation by taking the right precautions before you ever board the plane. Here are tips for preparing for travel to Sri Lanka:
Vaccinations. It is very important that you get the appropriate vaccinations before you leave for Sri Lanka. Be sure you are up to date with your polio, tetanus, hepatitis A & B, typhus, and yellow fever vaccinations. As well, bring some malaria pills with you, especially if you are traveling during the rainy season (when mosquitoes are most abundant).
May|10|2011
Asian Countries You Must Visit (At Least Once)
Posted by as Asia, Backpacking & Budget, Destinations, Features, Travelogger
It is the largest continent, the home to 60% of the world’s population, the origin of modern civilization, and the birthplace of major world religions. Now who says it is okay to miss travelling to Asia?
But it’s so huge. How can you choose which of its 48 countries to visit first? We’ll make it easier for you. Here are the top four must-visit Asian countries before you die.
Thailand is known for it’s pristine sandy beaches, spicy food and tranquil Buddhist temples. Some of the major sights and destinations are Phuket Island, Chiang Rai, Wat Rong Khun, and the Royal Palace. If you get bored, stroll around the palaces and then eat jasmine rice. Just don’t touch anyone on the head or point with your foot or you’ll be finished with Muay Thai.
Book your Treasures of Thailand Tour here…
May|08|2011
Places To See Before It’s Too Late
Posted by Noemi as Arts & Culture, Asia, Destinations
The only thing permanent in life is change. Many years down the road, things will be different and in terms of travel, there might be destinations that are accessible today and might be gone tomorrow. I guess that’s why MSN Travel featured 11 places that world travelers should go see NOW before they disappear. I picked some of the destinations that really interested me. Here they are.
Babylon
Babylon, a city of both history and legend, has been seriously damaged by war and development, and those remain the two major threats to the ancient city. The U.S. war in Iraq continues to endanger Babylon and other ancient sites in Iraq, and Iraqi officials’ own plans for post-war Babylon could be just as destructive.
It’s sad that the place which is known to be the cradle …
Feb|09|2011
Melt Your Blues Away In Japanese Gardens
Posted by Noemi as Asia, Getaways
Spring is here and perhaps the winter blues have come and gone for many of you. I do know, however, that there are still a lot of people yearning for a break from the drudgery of their daily lives. Well, if you are one of them and you want to have the ultimate relaxing experience, I have a suggestion for you: go to Japan and visit some of their gardens.
You might think it strange that I just suddenly came up with this idea. Truth be told, a friend of mine has just arrived from a trip to Japan and has been raving about the gardens. Apparently, there are countless gardens all throughout the country, and each one of them is a sight to behold.
Obviously, you might not be able to visit all of these gardens …
Feb|02|2011
Ben Thanh Night Market
Posted by Noemi as Asia, Cities, Destinations, Food and Drink, Shopping, Travelogger
There is something about night markets that attract me – and tons of other tourists, as well. Every time I visit a new city, I make it a point to find out if it has a night market, and I make sure that go there at least once. I don’t know why, but night markets are much more fun than the “day” ones.
In any case, as I was telling you in my previous post, Ben Thanh Market closes in the early evening, but its night market draws more crowds – if that’s at all possible. The night market is composed of stalls set up in the streets flanking the Ben Thanh Market. During the day, these streets serve as, well, streets. The sides are parking areas as well. When the night market opens, they still serve as streets – motorcycles galore – but your …
Nov|15|2010
Japan Eats: The Best of Fraponese Cuisine from Hortensia
Posted by Noemi as Asia, Cities, Features, Food and Drink
Travelers visit different destinations for many reasons, but there is no doubt that tasting the local culinary offerings is high up on most everyone’s list. If you are heading to Tokyo any time in the future, there is a new restaurant that you absolutely have to visit: Hortensia.
This restaurant is going to titillate your taste buds with a fusion of French and Japanese cuisine. Fraponese is what this marriage of cuisines is called, and it is one of the trendiest things in the Japanese restaurant scene these days.
At the helm of Hortensia is renowned chef Tetsuji Koja, who has decided to strike out on his own after a long string of achievements in the Japanese culinary scene. Chef Koja is well known for his imaginative touch in the kitchen, and his creations at Hortensia …
Sep|24|2010
Dealing with Jetlag and Climate Changes
Posted by Zahir as Adventure, Africa, Air Travel, Americas, Around The World, Asia, Australia NZ, Business, Carribbean, Cities, Europe, Getaways, Health, Health & Wellness, Luxurious, Oceania, People, Tips, Transport, Trends, United States, Warnings
People who love to travel are already used to the different time zones that most countries have. Sudden changes in the time and weather may prove to be a problem on adjusting to such if a person is not used to such fast paced evolution and lifestyle.
For people, traveling to any part of the world such as the United States, Europe and Asian continents would need body clock adjustments as well. The cultural practices and traditions are not the only immediate things that globetrotters should worry about but rather their ability to cope up with change.
Climate also entails being ready for the level of health a person is able to sustain. Sudden changes like cold and hot temperatures would need standby requirements of medicine or clothing just in case to ensure that the human body does not …
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Sep|13|2010
Fort Galle: South Asia’s Gem
Posted by Zahir as Adventure, Arts & Culture, Asia, Historical, Hotels, Romantic
Galle Fort is often called the gem of South Asia, and after a 2-week holiday there, I cannot agree more. Upon entering the fort’s walls, one is transported to another world – one that existed centuries ago. Old merchants villas line the streets where a quiet street-life prevails and just recently, a handful of “boutique hotels” and specialty shops have sprouted around, all keeping in line with the romantic architecture of old Asia.
We rented the most charming “Emma Villa” through the Galle Fort Hotel, and it came with two very sweet houseboys, Sanjay and Nissanka as well as a nanny Harmony (who we later discovered was actually called Ramani) who although didn’t speak a word of English, was a dream with our two energetic toddlers. The house was beautifully furnished (with a tiny swimming pool no less) but the best part was the …
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Aug|27|2010
Travellers: Sir Edmund Hillary
Posted by Zahir as Adventure, Asia, Australia NZ, Historical, People
“My God! We’ve climbed the thing! We’ve done it!” ~ Edmund Hillary
Between 1920 and 1952, seven major expeditions had failed to reach the summit of Mount Everest. In 1924, the famous mountaineer George Leigh-Mallory had perished in the attempt. In 1952, a team of Swiss climbers had been forced to turn back after reaching the south peak, only 1000 feet from the summit.
Edmund Hillary joined in Everest reconnaissance expeditions in 1951 and again in 1952. These exploits brought Hillary to the attention of Sir John Hunt, leader of an expedition sponsored by the Joint Himalayan Committee of the Alpine Club of Great Britain and the Royal Geographic Society to make the assault on Everest in 1953.
The expedition reached the South Peak on May, but all but two of the climbers who had come this far were forced to turn back by exhaustion at the high altitude. At …
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Aug|20|2010
Yoga In Ko Samui
Posted by Zahir as Asia, Getaways, Health & Wellness, Islands, Nature, Spa
The island of Koh Samui in Thailand is perhaps known more for its party atmosphere, large resorts, and action activites galore, but beneath the lively exterior are places where people can find some real mind and body relaxation – through yoga.
Whether you practice yoga at an advanced level, are just a beginner, or want to get your children to give it go, the island has what you need. Here are some worthwhile places to check out:
Located on Lipa Noi beach, this center offers yoga as well as a variety of health and rejuvenation treatments and activites such as meditation, breathing exercises, herbal cleansing, shiatsu massage, Thai herbal steams, dietary education, fasting, colonic irrigation, colon cleansing and other extensive workshops.
This is the largest yoga center on the island, and one of …
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