Places to Visit

Bangkok - The busy capital city of Thailand is Bangkok and this is typically the first place people come when they visit the country. Some of the temples you can see are the Temple of the Reclining Buddha and the Temple of the Dawn. The Grand Palace, Chinatown and the waterways are some of the other attractions.

Krabi - If you are a beach lover or an outdoor enthusiast, you will love Krabi Town and the area around it. Ride in a canoe and take part in different water sports activities, or go on a boat ride to the beautiful Phi Phi Island. The amazing Shell Cemetery and the interesting Tiger Cave Temple are among the sights you can see.

Phuket - The lovely island of Phuket brings tourist from all over the world. Go swimming or participate in water sports in the clean beautiful waters, get a suntan and make yourself comfortable on the white sandy beaches. Absorb some Temple culture in places like the Golden Buddha Temple and the Phuket Sea Shell Museum.

Koh-Samui - Off the southeast coast of Thailand, you will find Koh Samui, which is a palm fringed, picturesque island. There are a lot of wonderful beaches and Temples in Koh Samui, but the most popular one is the Big Buddha Temple. This island is an excellent place to eat tasty Thai food and buy beautiful Thai silk.

Nakon Pathom - This is Thailand’s oldest city and the location of the Phra Pathom Chedi, which is the highest Buddhist monument worldwide. The classic monument, which is currently buried, was built in the 16th century by Theravada Buddhists.

EAST AND CENTRAL AFRICA

The long rains start in the beginning of April until the beginning of June, but the brief rainy period lasts from the end of November until December. It usually costs less during the rainy seasons to travel. Dry seasons offer a clearer view with dependable road conditions, and animals usually gather near the limited water sources, making them easier to see. East Africa’s busiest times are generally in July and August, with comfortable weather. Also, this is a favorite time for worldwide travel, so be certain to make plans well in advance. There are more tourists in December, so look for extra holiday charges and limited vacancies. The movements of the migrating wildebeest affect the desirability of certain areas at particular times in the Masai Mara and Serengeti, and that may have an effect on your itinerary, choices or costs.

SOUTHERN AFRICA

From late November through mid-April it is the rainy season in the safari regions. This means that thunderstorms are likely during the afternoons. However, at that time, it is summer at the southern Cape and coastline of South Africa, which are great places to visit. In June, July and August, which is their wintertime, this area can be cold and rainy also. Because high season rates frequently begin in July, sometimes it is possible to save some money by traveling during the shoulder season, just before the high season begins. Wonderful months for traveling would be May and June. In December, there are many tourists (such as summer school vacation mixed with crowded holiday traffic), so watch out for holiday surcharges, busy beaches and general limited availability. In South Africa, the safari camps and lodges are not as spacious, so you need to schedule well in advance, especially for trips between June and September.

INDIAN OCEAN ISLANDS

Usually the weather is very much the same as the weather in southern Africa. Summer rains last from November through April and cyclones occur sometimes during that time-frame. The perfect time is during the dry season, which is from May to October.

Getting ready and waiting for the actual trip can be nearly as fun as the real safari itself! The following are the most important questions you should consider when you start the planning process. We advise you to spend some time looking at these questions and consider or write down your answers to them. After you have a general idea about what you want, we can discuss a way to coordinate your interests and needs to the location, lodging, tours and activities that are best suited for your goals. Therefore, the concept is to do this in steps, including Safari 101 (just finding out what it consists of) to planning your individualized “fantasy trip to Africa”. When you clearly understand the type of safari or trip you desire, you can look at our Discover Your Adventure area for an individual choice of trips. We would love to work with you to help you obtain the knowledge you need to choose the ideal safari adventure!

Here are some things that will affect how much your trip costs:

LUXURY LEVEL

Generally speaking, a more luxurious safari costs more. The price can vary from $250 to $1000 a night for each person, not including moving from one area camp to somewhere else, which is usually by airplane. Anyway, the price at many safari camps and lodges usually consists of all your meals, game locations and nearly all other game viewing activities available. Occasionally the rates include laundry and drinks. Well, when you think about the extra price for these additional components, compared to the median price for a 4 to 5 star hotel (just the room), the price for a safari is really a bargain! Always consider tips and gifts when you figure how much spending money you will have. Exchange fees and fuel costs change, and this can make a difference in the final price for your safari in some situations. In the same way, the government raises the visa charges, park prices, tourist levies or sales taxes, which can affect the travel costs. Try to figure out what you can honestly afford, and remember that basically, you receive what you pay for: safaris are not any different. Services aren’t cheap in Africa, regardless of the fact that a great deal of it is “third world”. We strive for the best at African Portfolio. We offer the highest quality of lodging and service, as well as the best operators and guides. The reason for this is that these elements directly affect how much game you will see and how well you will see it. We want you to have vivid memories of Africa!

DURATION OF THE TRIP

The daily cost for each person is a basic rule of thumb to figure out how much time you can spend traveling. Just by making your trip a few days shorter, you can sometimes reduce the price by hundreds of dollars. Traveling around less normally saves on expensive transfers or local flights and you can also have a more comfortable, enjoyable experience. Three nights is good enough for most camps and lodges to give you the opportunity to see how the area is, and to participate in every activity available at a comfortable pace. Traveling about more can oftentimes mean seeing less of what you journeyed to Africa for to begin with! However, getting to Africa involves a lot of time and money, so we would encourage you to stay for as long as you can in this amazing area of the planet. It is hardly ever worth it to rush your trip, and although a lot of clients end up returning again and again, Africa is still a far away destination – and this may be one of the only times, if not THE only time, you have a chance to go on a safari!

SELECTION OF CAMPS, LODGES AND HOTELS

When choosing certain safari camps, lodges and hotels for our clients, African Portfolio has a history of maintaining total independence and objectivity. Because of this, we are able to combine a variety of elements into your trip (activities, properties, areas) to best suit your desires. In this situation, we are not limited by the cost of middlemen, such as destination managers and inbound operators. We take pleasure in our excellent reputation and terrific relationship with lodges and ground keepers everywhere throughout East and Southern Africa, and as our customer, you have the benefit of our different preferred prices, combined packages and bonus fares, plus our special treatment as important visitors! We would be glad to suggest the perfect combination of properties, venues, activities and destinations for your trip to make sure that you have the best possible safari that meshes with your personal interests and preferences, and that you get the best value for the money that you are laying out for this trip of a lifetime!

ACTIVITIES

The safari segment of your trip will probably be the most expensive. Safari camps basically include everything, and there is a combined price for the lodging, food, guides, leisure activities, as well as entry to the park. Lodging at a hotel or beach accommodations usually cost less than a safari camp, since you spend your money individually for food, tours, and additional activities – as you prefer when you stay there. You can combine a few days at the beach with your safari, or you can drive yourself along the Garden Route in Cape Town, South Africa. Doing this will give you more for your money.

SEASON

Season prices can be very different, based on the high season or low season rates for the same safari camps and accommodations. During the high season, there is a reason for these rates. Usually, this is the best time of year to see game, so it is expensive to book a space. However, if peak game viewing isn’t important and you can adjust your travel dates, you will still be able to have a nice safari experience at a lot cheaper price if you travel in off seasons. The advantage is that you will see that the areas are not as crowded and it will not be too hard to find a space.

Step 6

Step 7
Begin instruction in the language right away… Study Pimmsleurs language curriculum (the Whole set… 1, 2 and 3) and do your utmost to utilize that… two times a day or so, excuse yourself for about a half an hour, go someplace private and study Portuguese. Learning all the Portuguese you can before you board the plane is invaluable.

Step 8
Do you belong to the Baptist church? Is your religion Assembly of God? Something else?

Look into your church association and go make some new friends.

They’ll know many different areas throughout the state where tourists typically don’t visit.

What state do you think looks interesting? Maybe Amazon? How about Rio Grande do Norte? How about Rio de Janeiro? Perhaps Bahia… Do a little online investigating and join in on blogs and chats with Brazilians… Many Brazilians chat online for several hours a day… the same as you. A lot of them have learned a fairly substantial bit of English via their using computers and they would like to talk to you online.

Step 9
Internet Chatters: Be Cautious… not all of the people you encounter on the web want to talk dirty. There are a lot of Moral and decent people in Brazil… more than you might think based on viewing the tourist commercials of Carnival and watching the Liberal Media.

In the Northeast of Brazil, the amount of Evangelical and Protestants might be just 25-26%, but the total number of “Christians” is close to 90%, so be gracious and use good manners.

Nobody is entitled to act rudely toward others… When foreigners act like this in the States, you don’t like this. Well, don’t act like a “Jackass” when you are in another person’s country either… Make yourself a good example.

Step 10
I advise that visitors not drive while in Brazil. There are many reasons for my recommendation to utilize the convenient public transportation.

Although I have driven in Brazil for nearly ten years now and haven’t been in an accident, I encounter many accidents every day. In Brazil, they drive like lunatics. People can drive however they want, as the police do not patrol like they do in the US…and that includes driving drunk as well as speeding. Pedestrians stroll across the streets in front of autos and horse drawn “chariots” are in the roads obstructing lanes, and folks pass randomly all over the place. It is absolute chaos sometimes and is dangerous even to those who are already used to it. You will be asked to show your documents and passport if you are halted at a Blitz (road Block). You will need to produce a certified copy of your driver’s license with accompanying Portuguese translation. If you’re not carrying the correct documents, or if something’s not right with your car… You may be facing a lot of trouble on the side of the road and with nobody to translate for you. Better to stay clear of the entire situation and stay with local expert drivers.

Step 11
Regular Bus Routes exist all around the nation… and then you also have “tour buses”. When you arrive at a terminal and wish to go in a different direction, you have the option to take a Kombi or Toyota Banierante “Japon” wherever you wish… If you have a map and know the name of the city or town you want to go to, many drivers will be glad to offer their cars to serve you. However, be certain you know the price of the trip prior to getting in…

Step 12
Using a State Map and some understanding of the Language… (make sure you constantly have money stashed on you, since you could be away from an ATM for a while). You can take mini-sightseeing treks everywhere. Bring along your camera… Bring some extra film, but remember to take extra care if bringing along laptops and other similar items. It may cause someone to steal from you. Keep the notebook securely squared away and just take what is absolutely necessary for the short sightseeing treks.

Step 13
Sample local foods, but be careful with the water. Only drink water that is bottled or soft drinks. The local cuisine is fantastic… try this and take a bite of that… Brazilian folks have beans and rice with nearly everything. Naturally, meat is usually served, but in modest amounts. Beware… these people don’t preserve the meat the way it is done here in the US.

Meat is fresh and butchered daily and offered for sale. A lot of times it isn’t put in the refrigerator, but they sell it in Chunks in Kilograms and people cook it the same day. It appears horrible when you first look at it, so be forewarned… Just know that meat has been marketed that way for thousands of years prior to the time that American Super Grocery stores and the FDA came along.

Are you a fish lover? I noticed an Albacore Tuna sitting on a table in the butcher market one day that was more than half of my car’s length. It probably weighed between 400 to 600 pounds… It was kind of fresh and people were standing there cutting the steaks and they were for sale.

Step 14
There actually exist thousands of beach towns and cities which are unknown among the usual tourist crowds. You could purchase a motor bike (re-read my previous warnings), tour the coast for months, and not get bored with Surfing and the BEACH LIFE… Take care, it is just like CA…. Brazil is also home to Sharks. In Brazil “Tubarao” is for real… Do not surf all by yourself and make certain to inquire rather than assuming it is safe. In a number of locations in Brazil, surfers tend to exhibit “Locals Only” attitude. Make certain you honor territorial privileges.

Patong Beach - The best known beach on Phuket, a number of activities are available here and it features 3000 meters of soft sand, making it an ideal place to kick back and relax.

Karon - One more long, sandy beach located on Phuket, where one can find a variety of facilities, activities and restaurants.

A note about moving aroung

It is simpler to move around in Thailand than you might expect. Buses are fast, well-maintained, and air-conditioned. Buses are also available for women only, an attempt by the government to help protect female passengers.

Trains are comfortable and run on a regular schedule. Locally, tuk-tuks (rickshaws with motors), small pick-ups and bicycle rickshaws are utilized to get around. You can also rent a motorcycle or a car in any major city.

National festivals and holidays

New Year – Buddhists celebrate the New Year in mid-April by “bathing” Buddha. During this period, quite a bit of water is tossed around.

Bun Bang Fai Rocket Festival takes place during the second week in May. It is a traditional local festival that has been celebrated for hundreds of years. Locals wearing traditional costumes parade the rockets to the launch site, where folk music is played during the launch.

Phi Ta Khon Festival takes place in June. It is a unique ghost festival that takes place in Dan Sai district of Loei Province. It includes a masked procession, music, dancing and a contest is held to choose the person who is wearing the best mask.

Instructions

Step 1
Keep in mind that the farther away you are from the tourist attractions, the farther away you will be from people who are familiar with your native tongue (such as police, tour guides, fireman, hotel owners and staff, physicians, airport personnel). You’ll have to have a rudimentary knowledge of Portuguese just to do the most basic things, like… Locate a restroom, inquire about the location of a bus stop… Locate the hotel, or reach a restaurant…

Step 2
Besides which you might want to order different things rather than getting the same items everywhere you visit…

A Brazilian with whom I’m acquainted went to the US for a week and because he knew absolutely no English, he merely copied the person in front of him at McDonald’s. “Number 2 and a diet Coke please.” It was the only thing he knew how to say in English… And so he consumed the same food for just about a week…. Do not let this happen to you when you go to Brazil.

You could probably live on “Galetto Completo” but you’ll likely get sick of “Chicken and Rice”… Fejuada is fantastic… but if you’re unfamiliar with it or eat too much of it… It can have an effect on your digestive system… Make sure you eat oranges along with it… the citric acid lets your system break down the food and reduces the amount of gas that is produced.

If you come across a food called “Cabidella,” stay away from it. Except if you love the flavor of foods “cooked in a blood and vinegar gravy”. Keep in mind that is what Cabidella is. And you can recall that it is dangerous by the rhyme “Cabidella Kill A Fella!” Just repeat this several times until it stays on your mind…

But other items belong to the MUST TRY category!!! Such as Sausichau on a stick or Espetinao’s, which are similar to Shishkabobs, available close to the street taverns in nearly every town.

Also you will see roasted Cheese sticks (queijo de coalho) and small Chicken Kabobs enclosed in Bacon… Treats like that make the whole trip worthwhile.

Oh, and by the way… did I mention the greatest part? This is the most affordable food to eat. You could have a real feast on Kabobs for only a few R$’s!!!

Step 3
An excellent Bi-lingual dictionary can clear up a lot of things and start you out the right way. Place a little one in your shirt pocket and a regular one in your bag. When in difficulty, pull it out… look up the word in English and then let the person see it in Portuguese and pretty soon you’ll be either on the right track or completely perplexed… in any case, you’ll have a new buddy… and that means more to the Brazilians than when they have to be at appointments… so, develop some new friendships along your journey.

Step 4
I advise you to keep close to the coasts if you lack Portuguese skills as well as time to stay for more than awhile. Transportation will be easier for you (Just travel North or South and you can see the beach and figure out the direction you have to go). By the Coastline is where many large cities are located and that is the area where it will be simpler for you to find ATM’s and banks that can assist you.

Making trips to remote locations is still okay… just employ some common sense.

Step 5
If you have the two basic components to a fun time in Brazil (cash and spare time), you can do many things.

If you don’t have any financial problems while you are on vacation… plus, if you’ve got the time to travel… well… maybe 3-6 months worth of time?

A great time could be yours.

Usually good for 3 months, your Brazilian tourist Visa also contains a renewable clause to extend your stay for up to 6 months.

However, for your next 3 months to be activated, you have to let the federal police know about your intentions and prove to them you are financially able to support yourself. That is their chief concern. So, take along some evidence of your financial situation when you leave.

Keep in mind that the second three months is conditional, and you’ll have to pay a visit to the Federal Police about a week prior to the expiration of your visa and tell them the reason or reasons for staying longer… Do not attempt to deceive them about “Starting a Business” unless you have a Business Visa… You could end up returning home prematurely.

North America covers an area of about 24,709,000 square kilometers (9,540,000 square miles), about 4.8% of the planet’s surface or about 16.5% of its land area. As of July 2008, its population was estimated at nearly 529 million people. It is the third-largest continent in area, following Asia and Africa, and the fourth in population after Asia, Africa, and Europe.

Make your holiday plans well in advance: If you wait until the last minute, you may have to spend considerably more money on your tickets. Make preparations beforehand and purchase your tickets at an affordable price. At minimum 14 days before will help you receive a cheaper price.

Do you desire a vacation that is easy on your budget? Go for a vacation in camping. You won’t have to spend a fortune on hotels and you will be able to commune with nature. Camping is a wonderful way to spend a family vacation.

Every day you drive to work. Some tips to preserve your cash. Turn the engine off if you have to wait for over 15 seconds at a red stoplight. Ensure that the tires on your vehicle are always at the proper air pressure. You will get better mileage, thereby saving you money.

Stay away from 4 wheelers if you don’t have over two people traveling. If your destination is close, ride a bike or walk rather than using a vehicle.

This is how you will spend less on transportation and your holiday while saving money. Keep in mind that a penny saved is a penny earned! So continue to save for a nicer future at the same time you go to your destinations.

1. Determine exactly when you want to leave. If you aren’t pressed for time, you can plan your trip to make the most of special events, celebrations, and recreational and sightseeing activities along the way.

2. Get a map or buy a software package and sketch out your route. When you join Triple A, you will be able to get their TourBooks. These are really great for planning any cross-country trip.

3. Join clubs like AARP or AAA. They can give you discounts on lodging, attractions and other things you may enjoy in a variety of places. In the long term, you will spend less money. Take your membership card with you on the journey.

4. Make yourself a list of “must-see” sights. Figure out both the time you will spend seeing the sights and the time you will spend getting to them. When you are figuring your daily distance and time, be sure to include this information.

5. Be sure to make reservations for camping or lodging before you leave if you want to be sure you’ll have a place to sleep. If there is a particular hotel/motel chain that you like, you can call them and ask them to send you a national directory before you head out.

6. Prior to going away, get you car serviced completely. Be sure your mechanic lets you know about any problems your car may have. Plan to take these things with you on the trip: some tools, a spare tire, a fan belt, and during the summer, extra radiator hoses.

7. Be sure to get some food for your trip! If you are going to be traveling by car for a long time, be sure to have plenty of healthful snacks and fresh drinking water. Don’t eat too much junk food.

8. Get packed and depart in the morning with a tank full of gas. Take breaks frequently, and don’t drive for more than four hours at a shift. Be sure to refill your gas tank when it reaches the halfway mark.

9. Try not to drive over 600 miles – or 10 hours – each day. Follow this scheme when planning overnight stops.

Request that your tour or safari operator give you a complete itinerary. Try to figure out what is affordable for you and remember that usually, the money you pay corresponds to what you get: safaris are not ruled out, so be aware of what you will get!

Be cautious as to the inclusions and non-inclusions in the price. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, teas and at least two game viewing activities per day are included in the “Fully Inclusive” rate. Additionally, while “Full Board” may appear to be good, it only contains your meals. Each safari event is priced separately – usually at an extra $100-$200+ per person per day.

Remember that a ten-day tour is nine nights, and if that amount is including your time flying in and out of Africa, the actual safari might be as short as 6 nights.

Verify that park costs are a part of the price you’re quoted. This could be $30 per each person, each day, however for two people on a ten-day safari, that’s an extra $600!

Inquire whether taxes are extra

America was named in 1507 by cartographers Martin Waldseemüller and Matthias Ringmann after Amerigo Vespucci, who was the first European to suggest that the lands newly discovered by Europeans were not India, but a New World unknown to Europeans.

First of all, do your paperwork.

1. Apply for a passport: You cannot enter the country without one. Naturally, this requires that you have a passport.

Americans can start planning their visit by visiting the website for the Passport Services of the U. S. State Department. As well, US citizens can obtain passport applications at any federal or state courthouse or the local post office. Look in your phone book for the government listings of locations. After you pay your fee, you passport will be good for ten years. Here is what you must bring with you to get your passport: 2 photographs, a birth certificate or certificate of citizenship or naturalization (some form of proof of citizenship).

Canadians can visit the Canadian Passport Office Website. Alternately, you can send a paper letter to: Canadian Passport Office Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada Gatineau QC K1A 0G3 (800) 567-6868

Getting a visa: Now that you have your passport, you must get a visa. If you are from anywhere but New Zealand, you must get a passport before you go on your trip. There is no charge for visas for tourists. After 1 year, they expire and are only valid for 3 months.

Application for a visa for Australia is done by two methods:

1. A 3 month visa can be obtained by visiting (www.eta.immi.gov.au/), the Electronic Travel Authority. They don’t stamp your passport anymore. They store the information electronically, and it only takes a few minutes.

2. A three-month tourist visa is typical; however, other types of visas are available in the US.

Go to the Australian Embassy, located at 1601 Massachusetts Avenue, Northwest, Washington, D.C 20036-2273 You can call: (202) 797 3000 or fax: (202) 797 3168. You can write or visit the Australian Consulate General 50 East 42nd Street, 34th Floor New York, NY 10017-5612 Voice: (212) 351-6500 Fax: (212) 351-6501 And in Canada, at: Australian High Commission Suite 710 50 O’Connor Street Ottawa, ON K1P 6L2 Voice: (613) 236-0841 Fax: (613) 236-4376 Be diligent about getting your visas. You will not be allowed on the plane if you do not possess one. Also, when you buy your ticket, remember that you will have to show the customs officials in Australia that you have an exit strategy planned. You must either have a return ticket or another ticket to go somewhere else. Overstaying your visa is a major offense. If, after your three months is over, you want to extend your stay, you can seek permission from the Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs.

Trip Planning

1. Determine when you want to visit: Don’t forget, the seasons in Australia are the opposite of those in the Northern Hemisphere. Therefore, summer comes in December and winter arrives in July. Two thirds of Australia is a temperate climate zone. This area is in the south. The temperatures range from 32 to 59 degrees F (0 to 15 degrees C) in winter to 59 to 87 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C) in summer. It is not common for snow to fall here, but don’t plan on a beach vacation in the winter.

Temperatures in the northern third of Australia range from 68 to 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C) in winter and up to 104 degrees F (40 degrees C) in summer, making it the hottest part of this continent. Rainfall divides the season. November to April is the wet season. May to October is the dry season. Be sure to check the weather forecast before you head out. In the wet season, you could get drenched, and the roads could be treacherous.

Of course, you and everybody else wants to travel during the warm, dry time of year. Summer vacation, which starts in late November and ends in mid-February, is usually the time when most Australians travel. Make plans long in advance to avoid high prices during these months.

Well, if you have made it this far, you must really be determined to visit Australia, so you should fly! The bad news is that it is costly. If you do not have flexibility in your travel schedule, be prepared to pay more money for your tickets.

Regardless, it is always a good idea to compare as you shop. Here are some online services to check out:

* Cyber Air Broker
* Austravel
* SideStep
* Priceline
* Air Brokers
* Travel CUTS
* Student Travel Australia

Then again, maybe you are unconcerned about the date of your Australian journey. You can save some money by traveling as an air courier if you have a lot of flexibility. An air courier transports documents or packages overseas in payment for greatly reduced flights. It is less expensive to send luggage by freight than by cargo. That’s why companies prefer couriers. Of course, your package will go through customs, so be sure there is nothing illegal in it. The problem with this is that you must be ready to move at the drop of a hat, and you won’t have a lot (or any) space for your bags. Even so, it is a great idea if you don’t have much money but cannot wait to visit Australia. Look into The International Association of Air Travel Couriers (www.courier.org) for additional information.

Get your money ready: Paying in Australian dollars will save you money in the end. Upon your arrival, you should immediately exchange your money. Although, you don’t want to end up with nothing at all. As you prepare for your trip, make sure to exchange enough money to last you for about 3 days in Australia. The rates for currencies are always being revised.

There is a departure tax to be remitted when you leave Australia by flying. Check ahead to make sure that the amount you paid for your ticket includes it, so that you are not caught off guard and delay people waiting in line as you search for spare change.

Summary:

Madrid: In the 16th century, Spain made Madrid its capital, and is proud of its nightlife which can cause traffic jams at 5am. Enjoy the Moorish quarter close to the Royal Palace, then continue on to the Centro Reina Sofia museum that features paintings by Dali, Picasso, and Bacon. Next, visit the Museo del Prado to browse the art, then retire to the Parque del Buen Retiro, a serene area with a large artificial lake in the center. Toledo, which dates from the fourth century, and is known for its fabulous cathedral, and quiet nightlife, is about 45 miles to the southwest.

Barcelona: Barcelona has remained popular since playing host to the Olympic Games in 1992. It is known for the narrow alleyways in its Gothic quarter, the Sagrada Familia cathedral, the renowned Museo Picasso that focuses on Picasso’s blue period art, and narrow walkways through the shopping area Passeig de Gracia or Montjudc, which is a hill close to the city center. You can frolic in the sun, sand and sea if you take a side trip to the Balearic Islands of Ibiza, Mallorca and Menorca. You can also take in some archaeology and architecture.

Pamplona: The San Fermin Festival is a yearly, week-long event of bulls and partying, that has been going on for over a century. Parties and celebrations can continue throughout the night, and you’ll often come across someone asleep either alongside, or even in the middle of the street. It’s wise to run with the bulls on the first day, if you want to risk it, as there is safety in numbers, and be aware of your exits!

Seville: Located in the western area of the Moorish Andalucia province, the Rio Guadalquivir courses through Seville, where one can find fiestas, flamenco and bullfighting. Begin sightseeing at Alcázar, the royal complex. The Mudejar Palacio de Don Pedro is located at its center. Nearby is the Cathedral which houses Christopher Columbus’s tomb and the Islamic La Giralda minaret towers over it. The Archive of the Indies is also located here, which houses books about restoration projects dating back to the 15th century.

Tips

1. Wind Farms: European countries, including Spain, are moving toward renewable sources of energy. Thus, it is possible to see amazing views of some of these wind turbines. Sometimes hundreds are located in one area, particularly along the eastern areas.
2. Basque Movement: Spain consists of many different cultures and each one is special and independent. Of these, the Basque ETA has created some international concern, although they pursue their separatist agenda by focusing on political targets.
3. Local Traditions: Only tourists typically wear shorts, and it’s customary to dress a little nicer for churches and shrines. Usually people greet each other with two kisses, after expressing dos besos. The weather grows warmer and the natives are more friendly the farther south you go.
4. Food: Tapas are small meals that use a variety of ingredients like small fried fish or local sausage. A few famous dishes include gazpacho, which is a type of cold tomato soup, and paella, consisting of rice, chicken and shellfish.
5. Common words: Si = Yes, no = no, hola = hello, por favor = please, gracias = thank you, usted habla inglés? = do you speak English?
6. Tipping: Hotels will add a service charge to the bill, however maids and bellhops typically expect small tips. Tipping is not required, but it is customary to leave a small tip at bars, pubs, and restaurants, and a larger tip at higher-class restaurants. The usual tip for cab drivers is less than a Euro.

1. Fernando de Noronha

The most important island in a group of 21 islands that has the same name, Fernando de Noronha is located 340 km from Recife – Pernambuco and was established as a National Marine Park in 1988. There are two types of beaches: those that point to Brazil (10 beaches and Dolphin Bay) and those that point to Africa (4 beaches that feature natural pools and a stream).

2. Praia da Pipa

Situated in the southern coast of Rio Grande do Norte, this beach is 90 km from Natal. It features 10 km of beaches where it is possible to swim, walk and enjoy the golden sand, natural pools of warm water, coconut palms and breathtaking cliffs. Additionally, this beach is a place where turtles and dolphins live.

3. The beach of Jericoacoara

Until about two decades ago, this beach was a simple fishing village that did not have electricity. There is electricity now, but it remains peaceful and tranquil as always. The reason is that it is not easy to get to the beach. Actually, Jericoacoara means Buca di turtles and is so named because turtles on this beach should be reunited with their eggs. The sunset on the beach is what causes it to be special.

4. Porto de Galinhas

There is an interesting history for the shores of the port of chickens. Slave trading was banned in the 19th century by the Brazilian government; it had been very common in Recife. Nonetheless, the pirates ignored the law and continued to trade by landing slaves at more secluded beaches. When the “black ships”, as the ships that continued trade were called, arrived in port, they avoided suspicion by utilizing coded messages like: “There are new chickens on the beach.” Chickens, of course, were slaves, and that is how the beach came to be called Porto of chickens.

5. Canoa Quebrada

Stumbled upon by the hippies in the Sixties, Canoa Quebrada is an ancient and little village atop a cliff. Here the ocean is quite transparent. It is surrounded by huge, multicolored dunes from which it is possible to see “the magic of the sunset.” When the moon is full, the sea acts as a mirror, and it appears as if the moon is dancing on the water. Special consideration should be placed on the dunes and cliffs because the beach’s ecosystem is quite sensitive.

6. Morro de Sao Paulo

One of the most popular destinations is Morro de Sao Paulo. It boasts some of the top beaches in Brazil, with clean sand, palm trees, warm water, crystals and fauna. With beaches below and homes above, the Morro is a type of volcano. On top of the hill is where it resides, and has a great view and easy access to the beach. Cars are prohibited.

The boundaries of Oceania are defined in a number of ways. Most definitions include Australia, New Zealand and all or part of the Malay Archipelago. Ethnologically, the islands that are included in Oceania are divided into the subregions of Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia.

Estonia

A special holiday location is beautiful Estonia. Located in northeastern Europe, it is bordered by Latvia, Russia, the Baltic Sea and the Gulf of Finland. The nature of Estonia is unique, with many nostalgic small towns. A number of regions are available for you to visit, and I suggest that you purchase a tour that includes all of them. Many of the Estonia, Finland and Latvia tour packages include unusual opportunities unique to each region.

The capital of Estonia is Tallinn, and the historical center of the city is Toompea. It features cobblestone streets, medieval houses and alleyways, as well as what is left of the city wall that still stands guard over the lower portion of the town. There are green parks near the wall that are great for walking. The UNESCO World Heritage List included Tallinn in 1997.

Finland

A gorgeous country, tourism is now central to Finland’s economy. Finland annually attracts more than four million tourists. The nation’s regions consist of lovely rural areas decorated with inviting lakes, pine trees, and several hill sides.

Tourists can go to quite a few international festivals during the months of summer in Finland. Tourists can also join in on the singing and dancing at many of the street markets. In Finland, tourists can enjoy the many holiday cottages and chalets during their visit. It provides an excellent way for them to get a taste of the local culture and food.

Latvia

A great destination for tourists, with Latvia having many tourist places to visit. For example, one natural wonder is Dzilezers-Riebezers Nature Preserve. The many lakes and scenic areas create a preserve that is a special spot for people looking for a calm location. You might see a group of rare ash trees when strolling down a walkway. From 1890-1897, the Cesvaine Castle was constructed. As one of the nicest examples of architecture, Cesvaine features neo-renaissance interior walls that are decorated with stucco designs and ceiling ornamentation.

The continent is surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea to the north, both the Suez Canal and the Red Sea along the Sinai Peninsula to the northeast, the Indian Ocean to the southeast, and the Atlantic Ocean to the west. The continent has 54 sovereign states, including Madagascar, various island groups, and the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic, a member state of the African Union whose statehood is disputed by Morocco.

Europe is the world’s second-smallest  continent by surface area, covering about 10,180,000 square kilometres (3,930,000 sq mi) or 2% of the Earth’s surface and about 6.8% of its land area. Of Europe’s approximately 50 states, Russia is the largest by both area and population (although the country covers both Europe and Asia), while the Vatican City is the smallest. Europe is the third-most populous continent after Asia and Africa, with a population of 731 million or about 11% of the world’s population. However, according to the United Nations (medium estimate), Europe’s share may fall to about 7% by 2050. In 1900, Europe’s share of the world’s population was 25%.

1. Manali: Manali is located in the center of the Himalayas. That’s where you can have fun participating in adventure sports like skiing, hiking, and trekking. It provides both a relaxing and exciting adventure, making it one of the most fun destinations in India.

2. Ladakh: Ladakh is an obscure spot in northern India. Adventure seekers will be amazed by the barren highlands, high slopes, and frozen landscape. Hiking, camping, mountain climbing and river rafting are the most famous adventure activities here. Naturally, you should remember to see the old Buddhist monasteries at this location.

3. Valley of Flowers: If you have ever dreamed of visiting a fairyland, your dream will come true when you enter the Valley of Flowers. You are sure to be mesmerized by its beauty. Before 1931, the Valley of Flowers was virtually unknown to the rest of the world. Ever since its discovery, many adventure and nature lovers visit annually.

4. Lakshadweep: The amazing island system of Lakshadweep is located a mere 200-250 km from Malabar’s Coast of Kerala. The only coral islands of India are located here, where you can explore the marine life and also be ministered to by the simple and friendly natives of the island.

5. Rajasthan: While you are visiting Thar Desert, the most populated desert in the world, pay a visit to Rajasthan for a Camel Safari Adventure. In addition, you can opt to stay overnight in the desert, where a number of travel companies provide luxury camps.

6. Auli: Auli has rapidly become a major skiing adventure destination of the world. The Himalayan Mountains provide stunning views that make it the ultimate location for skiers. The steep slopes are an incredible challenge for the skiers.

Asia is traditionally defined as part of the landmass  of Eurasia  — with the western portion of the latter occupied by Europe — located to the east of the Suez Canal, east of the Ural Mountains and south of the Caucasus Mountains (or the Kuma-Manych Depression) and the Caspian and Black Seas. It is bounded on the east by the Pacific Ocean, on the south by the Indian Ocean and on the north by the Arctic Ocean. Given its size and diversity, Asia — a toponym dating back to classical antiquity — is more a cultural concept incorporating a number of regions and peoples than a homogeneous physical entity (see Subregions of Asia, Asian people).

Ko Chang

This island, situated in eastern Thailand, has been the site of much development in the past few years, however, fortunately it is still fairly deserted. It is among Thailand’s finest islands; given that Thailand includes hundreds of islands, this should tell you a lot. All around the island, you will find blue water and white sand beaches; even the monsoon season is milder here than it is in other areas.

Perenthian Islands

These two picturesque islands are situated off the eastern coast of Malaysia. They offer clear skies and water with beautiful white sand beaches. The picturesque location is the ideal place to lounge in a hammock.

Bali

For people visiting Indonesia, Bali is a major tourist locale and is one of the most popular islands on the planet. In addition, there is a very good reason for this — all kinds of activities are available here. You can surf, lie in the sun, climb a mountain, visit temples, watch shows with Balinese dancers, and more. Everything you can think of is here, affordable and gorgeous.

Stay tuned for first reviews very soon!