19 Feb 09 A Few Hong Kong Travel Tips
Travelling to Hong Kong can be a completely different experience for you, especially if you’ve never been to the country before. It’s a very interesting mixture of cultures, one that is very fun to experience. Here are a few tips if you plan on travelling to Hong Kong.
During the winter months (December – February), Hong Kong can experience temperatures in the single degrees. You’ll certainly want to pack heavy coats. Even between March and May, temperatures rarely rise about 30 degrees, although the humidity is fairly high. Summer can be pretty warm, however, as can the beginning of autumn. It’s often almost too humid for a coat, especially during the warmer seasons.
If you easily get cold, however, you may want to take a long-sleeved shirt or jacket for when you’re inside your hotel or eating at a restaurant. That’s because they tend to have the air conditioning set on high, making them very cold. While this may feel good at first, by the end of your meal, you may be freezing.
When you plan your travel dates, you may want to avoid April through October if possible. This is Hong Kong’s busy tourism season, and while it is a fairly lengthy part of the year, you’ll also find a lot to during the rest of the year. Also note that hotels in Hong Kong are much more expensive on the weekends, and you’ll certainly want to book in advance, especially if you’re visiting during the peak season.
You won’t have to worry too much about the language barrier—Hong Kong’s officially has two languages, English and Chinese (Hong Kong was actually a colony of Great Britain until about 15 years ago). Note, though, that not everyone speaks English fluently, and some signs and restaurants feature Chinese characters only. If you’re uncertain how to find your destination, you may ask your hotel staff to write the address for you in Chinese just in case.
Tags: Chinese, Hong Kong, hotel, hotels, travelling
13 Feb 09 Four Family Friendly Things to do in The Algarve
If you’re visiting the area of Portugal known as the Algarve with your family, there are many different things you can do as a group. While there are some activities aimed specifically at children and some aimed at adults, these four attractions can be enjoyed by people of all ages.
Note that these four locations are not grouped together and you’ll have to travel a bit from your hotel to reach each one. If you’re the type who likes to stay at Algarve hotels in the middle of the sites you want to visit so you can walk to each one, you’ll be out of luck here.
The first attraction is the Omega Parque Zoo. The zoo is located up in the mountains of the Algarve, and it features many different endangered species. The zoo features both entertaining exhibits and educational ones, many of which focus on the work being done to save these endangered animals. Getting to the zoo is a bit of a drive, but you can catch a bus from Portimao.
The Zoo Marine water zoo focuses on dolphins, sea lions, seals, and other denizens of the sea. There are a number of different shows each day, and you can even swim with the dolphins if you call ahead and make reservations. It’s quite the experience, but again, driving there is also an experience…the road to the Zoo Marine is very windy!
If you’d rather swim without the dolphins, the Slide and Splash Aqua Park located near Lagoa is very popular. There are many different water slides and rides for those seeking some excitement, but there are also Jacuzzi tubs and other relaxing pools, too. Be sure to pack your sunscreen, however, and perhaps a lunch or some snacks as the lines for food can be quite long.
Finally, Krazy World is another fun amusement park-type attraction, although it doesn’t include roller coasters or other rides. Instead, you’ll find several miniature golf courses, a large swimming pool, a petting zoo, pony rides, and several animal shows.
Tags: hotel, Lagoa, Omega Parque Zoo, Portimao, Portugal, Slide and Splash Aqua Park, the Algarve
12 Jan 09 Visiting Barcelona with Children
Barcelona, Spain, has a number of amazing things to do and places to see, but not all of them are meant for families with small children. However, Barcelona does have many activities that kids will enjoy. Here are a few places you may want to check out if you’re in Barcelona with your family.
The first is the zoo located in Parc Ciutadella. This is one of the larger zoos in Europe and will keep you and your family busy for an entire day. There are many different animals on display and different activities for children to enjoy. The Barcelona aquarium is another great place to take your children. It’s the largest aquarium in Europe and features a huge number of fish and other forms of sea life.
Kids may also enjoy riding the cable car from Barceloneta beach to Montjuic. The view at the top is amazing, although if you or your children are afraid of heights, you may want to pass on this.
If your children are a bit older and love sweets, a trip to the chocolate museum might be of interest to them. Here, you’ll get to see how chocolate is made and how it goes from the factory to the store. You’ll also, of course, get to try some samples and relax in the museum’s café at the end of the tour.
Whilst most Barcelona hotels are good quality, you will need to take extra care if taking children on holiday. It can be a nightmare if you pick a bad hotel when on holiday with children.
Poble Espanyol, located on Montjuic, is a fun place to explore after riding the cable car. This little village highlights many of the different architectural styles used in Spain. You’ll find many different craft shops featuring live demonstrations. There are some great kid’s activities in Poble Espanyol, many of which guide them in creating their own works of art. The Magical Fountain of Montjuic, a live show featuring water acrobatics, lights, music, and more, is also a fun activity for the entire family.
Tags: Barcelona, Europe, Parc Ciutadella, Spain
06 Jan 09 Visiting Oslo
Oslo, Norway, is the capital of the Scandinavian country. Founded in 1624, Oslo has had several names over the years, but it has always featured beautiful architecture and a great view of the ocean. As the largest city in Norway, Oslo is home to over 500,000 people. While it is a fun holiday location for those looking for something a bit different, it’s not cheap—Oslo is ranked as one of the most expensive places to live and visit in the world, but that does mean there are some fantastic hotels in Oslo. However, this shouldn’t deter you from visiting the city and seeing everything it has to offer.
If you’re looking for something very unique and very Norwegian to see while you’re in Oslo, check out the Museum of Cultural History at the University of Oslo. In addition to featuring many great works of art and providing historical information about the city and Norway, there’s one impressive sight that must be seen: the Viking ship housed in the Viking Ship Museum. There are actually several ships in the museum, the most famous of which are the Gokstad and Oseberg ships. These vessels are incredibly old but amazingly preserved.
If seeing old boats isn’t exactly exciting to you, you might want to spend some time wandering around Oslo. You can visit the Oslo City Hall, for example. The City Hall is the location of the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony, and many famous dignitaries from around the world have walked its halls. You can also see the Royal Palace, the Oslo Cathedral, or the Storting, Norway’s parliament building.
If you’d like to take in a show, Oslo has several different venues. They include the Oslo Opera House and the New National Opera House. Another fun way of spending the day is to take a tour of the botanical gardens. If you’d rather do some exploring, you can take a ferry out to Oslofjord islands.
Tags: holiday location, Nobel Peace Prize, Norway, Oslo, Scandinavia, Viking Ship Museum
03 Dec 08 Dublin Travel Guide
Dublin is a beautiful city full of history and culture spanning back one thousand years and just walking through the city will allow you to see some of the magnificent buildings while enjoying the relaxing atmosphere.
The world famous Guinness Storehouse is Ireland’s number one visitor attraction with a history that began over 250 years ago. Obviously, you cannot come to Ireland without having a taste of the black stuff that the land has become so famous for, but why not find out all there is to know about Guinness while you are there?
Following on the alcohol theme, there is a wonderful Traditional Irish Music Pub Crawl on which you can participate, starting at Temple Bar. A combination of drinking and music is a winning one and when you work out that this is almost a part of Irish tradition, this tour is bound to attract your attention!
Once you have woken up the morning after stumbling to one of the fine hotels in Dublin, the first thing that is bound to cure that hangover is some food, and thankfully there are plenty of places in which you can dine in Dublin. The Tea Room, also set in Temple Bar, is reportedly the most elegant and finest of its kind in Ireland. Serving more traditional dishes with a little bit of a twist, you are guaranteed to keep the hunger pangs at bay while enjoying some of the finest Irish delights.
The Mermaid Cafe is also a popular eating place in Dublin with its fantastic reputation for simple, yet first class food. It has a warm atmosphere with an open planned kitchen which is bound to keep you warm on even the coldest if days!
Once you have eaten and are fit for bursting, you may want to consider burning off those calories with a leisurely stroll around Phoenix Park, one of the world’s largest parks. Here you can really get back to nature with deer roaming around you and there is also a zoo in the beautiful gardens. Of course, if you are feeling slightly delicate after your drinking tour of Dublin, you could always consider being chauffeured by a horse drawn carriage!
There are plenty of things to do in Dublin, no matter what your tastes but it can be guaranteed that you will leave with some very fond memories of the Irish!
Tags: Dublin, Guinness Storehouse, Ireland, Phoenix Park, Temple Bar
22 Sep 08 San Francisco Travel Guide
Counted among the most visited cities in the world, San Francisco is a major city of California in the United States of America. The city is situated on a small square of land (11 km x 11 km) at the tip of a peninsula, which lies between San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Coast. San Francisco is made up of eleven districts including the famous Fisherman’s Wharf. The city has a population of eight hundred thousand and its largest industry is tourism, partly because of the mild weather throughout the year.
To get around San Francisco, walking is an interesting option but you should know what you are doing and where you are headed. The city also has a comprehensive public transport system – among the best in the country with a major chunk of public transit taken care of by the Municipal Railway or Muni, which consists of streetcars, buses, the metro and cable cars. Bicycles are also an alternative mode of transportation in the city, although the terrain is hilly and difficult to negotiate. Taxis are expensive and inefficient, and should be avoided– the same with cars.
San Francisco has a lot to offer by way of tourist spots – the most significant of the sights is the Golden Gate Bridge, the most recognisable of San Francisco’s landmarks. In fact, it is counted among the Seven Wonders of the Modern World. Other attractions include the famous cable cars between Market Street and Fisherman’s Wharf, the Coit Tower, the tall Transamerica Pyramid, the twisty Lombard Street and the famous neighbourhoods of Fisherman’s Wharf and Chinatown. San Francisco also has museums, parks, a couple of good beaches and the San Francisco Zoo which are worth a visit. Taking a guided tour of the city will help visitors explore it completely.
There are a number of events and festivals held throughout the year in San Francisco and the sports teams of the city feature in the national leagues of baseball and football. Most of San Francisco still conforms to the old way of shopping, that is, through small businesses in the hands of local owners. The typical souvenir shops for tourists can be found at Fisherman’s Wharf, and Union Square has a few upscale retail stores and some shopping centres.
You can find every cuisine imaginable in San Francisco; however ‘sushi’ is the most popular dish. Restaurants are varied and prices range from low to expensive. The nightlife in San Francisco is pretty good, and there are a number of good Irish pubs in the city; reason enough for a visit to the city, you would think!
17 Sep 08 An evening in Hong Kong
With more and more people starting to travel more towards Asian countries, people are discovering some of the age old relics and mysteries that are associated with Hong Kong. For centuries people have always been awed by the mystery and magic that is associated with the Asian countries and Hong Kong in popular. There are those who want to know more about the country who martial arts have been made famous all over the world and some of these tourists also visit Hong Kong to know more about legends like Jacky Chan. The quaint market shops, the noodle shops, the hustle and bustle of the bazaars plus the opportunity to haggle over seemingly antique items mixed along with the latest in electronics is what makes Hong Kong a league apart from the other tourist spots.
Few people know that Hong Kong is one of the most popular tourist spots of Asia and the main reason for this is that people have a biased opinion about this city. They cannot imagine that such a small city can be so popular, but when they take a look at the city for themselves they are left wondering. With a night life that can be compared to many other cities and a culture and religion that is based on Buddhism, Hong Kong is a doorway to the East. If anyone is planning to visit Asia, they must include Honk Kong in their itinerary. The populations of Hong Kong are well versed in English and the English education of this country is second only to the Philippines and India in the Asian region.
This alone makes traveling in Hong Kong a great pleasure since the tourists do not face any communication problems. If you want to ask directions to any place or if you want to haggle over the price of any bric brac there are no problems since most of the natives are well versed in English. The Chinese culinary is a must for those who love Eastern foods and one will be amazed at the low rates that they have to pay for purchasing these foods from the roadside stalls. However, if you thought that Hong Kong is all about cheap stuff, you have missed out of some research. There are quite a number of luxury hotels in Hong Kong where you can lead the most luxurious of lives.
If you are a McDonald’s aficionado you can find them in Hong Kong and if you would rather prefer the local food then you might well try out Chinese specialties like fried whole trout, tong cho oysters, tofu dishes, Peking duck, soft shell crabs, stuffed scallops among many others. There are eateries that are dedicated to serving western food so that you will never be alienated. Check out the Buddhist Monasteries and the pagodas. Chant some Buddhist mantras like `Buddham Sharanam Gachchami’ (Buddha I bow my head to you in reverence) and feel the peace of heart in Hong Kong, a city where myth meets modernization.
Tags: Food, Hong Kong, Tourist Guide
15 Sep 08 Oslo the green city
Unknown to many people and tourists, the city of Oslo has been the capital of Norway ever since 1814. Those who visit the city of Oslo do so to know more about the history of the Norwegians and also to se some of its famous sights like the fjords. This city of Oslo houses both the parliament and government buildings and even the royal palace of Norway is located in the city of Oslo. Surrounded by hilly forests, Oslo is a famous tourist spot for those who love nature and the outdoors and also for those who love outdoor activities. There are countless parks all over the city of Oslo and regardless of your location in Oslo, you shall be able to locate a park within a few blocks.
If one is interested to se the famous beaches that are located in Oslo Fjord islands, they have to take a 10 minute boat ride from the city center. The city of Oslo is also famous for its 8 ski centers. At a time when most of the cities around the world are trying to become green in an order to avoid global warning, Oslo has already taken up the initiative a long time back. In the year 2007 Oslo was declared as the world’s second greenest and one of the most livable cities of the world by Reader’s Digest magazine. You can find whatever you expect from any other capital in Oslo too.
Apart from a thriving cultural life one can also find great quantity of attractions like restaurants and shopping centers that are not available anywhere else in Scandinavia. The snow cloaked winter forests of Oslo make it a favorite haunt for tourists who are interested in winter sports. Have you ever experienced a dogsleigh ride? If not, check out for the same in Oslo during the winter season. Once you have enjoyed this ride, you might end up the day by dining out in one of the multi starred restaurants of Oslo. There are countless tourist spots that one can see when they are visiting Oslo and one of them is the famous 13th century castle, Akershus Castle that was built by King Hakon V.
Important functions of Norway along with government events are conducted in the entrance room of this castle. This old structure was later converted during the Christian IV era into a renaissance castle. Tourists who visit Oslo are recommended to check out various aspects of this castle, especially its chapel and the tomb of the founder, Hakon V. Lovers of art can find paintings of world renowned artists like Edvard Munch and they can be viewed at the Munch Meuseum. One visiting Oslo can also find the paintings of Edvard Munch displayed at the National Gallery too where one can also check out another world renowned painting, `The Scream’. Apart from that one can also find paintings from most renowned Norwegian painters in the National Gallery. Though this gallery hosts paintings that were made prior to 1945, those who are visiting Oslo and are interested in recent paintings are recommended to visit the national Museum of Contemporary Arts.
13 Sep 08 Vienna Travel Guide
The capital of Austria and the tenth most populated city in the European Union, Vienna has a very high quality of live. Playing host to a number of international organisations, Vienna lies on the River Danube. The people of Vienna make the visitors feel as if they belong to the city and with the way the city is laid out it is also extremely convenient for travellers. Summer in Vienna is warm and ideal for visitors, whereas winter gets cold and windy.
Vienna’s public transport system, which includes the underground, tram, buses and the commuter rail, is comprehensive and useful for transit within the city. Most hotels in Vienna will have full information on the public transport options. The tram and the rail operate for the best part of the day, and tickets at a discount are available for children. The bus service is also extremely efficient but taxis are not a wise option and are generally expensive, plus the taxi drivers are not always on your side. Driving a car is also not a reasonable alternative - the streets are mostly narrow and one-way. Cycling is a viable alternative since the size of Vienna is quite compact. There are also many paths demarcated for bicycles. Walking on foot through the city is a pleasant experience, and very common.
The sights and sounds of Vienna are of varied interest. There are a number of museums to look up - the Museum of Fine Arts in Vienna (Kunsthistorisches Museum) is one of the finest art museums in the world. Other museums include the Imperial Treasury, the New Palace, the famous Belvedere Museum, the Liechtenstein Museum and Vienna House of the Arts, and a few more. The Opera House is one of the biggest landmarks of Vienna and a fine example of Viennese art. The impressive Schloss Sconbrunn and Hofburg Palace provide the visitors with a chance to experience the heritage of Vienna. Other attractions in the city include the Austrian National Library, the Parliament, the Haus des Meeres Aquarium Zoo, the Secession Building and the Gasometer.
Shopping in Vienna is all about malls (such as the massive Shopping City Sud) and flea markets. Unique to Vienna is the concept of Christmas markets - not a lot to do with shopping, but more to do with gathering for a drink of mulled wine. Restaurants in Vienna generally name their dishes from a confusing variety of terms, but the food is delicious. New wine is usually enjoyed in Vienna and white is more common than red.
It is no wonder, then, that Vienna is such an important tourist destination.
13 Sep 08 Venice Travel Guide
Perhaps the most beautiful of all places in the world, Venice in Italy has a romantic charm about it that transcends all. Venice is essentially a sanctuary on a lagoon, and retains most of the character that it had at the time of its foundation. Venice is a monument to the days of the Renaissance in all its glory. The historic culture of the city is rich and proud. In fact, Venice is such a popular destination that tourists outnumber the residents. The best time to visit Venice is in the spring or autumn, but you’ll have to book early as most Venice hotels are usually full. Visitors need to be careful about Acqua alta, or high water, which is a part of life in Venice - the lagoon water floods the streets several times a year.
Another feature that separates Venice from other cities is the fact that cars are completely absent - Venice is a pedestrian city (which makes it understandably unique) and the distances are all easily covered on foot - walking around is quite an experience for tourists, taking in the beautiful sights. There are also a number of water buses (called the vaporetti) and water taxis if you’re in a hurry. A gondola ride is a romantic alternative to travel. If a gondola ride appears to be a little expensive, the alternative is to cross the Grand Canal by traghetto, which is more of a gondola which has seen the light of day.
While the beauty of Venice is in its uniqueness, there are a few tourist spots which are simply not worth missing. The church of St. Mark’s Basilica (or the San Marco) is a work of art and you need to be appropriately dressed to enter the church. Other churches include San Giovanni e Paolo, St. Maria and so on. There are also museums which merit a nice day trip - the Doge’s Palace and Correr Museum are prominent among them.
The Rialto Market and Rialto Bridge (also known as Ponte di Rialto) are quite easily recognisable as symbols of Venice and have a history of over eight hundred years. Shopping is quite a hit in Venice and there are stores on every corner - you can find nearly everything you need in Venice. Venice is home to plenty of exquisite restaurants and they mainly feature the cuisine of the Veneto. Tourists must sample Venice’s trademark dish, which would be cuttlefish. There are also a number of fantastic bars in the city and visitors should try the famous Veneto Grappa.
Venice is the perfect romantic spot for tourists and it’s no wonder that so many tourists head to the city throughout the year.
