Vacation Hot Spots for Singles

Vacation Hot Spots for Singles

by Johnathan Bakers

For many singles vacations are a little bit awkward. You want to see new places, but it would be more fun to see new places with someone else. There are a number of vacation spots that are very popular for singles, or those who just want to make a few new friends. Remember that making friends on a vacation spot is much different to lets say buying property in Spain. So be prepared to have a different mindset when going on such a vacation.

Winter Park, Colorado

This is a skier's paradise. After a day on the slopes the people who visit this location often head into the sybaritic hot tub to relax and socialize. In addition the evenings are filled with social events that encourage mingling with good food, catered by a gourmet chef, and a very friendly atmosphere.

Island of Crete, Greece

It's single travelers only at this family owned and operated hotel. Since you know everyone else there is single too, it's a great location to meet new people, and enjoy breathtaking views of the sea, countryside, and mountains. Spend time on the beach, or wander through the local area enjoying local cuisine and nightlife.

British Virgin Islands

A trip to the islands is an automatic set up for a fabulous social environment. Once you are in the British Virgin Islands there are a number of luxury yachts that offer trips for singles that want to enjoy the island life above and below water. On some of the yachts you will travel island to island over night with endless scuba, snorkeling or shore activities every day.

Miami, Florida

Nothing says single like the nightlife on South Beach in Miami. This art filled community has a leisurely pace during the day of visiting museums and shops and really comes to life with a number of hot clubs and bars at night. If you stay at the So Nesta Hotel and Suites Coconut Grove your days can be spent sipping a cocktail or two at the Sailboat Bay Café while you watch the world move by..

Jamaica

For a real taste of the Caribbean, head to Jamaica. Montego bay is a bustling area with many convenient accommodations including The Half Moon which has 419 rooms and villas, as well as easy access to water sports and land sports such as golf. Hawaii

If you want a one-stop place to enjoy many aspects of the planet, Hawaii is it. If you stay at the Hilo Seaside Hotel it is a short trip to the Volcano National Park. The hotel is in the midst of Japanese and Hawaiian gardens including a Japanese Rock Garden and Hawaiian Tropical Garden. Taking advantage of the many water sports is a simple trip to the shore.

Mexico. Lounge or party in Mexico where you can choose beach, rain forest, or mountain destinations. You can also enjoy great food and drink while learning about a new culture.

Cancun

There are singles-only events at the Golden Crown Paradise Spa resort. Experience white beaches by day and a party atmosphere at night. New York

An upstate New York Trip may include wine tasting, a picnic lunch and horseback riding in the rolling hills. The Millbrook Vineyards and Winery offers the complete experience of lunch picnic with a wine glass keepsake.

French Canada

This area has the romance of France and England intertwined. During the day history and culture, at night it comes alive with a fast nightlife.

East Coast Florida Beaches

East Coast Florida Beaches

by Peter Kenny

Although people planning a vacation in Florida often concentrate on places like Walt Disney World, Miami Beach and Palm Beach, there are miles of white sand beaches which lie along both the Atlantic Coast and the Gulf Coast of Florida. Unlike other Atlantic Coast beaches, Florida's sandy stretches are actually increasing in size rather than decreasing due to erosion. If you were to walk the beaches of Florida at the rate of one mile per day, you would be enjoying the beaches for more than two and a half years. Although this sounds like an enjoyable way to visit the beaches of the state, for most people this is not feasible. Instead, most choose to visit the major beaches, arriving by automobile and spending a day of beach combing, observation of flora and fauna, or just enjoying the sun and the water.

Just a few of the Atlantic beaches of Florida can be noted here. Some are very well known, others are hideaway type expanses of beach where you can walk for miles without seeing another person. Traveling from north to the southern tip of the state, here are some favorite beaches.

JACKSONVILLE/AMELIA ISLAND/AMERICAN BEACH

Beaches in this area are generally wide and sand. They're typically lined with sand dunes and have a rich natural history including bird locations such as at Huguenot Memorial Park and Fort Clinch State Park. Most beaches in this area do not require access tags. Specific beaches of interest are those near Jacksonville and Little Talbot Island State Park. American Beach is a well known historic and cultural landmark. Founded in 1920 by Abraham Lincoln Lewis, it is a mecca for blacks from across the South as a vacation site.

Accommodations and food are plentiful in the area especially along the main north-south route. You can find everything from Victorian tearooms to high rise resort developments in this section of the coast.

DAYTONA BEACH/NEW SMYRNA BEACH

This 23 mile stretch of the North Central Atlantic Coast is known for its fascinating mix of bustling action and quiet stretches of beach perfect for vacationing families. Most communities have streets that provide beach access. Ormond-By-the-Sea is an example of the largely residential beach community where you can enjoy the sand and surf. Ormond Beach is the location of the Birthplace of Speed Park where the first American timed trials took place.

Daytona Beach of course is well known for the emphasis on racing action, but this beach features an old-fashioned boardwalk, pedestrian only zones and lots of surf fishing and para-sailing.

Canaveral National Seashore provides a barrier island environment with more than twenty miles of undeveloped seashore. You can visit the Eldora House Historical Site and the Turtle Mound Archaeological Site.

There are plenty of accommodations in this stretch, suitable for families with children and mature beachcombers as well.

PALM BEACH

The beaches are wide and flat, lined by gently swaying palm trees and with sparkling white sand. This stretch is a nesting area for sea turtles. Until recently Jupiter Beach has been known only for sand dunes covered with sea grapes and Australian pines. It is now well on its way to being a prime resort area with developed beach areas, some wheelchair accessible areas, plus plenty of well-appointed lodging places and trendy restaurants where you can find any type of cuisine you desire.

Many of the beaches in this area feature lifeguards, picnic grounds, nature trails and even boardwalks where you can enjoy rollerblading or bicycling.

Although Palm Beach itself is known mostly as a playground for the wealthy, you can find much in the area for families on a budget as well. Anyone who considers shopping a recreational activity will be certain to enjoy this stretch of Florida's Atlantic Coast.

FORT LAUDERDALE

Long known as the destination for college students on spring break from winter bound campuses in the north, the character of Fort Lauderdale has changed in the past few years. Strict policing of the miles of warm sands in the area have resulted in the beaches once again being suitable for families and young children. The wavewall and the promenade along the beach front is the perfect location for soaking up the atmosphere of the old city.

American Express Travel Says Mammoth, California Is Great Fun In Both Summer And Winter

American Express Travel Says Mammoth, California Is Great Fun In Both Summer And Winter

by Virginia Morgan

American Express Vacations affirms one of the most popular vacation spots for adventure travelers is Mammoth, California. This year round resort offers travelers a wide variety of activities and entertainment. Mammoth is also surprisingly luxurious-offering several spas, fine dinning choices and upscale lodging. Mammoth is a great choice for vacationers who wish to experience the rugged beauty of the Californian Sierras and relax in elegant resorts.

Winter in Mammoth

Wintertime is one of the most popular seasons for travelers according to American Express Travel. In fact, Mammoth made its name as a winter resort. The name Mammoth actually refers to the large ski slope, which was so large, it was referred to as "Mammoth Slope." Thus, the area retained that name. The near by town is called Mammoth Lakes. The town is little more than a village, with a permanent population at about 500. However, the winter population is often ten times that. Mammoth Lakes actually has more condos than stores or restaurants. These condos can be rented on a weekly basis and range in price. The average price for a weekly condo in the winter is about $2000. Mammoth also offers several luxury resorts, including the Mammoth Inn, which is literally across the street from the most popular ski slope. For more conservative travelers, there are a number of budget inns and motels.

Summer in Mammoth

Despite the booming winter business of skiing, Mammoth is also quite popular in the summer time. There are a number of American Express Travel Deals in the early part of the summer before the crowds come in. Early June is best for weather and availability. Again, there are a number of options for accommodations in the summer, with more availability in the condos. Prices are also marginally less.

The travel attractions during the summer season are different than the winter season. Although there is no snow for the skiing masses, adventure travel enthusiast still flock to this location. From the Mammoth Inn, travelers can purchase bus tickets to be taken to Devil's Post Pile National Monument for $7.00 per person. This provides access to a number of scenic areas, including the geological wonder, Devil's Post Pile, the gorgeous Rainbow Falls and the peaceful Reds Meadow. The bus stops at ten different locations, and the traveler must hike from where the bus parks to see the sights. The hike to Devil's Post Pile is pretty mild, and most people say it's not that difficult. The hike to the top of the monument is quite strenuous, and is not recommended for the elderly or children with asthma, however. The hike to Rainbow Falls is also quite strenuous, as is the continuation to the Lower Falls. Make sure to bring at least two 12 ounce bottles if you plan to do more than Devil's Post Pile. Reds Meadow is quite breathtaking, but is a longer and strenuous hike, but the view is worth it.

With so much to see and do, it is no surprise that the active traveler is attracted to Mammoth Mountain. American Express Travel offers a number of packages that include some guided hikes and tours, combined with some of the best accommodations in Mammoth Lakes. Find out why active travelers love Mammoth!

Tips For A Budget Family Camping Holiday

Tips For A Budget Family Camping Holiday

by Philippe De Tiege

With the rising costs of everything in today's society, it is difficult to afford a fun vacation for the whole family. Many people try to save throughout the year for that one special week on a beach or in a resort. Others give up on the idea altogether. With careful planning and forethought, almost any family can have a pleasant, memorable trip. Parents and kids alike will enjoy taking part in a budget family camping holiday. It doesn't have to break the bank or cause a lot of stress. A few simple tips can make the fantasy a reality.

The first aspect of a budget family camping holiday is getting all of the necessary equipment and accessories together. If you don't already have camping equipment, this is the time to start watching sale ads and visiting local sporting goods stores. They often have great deals on camping items during the off season. So plan early and maybe surprise your family with camping equipment during the holidays. If camping is new to your family, consider the idea of borrowing tents and things from someone you know who does camp. That way you can save on expenses while deciding if camping is for you.

Another way to reduce the cost of a family camping vacation is to pack as much food from home as possible. Take along anything non-perishable that can be fit into your vehicle. This will save money at the grocery stores or open-air markets during the budget family camping holiday. Another advantage is that you already know everyone in the family likes the food choices. If you are camping with a very young child be sure to take along plenty of diapers, baby food, and other baby essentials to avoid paying high prices at convenience stores.

You could shop around the campgrounds in the area you are planning to visit. However most public campgrounds are usually similar in price for a night. Most range from $8 to $16 a night and include restroom facilities and other amenities unless you are truly roughing it. While staying in the grounds take advantage of any special activities the campground has scheduled. They often have nature hikes, craft time, and even evening events planned for their visitors. Most of the time they are included with the camping fee and help to keep things exciting in the great outdoors. The price of a night in the campgrounds and all of the extras is small compared to other vacation options and very useful in planning a budget family camping holiday.

If planned right and with proper thought a budget family camping holiday will feel like a resort vacation. It doesn't take a lot of money to have a good time.

London hotels to suit your budget

London hotels to suit your budget

by Thomas Lindblom

An ever changing, vibrant city, London is a delightful mix of modern and ancient architecture, superbly designed monuments, awesome tourist attractions and an over-abundance of art, theatre and culture. London has rightly been voted one of the top tourist destinations in the world People from all over the world come to London to shop, to sight see and to get a touch of royalty. Londen Hotels are available to suit every customer preference and budget.

Accommodation in London

Being such a popular holiday destination, Londen Hotels are fully booked throughout the year. However, if you do your homework well and start planning much in advance it is possible to find some truly superb Londen hotels and that too at very good prices.

Surfing the Internet for Londen Hotels is the best way to find what you are looking for. There are many ways you can search for Londen Hotels on the Internet. You can either check the official site of individual hotels or check out the discounts and other promotions offered by various travel agencies.

If budget is your main criteria, you could either do a search for cheap Londen Hotels or luxury Londen Hotels. If location is your prime concern then you could choose Londen Hotels by location, by selecting a place of your choice from the drop box that is usually provided. You could also choose Londen Hotels near Buckingham Palace, Londen Hotels by Postcode or Londen Airport Hotels.

If you are a frequent traveler and are looking to earn loyalty points, then the wide range of chain Londen Hotels would be perfect for you. Some of the more exclusive hotel chains in the heart of London include the Marriott, Hilton, Ramada, Novotel and Sofitel. These hotels are conveniently located at a close distance from most of the famous tourist attractions including the Trafalgar Square, Kensington Palace, Covent Gardens, Hyde Park and the Tower Bridge.

Londen Hotels also offer you a wide range of cozy traditional inns, which are ideal for families on holiday. Most of them offer you all the comforts of home along with friendly service.

On the other hand Boutique Londen Hotels are more elegant, sophisticated and formal. Most of the Boutique Hotels are in more upmarket locations, the rooms are ornately furnished and the service faultless.

Sight seeing in London

Purchasing a London Pass is convenient and offers great value for money if you intend doing a lot of sightseeing in London. With a London Pass you get free entry to more than 50 favorite attractions in London. What's more, you don't have to wait in long entrance queues. If you've selectred travel option as part of your pass, then you also save on the city's public transport network of trains, tubes and buses.

Sight seeing around London

For those who are touring Europe there are many England Hotels to choose from in Ireland as well as Scotland. If you are on a tour around Europe then doing a search for Europe Hotels is the best way to pick and choose the hotel of your choice. If you are traveling by air, choosing airport Europe hotels make traveling around easier and more convenient.

History of Muay Thai or Thai Boxing

History of Muay Thai or Thai Boxing

by darksingha

The Siamese developed their own writing system in the early 1200s which makes it difficult to obtain information on the early history of Thailand as well as Muay Thai. It is known that martial arts resembling Muay Thai have long been practiced throughout much of Southeast Asia. The origin of the Muay Thai can be traced back to the older Muay Boran ("ancient boxing"). This was the form of unarmed combat probably used by Siamese soldiers in conjunction with Krabi Krabong, the weapon-based style. Since Thai culture was based on that of India, China and Cambodia, they would have had an influence on local martial arts. Indian boxing arts such as Adithada remarkably resemble both Muay Boran and Muay Thai and it has been said that every move in Muay Thai has a similar equivalent in Shaolin kung fu. Muay Boran was divided to:

Muay Korat (Northeast) emphasized strength. A technique like "Throwing Buffalo Punch" was used. It could supposedly defeat a buffalo in one blow. Muay Lopburi (Center region) emphasized movements. Its strong points were straight and counter punches. Muay Chaiya (South) emphasized posture and defense, as well as elbows and knees. Muay Pra Nakorn (North) emphasized speed, particularly in kicking. Because of its faster speed, it was called as well "Ling Lom" (windy monkey or Loris). There is a phrase about Muay Boran that states, "Punch Korat, Wit Lopburi, Posture Chaiya, Faster Thasao. (หมัดหนักโคราช ฉลาดลพบุรี ท่าดีไชยา ไวกว่าท่าเสา)". It was from all these regional styles that the more general term Muay Thai (Thai boxing) was developed.

It grew in popularity among common people, so much so that it was said that any man worth his salt would practice the art. As well as continuing to function as a practical fighting technique for use in actual warfare, it became a sport in which the exponents fought in front of spectators who went to watch for entertainment. This kind of muay contests gradually became an integral part of local festivals and celebrations, especially those held at temples.It was used as entertainment to kings.

Royal Muay Muay gradually became a possible means of personal advancement as the nobility increasingly esteemed skillful practitioners of the art and invited selected fighters to come to live in the Royal palace to teach muay to the staff of the royal household, soldiers, princes or the king's personal guards.

Some time during the Ayutthaya Period, a platoon of royal guards was established, whose duty was to protect king and the country. They were known as Grom Nak Muay (Muay Fighters' Regiment). This royal patronage of muay continued through the reigns of Rama V and VII.

The Muay Renaissance The accession of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) to the throne in 1868 ushered in a Golden Age not only for muay but for the whole country. Muay progressed greatly during the reign of Rama V as a direct result of the king's personal intrest in the art. The country was in peace and muay functioned as a means of physical exercise, self-defense, recreaction and personal advancement.

Legendary Heros Nai Khanom Tom was a famous practitioner of Muay Thai. Around 1774, he was captured along with other Thai prisoners, either in a skirmish or at the fall of the ancient capital of Siam of Ayutthaya. He was brought to Rangoon in Burma, where the Burmese King Mangra was holding a religious festival in honor of Buddha's relics. The festivities included many forms of entertainment. King Mangra was reported to be curious to see how the various fighting styles of Burma and other countries would compare. At one point, he wanted to see how Muay Boran would compare to the Burmese art Lethwei. Nai Khanomtom was selected to fight against the Burmese champion. Nai Khanomtom did a Wai Kru pre-fight dance which puzzled all of the Burmese. When the fight began, he charged out and using punches, kicks, elbows, and knees, quickly pummeled the Burmese.

The referee was reported to have stated that the Burmese opponent was distracted by the Wai Kru, so the knockout was invalid. The King then asked if Nai Khanomtom would fight nine other Burmese champions to prove himself. He agreed and fought them all, one after the other with no rest periods between fights. The last Burmese was reputed to be a great boxing teacher. Nai Khanomtom defeated them all in a superior fashion.

King Mangra was so impressed that he remarked, "Every part of the Thai is blessed with venom. Even with his bare hands, he can fell nine or ten opponents. As his lord master was incompetent, the country was lost to the enemy. If his lord had been any good, there was no way the City of Ayutthaya would ever have fallen."

He granted Nai Khanomtom freedom along with either riches or two beautiful Burmese wives. Nai Khanomtom chose the wives as he said that money was easier to find. He then departed with his wives for Siam. Other variations of this story had him also winning the release of his fellow Thai prisoners. His feat is celebrated every March 17 as "Boxer's Day" or "National Muay Thai Day" in his honor and that of Muay Thai's.

Today, some have wrongly attributed the legend of "Nai Khanomtom" to the King Naresuan, who was also once taken by the Burmeses.

Muay Thai Kickboxing - History and Overview

Muay Thai Kickboxing - History and Overview

by David Di Cristo

Muay Thai is an international professional sport and a fighting art. Known as the "King of the Ring" in kickboxing circles, Muay Thai is an art of fighting that originates from Thailand and is their national sport.

Whilst still very much a sport based in Thailand, Muay Thai Boxing is now gaining acceptance in America and the rest of the western world, with local and international tournaments hosted a lot more frequently. The Thai fighters are very tough opponents to beat due to their technique and conditioning, however the rest of the world is catching up, claiming victories against some of Thai's best.

Modern Muay Thai fights are fought in a ring, very similar to the western boxing matches. Perhaps the most attractive and interesting aspect of Muay Thai is the crowd of spectators that gathers to see a match. With techniques including kicks, punches and the extensive use of knees and elbows, Muay Thai is often referred to as the science of 8 limbs.

Muay Thai is the national sport of Thailand and it dates back 3000 years Muay Thai was used by the Thai military for unarmed combat training. Many modern Muay Thai fighters have taken up the sport as a career path. I think it has gained such popularity, especially in Thailand, because many Thai national people saw it as a way to make a good living if they were successful at it. You have to remember the average income in Thailand is pretty low, so the attraction to earn a lot more money doing something they love and are good at was strong.

Fighting Strategies of Muay Thai is the first book to reveal actual fighting strategies and tactics as taught in the boxing camps in Thailand. As you may expect, the conditioning regimen in Muay Thai is legendary for its intensity and rigorous demands. This is an age old question; which fighting style is better? Everyone who practices Muay Thai will say Muay Thai is better and the same with Karate.

Muay Thai kickboxing is no longer a man's sport, with many women nowadays coming to boxing gyms to train for fights, get fit, tone up and learn self defense. Muay Thai is not about throwing wild punches. It teaches crisp strikes that are fast and dangerous. If you have watched a Muay Thai fight in real life or on TV, you would know that while Muay Thai is famous for its leg kicks, the great fighters turn to the neck kick for knockout power. The key to beating the opponent in a Muay Thai fight is shin kicks, delivered in roundhouses to the legs, ribs, and head.

Thai Sport - Muay Thai

Thai Sport - Muay Thai

by Pauline Go

The most well known sport in Thailand is the Thai boxing or Muay Thai. It is a sport which needs a lot of strength, stamina and adaptability. It has a spiritual element too which is normally not linked with sports.

It is a form of combat between two fighters. Records show that this sport existed as early 1411, but it is possible that Muay Thai was in existence even before that. In 1920, Muay Thai was banned as it had become extremely violent and dangerous for the fighters. However, in 1937, the sport was revived and the fighters had to wear protective gear as the new rules and regulations that were laid down.

The spiritual aspect in Muay Thai can be seen before the sport starts. The fighters kneel down to pray to their wai kru or teacher before the event begins and they also perform a dance which is a bit of warm up besides being a ritual. This dance form is called Ram Muay. Ram Muay differs according to individual training camps. The dance is accompanied by music played by the band. The music is also known as phipat music.

The participant wears a tennis racket-like hoop on the head during the dance ceremony and then the coach removes it to indicate the start of the fight. Fighters wear bands containing a Buddha amulet and / or some kind of herb to bring good luck to them.

The actual boxing has five rounds and each round is for 3 minutes. There are three judges, who are seated in three different boxes on three different sides of the boxing ring. Points are given for each punch that lands on the opponent. In between the rounds, fighters can rest. Trainers use the rest as an opportunity to soak the fighters with water and advice them.

Muay Thai is considered to be a difficult sport and requires the fighters to be in peak physical condition.

Lanta Island - Krabi Thailand so nice.

Lanta Island - Krabi Thailand so nice.

by darksingha

Ko Lanta lied on the west coast of Andaman Sea in between Krabi and Phi Phi Island . Large Size Island with 6 km wide and over 30 kms long, 9 beaches lie from north to south along the sunset coast. Stunning scenery, fantastic white sandy beaches, coastlines have more than 70 small islands and plenty with forest, coral reefs and under water life. Exposed to the Tsunami hit southern Thailand , Koh Lanta got very little physical affected. She has been quietly recovering with most hotels operating normally. Koh Lanta was very fortunate in that no damage occurred to the natural scenic beauty. All the beaches remain as beautiful as ever. All dive sites did not suffer in the disaster, rather the water is cleaner and clearer than ever.


How to get Ko Lanta

Ko Lanta is easy and inexpensive to reach from Phuket, Bangkok or Malaysia . The island is serviced by passenger ferries from both Krabi & Phi Phi and car ferries from the mainland.

Krabi is the most convenient gateway to Ko Lanta if coming from Bangkok, and if arriving from Phuket passage is via either Phi Phi or Krabi. Trang also serves as a regional transit point for those coming in from the south. Please bear in mind that if your arrival time is late in the day, the local minibus or public passenger ferries scheduled for Ko Lanta may not always be available.

Location of Koh Lanta

Koh Lanta yai ( big ) & Koh Lanta noi ( small ) are located in the

Andaman Sea of South-West-Thailand ( Malayan Peninsula ), about 45 km south of Krabi-town in the Krabi province.

~ 7' 28" north latitude, ~ 99' 4" east longitude.

The islands are only one km away from the mainland and accessible by ferry / car-ferry all year round.

The Koh Lanta district contains 53 islands which mainly are part of the Koh Lanta marine national park.


moutain of ko lanta island

Tourism in Koh Lanta

As mentioned in chapter Development, the develoment of tourism is ongoing for the last 20 years. The real ignition spark came about 6 years ago, when basic infrastructures arrived on the island. Every year since then, tens of new resorts, restaurants, shop etc. start their services along the west coast, right on the beach as well as at nearby mainstreets and hill sites.

Typical tourism "high season" is from November until May, with "paek season" from of December 20th until January 10th. Many businesses are opened all year round with very low prices during "low season", June until October. This time of the year is wonderful, too.

Tourist services of any style & for any budget are offered to the distinguished guest from around the world.

Well, so much information to display about Koh Lanta's tourism - too much for this web-site. Please refer to our Links to Ko Lanta for more details about accommodation, activities, transportation etc.

Here we would like to give you a brief overview of the "Tourist destination Ko Lanta".

The tourist center of Ko Lanta is " Ban Saladan " at the northern tip of Koh Lanta yai. Many shops, supermarkets, travel agents, dive-shops, restaurants and other facilities make it worth to spend some good time there. For most tourist guests on the island, this cosy village is the first and the last place to see, whilst being on the island.

Ferries to/from Krabi, Pee Pee and Phuket are departing and arriving at Ban Saladan pier, only.

All beaches on the west coast, in order from north to south : ( mentioned prices are estimated, average "high/low season" prices )

The first beach, "Klong Dow Beach", next to Ban Saladan, which is known to be the most beautiful beach, about 2 kilometer long, flat and white sanded. There are about 20 resorts on this beach. Prices from 400 - 4500 THB per night.

The second beach, " Phra Ae Beach or Long Beach ", about 5 kilometers long, nice and sandy. There are about 17 resorts on this beach. Prices from 250 - 4500 THB per night.

The third beach, " Klong Khong Beach ", 3 km long with sand and rocks. Great sunsets. There are about 22 resorts on this beach. Prices from 200 - 900 THB per night.

The forth beach, " Klong Tob Beach ", a short strip with sand and rocks. A very quiet beach with only a few bungalows around. Prices from 250 - 1000 THB per night.

The fifth beach, " Klong Nin Beach ", a beautiful 1,5 km long beach with about 10 bungalow resort. The famous "Otto Bar" just moved to there, formerly located at Klong Dow Beach. Prices from 250 - 4800 THB per night.

The sixth beach, " Klong Hin Beach ", with sandy and rocky parts - good for snorkeling. Klong Hin Beach is about 1 km long and has 3 resorts so far. Prices from 250 - 2600 THB per night.

The seventh beach, " Kan Thiang Beach or Bay ", a beautiful, curved sandy beach, 800 meter long. The only 4+ star Resort and Spa "Pimalai" and 3 other resorts are located there. Prices from 250 - 21000 (!) THB per night.

The eighth beach, " Klong Jark Beach, a small and quiet beach, surrounded by tropical jungle. There are 3 resorts on this beach. Prices from 300 - 900 THB per night.

The ninth beach, " Aow Mai Bai or Bamboo Bay " is the last beach outside the national marine park which is next to it. A quiet and private beach with only 2 bungalow resorts. Prices from 250 - 800 THB per night.

And last but not least the tenth and most southern beach, " Ta Noad Beach ", next to the old light-house, the landmark of Ko Lanta. The Lanta marine national park head-quarter is located right at this beach. No resorts or other commercial facilities there.


Ko Lanta is a diver's paradise for beginners and the experienced. There are very few places on the planet where divers can enjoy an underwater world so rich and diverse. And imagine learning to dive in water that's the same temperature as your bath water at home.



Nature in Koh Lanta Ko Lanta island offers tropical nature at it's best..

The tropical paradise off the south-west coast of Thailand has 25 km of beautiful beaches backed by verdant jungle & rain forest.

Here you still find real big trees, many animal species, including rare birds, mammals and reptiles. More then 80% of the island are covered with tropical rain forest, which is mostly protected national-park area.

The mangrove coast in south Thailand, covers sinking limestone ranges, millions of years old. On Koh lanta there are many mangroves, which you can admire while going on a canoe-trip. Mangroves and intertidal mudflats are of great conservation value in Thailand, helping sustain valuable inshore fisheries and protecting the coast from erosion.

If you arrive by car ferry, than watch out for monkeys, which are living here in the mangroves. They are crab-eating macaques and one of the numerous mammal species living in this environment.

Nature for a living, rubber tree and palm tree plantations: On Lanta are hundreds of rubber tree plantations, which are tapped every day before sunrise. The rubber then has to be dried, cleaned, and pressed, before being sold as 1,2 kg mats. Coconut palms and oil palms are common on Koh Lanta as in the whole south of Thailand and they provide a modest income for the local farmers.

Ko Lanta's rich waters offer sandy coves, coral reefs, limestone rock outcrops, rock reefs, seamounts and pinnacles, undersea caverns and tunnels and sunken ships. Water temperature ranges from 27 to 31 degrees - ideal for scuba-diving, corals and tropical fishes. More than 200 hard corals and 108 reef fish species have been catalogues in a study under way, but thousands more organisms around, too. The twin peaks of Hin Daeng and Hin Muang are rated in the worlds top 10 list of dive sites.

While tourism has grown quickly in the last few years, Ko Lanta has retained its traditional charm and great natural beauty.

How to enjoy a spa in Bangkok more effectively

How to enjoy a spa in Bangkok more effectively

by John S Ryou

How to enjoy a spa in Bangkok more effectively

In Bangkok, there are endless things to enjoy. So, many tourists end up with fully exhausted body at the end of the day. Then, there comes another joy of Bangkok. Relaxing spa treatments. In Bangkok, you have 3 different choices of spa treatments. The first choice, is a luxury hotel spa or resort spa. Usually all the big hotels and resorts offer spa services. For example, From Peninsula Hotel (www.bangkok.peninsula.com), or From Mandarin Oriental (www.mandarinoriental.com) have been famous for their spa services. The only problem is the prices. When you enjoy 2 hour service with your girlfriend, the actual bill (including 7% VAT and 10 % service charge) will be easily over $ 600 US (or 20,000 THB) which is quite a big money here.

The second choice is cheap massage parlors. In fact, this is the easiest choice. In almost every street of Bangkok, you can't miss a massage shop. Here you can get a 2 hour decent thai traditional massage at only $ 12 USD (400 THB). For couples and some good tip (100 THB per each) , this is only $ 28 (1000 THB). Usually, back packers and locals just go with this option. At most of these places, you can also get aromatherapy oil massages. But you have to be careful because many of these places are using just cheapest massage oils. If your skin is sensitive, there's a big chance, your skin can be in trouble. Also, these places tends to be noisy sometimes, especially the place with many tourists. For example, "Health Land" (www.healthalandspa.com) in Sathorn Road has been popular for some time. But now, they are occupied by Chinese tourists, and people are avoiding the place because it's too noisy. But, if you can stand that and just want to enjoy "maximum value for the money", this is excellent choice.

The third choice is enjoying at one of independent day spa. Many day spa in Bangkok are consisted of few treatments rooms. Some of these places are named under "beauty clinic" or "treatment center". Actually some of these places provide quite a good service comparable to luxury hotel spas except that their prices and interior design look much cheaper. One of the example of day spa in Bangkok is "The Sense Of Spa" (www.senseofspa.com) located in Silom Road. They are providing a lot of facial and body treatment services and of course, thai massage and foot reflexology. And the price is quite acceptable. And using their promotions, you can enjoy 2 hour full quality spa services around 58 USD (2,000 Baht) per person. So, for couples, it's 116 USD (or 4,000 Baht) for 2 hour spa services. You can check their promotion page for most current information. Another nice place I've been to is "King and I Spa & Massage" at Sukhumvit 12. (Tel 02-252-5248). I was not able to find their website. "King and I" is located near Asok and convenient from many Sukhumvit places. There are also a lot of places named as "XXXX spa". But you have to be aware that many places are just more expensive version of "cheap massage parlor".

Miami Playa; your guide

Miami Playa; your guide

by Chris Rowlands

Miami Playa is an often overlooked holiday destination on the east coast of Spain. Ideally situated only an hour's drive away from Barcelona and with its own golf course and the popular Port Aventura theme park nearby, what more could you ask for?

Well to answer that question, how about a selection of clean, white sandy beaches for a start. There are four to be precise, 3 coves and Playa Crystal. This is a 3km stretch aptly named as the waters are clean and clear and meet the gently sloping beach with a calm surf that makes it ideal for snorkelling.

In the height of summer the temperatures reach into the mid to late 20's. Add to this the fact that the resort basks in around 300 days of sun every year, it makes it a pretty attractive prospect. You can quench your thirst at the many bar's nestling along side the beach and then appease your appetite at one of the wonderful selection of restaurants that seem to cater for every taste you can think of, be it; Spanish, French, Italian, German, Argentinean or Chinese, its all here.

The resort gives you the best of both worlds as it is not too developed but near enough to some brilliant tourist attractions should you wish to visit them. You can enjoy a relaxing, peaceful holiday, listening to the tranquil splashing of the surf, enjoy a spot of horse riding in the mountains, there's even a superb golf course if you fancy spending a bit of time practising your putting. Why not opt for something altogether different and visit one of Spain's largest water parks; Costa Cariba or the theme park; Port Aventura both only 15 minutes drive away. This makes it an ideal destination for a family holiday and a vacation you will never forget.

For those of you with a penchant for history, especially that of the Roman era, a trip to the nearby town of Tarragona should not be missed. There is a brilliant; still standing Aqueduct, a circus and a magnificent museum based inside the Cathedral.

If you like your wildlife, birds in particular, you cannot afford to miss the wetlands of the Ebro Delta. Spanning an awe inspiring area of 32,000 hectares, the Delta is under threat and it is estimated 50% will be lost within the next 50 years due to man's intervention.

The accommodation in Miami Playa is of a brilliant standard, with much to choose from. Why not consider hiring a villa for a week or two, this can be very cost effective for a family group and give you much more freedom.

There are some beautiful properties to choose from; How about a relaxing holiday staying at Villa Bonmont, situated in the heart of the Bonmont golf club. A spacious modern villa with an 8x4m illuminated pool to take a dip in when it gets that little bit too hot. There are 3 double bedrooms, all with built in wardrobes. The master bedroom resides on a separate floor making it the perfect escape for the tired parents, especially with the en-suite bathroom all to yourself.

If you're after the ultimate family holiday, why not consider Villa Casa Lyse; this modern, spacious villa is situated in a perfectly sized complex of 16 properties. There's a large communal pool, BBQ area, bar and even a gymnasium for those fitness fanatics amongst you. It's perfect for the kids, who will be able to make many friends amongst the other families staying there (that goes for the adults too!). You can relax knowing your children are in a safe, self contained environment. There are 2 large bedrooms, the master with a luxury bathroom and second bedroom with its own shower/toilet room. You will even find a games console for the kids; just think of the peace and quiet you could have.

As a final choice, lets take a look at Miami Sol, a complex of 15 well appointed properties, all of which can sleep between 4-6/7 people. Each property has 2 bedrooms, a fitted kitchen, bathroom with shower, even a small private garden. Add to this a large communal pool and lovely well established gardens, providing the perfect background to relax and enjoy your holiday. Whether you want to spend it by the pool or see the sites, you've got it covered.

With all that it has going for it, how can you not want to visit the resort of Miami Playa?

Holiday Travel of America

Holiday Travel of America

by John Chang

Holiday Travel of America (http://www.HTOA.com) is a leader and a standard-setter in the incentive travel industry, with a solid reputation for creating state-of-the-art travel packages that combine the highest value with the lowest possible cost. The company was launched in 1988 by businessman Rich Romanello. Using the international connections he'd made while marketing resort properties, Romanello negotiated contracts at the most sought-after vacation destinations in the world. Packaged as travel certificates and marketed to businesses, these first offerings proved to be just the incentive solution the corporate world was demanding. As its reputation grew over the years, Holiday Travel's solid performance in the industry enabled Romanello to create an impressive number of exclusive packages, which has expanded the company's inventory to include hotels, resorts,

cruises and airfare. Combining cost efficiencies with real value, these incentive packages are the result of a "win-win" strategy that has served the company and its corporate customers successfully for nearly 15 years. With his partner and wife Kelly, who heads up corporate sales for the company, the Romanello's have built Holiday Travel of America into a respected industry leader. From their 12,000 square-foot corporate headquarters in Carlsbad, California, the Romanellos lead a talented team of management professionals with more than 100 years of collective experience in the incentive travel industry. Featuring a dedicated, service-conscious reservation staff that is growing, the Holiday Travel team represents the ultimate one-stop shop--marketing vacation packages, procuring new clients, servicing and processing all travel requests from beginning to end, all under one roof. Today, clients large and small use the company's high-quality effective promotional and reward programs. At the same time, hotels, resorts, cruises and airlines benefit from increased bookings generated by Holiday Travel's products. By delivering a wide variety of vacation packages with great effectiveness and reliability, Holiday Travel of America has earned the trust and respect of many corporate clients, including Amana, Healthy Choice, Kodak, Tropicana and Walt Disney World Resorts.

Hotels in Blackpool - designed to suit all tastes

Hotels in Blackpool - designed to suit all tastes

by Clint Jhonson

We are all looking forward to our holidays, to have some time just for ourselves, to change the dull scenery of our office and to go somewhere where we can relax, forget about all our problems and escape our daily routine. Some of us are dying to get to the seaside, while few people prefer the peace and the silence that they can find only in the mountains.

Those of you who love the seaside should take into consideration staying in Blackpool, accommodated within one of the fine Blackpool hotels. The accommodation in this resort suits all budgets and tastes. If you decide to take our advice, you will be satisfied. Hotels in Blackpool represent the perfect choice for people who want to have full and quality services. Blackpool hotels provide their clients with all the facilities.

The central Blackpool hotels represent the town's heritage and its history. Most of the hotels that are in this area are near famous landmarks and represent the centre of attraction for tourists. However, if you love going at the seaside, but you are not crazy about the crowd and the noise in the central hotels in Blackpool, you should try the Blackpool country hotels. There, you can enjoy both the seaside and the peace that you need.

In Blackpool, you will have at your disposal a wide range of tourist attractions. Blackpool hotels are famous all over the world for their services and for the beauty of the scenery, which one can admire only there. The tourists who are interested in artifacts can visit Louis Tussauds Waxworks, which is one of the oldest Blackpool attractions, where they can admire the wax models.

They can also visit the Golden Mile Centre, where they will find some of the most interesting buildings in the world, the Opera House and The Empress Ballroom. Moreover, one can visit the Blackpool Zoo and even climb to the top of Blackpool Tower. Throughout the year, one can enjoy different events the purpose of which is to keep both visitors and locals entertained.

Those of you who just want to have fun should not worry. Hotels in Blackpool have all sorts of clubs, cosmopolitan restaurants where one can enjoy a good meal and a vibrant nightlife. If you are tired and you want to spend some time in the middle of nature, you can always go to Stanley Park. There, you can admire the magnificent Italian Gardens or you can rent a boat. Golf fans will be able to attend an extensive golfing class and they will improve their skills.

If you choose to walk along the Promenade, you will see one of the world's largest dance hall mirror ball. In the centre of Blackpool Golden Mile, you will come across the Sea Life Centre, which offers displays of marine life that will certainly catch your eye. At the Sandcastle, you can enjoy a perfect day in the company of your family and friends. This place is notorious for its tropical climate and for the interactive water play area.

Having said all that, we hope that you are convinced that hotels in Blackpool provide their clients with professional services. Blackpool hotels represent the perfect choice for those who want to have an unforgettable holiday and unique memories. The tourist attractions mentioned above will catch your attention and you will certainly want to return to the Blackpool resort.

Visit Bruges, Belgium a medieval and romantic city

Visit Bruges, Belgium a medieval and romantic city.

by Edited by Kellie Ormond

Bruges, Belgium is often known as "the Venice of the North" as Bruges is one of Europe's most beautiful and well-preserved medieval cities in Europe. Getting to Bruges could not be easier - you can choose to travel to Bruges by Eurostar or even take the car by ferry or Eurotunnel. and then drive to Bruges.

Bruges offers Criss-crossed by canals, and full of charming cobbled streets and lovely old buildings, you'll find cafés and restaurants offering tempting local dishes, and in the Bruges bars many varieties of Belgian beer.

Compact and mostly closed to traffic, Bruges is perfect for exploring on foot - see the city at a leisurely pace on your holiday to Bruges and spend hours wandering through the alleyways and market squares, past churches and museums, discovering stunning architecture and delightful shops selling homemade lace and exquisite chocolates. No Bruges holidays would be complete without tasting one of hundreds of local beers. For a weekend break Bruges has so much to see from art galleries displaying contemporary works as well as those of the Dutch and Flemish masters, to a diamond museum and a restored medieval hospital.

The medieval city itself has a number of beautiful and interesting landmarks and buildings. If you are taking a break in Bruges, here is our list of the most interesting places to see.

Markt and Burg No break in Bruges is complete without a visit to its famous old squares. The Markt and the Burg are Bruges' two main medieval squares, around which lay the older parts of the city.

An impressive and charming area, the Markt is the city's main square and commercial centre, surrounded by cafés and bars set in old gabled buildings. The 13th century Belfry tower rises majestically from the south side of the square.

Displaying over 900 years of architecture, Bruges' civic centre the Burg is considered the historical centre of the city. Here, amongst the stately civic buildings, you can find the Basilica of the Holy Blood.

You'll soon lose yourself in the sights and tastes that our Bruges breaks have to offer - the city is truly a feast for the senses. Great Getaways a number of different breaks to Bruges by Eurostar or even take your car a visit Bruges by ferry or Eurotunnel.

You can find out more about Bruges on www.greatgetaways.co.uk as well as on getting there by Eurostar or ferry or Eurotunnel.

A Guide for your Tenerife Holiday

A Guide for your Tenerife Holiday

by Harry Lawrance

Tenerife is the largest of the seven Canary Islands off the north-west coast of Africa and attracts roughly 3.5 million tourists every year. The island is serviced by two airports, Los Rodeos in the north and Reina Sofia Airport in the south. The former mainly deals with domestic flights while the later is where the majority of international flights will land and is well connected to the city by buses and taxis.

There is plenty for Tenerife holidays makers to see and do on the island with the most visited attraction being Teide National Park. The park lies at roughly 2000 metres above sea level and features a gigantic volcanic crater 30 miles in circumference, out of which rises Spain's highest mountain, mount Teide. Access to the summit is available either by foot or by cable car and on a clear day offers magnificent views over Gran Canaria and La Palma.

Loro Parque (parrot park) near Puerto de la Cruz is home to over 300 parrots as well as amazing sea lion and dolphin shows, an aquarium with a shark tunnel, Gorillas, Chimpanzees, Tigers, Alligators and a 'penguinarium' with a imitation Antarctic climate within which falls 12 tons of snow each day.

For aquatic fun head to the Octopus water theme park near Playa Las Americas where you will find pools, water slides and tube rides suitable for all ages. As well as this the theme park hosts dolphin shows and marine life exhibitions.

Tenerife has its own pyramids in the form of the black pyramids in Guimar on the east coast. The pyramids bear a remarkable similarity to the Aztec pyramids in Mexico and their origin is still a mystery to archeologists. The pyramids are spread over a park covering 60'000 square metres and it is easy to spend a day here walking along the many trails.

Keen golfers will enjoy the 27 hole Costa Adeja golf course near Playa de las Americas. The green fees at this course are fairly moderate at 83€ (£56) per person for 18 holes with discounts available for parties of five or more. Also for those looking to be active during their holiday in Tenerife, watersports including paragliding and jet skiing are available at almost every beach.

Tenerife will be popular with tourists looking to do some shopping on holiday as it is partly tax free, with perfume, cigarettes, alcohol and cosmetics generally being much cheaper. The department stores and shops in the south also sell many branded items and souvenirs.

The nightlife in Tenerife is diverse and energetic with the largest concentration of bars and clubs found in Playa de las Americas. Here, Veronicas (a large complex of night clubs and bars) is the most popular spot for many on holiday in Tenerife. Away from the busy clubs there are quieter, more traditional tapas bars and restaurants serving typical local dishes in towns such as Puerto de la Cruz and Santa Cruz.

Holiday For The Just-Married Couple

Holiday For The Just-Married Couple

by Peter Wilson

Most of the newly wed couples prefer a sort of traditional honeymoon. Sometimes honeymoons come as gifts to them from their parents. Sometimes they are planned far prior to the wedding by the couple themselves. Honeymoon holiday is generally a vacation for the just-married couple to start their new nuptial life with. Honeymooners can get options of a number of travel packages from the various travel agencies and can also plan on their own. On this beautiful earth there has never been a dearth of locale, such as Costa Blanca in Spain, where a couple can go for honeymoon. In the US some of the most popular places are:

1. Hawaii. Hawaii ranks as the most popular honeymoon vacations destination for the couples. It has a grand offering of ritzy hotels and plush cuisines besides the exotic location teamed with beaches, and coves. The perfect weather there also provides favorable condition for the water-sports that can be enjoyed by the people. The beautiful beaches with the pristine turquoise water and the banyan trees and the aromatic flora all around make the place truly paradisiacal.

2. Niagara Falls. The natural wonder of the Niagara Falls is very romantic as well as affordable for the honeymooners. It is accessible from both the US and Canada sides. The boat cruise of "Maid of the Mist" along with the IMAX feature film "Miracles, Myths and Magic" that talks about the history of the Falls, are an additional attraction for the honeymooners and casual tourists. Very near to it we find the Guinness World of Records Museum, the Mystery Maze, The house of Frankenstein and also the Haunted House that interests the tourists equally.

3. Florida. Florida offers a vast range of enjoyment. With the festive spirit always larking in the air Florida is enjoyable to everyone for its beautiful sunrise and sunset and the exotic beaches. Honeymooners find it really puzzling when it comes to choosing the places where they can take trips. The Walt Disney World as well as Orlando, Miami, Palm Beach, Daytona and the Florida keys are some romantic havens that honeymooners are drawn to.

4. Las Vegas. A bit costlier than the rest, Las Vegas is a hot favorite for honeymooners due to its beautiful locales and the sightseeing and accommodation facilities apart from the various forms of entertainment here.

California (the wine country), Louisiana (New Orleans), Pennsylvania (Poconos) and all the Southern States of the Gulf region closely follow the above-mentioned places. Honeymooners can make their trip to many places within the very ambit of the US.

Coimbatore Travel Guide

Coimbatore Travel Guide

by Vinay Chaubey

Coimbatore The 3rd largest city in Tamilnadu, Coimbatore is popularly known as the 'Manchester of south India' for its many textile mills. Is a large business and industrial city and a hub of discussion and debate with many medical, educational, business and technology groups conducting seminars here. Based at the foothills of the Nilgiris, the city also boasts of tea and coffee plantations along with numerous cash crops like tobacco and cotton. One of South India's most important industrial cities, the development of hydroelectricity from pykara falls in the 1930s led to a cotton boom in Coimbatore.

Attractions in Coimbatore:

* VOC Amusement Park and Zoo
The amusement park, named after the freedom fighter V. O. Chidambaram, is an exciting place for both children and adults. The main attraction of the park includes a number of joy rides, an aquarium containing large variety of fish, a zoo and a toy train.

* Marudhamalai

Located on a hillock about 12 km from Coimbatore Railway Station, the temple of Marudhamalai, dedicated to Lord Subramanya, is one of the most visited temples in the region. One of the reasons of the large number of devotees flocking the temple is that the residing deity Dandayuthapani is believed to have performed several miracles here. Thai Poosam and Tirukarthigai festivals are celebrated with great pomp and gaiety at this temple.

* Agriculture University
Situated about 5 km from the railway station, the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University is one of the best institutions for agricultural studies in Asia. The university spread in an area of 300 hectares also houses a botanical garden with different species of plants and trees.

* Perur
Perur is a small town situated about 6 km from Coimbatore. Its main claim to fame is the holy Perur Temple, one of the seven Kongu Sivalayams. The outer buildings of the temple were built by rulers of Madurai in the 17th century but the inner shrine is much older. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. One of the remarkable features here is the figure of a sepoy (Indian soldier) loading a musket carved on the base of the pillar near the entrance, wearing identical dress to that of the Aurangzeb's soldiers.

* Forest College
The Forest College is located at a short distance from the railway station. A museum located inside the college is one of the major tourist attractions housing a collection of unique rocks, minerals, snakes, insects and other types of fungi.

* Siruvani Waterfalls
The picturesque Siruvani Waterfalls and Dam is situated about 37 km west of the city. The place abounding in natural beauty leaves the tourists mesmerized and spellbound by its sheer natural splendor. The water of Siruvani contains a lot of minerals and is known for its taste.

Coimbatore Excursions:
Thirty kilometers from the city is the famous Vaideki Water Falls, which is a popular Coimbatore thing to do. Visitors are spell bound by the beauty of the waterfall. The area around the fall is also a good trekking area. About ninety kilometers from the city is the Annamalai Wildlife Sanctuary. It is spread over an area of almost nine-hundred-and-sixty square kilometers, and is home to some of the finest species of mammals, including all the big cats.

Bhavani is a major pilgrim site that is located one-hundred-twenty kilometers from the city. All the Crocodile Dundees can travel twenty from Amarvati dam, to a crocodile farm, where you can feed a croc. This temple has visitors all round the year. You can also visit Black Thunder, which is frequently called the best amusement park in Asia. This water theme park is very thrilling indeed. Coimbatore is a gateway to many fascinating cities in the south, like Kodaikanal or Ooty.

How to Reach Coimbatore:

By Air
Peelamedu airport is 10-km from the Coimbatore city, which operates regular flights to Bangalore, Mumbai, Chennai, Kochi and Madurai.

By Rail
Coimbatore is a major railway junction on the Southern Railways and has trains to Chennai, Rameswaram, Madurai, Bangalore, Mumbai, Kanyakumari, Kozhikode, Mettupalayam, Kochi and Delhi.

By Road
Well built roads and highways connect Coimbatore to all the major cities in and around the state.

Local Transportation
For local transportation, city buses, taxis and auto rickshaws are available. State Transport Corporation ply mini luxury coaches between various points in the city and airport.

Holidays in Milan

Holidays in Milan

by Grant Jones

Milan being a cosmopolitan city comes next to Rome in ltali is a chief silk market in Europe. People are choosy and fashionable about their dresses, perfumes and hair styles. It is a hot spot for city breaks and holidaying. Climate of Milan is Mediterranean , hence can be visited throughout the year for plethora of actions. Mountains in the north of Milan guards it from Arctic chills but still there is periodic cold snaps. Piazza Delj Duomo rejuvenates the whole city. There is hustle and bustle as people can be spotted everywhere - on their way to office, out for shopping, off to the theatre or walking slowly under the elegant arcade. One can book himself or herself online to milan city for city break or business trip to milan as its a class destination for city beaks.

Shopping in Milan

Milan is second to none in fashion and design technology. Also it awakens to shopping and eating. Here fashion is in life blood. Hence, some of the most stylish boutiques designed by leading architccts with modest elegamee can be seen here. Many showrooms here sell work of glass and mirror and original rare furniture. It has been ranked very near to Paris and London to shop. For luxury shopping the sorted out places are montenaro leone, via della spiga and via sant Andrea. For affordable purchases - Corso Viltorio Enanuele, Corso Buenos Aires, Via Torino and corso di Porta Ticinese.

Luxury Hotels in Milan

A fleet of hotels offer a quiet and peaceful stay here. Their to cafeions provide us beautiful view and superb inner courtyard. Hotels from lower rates to higher can be had as http://www.mymilan.co.uk some of the hotels are -

1. Crown Plaza Milan Malpensa ( 4 star hotel ) 2. Le meridien Gallia ( 5 star hotel ) 3. Marriott ( 5 star hotel ) 4. Westin Palace ( 5 star hotel ) 5. Grand de Milan ( 5 star hotel ) 6. Principe Di Savoia ( 5 star hotel ) 7. San Carlo ( 3 star hotel ) 8. Adam ( 4 star hotel )

Cuisines, Nightlife, Clubs, Pubs & Cafes

A number of international recipes have been implemented here as eating is one of the greatest delights in Milan. Famous fast greatest delights in Milan. Famous fast foods cakes and desserts can he had here. The Brera area has a number of modish restaurants and countless bars viz - wine bars, Pubs, Cafes, bistros, wine cellar, live music bars and a lot more. Some of Itali's top clubs, unemas and bars are located here. It is known as the club capital of Itali.

Flights & Hotels for City Breaks

A number of uk based travel agents are operating here providing cheap city breaks, flights and hotels and short break packages For short city breaks to Milan http://www.mymilan.co.uk.

Holidays at the Spa

Holidays at the Spa

by Jack Blacksmith

Do you think that you might want to take a vacation to a spa? There are many people who find that they can have a lot of fun getting body massages, facials, and learn how to be healthy. You will find that when it comes to spa vacations you'll be able to escape from all of your problems and learn to really enjoy life. There are spas for both men and women to go and relax. You will also learn how to live healthy and get some physical activities in.

There are a lot of spa vacations that will offer you things like biking, canoeing, skiing, and more. You will want to make sure that when you book your vacation and reservations that it is a place like Torrevieja, that offers things that you would like to do or learn to do. If you are looking for a place to retreat to, you will want to look up places that will help you to deal with your stress. You will also find that when it comes to the vacation spa package, you'll be able to get everything. You will be able to reconnect with yourself on so many different levels. You will also find that there are retreats that will help you to manage your health and get back on a path for fitness

When it comes to the spa that you would like to go on vacation to you will want to think about what it is that you are looking for. You will want to make sure that you go to a spa that will leave you feelings refreshed. You will want to look for tranquility and spiritual release for you to be able to get rested. You will also want to think about the price range that you might want to stick with when it comes to planning the vacation.

Make sure that the place is something that you can afford. You will want to keep in mind that the point is to decompose, but not add any more financial stress. You will find that when you go to a stress management spa resort they will teach you how you can lower your stress levels and find a better quality of life. You may learn to do Yoga and Meditation to help you to control your stress. Stress what may cause you to feel ill.

For those who just want to be pampered you will find that any spa will do the trick. You will find that when you get facials, massages, and other things you just feel good about yourself. You will want to make sure that you just set the time aside that you need to feel pampered.

There are many places that you will want to look up and do your research, however, when you figure out what it is that you are looking for, you'll be able to find a spa that does the trick. Also, you will find that one that is within your budget.

The Best Resorts for Family Vacation in 2007

The Best Resorts for Family Vacation in 2007

by Caitlina Fuller

It is almost summer time and the kids will be out of school soon. That means it is time to start planning your summer vacation! However, you want to be extra careful with kids when planning a family vacation because you want to wind up in a place that is kid friendly and where the entire family will have a great time. The following resorts are some of the best places to take your family on vacation in 2007.

A Cabo San Lucas resort is a wonderful place for families. In fact, a Cabo resort is a wonderful place for anyone. There really is something for everyone in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, and the warm water and white sand are certainly drawing points for families. Many of the resorts offer family packages where quite a few family oriented activities are included. This is perfect for families who want to know what they should anticipate when they arrive. A Cabo San Lucas resort is a wonderful place for families. Cabo really is a place for everyone and the beautiful weather makes it a perfect place to take kids because there are few days when the beach, pool, or other outdoor activities are rained out.

A Florida resort is also a great idea if you don't want to travel to Mexico because of passports, flights, or time. Most people can drive to Florida without too much trouble and there are so many theme parks in the area that there is always something to do. In fact, you will probably find that you would need to stay in a Florida resort the entire summer to see half of what's available. Seeing it all would take a really long time and a whole lot of money. But, in Florida you can see your favorite places one time and save the others for the next Florida vacation.

If fun in the sun is not your idea of a great family vacation then consider a Colorado resort where you can go and enjoy the mountains and lots of snow activities. There is a lot going on in Colorado during summer and winter so no matter when you travel or what you are looking for you will find just that.

These are just a few suggestions of resorts you can visit for a great family vacation in 2007. There are of course plenty others out there that are great too and you can ask around to find the one for your family.

Cheap Holiday Travel Insurance: Save Your Money and Enjoy

Cheap Holiday Travel Insurance: Save Your Money and Enjoy

by Henry Bell

Holidays are just like the synonym of refreshment, relaxation, and enjoyment and thus getting yourselves away from all the worries and problems. But when you plan for spending your holidays with your friends or relatives in the unique locations of universe then the first thing which comes in your mind is your finance. But with cheap travel insurance you can plan your holidays and travel without getting into any financial trouble. Generally holidays requires you to spend heap of money on traveling to various eye catching locations of world but cheap holiday travel insurance provides you the opportunity to travel hassle free. Cheap holiday insurance offers an excellent opportunity to spend some quality time with your relatives and family and exploring the hidden beauties of universe without getting worried about anything.

Cheap holiday travel insurance provides cover for your medical expenses if during travel you fall ill and even in emergency situation you can get medical repatriation coverage and emergency ambulance. With cheap holiday travel insurance you can also get covers for flight cancellation, flight delays, flight interruption and loss of baggage and documents. Hence if you are planning to travel for spending your holidays and suddenly you find that your flight got delays or cancelled then you can get proper reimbursement with cheap holiday travel insurance.

Cheap holiday travel insurance also provides you the facility of lower premium. But before purchasing cheap holiday travel insurance it is very important to analyze the credibility and world wide access of the insurance company. So that in case of any kind of emergency during holiday travel in a foreign country you would not have to worry about anything and you could get help as early as could be possible.

It is important before buying any policy of cheap holiday travel insurance to analyze carefully and read the travel insurance documents properly. You should also first undertake a through study of the policies given by insurance companies and later on select the policy that will suit your financial condition and needs. With internet you can do this work of research about the insurance company without any hassle.

Online you can get a number of sites of insurance companies giving free quotes for cheap holiday travel insurance. Online you also have the liberty to select and compare as many quotes for cheap holiday travel insurance as you want to do until you get a policy of your choice. With online search you can perform this work of search about cheap holiday travel insurance quite easily within no time. So now you can enjoy your holidays with cheap holiday travel insurance.

Harvey World Travel Wins At The Ozcars

Harvey World Travel Wins At The Ozcars

by Harvey World Travel

Harvey World Travel, the Midlands based travel business, scooped a prestigious award at the recent Tourism Australia OzCars 2007 Awards Ceremony. The company was announced as the winner of the 'Best Australia Campaign by an Aussie Specialist' which recognised the company's promotion of Australia Holidays to the UK travel market.

The awards evening was held at the Hurlingham Club in West London and acknowledged the initiatives implemented and dedication shown by the UK's travel industry and, in particular, the industry's commitment and support to Australian tourism and holidays in Australia.

John Donnelly, managing director of Harvey World Travel, said: "We are absolutely delighted to have won this award, particularly in light of the tough competition we faced. As Australian specialists, we are committed to promoting the delights of 'down under' to the UK market and we have worked extremely hard this year to get positive messages out through consistent and strong marketing campaigns.

"To be honoured with this award is testament to our hard work and commitment and, most importantly, the continual support from the branches and head office teams at Harvey World Travel."

About Harvey World Travel

The OzCARS are designed to recognise and celebrate excellence and achievement in the sales and marketing of Australia and are open to any company from the United Kingdom or Ireland.

Harvey World Travel is owned by MFS, the Australian investment and funds company which specialises in travel and leisure. Australian based companies in the MFS portfolio include the Stella, Bale and Peppers holiday resorts, the Mantra, Breakfree and Ambia villas and apartments, plus the flagship Sheraton Mirage Hotel in Port Douglas, Queensland.

MFS is the largest single brand travel franchise group in the Southern Hemisphere operating more than 500 successful retail outlets in Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. As well as specialising in long haul holidays to these destinations, Harvey World Travel customers are able to benefit from flexible holiday packages throughout the world, using the company's extensive buying networks.

For further information of holiday details call 08717 820 830

Apartments for Rent in Paris

Apartments for Rent in Paris

by Andre Brue

An apartment is a self-contained housing unit that occupies only part of a building. It is a type of accommodation that uses hotel style booking system. Need of apartments may differ from person to person; it may be rented for holiday purpose, or may be as a full time home. The main objective of service apartment provider is to provide impeccable services by unobtrusive and highly trained staff who anticipates the needs of the business and Leisure travelers.

Having your own apartment in Paris is an excellent idea, if you are looking to buy or rent an apartment in Paris, look no further than www.paristay.com. We are a reliable and trusted name in the Paris when it comes to find just the right apartment, which suits the need of our clients. We are highly concern to save you a lot of time, stress and hassle, not to mention money too. Extensive choice of furnished and unfurnished apartments for rent in Paris is available only at paristay. We provide long term as well as short term rental service of Paris apartments.

Getting the right Paris apartments is not a Childs play, since the market is very fragmented and it is not easy to strike a deal. The real estate agents are more concerned to sell off their apartments rather than paying heed to the requirements of the clients. At Paristay things are entirely different; we accompany our clients through every step of the acquisition process. Our expertise in hunting for suitable properties though our network of contacts could help prevent you making expensive mistakes (for example we examine the documents related to the building and warn you about upcoming work to be done). Our experience in negotiating prices should save you a lot more than our fees.

Satisfaction is the buzzword at Paristay; we make buying and renting Paris apartments as simple and stress free as possible. As part of the process Paristay tries to explore the mind of the client and focus on the specific instructions given by them. We offer a full range of rental services like finding tenants, maintaining and cleaning of the apartment. We never force our clients to buy a property which does not suit their taste. We hardly levy any costs if no suitable property is found.

We are very transparent when it comes to our fees, from the start clients know what exactly our service charges will be. We do not impose any hidden charges that make us popular in this field. Visit us at www.paristay.com for more information on buying, selling or renting Paris apartments.

New German Tourists Fly Into Malta

New German Tourists Fly Into Malta

by Roger Munns

Malta has enjoyed a revival in the number of British people visiting the Mediterranean holiday island since low cost flights were introduced last year.

Hotel and holiday bookings have been up for the first time in a number of years, and Malta's traditional market has rediscovered the island as a holiday destination.

Malta has always been a likely spot for the British, with nearly all Maltese speaking fluent English - and like the British the Maltese drive on the left.

Malta used to be governed by the British, until 1964 when Malta became independent.

But outside of the UK holiday market, Malta hasn't enjoyed the same levels of visitors from other European countries such as Italy and Germany, compared to her competitor Spanish islands of Mallorca and Tenerife.

But that is now set to change, with a further boost for the Malta holiday and hotel markets, vital to the island's economy.

A low cost airline in Germany, Germanwings, started flights from Germany to Malta in late March, and with good bookings is looking to increase the number of flights to the island.

Commenting on the expansion plans, the airline said recently that it was very happy with its Malta route, and that the peak summer months were looking particularly good.

At the moment the flights to Malta are from Stuttgart and Cologne, and they would like to start flying from Hamburg in the autumn. Whether this will be allowed to happen though is problematic as Air Malta already serves the Hamburg route.

If flying from Hamburg to Malta doesn't prove possible, the airline hopes that it will be able to increase the frequency of the routes it already has.

As well as boosting the Malta holidays and hotel market, the arrival of increased numbers of tourists from Germany could also impact the Malta property market.

Property inflation in Malta has been high in recent years, with joining the EU a factor, and joining the Euro currency another.

The majority of sales in the past to overseas property buyers have been to the UK and Irish markets. But if German tourism rises it's possible that this will add presuure to property prices again if the German tourists decide they like Malta enough to invest in a villa or holiday apartment.

As with most popular holiday destinations, a percentage of tourists decide to buy a property in an area they like, and Malta is no exception.

The advantage Malta has for UK and Irish visitors is that they drive on the same side of the road and English is spoken, and for non British Isles visitors Malta has well known language schools where they can learn English.

A 2 bedroom apartment in the popular Malta holiday resort of Qawra is currently on the market for LM 72,000, and a three bedroom two bathroom apartment in equally popular Mellieha for LM 138,000 negotiable.

Natural Treatment for Excessive Sweating

Natural Treatment for Excessive Sweating

by Matt Farron

Extreme sweating, sometimes also known as excessive sweating, and more commonly hyperhidrosis, is a medical condition that can be a virtual nightmare for the person who suffers from it. This condition of extreme sweating can encompass not only sweating under your arms, but can also occur in other places as well such as the forehead or the facial area, the hands or the feet, and even the genital area.

Of course, normal sweating in any of these areas can also occur, but for the most part you won't necessarily notice any discomfort. It is only when you suffer from extreme sweating in any of these areas that you begin to feel discomfort.

There are many treatment options available for people who suffer from extreme sweating or hyperhidrosis, but before going in for any one particular treatment, you might first want to check out all of your treatment options. In this way you can ensure that you are not going in for a treatment option that is not suitable for you.

You will also want to take into consideration any underlying medical conditions which you might have as these can also affect your treatment options. And always, before taking any of these treatment methods you will want to consult with your doctor or physician.

This holds true whether you are looking at conventional treatment methods or whether you are looking at non-conventional treatment methods such as holistic treatment methods.

Extreme sweating can also come down through a family genetic trait, in which case, it does become somewhat difficult to completely eradicate or deal properly with the problem.

However, if you feel yourself overwhelmed by the bouts of extreme sweating that you are experiencing, or if you feel that it is beginning to control your life, there are a few things that you can do without having to first resort to any drastic measures such as surgery.

The easiest - and sometimes also the most difficult - is to change or curb your dietary habits. Diet and the foods we eat can have a larger impact on how our body handles sweating than we might think. So first try changing your diet, and along with that try and change your lifestyle as well.

This is not such an easy thing to do, but you don't need to go out and change jobs and move to a different country to change your lifestyle. To help you deal with bouts of extreme sweating, you can change your lifestyle in small ways such as reducing any overall stress that you might have.

Making small changes such as this can have a great impact on you and your body, and you might be surprised at the results that you get. If however, you find that these have no effect on your problem of extreme sweating, you can always try other treatments, both the conventional type and the holistic variety.

Disney World Guide and Tips

Disney World Guide and Tips

by Joesph Bish

Find out how affordable a Walt Disney World Vacation can be. Walt Disney World is in memory of the man who started it all, so people will know his name as long as Walt Disney World is here. When the resort opened in 1971, Shawnee Airlines began regular passenger service from Orlando's McCoy Air Force Base(now Orlando International Airport) directly to Disney World's STOLport (Short Take Off and Landing) on a daily basis, with flights lasting only a few minutes. After Walt Disney's death, the title "Walt Disney World" was chosen by Walt's brother and business partner, Roy O.

Parks

In addition to the four main theme parks, the resort contains two water parks, six golf courses, a sports complex, an auto race track, twenty resort hotels and numerous shopping, dining, and entertainment offerings. Make all your dreams come true in four uniquely themed parks, each with its own special version of Disney magic. There's also touring tips, park hours, rehab dates, and details of the minor parks. If you're staying at a Disney property and driving to the theme parks, Disney will waive the $10-a-day parking fee. Disney's practice of surprising people at the parks with fantasy adventures is what makes every guest to the Orlando theme park feel like a VIP. It's worth pointing out that much of the signage and lettering you see at the Disney theme parks is custom designed and not based on any existing fonts, particularly when it comes to major logos and attraction marquees. Disney will designate specific outdoor areas in each of its hotels for smokers, as it currently does in the theme parks.

Learning Thai Massage in Koh Samui.

Learning Thai Massage in Koh Samui.

by alisterbredee

Marloas is nineteen years old and she comes from Rotterdam in Holland. She is in gap year from school and has taken the time to travel in Asia. She has been on the road for four months and as the trip winds to a close she has come to the Health Oasis Resort in Koh Samui to learn Thai massage.

"This is one of the best things I did on my trip,' she enthuses. "While I was travelling I had massages. It felt so nice that I decided I would like to learn how to do it!" "It's just for fun. I have learned it for myself and to help my friends and family." No, she does not want to become a massage therapist. Her goal is to train as a medical doctor, and this preparation in massage could well help her in her aspiration to study western medicine.

Her twenty-hour course stretched over a leisurely five and a half days. So she has plenty of time for rest and relaxation in the swimming pool and on the beach beside. She laughs when she says, "I enjoyed the rest!" "I also really liked the Course with Thai instructor Nan." Nan, by the way started her studies at the prestigious Wat Pho in Bangkok which serves as the premier massage teaching facility in Thailand. "She really gets the students to practice a lot. She's very kind and supportive, too and that helped a whole lot!" Says the young Dutch student. "She taught me to apply my whole body in making the massage strokes." Marloas explains she was always afraid that her hands would become tired whilst massaging, but she was surprised to find that instead she felt energised. "I now know the pressure points and understand how to make people relax."

The course that Marloas attended is not designed to turn out professional therapists. It is certificated but is designed for self-development and general interest. For those eager to learn Thai massage for professional use, Health Oasis Resort offers a more intensive fifty hour period of instruction, and this too comes with a certificate.

Massage is one of several subjects that visitors can learn at the Bang Po beachside resort. Other topics include Thai Cookery, Reiki, Meditation and EFT or Emotional Freedom Technique. The Thai cooking is interesting because it is geared very much to the visitor to the Kingdom. Many people have enjoyed eating Thai food in restaurants worldwide and on coming to Thailand have taken the experience to another dimension. What Health Oasis encourages is to teach visitors how to cook their favourite dishes. Naturally this requires a little notice because the instructors have to go to the market and buy the freshest ingredients possible so the 'trainee chef' can prepare that favourite meal. Once you have cooked it, all you then have is the pleasure of sitting down and eating your creation and hopefully you have invited some friends or loved ones to share this unique experience with you.

Like the Massage training that Marloas underwent you can also take the recipe and knowledge of your newly acquired Thai culinary art back home with you as a very practical souvenir of your visit to Thailand. Surely that will add to the overall enjoyment of your holiday in "the land of smiles"

5 Romantic Dining Places in Singapore

5 Romantic Dining Places in Singapore

by Soh Kok Min

Looking for romantic dinning places in Singapore? Here are 5 places I believe you would love.

1) Alkaff Mansion - 10 Telok Blangah Green Alkaff Mansion is pre-war luxurious bungalow with rich history behind it. Located on a hill, it overlooks a beautiful park and enjoy a spectacular view of Singapore Habour and sea. It is a 2 storey Mansion Restaurant with nightly live music, good food and great service. The Mansion was owned by the wealthy Alkaff family whose ancestors arrived in Singapore from Indonesia in 1852. It was used as a retreat house for the Alkaff family and a place to entertain their guests with songs, dance and food.

The Mansion was later abandoned after World War II. It later caught the attention of the Singapore Tourist Promotion Board in 1986 and was restored its past glory. The Mansion was later converted into a restaurant and yet retaining the old world charm of the Alkaffs.

2) Jewel Box Jewel Box is bar cum restaurant over 90m above sea level, located at Mt. Faber, it is a popular place frequently by courting couples. You can enjoy the privacy and tranquility of nature surrounded by flora and Fauna as you overlook the beautiful city and harbour scenary. Jewel Box is just a few minutes cable car ride away from the popular Singapore resort island Sentosa.

3) Sky Dining on Cable car This is yet another unusual way couples spend their evening. Onboard of a cable car where candle light dinner is prepared for you, dine at 70m above sea-level, have total privacy inside a cable car as you dine and admire the beautiful harbour and city view of Singapore.

4) CHIJMES CHIJMES is a formal girl's convent with a spacious and stylish courtyard. Located right in the heart of Singapore busy city, this place is a popular wine and dine area with more than 20 restaurants, pubs and clubs with live band performances. Sit at its breezy courtyard under the starry night sipping glass of wine after a sumptuous meal is a wonderful romantic experience.

5) One Fullerton Dinner by the bay enjoy the night breeze and watching the busy bumboats ferrying people around. Here you can find a few restaurants with perfect ambience to blend with the bay. The Esplanade, Theatre by the Bay is just across the sea, you may even hear the faint music coming from the outdoor stage from the Esplanade. Choose a restaurant that is slightly further from the Merlion (landmark of Singapore) will help to provide you a quiet dinner away from the tourists.

To learn more about Singapore and what it has to offer, visit http://www.best-singapore-travel-guide.com

Thailand Adventures

Thailand Adventures

by Spencer Neal

Wilderness Adventure - Thailand

Thailand has always held a special place in my heart. I first travelled there in 1991, a wide eyed kid wet behind the ears with a bucket shop one way ticket to Bangkok. My grand plans of a short beach break before heading down to the east coast of Australia joining the 1000's of Pommie pilgrims earning a right of passage didn't exactly go to plan. I left Thailand eleven months later to return home penniless, emancipated and full of great stories, which my friends soon got bored with.

I returned a few times mainly to Bangkok and Koh Samui happy to be back in the land of smiles but feeling slightly disappointed at all the changes. The old story of development being good for the locals but not good for my sense of adventure. That didn't deter me from joining the Imaginative Travellers Wilderness Adventure two years ago.

Arriving in Bangkok this time was different. I had a hotel booked so no lugging my pack in Bangkok's suffocating mixture of exhaust fumes, heat and humidity looking for a clean bed. I had a group to meet too, this was also good, eating Pad Thai on your own looking for a fellow traveller to strike a conversation with can be hard work. There were 10 of us, a mix of Poms, Aussies, a Canadian, an American and a South African. We all met for dinner and shortly after my first Thai beer I knew this would be a fun trip

Bangkok to me means food and shopping and the best place to find both is the Chata Chuk weekend market. I headed there with belly empty and wallet full destined to reverse the two. The market is huge, really huge, 35 acres of cheap goodies huge and sells everything from furniture to genuine fake designer clothes. The street food is fantastic but remember the Thai's like it hot. I left my shopping with the hotel to keep safe as I would be returning there once I finished the trip.

Off to Chiang Mai on the overnight train. I like travelling like this, sleeping while moving makes sense to me and the train is clean, functional, safe and fine. I think Chiang Mai is the perfect place to escape hectic Bangkok. It's a peaceful, happy place and that reflects in the locals. Sight seeing will take you to the Wat Pratat Doi Suthep temple - stunning and golden on a sunny day. The next stage of the trip was trekking in the surrounding jungle, I decided I needed a massage before we set off.

A trek in the hills of Northern Thailand is a chance to escape everyday life and clear your head. The going is not too difficult for someone with fairly good fitness although if it rains the mud can be tricky. I was enjoying my own head space when we arrived at the first village of wooden homes, pecking chickens and lots of smiles, basic but I couldn't think of anywhere else I would rather have been. Chan, our guide, was a local from a neighbouring village and before long he had us divided amongst our village hosts before the sun set and got too difficult for us city people to do anything without electric light. That night, with the noise of the surrounding jungle lying on a mattress roll on a bamboo floor, was maybe the most peaceful night's sleep I have ever had.

The next day's trek was shorter and we covered ground quicker, maybe we were getting used to the trekking but I think it was the excitement of the elephant ride to come that afternoon. Lunch was delicious but we were too busy watching the elephants wash in the river to notice. Elephants are brilliant creatures and being on one journeying deeper into the jungle is a fantastic experience.

The next morning Chan had us up early helping him and the village men build our rafts to take us down river to civilization. It is all part of the experience helping the guys and by helping I mean staying out of their way while they expertly craft our rafts. A serene float down to the nearest small town where our bus was waiting to take us to a hot shower and another massage.

We left Chiang Mai and headed back to Bangkok where we broke the journey up to the south with an over night stay in the city of angels.

I had heard a few good things about Khoa Sok national park, not too popular with tourists or backpackers alike due it not having a major bus stop. To get there you need to stop the bus by the 3rd banyan tree after 17th stream near the big hill and you will find a bakkie waiting to take you into the park. I'm glad we had a tour leader. The first night we slept with the birds in tree houses the second and third we stayed in raft houses on a man made dam. It is a truly beautiful area and a few of us spent the days swimming in waterfalls, flooded caves, kayaking and hiking and some of just sat back and took it all in.

How to finish this Thailand trip? On the beach of course. The islands around Krabi are what we visualize when we think of a Thai beach and they do not disappoint. The Thai's have a word called sabai, loosely translated it means an inner happiness and contentment. I woke one afternoon from a napping on the beach and understood exactly what sabai means.