Peace, sport and rock-n-roll!

A great way to see Pulau Langkawi's many attractions is to rent a car and drive from place to place at one's own leisure. Car hire is reasonably priced and the island is linked by a network of pleasant roads with ample signages.

A great place to start your sightseeing tour is to begin at Kuah town itself, where the tourist information centre is based (next to the town's mosque). Grab all the brochures and maps which you may need and you're ready to go.

Within the vicinity of the jetty and the tourist information center is the harbourside's parklands which houses the Dataran Lang and Lagenda Park - the former a landscaped square with a concrete statue of the Langkawi eagle and the latter a 20-hectare park commemorating the island's legends in sculptural form.

Heading west from Kuah town will take you to the rural countryside surrounded by paddy fields. Let the road signs lead you to Makam Mahsuri, the grave of the island's legendary heroine. Being the island's most popular legend, this tomb/shrine is to Langkawi what the Eiffel Tower is to Paris.

Going back to the main road will lead you to Pantai Cenang, the island's longest stretch of beach with the most happening nightlife. This beach houses the highest concentration of accommodation providers, ranging from budget chalets to five-star resorts, and is therefore the liveliest spot.

Laman Padi, a "rice museum" is also located at Pantai Cenang for those interested in all aspects of rice farming. The Underwater World, a colossal aquarium with a fascinating collection of freshwater and marine life is further down the same road.

From Pantai Cenang, take the route to the airport. A go-cart racing centre is situated along the way for those who are game to participate. Past the airport is the small town of Padang Matsirat where the very disappointing Beras Terbakar or "Field of Burnt Rice" is located. Legend has it burnt rice still appear, the remnants of an 18th-century crop which was put to torch by local villagers to prevent invading Siamese troops from taking it. At the most, you will see a pitiful bowl of burnt rice in a plastic casing flanked by a signage.

From the Padang Matsirat junction, follow the signage to Pantai Kok, a picturesque stretch of beach which some say is the finest in Langkawi. You will come across a red Thai-style structure along this road which was actually a Hollywood prop for the film Anna and the King starring Jodie Foster and Chow Yuen Fatt. Built as the Summer Palace for the Siamese monarch in the story, the structure has since been "recycled" as a tourist attraction. The admission charge is a bit steep but the place itself is well maintained and worth a visit. Cultural performances also are carried out at regular intervals here.

Beyond Pantai Kok is Burau Bay, the other contender for accolade of the island's most beautiful beach. Burau Bay is actually a delightful cove flanked by the mysterious peaks of Gunung Mat Cincang. Two resorts sit on both ends of this cove: the Burau Bay Resort and the Berjaya Langkawi Beach Resort, both built to blend with the surrounding environment.

Further up from Burau Bay is the waterfalls of Telaga Tujuh (Seven Wells), a playground of fairies according to local folklore. Only the fit and enthusiastic outdoor-type should attempt the thirty-minute hike up the falls. Back track from Telaga Tujuh and turn towards Datai Bay, where "250 million-year-old rainforest meet the sea", or so the brochure claims.

Two of the island's most luxurious resorts, The Datai and The Andaman are nestled among trees in seclusion here. A breathtaking golf course and a spectacular waterfall are also in the vicinity. The coastal road along Datai will also lead you past the Ibrahim Hussein Museum and Cultural Foundation, a showcase for Malaysia's most famous artist, and a Crocodile Farm where the main attraction is a deformed croc.

Moving up the north coast, you will find Pasir Hitam (The Beach of Black Sand) where the sand is streaked in black, and Kompleks Budaya Kraf, a crafts' complex of traditional craft products such as batik, silverware and pottery.

At Padang Lalang turn right for Tanjung Rhu (Rhu Cape), a beautiful beach with shallow lagoons and vast sand flats during low tide. Visitors can also hire boat rides here to mangrove forests and the legendary caves nearby.

Head west on the main road back to Kuah and you will past Air Hangat Village, a cultural centre around a natural hot spring, and the Galeria Perdana, a museum devoted to Prime Minister Dato' Seri Dr. Mahatir's collection of gifts.

Besides attractions on Pulau Langkawi, one can go island hopping to the neighbouring isles, each with their own coves of crystal-clear waters, snorkeling spots, eerie caves and fascinating folklore.

Top on the list of must-see islands are Pulau Dayang Bunting, the archipelago's second largest island with a freshwater lake in the center, Pulau Singa Besar which houses a wildlife sanctuary, and the superb Pulau Payar, a designated marine park teeming with corals, fishes and baby sharks.

Say you consider important for your trip some factors as fun, safety, adventure and budget, Well, bearing in mind all this, and considering you are based in Europe, maybe our suggestion to go to visit Cracow (Poland) would probably sound not too obvious and a good hint in the end.
Cracow is not just an alternative destination as it's not too much touristy yet, but it's also a buzzling city of the Old fascinatine Eastern Europe.. with a lot to offer to young people! There is a quite interesting list of things to do, see and live while you're there.
Start considering the last but not the least of your (everybody's) concerns (money). You will be happy to know that accommodation won't suck all your pocket up in a night! The cutest and cheapest youth hostels of the Eastern Europe are there, in Krakow and will offer you the warmest hospitality! Check for example the Lemon hostel, the Old Walls youth hostel, the Bling Bling Hostel, the AQQ hostel, the Free hostel, the Secret Garden, the Moon hostel. They all offer clean, colourful and comfy rooms at very budget prices starting from 7 euros per person per night with breakfast! For ladies won't be better.. so that you can spend all the rest in shopping and clubbing, right?
Well the good news is that if you are around in February 2008, you won't spend a penny either for clubbing!
There are a few so called Ladies' nights on Monday the 4th, 11th, 18th and 25th at the Music Bar 9 in Szewska Street, n.9. You are invited to leave any man you might have around at home, grab your purse and head out to Music Bar Underground. The party starts at 9 pm, but there's a pre-party already at 6. Entrance is free! Once there, have your Cosmopolitan and enjoy the music played by three DJ's Oklay, Krzyvy and Luki Pi. From soul,hip hop, r&b, dancehall..everybody's taste is served! Special drink promotions as well. For your ladies trip, don't miss the photo exhibition of Karolina Bregula, a talented photographer who developed her skills working and studying photography in Sweden. The title "Lovebook" is a story about misunderstandings, emptiness, loneliness, longing and despair. The aim is to allow all women to identify with the feeling of sadness. The technique used is also interesting: photographs taken with a small phone camera have been stretched to a larger size which gives the effect of intensive washing out. In this way the photos have an unreal and magic feel to as some sort of pictures from a dream. Exhibition opens on 9th February and closes on 1st of March at Pauza Gallery, in Florianska Street, 18/5.
On 19th February famous British rock band The Cure will perform two concerts in Poland, including one in Spodek in Katowice. Al. W. Korfantego 35Always in February don't forget the Valentine's Night Out at Music Bar 9 (9 Szewska Street) for a 21st century style Valentine's Day.
Always on a pink note, another interesting exhibition aiming to explore aspects of femininity in today's world is Transformations hosted at the Bunkier Sztuki, Plac Szczepanski 3a from 7th until 25th March. Acclaimed artist Malgorzata Markiewicz makes her debut at Cracow's leading gallery of contemporary art. Closed on Mondays.
Secondly, don't forget that March 8th is the Ladies Day Party and the place to be is the Art Club Bledne Kolo, ul. Bracka 4 (first floor). DJs Ex-Or and Lucjan spin for the ladies at hip Old Town hangout. The following month, April, the Tolerance Festival - Festival of Gay and Lesbian Culture - is a review of various creative activity which has been brought to life by, for, or about lesbians, gays, bisexuals, and transgendered people. It features several days of film screenings, discussions, and meetings, all cumulating in a march through the city in support of tolerance for all.

Towards the end of September Barcelona begins to limber up for the largest event on its festival calendar, La Mercй, a celebration of the city's patron saint "Mare de Deu de la Mercй". The festival heralds the end of summer and the onset of the autumn months. The festival is a real big deal for the people of Barcelona and the still temperate weather means that, in true Mediterranean fashion, must of the fun takes place outside. There's a massive amount to do whilst the festival is on with events popping up all over the city and over 3000 artists and performers on display with over 500 activities to watch or take part in. The festival has a long and proud and first took place in 1902; today it's a fantastic blend of tradition and innovation.

You'd really need to write a novel to keep on top of everything that goes on at La Mercй each year so, we'll just have to settle for some highlights. We start with one of the oldest traditions; the human towers or "Castells" are a real must-see, sometimes as much as ten stories high they're a fantastic display of teamwork, agility and balance.

A recurring theme throughout the festival is the celebration of fire and one of the most exhilarating experiences of La Mercй is the "Correfoc" (the "Fire Run") where costumed fire-breathing devils rampage around the streets in a colourful pyrotechnic display. Kids absolutely love this sort of thing and audience participation is a big part as the devils chase after those foolish enough to get in their way. Another favourite of the children is the "Dragons and Giants" procession which starts in the Plaza Real next to Las Ramblas.

Foodies and wine lovers shouldn't feel left out either as there is no shortage of indulgence in those areas. Food and wine shows run throughout the festival showcasing local produce and allow you to try and buy the best that Catalonia has to offer.

Festivities aren't just kept on the ground either, La Mercй also celebrates the sky with static hot air balloon flights, kite displays and other aerial exhibitions taking place throughout the festival on the city's beaches. Other areas around the city to look out for are the Centro de Cultura Contemperanea de Barcelona where you can view street theatre, Moll de la Fusta which will be giving centre stage to numerous circus acts and Plaza St Rei where various dance troupes and performing artists will be vying for your attention. There's also a museum open day where many of the city's museums and galleries can be entered free of charge including the Picasso museum, the Museum of History of Catalonia, the Maritime Museum and many more.

The culmination of the festivities is called "Piromusica"l - the finale involves music and a huge fireworks display choreographed together for an amazing audio-visual experience. A big named music star is usually brought in to play the finale and 2005 saw local singer and composer Pep Sala having the honour of closing out La Mercй.

For tourists La Mercй offers a perfect opportunity to see Barcelona at its best - it's a colourful, vibrant spectacle which offers something for all age groups and all tastes. It also offers visitors the perfect opportunity to see more of this wonderful city.

Kusadasi ideally connotes Bird Island. The Kusadasi Turkey sequences in a mind-blowing gulf in the Aegean region of Turkey. Kusadasi is known for its bluish-green glittering and brilliant water of the Sea. It has wide sandy beaches and the bright sun showing off.
The beach possess huge marina with the potential for handling 600 boats. Kusadasi also encompasses an ancient city called Ephesus. This city has a number of visitors from expeditions every year. The Adnan Menderes Airport resides near to this town. Enormous stunning villages queues its shores. Kusadasi also has in hand a variety of restaurants.
These hotels and restaurants sustain and nurture good food. The edibles available here are not those of Turkish tastes. Rather food and comestibles are a blend of all the best around the world. However, Turkish Cuisine is one commanding cuisines of the world. Apart from the buffets, Kusadasi's discos, bars, cafes, pubs are famous all over the worlds.
The variety of entertainments endowed here attracts more and more tourists to this beautiful place. Kusadasi preserves nature's beauty as it is, rather than updating with the better innovations that makes other tourist centers more artificial. Kusadasi Turkey enables one to enjoy the innocence of the nature more than any other country in the world.
Kusadasi town still involves less expansive shops. Many shops do a breakneck trade with passengers from many cruise ships without hindering the tourists' tours and voyages. A splendid shopping expedition happens with a stupendous experience. The Pigeon Island is bolted to the mainland with a roadway.
The Kusadasi visionary setting includes a courteous and blooming flower garden. The garden is ultimately engulfed with the rejuvenated 14th or 15th century fortress restaurant. There is also a dazzling disco habituated by music lovers. The beaches get amalgamated with large crowds in the summer. Dilek Peninsula National Park is mostly known for its serene and unruffled atmosphere.
Kusadasi has a number of properties owned by foreigners for them to reside once in while on the banks of Kusadasi Turkey. Mostly British and Irish nationals pay for land in this part of Turkey.
There are many monuments and old museums that are preserved and updated by the Kusadasi Turkey. This makes the place livelier with the remembrance of a wonderful culture that existed in its prime long back. People of Kusadasi always maintain well-mannered behavior with respect on treating their visitors. Most of them work for their personal satisfaction rather than making money.
Kusadasi Turkey looks cool and stolid with the utopian monuments and the clear beaches. Both modernism and ancient culture can be seen in a blend without any interruptions. More and more people are daily being crowded in Kusadasi Turkey due to its calm and serene atmosphere.
This peace and tranquilizing air is what other tourist places lack. Kusadasi cannot be considered an excellent place for shopping. The beautiful emporiums and night shopping surprises the customers with rare shopping goods than the branded ones. Altogether, the many advantages make this place one of the best in Turkey.

Kortrijk, also referred to as Courtrai, is a historical city situated in West Flanders in Belgium. Positioned on the Lys River, Kortrijk was first established by the Romans under the name of Cortoriacum. Possessing a population of over 70, 000 individuals, Kortrijk remains a thriving city: one that is surrounded by many other famous locations, tourist attractions, and popular cities in Belgium. The cities nearest to Kortrijk include Halluin, Menen, Neuville-en-Ferrain, Roncq and Wevelgem, and travellers staying in Kortrijk, will therefore find the attractions in such cities easily accessible during their stay in Belgium. Other popular cities nearby Kortrijk include Antwerp, Bruges, Brussels, Ghent, Liиge, Mechelen, Mons, Namur and Ostend.

Famed for its textile manufacturing, Kortrijk started producing both lace and linen as early as the fourteenth century. Tourists will find that Kortrijk is home to a number of spinning and finishing mills, and the Battle of the Golden Spurs actually took place very nearby historic Kortrijk, and the city has established a memorial for the battle in 1906 called the Groeningstraat, just east of the Grote Markt.

Places of interest:

The Municipal Museum of Fine Arts in Kortrijk, also known as the Stedelijk Museum voor Schone Kunsten, is home to one of the finest art galleries in Belgium. The museum holds the extraordinary paintings of the sixteenth century painter, Roeland Savery, as well as the extraordinary works of other painters; a number of archaeological artifacts, ceramics, porcelain, pottery and, because the museum is housed in a seventeenth century patrician house, travellers get the opportunity to enjoy the astounding beauty of Renaissance architecture. The museum is open Saturday through Thursday and is closed on Fridays and special holidays.

Situated in the heart of Kortrijk, tourists will find the Grote Markt, a popular Kortrijk tourist attraction. Within the Grote Markt, tourists can see the World War I memorial, the ruins of the clothes hall, the Grote Markt Belfry, first built in 1307. Additionally, the official town hall of Kortrijk, the stadhuis was built around 1420, still possesses some of its original Gothic architecture and travellers can view the myriad craved statues throughout the building. Finally, if tourists possess an affinity for architecture, while staying in Kortrijk they can view the two large towers that form the Broeltorens: fortification towers established in the twelfth and thirteenth centuries.

Things to do:

Guests in Kortrijk can enjoy a relaxing stroll along the River Lys or they can enjoy the many sites that a historic city like Kortrijk has to offer. Typically tourists rave about the architecture in Kortrijk. Visits can see the Menin Gate, established in 1927; a memorial for the British soldiers who lost their lives in World War I and the Church of Our Lady is just a stroll away from the Broeltowers, a short distance from Grand Place. Outside the Church of Our Lady, the ruins of the original castle that once enclosed the church still remain and the church is the oldest building in the city of Kortrijk. Further, a highlight found in the Church of Our Lady is that site seers can view paintings of all the former rulers of Flanders. Meanwhile, buildings like the Palace of Justice offer a striking contrast in terms of architecture, giving the city of Kortrijk an equally modern appeal.

Food & Drink:

For those tourists looking to get a cultural taste of Belgium's finest foods, the most popular specialties ordered among dining tourists in Belgium are Endives with Bйchamel Sauce, Ardennes Sausages and ham, Belgian Waffles, Mussels and chips, and of course, the favorite traveling treats are Belgium chocolates. While visiting Belgium, tourist may also want to try some of the world-famous beer that Belgium offers: over 400 different brews of Belgium's famous beer are available, including fruit bear, Stella Artois, Leffe, Hoegaarden, and Duvel, among many.

The Cafй Rouge-Kortrijk requires no reservations in advance, and has everything a hungry tourist desires. Further, the Cafй Rouge-Kortrijk possesses ultra modern architecture, its dйcor is one of sophistication and it is famed for its tea, served with a side of cake and chocolates. Diners have the option of trying fondue, flavored potato chips, soups, salads, waffles served with fresh fruit, and crиme brulee, among other fine dining options.

Alternatively, in nearby Wevelgem, tourists can dine at Biggles, a restaurant revered for their fine service and friendly atmosphere, or the La Dolce Vita, at Stationsstraat 10 near the railway station, an Italian restaurant offering pizza and tagliatelli, among other fine dishes. Finally, travellers can enjoy fine wine in almost any of the cafes in Belgium, as many of the sites have a license to sell spirits.

Hotels & Accommodation:

Center Hotel
Bed & Breakfast Full House
Kennedy Hotel
Best Western Hotel Belfort
Parkhotel
Entertainment:

The nightlife in Kortrijk offers much to the traveler looking for adult fun and entertainment. Further, while staying in Kortrijk, guests will have accesses to unlimited recreational facilities. Nearby Brussels is home to ten theaters, cinemas, discos, and entertaining clubs like the Le Fuse, Les Jeux d'Hiver and The Music Village.

Kortrijk offers more than fine accommodations, dining, as it offers easy accessibility to site seeing adventures. For instance, while visiting the Castle't Hoge, tourists can bask in the beauty of the International Rose Garden. The Castle't Hoge demands no entry fee and families can spend the day enjoying the scenic view. Travellers can also relax at any number of the cafes and pubs located in the Grand Place, Kortrijk. Again, many of the pubs offer the national drink of Belgium, beer, and there are over 400 fine varieties to choose from.

All of the sites in Kortrijk are easily accessible. Travellers can visit tourist attractions via rental cars or they can travel by train to other major cities in Belgium. Meanwhile, some tourists choose to cycle along the Lys River and to take in the fresh air and gorgeous view. Essentially, no matter what form of transportation tourists utilize, they will find an extraordinary abundance of things to do, see and enjoy while staying in Kortrijk, Belgium.

There is much that you can do to prepare for your trip abroad, depending on where you are going, how long you are staying, and your reasons for traveling.
The following suggestions and sources may be useful:
Do your homework and read as much as possible about the countries in which you plan to travel. Informing yourself about a nation's history, culture, customs and politics will make your stay more meaningful. Such information can be found in most libraries, bookstores and tourist bureaus. Although English is spoken in many countries, it is a good idea to learn what you can of the language of the country in which you will be traveling.
Travel agents can provide brochures and tourist information about the countries that you wish to visit.
Most international airlines can supply you with travel brochures about the countries that they serve. Many countries have tourist information offices in main cities in the United States where you can obtain travel brochures and maps.
Foreign embassies or consulates in the United States can provide up-to-date information on their countries. Addresses and telephone numbers of the embassies of foreign governments are listed in the Congressional Directory, available at most public libraries. In addition to their embassies, some countries also have consulates in major U.S. cities. Look for their addresses in your local telephone directory, or find them in the publication, Foreign Consular Offices in the United States, available in many public libraries, or on the state department travel web site.
The Department of State publishes Background Notes on countries worldwide. These are brief, factual pamphlets with information on each country's culture, history, geography, economy, government, and current political situation. The Background Notes are available for approximately 170 countries. They often include a reading list, travel notes and maps. To purchase copies, you can contact the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402, or call (202) 512-1800. Select issues are also available from the Department of State's Bureau of Public Affairs, fax-on-demand, by calling (202) 736-7720 from your fax machine or on the Department of State's home page.
The Consular Information Program provides pertinent information for travelers. The U.S. Department of State issues fact sheets, known as Consular Information Sheets, on every country in the world. You should obtain the Department of State's Consular Information Sheet for any country that you will visit. The sheets contain information about crime and security conditions, areas of instability, and other details pertaining to travel in a particular country.
The Department of State also issues Travel Warnings and Public Announcements. Travel Warnings are issued when the Department of State recommends deferral of travel by Americans to a country because of civil unrest, dangerous conditions, and terrorist activity and/or because the United States has no diplomatic relations with the country and cannot assist an American citizen in distress.
Public Announcements are issued as a means to disseminate information quickly about terrorist threats and other relatively short-term and/or transnational conditions, which would pose significant risks to American travelers.

Nestled on the North Eastern coastline; Knokke-Heist in Belgium draw thousands of tourists every year. Knokke-Heist is revered for its splendid beaches, its historic landmarks, its stunning countryside scenes, its panoramic views, and is a city that lies very near the Dutch border. In fact, it is not uncommon for those visiting Knokke-Heist to cross over into the Dutch territory during their travels. First established by Irish pilgrims between the sixth and ninth centuries, Knokke-Heist was once referred to by the name of Cnoc. In the 1600's, Knokke-Heist had a population of a mere 200 inhabitants and the city remained relatively small until the 1800s. In fact, when Knokke-Heist became part of Belgium, the city itself was still very bucolic - with small villas and homes dappled throughout the countryside.

It was the rural charm of Knokke-Heist that has made it a popular Belgium attraction and currently, Knokke-Heist stands as one of the most popular beachside locations in Belgium today. Filled with hotels, villas, condos and resorts Knokke-Heist offers the traveller fine accommodations while they tour the city and surrounding areas. Finally, the city of Knokke-Heist is strongly community oriented: the city of Knokke-Heist has established what is referred to as an administrative community consisting of Alberstrand, Heist, Knokke, and Zoute respectively.

Places of interest:

While in Knokke-Heist, visit one of the world's finest nature reserves, the Zwin at Ooievaarslaan 8. This reserve is what separates the border of Knokke-Heist and Dutch territory. Rich with vegetation and brimming with aquatic life are the creeks that run through the Zwin. Various sea birds live in the Zwin, making the locale an excellent site seeing spot for bird lovers of all kinds. Access to the Zwin is available every day from 9 am until 5 pm, from April until late September and guided tours are available to tourists every Sunday.

Alternatively, both Het Zoute and Het Kalf have windmills that tourists can visit during the summer and early autumn months. Both windmills of eighteenth century design, the two windmills in Knokke-Heist give travellers the opportunity to momentarily step back in time and view eighth century Belgium architecture at its best.

In contrast, the Butterfly Garden in Knokke-Heist may appeal to many travellers looking to experience the ultimate in natural beauty. A heated greenhouse, heated to tropical temperatures, the Butterfly garden has ponds, waterfalls, and gorgeous butterflies are housed in the garden. The garden is accessible during the months of April until the beginning of October and the hours are from 10 am until 5 pm.

Things to do:

The seaside resorts in Knokke-Heist are incredibly popular among tourists. With fun in the sun, plenty of shopping opportunities, and a fair share of adult gambling entertainment, Knokke-Heist continues to thrive as a tourist attraction in Belgium. Shops line the Dumortierlann Boulevard, the Kustlaan Boulevard and the Lippenslann Boulevard and smack in the centre of Canadasquare, travellers can gamble at the Knokke Casino, first build in the late 1920s. It has since undergone extensive renovation and the interior of the casino is just as alluring to travellers as is the gaming offered by the casino.

The Albert Palace Casino in Knokke-Heist is located at Zeedijk-Alberstrand 509. It is a 66,000 square foot facility offering more than 40 different slot machines and more than 15 table games. Travellers can even dine on location in the restaurant or enjoy fine Belgian beer at the casino's bar. Gaming at the Albert Palace Casino includes American Roulette, Baccarat, Blackjack, Poker, Punto Banco, and Stud Poker the amenities provided to guests at the casino are truly vast. There is a dress code at the casino and the facility offers entertainment and gaming rooms. Only those travellers that are 21 years-of-age or over can enter the Albert Palace Casino in Knokke-Heist.

Food & Drink:

Tourist can bask in Belgian ambiance and culture when dining at the Moeder Siska, a true gastronomic delight! The Moeder Siska is a family institution first established in the late 1890's. Mother Siska, as the locals fondly referred to her, was formerly married to a miller living in Knokke-Heist and she was honoured for her famous Belgian waffles. Legend has it that her twelve children carried on her tradition and the locals still rave about the waffles at the Moeder Siska.

Alternatively, the Opus 91 at Alfred Verweeplein 6, has an ultra-modern and sophisticated dйcor and equally delectable food. Some entrйes offered at the location include Gaspacho Mule's Soup Quiche, Fish and Courgette, and other French delicacies. Desserts offered include Butter Almond Cookies, Mousse, and of course, Belgian chocolate is readily available to guests dining at Opus 91. Diners can finish off a meal with a cup of coffee or tea.

Diners looking to enjoy some Italian cuisine can find what appeases their palate at Rigoletto at Lippenslaan 389. The menu at Rigoletto consists of pasta, pizza, fish meat, gelato, pasticceria, carpaccio and more. The Rigoletto is open for lunch and dinner meals and guests can choose the lobster they desire right from the lobster aquarium in the Rigoletto.

Hotels & Accommodation:

Romantik Hotel Manoir du Dragon
Hotel Cottage
Hotel Auberge St. Pol.
Hotel Monterey
Lido
Hotel Chalet Tinel
Hotel Figaro
Best Western Golf Hotel Zoute
Entertainment:

Knokke-Heist is a city filled to the brim with entertainment opportunities. While not dining at one of the numerous cafes, or shopping amid all the fine shops along the famous Boulevards in Knokke-Heist, tourists will discover there is much to see and enjoy in the city. Tourists can enjoy a full day on the beach, a complete evening in the casino, and find themselves completely refreshed and ready to enjoy more of the adventures offered in Knokke-Heist.

The International Cartoon festival is hosted every summer in the city of Knokke-Heist. Cartoonists the world over visit the city to partake in the festival and display their work. Despite the language barrier, the artwork that goes into creating each cartoon can be truly appreciated and many cartoons can be understood even if one cannot translate the languages the cartoons are created with.

Finally, the nightlife in Knokke-Heist should not be passed up. Along with the casino, there are a number of pubs available for adult relaxation and socialization. Further, a tourist simply cannot leave Belgium without sampling the fine beer the country is famed for. Live entertainment is often available and couples can enjoy and evening of romance and dancing at any of the pubs in the city.

Doing some research online before going on vacation to Thailand I found what looked to be a very good breakfast. The picture I saw on a Khon Kaen blog web site showed a picture of some eggs, buns and coffee. I had to give it a try.
The name of the dish in Thai is "kai krata". This literally translates to "eggs in a pan."
Outside of the hotel I am staying at, Cactus Resort is a small coffee shop with 5 small tables. "Miracle Coffee" is a one-lady operation and has the best breakfast in town.
The egg dish is cooked up in a small wok-shaped pan about six inches across. Sliced sausage is cooked right inside the fried eggs. There are about 6 to 8 slices of 2 to 3 different types of sausage.
The small wok-like pan/bowl has small handles on the side and is used to serve the meal. From the stove to the table - all in one dish.
Along with the fried eggs and sausage, you also get two small football-shaped buns with shredded pork and sausage inside. The buns are toasted and slightly crunchy and are perfect to soak up the egg yolk.
The meal is served with orange juice and a choice of gourmet coffee. You can choose from espresso, cappuccino, mocha, latte, Brazil, Arabica, or Blue Mountain. You can choose to have your coffee served hot or iced.
Miracle Coffee also serves up another Thai dish called "kow toom" or rice porridge. This is a favorite of mine on a cold morning or when I am feeling a bit under the weather.
I am there almost daily for the kai krata breakfast with juice and a cup of Blue Mountain coffee for less than three US dollars.
It is simple fare served by a very friendly lady in an outdoor cafй. Some of the best pleasures in life are the simplest and this is definitely one of them.
So, if you are ever in Khon Kaen, Thailand, make it a point to head on over to Prachasamsorn Road and stop in at the Miracle Coffee cafй. It is right outside of the Cactus Resort, next door to the Busaba restaurant.
Whether you have the kai krata or kow toom you won't regret it. Top it off with a cup or two of gourmet coffee and you will get the day off to a great start.

Most Thailand travelers have heard of Bangkok, Pattaya, and Phuket, but few venture to the northeast and head for the area know as Isaan. This is in the northeast and comprised of Khon Kaen, Korat, Udorn Thani and others.
This is primarily a rural area with many rice farms. It is also the home of many expatriates who have settled down with their Thai lady and have made this their new home.
I was in Korat twice during exercise Cobra Gold and only got to see this city briefly. Working 12 - 16 hour day didn't allow much time for sightseeing. But, I did notice that the cost of living was a lot less than the bigger tourist cities and the people were a heck of a lot friendlier.
I visited Khon Kaen for the first time in 2007 to visit a lady that I met online. I immediately fell in love with the lady and also with the city of Khon Kaen.
Khon Kaen is only a 55 minute flight from Bangkok departing from the old international airport - Don Muang. The airport in Khon Kaen is very small and only has two departure gates.
The city is a pleasant mix of old and new. We would go out for lunch or dinner and sit in small bungalows along the lake or one of the rivers and dine in pure bliss. Three or four plates of excellent food, a couple of beers and some water and the bill would be about 10 - 15.
On the flip side, there is also KFC, Pizza Company and other fast food places. Western influence at its worst.
Shopping again is a mix of old and new. You can visit the food market or the night market or head to the Fairy mall or the electronics mall. From cheap T-shirts to current movies on DVD to bootleg software, Khon Kaen has it all.
I stayed at a small hotel called Cactus Resort. It was in the city but not in the heart. It would take us about 5 minutes to go to the mall or out to dinner. The price of the room was about 16 per night. The room was a decent size with cable TV, free Internet, hot and cold running water with a shower, and big bed and refrigerator. Of course, the room was air conditioned.
The staff was pleasant and helped me set up my computer to access the Internet using their IP address. The maid even saw that I was drinking more than my allotted 2 free bottles of water and increased my free water to four bottles.
The hotel didn't have a restaurant, but there was one right next door. This was not problem for me as my girl would cook my breakfast at her apartment and bring it to me and pick me up some food for lunch. We would then go out every night for dinner and drinks.
Khon Kaen is a very relaxed and inexpensive place to live. I plan to retire there and will be looking to get a house on my next visit.
Next time you plan a visit to Thailand, take a side trip to the northeast and experience all that Isaan has to offer.

Traveling, be it just across state or to another country is always a great experience. To help people enjoy it rather than having an untoward incident such as losing one's passport or other items such as luggage, it is best to be prepared to avoid such things from happening.

An essential item for any passenger traveling is the passport. This, aside from cash and the tickets must be nearby at all times preferably in a small handbag or purse for easy accessibility. If it is possible, one should memorize the passport number just in case for some reason it gets lost.

There is a high probability that when one travels, one usually uses the same bag for various trips. It is best to remove all the old destination tags and just have the new destination tag attached to avoid confusion. Also, for personal protection, one must have a lock and key for the bag and have it labeled both inside and outside the bag to avoid having another traveler from getting the luggage by mistake.

Depending on the length of the trip, one should just bring enough bags that one can carry. If the trip will take a few days or longer, choose a more appropriate bag to bring along. Taking such precautions will make the person feel comfortable and not helpless or immobilized when one is also not certain where the taxi stand or the bus stop is located.

While traveling, one should be careful of the surroundings. One should never let a stranger look after the luggage because it is possible that they will put something in it or even steal it.

During the trip, one should choose a hotel located on a well-traveled street. Usually, the more expensive the hotel, the better the security. The first thing to do when entering a hotel room is to check the windows, sliding doors and connecting rooms if there are any and make sure it is secure.

Most hotels have a small vault in the room and safety deposit box, which is complimentary. When leaving the hotel, it is also advisable to leave the room key in the lobby and just claim it when entering the hotel room.

Do not answer the hotel room door before verifying who it is. If someone claims to be a hotel employee and one does not recall making any request from the help desk, it is best to call the front desk person first to verify.

Most importantly, make sure the hotel room door is locked at all times.