Great Tour to Egypt and its History

May 4th, 2009

Egypt is a part of the Holy Land, tours to Christian and other religious monuments are popular. Egypt also offers nature and desert treks, great scuba diving and even golf, fishing and birding expeditions. For thousands of years travelers have been coming to Egypt to marvel at the Pyramids, the Sphinx, ancient Luxor and the River Nile
Egypt Culture: Adam Henein is one of Egypt's best known artists, and commissioner of the Aswan International Sculpture Symposium. Music is a part of Egyptian culture probably since its beginning. The official language is Arabic; however, English and French are widely spoken. Bridging the trade route between Africa and the Middle East, Egypt has long played an important role in history. Birthplace of one of the greatest civilizations known to man, Pharonic Egypt has left an indelible mark on modern day Egypt. This can be seen today in the shape of spectacular monument like the pyramids, statues and temples. The Pyramids of Giza, the oldest and only Ancient Wonder still standing, are testimony to perfection in art and design, never subsequently achieved. They were built by planners and engineers purely to serve their earthy rulers - who were also their gods.
Egypt also features tours to Luxor the biggest open museum in the world Between Luxor and Aswan the capital of the south you can cruise the Nile in breath taken views of the country side. An Egypt tour also has a great deal of shopping opportunities from hand crafted carpets to hand made papyrus. Experience Egypt's out of this world places of interest and rich culture with like-minded travelers. Our reputable group tours, escorted by a tour leader, are ideal for an enjoyable yet cultural holiday in Egypt.
Islam is constitutionally established as the official religion of Egypt and around 90% of the population is Sunni Muslim with a small minority of Bohra Muslims and other non-Sunni sects represented. Egypt is one of Islam's most influential intellectual centers. Al Azhar University, the oldest university in the world, graduates Islamic scholars from every Muslim country on earth. Egypt is the cultural capital of Arab world. The Arab television and cinema is dominated by the Egyptian television and film industry, as is popular Arabic music. Egypt has had a strong cinematic tradition since the 1930s. Egypt has the only major motion picture industry in the Arab world; with Cairo as its capital.
To start planning your holidays, select one of our exciting tour offer itinerary and we would be happy to arrange it as a private tour. We use some of the most sophisticated and luxurious cruise for Egypt Tour. Our standard tours are aimed at those wishing to visit Egypt on a budget, however luxury and high end tours are also available upon request.
So ask us! We want your trip to Egypt to be the travel memory of a lifetime. Office Hours: Monday - Friday 09:00 AM - 06:00 PM; T: (973) 636-6660; F: (973) 636-6668
http://www.right-travel.com/country.php?id=53&c=Egypt

Great Things You Can Do While In Dubai

May 4th, 2009

If you like golf it's good to know that the first grass course in the Middle East, the Emirates Golf Club, it's located south of the city. This is where the European PGA Desert Classic it's taking place. This huge event always attracts some major PGA players.

If you are into watersports you will really like your Dubai holiday. Almost all hotels along Jumeria Beach can offer activities like sailing, paragliding, windsurfing, water skiing or jet skiing. But if you are not really into watersports you can always swim in the warm waters, ride along Dubai Creek or walk along the beaches.

You can also have a great night life in Dubai. Dubai has a wide selection of pubs and bars that can be found in the major hotels. You can also go to concerts, cinemas or discotheques.

If you will visit Dubai with your family, in Dubai, you can visit Wild Wadi, a water amusement park, it will be enjoyed by all family members. You will also find many parks, landscaped gardens, playgrounds and the Dubai Zoo.

You will also find a great variety of beaches in Dubai. Main beaches in Dubai are along Jumeira Road. Beaches are divided up by private clubs and hotels. Also, you can find few public access beaches. You will be able to use the private beaches for daily rates that vary from 10 to 50. Some public facilities included in the public beaches are food kiosks, picnic areas, playgrounds and barbecue sites.

Dubai also has a great variety of restaurants. You can easily find them in the larger hotels. You will find Turkish or Lebanese cuisine on most local menus. Indian and Pakistani restaurants are also available in Dubai. You can also find American fast food chains in the shopping malls.

With all this great things to do while in Dubai, you can't miss, your holidays in Dubai are assured.

Great Places To Visit: Prague Cafes And Castles

May 4th, 2009

Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic is an extraordinarily beautiful city. Standing on the banks of the river Vltava (the locals generally use the German name for it the Moldau). Few wars or natural disaster ever reach here and the architectural heritage has been beautifully preserved. It is also know as the "Hundred Spired City" due to the many churches that adorn the city streets.

Much of the street plan, in as much as there is one, is medieval. And will come as a surprise (hopefully a pleasant one) to anyone used to living in a grid pattern North American city.

The city still boasts many beautiful buildings dating from the baroque period; a sight lost to much of Europe, that suffered so much in the devastation of two world wars. The canter of the city is a pleasure to walk around. Much of it is dating from the 14th century, when Charles IV started the university and built the "New Town" area of the city.

Prague only established itself as the capital in 1918 with the creation of Czechoslovakia. It remained under Soviet control until 1989, when the "Velvet Revolution" gently broke the grip of the failing Soviet Union.

Nowadays the city has thriving cafes, clubs and shops, where the newly wealthy and the inspirational window shopper can keep themselves amused for hours on end. The boulevards contain everything from traditional Czech souvenirs to the latest hi tech modern electrical gadgetry.

Must See Prague:

- Charles Bridge: built in the 14th century, it was believed at the time, that odd numbers were lucky. The builders started work at 5:31 on the day 9/7/1352 very odd, but maybe effective, as the bridge is still standing today!

- St.Nicholas Church: When building work finished in 1756 Prague had one of the finest Baroque churches in Europe and it still retains that position today. There is a huge painting of St. Nicholas in the nave and a wonderful bell tower. Mozart gave a recital here and there are still frequent classical concerts throughout the week

- Prague Castle: Now the home of the president, it was previously the seat of the Czech royal family. It is surrounded by palaces and features an army museum. The changing of the guard takes place every hour and, as with some other European Capitals it is quite a spectacle. Bring a camera.

- The Old Town Square: Built before the 12th century this is the oldest and most historic square in Prague. It is made up of many interesting buildings including many from the baroque period. Many of the buildings are brightly colored and there are many pavement cafes, where you can relax and watch the world go by.

- The National Technical Museum: Although unimaginatively (though accurately) titled, this is a fascinating collection of all things technical. With everything, from a railway carriage belonging to the Archduke Ferdinand, (whose assassination sparked the outbreak of the first world war), to a working reconstruction of a working coal mine.

- Vhsyrad Castle: Over a thousand years old and a former home of the Czech nobility, this castle has an impressive pedigree. Take a stroll on top of the ramparts for a great view of the city and river. There is a wonderful gothic church, a museum and a cemetery, where the composer Dvorzac the Author of the "New World Symphony" is buried.

- Petrin Park: One of the hidden gems of Prague There is a rose garden, a maze and a gate to a well cultivated garden, but the real sight is from the tip of the hill. Take the short cable car ride to the top and there is the Petrin tower, basically a smaller copy of the Eiffel Tower. It is an outstanding viewpoint and well worth the effort.

Food and drink in Prague are both hearty (as you would expect in Eastern Europe) and affordable. You must try the dumplings and the beer is some of the finest on the continent. It is also the original home of Budweiser and they still make their own, some would say superior version.

The hotels are more expensive than they used to be, but are still affordable. Look around for the best bargains. The transport, mainly buses and trams, is very good. Although English is not as common as in many parts of Europe, a lot of the locals speak a few words. It is always worth asking directions, as they are polite and friendly people. A visit to Prague will not disappoint but don't go in winter unless you have a good coat.

Grand Canyon - a Trip You Have to Take

May 4th, 2009

Every American (okay, every human for that matter) owes it to him/herself to head to Arizona and visit the Grand Canyon at least once in their lifetimes. It's truly amazing to see how a little trickle of water eventually turned into the Colorado River, which eventually carved out the Grand Canyon.

You can approach your trip to the Grand Canyon in a couple different ways. One way is to stay within the park at one of the lodges on the South Rim and take time to experience all the different things the park has to offer. The other way is to stay in one of the surrounding Arizona towns and take a day trip to the Grand Canyon for a "hit and run" view of the Canyon. Both have their plusses.

The part of the Grand Canyon The South Rim is the part of the Grand Canyon most people are familiar with. It sits on the Arizona side and can be accessed all year round. The North Rim is closed from mid-October to mid-May, and is not as visited as the South Rim.

The benefit of staying within the park is the ability to take your time to view the magnificent Canyon from different viewing points, which you can access by walking the rim trail or taking a shuttle from point to point. For those of you staying for several days, a trip to the Northern Rim of the Grand Canyon would be a lovely addition, though the drive is about 4 - 5 hours long. For those not wanting to drive, there is a shuttle which provides rim to rim service from mid-May to Mid-October.

For those staying on the South Rim, there are numerous trails down the canyon, as well as a trail along the top of the Canyon called the "Rim Trail." If you're staying in one of the lodges and are planning a day hike into the inner Canyon, just be aware that you probably cannot make it down and back in one day. As a matter of fact, each year around 250 people are rescued from the inner Canyon, the majority of whom are able-bodied young men between the ages of 18 to 40 who attempted to hike down and back in one ay. Don't be one of them. A good day hike would be a couple hours down and then back up. The hike up will take longer than the hike down. Also, be sure to wear good hiking shoes as some trails can be very rocky.

Some people choose to hike down one day and either camp at the bottom or stay in the Phantom Ranch. Be aware, however, that you have to make arrangements well in advance of your trip if you choose to stay at the bottom. Campers require a backcountry permit, and Phantom Ranch is usually booked months ahead. Permits are sometimes available on that day, but why risk it? For reservations at the Phantom Ranch, you can call 888-297-2757.

Some people prefer to stay outside the park and visit the Canyon for a few hours and move on. There are numerous areas in Northern Arizona where one can stay and take a side trip to the Grand Canyon, such as Sedona and Flagstaff. While such locations are still lengthy drives (an hour from Flagstaff, two from Sedona), it's still close enough for a day trip. Both Sedona and Flagstaff are lovely places to stay, with Sedona being the most 'touristy" of the two towns. Flagstaff, to me, is the quirkier of the two, perhaps because it is a "university town," home to Northern Arizona University.

Sedona and Flagstaff are also visually different. Flagstaff is surrounded by a pine forest, while Sedona is in "red rock" country. Sedona abounds with numerous high-end resorts, galleries and expensive eateries. Flagstaff is cheaper all-around, with inexpensive lodging and restaurants. Both are close enough for a day trip to the Grand Canyon.

Of course, you can always opt for an even quicker bus tour, hopping from one tourist stop to the next. But, why not take a cue from that little trickle of water which started it all? Take your time and enjoy the view.

Got a Bad Case of the Pattaya Blues?

May 4th, 2009

When I talk about the Pattaya blues I am not referring to music. I am talking about the feeling of remorse you have after you have just spent the best three weeks of your life.
Every single man who has ever experienced Pattaya knows this feeling. The symptoms usually start two to three days before your flight back home.
You have been having a blast partying day and night for a few weeks and the reality of going back home is starting to sink in. You realize that in a matter of days you will be back to your miserable town, your terrible job, and cold weather in winter.
You start to realize that you won't be able to get great meals for a few dollars. You are going to miss all of those lovely lasses and their Thai smiles. You will really miss the laid back, mai pen rai attitude that everyone in Thailand has.
With the blues setting in, you will try to live your last couple of days in Pattaya to the fullest. You will go out and eat, drink and be crazy. You will do all of the shopping that you should have done the first two weeks. You will try to cram another two weeks of fun into your last two days.
And then the fateful day will come. You will have to face the eventuality that you have to go back to Bangkok and catch your flight back home. You will plan your last night to go everywhere and do everything. There will be a lot of "good-bye's" and farewell toasts. You will visit all of your favorite bars and try to decide what you will wind up doing on your last night in fun city.
And then the taxi arrives and you mope all the way to the airport. You will fondly remember all the good times and snap back to reality and remember that you are going back to the real world.
On the plane you will relive every moment of the past few weeks. The good, bad, and possibly ugly. And then you will start to think about your return trip. You will try to figure out how you can get two vacations in one year instead of just one. How you can earn extra money so you can get back to Pattaya as soon as possible.
Landing at your home airport will jolt you back to reality. You will clear customs and head home. You may spend time looking at your vacation pictures and surfing the net for Pattaya pages.
You will go to forums to post your trip report and tell others about your great vacation. You will listen to Thai music and watch some of the videos you bought. You will tell your friends and co-workers tales of your trip that they won't believe in a million years.
You will search for a cure for the Pattaya Blues and one day you will realize that the only cure is to return. There is no other medicine, drug, or magic potion that will cure you. You have to return. So you do the math, check with the boss, work the overtime and buy your return ticket.
You are not cured yet, but you are starting to feel better. The symptoms will stay with you right up until you board the plane for your flight to Pattaya, Thailand. Then you will finally be cured, or will you?

Good food for less money in Vegas

May 4th, 2009

It is well known that a holiday in Vegas is all about food, drink and gambling all day and all night. Excitement in the fast lane in the casino or on the roller coaster but not necessarily at the dinner tables.
No longer is the casinos considered the only entertainment and income of Las Vegas. Slowly this bright city is changing its image to proof to its people and visitors that the commitment is there to offer world-class entertainment and excitement. It goes without saying that some of the dining in Las Vegas is out of this world especially in the casino areas but so unfortunately is the price. The tables are being filled with people wanting to experience a wonderful time and somehow by good reviews and hard work the restaurants reap success.
This city of bright lights and empty promises is quickly becoming a city that offers world-class entertainment and excitement to its residents and its visitors. Las Vegas has some of the best dining on the planet. Many of the wonderful dining experiences are associated with the casinos of the area but they would not be as successful as they are if there was not a reason to keep the tables full. Diners don't tend to dine if the food isn't good and a for a restaurant a bad review will travel around the world three times before ten good reviews will make it once. This means that the world-class fine dining restaurants really must earn their stripes in order to bring in the business required in order to stay in business.
One of the places where a person or a family can eat less expensively is at Arizona Charlie's Boulder Sourdough Cafe. Highly recommended are the 14-ounce Porterhouse steak for 7.99 which includes soup or salad, potato or rice, veggies and rolls. Spaghetti and meatballs are 6.49 and Chicken Penn Primavera or fried chicken is 6.99.
Good meals and easy on the pocket.
Be on the look out for coupons around town offering two for the price of one meal ticket
There are also places offering discount on entrance purchases. Off course once off the saving will not be that great but, over several days, for a couple of people, you can even see an extra show or gamble some on your food budget.
It is true that the less expensive food is not served as elegantly as its pricy encounters but the quality is much the same even sometimes, in my opinion, more superior. A lot of the cheaper places to eat actually have for superior flavor to many of the more expensive dining experiences and it's just nice to get away from buffet food once in a while.

Good Things to Know About Singapore

May 4th, 2009

Singapore is the perfect destination for tourists in search of relaxation, peace and quiet. The diamond-shaped island of Singapore is a magnificent oasis of exotic vegetation, consisting of various magnificent species of plants. The beauty of the botanical gardens and parks found in Singapore is renown all over the world. One of the most treasured Singapore places of interest is the National Orchid Garden, which contains an impressive collection of more than 3000 species of orchids, some of them growing only on this particular island.

Situated in the South-eastern region of the Asian continent, Singapore is a very important center for trade and tourism. Singapore communicates with Malaysia through a set of bridges, while the access to the neighboring islands of the Indonesian archipelago is facilitated by the presence of many ferry ports along the coastal regions, ferry boats providing a quick means of transportation by sea. A major center for tourism, Singapore also has an extended and modern network of airlines, facilitating the tourists' access on the island by air.

The vast, beautiful beaches found on the island are a major Singapore attraction. The tropical climate of Singapore renders the island the best destination for people in search for a memorable vacation by the beach. The beaches of Singapore are packed with tourists over the entire duration of the year, as the island preserves its warm climate regardless of season. The only impediment for tourists who enjoy sunbathing and swimming is tropical rain, which wets the surface of the island in brief, sporadic showers. However, the good news is that rain predominantly falls in autumn and winter, more rarely showering the island of Singapore during spring and summer.

A very famous Singapore place of interest is the world's first open zoo, which shelters a wide range of species characteristic to various geographical regions. The zoological garden found in Singapore is a major attraction for tourists, allowing visitors to closely observe the various animal species sheltered by the island. Unlike conventional zoos, the zoological garden in Singapore doesn't confine animals inside cages. The simulated environments and landscapes themselves separate the species that grow here, while additional man-made barriers prevent visitors from getting too near from the animals.

Apart from these common attractions, the ancient cultural and religious monuments found on the island are also major reasons for you to visit Singapore. Additional Singapore places of interest such as Thian Hock Keng temple, the shrines built in honour of Ma Po Cho - the Mother of the Heavenly Sages and the abundance of other religious monuments and statues render the island of Singapore an appropriate destination for tourists in search for mystical places. Whether you decide to visit Singapore for its sunny beaches, the splendour of its gardens or the intriguing ancient Oriental worship sites found on the island, a vacation in this region of the world is definitely a unique and unforgettable experience!

Good Things To Know About Sleeping Bags

May 4th, 2009

One of the best things to remember from the trips in the country is the experience of spending the night under the stars. One of your most important companions in these nights is the sleeping bag, the friend that never leaves your side, whereever you go.

Sleeping bags are available in many different types, depending on where the person intends to use it and of course depending on the season he or she will need it. So, when going out for buying a sleeping bag, take a careful look at the temperature ratings. But one must also keep in mind whether you are a person who usually likes to sleep in a warm or cold bed. A good indicator of the feeling you will have in the sleeping bag is its loft, but you will also have to consider its shape. It's very important for a sleeping bag to be big enough to sleep in , but also for it to be small enough when packed, so that it would not be hard to carry.

While mummy bags are very easy and warm, you might indeed feel like a mummy trapped in it. You might want to choose a barrel bag, because you can really strech out in such a sleeping bag. The bad thing about is that it does not have the thermal properties of the mummy bag. In case you go on a trip in the summer , a rectangular bag does the trick!

It is a known fact that the hood and the neck yoke must be very efficient in protecting your head and neck. The footbox of a mummy sleeping bag or the footoval of a barrel bag must also protect feet from cold and bad whether, but also allow a person to keep a natural position while sleeping.

Therefore, choosing the most suitable sleeping bag can be quite difficult. I would give it a lot of time and hard thinking if I were you. Only then you can say that you are ready to make a decision.

So now, all packed up for a trip in the country!

Good Things To Know About Dubai

May 4th, 2009

If you want to have a superb holiday, Dubai is the place to go. Dubai it's a luxurious destination that blend the traditional with modern with so much success.

If you plan to go to Dubai, the best time to be there is during the cooler time of the year. Would be best to go between Octomber and May, the average temperature will be 24C. If you will miss this period, it will probably be very hot outside. But, since everywhere is air-conditioned, you will have no problem inside.

You can get to Dubai by plane easily, at least 80 airlines land everyday at the Dubai International Airport.

When going from place to place in Dubai, the most convenient way is by taxi. Also, almost all hotels can arrange a taxi for you. You can always also rent a car, you just need to have a valid passport, driver license and to be over 21 years of age. Renting a car is not high priced and they will offer you a big variety of options.

You can also take part to camel racing in Dubai. It is a popular traditional sport in the Emirates. It's free to the public and they have customized racetracks for this. They also have a camel racing federation.

One of the best activities in Dubai is the "dunes dinner". You will drive your 4-wheeled drive land cruiser (they will give it to you) in the desert to the east of Dubai. You can even ride camels or stay in an Arabian tent under the stars. The average cost per person for these tours is 75, you can arrange these with the various operators in Dubai.

All these things will take part in making your holiday in Dubai fantastic. Have fun.

Going to Thailand in December?

May 4th, 2009

December 5th is His Royal Highness, the King of Thailand's birthday. His majesty will celebrate his 80th birthday in Royal Fashion. The people of Thailand have been asked to wear yellow shirts from December 1st through December 5th in honor of the King.
For the past year, Thais have worn yellow shirts every Monday to show respect to King Bhumibol Adulyadej. This started shortly after the 60th anniversary celebration of the King's ascension to the throne last year.
There already have been some events to honor the King - but more are scheduled.
All the way from Russia is the Mariinsky Theatre performing for the Royal Family. On December 6th and 8th, there will be public performances - sell-outs for sure. And on December 7th, there will be a private show for the Royal Family.
And it isn't a Royal Birthday without a Royal Parade -
On December 5, a procession with holy water will start from Wat Phra Chetuphon Vimol-mangklararm Rajwaramahavi-harn to the Chakri Maha Prasat Throne Hall, where His Majesty will grant a public audience at 10.30am. From 6pm to 6.30pm, His Majesty will travel from the Amarin Winitchai Throne Hall to the Chitralada Royal Villa where well-wishers will light candles to honor him. The event will be televised.
Elections for new Prime Minister will be held on December 23rd. There may be some skirmishes in the streets of Bangkok - so be advised to avoid government buildings as much as possible. The government has also declared December 24th as an official holiday. The reason for this is the Thais have to return to their home town to vote and this is to encourage more voters giving them time to get home and back.
Christmas and New Years will also be celebrated in most of the tourist venues. Decorations, presents and fireworks to ring in the New Year. A word of caution - last year a handful of small bombs were set off on New Years eve (as I was packing to return home) - so be aware of your surroundings.
Lastly - rumor has it that Santa Claus will be at the Emporium on Sukhumvit and Soi 26. Alas, the reindeers couldn't make it - visas expired.