10 More Things You Did Not Know You Could do in Bali

Here the second part of my starter list of new things you may want to try when you are next in Bali. (For the first section, just search for “10 Things You Did Not Know You Could do in Bali”).

This time round, I am staying in Umalas, at Albia Villa Bail, absolutely excellent if you like peace and quiet, yet want easy access to Seminyak and Legian.

11) Golfing

A number of 18 hole courses are available across Bali. As you would expect, each more beautiful than the other. Relax on an easy course, or challenge yourself to one of the more demanding courses designed by professionals. Either way, don’t miss the spectacular views over the Indian Ocean or one of Bali’s great volcanoes. Most courses in Bali are to international standards, and many offer clubhouses and recreational facilities for the rest of the family.

12) Helicopter Tours

Go on, splash out for that once in a life-time experience! Spectacular views over Bali even Lombok. Take in the gentle rice terraces from the best vantage point, or get up close and personal with a volcano! Not cheap, but certainly an experience never to forget. (Air Bali)

13) Horse Riding

Enjoy one of the equestrian centres at your doorstep! Selection of horses, with courses for the beginners. Wonderful escorted tours through the rice terraces and tide permitting down the beach. (Umalas right next to Mia Villa Bali Rental, or try Saba Bay Stables)

14) Kite Boarding

Some great wind and lift, as well as the equipment for rental is available at Nusa Dua beaches. But make sure you have a great story lined up for your insurance company! Keep in mind, this really is an Extreme Sport.

15) Monkey Watching

Experience mischievous macaques in full action! Also, some good restaurants and eateries nearby. However, be careful of your cameras, glasses and the like! (The Sacred Monkey Forest – Ubud)

16) Mountain Cycling

If you like cycling, why not enjoy a leisurely cycle with views of the Batur volcano! Lots to see, lots to learn, all on two wheels with an experienced guide. (Bali Adventure Tours)

17) Paragliding

Throw yourself off the sheer cliff faces of Uluwatu into the Indian Ocean! As a beginner you can enjoy great tandem jumps with well qualified professionals with great safety records.

18) Slingshot (Reverse Bungee)

Defy gravity Bali style, with some spectacular 50m views! (That is, if you remember to open your eyes!) Not for the faint-hearted. Organisers follow international safety standards.

19) Surfing

If you’ve come with your board you’ll know where to go! If you are keen to learn, there are many schools to choose from, just head for the beach! Whilst Kuta is a good all rounder, Uluwatu, Padang-Padang, and Balangan can provide some great tubes to test the more experienced. (some offer surfing lessons for ages 5+, so the whole family can enjoy surfing all together)

20) Temple Ceremonies

Few visitors to Bali realise that in most instances you will be welcomed to attend local ceremonies as an observer. The great thing is, there is a temple ceremony every single day of the year in Bali, just ask around to find the nearest one during your stay. If you are lucky enough, you may be able to catch one of the Full Moon or Dark Moon ceremonies which attract devotees from far a field and are some of the most colourful events on the island. Please remember that a sensible dress code, and polite/respectful behaviour are essential for continued hospitality towards foreign guests. (Also, please note that women are not allowed in the temples during their menstrual period.)

Like me, if you manage to fit in five of these activities into your schedule, every time you visit Bali, you will still want to come back for more. Because, at the end of the day, it is the people of Bali, with their welcoming smiles, and willingness to help, which will make your adventures even more precious memories.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/10-more-things-you-did-not-know-you-could-do-in-bali-995698.html

Top 5 Places to Vacation in the US

People go for a vacation with their family for relaxation and enjoyment. There are a lot of places in the world to visit. It is impossible for a person to visit all these places in one lifetime. Most people dream of a vacation in the USA. Since the US is a big country, there are many places to see. To enjoy a holiday in the country, it is necessary to make a plan before you travel.

For those travelling to US for the first time, here the top five must-see places.

1. San Francisco, California - This is a city of diverse culture in relation to arts, museums, architecture, music and festivals. San Francisco has become a popular tourist place because of its hillside streets and modern and Victorian architecture. The major attractions of San Francisco are Golden Gate Bridge (a construction marvel); Japanese Tea Gardens; Exploratorium (museum); Fisherman's Wharf; Alcatraz Islands; Historic Cable cars (the moving landmark of San Francisco); Chinatown; and the Red-and-White Ferry. Some of the modern architectures of San Francisco are Civic Center, Coit Tower, Ferry Building, and the twisty and crooked streets of Lombard in Russian Hill. The city is also the home of different festivals, fairs, parades and parties. The moat famous one is the Gay Festival held in June every year. The others are the Folsom Street Fair, the Chinese New Year Parade, the Carnival, and Lovefest.

2. Orlando, Florida - This US city has everything - from theme parks to crocodile farms. If you are planning to travel with your family and are looking for a complete entertainment, then this is the right destination. When you are in Orlando there is a myriad of choices available to have fun. The major attractions of Orlando are the Walt Disney World, Sea World Orlando (marine theme park), Universal Studios, Island of Adventure, Wet 'N Wild (water park), Discovery Cove (marine theme park), Gatorland (wildlife theme park), Holy Land Experience (museum), Ripley's Believe It or Not, the Orlando Science Center and the Orlando Museum. Orlando also has tropical beaches for the family to enjoy and relax in the sun.

3. Las Vegas, Nevada - 'The Entertainment Capital of the World' is famous for gambling, dining, shopping and entertainment. The major attraction of Las Vegas is casinos. It has got some of the world's finest casinos like the Golden Nugget, Four Queens, Fremont Casino, and Las Vegas Club. The other attractions are the Adventuredome, Desperado, Gondola, M&M's World, Nevada State Museum, Stratosphere Tower, Springs Preserve and much more. So, if you are in a mood for some adult entertainment, then travel to Las Vegas alias the Sin City.

4. New York City - 'The Big Apple' or 'The City that Never Sleeps' is famous for international affairs, commerce, culture, finance, fashion and entertainment. This city is made up of five towns - The Bronx, Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens and Staten Island. The major attractions to visit while you are in New York are The Empire State Building, Ellis Island, Broadway Theatre Productions, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Central Park, Rockefeller Center, Bronx Zoo, Washington Square Park, Times Square, The Statue of Liberty and the New York Botanical Gardens. New York City is the favourite shopping destination for shoppers. The city has witnessed some of the major cultural reforms in the past. Many events and parades are organised to attract tourists. The famous events are the Halloween Parade and the Tribeca Film Festival.

5. Grand Canyon, Arizona - This is one of the premier national parks in the US and has become a popular natural tourist destination. It is a steep gorge along the Colorado River in Arizona and is 6000 feet deep and 446 km long. The Grand Canyon National Park can be approached through two ways - the North Rim (remote part) and the South Rim (more accessible and crowded part). Some of the activities you can indulge in here include camping, mule rides, sightseeing, rafting, hiking and helicopter rides. Some of the viewpoints along the South Rim are Grand Canyon Village, the Watchtower and the Hermit's Rest. The viewpoints of the North Rim are Cape Royal, Bright Angel Point and the Point Imperial.

Are you planning to visit US? We have the best information about the major attractions, customs, culture, weather etc. For more on our USA Guide, please visit http://www.america001.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Wilson_Rupert

Dance Festivals of India

India is such a diverse country, and one of the main ways that its diversity is expressed is through its dance. When you have your India visa then you will have the opportunity and pleasure to visit many parts of India to attend some of its dance festivals. The types of dance across India are so different in style and colour, that several trips maybe needed to see such extravaganzas; hence you will also require several Indian visas for these trips. Below are a few of the dance festivals that your India travel visa will allow you to visit:

The Konark Dance Festival
The Konark Dance Festival is based in Konark, Orissa, and is held twice a year, in February and also December. Both times the festival is held in the open air auditiorium grounds in near the sun temple. The sun temple is based approximately 68kilometres from the states capital Bhubaneswar. Note that your normal India visa will allow entry to this region of India. The location is close the the Black Orissi Dance Pagoda, which is a monument that is build of black granite and shows the chariot of the sun god. The dance festival shows the classical forms of the regional dances of India as well as national forms of dance, in a celebration to celebrate Orissa. The dances are held under a huge mandap called the Natya Mandap. The dances styles are typically those from the 19th to the 21st centuries.

The Modhera Dance Festival
One of the most famous dance festivals that your India visa will also allow you to visit is in the state of Gujrat, called the Modhera dance festival. Modhera which is close to the capital of Gujarat, Ahmedabad was build by king Bhimdev many centuries ago. You can enter Gujrarat quite easily with the traditional visa for India for business or tourism purposes. The festival is held in the sun temple, which is dedicated totally to the lord Surya, otherwise translated as the sun god. The dances on display at the sun temple include classical Gujarati dances. This beautiful festival is held for three days during the month of January. As this is one of the most popular seasons for Indian tourism, be sure to apply early in advance for your India visa, at the VFS offices or via the services or Rapid visas.

The Elephanta Islands Dance and Music Festival
If you are planning on using your India visa to enter via Mumbai, and shall be entering India during the month of February, then the annual festivals held on this small island 10 km from Mumbai harbour is surely to be attended. The island was rename elephanta by the Portugese after they saw it had elephant carvings inside the walls. This annual festival is arranged to worship the Maheshmurti, or otherwise know as the Shiva-idol which is located in the main caves. As well beautiful dances being put on by professionals, it is also fascinating to see local folk dances being displayed by local fisherman, who also serve their local food.

For more information of the dance festivals of India, and also the processes required for applying for your India visa then please feel welcome to contact us at rapid visas.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Neej_Amb

Australia Gold Coast in 2009

Queensland has so much to offer, several weeks could easily be spent discovering a wealth of amazing places. From the Great Barrier Reef and Australia's amazing Outback to World Heritage Rainforests and the Aussie beach culture. Visit the vibrant cities of Brisbane and Cairns, the world heritage-listed Fraser Island, and the ancient rainforests of the Gold Coast hinterland.

The Gold Coast is one of the most popular regions here, it is a coastal city in the southeast corner of the state of Queensland in Australia, located between the state capital of Brisbane to the north and the New South Wales state border to the south. The Gold Coast has long been a high-profile tourist destination for Australians and overseas travellers alike, but it is not only sun and beach, with many other things to offer. It also has a population of half a million residents.

Here are some highlights of any trip to the Australia Gold Coast in 2009:

• Surfer's Paradise - home to pristine and wide white beaches and superb water sports as well as approximately 21 theme parks including Sea World and Wet 'n' Wild Water Park.

• Tweed Heads and Coolangatta - twin towns located on the border between north-eastern New South Wales and south-eastern Queensland. Coolangatta is in Queensland and a suburb of the Gold Coast. Tweed Heads is not administratively part of the city, but is effectively forms its southern suburb. Here you can join several tours and cruises.

• Tallebudgeera Creek - a popular swimming lagoon for families away from all the surfing action.

• Gold Coast Hinterland - home to three national parks, numerous mountains, creeks, waterfalls valleys, and natural rock formations. The area is mostly covered in sub-tropical rainforest, but sections have been cleared for dairy farm land and wineries.

My advice is to put Queensland on your list of travel destinations as it has so much to offer in addtiion to that coastline and sun.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Colin_B._Richards

Trekking Tours in Himalayas

Tours in Himalayas

Himalayas have been an inviting destination for everyone. The lofty peaks of Himalayas are a perfect destination for enjoying trekking adventures. The tourists come in communion with nature in the serene ambiance of Himalayas. The peaks of Himalayas are a real pleasure to see. You will be awestruck by the beauty of the Himalayan cliffs.

The Asian continent stretches the Himalayan ranges from southeast to northwest. The challenging topography of Himalayas invites and allures many travelers. The range of adventure sports in Himalayas is awesome. Man has been always fascinated by the very thought of controlling nature. The adventure freaks have always wanted something more to quench their thirst of thrill. So, here are the Himalayan ranges, beckoning you to explore the charms of the place.

The adventurers who wish to discover the local culture experience the natural surroundings, relate with nature, and explore more of the regions they are traversing in, should go for Himalayas trekking tours which are sure to leave them completely thrilled. The excitement adds with the caping tours that accompany these tours.

Destinations for Himalaya Trekking Tours

1) Garhwal Himalayas: Lying in the north-west of Uttaranchal, Garwhal Himalayas offer easy, moderate and hard trekking options. Beside trekking, you can even enjoy other adventure sports here like River Rafting, Safaris and Expeditions. Some of the popular destinations for trekking are:

• Dehradun

• Taluka

• Osla

• Har Ki Doon

• Debshu Bugyal

• Rishikesh

• Nandprayag

• Ramni

• Jhenjipatni

• Sinyartoli

• Dhakwani

• Tall

• Auli

2) Kumaon Himalayas: Abound in tranquil environment, Kumaun Himalayas are a hotspot for trekkers. The region is dotted with valleys, flora, fauna, lakes, rivers, peaks. Some of the famous treks here are:

• Almora

• Loharkhet

• Dhakuri

• Khati

• Dwali

• Phurkia

• Pindari Glacier

• Song

• Bagheshwar

• Nainital

• Maiktoli top

• Kathalia

3) Sikkim Himalayas: Trekkers find immense pleasure in exploring the bountiful nature in the state. Easily accessible, the treks in Sikkim are amongst the favorite of trekkers. Discover the beautiful treks of:

• Bagdogra

• Darjeeling

• Yuksum

• Bakhim

• Dzongri

• Thangsing

• Simiti Lake

• Gochala

• Phedang

• Tshoka

4) Ladhakh Himalayas: Trekkers delight, Ladhakh, is dotted with exciting opportunities of trekking. The adventurers and nature lovers both find content in this region for trekking. Lying across the Kashmir Valley and over the famous Zoji La pass (Zozi La pass) it is quite different from the green landscapes of other parts of the Himalayas. The trekkers can find thrill in:

• Darcha

• Palemo

• Zanskar Sumdo

• Chumi Napo

• Shingo La

• Lakham

• Kurgiak

• Tetha

• Purni

• Ichar

• Mune

• Padum

• Kargil

• Leh

Enjoy your trekking tours in the mesmerizing ranges of Himalayas.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/trekking-tours-in-himalayas-974707.html

Paris Hideaways Presents Top 5 Tips on Booking a Vacation Apartment in Paris

Paris Hideaways offers top rental tips for choosing the right vacation apartment for your trip to the City of Lights.

The advantages of a vacation rental apartment in Paris over a hotel are countless: you will save hundreds if not thousands of Dollars, Pounds or Euros, you will have the opportunity to live like a local, and you have the privacy and freedom that are missing from the hotel experience.

Choosing the right vacation apartment for you can be a time-intense task, so Paris Hideaways have created a list of top tips to help you choose the right apartment for your trip to Paris.

Top Tips for booking the right Paris vacation apartment rental

1. Do your homework

There are countless numbers of agencies in Paris renting out vacation apartments. Research the agency, and read reviews of each agency on Trip Advisor, Frommers, Lonely Planet, Virtual Tourist and other travel forums. Compare prices from various agencies, who often offer the same apartments at different rates, so you might be able to get the same apartment cheaper at an agency which charges less commission than another agency with the same apartment.

2. Book early

Paris is the world's number one tourist destination hands down, with over 30 million visitors every year. The Christmas/New Year season sees prices jump 20% due to sheer demand, and the months of May and September are very busy due to fashion fairs and exhibits in Paris, so be sure to book far in advance during these times.

There are possibilities for last minute discounted rates for vacation apartment rental bookings, so if you can be flexible and are traveling to Paris at short notice, it is worth checking with agencies to see if there might be discounted apartments available.

3. Trade romance for realism during your apartment search

During your accommodation search, trade your romantic visions of Paris for a realistic view of the city's accommodation options in order to ensure you find the right apartment for you, as many visitors' expectations of what it is like to live "à la Parisienne" in a French apartment may very different to what you are accustomed.

When choosing to go to Paris, it also means visiting a city several hundred years old. While the authenticity and history of the buildings and monuments give Paris its charm, if you are looking for comfortable North American style accommodation, you might consider a 4-star hotel chain that you know and trust.

Any trustworthy agency has checked out as many of the apartments it makes available as possible, and the best agencies will make sure only to work with reliable owners and only include apartments up to highly acceptable levels of cleanliness. Your apartment should feel like your own apartment, not like you are staying at stranger's home who happens to be out of town.

4. Decide on your deal-breakers

Are you after size, view, number of beds, amenities, location or budget? Is this a honeymoon? An anniversary? Tell the agency. They are likely to know what to advise for the perfect getaway according to your needs.

Some apartments will be top-notch and top-quality, but also top floor of a building. Parisian elevators can be small and almost claustrophobic, if there are any elevators at all. Are you willing to climb up flights of stairs? Ride in small lifts? Even the best vacation apartment rental agency might over look small intercultural differences like these if you don't ask, as they are used to the Paris way of life. So don't be afraid to ask.

Can you live without air conditioning in mid-summer Paris? Is there a washer in the apartment and can you live without one if not? For those on business, wireless internet access inside the apartment might be essential, so make sure to indicate that during your search.

5. Pay attention to payment method

The payment options might make or break your decision to book with a certain agency. Some agencies might require full rent and deposit up to 30 days in advance, while others might require full cash payment on arrival and a check for the deposit which would not be cashed unless actual damage was done to the apartment. Some agencies will have the owner of the apartment meet you at your vacation rental, while some might require full payment and then send keys in the mail. You should never make any payments by W estern U nion or to an unnamed recipient no matter how good the deal.

6. Prepare your arrival

Post-booking, contact the owner as soon as the agency provides contact details and make sure you get a response from the owner. Give the owner your contact details to reach you when you are at home, when you are traveling, especially if you will be elsewhere in the days before your arrival. Once in contact with the owner, as him or her if they have a welcome pack he can send you ahead of time, if they know a good place to eat nearby, the best way to arrive to the apartment via public transport or taxi, and any other questions you may have before your arrival. The owner should be happy to help you make the best of your stay.

If you consider all of your needs and your price range and research the vacation apartment agencies far in advance, you will find the right apartment in the location and price range that you most feel comfortable with. The best advice to give is just to ask - ask in travel forums, ask friends for advice, and ask the vacation apartment rental agencies themselves, who should be very happy to help you find the perfect place for your stay in Paris.

Notes to editors:
Paris Hideaways is an entity of Charming Hideaways Ltd, and is registered and based in London.

Katia Provencher is the Director of Charming Hideaways, and has several years' experience in the vacation rental and tourism business, including being vacation rental owner herself and also having been a long-term resident of Paris.

Photography is available on request.

For further details on Paris Hideaways vacation rentals, please call + 44 (0)208 144-5887, via Skype - Parisrental, email contact@paris-hideaways.com or visit http://www.paris-hideaways.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Katia_Provencher

Staycations - 4 Tips to Make Your Home Feel Like a Special Getaway

Staying at home because you can't afford a pricey trip doesn't mean you can't still have a fabulous vacation. People usually focus on acting like a tourist in their hometowns during their staycations. However, you shouldn't overlook enhancing your home environment as well, so it feels like a different place. To make being at home feel like a vacation, treat your space as if you were getting it ready for guests to come over. Only this time you are the guest!

1. Decorate with fresh flowers - Either buy ready-made arrangements from your local flower shop or grocery store, or assemble simple arrangements yourself. Sticking with a single color for each arrangement is the best way to achieve stylish flowers. And since you took the week off work anyway, why not try your hand at flower arranging?

2. Use candles to enhance your lighting and mood - Set out votive candles throughout your home, and keep them lit every evening until you go to bed. Candles are a quick, easy way to create a soothing atmosphere. Even big box stores now offer spa-themed candles that can go a long way towards transforming your home into a 5 star resort.

3. Stock your kitchen with food and drinks you normally would not have - One of the main advantages of staying at home is not spending lots of money to eat out for every meal. However, instead of eating your regular rotation of foods, mix things up. Stock your kitchen with out-of-the-ordinary snacks like crudite, rosemary almonds, and freshly baked cookies. Also treat yourself to some new wines or interesting glass bottle sodas. Prepare a favorite special occasion meal, like herb-crusted beef tenderloin.

4. Throw a cocktail party or BBQ - Going on vacation often includes visiting friends you haven't seen in a while. So instead of you going to visit friends out of town, you can throw a cocktail party or BBQ and invite your friends to come to you. If you've already transformed your home for your staycation, throwing a party is no big deal. Plus, hosting when you're on vacation is far less stressful than when you try to do so during a busy workweek or short weekend. With the money you've saved staying in town, you can even splurge on a bartender, or hire someone to help with the clean up.

It's very easy to have a fun, relaxing vacation at home. The key is to apply a few quick, simple ideas to transform your home into a special environment. You'll not only save yourself some money and the hassle and stress of traveling, you'll have a new appreciation for your home.

Amanda DeSeta & Michelle Sy Founders, http://www.TheSimpleFeast.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Amanda_DeSeta

6 Tips to Traveling by Car, Truck Or SUV With Children

Traveling with small children can be a pleasurable experience for adults and children, if prepared. If the traveling event has not been planned in advance it can cause unneeded stress for adults and children, thereby instantly reducing some of the enjoyment that takes place during a family road trip. One idea to alleviate any departing stress would be departing just prior to a child's normal sleep time. Leaving around the time of a child's normal sleep schedule usually allows for a few hours of settling in and getting the first leg of the journey completed with little to no distraction. With that being said, parents planning to drive through the late evening hours may want to alter their own routine enough in advance to schedule in a nap. This will assure that the family is traveling with a well rested and alert driver at the wheel.

Other than departing around a child's sleep schedule, there are a few items that children can bring with on a trip that will help ease the discomfort and restlessness a small child may experience during a long road trip. When possible, have the child pack their own backpack with things they are accustomed to playing with and depending on the age, your assistance may be required. This will involve the child in the planning and assist them in understanding why some of the changes are happening to their normal routine.

Following is a few ideas of items that can be easily packed and bring hours of satisfaction to a family trip.
• Age appropriate reading material such as picture books for small children and reading books for older children.
• Music playing electronic devices such as MP3 or CD player. Remember to bring along an extra set of batteries.
• Age appropriate activity books such as coloring books or puzzle books along with Color Wonder items. Color Wonder products do not show color unless used on specific paper or specific surfaces.
• Child specific backpack with personal items of their choice. Plastic drinking cups with built in straws that can have juice or water frozen in them prior to trip will reduce spilling and the need for ice.
• Electronic games
• Snack package containing fruit snacks or cereals such as Kix or Cheerios. Carrots and celery are another good option. There are many snack options available that will not leave sticky residue on fingers, face or automobile seats. Snacks can be packed to fit into a child's personal backpack.

Keeping in mind the amount of time that will be required to travel to ones destination will help in determining just how many items the child should bring along. Age appropriate items that fit the child's attention span will be key when implementing some of the previous tips.

Written By:
Katherine Barnhardt
Joehank@brainerd.net

Through my writing I choose to deliver with passion and knowledge applicable information that provides both the positive and negative surrounding a specific topic or issue. It is that information being given to the reader in an understandable format that will develop interest and create discussion or action on the topic.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kathy_Barnhardt

Backpacking Australia? Should You Bring a Laptop?

If you're backpacking Australia or visiting Oz on the working holiday visa, you may be wondering if you should bring your laptop.

After carefully considering the pros and cons, I decided to bring mine with me and it was the best decision I ever made. For me, my computer offered freedom, and I don't know what I would have done without it. But everyone is different, so I'll give you a few things to consider before bringing it with you:

1. Most hostels provide computers with Internet access, but they are often expensive and/or slow. If you plan on doing a lot of e-mailing and chatting, keeping up with friends on Facebook, uploading photos and updating your blog, this can get costly. Outside of libraries (and many of those require that you have a card), you will have a difficult time finding computers with free Internet access.

2. In most major cities you can find cafes or wi-fi hotspots that offer free or cheap Internet access--but only if you have a laptop with you. But be warned, it's not as easy to find free wi-fi in Australia as it is in the states and many places in Europe. You may have to ask around or do some research online. For example, in Melbourne, you can find free wireless internet in Federation Square. The library and McDonald's is another reliable place to find free wi-fi in many cities. The hostels don't want to advertise this when they can charge you for internet access, so don't expect much help from the staff. In fact, contrary to logical reasoning, some hostels charge more for wireless internet.

3. Even if you have to pay for wi-fi, if you have a laptop with you, you can cut your costs by working offline. For example, you can write all of your e-mails before you go online, then when you log on, cut and paste, and voila! This saved me a lot of money. Do the same with photos by editing them, writing captions and downsizing them before going online to upload them. If you depend on a hostel computer, you can eat up a lot of time and money just sitting there thinking of the right thing to write.

4. A laptop comes in handy for storing documents (e.g. resumes, CVs), photos and reference materials.

5. A laptop can serve as your personal entertainment center. In my opinion, this is the best part about having one with you while backpacking Australia. When you're always living with roommates, sometimes you need to have private time, but that's difficult in a hostel. If you have a computer, you can simply tune out by putting in your headphones and popping in a DVD. It was such a luxury to be able to do this. Many hostels will let you borrow DVDs from their collection. You'll also find it easy to borrow or trade movies with fellow backpackers at the hostel or rent them for free at the library. It also comes in handy when you need to charge your iPod, add songs or change playlists.

And my only arguments against bringing a laptop to Australia:

6. Laptops are a high-theft item. Before you book at a hostel, ask if they have lockers in the room. If they don't have lockers, ask them if they have a safe where you can store valuables. If you are going on a trip where you will not be bringing your computer with you, you need to find a safe place to store it. For example, when I went to New Zealand, I kept mine with friends who were renting a house in Melbourne.

7. Laptops are easy to damage. As you're traveling around, it's easy to drop a bag or have a drunk roommate spill beer on your valuable computer.

I never regretted my decision to bring my laptop with me to Australia, but it is a personal decision. If you are going to constantly worry about having your computer stolen or damaging it, you may be better off leaving it at home. But there are tremendous perks to bringing one with you while backpacking Australia--you can save money on Internet costs, work on documents/e-mails at your leisure and watch movies whenever you feel like it.

Athena Adams worked and traveled Australia from 2008-2009 on the Australian working holiday visa. Her blog, http://workingholidayaustralia.brighterplanet.org, provides tips and advice to other young travelers planning their adventures to Oz.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Athena_Adams

What Are the Activities to Do During Travel in Nepal?

Here are some general ideas on what to do in Nepal, if you are clueless (I doubt you will be if you are in Nepal)

* Trekking hills

* Mountaineering

* Sightseeing

* Adventure travel

* Cultural

* Recreational Activities

* Religious tourism

* Gambling

* Others

Trekking and mountaineering:

* Trekking is one of the most popular means of spending your time in Nepal. Various trekking routes are widely popular such as the Annapurna Circuit, Everest Base camp trek, Mustang trek, Langtang trek, Annapurna base camp trek. More information on all these treks are available here.

* You could attempt to summit the Mount Everest, other mountains that are above 8000 meters or try smaller mountains and other trekking peaks.

Sightseeing:

* The Kathmandu Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square and Bhaktapur Durbar Square represent the arts and architecture of the the Kathmandu valley during the reign of the Malla kings. They were the capitals of the fragmented Kathmandu valley at that time. The temples, stupas like the Pashupatinath, Swayambhunath, Bodhnath have gone through the changes of several centuries. They are landmarks and cultural heritages. There are some other cultural and historical heritages like Janaki Temple in Janakpur and Gorkha Durbar in Gorkha outside the Kathmandu valley.

* Taking an hour long mountain flight in the morning (October to June) to view up close the Mount Everest and other mountains on the Khumbu region.

* Organizing a jungle safari (jeep and elephant rides) and spotting the One Horned Rhinoceros, Royal Bengal Tiger, countless birds. You can also take a cultural tour of the of Tharu community in Chitwan National Park and take a look at the Elephant Breeding Centre, Gharial Breeding Center and enjoying the elephant bathing in the Rapti River.

* Bird watching in the Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve and Rara Lake in Rara National Park, Mugu. Both of these places are the resting places for the migratory birds during the winter in the northern hemisphere.

* Viewing the spectacular sunrise and sunset from Nagarkot, Dhulikhel, Sarangkot (Pokhara), Daman, Sauraha (Chitwan National Park) and any other vantage points.

Adventurous Activities:

* Rafting and kayaking in Bhote Koshi, Sunkoshi, Trisuli, Karnali, Marshyangdi, Seti and many more rivers which offer different kind of challenges which are suitable for people with a wide range of interests and capabilities.

* Hire a boat or kayak from the shores of Fewa and Begnas lake in Pokhara and enjoying the sailing.

* If you want to experience the Bungee jumping on a 160 meters deep gorge made by Bhote Koshi near border with China then contact The Last Resort. They also offer canyoning at the Last Resort.

* You could also enjoy the stunning views of Fewa Tal and the himalayan peaks while paragliding and parahawking from Sarangkot in Pokhara

* Take a ultralight (microlight) flight from Pokhara Airport to take a view of the mountains of the Dhaulagiri and the Annapurna ranges and the surroundings of Pokhara

* Mountain biking is also a means of enjoying your stay here. There are many routes in and around Kathmandu, Pokhara and other destinations as well.

Cultural Activities:

* Participate in at least one of the many festivals that take place around the year.

Recreational Activities:

* Bars, discos are available in Kathmandu and other major cities like Pokhara. Nepali Folk Song (Dohori) restaurants provide uniquely look into Nepali folk music.

* Just roam around the cities and enjoy it. It is a way too different from what you used to experience back home.

Religious Tourism:

* Nepal is a destination for religious tourism all round the year for both the Hindus and the Buddhists. Hindus visit temples like Pashupatinath, Budhanilkantha and also stupas like Swayambhunath and Bodhnath. They also visit Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha. Buddhists mainly visit the stupas and Lumbini. The sites are major hub for people during festivals like Shivaratri and Buddha Purnima.

Gambling:

* Recreational services like casinos are popular among the tourists, mainly from India.

Others:

* You could taste the Nepali (rice, lentils and curry), Newari (chatamari) and the Tibetan (mo mo, thukpa) dishes that are popular in Nepal

* You could try volunteering in the monasteries, orphanages, schools, health posts and hospitals, and communities. Combine volunteering with activities mentioned above.

* Buy curios, pashminas, thangkas, handicrafts and other souvenirs in shops and stalls in Thamel in Kathmandu and around the places tourists visit for your loved ones back home.

http://exoticbuddha.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bijaya_Shiwakoti

Disney Tour Is Incomplete Without Flex Tickets

Who does not know Walt Disney World? Millions of tourists all over the world visit Disney (more popular name of Walt Disney World). Children dream of coming to this amazing amusement park one day in their lifetime. Disney World attractions are very appealing. They are entertaining for its magnificent display and the world class special effects it provides. There is artistic quality and enactments particularly during the fireworks and other events. The most popular attractions visited are the big thrills on the ride to Splash Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain and the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction which allows visitors to look at the face to face with a band of ruthless pirates. While enjoying all the rides and events you will not know how the time was spent entire day. It has something for every age group.

Orlando Flex Tickets is the collection of tickets of different amusement parks of Orlando. One must buy such tickets for without flex ticket your Disney tour will be incomplete. Group of parks such as Islands of Adventure, Universal Studios Florida, Sea World of Florida, or Wet 'n Wild are offering combined tickets to the visitors. To explore the above mentioned four parks, you have to buy a 4 Park Orlando Flex Ticket. Apart from this, 5 Park Orlando Flex Tickets which is a combination of five parks and 6 Park Orlando Flex Tickets are also available. The number of the combinations of the parks identifies which ticket you should buy. Modern day visitors find flex tickets the easiest way to enjoy the rides and events of the theme parks of Orlando.

American Waterfront is one of the various prominent themed ports to be found in Tokyo’s Disney Sea Park. It has attractions including the large passenger ship, S.S. Columbia; Disney Sea Electric Railway which makes connecting journeys between the 20th century melodramas of the New York Harbor section to the future-forward area of Port Discovery. Apart from all these, live entertainment, dinning and shopping are favorite past time for visitors here. Enjoy great sea foods and other service gastronomic masterpieces while you are here. American Waterfront tickets are easily available online.

By: Greg Lee

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