Thursday 30 April 2009

The Top 5 Rides at PortAventura Theme Park

You don't need to go all the way to Florida to find theme park heaven; Europe's most thrilling rollercoasters are just a short flight away. PortAventura theme park in Salou, Spain, is a positive scream-fest of a place, where you can blast off at high speed, loop the loop, get a good soaking and plummet hundreds of feet out of the sky (safely of course), all close to the golden shores of the Mediterranean.

Here's our guide to the most adrenaline-fuelled rides at PortAventura theme park:

Furius Baco

Just inside the park entrance, Furius Baco will really get your visit to PortAventura off to a flying start. The fastest in Europe when it opened in June 2007, this floorless coaster reaches 83.9 miles per hour in just 3.5 seconds. Expect mad professors, naughty monkeys and stomach-lurching twists and turns on the fastest 55 seconds of your life.

Stampida

If you like your theme park rides to shake you about a bit, PortAventura's popular wooden rollercoaster is for you. Stampida has plenty of tense climbs and scary drops to have you screaming your head off, with the added fun of 2 parallel tracks racing against each other. Fasten your seatbelts because you're in for a bumpy ride.

Dragon Khan

Dragon Khan's looping red track dominates the PortAventura theme park skyline, and it just might dominate your day too. Starting from 148ft high, you'll plummet straight into the 8 loops, rolls and corkscrews, a world record when it was built, for 1 minute and 45 seconds of pure adrenaline.

Hurakan Condor

Hold on to your lunch as you drop from a height of 100m (or 330 feet - whichever way you look at it, it's pretty high). Many drop ride fans rate Hurakon Condor one of the world's best thanks to the different ways it can be experienced: depending on the side of the tower you board from, you can sit in regular seats, tilting seats or stand!

Tutuki Splash

A day at PortAventura theme park just wouldn't be complete without a good soaking. Set around a volcano, Tutuki Splash is the best of Portaventura's water rides and guarantees to leave you and your mates dripping. Brave the almighty splash of Tutuki's double drop, then get squirted with water guns just when you think it's all over. And if you wear waterproofs, you're cheating!

Reprint Rights: feel free to use this article if you include a link to http://www.portaventuraholidays.co.uk

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

Tuesday 28 April 2009

Wine Country - Most Desirable Tourist Attraction

California is a world renowned tourist spot that draws the attention of millions of people round the globe. Most of the tourists are very much excited to visit the place because of Napa valley and its wineries. It is important to quote that the valley draws almost five million people every year...now that's a big number indeed! The visit to wine country is filled with some of the most aromatic, visual and scenic beauty. The wine sommeliers and wine chefs from all over the world enjoy their trip to the beautiful wine country so that they can increases their horizons of knowledge in their specialized field of wine making.

Further the wine tours are known for their service that they provide, these tours provide an opportunity in portraying the innate beauty of wine country, and they let you know about the wine- making process and even the opportunity to taste some of the fine wines. These wine tours are much more than just a mere holiday experience.

We all are aware that the Napa valley is built around the scenic beauty, but the real power of it lies in the kind of wines that are manufactured and presented in the place. To be frank Napa valley is one of the hottest tourist destinations in the world with its finest wineries, the way the visitors are taken to these wineries is just cool. The visitors are taken to the valley through a 30-mile valley that reaches its destination point called as Calistoga.

These tours start in the morning. Majority of these tours provide you the insights of three to four wineries. Though we may not know much about wines but the experience of having to visually see the making of wine right from the start till the final pour in the bottle and the exciting feature of having to taste the most fine wines is great. These tours also provide you with the opportunity to procure these wines at discounted prices.

Wine touring is fascinating, wine lovers think that this is the place that they need to be and for the beginners it is a place which increases their knowledge about the wine. The tours also have the feature of enrollment with local cooking classes, wine based seminars, but all these things will be important to the people who want to embark into a career of wine making.

With regard to the tourists you can head to exciting things like special bicycle rides, hot air balloon and go river rafting. The wine tour companies start from San Francisco and provide the different services. There are companies who have special Mou's with some of the oldest private wineries. Some companies have a preset itinerary and programs while others vary their tour programs based on the taste, preference and the budget criteria of their guests. Depending on your needs you can travel in tourist buses, trains or even a comfortable limousine. The fee range start from $70 and they can go upto $200 depending on the package chosen.

Shijina is a SEO copywriter for Napa Wine Country Tours. She has written various articles like Wine Country Tours, Wine Country Bus Tours, Sonoma Tours, Wine country sightseeing bus tours, Napa valley and more. For more information visit our site winecountrytourshuttle.com. Contact me mail at winecountryshuttle@gmail.com.

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

Monday 27 April 2009

10 Marrakech Festivals

Marrakech holds a wide variety of international festivals of all genres as one of the many attractions of the Ochre City. Here is a list of 10 of the best and most interesting festivals celebrated in Marrakech:

1. Marrakech International University Music Festival (FIFUM)

The 6th edition of this cultural event, held in April 2009, showcases several international and Moroccan university musical ensembles from countries like Egypt, Algeria, Tunisia, France, Syria, Portugal, Palestine, Brazil, Mexico, Germany, Spain, Hungary, and Sweden. The FIMUM, with its educational, human and civilisational dimensions, aims at bringing an active contribution to the cultural boom of the Ochre City.

2. Marrakech National Festival of Popular Arts (FNAP)

This oldest of Morocco's festivals celebrates its 44th edition in July 2009 and gathers over 700 artists and 40 troupes from all over the country. Alongside the Amazigh dances and Gnaoua musicians in the spectacular setting of the Badi Palace, the festival also displays other traditional dances and music representative of each region of the country in a wider range of settings throughout the city.

The audience will enjoy duos among great popular modern and renowned Moroccan artists as well as artists and ensembles of the new generations. The best bands are selected from all regions of the kingdom in order to display the richness and the cultural and heritage diversity of each region and, thus, of the whole country.

3. Marrakech International Magic Festival

A wide range of Moroccan and international hugely renowned magicians, coming from Italy, Spain, France, and China participate in the 6th edition of this festival in March 2009. Picked carefully from the four corners of the world, the talented artists that will take part have already been awarded in the most important international magic festivals, like in Las Vegas, Monte-Carlo, Beijing, Paris or Rome.

4. Festival of Dakka Marrakchia

Marrakech's inhabitants still stand up to Western rhythms and celebrate their own rhythm in this 3rd edition of the Festival of Dakka Marrakchia in January 2009. The Moroccan Association of Friends of the Palm Tree (AMAN) has taken charge of the conservation of this Ochre City's musical heritage that reminds us of the city's African roots. This 3rd edition will enjoy the opening-up to the other similar Moroccan rhythms, such as the Dakka from Demnat or that of Taroudant.

5. Marrakech International Laughter Festival

The creators of this festival wish to revive in its December 2009 4th edition the dynamic of laughter and humour and offer young unknown stars the chance to shine. Thus, comedians, actors and singers, as well as TV directors and producers, scriptwriters and mere onlookers, come from all corners of the world, will have a chance to share their interest for humour, laughter and comedy for three days.

Over twenty comedians from France, Belgium and Morocco will participate in this event, which will also hold a competition for young talents. A wide range of shows will be showcased, including one-man-shows and stand-up comedy, animation, burlesque, dance, concerts, games, gags and even shows for kids.

6. SUN Festival - National Youth and Music Festival (FNDJEM)

This 2nd edition of the Sun Festival in June 2009 is an invaluable stepping stone for young talents via competitions, workshops and prize giving. This original, unique and eclectic festival gathers together some 250 young artists and about a hundred top musicians from the alternative Moroccan scene, and will welcome all sorts of styles and musical influences: traditional gnawa musicians, Moroccan and French rap and hip hop, rock music, electro, folk music, pop music, Rn'B, house, fusion, etc.

7. International Contemporary Dance Festival in Marrakech « On Marche »

The 4th edition of this cultural event, held in January 2008, gathered dancers and choreographers from various countries including Spain, Japan, the USA, South Korea, Greece, Ivory Coast, Norway, Iran, Burkina Faso, and France. Besides the actual performances and shows, the festival will offer workshops, round tables and the showing of films and videos on different styles of dance in order to respond to an interest in bringing dance closer to a wider audience and allowing a larger diffusion of the different artistic genres included in the programme.

8. Marrakech International Theatre Festival

The menu of the 5th edition of this festival, usually held in May, includes an international conference animated by eminent Moroccan and foreign professors, round tables and workshops. The event consistently welcomes troupes from all over the world, including countries such as Palestine, Iraq, Tunisia, France, Belgium, Serbia, Sudan, Monaco or Italy. Each edition of this festival is dedicated to a prominent figure of Moroccan theatre to celebrate lives devoted to the progress and diffusion of dramaturgy.

9. Marrakech International University Theatre Festival

The programme of this festival is quite varied and original. Held in November 2008, the 2nd edition of this university cultural event included dance, comedy and drama performed by French, Belgian, German, Egyptian, Russian, and Swiss professional and university troupes, as well as several local and national Moroccan young theatrical companies. Round tables, conferences and workshops complete this festival's attractive offer.

10. Marrakech International Film Festival

The FIFM is the main event devoted to the 7th art in Morocco and quite possibly in the whole African continent, as well as the main and most glamorous international cultural event in the Ochre City. The festival is usually held in November or December and will celebrate its 9th edition in 2009. It gathers together film celebrities from all over the world, and its jury hosts filmmakers, comedians, producers, film personalities and writers. The FIFM is chaired by Prince Moulay Rachid and screens and awards with the Golden Star all sorts of films and short films from all over the world.

So, as you can see, Marrakech's festival scene is varied and of the highest quality, and is one of the many attractions of the city. In order to enjoy thoroughly your festival experience, choose among the best hotels in Marrakech or one of the many charming riads Marrakech has to offer and you will certainly have an unforgettable festival stay in the Ochre City.

David Gonzalez-Company, is a writer, journalist, educator and translator who has traveled extensively and has lived in several European, North American and African countries.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_Gonzalez-Murillo

Saturday 25 April 2009

Jamaica Travel: Get the Most Out of Your Trip

Do you want to travel to Jamaica for a great vacation? If so, you should take a number of important steps. Jamaica is one of those vacation destinations where you are all but guaranteed to have the trip of a lifetime. With that said, why not take a few extra steps to get the most out of yours? What should you do?

Plan your Jamaica vacation in advance. Yes, it is possible to plan a trip to Jamaica at the last minute, but you should avoid doing so. Why? Last minute vacations often result in rushed plans, second choice accommodations, and errors. Are you really willing to risk the success of your Caribbean vacation? You shouldn’t be. Not only that, but a passport is required for United States citizens traveling to and from Jamaica. If you do not have a valid passport, give yours at least one or two months to arrive.

One of the reasons why many first-time tourists plan last minute vacations is because they think they will get the best deal. Last minute travel deals and discounts do exist, but they are not guaranteed. Don’t risk losing the vacation of your dreams. Luckily, Jamaica hotels and resorts offer good travel deals and discounts throughout the year. Even if you plan your trip eight months in advance, you should still get a good price.

Stay at one of the many all-inclusive resorts in Jamaica. Jamaica is home to many inclusive resorts. These establishments are different from traditional hotels. In fact, they are much better. When you book a stay at an all-inclusive resort, your stay should include qualifying airport transfers, some forms of onsite entertainment, food, drinks, snacks, tips, and your room or suite. These resorts not only get you a better value for your money, but they also simplify the process of planning your trip.

Another reason why you should opt for an all-inclusive Jamaica resort, if you have yet to make your travel plans, is because you never need to leave. Of course, you can get out and explore the island, but there is plenty to do back at your resort. They come in all different formats, but most resorts are beachfront, opening up a world of water sports and fun. You are also likely to find spas, fitness centers, tennis courts, multiple bars, and restaurants.

Choose your Jamaica hotel or resort wisely. As previously stated, inclusive resorts come highly rated and recommended. Regardless of where you stay, make your choice wisely. Be sure you are provided with what you want and need. Although upscale hotels and resorts do have onsite swimming pools, an inland hotel or motel may not have one. Also, examine pictures. Know what you can expect when arriving. Don’t be disappointed when all it took to thoroughly examine your options was a standard internet search online.

Familiarize yourself with your resort’s services, facilities, and other amenities. You should automatically do this by choosing your Jamaica hotel or resort wisely. However, if you already made your travel arrangement or opted for the lowest price, do the review now. As previously stated, many resorts are home to numerous facilities, services, and other amenities. With all-inclusive resorts in Jamaica, many are already included in the cost of your stay. Don’t let a good opportunity, especially a moneysaving one, pass you by because you weren’t informed. When on your trip, don’t forget to keep your eyes and ears open. Look for scheduled activities and events and speak to employees to stay in the know.

Save extra money for your trip. Right now, many Americans are on a budget. This results in cost cutting measures. To save money, look for all-inclusive resorts because you get the best value for your money, price compare, and look for moneysaving travel discounts. Once you create your budget, be sure to have extra spending money. Although all-inclusive resorts are designed so that you never have to leave, you may want to get out and explore the great island of Jamaica. Ensure you have money to buy souvenirs, visit attractions, and eat. You should plan to have at least $50 for each day you venture off the hotel or resort grounds.

Thursday 23 April 2009

Travel Information about Some Tourist Places of India

Famous holiday in India

There are many holiday locations in India such as Agra UP, Goa, State of Rajasthan, Delhi (capital of India), Kerala, Jaipur (pink city), the temples of Khajuraho Love, Manali, Himachal Pradesh, Nainital etc.

Jaipur Pink City:

Beautiful pink city of Jaipur in Rajasthan has been the stronghold of a clan leaders whose three hill forts and a series of palaces in Jaipur are the major attractions. Known as the pink city because of the color of the stone used exclusively in the city of Jaipur bazaars sell embroidered leather shoes tie and dye scarves etc Western Rajasthan itself a circuit, in the heart of the desert Thar India, which has shaped its history and lifestyles.

Hill station Manali

Manali is a beautiful small town in the Kullu valley, at 1926 meters on the north end of Kullu valley, the resort is most popular in this field. Manali rapid rise as a tourist destination has been further accelerated by the rise of terrorism in the Kashmir Valley. Manali is the focal point for mountaineering expeditions and trekking in the Solang Valley and over the Rohtang Pass in Lahaul-Spiti.

Agra, Uttar Pradesh

Agra is the most popular tourist destinations in India. Agra, situated in the state of Uttar Pradesh is well connected with India. Agra is just 200 km south of New Delhi in India. Agra is located on the west bank of the river Yamuna. Agra, also known as the city of Taj Mahal, is a part of the huge state of Uttar Pradesh. This city is considered hopelessely romantic because of the great monument of Taj Mahal history, with the graces his presence.

Distances of some important places in Agra - Allahabad-425 km, 232 km from Jaipur, Bangalore-1858 km, Calcutta-1258 km, Gwalior-118 km, dati MP-190 km.

Delhi, the capital of India

Delhi, the capital is located in the northern and central India stands on the west bank of the Yamuna river. Tourist attractions in New Delhi Rashtrapati Bhawan, India Gate, Laxminarayan Temple, Humayun's Tomb, Qutab Minar , Red Fort, Chandni Chowk, Raj Ghat, Shanti Vana and so on. If you want to visit Delhi India Tours, the best time is in October-November or February-March.

Fairy Queen Luxury Train

The Fairy Queen luxury train tour of India, the Fairy Queen begins once a month from October to February renowned for its oldest working engine in the world with a capacity of 50 passengers. These luxuries train Fairy Queen Starts from Delhi to Alwar. The train stops at all major destinations and the atmosphere inside the Fairy Queen makes travelers feel like a Maharaja as they take on the royal road. The two days touring package includes the field of catering, accommodation, pension, transfer facility, visit to Sariska National Park, cultural programs etc. In general, tourists would be taken to Alwar and would be filed in the hotel.

India is still royalism splendid view of the bygone era in the form of its luxury trains of the famous heritage sites of India. Both domestic and international travelers have full advantage of the experience of the monarchy lifestyle while traveling in luxury trains in India. Depending on the choice and preference of heritage sites, the Indian Railways offer travelers the destinations they want to cover tour of luxury train as in northern India Mahaparinirvan by special train, luxury train travel in South India by Golden Chariot, the luxury tourist train in western India by Deccan Odyssey luxury train tours to heritage sites by Palace on Wheels and Heritage on wheels. Incredible exploration of India by these luxury trains is the unforgettable experience of life Royal maharajas and Rajas of India. Currently, passengers are still getting ahead in life - the impact of Luxury Train Tours of India.

About The Author:
Manseo is Author of Guide on travel that provide you online travel guide for information about Rivers of India, Geography of India. Guide on Travel also offer all info on travel in this tourist information guide.

http://www.articleclick.com/

Tuesday 21 April 2009

England's Lake District to Expect Bumper Tourism in 2009!

As the bite of the recession takes hold, and the pound diminishes in value against both the euro and the dollar, it is no surprise that British families are starting to discover the delights of holidaying closer to home. Cumbria Tourism has noted that the recent busy Easter period is a sure sign that the Lake District is in for a bumper summer in 2009! Whilst so far, Lakeland tourism in Ambleside, Windermere and Keswick has suffered from the financial downturn, an optimistic view is being taken by the counties tourist board, hotels, B&B's and holiday cottage owners. The industry often looks to the Easter weekend as an indicator for the forthcoming season and all the signs are good with tourist information centres reporting a 45% increase in footfall over 2008.

In the previous year, the worst hit retailer s have been the top and bottom end of the hospitality industry, including hotels and B&B's but a good recovery is expected, along with self-catering and holiday-home accommodation providers benefitting from the forthcoming influx of visitors.

Financial injections have also been announced to boost the tourist industry, with Cumbria Tourism benefitting from over a quarter of a £20.6 million funding package made available from the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA), announced last month. Other areas to benefit will be Lancashire, Cheshire, Merseyside and Manchester. Creating "high-quality, high-value visitor experiences" is a priority, as is capitalising on the "increasing trend to holiday at home". Some of the regions first areas to benefit from this grant are the refurbishments of the Tourist Information Centres/National Park Centres of Ullswater, Bowness, Hawkshead and Keswick.

By showing that the county values the customer experience, with improved facilities and a range of activities and accommodation on offer, tourists will reward the area by returning year on year, maintaining what is a world-class holidaying destination.

Brian Gates has been renting holiday properties for himself and others for over 15 years. He currently works for Property Rental Software, you can read some of his other blog postings here.

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

Friday 17 April 2009

Try a Night on the Ranch For Your Event Or Convention

Choosing a memorable venue is one of the most important aspects when it comes to hosting an event. The participants may be looking for a blend of activities and private function rooms to fulfil all their needs and finding the perfect place is not always easy. If you are in the area of Dallas, event facilities are now available which will tick all the boxes and make you very popular with all those who attend. What could be better than capitalizing on the local tradition of ranching to create a day to remember. Dallas convention facilities at themed ranches are becoming increasingly popular and give the benefits of open pastures and rolling hills with all the fun of the western traditional culture alongside good quality corporate facilities.

You can saddle-up and choose just the right mixture of fun and business at one of the themed ranch houses and you will even find some which offer overnight stays. This way you can become truly involved in the western life with traditional Texan barbeques and an evening of line dancing. Business gatherings have never been so much fun! If, however, you are worried that, although you are in Dallas, convention facilities need to include a more serious side, do not worry. You will find venues that will include good quality meeting rooms so that your participants can fulfil the business side of their visit as well as a night on the ranch.

For those of you who are more energetic, some facilities such as this will offer a trail camp where you will be able to enjoy a variety of rides either by horseback or wagon. Imagine spending a night around a camp fire after a day on the trail. Leave the catering in the hands of the chuck wagon and get right into the mood of the West. Do not think, however, that the fun is limited to all that is purely for the cowboys... some venues will spread across 100 acres and include swimming, basketball, softball and volleyball as well as petting zoos and family fun time activities for younger visitors. A supervised nursery may also be available.

Dallas event facilities and also Dallas convention facilities such as these are usually very flexible in their approach and can arrange anything from a company picnic to a night on the ranch or even an event in a pavilion complete with a performance stage and dance floor. Other special events may include rock and roll or even roadhouse events with custom motorcycles.

There is a huge variety of activities which are available in such venues and many include team-building and company challenge competitions. Facilities such as these are absolutely superb and will offer the delegates a true taste of Texas at the same time as spacious meeting rooms. So, what are you waiting for... saddle up and get excited about a ranch house event that will be both a corporate success and a memorable experience for all the trail blazers.

Chuck R Stewart recently researched Dallas event facilities and Dallas convention facilities for his company's retreat this summer.

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

Sunday 12 April 2009

Driving in America - 8 Things You Should Know!

Every State has driving laws that are different:

It is important to be aware that all 50 states in American has their very own set of traffic rules. It's fair to say that the majority of the traffic regulations don't vary too much from state to state, but some states have minor differences. Find out more about US State Driving Laws.

State maximum speed limits in the USA:

The maximum driving speed limit in most states in America is 65 miles per hour (approximately 110km per hour) except where signs are indicating slower speeds. It is important to watch your speed, as the limits are strongly monitored by speed radar in many US states.

Minimum driving age in the USA:

16 years old is the minimum driving age in most American states. However, it is important to note that some states do not allow drivers under 18 unrestricted driving time.

Seatbelt requirements:

Driving laws in most states in the USA require both driver and front passengers to wear seat belts. In addition, most states require children to wear seat belts in the back seats. Special child restraints and seats are required by law also. Motorcyclists must wear helmets as defined by law in the majority of states also.

Certain driving laws are very strongly enforced:

Be aware that the speeding limit in front of schools and childrens' crèches is 15mph when the warning lights flash. By law traffic in both directions must stop for the benefit of a school bus, which has flashing lights. Such rules are strictly set in stone and there are severe penalties for transgressors. And please - do not drink and drive. Drinking and driving is strictly forbidden in all American states.

Use of Radar detectors not allowed:

In order to detect the radar speeding guns, many drivers in the US make use of radar detectors to indicate the presence of the nearest speed radar. Some states allow the use of radar detectors, others do not. It is important to also be aware that some states request that drivers use their car lights during the day when the weather is wet.

Highway system in the USA:

The American road network is a huge system of interstate highways and state roads. There are some major highways in the USA that are toll roads (also known as turnpikes) but most of the highways are free to travel on.

All of the major interstate highways that travel from the north to the south have been given an odd number and are numbered I-5 along the Pacific Coast to I-95 along the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. The highways that run east to west are given an even number starting I-8 near the American border with Mexico and I-94 near the Canadian frontier.

Undertaking and General Driving in the USA:

Obviously you have to be on top of the game when driving in a new country, and after an 8 hour flight it can be tough - so maybe get some rest before you hit the road. Remember that it is not illegal in the United States to "undertake" on the freeways, by undertake we mean overtaking on the inside or right hand side. Be prepared for cars coming at you from all sides!

If you are from the UK or Ireland the most obvious difference with driving in the USA is that US drivers drive on the right hand side of the road and you do it from the left side of the car. You will be used to judging the greater distance on your left side but the car width is going to be on your right.

Mairead writes for Novacarhire.com - an independent car hire reservation website where you can book low cost car hire at over 5000 locations worldwide.

Heading to the USA? Visit Novacarhire.com's Car hire USA page and get an instant quote which will offer you the best deals from top car rental providers.

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

Thursday 9 April 2009

5 Things You Never Knew About Turkey

The Name 'Turkey' Comes From an Old Chinese Word...

...Tu-kin. Apparently applied as early as 177 BCE, it was used by the Chinese to describe the people living south of the Atlas mountains of central Asia. Whether by accident or design, the word Türk in old Turkic meant 'Strong' and was aptly self-applied by the inhabitants of modern day Turkey. In addition to this, turk in Persian can mean 'a beautiful youth', 'a barbarian' and 'a robber'. A mingling of compliments and criticisms in there, but who would like to live a life without controversy...?

The Turks Introduced Coffee to Europe

Picking up on the trend from the Middle East and Eastern Africa, the 16th century saw the arrival of Coffee into Turkish culture. The Ottoman historian 0brahim Peçevi said of the opening of the first coffeehouse in Istanbul:
"Until the year 962 (1554-55), in the High, God-Guarded city of Constantinople, as well as in Ottoman lands generally, coffee and coffeehouses did not exist. About that year, a fellow called Hâkem (Hakam) from Aleppo and a wag called ^ems (Shams) from Damascus, came to the city: they each opened a large shop in the district called Tahtelkal'e, and began to purvey coffee."
Trying the local coffee is now a ubiquitous part of any holidays to Turkey, and has affected Turkish culture so much that the Turkish word for breakfast, kahvalt1, literally means "before coffee" (kahve means "coffee" and alt1 "under").

Turkey is the Supposed Resting Place of Noah's Ark

Based on interpretations of the scriptures, the resting place of Noah's Ark described in the Old Testament is widely accepted to be Mt.Ararat, the highest point in Turkey. Though no conclusive evidence has ever been found of this, a number of sites have been suggested and investigated, with enough intriguing leads discovered to keep the myth alive. A technical climb that requires the use of a local guide, few holidays to Turkey are aimed at hiking its snowy peak in search of religious remains.

Istanbul Straddles Two Continents

The Bosporus Bridge in Istanbul, the 15th longest suspension bridge in the world, connects not only the two halves of the city, but the continents of Europe and Asia. Illuminated by a computerised LED light system, allowing it to glow its way through a variety of colours during the night, the bridge is a photographic highlight of many holidays in Turkey. It also attracts a host of curious publicity stunts, such as Venus Williams' cross-continental tennis match against 0pek ^enolu in 2005 which occurred in the centre of the bridge and lasted a mere 5 minutes before the balls were knocked into the Bosphorus...

Turkey Was Here Before Turkeys

Turkeys were first imported to Europe from Madagascar and via Turkey and the merchants responsible became known as turkey traders. Even when the birds began to be imported from the New World by the Spanish the trade route passed through North Africa, which in the 16th century was under Ottoman rule. This may help explain the peculiar homonym of Turkeys in the English language. Even more bizarrely, the Turkish name for the type of fowl is hindi, meaning Indian, and based on the misconception that the New World was in eastern Asia. Avoid confusion on your holidays in Turkey and have the lamb instead.

Shereena Lingiah is the Marketing Manager for Anatolian Sky, a specialist travel company that provide the very best holidays to Turkey at extremely competitive prices. They provide tailor-made holidays to Turkey and North Cyprus, including the entire Anatolian region.

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

Tuesday 7 April 2009

Europe Route Planner - Plan Your Trip Conveniently

Europe is a beautiful continent ranked as second largest continent of the world. With its beautiful and magnetic charm it attracts various visitors every year from all around the world. The number of tourists has definitely increased by manifolds which makes it a popular tourist destination. Europe comprises of many countries of historical importance and having rich cultural values such as Greece, France, Italy, Denmark, UK and London. These destinations should not be missed at any cost at all. An unplanned trip to such a continent can be a total mess up so to avoid any problems its better to carry a Europe tour planner with you.

Europe has numerous countries and destinations that are worth visiting. Without proper information or knowledge about the routes you may find it difficult to navigate and end up wasting a lot of your precious time. So if you really don't want your trip to be waste of time money and efforts then get European route planner

With the help of a route planner you can systematically travel to all the places in a convenient manner. You can plan your trip according to your priority and preferences as per your time. Most importantly your budget is also taken into consideration while preparing the itinerary. Then accordingly your rooms and ticket etc. are reserved by the agents so that you don't encounter any problem while on your trip. You can hire a guide, book hotel or taxis with the help of this guide.

With the route planner the navigation becomes very easy and you can easily travel through places. Now days these route planners can also be accessed online. The online way to access the planner is very simple and convenient. You can access it from anywhere and at any point of time.

If you don't want your trip to a nightmare for you then the Europe route planner will be a good choice to trust. You can avoid inconvenience while on your trip to Europe and enjoy your holiday completely.

Jason Born is offering advice for quite some time. He provides useful advice through his articles that have been found very useful. Our keywords are Europe travel, European route planner, Europe travel planning, Europe vacation, Europe map, cheap travel package.

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

Friday 3 April 2009

Best Tips For Booking Thanksgiving Holidays

Holiday traveling can be an extremely busy activity. This is no exception, even at Thanksgiving. Since Thanksgiving is the busiest travel time of the year there are more crowds of people, longer lines, and other issues that you have to deal with. Even if you can't avoid travelling over Thanksgiving, you can be clever when reserving your travel. Following are some vacation ideas to ensure your Thanksgiving holiday is very enjoyable.

Step 1:
Make your arrangements as soon as possible. You won't be surprised to hear that Thanksgiving is one of the busiest travel times of the year. Due to the current recession, there are fewer Thanksgiving flights available and the cost of each rises daily. Once you've made the decision to travel at Thanksgiving time don't delay - reserve your flights as soon as possible. You can't underestimate the value of reserving your Thanksgiving flights a few months ahead of time. Similarly, confirm a place for a bus trip, renting a car, or a room at a hotel early!

Step 2:
Flexibility. You must be prepared to make changes to your plans. The more flexible you are on your departure and arrival dates for your Thanksgiving holidays, the better the deal you will get. If your schedule permits, you should try to travel a few days before or a few days after Thanksgiving, which is usually less crowded and stressful. A great benefit of reserving your Thanksgiving flight early is it will likely cost much less because you won't be traveling during peak travel days.

Step 3:
Be the earlybird. The best thing to do is try to depart within plenty of time. If you have to fly around Thanksgiving, it is best to choose an early flight. You may be able to avoid delays. You can give up a little sleep and rest assured of arriving on time to your destination.

Step 4:
Night flights. A good option is to try to fly during night time hours. If you have to travel with kids then flying during Thanksgiving might be even more stressful. However, there are ways you can keep your kids occupied if you happen to be flying at night. Let the kids stay in their PJ's so they can sleep while you drive to the airport. You can relax on your flight because you won't be bombarded with "are we there yet?" from your kids. Try to reserve your Thanksgiving flight as late in the day as you can so that you and your kids will have a better experience.

Step 5:
Accommodation. People's homes can get quite crowded over the holidays, so you might want to consider finding a hotel over Thanksgiving. You will love having your own space and being able to do whatever you want while away from home. Be sure to make your room reservations for Thanksgiving early to keep from having to stay with a relative.

Tiffany Provost writes about travel planning and other traveling tips for HowToDoThings.com.

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