Incredible Sights on Your China Tour

China is a fascinating country to visit, brimming with historical sights dating back thousands of years. It's also one of the fastest developing countries in the world, with its city skyline dominated by skyscrapers. Here is just a selection of the fantastic sights you can see while on your China tour.

West Lake

The west lake is set in the centre Hangzhou, an influential city in Eastern China. This mammoth water body covers over 2.2 miles, it offers a place for tranquillity and the chance to escape the hustle and bustle of the inner city. It is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site this year and has been an inspiration for many Chinese garden designers. West lake is brimming with small islands connected by bridges and passageways, among the highlights is the abundance of lotus flowers within the Crooked Courtyard

Yangtze River

At nearly 4,000 metres long, the Yangtze is the longest waterway in the country, and the third longest river in the world. The Yangtze rampages from the glaciers on the Tibetan Plateau, penetrating through the middle of steep rocky valleys all the way to the East China Sea in Shanghai. It offers some breathtaking landscapes with steep gorges, rainforests and mountain ranges all offered on the way. It is often a hugely popular destination for river cruises, there couldn't be a better way to view the river than via a vessel.

Terra cotta warriors

First buried in 210BC, this incredible work of ancient art wasn't discovered until 1974 when local farmers recognised a life size terracotta figure. Little did they know that there would be around 8,000 more warriors buried under ground, along with 130 chariots and 520 horses This collection depicts the armies of China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huang. The collection was buried along with him as a method to protect him in the afterlife. The collection still stands as one of the greatest archaeological discoveries ever made.

The Great Wall of China

No guide on China could be complete without its most famous landmark. The Great Wall of China is a collection of fortification walls which, some dating back to the 5th century BC. It has been estimated to be over 5,500 miles long and stretches from the Far East to the West. It has become intrinsic with the country, becoming a national symbol and easily the most visited attraction of all.

Sunny Winter Holidays at a Jamaica Villa

If, like many people, you begin counting down the months to summer when the winter's just begun, perhaps you need to start planning a warm weather holiday away from the cold in a Jamaica Villa. Heading to this charming island (where the average temperature tends to be around 30 degrees Celsius) will chase your winter blues away, and you will be spoilt for choice with all the fun things you can enjoy under the warmth of the Caribbean sun. Here are a couple of the key activities to consider taking part in once you leave the chilly winter behind and arrive on the joyous 'Jamrock'.

Watersports at Aquasol Theme Park

A definite antidote for the winter blues equals going to the Aquasol Water Theme Park! Conveniently located at the Walter Fletcher Beach, in the heart of Montego Bay, Aquasol is probably no more than a stone's throw from your gorgeous Jamaica Villa. So slip on those flip flops and head down to the beach. At Aquasol you can sunbathe (of course) on the white sands, go snorkelling in the clear, warm waters, or opt for one of many other water activities available. Try the water trampolines, go jet skiing, wave running, kayaking or take either a banana boat or a glass-bottom boat ride. If you don't fancy any of these (for some strange reason) you can always go for tennis or beach volley ball. If you're on holiday with the kids, don't worry! There's a well-equipped children's playground to keep them happy.

J-J-Jerk Chicken

Now, it may seem like a given, but, just in case you didn't know, jerk chicken is so popular in Jamaica, it's almost like a staple (really). In all seriousness, no holiday staying in a Jamaica Villa would be complete without trying this fabulous local delicacy. If you aren't a fan of chicken, they 'jerk' just about everything else too - pork, goat, shrimp, beef, sausage, tofu (yes tofu) you name it! The key ingredient is the hot, spice laden rub in which the meat is marinated. The meat is then smoked using different techniques to produce a number of distinctive tastes. Now popularised across the globe, thanks to the Jamaican Diaspora, jerk chicken is believed to have come about in Jamaica when the Maroons introduced African meat cooking techniques, which later evolved in conjunction with unique local ingredients and spices.

Even if your eating habits aren't that adventurous, believe us when we tell you that sampling some Jamaican jerk chicken will add some extra heat to your holiday! Wash it down with some coconut water straight from the nut and you'll start to understand why a holiday in a Jamaica Villa is top of everyone's list when it comes to an idyllic getaway.

Why A Leisure Resort Is Perfect For Your Family

Fortunately, this is why choosing to stay at a leisure resort may be the solution to planning a perfect getaway.

Leisure resorts are designed with the purpose of promoting leisure and relaxation. The people that manage these resorts have spent much time and effort into making sure that all bases are covered. That leaves the only thing left for the guests to do is enjoy.

Many leisure resorts cater to the special needs of families. Families are composed of all different ages of people so the opportunity for fun and relaxation has to be available to meet the different needs. Many people will find that these resorts have thought this out so well, that there is not even a need to leave and go elsewhere for entertainment.

Guests at this type of establishment will find that there are many options for fun for an entire family to enjoy. Many have different activities throughout the day based on different age groups. Activities can be found for the youngest in your group and all the way up to the oldest. Some are activities that require a parent to participate while others encourage independent play. These activities are also designed with safety in mind so there is not the need to stress about your child getting lost or hurt.

Many of these resorts also have options for childcare which allows the grownups to enjoy a quiet dinner or time to participate in some of the activities slated for adults. The childcare centers are generally well staffed with competent caregivers that love children. This also provides your little one with a chance to mingle and socialize with others in their age group.

Since there is usually eating areas on the premises of the resorts, there is no need to travel outside of the place looking for places to eat. There may be a variety of different restaurants or eating areas specializing in different atmospheres. Some can be more catered to children, while others may be more formal. Live entertainment is also an added benefit that is commonly available to guests. Entertainment has also been planned out with options that are suitable for everyone.

One of the nicest benefits is that the vacation can be purchased as a package deal. These packages can include such things as meals being included, special events and entertainment options. That leaves you free to just kick back and enjoy without constantly taking your wallet out to pay.

Leisure resorts can offer a family a much needed break and time to relax. Having everything all in one place makes things convenient and easy. Easy access to entertainment, food, accommodations and activities all in one location can take the stress out of planning. What is left after that is nothing but pure relaxation.

Bhutan Treks – The Brokpa People And Their Legends

Eastern Bhutan is arguably one of the world's most beautiful regions - and it is home to the culturally unique Brokpa people, who live in Merak and Sakten. For almost two decades, Bhutan treks in that part of the country were not permitted by the government for undisclosed reasons - rumours alleged the desire to protect the Yeti - but the regions of Merak and Sakten are now open again. Bhutan treks there offer the truly memorable opportunity to meet these wonderful people.

Ethnically Unique

The Brokpas speak Sharchop, a different language to that spoken elsewhere in Bhutan - more noticeable to visitors on Bhutan treks, they dress uniquely. Brokpa people are easily recognised by their woven red jackets, often detailed with stitched animals, and curious black yak hats. These hats have five spidery legs, designed to channel rainwater away from the wearer's head and body. As befitting the name Brokpa, which can be translated to mean 'nomad' or 'herder', the people remain semi-nomadic yak herders, relying on the animal for clothing, food and transport. For anyone with an interest in minority ethnic groups and the preservation of traditional ways of living in an increasingly modern, homogenous world, Bhutan treks in Merak and Sakten are a must.

Aum Jono and the King's Demand

Like many Himalayan peoples, the Brokpa have a story of their origin. They moved to Bhutan many hundreds of years ago - according to them, this is because they once lived in Tibet, until a conflict with a ruler. This king demanded that his people remove the top of a mountain because it blocked the sun, covering his palace in shadow. One woman, Aum Jono, who did not think this ridiculous order should be obeyed, told her people that it was far easier to remove a head than a mountain-top. The Brokpas agreed. After killing the king, Aum Jono led them to safety and prosperity in eastern Bhutan. She is now revered as a protecting deity, with a festival held in her honour.

Brokpas and the Yeti

Anyone planning to go on Bhutan treks will surely have heard of the Yeti. To the Brokpas this creature is called Megay, and yak herders to this day report encountering Megay in high, thickly forested altitudes, typically when they have pursued a straying yak. According to their remarkable tales, the Megay consumes bamboo shrubs, is white or light red in colour, and smells of garlic. The Megay is not a curiosity, as it is to Westerners, but a guardian deity of remote mountainous regions - and the Brokpas accordingly treat it with respect.

Koh Samui Beach Villas Rental On Koh Samui Island, Thailand

Koh Samui Island lies in the Gulf of Thailand off the eastern coast Thailand's southern provinces. Surrounded by clear seas and golden beaches, Samui is a breathtaking holiday destination. The island has always been a pinnacle in SE Asia for contemporary, modern beach villa architecture and the design quality of recently built villas continues to build upon that reputation.

Luxury beach villas are dotted around the 60km coastline of Samui and the majority of these villas are in quieter, tranquil locations, away from the touristic centers of the island's north east. However, a good choice of beach villas is still found in the busy north east of the island.

Due to the high cost of beach land, most private Koh Samui beach villas are large properties with at least four bedrooms. Two and three bedroom villas are still available though most of these smaller villas are part of exclusive beach villa developments and resorts. Again, there are exceptions to this rule and if you book early enough you should be able to find a suitable two or three bedroom property.

The design of most Koh Samui beach villas is quite similar with a large pavilion towards the rear of the property and several smaller pavilions build between the beach and the rear pavilion.

Beach quality can vary around the island, so make sure you ask questions about quality of sand, depth of water and height of seasonal tides before you book.

Beach villa rental costs in Koh Samui are relatively low when compared to beach villas in other tropical SE Asian destinations. A luxurious 2-bedroom might cost you around $500 - $800 USD per night whereas a 5-bedroom would set you back about $800 - $1500 USD per night. For those on an unlimited budget, a truly luxurious seven or eight bedroom villa could cost upwards of $7000 USD per night.

The Great Debate: Picnic Baskets Vs. Picnic Totes

You’ve been on a picnic before, right? You may have taken a large spread with you, complete with all of your favorite picnic dishes, from ham and cheese sandwiches, to potato salad, and sweet tea. Do you remember what you carried your food and utensils in? You may have carried them in a picnic basket. Picnic baskets are a classic way to pack for your journey to your favorite outdoor dining spot. Nowadays, picnickers have a variety of picnic baskets that they can choose from. So, the next time you’re picnicking, will you choose a picnic basket or a picnic tote?

Picnic baskets and picnic totes both have the same general function. They keep your food safe and clean, they keep your utensils clean and organized, and they make transporting your meal easier. Just what is the difference between picnic baskets and picnic totes?

Picnic baskets come in two different styles. There is the classic picnic basket (Think “Wizard of Oz”), which is made of either rattan or bamboo. This type of basket is lightweight, while still managing to be durable. Unfortunately, it can be uncomfortable to carry a classic basket if you are walking a long distance to your picnic destination. There are also more modern picnic baskets, which are made of a polyester material. These baskets are often fully insulated so that they can keep your food and beverages cold. Best of all, these baskets usually zip, which helps to keep your utensils and your food germ-free.

Picnic totes are different from picnic baskets in that they look much more like a traditional tote bag that you might transport your books in. The placement of their straps makes totes much easier to carry. You can find picnic totes that offer enough accessories so that four people can enjoy a picnic together. Like picnic baskets, many of these totes will already include your silverware and cups, so that you never need to bring your dinnerware from home out into the wilderness.

Some totes are made exclusively for wine, or for wine and cheese. These totes keep your picnic completely insulated so you can relax and sip on a chilled glass of white wine. Wine and cheese totes aren’t the only totes that will keep your food cold, though. There are picnic totes available online that will keep your entire meal, as well as your beverages, at the perfect temperature.

Visit The Royal Mattancherry Dutch Palace

Cochin is an enchanting tourist destination of Kerala where tourists come from far and wide. Also known as Kochi, this city is well-known for its history, culture, traditions, tea, coffee and spice plantations, palace, beach and backwaters. There is so much to enjoy and experience on Cochin Tour.

This beautiful city is popularly known as the ‘Queen of the Arabian Sea’. It also serves as an important seaport of the country. Located in the Eravikulam district of the state it is a picturesque place where you can enjoy the glory of Mother Nature at its best. Its tea, coffee and spice gardens are among the famous attractions of Cochin which promise to leave you completely mesmerized.

On your tour to Cochin do visit the historic and beautiful Mattancherry Palace which is also known as Dutch Palace. Located at a distance of only 10 km from Cochin, this palace is a fascinating attraction. This splendid structure was built by the Portuguese in the year 1555 and was gifted to the erstwhile king of Kochi. Later the Dutch established their supremacy over the kingdom. At that time they renovated the palace and named it as the Dutch Palace in the year 1663. Today when you visit this royal structure you will be mesmerized to see its beautiful interiors, paintings and a variety of things reflecting Hindu art.

Visit the Coronation hall on the second floor to treat your eyes with the arresting paintings (frescoes) adorning the walls. These paintings display the scenes from the great Hindu epics, Ramayana and Mahabharata. Another attraction of the Dutch Palace is a special area dedicated to paintings based on the themes of Tretayug ( from Putra Kameshthi Yagya to Rama’s return to Ayodhya after Lanka’s war). These paintings reflect the finest examples of Kerala’s mural paintings having their own unique style. The palace also houses a variety of royal articles such as costumes, palanquin lined with ivory, turbans, etc. No wonder a visit to Dutch Palace will transport you back in time to the era of raja-maharajas.

Also visit the temple dedicated to ‘Pazhayannu Bhagavati (the Goddess of the Kochi Royal family) inside the palace complex. The shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva and Lord Krishna are also there in the palace complex.

Beautiful Egypt

With Egypt family holidays becoming increasingly popular there are many first time visitors to the country out there, this article looks at several top attractions of the country for those who know very little about this fantastic country and its ancient history.

Topping the list, and the one that many people will recognise, are the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx. These impressive monuments have come to represent much of what the outside world sees when they think of Egypt, and for a good reason. The pyramids form some of the greatest tombs on the planet, their perfect peaks soaring up into the sky. The Sphinx is more of an enigma, with archaeologists arguing to this day over its purpose.

Next on the list, another ancient structure, are the magical temples dedicated to Ramsis II and his wife Nevertari. The temples were built in the belief they could grant immortality and they're some of the most beautiful examples of ancient structures in the country. The other truly remarkable story behind these structures is that they were moved in their entirety in the late 20th century to avoid flooding in the area they were originally located.

Moving on, and its another icon of Egypt, is the mighty river Nile. Not only is it one of the longest and largest rivers on the planet but it also makes for an excellent cruise experience! The Nile has been at the heart of Egypt for thousands of years, with ancient sites set all along the length of the river. The river also houses an abundance of life, along with its impressive history, and you can see everything from the fantastic bird life to sleek Nile crocodiles.

Next up, and one of the sites you can visit from the river, is the beautiful Valley of the Kings. This sacred valley houses the tombs of the Pharaohs and because of this has some of the most incredibly decorated structures in Egypt. Inside the tombs many fantastic treasures have been discovered including the famous mummy Tutankhamun.

Finally we have a more modern jewel and it's the countries capital, Cairo, a fantastic centre of culture. Cairo's a place you wouldn't want to miss and luckily most trips to Egypt will feature some time in the capital. The city is packed with fantastic markets, brilliant culture and amazing history. The city also features several fantastic museums that help enrich any trips you may be thinking of making to the ancient sites.