World Heritage Site: Petra

Located in the south west region of Jordan, Petra is the country’s premier tourist attraction. It is an ancient city with architecture never found anywhere in the world. Because of this distinction, UNESCO declared it as a World Heritage Site in 1986.
The ancient city of Petra consists of structures carved in stone. It is believed that the structures have existed since the 15th century BC. Although some of the structures are in decline because of time, many still stand strong - a testament of remarkable engineering and architecture of the past.
The structures are carved in Mt. Hor and the mountain actually has a significance in itself. It is believed that Moses’ brother Aaron was buried there. This is the reason why Mt. Hor is also known as Mt. Aaron.

Although each structure is regarded with historical significance, some stand out because they have remained intact. Among them is the “El Deir” or the monastery as the carved columns are still preserved to this day. Another notable structure is the Urn Tomb as most of its architectural design still exists.
Because of the city’s popularity, getting to Petra is very easy. There are buses that go to Petra and tourists can also rent taxis.

Relaxing break in North Yorkshire

The North Yorkshire Moors Railway (NYMR) is one of the oldest operating railways in the UK. It is considered a “heritage railway” because it has operated for more than 100 years and the trains that operate through these railways are sometimes powered by traditional diesel. Steam engine trains are also used, providing a taste of the old railway experience.

The NYMR is not just a regular historical railway. It is 29 kilometres (18 miles) long and has 5-stops with one optional stop-over based on the traveller's request. The train goes through the New York Moors or more specifically from Whitby to Pickering. The railway was first used in 1836 and although revisions were made on the route, the railway is still operational from April to October. There are also occasions that the railway would is in use even in winter.

Tourists will surely enjoy the NYMR not only because of its historical setting but also because of the amenities provided. Families can board the train and dine there. There are also special rooms for those who want a homely atmosphere. Because of the additional amenities and comfort, the railway became one of the most popular attractions in the past few years.

To fully enjoy this historic train, it’s highly recommended to go for “Day Rover” option. This will allow you to be on the train for one day on various routes. Families will have bigger discounts and you can rent a cottage in the area, for a relaxing break after your train journey.

Hot Tickets from Mosaic Holidays

Everyone wants to have a nice, long holiday to relax and enjoy the sunshine but many holidays fall short of expectations because of the budget problems.

The idea of having a nice and relaxing time without thinking of spending too much has been answered so many times by Mosaic Holidays. They are an independent travel company that offers customised itineraries and tailor made holidays making sure the tourists have a nice time.

Mosaic Holidays have made their travel deals even better through their Hot Tickets offer. This allows the holidaymaker to enjoy additional savings. Mosaic Holidays create a specific itinerary for different destinations around the world and they offer discounts through their Hot Tickets. Through this offer, tourists can extend their holidays at no additional costs as they receive extra nights free or have free airport transfer.

The benefits of Hot Tickets are: longer holidays and less money spent on luxury hotels in Turkey, North Cyprus, Egypt, Maldives or Sri Lanka.

A taste of Antalya

Antalya is a picturesque city located in the southwestern region of Turkey. One of the most popular tourist attractions in the world, it is truly remarkable because of its amazing historical structures and natural beauty. It’s a city that doesn’t just feature beaches but also impressive structures that tell of its interesting past.

Reaching Antalya is relatively easy - the Antalya Airport is the destination of various international flights from different countries in Europe. Land travel is also a possibility through train. While rare, there’s also a boat that comes from Greece but tourists have to go through Marmaris and board a train to Antalya.

Once you reach Antalya, here are the two things you should consider doing to get the most out of the city. First, proceed to the city centre. Practically everything you need to know about Antalya is there. The historic structures such as the ancient Clock Tower, Hadrian's Gate and a couple of minarets can’t be missed. Secondly, get in a tram to get a view of the entire city. Although the tram only goes through the eastern part of the city and runs for 30 minutes – that amount of time will give you one of the best views over Antalya. After visiting the city take your time and taste the local cuisine: piyaz, sis kofte or tandir kebap. These tasty dishes go very well with Likya wines: Kalecik Karasi, Öküzgözü or Bogazkere.

The natural setting of Antalya is unique because it features beaches, lakes, falls and forests. Lara and Konyaalti beaches are only some of the places you can enjoy. Located north of Antalya is Upper Düden Waterfalls. A trip no more than 20 minutes will get you to this beautiful waterfall.

The Gems of The Emerald Isle

County Waterford, known locally as “The Deise” is a picturesque region in Ireland with a rich history. The county has two mountain ranges: the Comeragh Mountains and Knockmealdown Mountains and over 30 beaches and beautiful volcanic coastline. The Copper Coast has been designated as a UNESCO Geopark because of its geological importance.

The administrative city of county Waterford is Dungarvan, situated on the mouth of Colligan River. The attractions of Dungarvan: The Devonshire Bridge which links Abbeyside (the eastern suburb of the town) with Dungarvan, Dungravan Town Hall Theatre and Museum or Davitt’s Quay.

Only 10 miles from Dungarvan there is the small village of Clashmore, the home of a 19th century distillery producing 20,000 gallons of whiskey annually. What is unique about this distillery is its chimney spanning the river which propelled the mill. Other attractions in the area are a wide range of golf courses, the Perks Youghal amusement centre and lovely beaches. For accommodation in the area, opt for Caitlin’s Cottage in the little village of Clashmore.

Easter Holidays in North Cyprus

The Easter is just around the corner and now it is time to book your spring getaway. A perfect spring destination is North Cyprus, the weather in March-April is nice but during the summer it becomes hot and dry.

A beautiful place to visit in North Cyprus is Kyrenia - its main attraction is the Kyrenia Castle, dating back to Byzantine times. Within the castle you will find an icon museum and a church. Bellapais Abbey in the village of Bellapais was built in the 13th century and it has a beautiful inner court with a colourful garden (perfect for your Easter holiday pictures).
The Turtle Beach is a huge sandy beach situated near Kyrenia and it is a protected area due to the Loggerhead and Leatherback Turtles nesting along this beach.

Apart for historic sites you will find in North Cyprus many modern boutique hotels and all inclusive resorts with excellent facilities, swimming pools, children's club, gym and restaurants where you can taste local cuisine and drinks and listen to traditional music. A lot of reasons to visit North Cyprus this spring.

A golden medal for Vancouver

Vancouver is on everybody's lips these days as the 2010 Winter Olympics take place in the city. The city's most visited destination is Grouse Mountain ideal for skiing or snowboarding. The mountains has also a Refuge for Endangered Wildlife dedicated to preserve flora and fauna at risk.

In the city, a retro double-decker will take you to the major attractions of Vancouver including: Chinatown, Stabley Park or Granville Island. If you like adventure, than Capilano Suspension Bridge is the place to be: a suspended bridge which allows you to cross to Treetop Adventure and admire the Douglas fir-trees from above.

For a minute of meditation and relaxation it is worth visiting Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden with cover walkways which provide shelter in any weather. Like any classical Chinese garden this garden is based on the harmony of the elements water, rock, plants and architecture.

Do't worry if you can't be in Vancouver during the Olympics. The city welcomes you anytime and it will suprise you regardless the season and as a visitor you will award Vancouver a golden medal.

Irish attraction in Lismore

Jacobean gardens, heritage villages and 17th century old cathedral are the attraction of the small village of Lismore in County Waterford, Ireland. For the more active visitors, Lismore has a horseriding centre and a golf course or cycling routes and for foodies out there the place has many eateries, local markets and pubs.
The city of Waterford is the home of a famous crystal factory so it is worth visiting it as well.

The Granary is a pet-friendly cottage in Lismore on a working sheep and cattle farm where visitors can make friends with Rosie the donkey. The Granary accommodates four people (plus pets) who want to spend a few days in this beautiful place.

Help Dan Appeal

Cali is considered one of the most prosperous cities in Colombia. Located southwest of the country, the city is well known for its agricultural products: sugar and coffee industry has helped the city prosper. The city is also known for its rich heritage which is not based only on the colonial period where beautiful churches where built in the city. Pre-Colombian architecture can be found in Parque Arqueológico De San Augustín as well as Parque Arqueológico De Tierradentro.
Because of the economic standing of Cali, reaching the city is very easy for tourists. The city has an international airport and road network from various cities in the Colombia is also available. Tourists from other cities can easily reach the city by bus or through domestic flights.

The city was recently featured in the news because of Daniel Eley, a volunteer teacher in Cali working with street children who recently had an accident which left him with serious spinal injuries. His activities for human rights in Colombia and the rest of South America are praised by many which is why support for medical assistance and rehabilitation was made everywhere. Groups set up donation channels as they try to raise £90,000 which will be used to airlift to Daniel Eley to England for medication and rehabilitation.

If you want to support this noble cause please join the Facebook group HELP DAN.

Ryanair’s New Payment Policies

From the start of the new year, the latest changes in Ryanair payment policy have immediately provoked more criticisim and blasts, which seem to have become a common reaction towards the Irish low cost carrier. Those who have found out that Ryanair used to apply to all credit cards except Visa Electron a £5 handling fee, per person per flight, only right after proceeding their payment because the total end price would not clearly appear at the end of the payment transaction, might have already raised complaints about the unexplicable £5 (given the fact that standard debit cards processing fees are usually £1, according to the UK Cards Association).

But those who have learned from their mistake and now pop out their Visa Electron cards, confidently thinking they are avoiding extra charges, have all the best interest to know that this does not apply anymore, since Ryanair have made new arrangements and have switched to MasterCard Prepaid as the only method payment without processing fees surcharges.

Of course, Ryanair was prompt to declare this is actually for the customers’ benefit as MasterCard Prepaid cards are widely available. Leaving this questionable matter on the side, what is pretty straitforward to see is that the low-cost company will be able to continue advertising their cheapest fares excluding the handling fees when, in reality, most of the passengers buying tickets will see a whole different story.

British Airways strike revoked

After putting at risk the Christmas holidays for thousands of travellers, it finally seems that British Airways cabin crew will no longer go on the 12 days strike previously announced. A court injunction forbid the action on the grounds of illegal voting procedure in deciding for the strike. According to the court, many of the workers within BA’s unions Unite placed their votes even though having previously taken voluntary redundancy and being no longer formally involved in British Airways.

Despite the comforting news for passengers, the issue within the air flight company seems far from resolved. The dispute between the management and the unions generated over plans of important reductions in staff as well as introduction of substantial and unfavourable changes in contract for cabin crew. Following the workers’ discontent, the unions had announced a strike from December the 22nd to January the 2nd which would have obviously meant enormous losses for the airline company, given the high season for the travelling industry.

In fact, workers taking part to strike action were calculated to be around 13,500 members which would have left most of BA air fleet to the ground. BA, however, did suffers losses from the turmoil created in the last days, as shares went down by more than 2%.

After the court’s decision, the two parties in question seems to still be set on controversial positions. British Airways declared the planned strike is part of an “old-style trade union militancy” which in no way can contribute to re-establishing the company’s profitability. On the other hand, Unite spokesperson said the court’s decision came as a disgrace to democracy and warned as well that the threat of industrial action is not over as BA employees are apparently planning to take a new ballot.

EasyJet CEO quitting his post

After four years as easyJet chief executive, Andy Harrison, is announcing he is stepping down from his post. This is the fifth resignation from the company's management board, following the latest from Chairman Sir Colin Chandler earlier in April. Before him, easyJet saw its finance director, commercial director, communications director and procurement director all leaving the board over the last twelve months.

Although Harrison declared he is quitting “in order to find new challenges”, the reason for his departure is viewed by many to be in the long-running dispute with EasyJet founder Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou. The disagreement which has quickly become a public battle over the last year concerned the company's expansion plan and fleet growth promoted by the executive board.

This latter involved the future addition of 109 Aibus aircrafts by 2012 which would represent a 50% increase of the existing fleet. Sir Stelios has repeatedly adverted what he sees as an incautious plan, given the severe implications the recession has had within the airline industry. On the other hand, Harrison's response was to point out the high penalties that easyJet would have to incur when cancelling orders for financing the purchase of new planes.

In the meantime, the series of executive managers leaving the board has already had negative effects on easyJet's shares, which have dropped 2.7 per cent in value, as investors have seen the turbulence in the company's management board to be a potential reason for under performance in the short term.

Ski Christmas Holidays in Val d’Isère

French Alps have numerous ski holiday resorts that see returning and new coming visitors every year, with peaks during winter holidays or for the Christmas break.

A very attractive destination for Christmas ski holidays is certainly Val-d’Isère, a commune in the Savoie department which earlier this year has hosted the World Ski Championships 2009. Val d’Isère is part, together with close commune Tignes, of what is known as the “Espace Killy”, the perfect ski paradise area with more than 180 miles of ski pistes of all types and levels and more than 250 acres of off-piste.

The resort is structured in about seven small villages, including the old town of Val d’Isère, and has built over the years an up market reputation for ski holidays which is attracting ski lovers from everywhere.

It is a mix of natural conditions and technical infrastructures that make Val-d’Isère the ideal ski spot. The high altitude leaves little space for disappointment of finding runs without snow, whereas the extensive number of lift-served off slope runs together with a wide offer of ski courses and packaged holiday deals are all factors which make this location highly recommendable.

The resort is not only well known for its natural winter beauty but for the lively buzz of after-ski activities as well. The place has many polished shops as well as bars and restaurants filled with people until early hours in the morning.

Nonetheless, Val-d’Isère is also a very popular option for family ski holidays because of facilities and tailored packages offered. Family ski passes are a good deal to save money, whereas ski schools and instructors are particularly attentive to groups of young learners. Also, many chalets offer ad-hoc menus for children and buses are running regularly around the resort, allowing skiers with children to explore at ease off hand runs as well.

Christmas market in Basel

From November 26 to December 23, 2009, Basel will be opening its doors in preparation for Christmas. Basel Christmas market is located at Barfüsserplatz and is the Christmas City of Europe. No other European location can beat Basel for its Christmas market.

Basel has a long tradition of celebrating Christmas the way they do. Many tourists gather at Basel every November to December to celebrate Christmas. Basel is by far the best looking city in Switzerland during this time of the year. Not only will you enjoy Basel’s fine Christmas decorations but the markets in Freiburg, Strasbourg and Colmar are just an hour’s worth of drive away so you can also visit them.

So, what should you expect on your travel to Basel during this season? You won’t just find the most traditional and largest Christmas market in all of Switzerland but you’ll also love the illuminated streets and Christmas music. Some of the top of the line shops for Christmas decorations and giveaways are also found here. You would surely love listening to Christmas songs and melodies sung by choirs and singers on the several concerts and you will surely feel the Christmas season while you’re here.

It is definitely incomparable. You will never find any place in the world that celebrates Christmas the same as in Basel. Christmas celebrated here is truly one of a kind.

Space travelling

Tourism extended to space but this destination is still expensive and the "operator" is only the Russian Space Agency for the time being. For US 20-30 million the tourists will embark on a Soyuz spacecraft and can admire the Blue Planet from a distance.

The suborbital space tourism is more affordable and is viewed as a money making activity by companies such as Space Adventures, Virgin Galactic, Blue Origin or Starchaser. The package would include a few minutes of weightlessness, a view of twinkle-free stars and a panorama of the Earth curve and all would cost around USD 200,000.

Virgin Galactic intends to send tourists to space (and bring them back) for the initial seat price for $200,000 but the prices is believed to decrease to USD 20,000 eventually. So far around 200 tourists have booked their holiday into space. Next time your friens tell you they go on holiday to the Dead Sea, take it with a pinch of salt and keep an eye on their Facebook photos.