Feel risky? Night Safari...

Are you afraid of the dark and wild animals? Then this experience is not really tailored for you.

Singapore has a lot to offer and Night Safaris is one of the most desirable experiences among visitors. As soon as the dark is falling in this amazing place, the mystery of the tropical jungle comes to meet the expectations of the most demanding and adventurous visitor.

If this sounds too risky for you, please note that the safety measures taken are very extensive. Riding a tram you will be taken to cover a loop of the Zoo where you can admire animals in great comfort and full safety.

For the adventure lovers, you will have the chance to walk trails where you come face to face with free-flying Malayan Fruit Bats.

A bit challenged?


Singapore Night Safari

Surfers...help!

Surfers, may I have your attention please?

I am minutes away from leaving the UK to spend my holidays in Australia. Having said before that I would love to be able to surf on huge waves like a proper surfer I think this is a good chance to take some action on it.

Although I have gathered much information on good Australian schools I want to make sure I will take the most out of my surfing experience. So, your professional opinion or any kind of experience on the field would be more than welcomed.

I have heard the best words about 'Lets Go Surfing' school located in the world-famous Bondi Beach. Fantastic waves, year-round sun, cool beachside vibes and stunning sunbathing models. It's also recommended either for first timers or surf fanatics and their teaching skills are based on high professionalism and friendliness.

Has anyone heard anything about this?

Club Humbria Aparthotel by Seaside

Romanticism and tranquility

Eos Airlines files for Bankruptcy

Evidently the global banking turmoil is reflected in many cross-industry ways. Few years ago, niche companies emerged and faced the air carrier monsters on the business class market. After witnessing SilverJet’s unfortunate survival strive few days agao, now travelers witness the death of Eos.

The US, John F. Kennedy based Eos is an all-business class airline which filed for bankruptcy yesterday, a week after receiving funds of $50 million. The small carrier declared debts of $34.9million and assets of $70 million in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in White Plains, New York.

Eos competed in the emerging but savage market with business-only carriers like MAXjet Airways, L'Avion and Silverjet amongst traditional airlines, offering lower fares. The airline is the fifth carrier to go bankrupt the last 30 days while rumors reveal discussions taking place regarding starting up a new Facebook friend-group with bankrupt air carriers. Volunteers seem easy to allocate as Frontier Airlines Holdings Inc., Aloha Airgroup Inc., Champion Air, ATA Airlines Inc. and Skybus Airlines Inc. have already expressed their interest in principal.

Silverjet’s , MAXjet’s and L'Avion’s invitations are still pending acceptance as the companies pull all the corporate strings they can afford to avoid what it seems an unavoidable acceptance in the kind request to join the group of BANKRUPT Air carries.

Gatwick airport on sale

Hellish winds of change seem to be blowing lately over London’s biggest airports. News land in one after the other in UK travel industry; Heathrow personnel still striving to short out Terminal 5 while “stray” rumours spread around regarding construction plans of a second runway in Gatwick airport. Worse was yet to come though, as discussions over a Gatwick sell-off escalated yesterday.

It is no secret BAA is a hair’s breadth away from collapsing into pieces, surely bound to drug down the hill their Spaniard conglomerate owner Ferrovial. You see the Spanish company carries a £23 billion burden, directly related with borrowings accompanying the BAA acquisition, which actually stocks up around £900 million from interest added up every year. So, while Ferrovial sweats over covering interest payments its bankers - RBS and Citi - are called up to inject an additional £11 billion for BAA’s debts.

It may sound strange to say that for a giant like Ferrovial, but it looks like they might end up out of cash half 2009, according to financial analysts, if action is not taken. Therefore, since they already started lashing randomly around potential liable executives, the loveable BAA CEO was the first to take the hit and got the suck. It was dead obvious that Stephen Nelson was the join the scapegoat club of sucked top directors from huge companies following recent global turmoil.

Things aren’t made easier on Ferrovial’s effort to keep BAA together and maintain Gatwick ownership as the UK Competition Commission raised concerns regarding BAA’s near-monopoly in the south-east region. The final decision won’t be released before summer, nevertheless a Gatwick see-off would definitely do the trick at least in the short term. BAA’s situation worsened greatly as Heathrow Terminal 5 was ironically anticipated like “mana from money heaven” to bring in some extra cash…

London Tube stay late

Underground railways systems are unbreakable links in modernised cities making millions include their premises in their every day urban existence. London Tube specifically, is a favourite for small talk subject, appropriate for most social classes through out the course of the day. I always admire people who refrain from rushing into judgmental comments because I, too, am used to the tube and I am trying to accept that it takes time to grow in you.

Sometimes though, I am getting confused and not only when most lines under-operate during weekends, but also to why it can't stay open a couple of hours later on Friday and Saturday. It shouldn't be too complicated, I mean the Germans are doing it in Berlin for years now, New York's Underground made the city insomniac and now even the Greeks will start!

So, lets put things straight; The Germans, who are known to never be in a hurry, find it easy and purposeful. The Greeks decided to work a few hours more while the weather is much better and taxis cheaper. And to point out the obvious once more, London, being a city of a huge workaholic population who commute every evening panicking not to lose the last train doesn't need one? Or do the poor students who afford to rent only zone 4 will afford a taxi back home?

I knew about Berlin's underground and still I felt left out. Coming across Athens' underground news though, was a bit too much to handle. I don't understand why there is this luck of common sense to approach simple problems Londoners face everyday.

SilverJet seeks Brighter future

Silverjet Plc is a very competitive premier transatlantic carrier struggling to survive in an unhospitable market of soaring operational costs and decreased revenues. The troubled business-class airline, flying business class London to New York, is in takeover negotiations. Although Silverjet shares tumbled big time, its rivals like MAXjet Airways Inc. had it worse filing for bankruptcy while Oasis Hong Kong Airlines Ltd. ceased operating all due to rising oil costs.

Silverjet offers premium seats at almost half the price of British Airways Plc. and analysts though optimistic about the future, still consider it a risky and vicious industry demanding for pragmatic and long-term plans if Silverjet is to continue competing. The carrier’s strength is its solid product; it is well-designed and commercialised in order to stand good chances against giants like British Airways. Silverjet is determined to make a difference in the market with personalised and passenger-oriented service including pleasant onboard women-only toilets, private terminals and meals designed by restaurant Le Caprice, London.

Silverjet has realistic objectives to return to a profitable bottom-line as quickly as possible in a brutal market and March’s numbers showed finally some financial sunshine as passenger total rose 23 percent to a record 10,885. Even the analysts seem to be optimistic when forecasting believing there's a significant difference in where the share price is at now and how high it could actually go.

Silverjet began flying between London Luton and New York Newark airports last January competing with MAXjet, Eos flying from London Stansted to New York John F. Kennedy, and L'Avion, connecting Paris and Newark. And boy, they appear determined to stay around for quite a while. Last November they rushed to include a Dubai link to their services on the same day they got their hands around the sparkling-new Boeing Co. 767 aircraft. The airline is still expecting another two planes and keeps everyone on their toes for the future.

Coherent projects like Silverjet tend to shape up industries, providing very focused but well-designed products to travellers who choose to think out of the box when it comes to corporate flying. It seems an almost unfair David and Goliath story here, as David-like Silverjet is actually offering a more competitive package in terms of luxury and value for money for a fraction of British Airways prices.

Isn't it to our beneffit as consumers for such companies to stay in business?

Alitalia Shares Halt

What's the deal lately in the travel industry with bad news coming straight on top of good ones? Heathrow's brand new Terminal 5 is causing tremendous amounts of stress while the echo from the opening ceremony is still mingling with the frustrated crowd in its great hall.

The second set of bad news comes from Italy. Air France-KLM was closer than ever and anyone to acquiring and finally salivating the troubled Italian airline Alitalia. A barrage of disagreements though, sank negotiations deep in the Mediterranean sea.

Alitalia's outgoing chairman Maurizio Prato had warned unions that the firm risked going bankrupt unless a deal was reached. Unions though got stubborn, went on a strike and even came down on public demonstrations. Consequently, Mr. Prato’s departure from Alitalia’s chair shouldn’t come as a surprise and the company’s board was running from one emergency meeting to another looking for a replacement.

The Italian government, having a 49.9% stake in the firm, "is sitting on very hot coals" so it would check again if Air France-KLM's decision to withdraw from talks is final. Having previously failed to reach an agreement, which led to Maurizio Prato’s resignation, unions now agreed to negotiate again. Even that though didn’t affect Alitalia’s rock-bottom financial situation so it was considered unavoidable to suspend Alitalia’s shares. All trading in Alitalia shares was actually suspended last week and quoting Mr. Prato after the collapse of the negotiations he said "This company is cursed: only an exorcist can save it".

The Italian government has been trying for more than a year to sell its stake in the troubled national airline and now has actually run out of bidders. Failure to reach any agreement leaves the state-owned airline on the ropes just days before general elections. Maybe the one and only Silvio Berlusconi, who is opposing the governmental sale of Alitalia, will be elected again. With the current turn of events he could actually be the “white knight” who will rescue the Italian carrier and restore its reputation.

Although I doubt... what's your speculation?

Bulk Jelly Beans from Ohnuts.com

Traveling by plane is an experience dealt with many different ways nowadays. Many of us regard it as a pleasant way of transportation, others enjoy the thrills it offers while a few suffer from frustration and anxiety attacks. A pleasant way to tackle stress created by flights is treating yourself with your favorite snack or aperitif. Thats why we frequently come across passengers getting drunk before boarding or in my case stuffing myself with junk food and falling asleep throughout the whole flight. A good friend of mine has a different “flight addiction”; candies and more specifically jelly beans.

So, on our last flight together I decided to surprise him by avoiding costly candy retailers and look online for a better deal. My most impressive result was ohnuts.com from where you can order in Bulk Jelly Beans.

Obviously the site offers an amazing collection of confectionery, dried nuts, sweets and candies. To be perfectly honest I am more of a chocolate guy and my options were great there as well, but the jelly bean page was just overwhelming. I didn’t even know that the humble candy comes in so many different variations.

Ok, I knew that they can be very colorful. But I doubt that even Willy Wonka would have come up with flavors like tiramisu, vanilla and grape. The options available include assorted bags and different sized candy; the whole site is totally out of Hansel and Gretel’s most amazing dream. At some point I started salivating without actually noticing why. The reason was that the corner of my eye caught the dark brown, chocolate flavor jelly beans and instantly alerted my brain without actually realizing their existence.

So, if you are among those who treat themselves with candy when traveling by plane or love spoiling your nephews when visiting I would definitely suggest it.

By the way, what’s your favorite flavor?

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See beyond the Universe

This is the place where you are given the choice of experiencing different styles of holidays. From the sanctuary of 5 brilliant hotels to the friendliness of Voyages Ayers Rock Resort Campground, the visitor can experience the superior beauty of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park which comprises one of the most vivid cultural landscapes of Australia's Northern Territory.

Ayers Rock Resort is believed to be one of the most stunning natural wonders in the world.
Offering over 65 tours, the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park and attractions and activities within the Resort, your experience in this paradise will be full of action.

If though you wish to relax by dining under a shade of stars, the award-winning Sounds of Silence restaurant can make you have the time of your life.

You will witness an amazing sunset over Ayer's Rock in a private dining setting in the desert. In the end you will enjoy the classic Australian delicate dishes such as bush tucker, emu, bush salads, barramundi and some very special delicious desserts.

You can accompany the meal with a tour through the constellations guided by the resident astronomer.

Away from the buzz of the city, in the deep darkness of the Red Centre, feel free to discover the Universe beyond...


Sounds of Silence Dinner

Kuala Selangor - Fireflies performance

Wish to escape from the bustle and hustle of Kuala Lumpur?
The Mangrove forest as well as the bird sanctuary is the natural heritage of Kuala Selangor which is a small rustic city not too far from the city of Kuala Lumpur.

The countryside of Kuala Selangor has a rich historic past that every visitor would like to explore. You can learn much more about mangrove trees by walking around the jungle trails as well as spot the mix of migratory and local bird species.

What will definitely fascinate you is the millions of fireflies. They can be easily found on trees as the location in Kampung Kuantan is easily accessible and reachable by a short traditional boat (sampan) ride. According to local people, the best time to admire the fireflies flashing their 'lights' is during the new moon and especially about 1 to 4 hours after sunset.

The area has loads of local restaurants by the riverfront where you can enjoy your dinner before boating upstream to admire this wonderful spectacular.

Kuala Selangor Fireflies

Virgin Galactic Space Tourism

Today’s entry intends to create a complete picture of the new trend in the global travel industry inspired from science fiction works such as 2001: A Space Odyssey. Space tourism is the latest phenomenon of tourists purchasing spaceflight packages for personal pleasure.

Yesterday we looked into Xcor and how their small aircraft called Lynx is set to face the current space tourism competition. Until now the only option space tourists had was to pay the "humble" $20 million fee for accessing the International Space Station through the Russian Space Agency. Soyuz spacecraft conducts the transportation and the package includes the unique, mind-blowing experience of looking at Earth from space, the status symbol element of the experience and experimentation with weightlessness.

Sir Richard Branson owner of Virgin Group isn’t someone keen on missing out on innovative and virgin commercial opportunities with huge monetary potentials. Hence, he spawned a new company called Virgin Galactic aiming to provide passengers with the opportunity to orbit over 62 miles (100 km) above the Earth on a reasonable price.

Sir Richard Branson trusted and consigned the task of developing SpaceShipTwo to Burt Rutan, owner of Scaled Composites and designer of the pioneering SpaceShipOne. Virgin Galactic's new suborbital craft will be an improved version, allowing 2 pilots and 6 passengers to be accommodated in a luxurious and comfortable environment. The whole experience will not last longer than 2.5 hours from liftoff to touchdown, and passengers will be allowed to release themselves from their seats and enjoy 6 minutes of zero gravity environment. Yes, it will be very much like clips from space stations we see on television where astronauts float freely in the cabin. I would definitely suggest you try the trick with the floating milk, priceless.

Virgin Galactic has announced revenues closing up to $30 million already in spaceflight bookings. The initial price is set to $200,000 and according to future plans prices will gradually decrease to reach the very "normal" sum of $20,000 (£10,000) after the first 400 passengers, as exclusivity and originality will seize being a factor in the equation. Sir Richard Branson accompanied by family members will be the first to take the trip and if you want your name to be listed along with names like Moby, Sigourney Weaver and Stephen Hawking you should start saving.

Xcor Lynx Space Trips

I was looking into new holiday ideas few days ago when I stumbled upon a US company with something different to suggest for those out there who have taken one to many ordinary holidays. So, if all your holiday pictures start looking alike there might be light in the end of the tunnel.

Xcor Aerospace is a California based company planning to break into space tourism industry piloting a two-seat rocket capable of suborbital flights to altitudes more than 37 miles above the Earth. The space shuttle developed thoroughly by Xcor will be given the name Lynx reflecting its size of about a small private plane. Further details regarding design and technical characteristics have not been released in advance and everyone interested is looking forward to know a bit more.

Though Xcor has given away a few general information though, just enough to retain interest. So, we know Lynx is designed to take off normally from a common runway climbing up to 200,000 feet (37 miles) reaching a speed of Mach 2 in order to descend in a circling glide and back on Earth with a runway landing and it will be slightly bulkier but resembling few homemade jet designs.

Xcor CEO Mr. Jeff Greason stated that the vehicle is designed to operate much like a commercial aircraft providing in addition affordable space access for individuals and researchers while future versions are already in discussion including improved capabilities for research and commercial uses.

British Airways in Heathrow T5 Chaos

It wasn’t very long ago I was writing about the new project completed at Heathrow airport. Terminal 5 has been completed and submitted on an opening ceremony attended by the Queen herself. Unfortunately, there has been a downhill ever since as. Last week British Airways was forced to cancel a staggering one-fifth of its flights, a consequence of the 2nd day chaotic opening. The staff was overwhelmed by complications from various sources, including system log-on problems for baggage handlers and delays at staff car parks. British Airways announced problems with baggage handling though didn't specify the exact nature of the problem and avoided to comment regarding the cancellations.

The £4.3 billion Terminal 5 failed to ease journeys and added on passengers’ frustration due to overcrowding. The carrier defended the argument of ``exhaustive'' customer trials of the building last month, with volunteers invited to play the part of travelers. Maybe it’s the volunteers’ fault, probably they came in short in scenario rehearsing and role-playing. Are they to take blame for more than 90 flights canceled so far?

The situation is very sensitive, on one hand Heathrow airport accommodated 68 million passengers last year and managed to handle them quite successfully with only 4 terminals - though striving with negative records for baggage handling already. The late part of Heathrow’s family was supposed to expand capacity by 30 million to 75 million.

I am still a bit dubious, was the project nothing more than wishful thinking? Or we are just being over-judgmental very early? Maybe passengers should hold back premature bitter comments. Their anticipation Terminal5 to operate smoothly is on ground basis, but isn’t it fair to it give some time? Isn’t a bit early for this huge project to solve an old problem in a fortnight?

Luxury Lear Jet Airambulance

We 've all entered or read about debates regarding how travel insurance will take away unnecessary stress and heafty cost if things go a bit off plan. Air medical support is an established service provided extensively. The next step was definitely obvious to many, nevertheless the project appeared to be cvery sensitive and complicated allowing no space for errors.

Positivity, hard, work and devotion are the primary values of a company which managed to provide an air ambulance service of top status and attention to detail. The team's expertise on medical flights and fligt physiology is of hospital standards amongst all flight paramedics and nurses.

Their qualifications and registrations are publicized and promoted through their website, making you feel easy and confident admitting your health to their hands and include:

• ACLS(Advanced Cardiac Life Support)


• ICU/CCU Licensed Registered Nurses


• Nationally Registered Flight Paramedics


• Certified Respiratory Therapists


• Emergency Medical Technicians(EMT)

Finally, a regulatory authority like FAA has approved their operation, which sort of sum things up as the service covers an great range of emergencies. I always enjoy a bit of involvement with the website so definitely found handy the lovely illustrations of Lear Jets and bits of information for your "life vessel".

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So, they think they can dance!

People who live in Paris say that a visit to Paris demands a night out at the Moulin Rouge!

The world famous cabaret is there to charm you with its glamour, glitz and a great variety of sumptuous dishes. While you are eating, an orchestra plays fine music until you finish your dinner and begin to see the show.

Whoop it up and have fun in the marvelous display of the excellent choreography, the exotic costumes and shining sets of the fascinating Feerie Show while enjoying your special dinner.

It's really impressive watching the dancers dressed in feathered costumes and dancing to the pulsating music. In this festive atmosphere, you will definitely discover brilliant folklores from all over the world. You will also be stunned by the real French Cancan, the acrobats and the talented clowns.

Moulin Rouge Show can definitely make you travel across the ages with its feerie performance.

Moulin Rouge Show and Dinner

Live like a King or Queen for a day

While most Australia's regions are closely associated with adventurous tours, Tasmania has to offer a different experience to its visitors.

A unique opportunity to enjoy a superb experience of Tasmania in the most comfortable way. Rolls On Tour offers a high smooth and quiet ride using Rolls Royce "Silver Spirit" enabling traveler to see Tasmania in a very different way at a pretty realistic cost.

These people love Tasmania and are ready to show and share with you the most incredible sights and experiences you could ever live in the island. With a range of Tours from day ones to One hour Tours (they also cater for overnight tours), they start in Tasmania's capital city, Hobart and take you on various trips including the one to wonderful Port Arthur via the stunning scenic Eaglehawk Neck. In this top tourist destination, you can visit the historic penal settlement ruins and the Interpretation Gallery as well as go cruising around the Isle of the Dead.

Regarding the cost, note that the admittance cost is included in the total cost along with some treats you will receive on the journey.

As said above, you can always select from a variety of tours depending on what you fancy the most. Another Day Tour offers a "Foodies Delight" tour to the D'Entrecasteaux Channel and the Huon Valley where all food is included in the total tour cost as well.

Worthwhile doing something different on your holidays...


Rolls On Tour - Tasmania

It's just Rome...

This so-called Eternal City concentrates some of the most breathtaking things you will find while travelling across Europe. And this is Rome...

From the Colosseum's gory resonance and the arrogant lavishness of the Vatican to the high speed of a Fiat Bambino and the bill for a café latte you will see that this city has something to say to every single visitor.

If you don't want to miss some of the top must-see themes you can choose to spend a day visiting the Vatican City, experiencing the papal audience and admiring the majesty of Rome's architecture and history.

On your way to Vatican City you will see many magnificent Roman squares and monuments that reflect the rich architectural majesty of an ancient era. The Fountain of the Naiads in the Piazza della Republica will definitely impress you. Comprised by the bronze statue of Glaucus (God of the Greek sea) encircled by 4 reclining nymphs, this monument will take you back to the Roman history.

On the other hand, Piazza del Popolo has been quite popular amongst visitors as in the centre point of the square you find the Egyptian obelisk of Ramses II with fabulous fountains all around the base.

As far as the papal audience is concerned, it is going to take place in the heart of Vatican. The faith and devotion of the gathering will create an unbelievable spiritual atmosphere you will have never experienced in the past.

Papal Audience at Vatican City

View Toronto from 553 metres CN Tower

The picture might look like a futuristic plan for a new conceptual hi-tech city project, but it actually isn't. This is Toronto's skyline which, amongst other fabulous buildings, holds in its collection the noticeable CN Tower Toronto, a 553.33 metre tall communications and touristic building 33 years old.

Back in April 2, 1975 a former US Army helicopter, called Olga, carried the last piece of the jigsaw – the tower’s antenna – after 26 months of construction and 5 months ahead of the deadline. On that historical day CN Tower officially “robbed” the height record from Moscow's Ostankino Tower and a new era begun.

The area around the Tower started developing rapidly, particularly with the construction of Metro Toronto Convention Centre and Rogers Centre (or SkyDome). What it used to be an appalling railway wasteland is now a newly developed entertainment district, with CN Tower centred and defining Toronto’s skyline. The construction of SkyWalk in 1989, connecting the tower and Rogers Centre to the nearby railway and subway Union Station, added on the projects practicality and accessibility creating a thriving tourist hub.

CN Tower accommodates 360, one of Toronto's finest restaurants offering great fresh cuisine topped with a magnificent revolving view of Toronto more than 351 metres (1,151 ft) below. The wine list should be adequate, if not overwhelming, including more than 550 international and Canadian wines, while the elevator ride is complimentary when buying a full course. The highlight though, still is the ride with the glass walled elevator offering a spectacular view of greater Toronto and lake Ontario that both you and your children will carry with for a long time.

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A day out with koalas and kangaroos

It's needless to say that Australia is a holiday destination which is preferred by millions of people every year.

Unique animals like kangaroos and koalas are reasonably on the top of a tourist's must-see list as well as the deserts that make Australia the driest inhabited continent in the world.

For visitors who travel to Australia there are countless incredible sights to see except for the frequently-photographed Sydney Harbor Bridge and the Ayers Rock of Uluru.

You can always enjoy a brilliant day out exploring the Perth's well-known Pinnacles Desert which is an amazing landscape. The highlights included off in this exciting day is road-driving and sand boarding on massive white sand hills, touching and taking pictures of koalas, hand feeding kangaroos and viewing the beautiful native wildflowers.

Also, if weather conditions permit it, you will be driven to the Indian Ocean for swimming.

1 Day 4WD Pinnacles, Koalas & Sand Boarding

Fly over NYC, fly over the world!

Whether you visit New York City for business or for holidays you definitely need to have an exploring sightseeing around this incredibly big city.

It's wide-known that New York City is mainly associated with the massive towering buildings that make the borough of Manhattan well-distinguishable from every corner of the city. In particular, the Manhattan skyline has been popular from the countless Hollywood films and TV series.

Perhaps the most famous building is the enormous Empire State Building which although is no longer the tallest, it still comprises one of the most visited buildings on the planet.

If though you wish to escape the crowds and the queues the only way is to be taking to the skies. From up there, you will be able to come face-to-face not only with Empire State Building but also with the Statue of Liberty and the Chrysler building. Yet, you will be given the opportunity to enjoy a magnificent view of the wonderful Central Park.

The Big Apple helicopter ride over the NYC will take you over iconic structures and sky-rocketing buildings that will be like no other.

The Big Apple Helicopter Ride

Smile and cook with Thai people

People call it the "Land of Smiles" and it has become something of a moniker. And although some others consider this as a cliché, it is no less true because of that.

Smiling is a Thai habit exactly as Thai cooking is some of the most delicious food on the planet. In addition, what makes this exceptional is the warm welcome you have wherever you go in Thailand.

If you want to spend a day out of town and see how Thai people live in the outskirts of Bangkok you can participate in the Bangkok Rim and experience for yourself the Thai County cooking and life.

The region the tour will drive you to is primarily farming and known as the Bangkok's "green belt". Over there, you can enjoy cooking Thai food for yourself and prepare your own Thai lunch taken from the local production of the area.

Bangkok Rim- Thai County Life and Cooking

Fall in love with Dublin...

Famous for its literal history, Dublin is Ireland's capital and home to many brilliant writers. From James Joyce to Jonathan Swift and William Butler Yeats, Dublin has been the birthplace for many historical faces.

In Dublin, the visitor can explore both the historical side of the city and the hip, from churches and castles to clubs, pubs and restaurants.

Take part on a hop-on-hop-off Dublin tour and discover the city and its main attractions such as the Dublin Castle, St Patrick's cathedral and the Guinness official merchandise store.

The Dublin tour allows you to have a 24-hour pass for unlimited use of the Hop-on hop-off open top bus tour service. Besides, you are free to hang around the Trinity College and the St Patrick's Cathedral so as to get a glimpse at its English gothic architecture as well as into the history of the greatest cathedral in Ireland.

You can also experience firsthand whiskey-making at the Old Jameson Distillery. The Jameson Bar is there to serve out pure Irish whiskey.

Keep in mind...you don't need to get drunk in order to taste some of Dublin's finest delights.

Dublin Hop-on-Hop-off Tour

Luxury appartments Magica Venezia

A city that comes under many names, City of Water, City of Bridges, City of Light and a few other maybe not so ostentatious. I am being a bit sarcastic and I shouldn't because Venice is one of my favorite European cities. It is located at the northeast part of Italy expanding over the 110 islands of the marshy Venetian Lagoon along the Adriatic Sea.

The city is famous rather for its originality (well, there are not a lot of cities with a floating cemetery) and architecture and not its nightlife. Therefore, your accommodation options are quite different than your ordinary European destinations. Of course the city is affluent in small clean hotels, which charge though quite a sum of money regardless of the period. The best option in terms again of originality but also value for money are the various villas , and fantastic apartments available for rent out. Magica Venezia, Apartments for Rent in the centre of Venice, Italy is an agency that
illuminates your options, making your accommodation selection even easier and definitely more glamorous than booking a hotel.

I felt really comfortable viewing the agency's homepage which cleverly offers many language options, showing off a bit the obviously multicultural clientele. So, first impression is great as I it takes you straight to the properties available, which are spread out next to famous sights like the Rialto, Canal Grande and Piazza San Marco. The choices include a selection of luxury apartments on very sensible prices, for all budgets, ranging from £200-£500.

If you fancy waking up in the morning and taking breakfast overlooking Piazza San Marco from an amazing wooden floored terrace I would go for the Correr, offering space for 4 for £320 per night.

The diversity of travellers mentioned above is reflected in the diversity of the appartments available, and Magica Venezia offers services to cover most tastes. Identifying the most suitable is very easy because the online service provides all the necessary means to make it clear and easy, By the way I really liked the handy calendar with the available days for renting. Unfortunately Venice has not many cheap off peak days as the weather is mild and welcoming, don't forget the nickname "City of Light". Even you are caught in a pouring you 'll find shelter in many cafes and restaurants and you might have the chance to see Piazza San Marco flooded seating at your flat. It is definitely amazing, really, I have been there.

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Dreamy floating over Melbourne

Different holiday destinations are popular for different attractions. What draw tourists in some places is their magnificent architecture, good food and wine, while in some other, it's their sport activities and spectaculars.

Melbourne falls in the second category as the Australia's destination with most well-known natural attractions and major sporting venues. The Australian Open Tennis Tournament, the Melbourne Cup and the Australian Formula One Grand Prix are some of the famous sport spectaculars that are held in Melbourne.

Another sport activity that grows in popularity amongst tourists is ballooning. Visiting Melbourne you can enjoy yourself by making a hot-air balloon flight over the wonderful city.

1-hour sunrise flights depart from the Park Hotel of Melbourne. Over there, a short briefing is given by the pilot just before transporting you to the launch site.

Moreover, you have the choice to get involved in the process of launching itself or just relax and take pictures before taking off. Once launching is done, you are ready to float over the Melbourne's sights. After landing, you head back to the Hilton for an incredible champagne breakfast.

Dreamy trip, isn't it?

Global ballooning - Melbourne Sunrise Balloon Flight

Palace of Versailles - A luxury piece of land

Paris always lurks at the back of our minds when thinking of a romantic weekend sneak out in the medieval city of Rococo art, drenched in mature wine, warm bread and foies gras.

While there are seemingly infinite choices of magnificent museums accomodating valuable collections and even more monuments ranging from medieval to neo-classic and baroc to gothic, there are specific few landmarks you should not miss out.

The Palace of Versailles is the one place where you can take a glance at the lavish lifestyle of the French nobleness, walk into the same endless corridors covered by equally endless portraits they were once walking. Under one roof, or maybe 4 that’s how many enormous houses comprise the Château de Versailles, it is all the french grandioze and decadense scented by the rarest parfums.

Louis the XIV is said to have built the famous Palace of Versailles but many historians disagree favoring his predecessor Louis XIII to be the mastermind behind the ingenious planning of the secret pathways and doors. The 75-metre long Hall of Mirrors is awing, even a bit teriffying with 17 massive mirrors showing the monarch in different guises. The room is carrying amazing memories from all the pages of history created between its walls.

The gardens are nearly as stunning as the palace itself adding on to the feeling created inside, mainly by it constructivistic layout and amazingly confusing labyrinth. The marble and bronze statues scattered are designed in formal style as well as the geometrically aligned terraces. Additionally, the fountain show along with the music of one of the brilliant composers from the court of Louis XIV, is even more delightful.

Undoubtedly, Palace of Versailles is one of the most popular historical and architectural sights you must see in France.

Palace of Versailles Trip

"F" for Fantasea - A Phuket experience

Phuket's nightlife is one of the main attractions of the island. There are dozens of places to party after a long day in the beach, including small beachside bars, Thai style discos and nightclubs, go-go clubs and sedate pubs full of friendly people.

Furthermore, the most popular animal and leisure park in Thailand, Phuket FantaSea, is located in Phuket. It is said that it comprises the ultimate experience in nighttime entertainment in Phuket.

The park is inspired by the rich and exotic heritage of Thailand which not only showcases the beauty and charm of the island but also enriches the local Thai traditions with special effects.

The final result is a massive 140-acre theme complex that offers a multitude of entertainment and activities: A stunning and unusual carnival Village with carnivals in traditional suits, Thai games, handicrafts and shopping. The park is also provided with a 4000-seat restaurant which offers a long buffet of Thai and international cuisine.

The Las Vegas-style theatrical show is enhanced by state-of-the-art technology and revives Thailand's Myth's Magic and Mysteries in a wondrous extravaganza.


Phuket Fantasea

Take yourself back in the British History

England is of the countries that make its history seem like a gift of today. Historic places such as castles have been always used as houses by royal families.

While Buckingham Palace is the Queen's main royal home in London, Windsor castle is the official residence of Her Majesty. It is the largest and oldest occupied castle in the world and its rich history counts almost a thousand years. Covering an area of about five hectares, it contains fabulous State Apartments stuffed with treasures from St George's Chapel, the Royal Collection and also from Queen Mary's Dolls House. Thousands of tourists visit Windsor every year.

Historical tours are scheduled for those who wish to taste some of the history of Windsor and other marvelous British heritage. A historical tour that is popular among tourists who visit England is the one that consists of Windsor, Stonehenge and Oxford.

At Stonehenge, you can marvel at spherical formation that has laymen and mystified scientists. There are very few places, these days, which attract so much admiration and awe.

On the other hand, Oxford's literary air touches everyone who comes to visit this magnificent place. Home to one of the most famous Universities in the world, generations of scholars have been inspired by its colleges including authors Lewis Carroll, J. R.R. Tolkein and C. S. Lewis. A guide will take you to see the Sheldonian Theatre, the Bodleian Library and the Christchurch College, the place where Harry Potter was filmed. Later on, you are free to shop and enjoy a coffee at lovely pavement cafes.

What makes this tour differ to the ordinary ones is that you are given a list of activities to choose from in every destination, offering the flexibility to see what you like to see.


Windsor, Stonehenge and Oxford – Historical Tour 4

Tasmania - The chance to live on the edge

Tasmania is of those islands that concentrates a lot of diversity into a small piece of land. Home of bays and beaches, rivers and rugged mountains with many preserved historical sites.

About 30 percent of the island is covered with National Parks and reserves and the whole place is considered as a heaven for its wild life. It is said that it has some of the most unspoiled, remote and rugged wilderness areas globally.

Tasmania is also a quiet and peaceful part of the world with old stone cottages and small villages calling up images of places of rural England. Also, based on Australian standards, distances are short and touring is not demanding.

Staring out into the sea on the mild east coast of Tasmania, you can enjoy the beautiful Freycinet Peninsula. This rugged National Park consists of amazing knuckles of granite mountains that are all surrounded by blue bays and golden-white sand beaches. Furthermore, making to enter the park, the Hazards' dramatic peaks welcome you very ''warmly''.

For those who would like to stay close to this magical place, there are lodges on the edge of Freycinet National Park near to Friendly Beaches. The Freycinet Experience that offers this special experience gives you the opportunity to explore Schouten Island, Wineglass Bay, Cooks Beach and Bluestone Bay under the instructions of guides trained in the environmental sciences, history, geography and botany.

The trip is inclusive with meals and drinks, transport within Tasmania, guides with long experience, 3-night twin share accommodation, national park free admission and backpack and waterproof jacket hiring.

Freycinet Experience Walk

Heathrow Terminal 5 Knighted by the Queen

Heathrow’s Terminal 5 is officially open and ready for business after the Queen “knighted” the £4.3bn project complete in front of an 800 audience and hailed by a 30-strong choir. The terminal has been described as "a 21st Century gateway to Britain" and will begin operating on 27 March, offering extra passenger capacity but not additional flights.

The Queen, who opened the airport's first terminal building – now Terminal 2 – in 1955, seemed delighted the project was complete and loved the "bright, airy space and clean, efficient layout". Transport secretary Ruth Kelly in a try to complement the Queen’s comments, noted Terminal 5 was "destined to become one of London's most iconic transport buildings" and exalted its stunning design and spectacular scale underlining it was one of the greenest airport buildings in the world.

Terminal 5, designed by 2006 Stirling Prize winners Rogers Stirk Harbour and Partners, was a gigantic project which running since September 2002 employed around 60,000 people doing a total of 100 million man hours. Few obstacles to overcome were diversion of two rivers, constructing what is claimed to be the UK's largest free-standing building and tunneling 13km for rail and baggage links.

But it is not yet complete, as the official opening is of the project's Phase 1, including Terminals 5A and 5B. Phase 2 with Terminal 5C added , is set to open in 2010 and will increase the aircraft stands from 50 to 60.

The question though still remains the same. Are those impressive construction accomplishments, plus two satellite buildings, rail links to London Underground and the Heathrow Express, and a new multi-storey car park going to benefit the passengers. Well, BAA says it will simplify the process of checking in for flights with online check-in, fast baggage dropping facilities and state-of-the-art baggage handling.

Enjoy Penang within one day

Malaysia is a country where any visitor feels like having the holiday experience of his dreams. It is a country where the warmth of the welcome exceeds the warmth of its climate and yet, the beaches are among the best in the world.

Besides, a holiday in Malaysia offers the opportunity to experience the exciting blend of city, beach and rainforest along with the lively mixture of Chinese, Malay and Indian cultures composing an array of cultural attractions and delicious exotic food.

The place with the reputation as a food paradise is Penang which offers a heady and exotic range of delicious dishes to choose from. George Town, the Penang's state capital is a living historic city with wet markets and bazaars, inner city communities, guilds, traditional trades and retail shops and many other attractions.

Annually, thousands of tourists both foreign and local, visit the huge preservation of treasures in George Town where also they can also enjoy the rich man-made heritage of Penang.

On the other hand, the rich historic past of Penang makes it quite difficult to see and experience all this beauty in limited time. However, there are tours organized in such way so as to make you able to see the highlights of Penang Island in only one day. You can visit the typical Malay village, a Batik Factory, the unique Snake Temple as well as the international jewelry factory. This tour is a very good introduction to stunning Penang.


Grand Penang Tour

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