Botswana is a country of seemingly endless open spaces. Though it occupies an area the size of France, the human population is only 1.6 million. This is one country where wildlife does not face stiff competition for land resources from man. As a result the animals have multiplied with a flourish. Botswana can justifiably claim to host some of the finest game sanctuaries in Africa. The worlds’ largest exporter of diamonds by value, the country is not under pressure to get in more tourists. And the government has adopted a deliberate policy of keeping visitor numbers low. The hidden hand of the market has responded by adjusting the price to reflect this reality. Botswana has therefore emerged as an exclusive up market safari destination.

Bill Clinton, together with his wife went on safari in Botswana in 1998. The power couple was greatly fascinated by the wildlife, and the serious games of life and death they play. Affirming his position on top of the food chain, the president ate for dinner some of the animal species he had watched earlier. His evening buffet included zebra, crocodile, impala in monkey sauce, and giraffe. “I tried it all”, he declared with satisfaction. But the former American president is only one in a long line of heavy hitters to enjoy the wildlife havens of Botswana. Hollywood legends, Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor chose to remarry here, for example.

Botswana is dominated by the Kalahari Desert. It occupies 84% of the land area, mostly in the west, central and north of the country. But the Kalahari is not a desert in the Sahara sense. You find the occasional sand dune, but also substantial vegetation in the form of short thorn and scrub bush, trees and grasslands. Very little water though, and hence the desert tag. To the northwest, you find Okavango, the world’s largest inland delta. The northeast is a land of gently rolling tablelands interrupted by granite hills and rock formations. The east and southeast, where 80% of the people live has more varied relief. And the rain clouds linger more and unburden themselves more freely, relative to the rest of the country.

Today Botswana is a peaceful, well-managed and relatively prosperous country. The country wealth per man indicator places among middle-income nations alongside Mexico and Russia and ahead of Brazil. But it has not always been so and the country has come along way. The San people (otherwise known bushmen) are believed to be the original inhabitants of Botswana. Their descendants survive to this day, some living as their forefathers did for most of the 30,000 years historians guess they have been around. Later -much later, Bantu groups, prominent of which were the Tswana, became the masters of these realms.

The modern Botswana nation has been shaped by the alliances made in response to historical currents swirling in southern Africa in the eighteenth century. The rulers at the time aligned their interests with those of the British against the Boers who were approaching from the south and the Germans from the west. For the British, the value of the alliance was strategic and not much was expected in terms of economic advantage. And that is how the relationship resulted in the Bechuanaland Protectorate – the precursor of modern Botswana. The British remained in charge until independence in 1966.

The visitor to Botswana is drawn by the credible intelligence that abounds about the quality of its pristine wildlife sanctuaries. Chobe National Park, one of the finest game parks in Africa is located to the north east of the country. The park has the greatest variety of game anywhere in the country. That is why the busy Bill Clinton found himself at Chobe for his short safari. Wildlife thrives among the swamps and grasslands that stretch along the flood plains of the Chobe River. Occupying 10,560 square kilometers, it is particularly renowned for the great concentration and sheer abundance of its elephants, estimated to number 80,000.

The Chobe elephants are migratory and move along the Chobe River, their reliable redoubt in the dry season. African elephants are the largest among elephant species -and those at Chobe are the largest of them all. The population has gradually built up since the 1930’s when wildlife in the area began to enjoy some sort of protection. The infamous trade in ivory, particularly in the 1970’s and 80’s encouraged the decimation of elephant populations in other parts of Africa. But the elephants of Chobe – thank God – were spared contact with the dirty hands of poachers. Other animals to see here include some of the usual suspects on an African safari – lion, cheetah, hippo buffalo, giraffe, antelope, jackal, warthog, hyena, crocodile, zebra. The birdlife is also diverse. Cruising or driving along the Chobe River, you get the best view of the animals.

The Savuti Marshes of Chobe are reputed to have the largest predator population density in southern Africa. The marshes have the textbook features that draw predators. In a flat and hostile environment, they provide a place where wildebeest, buffalo, zebra and many species of antelope congregate for a drink. The predators – cheetahs, leopards, lions, wild dogs, hyenas, wild dogs, and jackals – naturally follow. Some predators such as lion tend to be rather lazy and the setting here is a gift. The usual entry point for Chobe is Kasane, which is located about 800km north of Gaborone. You get here by flying from Gaborone, Maun or Victoria Falls in neighbouring Zimbabwe. Camps and lodges can be found throughout the park.

The Okavango Delta, in the north west of Botswana is the largest inland delta in the world. Spreading over 15,000 square kilometers, it is formed as the flow of the Okavango River slows down and soaks into the sands. That is why it is referred to as ‘the river which never finds the sea’. The network of channels, ox bow lakes, lagoons, swamps and islands that arise is very pleasing to the eye. But that is not all of Okavangos’ bounty. The delta is filled with wildlife – wildebeest, giraffe, hippo, elephant, zebra and buffalo have all found a home here. The birds too are plenty, more than 550 types, some of which live on the trees and others on the water.

The best place to see wildlife in Okavango is within the spectacular Moremi Wildlife Reserve. The reserve lies in the centre of the delta and occupies 3,000 square kilometres. In Moremi you view game aboard a vehicle or by gliding on a makoro (dugout canoe) or other type of canoe. Accommodation is available in camps and lodges within the delta area. In Moremi itself, you can stay in tented campsites but no permanent camps or lodges are allowed.

If you are interested culture, take a break at Chief’s Island, the largest in the delta, and see ancient rock paintings. The painting were presumably executed by the artistically inclined fore bearers on the San people. The Okavango Delta should be avoided in summer, especially December to March, when most of the camps are closed down. At that time, it is very hot and humid- temperatures rise above 38C, and thunderstorms unleash daily. You enter Okavango through Maun – the deltas’ principal town, by flying or taking a bus from Gaborone, 600 km away.

Visitors to either Chobe or Okavango may wish to add on a visit to Victoria Falls. Victoria Falls is actually in Zimbabwe but is easily accessible from the northern part of Botswana. Victoria Falls is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the world and one of Africa’s prime attractions. Situated on the border of Zimbabwe and Zambia, the falls occur where the steadily flowing Zambezi River, unwarned, casually approaches and then suddenly plunges down a series of basalt gorges in a breathtaking display of several waterfalls. Mist and thunder emanating from the falls can be witnessed from far off.

The spray from the falls sustains the rain forest on the opposite wall of basalt and creates an almost constant rainbow visible even by the light of the moon. The falls are best seen from the air, thus activities such as helicopter flights, balloon rides and micro-lighting over the falls are a must do. Other exciting activities available are bungee jumping off the bridge – which also gives a spectacular view down the gorge, canoeing, white water rafting, river safaris, elephant back safaris and many more. Be sure to review our offers for a Botswana safari and Victoria Falls tour.

Adventure seekers, who travel not merely to convenient places, may wish to check out the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans. The shallow saltpans cover about 6,500 square kilometres and rank among the largest in the world. The atmosphere here is admittedly surreal, with shimmering mirages in a vast open terrain broken only by a few baobab trees. Bird watchers in particular will be intrigued at the unusual environment as they watch numerous flamingos and pelicans. The pans occupy the area between Francistown (410 km north east of Gaborone) and the Okavango Delta. There is plenty of wildlife, in the Makgadikgadi National Park, but not as much as Chobe- so this will not be your only reason for coming here.

Botswana is the site of a unique wildlife conservation initiative in Southern Africa- the concept of cross border parks. The initiative is anchored on the common sense observation that wildlife does not recognise international borders. Successful conservation efforts in an area bordering another country can be reduced to naught if the neighbouring countries do not collaborate. The Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park is a combination of two parks -the former Gemsbok National Park in Botswana and Kalahari Gemsbok National Park in South Africa.

Covering over 36,000 sq km, Kgalagadi is one of the biggest wildlife conservation areas anywhere in the world. Botswana contributes about 75% of the park in the southern Kalahari Desert. The park is a unique conservation area for it allows the large-scale wildlife migratory movements that were once common in the savanna grasslands of Africa, but are sadly not possible any more. The appeal of the harsh beauty of the Kalahari aside, scientists are extremely curious to find out the secret story of the flora and fauna that has adapted to what appears to be a very difficult environment.

For ordinary folks, the park is host to the famous black-maned Kalahari lions. You will also see gemsbok, springbok, eland, blue wildebeest, cheetahs, wild dogs, jackals, bat-eared foxes and leopards. Birding is also excellent and of 297 species recorded, 96 are resident. It is difficult to get to Kgalagadi. From Gaborone, you drive for 860 km, of which 550 km is tarred and the rest gravel. Being a cross border park, you can also access it through South Africa. The park has no permanent tented campsites and on safari you must bring in everything you need.

The dry season, especially between April and October, is the best time to visit Botswana on safari. It is then easy to spot wildlife gathered near water sources. The rains come over the southern summer months of November to March. The roads are then difficult to use and with the abundance of water and pasture, the animals tend to scatter. Early morning and night temperatures in winter (May to August) can drop below freezing, especially in the southwest. But the days are then cool to warm. The summer experiences high daytime temperatures of up to 38C. The cloud cover, though, and the rains tend to cool things a little bit. Beware that August is very dry and dust and sand storms tends to rise from the west.

Remember to pack a pair of binoculars- they bring the animals closer without the usual risks. A pair of decent sunglasses is a good idea, especially if you travel to the Kalahari, where the glare can be somewhat unsettling. Also pack photographic and video equipment to record your safari for the sake of those of your unlucky friends who may not have been to Botswana. On safari, you are advised not to wear white or bright clothing to avoid exciting the animals. Light cottons and linens are adequate for summer. To survive winter mornings and evenings, you need warmer wraps and sweaters. Women should avoid wearing scanty beachwear in rural areas away from hotels and campsites to avoid offending locals.

India’s tourism industry is thriving due to an increase in foreign tourists’ arrivals and greater than before travel by Indians to domestic and abroad destinations. The visitors are pouring in from all over the world: Europe, Africa, Southeast Asia and Australia. At the same time, the number of Indians traveling has also increased.

India is probably the only country that offers various categories of tourism. These include history tourism, adventure tourism, medical tourism (ayurveda and other forms of Indian medications), spiritual tourism, beach tourism (India has the longest coastline in the East) etc.

Being an ancient country, India is a country of monuments. Just like the number, the variety is also varied in every sense. All in all these monuments spell the true colours of India and carry its very essence. But some incomparable monuments that form an integral part India’s historical heritage are, the epitome of endless love – Taj Mahal, the Axis of Islam – Qutub Minar, the pride of free India – Red Fort, the Chariot temple of the Sun God – Konark, the mighty Mughal citadel – Agra Fort, the glorious island caveland of Lord Shiva – Elephanta; the cave site of numerous Chaityas and Viharas – Ajanta, the grand memorial of an Emperor – Humayun’s tomb and last but not the least, the forgotten walled city of Fatehpur Sikri.

In recent years India’s emergence as one of the most sought-after adventure destinations is a well-known fact. The country offers the variety of adventure opportunities. This diversity is remarkably amazing – from the white water rafting on the Ganga, Indus or Teesta to heli-skiing in the high Himalayas; from hang-gliding and ballooning over the Indian plains to camel-safaris in the vast Thar Desert of Rajasthan; from chasing the elusive tiger on the backs of mighty elephants to trekking in the Himalayan ranges – the choices are endless.

The distinctive feature about the Himalayan tourism is that traveler has the option of enjoying myriad adventure activities. If you travel to Kashmir you can indulge in trekking, travel on horseback, go trout fishing in its rivers or enjoy in a little bit of skiing or water sports in its transparent lakes. Of late, skiing has put India on a pedestal in Asia. As a matter of fact, skiing in India is less expensive compared to anywhere in the world. The facilities are meant for beginners as well as for seasoned skiers. The three states that boast of providing these facilities are Jammu and Kashmir, Uttar Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh. Heli-skiing has established as another prime attraction for travelers. The facility for Heli-skiing can be availed of at Manali in Himachal Pradesh. Water-rafting, kayaking and canoeing on the Ganga are becoming popular day by day.

Sailing, another adventure sport, is rapidly catching tourist’s imagination and gaining popularity in Nainital, Ramgarh and Khadakvasla in Maharshtra. Introduction of water-rafting in the Teesta River in northeastern India is beginning to attract the tourists on a large scale.

Medical Tourism in India is a developing concept whereby people from world over visit India for their medical and relaxation needs.

With yoga, meditation, ayurveda, allopathy, and other systems of medicines, India offers a unique basket of services to an individual that is difficult to match by other countries. Also, clinical outcomes in India are at par with the world’s best centres, besides having internationally qualified and experienced specialists. In addition to allopathic treatments and surgery available at hospitals like Apollo, you can also avail the benefits of Ayurvedic Medicine in India. India is the birthplace of this 5,000-year-old science. The many Ayurveda resorts in India are located in various scenic locations of the country, from Ananda in the Himalayas to the many resorts in the picturesque backwaters of Kerala. Ayurveda is the system of traditional medicine in India. It is based on many centuries of experience in medical practice, handed down through generations. Composed of two Sanskrit words, “Ayu” or life, and “Veda” or knowledge, Ayurveda is regarded as “The Science of Life” and the practice involves the care of physical, mental and spiritual health of human beings.India is also the birthplace of the concept of Yoga and Meditation, practices that are becoming increasingly relevant and popular in the context of today’s spiritual aridity.

India is a land of inherent spirituality and people have been known to travel here to find solace in its ancient wisdom since time immemorial. India is called the “yogabhoomi” and the gateway to the heavens. Innumerable saints and seers, in their quest for knowledge, have contributed largely to the development of various religious monuments viz. Temples, Mosques, Monasteries etc. built lavishly across the length and breadth of the country. The kind of cosmopolitan existence India has is best reflected in its pilgrim centres. Religion is the heartbeat of the nation and the followers of all the major religious and sects, viz., Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism, Jainism, Zororastrianism have lived here for centuries. Together has come up temples, mosques, gurudwaras, churches, synagogues and religious and spiritual centres. The spiritual tour starts from the holy city of Varanasi , the Buddhist stupa at Sanchi and the Jain temples at Ujjain . While following in the Footsteps of the Buddha you can see the holy sites of Buddhism in India and Nepal including Sarnath, Bodh Gaya, Rajgir, Nalanda, Vaishali, Kushinagar, Lumbini and Kapilvastu. On the North India you can visit Nepal , see the temple towns of Khajuraho and Varanasi in India and the temples of Pashupatinath and Bodhnath in Nepal . On the West, you can see the amazing rock cut temples of Ajanta and Ellora near Aurangabad and the Sai Baba Temple at Shirdi.

For untold centuries, the powerful triad of the sun, the sea and the sand have pooled their resources to present spectacular effects and memorable experiences to a cross section of people from all over of the globe. India has almost a 6,000 km long coastline, which is home to some of the finest beaches in the world. Both the West and East Coast of India offer verdant vistas of palm on the Arabian Sea shores or the Bay of Bengal.On the west coast there are miles of sandy beaches broken into attractive bays by rocky headlands. The most popular ones are the beaches of Goa and Kovalam at Kerala.The beaches on the eastern coast are less well developed. The best known are the beaches of Mahabalipuram and a small but exquisite beach in Orissa called Gopalpur-on-Sea.

The Travel and Tourism industry holds tremendous potential for India’s economy. It can provide impetus to other industries, create millions of new jobs and generate enough wealth to help pay off the international debt. That is why we have included Tourism amongst the Core Sectors of the Indian Economy.

If you want to explore India you can visit the following site: http://www.royalindianvoyages.com

Vero Beach Florida is more than just a beach city. Though well-known for its beach hot spots and tourist attractions, the city also values art. Indeed, Vero Beach can be considered as an artist’s haven. Vero Beach’s fame for offering the good life is owed greatly to the integration of a tropical atmosphere and the cosmopolitanism of a cultured city. Hence, it was named as one of the premier art towns of America.

The city exudes cultural wealth. The arts center which costs over $2 million dollars is declared the largest teaching facility and art museum in Florida. Vero Beach Florida’s 630-seat Riverside Theater is located on Treasure Coast. Aside from being Treasure Coast’s signature professional theater, the venue is also known for staging expensive and world class productions. The art culture started in Vero Beach since the early 20th century when artists, poets, artisans, and actors found their place and settled in the city. The botanical jungle garden was considered as a landmark in landscaping and was built and opened to the public in the 1930’s by Waldo Sexton and Arthur McKee. Vero Beach’s theater guild held their first presentation in 1958 and Riverside Theater followed suit in 1974. But don’t get the impression that Vero beach caters only to theater or design artists, because in 1966, Vero Beach formed its own concert association. As mark of the citizens commitment to art, they raised and built a children’s theater named after Anne Morton. As further proof to their value for art, most of these institutions were built by private donations with assistance from Vero Beach’s local government.

Perhaps, it is the beauty of their own land that inspire Vero Beach’s residents to create so much beauty of their own. After all, Vero Beach Florida is blessed with semi-tropical weather. This makes Vero Beach a suitable place for a variety of flora including tropical trees and even pines which normally thrive on colder regions. There are also extensive citrus orchards and national parks in and around Vero Beach. Flowers rage in Vero Beach, and since this is a beach place, towering palms dot the landscape. Surely, natural beauties such as these are enough to inspire anybody. However, if you’re not the artsy type of person, there are still lots of things to do and appreciate in Vero Beach. It is after all, the Dodgers’ home, and considered as one of the top diving and surfing spots in Florida.

Located in the heart of the scenic Cotswolds, Cheltenham is a city famous for many things its horseracing and award-winning gardens being just two of them. Then, of course, you have the Regency architecture of the city centre and the lively shopping district, elements that come together to bring vivacity and life to this Gloucestershire city. Further, the city also proves to be a fine base from which to explore the surrounding Cotswolds, home of gently rolling hills and quaint, charming villages.

Places of interest

When you come to Cheltenham, you will soon discover that the draw of the city lies in its appearance, for it has long been considered to be one of Britains prettiest towns. Accordingly, many of Cheltenhams places to visit are ones that focus on scenic displays and historic buildings. Some of the most popular tourist destinations are:

The Holst Birthplace Museum. Originally the home of the famous composer Gustav Holst (of The Planets fame), this Regency home shows life as it was in the Victorian period and incorporates a working Victorian kitchen.
Pittville Park & Pump Room. The beautiful Park contains two lakes, a golf course and spacious, well-tended lawns, whilst the historic Pump Room contains the drinkable spa waters that originally made Cheltenham famous.
The Imperial Gardens. For almost two hundred years, the gardens have been enjoyed by thousands of visitors every year not least due to the 25,000 bedding plants used annually to create the extensive floral displays.
Sudeley Castle & Gardens. Located just eight miles outside of Cheltenham, the castle is open during the summer and visitors have the chance to see some of the beautiful paintings and artefacts inside.

The Promenade. Cheltenhams most famous street boasts pavement cafes, smart shops and an attractive history. Lined with trees and boasting Regency architecture throughout, it is considered to be the most picturesque part of the city.

Things to do

During your stay in Cheltenham, youll discover a pleasing variety of attractions to visit and things to do, whether youre a family or couple, or just visiting alone. Throughout the year, the city is buzzing with activity, playing host to many festivals and events, such as the Literature Festival. Just a few things to see and do include:

Cheltenham Town Hall. The elegant hall plays host to festivals in the city throughout the year, and at the same time stays a concert programme in which the music ranges from the classical to the contemporary.
The Everyman Theatre. This hotspot features a massive variety of live entertainment, where you can watch musicals, comedy, drama and even West End productions on tour.

Cheltenham Racecourse. This world-famous venue is home to plenty of racing during the October to April season. Why not time your visit to coincide with the popular National Hunt Festival in March, or visit the Hall of Fame that relays the history of steeple chasing?

Cotswolds Coach Tours. Take the opportunity and join a scenic coach tour in which youll join a guide and take in some of the most beautiful views of the English Cotswolds.

Cotswold Farm Park. See history brought to life with numerous animal demonstrations and displays, an ideal place to visit for all the family. There are many rare breeds of farmyard animal from sheep to cattle, waterfowl to horses.

Food & Drink

Cheltenham is home to many different types of restaurant, with the focus on quality. Of course, if youre after something fast and easy, youll find plenty of different cafs and takeaways serving up what youre looking for, but Cheltenham particularly prides itself on being the home of many stylish eateries. Here are some of the best you can sample:
The Scena Bistro. Enjoy one of the finest dining experiences in Cheltenham at this French restaurant, which has a relaxed and welcoming style.
Off the Square Restaurant. Located in Cheltenhams fashionable Montpellier district, this friendly eatery serves a variety of dishes on the menu, including plenty of old favourites. Eat in style.
Montys Seafood Restaurant. Visit and enjoy a flexible menu that offers a range of different seafood. Alternatively, keep it simple and enjoy the stylish accompaniment of oysters with champagne.
The Storyteller Restaurant. Located in the heart of Cheltenham, this Californian restaurant is both welcoming and atmospheric, boasting the famous Mississippi Seafood Platter and the taste bud-teasing Duck from Heaven.
Epicurian. This is one of Cheltenhams top restaurants, featuring a bistro and wine bar.

Hotels Accommodations

There are literally hundreds of places to stay during your visit to Cheltenham, whether youre looking for a hotel, guesthouse, bed and breakfast or self-catering establishment. Alternatively, other types of accommodation include camping and caravan sites and hostels. Many of the hotels offer special offers and its always advisable to search around to find the best deals. Elizabethan manors and country mansions serve as the setting for some of the top hotels in the district. Kings Arms Hotel Cheltenham Park Hotel George Cheltenham Ltd Beaumont House Macdonald Queen’s Hotel Cotswold Grange Hotel Hotel On The Park North Hall Hotel The Prestbury House Hotel Oaks Restaurant Clarence Court Hotel The Quality Hotel Cheltenham Cleeve Hill Hotel Thistle Cheltenham The CheltenhamTownhouse Hotel Lords of the Manor Rising Sun Hotel White Hart Inn De La Bere Hotel Oaklands Bed and Breakfast Entertainment
The night life in Cheltenham is completely entertaining with a host of nightclubs and exciting pubs and bars. Youll find Cheltenham to be a welcoming and friendly city where youll always feel safe. If youre looking for a nightclub, Subtone and Enigma are two of the most popular, with attractive line-ups of events going on all the time; alternatively, if youre a fan of Hollywood then youll discover that the Odeon cinema shows all the latest blockbusters as well as popular British films.

Cheltenham is sometimes called a city within a park, and when you visit, youll see why. The architecture of the city itself is beautiful enough, with Regency-period buildings (over two thousand of them listed!) and attractive designs, but the picturesque parks are what make Cheltenham really special. There are lots of tree-lined avenues, plenty of floral displays and many more examples of nature in bloom that give Cheltenham a truly attractive appearance. Combine this with the wealth of activities and places to see, and its hard to deny that Cheltenham is one city you really must visit.

This Article may be freely copied as long as it is not modified and this resource box accompanies the article, together with working hyperlinks.

Sheffield is a city that is steeped with the history of steelmaking in England. Take a look at any knife and fork and see the inevitable Made in Sheffield sign. Most of the tourists come here especially to be the part of the scenic beauty that surrounds Sheffield. The city is located towards the centre of England in the county of South Yorkshire.

The city was actually the countrys first National City of Sport in 1995. That year triggered an interest of the populace towards sports. Since then the city has an excellent reputation of being one of the prime cities for sport and sporting venues. Be it sports research, sports medicine and sports related engineering, the city has endeavoured to keep no stone unturned in the world of games and sporting expertise.

An estimate of seven million people reside here, within an hours drive. All in all it is a modern multicultural city with a prosperous heritage and a diverse culture. Every day is a day for the city to pave the road to further progress.

Places of interest:

Sheffield is a popular UK destination – a tourists paradise. If you are passionate about arts, someone who likes diversity in culture or someone who swears by exciting nightlife, then you ought to have Sheffield in your mind. Combine these things with excellent shopping locales and eye-soothing scenery and you know you are in the right place.

Chatsworth House – This is one of the treasure houses of England. Chatsworth House is located right at the border of Sheffield and in the heart of the Peak District National Park. It is one place that should never be missed. The spectacular woodland adventure playground, the scenic farmyard or the 105-acre garden with its cascading fountains and maze are breathtaking.

Millennium Galleries – This is just the place where intricate art meets exquisite design. Situated in the heart of the city centre, it has an outstanding impressive metalwork gallery, attracting immense and grand exhibitions from national galleries. It has beautiful works in traditional craftsmanship and contemporary examples. It links directly to the stunning winter garden, which is Europes biggest city centre temperate glasshouse.

Hardwick Hall – Hardwick Hall is a spectacular National Trust Elizabethan home with more glass than wall. You will love the embroideries and tapestries put on display here. Of course, this place has no dearth of gardens and scintillating parkland walks.

Magna – Magna, the UKs first science adventure centre, is an awe-inspiring day out for the family. It is a tribute to the powerful elements of earth, wind, fire and water. You can take controls of a JCB digger, blast water cannons at human targets and also feel the heat of a fire tornado.

Trans-Pennine Trail – You can walk and bike on this regional trail that spans east to west and breezes through Derbyshire and Yorkshire locations.

Things to do:

Hailed as the safe city, you can rest assured that you will feel secure in this city. In fact the city has undertaken a lot of initiatives to keep crime and anti-social behaviour at bay. You can shop till you drop and enjoy the exciting local events.

Shopping – Sheffield is a shopper’s resort. The retail outlets have a lot of variety in the products they offer. The indoor and outdoor markets are always bustling with lively activity. There are trendy shops as well as those that specialize in selling designer brands. Fargate is a famous pedestrian shopping area right in the heart of the city with an emphasis on fashion and trends. The Moor is another broad and famed tree-lined thoroughfare, having over 100 shopping outlets, banks, department stores, cafs and restaurants. It is also famous for its open-air market.

Transport- Sheffield is wonderfully connected to the rest of Britain by road and rail. There is a comprehensive bus network and the efficient Supertram system in the city also. This place is also remarkably close to most of Englands major airports. Leeds Bradford, Nottingham East Midlands, Manchester, Humberside and Birmingham International airports all within about an hour and a half by road. The Robin Hood Doncaster Sheffield Airport was the first full-service international airport to be built in the last thirty years. It has flights to major European cities and resorts like Rome, Rhodes, Barcelona, Amsterdam, and Belfast. The Supertram, silent and sleek as they come, constitutes one of the most successful urban transport systems in the whole of Europe. The Supertram network is 29 kilometres long. Each tram can carry 250 passengers.

The Nightlife – The nightlife is pretty hep here with the best of DJs and big name artists thronging this city. The place is a regular clubbing haunt. The late-night venues for music and pubbing would be Leadmill and the renowned Gatecrasher One. Those looking for live music could head to Eleven jazz club, Ruskins a contemporary wine bar adjacent to Sheffields Theatres, The Leadmill, The Boardwalk or Trippets Wine Bar to listen to popular live music and bands.

Special events – A city full of vibrant arts, passion for music and literature has a lot of festivals in honour of these pursuits. There is a much acclaimed Childrens Festival, a five-week event involving more than 135 schools, colleges and community groups. There is Lord Mayors Carnival Parade each July, which sparks off a party mood in the minds of the general public. You will see hundreds of people moving their way through the city streets carrying spectacular carnival structures and donning colourful costumes. There is a literature festival called Off the Shelf Literature Festival that has prominent literary figures pouring to the city. One cannot forget Europe Week, a celebration event which grows better with every passing year! It is comprised of a chain of events celebrating Sheffields role as a major European city. The events include the European Youth Parliament, the Taste of Europe continental food market, European Question Time and Opportunity Europe for Business. The famous Lovebytes Digital Arts festival, the longest running event of its kind for celebrating digital innovation in photography and culture, is also celebrated here with grandeur.

Food & Drink:

Sheffield is an incredible place to dine. You can get a sumptous variety of food from all over the world here. Theres the best of Indian, Italian, Cuban, Chinese and seafood restaurants to choose from. There is also no dearth of bars, bistros, cafs, and of course, pubs.

Rutland Arms- Rutland Arms is a beautifully painted award-winning beer joint.

Gastro Pub – Gastro Pub merges the best of a traditional pub with contemporary dining and a wide selection of drinks.

Marco at Milanos in Millhouses Marco has been ranked one of Britains top 10 Italian Restaurants in the Observer Food Monthly magazine in June 2004.

Rafters – This is recommended in most of the food guides in the UK, offering the best of European menu.

The Old Vicarage at Ridgeway – Is the restaurant owned by the award-winning TV chef Tessa Bramley. You can expect to get an innovative mix and taste of modern British dishes.

Hotels & Accommodation:

Whether you want to come here for a long weekend, a business trip, or even spend your honeymoon, you will find that the choice of where to stay may be a difficult one. The hotels and accommodation could be bed and breakfasts, discount hotels, guesthouses, four or five-star luxury hotels and accommodations, etc. The benefits in most of them multi-functional rooms, swimming pools, gyms, saunas, Jacuzzis, and Internet access at a good price.

Hotel Bristol
Rutland Hotel
Cutlers Hotel
Holiday Inn Sheffield
Sheffield Park Hotel
Carlton Park Hotel
The Beauchief Hotel
Staindrop Classic Hotel
Grosvenor House Hotel
Novotel Sheffield
DAYS INN HOTEL Sheffield South
Macdonald St. Paul’s Hotel
The Red Lion Inn

Entertainment:

A ten-minute tram ride from the city centre is Valley Centertainment. This extremely popular development includes a multi-screen cinema, stylised American-type restaurants, a bowling alley, and amusements with the latest video and arcade games. The Valley Centertainment is surrounded by a host of leisure venues including Don Valley Stadium, English Institute of Sport Sheffield, Sheffield Hallam FM Arena, iceSheffield, and Don Valley Bowl. Sheffield is always on the map for any major UK music tour. Major bands as well as the upcoming ones always love to perform in this city. The 2000 seater City Hall accomodates the biggest names in world entertainment like Beyonce and Justin Timberlake.

Sheffields people are some of the friendliest and most tolerant people in the UK. It is a vibrant city that sends positive vibes to the people and tourists visiting the place. It is a multicultural city as potrayed by the innumerable festivals, variety of cuisines and cultures on display here. Come to Sheffield and get the tour of your life.

If you decide to go to Africa, you surely shouldnt miss the opportunity to see its nature, its animals and birds, its savannas and deserts, its jungles and waterfalls. For many centuries the most of the Africa countries have been colonies of the great European powers mainly Great Britain and France. Nowadays Africa is free and open for tourists. Kenya, South Africa and Tanzania have become very popular travel destinations. Now, in Africa there are a lot of natural parks where you can enjoy carefully preserved flora and fauna. Several decades ago, only desperate courageous people risked traveling across Africa. In the beginning of the XXI century one can make his trip to Africa with all the necessary comfort.

The best and the world-known safari destinations are Masai Mara in Kenya, Serengeti on Zanzibar (Tanzania), Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, Okavango in Botswana and Kruger Park in
South Africa. Serengeti National Park, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and the Maasai Mara protect the greatest and most varied collection of terrestrial wildlife on the Earth.

Masai Mara is a land of rolling hills, woods and acacia trees. It is watered by the Mara and Talek rivers and opens onto the Serengeti plains of Tanzania. No trip to Kenya would be complete without a visit to Masai Mara. Its one of the most-promoted parks in Africa, and its really worth visiting. Here you can enjoy comtemplating leopards, rhinoceros and over 450 bird species.

The Serengeti ecosystem is one of the oldest on earth. Its climate and nature have barely changed in the past million years. The Serengeti is the jewel in the crown of Tanzania’s protected areas and makes up the significant part of the country area.

Victoria Falls is a world heritage site sometimes is called one of the Seven Natural Wonders. Victoria has the largest curtain of falling water on earth. Its sound is spreading a lot of miles around.

The Okavango Delta is really unique. It is the largest inland delta in the world. Instead of flowing into the sea, the annual flood of water flows inland, spreading over 15 000 km of the Kalahari sand in a maze of lagoons and channels. The countless islands that emerge from its waterways gave birth to several diverse ecosystems which are home to vast numbers of birds. The crystal clear waters support many kinds of fish. The heart of the delta is accessed by air only.

The Kruger National Park in South Africa is one of the oldest and largest reserves in Africa. The park boasts a tremendous variety of game and birdlife in its numerous habitats. The south is home to some of the most popular restcamps as the wildlife is prolific. The central region consists of extensive grassy plains that are interrupted by lush riverine vegetation along the Olifants and Letaba rivers. The northern region is quite remote and thus, less popular.

A trip to all these reserves and park will take a lot of time, but you can make several voyages to the Black continent.

Milan is a city with diversities it offers a delightful experience for tourists with varied taste. Everything from modern art to contemporary architecture is the pride of city. In 569 A.D. Lombards conquered Milan and by the end of eighth century the bishops managed to compel an alliance with emperors. During the earlier half of year 1000, the most powerful political figure in northern Italy was the Archbishop of Milan. By the year 1117, Milan managed to become a municipality and was at liberty from the clutches of Archbishop. Next it developed into a Seigneury from 1200, and gained increased importance as a major city in world. The city has been rising since then until lately by 1861 it claimed itself a place as the Kingdom of Italy.

Milan is well known for stupendous art and culture heritage. The most famous National Museum of Science and technology, Leonardo da Vinci in Milan is among worlds best scientific and technical museums. A water stretch, Navigli in Milan allows navigation from Ticino to center of Milan. Navigli Grande and Navigli Pavese join Milan to Pavia and form one of the most charismatic spots in Milan. There are numerous roadside shops and clubs on the banks of these rivers.

The place Brera in Milan gives almost the look and feel of Paris. It constitutes most fashionable spot of the city. The area is full of open-air shops that exhibit loads of apparels, all of which seem to be a sculpture on its own. The area includes Via Brera, Via Pontaccio, Corso Garibaldi and Corso Como, these places are also known as luxury Bohemian.

A perfect place to pass free time in the laps of nature is a large fascinating park having meadows, little bridges and lakes located behind Castello Sforzesco. Another place of interest is the Milan Lounge Galleria Vittorio Emanuele. Walking around the arms of this lounge provides a view of restaurants, boutiques, bookshops and old-coffee stops.

Milans platter has witnessed a lot of changes. It offers every kind of taste ranging from Chinese cooking to Indian, African, Japanese and Middle Eastern cooking styles. Recently there has been increased demand for Milans original traditional food. A trip to Milan is almost incomplete without trying typical native food of the place. A classical Negroni is one of the many aperitifs that can be served with some snacks. Some of all time favorite conventional dishes of the place are Risotto alla Milanese, Cassouella and a specific Milan cutlet that has a very pleasing flavor.

Milan is an ultimate for fashion freaks and a paradise for shoppers. The popular Fashion Quadrilatero form the magnificent shopping area. The place contains top showrooms and boutiques in world crammed with articles boosting of best designs. All eminent brands and labels on earth constituting of Chanel, Armani, Prada, D & G, Valentino, Cartier and many more have their magnificent outlets at this place. The streets Via SantAndrea, Via Della Spiga, Via Montenapoleone, Via Manzoni along with others boosts of having warehouses clustered in that area. Milan offers a never say enough attitude for every flavor of life and is a remains a hot favorite among tourists around the globe.

Prague is the capital of the Czech Republic. Popularly known as “Jewel Of the Crown” among the central Europe, and one among the most beautiful city of the world, Prague has tourism as it major force. Though the city does not have tourism as its main occupation, but the effect of tourism can be clearly seen over the city. It is always a good time for brief, peaceful and romantic break at this beautiful city. It has a lot to offer for its tourists. There are many travel agents in UK offering cheap and short city breaks to Prague. You can also plan a stag/hen weekend in Prague at the last minutes. With such wide range of available Prague city breaks package, the city is only a step away from your home. Lets have a look at famous of Prague, attractions in the city, means of transports, nightlife, restaurants, flights and hotels etc.

Hotels In Prague

A visit to the Golden City is always a wonderful experience, your choice of hotel will add a finishing touch. There are a wide range of hotels in Prague, you can choose among depending upon your budget. MyPrague offers discounted rates for all hotels in Prague. Thus you’ll end up with a luxurious stay with much less than you can imagine. Some of the top hotels in Prague are:-

Hotel Corinthia Towers Prague – Corinthia Towers is a 5* modern hotel providing the highest standards of comfort throughout and it prides itself on the high quality of services and facilities offered to guests.

Hotel Corinthia Panorama Prague – The Corinthia Panorama is a 4* luxury hotel located in a quiet residential area, close to the centre of Prague, making it easy for guests to explore the palaces, towers, museums and gardens.

Hotel Hilton Prague – This is the largest luxury five star hotel in the Czech Republic and is ideally suited for business travellers. It features 788 guest rooms, 3 restaurants, a bar, various shops and the Czech Republic’s first Cybex Health Club & Spa, which offers the most extensive leisure facilities in town.

Attractions In Prague

Prague is a feast for sightseeing tourist. Prague has some of the most extensive collections of art and culture in the world. The city offers some fascinating attractions to life. Some of the places that are top on the “Do Not Miss” list of Prague are:-

Astronomical Clock & Old Town Hall Tower – Address: Old Town Square, Old Town, Prague 1

Bertramka Mozart Museum – Address: Mozartova 169, Smichov, Prague 5

Charles Bridge – Address: Old Town, Prague 1

Church of Our Lady Before Tyn – Address: Old Town Square, Old Town, Prague 1

Dancing House – Address: Rasinovo nabrezi 80, New Town, Prague 2

Estates Theatre – Address: Ovocny trh 1, Old Town, Prague 1

Flights To Prague

You can easily book cheap flights to Prague from anywhere in UK at a price as low as 69.00 with a discount of 5.00. MyPrague offers low cost flights to Prague from London Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, City Airport, Birmingham, East Midlands etc. You can also book last minute flights to Prague and get discounts. The flight booking facility is provided online. You can also check for the hotel booking and city break packages. Thus, at Myprague, you’ll find everything that you need for a nice short breaks in Prague.

If you are planning a vacation trip to Cancun, hop the ferry across the bay to the small finger-shaped Isla Mujeres. The name means Island of Women and there are a number of theories as to how the name came to be but its not because of the topless beach. The important thing is that its a great place to vacation in the sun.

On Isla Mujeres the atmosphere is much more relaxed and relatively quiet compared to Cancun or Cozumel. The number of tourists is much less than on the mainland.

The city is only about 10 blocks long and five blocks wide so dont expect a whole lot besides the supermarket and cinema. But the natural sights are what you came for anyway.

There are accommodations to fit all budgets. Most are downtown and near the oceanfront. One of the better hotels is Posada del Mar with air-conditioned rooms overlooking the waterfront. The Cristalmar Resort and Beach Club is south of town has a great beach, pool and modern facilities. There are a number of budget hotels but be careful because the conditions and service vary greatly from day to day.

The outlying reefs are great for diving and snorkeling. The windward side is best but only when the seas are calm. The coral rocks are quite dangerous when the water is rough. Local dive shops provide day trips out to the farther reefs for snorkeling and diving.

Charter a local boat for a deep-sea fishing trip. Grouper, barracuda, tuna and red snapper are in abundance year round while in the spring you can catch the bigger fish like dorado, marlin and sailfish.

Every year the Club de Yates of Isla Mujeres puts on a sailing regatta near the end of April. Also, the Regatta Amigos takes place several times throughout the year. These events turn into one big party for the whole island with costumes, dancing, music, food and tequila.

At Playa Norte Beach (the previously referred to topless beach) is on the north edge of town. The water is shallow, blue and calm with cafes close by. Sailboarding and water skiing are popular as is the local three-wheeled floating bike. Not far away is another beautiful and quiet beach, Playa Lancheros.

On the south end of the small island is a reconstructed ancient Mayan temple. It sits on a cliff with a wonderful view over the ocean. This makes a good excuse to take a walk and see the island.

Garrafon Beach is the one spot that seems to draw the most tourists. Probably because its such a good spot for snorkeling. Avoid the crowds by going early. The beach has a coral reef that is perfect for beginner snorkeling and children. You can have fun actually feeding the fish. Not too far out you can get a look at some sunken cannon, an anchor and the resident angelfish.

If you go in October, dont miss the Isla Mujeres International Music Festival. It starts on the second weekend of the month and goes for 12 days of music and dancing.

A perfect rewarding lifestyle can be defined with three words Health – Happiness and Holidays. If you have your health then you are happy – if there is happiness in your life then you are happy and when have you ever seen any one going on holiday not happy.

So if it is happiness you seek then start packing those – let us get away from it all clothes. Depending on your budget, the choice of what you think will be your Ideal Holiday Destination is entirely up to you. Always remember when booking a holiday for the first time is to consider the needs of others travelling with you. If this is a family holiday then you have to keep the kiddies happily occupied – sometimes the glorious golden sands and azure Blue Ocean is never enough for children. When making a reservation at your Ideal Holiday destination is to be sure to check out the facilities on offer from the hotel.

Hotels with child play groups are the best options for both the kiddies and the parents – mums and dads can have a break while the kiddies playgroup provides the entertainment for bored children.

By opting for a holiday hotel with amenities as such will give mummy and daddy a little time to themselves to relax while sipping a cocktail. Knowing the children are safe and well supervised will give the parents peace of mind thus encouraging them to enjoy the holiday even more. If your Ideal Holiday Destination accommodation meets with all your needs and has everything you could possibly want from a vacation then book early because this destination may also be a million of other familiy`s ideal choice also.

Sun protection is the number one priority where children are concerned as well as the adults – be sure to fully cream the child up from head to toe before a day out on the beach or before any daytime activity like a day at a water park, out shopping or even a stroll along the promenade. Protection for the head is best if the child wears a cap or hat. Sometimes parents struggle to get the kids to wear head wear but if you make the first day of your holiday a fun spree shopping event and let the kiddies choose for themselves – you may find that their hand picked holiday hat or cap will never be off the head and in some cases even when they go to bed.

An Ideal Holiday Destination for kiddies should have a safe beach – action packed entertainment – a hotel with a swimming pool – water parks – daytime and evening activities – water pedaloes and boats – burger bars and theme parks. Well this is all well and good if this is your first family holiday and you are not familiar with what destination will have at least one of these facilities. Why settle for one of the above when you can have them all at the Ideal Holiday Destination – namely Benidorm.