The Catalan town of Alghero is located on the Northwest coast of Sardinia. Known throughout the world for its stunning beaches and characteristic old town centre it is fast becoming one of Europes holiday hotspots.

Alghero is an old fishing town that has embraced the tourist industry with two very large arms. Sprawling out along the coast line Alghero offers the tourist both the opportunity of a beach holiday or a small city break. If you are looking to just relax and be somewhere that you can walk out the door and be on the beach you must stay in the Lido area. The Lido is Algheros own beach that runs all the way form Alghero to Fertilia, a small hamlet of Alghero. There are a number of hotels located in the area with sea views and private sun beds on the beach for residents. In the summer months the Lido comes to life with a number of bars, restaurants and pizzerias either on the beach or in the area and when the sun goes down you can find live music and parties on the beach.

For those who dont want to be on the beach and want to experience a little more of the cultural side of Alghero there is the old town. Dating back to the 12th century the old town centre is truly something that must be seen to be fully appreciated. Have lunch along the battlements looking out to sea or take a stroll through the shops in the warren of cobble stone streets. There are a number of churches and historical places of interest to visit and many guided excursions to help make sure you do not miss anything.

The area of Alghero does of course spread beyond the boundaries of the city itself. There is Porto Conte with its natural wildlife reserve that spreads along the coast line in complete natural beauty. Reachable either by land or by boat excursion there is Capo Caccia and Neptunes Grotto which is a must for any visitor to Alghero.

Away form the coast there is also much to see and do. Why not visit an Agriturismo, a working farm that has lodging and restaurant facilities serving up only produce from the farm.

As mentioned earlier Alghero is a Catalan town and although much of the cuisine available is Italian there are a few Catalan influences to be found. Why not try Paella Algherese or Catalan lobster (served cold with fresh tomato and onion). There are of course many Sardinian specialities to be tried such as roast suckling pig or Seadas, a pastry filled with Goats cheese and then dribbled with honey.

The climate in Alghero allows for a perfect vacation all year round. The summer months get up to about 35 degrees and throughout the day in the winter the temperature never drops much below 15 degrees.

A great place for children and adults alike, Alghero is definitely worth a visit.

For more information take a look at Sardinia – tourist information

One of the biggest metropolis in India, Delhi is home to whopping population of millions of people. The historical, cultural and the political center of the country, Delhi has gradually emerged as the industrial hub of the Northern India. A heady mix of the old and new, Delhi retains the old heritage and glory and is one of the most modern cities in India with skyscrapers and neon lit malls. A city with its antiquity dating back to more than 2,000 years, Delhi is the one of the oldest places in the world. From street bazaars to plush shopping malls and from historic monuments to contemporary buildings, Delhi is full of surprises!

Delhi has witnessed the ascent and descent of several mighty empires, this is why you will find a number of historical monuments in the city, each one representing a different era. Many of the interesting sites found in and around the city are the ruins of the buildings and areas that played a crucial role in the history of India. This is merely a reason why thousands of visitors take flights to delhi. Some of the most popular venues in Delhi include; the Red Fort and Jama Masjid, the quaint streets of Chandni Chowk in Old Delhi, and Lotus temple, Humayuns Tomb, Qutub Minar, and the newly constructed Akshardham temple in New Delhi.

The center for tourists hordes coming to Delhi is Cannaught Place. Here you will find plenty of shops, top class restaurant, and pubs too. Walking through the lanes of Cannaught Place, you will come across the largest collection of art and trade stores, where you can haggle for native crafts. If you have flexible travel plans then do spend some time visiting this place. You will surely have a good time over here. Another such place offering traditional Indian crafts is ‘Dilli Haat’, a modern craft bazaar resembling the original village market. While you are here, don’t forget to enjoy the assortment of culinary delights available at the ‘Food Brasserie’.

Whether its shopping or eating out, Delhi offers a plenty of options to its visitors. Wear your shoes, put some cash in your wallet and get ready to shop and haggle as much as you can in Delhi’s markets. From the visitors first preference, the street market at Janpath road to the fashionable market at South Extension and from the export market at Sarojini Nagar to expensive boutiques in shopping malls, there is so much for you!

The ideal time to explore Delhi is from October to November and from February to March, when the temperatures are mild. There are numerous tour operators that provide half and full day guided tours for attractions in and around Delhi. Being the National capital, Delhi is conveniently connected to all the major cities of the world, with almost all the major airlines operating out of here. If you are planning a trip to Delhi, then check out the discount delhi india airfare at Onetravelindia.com!

If tranquility and serenity are adjectives you would use to describe the perfect trip, leave Hong Kong out of your itinerary. The boisterous energy of 14 million inhabitants leaves the visitor wondering if insomnia is contagious in this city. Hong Kong is the quintessential representation of east meets west, boasting its own Times Square along with artifacts from the Paleolithic Age. The far-reaching history and booming capitalist economy has propelled Hong Kong to the forefront of modern technology and commerce. The best way to navigate this urban jungle is to allow extraordinary diversions to lead where they may, while visiting a few key sites when you travel to Hong Kong.

From Opium Wars to Opulence: Hong Kong History

Since the Stone Age, the island of Hong Kong has supported a society rich with influences from Europeans and the Portuguese through steady and moderate trade. During the 1700s, increased commercial value of Asian luxury goods sparked heightened global interest in this once-neglected corner of China. Following the Opium Wars of the mid-19th century between the British and Chinese, Hong Kong was officially ceded to the British Empire as a Crown Colony beginning in 1898 for a term of 99 years. During that term, Hong Kongs economy blossomed onto the international stage to become one of the most prosperous free markets of today. After 1997, Hong Kong was returned to China as a Special Administrative Region under the conditions that the market and government would remain free and democratic (non-Communist) while Beijing would only handle national security and foreign diplomacy (one country, two systems).

Today, Hong Kong has maintained a majority of its autonomy and travel to Hong Kong has remained relatively easy for Western nationals. At this time a visa is still not required unless traveling through China as well. English is still an official language along with Chinese.

The Sights and Sounds of Hong Kong Travel

The constant buzz of modern life and the ghostly prevalence of ancient life on the island will keep any traveler occupied without a moment to spare. A unique attraction that pays homage to the Chinese fixation with caged song birds is the Yuen Po Street Bird Garden where 70 different bird stalls, each elaborately decorated, fill the air with their own harmony. From anywhere in the city it is impossible to miss the looming Bank of China Tower, now Hong Kongs national monument and a modern declaration of Chinas mounting role in the global economy. In the center of the city is Times Square, a monumental 9-story shopping complex that dwarfs Western commercialism. Hong Kong museums do not skip a beat, ranging from science and space to history and art.

When the sensory overload of the city center begins to take a numbing effect it is easy to escape to one of Hong Kongs many parks and monasteries. Victoria Peak is by far the most popular asylum, standing 1,810 feet above the city lights only to offer more distractions of a smaller commercial district. The famous Man Mo Temple and the Miu Fat Monastery provide a mind-calming sanctuary while Kowloon Walled City Park, which once protected a private Chinese enclave during British rule, is a true natural refuge from Hong Kongs concrete.

Once in Hong Kong, the city will guide you along its commercial corridors and through its ancient alleys. Tradition and history are alive in every corner of this modern municipality, as long as you can turn away from the neon distractions.

For more information on international travel and discount airfare to Hong Kong, visit www.cfares.com.

San Diego is the southernmost city of California. On the west coast of San Deigo lies the Pacific Ocean while huge mountains dominate its eastern part. Due to the Pacific Ocean the climate of the place is warm, dry and pleasant all round the year.

San Diego is a famous and coveted tourist destination. It hosts more than 30 million tourists every year! The place is blessed with divinely beauty and other attractions. San Diego is worth visiting for young as well as the old. The countless water sports and such activities are a treat to the adults whereas the zoos and other parks are meant to lure kids.

San Diego is quite popular for its Balboa Park. The park is spread in 1200 acres and nestles the globally acclaimed Zoo and some wonderful and eminent museums. Balboa Park is also the cultural center of the city. It parades an incredible variety of flora that mesmerizes each and every visitor. The zoo in the park is a home for more than 4000 animals of various species. It is a habitat for some of the most exclusive or rare species of birds and animals on earth. Besides this the Balboa Park is swarming with people because of its fantastic museums. These museums are variously devoted to San Diegos history, science, art, cars, railroads, mankind etc. For instance the San Diego Mueseum of Art is the largest museum of San Diego that displays the magnum opus of great artists. While the San Diego Natural history museum presents an exclusive collection of environmental habitats such as desert, ocean and shore habitats. Beautiful and sparkling gems and minerals can also be seen here. Apart from these a visit to the Reuben H. Fleet Space Theater and Science Center and the San Diego Aerospace Museum in the Balboa Park is also extremely informative.

For all the aqua lovers the Mission Bay area near the Pacific Ocean is an ideal place. The bay includes 27 miles of Bay Shore beaches and 17 miles of ocean front beaches. It is an amazing picnic spot for the residents as well as the visitors. But the most exciting place in the Mission Bay area is the SeaWorld. The SeaWorld San Diego is a mind-boggling joint. At SeaWorld a person not just gets the opportunity to confront beautiful dolphins and ferocious sharks but also touch and feed them. Californias gray whales, also known as killer whales can be watched at the San Diego harbor Excursion Whale Watching center.

If you want to relish San Diegos nightlife and shopping there are certain ideal joints to hit. The Room La Jollas Exclusive Dance Lounge, the Cannibal Bar-Catamaran Resort Hotel and the Have a Nice Day Caf are some of the top centers to enjoy a thrilling nightlife. While Rio Vista Shopping Center, Horton Plaza and the Gaslamp Quarter etc. are amongst San Diegos awesome shopping hubs.

France was and still is one of the powerful countries in Europe. Through its history, its political position, the economy and not last the tradition in culture, France is what we see today.

With a population of 60 million of which 76% is urban population. Most of the population practices Catholicism (about 90%) as religion, whilst other popular religions include Christianity, Judaism, and Islam.

Regarding the political system, France is a Republic which Constitution dates from 1958. The President of the Republic is the Head of State, chief of the Armies and has an executive power. He is elected for a seven-year term (five year term from 2002 on) by direct universal suffrage. He is entitled to dissolve the Assembly and call for early elections. He appoints the Prime Minister, who represents the parliamentary majority. As for the legislative power, the Parliament is composed of the National Assembly (577 members elected for five years by direct universal suffrage) and the Senate (321 members elected for a nine-year term). The right to vote is granted from the age of 18. Since 1982, France decentralised part of its power to Regions and Departments. President of the Republic: Jacques Chirac elected in 1995 and re-elected in May 2002. Prime Minister: Dominique de Villepin.

France is European Union’s largest agricultural power, of which it provides almost a fourth of its production, and is the second largest agricultural power in the world (behind the USA). Agricultural activity benefits from huge subsidies, especially European subsidies. Wheat, corn, meat and wine are the main productions. The manufacturing industry is diversified, but the country is going through a desindustrialisation process, traduced by several relocations. The key industrial sectors are cars, computer, telecommunications and electronics. France is the first tourist destination world-wide: than 75.3 million tourists visited France in 2005.

The French economy is very open to foreign trade of goods. The country ranks second in Europe for its foreign trade behind Germany, and is the eighth world destination for foreign direct investments (FDI). France’s top three import partners are Germany, Italy and Spain. Its top three export partners are Germany, Spain and UK. France mainly imports vehicles, machinery and consumer goods. From January the 1st 2002, the currency in circulation is the euro.

France is noted for its cosmopolitan, civilized approach to life, combined with great concern for style, fashion and appearances. French people are sometimes perceived as taking a great pride in the national identity and positive achievements of France, although many French people would argue that people of all nations tend to do that.

I often laugh at the old television shows in which families are always relaxing and talking. These days, a family trip is about the only time you can recreate the magic of television.

Unique Places To Take The Family Trip

When school lets out, it is time to think about that family trip. It doesn’t matter if you live in the north, south, east or west – your family needs to have some time away to relax, bond and have fun. Choosing your destination can be difficult at times, but by choosing a place that has many different activities for Mom, Dad, sister and brother, you can be sure to make everyone happy.

One great place for a family trip is Hershey, Pennsylvania. Home of Milton Hershey, founder of the Hershey’s chocolate company, this small town is a great family spot. The town of Hershey is right in the middle of Pennsylvania Dutch country, and side trips to the Amish villages and farm stands can provide a learning experience for everyone in the group. Hershey’s Chocolate World, located right in the center of Hershey, is a free chocolate tour and factory experience that’s open year-round (closed Christmas day). This educational but really fun tour is great for all ages. After you are done, you can spend some time in the Hershey Marketplace Shops, the Hershey Cafs or even take a trolley ride through the streets of Hershey USA. For chocolate lovers, this is paradise.

Also in Hershey, Pennsylvania is Hershey Park, a theme park that has rides for kids of all ages! While you are in Hershey, you’ve got to have some place to stay. The Hershey resorts include the Hotel Hershey, an upscale resort that offers such delights as a spa that uses chocolate in their treatments! There is also the Hershey Lodge, a great family spot that includes plenty of pools, mini golf and other amenities to entertain your group.

Staying at the Hershey resort properties offer some benefits to families who are planning their trip around the Hershey experience you can get discounts on Hershey Park tickets, and even purchase passes to head to the front of the line at all Hershey Park rides. For Mom and Dad, staying at the Hershey Lodge also offers complimentary admission to the Hershey Country Club’s golf courses and the Hershey Gardens. Put another way, we are talking about chocolate, theme parks, chocolate, spas, chocolate and golf. Sounds like a a trip everyone will enjoy!

When it’s time to take a family trip, you have many different spots to choose from. While you might think you are limited to states like California or Florida, there are actually many unique spots in all the fifty states. Pennsylvania offers a unique combination of chocolate, theme parks and Pennsylvania Dutch culture that can’t be found anywhere else in the United States.

Known as “London by the Sea”, Brighton is one of the UK’s largest and most famous seaside resorts.

Brighton’s heyday came in the 18th Century when the town’s favour with the party-loving Prince of Wales (later George VI) gave it an immediate cachet. The London elite flocked to Brighton in the royal wake and traces of this old gentility remains in the fashionable town houses, squares and crescents in the Victorian mode. The most marked royal touch is seen in the the fantastic Brighton Royal Pavilion with its eastern domes and spires.

The English aristocracy later neglected Brighton in favour of resorts in continental Europe. However, the opening of the railway in 1841 brought in a regular flood of day trippers and weekend trysters that continues to this day. The addition of piers and amusements parks served to attract a more general visitor in search of fairground rides, candy floss and jaw breaking rock.

Today’s Brighton is moving with the times. It’s just 52 miles from London and offers a wide range of hotels, restaurants and entertainment facilities. This make it a popular conference industry destination. Plus, it’s recently become a popular location for high-tech media companies to set up shop.

The seafront features a pebble beach, and the strip between its two piers is lined with bars, eateries, night clubs and amusement arcades. Brighton beach also has a designated official nudist area.

Brighton is now home to one of Europe’s largest marinas and an outdoor sports centre. And it’s well-stocked with shopping outlets such as clothing stores, jewellers, and antique shops. Brighton also has a number of museums including the Brighton Museum and Art Gallery, the Booth Museum of Natural History, the Brighton Fishing Museum and the Brighton Toy and Model Museum.

transport:getting there and getting around

Fast trains whisk passengers from London to Brighton in under an hour. There are 41 departures a day from Victoria or London Bridge Station. Alternatively, buses from Victoria Coach Station reach Brighton in about two hours. Driving is easy along the M23 and connecting with the A23.

Getting around Brighton is easy with its extensive bus service and abundance of taxis. There is also a limited night-bus service. Brighton seafront features the Volks Electric Railway, the worlds oldest electric railway. A recent innovation is the introduction of motorised trishaws from Asia known as tuc-tucs.

climate:
Brighton is located on the south coast of England and so is subject to that island nation’s capricious weather. Summer in July and August is usually warm and sunny but as with everywhere in the UK, rain is always a possibility.

Accommodation:from cheap stays to luxury resorts

Check on the internet for the range, location and cost of hotels in Brighton

Check on the internet for the range, location and cost of Brighton hotels

Check on the internet for the range, location and cost of Brighton accommodation

Events:
May sees the Brighton Festival. It’s an arts festival that features processions and fireworks along with theatre, music and visual arts events throughout the city.

The islands of Samoa are emerging as an exciting new South Pacific travel destination between Hawaii and New Zealand. This “Heart of Polynesia” is politically split into two distinct entities 80 miles apart. The country Samoa is a former German colony, captured by New Zealand in 1914 and granted independence in 1962. In 1997 the name was changed from Western Samoa to Samoa.

American Samoa is the only U.S. territory south of the equator. Annexed by the United States for use as a naval base in 1900, the territory no longer has any military significance. Instead, Pago Pago currently hosts the StarKist and “Chicken of the Sea” tuna canneries, making it the most important commercial fishing port under the American flag.

The Samoan environment is tropically lush, with green volcanic peaks plunging to brilliant coral reefs, an ecotourism paradise still unspoiled by mass tourism. Visitors often stay in open Samoan beach houses called fale (pronounced FAH-lay) and adopt the laidback local lifestyle. Swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, surfing, deep sea fishing, and hiking opportunities are all close at hand.

Samoan culture is alive and strong, and local traditions can add another fascinating layer to your travel experience. Most Samoans are subsistence farmers who reside in small villages governed by chiefs (matai). The egalitarian ideals of this communal society place loyalty to family and religion above all. Visitors can sample this culture at the weekly “fiafia” island night dance shows staged at most of the larger hotels and beach resorts. Buffets of authentic Samoan dishes are an essential part of these events.

Samoa’s climate is sultry, alternately sunny and rainy, but always hot and humid. Cooling sea breezes make the shoreline the best place to be year-round. The nicest months weather-wise are May to September, “winter” south of the equator. The rainy season runs from November to April, with increasingly intense hurricanes sweeping in due to global warming. Yet you can get long spells of bright sunny weather even during the “rainy” season, and Samoa’s excellent Vailima beer (created by German brewmasters) tastes best at this time of year.

Most visitors spend their time in independent Samoa, which is considerably bigger and less expensive than American Samoa. However the rugged scenic beauty of Tutuila, the main island of American Samoa, should not be missed. In recent years some of the most strikingly beautiful parts of the territory have been incorporated into American Samoa National Park. There’s great hiking on Tutuila and wonderful snorkeling on Ofu in the seldom visited Manua Group.

Traditional Samoan culture is largely based on oratory, and it’s no accident that several literary legends originated here. Robert Louis Stevenson spent the last five years of his life in Samoa and is buried on a hilltop above Apia, the capital. His mansion is now a museum dedicated to the author. Somerset Maugham’s short story “Rain” about Sadie Thompson and the repressed missionary thrown together in a guesthouse at Pago Pago, American Samoa, has been adapted by Hollywood several times. The original guesthouse still exists, now an upscale restaurant and inn. In “Tales of the South Pacific,” James A. Michener based the prototype of his character Bloody Mary on an Apia hotelkeeper named Aggie Grey, whose family still operates Samoa’s largest resorts. Michener’s book was later made into the musical “South Pacific.”

Getting to Samoa is easy with direct flights from Hawaii and Los Angeles on Hawaiian Airlines, Polynesian Airlines, and Air New Zealand. Local ferries and small commuter planes ply frequently between the islands, and getting around by public bus or rental car is no challenge. Visas are not required by most visitors for entry to either Samoa, although a passport and onward plane ticket are mandatory.

Malaysia is a riot of color, tropics and relaxation. Sabah lodgings offer world travelers a tremendous vacation experience in this beautiful land.

Sabah Lodgings in Malaysia

You may not have heard of Sabah lodgings yet, but once you’ve seen what they have to offer, you’ll want to take an exotic vacation right away! Sabah is located in Malaysia, in an area surrounded by lush rainforests and tropical settings that offer many different types of recreation and adventure. The capital city of the Sabah area is Kota Kinabalu, and here is where you’ll land by plane to see the Sabah lodgings area.

If you don’t want to travel further into Sabah away from Kota Kinabalu, you can find a great Sabah place to stay within ten miles of the city’s center. Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru offers a beautiful seaside retreat. The place has 495 guest rooms, all well-equipped, and it boasts eight restaurants and bars to satisfy vacationers’ needs. The Tanjung Aru also offers many different activities, such as water sports, and amenities such as a kids’ club and even butler service available in your room! Malaysian cooking demonstrations and traditional rice wine tastings are also held here, so you can be sure to have an authentic Malaysian experience.

Another of the Sabah lodgings located near Kota Kinabalu is Sutera Harbour. Within Sutera Harbour there are two separate hotels: the Magellan Sutera, which houses 456 rooms and is ethnic-themed; and the Pacific Sutera, which has 500 rooms and caters more to the business traveler. Both hotels share access to leisure facilities, such as the golf course and country club, the Mandara spa, and the many different water sport and other sports and fitness areas. This resort is truly complete, and you could spend your entire vacation without leaving its confines. There are even 14 separate bars and restaurants spread throughout, meaning whatever you’re in the mood for, you’ll be sure to find it somewhere in the area.

While staying at Sutera Harbour, you can also take a ride on the North Borneo Railway, operated by the resort. It features a steam locomotive and six restored railway cars, and you can take a four hour tour of the Sabah main stations, all while taking a trip back to colonial times!

Sabah, Malaysia is a destination that needs to be brought into the forefront. If you are looking for an exotic island getaway and want to travel where adventure is abundant, look no further than Sabah lodgings. Staying in Malaysia is affordable and unique, and you will have some great stories to tell your family and friends.

From beaches to the alps, France has a little of something for everyone. In this article, we take a look at Paris and the beach city of Nice.

Paris

It is hard to know where to start when discussing Paris. Take a boat down the Seine River and you will pass Notre Dame, the Eiffel Tower and so many other notable spots it is easy to get overwhelmed. The city is simply that dramatic.

Long considered the most glamorous city in Europe, Paris has a little of everything. For the romantic, one can visit the haunts of famous writers, historical sites of just about every nature and the Moulin Rouge.

On the other hand, art lovers can spend weeks visiting the 100 plus museums in the city with, of course, the Louvre being the crown jewel. Personally, I found the Rodin Museum just as interesting, particularly since there was a much smaller crowd.

Perhaps the best way to experience Paris is just to wander around. Yes, take a few days to visit the notable tourist trapserr, destinations. Once you get tired of standing in crowds, walk out of your hotel and just keep on going. You will find little neighborhoods with eccentric characteristics to make you smile. As you plod along, real cafes and gathering places will become apparent. Make sure you visit them as the locals in these neighborhoods are very friendly and funny.

Nice

Nice is a small beach city just to the east of Cannes in the south of France. It is an odd mix of old world charm and beach culture. In and of itself, there is nothing particular about Nice when compared to Cannes with the exception of the prices. They are significantly cheaper and you get pretty much the same thing.

One extremely positive thing about Nice is the launching factor. Nice is close to everything and a natural launching point to go practically anywhere in the general region. You can hop on a train to the east and be in Monaco in 15 minutes. You can take a 20 minute minivan trip inland to learn how to make cheese and soap. Thankfully, this isnt the same location.

France is a diverse country with a rich history. It can be easy to overdose on the volume of things to see, but you cant do much worse than just walking out your door and exploring. Remember, those boots were made for walking.