Travel Blog

Much like its provincial neighbor to the east, Ontario is filled with both urban capitals of culture and wild lands rarely explored. Consider it the best of both worlds. The barrenness of the Hudson Bay shoreline dominates the northern landscape southward until becoming a crowded collection of Canadian cities that mark the shoreline of four of the five Great Lakes. But fear not, the most populated of Canadian provinces have more than its fair share of outdoor escapes for its visitors and locals alike.

Set along the vast shores of Lake Erie, in the area called Ontario’s “South Coast,” travelers will be charmed by this seaside stretch. Enjoy strolling along white, sandy beaches, and exploring quaint fishing villages and lighthouses. Climb aboard the Port Stanley Terminal Railway for a scenic journey throughout the valley. Nearby Long Point Provincial Park encompasses about 25 miles of beaches, marshes, wetlands and sand dunes – making it a habitat for thousands of migrating birds, fish, reptiles and plant species. Take a leisurely stroll along the walking paths of the peninsula, and be sure to visit Long Point Bird Observatory, the oldest, privately funded, avian observation area in North America.

In the middle of the widest part of the St. Lawrence River lies the series of connected islands known as Iles de la Madeleine.

In Ontario’s easternmost reaches, across the St. Lawrence River from New York State, lie the Thousand Islands, a cluster of numerous (probably not a thousand, but lots) tiny islands. First and foremost, it’s a boater’s playground, but anyone who likes to do anything on the water will be pleased with the choice of venues. The waterways attract visitors from Canada and America in huge numbers.

From the Thousand Islands, take Highway 401 south, past Toronto. There, wedged in-between Lake Ontario and Lake Erie, you’ll find one of the world’s most impressive sights: Niagara Falls. Formed about 12,000 years ago as glaciers retreated across the region, today the Falls is of course a major tourist attraction. Yet, the grandeur and immensity of this sight can’t be denied, no matter how crowded the area can get during peak season. To get up close, visit Table Rock, where the promenade actually hangs over part of the falls. Otherwise, grab some rain gear and hop aboard one of the boat tours that ventures right up into the falls. Climb aboard the Maid of the Mist tour boat and head upriver for a close-up view of the spectacular Horseshoe Falls, as well as the Rock of Ages, Cave of the Winds and American Falls. Consider visiting Canadian Horseshoe Falls, for one of the most incredible views of raging, rushing, and thundering waters.

For those willing to test the barren and windswept reaches of northern Ontario, the shores of Lake Superior offer a number of exceptional national and provincial parks. The Lake Superior Provincial Park, Pukaskwa National Park and Sleeping Giant Provincial Park all make for wonderful summer destinations when the weather is far more predictable.…

Considered one of Asia’s most popular destinations, Thailand welcomes thousands of visitors to its shores each year, and despite some political turmoil over the past year or so, will continue to do just that. With so much charming scenery, including mountainous areas in the North, fabulous beaches and islands in the South, charming waterfalls throughout the Central interior, and a lively, diverse, and easy-to-traverse capital city, Thailand surely has something for everyone. Thailand’s growing level of international awareness and sophistication has increased noticeably, particularly in the past decade. Nowhere is this more apparent than in Bangkok. The city offers so many attractions in terms of sightseeing, fine dining, great accommodations, and nightlife, that visitors would be hard-pressed deciding what to do next.

The city landscape is punctuated with glittering Buddhist temples, as well as the Royal Palace, itself with its sprawling landscaped grounds. Bangkok is also a paradise for shoppers, with dozens of luxurious modern malls, quaint Chinatown shops, and the legendary Chatuchak weekend market. There are always culturally oriented music and dance performances happening, often in grand hotel lobbies or in four star restaurants. Speaking of restaurants, this where Bangkok really shines; from gourmet, French, Italian, Chinese, Japanese, Thai or Indian (Vegetarian and otherwise), dining venues, to streetside stalls which often offer excellent fare for a mere pittance.

After dinner, consider, dancing in one of the trendy, fashionable discos, latin bistros, or hotel ballrooms. First-run films are everywhere, and in every shopping mall. There’s even an ‘art-house’ joint in Siam Square. And are you ready for some real culture shock? Check out ‘notorious’ Patpong, Nana Plaza, or the ever-popular Soi Cowboy. That’s certain to leave a lasting impression!

The traditional heart of Thai society is the Chao Phraya River, (River of Kings, in Thai)-very accessible from the Saphan Thaksin station on the BTS skytrain. Numerous luxury hotels dot the banks, and there’s even a riverboat dining cruise. Another destination reachable via cruise is Ayutthaya, the nations second ancient capital. Built in the 13th century, the temples, palaces, and grounds are truly spectacular, and illuminated at nightfall, even moreso.

Interestingly, Thailand’s heritage includes significant contributions from the ancient Khmer empire, and the Eastern part of the country has many examples of that fascinating architectural style. In fact, until the rise of Ayutthaya’s pre-eminance, most of Thailand was incorporated in the Khmer empire. There you have it: A rich tapestry embodying both the ancient and the modern worlds. No wonder Thailand is typically referred to as: “Amazing”.

At this point, I feel I should offer my readers an invitation to see, as well as hear, on some video posts, more about this intriguing country. From the most humble to the most luxurious, in the manifestations of a culture……

Thailand is a tourist paradise. The major elements that makes this country a unique spot that magnets tourist from all around the world are the exciting climate, great food, exotic culture, and great beaches.

Here are the top 10 reasons to see Thailand:

1. Phuket-

The island province of Phuket is a resort by itself. It is hot and humid throughout of the year and tourists enjoy the white sandy beaches that are located around the island. With top hotels catering for the distinct and unique requirement of any visitor, it is the place to relax and have fun. A vacation in Phuket can be availed through travel packages. An international standard airport is also available in the island and cheap tickets can be arranged from reliable air operators.

2. Chiang Mai-

Located around 700 miles from Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, Chiang Mai claims to be one the most beautiful province of Thailand with its green hills and mountains. Nature lovers love the place as it has an abundant wildlife and the exotic flower variety is almost endless. Nature parks are abundant that offers visitors a special treats to view the place riding an elephant. It is situated 310 miles above sea level and the lush greenery provides a cool and misty environment during the summer season.

3. The Grand Palace-

It is a “must-see” place while in Bangkok, Thailand. The palace is rich in intricate architecture and design. Built in 1782, the Grand Palace offers visitors the elegant and grandeur lifestyle of the royalties that once occupied the compound.

4. Phra Thi Nang Vimanmek and Abhisek Dusit Throne Hall Vimanmek Palace-

It is the world biggest building that is made entirely of golden teak. The 81 room palace houses antiques collected from the past royalties of the rulers of Siam (old Thailand). A collection of fine Thai silk and basketries can also be seen as part of the collection.

5. Wat Pho-

The huge reclining Buddha statue can be seen in this place. Wat Pho covers 20 acres and is known to be the largest temple in Bangkok. It contains 1000 Buddha images and the 152 marble slabs depicting the portion of a famous Thai epic. It also contains chapels, pagodas, libraries, and bell towers that oriental history lovers will love to be in.

6. Floating Market of Bangkok-

Bangkok is also known as the “Venice of the East” as intricate river ways line the capital. Unlike regular market, the sellers pack their wares in small boats and jostle along the river trying to attract buyers. It is a very effective way to view traditional Thai customs and habits and to mingle with the ordinary Thais.

7. The Rose Garden-

An hour away from the busy streets of Bangkok is the 75 acre Rose Garden. The manicured grounds and lake offers visitors scheduled shows of Thai boxing and sword fighting. The elephant show is recommended to be seen by the family. The garden includes a golf course and a spa.

8. PakBara Beach-

The 4 kilometer pristine beach is located southern Thailand. It is famous for tourists seeking privacy in the presence of a tranquil environment. The beach offers a panoramic view of the beautiful islands located near the shores.

9. Phu Phra Bat Historical Park-

The 1200 acre park is ideal for nature trekkers. Prehistoric paintings can be seen in the cliff caves.

10. Bangkok by Night-

Bangkok nights offer an activity for all. Night markets are available that offers cheap souvenirs to tourist. Thai silks are often sold at bargain prices. Night spots and dance halls are available to suit any taste.…

How do you prepare for your Thailand holiday? There are items you will definitely want in your suitcase, if not before boarding your flight then at least after you’ve checked in at your hotel and found a nice convenience store to buy these things from, especially since not all these items are readily available in an average K-Mart at home. Whether or not you need them all depends on the weather conditions in Thailand at the time (or the region of Thailand you are visiting), but for the most part they are necessary around the year.

Mosquito repellent: This is absolutely a must! More so if you are traveling during Thailand’s summer season, and also one of the many, many reasons that should dissuade you from choosing bottom-of-the-barrel accommodation: no air-conditioning means you will be opening the window just to breathe and then it’s open blood-sucking season. Mosquito repellents in forms of lotions are good, but you could consider insect-repellent bands as well, worn either on the ankle or wrist: creams and lotions are liable to be diluted by sweat. And in the tropics, you are going to be sweating a lot!

Sunblock: Do you happen to come from the United Kingdom? Be warned: in Thailand the sun is going to scorch your skin off and it’s all sunny, all the time barring the monsoon season (though even then you will still see more sunlight than you do in an entire British year). Bring sunscreen and apply it generously whenever you want to take a walk around Bangkok or Chiang Mai; else you are going to find yourself limited to evening and very early morning strolls.

Power adapter: Unless you are from Hong Kong or any other countries which use 220V 50Hz power sockets, you will want a power adapter or two to keep your smartphones, electric shavers, and iPods going. Power sockets in Thailand accept two flat prongs, or two flat prongs with one ground pin. Prepare accordingly. (You can rent one from hotels above a certain price range, but if you’re backpacking through guesthouses you should consider bringing your own.)

Bottles of water: This is something of a no-brainer: when you are on a tour through Chiang Mai or Koh Samui you may find yourself dehydrated, which can have all kinds of side-effects you don’t want: dizziness, nausea, and digestive complications. Buy a bottle of water or bring a canteen, and keep drinking.

Wheeled bag/suitcase: Bring an empty one, if you can, and keep it with you just for shopping, because chances are good you will be buying a lot of interesting keepsakes, souvenirs and gifts from the Night Market or Walking Street in Chiang Mai and similar arts-and-crafts centers.

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There are myriad reasons for you to visit Singapore! Although it is the smallest country in Southeast Asia, Singapore is one of the most beautiful countries in the world. The combination of dream-like, exotic landscapes, imposing ancient temples and worship sites grant the island a mysterious, almost unreal feature, immersing travelers into a deep state of relaxation, appeasement and contemplation towards the wonders of nature. As soon as you arrive in Singapore, you will be overwhelmed by the magnificent sites and ancient architectonic structures, emerging from a landscape that seems to be untouched by man. The multitude of parks, botanical gardens and the beauty of the beaches found in Singapore render the diamond-shaped island a marvelous destination for tourists from all over the world.

Contrasting with the exotic landscapes, vast parks and ancient architectonic remains, imposing sky-scrapers, wide boulevards and modern monuments suggest the advanced civilization characteristic to Singapore, defying the struggled history of the country afflicted by many political conflicts in the past. With a population of around 4.5 million people, Singapore has a pronounced syncretic character, bringing together people of different ethnical groups and various religious beliefs.

Due to the multitude of Singapore attractions, the best thing to do is to seek the help of a local guide. Singapore guides can take you to the most interesting sites and local attractions, helping you discover the beauty of the island. Considering the fact that the majority of people in Singapore are fluent English speakers, the language barrier shouldn’t be an impediment in interacting with the locals. If you decide to seek the help of a Singapore guide, you will be taken to a wide variety of ancient temples, monuments, parks, botanical gardens and even ports, sites of great importance to Singapore.

One of the most important Singapore attractions is the temple Thian Hock Keng, referred to as the Temple of Heavenly Bliss. Thian Hock Keng is an ancient Chinese worship site, initially built in tribute to Ma Po Cho, the patron goddess of sailors, also known as the Mother of the Heavenly Sages. The temple was reconstructed in the 19th century by Tan Tock Seng and Tan Kim Seng, highly respected personalities in the history of Singapore. The entrance inside the temple is guarded by the statues of two imposing lions, symbols of strength and fertility in Asian culture. At the temple gates, “door gods” provide further protection against evil spirits, purifying temple visitors from malignant energies. In front of the altar is the statue of Ma Po Cho, flanked by statues of the Protector of Life and the God of War.

Singapore is a country with a very interesting culture, built on the scaffolds of different ancient traditions and beliefs. If you decide to visit Singapore, you will be amazed by the intriguing contrast between ancient and modern, old and new, tradition and libertinism. A trip to Singapore is undoubtedly a remarkable and unforgettable experience for tourists from all over the world!

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Singapore is a tourist attraction, why is it so? Other that it is a clean and fine city, tourists can have many activities in Singapore. In this article, let me share with you things that you can do in Singapore so that you will not get bored when you are on holidays.

1. Shopping. Who will not shop when on holidays, right? Singapore is a shopping paradise where you can find lots of shopping centers and malls to satisfy your shopping crave. Some of the popular shopping destinations in Singapore are Takashimaya, Wisma Atria, VivoCity, Marina Bay, Suntec City and even neighborhood areas like Ang Mo Kio Hub. So make your trip worthwhile by visiting these shopping destinations when you are in Singapore.

2. Visit the zoo. Singapore has one of the best zoos in the world. There is something known as Night Safari that allows you to visit the zoo at night to experience the nightlife of animals.

3. Experience the nightlife. There are many popular nightspots that you can visit to have a round of drinks with your family or friends. Just head straight to Clark Quay or Boat Quay and you should be able to see some of the most famous pubs and clubs there. Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays are the best times to visit the clubs as there will be lots of people out there partying.

4. Visit Sentosa. Sentosa is an island off Singapore where you can enjoy sun-tanning, beach volleyball and canoeing. There are also other tourist attractions on Sentosa such as Butterfly Garden and Dragon Trail.

5. Get on board of Singapore Flyer. Singapore Flyer is the newest tourist attraction in Singapore at the point of this writing. It is the world’s largest observation wheel. Standing at a stunning 165m from the ground, the Flyer offers you breathtaking views of the Marina Bay, Singapore city and beyond. There is also a wide range of shops, restaurants, activities and facilities.

6. Botanic Garden. If you are a flower & plant lover, you must visit Botanic Garden. It has a huge collection of the different plants and Asia flowers. If you visit in the morning, you can enjoy the fresh air too.

Soon, Singapore will have its first integrated resort. At the integrated resort, you can find the first casino that Singapore ever allows to be built here. With the integrated resort, it will really make Singapore one of the best tourist destinations in the world.…

Singapore is a city-state in Southeast Asia, located at the southern end of the Malay Peninsula. Consisting of 63 smaller islands like Sentosa and Jurong, it is one of the world’s major transport hubs, with 80 airlines connecting Singapore Changi airport to 200 cities around the world. When visiting Singapore, one has a wide range of options in terms of accommodation, dining, shopping and entertainment.

The Singapore Flyer is the world’s largest observation wheel, 30 meters higher than the London Eye. With a height of 165 meters and 150 in diameter, the wheel has 28 capsules about the size of buses, air-conditioned and can fit up to 28 passengers in each capsule. Whether day or night, a complete rotation on the Singapore Flyer takes about 30 minutes and provides a stunning panoramic view of the city’s sights.

Discover Singapore’s cultural and historical heritage with a tour of China Town, Kampong Glam and Little India. Singapore’s China Town is littered with Perakanan shop-houses that have been beautifully restored, selling everything from textiles to herbs and jade ornaments. Some of the most popular attractions in China Town include the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and the Sri Mariamman Temple. A walk around Little India will take you through an experience for all your senses, with places like Tekka Centre’s wet market and food court, Serangoon Road’s teahouses, tailors and restaurants as well as the massive department store at Mustafa Centre.

For families traveling with children, visiting Singapore has to include an experience at the Singapore Zoo Night Safari. Ride in an open tram through the 40 hectares of jungle and spot the animals in their natural habitat. For those wanting a closer look at the animals, the zoo offers a guided walking trail for a close-up experience. Another one for the kids is Universal Studios at Sentosa Island. The first movie theme park in Southeast Asia, it has 24 movie-themed attractions and zones such as Hollywood, Madagascar, Ancient Egypt, New York, Sci-Fi City and Lost World. The island resort of Sentosa also has other offerings such as the Dolphin Lagoon where you can watch dolphins play, the Underwater World Oceanarium and ‘Songs of the Sea’, a light and water show. Getting to Sentosa is also an experience as it is reachable via a scenic cable car ride.

The Lion City of Southeast Asia brings with it an amazing and memorable experience for anyone visiting Singapore.…

In Uruguay and Argentina, the gaucho (a type of South American cowboy) is a national symbol. Gauchos were historically brave explorers who took over livestock farming in remote regions and became expert horse riders.

A visit to a hacienda is an excellent place to start for visitors interested in learning about gaucho culture. These large landed estates provide lodging, traditional local food, and the opportunity to watch or participate in conventional gaucho activities such as cattle driving, sheep herding, and horseback riding.

One of the most exciting tales about gauchos is the one of Gauchito Gil, sometimes known as “the Robin Hood of Patagonia.” A veteran of numerous conflicts in Argentina, Gauchito Gil was called up again to fight for a cause he disagreed with. He left the army as a result and started as a cowboy bandit, robbing the rich and donating to the needy.

They worked as spies, guides, and scouts throughout the American Revolutionary War. Gauchos moved to the pampas to live off the land, hunt, and trade after the conflict. The finest years of the Argentine cowboys occurred throughout these decades, from the conflict’s conclusion to the beginning of the 20th century. Because Argentina’s economic growth depended on farming, a trade in which gauchos were experts, people in those days highly valued their skills.…

The carnival season is a significant celebration in several South American countries, though how the festival is observed varies significantly from country to country.

In Uruguay, comparsas (groups of dancers and drummers) perform candombe during the carnival season. Candombe is a traditional musical experience strongly tied to the music and dance forms enslaved Africans brought to Uruguay.

The Uruguay Carnival is considered the biggest carnival celebration in the capital city of Montevideo. The event features cultural events, such as dance parades in the streets. Enslaved people were allowed a day to honor their cultural identity around the middle of the 18th century. The lively drum-based music known as Candombe was played during these events. Even after the enslaved people gained their freedom, the parties persisted. Eventually, the candombe style assimilated into the already-present traditional Uruguayan music. The result of this musical fusion was a blending of Uruguayan and African rhythms.

Montevideo has the most elaborate carnival celebrations, with parades and cultural events lasting 40 days between January and February, making it the world’s most extended carnival celebration. Dancers take to the streets in colourful, over-the-top dresses to celebrate well into the early morning.

Murgas, or drumming musical theatre, are also popular at Uruguayan carnivals. They usually perform parodies based on current events as they move through the city streets.…

Termas (hot springs) are popular in Uruguay, with Termas del Arapey and Termas del Dayman among the most popular. Arapey is the country’s oldest thermal resort, with natural spring waters that reach 39 degrees Celsius and are said to be therapeutic. The area is popular with tourists because it has a lot of green space, holiday cottages, and opportunities to swim in cooler, more comfortable waters whenever you want.

Since the beginning of time, men have known about these waters’ advantages and used them as a source of health. The hot springs in this Uruguayan region are utilised for immersion baths. They are great for consumption as beverages, stomach relaxants, and a diuretic due to their high mineral salt content.

The Dayman hot springs near the Daymán River have a maximum temperature of 46 degrees Celsius. Daymán is more developed, with seven pools at varying temperatures for adults and three for children, as well as food areas, tennis courts, and mini golf.
Acuamania, Uruguay’s first water park, is just minutes away from the Dayman hot springs and features a 300-meter-long lazy river, various slides, cold geysers, thrill rides, and interactive water games.
The areas where Uruguay’s hot spring resorts are located have a favourable impact on organic equilibrium and add to the feeling of well-being on a physical and psychological level. As a result, they receive a lot of attention globally in this industry.…