London, England — Canary Islands holidays offer amazing year-round weather at an unparalleled price – perfect for that well-deserved week of guaranteed sunshine.

Situated southwest of Spain and close to the African coast, the Canary Islands enjoy a sub-tropical climate with an average of over 320 days of sunshine a year. Just a four-hour flight from the UK, you can enjoy temperatures that hover around the 20 degree(s)C mark in the winter, rising to a scorching 30 degree(s)C during the summer months.

Activities a-plenty

Made up of seven major islands – including Gran Canaria, Tenerife, Fuerteventura and Lanzarote – the Canary Islands are perfect for swimming, boasting stretches of golden sand sloping gently into shallow warm water. There are also first-class water sports on offer, including windsurfing and jet-skiing for those wanting to add some thrills and spills to their Canary Islands beach break. Scuba diving is extremely popular and offers the chance to see sting-rays, eels and barracuda close at hand. There are also some fascinating underwater wreck sites to explore on holidays to Fuerteventura.

If you prefer land-based leisure pursuits, the Canaries are home to no less than four national parks. Why not take a trek up Tenerife’s Mount Teide, which will reward you with amazing views of the entire region, or a trip on horseback to explore La Palma’s lush, diverse plant life? Don’t miss the Dunes of Maspalomas nature reserve on Gran Canaria which can only be crossed on foot or by camel. With the endless, rolling dunes you’d be forgiven for thinking you’d arrived at a different part of the world completely.

If you find the idea of all this activity in the scorching summer heat of the Canaries tiring, you could simply spend your time relaxing on the beach. The freedom to do as much, or as little, as you like on a cheap holiday to the Canary Islands, really is yours.

Fun for the whole family

Family-friendly beaches and a wide array of kids’ attractions including water parks, zoos, camel rides, butterfly sanctuaries and amusement parks make the Canaries an ideal destination for a family.

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Stevens Point, Wisconsin, U.S.A-Though hurricane season officially began June 1, activity in the tropics heated up ahead of schedule this year with Tropical Storm Alberta forming off South Carolina in late May, followed by Tropical Storm Beryl, which was the strongest pre-season storm to make landfall in history when it came ashore in Jacksonville, FL. With this early tropical activity in mind, Travel Guard is urging travelers to prepare for upcoming vacations by considering travel insurance options.

No matter if travelers are taking advantage of off-season deals in Florida and the Caribbean or heading to destinations outside of the hurricane belt, their plans can be drastically affected by delays and cancellations that can affect airports far from the coasts should a storm arise. Several tips can help to avoid these problems.

Safeguard your trip investment: In the event of a covered hurricane or other unforeseen severe weather, travel insurance may provide benefits under trip cancellation and trip interruption coverage. If a trip is cancelled for a covered reason, travel insurance may refund the prepaid, forfeited, non-refundable trip costs up to the limit of coverage.

Purchase in advance: Insurance must be purchased at least 24 hours prior to a hurricane being named in order for trip cancellation and trip interruption coverage to cover losses due to the hurricane. Once a hurricane watch or warning is in effect, it’s too late. To avoid a last-minute scramble, travelers should purchase insurance at the same time they book their travel plans.

Monitor status of airports, accommodations and driving routes: If a storm directly affects travel arrangements or accommodations, insureds may benefit from trip cancellation or trip interruption coverage. A few examples: an airport is closed due to the high winds; mandatory evacuations are enforced at a policyholder’s hotel/resort; roads are impassable due to high water and alternate modes of transportation are not possible. If a resort, hotel or vacation home is damaged and cannot be used, or if comparable accommodations cannot be provided, non-refundable costs could be covered.

Be aware of the difference between what has happened and what “might” happen: Inclement weather must directly affect travel arrangements for travel insurance to cover the loss. Base travel insurance plans never cover losses incurred by a cancellation based upon what “might” happen because of a storm. For example, if a policy holder chooses not to take a flight because of concern about a hurricane, and that flight still operates on schedule, the cost of the flight will not be a covered loss.

Prepare for delays: If the airport from which flights are scheduled to depart is closed due to a hurricane or other weather event, travel insurance may cover the expenses incurred because of the delay. Additionally, reasonable accommodations and travel expenses may be covered until travel becomes possible. It’s important to understand that Travel Guard’s travel insurance plans do not cover cancellations solely made by the traveler’s choice not to go because of possible delays, unless a plan including “Cancel For Any Reason” coverage has been purchased.

“With the many unanticipated situations that can arise during hurricane season, our best advice to travelers is to be prepared,” said Carol Mueller, Vice President, Travel Guard North America. “Travel Guard travel insurance plans average 5-7 percent of the total trip cost, meaning an affordable cost can provide travelers with confidence throughout hurricane season.”

Hurricane season runs through November 30, 2012. To keep track of the latest hurricane-related news, visit the National Weather Services’ National Hurricane Center.

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TripAdvisor, the world’s largest travel site*, announced the results of its annual air travel survey of more than 1,000 U.S. respondents. Americans are flocking to the skies this year as 91 percent of respondents said they plan to fly domestically in 2012, compared to 84 percent that did last year. International flights are also on the rise, with 65 percent planning a flight out of the country, up from 55 percent in 2011.

To view the multimedia assets associated with this release, please click: http://www.multivu.com/mnr/49263-tripadvisor-survey-reveals-air-travel-on-the-rise-in-2012

Mobile Use Takes Off

There has been a significant increase in mobile device usage for air travel among survey respondents.

• Nearly half of all fliers now use a smart phone to check flight status, up from 30 percent from last year’s survey.
• 30 percent report using a device to check-in to a flight, up from 17 percent.
• Use of tablets and iPads in-flight are up 15 percent, with more than one in four travelers now calling theirs a carry-on essential.

Fliers seem skeptical about the need to shut off their beloved mobile devices.

• 58 percent question whether shutting off electronic devices during takeoff and landing is really necessary.
• 40 percent can remember a time when they’ve left their devices on during flight (accidentally or intentionally).

Shh… Anti-social in the Air

When it comes to flying, the majority of travelers have no interest in socializing.

• 76 percent of travelers prefer to keep to themselves while in-flight.
• Only 9 percent expressed interest in trying a “social seating” program that allows fliers to choose a seatmate based on social network profiles.
• 40 percent would pay extra to sit in a designated “quiet” section of the plane.

Not even a presidential candidate could get some fliers to come out of their shell: 33 percent would not choose to sit next to Barack Obama, Mitt Romney, Ron Paul, or Newt Gingrich, if given the opportunity.

Calling for More Comfort

Twenty-two percent of survey participants don’t enjoy a single thing about air travel, and most travelers cite legroom and seat comfort (or lack thereof) as their biggest complaint.

• 41 percent believe that more legroom is the biggest improvement airlines can make, with 30 percent citing more comfortable seating.  However, 71 percent aren’t willing to pay for extra legroom on domestic flights less than four hours long.
• On flights longer than four hours, however, 35 percent would shell out $25 for more legroom.

Frequent Flier Favorites

Travelers like their frequent flier programs and, when it comes to booking, brand does matter.

• 52 percent subscribe to frequent flier programs and find them valuable.
• 58 percent say the brand of airline is important when considering which flight to book.
• 15 percent say that racking up frequent flier miles is the most enjoyable thing about air travel.
• Of the 20 percent of fliers who order an alcoholic drink on-board, 42 percent favor wine.
• Singapore Airlines tops most people’s wish lists, with 17 percent saying they haven’t yet flown with this global carrier but would like to.

Top 5 Favorite U.S. Airports:

Additional Air Travel Tidbits

• More than half plan to participate in TSA’s pre-check program.
• The three most popular months for air travel this year are May, October, and September.
• 27 percent would choose one airline over another if the flight offered Wi-Fi.
• 45 percent are concerned that rising gas prices will cause air fares to increase, so they plan to book travel plans early.
• 43 percent consider airplanes to be the most germ-laden travel location, more so than hotel rooms and public transportation.

“As air travel becomes more stressful, fliers flock to mobile technology,” says Bryan Saltzburg, general manager of TripAdvisor Flights. “In-flight Wi-Fi, powerful new mobile devices, and other tech carry-on essentials allow fliers to create a more relaxing and enjoyable flying experience.”

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Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) launched a new nonstop flying route from Abu Dhabi to Shanghai. The airline takes its name from an Arabic word that literally means Union, which refers to the seven emirates that makes UAE.

Etihad’s new flight route is to Shanghai Pudong International Airport, which is the primary international airport serving Shanghai city. The airline has planned to operate five weekly flights by Airbus A330-300 starting April 15, 2012. Shanghai is the third destination of Etihad airways in China after Beijing and Chengdu.

The outbound flight to Shanghai number EY862, while the inbound flight to Abu Dhabi number is EY867. The EY refers to The International Air Transport Association (IATA) code of Etihad airways.

The EY 862 is scheduled to depart from Abu Dhabi international airport at 10:10 local time and arrive in Shanghai at 21:45 local time on all days except Mondays and Fridays. The flying time of the EY 862 is 7 hours and 35 minutes.

The EY867 is scheduled to depart from Shanghai Pudong international Airport at 00:20 local time and arrive in Abu Dhabi at 06:30 local time on all days except Tuesdays and Saturdays. The flying time of the EY867 is 10 hours and 10 minutes.

The difference between the duration of inbound and outbound flights is due to factors such as wind direction and the earth’s eastbound rotation. When a plane travels from east to west it takes longer than if it was flying in the other direction.

By adding Shanghai to Etihad’s list of destinations, new options have been created for travelers from Europe and the USA. Also, it bolsters tourism in the UAE and especially to Abu Dhabi city. Near Abu Dhabi international airport there are a lot of tourist attractions such as Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Yas Island and Saadyat Island.

Also it is expected to add value to the booming trade between Middle East and China which hit 190 billion USD in 2010 according to the Chinese commerce ministry.

Lastly, the newly opened route is expected to ease the traveling of Chinese employees in the UAE to their homeland. Many Chinese citizens work in one of the 2000 Chinese firms in the UAE. Most of these firms work in the booming construction field.

Earlier in 2004, the Dubai-based airline Emirates was the first UAE originated airline to operate direct flights to Shanghai. Right now, the Emirates airline has three weekly flights by Airbus A380, the biggest passenger plane in the world.

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The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort is the newest five-star hotel and resort in the Abu Dhabi Emirate, the federal capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It is the first St. Regis hotel brand of the Starwood Hotels group to be opened in the Middle East region. The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort is the second hotel to open in Saadyat Island after the grand opening of the Park Hyatt Hotel in November 2011.

The exterior of the resort is designed using Mediterranean architecture, while the interior decor is modern. All the resort’s 377 rooms range from different types and rates and overlook either the Saadiyat beach or Saadyat Beach Golf Club, which was designed by Gary Players, a South African professional golfer.

The Iridium Spa that is featured in the resort is the first from its brand to be in the Middle East. This spa has 12 suites for traditional and international remedies. There are a lot of fine dining options with nine attached restaurants that serve the hotel guests with different cuisines from around the world. There are also luxury residences for sale. These residences consist of 32 villas that have 4 or 5 bedrooms with 24-hour room service.

The starting price of each villa is AED 19,597,783.00 ( $ 5,335,488 USD) as mentioned on the Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC) website. TDIC is the master developer of the Saadiyat Island and other Islands within the Abu Dhabi Emirate. The Saadiyat Island is the home of Zayed National Museum, Louvre Abu Dhabi, the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi Museum, the Performing Arts Center, Maritime Museum, and Abu Dhabi-New York University. The Saadiyat Island literally means the “The Island of Happiness” in Arabic.

The entire project’s construction is expected to be finished in 2020, which would make the island the main cultural center of the oil-rich Emirate. Saadiyat Island is a natural island that is a driving distance of 20 minutes from the Abu Dhabi International Airport and a 15-minute drive from Abu Dhabi City downtown.

There are two public bus routes to ease the transportation from Abu Dhabi City to the Saadiyat Island. These routes are 404 and 405. The other option is to hire a taxi to travel to the island.

In February 2012, Starwood Hotels will have the second St. Regis brand hotel in the Middle East, located in Doha City, the capital of Qatar. Also, in May 2012, another St. Regis hotel will be opened in Abu Dhabi City.

Image Courtesy of    http://www.saadiyattheresidences.com

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The Costa Concordia cruise ship disaster has many today doubting the safety of a shipboard vacation, but according to the Cruise Lines International Association, the world’s largest cruise line association, 16 million of us enjoyed sailing the world’s oceans last year. Statistically, cruises are considered one of the safest forms of travel but you can minimize vacation risks further with these trip protection tips from InsureMyTrip.com:

1. Compare, Compare, Compare: Shop around to get the best plan for your needs at the right price.InsureMyTrip.com offers side-by-side comparisons of policies and prices to help you make smart purchasing decisions quickly and easily.

2. Plan Ahead: To receive the most benefit from your travel insurance policy and be eligible for optional benefits like Cancel for Any Reason and Pre-existing Medical Conditions, purchase the policy within 7 to 15 days of your First Trip Payment.

3. Buy From a Third Party: Typically, if you purchase travel insurance directly through a travel supplier such as an airline, cruise line, or tour operator, you’re unprotected if that travel supplier goes bankrupt or becomes financially insolvent, so it’s always best to purchase your travel insurance protection from a third-party source.

4. Keep Your Receipts: In the event you ever have to file a claim, keep your receipts for everything from pre-paid non-refundable trip costs insured under your policy to doctor’s notes, as well as any receipts incurred from a travel delay such as meals, hotel accommodations, and transportation to/from the airport.

5. 24-hour Traveler Assistance: Providing a host of critical services from processing prescription refills to managing and monitoring itinerary changes, the 24-hour Traveler Assistance program is truly a traveler’s best friend. A value-added benefit included in all travel insurance plans, insured travelers can call the company-provided phone number collect from anywhere in the world and receive special assistance with a wide-range of travel, medical, business, and concierge needs.

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Liwa Oasis is an oasis in the northern part of the Empty Quarter (Al-Rub’ al Khali in Arabic), which belongs to the western region of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. The Empty Quarter is one of the largest deserts in the world. The Liwa Oasis lies about 250 kilometers south to south west of the city of Abu Dhabi, the federal capital of United Arab Emirates (UAE). The oasis consists of about fifty Bedouin villages, the main village being Mezaira’a.

Liwa is a destination for foreign tourists to learn about Bedouin culture and the traditions of the UAE local people. It is also a great place to see large sand dunes. The largest dune is called Moreeb Dune, or Al Moreeb Hill (Tal Moreeb in Arabic); Tal Moreeb literally means the “scary hill” in Arabic.

Every January, the Abu Dhabi Motor Club organizes the international Tal Moreeb Festival where drag racers compete to see who can reach the top of the hill in the shortest amount of time.  In March, Tal Moreeb also hosts the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge, which is a charity competition for 4×4 vehicles, motorcycles, and quad motorbikes. Another important event in Liwa  is the Annual Liwa Dates Festival in July. It is the main dates-related event in the oasis because the main economical source for the oasis villagers is date farming.

If travelers coming from outside the UAE want to gain access to the oasis, they should use an airline that will arrive in Abu Dhabi International Airport, then they should proceed to take a taxi or a public bus to the city of Abu Dhabi.  After this, they can take either a public bus to the oasis, or they can rent a car to drive on their own.

There is a modern road with seven lanes connecting the city of Abu Dhabi with Liwa Oasis and Tel Moreeb. After the rise of tourism in recent years, many of the hotels and guest houses were opened in the oasis, especially in Mezaira’a village. Qasr Al Sarab is the only five-star, luxury hotel for travelers to the oasis. There are many Indian and traditional restaurants available there, and tourism-quality restaurants of different cuisines can be found in hotels and guest houses.

Historically, the oasis is considered the birth place of the House of Al-Nahyan, the ruling family of the Abu Dhabi Emirate, and the House of Al- Maktoum, the ruling family of the Dubai Emirate. In 1793, the Al-Nahyan family moved from the oasis to the city of Abu Dhabi, while the Al-Makoum family moved to Dubai in 1833.

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In a global study released January 25 at the World Economic Forum, it was revealed that international travel is considered even more important than the Internet, TV/movies, or political diplomacy at stimulating the economy and breaking down cultural barriers.

The independent study was conducted by Penn Schoen Berland on behalf of Marriott International and included the views of 1,100 global travelers and opinion leaders from eight countries, including Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Spain, the United Kingdom and the United States.

Ninety-six percent of respondents, who ranged in age from under 35 to over 50 years old, believed that travel and tourism stimulates the economy, while 77 percent felt that “the more people experience other countries and cultures, the more peace will spread.”

“I believe we are entering a ‘Golden Age of Travel,’ where opportunities to do business and travel abroad are opening up like never before,” said Arne Sorenson, Marriott International’s CEO-elect and current president, pointing to the number of international arrivals, which have doubled in the last 10 years and will reach 1 billion in 2012 (UN World Tourism Organization).  “Travel opens up your mind, your heart and your wallet. This survey shows it is also a powerful form of soft diplomacy in the world today.”

“Bringing down barriers to travel creates jobs and prosperity and we applaud President Obama’s announcement to reform U.S. visa and entry systems to welcome more international visitors.  We look forward to even more progress in the U.S. and around the world to develop multi-national solutions that will grow the travel industry and benefit economies and people worldwide.”

According to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), the industry is predicted to account for an extra 69 million net jobs by 2021, including direct, indirect and induced employ­ment — almost 80 percent of which will be in Asia, Latin America, the Middle East and Africa.

Put another way, one American job is created for every 35 international visitors to the U.S., according to the U.S. Travel Association.  Marriott plans to fill about 60,000 jobs in 2012 alone, with two-thirds of those being in countries outside the U.S., where more than 50 percent of its hotel pipeline resides.

WTTC estimates that total contributions of Travel & Tourism to the global gross domestic product (GDP) are forecast to rise by 4.2 percent annually to US $9.226 trillion by 2021.  Visitor exports—or the amount visitors spend in a given foreign country—will increase 6.6 percent annually through 2021, rising to US$1.789 billion by 2021.

As an example, in New York City alone, Brazilians spent a total of $1.63 billion, topping the $1.42 billion spent by travelers from the U.K., the $1.27 billion spent by Canadians and the$1.1 billion spent by Italians, according to NYC & Co., the city’s tourism board.

“We already knew that travel and tourism have a major impact on the economy, but now we also know that it can change people’s views worldwide,” says Mark Penn, CEO of Penn Schoen Berland and CEO of Burson-Marsteller.  “International travelers advance people’s understanding of different cultures and reinforce all that we as humans have in common with each other.”

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Harriet R. Lewis, Chairman of Grand Circle Foundation, is pleased to announce “Cuba: A Bridge Between Cultures”, a 12-day People-to-People program designed to foster meaningful cultural exchange between Americans and Cubans. The program, which operates in small groups of just 12-20 participants, begins at $3,995 with 75 departures currently scheduled between January-June and, subject to the renewal of OFAC License #CT-17899, from September-December 2012.

“Americans have long been curious about the mystique surrounding Cuba, especially those of us who grew up during the Castro years,” said Lewis.  “We are honored to have the opportunity to bring Americans to Cuba and view our program as part of an important step toward a new beginning between our two countries.”

Grand Circle Foundation launched its People-to-People program last November after receiving license to do so from the Office of Foreign Assets Control.  The Foundation initially limited participation to its top donors and supporters and ran four departures that garnered a 97 percent excellence rating from 80 participants.

Following the success of the launch, Grand Circle Foundation now opens the program to all Americans, although the program is geared to and paced for the 50-plus market.  The program’s focus is on close cultural exchange between American participants and Cuban residents.

The itinerary includes five nights in Havana, Cuba’s capital city; two nights in Cienfuegos, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is also known as La Perla del Sud (the Pearl of the South) for its gleaming harbor area and dignified ambience; and three nights in Trinidad, another UNESCO World Heritage Site and a colonial gem that recalls life in Cuba’s 19th-century glory days.

The program begins at $3,995 per person and includes a full schedule of People-to-People exchange meetings; roundtrip airfare from Miami; all accommodations; 24 meals; services of an English-speaking Cuban guide and a Grand Circle Foundation representative from the U.S.; transportation aboard a private, air-conditioned motor coach; and cultural diversities that include discussions with locals, museum visits, musical performances, and more.

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Goodrich Corporation and Hawaiian Airlines have signed an extension to their existing Prime Solutions nacelle maintenance agreement to support the airline’s fleet of 18 Boeing 717-200 aircraft powered by Rolls-Royce BR715 engines. The existing nacelle flight hour agreement provides maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services, management of spare parts, rotables and dedicated Goodrich technical support.

With this new extension, Goodrich’s Aerostructures business will increase its existing Prime Solutions support to include three aircraft that Hawaiian Airlines introduced into its fleet beginning in October 2011. These additional aircraft will receive the same customized full-support package as established in the original nacelle flight hour agreement signed in 2001.

“This extension demonstrates Hawaiian Airlines’ confidence in the value and service levels of the existing nacelle maintenance program with Goodrich,” said Paul Farsetta, vice president and general manager of aftermarket for Goodrich’s Aerostructures business. “We are pleased that our proactive Prime Solutions nacelle maintenance management program continues to be an integral and valuable part of their fleet management approach and we look forward to continuing our relationship.”

Charles Nardello, Hawaiian’s senior vice president for operations said, “We have been pleased with Goodrich’s support on our original contract and look forward to seeing the same great performance with our newly expanded narrow-body fleet.”

Prime Solutions builds on Goodrich’s history of world-class support for nacelle systems. The customizable suite of services provides full life cycle support for nacelle systems, giving airline customers the option to minimize the costs related with nacelle maintenance infrastructure by transferring risk and maximizing product residual value.

Under Prime Solutions, long-term nacelle system support packages can be customized to incorporate MRO; management of spares, rotables and other assets as well as dedicated Goodrich technical support of the flying hardware. Hawaiian Airlines, owned by Hawaiian Holdings,  is the largest airline based in the state of Hawaii and the second largest operator of Boeing 717 aircraft.

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Club Med – the world’s leading all-inclusive brand with more than 80 resorts worldwide – proudly launches its innovative application for the iPhone and iPad, allowing consumers to discover, share and book their ideal Club Med vacation from anywhere in the world.

The iPad application features an original 360-degree virtual tour of Club Med resorts by holding your iPad in front of you and moving it left and right as if you were walking through the property. Providing views from the over-water suites at Club Med Kani in the Maldives and the ski school at Club Med Peisey Vallandry in the French Alps to the circus trapeze at Club Med Ixtapa Pacific in Mexico and the international tennis academy at Club Med Sandpiper Bay in Florida, Club Med offers the perfect getaway at your fingertips.

“The team is excited to bring the Club Med application suite to market as it’s the most interactive way to display our resorts and immerses potential guests into the unique Club Med experience,” said Jerome Hiquet, Vice President of Marketing and Digital for Club Med North America. “Our objective was to develop the most user friendly iPad and iPhone applications that appeals to all potential and past guests.

With these apps they can discover the best of Club Med spirit wherever, whenever. As a new structural ecosystem, it’s important for Club Med to launch into the mobile space now, and to integrate mobile as a key and consistent component in our global marketing strategy to better accommodate today’s consumers in the digital space.”

Club Med collaborated with Phonevalley, a leading mobile communication agency and part of Publicis Group, to develop these user-friendly apps. ”We were enthusiastic about this opportunity to work with a brand like Club Med on this application,” said Alexandre Mars, CEO of Phonevalley. ”We were able to create a quality experience for shoppers to discover the Club Med resorts in a unique capacity much different from the standard vacation booking apps.”

Consumers can discover their dream Club Med vacation in just a few scrolls by exploring more than 80 resorts through photos, videos, descriptions and 360-degree virtual tours. The comparison function helps potential guests choose between resorts based on their personal preferences, from luxury to golf and eco-friendly to winter sports. Guests are then able to share what they like with family and friends while also planning and booking a trip.

The “Click to Call” button quickly connects consumers to an experienced Club Med travel advisor for over the phone booking. For those that can’t make up their mind, the “Shake and Escape” function allows you to shake your iPhone for destination ideas complete with sound.

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Khor Fakkan is a that town belongs to the emirate of Sharjah, which lies on the Gulf of Oman on the eastern coast of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The literal meaning of Khor Fakkan is “Creek of Two Jaws”. The town is located on the very attractive Bay of Khor Fakkan and has one of the most important container terminals in UAE, which is operated by Gulftainer Company.

Although the town is a part of the emirate of Sharjah, it is completely surrounded by the emirate of Fujairah. As a part of the emirate of Sharjah, the town is ruled by Sheikh Dr. Sultan Al-Qasimi, who is a member of the Al-Qasimi house, the royal family of the Sharjah Emirate.

The distance between the famous city of Dubai and Khor Fakkan is about 146 kilometers (90.72 miles), while the distance between Abu Dhabi, the federal capital of the UAE, and Khor Fakkan is about 280 kilometers (173.98 miles). If you are coming from outside of the UAE, you will find many choices of international airlines from which to choose that operate in Abu Dhabi: Dubai, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaima, and Al-Fujairah international airports.

Khor Fakkan is a popular travel and tourist destination.  It has white sandy beaches and is surrounded by high mountains. It is considered a perfect destination for scuba diving and snorkeling. The coral reef in the Gulf of Oman is quite the sight to behold. Khor Fakkan has a traditional fruit, vegetable, and fish market (souq in Arabic) near the beach, which is worth visiting, too.

Another attractive destination near Khor Fakkan is the Al Wurrayah Falls in Wurrayah Wadi, which is located in the emirate of Al-Fujairah. This waterfall with its natural swimming pool and mountainous hiking spot is the most visited waterfall in the UAE. To reach Wurrayah Wadi, you need a vehicle with a four-wheel drive because there are no paved roads connected to it.

There is no public transportation service within the town. The only available transportation methods are rented cars and taxis. The intercity buses and shared taxis are available from and to the cities of Al-Fujairah, Massafi, Al- Dhaid, and Sharjah from the main terminal in Khor Fakkan. Khor Fakkan does not has many hotel choices, but the most famous one is the Oceanic Hotel, a four-star hotel with a beach resort and park.

The climate of Khor Fakkan is similar to the rest of the UAE. . The temperature in winter is between 20 C to 30 C (68 F to 86 F), while in the summer, it ranges from 35 C to 48 C (95 F to 118.4 F). Khor Fakkan is a calm tourist spot in which to relax after touring the noisy and bustling city of Dubai.

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Professional surfers from all over the world will be descending upon Manly Beach, known as one of Sydney’s most beautiful beaches which boasts miles of tree-lined soft white sand and the perfect surf, to participate in the inaugural Australian Open of Surfing Event, taking place February 11-19, 2012.

More than 100,000 surfers, tourists, and Sydney-siders are expected to flood the beach to attend the free 9-day event, which also includes an exciting world-class Skate Bowl featuring the world’s best skateboarders and live concerts featuring some of Australia’s top musicians.

“The Inaugural Australian Open of Surfing will reinforce Manly Beach and Sydney’s reputation as a top surfing destination, not just for pro-surfers, but for any traveler interested in a vibrant coastal lifestyle and all the activities that go along with that,” said Sandra Chipchase, Chief Executive Officer at Destination New South Wales.

“Manly Beach is a destination gem in Sydney, and this event will help to showcase all that it has to offer young travelers – not only an unbelievable surf location, but the hub of live music, surf lifestyle, great restaurants, shopping, museums, and art.”

Destination New South Wales, along with event sponsors Hurley and Billabong, are partnering to bring the event to Manly Beach.  While the surf competition will take center stage, the other activities have been designed to attract beach lovers, surfing enthusiasts, and youth travelers alike.

A unique wooden bowl structure, dubbed the “Beach Bowl,” has been constructed especially for the skateboarding competition, which will feature three divisions – Juniors, Pro, and Pro Masters – showcasing more than 80 competitors. The total prize winnings being awarded to skateboarders top $50,000 and promises to draw notable athletes from around the world.

Large scale music performances from Australian bands and artists will also hit the stage throughout the event, drawing music lovers out to the sand for some music in the famous Australian summer sun.

“I grew up surfing New South Wales’ beaches, and to me, there is no better surf destination in the world,” said Sally Fitzgibbons, winner of the ASP Women’s World Title at the US Open of Surfing in Huntington Beach, CA in July 2011 and New South Wales native.

“New South Wales is full of incredible surf spots, and Manly Beach is one of the best in the world. I’m so excited that the surf community is recognizing the amazing surfing Australia and Manly Beach have to offer by hosting this world renowned event there.”

Along with the featured athletic events, attendees will also have the opportunity to partake in unique Manly Beach activities and Australian surf culture. The area offers extensive opportunities for waterfront dining, exciting nightlife, contemporary fashion boutiques, museums, and adventure activities.

Adventure and sports enthusiasts can partake in some of Manly’s  offerings such as beach volleyball, kayaking, paddle boarding, surf lessons, or even whale-watching while the more retail-oriented traveler can stroll through the stores, arcades, and boardwalks discovering Australian handmade jewelry, clothes, shoes, and artworks.

The article Inaugural Australian Open of Surfing in February 2012 appeared first on The Toonari Post - News, Powered by the People!.

In its final ranking of the most popular ski resorts for the 2011 calendar year, SkiReports.com ranks California’s Mammoth Mountain as the most popular ski resort in North America. With a total of 99,458 Facebook fans, Mammoth beat out the other top four as follows: California’s Heavenly Mountain, British Columbia’s Whistler Blackcomb, Colorado Resorts Vail, and Breckenridge respectively.

Mammoth CEO Rusty Gregory started as a lift ticket operator at the resort in 1978 and can now boast at being the head of the most popular resort in the world. When Mammoth became the first resort with 50,000 fans, he won a friendly wager with his Whistler Blackcomb counterpart, Intrawest CEO Bill Jensen.

Though our sources say that Gregory has yet to receive his winnings of a “spendy bottle of champagne”, he will no doubt enjoy the satisfaction of being the first resort to 100,000 fans even more.

SkiReports.com’s 10 most popular resorts:

1. Mammoth Mountain, CA (99,458 fans)
2. Heavenly Mountain, CA (93,887 fans)
3. Whistler Blackcomb, BC (87,477 fans)
4. Vail, CO (79,765 fans)
5. Breckenridge, CO (66,060 fans)
6. Jackson Hole, WY (62,088 fans)
7. Keystone, CO (56,145 fans)
8. Northstar at Tahoe, CA (49,498 fans)
9. Beaver Creek, CO (40,068 fans)
10. Mountain High, CA (39,742 fans)

At number 11 on the list, Mountain Creek in New Jersey comes in as the most popular resort on the east coast.  Only an hour’s drive from New York City, it is seven hours closer than the East Coast’s second most popular resort, Maine’s Sugarloaf Mountain. Many of Sugarloaf’s followers will tell you that its remote distance from New York lends to its unique charm and loyal following.

The East Coast’s top 5 resorts are:

1. Mountain Creek, NJ (30,715 fans)
2. Sugarloaf, ME (29,283 fans)
3. Killington, VT (27,101 fans)
4. Sunday River, ME (25,388 fans)
5. Snowshoe Mountain, WV (25,061 fans)

Though there are many ways to compare mountains, SkiReports.com focuses on total Facebook fans as a metric which incorporates total visits, mountain loyalty, and effectiveness of communication between a resort and its patrons. Mammoth’s Social Media Director, Steve Krcmar, stated, “Social media facilitates two-way communication between Mammoth and our guests.

Our visitors are a passionate bunch, and our goal is to stoke them out with videos, photos, contests, and info, as well as listening to their suggestions and remedying their complaints.”

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It is an irony that Machu Picchu should cast a shadow over nearly all else in Peru; yet the ruins, situated at nearly 8,000 feet above sea-level, fall shy of Cuzco, looking down from over 11,000. The ancient Inca capital, and UNESCO World Heritage Site, Cuzco, still thrives today, and provides a dynamic base from which tourists can visit Machu Picchu and other sites.

The name ‘Cuzco’ comes from the Inca language, Quechua; it means ‘navel.’ The Incas saw their capital as the centre of their empire, as the navel is at the centre of the body. This language survives today, and is spoken by many Peruvian highlanders. Most Peruvians have spoken Spanish since the conquest of the Incas in the 16th century.

There are three ways of reaching Cuzco (or Cusco). It has its own airport, attainable from neighbouring countries; there are also bus and train services. Transport in Peru is an adventure in itself, sometimes misadventure: flying can be a dangerous proposition, as the quick ascent can lead to health problems.

The region’s altitude can cause severe illness, known locally as “soroche,” which, on rare occasions, can be fatal. Even the slower approach by land does not guarantee an easy time. It is strongly recommended that visitors take a couple of days to acclimatise. Relaxed meandering through the town is a good way to explore the many sites, and to plan excursions.

There are various ways of fighting altitude sickness, the most interesting of which is the use of coca leaves. Coca tea is legal and widely available. The leaves can be chewed or steeped, and are often recommended for energy lost due to altitude fatigue, as well as for many other problems.

Lest one become afraid of “soroche” or of becoming a coca-junkie, the former is rarely more than a feeling of growing pains, the latter is only an acquired taste for the tea – few enjoy chewing. The slight risk is well worth the visit: the city offers a range of attractions for most everyone.

Cuzco has museums and architecture promoting the rich history. The culinary scene is as high in quality as the city’s elevation: Peruvian cuisine is award-winning, world-class and exotic (Guinea-pig is beyond the fortitude of most, but unlikely as the origin of the term ‘living high on the hog’). Horse trails provide beautiful scenery; the night-life keeps many dancing, eating, shopping and wandering quite late.

The city is also surrounded by other sites of interest. Higher still than Cuzco, the ruins of Sacsayhuaman (tour-guides resign themselves to the inevitability of its pronunciation as “sexy woman”) are mostly walls of colossal stone. Artisanal shopping is abundant in nearby towns, such as Pisac –again, travel can be an adventure when the steering-wheel comes off on the lazy bus-ride. Rafting is also popular, in the Urubamba and Apurimac rivers. The train ride to Lake Titicaca is breathtaking as well.

Of course, Machu Picchu is the most famous site, and always leaves an impression. Tourists can reach it easily by train or, less easily, by hiking on the Inca Trail over several days. One might meet pleasant tourists, see parrots flying in flocks, and have the reward of seeing Peru’s most famous (of eleven) UNESCO World Heritage Sites, especially rewarding if up early to see the sun rise over it.

Cuzco is one of the most interesting and dynamic cities in this culturally rich country.

Bons voyages!

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Some believe the centre of the world is wherever they are; others believe it is one among several ‘World Cities.’ The definition varies by location, by culture or personal interpretation. What is less ambiguous is the list of these major cities. No version of this list should omit London as one of the great capitals of this world.

It is arguably the most important Western city in history, or was, and it remains one of the top tourist destinations anywhere. Such large cities are considered to share many characteristics, good and bad, such as a greater focus of culture, higher crime, more pollution and greater diversity. London is a good exemplar of these and many other big-city traits.

There is the typical list of ‘pros and cons’: some of the best theatre in the world, heavy traffic, free museums and galleries, high living-costs, density of historical sites, the oldest — and it shows — underground railway systems in the world. There are some surprising contradictions as well.

Living expenses can be very high; rent in particular can be exclusive. On the other hand, groceries are often on sale, and some are regularly quite cheap. Alcohol is usually cheaper than in many other countries, which often leads to public altercations; taking the last train home can be an odious experience.

This national alcoholism is often debated, but remains undeniable; nonetheless, the level of creativity and contribution to the global pool is equally irrefutable. In many cases, the intoxicants might spur the creative contribution. It can be dangerous to walk the streets at night: many know someone who has been beaten for no discernible reason; knife crime is a problem; racial violence is reported on occasion.

Yet London is also far less intimidating than one might expect: it is possible to walk for over an hour at night and see very few other people. Some people are quite friendly; others, who appear threatening, are actually the most gentle and warm — and misunderstood — people one might encounter.

The city boasts a range of museums and galleries full of some of the most famous pieces in the world. Many charge no admission. Access to this culture is considerable, especially given the value of these collections to Western civilization.

In all too typical fashion, it is the arts that are always under attack from the government, whichever party is in power: London, and the entire country, produce more world-class art –whether art, music, film, literature – than almost every other country, and it has some of the most respected and productive schools; still, each government is quick to undermine these national resources by cutting funds.

This is not limited to these islands, of course. London is fiercely proud, and rightly so. It can make fun of itself, and realise its faults. It is exclusive but welcoming; dangerous in parts, safe in others. London can cost an arm for a concert, but smaller venues are often cheaper than a cinema ticket. Alcohol does not cost an arm, but might cost a liver.

The pubs vary from cozy to clubs: one can find an intimate atmosphere or lose one’s hearing with the music. London offers a great density and diversity of experiences; it is expensive, but worth a visit or a longer stay. The contradictions can be a fascinating diversion, and can inspire those who investigate the city.

Bon voyage!

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Traveling for many people means spending a lot of money for leisure and fun. It can also mean harming the environment. The fact is, it is entirely possible to travel in an environmentally responsible way while saving money. Walking is the simplest and easiest option to save money, improve your health, and help the environment.

By leaving the car behind and simply walking or riding a bicycle, you are doing both your health and the environment a favor. Of course, walking for long distances is not a good option for far away destinations. Renting a bicycle for those trips rather than renting a car can strengthen muscles, improve cardiovascular health, reduce congestion, and generate zero emissions.

Public transportation is widely considered to be the holy grail of environmentalism. Buses, trains, metros, subways, and trams are great ways of getting around. Most towns and cities have adequate coverage. Furthermore, the tourist will not get lost as easily because the driver knows where they are going.

It would be an adventure from buying tickets to finding a seat to knowing when to get off plus saving energy. Also, public transportation is the cheapest method to travel around the city compared renting a car or hiring a taxi during the trip. Tram and metro networks can be found in a lot of cities around the world such as Tokyo, Vancouver, Baku, Rome, Valparaíso, Paris, San Francisco, Dubai, Kuala Lumpur, and Pittsburg.

Many airports have good public transportation links, which means getting a bus or train to reach to the airport instead of driving there is easy. In some countries, carrying a bicycle onto public transportation is accepted, especially in Scandinavian countries and the Netherlands. In cities that do not allow bicycles on their public transportation systems, using foldable bicycles is a good choice.

Simply choosing an electronic ticket rather than a paper ticket would reduce the wasted papers and inks. It can also help in reducing the number of trees cut. If you are flying, it is better to bring light luggage rather than a large suitcase. The more a package weighs, the more fuel the plane uses, which affects the surrounding enviornment.

Many airlines also have a weight limit, and will charge you for luggage that exceeds the limit. That might lead to unexpected charges to the travel budget you have planned. Selecting a green hotel during the trip is also a great way to save the environment. Tourists can find numerous environmentally friendly hotels, B&B’s, and lodges for different budgets and rates on the Internet.

While staying in the hotel, try not to waste resources. You can do this by turning off the TV, switching off all the lights off, and turning off the air-conditioner or heat down when no one is in the room. Opting for short showers and using your own toiletries instead of the small and usually over-priced toiletries provided by the hotel can also help reduce your carbon footprint.

Last, try to avoid disposable cameras and bring your own digital camera. Like other modern devices, which takes loads of energy to make and only get used once before being dumped, disposable cameras can be wasteful.

The article How to Help the Environment and Save Money on Your Next Trip appeared first on The Toonari Post - News, Powered by the People!.

Have you ever lost a luggage during a travel?

Last year the total cipher for lost luggage enclosed 30 million items. A leading Australian insurance, named Travel Insurance Direct reported that these losses have increased since previous years.

Ian Jackson General Manager at Travel Insurance Direct explained that almost 30 million bags were misguided or mishandled throughout 2010, a 17 percent augment from the previous year.

He continued by saying:

“Unfortunately for travelers, growing traffic levels at airports worldwide have combined with extraordinary weather events to increase the chances of your luggage going missing,”

The company explained that the primary reasons of mishandling luggage were the troubles with flights, caused by the Icelandic volcano eruption and unexpected storms across North America & Europe. A total of 300,000 flights were cancelled throughout the year.

In a statement, Mr. Jackson tried to explain the efforts made, he added: “Until recently, airports had been making excellent improvements in their baggage handling processes and technology, but luggage loss is now on the increase again”.

“Fortunately, the majority of mishandled bags were reunited with their owners within 48 hours but there will still more than a million items lost last year and never seen again.”

“Unfortunately there’s nothing a traveler can do about flight disruptions, but there are still several simple measures travelers can take to reduce the chances and impact of lost luggage,” The most important thing of all is to ensure all luggage is properly labeled and never travel without adequate travel insurance.” , Mr. Jackson added.

The largest sector for the company is the lost, damaged and stolen luggage. On their website, Travel Insurance team listed at 10 lost luggage tips to ensure your luggage travels as safely as possible when en route to your next destination.

Now its time to think twice before fliying without a luggage insurance, in fact these days just by actually getting your luggage is a matter of luck!

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Sun soaked Miami, Florida is a vacation destination for visitors across the country and world wide. Known for its year round warm climate, tropical beaches, and energizing nightlife, Miami has been a hotspot for decades. Palm tree lined streets and a beach atmosphere makes for a perfect travel getaway.

Miami is a crossroads of American and Caribbean cultures and the city blends its flavor and influences to share with the world. Any visitor spending a weekend in Miami can have a fun filled vacation, experiencing all the city has to offer, while maintaining a healthy, green lifestyle.

The Clifton South Beach Hotel brings the stylish, chic atmosphere of Miami living to its guests. It is one of the premier South Beach hotels, located just steps away from the famous tropical beach, restaurants, and bars.

The Clifton South Beach Hotel sets itself apart from other properties by putting in impeccable, environmentally friendly attention to detail. The interior furnishings are made with recyclable and renewable materials. This includes areas like the dry wall, to the mattresses. The paints used throughout the building have zero volatile organic compounds.

Each room comes with bath products that are good for the environment. The Carlton South Beach is a LEED hotel, and a carbon neutral hotel. The exterior of the hotel stays true to its art deco roots; a popular architectural style seen throughout beautiful South Beach. Staying at the Carlton South Beach gives guests an optimal location and can satisfy any environmentalist’s needs.

A first stop on any Miami itinerary is often to the legendary beach. Taking in the soft white sand and turquoise colored ocean is a breathtaking scene for any new visitor, or long time visitor, to South Beach. Finding an empty spot of the sand and spending the day at the beach is a fun, free, eco friendly activity for anyone to enjoy.

Bringing a picnic lunch with locally sourced food is a healthy option to a day at the beach. Working on a golden tan, cooling off in the clear ocean, and playing a game of volleyball are all popular ways to pass the time in South Beach.

Enjoying the outdoors is possibly one of the most fulfilling ways to appreciate the environment. However, while doing so, it is always important to keep the beach clean and the way it was originally found.

Getting around South Beach has never been greener. Walking is an easy, healthy way to get around the neighborhood. Visitors taking a stroll along famous Ocean Drive can get some exercise and pass through one outdoor restaurant after another.

Swoop, a newly introduced company, makes traveling through South Beach eco friendly, and free. Swoop is a line of electric golf carts, seating up to six passengers at a time, that brings people around the South Beach neighborhood. Passengers can go run errands, go grocery shopping, or be dropped off at their favorite restaurant.

Swoop operates every day of the week from 1 p.m. to 2 a.m. This free service is now a well known way to easily get around town, without doing any harm on the environment.

South Beach streets are full of shopping opportunities. The pedestrian only street of Lincoln Road gives people an all around outdoor shopping and dining experience. People can browse through stores, sit at an outdoor café, and spend some leisure time in the relaxed ambiance.

Mango Tree, a shop located on 6th street, is full of products made from local artists. The store sells a variety of soaps, lotions, and incense. Shopping there is a green way to bring back some souvenirs and support the artisanal products made by locals in South Beach.

For some, getting pampered is part of the ultimate relaxing vacation. Uhma Spa is an organic spa in the heart of Miami where all soothing and pampering needs can be taken care of.

All organic products are used in the different spa treatments available. Anything from back massages, body treatments, and the famous Sabai Healing Massage blends professional skill with natural products.

Uhma Spa takes a cultural spread of treatment practices, from holistic Indian traditions to aromatherapy from Europe, and makes their services good for the customer and environment.

The shop at Uhma Spa also offers a line of organic products to take home, including makeup, hair products, candles, and items for children. A day at the spa will have visitors leaving rejuvenated and refreshed, ready for a night out on the town.

Dining out in style is made easy by the numerous amounts of chic and contemporary restaurants all around South Beach. Escopazzo is an organic Italian restaurant, serving up dishes made from fresh ingredients. Offering up a menu full of favorite Italian meals, including anything from pasta, fish, meat, and raw food, Escopazzo is a great place to have a nice meal with organic products.

After a meal of delicious Italian food, tropical cocktails and nightlife await on Ocean Drive, where it is easy to dance the night away until the early morning hours. Taking in the sights and scenes of Miami, from the shopping, dining, to the beach, is now full of green places to explore.

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For tourists around the world, going to Barcelona could be a dream vacation. When they hear about the famous architect “Gaudi”, “Colon”, “La Ciutadella”, “Las Ramblas” and “Plaza Cataluña”, they will automatically think about Catalonia’s capital. Travelers get to know the city while visiting the most popular monuments, but from a local point of view getting to know the city takes longer.

Art, literature, and history are important reasons for visiting a city. However, Barcelona is not only known for cultural wonders. For football supporters, follow the Football Club Barcelona Tour. Only one ticket grants entrance to the New Camp, Barça museum or any VIP area popular among tourists.

Barcelona’s nightlife is breathtaking. There are clubs, bars, pubs or even karaoke bars for any age and style. You could find a wide range of bars and clubs:  House music, R&B, Latin music, Techno or Dance, whatever you feel like dancing.

One way to get a feel for the city is to check out a local party or tradition in town or around the city. Loriana Mitova, a Latvian girl coming from Ireland said, “The best way I could know the real lifestyle of the city was enjoying the best traditions and local parties. I also lived with a Spanish friend and that helped me to get different holidays which I have never expected to have.”

She also admits she “didn’t want to be a normal tourist. That is why I looked up the most amazing tours I could find”.

Being in Barcelona on St George’s Day is unusual for tourists. On that day, the tradition is special for couples. The girl must give a book to the boy, and the boy must get a red rose for the girl.

Because of this, the streets are full of small stores selling books and roses. The popular tradition has grown up and nowadays they even sell Barcelona Football club roses and any book that is on the market. People go crazy and look around for the best book for their boyfriends or the nicest rose for their girlfriends.

It is also very easy to keep children entertained in Barcelona, due to the amount of amusement parks in the area. “Port Aventura” stays in the memories of tourists, as well as “Tibidabo”. In summertime, aquatic parks are the best decision.

Because of the usual hot weather it is very enjoyable for kids being inside a swimming pool the whole day. Also, every family is free to go around the most beautiful beaches of “Costa Daurada” and “Costa Brava”.

In the winter, Christmas lights of “Plaza Cataluña” brighten the sky. In spring, indulge in buying books or roses for your partners on St George’s day. In the summer, the wide range of beaches offers many choices. Finally, fall is the perfect season to enjoy the different landscapes of colorful trees.

Clearly, it is not possible to visit Barcelona in one or two weeks. But if time allows, it is possible to really visit and experience the authentic life style of the city.

Being a tourist in Barcelona means following any situation that might come up without hesitation. Whether it is winter, spring, summer or fall, any time of the year is perfect for a Barcelona vacation.

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Located on the beautiful Andaman Sea, Phuket Island is known for its crystal clear blue water, white sandy beaches, abundant juicy fruit and of course, its beautiful nickname, the Pearl of Thailand.

Each and every year, countless travelers from all over the world rush into Phuket Island to enjoy a better vacation. While islands like Fiji, Hawaii and Maldives are being overwhelmingly famous, Phuket Island finds its rightful place in the competitive global island traveling industry.

Phuket Island offers glimpses of the local life of Phuket islanders and is usually the first place for travelers to visit. However, what really attract people are the islets around the main island.

Phang-Nga Bay, which is 47 miles northeast of Phuket Island, is famous for the emerald green water, red forests, and most importantly, islets in fascinating shapes scattering the sea like stars.

There are many romantic things to do in Phang-Nga Bay. For example, you can stay in a hotel by the water, wake up early in the morning and enjoy the scenery that looks like a Chinese landscape painting in your own balcony. And it’s never wrong to follow others to take a long tail boat to explore the shiny green water, crocodile-shaped stones, mysterious caves and the well-known islands like James Bond Island (Ko Ping Kan) and Nail Island (Ko Tapu). After exploring nature in the sun, grabbing a fresh coconut drink is absolutely recommended.

As for the islets close to Phuket City, a personal favorite is Phi Phi Leh Island, which is 30 miles (48km) southeast of the city. Uninhabited as it is, Phi Phi Leh Island is actually formed by stony mountains capped with greenish foliage and most of its attraction spots are surrounded by steep limestone cliffs soaring out of the water.

Maya Bay on Phi Phi Leh Island found fame through the 1999 movie “The Beach”, which brought the snow-white sandy beach as well as the bluish green water to the world. And undoubtedly, the figurative saying “walking on white pepper powder” helps boost the number of travelers as well.

On the southern tip of Phi Phi Leh Island lies Loh Somah Bay where you will find the most breathtakingly crystal blue water and yes, the best place for snorkeling and diving. If you happen to be a water phobic person, no problem, you can sit on the edge of a little boat, have a drink, enjoy the coral reefs which are 33 feet (10m) under the water and feed fish with bread slices.

Nevertheless if you still crave for more water sports or fish feeding, it might be time to leave Phi Phi Leh Island and head for Coral Island (Ko Hae).

On Coral Island, the most amazing thing is to walk undersea. Each undersea walker will wear a helmet filled with oxygen so that they will have no trouble breathing in the completely blue water world and bread slices will be delivered by undersea working staff to attract colorful fishes. Besides undersea walking, parasailing, waterskiing and scuba diving are all available on Coral Island.

There are hundreds of thousands of islets around Phuket Island. Some of them have huge beds of coral reefs right next to the beaches and some of them are composed of many other tiny islets as small as ink drops. And yet, all of them co-mingle their roots underground and they altogether form the Pearl of Thailand, the amazing Phuket Island.

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“I am 21 years old, I take advantage of being young in order to experience new things, and hope that I won’t change as time passes by.”

Rafael comes from Paris, and loves to travel and discover new cultures. In a personal interview he said, ” I spend four months in Sahara in Niger. I’ve also been to Laos and Panama. What I love the most about traveling is the free drinks you get on the airplane! (Joking) You discover so many things, you get to eat and try new food, eat in restaurants any time, you get to see new girls in bikini, which is always nice for a man! I guess. But the most important thing is that every time I travel I have the opportunity to feel alive, because I am always learning and discovering new things. For me, if I’m traveling its like I have more chance that something will happen to my life, sometimes something great, sometimes something bad.

What is it for you being part of ToonariPost? ” I always saw this like a bright light. I just think this is an interesting experience, cause you get to know about other cultures. You are just discovering, and when you discover you make your own hypothesis and theories. It’s like being a scientist but without the boring part!”

When you write you are making sociological comparisons within cultures. How did you come up with this idea? “Well, I don’t believe in politics anymore. They are always the same thing; the economics don’t grab my interest. It’s always about capitalism and liberalism. The only thing that will, and keeps changing, is the culture. The culture is what makes something different, and there is much more to talk about when you are talking about culture.

What things do you take into consideration when you write? “Anything is funny, and you can even explain why the German, for example, behave this way and not that way…why the Panamanian behave this way and not the Ecuadorian’s way. With this aspect you are able to understand why this man is acting in a certain manner, I’m not taking this like a criticism cause nothing is wrong. You just get to learn the culture of the other. If something is normal for others and different for me, I have to accept it and mainly understand why they do or belief so. I just try to understand; most of the people offend cultures without any purpose, and they do this just because they don’t know about the other culture really.”

What is a message you want to give to your readers? “Well I would end this interview with two quotes of Shakespeare, that I think when both are connected they intend to sell a very interesting message.

“‘Tis better to be vile than vile esteemed”. When you are doing something, just do it 100 percent of yourself, go for it, and don’t mind what other people say. “My words fly up, my thoughts remain below, Words without thoughts never in Heaven go”. Body and mind have to be connected 100 percent, if you just are sure 99% about something don’t do it, cause this little one percent can change anything.”

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For all the people out there who love outdoor experiences, and know that there is not any other feeling on this planer as the one of being exposed to nature. What a great feeling is to breath the pure air, and the sound of birds that are resting on the trees. How beautiful it is to smell all the different kinds of flowers and to grab sometimes the magnificent pieces of fruits they provide to us. This is the greatness about nature, that it just relies there for us to enjoy freely, but for this reason for us to keep enjoying depends on the way we take care of it.

Therefore, here are great tips and advices to enjoy the outdoors environment.

Go out: First of all, what a person needs to do is get out from the city, leave behind the cold building and run to a place where you can smell the green grass and feel the pure air. Sometimes it is good to have a moment with nature, and just relax and do not feel any kind of stress.

Explore your local surroundings: Sometimes we do not appreciate the local surroundings we have in our own city. This is a good advice, because you would not need to a lot of money in order to travel somewhere close. People tend to think that their city is boring and that’s why they recur to leave and travel to other cities. But you will be surprised in finding and discovering special places in your owned city, places that are not really known or visited, and that you will have a great time.

Company: The great thing about organizing these simple getaways to a calm place is that you can take your close friends, family or couple. We know that in life the most spontaneous adventures that you don’t need to plan with great time ahead sometimes end up being gone of the most fun and great adventures. Therefore why not organizing a great trip, where you can enjoy with your loving ones?

Camping: Camping is one of the best experiences to feel nature at its top. From time to time we do need to leave luxuries behind and just adapt to simple situations, and something more simple and great than camping is hard to find. So why not organize a getaway to a close place with your friends and camp. It is great how eco-friendly this experience can be, but remember always to clean well the area where you did your camping in order to take care of the place.

Sun: The great thing is to wake up with the sunrise and the view of a sunrise sky is amazing. Therefore why not enjoy sleeping earlier than other days just to see this view. A good thing about camping and being outside is that you don’t count with light and you use and feel the light from the sun and the moon which is something most of the people most of the times forget.

Light food: To your trip you can also accompanied with a healthy menu, which will allow you to eat healthy. This would not only make you feel lighter and healthy, but its good from time to time to just detoxify the body eating lighter things and drinking tea or water.

With all this tips I just want to encourage all the people that need a simple backpacking experience to pack their things and run off to the closest place that can bring them peace and help clear the mind.

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