Posts Tagged ‘Travel Tips’
Set in the northern part of Europe, the country of Finland is bordered by Sweden, Norway, Russia, and the Gulf of Finland. It has an impressive 30,000 islands off its coast, and 188,000 island lakes, which makes this Nordic country renowned as one of Europe’s most striking. Still, regardless of such beauty, Finland’s past was tumultuous. At one time, it was caught in a tug-of-war between Sweden and Russia, and in fact, did not declare its independence until 1917.
Offering a high standard of living for its residents, Finland is now a contemporary country that is on the move. Helsinki is Finland’s capital, and it was founded in 1550. It provides tourists with sophisticated comforts and a pulsating nightlife. Helsinki has something for everyone. You can partake of a variety of museums, take a summer cruise through the archipelago, or relax and enjoy a Finnish sauna.
One of Helsinki’s most famous tourist attractions is Temppeliaukia Church. It was built by brothers Timo and Tuomo Suomalainen, and they carved it into solid rock. Another favorite stop is Soumenlinna, an 18th century Sea Fortress. It was originally constructed to secure Helsinki against Russial attacks. Built in the 1740′s, it is one of the largest in the world.
Finland is home to more museums than anywhere else in the world, and two of the finest are the Ateneum Art Museum, and the National Museum. If a castle with a moat strikes your fancy, be sure to visit Hame Castle. It was built in the 13th century. In the 1830′s it converted to a prison but it has been restored, and is now a museum.
Constructed in 1950, Korkeasaari Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in the world. Another must-see is the Olympic Stadium. It was built in 1940, but due to WWII, the games were cancelled. It was not until 1952 that Finland finally hosted the Olympic Games.
Finland has a multitude of intriguing places to visit. There’s Olavinlinna, St. Olaf’s Castle, which is balanced on the edge of a tiny green island lake. Looking as if it came from a fairytale, this 500-year-old castle is one of Finland’s better-known attractions. Winding past the southern coastline, King’s Road once served as a link between the Swedish and Russian kingdoms, and there are many taverns, castles, manor houses, cottages, and stone churches still intact.
Turku was once the capital of Finland, and it is the oldest medieval town in the country. A mere 750 years old, it has a 13th century castle that now serves as a Viking museum. Finally, the Land of the Midnight Sun and the Northern Lights is a must on any itinerary. Lapland is sparsely populated, and there is tranquil beauty in its forests, lakes, brooks, fells, and rapids. You will want to partake of the local salmon or reindeer, and do not forget to try some of the rare golden cloudberry wine. Lapland is also Saint Nick’s home, and you will definitely want to visit Santa’s theme park, Santapark!
Incoming search terms:
- Powered by Article Dashboard current check printing
- Powered by Article Dashboard tennis partners
- Powered by Article Dashboard entertainment center
- Powered by Article Dashboard asian martial arts
- powered by myBB aboriginal art crocodile
- Powered by Article Dashboard scuba diving course
- Powered by Article Dashboard arizona high school athletics
- powered by phpBB consumer reports online discount
- Powered by Article Dashboard soccer village
- Powered by Article Dashboard oklahoma paintball online
Laos is a country that offers plenty of challenging terrain, interesting sites and activities for the adventurous. You can kayak or go boating down the Mekong, trek through jungles atop an elephant, go exploring and even rock-climbing in limestone caves, hike mountains in search of remote and ancient temple ruins or camp out in wildlife conservation parks.
Below on this Laos Country Guide is some useful travel information for visitors contemplating a trip to Laos, including suggestions on where and when to go, visa requirements, money used, information about Laos food and drink as well as a handy Travellers’ Dos and Don’ts list.
Traveller Dos and Don’ts
- Do dress modestly when entering temples, museums, official buildings and government offices; no shorts or sleeveless shirts, tank tops or beach wear. Shorts that cover the thighs are acceptable everywhere else. Be clean and neat in appearance whenever possible.
- Do like the locals and keep your sense of time flexible. Expecting punctuality will often lead to frustration.
- Do remove shoes when entering temples and homes (it is convenient to wear slip-ons or sandals)
- Don’t point your feet towards people or Buddha images. When sitting in a temple, keep legs together and to the side in a mermaid position.
- Do consider leaving a small donation when visiting temples.
- Don’t take pictures posing with Buddha images, handle, climb or sit on them
- Don’t, if you are a woman, touch monks, hand them objects, sit with or talk to them outside of temples. Any offerings need to pass through the hands of a man first.
– Do ask permission before taking pictures of people, particularly in villages outside the cities where the people may have superstitions against being photographed.
- Don’t touch people or children on their heads.
- Don’t lose your temper in public – speaking loudly and angrily is often counterproductive.
- Don’t engage in public displays of affection.
- Do greet someone who is greeting you – by nop, handshake or a polite bow and smile – but don’t offer a kiss!
- Do respect the Laos’ interpersonal space – there is little physical contact or closeness between individuals who are not family.
- Don’t be surprised if someone goes right past you to get to something first – Laos generally do not queue up for anything.
- Do bargain for goods in markets and shops (except where there are fixed prices) but do so with a good attitude and smile. Prices are generally not inordinately high to begin with as they may be in other Asian cities.
Visas and Passports
Passports
Passport with at least six months remaining validity required by everyone who enters Laos.
Visas
Required by all nationals from the UK, Australia, Canada, USA and EU countries.
Visa requirements are subject to change and you should check with your embassy to check the latest visa requirements.
Visas on arrival are for 30 days for most nationalities and this can be extended a max of two times for up to 30 days each time.
The Lao Ministry of Foreign Affairs states that visas can be issued upon arrival in Laos to tourists at the following ports of entry: Wattay Airport in Vientiane; Pakse and Luang Prabang Airports; Friendship Bridges in Vientiane and Savannakhet; and land-border crossings at Boten, Huay Xai and Chong Mek.
Visa Cost
Visa cost ranges from $20 (China) to $42 (Canada). Sweden is $31, $35 for the USA, UK and most of Europe, $40 for India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka and $30 for Australia. The full list is on display at the Visa Application window.
Validity
All visas are issued for single entry and must be used within two months of date of issue.
Applications to: Consulate (or consular section at embassy) or an officially recognized tour operator. A visa valid for Laos can also be obtained from travel agencies in Bangkok (Thailand) or on arrival.
Active Travel Laos (http://www.activetravellaos.com) is member of ACTIVETRAVEL ASIA offers a wide selection of Laos adventure tours, including hiking and trekking, kayaking, biking, motorcycling, overland touring and family travel packages. The travel packages and custom itineraries will take travelers through exotic destinations to really experience the culture, history and nature of Laos.
Incoming search terms:
- Powered by Article Dashboard chinese martial art
- Powered by Article Dashboard discount art supplies
- Powered by Article Dashboard custom saltwater aquarium
- Powered by Article Dashboard personal injury attorneys new york city
- Powered by Article Dashboard new york personal injury lawyer
- Powered by Article Dashboard new york birth injury lawyer
- Powered by Article Dashboard freedom to bear arms
- Powered by Article Dashboard cultures
- Powered by Article Dashboard oregon state
- Powered by Article Dashboard news article for right to bear arms
Pattaya is one of the most beautiful sea-side resorts in the world; its breathtaking bays are situated on the East Coast in the Gulf of Thailand.
It is approximately 140 kilometers east of Bangkok. Many years ago Pattaya was an undiscovered fishing village, but today it has transformed into one of the most sought after holiday destinations in Southeast Asia. Pattaya hotel deals are numerous and will allow anyone to afford the many attractions that are available for the tourist, regardless of their taste in holiday activity. It is a tourist paradise!
The prime attraction of Pattaya is undoubtedly the beaches, the North Pattaya Beach stretches from the Dolphin Roundabout through to Middle Pattaya, which is referred to as the “beach of fun”. This area is choc full of shopping malls, bars, restaurants, hotels and boutiques. And on it goes to South Pattaya Beach, catering to the night owls with its extraordinary range of disco’s and nightclubs.
There are many other popular beaches in the area, one of these, Jomtien Beach is really popular with holiday making families, the kids love it! It is located seven kilometers from Pattaya and also has Wong and Koh Lang beaches. Every beach in Pattaya is clean and safe; it is a great place to unwind.
The attractions of Pattaya are not limited to serene beaches, spread out beyond the beaches in forty acres of lush tropical green is the Million Years Stone Park and Pattaya Crocodile Farm, this is a living museum of natural beauty. It is a striking tourist attraction that took more than twenty years to create. Here you will see all forms of life, animal, vegetable and mineral including a 200 year old bonsai tree and gigantic rock gardens. This is not the only attraction, there are so many more, one worth mentioning is the Pattaya Bottle Museum.
Another attraction in Pattaya worth mention is the Khao Pattaya, this small hill is found south of Pattaya beach and is the site of the Thai Naval radio station and the monument to of Krom Luang Chumphon Khet Udomsak, founder of the Thai navy; Ko Khrok, is an islet bordered by incredible rock formations; and Mini Siam, houses splendid replicas of architectural work like the Temple of the Emerald Buddha.
As Pattaya is the home of an incredibly beautiful beaches, it caters very efficiently for water sports and beach enthusiasts. Activities range from, believe it or not, sandcastle building, kayaking, snorkeling, fishing, scuba diving, beach tennis, water skiing, parasailing and windsurfing. If you are missing your bowling club meet, there are three bowling clubs of an international standard. Of course it wouldn’t be a visit to Thailand without seeing elephants and the Pattaya Elephant Village showcases the daily life of the elephants and their masters’ lives. This is an unforgettable experience as you can ride and hand feed the elephants.
There is a horse riding school for riding enthusiasts, they have more than thirty horses. If golf is your game, then there is no shortage of courses that you can take advantage of. All golf courses are of an international standard.
Exploring the island of Pattaya on horse back is one of the best ways to enjoy its absolute beauty, take a pony trek along the forested hills of the area. It doesn’t stop here, if you are seeking alternative entertainment, you can take part in paintball competitions. And for something really interesting, visit the training camps of professional Thai boxers and watch them put through their paces.
One of the biggest concerns for a family going on holiday is will the kids be catered for? There are a huge range of activities for them, from water parks, go-karting, theme parks, fishing and water sports as well as bungee jumping.
The nightlife of Pattaya is incomparable and there are many restaurants, night clubs, disco’s and bars, as well as cabarets and other shows. Pattaya is renowned for its nightlife and restaurants and cuisine varies from the cosmopolitan, continental variety to eastern.
You can eat gastronomic delights from traditional Thai and Chinese dishes, Italian, Indian, French and other European cuisine – restaurants in Pattaya cater for all dining imaginable. Worth special mention is the sea food specialties, these are available in restaurants located along South Pattaya and Jomtien beaches.
Because of the growing numbers of holidaymakers to the region, hotel accommodation is easily found. Hotels range in price from budget accommodation to the best possible luxury available. The majority of hotels are on the beachfronts of Pattaya.
Incoming search terms:
- Powered by Article Dashboard golf course
- powered by phpBB asian culture
- Powered by Article Dashboard holiday celebrations of different cultures
- Powered by Article Dashboard general health tips
- powered by phpBB southwest airlines
- Powered by Article Dashboard how to build a saltwater aquarium
- Powered by Article Dashboard monk tv show
- Powered by Article Dashboard other theme parks
- Powered by Article Dashboard life television
- powered by phpBB watch a walk to remember
Sleeping travel tips
Most of us have been on a plane flight at some stage of our lives. And I’ll bet that you have also had the delightful experiences that I have. The little cherub in the seat behind you with a toy that goes on and on and on. The old man snoring in your ear while the sunlight pours through the window. The air hostess coughing loudly to get your attention to see if you want some peanuts, just as you were about to drop off.
These are just some of the stressful situations air passengers face that can make a long (or even a short) haul flight unbearable. Thankfully as the years have worn on I have become savvy to the secrets of being able to sleep like a baby on a plane (although the dribbling, diaper wearing kind never do) and so I proudly now share them with you!
Book the right seat ahead of your journey – One big factor in how much shut-eye you can get will depend on where you are sitting. An aisle seat is just asking for trouble; that air hostess with her peanuts, or people clambering over you to get in or out to the toilet or their baggage. The middle seat is just as bad with elbows, knees and heads bobbing constantly into your personal space. This leaves the window seat – the perfect place for a snooze. The window seat means that you have the added advantage of the inside of the plane to rest your head against. If push comes to shove you can even rest your arm on the little ledge the windows have. Ahhh, but what about the bright light you ask? Well, as long as your fellow passengers don’t mind, put the window blind down or see secret number 2 below!
Things to help you sleep on the flight
Invest in an eye mask, a neck pillow and ear plugs – I used to snigger at those people on the plane who had taken these precautions. For that I humbly apologize – an eye mask, ear plugs and a neck pillow were the best investments for flight travel that I have ever made. The eye mask suitably blocks out the light (should your fellow passengers grumble about putting the blind down), the ear plugs block out the noise, and the neck pillow helps you find a comfy position so you do not wake up with the worst crick in the neck ever.
Ask for pillows and blankets as soon as you board – Armed with your trusty eye mask, ear plugs and neck pillow, it is time to bag those extra pillows and some blankets as soon as you board. It is amazing how planes have a lack of these supplies. Perhaps the staff are bored, waiting for the moment when two people arm wrestle to see who gets custody of the small, itchy blanket. That old adage, -first come, first served- rings very true here. Before the hostess even opens her mouth to greet you onto your flight, ask them for a blanket and pillow. You will thank me later for this tip, I promise you!
Things to do before boarding the plane
Empty your bladder before you board – There is nothing worse than just getting to the land of nod and then needing to visit the bathroom. And since you’re in the window seat, it means clambering over the folks in the middle and aisle seats to get out. You’d hate to wake them, wouldn’t you?
Relax before boarding – Although there can be a mixture of excitement and worry before boarding a long flight, it pays to relax as much as you can before you head down the jetway to the big tin can. This is especially true if there are stress factors like flight delays or overbooking, that can make you edgy before the flight. Take the weight off your feet and breathe deep; read a book, listen to your favorite music, or take a light cat nap (if you’re with somebody else, who can be sure to wake you when it’s time to board!). Whatever it is that makes you feel relaxed, then do it.
If all else fails – Try a glass of wine. Okay, so this isn’t exactly a secret to getting to sleep on a plane, but it can help you relax, and get in the mood for your vacation. And if you’ve tried all of these secrets and still don’t get any shut-eye, then you deserve a glass of the old vino!
Incoming search terms:
- Powered by Article Dashboard english dictionary
- Powered by Article Dashboard own a dollar store
- Powered by Article Dashboard florence shopping
- Powered by Article Dashboard the general auto insurance
- Powered by Article Dashboard cultures kids
- Powered by Article Dashboard arizona martial arts store
- Powered by Article Dashboard wear problems in motorcycle tires
- powered by vBulletin famous artists agency
- Powered by Article Dashboard arm wrestling tournament
- Powered by Article Dashboard institution number
In this modern world where transportation is fast and accessible, traveling around the world is not impossible anymore. You can easily search the internet, book a ticket and fly over to your desired destination. Some prefer going spontaneous while others choose to plan months before their visit. Whatever your preference is, the most important thing to put in mind is your safety during those travels especially when you are traveling with other family members. Here are few tips on how to travel safely.
Make sure you place your passport in a secured compartment. To be extra careful have your passport photocopied in case you lost your passport along the way.
For a first time traveler, it is better to sign up in a travel programs because you tend to travel in groups and this will increase your chance of safety.
Do inform your relatives of your destination and date of travel and how long you will be gone. At least when you are not home on time, they will certainly call for help. Don’t forget to make calls from abroad to update them of your destination.
Do not travel in areas that are high risk with violence and terrorism.
Be simple during travel. Wearing heavy accessories such as jewelries will only attract you to criminals especially when you are not familiar with the environment.
Do make some research on the destination you plan to visit so you can at least have a background on the safety and risks.
When it comes to packing, choose to travel light. Bringing heavy luggage only gives you higher risk to thieves and lost baggage.
For those who have maintenance medications make sure you placed it in an accessible compartment and make sure you bring your prescription to avoid any problems with the custom.
Do not bring plenty of cash instead use your credit cards to ensure your safety.
It is better if you can learn a bit of their local laws so will can avoid problems when traveling. Get to know their cultures and traditions.
Don’t forget to get an address of the nearest embassy so you can go directly to it when any problems arise during your travel.
Do not walk in lonely and dark alleys or road when you are in a foreign country
Traveling is not an easy task especially when you have to consider a lot of things before travel.
Do not be discouraged, after all the effort, you will see how rewarding traveling can be. It opens your mind to the diversity of this world. As St. Augustine said, “The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.
Incoming search terms:
- Powered by Article Dashboard discount travel fares
- Powered by Article Dashboard art paintings of animals and child
- Powered by Article Dashboard average time of a baseball game
- Powered by Article Dashboard travel accessories
- Powered by Article Dashboard road travel instructions australia
- Powered by Article Dashboard canada drugs
- Powered by Article Dashboard environmental science technology journal
- Powered by Article Dashboard meteorology website
- Powered by Article Dashboard meteorology problems
- Powered by Article Dashboard minority business development