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Travel Guide To Ho Chi Minh City In Vietnam

noreply@blogger.com (HotelBookingPro) — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 18:27:00 +0000

Vietnam is a great place to visit for just about anyone, anywhere, at anytime. Vietnam has a lot of great history, and carries a lot of events which helped shaped the world as we know it today and makes a great trip Vietnam.

Vietnam is located towards the south east of Asia, and holds a population of more than 86 million residents. Vietnam is the 13th most highly populated country in the world. So what are the historical events which took place in Vietnam?

First there was the Battle of Bach Dang River. This is the battle which gave Vietnam its independence from china. After many feuds with the French over the territory, this eventually leads to the famously known event of the Vietnam War.

So what makes Vietnam Unique? Vietnam has many beautiful locations unlike anything else in the world, along with many species of animals which can only be found around that region. Some of these places being;

World's Natural Heritage sites – 2 locations to be precise, Halong Bay, and Phong Nha-ke Bang National Park. Also containing 6 of the world's biosphere reserves. Vietnam containing one of the most highly bio-diverse life forms calling their sources of nature, home. Vietnam also holds more than 28 national parks; this is definitely a place to go if you wish to come face to face with a lot of life forms in which you have never had the chance to experience before.

Vietnam is also a great place to visit if you would like to experience a highly rich beautiful culture. From cultural history, to current culture today Vietnam has many historical and beautiful landmarks unlike any others in the world.

Many of the different cultures in the history of Vietnam religiously are Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, Christianity, and Roman Catholicism. You will find many of the historical landmarks and structures which can be found all over Vietnam are structured and designed around these religious cultures.

Vietnam has many different tourist programs in which visitors on Vietnam trips can attend to get the fullest educational experience from the community. Such tours consist of boat tours, tourism guides sponsored by hotels and ran by hotel staff, beach based tours, along with much more.

These are just a few of the countless sights which can be seen throughout the wonderfully unique country that is Vietnam. Come and discover this beautiful region, the land of plenty.

Ho Chi Minh Hotels - http://www.hotelbookingpro.com/hotels/vietnam/ho-chi-minh-city
Hotels in Vietnam - http://www.hotelbookingpro.com/hotels/vietnam

Things To See On Your Holidays In The Maldives

noreply@blogger.com (HotelBookingPro) — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 18:24:00 +0000

A paradise marked by the vibrant hues of sun and sea is what entices people to visit the Maldives. Draped in the cultural, monumental and folk splendour, the recreational options of the Maldives leave you spell-bound along with its panoramic views and natural beauty.

This place is ideal for people who would love to spend some time in a tranquil environment amidst nature and away from the bustles of the urban way of life.

Though there are innumerable tourist attractions that entice people from all over the world to come here, there are a few of these that are must sees while on holiday in the Maldives.

Male is the Commercial hub and capital city of the Maldives, it has various places that cannot be missed, the foremost being the National Museum located in Sultans Park. A perfect exhibition of statues, palanquins, printing press and thrones that were employed by the former sultans has been cherished since long ago here.

The rich culture of The Maldives is showcased here as the items from colonial and pre-colonial era on display in the museum reflecting the grandeur of the place. Apart from this, there is also the Islamic centre and Grand Friday mosque that captivate the tourists.

Known for its magnificent sightseeing locations, Fuamulaku is a somewhat famous tourist spot in the Maldives. The alluring farms that are abundant in vegetables and fruits are a unique feature of Fuamulaku.

Oranges, mangoes and pineapples are grown in fields that are exceptionally fertile. These farms are situated outside the tourist zone, and it is important for visitors to have a feasible reason and a permit to visit Fuamulaku.

Kudahuvadhoo is a great diving spot here in the Maldives, this is another must see location. Mysterious mounds known as hawittas are actually the ruins of various Buddhist temples that endow a spiritual meaning to the place.

The rarest and finest masonry can be witnessed at the old mosque that surpasses even the most famous of works of the world such as in Inca Wall in Peru. Situated few miles from the airport, a well-equipped diving school is also a plus-point that distinguishes Kudahuvadhoo from other islands.

Seenu Atoll, also known by the name of Addu Atoll is quite a popular destination among the divers who visit the Maldives. The mesmerizing crystal clear blue waters of the sea leave them stunned with its thrill and exuberance.

Umarus Plave, Kuda Hohola, and Kuda Kandu Corner are the main diving sites here. For travelers who are eager for more adventure they can take the route towards Muduka and Makunda. The sea here is renowned for its marine life that includes animals like lobsters, green turtles, manta ray and eagle ray.

Naifaru is a perfect holiday spot to be visited with the family, it forms a part of the Lhaviyani Atoll. Apart from the varied scenery, sandy mountains, sandy beaches, the beautiful sea view offers a peaceful and relaxing environment to all of its visitors and makes it an ideal

Maldives hotels - http://www.hotelbookingpro.com/hotels/maldives

Destination Singapore - A Fine City For All The Right Reasons

noreply@blogger.com (HotelBookingPro) — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 18:19:00 +0000

You may have heard the saying "Singapore is a fine city." You get fined for this, fined for that... you could even get fined for chewing gum (it caused a major door drama that stopped the MRT subway running). While there's no doubt that Singapore takes a tough stand on fines for anti-social issues and basic public behaviour, Singapore is also fine city for a tourists on a stopover or vacation break.

In fact, Singapore is one of the world's most popular destinations. A tiny island with mighty appeal, lying between Malaysia and Indonesia. Just 14 miles from north to south and 26 miles wide from east to west, it's slightly more than 3.5 times the size of Washington, DC. Singapore lies in the heart of exciting Southeast Asia, a bridge between east and west and a place that buzzes 24/7.

It offers visitors a world of fantastic possibilities. Its ultra-modern skyscrapers and towers of glass contrast with the colonial charm of historic buildings, secret laneways and Chinese shop houses.

It's a confusion of culture with slick style and business energy. A melting pot of Chinese, Malay, Indian and Eurasian races. Safe, fun and friendly, the perfect place for a break. Singaporeans are super helpful to visitors and just about everybody speaks English as this is the main language of business and everyday life.

Singapore is also just a few degrees from the equator, so it's always a hot and happening place literally. Tip: dress for the tropics with light comfortable clothing. See seven great things to do in Singapore below.

Singapore Shopping. A Buyer's Paradise

The number one attraction is undoubtedly shopping. Stroll down the main boulevard of Orchard Road and you'll find plenty to tempt you and your credit card, but window shopping costs nothing. Each side of the road is lined with glossy designer boutiques, big stores and fabulous malls, not to mention shops displaying the latest digital wizardy.

Don't miss exploring the other side of Singapore either. It's fun to spend a day wandering the different locales and historic backstreets of Chinatown, Little India and Arab Street.

Enjoy A Singapore Sling At Raffles

"When in Singapore, feed at Raffles", that was the advice of the renowned English author, Rudyard Kipling, and it still holds true today. The legendary Raffles Hotel is consistently voted as one of the top hotels in the world. It attracted a bevy of literary talent to its doors, from Joseph Conrad to Somerset Maugham to Noel Coward who were inspired by its unique atmosphere. First opened in 1887, Raffles has undergone extensive restoration over the years but today it's still as stylish as ever.

Now film celebrities, royalty, sports stars and anyone who's anyone, chooses to stay Raffles. Even if your budget doesn't allow an overnight booking, you could probably stretch to a refreshing Gin Sling in the Long Bar – it was invented here. Bartender Ngiam Tong Boon created this deliciously different cocktail close to a century ago.

Food, Glorious Food

Making money is not the only things on people's minds in Singapore. The subject of food is a national obsession. After breakfast has finished, where to have lunch and dinner are the big topics of the day. As a visitor, your taste buds are spoiled for choice with plenty of food halls, stalls, cafes and upmarket restaurants.

Nonya or Peranakan food is the closest Singapore has to a "national" cuisine. It combines Chinese, Malay and other influences into its own unique blend. The resulting dishes are imaginative, tasty and often extremely subtle.

Travel tip: If you're heading this way in the month of July, the annual Singapore Food Festival is in full swing. A gastronomic feast of workshops, places to eat, amazing recipes and things to try are all on the menu.

Singapore Zoo Night Safari

Forget a typical zoo experience, this is an "open" green environment where animals are allowed to roam in acres of lush jungle and parklands. Oppressive cages are absent.

The animals are actually kept in spacious, landscaped enclosures, separated from visitors by dry or wet moats. The moats are concealed with vegetation or dropped below the line of vision.

At night, Singapore zoo takes on a totally different feel with the famous Night Safari. A unique experience of exploring wildlife in a tropical jungle at night. Through subtle lighting, you can view over 1,000 nocturnal animals from 100 species in their habitat. It's well worth spending an evening out here. Show time starts at 7.30 as the sunset in this part of world is very reliable, thanks to the position, close to the equator.

Sentosa. Singapore's Premier Island Resort Getaway

Just 15 minutes from downtown Singapore, you'll find the resort getaway that is Sentosa Island. A stunning blend of leisure and recreational facilities, sea sports, golf and peaceful retreats. Get there by cable car (fantastic views) or bus, taxi and car.

A canopy of secondary rainforest covers 70 per cent of the 500-hectare island and it's home to monitor lizards, monkeys, peacocks, parrots as well as other native fauna and flora. With is long stretch of white sandy beach, this is the only place in Singapore with real beachfront accommodation, such as Shangri-La's Rasa Sentosa Resort.

Clarke Quay. Night Moves And Grooves

When the sun goes down, Clarke Quay, on the Singapore River, comes to life. During the 19th century, this was a commercial waterfront area, bustling with merchant vessels. The rich heritage is alive and kicking. The Quay been restored to create a colorful and stylish meeting place, filled with cosy cafes, bars, music and restaurants. Trendy night spots attract a big crowd, especially at the weekend.

Reflexology. Traditional Foot Massage

Transport-wise, Singapore is easy to get around, by subway, bus or taxi, but you'll probably pound the sidewalks taking in the sights and sounds this great Asian destination. Make time for some pampering.

Reflexology or foot massage has long been part of Chinese tradition and culture - a superb way to relax after a tough day bargain hunting. You'll find plenty of places to enjoy a massage, at exclusive Hotel spas, or the more reasonably priced specialty outlets all around Orchard Road, in shopping centres and Tanglin Road.

Singapore Hotels To Match Every Budget

Singapore is one of the world's top travel destinations, especially for stop overs. (U.S. citizens can stay up to 90 days without a visa.) Accommodation-wise, you'll find a wide range of hotels to suit your budget – from major 5 star international names to smaller hotels offering great value rates. Book online and see the deals you can find.

During holiday time, Chinese New Year and during special festivals, it pays to book ahead because Singapore is always a fine experience.
Singapore hotels - http://www.hotelbookingpro.com/hotels/singapore

Travel To Philippines: The Prized Archipelago

noreply@blogger.com (HotelBookingPro) — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 18:16:00 +0000

SomMake sure to explore the island's less crowded, but just as white-and-turquoise beaches. The southernmost region of Mindanao is home to Davao, the largest city in the world by land area, and the stately Mount Apo, the Philippine's tallest mountain. Enjoy a thrilling river rafting trip in Cagayan de Oro or get back to basic Filipino life in the Tiruray Highlands where the remote shores of Lake Sebu are peacefully inhabited by the T'boli tribe.

While the Getting's Good

With nearly 40,000 kilometers of coastline, a fantasy-like landscape of tropical greenery, and world-class cities offering world-class cuisine and lifestyle, it's hard to imagine that this puddle-jump in Southeast Asia will remain a secret for long. See for yourself why the Philippines is one of the last remaining gems of biodiversity and indigenous culture in this ever-growing region of the world!
ewhere in Southeast Asia between the Philippine Sea and the East China Sea, east of Vietnam, south of Taiwan and just north of Indonesia, lies a much neglected but historically and ecologically prized archipelago known as the Philippines.

This understated cluster of 7,107 islands is the perfect tropical getaway balanced with just enough colonial cultural intrigue and undulating urban energy to keep you going. Despite the country's somewhat turbulent recent history, the Philippines has reached a level of stability making no better time than now to travel the wonders of the island-nation.

Colonial Legacy, Indigenous Heritage

The first western encounter with the Philippines occurred when Spain's Ferdinand Magellan arrived in 1521, initiating over 300 years of Spanish colonization. A tremendous amount of today's Filipino population is a fraction Spanish, although a negligible number of residents are completely Spanish.

The United States took over colonization in 1899 until the Japanese invasion of the strategic islands during World War II. Following Japanese defeat, the Philippines received its independence in 1946. American cultural and military influence still permeates through island culture, although the last U.S. military base has finally been closed.

Original human settlement in the region began about thirty thousand years ago when people crossed then-existing land bridges from Asia. Malaysian and Indonesian settlers joined the fray a few thousand years later to constitute a most interesting blend of semi-indigenous cultures still present in the Philippines today. Direct descendents of the first arrivals currently live in the northern province of Zambales.

A Pocketful of Paradise

The nation is divided into three main regions, each with its own metropolitan hub and particular points of interest. Luzon to the north is the most populated region, with the expansive capital city Manila as its main destination. Travel farther north to Banaue where a spectacle of rice terraces had been etched up along the hillside by the Ifugao tribespeople over 2000 years ago.

Also, don't miss the truly isolating beauty of Hundred Islands National Park where you may just find a beach all to yourself, as there are literally hundreds to choose from. The central region of Visayas is mostly smaller island clusters and famous for Boracay Island's White Beach and surrounding resort and aquatic activity areas.

Philippine hotels - http://www.hotelbookingpro.com/hotels/philippines

Amazing Laos Surprises Your Eyes

noreply@blogger.com (HotelBookingPro) — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 18:10:00 +0000

Thought of as the most enigmatic of the three French Indochina states, Laos is definitely the sleepiest. At least for the moment. After years of isolation, Laos is now slowly opening its doors to the world - mainly a result of the Friendship Bridge over the Mekong River linking Vientiane with Thailand. these days you have to actually look both ways before crossing the road in Vientiane and the main road in Lung Prabang is lined with western restaurants. Having said that, tourism (and life!) is remarkably low key even on the tourist axis of Vientiane, Vang Vien and Luang Prabang. Off the axis life is much the same as it has been for years.

Vientiane, the capital, is emerging from hundreds of years of slumber and the centre now even boasts a number of restaurants and bars. The hotels aren't much with the exception of the Villa Manoli - a beautiful old villa in a sumptuous garden. It even has a small swimming pool - all for about $20 a night.

After a day's wandering around the magnificent temples, there is nothing better than strolling up the river bank to the stilted restaurants and enjoying a great Mekong sunset over a cold Bia Lao and a spicy pork Laap (minced meat salad) or sizzling Mekong catfish.

Vang Vieng has become something of a backpacker centre in recent years. Positioning has probably been the key to its popularity as it is half way between Luang Prabang and Vientiane and is therefore used to breakup an otherwise long day on the road. It is also prettily situated on the Nam Song river, the focus of the town. There are a few riverside places (bars would be too flash a name) to buy a beer and watch people float by - either in inner tubes or canoes. There is also a small market and a few stalls off the river selling handicrafts and some travel agents who can organise day trips up the river or to local caves.

Luang Prabang is the jewel in Laos' crown and has been a UNESCO heritage site since 1995. It has recently seen a sudden influx of tourists resulting in an explosion of restaurants and handicraft shops along the main drag. Five star hotels have also started appearing along the fringes of town. Despite this, there are so many temples to see they are never crowded. In addition, the back streets are usually deserted and if you are lucky enough to happen upon a temple festival you are more than likely to be one of only a few foreigners present. There is also the timeless view of the Mekong River, behind which the untamed jungle goes on into the distant hills.

Laos hotels - http://www.hotelbookingpro.com/hotels/laos

Great Places To Visit On Your Holidays in Indonesia

noreply@blogger.com (HotelBookingPro) — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 18:06:00 +0000

Indonesia is a very interesting country to visit and makes for an ideal holiday. Its diverse range of culture and beautiful scenery draw back holiday makers year after year. There are some fabulous holiday homes to rent in Indonesia with some stunning holiday villas by the beach. You can also rent self catering holiday apartments and use them as a base to explore this wonderful country.

Indonesia is the largest archipelago in the world and comprises five main islands of Java, Sumatra, Kalimantan, Sulawesi, Irian Jaya and a group of thirty small archipelagoes. It has more than 17,508 islands. Indonesia is a multi-ethnic country with over 300 ethnic groups inclusive of Malay and Polynesian people. The diverse culture of the country has resulted in an opulent and wealthy culture and heritage, which makes it a tourist's delight.

One among the must see places in Indonesia is the Borobudur temple. It is believed that the temple's name originated from Sanskrit - Vihara Buddha Uhr. It was built in the eighth century and is located in Magelang. It is situated on a hill, overlooking distant hills and sprawling green fields. The temple is built with grey andesine stone and has seven terraces. The great Stupa of the temple is 40 meters tall and the walls are extensively sculpted.

Lake Toba is a beautiful centerpiece of the north Sumatra Lake. The exquisite scenery and the pleasant climate, in the surrounding areas make it a popular tourist attraction in Indonesia. It is the largest lake in South East Asia and it measures 100 km in length. Resultant of a volcanic explosion, the lake's surrounding landscape is fertile. The island of Samosir is located on the centre of the lake and the culture and tradition of the amiable tribe, Toba Batak attracts tourists from all over the world.

Tana Toraja is yet another attraction. Rantapeo, a major attraction of the place, is located in the north eastern part of Ujung Pandang. Rantepeo is located 700 meters above sea level and offers a pleasant climate. The entry point of Tana Taroja is a traditional boat-shaped gate. Tana Toraja has cliff graves and two villages, named Lemo and Londa. Londa is considered as one among the oldest sites of hanging graves of local nobility. Taroja has many excellent craft shops for the shopping buffs.

Krakatau volcano is another major tourist spot in Indonesia. The volcano erupted in the year 1883 and is one of the most catastrophic natural events, which is etched in history. The entire region surrounding the volcano was engulfed in darkness. The volcano disappeared, soon after eruption and resulted in the formation of small islands in the area. One of the volcanoes in the area is called Anal Krakatau or the child of Krakatau, which is a young and active volcano. Boat trips to the volcano, allows tourists to get a closer look at the young volcano.

Mt. Tangkuban Perahu is a must see sight in Indonesia. The volcano is filled with many places for sight seeing and exploring. It is an interesting spot and the mount is famous for its distinct upturned boat shape. The panoramic view of the mount and the forests is a delightful experience. The peaceful mountain erupted in 1969 and Kawah Ratu is the main crater or the Queen's crater, as its name suggests.

Indonesia is a culturally rich country with a picturesque setting. The predominantly Muslim country is a place where people from different religions co-exist. The diversity of the cultures makes it traditionally and culturally rich. The friendly people of the country, year long festivities and innumerable tourist spots makes Indonesia a great tourist destination.

It is no wonder that holiday makers love Indonesia so much and many choose to rent holiday villas and self catering apartments. By renting holiday home accommodation in Indonesia you are able to use them as a base to explore this amazing country. There are some great holiday villas with swimming pools that can be rented direct from their owners.
Indonesia hotels - http://www.hotelbookingpro.com/hotels/indonesia

3 days in Cambodia � Things to Do and See

noreply@blogger.com (HotelBookingPro) — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 18:03:00 +0000

The Kingdom of Cambodia is a country that has been through a lot in the last hundred years. Its people have shown fortitude and strength and the country has gone through a remarkable transformation. Now one of the notable tourist destinations in South East Asia, Cambodia offers its visitors a glimpse of the wonders and horrors from its 2,000-year old history.

Day 1 - Phnom Penh is Cambodia�s capital city and is home to one of the country�s two international airports. New arrivals are greeted with a bustling and lively city nestled in the confluence of two mighty rivers, the Mekong and the Tonle Sap. Phnom Penh is a melting pot of activity and there are many sights and activities for tourists to enjoy.

Tourists can spend the day roaming around the city while taking in its rich history and moving sights. Historical places like The Royal Palace, the National Museum, and Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum will give visitors a taste of Cambodia�s past. A visit to the nearby Killing Fields can also prove to be a moving experience. On a lighter note, tourists can also visit Sisowath Quay, a beautiful riverside boulevard on the banks of the Mekong. They can also experience the city�s bustling nightlife and sample the local delicacies.

Day 2 - From Phnom Penh, tourists can travel to the town of Siem Reap. From there, they can travel to the nearby Angkor Wat ruins. Angkor Wat is an immense temple complex that is said to be the remains of the ancient Khmer Empire�s capital city. A tour of the complex is highly recommended and there are many establishments that offer guided tour packages. Visitors can spend the day viewing the Angkor Thom, the Little Circuit and the Rolous group, which are the most well known temples in the area. Before departing Angkor Wat, tourists should pass by the modern Angkor Caf� for great food and some souvenirs.

Day 3 - From Angkor Wat, tourists can go back to Siem Reap for a day of exploring the historic town. The best way to go around Siem Reap is by tuk-tuk. This offers visitors with a windowless view of the town as they travel. Notable tourist destinations like the Angkor National Museum, the Landmine Museum and nearby silkworm farms are located in this town as well. There is also an international airport nearby and tourists can exit the country from there.

Visitors leave Cambodia with a sense of awe and an acquired admiration of the strength and resilience of the Cambodian people.

Cambodia hotels - http://www.hotelbookingpro.com/hotels/cambodia

A Tour of Hong Kong

noreply@blogger.com (HotelBookingPro) — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 18:00:00 +0000

Hong Kong is home to over 7 million people. It is a major trading and banking center and has the most liberal economy on the planet. Hong Kong is also a great tourist destination for there are many things to do and see.

If you need a workout, consider climbing the 431 steps of the Temple of 10,000 Buddhas which houses 12,800 statues of the Buddha and a mummy of a holy man covered in gold leaf.

Or you could try 268 steps to Big Buddha on Lantau Island which is home to the world's largest seated Buddha. Experience a nice lunch at the Polin Monastery before making your way back down the 110 feet height.

Many spectacular museums are located on Kowloon Peninsula which is just across from Hong Kong Island. You can simply stroll along the neighborhood and soak up the old world ambiance of Hong Kong which is pretty much the same it has been for 200 years. The Hong Kong Heritage Museum is a grand art museum which houses Chinese art in its various forms from comics to opera, paintings, and sculpture. The Lei Cheng UK Branch Museum has a Han Dynasty tomb which is 2000 years old, but still young compared to some of the 4000 year old history elsewhere in China. You will also find the Hong Kong Science Museum and the Space Museum and planetarium.

Next you can take the famous Star Ferry boat ride over to Hong Kong Island and see the ancient Chinese art at the Hong Kong Museum of Art. It holds over 2000 antique pieces.

When you are ready to relax, head to Hong Kong Park in the Central district where you can stroll through the aviary or sit by the pond and enjoy a meal from an open air restaurant. Enjoy a leisurely walk to the Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens then take a taxi to the tram which goes up to Victoria Peak. This tram will take you by the homes of the elite in Hong Kong which are nestled into the steep mountain. You can enjoy the view they see from the balcony of their $10 million homes which encompasses Hong Kong and the harbor below.

If seen by day or night, the panoramic view of ancient hills, reflective harbor, and city skyscrapers is not duplicated anywhere else on earth, and is surely a sight to remember of one of the world's greatest cities.
Hong Kong hotels - http://www.hotelbookingpro.com/hotels/hong-kong

What Places To Visit During Your Holidays In Malaysia

noreply@blogger.com (HotelBookingPro) — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 17:55:00 +0000

Many tourists visit Malaysia each year on their holidays. They are attracted by the beautiful diverse landscape and the cultural diversity that this popular country has to offer. Some holiday makers stay in self catering holiday accommodation in Malaysia and they use these holiday homes as a base to explore Malaysia.

There are some stunning holiday villas with swimming pools in the coastal regions of Malaysia. It is also possible to rent self catering holiday apartments in some of the bigger cities.

The name Malaysia itself suggests that the country is a minuscule of the large Asia. Truly Asia is not wrong in any aspect when we refer to Malaysia. The diversity of culture and the various tourist destinations make Malaysia a unique travel experience. This is a country full of tropical islands, hill stations in Gentry and Cameron Highlands, tropical rain forests, pristine pure beaches and not to forget the city of Kuala Lumpur.

Kelantan has a very long history, records of Kelantan dates back to 8000 to 3000 B.C. This state was ruled by many different countries and till 1941 was under the Japanese rule. In 1963 Kelantan became a part of Malaysia. Kelantan is well linked by road and rail. There are flights, which link Kelantan to Kuala Lumpur and Penang.

Tourist attractions in Kelantan are Kota Bahru, which is its capital city. It is a bustling town famous for its culture and crafts. Jahan Mahmud has a cultural centre, which is the living heritage of Kelantan. The Royal Museum is called Istana Batu and was built during the reign of Sultan Ismail. It has a wide range of silverware, furniture and bedroom items on the display. The war museum in Kelantan dates back to 1912 and has many Japanese memorabilia and documents on display. The best time to visit Kelantan is February to May. The July Festival also attracts many tourists.

Malacca the seaside city is 147 kilometres from Kuala Lumpur. The culture here is a mix of Portuguese and Chinese. History says that Malacca was a strategic midway point that provided the link between China and India. It has therefore developed into an international commerce hub. The best time to visit Malaysia is from January to February. Malacca is well connected by road and rail. The airport is situated 9.5 kilometres north at Batu Berendam.

Penang is a small beautiful island state of Malaysia. It is a very popular holiday destination with tourists attracted to its golden beaches, delicious cuisine and warm seas. There are many places to visit in Penang namely Georgetown City, Clock Tower, First Cornwallis, Kromtan Tower, Wat Chayamangakaram Temple, Kek Lok Si, Snake Temple, Sri Mariamman Temple, Penang Hill, Khoo Kongri, and Penang Bridge. There are some luxurious holiday villas in Penang right next to the sea.

Sarawak the largest state in Malaysia is the land of the fabled white elephants. It is also the home of hornbills and orangutan and hornbill. Sarawak has a diverse ecosystem found nowhere else in the world and it attracts many tourists to see this ecosystem. There are many national parks which are very popular with tourists. Many tourists visit Musuem, Sunday Open Market, Kuching, Skrang River Safaru, Pepper Plantations, Cultural Village, Santuborg Fishing Village and the famous caves.

Malaysia is a beautiful country to visit on your holidays and you are guaranteed a warm and friendly welcome from its people. It has some fabulous holiday home accommodation available to rent from their owners. It is said that some of the best holiday villas in the world are in Malaysia.

Malaysia hotels - http://www.hotelbookingpro.com/hotels/malaysia

10 Fun Things to do in Chiang Mai in Thailand

noreply@blogger.com (HotelBookingPro) — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 17:51:00 +0000

Chiang Mai in Thailand is a wonderful location visit, be it for the beaches, the delicious foods or to enjoy the local culture. Below we look at ten interesting things to do in Chiang Mai.

1. Visit the walled city - This is a beautiful ancient place that is home to about thirty temples which boast Burmese, Sri Lankan and Lanna Thai influences. Here you can see beautiful carvings, intricately built staircases and golden pagodas.

2. Visit Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep - This is a splendid temple situated on a hillside. It has an intriguing history: The temple site was chosen by an elephant, which was allowed to roam at will. When it reached a particular site, the elephant trumpeted loudly, circled around several times and finally knelt down – an auspicious sign.

3. Take a trip to Maesa Elephant Camp - This is an elephant camp located on the hillside. Here you will be treated to a fascinating elephant show and even have the option to go on elephant rides.

4. Take a stroll around Bhuping Palace - This is a royal winter palace located on a hill. It has wide beautiful gardens and splendid architecture. It is open to the public whenever the royal family is not in residence. You will have to pay a small fee and abide by the dress code.

5. Interact with the animals at Chiangmai Zoo - The zoo is home to more than five thousands animals. These animals are housed in a cheerful open environment which gives you the illusion of actually being in a forest. Definitely a place the kids will enjoy.

6. Relax and go for a Thai Massage - If you want to relax, a Thai massage will definitely help you out in that department. Some massage parlours may be sleazy and dubious, so pay a little more for the legitimate ones that will have clean environment with relaxing music and scents in the background.

7. See Muay Thai fights at Kawila Boxing Stadium - Muay Thai is Thai boxing, and is the national sport of Thailand. The fights feature young amateurs, seasoned fighters as well as matches pitting local boxers against foreign ones.

8. Head for the Royal Floral Exposition - This is an exhibition which features more tens of thousands of species of orchid plants, and will be sure to interest even those who are not orchid lovers.

9. Shop at the Night Bazaar - This is a night market which goes on for miles and miles on Chiang Khlan Road. It is a must for shopping fanatics, who will be delighted with the low prices.

10. Head to Chiang Mai City Arts & Cultural Center - This is a modern multimedia centre which will educate you on the different aspects of Chiang Mai's history and culture.

Chiang Mai hotels - http://www.hotelbookingpro.com/hotels/thailand/chiang-mai

5 Attractions you must visit in Bangkok

noreply@blogger.com (HotelBookingPro) — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 17:40:00 +0000

There are several excellent tourist attractions in Bangkok, Thailand and these cover a wide range of interest. Below a look at five of the best tourist attractions in the city of Bangkok, which visitors might want to start with.

1. Phra Borom Maha Ratcha Wang - Bangkok Grand Palace, Phra Borom Maha Ratcha Wang, is the former residence of the King of Thailand. The palace covers an area of about 218,400 square metres and boasts several beautiful buildings that are surrounded by protective walls. This massive palace was constructed in 1783, by King Rama I and is still used to host official state functions. This is a fascinating attractions and highly recommended.

2. Wat Phra Kaeo This shrine is located in the Grand Palace complex but is particularly famous with tourists on account of the beautiful Emerald Buddha that is housed here. Constructed in 1782, Wat Phra Kaeo is considered to be the most important shrine in all of Thailand.

3. Jim Thompson House This house is yet another much appreciated tourist attraction in Bangkok and boasts an impressive collection of antiques. Jim Thompson�s House is a finely preserved architectural edifice that was built in the traditional Thai style. The house is named after a cloth merchant who once lived on its premises. This attraction provides an interesting insight into Thailand�s past.

4. The Floating Market This unique market is a must see attraction and is extremely popular with visitors to Bangkok. Tourists will be able to purchase fruits, vegetables and various other items from the many boats that ply the river. It is also possible for visitors to take a Floating Market Tour from the Tha Chang Landing. Seeing how people shop and trade in a country gives a real insight into a local culture.

5. Giant Swing - One of the most popular attractions in Bangkok, this 27 metre high swing has been made of teak. The two pillars of the swing are said to depict the mountains on either side of the sea, while its base is said to represent the earth and its oceans. In December, a festival takes place here at Sao Ching Cha, as the Giant Swing is known locally. If you are travelling with kids they will love seeing this attraction.

When travelling to Bangkok one thing to consider is the season. You might want to try and avoid the rainy season. Spring and autumn are great times to visit.

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10 James Bond Getaways

noreply@blogger.com (HotelBookingPro) — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 01:10:00 +0000

by Gizelle Lau
Whether you’re James Bond, Jack Bauer, or Sydney Bristow – the life of a spy or government agent is bound to take you around the world chasing bad guys.

You can enjoy the same exotic destinations and exciting cities as your favourite secret agents without the dangers of the job. Gizelle Lau from Trip Atlas has rounded up the ten top places to discover and recreate the excitements of being a spy for a few days.

Miami – In Goldfinger (1964), Bond is found relaxing in Miami Beach, Florida – before South Beach was the hottest place to be, mind you – at the classic Fontainebleau hotel. Here, Auric Goldfinger is seen playing (and/or cheating) gin-rummy by the pool with the hotel’s iconic curved building behind.

Orient Express – The famous Orient Express is seen in From Russia With Love (1963) where Bond hops on the train from Venice to Istanbul via Bucharest, Budapest, and Vienna.

Italy – For the best from the Quantum of Solace (2008), head to Siena during the Palio di Siena horse race festival. Long before Daniel Craig was Bond, Roger Moore in The Spy Who Loved Me (1977) was filmed as Bond in Costa Smeralda and stays at the Hotel Pitrizza.

London, England – Serving as homebase of M him/herself and MI6, this world-class city also serves as the backdrop for scenes in The World is Not Enough (1999) on a high-speed chase on the River Thames. In Dr. No (1962), the first Bond film opens at the exclusive casino, Les Ambassadeurs. To get dressed like Bond, head to Turnbull & Asser on Jermyn Street, tailors named in Fleming’s novels and helped to supply some of Bond’s wardrobe throughout the films.

Monaco – The Casino Monte Carlo in Monaco is the epitome of all-things James Bond: suave, luxurious, rich, beautiful women, and nice cars. Only in Monaco will you see a plethora of Ferraris, Bentleys, Lamborghinis, Rolls Royces, Aston Martins and other high-end cars at ever turn. The casino was featured in Never Say Never (1983) as well as GoldenEye (1995).

Las Vegas – For a look at what Vegas used to be, Bond in Diamonds Are Forever (1971) is the perfect example. Here, Bond stays at the Tropicana Hotel, tracks down the bad guy at the Las Vegas Hilton (Whyte House Hotel in the film), tries his luck at the Riviera Hotel & Casino, catches a show and a girl at Circus Circus, and has a chase scene along Fremont Street where you can see the Golden Nugget in the background.

Bahamas – Not only does Sir Sean Connery himself own a property in the Bahamas, but many-a-Bond-film has also been shot here. Atlantis Resort and the One&Only Ocean Club served as the sets for major scenes in Casino Royale (2004), while the British Colonial Hilton in Nassau was used in both Thunderball (1965) and Never Say Never Again (1983). The Bahamas’ famous Junkanoo festival was also featured in Thunderball.

Jamaica – This island has served as home to Ian Fleming for some time and was featured in many of his novels and the first Bond film, Dr. No (1962) where they shot in Kingston Jamaica, Laughing Waters Beach in Ochos Rios, Dunn’s River Falls, the Blue Mountains, and Montego Bay. Live and Let Die (1973) was also filmed here, featuring the Green Grotto caves in Runaway Bay, used as Mr. Kananga’s lair; as well as Swaby’s Swamp Safari attraction where the famous alligator scene was filmed.

Thailand – Like all the best Bond villains, The Man with the Golden Gun (1974) features the devious three-nippled Scaramanga hiding out among the massive limestone rocks of Thailand. Scenes were filmed on the islands of Ko Khao Phing Kan and Ko Tapu near Phuket in the Phang-nga province.

Japan – Kirishima-Yaki National Park is where it all goes down in my personal Bond favourite: You Only Live Twice (1967). Not only is the villain’s lair so badass that it’s hidden in a volcanic crater – but Blofeld’s evil white cat alone could make your hair stand up.

Things To Do When You’re In New York

noreply@blogger.com (HotelBookingPro) — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 15:55:00 +0000

New York City’s Day life is as fun and exciting as its nightlife. It is a vast city that offers rich and cultural experience for all. The great thing about New York City’s day time attractions is that most of them can be availed of and enjoyed without spending too much money, if none at all. Credit it to the rich and colorful history of one of the world’s greatest city where most of the memorable historical events happened and the most interesting architectural edifices were built.

In fact, a day tour of New York City is not even enough to cover all of the nicest and most interesting tourist spots and theatrical arenas.

First in the list of things to do in New York is of course visiting the Empire State Building and re-enact the scenes from famous romantic movies such as An Affair to Remember and Sleepless in Seattle. Or relax at Central Park – taking in a little fresh air or simply watching busy people rushing by.

If you’re in the mood for a little business after visiting Central Park, head on down to the New York Stock Exchange and witness how the world’s premier stockbrokers do their thing.

If you are looking for some magnificent and interesting art exhibits, you can always go to the New York Public Library. Get awed by one of the greatest public library ever built at the NYPL. After visiting the New York Public Library, Bryan Park is just nearby where you can enjoy free outdoor movies, concerts and other special happenings.

If you haven’t had enough of museums and exhibits, there are still some other major museums in the city. Some of these include The Whitney Museum of American Art and The Museum of American Folk Art (entrance to this museum is free).

Out for a bargain hunt? Then go to famous Sixth Avenue Antiques Market or the famous flea market at Columbus Avenue and 76th street.

For the nature lovers, the Brooklyn Botanical Garden has sweet smelling roses with special exhibits at their conservatory. And while you are in Brooklyn, you might want to take a walk and proceed to the famous Brooklyn Bridge, one of the oldest suspension bridges in the U.S. – a truly magnificent piece of architectural work.

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Diverse Options In New York

noreply@blogger.com (HotelBookingPro) — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 15:52:00 +0000

By: G. Chadwick
The state of New York is diverse in many ways including its landscapes, cultures and cities. In the north there is the Adirondack Mountains with a number of excellent outdoor activities to choose from. In the western half of the state there are unique and charming cities such as Niagara Falls, Buffalo and Rochester. The south part of the city features the excellent museums and nightclubs of New York City along with an almost limitless supply of entertainment, accommodations and attractions to choose from. Including world renowned sights such as the Empire State Building and the Statue of Liberty. For boating and fishing visitors should go to Long Island for their vacation.

When it comes to the state of New York everyone thinks of New York City. It has an wide diversity of architecture, galleries, museums, neighborhoods, restaurants and cultural events along with a great theatre district. New York City has everything you need all in one place. Broadway features a number of shows to choose from for those who enjoy the theatre. Central Park is an excellent place to go to experience the outdoors in the middle of New York City. In order to experience everything there is in New York City it would take a lifetime. However, some of the main sites you should visit for your first time to get a good introduction including the Empire State Building, the Lincoln Center, the Guggenheim Museum, the United Nations Buildings, the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.

For a vacation outside of the bustling city consider going to the state capital in Albany. This city is also located on the Hudson River. When visiting you can either walk around the town on foot or choose to take a tour by trolley. Albany has the New York State Museum which features all the information you needed to know about the history of the state of New York. A number of local events can be found at the Altamont Fairground. You can also visit the Erie Canal which extends between Albany and Lake Erie.

Two top hotels to stay at in New York City include the Le Parker Meridien which offers all around good accommodations. This includes an excellent blend of style, service and amenities. This hotels offers visitors a little bit of everything including luxury, high tech services, family friendly amenity options, comfort and a excellent location within the city. The second option is the Hotel Metro which is located in midtown and has an excellent value for what you get in terms of accommodations.

In Albany an excellent place to stay is the Morgan State House. This is a small inn that offers elegance and luxury. The rooms are spacious and it is up there with five star hotels. The details come from the nineteenth century and there are many antiques in each room. It also comes with an interior garden courtyard for guests relaxation.

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Go International and Stay in the States

noreply@blogger.com (HotelBookingPro) — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 15:50:00 +0000

By: Dale Montz
No passport, no 18 to 24 hours in the air, less jetlag to contend with and still all the International flair of going abroad. Where is this place that sounds to good to be true, you guessed it New York.

The city that never sleeps, it is always busy, some times of the day it is just busier than others. This is not a weekend getaway place, because you would miss so much, unless of course you are part of jet set and are jetting in just for the opening of a play and that is your only function. But if you are making a vacation of it, plan on at least a week and even then you will have to really fine tune your time so you will be able to see everything you want to see.

Of course it goes with saying there is the Statue of Liberty, then the Manhattan Skyline, the Brooklyn Bridge, the Empire State Building, Central Park and this list could go on and on. You decide what is important for you to see, make your list, make your reservation and head out everyday to see what makes this city an International theme park of its own.

Music, museums, entertainment, plays, theatre; New York has it all and all day and all night. You can follow the glitz of the rich and famous or the bohemian depending the district you visit. Get a map and follow the districts and neighborhoods, use public transportation and the subway and the real feel for New York.

Rent a car and go "up state" see all the natural beauty that is up there, stay in a bed and breakfast and get the feel for laid back living that the New Yorkers crave to get away from the hustle and bustle of New York City. Up state is a world apart from the city, and it is a great place to visit, there are mountains, rivers, and gorgeous scenery. Then back to the city to finish your vacation on the high energy and visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Ground Zero and all the history there.

To help you organized and make your reservations contact a Personal Travel Website where you get an actual person to assist you and to have contact with.

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A Tourist Guide To New York

noreply@blogger.com (HotelBookingPro) — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 15:44:00 +0000

By: Dan Oldfield
New York City

New York is one of the most famous and popular cities in the world today. It is also referred to as the ‘Big Apple’. The city stands tall with its many impressive skyscrapers and statues. It has a unique fast paced atmosphere that shouldn’t be missed.

Travelling to New York

If you are travelling from outside the USA then flying is definitely the best option in terms of getting there. The city has three main airports named John F Kennedy Airport, La Guardia Airport, and Newark Airport. JFK is the main international airport. As the city is so big and popular it has excellent road networks and rail services, making all travelling options easy.

Accommodation Choices

As you can imagine, New York has all kinds of accommodation that caters for a range of budgets. Many of the worlds most extravagant hotels can be found in New York. The most well known are The Crowne Plaza and The Four Seasons. For cheaper options try The Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens and Staten Island as they all have quality hotels for less but are slightly further way from the centre.

History

During the seventeenth century, the Dutch settled in the area and traded fur. The region was later colonized by the British who names it New York. In the following couple of centuries, millions of immigrants moved to New York and began bringing masses of money to the burgeoning city.

Sights and Attractions

There is no shortage of sightseeing opportunities in New York. The City is packed with impressive buildings, museums and statues. The Empire State Building is possibly the most impressive feature of the city as well as The Statue of Liberty, and Central Park. The museums are also a must see part of the city. Be sure to visit the Whitney Museum of American Art, the Modern Art Museum, Guggenheim Museum, and American Museum of Natural History. Broadway is an impressive street with lights and the world’s most renowned shows happening on a daily basis.

Shopping

Thousands of people travel to New York purely to go shopping. It is one of the top shopping places in the world. There are shops for everyone, whatever your budget. You can find designer labels as well as plenty of bargains.

Eating and drinking

The same goes for dining as it does for shopping. New York has heaps of great restaurants and dining establishments. They are scattered all over the city so you never have to walk far. A full range of international cuisine can easily be found. Nightlife in the city is amazing as there are bars and clubs to suit everyone.

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New York Hotels Near Broadway

noreply@blogger.com (HotelBookingPro) — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 15:41:00 +0000

By: IPRWire Staff Writer
Of course, the “Big Apple” has an allure that most U.S. cities simply do not have, yet most people cannot tell you what it is that is so magical and mysterious about NYC. One of the most enticing things about going to Manhattan is the idea of walking up and down Broadway and, of course, seeing a show or two. While some people go to Manhattan to see the museums and to go shopping, many travelers want to go in order to see what really happens on the “Great White Way.”

New York hotels are somewhat more expensive than hotels in the rest of the U.S., but most travelers going to the city are prepared to pay more for their accommodations. Most travelers, even those going to NYC for the first time, realize that finding a place to stay in the city can be a daunting task. On the other hand, finding affordable accommodations is possible, even in Manhattan. If there is an area of the city where you prefer to find your accommodations, it is still possible to find something on the more affordable end of the price range that is within that location.

There are plenty of large New York hotels that are situated near major attractions such as Broadway and Lincoln Center. These larger hotels are often listed at prices that match their high-end addresses in Manhattan. On the other hand, there are a few smaller establishments within this area of the city that offer rooms at much more affordable prices than the larger corporate names. The key to finding accommodations in these smaller establishments is to plan your trip early by choosing your dates and then searching online to choose your accommodations.

When it comes to finding accommodations in NYC, the option of sorting New York hotels according to their locations is an important one for a lot of travelers. If you would like to be near the theater district, you will notice that the big corporate hotels are very expensive. If you are trying to meet a specific travel budget, you will want to look for smaller, boutique hotels with fewer guestrooms and, in most cases, without an elevator. If these features sound okay to you, choosing one of the small, privately run establishments will help you to meet your set travel budget while letting you enjoy all that the city has to offer.

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Night Life in New York City

noreply@blogger.com (HotelBookingPro) — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 15:38:00 +0000

By: Anil Yadav
L.A. is consider as the capital of celebrity of the world, but anyone in New York will never be at a loss for some fun or any cultural activities. In my article for the readers I have mentioned few of the best places of night hang outs in New York where they can kick back, unwind and leave the day behind. Night life in New York includes various types of hang out places like Bars, Cocktail Lounges, Billiards, Dance Clubs, Hotel Bars, Comedy Clubs, music Clubs, Sports Bars, Piano Bars, Jazz & Blues Clubs depending upon various price range to refresh and boost up your energy level.

In New York you can always hear any type of music, from plenty of jazz, pogoing punk to thumping hip-hop on any night of the week the live music scene very well reflects New York’s diversity. If you are looking out for some quite a few dance clubs with cheesy numbers or hard-hitting drum tunes from the late 1970s and 1980s, you can even get that in New York.

New York has one of the world’s greatest theater centers, showing over the top lavish music. When comes to film, the city has various options of several large theaters, art house cinemas, numerous revival and to many to count Hollywood blockbusters multiplexes. NYC also has presence of wonderful comedy clubs, as well as excellent poetry slam scene and healthy spoken world.

From Joe’s Pub to Cutting-edge Knitting Factory to S.O.B.’s, New York has numerous venues of live music, which cater more eclectic fare and world music. There are many jazz clubs with wide range of quality. Cover charges will run you from to $25 or so at any of these smaller places. Touring bands are attracted from all over the world at many larger music venues, and the price of the ticket may range from $25 to $100.

The club life in the New York is very formless; Parties are changed rapidly, so check out the Time Out New York or The Village Voice before making any plans. Drum’n’ bass, 1980’s Nostalgia, and Elctronica are now making there place on clubs. Though Dancehall reggae, funk, Latin freestyle and hip-hop get their due. There is no point to visit those places earlier as it starts rocking just before midnight. Try to visit during week, as the prices are cheaper, service is better and the crowd is smaller.

Even if you are not crazy about theater, going and seeing a play or a musical concert in New York is virtually authentic, various theater venues are referred to as Off-Broadway or Broadway offering a descend order of ticket price, elegance, comfort and production polish. Broadways offers large numbers of musicals dramas, comedies with big name actors, mostly Broadways are located allover Manhattan and between 40th and 52nd streets. Listing of Broadway appears in free, check out The Village Voice or Time Out

New York for official Broadway Theater guide. Ticket prices ranges from $50–100, $25–50,or around $15. The prices of the shows can be reduced up to 25 to 50 percent off, if you stand in booth line on the performance day.

Classical music is taken seriously by the New Yorkers. Many concerts sells long queues form for anything famous, quarter of a million people may come in Central Park to watch free performance by the New York Philharmonic on summer evenings. Apart from Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall is the most important venue; here from all the schools of music greatest names have.

Metropolitan Opera in Lincoln Center is 120 year old, and is New York’s premier venue for opera. The theater has superb sound system, which draws a large number of crowds who come to hear tenors, baritones and sopranos from all over the world. The nosebleed seats are very cheep. Performances are also hosted in the New York State Theater in Lincoln Center, they perform with modern interpretation, and their performance of The Nutcracker is very popular.

Lincoln Center and Brooklyn Academy of Music is consider as the most dignified venues for operas, dances and classical. Lincoln Center serves as a showcase when it comes to dance. Even though other venues regularly host events, the Brooklyn Academy of Music at 30 Lafayette St, between St Felix Street and Ashland Place in Brooklyn is America’s oldest performing academy of arts. Back in Manhattan, at the City Center six dance troupes are in residence, along with America’s two choreographic giants, the Paul Taylor Dance Company and the Merce Cunningham Dance Company.

After a hectic day in New York City you can step-in for chilling and relaxing out at any bar, dine and clubbing. For more information about what’s on any particular week, check out Time Out New York or The Village Voice, available from newsstands citywide.

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Hotel Booking Thru Global Distribution System (GDS)

noreply@blogger.com (HotelBookingPro) — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 09:14:00 +0000

Online hotel reservations are becoming a very popular method for booking hotel rooms. Travelers can book rooms from home by using online security to protect their privacy and financial information and by using several online travel agents to compare prices and facilities at different hotels.

Prior to the Internet, travelers could write, telephone the hotel directly, or use a travel agent to make a reservation. Nowadays, online travel agents have pictures of hotels and rooms, information on prices and deals, and even information on local resorts. Many also allow reviews of the traveler to be recorded with the online travel agent.

Online hotel reservations are also helpful for making last minute travel arrangements. Hotels may drop the price of a room if some rooms are still available. There are several websites that specialize in searches for deals on rooms.

Large hotel chains typically have direct connections to the airline national distribution systems (GDS) (Sabre, Galileo, Amadeus, and Worldspan). These in turn provide hotel information directly to the hundreds of thousands of travel agents that align themselves with one of these systems. Individual hotels and small hotel chains often cannot afford the expense of these direct connections and turn to other companies to provide the connections.

Several large online travel sites are, in effect, travel agencies. These sites send the hotels' information and rates downstream to literally thousands of online travel sites, most of which act as travel agents. They can then receive commission payments from the hotels for any business booked on their websites.

Lastly, people can book directly on an individual hotel's website. An increasing number of hotels are building their own websites to allow them to market their hotels directly to consumers. Non-franchise chain hotels require a "booking engine" application to be attached to their website to permit people to book rooms in real time. One advantage of booking with the hotel directly is the use of the hotel's full cancellation policy as well as not needing a deposit in most situations.

To improve the likelihood of filling rooms, hotels tend to use several of the above systems. The content on many hotel reservation systems is becoming increasingly similar as more hotels sign up to all the sites. Companies thus have to either rely on specially negotiated rates with the hotels and hotel chains or trust in the influence of search engine rankings to draw in customers.

The ultimate service provided by these companies to the hotels and the online consumer is that they provide a single database from which all reservation sources draw immediate room availability and rates. It is very important that hotels integrate with all the supply channels so that their guests are able to make accurate online bookings.

There are many ways of making the online reservation,most of the online reservation systems use the centralized GDS system for making the reservation with the hotel directly.Examples of the GDS are Sabre, WorldSpan, Travelport,Amadeus and Galileo.

The online hotel reservation through Global Distribution System (GDS) is just the tentative reservation, means that you do not need to pay at the time of reservation, instead pay at the time of check in or check out.

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The Shameful Truth About Sex Tourism

noreply@blogger.com (HotelBookingPro) — Thu, 28 Oct 2010 18:50:00 +0000

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Is sex tourism about peace, love and happiness – or does it hide an uncomfortable truth?

Every year, tourists flock to Southeast Asia, in hopes of netting the tropical ocean dream.

Khaosan Road, Bangkok’s backpacker coconut cream pie, proves that not only can you sleep for three dollars a night, but you can also be anyone you want in Paradise.

For some, this means picking up dreadlocks while exiting Watson’s pharmacy, and wearing more tie-dye than would fit in the back of a VW van.

For others, however, it means purchasing sexual services from a woman, man, or even a child, and imagining themselves as Love Gods.

One can smell a lot of things on Khaosan Road- patchouli, pineapples, Pad Thai, and as well, the more pungent odor of sex tourism- the question is, whether or not it’s all about peace, love and happiness.

Sex tourism, present throughout the world, is particularly prevalent in South East Asia, where the connected problems of human trafficking, AIDS, and poverty, continue to flourish and claim lives at unprecedented rates.

The Choice To Sell

Sex tourists, defined as “those who travel to a country for the sole purpose of having sex” see it as an opportunity, or even an entitlement, to have sex available for less money than they would pay at home.

Sex tourists tend not to differentiate between buying groceries, and going to the brothel to buy sex – both provide someone with economic sustenance.

They perceive that those involved in the industry are making a choice to sell their services.

Some even say they are “helping” sex workers, as other available labor, particularly for women, generally yields a lower profit. Sex tourists tend not to differentiate between buying groceries, and going to the brothel to buy sex- both provide someone with economic sustenance.

It is also true that some sex workers tend not to distinguish between sex work and other work, which may or may not be any less exploitative- the difference, is in the body parts used.

Many sex workers wish to provide services without judgment or police interference, and continue to fight for better protection within the industry.

A Critical Eye

Honestly speaking, women who envision a grand life for themselves and their children are not lined up for extra-curricular sex with some (excuse the cliché) foul-mannered, overweight, middle-aged, married, balding alcoholic- only the most vulnerable are really up for this job.

Many sex tourists, who wouldn’t even be eligible for a date back in Germany, Canada, Australia, or wherever else they come from, find solace in the fact that their money buys their egos back, at the expense of someone else’s health or happiness.

The gratification is not in the sex (for even the married ones have it right up there lying in the bed) but in the fact that they have monetary power, and society supports the idea that money can buy you anything, including a beautiful woman or girl.

This ideology reeks with dehumanization and confirms that men are mere providers of money, and women are subject to its rule. There is also plenty of gay sex-tourism, in which (mostly young) boys are exploited in the same way as women.

Sex tourism, then, is a tragedy, for both the sex workers, who don’t always choose to be there, and for the men who pay them.

A Forced Profession

However, we can’t ignore the fact that many people are smuggled and then forced into the trade, either by lack of any other option, or by pimps, or even by their family members, who may be desperate for a piece of the profit.

As well, the risk factors for sex workers are very high, and many succumb to AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases. Those who seek out sexual services, particularly those who are married or in other relationships, risk the lives of their partners when they return home.

While awareness and prevention is the key to preventing these unfortunate outcomes, it is a reality that many wives, girlfriends, and boyfriends still become infected with these diseases, due to the irresponsibility of their loved ones.

Some say that sex tourism is about sex, but I think it’s about power and opportunism. I am not sure we are reaching our human potential, as tourists and ambassadors of our nations, by contributing to additional social gaps in the world.

While it is true that sex workers make more money than working in the market, there are other, more effective ways to improve the lives of people, besides buying sex from them.

For those women, men and children who are trafficked, or bound to the trade by economic desperation, it seems hopelessly unfair that they should have to sacrifice the most personal areas of their bodies for the sake of someone’s vacation, ego, or fantasy whim.

Perhaps as tourists, and as people, before we depart, we might care to ponder not only others’ choices, but also our own, and what we want to make of them.

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Are You Stumped for Travel Location Options?

noreply@blogger.com (HotelBookingPro) — Thu, 28 Oct 2010 18:39:00 +0000

By: joseph gaines

Holidays come once a year and things can get really dull if stuck at home for the duration of it. Nearly 25 million Americans avoid the tedium by heading out come winter vacation time with many travel agencies as well as hotels and resorts on their heels eager to corner their business. Lots of places are considered awesome winter getaway locations. Travel packages can be had in both the tropical places and the winter spots via ski resorts and hotels so people have tons of options when it comes to out of town vacations. Rock bottom rates can often be had at a number of cruise liners too.

There are ski lodges and resorts dotting the Stowe Vermont to Lake Tahoe east to west landscape if you are into a fun snow filled holiday. The state of Colorado boasts of the most notable ski resorts. Lots of stars go off into Vail for the winter which features 3800 acres for skiing. A family can ride a sleigh or dog sled or bobsled or snowmobile or helicopter ski or ski cross country or play ice hockey while there. Resorts of great interest to many of the well off population can also be found in another part of Colorado known as Telluride.

There are great accommodations available along Beaver Creek including one sitting atop 8000 feet with ski lifts and 300 rooms provided. For alternative ski resorts in Colorado explore the Copper Mountain and Breckenridge area in Keystone. West Coast slopes can be found in Lake Tahoe up north as well as Big Bear and Mammoth down south in California for skiers to test their skills on.

Skiers need not exceed their budgets and shoulder impossible resort prices to savor some winter excitement. Many of the noted cross country plus downhill ski areas have nearby hostels. Top locations range from Jackson Hole to Squaw or Taos Ski Valley to Aspen to Killington.

Finding travel destinations that youngsters will have a grand time in is a snap. Several hotels in the New York area feature menu items kids will like including the PBJ sandwich and for recreation they have cookie baking plus scavenger hunting as well as sand castle building and kite flying. Blackberry Farm lies below the Smokey Mountains in Walland in Tennessee and is where many folk have spent their holidays for almost eight decades. Enjoy the woodland trails or a gathering by the fire or greet the dawn atop a mountain or marvel at the historical home furnishings while vacationing in the area.

Disneyland is another place where vacation fantasies are realized every year. Lighted Douglas firs dwarf the other scenery such as the marching toy soldiers as well as musical shows and parades take place down below. Someone who is always up for anything sugary will be delighted to drop by the Pennsylvania Hersheypark in the region of Hershey.

Travelers will never run out of trip destinations in America as each place has some history and local flavor all its own. Colonial American vacations can be had in the Mountain State or Virginia right in Williamsburg where the Jamestown Settlement day that took place in the 1600s is remembered each year by fathers of the city. One hotel in Nashville hosts an annual country Christmas and a French style holiday awaits in New Orleans. City life is cranked up a notch by the Creole Queen boat jazz cruises and the nearby restaurant rebellion meals. It is also not a bad idea to do some cruising. The more popular cruise companies serve up great holiday destination spots.

You can also do some shopping over the winter vacation you took. Special affordable rates are usually up for grabs at the key hotels of major cities making shopping elsewhere pleasurable. People with unlimited finances are especially welcome in San Francisco.

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Holiday Travel Coverage Options

noreply@blogger.com (HotelBookingPro) — Thu, 28 Oct 2010 18:20:00 +0000

by: beringer thomas

When choosing among insurance companies, you can make use of travel insurance comparison to be able to find out which one can give you the best value for your money. Here, it is possible for you to get premiums over the other depending on the type of coverage you want not to mention the type of insurance you are looking for from a number of companies. Chances are you will choose one of them because you got tired of reading the policy and listening to its agents especially if you consider reading every fine print from the policy of each company.

Usually included in travel insurance comparison matrices are items such as emergencies and accidents, theft and loss of valuables, medical assistance and evacuation, risks of flight cancellations or delays, and the cost of attaining the insurance policy. To cover these, different types of policies are available and some of them offer other contingencies too. Besides the kind of insurance you need, also determine your budget in this case.

Considering the different types of travel holiday insurance, these are business travel, single trip or multitrip travel, medical travel, and the comprehensive type. Based on their specifications, this is how they differ. If there are companies who are willing to customize their insurance plans for you then expect to pay a higher price.

When you travel and you suddenly get sick, medical travel insurance will cover your medical and dental needs including the medicine and hospital bills. When a sudden illness causes you to miss your return schedule then having this is important especially when you are going to some remote area where a medical facility is miles away. When it comes to medical insurance, you will be covered for the hospital or clinic that you chose not to mention the kind of medical access or equipment that you wanted to be used.

What is valid for only one trip is single trip insurance. It is valid for a single use but can be renewed if necessary and it is comprehensive and covers most of the risk factors mentioned. Here, this is the best policy to have for your long awaited dream vacation.

Considering travel insurance comparison, the next level is the multitrip or annual type. An extension of the singletrip is what this is and regardless of how much you travel the coverage is good for one year. In this case, it is renewable upon expiry but you need to pay the premium price yet again and it usually increases every year to accommodate financial fluctuations such as inflation rate and tax.

Business travel insurance, on the other hand is much more favorable to those who go on a very short outofcountry trips. When it comes to a short trip, it takes only three to four days. The important considerations in this case are the cruise or flight concerns considering how the travel schedule can easily be affected by any delays or cancellations.

Considering the inputs in the travel insurance comparison table, comprehensive policies are more expensive. In this case, these may be catered by a specific type of insurance policy not to mention have excessive provisions. When you are able to consider all your options first, you can then sign on to a policy.

When you have studied about the different types of insurance available, the following step is an appleistoapple comparison. If you have a preferred medical coverage or any other risk factor then you need to give it a higher rank to find the suitable policy. Discuss with your agent the two best options to take and scrap those that did not meet your requirement.

Deciding about insurance can be easier if you make use of travel insurance comparison. You need not worry about things when you have insurance. With this, you can enjoy your muchneeded vacation.

Tips on a budget car rental

noreply@blogger.com (HotelBookingPro) — Thu, 28 Oct 2010 18:16:00 +0000

By: salemhood

Budget car rentals are a traveler's savior from being stranded in one place and from expensive taxi rides. But with today's competitive market, I won't be surprised that from trying to rent a car you end up renting a lawnmower instead. Well maybe not a lawnmower, but sometimes, well most of the time, the people that assist you in car rentals just doesn't have your best interest in mind, so you end up paying a truckload of money for a pool of frustrations. To avoid this here are a few tips to get the budget, out of budget car rental.

1. If you're not choosy with a budget car rental, try to get a budget car rental through sites that let you rent cars at your own price. These firms will try to get the best deal for the car that you'll get and might just toss in unlimited mileage and upgrades, all of that without spending an extra dime out of budget.

2. Look for package deals, fly-drive-stay, or fly- drive, most of these packages give great discounts for rentals, but don't do it with an airline, airlines although convenient aren't really the more economic way to go, their budget car rental prices are hardly budget, and tend to be higher than those of outside firms.

3. Use the internet to reserve a rental car. Ah, the internet, what other good can it provide? Yes there are budget car rentals on the internet that can give you a better bargain. Some budget car rental sites even go as far as internet only discounts. Aside from that you can easily get upgrades and depending on the season, at least one rental company is bound to have a special offer that can help you save money, plus, you can rent a car in the comfort of your own home, beat that!

4. Ask for discounts that can be applicable to you, remember even when you've scored the best deal, there is still that one last ditch of a possibility that one of your credit cards support the company and provide discounts or that your frequent flyer program or military service can put that budget in budget car rental, its along shot but its worth a try.

5. Most budget car rentals are low on maintenance so when you rent a car, check all sides for damage, and I mean every side and every nook and cranny of that car, make sure to inform the renter of these so that you wont have to pay for damages once you return the car. In addition, try to check out all the accessories, wipers, radio, brakes, seat-belts etc, to familiarize yourself with them, and also to check if they work, like the previous tip, you might be charged for this if you don't inform them.

6. Now we pass the subject of insurance, sometimes your own car insurance covers car rentals, so have a look see before you buy insurance from the rental firm. Budget car rental insurance doesn't cost much, but if you already have one why buy another? Car rental insurance is always required when you rent a car.

7. Another money saving tip is to pick up your car early in the morning, make it so that the firm is just opening, this is because at this time most of the budget car rentals haven't been returned yet, and you may get an upgrade for a lower price.

Visit http://www.ooglog.com for best car rental rates

Getting Ready For A Budget Vacation

noreply@blogger.com (HotelBookingPro) — Thu, 28 Oct 2010 18:13:00 +0000

By: Burt Cotton

Most of us work very hard all year just to be able to afford those one or two weeks away. Therefore, it just makes sense to get the very best deal you can on that one or two week getaway. There are a number of ways to make your vacation as pleasant as it can be, yet still affordable enough for you to do it all over again without waiting another entire year.

There are a number of important expenses to going on vacation, and it is important to minimize each one in order to squeeze the largest possible value out of those limited vacation dollars. It is also important to determine where your priorities lie, and to plan your vacation appropriately. For instance, if you absolutely must have a hotel with an indoor pool, you might want to skimp a bit on meals by eating at budget eateries or even cooking in your room, in order to allow yourself the freedom to spend more on a hotel where you can lounge by the pool to your heart’s delight.

On the other hand, if fancy meals out are a big part of your vacation dream, why not try saving a few bucks by seeking out a budget hotel? This will provide you with a clean, safe place to stay, while giving you some extra dollars to splurge on great appetizers or a scrumptious dessert.

Just like many other aspects of life, planning a great vacation on a limited budget is a matter of tradeoffs. It is important to determine your own vacation priorities and to plan accordingly. Of course, if the family is traveling together, it is important to take everyone’s own priorities and wishes into account. Failing to do so can mean you will end up with a car full of surly children or an irritated spouse.

It is important to plan everything as far ahead as possible, as the best airfare deals, car rental rates and hotel prices are likely to be snapped up pretty quickly. It is a good idea to start shopping for airfares and hotels in your chosen destination at least a couple of months prior to your desired date of departure. If the prices on airfare or hotel seem high, be sure to shop around to see if you can find lower prices on the internet or at your local travel agent. Also be sure to sign up for special low fare alerts or newsletters which detail hot travel deals. Being the first to know about great deals is a great way to get the best deal on your long awaited vacation.

Hotel Bargain Deals - How To Get Them Fast

noreply@blogger.com (HotelBookingPro) — Thu, 28 Oct 2010 18:07:00 +0000

By: Dallas Brown

A great holiday is all about getting the most out of your money. The easiest way to do this is to learn exactly how to find hotel bargains both online and offline.

Forget about spending the majority of your budget on some elegant hotel. Finding ways to educate yourself when it comes to how to find hotel bargains online is a great way to get the most bang for your buck.

Just imagine all the extra cash you will have laying around to play with. You can gamble, take exotic trips, dine out at a fine restaurant or just leave it in a piggy bank for your next big vacation.

The competition is steadily increasing between hotel chains every year. With the surge of the internet and price competition, it is easier than ever to comparison shop and find a great deal.

The hardest part is getting your hands on the proper resources so that you can truly have the knowledge on how to find hotel bargains.

Astute holiday-makers and concerns might have to do a bit more homework to ensure they're getting the best accommodation prices if they've been relying on website deals for discounts.

Some hotels and resorts whose prices were more than the internet deals for the same rooms offered to match the online price when asked why the internet price was lower.
Accommodation outlets give a "live allotment" of deals to the online operators and guarantee them the availability of the rooms. To confirm online bookings, customers must pre-pay by credit card.

If you would compare online travel agent prices to those offered directly from thehotels, you may find identical costs for some rooms at reputed hotels.Other hotels would match online prices. Some hotels said they had no rooms available as cheap as those online because they had already booked all of the rooms allocated at that price.

Priceline.com allows you to decide what price you want to pay for a hotel room. As always, there is a catch: they pick the hotel, which you pay for sight-unseen with a non-refundable credit card payment.
But if your plans don't call for pin-point location, it's perhaps the best way to save big money on a nice room.

This is often easier said than done, but if you can be flexible with your travel plans it could save you a bundle. When comparing deals, play around with key explore criteria such as dates, location and ratings.

Choose to visit a destination during off-peak periods. With the tourists gone for the season, hotels tend to significantly lower their room rates.

Pay in advance for your hotel reservation. If you can swing this, you'll see some significant savings. We're talking a 4-star hotel in a major city for less than $90 a nighttime.

Look for special promotions. When you reserve your hotel accommodations, find out if you can take advantage of any special promotions, such as a free breakfast or dinner. Those types of offerings can add value to your hotel stay without increasing the price.