Stylish Destinations

Things to see in Cadiz Spain

Paula and Greg — Fri, 08 Apr 2011 21:09:03 +0000

The port city of Cadiz located within the Andalucia region of Spain is an ancient wonder. It is among the oldest inhabited cities in Europe, with roots stretching back to Phoenician sailors over 3,000 years ago. Modern visitors will find dozens of things to do there from exploring the city's deep,rich history to enjoying the benefits of a modern Spanish city.

Climb to the top of the Torre Tavira for a breathtaking view of the entire city and harbor. Cadiz once proudly boasted over a hundred such towers and this is an example of the finest still standing tall. It contains one of the earliest known examples of a camera "obscura", a 'pinhole' camera type of device. In this instance, darkened rooms use mirror directed light to project images onto screens.

Hainan, Hawaii of China

Paula and Greg — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 20:27:03 +0000

Picture pristine white, sandy beaches, a bright blue sky and a gentle breeze. Coconuts drop at your feet as the sand warms your feet while strolling along. No, you're not in Hawaii. You're in Hainan, the smallest province in China.

But, by Chinese standards, small has a slightly different meaning. Hainan covers over 35,000 square km and is home to over 7 million Chinese. At the southern end of the country, its natural beauty has long attracted visitors and fellow countrymen alike.

There are dozens of places to go and things to do in Hainan. Or, you can do nothing at all.

You can lounge on one of the many beautiful beaches in Sanya such as Tianya Haijia or Dadonghai. Take a walk around and enjoy some of the great seafood. You might visit one of the many shops. Shell carvings in many coastal towns around the world are just tourist trinkets. In Sanya, they're fine art.

What You Can Do And See In Dubai

GuestBlogger — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 10:15:52 +0000

Basically a desert city with excellent infrastructure and superb tourist amenities is Dubai. Asian and European tourists who enjoy fine dining, shopping, etc. can have a great time in Dubai and it's become a popular short-break destination because it's located only 5 hours away from Europe and 3 hours away from most Asian countries.

Though Dubai can get extremely humid and hot in the summer months, with temperatures touching 50 degrees Celsius from May to September, it is a great place to visit during the more pleasant months of September to April.

Top Proposal Settings: Holidays in Egypt and More

GuestBlogger — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 08:31:54 +0000

Holidays in Egypt provide the perfect setting for marriage proposals, as there are so many beautiful and romantic activities you can do together. Whether you want to sail down the Nile, climb up to the top of a pyramid or enjoy a meal in a top restaurant, Egypt is the country to visit. Other romantic destinations for couples are the picturesque landscapes of Turkey and Greece.

There are many activities to engage in while in Egypt, such as visiting the Avenue of the Sphinxes, the pyramids in Cairo and scuba diving in the Red Sea. An intimate way of exploring the river Nile is to book a felucca boat ride, which only takes about six to eight people each trip. A trip down the world's longest river can be very romantic, giving you the ideal setting to pop the question.

Boat trips down Istanbul's Bosphorus Strait are very romantic, as well as interesting. This 32km Strait joins the Sea of Marmara with the Black Sea, separating Europe and Asia. You can experience the area by sea and land in one day by booking a half-day cruise towards the Black Sea, then return to Istanbul via car, taking in its beautiful coastline. The Bosphorus runs through the heart of Istanbul, running past the Istanbul Art Museum, numerous Ottoman palaces, fortresses and villages with Ottoman architecture. The Spice Bazaar, Grand Bazaar market and Topkapi Palace are other stunning places to visit during holidays in Turkey. Antalya also provides an ideal proposal setting, with its cascading waterfalls and peaceful atmosphere.

Bangkok Airways -the Award Winning Airline of Thailand

GuestBlogger — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 07:20:14 +0000

You might have heard quite a lot in relation to bangkok airways review online, newspapers, people and friends, but you may never really made an effort to acquaint yourself with what precisely it is. Keep on to become skilled at the next tips on the topic of this subject matter.

The Temperatures Rising In The Canaries

GuestBlogger — Sun, 03 Apr 2011 21:29:44 +0000

People have been making a bee line for winter and early spring breaks to Lanzarote for several years now. A newly released statement by the Spanish Meteorological Agency shows that the Canary Islands basked in much higher than average temperatures for the time of year between December and February.

The three months from December to February saw the average daytime temperature recorded as 19.4Âº C in coastal areas across all of the islands. Which constitutes an increase of at least 1ÂºC in comparison with previous winters between 1971-2000. With winter temperatures this good its hardly surprising that Lanzarote is frequently termed as a holiday hot-spot

Spoil your Children on Holiday with Tenerife hotels

GuestBlogger — Sun, 03 Apr 2011 20:11:05 +0000

We all know that children's attention spans are short-lived, which is why it's important to have some back-up plans in mind when on holiday. Parents who are planning to stay in Tenerife hotels should definitely consider putting together a few ideas before leaving for their holiday, just in case!.

If your children love animals, then Tenerife's Loco Parque zoo is an ideal day out. Oasis de Los Camellos zoo, in La Lajita, makes a brilliant kids' day out, especially if you're staying nearby in Fuerteventura hotels. Children are able to take part in horse or camel rides, with parrot shows throughout the day to keep them occupied.

For an Unforgettable Experience Visit New Zealand

Paula and Greg — Sun, 03 Apr 2011 14:53:44 +0000

Being the youngest country, New Zealand has many things to offer the vacation loving people all across the globe. Right from its fabulous scenery to rich and deep culture, world class infrastructure, friendly people and luxurious accommodations, the list seems endless. No doubt, all romantic, fun loving people vote for a New Zealand travel, at least once in their lives.

Holiday makers prefer New Zealand vacations for many reasons. One of such many reason is the awesome climate. In the northern part you would experience the subtropical climate, whereas in the southern parts, you would be experiencing temperate climate. Hence, during the warm months of December, January, February, it is the ultimate getaway to beat the severe cold winters in the United States. New Zealand also offers a mind blowing scenery. You would remain stunned to experience the glaciers, volcanoes and the amazing Abel Tasman National Park. The country sceneries play a starring role, acting as a backdrop for the famous trilogy, Lord of the Rings.

The Best Places to Visit During a Long Weekend

Paula and Greg — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 21:17:26 +0000

With everybody's budget getting tight, well deserved vacations face cut backs. Even though you may need to save some money, you still need time away with your family or to simply relax. You don't need to spend a lot of time or a bunch of money to enjoy a get away. Why not stay closer to home?

Lee Grayson writing for USA Today compiled a list of places to visit for a three day vacation.

Downtown Chicago

The Chicago Architecture Foundation offers walking tours of the city that feature the history of jazz music and the architecture of regional architects, including Louis Sullivan and Frank Lloyd Wright. The lakefront incorporates architecture, a children's museum and shopping at the Navy Pier. Plus you can't forget the Magnificent Miel for some enticing window shopping. Grab a Chicago style hotdog for lunch and then feast on a glorious deep dish pizza for dinner.

Oceania Regatta Review

Paula and Greg — Mon, 29 Nov 2010 21:17:19 +0000

Oceania Cruises is an upscale, premium cruise line that uses ships that are smaller than many other cruise lines. The ship included within this review only handles a total of 684 guests and boasts a staff to guest ratio of 1.71 to 1. Service on the ship is friendly and attentive as would be expected when cruising with a premium cruise line.

This review took place during a 10 day Mediterranean cruise that departed from Rome and concluded in Barcelona. The focus of this review is the overall on ship experience rather than the experiences uncovered during the various ports that were visited.

Kowloon Park

Paula and Greg — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 15:37:56 +0000

Hong Kong, like New York is a concrete island. Also like Manhattan, Hong Kong has built a 'Central Park' as an oasis in the middle of the bustling metropolis - Kowloon Park.

Once a British military base, the park offers over 13 hectares (33 acres) of greenery, sculpture, swimming pools and quiet gardens and buildings. There's even a large piazza for concerts gracing the park. Visitors to Hong Kong could easily spend a weekend vacation in Kowloon and still not see it all.

Shopping In Madrid

Paula and Greg — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 16:53:52 +0000

While perhaps not as well known for it as London or New York, Madrid has dozens of excellent places to shop. Whether you're looking for a valuable antique or just a simple gift for someone back home, Madrid has much to offer. You may be looking for exclusive shops - of which there are many, or you may want a flea market atmosphere. Madrid has it all.

Retiro Park

Paula and Greg — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 16:52:50 +0000

While Parque del Buen Retiro (at about 300 acres) is much smaller than New York's Central Park (840 acres) it is nonetheless magnificent. Filled with beautiful sculpture and monuments, a peaceful lake and host to a variety of events, it is rightfully one of Madrid's premier attractions.

Puerta del Sol

Paula and Greg — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 16:51:43 +0000

Spanish for 'Gate of the Sun', Puerta del Sol is one of Madrid's most popular tourist destinations. At its center lies the paving slab just outside the Casa de Correos that marks the spot from which radiates the six main highways traversing Spain. It is a good point from which to begin to explore this delightful part of the city.

Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza

Paula and Greg — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 16:50:37 +0000

The name may be a challenge for English speakers, but Madrid's newest art museum is very easy to love for individuals of any nationality. Drawn from the possessions collected over generations of a wealthy family, the contents form one of the greatest gatherings of paintings in the world.

Convent of the Royal Barefoot Sisters

Paula and Greg — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 16:49:31 +0000

Barefoot nuns might sound like the premise for a comedy skit, but rest assured these sisters are no laughing matter. The Monasterio de las Descalzas Reales is both a functioning convent and a treasure trove of art.

Founded by the daughter of Charles V in 1559 as a retreat for noblewomen, the nunnery has maintained its commitment to its religious principles for centuries. Tours of the grounds and artifacts housed there began in the last few decades.

Biblioteca Nacional

Paula and Greg — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 16:48:21 +0000

Going to a library isn't most tourists idea of a good time. But if you visit Madrid and don't stop in to the Biblioteca Nacional for at least an hour you'll be missing out on one of the city's finest attractions.

The facade alone is worth spending time viewing. Neoclassical, and an excellent version it is, the building is near the Plaza de ColÛn. There are three entrance archways and the best way to view the building is to walk straight forward then look up. The scale is impressive.

Basilica de San Francisco El Grande

Paula and Greg — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 16:47:39 +0000

The church of San Francisco is one of Madrid's most important buildings and offers a fascinating tour. With a dome larger than that of St. Paul's Cathedral it is an architectural marvel. Filled with paintings and sculpture, it is also an art lover's treat.

The Windy City Adventure

Paula and Greg — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 16:45:39 +0000

No matter what your interests, if you can't find it in Chicago consider staying home. Whether your taste runs to Shakespeare or meerkats, food or Jazz, airy museums or dank coffee houses, this city has everything - in spades.

For those who enjoy fine arts, The Art Institute offers one of the best collections to be found anywhere in the world. Though much smaller than the Metropolitan in New York or the Louvre in Paris, the paintings and other objects on display are second to none.

The Sears Tower

Paula and Greg — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 16:45:04 +0000

For many years the world's tallest skyscraper, the Sears Tower is really nine buildings combined into one massive structure. Completed in 1974, it was erected to consolidate offices housing 6,500 Sears employees from all over the city.

Close to the famed Chicago 'L', the elevated train and Chicago Transit Authority buses, it would have been taller but the Federal Aviation Authority was concerned about plane safety on routes to and from O'Hare.

The Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio

Paula and Greg — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 16:44:17 +0000

Frank Lloyd Wright is justly regarded as one of the greatest architects in history. But it wasn't always so. Early in his career, as with most artists, he struggled for recognition and commercial success. After some initial popularity, for decades afterwards (as a result of scandals and changing tastes), he was largely ignored. But genius is irrepressible. That talent is more than hinted at in Wright's own home and studio, constructed in 1889 and 1898.

The Field Museum

Paula and Greg — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 16:43:41 +0000

Founded in 1893 as the Columbian Museum, this treasure trove of archaeological artifacts is one of the world's preeminent institutions. With a library of more than 250,000 volumes and millions of stored objects, it is a world class center of learning about the history of mankind. A major part of that collection is available to the public and it makes for much more than a dry, academic visit.

The Art Institute

Paula and Greg — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 16:43:05 +0000

Housed in an 1893 building erected as part of the World's Fair, The Art Institute of Chicago is one of the country's preeminent schools and museums.

The college which is part of the Institute actually began in 1866, with classes beginning two years later. A few bumpy years followed, but the school had revived by 1882. Down the years, the school has had some notable students, including Walt Disney, Georgia O'Keefe and Hugh Hefner. But for the traveler, the primary attraction is the world class exhibits.

Shedd Aquarium

Paula and Greg — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 16:41:43 +0000

Sited at the shore of Lake Michigan, the John G. Shedd Aquarium is widely acknowledged to be among the world's finest. Home to more than 650 species of fish, reptile, amphibians, birds and mammals, they have over 8,000 individual animals from around the world.

Since 1930, the collection has grown to include a 90,000 coral reef exhibit, whale and dolphin habitats, an Amazon display, penguins and much more.

Chicago's Parks

Paula and Greg — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 16:40:12 +0000

With over 500 parks to choose from in the Windy City you may have trouble deciding which to visit. But some of the major ones have gained their reputations from all the things they offer visitors.

Grant Park stretches from the Museum Campus at Lake Shore Drive and Roosevelt Road to north of the world famous Prudential Building. The park is largely the result of efforts by the late Montgomery Ward, founder of the huge department store chain. Wanting to retain the view, he lobbied the city to construct Grant Park.

Navy Pier

Paula and Greg — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 16:39:41 +0000

Whether you want to ride a ferris wheel or lean toward seeing some Shakespeare, Navy Pier has every kind of enjoyment you can imagine. Open to the public since 1916, the area was revitalized in 1995. Ever since, it has attracted visitors from all over the world - over 8 million in 2005 alone.

Don't worry about crowds, though. There's so much to do and see that lines are rarely a problem. There is a dock with ships to see and restaurants to sample, just like Pier 39 in San Francisco. Or you can just sit and enjoy the fountain at Gateway Park, with 240 jets, all computer synchronized.

Museum of Science and Industry

Paula and Greg — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 16:39:07 +0000

There are many examples of a Museum of Science and Industry around the country. But the one in Chicago is the oldest and unquestionably the best museum of its kind in the world. On three floors, covering 350,000 sq ft (32,520 sq m) it offers over 800 exhibits that attract 2 million visitors per year.

Magnificent Mile

Paula and Greg — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 16:38:34 +0000

A mile of shopping! Now that's something to set the heart a flutter. But the excitement doesn't stop there, because this famed area has much, much more to offer. True, the shopping is first rate. But there's sightseeing, dining and lots more.

If you want to be a junior architect start at the LEGO store at 520 N. Michigan Ave and build a skyscraper with your son or daughter. You can buy a table or T-shirt, or get a kit to duplicate the Sears Tower.

John Hancock Center

Paula and Greg — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 16:37:55 +0000

Not the tallest building in Chicago, but surely one of the finest anywhere. With its distinctive twin aerials on top and X-shaped braces along the facade, this slightly trapezoidal 100-story building is an architectural marvel. Completed in 1969, it's hard to imagine it not having always been a part of the Chicago skyline.

Brookfield Zoo

Paula and Greg — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 16:37:18 +0000

Chicago is hugely popular among tourists for great buildings, restaurants and shopping. But one of the chief attractions, for both locals and visitors, remains the Brookfield Zoo. Opened in 1934, the zoo is located on 216 acres about 14 miles west of downtown. The sights and the location are perfect for someone looking for something just outside the metropolis in the suburb of Brookfield.