Travel and Holiday Guide

Fuerteventura is second major Canary Island and offers remarkable Spanish experiences, if considering it as your holiday destination. The island has really long beaches and is known for its cuisine, natural environment and lots of striking tourist attractions.

Following are some of the things to do when holidaying in Fuerteventura:
Betancuria

Capital of Fuerteventura, this part of the island is really small, but has remarkable archeological and history rich structures and museums, for those interesting holiday in Fuerteventura.

Spanish Finca

This countryside is not a big attraction but can be visited when holidaying in Fuerteventura for the delicacies like sauces, jams and cheese, local Craft ware and Aloe Vera. From abundant plants amazing flowers, to marvelous scenery, this attraction is worth paying a visit.

El Museo de La Alcogida

El Museo de La Alcogida is an open-air museum presenting the essence of rural and rustic village culture and life. The show puts forward humble and self effacing farmers, craftsmen and houses of old times, worth making it a superb tourist attraction. When on a holiday in Fuerteventura, the museum can also be visited for experiencing the low-ceilinged and shady café-bar.

Oasis Park

This tourist attraction is spread across the area of 50000 square metre and also supports a botanical garden, as well as a zoo. There are amazing camel safari and stunning views from up hills.

Casa Santa María inside Museo Artesanía

This picture perfect restaurant surrounded with laurel trees, parasols, bougainvillea, citrus trees and cactus garden . This restaurant is a tourist attraction in itself as it helps tourist and visitors unwind, when on holidaying in Fuerteventura. Some of the delicacy you can relish in this place include home made cakes and wines, Lanzarote smoke salmon and sizzling pork fillet. Many said that to have its local cuisine is the best way to enjoy a great holiday in Fuerteventura.

La Lajita Zoo

Located at the eastern coastal rural community of La Lajita, this zoo is perfect way to enjoy family time when holidaying in Fuerteventura. From small animals, camel safaris, horse rides, a parrot show, palm trees to a beautiful bar, this tourist attraction offers a lot.
Islote de Lobos Nature Reserve

This tourist attraction is a natural reserve and is quite admired by tourist and visitors holidaying in Fuerteventura. Many people simply visit this reserve for tranquility, abundance of natural beauty, peace of mind and lots of recreation. The easy way to reach this attraction is via a boat ride from the land of Corralejo. Islote de Lobos does not just offers freshness and calmness, but also has breathtaking views to capture.

Best time to visit of holiday in Fuerteventura

Many believed that the best time for a holiday in Fuerteventura is between November and February, because there are less heat and not much of rain.

Now, it’s time to start talking about beach. As some of you in Europe and America start chilling out in freezing nights of fall and winter, the wonderful image of warm sunny day in beach would be wonderful!!!

It’s Railay Beach we’re talking about, one of Thailand’s most sought-after beach areas. There are no roads in Railay, only beautiful golden sands and longtail boats everywhere. Actually it is connected with the mainland, but you must go through limestone cliff and steep jungle areas which is not favorable. So the only way to get there is.. by the SEA. That’s right, you must use boat to get there…

By the way, talking about how to get there. It’s only ten minutes by boat from Ao Nang. Alternatively, It takes 30 minutes from Chao Fa pier in Krabi Town to get to Railay Beach by long tail boat. Boats cost no more than 50 or 60 Baht per person per trip.

People usually go to Railay to avoid crowds and busy city activities. The sunset view also very beautiful here. You can find many resort areas in Railay, scattered around the four beaches, that is Ton Sai, Railay West, Railay East, and Phra Nang Cave beach. The accomodation ranging from very basic fan-cooling bungalows, to exclusive resort.

One of the famous activities in Railay including Rock-climbing. On-site climbing courses are available in area with the best climbing instructors in the country. You can also visit some caves, explore in Sea-Kayak, snorkling, or just tanning your skin on the warm sunny beach.

If you prefer to have wonderful holiday at beach, away from the hassle dazzle of big city life, you would like Railay Beach to be one of your major destination this holiday.

Anyone interested?

When we plan a holiday, we should have come up with some budget to spend. But more often than ever, we could actually come across many unexpected costs that are not only upset us, but also drain the money away. Don’t let yourself being tuck away from your holiday excitement just because those unnecessary burden. When you plan ahead, chance are you would enjoy more and get more out of your holiday.

So the smart thing to do is to prepare in advance and look for ways to save money while, at the same time, enjoy more of your holiday trip.

Here are some money-saving tips to delight your travel experience :

1. Double check and confirm your departure time
This is to avoid unpredictable cancellation when you finally arrives at the airport/port. The last thing you want to hear is to find out that your flight has been cancelled after you excitedly leave your home in anticipation of how great your holiday will be. Also to avoid having to stay overnight at the airport in uncertainty.
2. Know recent luggage regulation and weigh your bag(s) at home
This is very important thing to remember, as many travelers don’t really pay much attention to new regulation. We want to avoid overweight charges and other unnecessary charges beforehand. You may want to redistribute your baggage with your travel companion and pack in more compact way to avoid having to pay $ 50 or more just because your excess 5 pounds.
3. Pack light & pack smart
You don’t have to bring everything yourself. Common travel items usually available at your hotel. Contact your reservation hotel to find out. Similarly, if in any case they do not provide, you should consider to bring the amenities from home. Find the compact travel package for your convenience.
4. Find discount and coupons at your destinate attraction in advance
Many local attraction offer discount and coupons if you are willing to spend some time find out through the web. You can start from this blog, where I will try to regularly inform of any coupons and discounts available for your trip.

5. Request extra nights/services if you’re staying quite long (eg.5 nights) in the same hotel, Basically, whenever possible, the hotel would be willing to do anything to offer high hospitality to their loyal customer. You better talk to the manager/sales/marketing agent before you arrive, instead of the reservation agent. Especially during low season, they would be more than happy to consider giving you extra spa treatment, complimentary night-stay, dinner for two, or some similar things.
6. Discover the ‘hidden fees’ by the airlines and hotel
Some airlines don’t provide food during the flight, and might even charge you for headphones. Better bring your own entertainment and maybe a little snack (and water) in case you have to wait for long hour delay or having to go through long journey. Food purchase at the airport could be double in price than the usual.
7. Bring your own internet connection
This is true for PDA user / business travelers. While some hotels still offer free internet connection, many would charge you quite expensive for the service.
8. Prepare a detail map and learn to read it precisely
You might not consider it important. But especially if you are not using a tour guide service, preparing a detail map of the city will save your time and money and avoid being lost somewhere.

Anyone want to share more tips on saving money on travel?

Wow, Alaska!!! This is one of my favourite topic! Feel like I never get enough with it!

Have you ever heard about Denali National Park? It is the heart of the Alaska range.

The interesting thing about the Alaskan Range, is that the completely different climate between the north and south side. The south side has moisture, transitional maritime continental climates with cooler summer and warmer winters. But the north has drier climate and huge temperature fluctuations to the north.

Denali lies in the north of the Alaska. At middle elevations you can find tundra. And at the highest elevations, lies glaciers, rock, and snow.

It has extraordinary variety of wildlife, more than any other in the United States. You named it, grizzly bears, black bears, caribou, dall sheep, moose, golden eagle, gray wolf, beavers, and so on. The park is also well known for its bird population and fresh ten species of fish including trout, salmon, and arctic grayling.

Denali park rangers maintain a constant effort to “keep the wildlife wild” by limiting the interaction between humans and park animals. We cannot feed the animals, as it is strictly forbidden and may cause adverse affects on the feeding habits of the creature. But you still can view animals from safe distances.

Besides wildlife, you can also find over 450 species of flowering plants fill the park, and can be viewed in bloom throughout summer. Goldenrod, fireweed, lupine, bluebell, and gentian filling the valleys of Denali and are often used on postcards and in artwork.

Enjoy some pictures of Alaska’s Denali National Park, and put your comment on this post please 

PS : do you see the Dall Sheep pic? It’s so cute, isn’t it?

dall-sheep

wonder lake, denali

Yesterday, we have ‘visited’ Nanning in general. In today’s post we’ll go deeper about one of the “MUST-VISIT” area in Nanning, which is Qingxiu Mountain Range. You’ll soon find out why…

Counted as one of the Eight Wonderful Sceneris of ancient Nanning, and bordering the Yongjiang River in the southern suburbs of Nanning, Qingxiu mountain range is renowned for its beauty and the clear waters which run through it. That’s why it has its name as The green lung of Nanning.

Mt. Qingxiu is the primary source of fresh air for the downtown Nanning area due to the many lakes and the emerald green trees of the mountains. The undulating chains of mountains, verdant trees, liquid springs and historic sites together make Mt. Qingxiu a good place to meet the charm of antique taste and tranquility.

Some of ‘must-visit’ sights in Mt. Qingxiu including the ancient Longxiang Tower, Cycads Garden, Tianchi, Yaochi, Sanbao Hall and Thailand Garden etc. Longxiang Tower with its pagoda serve as the symbol of the mountain, with architectural style of Ming Dynasty. Every time the wind blows, you will hear the waves through the lush forests. The Mt. Qingxiu pine waves are famous in the region.

Tianchi and Yaochi is two big manmade lakes which sparkles in the sunlight and mirroring the green pines, blue sky and white clouds as a beautiful painting. Around Yaochi is an orchard of peach trees which bloom in the spring, offering yet another aspect of beauty to the region.

The largest garden of its kind in China is The Cycads Garden in Mt. Qingxiu. Thousands of cycads (also called iron trees) bloomed in May 2002. As this is rarely happen, it was considered a marvelous spectacle.

Thailand Garden is the fruit of the exchange and cooperation between Nanning and a city of Thailand, designing by a Thai architect. While strolling in the garden you may taste the exotic glamour with Thai accent here and there. You could ride the cable cars to appreciate the landscape of lakes and mountains from the top.

Supporting its stunning panoramic areas, Nanning is a modern city with well developed accommodation and shopping area. Nanning Wuxu Airport (NNG) and Naning Railway Station serve as hubs for other cities in China. Its beautiful subtropical scenery and exotic ethnic minority culture have been attracting millions of tourists for years.

Oo boysss…. I’m dreaming of living in heaven there…..

China, with its vast geographical area, offer great length of beautiful panoramic area. Some are well-known like Shanghai and Beijing (the very recent place of successful Olympic Games 2008), but most are hidden between somewhat not-yet-popular tourism areas.

Let’s take a look at Nanning, the capital city of Guangxi Province, which lies in the southern part of China.

This charming city is called “Green City” because of the evergreen trees and fragrant flowers that can be found all year round, thanks to the pleasant climate of it. It is rewarded AAA National level of scenic spot thanks to its many beautiful sites. Some famous attractions including : Grand De Tian Waterfall, Beautiful Mt. Qingxiu and Mt. Daming, quiet Yangmei Ancient Town, mysterious Huashan Mural, Yiling Cave, Guangxi Museum, Jiulong Waterfall Forest Park, Longhu Mountain Natural Reserve, and many parks and gardens scattered around. These view will enchant you to wanting to stay longer in the city. Not mentioning the delicious local foods that cannot be found anywhere else in China.

The Jiulong Waterfall Forest Park in Heng county is an old geological park with grand sandstones and peaks. Lush plants, old trees, strange flowers and exist crossing canes and running streams grow in the park. It is of south subtropical monsoon climate which has rich rainfall and plenty of sunshine. It is rainy and humid in the summer,but sunny and dry in winter.

jiulong waterfall

Some of the main scenic spots are the “Purple Dragons Date”, “Two Dragons Playing Ball”, “Dragons Welcoming Guests”, and the biggest sculpture complex in Guangxi, the Feitian Goddess Surrounded by Birds Sculpture complex which shows that human and nature exist in harmony. Moreover, the Li Yu Shan Holiday Resort with primitive and simple ethnic houses being elegantly built in the resort, is a good place for spending the holidays, summer preventing, sightseeing, traveling and having an adventure.

… find more about Nanning in tomorrow’s post

If you haven’t considered this before, try to look at it as a game for all family members. This is not something that to be decided by the parents alone, but moreover involving the whole family in preparing everything! So grab some tips to make your family trip one of the most unforgettable moments in your life… and in your kids’ memory too!

1. Contact your Local Travel Agent
See if they have special discount for kids, or special family packages that will save you a lot. Find out whether they are expert and reliable in dealing with kids necessities during the trip. For sure, travel with kids will be a lot more difference than guiding all adult groups. Find out some suitable choices for family trip to be presented in family discussion

2. Seek reference and/or recommendation from other satisfied travelers
This could be your most reliable guide in finding out the best place and best travel agent to meet your need.

3. Plan well in advance, involving all of the family members
Even the 3 or 4 years old can join in choosing the place they want to go! Let them look at the pictures in the brochures you got from your local travel agent, surf the web to get more information.

4. Learn more about your destination
After deciding where to go and what kind of trip would be (whether it is leisure trip, hiking, kayaking, canoeing, etc), seek more advance information about your destination. Make this as an opportunity to learn while enjoying the trip. Find books about the history, what is the uniqueness of the places, the different cultures that they will meet, the range of birds and plants and butterflies that can be found in the area, everything that could add excitement as well as brain for the whole family.

5. Prepare the stamina
The last thing you want to be in, is to find out that you have to cancel the trip because any of your kids or other family member get sick and cannot join the travel. So start living the healthy life right now! Eat better food, exercise more (family exercise would be fun too!), sleep better. Make sure you prepare everyone’s stamina for this trip.

6. Prepare the Documents needed
If you plan to have family trip overseas, you have to prepare the official documents months ahead. Contact the destinate nations’ embassy to find out more.
Set aside one special bag for this travel, stuffed with important documents and copies of your identity cards, passport, kids’ documents, tickets, etc.

7. Prepare your Luggage
Check with your chosen travel agent and/or local hotel where you would stay, what the condition of the area would be. This would determine what kind of gear and clothing that you must bring along. If you go to beach area, don’t forget the sun-block lotion, swimsuits, and other swimming apparels. If you plan to stay in rather humid and warm area, your short pants and mosquito lotions would be necessary. Sweater, gloves and socks would be essential for winter and cold destination.

8. Other “MUST-HAVE” Things to prepare :
- Medication : if any family members is depended on some medication, don’t forget to put it aside in special bag, and bring extra would be great
- First Aid Kit : usual first aid kit, common medicine for common light health problem (such as dizziness, cold, cough)
- Travel insurance : check with your travel agent to get all of your family member insured during your trip

9. In case of …
- Delay : always be prepared with snacks and drinks, toys, games, and books, to anticipate delay time, or fill the blank spot time
- Emergency : be prepared with local emergency numbers : police, healthcare practitioners, ambulance, fire engine, your travel agent representatives in respective country, your bank’s agent, etc

Anyone would like to share and add to those tips?

If you are planning a trip to Java, Indonesia, you might want to consider Mount Bromo as one of your destination.

Located in Tengger, East Java, Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park is a vast mountain, an eruption of massive proportions blew off its top leaving a huge caldera in which two peaks are located. One is the active volcano of Bromo and the other is the non-active of Mount Batok.

The uniqueness of the area’s characteristic is the breathtaking experiences of the reminiscent of a moonscape. Here you can observe sunrises and sunset and gazing into the volcano’s crater, which have unique sand-ocean for about 5.250 hectares, and lies on ± 2.100 meters sea level.

Mount Bromo, sunrise

While you’re walking across a huge frozen lake, combination of cold air and the strange echoing of horse’s hoofs creates a fantastic sensation. Temperatures at the top of Mt. Bromo range about 5 to 18 degrees Celsius.

Every year, on the 14th day of full moon Kesodo (Tenggerese Calendar), Inhabitants of Tengger Mountain (The Tenggerese) held The offering ceremony of Kasodo. They gather at the rim of Mt. Bromo’s active crater to present annual offerings of rice, fruits, vegetables, flowers, livestock, and other local products to the God of the mountain. Tourist can take part on this ceremony as well.

You could start your journey to Mt. Bromo from Surabaya, Malang, Jember, and its surrounding area. There is a small town of Ngadisari, about 6 km north-east of Bromo, where tourist can stay overnight in hotel facilities and get up around midnight for the trek to Bromo. It is the base camp of expedition. From Ngadisari, the ascent to the crater takes about two hours on foot. On horse-back (ponies can be hired) the excursion takes about an hour and a half. Excursions normally start around midnight. This way, you could catch the stunning view of sunrise at Mt. Bromo.

You might want to start your journey at 12 midnight, and reach the bottom of the mountain at about 2 or 3 am. After rest for a while, get ready for climbing the step ladder leading to the rim of Bromo’s crater, and, finally, the incomparable view of the rising in the east.

Preparation is everything. Some “must-have” necessities for this journey including : a torch or emergency lamp, warm clothing and sweater (the freezing temperature reach 0-5 degrees celcius / 33-41 degrees Fahrenheit), and some hot drink/alcoholic drink to warm your body.

Challenging, right? Anyone wants to try? Or anybody that has been there before?