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Dubai Travel – Top Things to do in Dubai

September 23, 2012 by

Article by Robin Tonge

When in Dubai make sure you don’t miss these Dubai highlights

Snow Ski Dubai is located in the Mall of the Emirates shopping complex on the Sheikh Zayed Road Dubai. Ski Dubai is the first indoor ski resort in the Middle East and offers an amazing snow setting to enjoy skiing, snowboarding and tobogganing or just playing in the snow. There are 5 runs that vary in difficulty, height and steepness. The longest run being 400 meters with a fall of over 60 meters. Skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels will enjoy these various slopes and snowboarders can also practice their stunts on the 90-metre long quarter pipe.

Dubai Creek & Abra Cruise is highly recommended for visitors to experience the Dubai creek as it is the foundation from which Dubai grew into a port for trading vessels sailing between India, Africa and the Middle East. Today, some of the old shipping culture still remains and visitors can view some of the original buildings that have served as customs houses. The dinner cruise option is popular.

Dubai Museum is situated in Bur Dubai and is incorporated in the Al Sahidi Fort. The Fort was built in the late 18th century and was in the past a seat for the government and the rulers main residence. The restored fort now provides a fascinating insight into olden days in Dubai.

Dubai Tower is the world’s tallest building located near Sheikh Zayed Road Dubai between Dubai city and Jumeirah Beach.

Jumeirah Mosque is located on Jumeirah Road opposite Palm Strip Mall and is a dominant landmark of the Dubai landscape being built in the medieval Fatimid tradition using modern building materials. It is one of the few Mosques which are open to non-Muslims for tours. There is a Cultural Centre designed to foster understanding between religions.

Desert Safari, also known as Dune Bashing to locals, is a popular tour where visitors are taken to the desert in a 4WD and specialist desert drivers take you for a roller-coaster ride over red sand dunes. The tour may include a barbecue dinner with music and belly dancing.

Palm Islands are the three largest artificial islands in the world and are a spectacular and amazing experience.

Hot Air Ballooning is available throughout the year as the Dubai region has excellent weather for ballooning. Experience the fun & unique sensation of being in a hot air balloon flying gently high above the sand dunes and mountains early in the morning during sunrise. Visitors are picked up early from their accommodation and taken inland to the desert where the balloon flight takes off at dawn.

Wild Wadi is a water amusement park situated between Burj Al Arab and Jumeirah Beach Hotel in Dubai, it’s just a 20-minute drive from the city centre. Themed around the tale of Juha, a popular character from Arabian folklore, the waterpark boasts 30 rides and attractions.

Diving and snorkeling – There are many dive operators in Dubai running day scuba diving trips to the wreck sites or take a 90 minute road journey to the East coast Emirate of Fujairah for excellent diving on coral reefs.

Dubai Zoo is located on Jumeirah Road near the beach and hotel districts.

Golf has become popular in Dubai. There are some of the world’s most amazing golf courses with luscious green fairways and smooth greens. This truly is a golfer’s paradise. Alternatively, for a more local flavor, try sand golf!

Beautiful beaches with warm, clear water and white sand located on the Arabian Gulf invite visitors to participate in endless water-sport opportunities year round. Ocean temperatures range from 22?C in winter up to 35°C in summer.

Dubailand is the biggest and most ambitious building project in the world designed to elevate Dubai to the world’s premier tourist destination. The project includes leisure, hotel, retail, entertainment, theme parks, residential areas, and the world’s largest shopping mall. Much is still under development but when complete this will be an amazing attraction.

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Things to Do With Kids in Turks and Caicos

September 18, 2012 by

Article by Kelsey Sam

Yes, Turks and Caicos is indeed home to some of the most magnificent beaches and turquoise seas the Caribbean has to offer. But if you are looking for things to do with the kids beyond sand castles and splashing, the Turks and Caicos also offers plenty of action-packed fun for families. Here are our favorite things-to-do to keep the whole family entertained and to get those kids exhausted by the end of the day! Horseback Riding: Long sandy beaches and shallow waters can make for exhilarating rides, while quiet dirt track roads surrounded by natural beauty make for a more laid back experience. YouâEUR(TM)ll find guided rides and lessons available from reputable and safety-conscious stable owners. Often transportation from your house or hotel is provided.Glass Bottom Semi Submarine: You donâEUR(TM)t have to dive or snorkel to experience the abundant marine life of the Atlantic Ocean. An hour-long underwater tour on a glass bottom semi submarine will take you around the crystal clear Provo waters. Comfortably enjoy panoramic views of teaming coral reefs, colorful tropical fish, stingrays, turtles, perhaps some dolphins and even sharks!The National Environmental Centre:If your kids love science and nature, then this government educational center is a good choice. With exhibits, classrooms, and of course, a gift shop, the whole family can learn about the marine life, plants, and animals that make up the Turks and Caicos ecosystem and about the islandâEUR(TM)s environmental research programs currently underway. Snorkeling:For families with kids over seven years of age, there are plenty of snorkeling trips available. The warm waters practically feel like you are in an aquarium and the amount of sea life rivals being in fish tank too! Enjoy the healthy coral reefs and the reams of exotic fish, turtles and stingrays as you swim. Villa Moonshadow (www.VillaMoonshadow.com) provides stairs right into the water.Water sports: ItâEUR(TM)s no surprise that there is every kind of water sport you can imagine in Turks and Caicos. Hop on a sail boat or go deep sea fishing, or join the fish, big and small, with SCUBA diving. For those lovers of all things water riding try stand up paddle boarding, wind surfing, kite boarding, sailing, waterskiing, jet skiing, and wakeboarding. Lessons and rentals are everywhere!Turks and Caicos National Museum:Your kids can discover Turks and CaicosâEUR(TM) culture and history as well as exploring exhibits on the islandsâEUR(TM) nature and environment. Learn about slavery and shipwrecks, and about the Turks and Caicos of today. Home to a good gift shop, you can buy locally made crafts, arts, photography, and books âEUR” proceeds go to local artisans and to the non-profit museum. Wildlife:The Turks and Caicos islands are famous for wild life and unique creatures only found in the Caribbean. The island favorite o is JoJo the Bottlenose Dolphin, who loves interacting with people. In the winter season, you might find Humpback whales, especially near Salt Cay. And Only on the uninhabited islands, you see Rock Iguanas. Other marine life is also seen such as fishes, turtles, sharks and other different species of plants and animals. Fun World:Another ultimate place for enjoyment is Fun World on Providenciales. Play a couple of rounds of mini-golf, race on the go-chart track, climb into the world of video games, or get athletic on the 32-foot rock wall. A snack and drink bar comes with karaoke entertainment.Shopping & Restaurants:There are numerous malls and shopping areas that offer designer wear, beach clothes, gift shops, and even childrenâEUR(TM)s toy shops. Grace Bay Road, Leeward Highway, and The Saltmills are excellent shopping hubs, as are many of the resorts. As for food options, Turks and Caicos offers plenty of relaxed bar and grill restaurants, as well as up-scales options; youâEUR(TM)ll also find plenty of great conch eateries, right on the beach âEUR” super fun for the kids. Villa Moonshadow (www.VillaMoonshadow.com) is conveniently located to the airport, parks and Taylor Bay.

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California Travel: Things to See and Do at Yosemite National Park

June 11, 2012 by

Article by David H. Urmann

California’s Yosemite National Park is recognized internationally for its waterfalls, cliffs, groves, streams and biological assortment. The 1,200 mile park is one of the many UNESCO World Heritage sites found along the Sierra Nevada Mountains.

The Yosemite region in east-central California is known for its spectacular panoramas, massive granite cliffs, mountain vistas and historical communities. Yosemite Park offers exciting destinations with about 750,000 acres of land and thousands of ponds and lakes.

It also has 800 miles of hiking trails and 1600 miles of streams. The park is a 6 hour drive from Los Angeles and about 4.5 hours drive from San Francisco.

The Yosemite Valley is well known for its cliffs, meadows, rock formations and waterfalls. The Half Dome granite monolith is one of the mountain attractions, appearing like a giant dome stone that splits in half. The vertical face of El Capitan is also famous among climbers.

Yosemite Falls is the most impressive and considered the highest fall in the world. Other accessible falls in Yosemite Valley are the Bridalveil, Nevada Fall and Vernal Fall.

Tunnel View is another standpoint that gives a full view of the valley located at the western end of Wawona tunnel.

The Crane Flat is an amazing meadow and forest found 16 miles from Yosemite Valley. Sites nearby are the Tuolumne and Giant Sequoias Merced Groves.Glacier Point is located just 30 miles from Yosemite Valley. It overlooks the valley and the Sierra Nevada mountain ranges. Both cross-country and downhill skiing is available at Badger Pass during mid-December to early April. It also overlooks the Washburn Point. It gives a great view of the southern side of the Yosemite Valley in just half a mile before Glacier Point.

Hetch Hetchy Valley has sceneries that usually start up as a point of many trails. Hiking is advisable during spring and early summer. The road through the valley is open year round but with restricted hours. It is however closed during winter and spring.

Tuolumne Meadows is an open-alpine meadow surrounded by domes, peaks and the Tuolumne River. This area is available for snowshoes or skis from November through May or early June. Visitors can explore the meadows through Dog Lake trailhead for 15 miles.

Wawona is the place for Wawona Hotel, Pioneer Yosemite History Center of historic buildings and the Mariposa Grove.

Yosemite is great for those who love outdoor adventure. It has over 800 miles of trails for hiking. No permits are required for hikers who want a day hike to its many trails and footpaths along the valley. Some trails are easy but some are more tiring such as the sheer granite walls. Hikers may also encounter switchbacks, steep terrain and changing rapid weather conditions.

Backpackers can access the Glacier Point road towards trails in the Clark range as well as the parks along the southern part. Tuolumne Meadows also offers 8 different trailheads.

The Chilnualna Falls and Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias are popular day hikes at Wawona.

Yosemite Valley also offers stunning rock climbing activities being about 3,000 feet tall and having vertical faces. The Tuolumne Meadows is also famous for its high elevation rock climbing. The Yosemite Mountaineering School guides have been assisting visitors since 1969, showcasing an AMGA certificate.

One can also go horseback riding. Again, Tuolumne Meadows and Wawona offer commercial horse-riding at DNC Parks and Resorts, along with custom guided trips.

For those who love skiing, try it in Badger Pass. Their cross-country and downhill trails are about 350 miles. The tracks and skating lanes are connected from Badger Pass to Glacier Point. It is open during December and closed on April.

For backpacking, Little Yosemite Valley is one of the most famous sites. It is 4 miles from the Yosemite Valley floor along Merced River.

Lastly, Yosemite has 13 campgrounds, all with forest canopies and rooms. Campgrounds are available at Crane Flat, Wawona, Hodgdon Meadow and half of Tuolumne Meadows. Camping reservations are made from April to September.

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