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Thailand travel guide

February 6, 2012 by

Article by Direct Line Travel Insurance

With its beautiful beaches, tropical islands, ancient temples, and wild jungle, Thailand is one of the world?s most popular backpacking destinations. It is also close to other popular travel spots in South East Asia like Malaysia, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Laos. Recent development in Thailand means there are a number of new upmarket resorts and spas offering excellent food, luxury accommodation and relaxing spa treatments. With all this on offer, it?s no wonder some tourists stay much longer than they intended.

Beaches and IslandsAlex Garland?s film adaptation of his novel The Beach in 1996 helped put Thailand on the tourist map. Travellers and holidaymakers are attracted to the clear, sunny days, white sand beaches, cool turquoise waters, and palm trees lining the shoreline.

There are islands in abundance in Thailand, all just a boat trip away. The islands of Phuket, Phi Phi and Koh Hae (Coral Island) are situated in the Andaman Sea. Not far away is the coastal province of Krabi renown for its stunning coastline and limestone cliffs. Here you will find the relatively untouched islands of Khao Lak and Phang Nak.

Thailand is a diver?s dream. Head to the Similan Islands for some amazing coral and tropical fish. If you?re looking for more action on your travels head to the Gulf of Thailand. The islands of Koh Phangan and Koh Samui offer sun, spas and plenty of parties. The nearby island of Koh Tao is a fantastic spot to do some diving. Not to be outdone, the east coast of Thailand offers a number of popular spots for backpackers including Pattaya, Koh Samet and Koh Chang.

Temples and TrekkingThailand boasts over 31, 200 Buddhist temples (wats). Some are used for religious ceremonies and festivals and some are home to Buddhist monks. Not all temples are created equal in Thailand. The highest grade temples are called Royal Temples. There are 200 Royal Temples in Thailand including Wat Suthat and Wat Phra Chetuphon in Bangkok, Wat Phra Pathom Chedi in Nakhon Pathom Province, and in Sarburo Province, Wat Phra Buddhabat.

Some of the temples in Chiang Mai are over 700 years old. Wat Phrathat Dou Suthep sits high on a mountain with spectacular views overlooking the city. Other temples to visit are Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Chiang Man, the colourful Burmese-style Wat Saen Fang and the forests and labyrinth at Wat Umong. Chiang Mai is also a trekkers paradise with two massive national parks, elephant centres, ancient hill tribes and plenty of mountains, wildlife and natural wonders.

Rest and RejuvenationAfter you?ve trekked through the jungle, absorbed the magic of the temples, and tasted the nightlife Thai style, unwind with a spa treatment and massage. Thailand is famous for its spas and massages. If you?re travelling on a budget there are basic treatments or if you?re going for all out luxury, check out a luxurious spa resort. There are destination spas that are dedicated to spa treatments like Chiva-Som in Hua Hin. Spa programmes include relaxation, slimming, detox or focus on increasing energy levels. A number of hotels double as spa resorts. These include The Oriental in Bangkok, The Amanpuri Resort in Phuket, The Oasis Resort and Samui Dharma Healing Centre in Koh Samet, The Central Wong Amat Beach Resort in Pattaya, and The Regent Resort (Lanna Spa) in Chiang Mai.

If you?re looking for a health retreat that specialises in medical programmes, there are a number of day spas that offer beauty treatments and massage centres offering traditional Thai reflexology and Swedish-style massage. The Wat Pho temple in Bangkok, the main school for massage and traditional medicine in Thailand, is famous for its massage and medical treatments.

Favourite hauntsDiving heavenFor a magical view of Thailand?s underwater paradise, take a diving course at one of Thailand?s diving centres. You can learn to dive on Koh Tao, Phi Phi, Phuket or Koh Samui. If you?re rather take a dive cruise, head out to the nine granite Similan Islands in the Andaman Sea, 65km offshore from Phang Nga Province. These islands were declared a National Park in 1982. You will see beautiful coral gardens, sloping reef banks, massive boulders, vast numbers of tropical fish and even some of the more exotic sea creatures like turtles and leopard sharks.

If you?re planning to dive in Thailand, remember to let your travel insurance company know before you go.

Rural retreatHead inland and discover the beauty of Thailand?s jungles. Some of the best treks start in Chiang Mai and take you through lush jungle to visit indigenous hill tribes and wildlife sanctuaries.

Take a trip to the Doi Inthanon National Park and see the Vachiratarn Waterfalls, spend the night in an authentic Karen village (home to a Karen hill tribe), trek through the jungle on an elephant, and raft down a river on a bamboo raft. If you are planning to river raft while in Thailand, make sure you let your travel insurance company know before you go.

Use Chiang Mai as a base to explore the temples in the area and if you fancy becoming an expert in Thai massage, take a course at one of the local massage schools.

Hustle and bustleCity life in Thailand is colourful, noisy and busy. Bangkok is one of those cities you either love or hate. Pollution is a problem but if you can handle the smog, you?ll find a treasure trove of markets, temples, river tours, hotels, nightlife, restaurants, bars and street stalls offering mouthwatering Thai cuisine.

Shop by day at the Chatuchak Weekend Market or if you?re a night owl, shop at the Suan Lum Night Bazaar. The Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is a major tourist attraction with lots of Thai bargains and stunning river views.

If you?re look for an adventure at night, try Sukhumvit, Khao San Road, Silom, Ratchadapisek, Siam and Chidlom, where there?s something for every taste and style.

Travelling by PlaneThe only direct flights from the UK to Thailand fly into Bangkok. Thai Airways, BA, Eva Airways and Qantas Airways offer direct flights from London Heathrow to Bangkok. Once you?ve landed in Bangkok, you can catch a connecting flight to Chiang Mai, Koh Samui, Krabi, Pattaya, Phi Phi or Phuket. If flying is not adventurous enough for you, you can choose to travel by train, boat or bus to a wide range of Thai destinations.

The new Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok may also see flights from other destinations in the UK in the future. For more information visit http://www.flightmapping.com/Asia/Thailand

Thailand travel informationFor more information and holiday ideas visit http://www.tourismthailand.org and http://www.tourismthailand.co.uk.

Guidebooks are a another useful source of ideas, suggestions and travel tips:? The Rough Guide to Thailand ? Thailand?s Beaches and Islands? Lonely Planet’s Thailand and Thailand?s Islands and Beaches Country

Travel insurance for ThailandWatch out for pickpockets and bag snatchers in Thailand. Make sure you keep your money and valuables in a safe place at all times. Keep a close eye on your credit card as tourists can be targets for card fraud. Female travellers should take extra care, especially if they are travelling alone and under the influence of alcohol.

The possession, distribution and/or manufacture of drugs carry severe penalties including the death penalty in some cases so don?t risk it.

If you?re planning to partake in activities like diving, sailing or jungle trekking, make sure you have adequate travel insurance before you leave. It?s a good idea to ensure your travel insurance covers you for all the activities you are planning to do, theft, medical emergencies, cancellation and curtailment. Most travel insurance companies offer quick and easy travel insurance quotes online. For a travel insurance quote and more information about the types of travel insurance available from Direct Line, visit http://www.directline.com/travel/welcome.htm.

About the Author

Cheap quotes can be found online at www.directline.com, so visit the site today if you need travel insurance.

This guide covers everything from the remote seaside resorts to the busy strip of Bangkok – all with “local knowledge.”
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Fear-crushing Travel Guide

February 3, 2012 by

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The mental health benefits of leisure travel

February 1, 2012 by

Article by Audrey Daniels

For the economically disadvantaged community on both kids and adults alike, the mental health benefits of leisure travel presents vast significant and social improvement in their mental health outlook. Leisure travel brings about greater personal impact for the individual versus the person who has not traveled. Being able to get away and relax creates a wonderful sense of euphoria and excitement. Leisure travel is very important in reducing the amount of stress on both adults and children and even more so on those on a lower income scale. The quality of life is drastically improved, along with personal growth, fulfillment, and a higher self-esteem. As the disadvantaged person’s amount of personal travel increases, their depression and despondency decreases. Access to luxury travel increases an individual’s intellectual pleasure, reduces inherent poverty as it increases improvement in self-esteem and financial control.

Personal travel provides individuals with the opportunity to improve social skills, increases an individual’s personal involvement in social groups and settings, while significantly establishing positive interaction of social bonds with friends, family and community. With low-income families and individual’s maiden journey into cultured events, i.e., museums, operatic and classical concerts within a leisure and not ‘forced’ framework, children especially feel a full sense of worthiness, acceptance and excitement to expand even more into such activities.

The mental health benefit associated with leisure travel creates a sense of social identity and belonging. Leisure travel plays a major and important role in improving social skills in children, especially over a prolonged sense of time. Children of parents who made it a family mantra and duty to introduce them to various locations and destinations are far more likely to go on to be far better socially adjusted adolescents and adults. They tend to be much calmer, more outgoing, feel more secure in various settings, while a child or adult who did not travel, generally feel like a fish out of water in unfamiliar territory.

The association brought about with leisure travel brings on a personal feeling of accomplishment and self-motivation. Those personally associated with children and adults who suddenly find themselves the recipient of a first time vacation, see firsthand the exciting benefit that travel brings. They see the returning journey to relax, unwind and take it easy has also rejuvenated and reconnected them to their inner self as wonderful proof as to what vacationing can do. Travel helps those individuals to maintain a healthy balance of inner self worth. That is why the wealthy always make leisure travel an integral part of their health and wellness outlook.

For those on the lower end of the spectrum and primarily because of limited income, many inner city and rural living adults and children have had little to no access to travel and vacation resources. The rate of participation is very limited; this shapes the feelings and outcomes with regard to such activities. Most just either stay home or visit with nearby friends and/or family. With today’s economy in such a slump, it is more important than ever for families and individual’s to find ways to kick back and relax, away from such obvious options.

It is quite necessary to increase one’s personal time away, even including time alone to improve individual social well being, helping to transcend poverty. Understanding the need for disadvantaged people to get access to leisure travel is very critical to understanding one of the dire problems facing African-American, Latino and underprivileged white communities mindset. Without having gone beyond the boundaries of their own neighborhood or state lines, many socially perish for lack of financial resources to access outside of it. “As a child sees, he does.”

It is very important that children experience all aspects of travel and personally realize how much fun and excitement it brings. Children who travel quite frequently as opposed to children who do not, grow into happy, independent, well-adjusted adults who continue to travel. Both generally grow up to either repeat their love, excitement and independence of travel or their aloof and indifferent feelings onto their own future children.

Celebrating newfound culture and personal wellness is possible once an individual has traveled outside of his or her ‘comfort’ zone. It is imperative for one’s own psychological well being to be able relax, enjoy and fit right in with any given surrounding. Travel tends to bring about a positive attitude in and transcends the personalities of those who have the ability to do so. It is a transformation that for some is almost indescribable, like seeing sub tropic cloud formation, blue green water or plants and animals not native to their own region. The euphoric feeling of relaxation is so overpowering that they want to travel again and again to keep feeling that contentment. Leisure travel reflects the beauty and frailty that is the human experience.

The Mental Health Benefits Of Leisure TravelThe Social Economic Impact On The Community and IndividualLeisure travel reflects the beauty and frailty that is the human experience.

Audrey Daniels is an aspiring writer who believes in the psychological benefits of leisure travel, especially for low and moderate-income individuals and families. She believes everyone should experience the joys of personal travel at least once in his or her lifetime.

About the Author

Audrey Daniels is a writer who believes in the wonderful benefits of leisure travel. She believes both individuals and families should experience the joys of personal travel.

Information about referral travel benefits can be found on her website: http://www.ReferralVacationing.com

Related Leisure Travel Articles

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Caribbean Travel and Life

January 31, 2012 by

Article by Steppes Travel

Wondering where to go? In the Caribbean travel and life, that is no big problem. Just scroll down below to find whatever it is you are looking for – balmy weather, clear blue skies, glorious seas, luxurious lodgings, fine food, sports, sights, entertainment, even lazy days for lovers, all under the warmth of the Caribbean sun.

Textual Map

Well, it’s a bit difficult to describe the Caribbean in geographic terms. Just know that the region is actually a group of islands, territories, and countries located just south and east of the Gulf of Mexico and right in the middle of the Caribbean Sea. The following are the islands that are favorite Caribbean travel and life destinations since time immemorial:

* Anguilla* Antigua and Barbuda* Aruba* The Bahamas* Belize* Barbados* Bermuda* Bonaire* British Virgin Islands* Cancun* Cayman Islands* Cozumel* Cuba* Curacao* Dominica* Dominican Republic* Grenada* Guyana* Guadeloupe* Haiti* Honduras* Jamaica* Martinique* Montserrat* Puerto Rico* Saba and St. Eustatius* St. Barthelemy* St. Kitts-Nevis* St. Lucia* St. Maarten and St. Martin* St. Vincent and the Grenadines* Trinidad and Tobago* Turks and Caicos Island* U.S. Virgin Islands

Activities

There are many exciting activities available to you throughout the Caribbean. In fact, this is one of the reason why Caribbean travel and life is so popular among visiting tourists. Because when you are on the islands, it doesn’t matter who or what you are – the islands always have something to offer for everyone.

Caribbean travel and life offer all-inclusive resorts where you can enjoy everything for a single price. One of the popular places that offer all-inclusive Caribbean travel and life is Sandals, located in the Castries area of the Caribbean Island of St. Lucia.

The resort offers two properties – St. Lucia Regency Golf Resort and Spa, a couples-only resort of over 200 acres of rolling hills and a beautiful half-mile beach, and the Sandals Halcyon, another couples-only resort. Sandals Caribbean travel and life all-inclusive packages are geared towards awesome beaches, a great scuba-diving program, water sports, and fitness centers.

If you like casino gaming, Caribbean travel and life offers you that as well. Head on over to Belize, Puerto Rico, Jamaica where the groovy beats of the island makes for an excellent island-flavored nightlife. Play a game of chance and feel like you’re in Las Vegas as you pit fortunes with the house and maybe win a few chips here and there over a round of roulette. Then quench your thirst with a few glasses of sparklies as you laugh and talk and socialize to your heart’s content.

Besides fun and socializing, Caribbean travel and life also offers you a chance to get closer to nature. The Caribbean offers several eco-tourism where a guide takes you into the deepest rainforest reservoir where you can experience first hand some of the rarest and oldest species of flora and fauna found on earth.

Other activities you can enjoy in a Caribbean travel and life include:

* Children’s programs* Cuisine* Golf* Health and fitness spas* Meeting and conventions* Participation sports* Sailing and charter boats* Scuba diving* Spectator sports* Water sports* Weddings and honeymoons

About the Author

Steppes Travel specialise in luxury holidays, and tailor made holidays

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Planning Vacations with Free California Travel Guides

January 26, 2012 by

Article by Reggie Stimson

If you want to plan the perfect vacation to California, look at some free California travel guides to get started. California is a great place to get away, whether with your family, company or just your significant other. In California, there is always something to do, something to explore and something to entertain you. It does not matter what the time of year is, because every season has something to offer. Though you might not think of it as the place to go for the winter, you will find that you can go skiing in the higher elevations, or relax with the warmer temperatures down south.

Summertime is especially lively in California, as many free California travel guides will point out. In the summer, be sure to check out the many beaches that offer a relaxing time with friends and family. Experience the perfect temperature that is the envy of practically every state. One thing is for sure; plan your trip ahead of time so that you can be sure to get all the preparations and surprises out of the way.

The reason you want to plan ahead is because during the busy season, many hotels are booked, especially those that surround public attractions and theme parks. If you want to go to these parks, know that you will experience longer lines and crowded public areas. Do not let this deter you though, as you can always go exploring to find the perfect spot of beach to keep all to yourself.

To avoid the crowd confusion, try coming to California in the fall. The fall season is perfect for exploring all the wine regions of California. If you are worried about getting lost, know that many of the free California travel guides will provide you with maps to these locations.

To plan your vacation, look at all the places mentioned in the free California travel guides to see what might interest you. There are all the main attractions that are very popular, such as Disney’s California Adventure and Disneyland. There is the Grizzly Creek Redwoods State Park, where you will be astounded at the immense size of all the redwood trees. Among the other popular attractions, you will also have heard of Mission Bay and SeaWorld, both of which are ideal for family fun.

Speaking of family, many free California travel guides will highlight these attractions for you. One such perfect place for families is the National Yo-Yo Museum, which kids love. Of course, you will have to visit Universal Studios and Six Flags Discovery Kingdom. There is also the Birch Aquarium, which gives you an immersive experience. To find the locations best fit for your family, look through the free California travel guides that will point you in the right direction.

However, if you are looking for some time away from your family, maybe a romantic getaway, then there are many attractions for you as well. Look at the free California travel guides that are geared towards your interests, where you will find fun couple activities like parasailing. Take a walk around downtown San Francisco and then choose one of the many romantic diners that we have here in California.

It does not matter what city you visit, because in California, you have many options in terms of relaxation, culture and fun entertainment. Use one of the free California travel guides to get started on planning your dream vacation.

About the Author

Reggie Stimson is a professional author who specializes in travel brochures and free California travel guides.

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The Travel Secrets Guide.

January 24, 2012 by

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Thailand Dental Holidays: A Travel Guide With All You Need To Know!

January 21, 2012 by

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Australia Travel Guide – The Australia Outback and Unique Australian Tourism Spots

January 15, 2012 by

Article by Lisa Jenkins

Ask any visitor to Australia what they want to see, and they’re likely to name the same old places. The bright lights of Sydney, the rugged beauty of the Ayers Rock, and the sparkling beaches of the Gold Coast are well-known tourist magnets. But why would you want to go where everyone else is? Australia offers so many other exciting tourist destinations just off the beaten track.

Many tourists go to this country with a goal of seeing the Australia Outback, but few travel as far north as Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory. But it’s worth the effort for nature lovers and those looking to learn more about Australia’s indigenous heritage. Arnhem Land spans a whopping 97, 000 square kilometers, and with fewer than 20,000 residents it’s a great place to escape from throngs of tourists visiting more popular areas.

A four-wheel drive safari is a great way to explore Arnhem Land. There’s no better way to get up close and personal with some of the locals than a croc-spotting mangrove cruise. The colonial ruins at Victoria Settlement and Fort Wellington and the indigenous communities of the Gove Peninsula offer an insight into the region’s cultural heritage. Or you can take it easy with a massage in one of the area’s tropical spas.

May to October is the ideal time to visit Arnhem Land, as the weather is cool and dry. From November to April, some areas may be inaccessible due to the tropical storms.

Airnorth flies from Darwin to the Gove Peninsula, Milingimbi, and Groote Eylandt. Arnhem Land is private land so all visitors are required to get a permit from the Northern Land Council before visiting. If you’re traveling with a tour, this will probably be organized for you. Otherwise, you can obtain a permit from the Council. These take at least 10 days to process.

Travelers looking for a place to kick back and enjoy unique wildlife, picturesque beaches, and delicious food need look no further than Kangaroo Island, located just off the South Australian coast.

More than one third of the island is national parklands, so it’s the perfect home for Australia’s native creatures. Of course Kangaroo Island is famous for its kangaroos, but that’s not all. Sea lions and fur seals happily sun themselves on the sand at the Seal Bay Aquatic Reserve, and if you venture out at night you’ll probably spot fairy penguins hiding amongst rocks on the coastline. Tourists can also expect to see koalas, wallabies, goannas, echidnas, possums, and platypuses in their native environment.

Kangaroo Island is a must for lovers of the great outdoors. Bush walking, yachting, scuba diving, bird watching, swimming, and sand boarding are just some of the activities offered on the island.

After a day’s sightseeing, there’s nothing better than enjoying the delicious food offered in Kangaroo Island’s main towns, Kingscote and Penneshaw. As you’d expect from an island destination, the seafood is not to be missed.

Kangaroo Island is beautiful to visit at any time of the year. However, if you want to scuba dive or snorkel, it’s best to travel between November and April when the weather is warm.

Getting there is easy. Kangaroo Island Sealink’s ferries make regular trips from South Australia’s Cape Jervis. They’ve also got plenty of room for your car if you want to drive when you get there. Alternatively, Regional Express Airlines and Air South Regional regularly fly from Adelaide to Kingscote.

Tourists often overlook Tasmania. Few travelers step off the mainland, and if they do they’re likely to spend their time in the big cities of Hobart, Australia, or Launceston. Of course, this makes the state’s forgotten northwest region that much more appealing.

Tasmania is home to some of the world’s most unique animals and plants, and many of them can be found in the Tarkine Wilderness Area. At just about 350,000 hectares, it covers a good portion of Tasmania’s northwest land region. Here you’ll find Australia’s largest temperate rainforest, and the last of the world’s Gondwanic old-growth rainforests. Keep your eyes peeled for Tasmanian devils, wombats, quolls, pademelons, possums, and wallabies. It’s also where you’ll see some of the world’s oldest trees, including the famous 2000-year-old Huon Pine. Visitors are welcome to explore the area on their own, but if you’d prefer the help of an expert guide, Tarkine Trails are the answer.

Southwest of The Tarkine is Cradle Mountain National Park, a must for nature lovers. The adventurous can climb the mountain in a day, or trek the Overland Track in five. If all that sounds too challenging, you can hike around the Visitors Centre before returning to the comfort of your hotel. Devils at Cradle also offer day tours that let you get close to the mountain’s most famous residents, Tasmanian devils.

Any time is a good time to visit Tasmania. However, prepare for warm weather in summer, and chilly conditions in winter. Spring is an ideal time to travel to Tasmania as the state’s wildflowers and native shrubs are in bloom.

If you’ve got the time, The Spirit of Tasmania cruise will take you from Melbourne to Devonport in a leisurely 11 hours. Alternatively, you can fly from Melbourne to Burnie and Devonport.

This is just a taste of the hidden secrets Australia holds, and it’s information you might not find in a run of the mill Australia travel guide in a bookstore. So before visiting this wonderful country, it’s worth doing some research. You’ll soon learn there are plenty of amazing places to see just off the beaten track.

About the Author

Learn about discount travel, last-minute travel, and how to plan a cheap vacation to top tourism spots worldwide from Lisa Jenkins. She is an editor for FrugalMonkey.com, a free website that includes a detailed online Australia travel book and tips for traveling on a budget.

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Australia Travel Cautionary Measures

January 12, 2012 by

Article by Cathy Peterson

Mildred Didrikson was voted number 10 among North American athletes of the 20th century according to ESPN in 2000. Also, in 2000, Didrikson, from Beaumont, Texas was named by CNN/Sports Illustrated as the second greatest female athlete of all time (second to the incredible Jackie Joyner Kersee).

Babe Didrikson as well as other sources claimed that she won 17 consecutive golf tournaments in 1946 and 1947. However, she didn’t actually, after winning 13 straight; she lost in the very first round in Spokane, Washington at the National Open in 1946. She conveniently erased this particular tournament when she spoke of her 17-win streak.. After her loss in Spokane, Babe won four more golf tournaments. Nevertheless, at 13 tournaments in a row for victory, Babe Didrikson Zaharias’ legend can not be denied.

Travel warnings are issued by governments and are decided based on the information they gather. They serve to inform citizens of the situation in that particular country, and whether any travel there is safe or not.

Travel to Australia is generally regarded to be safe, though things have changed lately, in keeping with the changing situation worldwide. Though Australia has not directly experienced terror attacks, the threat of one has definitely increased, with the recent blasts on the Indonesian island of Bali, which lies close to Australia and is frequented by Australian tourists. The only travel warning against Australia is from Japan, whose tourists and travelers pump in about .7 billion into Australia’s economy every year. This travel warning warns against the rising rate of crime, including theft and muggings, in Australia.

As regards issuing travel warnings for other countries, Australia employs a ranking system that indicates the specific country’s perceived safety situation. The rank provided to each country can be either of these options – be alert to own security, exercise caution, high degree of caution, reconsider your need to travel, do not travel, with the ‘be alert to own security’ being the least dangerous and ‘do not travel’ indicating high levels of danger.

Australians are expected to take the greatest care when traveling to countries that make up the ‘reconsider you need to travel’ and ‘do not travel’ lists. In fact, just like the names suggest, travel to these countries should be either reconsidered or avoided at all costs.

The countries that currently find a place in the ‘reconsider your need to travel’ list include Angola, Central African Republic, Colombia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Haiti, Indonesia, Israel, Liberia, Nepal, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Sudan and Yemen.

Countries listed by Australia that are the most dangerous in general, and for Australian citizens in particular, find a place in the ‘do not travel’ list and comprise Afghanistan, Burundi, East Timor, Iraq, Ivory Coast and Somalia.

Books on Australia Traveling

There are a wide variety of travel books available for anyone who wants to gain some information before setting out for a trip to Australia. These travel books offer a range of information that includes local destinations, attractions, transportation, accommodation, facilities, various costs and other basic information.

With Australia being a popular tourist destination, most bookstores around the globe are bound to have a number of travel books on the country. These books provide prospective tourists and travelers with general and specific information about Australia. Such information normally relates to the Australia’s geography, culture, customs, society, the best time to visit the country, visa procedures and other formalities required for entering and exiting the country, information about bringing in plant or animal life, local cuisine, safety tips, etc.

About the Author

Cathy Peterson writes about Travel,Delta coupons Codes and Priceline Coupon

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Dubai Travel Info

January 9, 2012 by

Article by Danny Cheung

Dubai Travel Info for your Dubai Holidays

Dubai Travel Info: Useful information on Dubai before coming to this Emirate to avoid (unpleasant) surprises.

In this section the following topics will be discussed:

* Dubai Public Holidays * Time in Dubai * Dubai Currency: How much is my money in AED or Dirham?

* Dubai Maps * Banks in Dubai * Hospitals * Education in Dubai * Dubai Visa Information

* Useful addresses and phone numbers * Dubai Insurance * Do and dont’s * Dress code * Weather in Dubai * Learn Arabic * Crime in Dubai * Electricity and Water

* Television in Dubai * Shipping goods * Mail / Postal service

Dubai Public Holidays, Dubai Holidays, Dubai Ramadan, Dubai New Year

Dubai public holidays are in 2008:

1 Jan New Year’s Day. 10 Jan Al-Hijra (Islamic New Year).20 Mar Mouloud (Birth of the Prophet).30 Jul Leilat al-Meiraj (Ascension of the Prophet). 2 Oct Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan).2 Dec National Day.9 Dec Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice).29 Dec Al-Hijra (Islamic New Year).

Dubai Currency, how much is your money in AED or Dirham?

The official abbreviation AED is often written as DH or Dhs in many shops but that is incorrect and unofficial.The dirham was introduced in 1973 And is sub devided into 100 fils. It has been pegged to the U.S. Dollar since November 1997: 1 U.S.Dollar= 3.67290 dirhams, Or 1 dirham=0.272264 dollar (rate of may 10, 2008)

The banknotes are 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000 dirhams and the coins are in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 25, 50 fils, and 1 dirham. The 1, 5 and 10 fils are struck in bronze, with the higher denominations in cupro-nickel.

Visa For Dubai

A visa for Dubai is not always required. There are several types of visas for visitors.Citizens of the Arab Gulf Co-operation Council(AGCC) memberstates (Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Saudi Arabia) do not need one just like nationals of the following Countries: Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany,Greece, Netherlands, Hong Kong, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Monaco, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland,United Kingdom, United States of America, Vatican City.

Weather in Dubai,the Climate of Dubai and Dubai Weather Forecast

The weather in Dubai can be definitely described as hot. The Dubai weather is most pleasant between November and March.The temperatures in the winter Varies around 23 degrees Celsius during the day.

In the summer the temperature is between 40-50 degrees celsius.

Annual Weather Dubai with minimum and maximum average temperature ( in • C) per month:

January ( 14/24• C), February ( 15/25• C), March ( 18/28• C), April ( 21/33• C), May ( 25/38• C), June ( 27/40• C),July ( 30/41• C), August ( 30/41• C), September ( 28/40• C), October ( 24/35• C), November ( 20/31• C), December ( 16/26• C)

The sea temperature during the year is between 21 and 33• C.The number of hours that the sun shines varies from 8 to 11,5 hours per day while the Humidity is between 80 and 90%.So the humidity remains high during winter.In the summer both high humidity and high temperatures make the climate of Dubai a very uncomfortable one.

Electricity and Water of Dubai Rental Properties

Electricity and Water are handled by DEWA, the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority, which was formed in 1992 as a merger of Dubai Electric Company And Dubai Water Department. Utility bills are settled directly on a monthly base with the DEWA when renting an apartment or other property.

Voltage: The voltage in Dubai is 220v. Most sockets are three pin (exactly the same as in the UK), although adapters for two pin plugs are available at most hotels. Those using US appliances will require an adaptor to handle the difference in voltage. Appliances purchased in the UAE will generally have two-pin plugs attached.

Drinking water: Tap water is safe to use although bottled water, which is served in hotels and restaurants, is recommended for drinking.Water and electricity prices in Dubai. Residents pay 3 fils ( 1 UAE dirham=100 fils) per gallon and will continue to do so as long they do not use more Than 6,000 gallons, the price will then go up to 3.5 fils per gallon, and even 4 fils per gallon for consumers who sap more than 12,001 gallons from the tap.Electricity fees will range from 20 fils to 33 fils per kilowatt hour depending if usage exceeds 2,000 or 10,001 kilowatt hours.

There is no mains gas supply, so gas appliances must be fed by canisters connected via a tap outside your property.

Address:Dubai Electicity and Water Authority Building, Al Karghout Street P.O. Box 564 Dubai United Arab Emirates

Information about Dubai from getting there to finding hotels and getting around in this city.

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Information about Dubai from getting there to finding hotels and getting around in this city.

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