Best Tourist Places to Visit in Summers

Summers are here and so is the eternal craving for a delicious holiday to a far off place. When we spell delicious, all that comes to mind are the picturesque landscapes, bright sunny beaches, snowy peaks and the happening market places. Well, that’s what a holiday is all about, right? But the best time to take a vacation is when the weather is also friendly, as in, it’s not raining heavily, or it’s not snowing, or it’s not chilling bad to even put a foot out of the house and it’s not stormy too. That perfect weather is found nowhere but in summers!

When summers in the ideal weather to plan for a scrumptious getaway, the globe has uncountable places to offer. Since it is not possible to discuss all in one blog, here we are with some just-the-right destinations around the world to tickle your senses:

Gold Coast of Australia and Sydney

If you go gaga over beaches, this is the place for you! North of Sydney to south of Cairns is a stretch along eastern Australian seaboard, which embraces the sea lovers coming in from all the corners of the globe.  The weather is amazing throughout the year and staying near the ocean is an absolute treat. Moreover, Sydney's large, safe and beautiful natural harbor gives all the more reasons to be in this place. With a living reputation of world’s most beautiful and livable cities, Sydney offers a cosmopolitan outlook with a rich cultural heritage to experience while on a holiday.

Image Courtsey: www.acrossoceania.com

 Dubai

Oh yes! This land of sheikhs is an astounding place to visit.  It is undeniably a city of contrasts, where East meets west and old meets new with a dazzling smile.  Situated on a coastal strip bordered by majestic desert and calm blue waters of the Arabian Gulf, Dubai offers year-round sunshine and a unique Arabian experience of fantastic scenery, world-class shopping, luxurious hotels and fabulous dining. Dubai has been transformed from a small fishing village to a modern vibrant city where celebrities from the world around hop for holidays.

The Dubai skyline competes to be the world’s biggest, brightest and tallest. With the huge success of its ambitious campaign in 1990s to become one of the world’s top tourist destinations aided by a huge program of hotel building and the launch of its Emirates airline, Dubai today tops the holiday destination charts.

Singapore

The vibrancy of Singapore speaks for self. It is one of the world's financial centers and famous for world-class shopping, modern architecture and delicious cuisine. Popularly known as the Lion City, it offers a unique experience for every visitor from colorful ethnic festivals to lively nightlife. Singapore the city has many other highlights like the Singapore Zoo, the famous Night Safari and the tropical theme park, Sentosa Island. This city has a fantastic tourism infrastructure and great public transport making it an ideal holiday destination and the perfect gateway to other South East Asian destinations.

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Hawaii

It is a wonderful plethora of islands with amazing weather all year round. There is literally no bad time to relax and explore the mystical Hawaii. During the early spring some islands may get a little more rain than usual but you can always find sunshine and surfers here. Beaches are the highlight and loads of water-sports for you on the cards for sure. Waimea Canyon in Kauai, Waikiki beach, Pearl Harbor Oahu, Volcanoes National Park in Big Island and the USS Arizona Memorial, the very place where World War I began are some of the attractions to explore in Hawaii. The Polynesian Cultural Center at Hawaii is also an interesting place for those who are into exploring cultures. It's an excellent place to go and enjoy with your family where you will have the display of seven different villages and cultures and their intriguing lives. These Polynesian cultures are Hawaii, Aoteraroa (New Zealand), Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, Tahiti, and Marquesas. Once you have seen that, you will feel like you went to seven different places.

Thailand

A country of beauty and mystery that attracts many travelers to its island resorts and busy cities, Thailand is totally enigmatic for a summer holiday. The culture, food and warm hospitality of the locals keep tourists coming back for more. With its two most popular beach resorts Pattaya and Phuket, Thailand invites for a fun filled time.

Pattaya is located on the Gulf of Thailand 150 km south of Bangkok. Known as the 'Thai Riviera' and one of South East Asia's best beach resorts, resort Pattaya attracts more than a million tourists annually from all over the world. Set along the 4km beachfront, Pattaya is renowned for high standard hotels, shopping, seafood restaurants, assorted international cuisine, water sports and its vibrant nightlife.

Phuket, the "Pearl of the South", is Thailand's largest island (48 km in length, 21 km wide) lying in the Andaman Sea off the country's southwestern coast and is connected to the mainland by a bridge. As one of Asia's premier beach resorts, Phuket is laced with beautiful white sandy beaches with warm clear water, pristine forests, shopping in up-market stores or traditional markets, many bars and restaurants, enchanting nightlife and friendly locals, makes Phuket complete holiday destination. It has also been voted one of the World's Top 5 retirement destinations by Fortune Magazine.

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 Las Vegas, USA

The city has become a stand-alone holiday destination in its own right with many amazing hotels and casino complexes located along the famous Las Vegas Boulevard or "The Strip". Many of the hotels have created a fantasy-like atmosphere with names and themes that evoke romance, mystery, and far-away destinations. The "Entertainment Capital of the World" also boasts some of the biggest names and stage productions in entertainment including music stars, magicians and the Cirque du Soleil productions. Just a few hours away there is one of the natural wonders of the world - the Grand Canyon. Even if you are not a gambler there is a lot to do in Las Vegas!

Paris, France

Popularly known for being the most beautiful and romantic of all, Paris soothes your senses. It is highly influential in culture, art, fashion, food and design and is regarded as the most admired tourist destination in the world. Located on the banks of river Seine and housing the world famous Disneyland Park, and many other famous tourist attractions, it makes for a stupendous vacation place. The area north of the river, known as the Right Bank, includes the tree-lined Avenue des Champs-lyses, the Arc de Triomphe and the Louvre Museum. The area south of the river, known as the Left Bank, showcases the city's most famous landmark, the Eiffel Tower. A city famous for its fabulous architecture, good food, wine, street markets and galleries; we love Paris totally.

Image Courtsey: www.aparisguide.com

So folks, this is all from us for that exotic list of places to visit in summers. We are waiting for your suggestions if you have anything to add, feel free to use the comments space below.

Five Affordable Destinations to Explore This Season

Who would not want to take his/her family out for an international vacation? But most people think that trips to abroad are always too expensive to make a big hole in their pockets. The reality, however, is far different. With neck to neck competition in place, many travel companies offer great package deals these days. The idea is to get maximum clientele, especially during the season. They offer great deals to suit every budget. So all you need to do is to take advantage of these offers and plan your trip well in advance. This way you can get decent discounts and save money.

Now you must be thinking that discounts are okay, but where to go? So, no need to worry as we have a solution for that as well.  Read on to know about top five affordable destinations that you can explore this season:

1.    Colombo, Sri Lanka: From golden beaches to lush green surroundings, thrilling adventures to relaxing spas, rich heritage to unique culture, Sri Lanka has been able to mesmerize global tourists since ages. It is the land of faith and religion where original soul of Buddhism flourishes in its numerous Buddhist temples. The tranquility of beautiful natural surroundings rejuvenates mind, body and soul. Colombo, being the capital of Sri Lanka, is the most famous travel destination of the country. Explore the city through City Tour buses or stroll through the lanes, the city has a lot to offer. Beaches, museums, spas, shopping malls, temples, zoological parks and much more, Colombo has enough to give you wonderful memories to take back home.



2.    Genting Highlands, Malaysia: Beautifully perched on the heights of Gunung Ulu Kali, Genting Highlands is a hill resort in Malaysia. Within an hour’s drive from Kuala Lumpur, you can reach this cool and breezy destination, a place where fun never stops. Immerse yourself in the serenity of natural surroundings or get to the groove of casinos, Genting has all the elements to give you a heavy dose of fun and entertainment. Spoil yourself in lavish casinos, enjoy the theme parks or check your daring through electrifying adventures; in a nutshell, make the most of your holiday at Genting Highlands.

3.    Kathmandu, Nepal: Comprising three ancient cities of Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur, the Kathmandu valley is a home to seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Being a major contributor to the country’s economy, Kathmandu is the main tourist destination in Nepal. The city has the most urbanized infrastructure offering best facilities to tourists visiting the city from all over the world. Numerous temples, monuments, museums and heritage sites are some of the attractions of this place. You can also get a chance to relax your senses through meditation and yoga. Or else, you can pamper yourself with some of the best ancient massages at secluded resorts located amidst serene natural surroundings.

Image courtsey: www.travelgrove.com

4.    Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE): Undoubtedly known as the shopper’s paradise, Dubai offers luxury at its best. But don’t get confused that a trip to Dubai would also be expensive. Crack a great package deal and rush to this magnificent place which is decked up with world-class art and architecture. Lavish shopping malls, ultra-modern constructions, exquisite designs, heritage sites, sumptuous food, vibrant nightlife and much more - what else could you ask for? Be there and experience it yourself, surely, you would come back with great memories.



5.    Bangkok, Thailand: Awarded as the ‘World’s Best City’ by the Travel + Leisure magazine, Bangkok is definitely a place of fun and frolic. The capital city of Thailand has numerous tourist attractions to entice visitors. Talk about its culture, architecture, landmarks, nightlife or food, the city offers everything in abundance. It is also growing as a destination for medical tourism. The main attraction, Buddhist temples, will give you a sneak peek about the cultural values of this place. Whether you are a cultural enthusiast, fun lover or a shopaholic, the city would never give you a chance to repent your visit.

IPL 7 in UAE

This time get something extra apart from Cricket, get some real taste of shopping, luxury and world-class architecture. Come, and explore the ‘UAE’ this time!!

Indian Premier League (IPL) 7 fever is up and the buzz is all around. Tickets are booked, schedules are made, and feels like all cricket lovers are all set to experience the new chapter of IPL. Though it is always fun for cricket lovers across the globe, this time IPL has something extra to offer, as IPL 7 would be hosted in the luxurious land of deserts – The United Arab Emirates (UAE)!

Starting from April 16, the UAE will host 20 matches of IPL’s first leg in three different cities. While 7 matches have been scheduled to be played each in Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi and International Cricket Stadium in Dubai, remaining 6 will be played in Sharjah CA Stadium. The tournament will wind up on April 30 in Dubai with Mumbai Indians facing Sunrisers Hyderabad.
So if you are one of those who are planning to watch all the matches live in stadium, you surely need to check out some exciting options that you can explore in the leisure time too. Discover the UAE and capture some memories to be cherished forever.

Dubai: Best known for it’s exquisitely designed buildings and plush shopping malls, Dubai is one of the most popular travel destinations around the world today. Growing at remarkable pace, Dubai has earned itself a great reputation in both tourist and trade sector. The towers and buildings of Dubai are sheer masterpieces that reflect great thought and intelligence. Every creation has a unique story to tell. Burj Al Arab, Burj Khalifa, Hydropolis Underwater Hotel, Atlantis Resort & Hotel and the World Islands are some to name a few. Also known as shopper’s paradise, Dubai is the hub of lavish shopping malls. Each shopping mall here is theme oriented that provides a unique shopping experience. On the other hand, deserts in Dubai offer great adventurous activities too. From dune driving to sand skiing, camel riding to exploring the wadis, you get a huge variety to choose from. And yes, belly dance in the deserts with sumptuous desert feast is something not to be missed when you are in Dubai.

Image courtsey: global-conferences.eu

Abu Dhabi: Deeply rooted with Islamic culture, the capital of the UAE, Abu Dhabi is a perfect mix of modern and traditional ethics. You come here for holiday or business, this city has something that will entice you and call back for more visits. The more you explore this majestic land, the more you will fall in love with it. Over the period, Abu Dhabi has grown to be a cosmopolitan metropolis. A true example of luxury, class and elegance, this city has a lot to explore. Indulge yourself into a most memorable journey of exploration in Abu Dhabi. For keen lovers of culture and traditions, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is a must visit. The beautiful Emirates Palace, the serene Oasis City of Al Ain, the exquisitely manicured waterfront The Corniche Road, the super electrifying Ferrari World, the most technologically advanced Yas Marina Circuits, or the most splurging Al Ain Camel Market, you have got endless options to experience the best of Abu Dhabi.

Image Courtsey: www.interiordesign2014.com

Sharjah: Having being announced by UNESCO as ‘The Cultural Capital of the Arab World', Sharjah is the third largest of the seven emirates of the UAE. It is the only emirate of the UAE to have land on both the Gulf of Oman and the Persian Gulf. Perhaps that’s the reason it has sandy beaches on one side and high mountain range towards the east. Just 20 kms away from Dubai, Sharjah is historically rich and is known to have preserved its heritage with archeological sites dating back to 2nd millennium. Sandy beaches, rolling sand dunes, majestic mosques, forts, museums and much more – Sharjah has too much to capture your mind. To name a few, Al Majaz Waterfront, Aljazeera Park, Sharjah Art Museum, Al Noor Mosque, Armenian Church and of course the Traditional Jewellery Museum are some of the most visited places in Sharjah.

Image Courtsey: whitepages-uae.com

So plan your IPL schedule and take out some time to witness the real beauty, luxury, and culture of the UAE. You will be enticed for sure.  

Dubai Shopping Festival 2014

Dubai Shopping Festival 2014

The extravagant and the much awaited Dubai Shopping Festival will outset from mid of January to mid of February 2014 with huge discounts, numerous glittery events and offers. Million of shopaholics from all around the globe, bargain hunters and holiday lovers are expected to descend hither to witness the splendor of the festivity.  Myriad programs are organized for visitors to make sure that no guest returns without special treatment from the festival. Many celebrities and esteemed people from all over the world are invited, to give extra flavor of glamour to the DSF this year.

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17 years of the Dubai Shopping Festival 

Started in the year 1996, the festival has come to a long way. From being just a shopping festival to becoming a grand extravaganza, is a huge difference in 17 years. The festivity offers lots of shopping choices to its travelers and entertainment options. It also helps in the development of tourism in Dubai by inviting tourists from every corner of the world. Every year the number of visitors visiting the fest is increasing, and is making it bigger. Not only shopping and entertainment, but the DSF also lets the visitors to feel the luxury and culture of the country.

Discounted Shopping and Bargains

Local brands to international marks, ask for anything and you will get it here at DSF. What more can one demand for, when you get to purchase goods on discounted rates and that too tax free. Many daily lucky draws take place here, where you can win gifts worth millions of Dirhams. Numerous souks such as- Spice Souk, Gold Souk, Perfume Souk, or Fish Souk are settled at DSF to astonish visitors with their striking offers.

Events and Entertainment during DSF

Apart from shopping merriment you can also enjoy lots of events- including music shows, celebrities’ performances, fireworks display, and film festivals at DSF. Many international designers choose to showcase their designs during Fashion week here. You can also involve yourself in vivid sports such as Football, tennis and many more.

Image Courtesy: www.huffingtonpost.com

Other Major highlights of Dubai

Dubai is full of highlights to explore. For travelers who are planning to visit DSF 2014, the city provides many other options of must visit sights to keep them occupied and entertained.

Image courtesy: diaryofadesertfox.com

Let’s start to explore the city from:

Burj Khalifa- The tallest building in the world, Burj Khalifa dominates the skyline of Dubai. Here you can observe the beautiful view of the city from the second-highest outdoor observation deck in the world, at 452 meters. Other important foregrounds of the building are - The Dubai Fountain, Burj Khalifa Park, casinos, restaurants and more.

Burj al-Arab hotel- This luxurious hotel stands on the artificially made island near Jumeirah beach. It is the fourth tallest hotel and the only 7-star hotel in the world (though the rating is disputed).

Beaches- With legion number of beaches, Dubai is a perfect beach destination for beach lovers. Some famous beaches which you must visit while holidaying at Dubai are - Jumeirah Beach Park, Russian Beach and Kite Beach.

Dubai Museum- Built in the year 1787, it is the oldest existing museum in Dubai. The main aim behind opening this museum was to present the traditional way of life in the Emirate of Dubai.