Nothing interests me more than beaches, when the concerning matter comes to traveling. That day, every one of my friends was head over heels to approach a conclusion on where to go in the summer vacation. I was the savior to their confusion and convinced them to start for Rugen in Germany. I showed them a number of picturesque snaps of Rugen beaches on the travel sites over the Internet. They couldn’t help appreciating my decision.

We chose to reach the heavenly Rugen Island by ferry from the city of Stralsund. Baltic Sea welcomed us with a turquoise smile to the sand beaches of Rugen. The weather was really nice. The day temperature was around 16 degrees Celsius. It was a heavenly experience to enjoy the panoramic view of Rugen from the rooftop of our hotel. We stayed in the hotel – Steigenberger Resort Hotel Rugen.

But one unfortunate thing seemed to haunt us in the island. We saw there a number of resorts (you may also call them castles). After a bit of inquiry, we collected the bitter information that those were once built on Nazi fascist ruler Hitler’s orders. Legends say that this killer ruler was so becharmed by the beauty of this beach that he built resorts for his lackeys.

The Nazi holiday resort, Prora really haunted us for a day. The memory of concentration camps in which the Jews suffered inhumane death in 1940s captured our mind. But the pristine beaches did not let us be gloomy for more than a day. The beaches of Rugen showed the valor of beauty overtaking the brutality of Nazis. The fact that Hitler is dead and Rugen is alive proves the fact that beauty overhauls brutality.

Have you heard of Twiga at Twilight? This is a program planned by the Safari West Wildlife Foundation, which is going to take place on September 27, 2008.

The venue for the event is the Safari West Wildlife Preserve, located in the wine country, California. Drive to Napa Valley, California in the western part of the United States of America. Here you can get a flavor of the famous African safari.

Safari West Wildlife Preserve is home to about 500 animals belonging to 80 species. Starting from endangered species like African Cape Buffalo, Addax, Blue Wildebeest and Damara Zebra to Red Lechwe, Scimitar Horned Oryx, Springbok and Eland—on the safari, a great number of animals can be seen.

Twiga at Twilight 2008 will offer a wildlife presentation to the visitors. It is a golden opportunity for nature lovers (like me) to come face to face with the animals. There will be Chef Bruce Riezenman of Park Avenue Catering, who specializes in African inspired cuisine. It does not end here—there will be the best of wines from the local wineries. The program will start at 1730 hours with a cheese and wine reception, and continue till 2300 hours.

Tickets for the event will cost $150 per head, while for a VIP treatment you will have to pay $250. For overnight accommodation, there are Safari West luxury tent cabins. You can also stay at the rooms blocked by the Flamingo Conference Resort & Spa, a sponsor of the event. At Flamingo Conference Resort & Spa, you will have to pay between $200 and $300 for a room. Special offer for the Twiga at Twilight 2008 include early Check-in and late Check-out.

So, what are you waiting for? Drive west and be a part of Twiga at Twilight 2008. I have already booked my seat there.

World’s second longest river…
The largest river basin on the earth…
One of the greatest tropical rain forests of the world…
South America’s largest river…

Yes, this is the great Amazon River. Passing through five countries of South America, the river is heaven for adventure lovers.

Amazon River tours can be started from Manaus in Brazil. There are a number of tour operators, who offer various packages throughout the year. Contact any of these travel agencies, and you will land in the dense tropical rainforest of the Amazon River. If you don’t want to enter Brazil, then Peru, Columbia, Bolivia and Venezuela are other countries, where you can arrange for an Amazon boat trip.

If you ask me, I will prefer going to Brazil, and start my journey from Manaus. There are a number of lodges there, which will give ample opportunity of encountering wildlife. But, believe me, getting a glimpse of the wildlife is a matter of sheer luck. If you are not lucky enough, you can end up seeing only monkeys and a number of bird species.

Why only boat trips? I can also plan for day hikes from the lodges at Manaus. There are also a number of accommodations available in remote areas of the Amazon basin. The wooden houses amidst the jungle will definitely make you feel adventurous. I am surely going to grab the first opportunity to visit the Amazon. Are you with me?

A safe haven for a number of marine species, Hawaii Marine Sanctuary is one of the most significant marine reserves of the world. Besides offering a refuge for the Humpback Whales, the marine sanctuary also houses rare species like the Monk Seal and the Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle.

Located in the warm waters of the Pacific surrounding Hawaii, the Marine Sanctuary is the world’s largest marine sanctuary, as proclaimed in 2006. It is also one of chief research and education facilities with regard to marine biology in North America.

Established in 1992 for protecting Humpback Whales, the Hawaii Marine Sanctuary offers a splendid opportunity to watch these amazing creatures. Accessible from the Hawaiian mainland via ferries, the Marine Reserve is a wonderland of aquatic creatures.

The scope of observing some of the endangered marine species in their natural habitat is an unforgettable experience. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags for Hawaii, one of the most popular travel destinations of USA, to see the creatures who have made this sanctuary their home!

New York City is undoubtedly the most developed city in United States of America and perhaps in the whole world too. Markets in the New York City are some of the places where you will be able to get anything that you want. Apart from providing huge facilities to the residents of this city, these marketplaces are also important to draw the attention of the international tourists who arrive in New York every single moment. One is amazed to see the level of development that these marketplaces have achieved. They are the stalwarts of commercial establishments.
Most of the marketplaces in this city are considered as whole foods market. Following a New York map you will come across some of the biggest names in the business world which are present in this city. Among the most famous ones which are present here the mentionable ones are Essex Street Market, Amish Market East, Grace’s Market Place, Think Coffee LLC, Butterfield Market, Chelsea Market, Mom Chong Co., Agata & Valentina and many others as well.
Apart from the marketplaces and shops which are established by the local companies, there are some of the shops which have cosmopolitan atmosphere as they are established by businessmen who have come from outside America. So, in a nutshell, this can be stated that it does not matter from which country you have come to this city. New York has everything for you.

Those who have seen Niagara Falls rate it among the most beautiful water falls in this world. Straddling at the international border between United States of America and Canada, the massive falls in as much known for its natural beauty as for being a remarkable source of hydroelectricity. Situated on Niagara river the falls is separated by Goat Island into two different sections – Horseshoe Falls situated on Canadian Border and American Falls on the United States border. Every year millions of tourists come to visit this beautiful falls.

The area of Niagara falls has gained recognition as a popular tourist attraction of North America. Besides being one of the most popular sites and recreational area, this falls is also well known as industrial area. It is one of the most important sites of the tourism of North America. Tourism departments of both Canada and US earn huge revenues from millions of visitors who visit Niagara Falls every year. Both the American and Canadian sides of the falls offer a number of recreational facilities for the tourists.

On the United State side of the falls (American Falls) you can enjoy the breathtaking view of Niagara Falls from the walkways and observation tower of Prospect Point Park. The adventurous souls can opt for hiking from the Cave of Wind. You can reach a point beneath the Bridal Veil falls by hiking. You can also get an aerial view of the falls while enjoying a helicopter of balloon ride.

The Canadian side of the Falls that is known as Horseshoe falls you can also enjoy a lot of recreational facilities. You can enjoy the beauty of the picturesque falls from the manicured gardens of Queen Victoria Park. You can also go to the observation rooms underground, standing where you can get the illusion that you are within the falling water. You can also ride the cable car to get a bird’s eye view of the whirlpool on the Canadian side of the falls.

Whether you are visiting the United States or Canada on your next trip to North America do not forget to catch a glimpse of the beautiful Niagara falls.

Do you have plans to travel north America somewhere in recent future? Well, do not forget to include a trip to Canada in your itinerary. The beautiful country is blessed with panoramic natural beauty. Those who want to have a peaceful vacation at a picturesque holiday destination can opt for a vacation in any of the well known travel destinations in Canada.

You can visit British Columbia, one of the most picturesque regions of Canada. It is the westernmost province of Canada that is situated along the Pacific Ocean. Apart from being a coastal area with comparatively warm winter than the rest of the country, British Columbia is also the most mountainous provinces of Canada. The region offers you some of the most picturesque and spectacular alpine scenery in the world.

Skiing and snow biking in the mountainous alpine region are among the major attractions in British Columbia . You can stay at any of the 33 skiing resorts in the mountainous region of the province. However, if you are looking for the best ski resort then you can blindly bank on Whistler – a ski resort in the coast mountains of British Columbia that has maintained its position as the pioneering ski resort in North America over a period of time. It is also co-host of the Winter Games of 2010.

Vancouver, one of the largest metropolitan regions in Canada is situated amidst beautiful landscape. This harbor city offers you a picture-perfect view of the mountains and the Ocean. You can also visit the famous Chinatown of Vancouver where you can witness a perfect blend of western and oriental culture. Visiting Stanley Park and Granville Island will also be very enjoyable. You are sure to have fun in shopping and dining in some of the popular entertainment areas of the city. So next time when your visit Canada do not forget to visit British Columbia.

If you go through a map of UK, many of the eminent cities will appear before your eyes. Undoubtedly, London, the capital city of this country is the main one which has the greatest stock of stories to tell you. It is hard to find a person who has not heard the name of Sherlock Holmes – the famous fictitious detective created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Holmes is said to be a resident of London. The address, as it is found in the stories, is 221 B Baker Street. A large number of people come to this address to find the great detective’s house.
Until a few years ago, there was no such property with the address of 221 B Baker Street in London. There are numbers that go near as described by Doyle, but none of them touching the magic figure. Today, with the help from the London government a museum remembering the great fictitious detective has been established at this address. The two storied house has been decorated with exactly as it is described in the stories. There are furniture, Holmes’ attires, his pipes, test tubes and everything as the readers may come across in the beautiful stories. Today, the Sherlock Holmes Museum has become one of the main tourist destinations in the United Kingdom. Another nearest location of this area is the Sherlock Holmes Pub which is located at Charing Cross.

If you are planning for a family vacation somewhere in Latin America region then Mexico is sure to be your first choice. The country is well known for its rich cultural heritage, history, cuisine and natural beauty. The country has a lot to offer the travelers who want come here to spend a leisurely vacation.

The most popular tourist destinations in Mexico includes the Meso-american ruins. Some remarkable Ameridian civilizations including the Mayan civilization were established in this land. These civilizations are well known for their monumental structures, remarkable knowledge of astronomy and mathematics.

Apart from the historic ruins you can also see many Mexican cities that still bears influences of the colonial period. You can also sense a strong influence of Spanish and other European culture on the culture, cuisine, music and traditions of Mexico.

While in Mexico you can spend a leisurely vacation on the beach. Beaches in Mexico is well known for their natural beauty. The pristine beaches washed by turquoise blue water are just perfect for several beach activities. You can also have a great time shopping at Mexico City and tasting mouthwatering Mexican delicacies. Truly, Mexico offers something for everyone.

A visit to France, the country that has become synonymous with style, haute couture, poetry, artistic innovation, architectural masterpieces, gastronomic delights and much more has long been on my travel itinerary. My wish was fulfilled when I got the chance of visiting the country on an official trip. Now then, there is much to explore and visit in France. I was stunned by the majestic beauty of the Alps and Pyrenees, the pristine beaches, the houseboats, canals, museums and art galleries, churches, towers, boulevards, farmlands, Gothic masterpieces and medieval towns.

A frolic in the exquisite farmlands of Normandy, a visit to the historical cities of Strasbourg and Lorraine, a trip to Brittany that exudes a Celtic ambiance and the lush vineyards of Champagne, a peek at the chateaus and churches of Auvergne and an exploration of the majestic palaces and gorges that adorn the Loire Valley, were some of the features of my French trip.

A special mention must be made of Paris, the jewel in the crown of France. Central Paris is renowned for its architectural marvels. Another unique feature of the city is the Paris metro. The Ile-de-la-Cite is a calm, quiet neighborhood in Paris that exudes an old world aura. Some of the tourist attractions are the Notre Dame which has been newly renovated, the Latin Quarter, the Eiffel Tower, the Cluny Museum, the Palais Royal, the Moulin Rouge, the Madeleine and the brilliant chateaus of Versailles. 

This was accompanied with a trip to Disneyland, which lies to the east of Paris. The Fontainebleau castle and forest, which was formerly a royal hunting park is a natural reserve, inhabited by various species of wildlife. Another hot venue is the Cannes Film Festival that is held each year.

Finally, a word for backpackers. If you are wondering how you will manage it on your own or whether you will be able to make out your destination among the terrific jumble of roads and highways, then rest assured. Map directions to the various tourist sites as well as directions to the hotels, inns, pubs, highways and roads, small towns and villages and cities are available at the French stores.