Traveling Long Journeys

Some people have height sickness and these people should be aware of their problem because they might just throw up during flights. So they should be taking the right kind of medication beforehand that suits them well if they must fly.

Once a colleague of mine was on leave from work and he was flying to United States for higher studies and he described his journey being long, dull and boring. I was surprised at his attitude! I was also on leave from work flying for a similar purpose only a few days earlier but though the journey was long, there were lots of interesting things to do to keep you engaged. For instance, you could listen to music or watch movies. You could view the map of where the position of the airplane was at the current moment. You could enjoy drinking the variety of juices and other cold drinks that were offered every few hours and not to speak of the good meals that were served once or twice in a while. If you are seated beside a window, you could watch the white clouds and that may remind you that every cloud has a silver lining. LOL! Or you could just fall into a long and relaxed slumber and dream sweet dreams about what the outcome of your journey held for you. So no way you could call a journey like this dull and boring.

During my journey to U.S, I had initially a flight to London and from there a connecting flight to Chicago. Then I flew to Dallas. It was a very, very long journey I admit and I did not make this kind of journey for quite a while, and also I am used to routine-like life and I am not very adventuresome. But on a journey like this, would you like to jump to your destination? I bet not.

When I was on this travel, I was wide awake, aware of my surroundings and above all, enjoying the fun and pleasure of the experience. After all, while traveling from a source to the destination, it is usually the journey that really matters and which you should be able to take a grasp of lovingly, happily and enjoying to your heart’s content.

Temples Will Find In Kalugumalai

Jaina Abode

The temple has a unique architecture. Some of the most notable features are the many figures on the wall. The figures represent the most notable followers of the jain faith from the nearby villages. The main figure is that of the main deity known as Araimalai Alwar.

According to experts, the temple has over 150 sculptures that were contributed by different people. Some of the people who contributed the sculptures are: carpenters, smiths, cultivators and potters. The sculptures were also contributed by high-ranking officials bearing the titles of Kavidi, Enadi and Etti.

Kalugasalamoorthy Temple

The temple is said to have been constructed in the 18th century. The temple’s main deity is Lord Murugan and his wife Deivanai. The main deity and entrance halls have many exciting structural additions. Other than the many exciting features, the temple also has many shrines including those of Akilandeswari, shiva, Vinayakar and many lesser deities.

Vettuvan Koil

This temple dates back to the 8th century. It’s an unfinished cave temple that is breathtaking to look at. It has a rectangular shape where the middle part is sculpted from a one piece of rock. The temple has great looking carvings that are synonymous to those found during the Pandya era.

There are many sculptures on the temple. Experts say that the sculptures are about 122. The most notable ones are those of Vishnu, Dakshinamoorthy, and Brahma.

How To Get To Kalugumalai

It’s good to note that there are no regular flights from neighboring towns to Kalugumalai. There is also no trains to the town; therefore, the best way of getting to the town is using bus or car.

If you are travelling from another country, you should get to the Tuticorin airport. You should then take a bus or taxi that will take you to Kalugumalai.

If you want to use train, you should take a train that will take you to Kovilpatti and then from there take a taxi or bus.

Island Jewel of Croatia

Hvar also treats nature lovers with stunning beaches and remote coves, including Dubovica Beach. This pebbled beach features very clear water and a prominent waterfront restaurant. Part of Hvar Island’s popularity is its consistent sunny weather. In fact, it is considered to be the sunniest island in Croatia. It is also the longest island in the Adriatic boasting a length of 68 kilometers.

The bayside town of Hvar is the capital of the island, and biggest crowd drawer. This has something to do with its visual appeal. Hvar is a town filled with Gothic palaces and marble streets free of vehicle traffic. It is charmingly surrounded by 13th-century walls, which in turn, house a wide range of restaurants, shops and hotels. Travelers who stay in the town also gets to enjoy its vibrant nightlife scene.

While in Havr town, don’t forget to explore some of its most famous cultural, historical and architectural attractions, which include the Renaissance theatre, Cathedral of St. Stjepan and Trg Sveti Stjepana, which is one of the biggest squares in the Dalmatia region. While here, make sure to drop by the wide promenade that goes out to the shimmering blue sea and is just beside a lovely fishing harbor. This is one areas that is great to stroll around and experience. If you do have the time, don’t just spend it all in Hvar Town – try to visit some of the small villages that dot the coast and ones located in the lush inland portion of the island, and you will not regret the decision.

The oldest village on the island is the Stari Grad, which captivates visitors with its own charming medieval streets. This village’s history goes all the way back to 385 BC when it was known as a Greek colony. Stari Grad is also enclosed with grey stone fortifications and has notable attractions worth visiting as such as the Dominican monastery, the Church of St. Nicolas and the large fortified castle of Tvrdalj.

Jelsa and Vrboska are the other two prominent villages on the island. If you want to see where the grapes, figs, olives, lemons and grapes are grown, then make your way to the fertile plain of Velo Polje. Fields of lavender usually occupy the slopes of the hills. If you desire a great scuba diving experience, you can easily book a day trip to the offshore Pakleni Islands.

Hawaii Whale Watching

Plan Your Trip During Peak Months

Humpback Whales begin arriving in Hawaii in November and head back to Alaska in late May. If you have planned a Hawaii vacation during this time, you should have no problem spotting whales. However, peak Hawaii whale watching season occurs during February and March. So if you have not made your travel arrangements yet, shoot for these months.

Visit Islands Known For Whale Watching

Maui, Kauai and the Big Island are the most popular islands for Hawaii whale watching, so plan to visit one of these islands on your vacation. If you are visiting Oahu, you can see whales there too, they just won’t be as abundant.

Plan A Boat Tour

Hawaii whale watching tours are ideal for seeing these spectacular animals in their natural habitat. Not only will you be in the whale’s environment, but because humpback whales are curious about their surrounding, they will sometimes approach your boat. Plan a Hawaii boat tour to truly get the most out of your whale watching adventure.

Boat tours are available departing from Lahaina Harbor many times throughout the day during whale season. On the Big Island and the island of Kauai, whale-watching opportunities abound with a full schedule of tours provided by seasoned, knowledgeable guides.

Humpback whales may also be observed from land if you prefer solid ground to the deck of a boat. On Kauai the Kilauea Lighthouse, Kealia Lookout and various high-points of land in coastal areas are good places to start. Once you’re in the right place, spotting the whales is easy: just look for the majestic plumes of water (“blows”) rising in the air and the playful splashes made by these gigantic creatures.

Respect their space

In Hawaii, whale watching is an avid activity, and like with most outdoors activities, there are rules. Observers may not approach by vessel or by swimming within 100 yards of a whale (known as the 100-yard minimum rule). However, there is no rule that keeps whales from approaching people. Experienced leaders of Hawaii whale watching tours know how to gently approach these animals and encourage them to come closer.

Preserve the Humpback Whale

The humpback whale almost came to extinction in 1966 after mass commercial whaling during the early 20th century. Today there are approximately 30,000 to 40,000 humpbacks worldwide. Federal laws protect them, but there are things we can all do to help preserve this amazing animal for future whale watching generation.

  • Keep beaches and waters clean and debris-free
  • Participate only in responsible whale watching activities
  • Support efforts to stop illegal whaling
  • Support legislation, research and preservation programs
  • Patronize eco-friendly companies and organizations

Mal Pais Costa Rica

Tourists can come here to completely unwind and rejuvenate the mind and the body. This may also be the reason it attracts the rich and the famous, including Hollywood actors and international celebrities. As a result, Mal Pais always has that happening, yet understated class to it. A vacation here usually means spending relaxing days on sandy beaches and enjoying gorgeous sunsets.

The beaches are, of course, the highlight attractions in Mal Pais, which boasts a coastline that spans about 6 kilometers. Most of the coastline is occupied by long stretches of sand, but you can also find some considerably big sets of rock. Near the shore is a lush jungle rich in flora and fauna. The beach itself barely has any development. The hotels and resorts are mostly found on the sandy stretches of its sister village of Santa Teresa. This is also where you can find bars, restaurants and shops to rent surfing equipment. A number of people include Santa Teresa and the Playa Carmen area when they talk about Mal Pais.

Unlike Nicoya Peninsula’s neighboring villages like Montezuma, there are less tours and activities offered in Mal Pais. This is actually the point of coming here, to relax and do very little. But after a few days of lazy relaxation, you may feel like doing something, and you can always go fishing, ride a horse along the beach or sign up for canopy tours to nearby forested region.

The Cabo Blanco Absolute Reserve is quite accessible from Mal Pais and makes a great day trip destination for those who love the jungle environment. Cabo Blanco covers about 1,270 hectares of land area, and is the first protected area in Costa Rica. Bird watching has also become a popular activity in the area because of the wide range of coastal and migratory birds that frequent here. Some of the bird species to watch for are falcons, kingfishers and scarlet macaws.

Mal Pais is highly regarded for its big swells and long beach breaks, which are consistent throughout the year. That is why it is no surprise that surfers from all over make their way to this sleepy beach town to ride the waves. From the water, you can admire the volcanic formations that populate the shore. The breaks generated in Mal Pais is perfect for intermediate and expert level surfers. If you are a surfing novice, there are some spots you can go to for practice. In addition, Santa Teresa’s beaches have swells ideal for beginners.

Honeymoon on a Cruise Ship

Honeymoon on the ship itself and not just at any destination. Most soon to be couples
may have seen a cruise ship as just a means of transport. Something that gets you from point A to point B while you enjoy all the amenities on board. Many may somehow believe that most of the fun is to be had at the destinations and not on the ship itself …

But does that have to be that way? Modern cruise ships are floating miracles. They are overflowing with every conceivable amenity that can delight you. And to say that they provide cozy and comfortable accommodation is an understatement. And the food on board may be better than what you can get at many restaurants on shore.

Another thing that may have deterred potential honeymooners from considering a cruise may be the cost. If so, you might want to take into account the length of the cruise while comparing costs. If a two week cruise sounds very expensive, what would it cost you to go on a two week vacation on land? And considering all the attractions on board a cruise ship and also at the destinations, would you have a similar experience on a more conventional vacation ?

That said, while going on a cruise vacation to celebrate your honeymoon may be a good idea, you might not want to board just about any cruise ship and sail away in the direction of the rising ( or setting ) sun … you see, some cruise ships target certain types of people only – families, seniors, adventure lovers and so on.

What you really require on a honeymoon is at atmosphere that gives you plenty of room to be amorous … an atmosphere that allows romance to flourish. And if there are kids running all over the place or people partying till early morning, then you possibly might find the experience a bit off-putting …

Which is why you will want to do some research on the vessel that you plan to be sailing on. What type of people seem to choose it most ? What is their age group? What will the atmosphere be like on the cruise ship? and so on. All you would have to do may be visit several forums and see what people who have already been on the ship are saying about the experience. You might also want to consult a travel agent who has been in the business for a while and knows about the ship and the destinations.

Formal Cruise Wear Night

For some men, it’s the agony of picking out your finest formal cruise wear, carefully packing them in your suitcase, unpacking and un-wrinkling them, and then, worst of all….. having to put the threads on. For other men, it’s the romantic ecstasy of seeing your dazzling beauty dressed in her finest, and walking arm-in-arm through the elegant dining room.

For some women, it’s the agony of deciding what to pack for the formal cruise wear night. Should it be black or brightly colored? Long or short? Or should it be slacks or a gown? For other women it’s the ecstasy of a wonderful romantic night of elegance.

Formal wear is somewhat subjective when it comes to cruises. Most often for men, it will mean wearing a dark suit or jacket and a tie. Tuxedos on some cruises are more common. In fact, many cruise ships will have tuxedos and formal cruise wear available for rent – in advance from the cruise line. You will however want to pre-plan and book your rental as soon as possible before you sail so you won’t be disappointed.

That was easy for the men. There is formal cruise wear available for rent for women as well. The same early planning and booking applies as for men. However…

For many women the task of preparing formal cruise wear can be much more exciting or much more daunting. Formal evening gowns are elegant and can be show-stoppers. But pant suits and slacks or skirts and tops can be glamorous as well! In fact a very practical article for any woman to pack is a pair of black silky “cocktail” type slacks. They take up very little room in the luggage and resist wrinkling! Matched them with a couple of tops, and you have formal cruise wear ensembles with very little fuss. And, most have stretchy waistbands so you can enjoy the wonderful culinary masterpieces in comfort! Flat or low heeled shoes make navigating onboard much easier and more comfortable.

These formal nights can make your cruise a wonderful romantic getaway! Exquisite cuisine, elegant dining rooms, intimate lounges, stage shows and reviews all lend themselves to enhance romance on board. Imagine a nightclub filled with tuxedoed men and sequin covered dresses on women. And everyone is basking in the radiant delight of the evening.

Some of the cruise lines request that you remain in your formal cruise wear for the entire evening. Others are more relaxed about the attire. And some, like Norwegian cruise lines operate on a relaxed “Freestyle” cruising atmosphere.

For those of you who absolutely despise getting all gussied up, most cruise ships have dining areas that always allow casual cruise wear. Remember however that most reservation only dining restaurants require formal or informal dress attire.

It’s always best, if you have any concerns about what constitutes formal cruise wear on your chosen ship, to check with the cruise line in advance.

Cruise Discounts

Early Booking Discounts

This type of discount is available from most cruise lines and for most itineraries. If you book before a certain date, the cruise line offers a special discount price for your vacation. Now these discounts may not be the ‘best prices’ you can get but by booking early you will most often get the cruise you want, on the cruise ship you desire, and the itinerary of interest, in the stateroom or suite of your choice. All of these items combined can make this type of vacation discount the very best value for your cruise. You may say that if you wait, with the cruise ships being so large these days, you can get exactly what you want. Be forewarned! Cruises do sell out.

Last Minute Discounts

This is by far the riskiest discount to plan on. If your preferred cruise sells out, you’re stuck without that cruise vacation. If you would prefer a balcony stateroom, all that may be available at the time could be inside rooms. However, having said all of that, these discounts can at times provide the very best pricing. So if you are flexible in itinerary, cruise ship, vacation date, and stateroom preference, perhaps this is your best bet.

Group Booking Discounts

If you can generate some interest in your planned cruise vacation with others, you could qualify for a ‘group rate’. Not all cruise lines would offer this – or any other – discount but it is certainly worth pursuing. The rates again may not be as low as for a last minute cruise discount but you can get in early enough to ensure that you get the preferences listed above.

Low Season Discounts

Should your vacation schedule fall into one of the ‘low seasons’ for cruise vacations, you would be in luck. In the Caribbean for example, the so-called ‘Hurricane season’ provides many great cruise rates for potential passengers. Now I know that ‘summer season’ is a better name for it from a marketing standpoint but we may as well call it like it is. Keep in mind that on a cruise, should a major storm happen, cruise ships can divert to calmer waters. Today’s cruise ships can out-run storms as well. If you were to be in a resort on a land-based vacation, you would have no choice but to flee or take cover.

Value Added Cruise Pricing

This type of ‘discount’ does not change the price of the cruise itself. It does however give guests specials additions and ‘perks’. One such added value could be stateroom upgrades – you pay for a certain category of stateroom and the cruise line automatically bumps you up into the next category. Another common value-added feature is an on-board credit. In this case, the cruise line adds a credit to your stateroom account that can be used while on your vacation. Other perks can include free logo-wear or a bottle of wine in your stateroom.

Previous Cruisers Discounts

For first-time cruisers, this type of discount will be un-attainable. But next cruise on the same cruise line, you may be offered many different specials that you may find attractive. These could include free upgrades and on-board credits as detailed above.

Whether you take advantage of any of the possible discounts available for cruise vacations, one thing is certain. A cruise aboard one of the magnificent cruise ships will be an experience to cherish!

Da Lat Vietnam

When you reach Da Lat, you will immediately experience a fairly strong French influence. This is not surprising as these European colonists treated Da Lat as a place of relaxation and retreat because of its more secluded location and consistent climate. In the climate it is often referred to as the “Eternal Spring”. Several hotels and homes here were built in French architectural style during the colonization period.

Some of the French-influenced buildings in the town include the Hang Nga guest house, dubbed as the “Crazy House” and the Dalat Railway Station. There is even a radio mast structure in town that is shaped like the Eiffel Tower. You will also spot some independent artists all around town who are eager to show you their work and happy to talk about their bohemian lifestyle.

At the heart of town likes Xuan Huong Lake, also called Lake of Sorrow. If you head out to the local market, your senses will be teased by colorful flowers like hydrangeas, vegetables, silk and traditional dresses. While here, grab the opportunity to try out famous local products like dried fruits, avocado and delicious strawberry jam.

The town proper is not the only thing that lures visitors to this side of the country as Da Lat is the perfect gateway to some of the spectacular attractions in the region. Its countryside is surrounded by waterfalls, lush forests, gardens and lakes. There are numerous ways of truly experiencing Da Lat’s beautiful landscape. There are many tour operators in town that can organize guided activities like white water rafting, canyoning, hiking and mountain biking.

If you head to the north, you will encounter serene Lak Lake, populated by lovely minority villages. One of the unique experiences you can have while here is observing the distinct lifestyle of the tribal people. A common sighting in the area is hill-tribe women carrying babies on their backs with the aid of a piece of cloth, which is tied in the front and strapped on one shoulder.

Caribbean Luxury Travel

Out of all the Bahamian islands in the Caribbean region, Andros is one of the less well-known. And yet, its subdued allure is what makes it even more appealing as a Caribbean luxury travel destination. With an area of 2,300 square miles and home to only 8,000 people, it is one of the least explored places in the western hemisphere.

However, don’t even for a second think that Andros is just one of those dime-a-dozen island destinations which the Caribbean is full of. Andros is the largest island in the country so you have plenty of grounds to have fun and enjoy the warm Caribbean sun. And because the island is yet undeveloped, there are few phones, few bus lines, and other facilities that could distract you from your relaxing vacation.

In truth, the island is not just one island but a group of islands tightly meshed into one archipelago. With its rocky shores and a web of creeks, this Caribbean luxury travel destination has never offered the kind of obvious harbor found on other Bahamian islands so, apart from the odd fishing lodge and Caribbean luxury travel retreats, development has largely bypassed it. However, what has made the island unsuitable for urban evolution makes it perfect for eco-tourism.

The Caribbean luxury travel resort of Tiamo is remote, even by Andros’ standards. Set three, road-less miles from the nearest village and surrounded by palm trees, banana plants, orchids, herons, tiny tree frogs, and some vicious mosquitoes, Tiamo is only accessible to guests by boat. Relying on its solar power system and solar-heated rainwater showers, the resort stays true to its ecological philosophy but at the same time offers you with an idyllic retreat is incomparable anywhere else.

Tiamo’s wooden cottages come with massive beds, hand-painted “do not disturb” signs, brightly tiled mirrors and showers lean towards safari-chic, especially when taken in with their painted, corrugated-iron walls. And in a clever twist on recycling, even the wood left over from building the cottages were used to build this Caribbean luxury travel resort’s funky outdoor furniture.

But while the interiors are outstanding, the main features of all the cottages though are their open porches. They have fans rather than air conditioning, but you don’t need to worry about the heat. The open sides of the cottages are designed to help keep temperatures down. Climate control aside, the real beauty of these porches is that they offer you panoramic views of the forest and the beach.

Navigation