The revamped Dubai may be young but it is full of everything tourists want from a great vacation. The finest shops and restaurants line streets of Dubai and there are so many things to do that a week or two will not be enough to get to them all. Dubai has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world.
Ride the Dunes
If you have ever taken a ride in a dune buggy, you have experienced a small taste of what is awaiting you in the desert of Dubai. When you get in an SUV driven by a specially trained desert driver, you are embarking on the experience of a lifetime. Dune bashing, or riding up and down the dunes at high speed for several hours and then ending the evening with dinner and dancing is the perfect way to combine adventure and romance. If dinner and music is not to your to your liking, you may continue to ride the dunes well into the evening. Dune bashing is a favorite attraction in Dubai.
Ski the Great Indoors
Who ever would have thought there would be skiing in Dubai? Who ever would have thought there would be skiing anywhere that is located inside a building? But there is and it is a fabulous experience. The Mall of Emirates contains one of the largest ski centers and rents out all the equipment you need. The temperature in the ski area is -4 degrees Celsius - enough to keep the snow from melting and the fun from ending. As if that were not enough, a new indoor ski center opens up this year -- the Dubai Sunny Mountain Ski Dome in Dubailand.
From Snow to Sand - Dubai's Beaches
If warm sand, water and beaches are more to your liking, Dubai offers unbelievable beaches. The water temperatures average 22 degrees Celsius in the winter and 35 in the summer. Be sure to use sunscreen when spending time on Dubai's beautiful beaches. If diving is on your mind, Fujairah, Sharjah and Khor Fakkan are less than two hours away. Dive the coral reefs and spend time mingling with the marine life living off the coast of Dubai.
Cruise the Creek
Shipping once defined the very existence of Dubai. Ports that once served African, Indian and Middle Eastern trading ships are now viewable from a fascinating cruise down Dubai Creek. It is not just the ports that are interesting. The Dubai Creek Cruise will take you past numerous historical buildings that go back hundreds of years.
Sand Golfing
Don't let a lack of green grass stop you from enjoying a round of golf. Dubai thumbs its nose at convention and offers tourists the chance to play golf in the sand. Other golf courses penalize for balls that land in the sand. Here, landing in sand is par for the course - so to speak.
Up, Up and Away in a Beautiful Balloon
Who hasn't dreamed of taking a ride in a hot air balloon? A sunrise or sunset ride through the skies above the mountains and deserts of Dubai can be a dream come true. After a day of fun, experience beautiful Dubai from the skies.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Dubai: Fantastic Vacation Destination
Friday, February 6, 2009
Hotels in Bulgaria
There is quite a bit of difference between the hotel industry in Bulgaria and that in the U.S. Whereas the U.S. market is dominated by large chains such as Sheraton, Hilton, Days Inn, and numerous others, the work horse of Bulgaria’s tourism industry is the small to medium-sized family owned and family-operated hotel. As of now, although some successful hotel owners are making investments in that direction, there are in fact no hotel chains. This is quite remarkable since Bulgaria is one of the most visited holiday destinations in Europe.
The lack of chains is sometimes a problem as tourists are not sure what to expect – different owners and managers have different ideas about what constitutes good service and facilities. Booking is more cumbersome as the tourist has to call the hotel, make a reservation and pay upon arrival as opposed to using a centralized booking system. However, the lack of uniformity also has an important charming side – there are hundreds of hotels and guest houses with very unique character. These are sometimes large old houses that have been renovated and converted into hotels. In addition to accommodation, the hotels also often feature small cozy restaurants where the owners try to be inventive with delicious local dishes. The terms of accommodation are flexible and the atmosphere is personal.
One hotel in Abanassi exemplifies this. Arbanasi is a small historic village overlooking the old capital of Bulgaria Veliko Turnovo. It is one of the most famous tourist destinations in Bulgaria, partly due to the types of hotel where tourists can stay. Villa “Tvorcheska (Artistic)” is a three story spacious house with stone foundations and beautiful arches. It sits in a large and sunny garden with a shaded area and fruit trees. It has 11 guest rooms, each furnished and decorated in a different style: 2 Italian rooms, 1 French room, 1 Bulgarian room, 1 Oriental room, 1 mansard studio with a round bedroom, 1 Japanese room, 1 African apartment, 1 Roman room with a tub for hydro massage, and 1 room with Jacuzzi. What a variety!
One can explore the various hotels and guest houses in Bulgaria at: http://www.rentbyownerbg.com/bulgaria/holidays/all-destinations/hotels-guest-houses/
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Visit Hong Kong
Hong Kong is an ideal destination with something for everyone - from retail therapy, memorable tourist attractions, cuisine to a world-class theme park.
Hong Kong offers a host of memorable tourist attractions within its compact area. Visit Victoria Peak, Victoria Harbour, the Giant Buddha and the fishing village of Aberdeen. You'll be amazed by the diverse contrasts and close proximity of stunning cityscapes and soaring mountains, heritage sites and extensive green countryside. Enjoy the scenic beauty of Deep Water Bay and Repulse Bay. Stanley Market is great for bargain-hunting.
Witness the record holding “World’s Largest Permanent Light and Sound Show”, an all-round vision of lights and lasers orchestrated to music and narration. Hop on board the Peak Tram, a cable train that runs across the skies of Victoria Peak to Hong Kong’s most famous beaches. No trip to Hong Kong is complete without a steaming hot plate of dim sums, a delight served in steaming bamboo baskets. Experiment with local fares like pork buns, shrimp dumplings and pan fried squid.
Opt for the Hong Kong by Night Tour, a romantic night-time cruise aboard a Chinese-style boat that gives you fabulous views of Hong Kong as you cruise around Victoria Harbour. Sail past the busy waterfronts and ferries as they make their way through anchored ships. Savour a local buffet dinner while a live band plays aboard. Dance the night away or enjoy a view of the glittering city and the magnificent harbour.
A visit to Disneyland is highly recommended. Situated on Lantau Island, this world-class theme park is a legendary fairytale kingdom that celebrates the spirit of fantasy, the world of tomorrow and a forever-young sense of adventure. Enjoy a magical journey through four themed lands namely Main Street USA, Fantasyland, Adventureland and Tomorrowland. Disneyland offers magical experiences ranging from Broadway-style shows, hilarious 3D movies and music adventure to signature Disney attractions, snapshots with your favourite Disney characters, spectacular fireworks and parades.
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