Visit Hong Kong of Wonderful Contrasting Elements

Archive for the ‘Destination’ Category

Visit Hong Kong of Wonderful Contrasting Elements

Friday, September 29th, 2006

During a trip to Asia with my husband, we saw quite a bit of Japan and China. We also took a few days to visit Hong Kong. This city is one of the most fascinating places to spend time in and I would recommend it to anyone. The first thing to hit you is the energy of the place. It’s a noisy, chaotic throng of people and has wonderful contrasting elements. The Chinese tradition rubs along with the Western influences. Sometimes a run down apartment block is immediately behind a modern glass fronted skyscraper.

We flew in from Tokyo and got into Kowloon, which is just across the water from the central part of the city. When you visit Hong Kong, you need to walk the narrow streets and give yourself time to acclimatize. Several buildings were covered in scaffolding. This is noteworthy because they use bamboo scaffolding in this part of the world. It looks somewhat fragile but it seems to do the job. We found a small, cheap hotel to stay in run by a man with the unlikely name of Charlie Chan. Next morning, we woke fresh and eager to explore but first we needed breakfast. If you visit Hong Kong, anything is possible and we found a welcoming Irish bar that served a full English fry up.

We then took in some of the sights and smells, the very English looking buses, the food stalls full of seafood and vegetables we didn’t know the name of, and the advertising hoardings and giant video screens. We had to go to the Foreign Affairs Office to apply for our visas to allow us into China for the next stage of our trip. Thankfully, this was done speedily and efficiently. The next stop was to visit friends who live at the top of a gated complex up in the hills. They used to visit Hong Kong and then decided to stay. The view from their balcony is amazing. That evening, we all went bar hopping, enjoyed some live music, and met some other residents. To visit Hong Kong is to have a cosmopolitan experience, as lots of British, American, and Australian people live and work there.

Next day, we went into the New Territories and the Monastery of Ten Thousand Buddhas. This is one of the places when you visit Hong Kong where you can take a breather from the city and enjoy some tranquility. The Monastery is high up in the hills near the town of Sha Tin, and you have to climb up four hundred steps to get to it. Life-size Buddha statues line the way. It’s worth the climb, when you see the giant pagoda at the top and the temple. The interior of the temple is truly breathtaking with small statues of Buddhas lining the walls numbering not 10,000 but actually 13,000.

After this, we went back to Kowloon and looked round a very exclusive shop selling items made from mammoth ivory. No one should visit Hong Kong without spending time on the Waterfront, so we went down after dark and marveled at the skyscrapers. These buildings contain some of the most expensive office spaces in the world. Our last night in our visit to Hong Kong was spent looking at the twinkling lights from the boats in the harbor, reflected in the water. Next morning, we flew to Beijing but that’s another story!

Posted in Advice, Asia, Budget Travel, Cheap Travel, Family Vacation, Holiday, Information, Island, Short Vacation, Spring Break, Summer Trip, Travel, Vacation, Vacation Destination, Vacation Review, Vacation Suggestion | No Comments »

The Best California Bed Breakfast

Tuesday, September 5th, 2006

The many wonderful things about a good California bed breakfast are homemade biscuits at breakfast, which are, yes, served in the room; the fresh bedding; the special guest dinners; the perks and amenities. But what I find most impressive in not only the California bed breakfast experience but the bed and breakfast experience in general is the theme room/hotel. Maybe you have a penchant for nature. Maybe you are a history buff. Or maybe you have a fetish for a particular travel destination or have a thing for art. Whatever the desire or need, you can indulge in a weekend fantasy at a themed California bed breakfast.

CALIFORNIA BED BREAKFAST THEME HOTELS/INNS

For example, the following are just some of the possible fantasy weekend packages offered:

At the Churchill Manor Bed and Breakfast in Napa Valley, you can experience the plantation in the Gone with the Wind rooms in the old southern Colonial home.

The Gone with the Wind theme is also delightful at Plantation Bed and Breakfast in Lemon Grove, and

At The Union Hotel and Victorian Mansion, in Los Almos, you might enjoy the Victorian age in the manse or indulge in the fantasy of the 1950s, the gypsy life, Roman antiquity, Egyptian royalty, French history, or Pirate swashbuckling.

At Leucadia Inn in Encinitas, besides having subtly placed microwave and other modern amenities, you can have the dream of your choice come true in a Tropical setting, in the Hollywood Nostalgia room, on an African Safari, or by way of the decor that takes you to Nantucket, Calypso (style), or New Orleans.

The Splash Spa in Los Angeles has the infamous cave, the Monte Carlo, and the Jungle Room, as well as rooms ala the Mediterranean, Barcelona, and Japan. But note that this California bed breakfast is not really a b&b but an hourly place to stay for a quickie or short rest (and, of course, spa treatment).

And the wilder, more natural, and appropriately, more western urges can be satisfied at such places as The Featherbed Railroad Company, where you and yours can get loose with Mint Julep (rooms), engage in the romance of Casablanca, go alternative in the Easy Rider or La Loose, relive (so to speak) the mystery of The Orient Express, or go right back to the heart of The Wild, Wild West.

California bed breakfast experiences, then, take you where you want to go or need to be, whether it is to re-experience your teen years in a Rockin 50′s Suite, with the bed that is fashioned out of a 1959 Cadillac; to play nouveau riche in a five-star Garden Theme room, in The English Rose, the Apricot Blossom Suite, or the Forget Me Not room; or exact the life of a writer in a cottage or a tortured one with James Dean angst in the Rebel Room.

With the California bed breakfast, you can appreciate the amenities, can be coddled by old world cuisine and courtesy and charm of the caretakers, and can find appeal in anything from the attractive views, the ambience, or the general atmosphere. But further, with the themed California bed breakfast, you come away with a memory of having gone back in time, gone forward in time, and having gone into the lives and spirit of another be it Elvis or Scarlet Hara, an astronaut or a Neanderthal or a thug.

Posted in Advice, Bed and Breakfast, Budget Travel, California, Cheap Travel, Children, Family Vacation, Holiday, Information, Short Vacation, Spring Break, Summer Trip, Vacation, Vacation Destination, Vacation Homes, Vacation Packages, Vacation Rental, Vacation Review, Vacation Suggestion | No Comments »

Taking London Sightseeing Tours

Tuesday, August 22nd, 2006

Have you ever want to travel the world. Dump the job and just take off on a never-ending journey. See new places and try new things all the time. Of course you can’t literally do this unless you’re independently wealthy or have recently won the lottery. Nevertheless, it does sound rather ideal to most of us. On the other hand, you could save a little dough and take a trip or two once in a while. This is completely feasible, and is actually what most of us do. Since we all don’t have a fat bank account like Paris Hilton, we simply have to budget and plan. I know one of the getaways I’m planning for involves Europe. I’m talking about London sightseeing tours. Doesn’t that sound like a blast?

Have you ever considered London sightseeing tours? This is a great way to get away from your everyday setting and check out something new and exciting. With London sightseeing tours you can not only get out of the states for a bit, but you can learn a great deal about landmarks and culture. Take a close-up gander at all London, England has to offer. You’ll never guess what got me interested in London sightseeing tours.

However, I’ll tell you anyway. It was the very first serial killer in recorded history. You know, the one who had a grudge against the ladies of the night; therefore he hunted them down and butchered them like a mad man. You guessed it; Jack the Ripper. Now please don’t tell me that this never peaked your interest. Although it is a grisly part of London’s history, I find it intriguing to say the least.

Are you considering London sightseeing tours for your next big adventure? Hey, let me give you a small piece of advice. The best place to begin your trip is at home. I’m referring to your personal computer. If you have Internet access, you can easily hop online and start sorting through a number of excellent package deals and specials regarding London sightseeing tours and much more. I don’t care where you’re headed, the Internet can lend a hand. Find the best roundtrip airfare deals and book that perfect room at a low cost. With contemporary London sightseeing tours, you can have it all. Hop on Google and see what I mean.

Posted in Adventure Travel, Advice, Budget Travel, Cheap Travel, Children, England, Holiday, Information, Short Vacation, Spring Break, Summer Trip, Tours, Travel, Vacation, Vacation Destination, Vacation Suggestion | No Comments »

Things to Do on Canada Vacations

Monday, August 21st, 2006

Canada vacations are some of the most satisfying getaway solutions. With the summer heat the way it is in some of our towns, a cooler, or freezing winter in Canada is actually inviting. With half the world at war, the politically free and socially indifferent Canadians seem like a welcome community. And with the fascinating history, locations, events, and activities available in the deep north, Canada vacations give promise to otherwise droll weeks of work.

Where could you plan to visit on Canada vacations?

Wow. So many locations to cover in this the second largest country in the world–from Alberta to Quebec to Ontario to BC (British Columbia). Add Manitoba, Vancouver Island, and Newfoundland (not Canada, but nearby). Then consider specific tourist attractions as the awesome Niagara Falls, the stunning Banff National Park, and the equally majestic Jasper National Park.

What can you do and see during your Canada vacations?

Go hiking, waterskiing, sporting, then try the wilder regions where hunting and fishing draw hundreds of professional and casual sportsmen. Catch a hockey game with the Edmonton Oilers five-time Stanley cup champions. Try the French-Canadian cuisine, the maple syrup, the galumpies (what my Mom calls them, anyway) and the gallettes.

And none of this is appealing to you yet, consider getting involved somehow in all that Canada vacations have behind them great people, natural entities, and a rich history (free of international strife!). That is, think about some of the vital info, found on Canada vacations sites in the trivia categories though by no means is this info all that trivial:

Go check out the CN Tower, which is 553.33 meters high.

Take the challenge to scale the tallest mountain in the Canadian Rockies, Mount Robson, in British Columbia.

Go kayaking, boating, or whitewater rafting down the longest river in Canada, the Mackenzie, which starts in the Northwest Territories and ends up at the Hudson Bay.

Visit the big cities in Quebec; buy art from the locals or the Inuits; take in a culture fair or festival with the Canadians who live up to their country s name, Canada, or Kanata, village, or indulge in some of the hottest clubs and hot spots.

In fact, don’t forget, such brilliant comics as Mike Myers, Caroline Rhea, Tom Green, Dave Foley, Jim Carrey, John Candy, Phil Hartman, Dan Akroyd, Tommy Chong, and Martin Short all hailed from Canada, so your Canada vacations, should they for some ungodly reason be lacking, could include a visit to a local comedy club! No visitors should miss it.

Posted in Adventure Travel, Advice, Budget Travel, Canada, Cheap Travel, Children, Family Vacation, Holiday, Information, Nature Preserve, Short Vacation, Spring Break, Summer Trip, Vacation, Vacation Destination, Vacation Packages, Vacation Suggestion | No Comments »

Green Valley Ranch Resort, Las Vegas

Thursday, August 17th, 2006

Look at the advertisement photos for the Green Valley Ranch Resort in Las Vegas and you can not only imagine yourself there but can imagine the place filled with classic celebrities. I see the likes of Elvis or one of his characters, like Rick conversing or conferring in the fabulous indoor pool room with the welcoming overstuffed chairs and matching footrests or better, do one of his classic group songs where he sings and plays the git while the go-go girls, clad only in fringed two-piece suits shimmy around him and the shimmering blue pool.Â One can also see Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Sammy Davis Jr. kicked back and tipping back clinking cocktails, or Wayne Newton and his entourage taking over this area of the Green Valley Ranch Resort during a break from sets in the lounge.

You can also see the likes of any celebrity at the outdoor pool of Green Valley Ranch Resort which is lined with symmetrically, artistically, and even ergonomically apt lounge chairs: you can imagine Lucille Ball and Dezi Arnez, or Jerry Lewis, or Jackie Gleason, relaxing in between sets or gigs, enjoying the cabana service, the fresh air and sun, the deep Mediterranean teal blue pool.

I get these nostalgic impressions from the decor especially that which is a delightful throwback to or simulation of the fifties and sixties, but the decor also changes, progresses, as do the amenities at Green Valley Ranch Resort. For example, the spa facilities are shown by photos with sleek women stretched out in meditative repose, smooth stones lining their backbones or special skin treatment solutions (that look like egg yolk batter or paint) being applied as they recline in quiet serenity. Therefore, I get the sense that if they were to visit Las Vegas and were to choose Green Valley Ranch Resort, big stars like Angelina Jolie or Michelle Pfieffer or Ving Rames or Brad Pitt would be in their vacationing element in spas like these.

Of course, big time gamblers like Ben Affleck would look and feel just as right in the Green Valley Ranch Resort casino (if he/they didn’t feel up to going a few hundred feet away to the strip and the other gambling houses); and the entertainment, which turns out to be advertised with a nod toward Hollywood, is both indoor and outdoor delight at the Green Valley Ranch Resort. So come to think of it, I can see myself lounging at the water, getting pampered in the spa, or gambling like all get out. Check out the photos and slide show of the Green Valley Ranch Resort and I would BET you can imagine yourself there, as well.

Posted in Adventure Travel, Advice, Family Vacation, Holiday, Information, Las Vegas, Resorts, Spring Break, Summer Trip, Travel, Vacation, Vacation Destination, Vacation Packages, Vacation Review, Vacation Suggestion | No Comments »

Find Cheap Flights to Malaysia Online

Thursday, August 10th, 2006

South East Asia: Malaysia is one of the most interesting destinations that you can travel. The country embodies all the appeal of Asia. However, Malaysia is a long trip and you should definitely consider finding cheap flights to Malaysia to have more money to spend on your vacation.

Finding cheap flights to Malaysia or Europe or anywhere else for that matter, can be a complicated process. You need to search because the best cheap flights to Malaysia are not always just waiting for you at the local travel agent.

There are many airline carriers that offer cheap flights to Malaysia but even here, you need to go directly to the websites to get the best deal. Many discount travel agencies are now available but you need to compare prices.

Most of the best cheaper flights will have you leaving your home city at off-peak times like two in the morning. Likewise you might arrive late in the evening at you destination. That is what you must give up in order to find cheap flights to Malaysia,

The amenities on flights that offer discounts are not going to be as good as on full priced airline. One thing that you may want to consider is the baggage allowance. Going to your destination probably will not be a problem. However, on the return trip, you may be hit with additional costs because of all those souvenirs in you bag.

One good way of finding the best deal on your cheap flights to Malaysia is to combine flights rather than booking a direct flight. Find a cheap flight to Korea or Manila and then grab one of the cheap flights to Malaysia available from those destinations. You have to be cleaver to get the best deal.

Charter flights can be a good deal also. These package trips will probably have to be booked well in advance. However, in addition to offering cheap tickets, they will include reduced cost accommodations and ground trips and tours. The disadvantage of charter flights is that there will be many restrictions on changing your travel plans. It can be a slight inconvenience but that is to be expected if you want cheap flights to Malaysia.

Low cost air travel can really save you a lot of money. And that is money that you can spend on the ground after you have reached your destination. The extra trouble of getting cheap flights to Malaysia is well worth it after you are actually on vacation.

Posted in Advice, Air Travel, Budget Travel, Cheap Travel, Family Vacation, Holiday, Information, Malaysia, Spring Break, Summer Trip, Travel, Vacation | No Comments »

Disney World Resorts for a Romantic Vacation

Tuesday, August 8th, 2006

Daily routines of work and stress can have a serious effect on our bodies. Are you desperately in need of a vacation? It’s time to relieve some of that tension and retreat to a fabulous destination. There are a number of wonderful Disney World resorts to satisfy any individual, regardless of your interests. That upcoming summer vacation would be ideal if you could only plan it just right. Well, with Disney World resorts you can have your cake and eat it too. It’s time to sit back with your laptop and find the best vacation package for you and your family.

Have you checked out the newest Disney World resorts? Disney world is not just a magical kingdom anymore. The gargantuan theme park is packed with a variety of activities to tickle anyone’s fancy. It truly doesn’t matter what age you are. There are Disney World resorts for families with young children, or even couples on their honeymoon.

Recently I have been sorting through the various Disney World resorts and package deals online. I was looking for that perfect romantic getaway for my wife and I. Well, to my surprise, Disney World has much to offer when it comes to romance. With the package deals and numerous options at your fingertips, it’s rather simple to pinpoint that perfect vacation. The great thing about package deals is that you can find them all-inclusive. This means your airfare, lodging, and even meals can be taken care of ahead of time. That will save you a great deal of hassle. This means more time to just relax and have a blast.

Are you in the market for Disney World resorts? If you’re not sure or doubting the getaways altogether, then I suggest you hop online before excluding the concept. Disney World has so much to offer these days. Check out Epcot Center and be left in awe by the wondrous sights. You can indeed have that choice vacation you’ve always dreamed of. Disney World resorts can make it happen in no time. Imagine a relaxing cruise or a stroll down the sandy beach with the warm sun on your face. Yes, Disney World resorts have it all. Get online today and find that special trip that’s right for you. A stress free wonderland is waiting for you and your family to sit back and ditch those daily chores for a while.

Posted in Advice, Budget Travel, Cheap Travel, Disney World, Family Vacation, Holiday, Information, Short Vacation, Spring Break, Summer Trip, Travel, Vacation, Vacation Destination, Vacation Packages, Vacation Review, Vacation Suggestion | No Comments »

Las Vegas Vacation Packages As Advertised

Friday, August 4th, 2006

Do you like gambling? There are at least ten riverboat casinos all within an hour of where I live, so it’s easy for me to get in on some gambling action whenever I want to play cards, slots, or dice. But if you’ve ever been on a riverboat, then you know it’s not exactly an ideal gaming situation. For example, there are very few blackjack tables and you often have to wait 30 minutes or more before a seat becomes available. And of course that’s the seat that was getting all the bad cards, which caused the last player to lose all his money and walk away in the first place! As much as I enjoy an entertaining evening of gambling, the action around here could never compare to Vegas. That’s why I regularly monitor all of the different Las Vegas vacation packages that I see advertised.

By purchasing a Las Vegas vacation package, I end up paying one low price for airfare, accommodation, and a rental car. It’s much easier from a convenience and budgeting standpoint to have all of those things taken care of up front than to worry about making and confirming several different reservations, as well as working out the separate payments for each part of my trip. Plus, Las Vegas vacation packages can be personalized to a certain extent. So if I want to catch a few shows while I’m in town, I can purchase tickets as part of my plan. Similarly, if I want to add Grand Canyon or Hoover Dam sightseeing tours to my itinerary, I can easily do that too. There are Las Vegas vacation packages that cover just about anything I would want to do in the area.

There are a few different hotels and casinos that I really enjoy staying at, so I’m glad that I can find Las Vegas vacation packages that feature rooms at the MGM Grand, the Bellagio, New York New York, Hard Rock, and some of the other big-name hotels. Whether I want to stay downtown or on the Strip, I always know there’s a Las Vegas vacation package that’s perfect for me.

I usually book my Las Vegas vacation packages online. There are so many websites offering excellent deals that it wouldn’t make sense to do it any other way. The process is quick and easy, and I’ve never had a problem with tickets or reservations.

If it’s about time for you to get away for some exciting gambling action, superb shows, and exhilarating nightlife, I highly recommend checking out some Las Vegas vacation packages. I think you’ll be surprised at how affordable a trip to Sin City really is! It doesn’t need to break your wallet for a trip to Las Vegas

Posted in Advice, Budget Travel, Cheap Travel, Holiday, Information, Las Vegas, Short Vacation, Spring Break, Summer Trip, Travel, Vacation, Vacation Destination, Vacation Packages, Vacation Review, Vacation Suggestion | No Comments »

Romantic San Diego Vacation

Wednesday, August 2nd, 2006

Going to California for a vacation? Then you should really consider the San Diego area. There is multitude of activities and sights to see; you probably won’t have enough time to do it all! To make your San Diego vacation is one to remember, be sure to start plenty ahead of time. It’s possible to purchase tickets online for such attractions as Sea World and the San Diego Zoo, which are usually available at a discount when purchasing in advance. There is something for everyone, depending on what you have in mind. Torrey Pines State Park offers room to run with viewing of wild rare birds and a stately abundance of pine trees, which of course, gives the historic park its name.

With such a wide variety of activities, events, restaurants, and lodging, you can plan your trip on a budget or spend lavishly, whichever you prefer. Such historic sites as the Hotel del Coronado, offer upscale shopping, dining, and informative tours as well as fine overnight accommodations. Many festive occasions take place at this ocean side historic landmark; grand weddings being the most popular. There are many family friendly activities also available, such as bike rentals, swimming, and sand toys to rent. This grand old hotel is also rumored to be haunted, something for those who enjoy the paranormal!

The San Diego Zoo is one of the most popular attractions. It is considered to be America’s best, and one of the most famous zoos also, with many of the rarest animals on display. According to Frommer’s, a well respected travel publication, the zoo serves as residence to over 4,000 different creatures and is operated by the Zoological Society of San Diego. Plan on spending a whole day and then some meandering through the many paved walkways of the park, or you can take the popular tramway for a wonder aerial overview. There can sometimes be a wait for some of the zoos newest and most popular exhibits, but all well worth it! Bring your camera and take lots of pictures, the animals love the attention!

Another must see attraction is Sea World, home of Shamu and as of December, 2004, Baby Shamu, the killer whales. These spectacular creatures put on shows daily exhibiting their unique relationships and many talents. Watch out for the big splash if you’re sitting in the front rows! Brrrrr! When the killer whales make their dives, they splash chilly 55 degree salt water on the closest fans; an exciting, wet experience!

Where ever you stay, or what attractions you see, you won’t be disappointed by the over abundance of things to do or experience in San Diego. Fine dining on the wharf, or shopping in Gaslamp Quarter, the possibilities are endless. Bring the kids or leave them with the grandparents for a romantic trip for two, you can’t go wrong! Either way, you will get to enjoy a unique San Diego vacation.

Posted in Advice, Budget Travel, California, Cheap Travel, Children, Family Vacation, Holiday, Information, Nature Preserve, San Diego, Short Vacation, Spring Break, Summer Trip, Travel, Vacation, Vacation Destination, Vacation Packages, Vacation Suggestion | No Comments »

Visiting New York City: Vacation Preparation

Tuesday, August 1st, 2006

Everyone has a list of places we most wanted to visit in our life. I am pretty sure many of you are interested in visiting New York City. Why is this? Okay, we’re all just fascinated with the city that never sleeps. There is something there for pretty much anyone. Whether you like the museums, the theater, or just want to get a glimpse of Lady Liberty, you can do it all in New York City.

If you plan on visiting New York City, then you’ve probably already made a schedule of things to do. Before popping in and getting a room at the first hotel with a vacancy, try surfing the web. Lodging galore can be found online. The first time I took advantage of this new-age concept, I was hooked. Prices are considerably reduced. Why pay a ton for an okay room, when you can find a nice one for half the price? If you research ahead of time, you can find tremendous specials that will save you hundreds of dollars on your lodging. Airline tickets are no exception. Check out the prices online. You can search and compare to find the absolute best deals on flights to any destination. The key is starting early.

Visiting New York City can be a blast at any age. Whether you’re young or old, there’s something new to be discovered. Manhattan offers a variety of shops and tourist attractions like Planet Hollywood and the Hard Rock Cafe. The nightlife in New York City is also a hit. They don’t call this the city that never sleeps for nothing. The cultures and diversity are prime characteristics of life in New York City. No matter who you are or where you’re from, you’ll fit in fine there.

While frolicking in the Big Apple can be a dream come true, there are certain cautions to take before visiting New York City. This grand epitome of urban life, offers an unforgettable experience, but can also turn ugly if you don’t know where you’re going. Before visiting New York City, do some checking with friends and family on the good areas and bad. The Internet provides wonderful guidance concerning places to visit, and places to avoid. Although the crowded streets and towering buildings can be welcoming, always be cautious when traveling. Visiting New York City is a must for anyone who has not taken the plunge. Whether you’re single or have a family, you can make an exciting vacation out of visiting New York City. I am sure your children will enjoy New York City as much as you will.

Posted in Advice, Budget Travel, Cheap Travel, Children, Family Vacation, Holiday, Information, New York City, Short Vacation, Spring Break, Summer Trip, Travel, Vacation, Vacation Destination, Vacation Packages, Vacation Review, Vacation Suggestion | No Comments »

Archive for the ‘Destination’ Category