Aug   19
2009

Known as the Gateway to the Highlands, Stirling is Scotland youngest city, yet also steeped in some of the country most colourful and glorious history. Situated on the River Forth, 40 minutes from Glasgow and 50 minutes from Edinburgh, the city enjoys breathtaking views of the Highlands, Loch Katrine, the inspiration for William Blake, The Lady of the Lake, Campsie Fells, and the Highlands large loch, Loch Lomond. Stirling offers a wide range of places of historical interest, activities, quality hotel reservation and great shopping and dining, which attracts over one million visitors a year.

Places of interest:

Stirling is home to the magnificent Stirling Castle, where ruling Scottish monarchs resided for over three centuries. King Kenneth McAlpine battled and conquered the tribe of the Picts in 843 to form the Kingdom of Scotland within sight of the Castle, and over one thousand years later, William Wallace triumphed over King Edward army at Stirling Bridge in order to gain freedom from the tyrannous English for the Kingdom. The battlefield of Bannockburn, where Robert the Bruce defeated the English in 1314 to be crowned King of Scotland is nearby, and the creative, optimistic, and possibly occasionally foolhardy, nature of the Scottish people is captured in John Damian attempt to fly from the battlements of Stirling Castle, with wings made from hen feathers!

Open year round, the National Wallace Monument stands 220 feet above Abbey Craig, as testament to and in honour of the life and achievements of one of Scotland greatest heros, William Wallace. The monument offers a living history introduction to Wallace’s life, bloody and glorious campaign for Scottish freedom, betrayal, trial, and gory death.

Things to do:

There are loads of things to do while in Stirling. From fantastic shopping centres to fun amusement parks, Sterling provides entertainment for everyone.

The Thistle Centre is one of Scotland’s premier shopping centres, home to a plethora of high street names, including Marks & Spencer, Monsoon, Next and the Virgin Mega store.
There are a number of popular bike rentals, mapped cycle routes and guide led cycle tours for all ages and abilities, taking in the historic town and beautiful surrounding areas.
The Safari and Adventure Park in Blair Drummond, near Stirling, is great for kids, entertainment and home to elephants, rhinos, giraffes, tigers, bears, camels to name a few species of wild fauna, and with an Adventure Park, Pets Farm and performing sea lions indicates on offer for all round amusement.
For some fantastical and supernatural entertainment, the Doon Hill Fairy Walk is a must for a guide led walk exploring local legends of Fae folk, or for the brave, the Ghostwalk with Jock Rankine’s Spirit Guide meets at the Stirling Town Hall.

Food & Drink:

Dining in Stirling is an unforgettable experience. No matter what pleases the palate, Stirling’s fine dining sites can satiate anyone’s appetite.

With traditional, home cooked food on offer, local mother and daughter run Victoria Coffee Shop is a great bet for lunch on the go and casual family dining.
Recommended by EatScotland.com, The Birds and the Bees offers a lively atmosphere, national and international dining in an authentic farm steading conversion.

For a refined dining experience, the four star Jekyll Restaurant at the Queen Hotel is recommended for traditional dishes for beach hotels luxury Hermann Brasserie is recommended as a staple of Stirling’s dining experience. Featuring a unique fusion of Scottish and Austrian cuisine, it is also famed for its warm and hospitable atmosphere.
Reservations are recommended to experience the sophistication and world class cuisine of The Heritage in the sophisticated Park Lodge Hotel.

Stirling Hotels & Accommodation:

There is a wide range of last minute cheap hotels and Accommodation available to suit all requirements and budgets in Stirling, from traditional, family run bed and breakfasts to dependable national chains to lavish high end hotels.

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Trackback  •  Posted in travel tips  


Aug   14
2009

Here are my top 5 suggestions for cities to visit in Thailand during your holiday.

1.Bangkok is a fascinating city which has managed to keep it’s ancient eastern traditions whilst embracing the modern progression of the western world. Bangkok is the capital city of Thailand and offers a host of experiences which include floating markets, modern bars, gastronomical delights and ancient temples steeped in the city’s history.

The Chao Phraya River separates the city and has a series of canals. The new train’s railway is something which should be experienced whilst in the city should you fancy avoiding the bustling traffic.

One of the large floating markets is on the outskirts of Bangkok and you’ll greet by the aromatic smells and the age old tradition of the locals and their way of making a living along the busy canals.

There is an array of beautiful and ancient buildings not to be missed whilst in Thailand. Although I did not personally experience all of the nightlife, it was made obvious to me that all of my entertainment needs would be taken care of by all well informed taxi drivers wishing to proudly illustrate off their culture.

2. Phuket is the biggest island attraction that Thailand has to offer. It is the perfect place to retreat to and enjoy a tropical paradise. Although the west coast of the island was almost destroyed by the tsunami of 2004, there is very little evidence remaining to indicate that it occurred.

Not to be missed are:

Old Phuket Town. Chinese immigrants from the 19th century, who were lured in the past by the tin mines, left behind them a host of amazing Sino-Portuguese mansions along Dibu and Thalang roads.

Thai Boxing. A personal favourite of mine, this national sport is violent and very fast paced. For regular matches the Saphan Him Stadium in Phuket City is the place to be.

3.Krabi. Krabi Province is in the middle southern part of Thailand. It is situated in the aquamarine water of the Andaman Sea. It is one of the most stunning places for luxury hotel reservations in all of Thailand.

Krabi Town is situated near the mouth of the Krabi River. The Mangrove forest is something to experience and is a must for avid bird watchers. Krabi Resort is set among a curtain of palm trees on the Ao-PhraNang beach. This is a delightful place to be if you are looking for airport hotel accommodationto soak up the natural beauty that surrounds you.

4. Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai is a city full of traditional heritage that shares its secrets with all who wish to discover them. It is a city with stunning natural beauty. It is amazing to see plants that we have to protect from the frost, growing in their scores, naturally along the roadside.

The people of Chiang Mai are a wonder in themselves with exceptional handicraft skills producing magical souvenirs for the endless throng of visitors. Chiang Mai houses the Inthanon Mountain, standing 8,448 feet above sea level making it the highest mountain Thailand.

5.Sukhothai. When visiting Sukhothai the main attractions for the area are Phra Mae Ya Shirne which has discount hotel luxury located in the Muang District. You will see a long haired figure made of stone that resembles an ancient queen. There is also a museum and National park as well as monuments of great interest inside the city walls.

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Trackback  •  Posted in asian travel  


Aug   12
2009

An oasis in the Sonoran desert plain, Tucson, Arizona, is a haven for residents and a year-round wonderland for tourists. Tucson’s picturesque beauty belies its growing high-tech industry and its nickname as “Optics Valley.” Nestled amongst five mountain ranges (the Tucson Mountains, Rincon Mountains, Santa Rita Mountains, Tortolita Mountains, and Santa Catalina Mountains), Tucson is home to a half million people, with many more wintering in the area. At the heart of Tucson, though, is the University of Arizona. Established in 1885 and located in midtown, the University of Arizona enrolls over 37,000 students.

Whether you’re visiting a University of Arizona student, in town for business, or have chosen Tucson as your vacation destination, the city offers something of interest to virtually everyone. Every December and March, for example, the Fourth Avenue Street Fair is home to craftsman and artisans indicatecasing and selling their sculptures, candles, pottery, and other art. In February, the city now hosts Tucson Gem & Mineral Show, drawing visitors from dozens of countries around the world.

May’s Tucson Folk Festival is free to the public and illustrate stories local and regional musicians on several stages throughout the area. It also features workshops and sing-alongs, as well as food and craft booths. Rodeo Week, or Fiesta de los Vaqueros, is immensely popular with locals and visitors alike, while events like Tucson Meet Yourself and the All Souls Procession embrace the diversity of cultures in the area.

When it comes to Tucson lodging, visitors have a variety of alternatives s. While a Tucson hotel or last minute cheap hotels might appeal to some, others enjoy the more intimate feel of a Tucson, AZ, bed and breakfast. The welcoming ambience and personalized service of a Tucson bed and breakfast are unparalleled, and many visitors enjoy staying in luxury hotel reservations that is within walking distance of the University of Arizona, the shopping district, the zoo, and the botanical gardens.

Due to their historical nature, some last minute cheap hotels locations truly give guests a sense of place and time. Some of these upscale boutique inns, such as those located in the West University Historic District, can date back to 1899. The owners delight in sharing the home’s history with guests, and can frequent chronicle the chain of ownership with historical documents and anecdotal evidence.

The guest rooms in these beach hotels luxury are often as unique as the home’s history. You may, for example, have the opportunity to choose from among several types of room decor, ranging from Zen and Safari to Country Spring and Antique. That doesn’t mean, however, that you won’t have access to modern amenities. At the right B&B, you’ll found that most of the rooms have exterior archways, making it a breeze to come and go as you please, and all have modern kitchens.

Whether you’re spending the weekend in luxury hotel reservations or are in the city for an extended stay, a Tucson bed and breakfast can make your visit richer and more memorable.

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Trackback  •  Posted in travel destinatons  


Aug   12
2009

Whether planning a trip to Europe or a cruise to the Caribbean, there are few things you should understand before booking your vacation. Global travel and vacations are somewhat different than the average three-hour drive from your home. If you don’t plan in advance, you might discover yourself stuck in an undesirable hotel with no money left for fun! Here’s a quick guide to manufacture your vacation planning experience easier and more enjoyable.

Choose a Travel Destination

Don’t settle for the norm! Choose a global travel destination that will make a lasting impression. Consider the following before making your decision.

1. What leisure activities do you enjoy while on vacation? Golf, amusement parks, nightlife, fun on the beach, skiing, hiking, biking, or some other activity?

2. Climate of the destination. Will it be cold, hot, or mild for the time of year you will travel?

3. Do you want seclusion from the hustle and bustle of the city or do you want to stay where the action is?

4. What is your travel budget and available vacation time frame?

These four things should be carefully considered before booking a trip. Choose a destination that features the activities you and your family will enjoy. If it’s a beautiful beach resort you want, try an Asian beach in Indonesia, Thailand, or Singapore. If it is art and culture you enjoy, try a destination in Europe such as Rome, Venice or France. If you’re an avid shopper while on vacation, choose Hong Kong, where open-air markets, shops, boutiques and malls are at every turn!

Research Your Destination

Once you select a destination, narrow it down to a city and airport hotel accommodation or resort within that city. Use online resources to research the area and realize the best deals. But, be sure a “good deal” doesn’t mean sacrificing service or quality of the discount hotel luxury. With global travel and vacations, you should research in detail so you’ll realize what you’re getting beforehand.

If you want huge savings on luxury resorts, consider joining a travel group that offers membership discounts for booking. This will save you both time and money. They will research and book your vacation for you. Some travel groups will even allow you to sell memberships or travel packages to others as a “work at home” business. You can save money and produce money at the same time, all while traveling to the places you love!

Plan for Legalities

Give yourself plenty of time to get your passport and other important documents you may require while traveling internationally. Different countries require different things, so check with the country’s government offices to found out what is crave ed. If you don’t accept where to begin, ask a travel agent for help in this area, or use the Internet for research. Be sure to ask about car rentals or car hire, driver’s license compatibility, airport luggage regulations, and travel insurance.

Plan Activities before You Travel

Once you realize your destination, use the Internet to discover activities you’d like to do while there. This will save you time when you arrive and will give you a ordinally idea of what’s available in the area. Find out where the best spot at the ocean shore is for swimming or sunbathing. Get directions to local golf courses. Find holiday coupons online for amusement parks, museums, aquariums, and other sites.

Planning ahead has many advantages for luxury hotel reservations or cruises, and you can enjoy your vacation without worry when you arrive at your destination. Start planning for your global travel and vacations today!

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Trackback  •  Posted in Las Vegas Vacations