Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Brazil Regions: Rainforest, River, Wetlands, Savannas, and Beaches

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Territorially, Brazil is the fifth largest country in the world with over 3 million square miles (8 million square kilometers). Of these, over 21,000 square miles (55,000 square kilometers) are water. Its latitudes are between 6°N and 34°S, giving this nation an extreme diversity of climate and resources. While most of the country is tropical, there are also equatorial, semiarid, highland tropical, subtropical, and temperate climates. The country can be divided into 5 regions as described below. 
North
Brazil's largest state, Amazonas, and two of Brazil's biggest cities, Manaus and Belem, are in the North. But, the region itself is the least populous overall. In terms of territory, it is the largest of the regions, covering an area of almost 1.5 million square miles (4 million square kilometers), which represents virtually half of the nation. Rivers are the main mode of transport here, especially in the east. Great distances separate the north region's cities and paved roads are rare. The key feature of this region is the Amazon Rainforest, but deforestation is becoming a growing problem. The region is one the most economically vibrant. For travelers, the most popular way to see the region is by hopping on an Amazon River cruise or by staying in an Amazon jungle lodge.
Northeast
The Northest covers 1.5 million square kilometers of territory, which varies in climate between tropical, semi-arid, and semi-equatorial. The largest city is Salvador da Bahia, considered the capital of Afro-Brazilian culture and it is a growing travel destination in Brazil. Fortaleza and Recife and Olinda are also large cities with nearby beaches that draw large numbers of domestic and foreign tourists annually. The region is well-connected by a road system, but the cities also receive plenty of traffic from cruise ships.
Central-West
The distinguishing characteristic of the Central-West is its savanna climate, but it has tropical areas in the east and west, and equatorial climates in the north. Brasilia, the capital constructed from scratch, is within the boundaries. Transport depends on location; mostly by river in the north and east, and highways in the center and east. This is one of the least industrialized sectors of the country. For travelers, the main draws will be the Pantanal wetlands, which host a unique diversity of wildlife, as well as the rainforests in the north. 
Southeast
Brazil's most iconic sights and destinations are in the Southeast, which is the most populous and economically productive, and includes the cities of Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, and Belo Horizonte. Its climate is tropical in the northwest and temperate in the south. Highway and railways are the common modes of transport, and several airports connect the country domestically and internationally. The big cities will keep travelers entertained with abundant cultural offerings and quantities of beaches, big and small, crowded or secluded, according to the tastes of the travelers.
South
Filled with smaller cities, but nonetheless culturally and economically vibrant and ethnically diverse, the South includes cities like Curitiba, Porte Alegre, and Florianopolis. The region is one of the most industrially advanced and has a highly developed infrastructure; perhaps correspondingly, deforestation is also quite advanced. Economic prosperity has resulted in a high standard of living. The influence of immigrant cultures is evident in architecture, cuisine, and local culture.
This article about Brazil's regions was written by a travel expert at Brazil For Less who specializes in helping you organize a best value Brazil tours as part of your fully customizable Brazil vacation. The company is unique in its ability to offer a price match guarantee as well as the highest standards in quality and customer service.


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Thursday, August 18, 2011

The Breath Taking Gardens of Johannesburg

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The well known city of Johannesburg, or Jozi as many of us know it, is quite popularly reputed as the largest city in South Africa and a prosperous life line for the country not only in terms of financial and economic activities but also because it serves as an indispensable crossroad between Cape Town, Durban and Kruger National Park. Hence, Johannesburg traditionally receives a large chunk of its tourists in form of those who use it as a transit city. Building on this strength, the city has added numerous tourist attractions to its already breathtaking landscape over the years. Today, Johannesburg holds all the exhilarating tourist attractions that may be expected of a modern holiday destination.
If you're booking cheap flights to Johannesburg for your next holiday trip, except to have a truly elating experience as the city's glitzy and gutsy draws would absolutely sweep you off your feet. While Johannesburg has all the right idea to amuse its guests with various history museums, Large shopping centres, skyscraping buildings, amusement parks, delightfully decorated restaurants and cafes serving delectable meals and a whole larger assortment of attractions, the city is also home to some extremely beautiful gardens. Once you're in Johannesburg, a visit to these gardens and parks is a must, for it would not only open vistas of nature's dumb folding beauty upon you but would also prove to be a cherished experience. Let's have a look at the top few.
Bedford view:
Located only a few minutes from the downtown CBD area, the Bedford view is essentially a leafy suburb in Johannesburg but most part of the area comprises of finely leveled thick grasslands, colorful shades shouldering closely and dancing streams of lake running across these grassland; making it no less beautiful than a Park. The Bedford view is renowned as one of the most sere and beautiful suburbs in Johannesburg, perfect for living in the city but even if one is booking flights to the city for a visit, the enchanting parks of Bedford view are a must visit for their extreme prettiness and soothing aura.
The Zoo Lake:
You probably have already heard of this place as it's considered one of the most sparkling tourist attractions in Johannesburg. Posing right across the famous Johannesburg zoo, is the ravishing Zoo Lake; a mesmerizing site of twinkling aqua filled within dense and towering trees. The Zoo lake area, being a total paradise, is probably the best place for a family picnic or a romantic date in Johannesburg. Apart from a spell bounding atmosphere that this park possesses, there are a number of interesting activities for visitors to undertake for instance there are a number of restaurants, bowling places and sightseeing spots, built especially to let visitors have an exceptional time out.
The Rose Park-Symbol of Love:
Being a local park on the Rose Street in Lenasia, the Rose Park is one avenue for sheer family entertainment. The park features a dancing fountain, comfortable benches, deliciously serving snack bars, wide screens, Soccer Pitches and a lot more. This is place with its beautiful blend of activities, proves to be an entertaining area for both adults and children alike. Other amnesties of the park include kids' jungle gym, swings, jogging tracks and round-abouts.
Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve:
Be it an adventure pursuit or a desire to explore the various marvels of nature, Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve is not only a place, but a whole enthralling experience. Spread on approximately 680 acres, this reserve is home to some 150 species of wildlife animals who roam free in this thickly planted land. the corners of the reserves are packed around with humongous peaks often seen peeping through thick clouds. Some of the most eminent animals seen in this reserve include Zebra, Black Wilde bees, Red Hartebeest and Springboks. There are 8 walking trails in Klipriviersberg, varying interms of their difficulty levels to match different abilities. The Reserve is truly an exceptional place for safari tours as well as for discovering the wilderness of Johannesburg's corners.
In case you're booking cheap flights to South Africa or any of its other important cities, do not forget to stop by at Johannesburg for a day or two to let your trip have an exciting dimension to it. Other parks in Johannesburg that can make for a pleasurable visit include Rietfontein Nature Reserve and Emmarentia Dam and JHB Botanical Garden.
Get cheap flights Johannesburg and cheap flights to South Africa. For more articles from Eva, visit travelhouseuk.co.uk.


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Thursday, July 28, 2011

10 Things to Consider When Planning to Go Travelling

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Thinking of going travelling? Read this guide to the important considerations you'll need to make before you set off.
1. Can you get the time off work?
Not all employers react well to requests to take extended leave from work to see the world. However, if you like your job or want the security for when you return, it's certainly worth asking. Some will be obliging if it's unpaid, but in most cases you may need to take the risk.
2. What will you do about your house?
If you have a lease or a mortgage, you will need to find a way of covering your bills while you're away. You may also want to consider asking someone to check on it while you're away. Ultimately, it will depend how often you're likely to go for and what you can afford.
3. What will you do about your pets?
If you have a dog, cat or any other pet, you'll need to make provisions to ensure they're cared for while you're away. You may want to put them into a care facility or ask friends and relatives to look after them. Again, the length of time you're going will probably dictate what you do.
4. What will you do about your car?
If you own a car, you have a few options. From having stored in a lock up to putting it up for sale (a sensible approach if you're trying to raise some extra funds) but another option is to leave in an airport car park. Airport parking is much cheaper than it used to be, it's very secure and it means you'll have the convenience of knowing your vehicle will be waiting for you when you land home.
5. What budget do you have?
The length of time you travel for and where you visit (not to mention what you do when you arrive) is likely to depend heavily on the size of your budget. While it's fun to go without a plan, it will be sensible to try and judge what you can afford and what your daily expenses are likely to be.
6. How much of it do you want to plan out?
Speaking of planning, you'll need to think about how much of it you want to do. Many travellers love the freedom of jumping on a plane and going with the flow; while others like the security of know what's going to happen at various points along the way.
7. Are you going alone?
Travelling can be a fantastically cathartic experience and personal adventure, which is why many love to go it alone and meet people along the way. Others love the idea of being able to share their experience with a close friend, partner or relative. The choice is all yours.
8. Do you have friends to stay with?
You'll need to think about where you're likely to bunk down for most of the trip. That could be camping in a tent, hostels or with people you know. It's worth noting that in some countries, you may require a credit card in order to book and pay for accommodation, so do your homework on the places you're heading to.
9. How are you planning to get from place to place?
Once you've landed at your destination and stayed for a day or two, you may want to get on the move. But how are you planning on doing it? It's a good idea to find out whether you'll be using buses, trains or any other form of transport as you head from place to place.
10. Do you have the right equipment?
Depending on where you're heading you may need some good walking shoes and a large backpack. If you don't yet have either of these, it's time to start shopping. Likewise, depending on the climates you're heading to, you'll probably need a good waterproof jacket.
Are you looking for good deals on airport parking? By leaving your vehicle in the airport parking, you can relax, safe in the knowledge that your vehicle is secure and ready for your return.


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See Welsh Filming Locations on Holiday

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Wales has long had a love affair with the cinema. Whether filmmakers are looking for somewhere beautiful and otherworldly, or a location that perfectly captures the natural beauty of the British Isles, they have often visited the "Land of Song".
In this post we're going to look at some of the region's most prominent filming locations and tell you where you can visit them, during your Caravan Holiday in Wales. There's everything from the mountains of China, hills of India and Tibet, to the playgrounds of some of the most famous characters from myth and legend. And with so much variety in the landscape, there's bound to be something for you to enjoy.
So grab the popcorn, sit back, relax and enjoy this guide to Wales on film.
Pembrokeshire is not only one of the greatest attractions for those on a caravan holidays in South West Wales; it's also been a massive boon to cinema. As one of the most stunning coastal locations in the UK, it's been featured in several film and TV programs.
For example, when producers of the Robin Hood film were looking for a naturally beautiful location that would leap off the screen, they chose the sandy beach of Freshwater West near Castlemartin. This location provided the setting for the battle scene at the end of the film and easily demonstrated that the land was worth fighting for - even if it was supposed to be the beach at Dover!
But Freshwater West has also leant itself to more otherworldly productions. The beach provided the setting for Shell Cottage in the forthcoming film adaptation of 'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows'. Described as "...a lonely and beautiful place", you can expect the same when you visit on your holiday in Wales. Although, there are slightly less wizards!
No less legendary, John Huston's 1956 adaptation of Melville's classic 'Moby Dick' took advantage of the Pembrokeshire coast, to craft a thrilling tale of man versus nature. Thankfully, your own tale in the region should be far less dramatic. Visit the delightful coastal town of Fishguard to experience the setting for some of the more gentle scenes in the film.
The town also featured as the setting for the 1972 filmic adaptation of Dylan Thomas' 'Under Milk Wood'. Doubling for Llareggub, which makes more sense when you read it backwards (though we didn't tell you that!) the film saw Richard Burton, Elizabeth Taylor and Peter O'Toole descend on the town for their own holiday in Wales!
When it comes to truly unique landscapes, Snowdonia takes some beating. Not only does it contain the highest mountain in Wales, it's also the reason that many people choose to holiday in the region in the first place. But if you're a movie buff on a caravan holiday in Wales, then a visit to Snowdonia is almost essential.
The wild and varied landscape of Snowdonia has an equally diverse cinematic history. The land doubled as China for Angelina Jolie's adventures as Lara Croft in 'Tomb Raider 2', provided the backdrop for the Carry On team to journey up the Khyber and appeared as Turkey in a 007 adventure: 'From Russia with Love'. Even more far-fetched adventures in Snowdonia include the recent remake of 'Clash of the Titans'.
Other notable filming locations in Wales include 'Lawrence of Arabia', which used the sand dunes of Merthyr Mawr, and of course 'The Prisoner', which used Portmeirion's striking looks to great effect. Though if you're looking for accommodation in Wales that doesn't feel quite so oppressive, we'd recommend you search one of our holiday parks in the UK!
For cheap accommodation in Wales please visit one of our Caravan Parks and chose from several Caravan sites in Wales


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Confluence With Religion and Spirituality of South India in Arupadai Veedu Tour

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South India is the hub of diverse ancient temples renowned globally for its architectural designs, spirituality and divinity. In order to meet with the real spirit of spirituality and pleasure, every tourist should go for Arupadia Veedu Tour to make holidays in South India a memorable one. Navagraha Temple Tour also adds an interest to the joy of visiting the temples of south. If you are planning to relish the beauty of these places, going through the article is surely going to help you.
Arupadai Veedu Temples
Arupadai Veedu Tour are situated near the Ashtalakshmi temple. Both Arupadai Veedu Tour and the famous Navagraha temples offer unparalleled splendor and grandeur to visitors.
The term Aru padai veedu or Aarupadai veedu or Arupadaiveedu refers to the sanctified temples of Lord Karthikeya; also nameable as Lord Muruga, Guhan, Skanda, Shanmuga, Subramanya and Kumara. There are numerous temples of god Lord Muruga throughout the globe. But those six above stated temples evoke unmatched holiness and divinity among the followers of Muruga.
The architectures of these temples aim at helping devotees to worship all 6 Murugas in a singular encircle; therefore this place closure to the Bay of Bengal is beneficial for an extravagant base.
The paths leading to the 6 Murugas are:
1. Palani temple in the west
2. Swamimalai temple in the north
3. Pazhamudirsolai and the Tirupparankundram temple again in the southern part
4. The Tiruchendur in the east.
5. Tiruttani in the northwestern part.
6. And last but not the least, the Mahavallabha Ganapati temple at the center.
The Navagraha Temples
Majority of tourists see Navagraha Temple Tour as an ideal way to view the Navagraha Temples with better transparency. The temples are situated in various parts of India; hence Navagraha Temple Tour is well-known for obliging various parts of India.
The Sun temple is devoted to the Graham and the other temples are devoted to Lord Shiva. The lord Surya or the sun along with the navagrahas is worshipped at the Surya temple. Lord Sun is considered as the main god and the navagrahas are partaker gods and goddesses. According to the Asiatic calendar, the temples dance with joy during festive seasons.
India is a perfect holiday destination for tourists throughout the world. The southern part of the country gives a look through the incredible India. Moreover Arupadai Veedu tour along with the Navagraha Temple Tour can take one to a splendid and elegant journey throughout the big cities of India. So, as a tourist, you have every reason to plan holidays in South India. The dual benefits of visiting the holy places and South India and enjoying the exotic beauty of nature give you enough reason to fix your mind on this package tour. You will surely cherish this experience for long years in future.
Anushka Sharma is a professional writer, presently writing for Arupadai Veedu Tour and South India Holidays.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6443752
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Travel Journals - Stretching Your Travel Budget and Reaping The Payoffs

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The troubled economy affects all of us, particularly travelers. Now that the economy is recovering, experts in the travel industry tell us that more of us are on the move. As we find ourselves back on the road, sea, or in the air, many of us are still budget-conscious, looking for ways to make our dollar count now and later.
If you want to create true value on your next trip, be sure to include a travel journal. You may be tempted to bypass taking one, telling yourself that you can save money if you don't get one, but that is not the case.
A travel journal is virtually a savings account which will pay interest for the rest of your life.
You may wonder how buying a one will save you money. Here's how:
· It stretches your travel budget by extending your trip. When you are back at home, you can recapture that special moment and it will not cost you an additional cent. It's like having a free vacation without having to buy a ticket.
· Travel journals are the ultimate souvenir. Over time, souvenirs end up in the back of our closets or in the charity bin; yours is one treasure you will always keep.
· Vacations fly by so fast. Scrapbook journals keep the excitement alive forever.
· They are like trip insurance. When you record your memories, you are insuring they are captured forever.
When we are off on an adventure, we may tell ourselves that we will remember those moments, but sadly they will fade. If you have invested money in your hard-earned vacation, it is TRAGIC when the memories are lost. Don't let this happen to you. If you have a travel journal, your trip will never be lost!
Creative travel journals are especially good value for those on a tight budget. During the current economic downturn, a new word, as well as concept, has grown in popularity. The staycation ---where people stay at home or close to it, discovering the delights within and near their own area. Stop and think of why people travel from distant places to visit your city... those same points of interest which are perfect for your family to visit, too.
Even in boom times, weekend excursions, camping, family visits, and day trips are travel options. Watch out, though, as these short trips are particularly susceptible to being lost from our memory. We are more apt to record the big trips, overlooking the short visits to capture such as going to see grandparents, a class reunion, seeing an old friend, or just a Sunday outing in the car to someplace close by.
These events, these memories-in-the-making are rich, valuable to recall later, and deserve a page in a journal. These are even more prone to being forgotten.
You can start a "short trip" journal and watch your memories accumulate!
There are many types of creative travel journals to fit everyone's budget. However, don't be penny-wise but pound foolish. Yours will be a keepsake and definitely a legacy. Since it is something you will keep forever, aim for the highest quality you can afford. Different features influence the cost, so get one that is fun, easy and user-friendly. Check around for a new-style with features that make it extremely user-friendly during each day of your trip.
What you see offered is the ultimate gift to yourself, giving back for your entire lifetime the joys you experienced just once. All it takes is your opening your journal, reading a few brief descriptive words, and WOW!!! those memories will instantly come flooding back to all your senses.
What a surprising delight --- guaranteed to happen every time you open your travel journal.
And, now that you know there is a fun, easy way to capture your travel memories, go see a new-style, very er-friendly travel journal at http://www.TravelLegacy.net
Known as the Journal Sage, Barbara Wirth is the author of this article. Her passion is in the life-long rewards of capturing travel moments, with words and scrapbook fun, as a way to relive wonderful memories again and again - any time we need relief from today's fast-paced world.
It is like Magic to open a travel journal and be transported back to extraordinary moments in our life.
© Copyright - Barbara Wirth All Rights Reserved Worldwide


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Travel Journals - Take Your Imagination on Vacation

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Travel journals are supposed to be fun. We use them to capture our travel experiences on paper, so we never forget our journeys to places around the globe.
Are you and your travel journal getting along? Are you bored with it? Perhaps when you got home after a long trip, you fell out of love with your faithful companion. Now facing another trip, you are tempted to leave the trip diary at home.
This is a simple case of writer's block. Writers experience boredom all the time. It is so common, that there are hundreds thousands of books and exercises that writers use to get themselves back on track.
If you are looking for ways to spice up your travel journal, here are some ideas.
Get a new trip journal. Select one that feels good. Does it bring you pleasure? Is the cover pleasing? Run your fingers along the pages. Do they have the right texture and weight? Does the journal fit you?
Pack your favorite pen. Write in your journal before you leave home to make sure the pen feels good on the pages. Bring a spare pen.
Show, don't tell. It's perfectly fine to say, "Today I saw the Eiffel Tower." If you want to spice it up a bit, try something like this, "A sparkling blue sky shined through the lattice of the Eiffel Tower."
Use your senses. We tend to write what we see, such as "saw the Washington Monument." What we hear is the next most frequently used sense. If you were kept awake by a barking dog or a clanging elevator, write that down. Food is a big part of travel, so describe new taste sensations.
Touch and smell are often overlooked. When you held a local craft, what did it feel like? What did the air smell like? Smell is especially important because our memories are easily triggered by odor-even if we are just remembering the scent.
Describe your feelings. The world is filled with amazing sites. When you see something, how does it make you feel? Jot down your emotions. Record them even if you are disappointed. Perhaps you were looking forward to seeing the Liberty Bell, but someone stepped on your foot.
Play with words. Legend has it that Ernest Hemingway wrote a story using only six words: "For Sale. Baby shoes. Never worn." Although there is no proof that this notion came from Hemmingway, the six-word memoir is now popular. Try writing a six-word memoir every day you travel or one summarizing the entire trip.
Try stream of consciousness. This is when you write down anything that pops into your head. Do not censor anything as this clogs the process. Imagine looking at the Statue of Liberty. Write down anything that comes to mind, for instance, "green, big, windy, postcard, people from all over the world." Without writing a complete sentence, you can capture the moment.
Make a gratitude list. If you are not sure about what to write, keep a gratitude list in your travel journal. By listing those things for which you are thankful, you focus on the highlights of the trip. Moreover, gratitude helps us maintain our perspective.
Travel journals are more than precious keepsakes. They add depth to our journeys and help us to see the world with new eyes. Have fun with your trip diary. Once the creative juices are flowing again, it is like falling in love.
Now that you realize you can unhook the leash that has been holding you back from using a journal to capture your travel memories, you are ready to find one that suits your style.
There's a new kind that invites your words as well as your souvenirs right there during your trip. It doubles your fun: in the moment plus later.
Go to http://www.TravelLegacy.net to see what will become your best friend on your next trip or at your special event.
Barbara Wirth is the author of this article. With a passion for travel, her motivation to inspire you to capture your memories with words and mementos stems from first-hand experience. She has experienced high points once, then quickly lost them... as well as lived great times and kept them always at hand.
Her motto now is to "Live it. Capture it. Keep it forever."
© Copyright - Barbara Wirth All Rights Reserved Worldwide


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