Discount Airfare to Europe: Watch Out for Hidden Costs

Most young travelers as well as those on a tight budget want to travel on a discounted airfare to Europe. There are many budget as well as discount airfares available in nearly all European countries, and the competition too is pretty stiff among individual players. There may be some advantages to discount airfare Europe travel; however, there are certain disadvantages to choosing this form of travel.

Be Prepared for Hassles

Even though discount airfare to Europe may seem attractive, be prepared to go through many more hassles that are often hidden from the passengers. With nearly all European countries having their own no frill-budget airlines, the costs are certainly low (ridiculously so) and discount airfare in Europe can mean flying almost for free, though you do have to pay airport tax.

The hassles begin when you realize that the discount airfare Europe flight actually emanates from small provincial towns located many miles away from the main cities. Not only does it add to travel time, but your cost of traveling will also go up, which means that you have to add this cost to your discounted fare and then you would need to comparison shop among different discount airfare European offers.

Another point you need to consider when choosing discount airfare in Europe is what would happen should you misses your flight. It would mean extra cost in the form of a hotel stay. Also, once you do get on board a discounted airfare European flight don’t expect any in-flight service and you may have to pay for whatever you eat or drink during the flight and that too at premium rates. If you even want coffee, sandwiches or beer be prepared to pay exorbitant prices. This may not inconvenience you too much as most flights only last an hour or two and you can easily do without onboard eating and drinking.

Discount airfare within Europe is meant to attract as many travelers as possible and so many things are cut down on, or dispensed with. For example, the quoted fares may only apply to APEX travelers and there may be more to pay if you change your flight time. These low cost fares are generally only low if you book well in advance. If you buy immediately prior to departure or a few days before, the price will go up and you won’t be able to also carry a lot of baggage either as the allowances are on the low side.

No doubt, discount airfare in Europe can be cheap, but you have to consider the many trimmings in your freedom to travel. Add all hidden costs and factor in added travel time as well; you may find a difference to your original estimate. Also, make sure that you compare these fares against the normal and less restricted airfare before making your final choice.

Travel Tips For Saving Money On Your Next European Vacation

Because of an unfavorable exchange rate, Europe is becoming a more expensive destination for anyone paying for their vacation in US dollars. You may be pleased to know that there are many things you can do to reduce the costs of traveling to Europe without sacrificing your comfort or vacation pleasure.

For starters you can plan as much in advance as possible in order to get the best “early bird” prices. On the other hand, you can search out great last minute deals that often offer tremendous savings over the ‘regular’ price. There are so many things that you can do, but let’s just focus on three really easy things that you can do that is certain to save you lots of money when traveling to europe.

1. Get the best airfares via the internet. One of the fastest growing industries is online travel. With the advance of the internet, anyone can become their very own travel agent. There is a tremendous amount of online suppliers each seeking your business, which means that great deals and excellent discount airfares to Europe abound. Take the time to do your research and to scan the many travel websites on the internet for the online discount airfare that is just right for you. There are even websites that offer comparative fares between the many discount airlines around the world, many of which are in Europe. Getting the lowest airfares possible is the best way to cut your traveling costs to Europe.

2. Consider vacation packages and tour packages. This is another great way to minimize the expense of a European vacation. Package deals can easily trim 25% or more off the cost of hotels and airfares. Here is a well-kept secret that many people may not know about. Most travel websites offer tremendous savings on vacation packages. So you can save when you book your hotel and airfare simultaneously as part of a package instead of booking them separately.

3. Avoid Hotels in the center of Town. There is a price to pay for the convenience of staying in the “heart” of the city. Many of these downtown hotels come at a premium, whereas hotels away from the tourist centers are usually 15%-40% cheaper. Most major European cites offer excellent and affordable public transportation, so getting to the tourist centers will be very easy. If you choose to stay in hotels in the small towns surrounding the major cities, you will save significantly on your hotel expenses and still have easy, inexpensive access to the more expensive tourist centers.

Even with an unfavorable exchange rate, a European vacation can easily fit within your budget. There is so much to see and do in Europe. That is why it just makes sense to do all you can do to minimize your travel expenses. You can use the tips above to cut your travel costs where you can without sacrificing your comfort, a win-win situation. And there is a variety of ways to do just that. Happy travels.

The Good Earth

The Good Earth by Tom Carter

It is hard to imagine anywhere in the People’s Republic untouched by civil engineers, the levelers of history. But truly nowhere else in China has life remained perfectly intact – culturally and naturally – as on the Dragon’s Backbone in the rural villages of Longsheng county is southwest China.

While Guangxi Autonomous Region’s one-two punch of geological wonders are provincial sites that should not be missed – Guilin for the red hat-wearing Chinese tour groups and Yangshuo for Western backpackers – Longji Titian is an ideal place for those who cherish rural tranquility and solitude.

Indeed, to get to the Dragon’s Backbone one must ascend dizzying heights (the highest in southern China), and enter a mystical fog that removes everything travelers know about modern China, placing you in a time when people were one with the good earth.

No white tile buildings in sight, the pastoral villages, namely Dazai and Ping’an, are constructed entirely of two and three story wood cabins hugging the vertical mountainside, with spring water coursing through the town’s canals. It is here travelers will find accommodations at the simple family-run inns that make up the two settlements.

While one may consider Dazai and Ping’an, located respectively at the northern and southern ends of the peak, as lodging paradises, they are but mere entrances to the wonders ahead. Most visitors are content with the designated “viewpoints” around the towns’ terraced fields, but for the nimble hiker, continue on into the lush hillside. Follow a narrow path of mud and stone through a misty forest of venerable trees, dewy ferns and, yes, bubbling brooks.

The rice terraces, with sloping grades reaching 50 degrees, have been sculpted by generations of farmers beginning in the Yuan dynasty to shape the hillsides into grand agricultural pyramids not unlike those found in Guatemala or Mexico. The slopes are infinite in scope and, at an altitude of 1,100 meters, seem to have no bottom or peak. It is simply breathtaking.
The hillsides that have been left uncultivated are threaded with trickling water, channeled from nearby springs to saturate the plots below, and are dotted with tombs of generations upon generations of agrarians, like those you’ll see still working on the terraces.

Among them are the dark-skinned Zhaung, Bai and Yao minorities who, not unlike the Mayan Indians of Guatemala, are identifiable by the resplendence of their hand-woven traditional attire. While their men trudge through the muddy terraces sowing rice, the small women roam the paths like little florescent pink armies selling crafts and textiles kept in wicker baskets strapped on their backs. Their pierced earlobes hang with hoops of silver, and their hair, grown long since birth, is kept swathed on their heads. For a small sum though, they will happily undo their knot to show their hair cascading to the soil.

About 10 kilometers between Ping’an and Dazai is Zhongliu, a rustic village of arched stone bridges, dilapidated stables and stilted cottages symmetrically enclosed by terraces, crags and waterfalls. Hikers are approached by cheerful natives who do not hesitate to stop their plowing and ask “Chifan ma?” Their persistence to dine in their homes notwithstanding, what could be more refreshing after an exhausting morning navigating the mountain terrain than a spread of scented sticky rice baked in bamboo over an open fire, greens, salted meat and Longji tea or watery rice wine?

The undulating path continues on, with each bend revealing agricultural grandeurs and vistas of incomparable beauty. Late in the day, when the golden light of dusk illuminates the ribbon-like terraces, travelers encounter Longji’s rush hour traffic; farmers descending into the outlying villages with bushels of reeds and firewood slung over their shoulders, alongside the occasional oxen grazing in the path. That’s life on the misty mountaintop, where time has stood still for the past 700 hundred years.

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The benefits to reserve an accommodation in Central Rome

Rome has a vast number of pensioni and hotels, but it is always best to book in advance. This article has the purpose to explain where I suggest to reserve hotels in Rome and the benefits to reserve an accommodation (hotel or apartment) in this area.

The area from Piazza del Popolo to Piazza Venezia and from the Spanish Steps to the Tiber is the medieval centre of Rome, the Centro Storico. It also comprises the Reinassance Quarter, a dense, wedge-shaped area past Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, but that area – somewhat different in character – is described below. Here, however, is mixture of tourists and Romans in an area
Lively and exuberant, crowded day and night, yet retaining its historic charm; the financial and political centre of the modern capital; and large modernised apartments in centuries-old palazzo that make it a convenient and exciting area in which to live.

Centro Storico refers to an area that included the Campus Martius in ancient Rome. This district dominated Rome in the middle ages, and does so today. Here are Piazza del Popolo, the entrance to Rome for medieval pilgrims from the ancient Via Flaminia; beautiful Piazza di Spagna, dominated from above by the 16th century Trinità dei Monti and from below by 20th century tourists; Piazza della Rotonda, home to the Pantheon and ending point for a warren of narrow medieval streets; and Piazza Navona, begun as a stadium about AD 86 by Emperor Domitian, but from the middle ages to the last century the city’s main market square.

Modernised throughout the millennia, but somehow escaping the periodic frenzies of destructive development, the piazzas and side streets of the Centro Storico are much as they have been for centuries, and today’s modern shops and restaurants merely take the place of many that came before.

Avoid the people at the Termini train station who claim to be tourism officials and offer you a room. They usually lead you to pretty seedy Rome accommodation for which you end up paying more than the official rate.

You can find a cheap and yet clean and comfortable hotel in the city centre of Rome. You don’t need to spend a fortune to stay in Rome because cheap hotels are just there, waiting to accommodate you! For this reason it is essential to buy a good Guide to Rome or visit an online guide just like RomaClick.com.

Considering Bali For Your Next Holiday

By considering Bali for your next holiday, you can have an amazing experience in your life. Bali is an Indonesian tropical island with amazing beaches, friendly citizens, and breathtaking scenery. It is considered as one of the top holiday destinations since the olden days and has a tropical climate that ranges between 28 and 32 degrees round the year.

Every year each and every of us prefer to go for a luxurious vacation. Most of us choose tropical paradises because all of us want to be in a relaxing environment. However, most people like to spend their vacation in a furtive tropical place that is not only beautiful but also possesses some of the best attractions in the world. Bali in Indonesia is one of such beautiful places to enjoy your vacation.

Bali is home to some of the world famous artworks and is a great place for travelers who want a wonderful vacation. When considering Bali for your next holiday, keep in mind that the island’s climate is hot throughout the year.

There are hundreds of tourist attractions around Bali. Kuta, Sanur, and Seminyak are among the best tourist spots in Bali. The southern areas of Bali are warmer than other areas. The sandy beaches of Bali are well-known for abundance of coral reefs and marine life. The Beaches on the island include Sanur beach, Jimbaran, Soka beach, Nusa Dua, Medewi beach, Lovina beach, Kuta, and Legian beach. Beaches in Bali are famous for their magnificent view of sunset and surfing.

Numerous hotels are available on the shores of Nusa dua beach and these hotels offers comfortable swimming experience in secluded lagoons. Delicious gourmet food is also served on site.

Sanur beach has calm and secluded lagoons which are suitable for activities such as wind surfing and para-sailing. Soka beach and Mediwi beach are situated between Despansar and Gilimanuk. Jimbaran Beach is some what attractive and is a favorite place for tourists as well as natives alike.

Several seafood restaurants are available on the shores of Jimbaran. Lovina Beach is most visited by the people around the world irrespective of the season. Most of the people visit here especially to view Dolphin swimming. Kuta is the best place for those who like a warm beach atmosphere. Also known as tourist mecca, the beach has several shops, pubs, and fully equipped first class hotels. Kuta beach is best for swimming and recognized for its random underwater currents.

Situated to the east of the island of Java, Bali is the primary focus of Indonesia’s booming tourist industry. Bali, one of the provinces in Indonesia, is divided into nine regions from west to east including Jembrana, Tabanan, Denpasar, Badung, Gianyar, Klungkung, Bangli, Karangasem and Buleleng region.

Now-a-days, Bali attracts people from around the world, drawing in more than one million of tourists every year. Also known as “The Island of God” or “The Island of Thousand Temples”, the island has become one of the most visited tourist destinations in the world offering all the facilities expected by the tourists. If you are planning to enjoy your next vacation in Bali, the best time to visit is from April through September and November through January.

Bali has a lot to offer tourists, from historical places to scenic views. The main reason why many tourists keep visiting Bali is Bali’s image as a beach destination. Several accommodation facilities are available in Bali. Private Villas with different price ranges are available. Most of the villas have a large array of amenities such as swimming pools, restrooms, change rooms, golf courses and tennis courts. Luxurious private villas with standard facilities are also available within your budget.

Once you choose your Bali villa rental, the next step is to learn about the local culture of the native people. You will get guidance from your Bali Holiday Rental regarding how to shop for your groceries and stroll around the island.

Villas are available for both short and long-term rental. Most of the Bali villa rentals are set in lush tropical gardens while some others have seashore settings. Additional amenities such as private pools, house dining, and staff assistance during your stay are also available with most of the villa rentals. Be there in this wonderful location for your next vacation and make your vacation a fantastic experience in your life.

Aruba, A Vacation And Travel Experience With The Dutch

Aruba renders a vacation experience as uncommon as the island itself! If your vision of paradise consists of powder-white beaches and incredibly clear azure waters, Aruba is your paradise. This island of unusual landscapes, friendly residents, balmy breezes and tropical rhythms is an idyllic destination for anyone who loves the sun and surf. Its magnificent coast is one of the Caribbean’s most beautiful stretches of beach.

With resorts that start at $44.00 dollars a day to $238.00 a day.

A few of my favorites are:

The Holiday Inn SunSpree Aruba will entice you from the moment you arrive. The porte cochere entrance, with beautiful, lush landscaping, welcomes you to a tropical paradise. A brick paved driveway leads to the open-air lobby with chandeliers, soft island music, elegant wood beam ceilings, and impressive tiled floors. Guests can expect attentive service and fine accommodations. All 600 modern, well-appointed guest rooms feature richly detailed furnishings, and the private balconies and patios afford you views of the beautiful Palm Beach, or tropical landscaping. Laze by the unique swimming pool or nap away the days in the shade of a palm. Four tennis courts, beach volleyball courts, and fully equipped Fitness Center will provide a physical challenge. Aruba is easy to get to, yet light years from anywhere you’ve been. Sunny, moderate days, soft white sand, and the rich island culture make Aruba an ideal place in the sun, and there is no better place to enjoy the jewel of the Dutch Caribbean.

The all-new Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino features 558 newly renovated rooms and suites and the finest amenities and activities on Aruba. Two distinctive lodging options at this Aruba hotel offer both style and a tropical elegance. The Renaissance Marina Hotel is a hip destination for couples and the Renaissance Ocean Suites is perfect for families. Both Aruba resort options have pools or you can enjoy the 40-acres of private beach on Renaissance Island, which features inviting hammocks, a casual restaurant and bar, and many sporting activities. Aruba’s best shopping; dining, casinos, and nightlife are all at the Renaissance Aruba Resort. For groups, the Renaissance Convention Center offers 22,000 sq ft of function space as well as special themed events on Renaissance Island. The Renaissance Aruba Resort is a Caribbean vacation from the ordinary!

Tierra del Sol Resort & Country Club is one of the Caribbean’s most exclusive addresses. Home to Aruba’s only golf resort, a Robert Trent Jr. 18-hole championship course located on the breathtaking northwest shore of the island. Experience the difference vacationing in a spacious, luxuriously appointed condominium or villa home in the beautiful and serene country club community. Luxurious Villas, World-Class Spa & Fitness Center, Robert Trent Jones Jr. Championship Golf, Award Winning Cuisine, and 600 Acres of unspoiled beauty.

Of course, wherever you travel, it is highly recommended that you take out travel insurance before embarking on any vacation. Unfortunately, without insurance, you have little recourse if you have to suddenly cancel your trip due to illness or other unforeseeable circumstances. Realize that resorts like this will expect to be paid no matter what. However, with travel insurance, you can recoup some or all of your costs if travel and vacation plans change. Travel insurance is very affordably priced, so please check out your options.

Come Experience the Western Cape of South Africa

Unless you have a month on your hands, forget about seeing the whole of the Western Cape in a single trip. There are so many charming seaside towns and villages nestled in picturesque valleys to visit, you will have to plan your route very carefully if you want to see everything you want. You should decide whether you want to spend your time primarily on the East Coast, the West Coast or in the interior. Whichever route you choose, you are bound to have an unforgettable experience.

One of the most popular tourist routes to take is of course the world-famous Garden Route. This goes from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth, and meanders through charming Karoo towns and stunning beachside resorts. If you want to make a week of it, you can stop at several towns along the way including Oudtshoorn, Wilderness, Nature’s Valley, George, Knysna and Plettenberg Bay. Each of these towns would make the perfect holiday destination, but a tour of all of them is possible within a few days.

If you choose to take a trip up the West Coast, make sure you are there in time for the wildflower season. During certain months of the year the hillsides are dotted with stunning flowers of all varieties, and driving along the coast is a thrilling aesthetic experience. Spend some time in stunning resort towns such as Langebaan, Paternoster, Darling and Britannia Bay where you can experience some of the best fishing and wine estates in the Western Cape.

The Western Cape is of course famous for the wine produced in this region, which parallels some of the finest French varieties in terms of quality and character. Spend a day touring the wine estates in the Stellenbosh and Franchoek regions, where almost every estate offers exclusive wine tasting days and delightful restaurants. One of the most famous of these is the Spier Wine Estate, which offers itself as a center of culture, art, food and wine in the Western Cape.

If you are a nature enthusiast, there are plenty of places that offer stunning walks at any difficulty level. Amateur walkers can take a stroll through the beautiful Kirstenbosh Gardens, but for those who want to experience Western Cape nature at its finest the Otter Trail has more to offer than any other trail. This five day hike crosses a wide variety of terrains and ends up in the stunning Nature’s Valley, a premier Garden Route destination.

If you are planning a trip to the Western Cape, be sure to set out your itinerary carefully or you could end up without a direction to follow. Decide whether you want to experience scenery, culture, excitement or night life and plan your trip accordingly. Don’t be concerned with missing out though, because anywhere you go you will have the time of your life.

Hobnob with Hollywood elite at CA beach resort

If you want to see how the other half lives, spend a weekend in Newport Beach. Actually, it’s more like the other 10 percent — the opulence will amaze you.

The Balboa Bay Club will be glad to share its front-row view of the good life now that this legendary club of the Newport Coast elite has opened half its units to the general public. Before 2003, the resort’s prime Newport Beach real estate was only available to members of the club. Now there are 150 rooms and 10 suites available to anyone yearning for some weekend affluence.

Staying at the club a night or two would be a sure-fire way to impress the significant other, or to completely escape from job stress, but still keep costs within reason. We consider resorts like the Balboa Bay Club “special-occasion” getaways ‘ places we go to celebrate, not just to get away. With small houses on nearby Balboa Island going for $4 million and 100-foot mega-yachts parked in slips right out in front of your bay-view suite, the Balboa Bay Club takes you many steps beyond the average getaway.

The first clue you’re not in Kansas anymore is when you cruise the circular driveway to the lobby area. Behind that line of dark-colored, late-modeled SUVs there’s a gleaming new two-seat sports car you don’t quite recognize because, in all likelihood, it’s not the kind of car available at your local auto mall. Then it’s not one or two valets, but a platoon of at least six fair-haired young gentlemen running to and fro to make certain that no one waits long for their vehicle.

And the service just keeps on coming. From the smiling young woman at check-in to the cordial bellhops to the extraordinarily punctual room service attendants ‘ who managed to bring us cookies and milk while the cookies were still warm ‘ the service at the Balboa Bay Club, during our stay, was consistently top-rate.

And then there are the rooms. Once we opened the door to our bay-view suite, we could fully appreciate the club’s location and attention to detail. The sliding glass doors opened to a maritime show that continued from dawn to dusk. From small Duffy boats to super-yachts, from kayaks to college rowing teams, the sights and sounds of Balboa Bay are mesmerizing. You’ll be tempted to spend many an hour on the one of your two private decks that are perfect for viewing all of the water activities.

The rooms are over-size and our one-bedroom suite actually had two of these large rooms with two bathrooms, one so spacious it had three dressing areas, a walk-in closet, a two-person Jacuzzi-style tub and a separate shower room. The bathrooms were Italian marble, the counter-tops granite and the overall design was reminiscent of those bathroom areas you see in home décor magazines ‘ you know, the ones you wonder if you will ever really be able to afford.

Large-screen TV, high-speed internet, games, they’re all there. And, when it came time to turn in for the night, our luxuriously appointed king-size bed was form-fitting and among the most comfortable we’ve ever slept on. Oh those 10 percent do live well.

The Balboa Bay Club actually was created in 1948, back when there were far fewer people living in Newport Beach and the area was a popular getaway for Hollywood elites. Today there are 2,800 members of the club, about two-thirds living on the 15-acre property and the other third using such services as the resort’s spa, exercise room and Olympic-style swimming pool. Past and present members of the club include such familiar names as John Wayne, Humphrey Bogart, Robert Wagner, John Travolta, Jerry Seinfeld and Jim Carey.

The first few years of the “public” Balboa Bay Club have gone well and the resort has attracted a consistent stream of getaway travelers, most hailing from California and arriving by car ‘ although John Wayne Airport is only a 15-minute drive from the resort. The temperate coastal weather and the property’s waterfront location are big draws.

In fact, Newport Beach is a pretty good draw all on its own. Take a drive and you’ll see that modern, wide palm tree-lined thoroughfares take visitors through some of the priciest real estate in the country, the gorgeous blue Pacific Ocean almost always visible with just the slightest elevation.

World-class shopping and fine restaurants are in nearly every part of the city ‘ and, we might mention, the club’s restaurant, the First Cabin, is no slouch either. Famous galleries, exquisite home furnishing stores and many fascinating shops are awaiting your exploration in nearby Corona del Mar. Or check out two giant Orange County super retail complexes — Fashion Island and South Coast Plaza. Name a store found on New York’s Fifth Avenue, and you’ll probably find a version of it at Fashion Island.

For the outdoor enthusiast, it’s just a five-minute drive from the club to Upper Newport Ecological Reserve, a 752-acre coastal wetland that is home to 200 rare and endangered bird species. Visitors enjoy walking tours through the area.

On our visits to Newport Beach, we have enjoyed shopping on Balboa Island, which has a tiny, but busy Main Street ‘ actually it’s called Marine Avenue ‘ which is just a few short blocks with about 70 shops and restaurants to explore. This little example of Small Town Americana offers a wide selection of shops in all price ranges as well as several boutiques and galleries.

The downtown shopping area is just part of the attraction on Balboa Island, an island small enough that you can walk entirely around its perimeter in less than two miles. It’s fun to observe life on an island that remains exclusive because it is so expensive. There is no denying that the ever-present sunshine and the harbor views create a quiet respite from bustling city life and clogged freeways. The colorful villas and vacation-style homes on the island are quite lavish for their size.

Walk out onto your deck at the Balboa Bay Club and you’ll likely see many electrically powered Duffy boats — which you can even rent for your own cruise on the bay. Duffy boats are made locally and are specifically designed to take a group of people out on the water in total comfort and luxury for simple harbor cruising. The 21-foot boat we rented could accommodate 10 adults with plush bench seats on each side of the boat with table tops available in the middle for drinks or snacks. The boat was entirely shaded and had plenty of open areas on the sides to enjoy the view. It was easy to operate and requires little or no boating experience.

Our Duffy boat wasn’t exactly like the 100-foot mega-yachts tied up in from of our suite at the Balboa Club — but let’s just say it was a tad bit easier on fuel.

AT A GLANCE

WHERE: The Balboa Bay Club is in Newport Beach, which is located in Orange County, south of Los Angeles. It is easily reached on the 405 freeway.

WHAT: A playland for the rich-and-famous, but a reasonably-priced getaway that allows you to sample the good life, if only for a weekend.

WHEN: Year-round, with blue-sky weather virtually any time of the year.

WHY: “Weather and water” as one club executive explained. The weather’s perfect most of the time, and the club is the only waterfront resort in Newport Beach.

HOW: For more information on the Balboa Bay Club, phone 888-445-7153 or visit www.balboabayclub.com. Be sure to check out their package specials that begin at around $300 a night. Newport Beach information is available by calling 1-800-94-COAST, or you can visit www.newportbeach-cvb.com.

Paris Is An Incredible Destination To Spend A Wonderful Vacation

Paris, acknowledged as the ‘City of Lights,’ is the largest as well as the capital city of France, located on the Seine River, in the heart of the Ile-de-France region. Also the capital of the France’s Ile-de-France region, Paris is regarded as the political and cultural center of the country. Paris is perhaps the greatest of all the cities that receive maximum number of tourists in Europe.

Some consider Paris as an artistic city while some consider it as a romantic destination. Since it attracts fashion firms from across the world to open fashion stores, Paris is also sometimes fondly referred to as the ‘Fashion House’ of the world. With great number of museums, nature parks, beautiful gardens, and squares, sightseeing options in Paris are truly endless. Hence, it is not a wonder why more than 30 million foreigners visit here per year.

Some of the must-see destinations in Paris are:

Eiffel Tower : Built on the Champ de Mars near the Seine River, this iron tower is unquestionably the greatest of all attractions in Paris, and in deed, stands as the city’s icon. Inaugurated on March 31, 1889, it is the tallest of its kind in Paris, and was once the tallest in the world until the erection of Chrysler Building in 1930. Rising up to a height of about 985 feet, Eiffel Tower’s top can be seen anywhere from Paris. As per the records of the Paris Office of Tourism, Eiffel Tower alone drew about six million tourists to Paris in 2002.

Louvre : Situated in the heart of Paris, Louvre is the one of the world’s largest museums, sprawling over an area of about 60,000 square foot expansive building. On display are more than 350000 pieces of art, covering Egyptian sculptures, 18th century furniture and books, engravings, paintings, and drawings.

Most popular among the collections in the museum are the paintings of Leonardo Da Vinci, such as Monolisa. Apart from its amazing collections, Louvre, once served as a royal residence, is also much famed for its mind blowing architectural style. The entry to the museum was earlier restricted to the royal visitors. But, after the French Revolution, the museum was opened to the public.

Notre Dame Cathedral : This gothic cathedral would be the most famous of all cathedrals in the world. Located in the heart of the city on a small island, namely, Ile de la Cite, Notre Dame Cathedral serves as the seat of the Archbishop of Paris. The cathedral is regarded as a fine example of French Gothic architecture. Built during the 14th century, its interiors, sculptures, and gargoyles were destroyed during the revolution. Later, the cathedral was renovated by Eugene Emmanuel Viollet-le-Duc, a Persian architect.

Arc de Triomphe: One of the most visited attractions in the country, Arc de Triomphe is credited to the largest traffic roundabout in the world. Commissioned by Napoleon in 1806 in order to commemorate his military successes as well as the bravery of his armies, Arc de Triomphe was however completed in 1836, many years after the passing away of the emperor. The sides, front and back of the Arc De Triomphe are graced with beautiful sculptures as well as intricate designs. A specialty of this roundabout is that it is the meeting point of about 12 avenues.

Concorde Place : The largest public square in Paris, Concorde Place is situated between Champs Elysees and the Tuileries garden. Earlier known as Place Louis XV, the square’s focal point is a huge Egyptian obelisk beautified with hieroglyphics. The obelisk has been brought from the temple at Luxor, and was French king Charles X in 1829 by Mohammed Ali, the then Viceroy of Egypt.

Highlights in Paris also cover Avenue Champs-Elysees, a vibrant area packed with a plenty of shops and restaurants; Latin Quarter, boasting of some of the finest Roman as well as medieval monuments in the city; Rodin Museum, which exhibits the works of the renowned French sculptor, Auguste Rodin; D’Orsay Museum; and St.Chapelle and Conciergerie.

With these scores of attractions, Paris is a wonderful vacation whose memories last for a lifetime. Hence, the city has an array of accommodation choices to cater to every type of visitors. Mostly, they come with most sophisticated facilities and amenities.

The Must-Sees in Branson, Missouri

If you are searching through Branson Missouri vacation packages for your next trip to the inspiring landscape in the Ozark Mountains, you’ve probably realized something: there is a LOT to do in this little town! With so many opportunities to appreciate the outdoors, see live concert performances and experience this beautiful town, a Branson vacation is never long enough. However, there are some must see Branson attractions that every visitor should enjoy.

Silver Dollar City – This replica of 19th century life gives visitors a taste of the history of Southwest Missouri. Opportunities to see candy making, blacksmith work and other traditional crafts of yesteryear make Silver Dollar City an attraction that the whole family will love. Situated at Marvel Cave, a National Natural Landmark discovered by the Osage Indians in the 1500s, this “city” features dozens of amusement park rides including The Giant Barn Swing and the Grand Exposition Coaster. You may recognize it from the popular television show, “The Beverly Hillbillies.” The park is open from March through December, and discount Branson tickets are often available to lessen entry fees.

Branson Landing – With a gigantic water fountain display synchronized with lights, music and fire, kids love spending time on Branson Landing. This tourist Mecca gives shoppers plenty of reasons to cheer. With hundreds of retail stores, this is one of many Branson attractions that lets visitors go home with souvenirs and mementos from their time in Missouri. Be sure to browse through Branson Missouri vacation packages to check availability of hotels on the waterfront at Branson Landing. Shopping can be right outside the front door!

Stockstill Park – While there are obviously many chances to see the sights and hear the sounds of Branson, Stockstill Park requires no discount Branson tickets because there is no admission cost! These 62 peaceful acres are on this list of Branson attractions because sometimes quiet is a must-have on any vacation.

Music – Listing one venue and one show is impossible for this list, but almost any of the Branson Missouri vacation packages will offer tickets to one of the hundreds of performances in town. Wayne Newton, Kenny Rogers and a lengthy list of musical personalities have founded theaters in Branson. While you are here, seeing at least one of these shows is a must.

Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede – Another of the most popular Branson attractions is this country music superstar’s Dixie Stampede, which includes a home-style dinner and a Wild West horse competition. This is one of only three locations in the world for Parton’s Dixie Stampede so be sure to pick up discount Branson tickets for this event.

Perhaps the only downside to Branson is that the list of “Can’t Miss Attractions” could go on forever. While you may not have enough time to see them all, a vacation in Branson gives you and your family the chance to enjoy a town with a character and charm all of its own.