Explore Florence – the City of Treasure
Florence is a great treasure of arts and ancient architecture. It is a living testimony of the rich culture of the ancient people. There are museums proudly holding the magical works of Michael Angelo, Leonardo da Vinci, Giotto and many other great artists. The city is said to be the largest museum containing artifacts more than any other cities in the world.
The ancient city stands proudly beside the river Arno and is shaded by the foothills of Apennines. The city is a great choice for anyone who is looking for a romantic holiday or a relaxing weekend.
If you are in Florence, you can get an apartment in Florence for accommodation. Make sure that the apartment is at a convenient place and all the tourist sites are within walking distance. Get a nice and comfortable pair of shoes because it is best to explore Florence on foot.
There are great museums containing incredible art works by all the famous artists. There are great architectural monuments. There are churched and cathedrals which are as old as 1000 years. You wouldn’t want to miss visiting those for the world. You do not need any precise planning for exploring the great city. It has got art and extraordinary architecture in almost all the places. You can just walk around and watch them.
If you get tired of old artifact6s and structures (which is highly unlikely), you can go to the Ponte Vecchio bridge to enjoy some spectacular natural view and beautiful gardens.
There are so many great restaurants which would surely soothe your taste buds. You can get a wide variety of foods and deserts to satisfy your hunger. And when you are in Florence, get a taste of Italian wine. The aura of the city makes everything tastier and more enjoyable.
Hawaii Vacations With Kids
The islands of Hawaii have been a popular family vacation destination for over 50 years, not without a good reason. An array of activities along with the tropical climate and the courteous people will delight one and all in your family, from babies to teenagers. You may think that a combination of pools, beaches and the beauty of Hawaii, will do the trick for you and your kids. But for your Hawaii vacations with kids to go smoothly, you need to ensure that your children’s needs are taken care of at the location you are staying. The last thing you want to hear is, “I’m bored,” just when you are beginning to enjoy and relax. If you thought Hawaii is meant for romantic vacations only, then you need to think again. Hawaii is in fact a great destination for a family vacation. There are many cool and fun things to do besides some outstanding natural scenery and marine life to see, not to mention some amazing spots for rest and relax. I bet your greatest worry is going to be how to accommodate so many great places into your short vacation time. You may like to know a brief history of Hawaii before proceeding.
Things to Do on Hawaii Vacations with Kids
Various resorts and hotels offer Hawaiian family vacation packages, which organize kids camps that provide to the needs of older children, also the very young ones. Certified childcare attendants take the children swimming and to play games on the beach, or teach them to make garlands or leis of Hawaiian culture or other crafts. But the Hawaii Islands are more than just making garlands or lying by the hotel pool doing some typical camp-styled activity. Let’s take a brief look at some of the must-visit vacation spots in Hawaii to make this one of the best vacations with kids, and a truly memorable one.
Waikiki Beach
Coming to Hawaii and not enjoying the beach won’t make your Hawaii travel with kids complete. Besides, vacationing at an island and ignoring or forgetting a beach trip is next to criminal. Waikiki Beach, known the world over as one of the best beaches, is usually crowded. But it is a great area for surfboarding, surfing, snorkeling, sun tanning, sand castle building, or just plain lazing around. Read more on hawaii beaches.
Sea Life Park
A world-class marine attraction, Sea Life Park is situated about 15 miles from Waikiki on Oahu’s beautiful and scenic Makapuu Point. The park boasts of a 300,000-gallon aquarium that houses sea lions, dolphins, turtles sharks, stingrays and other marine mammals. They also offer a variety of entertaining and informative attractions such as singing sea lions, dancing dolphins and performing penguins. Some other attractions that the kids may enjoy are the Sea Lion Feeding Pool, Turtle Lagoon, Bird Sanctuary, Pirate’s Lagoon and Hawaiian Reef Exhibit. There interactive programs for snorkeling by the stingray’s side and swimming with dolphins is a huge hit amongst the tourists. Read more on Hawaii whale watching tours.
Atlantis Submarine
One of the most popular and must-see places on your vacation is the Atlantic Submarine. This adventure takes the tourist on a 45 minutes underwater tour of the marine life situated 100 feet below the surface of the reef in Waikiki. The submarine gives the tourist a glimpse of sea turtles, and countless fish and other sea creatures besides passing by submarines, sunken shipwrecks and coral reefs. The submarine has large view ports is fully air-conditioned and comfortably seats 64-passengers.
Hawaiian Waters Adventure Park
This water park provides many adventures and fun rides, six stories down speed slides mega wave pool, inner tube rides on 2 to 4 foot waves, free-fall, also a tube cruise down an 800-foot long river, interactive playground filled with water cannons, multi-level activity, waterfalls, pool with seven family slides and other water attractions are sure to make your kids jump with joy and ask for more. Getting them out of the park is going to be one problem you will love to have.
Polynesian Culture Center
Located about an hour’s drive from Waikiki, the Polynesian Culture Center is an open-air park, consisting of seven native villages spread over an area of 42 acres. This park is designed to introduce a visitor to Hawaiian and other South Pacific cultures. Natives living in the park will demonstrate the dances with fire, the art of making jewelry from plants, and bare-foot climbing of 50 feet trees. The natives also demonstrate native arts and crafts like carving tiki statues, canoe reenactment of war dances and wedding ceremonies. An authentic luau and a Polynesian night show are some of the attractions enjoyed by visitors and tourists alike.
Seven Wonders of the World
The most remarkable or amazing creations by mankind are included in the list of seven wonders of the world. The number 7 is said to symbolize perfection and hence is used to list the wonders. Let us have a look at each of these ancient and modern wonders.
Seven Wonders of the World
The seven wonders of the ancient times, due to destruction are no longer available for people to see. Thus, the need to find out new wonder may have arisen. The information about both ancient and new seven wonders of the world is provided in the paragraphs below.
Seven Ancient Wonders of the World
Here is a list of seven ancient wonders of the world. It provides information in short about the oldest seven wonders known as of today.
Pyramids of Egypt
The three pyramids located in Giza near Cairo are one of the seven ancient wonders of the world. Among the three pyramids, the largest was built in ancient Egypt by a king of the fourth dynasty, called Khufu. Approximate height of the largest pyramid is 450 feet and its construction was completed in 2680 B.C. Read more on Egyptian pyramids.
Temple of Artemis
The construction of temple of Artemis had started in 350 B.C. and was built in the honor of Diana, a non-Hellenic goddess. The need to state the word, ‘non-Hellenic’ arises due to the fact that, the name Diana got associated with a Greek goddess later on. The Temple of Artemis which is located in Ephesis was destroyed by Goths during the invasion in 262 A.D. Read more on Greek mythology.
Colossus of Rhodes
The colossus of Rhodes depicts the sun god, Helius and was built by Chares from Rhodes (formerly known as Lindus). This 105 feet statue was destroyed during an earthquake which occurred in 224 B.C. It is said that ships which came to the harbor passed between the legs of this huge statue.
The Statue of Zeus
The statue was built around 432 B.C. and erected in the Zeus (Jupiter) temple of Olympia. This 39 feet high statue was made of ivory and gold. Wooden frames were used in the construction by the sculptor Phidias who created this statue. Read more on Greek gods and goddesses.
Hanging Gardens of Babylon
Built around 600 B.C. by Nebuchadnezzar II, The Hanging Gardens of Babylon was built by king Nebuchednezzar in 600 B.C (circa), in an attempt to please his wife, Amytis (also known as Amuhia). The Hanging Gardens which was laid above a vaulted building had the facility of raising water. The height of different terraces on the Hanging Garden varied from 75 to 300 feet. Read more on ancient Egyptians.
The Pharos of Alexandria
The Pharos (Lighthouse) of Alexandria was built in Alexandria, Egypt on an island called Pharos. It was constructed by Soatratus, a Greek architect. Estimates of the height of this building vary between 115 m and 135 m. During an earthquake which occurred in the 13th century building got destroyed. Read more on Egyptian gods and goddesses.
The Mausoleum at Halicarnassus
This monument was built by Queen Artemisia in the memory of king Mausolus, her husband. The mausoleum at Halicarnassus which is actually a tomb has an approximate height of 45 m.
Seven Modern Wonders of the World
The modern wonders include 6 new and an ancient world wonder. The Giza Pyramid complex is the only ancient wonder to feature in this list. The remaining 6 wonders are enlisted below.
Christ the Redeemer
A statue of Jesus Christ located in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil, Christ the Redeemer has a height of 39.6 m and is the largest ‘Art Deco’ statue.
The Great Wall of China
A series of walls built on the northern border of China, it was constructed and maintained during the period between 5th and 16th century. The Great Wall of China that we see today was constructed in the Ming dynasty. Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of China had built a wall, the remains of which are found even today. It was built between 220 B.C. and 206 B.C.
Taj Mahal
It is a mausoleum built by Shah Jahan a Mughal emperor in the memory of Mumtaz Mahal, his wife. The Taj Mahal is located at Agra, India and was constructed between 1632 A.D. And 1648 A.D.
Chichen Itza
The word Chichen can be broken into ‘chi’ and ‘ch’e'en’, which means ‘mouth’ and ‘well’ respectively. Itza is an ethnic group of northern peninsula of Mexico. The name, Chichen Itza thus, translates as, ‘at the mouth of well of Itza’. This pyramidal structure was built during the Mayan civilization. Read more on Mayan culture
Petra
A rock city carved in red stone at Jordan by Nabataens, is one of the major tourist attractions. It has been described as a “rose-red city half as old as time”. It remained hidden from the western world till 1812, when Swiss explorer Johann Burckhardt discovered it. UNESCO has described it as “one of the most precious cultural properties of man’s cultural heritage”.
Machu Picchu
An archaeological site located at a height of 2,430 m in the Urubamba Valley, Peru, Machu Picchu is 80 km. away from Cuzco. The construction of Machu Picchu started in 1400 A.D. during the the Inca civilization, however, the site was abandoned later on. Read more new 7 wonders.
Apart from the ancient and modern wonders, the seven natural wonders of the world include Mount Everest, Victoria Falls, Great Barrier Reef, Harbor of Rio de Janeiro, Paricutin Volcano, Aurora and Grand Canyon. The list of ancient and modern seven wonders of the world presents before us the richness of culture and architecture of our ancestors.
Travel Etiquette
Traveling alone or traveling with your family is a great pleasure. At the same time, it’s utmost important to follow certain travel etiquette during the journey. This creates a conducive vibe in the journey that makes you comfortable with your co travelers. Helpful, cooperative and well mannered behavior reflects your background. Your decent attitude and calm composure counts a lot in travel etiquette yardstick. Read on to get some travel etiquette tips.
Travel Etiquette Tips
Whether you travel by airline, rail or any other means, travel etiquette is always a part of your journey. Check out these etiquette tips.
Follow Rules
There are always a set of rules set by the travel agencies. Airlines have their own set of rules while railway, buses, etc. have their own. Go through the guidelines and abide by them. Do not make any effort to disrespect the rules or violate them.
Preparation
Give yourself time to check in if all the necessary documents are ready. Tickets, identity proof, passports, boarding passes, etc. must be produced immediately when asked for. Make sure you do not take long time searching the important documents inside your bag. Remember other people are waiting in the queue.
Package and Luggage
Place you luggage or hand back properly in the place provided. It should not be a hinder to the movement of your co-travelers or disturb them in anyway. Check the packing restrictions and carry only those items which are allowed.
Behavior and Attitude
Your behavior is the most important thing while traveling. Be cooperative and helpful with your fellow passengers. Be cordial with travel personals. Your attitude should reflect courtesy and politeness. If you are traveling in a group, make sure the fun and enjoyment doesn’t intrude the privacy of your co-travelers. Converse softly while traveling with others. Read more on travel tips.
Cleanliness and Tidiness
Maintain hygiene in the surroundings of your travel zone. Keep the washroom clean after using. Do not carry odorous food or strong perfume and cologne which may spoil the ambiance inside. Drop the waste only inside the bin and do not loiter stray things hither tither.
Decent Gestures
You must know your spatial boundaries and do not occupy your fellow passenger’s seat. Do not lean or rest your legs in front or behind. Try to remain confined to your own seat. Carefully slumber down your seat and make sure your gestures don’t create discomfort to your fellow passengers.
Travel Safety Tips
Travel etiquette and safety tips implies on you and safety of the travel authorities too. Check out the safety tips list before boarding. Do not carry items which are strictly not allowed. Retain photocopy of important documents with yourself while traveling. Keep expensive items and cash in your handbag or travel pouch. It’s always advisable not to trust fellow passengers with your handbag having all important things in it. Read more about airline safety and travel tips for the single woman traveler.
Business Travel Etiquette Tips
In business trips, failure to maintain a high standard can sometimes be too humiliating. Therefore, whatever location or commodity you are accessing, you must do so with a good sense of travel etiquette. If you are into a foreign business trip, try to get accustomed with the culture to some extent. This will help you to overcome difficulties especially with language. Accept and exchange business cards graciously. Maintain a smart polished outlook while on trip. Be careful with your conversations, talk sense and try to be confidential with your boss or colleagues. Follow business entertaining etiquette after the tour is over. This gives a professional impression. Remember, your each and every movement and gesture is observed when your are on a business tour. So keep these travel etiquette in mind when you are traveling for business.
It’s well and good if you are conscious of the etiquette while traveling or else just brush up your senses with this article on travel etiquette. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe says ”Behavior is the mirror in which everyone shows their image. Isn’t it true?
2 Top Must Places to Visit in Costa Rica
Costa Rica is a land blessed with serene natural beauty. The top 2 exotic locations in Costa Rica are as follows:
A.The Rain Forests: It’s no wonder no vacation is a complete one to the land of Costa Rica without making a visit to the famous rainforests where you can have a gaze at majority of the natural resources which this country has in store for you! While making a visit to the land of Costa Rica national parks, situated in the rainforests, you can have a feel of the guided tours or even can self-explore these regions which contain as much as 5% of the total biodiversity of the world containing multiple exotic animal genuses. Just in the aforesaid rainforests you can have a feel of these rare creatures located in the natural habitats cohabiting. There are in excess of 400 different species of birds, as many as 1000+ verities of insects, and 2500+ different species of plants.
B. The exotic Beaches: As the name says “Costa Rica” which in English translates into “Rich Coast” naturally has some of the most magnificent coasts in the world, a perfect to enjoy an enthralling travel experience. It is seem to be having the most exotic beaches in the globe. The best beaches located in the country called Costa Rica are situated alongside the Caribbean shoreline having its warm light decorated with exotic waters. The coastlines extend for as many as about 2000 kilometers and within those kilometers you can locate as many as 500,000 animal species having their habitat there and a good wide range of varied microclimates. You can feel the tropical adventures in the tropical destinations in Costa Rica that is in these exotic waters like as snorkeling, scuba diving, water surfing, and last but not the least windsurfing. To your comfort the year-round temperature never falls below the level of 70 degrees and it never pops up n excess of 90 degrees, therefore you can enjoy to the fullest the awesome tropical beach treasures hidden in the cost lines of Costa Rica.
So, these are two of the most significant things one must experience if he/ she are into traveling Costa Rica.
