Shopping at Sawgrass Mills Mall
By: Bill Morgan
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Beijing's Luxury Hotels For Olympic Tourists
By: Gregory Smyth
The Beijing Olympics have now begun - all the excitement and anticipation of the past four years or more has come to a head, especially for the Chinese. Before the Games, China was warned of a likely shortfall of accommodation space during the Olympics, and hundreds of Chinese businesses looking to capitalize on the excellent opportunity built new hotels. However, there are plenty of rooms still available, and you could grab a luxury hotel room in Beijing at a very reasonable price if you act quickly. Beijing had some seven years notice of the impending Olympic Games. They won the right to host the games in 2001, giving them several years to make up for an expected accommodation shortfall in the city. Administration officials estimated that around 450,000 to 500,000 visitors would inundate Beijing for the Games, with a further 1.2 million to 1.6 million native Chinese visitors coming to the city from other regions and centers. With around 660,000 beds available in Beijing currently, you would expect that the city would be packed to the rafters. However, it is still possible to find hotel rooms in the city, and they are being sold at excellent prices to those travelling to China for the latter part of the Olympics. Part of the reason for this is an erroneous perception in the international community, of a city filled to bursting point with tourists on top of an already large native population. In fact, the government has put its considerable resources to work in coordinating and organizing the city to be tenable and manageable for Olympic visitors. Thousands of tourists, though, will take advantage of the incorrect perceptions of many in the next two weeks, as they are able to stay in luxury hotels in Beijing at budget-friendly prices for the Olympics. Shangri-La is one such chain where you'll find luxury hotel rooms in Beijing at unexpected price tags. The chain actually has two locations, in the west and north west of the city. These hotels are close to full, yet still have some space available. The staff and the impeccable service are one of the chain's major selling points, in a country where the government sponsored star-rating system does not have minimum service standards, and the ratings only cover facilities. The health club at Shangri-La Beijing has a sauna and solarium, as well as all the usual facilities. Once you have been inspired by watching the athletes, you can imitate them - to the best of your abilities! Shangri-La also has lovely lush gardens, in the middle of a very industrial city, and offers easy access to Olympic facilities via the third and fourth ring roads. The Kerry Center hotel is another that offers easy access to Olympic venues, and luxury surroundings as well as great service. The hotel has free in-room broadband access, and executive rooms offer full home-style bathroom facilities as well as little luxuries like CD players. In a twist of individuality, there is a rooftop track for running and inline skating, as well as indoor basketball, tennis and badminton courts. If you are looking to book a hotel room in Beijing for business reasons connected to the Olympic Games, then China World hotel will be the hotel of choice. The impeccable service aligns well with business expectations, and the facilities are a match for the personality of the hotel. A new oxygen chamber in the health club, as well as a golf simulator, three indoor tennis clubs and an aromatherapy spa make the China World hotel a great choice for keeping your mind and body in shape while visiting for the Games. Now that the Olympics have begun, it is a great opportunity to travel to Beijing and stay in luxury hotels that don't have Olympian price tags.
Thursday, July 17, 2008

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Monday, July 14, 2008
By: MITCHELL HAMPSON

Mitch Hampson is a successful Webmaster and publisher of Cheap Travel Agents so if you would like more information on this subject please checkout his website at www.worldtravelnow.info
By: Richard Greaves

Festivals in Thailand are either Buddhist, Chinese, animist, or associated with the monarchy. Buddhist and Chinese festivals are lunar and generally fall on a full moon, animist festivals such as Songkran or Loi Krathong can be solar or lunar, while royal holidays fall on special historical days such as the founding of the current Chakri dynasty or the birthdays of the reigning monarchs.The most deeply spiritual of the Thai holidays is Visakha Bucha held on a full moon night in May. It commemorates the date on which the Buddha was born, attained enlightenment, and died. Visakha Bucha day is marked with sermons and alms-giving culminating in an evening candlelit procession known as wien thien in which celebrants circle the temple three times in honour of the triple gem of Buddhism - the Buddha, the Dharma (teachings), and the Sangha (community of monks). Songkran, the most vigorous of Thailand's festivals, was the official Thai New Year until 1941. Formerly tied to the movement of the sun, modern Songkran takes place from 13-15th April. Songkran began as a ceremonial bathing of Buddha images as part of a new year's spring cleaning ritual. However, it has degenerated over the years into a free-for-all water fight in which the streets are filled with revellers armed with water guns, jars and buckets.Though Songkran is celebrated nationwide, it's probably done with most gusto in Bangkok’s tourist centre of Khaosan Road and in the northern capital of Chiangmai.The southern island of Phuket with its large Chinese population is the scene of the Phuket Vegetarian Festival held during the ninth lunar month each year. The event lasts ten days and other than participants observing a vegetarian diet, involves ceremonies at Chinese shrines and temples along with firewalking and other acts of self-mutilations carried out by devotees known as Ma Song. These Ma Song are in ecstatic trances and oblivious to pain as they clamber up ladders with bladed rungs, walk barefoot over hot coals, and plunge skewers through their cheeks.The event Phuket Vegetarian Festival dates back to 1825. At that time, many immigrant Chinese worked in Phuket's tin mines. A visiting Chinese opera troupe cured their sickness with a vegetarian diet. This much impressed the local population who started the vegetarian festival.The afternoon before the festival, celebrants raise a high pole (the Go Teng pole) at each temple. This is to invite the gods to descend. Then at midnight, they adorn the pole with nine lanterns to mark the opening of the festival. Over the next ten days, ceremonies such as invocation of the gods Lam Tao and Pak Tao, processions of images of the deities, and the feats of the Ma Song. The festival ends with merit making ceremonies at the temples and the send-off of the gods.Thailand is a land rich in culture and tradition and the best and most moving way to experience the delights of this eastern kingdom is to attend one of the many festivals and ceremonies that adorn the calendar.
Article Directory Source: http://www.1articleworld.com
Richard has over 20 years experience in the travel industry and writes for Cheaper than Hotels. Cheaper Than Hotels offers cheap Thailand hotels.
Sunday, July 13, 2008
By: Mathilde Ljubica

By: Priya Singh
Singapore, island nation located in the south east of Asia with a exciting mix of Chinese, Malay and Indian cultures combination beautifully together to give it a friendly feel for the global tourist. A Singapore vacation offers many rigid to believe experiences for the visiting guest. An amazing mixture of age-old civilization and beliefs and modern, contemporary styles, Singapore is a complex land where nature and progressive achievements are balanced agreeably. Whether you are looking for enormous shopping, stimulating nightlife, tongue-tickling cuisine or a holiday destination that you will actually appreciate in the sense of miscellaneous activities, Singapore is where the fun is! Here are alternative sights that should be added to several schedules once you've deboarded your Singapore airfares. There are various tourist attractions in Singapore. Visitors can increase on the historical, natural, and cultural holiday attractions here. The important places to see in and around in Singapore are Sentosa Island, Jurong Bird Park, Chinatown, The Asian Civilization Museum and the various temples and churches. Chinatown is most popular for tourist. Trip one of the oldest Chinese temples of Singapore, "The Thien Hock Kheng Temple", which is an exceptional timber structure and is more than 150 years old. "Chinatown Heritage Center", tracing the journeys, beliefs and legends of early Chinese migrants is another popular spot. According to the travel guide in Singapore there is a broad selection of somewhere to stay options to ensure a comfortable stay to the guests coming here. From luxury star Hotels in Singapore to the budget options, one could travel around a great variety. Singapore is one of southeast Asia's largest aviation hubs Singapore Airlines and its regional subsidiary SilkAir, Singapore is also home to Tiger Airways and Jet star Asia, which took over Valuair. This city connects to other country by air direct or round trip. A wealthy and diverse style of architecture in Singapore's a lot of museums, houses, shopping complexes, and huge office buildings depict the city's sincerity towards implementation the best of the West with the flavor of the Orient. Sentosa is one of a total of 64 islands in Singapore. Located to the south of the country, Sentosa Island can be reached by ferry, taxi, and car or by road.The island, Singapore's recreational area, offers several attractions for visitors of all ages such as the Butterfly Park, Insect Kingdom and Dolphin Lagoon. Swimming and sun bathing are also popular along the beach front on sand brought over from Indonesia. Multi-purpose building structure to be establishes in the heart of the financial district of Shenton Way in Downtown Core of Singapore. The first building to be constructed along Shenton Way, it was a place for conferences and exhibitions .Today, it is now refurbished and modernized into a concert hall where the building is home to the Singapore Chinese Orchestra. The building is situated on a three acre site at the junction of Shenton Way and Maxwell Road.
By: Gregory Smyth

Some virtually untouched, others providing everything you require. Enjoy a massage, have your hair braided, taste barbecued chicken, sarongs, get to familiarize with the locals. Have your dinner in candlelight on beachmats, relax with a drink on triangular cushions, or simply doze off and chill out... Chaweng Beach - Koh SamuiJust when you think it is safe to leave the water you will get to know that you are on Chaweng Beach: one of the most crowded Koh Samui beaches, it is compressed into 7 km of some of the Island's finest surf and sand with a large variety of choices in accommodation for every budget and style.Lamai Beach - Koh SamuiThe second major beach among Koh Samui beaches is situated on a warm corner in the south of the island. Smaller and a bit more pleasant than Chaweng, you can comfortably walk the town in an evening and come across a variety of eateries and entertainment venues.Bophut Beach - Koh SamuiLocated near Samui's famous Big Buddha landmark is Bophut Beach. Two kilometers of white sandy shoreline surrounded by leaning coconut palms - a perfect place to chill out. Bophut comprises the charming Fisherman's Village featured with old wooden houses, small trendy shops and relaxed restaurants.Maenam Beach - Koh SamuiThe calmness of Maenam still continues to attract those in search of peace and quiet, preserving its old Samui character. Maenam is frequented by both backpackers and well heeled guests. Some of Samui' most costly new deluxe resorts can be found here.Numerous excellent local restaurants plus new age spa centers for those in search of new age stress relief. A good place to stay if your aspiration is not necessarily a noisy party nightlife.Big Buddha Beach - Koh SamuiOne of Samui's fastest advancing areas, Big Buddha takes advantage from its proximity to the airport and highly favored Chaweng Beach. Named after the statue that gives the beach its name it is also one of the most convenient places to get a ferry or speedboat to Had Rin on the island of Koh Pha Ngan - home of the popular Full Moon Party. The long sweeping Koh Samui beach is characterized by budget to mid-price bungalow operations, many of which have excellent restaurants appended. Overlooking the beach, is the large Buddha statue that gives the beach its name and is the island's most sought after tourist attraction.Choeng Mon BeachMuch more upmarket than its neighbour Big Buddha, Choeng Mon is consists of a series of bays on the north-western tip of the island, which are ruled by a handful of three to five star resorts. Most of the activity of places like the White House, The Peninsula and Tong Sai Bay is limited to indoors, implying that barring a few tailors and local restaurants there is not a lot happening outside the hotels. Still, when guests can enjoy their own private beach as offered by Tong Sai and the Peninsula, there is not a hell of a lot of incentive to leave either.Taling NgamEasily the most isolated spot on the island, Taling Ngam's appeal mainly pertains with those who desire to come out from it all in style, i.e. by staying at one of Samui's leading luxury hotels.Lipa Noi BeachLipa Noi beach is also one of the finest locations on the island from which to watch a beautiful sunset. Particularly on the weekends, the shallow waters and white sands are irresistible for local families and children. During the week though, it is very pleasant. A few bungalows and a restaurant can be located close to the beach.Nathon TownFor anyone travelling by boat as a passenger, Nathon is the island's main port (car ferries also dock at Lipa Noi, a few kilometres south) and landing point for the islands of Koh Tao, Koh Phangan and mainland Surat Thani. To service the backpacker trade, a small cottage industry of sarong shops, bakeries, second hand bookshops, travel agents and internet cafes have made their entries along the waterfront.Hua Thanon/Bang KaoThis Koh Samui beach is amongst the least improved parts of Samui with only a few resorts scattered at leisurely intervals along the two beaches on the island's south west tip. So if you are looking for total peace and quiet...this is it.
By: Gregory Smyth

For providing a bit of background to you, Phuket (pronounced Poo-ket) is both the largest island and the smallest province of Thailand. Those of you who have had a grip with the news about the tsunami last December are probably aware that the west coast of Phuket Island was among the places hit. A large percentage of tourists who got through the event evacuated immediately. Future bookings for the high season, which had barely started, also blew away overnight. Traveling south of Patong, the more beautiful tourist beaches quietly reveal themselves, namely Karon, Kata, Kata Noi, Naihan, Promthep Cape, and Rawai. Kata, the second most renowned tourist beach after Patong, was fortunate to be somewhat safeguarded from the tsunami waves by Pu Island. . Kata Beach is huge yet intimate, as it is U-shaped and nestled with care into a gorgeous backdrop of jungle-canopied hills. These features, coupled with its sparkling and clear turquoise water, make it a much more attractive beach than Patong for some of the tourists. There is also a diverse range of accommodation to opt from, and considerable shopping, restaurants, and bars without being too commercialized. And, if you desire to go north to Patong Beach for experiencing the high-energy nightlife there, it is a short 200 baht (USD $5) taxi ride away. Respectful onlookers are permitted into the undetached courtyard in front of the temple, as the Ma Song parade in from another ceremonial area. Their faces are punctured from one cheek to the other with skewering devices varying in size from small thin metal rods or knives up to very large objectsYou visit to Phuket, Thailand could fill you up with a myriad of thoughts and feelings so complex it will take some time to sort it all out. It is absolutely impossible to be bored on Phuket Island for any type of people; there is an almost an unending list of things to do. For those of who are weary of the daily work pressures and are simply yearning rest and relaxation, this is a great place to find it. Comfy lounge chairs covered by large, colorful sun umbrellas line the outer edge of Kata and other major tourist beaches; they are ideal for laying back and snoozing, or contemplating the mindboggling scenery and enjoying a long, cool drink. The chairs are owned by local vendors and you can rent one for only 100 baht for the whole day. You do not need to move around a lot of equipment to feel the beaches here; you just show up and enjoy. Massage facilities are also abundant in Phuket, so there is absolutely no excuse for being uneasy out here!Water activities comprise (of course) swimming, as well as surfing, parasailing, and jet skiing. With direct access to some of the most attractive dive sites in Thailand, such as the Similan Islands, Racha Yai and Racha Noi, Phuket Island is recognized as a favored base for a diving holiday. There are also lots of companies on-island offering PADI dive courses for every category from beginner to advanced. The outlying Phi Phi Islands and archipelagoes not only feature absolutely scintilating scenery, they also offer various options to snorkel and discover the abundant marine life. There are many full day and half day island hopper tours starting from Phuket Island.
By: ++

There are more spas located along Las Vegas' 4.5-mile Strip than anywhere else in the world. Given that fact, Las Vegas knows a thing or two about relaxation and indulgence - a welcome role for a destination steeped in weary gamblers and travelers. MGM's Grand Spa offers relaxation on a big scale. Spa ritual experiences such as the Turkish Haman and the couple's Red Lotus Love transport guests into another world. The sensory massage targets all five senses in a 75-minute session. For those in search of a healthy lifestyle, the SpaGen treatment calculates a client's nutrition needs through a DNA swab and lifestyle/health questionnaire. Outside, the world may be noisy slot machines and glitz - inside the MGM Grand Spa, clients find a place of deep rest and rejuvenation.For those who must simply have the best, Bellagio features luxurious facial treatments using crushed pearls, marine caviar, vegetal coral, and gold dust. This world-class spa offers Vegas' only aquatic Watsu massage, as well as other therapies infused with international flair. The Bellagio Stone Massage, the signature massage includes stone therapy with a specialty massage oil. At Caesars Qua Baths & Spa, guests embrace the way of Roman rituals. From falling snow in the 55-degree Arctic Room to mineral essential baths, clients are surrounded by the healing power of water in this one-of-a-kind experience. Qua is an ideal environment for relaxed "social spa-ing" as well as individual experiences. An in-house tea sommelier pairs 26 organic teas to each experience. Afterward, guests may don Swarovksi crystal body art or head to the Men's Zone for a gentleman's hot lather and straight-razor shave.For $2,000, guests can enjoy a two-hour facial at the Ritz-Carlton - complete with a spinal mud treatment, reflexology, and a pair of Lady Lanell sandals adorned with Swarovski crystals. For the well-deserving male, imported and domestic beers highlight the Gentlemen's Pedicure. Refreshing healing waters, including whirlpools, cool plunge pools, saunas and steam rooms pamper rejuvenate. One of the largest fitness and wellness facilities in North America, the 69,000-square-foot Canyon Ranch SpaClub offers some 100 options, including acupuncture, physical therapy, nutrition consultation, and a myriad of other body therapies. This leading-edge health spa and fitness oasis is a haven of relaxation - perfect for regrouping between forays into the world's liveliest nonstop city.At Four Seasons, guests are treated to body treatments combining Javanese and Balinese herbs, as well as techniques designed to cleanse, purify and soothe the body. The spa's exclusive line of marine trace elements are a popular choice for clients who want to re-mineralize skin. Other signature treatments include the Champagne mud wrap, a frothy and effervescent seaweed mud combination that detoxifies and relaxes. Long hours at the tables and rich, decadent food can take their toll. Red Rock Spa features hikes, mountain biking, rock climbing, and more at this destination positioned in the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. Here, guests discover a side of Las Vegas they never knew existed. With a beautiful high desert wonderland just 10 minutes outside the door, Red Rock offers an array of outdoor activities unmatched in Las Vegas. For the ultimate experience, guests may hike past Indian rock art to a natural hot spring, lunch on a river bank and end with a guided kayak down the lazy Colorado River. Red Rock Spa features traditional amenities such as Swedish massages and ashiatsu (a massage using the feet) following a day of outdoor adventure.Couples at Wynn Spa are treated to services that not only relax the mind and body, but are designed to bring couples closer. Guests may retreat to a cozy fireplace room for a tailored massage side-by-side. For those seeking balance in their lives, the Good Luck Ritual treatment uses the five elements of Feng Shui to achieve health, wealth, prosperity, happiness, and harmony.
Geologix Inc. manufactures products using a proprietary formula featuring 34 natural minerals contained in the ancient sea water from the famous Michigan Basin -- a concentration of minerals higher than that found in any known body of water in the world. Mineral Essentials focuses on spa, skin care, and massage products to moisturize and provide anti-aging protection for great skin. Mineral Essentials
By: Yarin Fatma

Lijiang, an old town in Yunan, has earned its name as a world cultural legacy by the World Legacy Committee of UNESCO with its magnificent, beautiful mountains and a long history.The city of Lijiang has a history of 800 years or 900 years dating from the Sung Dynasty. Why is Lijiang one of the most beautiful city in the world? Firstly, it is one of the very few city which is over a mile high above sea level. Smacked in the middle of the Lijiangba Dam, surrounded by snowcapped mountains and a river that runs through an oriental forest with small streams meandering into the town. Some tourists even called the town "Heaven On Earth".Lijiang experienced an earth shattering 7 on the Richter scale earthquake on February 1996 which killed more than 5,000 people mainly the Naxi community being the major community in Lijiang. Since then, Lijiang caught the attention of the world and tourism growth was unprecedented. As such, Lijiang is now one of the most favoured tourist travel destination in China. Most residents in Lijiang are of the Naxi tribe. The Naxi community makes a living by herding yaks and doing small retail businesses. The construction of the ancient Lijiang city was quickly developed in the Ming Dynasty. This is especially so because the Ming Dynasty made a large number of people in Anhui Province to migrate into Lijiang in order to station military troops and common people in the boundary areas. (no change)As a result of this mass migration, the buildings of Lijiang ancient city were very much influenced by the architectural style of Anhui Province. The original buildings of the Naxi community can only be found in the rural areas surrounding Lijiang City. The Yuan dynasty and the Mongol Emperor then, Kublai Khan stationed military troops in Lijiang in 1253. He brought the foreign culture alien to Lijiang and thus Lijiang was then influenced by the culture Central China, such as Buddhism and Taoism, and then affected by the Christianity and Islamic culture in the early 1900s. The Naxi community assimilated all these cultures. As such, Lijiang is also very much appreciated for its cultural landscape not only in China, but the entire Asia. (no change)Millions of tourists travel to Lijiang each year to enjoy Lijiang's primitive simplicity, tranquility and elegant culture.The folks at Lijiang enjoy music too. You can hear the beautiful music from the dwelling houses in Dayanzhen Town. The musicians carry their often home made musical instruments to take part in household parties all over the town. Lijiang’s Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is a world class tourist scenic spot, famous for its fantastic lan dscape . It is 5596 metres above sea level.Its thirteen peaks from seen from south to north resembles a flying giant Chinese dragon, indeed a breathtaking view.
Find China travel tourism and more useful information about travel destination on China directory.
By: Lucy Evans

By: Paul Hata

Situated largely on the Caribbean Plate, the region comprises more than 7,000 islands, islets, reefs, and cays. Also called the West Indies,the region consists of the Antilles, divided into the larger Greater Antilles which bound the sea on the north and the Lesser Antilles on the south and east (including the Leeward Antilles), and the Bahamas.With a population of nearly 40 million people,the Caribbean islands are an island chain 4,020 kilometres (2,500 miles) long and no more than 257 kilometres (160 mi) wide at any given point. They enclose the Caribbean Sea. The Caribbean islands are classified as one of Conservation International's biodiversity hotspots because they support exceptionally diverse ecosystems, ranging from montane cloud forests to cactus scrublands.Caribbean cruise vacations are very popular especially during the winter. This is perhaps because people want to feel warm when the weather back home is cold. But cruise lines sail along the Caribbean waters all year round. If you don t want to go during the peak season, try booking during the summer because this is the best time to go bargain hunting. There are a lot of cruise lines to choose from. Some of them include the Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Crystal Cruises. For those who find this to be way out of their budget, they can inquire at Seabourn Cruise Lines.Let's talk a little bit about these companies. The Royal Caribbean's fleet offers to the Eastern, Southern and Western Caribbean. You could be away for a few days to a couple of weeks. The Radiance of the Seas for instance sails round trip from Ft. Lauderdale to San Juan, Philipsburg, St. Thomas and Nassau. Apart from the good food on board, there are activities that you can do once you reach port like snorkeling, nature trekking, scuba diving and Catamaran sailing. If you happen to book a trip in January, February, November or December, there are festivals that you shouldn't afford to miss such as the Aruba Carnival Celebration, the Barbados Jazz Festival, Mustique Blues Festival, Bob Marley Week in Jamaica, Valentines Day, Tranquility Jazz Festival, Anguilla, St. Patrick's Day, Bahamas International Film Festival and St. Nicholas Day in the Dutch Caribbean.The Norwegian Cruise line offers almost the same itinerary as the Royal Caribbean. You can choose the three day , seven day or fifteen day package to the Western Caribbean, Eastern Caribbean and Southern Caribbean aboard its large ships. Crystal Cruises only has 1 package and this voyage lasts for 12 days. You depart from New York, then move on to Bermuda/Hamilton, then to St. Maarten or Phillipsburg, Antigua, St. John, Curacao or Willemstad, Grand Cayman or Georgetown before heading home to Miami. The Seabourn Cruise has only 2 packages. You can choose to go on a Caribbean vacation that could last 7 or 13 days. Apart from Fort Lauderdale, you can also catch a ride in New York City and visit Charlotte Amalie (St Thomas), and Bridgetown, Barbados. The best part about being in a yacht compared to a big ship is that it is not very crowded. You can find out more about these shipping companies by letting your travel agent do the research or browsing online yourself.By doing so, you will be able to know when are the scheduled their trips, compare their prices and find out what is inclusive in their packages. Once you have confirmed your trip, all you have to do now is pack your bags and leave.For those coming from the west coast or mid-west, don't forget to also plan your air travel so you don't miss the ship before it leaves port. Some of these companies already have air fare and transfers inclusive so there is nothing to worry about. The Caribbean cruise vacation is one of the best places to go if you are on your honeymoon, celebrating your anniversary or simply need time away from the real world. Once you come back, you will feel refreshed and ready to continue what you were doing before that.
Paul Hata is active in various social and community programs.Paul has over 10 years experience managing successful multi-million advertising co.View 1000s of affordable shopping and travel services here-SearchAnythingWorldwide.com and SearchAnythingSingapore.com
By: cdup

For more information and articlea about honeymoon destinations around the globe visit us at at www.honeymoondestinationsinfo.com