Vacation Ideas | Travel Destination » culture

American’s Top 10 Destinations

WorldBeach — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 02:16:54 +0000

Generally, Americans enjoy traveling. While Americans may not travel quite as much as Australians, Europeans, or Chinese; they do get pleasure from exploring different countries and cultures. In the past, Americans have tended to primarily visit countries that speak English and have a similar culture. Nevertheless, Americans are increasing their horizons and visiting these 10 countries most frequently.

1. Mexico
Our neighbor just south of the border is not only close by but not expensive. If you , Mexico is a great solution. They have gorgeous beaches and resorts, a good exchange rate, a distinctive culture and passport regulations are more slack than other countries.

2. Canada
Canada is the second most visited country. Canada is stunning and many Americans enjoy going to both the rural area and seeing the charming beauty, along with large cities like British Columbia, Montreal, and Quebec. Quebec is the little France at a cheaper price and closer proximity. Plus Canadians are generally America friendly.

3. England
Since England used to possess the United States and many American’s relatives are from there, this is the most visited country abroad. England also has a close coalition with the United States, plus it’s English speaking which makes this a top destination.

4. Italy
Italy is home to so much history. There are so many Rome, Vatican City, Milan, Florence, Venice, and Tuscany. Not to mention that they have extremely delicious food. Plus Italy is more affordable to go to in comparison with other western European countries.

5. France
Since our country was established, France has been a great ally. Although we don’t see eye to eye on everything, this is a great country to visit. Paris is famous for being one of the most charming cities in the world. In addition, France also provides a unique culture. Although prepare yourself, because it is very pricey.

6. Germany
Germany provides a lot of history. There are great cities like Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt, Dresden, Nuremberg, and naturally the Black Forest. Germany offers diversity that many countries can’t. It is a very prominent country and the exchange rate is not in our favor, but it is a lot of fun and encircled by many other countries which makes it a great place to begin or conclude your trip in Europe.

7. Bahamas/Caribbean
The Bahamas is an exciting destination for travelers. It offers superb resorts and pristine beaches. Tourists really get to loosen up and enjoy themselves. The Bahamas is a well-liked destination along with other Caribbean countries because they offer a break from everyday life. Plus they’re close, safe, and low-priced.

8. Ireland
Besides the irresistible accent the Irish have, they are also welcoming. In Ireland you really get to discover the countryside and feel like you’ve stepped back in time. The country is green and tourists flock to see sheep and thatched cottages. There are also exciting cities tourists may spend their time in. Plus, the recession has hit Ireland hard so this is a cheaper European destination.

9. Japan
While Tokyo is one of the most high-priced cities in the world it is a great place to visit. This destination provides Americans with an experience they cannot get anywhere else.

10. China
Because of the development that China has experienced it’s a haven for businessmen and tourists alike. Tourists can buy heaps of stuff for very little money. There are great cities like Beijing, Hong Kong, and tourist spots like the Great Wall of China.

Although there are thousands of places to see all over the world, these are the ones more Americans decide to visit than any other. The world offers exciting places to see but if you find yourself in a predicament about where to go: have a look at some of these places but don’t restrict yourself.

Diane Johnson graduated with a Bachelor of Science from the University of Utah and enjoys writing about current events, politics, college degrees, education online, and the office.

The Island of Malta,Unique Island of Mediterranean-Best Choice of Europe Island Vacation

WorldBeach — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 09:04:42 +0000

The island of Malta, situated between Sicily at the foot of Italy and Tunisia on the North African coast, is unique in terms of its history, culture and nationality. Unlike Crete, which is part of Greece, Sardinia which is part of Italy, Corsica which is French and Mallorca which is Spanish, Malta is an independent Republic. Like many islands in the Mediterranean, Malta has gone through various states of foreign ownership during its past. Rulers of the island include the Romans, Arabs, the Knights of St John, the Ottoman Empire, the French under Napoleon, and the British in 1800 before Malta finally gained independence in 1964.

Today the Republic of Malta is slowly building its own reputation as a centre of commerce and tourism. Despite the turbulent past of the island, the capital Valletta still retains many interesting archaeological and architectural points of interest.

During their 270 year occupation of the island, the Knights of St Johns constructed many impressive buildings, just as they did on the island of Rhodes. Of course some were damaged during the Second World War, but many remain intact in Valletta.

They key attraction of Malta besides its interesting past, buildings and culture is of course its weather. Located right in the centre of the Mediterranean, azure blue waters surround an island that benefits from over 200 days of sunshine each year. For 8 months of the year the average daytime temperature sits between 19 and 32 degrees Celsius and doesn’t really get much hotter than that, making a very pleasant place to spend a holiday.

One of the more interesting attractions on Malta is the prehistoric Hypogeum or underground chamber, discover in 1902 and consisting of over 500 square metres of rooms, chambers and corridors. It was built on three levels and dates back to before 3000BC.

The Hypogeum is UNESCO World Heritage site and only a limited number of tourists are permitted to enter each day so best not try and go there during busy periods unless you’ve had your name on the waiting list for tickets, which can grow to as long as six weeks at times.

Flights to Malta arrive from all over the world at Luqa airport, just south of the capital. The island has had various airports over the years, especially during its important period as a military base. The old airport at Ta’ Qali is now used as a centre for recreation. There are parks and open spaces there as well as the National sports stadium. It is also the location for many of the island’s biggest festivals and concerts.

As far as holiday resorts are concerned, Malta has plenty of choices from busy thriving cosmopolitan areas with an abundance of restaurants, shops and clubs. The best are on the northern coast, providing the opportunity for walking along promenades and watching the world go by. For a quieter location visitors could take a trip to the nearby island of Gozo.

This small island sits just three miles off Malta’s North West coast and everything here is run off at a much slower pace. Made up primarily of small fishing villages there are also a selection of quiet beaches such as Ramla Bay, the tiny San Blas beach or the amazing inland sea at Dwejra Lake, which is fed by a tunnel through the rocks.

Back on Malta the best beaches are at Anchor Bay, Golden Bay, Paradise and Hola beach in the north of the island. In the south Peter’s Pool is popular, as is Pretty Bay if you don’t mind overlooking the commercial port. For swimmers the outdoor pool that sits on the island’s south east tip is an interesting location. This 50m salt water pool is home to the island’s Marsascala Sports Club, was the National Pool until a new one was built in 1993 at Ta’ Qali (Tal-Qroqq). Often during the summer the pool hosts tournaments for the sport of water polo, which is unusually popular on the island.

Exotic Vacation of Koh Samui Beach(Samui Island), Thailand

WorldBeach — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 02:40:15 +0000

Koh Samui is located in the Gulf of Thailand, roughly 40 kilometers north-east of Surat Thani town. This fantastic tropical island is also sometimes referred to as the Coconut Island, because of countless number of coconuts that it produces per month. Koh Samui is actually an “Amphoe” (district) of Surat Thani province.

The amphoe of Koh Samui is further sub divided into Ang Thong, Li Pa Noi, Taling Ngam, Na Mueang, Ma Ret, Bo Phut, and Maenam. Each of them has their uniqueness and significance, and presents a diverse range of attractions. Today, tourist from the whole world go to this easygoing paradise. It´s located in the Gulf of Siam and surrounded by more than sixty other islands, some small and inhabited, some bigger as Koh Phangan, Koh Tao (divers island) Koh Nang Yuan and Angthong Islands, the National Marine Park.

Koh Samui Beaches

Chaweng Beach
The most popular beach on Koh Samui is called Had Chaweng and it is located on the island’s east coast. On the six kilometer long beach, you’ll find many hotels and cozy resorts. Chaweng Beach Road is perfect for those who appreciate affordable shopping, intense nightlife and fine dining alternatives.Even a spectacular golf course (Santiburi Golf) and the islands’ airport are in relatively close distance from Chaweng.

You will find many dive schools here as well as thai boxing, internet cafes, tailors and many restaurants that serves Thai food and cuisine from the whole world.If you enjoy beach activities, there is no problem to engage in jet ski riding, banana boat riding, water skiing, wakeboarding, windsurfing or parasailing (after a motorboat which involves a ride high above the water and a fantastic view overlooking Chaweng). It is also possible to rent a kayak or a canoe.

Lamai Beach
Located south of Chaweng on the east coast of Koh Samui. The beach is beautiful, especially the southern parts. The number of tourists is noticeable less here than in Chaweng but you’ll find a couple of smaller clubs and many small bars and pubs.
Lamai beach also offers a variety of water sports including jet ski, water skiing, wakeboarding, windsurfing, parasailing and you are also able to rent a motorboat for a private tour.

Bo Phut Beach
Bo Phut beach is about three kilometers long and has a relatively fine-grained sand and coconut palm trees at it’s side. Bo Phut beach also located near the island’s airport and very close to one of the islands’ larger piers, from where ferries depart regularly to Koh Phangan and Koh Tao. Here you’ll get a superb view overlooking Koh Phangan and the Gulf of Thailand. Before the tourists began to discover Koh Samui, Bo Phut was a small fishing village and still there are some fishermen with their characteristic boats active here. But nowadays, there are not only fishing boats departing from Bo Phut. Also smaller ferries and speedboats are transporting divers and the tourists, who are going on various tours around the island.