Travelling and Photography

September 7, 2010

Exotic Miami: From Art Deco to Decadent Art

Filed under: Exotic Locations — Tags: , , , , — arkan @ 4:30 pm

Ever since the Art-Deco era of the 1930s, Miami has been an exotic location for a holiday; all-year round Florida sunshine, golden beaches and a pace of life to suit residents and visitors alike. This unique metropolis which bills itself as the ‘Magic City’ continues to be a massive tourist draw, offering luxury holidays in the best of settings.

As a major US hub at the gateway to the Americas, the city boasts a large port, which is the departure point for numerous cruise ships on their way to the nearby Caribbean. Close to the spectacular Everglades National Park, Miami is renowned for its unique culture, derived mainly from its celebrated ethnic diversity. The city certainly boasts an upbeat Latin feel, which is backed up by the 2000 census in which 60% of the population declared that they were Hispanic.

Miami was incorporated as a city in 1896, and has grown substantially since; now consisting of 13 major neighbourhoods. Covering a huge area of Southern Florida, as well as offering the seductive dual attraction of great beaches and sunny weather, Miami is also home to impressive culture, dazzling entertainment and a huge choice of shopping.

Bayside Marketplace offers an upmarket shopping experience set on the edge of the Port of Miami, off Biscayne Boulevard. There are over 150 fabulous shops and restaurants spread over the 16 acre open-air market, ranging from fabulous, little one-off boutiques to well-known, upmarket chains. In addition to the shopping and dining there is frequently thrilling, free entertainment on offer including Salsa and Cuban beat music.

Miami residents are generally very style-conscious and love art. The Miami Museum of Art reflects the make-up of the city, with a diverse range of genres on display and regularly hosts ground-breaking exhibitions that attract visitors in their tens of thousands. In addition, the Museum gives back to the community in the form of great educational initiatives, including morning lectures on the city’s diverse and dazzling architectural styles.

Some of the most luxurious and spectacular Miami hotels are found in South Beach and also along Collins Avenue, close to the Atlantic but not all hotels in Miami are restricted to the beaches. Indeed, they are spread across the city, many close to major attractions such as the Miami Art Museum, Design District and Spanish Monastery Cloisters, as well as the Downtown area.

Because the city is so spread out any potential visitor should ensure that they do their research and choose accommodation close to their particular area of interest, unless they are willing to hire a car.

Isla Campbell is an online, freelance journalist and avid traveler and pilates devotee. When not on the road she lives on the outskirts of Oban.

July 9, 2010

Forget Exotic Ski Resorts, France is Still Favourite With Brits

Filed under: Exotic Locations — Tags: , , , , , , — arkan @ 4:33 pm

The world of skiing is becoming increasingly more interesting as new ski frontiers open up, offering snow sport fans the chance to ski in more exotic locations than ever before. Japan, Chile, Lebanon, Slovakia, Bulgaria and many more countries not renowned for their mountains are attracting British skiers who are looking for a ski experience that’s a little out of the ordinary.

However, despite the availability of these new destinations, which are gaining a bigger slice of the ski market, France still remains the most popular location to ski for the Brits and it’s not hard to see why.

France offers arguably the best skiing in Europe, with dozens of huge resorts in the Alps, not to mention the lesser known range of the Pyrenees. It also has one of the best cuisines in the world and due to having the highest mountains in Europe, (with resorts like Val Thorens), you can be fairly certain that you’ll actually have real snow to ski on, even in this age of global warming which is threatening the survival of ski areas situated at lower altitudes. And on top of all this, France’s close proximity to the UK and the huge number of cheap flights now available means that skiers can be on the slopes in just a few hours.

Resorts like Brides Les Bains, Tignes Val Claret, Morzine, La Clusaz, Chamonix, Thollon and Les Arcs are all close to major airports, and with ever more airlines offering low prices on flights to Lyon and Geneva, getting to these resorts is quick and easy and won’t break the bank.

France also offers skiing in the lesser known ranges of the Massif Central and the Pyrenees, mountains that are completely separate from the Alps. Although not as famous or fashionable as the better known French resorts, these areas can offer cheaper and often quieter alternatives to the old favourites.

So, although some skiing and snowboarding adventurists are seeking snow further a field, France’s close proximity to the UK, its ease of access and the low cost of travelling there, are likely to keep it at the number one spot as the Brit’s favourite ski playground.

June 9, 2010

The Dominican Republic Is An Exotic Caribbean Destination

Filed under: Exotic Locations — Tags: , , , , — arkan @ 4:30 pm

If you are looking for an exotic location to enjoy a late summer getaway, or perhaps an autumn break, then you could do a lot worse than go to the Dominican Republic in the Caribbean.


The island was named as “hot for 2007″ by the Association of British Travel Agents’ (ABTA) members, and this year alone, bookings have increased by nine per cent for the destination.


ABTA’s Frances Tuke said: “The all-inclusive packages in particular have been a massive hit for families who know they have to stick to a budget as everything is paid for upfront, but the destination also offers so much more for the British holidaymaker.


“Not only are there fantastic beaches and watersports on offer, but if you want to get away from the crowds, there is breathtaking scenery in the form of rainforests, mountains and waterfalls. The cities also offer a vibrant culture that has a Spanish colonial past.”


The Dominican Republic is the second largest island in the Caribbean. It has the highest point in the West Indies, the Pick Duarte standing tall at 10,414ft, and also the lowest point in the West Indies, Lake Enriquillo which is 148 ft below sea level.


Christopher Columbus first stepped ashore the island, which he called Hispaniola, in 1492. Consequently, the south side of the island boasts the oldest city of the New World, including the first hospital, first sugar mill, and first cathedral.


The capital city, Santo Domingo has Columbus’ Palace, the Alcazar de Colon, the 22-room home of Don Diego Columbus and his family. It was built in 1510, and then underwent restoration in 1955, a wonderful mix of Gothic and Moorish architecture.


The capital also has a buzzing street life, which is quite unique. The streets are awash with colour and music, the finest example of which occurs during the Domincan Carnival that takes place between February and March.


The second largest city on the island is found on the cliffs above the Yaque River, called Santiago de los Caballeros or simply Santiago, but it is the island’s next largest city, Puerto Plata, located on the north shore of the island which has become the most popular tourist destination. Nearby Sosua, La Romana and Punta Cana to the east of the island also have a growing resort population.


The Dominican Republic also has some stunning landscapes, with much of the island covered in mountainous terrain. There is plenty for nature lovers to explore, from semi-desert plains to green valleys and tropical rain forests.


There is also the Cordillera Septentrional mountain range, which runs between the Atlantic coast and the Cibao valley. It was here that Spaniards used to search for gold. The Cibao Valley is also famous for growing, harvesting and marketing tobacco, and its cigars are an important income for the island. It is easy to arrange trips to soak up this nature from most of the island’s tourist centres.


But for many, the number one thing to do on holiday is hit the beach, top up the tan and relax. You will have no problem doing that in the Dominican Republic. With its characteristic laid-back Caribbean style, the island has approximately 400km of beaches to enjoy.


With first class All Inclusive hotels such as the Bahia Principe and the Riu Bachata it’s the ideal place for an All Inclusive holiday.


Package deals can be found for most of the white sandy beaches along the country’s northern shores, with the between Puerto Plata and Cabarete proving to long-standing popular places with sunseekers.


Unsurprisingly, the watersports are excellent as well. Snorkelling, sailing and scuba-diving can be enjoyed in the unspoilt water along the coast, or you could indulge in deep-sea fishing or championship golf along the north coast of Playa Grande.

David Brice was writing on behalf of the specialist Caribbean online travel agent Discover the Caribbean

May 10, 2010

Exotic Honeymoon Locations

Filed under: Exotic Locations — Tags: , , — arkan @ 4:27 pm

If you are getting married, you know that one of the most important parts of a wedding is the wedding ceremony. However, you also need to consider that the honeymoon is also one of the most important. Besides, the honeymoon is where you will spend a romantic getaway with your loved one. You also need to consider that that honeymoon only happens once in your marriage. Of course, you can always go and plan a second or even a third honeymoon, but nothing will compare to the romance that you and your spouse will feel on your first honeymoon. This is why it is important to make your first honeymoon an unforgettable one.

On any kind of honeymoon, you have to consider that the location is considered to be one of the most important aspects of the honeymoon. You have to choose a location where both you and your significant other can enjoy. So, if you want to fully enjoy your honeymoon, you should choose an exotic location to spend it.

You have to consider that there are quite a lot of exotic location available in the world where you and your spouse and definitely enjoy. It is very important that you should know where these destinations are and also be prepared to spend some cash in order for you to fully enjoy your honeymoon. However, you have to know that spending your honeymoon in an exotic location doesn’t mean that you should spend a lot of money to the point that your life savings will be spent. All you need to do is know how to choose and also know how to save money.

Before you start calling your travel agent, you first need to research about the different exotic honeymoon destination available. You can take a look at travel magazines and even take a look at a bridal magazine. By dong this, you will have an idea of where you and your spouse will spend an exotic honeymoon vacation.

You have to consider that there are quite a lot of popular and exotic honeymoon destinations located at different parts of the world. You can consider going to Hawaii, the Caribbean, Europe, and even the tropical islands in South Asia to name a few exotic honeymoon destinations. In these locations, you will find great honeymoon packages with your travel agency. However, if you really want to save money, you should try and purchase a honeymoon package online. You will find that online booking can offer great discounts and offers with a lot of resorts.

Another great way to save a lot of money is to book a flight with an economy seat. You have to consider the fact that you will mostly be sitting in the plane the entire time you go to your destination. Economy seats may not offer comfort, but it can offer great savings that you can use once you reach you and your spouse reach your destination.

If you want a luxurious and exotic honeymoon vacation package, you can consider purchasing a honeymoon cruise package. Most cruise liners today now offers honeymoon packages with great discounts.

These are some of the things you should consider when you are planning your honeymoon vacation destination. As you can see, with planning and knowing how to find it, you can definitely have a great honeymoon in an exotic destination.

Read up on water for frogs at the Frog Habitat website. Find information on how to get rid of mice at the Getting Rid Of Mice website. For info on web weaver spiders, visit the Types Of Spiders site.

March 11, 2010

Retire to Exotic Thailand

Filed under: Exotic Locations — Tags: , , — arkan @ 4:28 pm

Retirement is the point where a person stops employment completely. A person may also semi-retire and keep some sort of retirement job, out of choice rather than necessity.

To some, this is the end of the road of years of heading off to work each day. To others, it is a fresh start in life, the excitement of new things each day on their time and terms.

Some have meticulously financially planned for retirement. Many others find themselves at retirement age with little or no plans, and savings to match. The amount of money that the experts suggest will be necessary to retire comfortably is ridiculous!

If you are at retirement age you are probably saturated with retirement information including financial planning, pension plans, social security, retirement communities, medical expenses, insurance, and other choices to be made.

As you read this article, we are at a point in time where some choices are being made for us. Let me give you just one. It is no longer possible to retire in the US, UK, or many Western Countries because of the high cost of living. The cost of living in the USA goes higher each day, groceries, gasoline, medical bills, dental bills, home repair bills, and the list goes on. Unfortunately, many who have worked a lifetime are not really enjoying their Golden Years but are just barely getting by.

There is a better way! It is possible to have luxury living in retirement for pennies – not just “getting by” on your retirement pension. There are places that are more affordable, and have a quality standard of living. It is simply a matter of knowing how and where.

Asia is the most exciting continent on earth, and Thailand is an excellent country of choice. There is something for everyone, depending on your likes and requirements, large cities like Bangkok, small rural villages, beach resort areas, charming islands, lakes, cool mountains, good weather, great food, and friendly people. Thailand is filled with beautiful exotic locations where you can live on a shoestring and not have to sacrifice anything.

Let the entire country of Thailand be your “retirement community”. You will have affordable housing, modern shopping centers, banking and ATM facilities, fine restaurants, entertainment, good public transportation, movie complexes, health spas, fitness centers, social clubs, golf courses, and an incredible amount of sporting activities. Language is not a problem, but learning a little basic Thai is both fun and useful. And what about healthcare? Thailand is one of the leading countries for “Medical Tourism”, because the Thai medical profession is one of the most advanced in the region. Major hospitals are internationally accredited, and reasonably priced! For those who want to semi-retire, you can earn extra income in Thailand with an Internet business like affiliate marketing, stocks or forex trading, or even teach English part time.

Why not retire in a country where senior citizens are respected. I am a senior citizen living in Thailand. Someone always gives me a seat on a crowded bus or the subway. When I go to the bank, I’m always escorted to the front of the line by a bank official. People are always helping me. It’s great to live in a country where older people are looked upon with esteem and consideration.

The bottom line is that you can retire in Thailand and live a more relaxed, happier life on less money. This retirement paradise is real. As you read this, many people, just like you, are already experiencing this lifestyle. Why not join them? Each day is precious and we should be enjoying life to its fullest. The best is yet to come.

A “must read” overview on Thailand and other Asian countries is the Retire to Asia! E-book. 67 pages of text and stunning photographs. Visit me at http://www.retiretoasia.net Brian Bees has lived and worked in Asia for 28 years.

Older Posts »

Powered by WordPress