Ross Fraser asked:


An adventurous cruise through South America will take in a huge array of wildlife, you could see many natural wonders and some spectacular scenery, and even lost cities along the way. Rich with beauty and atmosphere, a South American cruise truly is a unique experience.

For travellers who are in search of breath taking mountain views, vast tropical rainforests and natural, rugged beauty a South American cruise really is it. The west coast of Chile with deep fjords and icy glaciers is something to behold. In contrast you could experience the tropical atmosphere of a mangrove river in Costa Rica or explore a tranquil fishing village in Mexico. This huge continent covers many thousands of miles and has equatorial tropics and sub Antarctic regions. There are fourteen countries and territories that make up the continent and that means some wonderfully diverse cultures as well as many interesting animals to be seen, from Whales to Penguins and Sea Lions as well as many tropical birds.

This is adventure cruising, and as well as the main cruise itself, you will probably want to take excursions away from your ship in order to truly experience this region. Boat up the Amazon to see the jungle surround you and a wonderful array of wildlife and birds that just can’t be seen anywhere else. Take an excursion to see OIinda, a wonderful Portuguese hilltop town which is now a UNESCO world heritage site. Or sightsee in the exotic and cosmopolitan Rio de Janeiro. You might even take in Port Stanley in the Falkland Islands on your route and experience a little slice of Britain out in the South Atlantic.

Travel round the Cape Horn at the southernmost tip of the southernmost continent, and visit Patagonia, a vast landscape of deserts and mountains that stretch between Chile and Argentina which in it’s gentlest parts looks something like the wildest areas of Scotland, here you can go penguin spotting and visit the national glacier parks, and possibly even see a killer whale. There are so many places to visit in this area that no cruise can take them all in, but whichever route you choose you are bound to experience some wonderful sights, and if visiting Antarctica appeals to you, it is possible to take a day cruise out there from some main cruises, but these can be expensive at around £1,500 per person for this day event. It is however a once in a lifetime experience.

In between visits to exotic places, there is of course the wonder of the South Atlantic ocean to see. From your ship at night you will be able to view the stars over the water in this vast unspoilt area, and there are many aquatic creatures to look out for along the way in the daytime such as the South American sea lion which can be found on the Peruvian, Uruguayan, Argentine and Chilean coasts. So, with fine dining aboard ship and adventurous trips inland to be taken, as well as incredible wildlife and astounding landscapes and seascapes to be seen, most people enjoy cruising this area which is like no other anywhere on the globe.

Andy Adams asked:


The previous two parts of this guide explored six possible holiday destinations in South America that were worthy of visiting this year.  As well as well known locations such as Peru and Brazil there are plenty of other locations such as Guatemala’s ancient ruins and the Chilean Desert which can offer all sorts of holidays from adventure holidays to relaxing beach lounging trips. 

The final four are locations that you certainly wouldn’t normally expect to see on a list of top holiday destinations but as trends are changing they very well may end up being the must-go-to spots this year.  This final part covers some more northern areas of South America, specifically some Caribbean locations that are becoming popular this year.

4.    Costa Rica

Costa Rica has the benefit of both the Caribbean sea and the Pacific Ocean on either side but despite having a vast amount of coastline it still has vast mountain ranges and not just rainforests but cloud forests.  These forests almost look like they are perennially foggy but in actual fact they are so high up that they are within the clouds. 

A lot of nature photography taken of rainforests with the dense clouds interspersed with the trees will likely be of these cloud forests in Costa Rica.  There are plenty of activities and hotels to stay at deep within the jungles themselves.  The aptly named El Silencio lodge and spa is located within the these cloud forest and has a yoga platform, full-service spa and for those looking for more adventure than relaxation can go horse trekking or rafting down a river.

3.    The Corn Islands, Nicaragua

The Corn Islands whilst just off the coast of Nicaragua are still considered to be within the Caribbean Sea.  Obviously like all other Caribbean Islands it has great reefs and coastlines for diving.  Deep sea diving is popular in the region and is becoming a well known spot in the scuba world.

The Corn Islands doesn’t sound too Latin in name; that is because it is a former British Protectorate and has recently been hoisted to the top of the list of best holidays for 2008 by a South American tour company due to its undeveloped land and superb marine life.  There are a few lodges and hotels on the island that people are flocking to this year.

2.    Belize

Belize is quite similar to the Corn Islands as it too is popular for diving with its Caribbean coastline and varied wildlife.  But more than this the southern Toledo district is an immense jungle that you can visit on nature trips to see the bird life in the area. 

One particular attraction is the region’s cocoa farms; chocolate fiends will be in heaven as this is where Green and Blacks’ Maya Gold bars are sourced from.  Belize is able to offer both of these attractions: warm Caribbean beaches and dense jungles that can offer a bit of shade.

And now the last of the ten recommended holiday destinations in South America…

1.    Zona Cafetera, Columbia

Columbia is at the top of this list as it is highly tipped to be the most visited South American location this year. With the film ‘Love in the time of Cholera’ being set in Cartagena it will no doubt draw in a lot of tourists from around the world.

Couple that with the New York Times putting Bogotá down as one of the must visit locations this year Columbia is likely to see a large influx of people getting hotels in one of the main cities.

So there you have it, the ten best locations in South America.  Some of the locations listed you may never have heard but many experts on the region have recommended them to the public this year.  If you book your holiday yourself you may be able to score cheap hotels if you just want to see the region or you could try one of the luxurious lodges or spas mentioned in this article.  Either way South America has a whole lot to give and will likely turn out to be the hot holiday location for 2008!

Andy Adams asked:


One of the best countries to visit is South America, full of rich culture and a complete world away from the European lifestyle South America is home to many stand out countries such as Mexico, Brazil and Peru.  The thing is that for every article you read on the (very considerable) wonders of Manchu Picchu there are a thousand other equally amazing sights to see in this immense continent.  This article will cover ten secret holiday locations that you should consider if you want to see South America this year.

10. Panama City, Panama

This city is likely to see an increase in tourism this year especially for two reasons; firstly since April of this year flight company KLM has new routes going to Panama City making it easier to travel there this year.  The second reason may be that the popular US TV show Prison Break was based there recently and helped showcase the relaxed city with its attractive mix of jungles and beaches.

The beaches can provide the perfect retreat from working life back home. Panama boasts over 900 species of birds, an amazing 1,500 species of trees and well over 7000 breeds of vascular plants.  This makes for the perfect holiday if you are a nature buff and don’t fancy bird watching in a damp field in the rain back home.

9.    Puebla & Oaxaca, Mexico

Mexico is a popular tourist spot for many Americans looking to venture outside their own borders. It is also popular amongst American college students during the summer and spring breaks.  But whilst it’s got a great party atmosphere if that isn’t quite your thing then there are plenty of other reasons to visit Mexico.

The main one that springs to mind is the cuisine, at some point chances are you’ll have encountered some derivative of Mexican cooking here in the UK but as with all specialist cuisine you can’t beat the taste at the source.  If you’re not content with simply eating the local food then there are local cookery courses that you can partake in if you prefer a hands on approach.  Cities like Puebla and Oaxaca have many cookery classes that can teach you the skills to impress family and friends upon your return from your holiday.

Mexico is also home to Cancun which has become popular in recent years and with many cheap flights to Cancun available now may be the best time to take advantage of this delightful country’s food.

8.    San Pedro de Atacama, Chile

The Atacama Desert in Chile may not sound like the most inviting destination but there are a surprising amount of activities to do in Chile; one specialist hotel even offers an adventure holiday and spa out in the middle of the Desert.  The Tierra Atacama Adventure and Spa is a boutique hotel that can offer tours of the terracotta coloured sands and neighbouring lagoons. 

There are even areas that are so untouched by man, due to being protected areas, that they have earned the name Moon Valley as it resembles the moon’s surface with small but sharp crested hills.

The next part of this article will cover the many other locations in South America that you should visit this year.  cheap flights to Mexico and other South American locations have seen many UK tourists spreading their wings and getting flights to see this wonderful corner of the world for themselves

egyptinmypocket asked:


For centuries together Egypt has attracted lots of tourist across the world, this may be due to its vast archeological beauties and the unsolved mystery about the pyramids that feature the most in tourists mind. Egypt vacations travel guide takes you through the city of ancient ruins, pyramids, mysterious crypts and hidden treasures, an interesting tourist destination. Egypt vacations travel guide will help you track various tourist sites, Egypt hotels & restaurants in Cairo, Egyptian cuisines etc.

Cairo is one of the exciting places to spend your trip visiting the gorgeous citadel of Salah EI-Din Ei-Ayoubi in the Moqattam hills. Travel to the marvel of Egypt and one of the 7 wonders, the Pyramids along with the world famous Sphinx. If excited, you could also have a unique camel ride in the area. Another structure worth watching, the huge statue of Rames II in Memphis along with the valley temple, make sure you add them to your trip. Luxor features temple of Deir El Bahari, Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, Amon, Sacred Lake, Osiris and Hathor temples, Esna temple, Temple of Dendera and Valley of King. Alexandria, Sharm El Sheikh, Aswan and Hurghada are the places having their own glory to make up the a part of Egypt tour. Sight seeing in cairo is very easy, you can find usually the pyramids, but its not only place to visit.Visit Islamic Cairo, the city of dead, Coptic Cairo and the Cairo museums that feature the history of Cairo. The Pyramids of Unas, Oser-Kaf the Mastaba, Tomb of Mereruka, Tiand Pta-Hotep, famous places to spend your trip. The famous mosques of Egypt include Egyptian Museum, Mosque of Suleiman Pasha, Alabaster Mosque and Joeh’s Walls. Egypt adds beauty by connecting the date palm trees, the desert areas, the rock formation, the unique vegetation, the monuments, structures, ancient ruins, pyramids The choices of hotels and resorts in Cairo and the surrounding area are as vast as the Sahara Desert. Travelers often find it convenient to stay downtown, including the areas of Zamalek and Garden City, or close to the pyramids in Giza. While grand hotels put the emphasis on Western and Asian cuisine, the city’s trendiest restaurants focus on the region’s culinary heritage. Delights of Cairo Egyptian food include the famous Shawrma, also order Sheesha the perfect end for perfect meal. If you need to rest your weary legs for a few hours and enjoy some air conditioning, check out one of the local cinemas, most of them offer a variety of local and international films. Looking out for shopping in Cairo, check out Khan El Khalili market area, bustling with life and yet another amazing experience to have in Cairo. Music lovers can go shopping in Mohammed Ali Street for musical instruments. You will find a chain of Cairo’s top shopping malls both authentic and the latest, lookout for the list here . To conclude  lookout for Cairo health tips in our Cairo guide .These few tips that we hope will keep you healthy and happy while traveling in Egypt.

K H Travel asked:


Gulmarg is known for its unparallel beauty and is rated as one of the matchless tourist spots of the world. It is famous for Golf hikes and boasts of a beautiful highland golf course. It is premier resort for winter sports in the country. The meadow of Flowers is a world famous tourist spot in the Baramulla Distt of Kashmir. The altitude of Gulmarg is 2730 meters.

Adventure Sports in Gulmarg

Trekking

Gulmarg makes an excellent base for trekking in the northern Pir Panjal Range. Nanga Parbat can be seen to the north from several view points, including Khilanmarg, west and over 1,500 feet up the forested hillside from Gulmarg. From a distance, the Pir Panjal appears somewhat rounded, but when you are actually walking up its slopes, you will find that its smoother peaks rise above evergreen clad slopes that seem quite equal in steepness to those of the main Himalayas.

Golf Courses in Gulmarg

Situated at an altitude of 2,650 m, Gulmarg has got the highest green golf course in the world. The layout of the course is quiet striking and the layout is similar to a normal golf course with land slopes and inclines along the complete area of the course, which has a par of 72. The golf club was started by the British who used Gulmarg as a holiday resort, and opened it for golf lovers in the year 1904.

Skiing Adventure in Gulmarg

Gulmarg is also counted among the best skiing resorts in India, but you require a pretty good experience as well as training to ski down the slopes over here. Gulmarg also make a good ski spot for starters, those who are new to skiing. Ski enthusiasts can easily find out all required gear and equipments as well as professional ski instructors in Gulmarg, to try out a hand on skiing. The longest ski run in Gulmarg is providing by the Gondola Cable Car, where skiers can swoosh down the slopes from the height of 2, 213m.

Places to Visit

Khilanmarg

A 40-minute journey through valleys of wild flowers from Gulmarg to Khilanmarg offers a breathtaking view of the majestic peaks with their reflections in Wular and other lakes.

Alpather Lake

Streaks of floating ice in this triangular lake, nestled in a hollow under the shadow of Apharwat Mountain are a visual delight. A well-graded pony track joins Apharwat Ridge with Gulmarg.

K H Travel asked:


Gulmarg is known for its unparallel beauty and is rated as one of the matchless tourist spots of the world. It is famous for Golf hikes and boasts of a beautiful highland golf course. It is premier resort for winter sports in the country. The meadow of Flowers is a world famous tourist spot in the Baramulla Distt of Kashmir. The altitude of Gulmarg is 2730 meters.

Adventure Sports in Gulmarg

Trekking

Gulmarg makes an excellent base for trekking in the northern Pir Panjal Range. Nanga Parbat can be seen to the north from several view points, including Khilanmarg, west and over 1,500 feet up the forested hillside from Gulmarg. From a distance, the Pir Panjal appears somewhat rounded, but when you are actually walking up its slopes, you will find that its smoother peaks rise above evergreen clad slopes that seem quite equal in steepness to those of the main Himalayas.

Golf Courses in Gulmarg

Situated at an altitude of 2,650 m, Gulmarg has got the highest green golf course in the world. The layout of the course is quiet striking and the layout is similar to a normal golf course with land slopes and inclines along the complete area of the course, which has a par of 72. The golf club was started by the British who used Gulmarg as a holiday resort, and opened it for golf lovers in the year 1904.

Skiing Adventure in Gulmarg

Gulmarg is also counted among the best skiing resorts in India, but you require a pretty good experience as well as training to ski down the slopes over here. Gulmarg also make a good ski spot for starters, those who are new to skiing. Ski enthusiasts can easily find out all required gear and equipments as well as professional ski instructors in Gulmarg, to try out a hand on skiing. The longest ski run in Gulmarg is providing by the Gondola Cable Car, where skiers can swoosh down the slopes from the height of 2, 213m.

Places to Visit

Khilanmarg

A 40-minute journey through valleys of wild flowers from Gulmarg to Khilanmarg offers a breathtaking view of the majestic peaks with their reflections in Wular and other lakes.

Alpather Lake

Streaks of floating ice in this triangular lake, nestled in a hollow under the shadow of Apharwat Mountain are a visual delight. A well-graded pony track joins Apharwat Ridge with Gulmarg.

Paula Ojeda asked:


Following the worldwide boom of sustainable tourism and the environment, plenty of hotels around the world are becoming “green.” Discover the best guide to hotels and their ecological services.

Conscious of the need to conserve the planet, about 48% of travelers seeking shelter today “eco-friendly.” The commitment to the planet was not made to wait and each day there are more people willing to bet on construction demand and “green.”

Today, Europe is leading the initiative to make environmental protection at the best value-added offering for its hotels. Northern America and Asia will follow the steps towards reducing, reusing and recycling. Latin America, for its part, has already begun to generate ecological responsibility within the guild hotel.

A change worth

Studies show that 95% of waste generated by a hotel can be recycled or reused. However, these residues are untapped in its entirety. In order to change this reality, the Fairmont Hotels and Resorts Green Partnership is an action plan to bring the hotel chain to a position of leadership in environmental responsibility.

Some of the actions proposed by this program are directed to waste management, water saving and energy practices. However, the most innovative proposal is a community that not only benefits the environment but to the needy population.

Adopt-A-Shelter involves the donation of items that may no longer be used in the hotel, yet may be vital to families affected by floods, displacement and violence. These items include bedding, furniture, linens, towels, food and general use without any reusable product.

Although conversion to hotels’ green ‘is expensive to include in the structure changes from (purchase of solar panels, for example), to purchase recyclable products, the long-term savings in cost can be between 40 % and 50%.

The best in the world

Today there are many hotels that are combined with the environment without losing an iota of charm. Rather, his concern for preserving it has become the value that tourists seek. In countries such as China, Cuba, United States, Costa Rica and Colombia soar constructions based on the concept of conservation.

Then the three best hotels in the organic world.

Scandic Hotel Hasselbacken.

Stockholm, Sweden

Scandic’s chain is known for its environmental policy. This hotel offers rooms furnished with wood, cotton and wool to replace plastics and synthetics. Products such as shampoo are biodegradable and their menu offers organic options. Like most hotels of its cut, it offers guests the option of not changing their sheets and towels every day and uses energy-saving bulbs.

Sumba Nihiwatu

Indonesia

The seven bungalows offered are built with indigenous materials to enable them to adapt to most environment without causing any environmental impact. Committed to responsible tourism, tend to preserve the environment by using biodiesel derived from coconuts and promote reforestation of the forests in the area.

Chumbo Island

Tanzania

The principle of preservation is based on reuse. In this hotel rainwater is collected, stored and heated by solar energy. The soaps are organic, the lights are photovoltaic and bungalows form allows the breeze to the fan that is not necessary to use air conditioning.

No doubt exists that the overall need to work towards a future of working for a more engaged and aware of the environment. In choosing a hotel make sure that most of the energy consumed is solar, which comply with the rules of bioclimatic building, which is not located in areas crowded by tourists and have plans for recycling and reuse.

Do not forget that from our position of consumers and tourists are on the duty to demand alternatives environmentally friendly. It is our responsibility to provide ideas that will complement the efforts of the major hotel chains for conservation. Caring for the environment depends on everyone.

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