Traveling on your own or joining other travelers to soak in the sights and enjoy a historical tour of Cambodia and other interesting Asian destinations? Give in to the wanderlust in you and prepare for an educational and enjoyable trip to maximize the wonderful opportunity. Pack suitable apparel and don’t forget comfortable footwear. Since a focal point of your journey will be to see the breathtaking Angkor Wat and other treasures in the vast Angkor temple complex, you must have suitable footwear that will take you across the moat (which surrounds the famed Cambodian religious structure) to the temple. If you’re a first-time traveler, you may check out the internet for an overview of the numerous famous spots you will be trekking to.

At Siem Reap, be ready to be amazed by one of the most photogenic of the temples – Ta Prohm. It stands out amidst giant fig trees and other gigantic creepers ensconcing the stone foundations of the structure. An amazing showcase of architecture melding with nature, this is one of the scenic spots featured in the Tomb Raider movie. Also worth exploring are the many galleries with columns, pavilions, courtyards and ponds that give a reflection of the towering temple.

Besides Angkor Wat, there are small but attractive temples you will most likely see. Aside from the temples, be prepared to be mystified Phnom Penh (with its myriad cultural attractions and fine food, unspoiled countryside with rice paddies, little villages and lost temples all waiting to be explored); and on to Sihanoukville for more exotic food, and the opportunity to bask in some sun & sand; and Ban Lung where scenic spots and ethnic people beckon. You will be interacting with many charming and friendly locals and terrific Asian cuisine of excellent value. It will also be an opportune time to refresh and quench your thirst with Angkor beer, which is simply divine.

The Cambodian temples are six to 10 kilometers away from the Siem Reap town proper. If you’re traveling alone on a shoestring budget, there several bargain accommodations at Siem Reap offering a balance of comfort and value for money. There is one which is western-run and is conveniently close to Siem Reap River, and a few minutes’ drive from the airport and about seven kilometers from the Angkor Wat. Choose one which is a stone’s throw from the main shopping and dining areas of the Old Market and Pub Street as well as some fine waterfront restaurants. Phnom Penh likewise offers high standard hotels. Even with limited funds, a budget traveler can easily get by in Cambodia. The food prices are similar to or go even lower than in Thailand. Food from the street stalls is hygienic and delicious.

If you’ve arranged and booked yourself in advance and availed of a special packaged hotel rate online, you can proceed to enjoy the exotic surroundings, great facilities and services, plus the best that traditional Cambodian hospitality can offer.

Indeed, your Cambodia travel is a trip unlike any other, and from the Khmer ruins of Angkor Wat, you may wend your way into to other must-visit destinations that fall under the most fascinating world heritage sites.

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Source by Bruce Basic

The post Cambodia Travel – Exploring One of the Best Destinations in Asia on a Budget appeared first on Travel Afford.

There is probably no place that sparks the mind with sights and sounds as wonderful as those remembered when someone mentions the words, amusement park. Folks from all ages enjoy amusement parks, and if for some strange reason you don’t, then your the exception when it comes to being human.

When it comes to amusement parks, one place that is sure to make for a very fun filled day for any visitor is Joyland Amusement Park, in Lubbock, Texas.

Joyland Amusement Park has over thirty amazing rides to please even the most discriminating amusement park patron, and has rides suited for every age. For the young ones that come to visit, there are numerous rides they will enjoy, such as becoming the pilot of a helicopter.

Grab the controls and pilot a helicopter as it flies across the skies, as far as your imagination can go. Take a ride back in time, as you drive an antique automobile. Become the captain of a boat, and ride on this wonderful attraction over a water filled area, and there are many more ride for the kiddies to enjoy.

For the family and those older folks, that enjoy the more slower paced, relaxing rides, why not climb aboard the carousel and enjoy the music and sights. Take a relaxing yet exciting ride around the park aboard a train, or enjoy the other family rides. For visitors that want all of the scares and thrills of the fast paced terror style rides, there are plenty that are sure to please anyone.

Experience falling to the ground from over a hundred feet in the air, without actually crashing into it, on the Dare Devil Drop. Hold onto your stomach and everything else as you enjoy spinning, turning and moving around at great speeds on the Tilt-A-Wheel. Besides the rides I mentioned, and the many others that I didn’t, there are Water Rides too, as of this articles writing, Joyland Amusement Park has over thirty rides.

Besides all of the rides, don’t forget the treats to eat and drink while visiting Joyland Amusement Park. Just a few of the food items they offer are; funnel cakes, cotton candy, popcorn, hamburgers, hot dogs, fries, and lots of other great food items.

For drinks and treats, why not try shaved ice, in one of the many flavors offered, or how about a coffee, or hot chocolate. If it’s too warm, or not the time of day for you to want a hot coffee or hot chocolate, then enjoy a cold soda, or a wonderful milk shake, or one of the other delicious drinks.

Joyland Amusement Park, offers options to save some money, such as armbands, as well as several offers and discounts held on different days, and times of the week. There are also discounts, and special offers and more, for school trips, groups, birthday parties and whatever else you and your groups needs may be.

You may publish this article in your ezine, newsletter, or on your web site as long as it is reprinted in its entirety and without modification except for formatting needs or grammar corrections.

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Source by Robert Benjamin

The post Joyland Amusement Park, Lubbock, Texas – A Great Vacation and Travel Destination appeared first on Travel Afford.

You could enjoy the low budget travel packages also if you are ready to compromise with your dreams. The dreams of most of the people need more money than the total bucks in their bank account. If you are among those who want to enjoy their vacations by traveling to the distant places but your budget is limited then you should know all the tips that can help you to reduce your traveling expenses. You can plan your vacations with in your budget if you can compromise a little bit with your dreams. Continue reading the important travel tips to know the ways to reduce your expenses.

Select a cheap destination

Countries where the cost of living is low can be the good travel destinations for you if your budget is limited. You will not notice much difference whether you are visiting the seashore of America or Asia because you will enjoy the same level of cool breeze at both places and your body will be relaxed similarly at both places. The only difference you will see at both the tourist spots is the cost because the cost of living is low in Asia so the cost to visit the seashore of Asia will also be less as compared to the cost to visit the seashore of America.

Select a hotel according to your requirements

The next step to reduce the total cost is to select a hotel with less facility. Many tourists use hotels just for staying in night and so if you are also among those who do not need to enjoy all the facilities that a five star hotel can offer you then why to pay for those extra services that you are not going to use. The rate of five star hotels are high because they offer extra services than other four star hotels but if you are not going to use those services that a four star cannot offer then you should plan your stay in a four star hotel. This is because a four star hotel can be better and cheaper than a five star hotel for the limited services that you may need. For example, if you do not need to go to swimming pools or gymnasiums then why to pay for these additional services. Book your travel package in a hotel that does not offer these services and is relatively cheaper. These hotel travel tips will reduce your hotel expenses.

Research to get the lowest packages

There may be many travel websites offering cheap travel packages or discounts on packages. You can find the discount packages every time because travel websites offer these discount packages to compete with other travel websites. You can take benefits of such offers only if you know these offers and this could be possible only if you do good research before registering for a travel package. Browse the good travel websites and look at their recent discount packages. You can also talk to the traveling agents to find a best travel package that is most suitable to you.

Follow the tips discussed above and book the most cost efficient travel package.

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Source by Nitesh Pandey

The post Important Travel Tips to Get the Low Budget Travel Packages appeared first on Travel Afford.

Ahh…New York, New York, so good they named it twice! Known as one of the most popular student group travel destinations in the U.S, New York City offers up a feeling of excitement and value that is unmatched. Student groups can immerse themselves in New York City for five minutes, and see why it’s like no other place in the world. Known affectionately as the “Big Apple,” the city is full of incredible attractions, iconic landmarks, top-rated museums, live Broadway shows, professional sports teams, unbelievable shopping, fashion and delicious food. Moreover, dance groups can take advantage of the rich resources of the theatre community with a clinic or a memorable performance opportunity.

Since dance is an extraordinary blend of art, sport, communication and interaction, dancers often enjoy a unique insight into workshops, performances, plus more. And a trip to New York City will combine all of these attributes. Dance travel to New York City allows you and your dance group the chance to meet with professional artists/dance instructors and learn new styles, history and techniques. Couple this with a behind-the-scenes tour and public performance, and you’ll have an outstanding travel experience that will be second to none. Below are a few customized workshops/master classes for dance ensembles in New York City:

Broadway Dance Center welcomes groups year round. A trip to Broadway Dance Center is always a great way to motivate and inspire any dancer. Broadway Dance Center offers over 40 classes a day for ages 13 and up, and their “drop-in” schedule is carefully structured to offer a variety of levels and techniques. Dance groups also have the option to arrange private master classes with the faculty. The 90-minute private classes are customized to your needs and preferences, where instructors structure the class according to your specifications. Private classes create a more intimate environment where your students will receive personalized attention to maximize their classroom experience. There is no age limit for private classes, so they’re a perfect option for your younger dancers as well. In addition to the open and private master classes, groups can choose from several specialty options. Broadway Dance Center knows many groups bring their dancers to NYC to train as well as experience the excitement of the city. Broadway Dance Center works closely with the Broadway community and schedules “Meet the Artist” classes on a regular basis. Dance-related seminars on headshots and résumés, auditioning and nutrition are available as well and are outstanding supplements to your regular dance classes. What better way to experience the magic of Broadway than learning from the performers first hand!

Broadway Classroom is a series of interactive workshops designed to further enhance your groups’ Broadway experience. They are a great way to engage students in a variety of theatre and vocal disciplines and were developed in accordance with the National Standards for Arts Education. Broadway Classroom was created to be a flexible program, and any group with any skill level can participate in the majority of the workshops. Each workshop is private, scheduled at your convenience, are 90 minutes in length and are taught by qualified teaching artists and Broadway performers. Workshops for Performing Arts include:

• Business of the Business
• Musical Theatre Song and Movement
• Step by Step

These workshops are perfect for individuals who are seriously interested in pursuing their craft in theatre. Students will get to learn directly from Broadway performers about auditioning for Broadway and the business behind show business for actors. They can be tailored to your groups’ level of experiences – even for non-performers.

STEPS on Broadway is the studio where professionals go to study in New York City. Since 1979, Steps has been at the center of New York’s diverse and electrifying dance scene. Whether studying ballet, tap, modern, musical theatre, jazz or hip-hop, your students will be dancing alongside some of the top professional dancers in the business. Steps has established a tradition of excellence through its world-renowned staff of teachers, musicians, choreographers, performers and artistic directors. Located on the Upper West Side, Steps is equipped with 10 air-conditioned studios, a studio theatre, dancewear boutique and café. These elements create an environment to help nurture the talent of your aspiring dancers and to encourage them to explore the many career opportunities in the dance world. Groups may take private/master classes, participate in daily scheduled classes, experience special workshops, or attend lectures on a variety of dance-related topics. Whether you are a private studio, drill team, a musical theatre department or a ballet academy, your students will have a variety of artistic and stimulating dance classes from which to choose.

The Alvin Ailey Dance Studios, the largest facility dedicated to dance in the United States, is the ultimate destination for dancers of all ages and levels! Create an unforgettable experience for your group when you add a fun dance class taught by New York’s best instructors, a tour of Ailey’s acclaimed building, or a pre-performance party to your order of tickets to see the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater at New York City Center. And when you book your group’s “Day at Ailey”, you’ll also enjoy special savings and personalized service. There are many options for dance groups visiting The Ailey Studios including private classes, participation in regular open classes, class observations and much more! The Ailey Studios offer diverse dance techniques you won’t find at any other studio, including Horton, West African, Ballet, Jazz, Afro-Caribbean, Hip Hop, Samba, Yoga, Pilates, and Tap. They offer classes for everybody of varying levels, from beginning dancers through professionals, and can customize your visit to accommodate your specific needs and interests.

Overall, dance is such an important aspect of life, art, and expression. Be one of those instructors who expose their students to life-changing, dance experiences by attending one of the above-mentioned excellent programs. If you have a dance ensemble that wants to participate in the best workshops/master classes, then consider booking with a student travel company. They will help place you in the right dance classes that will highlight the level of your dance ensemble and make your student group dance trip to New York City a success!

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Source by Steve Brinkman

The post A Student Group Dance Trip to New York City appeared first on Travel Afford.

Europe tour package

Europe is a never ending experience because of its amazing varied and thrilling countries. Europe is noted to be one of the most favored destinations in the world. Europe tour package provides all necessary information to envisage the holidays in Europe. It is one of the continents of the world which is gifted with loads of richness and beauty on almost each field of the life. Europe tour package offers astounding architecture, the spectacular landscapes and many more in your voyage to Europe.

The major travel destinations offered by Europe tour package are:

Vienna is known as paradise for music lovers because it had various world class musicians like Mozart and Johan Strauss. The major attractions of Vienna are Wienerwald, palace of Shonbrunn, Donau park, St. Stephans cathedral, prater and the Karlskirche which are very comman among the forigeners. Tuscany is another commonly visited places in Europe, it is located in the Linguarian sea and the Tyrrhenian sea. World famous tower of Pisa is the major attraction of the place. Most of the sky scrapers of this place are made of marbles.Frequently visited cities of Tuscany are Florence, San Gimignano, Volterra and Lucca.

In case you would love to walk in the woods than Black forest in Germany is the best option that you can opt for. Black Forest is said to be the home of the supreme waterfalls in Germany. Apart from its natural beauty it is also known for great markers of unique wooden handicrafts and legendry cuckoo clock. Another major attraction of Europe tour package is Copenhagen which is small but gorgeous city. Being the capital of Denmark it various historical monuments. The commonly visited places of Copenhagen are the little mermaid, the National gallery, National Museum, Tivoli garden, Amalienborg Palace and many more.

Europe tour package is a complete wrap up of fun, enthusiasm and leisure, so what are you waiting for? Book your packages or tickets now and unfold the tourism of Europe. There are many flights from Dubai to Europe. There are three cities in UAE with direct flights to Europe. So book the tickets now any enjoy the cheapest rates of the flights. There are many Europe tour package from Dubai that can be tailor made for you as per your requirement. So fly to Europe and enjoy your vacation in Europe and give your family a wonderful treat and memories of life time.

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Source by Jelina Steve

The post Europe at Its Peak appeared first on Travel Afford.

People celebrate Christmas in different ways. For some, this is the time to show off their cooking skills since the holidays is always marked by family reunions and other types of gatherings. For some, Christmas is the time of the year where they indulge themselves a bit, whether in the form of shopping or traveling. If you are the latter, then you’re in for a treat because this is also the time of the year when the best all inclusive holiday deals are offered. Here are some places that you should definitely take a look at these destinations that most travelers prefer to visit in Christmas time.

New York, New York. Despite the hustle and bustle, there is something about the city that makes it the mecca of Yuletide travelers. Some tourists say that could be about how New York City has so many traditions during Christmas, like the Christmas tree lighting in Rockefeller Center. There is also so much to do in the city during this season: ice skating in Central Park, or a visit or two at Macy’s Santaland display. Even the classics seem to be more special that usual in December-ask anyone who has visited the top of the Empire State Building in December.

London, England. If there are people who love Christmas as much as the Americans do, it’s the Brits. Christmas is one of the most festive holidays in London, and this is one of the reasons why you get the best London travel deals in December. You’ll be fascinated by the lights in Oxford Street, or the giant Christmas tree at Trafalgar Square-an iconic gift that England receives from Norway every year. Londoners are such big gift-givers, so you won’t be disappointed by the amount of Christmas markets along Thames River and Hyde Park.

Paris, France. What better way to spend the holiday season than to spend it in The City of Lights? Paris is also one of the most preferred destinations during Christmas time, especially for couples. It is one of the most romantic cities in the world, and the Christmas spirit will definitely take the romance a notch higher. The Eiffel Tower not just becomes a destination to take photos at, but it transforms into a shopping central for gifts. If you are visiting Paris this season, make sure not to skip the giant ferris wheel in Place la Concorde!

Montreal, Canada. Montreal is one of the cities that really go big during Christmas time. Whether it is because of their French influence, or simply because of the amount of love for the Yuletide season that they have, the city transforms into a winter wonderland in December. They have the Santa Parade every year since the 1920s, the Défilé de Noël festival, and fireworks from the Old Port to remind you how beautiful Christmas is. If you are booking an all inclusive holiday deal, make sure to get one that includes most of the attractions mentioned earlier.

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Source by B. Boyd

The post Top Four Destinations That You Must Visit During the Christmas Season appeared first on Travel Afford.

Going to India is not only a journey. It is an experience. Vastness, diversity, beauty, culture, tradition, heritage, flora & fauna, etc will leave you speechless on your India tours and travels. There are many travel destinations in this beautiful country of India. When you will love various destinations of this country you will surly have an enduring experience – an experience for lifetime. To make travel easier and convenient, various tour operators or ministry of tourism (Indian Government) has divided various tourism destinations in to many fascinating tourist circuits. Today many tour operators or travel agencies are selling fascinating tourist circuits of India.

Some of popular tourist circuits in India are –

Delhi – Agra – Jaipur

It is one of the most preferred tourist circuits in northern part of India. It is also called golden triangle tour circuit of north India. Tourists have wonderful opportunity to know about three historic and historical cities of northern India. Tourists see many heritage monuments and many modern monuments along with other attractions on this fascinating journey of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur tours. Red Fort, India Gate, Humayun’s Tomb, Qutub Minar, Lotus Temple, Akshardham Temple, etc in Delhi; Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Fatehpur Sikri, Itmad-Ud-Daullah Tomb, etc in Agra; and City Palace, Jantar Mantar, Hawa Mahal, Amber Fort, etc are attractions of fascinating trip to the trio of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur.

Jodhpur – Jaisalmer – Bikaner

It is popular named as Desert Triangle. As the name suggest it covers the city of Jodhpur, Jaisalmer and Bikaner which are located on the Thar Desert of Rajasthan. This circuit provides you brilliant opportunity to enjoy the charm of desert by exciting camel safari. Sand dunes are must enjoyable attractions. Tourists also have opportunity to see various marvelous forts and palaces during this desert triangle journey – like – Mehrangarh Fort & Umaid Bhawan Palace in Jodhpur, Golden Fort & Jain Temples in Jaisalmer and Junagarh Fort & Lohagarh Palace in Bikaner.

Bhubaneshwar – Konark – Puri

Bhubaneshwar, Konark and Puri are three predominant cities in the state of Orissa, East India. This travel circuit is also called as golden triangle of eastern India. Major attractions of this travel circuit are Lingraj Temple in Bhubaneshwar, Sun Temple in Konark and Jagannath Temple in Puri.

Chennai – Kanchipuram – Mahabalipuram

This is very fascinating travel circuit located in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, South India. Many tour operators promote this fascinating travel circuit with name – Golden Triangle Tours of Tamil Nadu. Key attractions of this travel circuit are Fort St George, State Legislative Hall, St Mary’s Church, Anna Park, Marina Beach, MGR Memorial, etc in Chennai; Ekambareswara Temple, Kailashnath Temple, Varadraja Temple, Kamakshi Amman Temple, etc in Kanchipuram and Rock-cut Cave Temples, Ganesh Ratha, Valayankuttai Ratha, Durga niche, Gopi’s Churn, Varaha Mandapa, Kotikal Mandapa, Krishna Mandapa, Shore Temple, Beach, etc in Mahabalipuram.

Bangalore – Hassan – Mysore: Located in the south Indian state of Karnataka, this fascinating travel circuit is also known as the golden travel of Karnataka, South India. Tourists have wonderful opportunity to see & explore the attractions of Karnataka like Lal Bagh Gardens, Vidhan Soudha, Cubbon Park, ISKON Temple, Vishverairya Industrial & Technological Museum, etc in Bangalore; Belur & Halebid in Hassan; and Brindavan Garden, Mysore Palace, etc in Mysore.

Kochi – Alleppey – Kumarakom

This travel circuit is a fascinating journey to the serene and scenic backwaters of Kerala. This is also named as the Backwater Triangle or the Golden Triangle of Kerala, God’s Own Country. Tourists have wonderful opportunity to enjoy the exceptional charm of nature beauty by exciting houseboat cruise over the backwaters.

Bangalore – Mysore – Ooty

Famously called as the Golden Triangle Tour of South India, this fascinating travel circuits provides you wonderful opportunity to explore the three predominant cities (Bangalore, Mysore and Ooty). Bangalore and Mysore are two beautiful cities in Karnataka with many attractions and Ooty is a picturesque hill station in Tamil Nadu known for spice plantations and scenic beauty.

Besides these fascinating travel circuits, there are many other tourist circuits in India you will love to explore them on your India visit. Some of other important tourist circuits are Delhi – Shimla – Kullu – Manali, Mumbai – Aurangabad – Udaipur, Kolkata – Darjeeling – Gangtok, Chennai – Madurai – Kodaikanal – Thekkady – Periyar – Kochi, Mumbai – Hyderabad – Golconda Fort – Nagarjunakonda, Mumbai – Belgaum – Bijapur – Badami – Aivalli – Hampi, Chennai – Tiruchirapalli – Tanjore, Kolkata – Guwahati – Shillong – Kaziranga, Kolkata – Gaya – Bodhgaya – Kathmandu, Buddhist Circuits, Temple Trails, Wildlife Trails, etc. These tourist circuits are very popular attractions of package tours to India. If you too want to enjoy the charm of Indian travel circuits, choose a circuit of your choice and book a right India travel package covering the circuit of your choice and get ready to treasure incredible charm.

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Source by Terence Lewis

The post Popular Travel Circuits For Package Tours to India appeared first on Travel Afford.

Who likes taking vacations? Of course, that would include approximately 99 percent of the population. The 1 percent would more than likely be workaholics that just do not like taking work along with them on vacation. And, no matter who you are, you probably like getting that travel deal.

Travel deals can come from the actual airplane flight, a hotel discount, car rental savings, cruise packages, and you can obtain travel deals from travel guides.

What are the most popular travel deals? The most popular travel deals include

1) last minute labor day deals or otherwise last minute getaway for the holiday weekend savings. You can save up to 70 percent on these last minute getaways for the holiday weekends. Usually, these featured deals include both air fare and hotel packaged-savings. A lot of times the travel package deals come with flexible departure dates from Thursday to Saturday. Of course, the travel packaged-deals expire within a limited time offer period, usually a weekend only packaged-deal.

2) Compare and save on air fare. Now you can see if you are getting a good travel deal. A lot of sites offer this option of compare and save on air fare and other flight services. Example, you can compare and save for Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year air fare flight rates. Often, you can get last minute travel deals with last minute packages from $199, United States dollars.

Other popular travel deals. Looking for a travel deal to London, Paris, Venice, Barcelona to New York, Arizona, or other popular hot vacation spots? Frequently, Norwegian Cruise Line, Westin Kierland Resort and Spa, and Continental Airlines offer hot deals on travel packages. You will find offers for travel credits, one way, round trip, pre-purchase, and other fantastic travel deals. Some popular travel deal destinations can include Atlantic City, Boston, Chicago, Las Vegas, Miami, New York, Orlando, San Francisco. Some popular international travel deals include travel locations such as Aruba, Bahamas, Cabo San Lucas, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Paris, and Puerto Vallarta.

Popular travel deal sites. You can search and find travel deals with carrentals.com, Orbiz, Delta Air Lines, Travelocity, Expedia, travel.yahoo.com, travelchannel.com, travel.nytimes.com, cnn.com, and County Visitors Bureaus. For US citizen traveling abroad, try travel.state.gov. For car rentals, you can search and find deals from $10 and up for a weekend car rental deal. For hotels on sale nationwide, you can search and find deals from 30% off. For last minute fares, you can search and find weekend air fare deals. For county visiting bureaus, you can search and find hotel discounts and gift card options. Travel guides, travel magazines, travel zoo, train travel, last minute travel, cruises, and airlines offer many appealing travel deals.

Take advantage of all the travel deal options. To do this, you may want to explore package deals, not just a particular travel deal for flights, hotels, car rentals, cruises, and vacations. There are many available travel deals for many popular travel destinations in the United States and Internationally. Search all travel destinations if you are not set on one particular vacation hot spot. You will find different travel deals for various hot spots, vacation location destinations, throughout the travel holidays and seasonal travel deals as well.

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Source by Joy Bond

The post Travel Guide appeared first on Travel Afford.

Luxury Australia travel has got to be one of the best ways to see one of the most fascinating travel destinations in the world. This huge continent which is split into 6 states and 2 territories covers an area of some 7,617,930 square kilometres or 2,941,299 square miles. The largest state alone, Western Australia, is approximately 5 times the size of Texas, USA!

Melbourne is the second largest city in Australia and one of the most popular destinations for travellers to the continent. So what are the best things to see and do?

Luxury Australia travel does not have to be expensive – lifestyle in Australia comes as a given – it’s the way of life in this part of the world, so add a little luxury into your Australia travel with some of our suggestions.

Take a tour to Phillip Island, home to the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix, an easy 90 minute drive from Melbourne itself and you will discover a world of contrasts.

Billed as Victoria’s wildlife island, you will be surprised to find the Grand Prix circuit nestles close to the world famous Penguin parade, the Koala Conservation Centre, Churchill Island Heritage Farm and the Nobbies Centre, a marine attraction where you can uncover the secrets of the Southern Seas with interactive displays allowing you to intermingle with seals, sharks and dolphins that abound in these waters.

I did say that it was a world of contrasts, so don’t forget the Phillip Island Chocolate Factory in your itinerary, where you can buy the delectable hand-made chocolates made on the Island.

Take a spectacular sunrise balloon ride over the Yarra Valley, one of Victoria’s beautiful winery regions. Home to 90 vineyards, surrounded by mountains you fly for approximately an hour over the early morning vineyards before ending your experience with a sumptuous champagne breakfast.

Café culture abounds in St Kilda and you will want to browse this fashionable bayside suburb of Melbourne with its diverse range of shops and eating venues. Don’t forget the Luna Park amusement park built in 1912, complete with its wooden roller coaster and other historic rides.

For the sports fans amongst you there is the very popular Sports Lovers Tour. Billed as city sightseeing with a difference you will explore the history and excitement of sporting Melbourne. Whichever sport is your particular favourite, be it tennis, cricket, rugby or football, find yourself sitting in the coaches’ box, imagining filing that important media story in the media facilities or smelling the liniment in the changing rooms!

For dinner with a difference, the Colonial tram car dinner is perfect! 1920’s splendour, but with modern day facilities so that not even a crystal glass quivers in your cosy, colonial period dining car. One way glass ensures privacy while traditional silver and white linen don the tables. This is one train ride you won’t forget in a hurry and booking is a must with the restaurant selling out weeks in advance.

Hop on the City Circle Tram ride for a free central Melbourne tour. Steeped in old world charm, these 1920’s brown and gold liveried tram cars are an appealing way to discover the city centre sights. The conductor on board provides valuable knowledge about the tourist attractions you might wish to see.

Spectacular Rhododendrons greet you as you head to The Dandenongs for the Spring flowering. Less than an hours drive from Melbourne, lies this rich hillside area which grows all manner of good things to eat, drink and appreciate, such as the display of Spring bulbs, Devonshire Cream teas and the Puffing Billy Steam Train that gently meanders its way through the beautiful landscape.

I think you will agree that luxury Australia travel is what you make of it. The luxury is in the doing!

I invite you to use these ideas to make the most of your luxury Australia travel and Melbourne.

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Source by Helen Palmer

The post Luxury Australia Travel – 7 of the Best Attractions to Visit on Your Melbourne Australia Travel appeared first on Travel Afford.

When you think of Hong Kong, you might think of bright lights, lots of people, Victoria Harbor and the light show on the buildings each night. But did you know that the city’s International Airport is a destination by itself? Rated consistently as one the world’s best airports (voted #3 in 2012 by Skytraxx World Airport Awards) Hong Kong International Airport is a traveler’s delight.

Hong Kong International Airport Facts

• Hong Kong International Airport opened its doors on July 6, 1988.
• It had been constructed at a cost of $20 billion and took six years to complete.
• It is built on an artificially created island that added approximately 1 percent to the city’s total surface area.
• It has 74 moving walkways in total (30 in the Arrivals hall, 34 in Departures, and 10 at the Ground Transportation Center).
• The passenger terminal is 1.27km (0.8miles) long.
• Over 50 million travelers passed through Hong Kong International Airport in 2010. This ranks the airport as the eleventh busiest airport in the world.

Things to Do

Hong Kong is known for shopping and the airport carries on this tradition. The Hong Kong International Airport has two shopping areas; the shopping area at Terminal 1 is called SkyMart, and the shopping area at Terminal 2 is called SkyPlaza. There are more than 200 retail and catering outlets at SkyMart and more than 120 retail and catering outlets at SkyPlaza. Shops that have corresponding stores in Hong Kong outside the airport guarantee that the price you pay at the airport is the same as you would pay outside in town.

Dining options are numerous. From Popeye’s Chicken, Starbucks, McDonalds, and Burger King to traditional Chinese and Asian food, anything you want can be found at the airport. Restaurants vary from fast food to places to sit and eat a nice dinner before catching your flight.

If you are looking for relaxation during a long layover or have to check out of your hotel early and have a late flight, the Traveler’s Lounge offers food, showers, internet access, newspapers, magazines, and international TV channels for a single entry fee. For a heftier fee, the Premier Lounge is also available. You can connect to free Wi-Fi throughout the airport and there are places to catch a quick nap if you do not want to pay to use one of the lounges.

Outside the Airport

The Hong Kong International Airport is closest to Lantau Island, which is easily accessible by train. If you are staying for four to six hours, there are some nearby sights to visit. The Ngong Ping Skyrail travels 5.7 km (the trip takes 25 minutes) and provides views of North Lantau Country Park, the South China Sea, the Airport, and the Tian Tan Buddha Statue.

When you reach the Skyrail terminal, you will find the Ngong Ping Village right next door. There are a number of cultural displays and the Heart Sutra, a classic Buddhist text, can be seen carved into wooden logs.

Easily visible from many points on Lantau Island is the Giant (Tian Tan) Buddha. Located at the PoLin Monastery, this gold colored statue of Buddha is 85 feet tall, once making it the largest sitting Buddha statue in the world. The PoLin Monastery also has a vegetarian restaurant.

If you have more time, Hong Kong Disneyland is located close to the airport and easily accessible by train. Smaller than California Disneyland, it is an easy day trip if time permits.

The Hong Kong International Airport offers a variety of services and activities for all travelers. From local culture to high end shopping, there is something for everyone. So leave your car in the airport parking lot, head off for Asia, and enjoy the layover.

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Source by S Hurley Hall

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