The 5 Best New York Tourist Attractions
New York City is rich with tourist attractions. It's not so much a matter of having attractions to visit, it's more about having enough time to see the things you want to see. In this article, I will cover some of the best strategies involved when seeing New York tourist attractions.
Let's start with some of the essentials that should be on your list of attractions to see. For man-made structures, you have the beautiful and patriotic Statue of Liberty, a truly breathtaking experience. Also, the staggering and second tallest skyscraper in the US, the Empire State building. Fly up the 86 floors in a high-speed elevator, so you can look out over the city from the observation deck.
One beautiful natural structure that no one should miss is the Niagara Falls. This is one of the most popular attractions in New York City. Also, the beautiful and history rich Ellis Island, which is home to the Statue of Liberty, is a must to visit and explore as well.
What about places where the people congregate? Be sure to wander around Times Square and Central Park. Times Square will catch your eye with all its animation and neon signs, as well as the different types of commerce and fast pace buzzing in the air. Central Park is a great place to take a ride in a horse and carriage, or simply relax and enjoy the surroundings. And if you get bored, make sure to visit the Central Park zoo while you are there.
There are a number different ways you can see sites in New York. You can go on a boat tour, helicopter tours, travel by foot or even take bus tours. Helicopter tours are not as expensive as you think -- sometimes they are as cheap as $75 per person, and last around 20 minutes per tour.
Boat tours are a great way for you to see sites in New York that you cannot access by traveling on land. Also, there are great hop in/hop out taxi boat services that double as both a tour and way to get from one place to the next.
Shopping in New York City is a breathtaking experience. Saks on Fifth Avenue is so big that you can get lost while going through all 10 levels of the shopping room floors. They boast one of the best men's departments in the entire world! Also, stop by DeBeers to check out the different jewelry available, and to see the famous 203 carat flawless stone!
Other things you should add to your list of New York tourist attractions are Broadway shows, fashion shows, and fine dining establishments. The most talented Broadway performers in the nation can be found in New York, and the New York fashion week fashion shows have revolutionized the industry. As far as eating is concerned, head down to the Greenwich Village and have your pick of different restaurants with both tasty cuisine and a wonderful atmosphere.
If you're going to be in New York City for five to nine days, consider purchasing a New York City Pass. This will allow you to save 50% on specific New York tourist attractions, like visits to certain museums as well as different eating establishments. It also helps cut down on the time you wait in lines when you're visiting different tourist attractions. You can purchase these on the Internet, as well as get more information about the different attractions a New York City Pass covers.
If you're going to see all the New York tourist attractions that are available and suit your interest, it is a must that you plan ahead. Look at the different touring options that are available to you, and consider the different types of attractions that you must see when you visit New York. Use some of the suggestions above as a starting point to brainstorm your list of New York tourist attractions to see.
New York City is rich with tourist attractions. It's not so much a matter of having attractions to visit, it's more about having enough time to see the things you want to see. In this article, I will cover some of the best strategies involved when seeing New York tourist attractions.
Let's start with some of the essentials that should be on your list of attractions to see. For man-made structures, you have the beautiful and patriotic Statue of Liberty, a truly breathtaking experience. Also, the staggering and second tallest skyscraper in the US, the Empire State building. Fly up the 86 floors in a high-speed elevator, so you can look out over the city from the observation deck.
One beautiful natural structure that no one should miss is the Niagara Falls. This is one of the most popular attractions in New York City. Also, the beautiful and history rich Ellis Island, which is home to the Statue of Liberty, is a must to visit and explore as well.
What about places where the people congregate? Be sure to wander around Times Square and Central Park. Times Square will catch your eye with all its animation and neon signs, as well as the different types of commerce and fast pace buzzing in the air. Central Park is a great place to take a ride in a horse and carriage, or simply relax and enjoy the surroundings. And if you get bored, make sure to visit the Central Park zoo while you are there.
There are a number different ways you can see sites in New York. You can go on a boat tour, helicopter tours, travel by foot or even take bus tours. Helicopter tours are not as expensive as you think -- sometimes they are as cheap as $75 per person, and last around 20 minutes per tour.
Boat tours are a great way for you to see sites in New York that you cannot access by traveling on land. Also, there are great hop in/hop out taxi boat services that double as both a tour and way to get from one place to the next.
Shopping in New York City is a breathtaking experience. Saks on Fifth Avenue is so big that you can get lost while going through all 10 levels of the shopping room floors. They boast one of the best men's departments in the entire world! Also, stop by DeBeers to check out the different jewelry available, and to see the famous 203 carat flawless stone!
Other things you should add to your list of New York tourist attractions are Broadway shows, fashion shows, and fine dining establishments. The most talented Broadway performers in the nation can be found in New York, and the New York fashion week fashion shows have revolutionized the industry. As far as eating is concerned, head down to the Greenwich Village and have your pick of different restaurants with both tasty cuisine and a wonderful atmosphere.
If you're going to be in New York City for five to nine days, consider purchasing a New York City Pass. This will allow you to save 50% on specific New York tourist attractions, like visits to certain museums as well as different eating establishments. It also helps cut down on the time you wait in lines when you're visiting different tourist attractions. You can purchase these on the Internet, as well as get more information about the different attractions a New York City Pass covers.
If you're going to see all the New York tourist attractions that are available and suit your interest, it is a must that you plan ahead. Look at the different touring options that are available to you, and consider the different types of attractions that you must see when you visit New York. Use some of the suggestions above as a starting point to brainstorm your list of New York tourist attractions to see.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Want to read more about New York Tourist Attractions? Steven Ross has written many more interesting articles at http://www.new-york-tourist-attractions.com New York Tourist AttractionsABOUT THE AUTHOR
Want to read more about New York Tourist Attractions? Steven Ross has written many more interesting articles at http://www.new-york-tourist-attractions.com New York Tourist Attractions
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Vacation Tips - An Adventure Or a Dissapointment the Difference is Planning
When deciding where to go on your next vacation, one of the best vacation tips is to think about other vacations you've been on, and what you enjoyed about them. Some people like a luxurious getaway type vacation, while others prefer to see rare sites that are accessible only by roughing it and getting off the beaten path. In any event, you should examine yourself and your traveling partners to determine what kind of vacation you expect.
It can be tough to find a vacation that meets your expectations. Getting good vacation tips and accurate information about possible destinations can make the difference between having a great vacation and being disappointed.
Before you start scheduling destinations and hotels, you may want to think about what kind of vacation you and your group want to have. While many people enjoy site seeing, vacation tips for high profile locations like a Maui travel package, many others seek a more rustic vacation, such as camping by the Grand Canyon or going whitewater rafting.
Scouting out destinations with appealing activities often yields a more pleasurable vacation experience than simply going to a generic tourist hotspot that can mean getting sucked in by all of the usual tourist traps.
Of course, mode of transportation also plays a large role in the vacation experience. For vast distances, many vacationers opt for plane tickets because of the speed of travel, but others consider the journey half the fun. If you want to see what lies in between you and your destination but don't want to drive, you might want to consider traveling via train. Like planes, trains are typically very comfortable and reasonably fast. However, like planes, ticket prices can fluctuate, as well as accommodations. Gathering some train travel tips is encouraged before scheduling a cross country train ride. There are some key train travel tips you will want to adhere to because train rides can be rather long. To keep children entertained without wearing yourself out, bring coloring books, CD players or iPods, books or even hand held game consoles. This will help keep everyone occupied and calm.
Many times travel plans will coincide with major holidays, such as Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Memorial Day, and others. One useful holiday tip if you're going to be traveling is to try to avoid traveling when everyone else is. This holiday tip can save you a lot of headache and potentially money if you are flying. If you can depart a day or two earlier or later than everyone else, you can save a lot of money on plane tickets, as well as having your choice of flights and seating arrangements. If you are driving somewhere to spend a holiday, avoiding heavy traffic will usually cut your drive time down and make driving much less stressful. Sometimes traveling along the interstate at night can have similar results, but you will likely be surrounded by tractor trailers.
No matter what kind of vacation you like or your travel preferences, vacation tips will help you immensely. Knowing what you are getting for your money and what to expect will help make sure that your next vacation is everything you thought it could be.
Source: Free Articles from ArticlesFactory.com
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
When you're ready for a Maui Vacation start your adventure at Mauitravelguide.org and find the Maui vacation package that fits your budget and your expectations. Whether you're looking for a Maui Honeymoon package, a full Maui Wedding experience, a Maui Golf Resort or the best Maui beaches you'll find it at http://www.mauitravelguide.org
It can be tough to find a vacation that meets your expectations. Getting good vacation tips and accurate information about possible destinations can make the difference between having a great vacation and being disappointed.
Before you start scheduling destinations and hotels, you may want to think about what kind of vacation you and your group want to have. While many people enjoy site seeing, vacation tips for high profile locations like a Maui travel package, many others seek a more rustic vacation, such as camping by the Grand Canyon or going whitewater rafting.
Scouting out destinations with appealing activities often yields a more pleasurable vacation experience than simply going to a generic tourist hotspot that can mean getting sucked in by all of the usual tourist traps.
Of course, mode of transportation also plays a large role in the vacation experience. For vast distances, many vacationers opt for plane tickets because of the speed of travel, but others consider the journey half the fun. If you want to see what lies in between you and your destination but don't want to drive, you might want to consider traveling via train. Like planes, trains are typically very comfortable and reasonably fast. However, like planes, ticket prices can fluctuate, as well as accommodations. Gathering some train travel tips is encouraged before scheduling a cross country train ride. There are some key train travel tips you will want to adhere to because train rides can be rather long. To keep children entertained without wearing yourself out, bring coloring books, CD players or iPods, books or even hand held game consoles. This will help keep everyone occupied and calm.
Many times travel plans will coincide with major holidays, such as Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Memorial Day, and others. One useful holiday tip if you're going to be traveling is to try to avoid traveling when everyone else is. This holiday tip can save you a lot of headache and potentially money if you are flying. If you can depart a day or two earlier or later than everyone else, you can save a lot of money on plane tickets, as well as having your choice of flights and seating arrangements. If you are driving somewhere to spend a holiday, avoiding heavy traffic will usually cut your drive time down and make driving much less stressful. Sometimes traveling along the interstate at night can have similar results, but you will likely be surrounded by tractor trailers.
No matter what kind of vacation you like or your travel preferences, vacation tips will help you immensely. Knowing what you are getting for your money and what to expect will help make sure that your next vacation is everything you thought it could be.
Source: Free Articles from ArticlesFactory.com
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
When you're ready for a Maui Vacation start your adventure at Mauitravelguide.org and find the Maui vacation package that fits your budget and your expectations. Whether you're looking for a Maui Honeymoon package, a full Maui Wedding experience, a Maui Golf Resort or the best Maui beaches you'll find it at http://www.mauitravelguide.org
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Tips on Having an Enjoyable Travel Experience
Traveling can be a lot of hassle when one goes unprepared. But if you are equipped to take on the unknown, there is nothing like it.
Those who often travel on regular basis will often find that traveling without prior preparation is always a mistake one will regret later. The experience which was supposed to be a fun and exciting will eventually turn out to be a disaster. There are actually many pros and cons as to the choice on the mode of transport that one can choose for his traveling experience. Each mode will have some pros that will appeal to you. Preparation for each mode of transport will be different.
Traveling from one place to another usually by car is always one of the better choices if time is not an issue and provided that the distance is not too much. Compared to traveling by plane, traveling by car actually offers the traveler many important benefits. The great thing about car travel is that you decide the route and the number of stops that you make. Traveling by plane may be faster. But once you reach your destination, you will have to hire a taxi to move around in. But this is not the case when traveling by car. While traveling by car has its own benefits, it has a number of hassles of its own.
Take the instance of car journeys where you have kids around.First of all, before the start of journey you must ensure that the car has recently gone through proper servicing at the garage. The gas must be sufficient and you will need to get a good map to guide you through your journey. It is good to get a checklist and ask yourself some questions before you start your journey.
You would need to ask questions like how long will it take to reach and whether you brought sufficient cash for the trip. Check out the various hotels and motels that you will be passing in your car. After all, you will need to have proper rest after long hours of driving. One of the fun parts when it comes to traveling is bringing one's kids along. Surprisingly, road trips often turn the sweetest angels into bundles of mischief. This is bound to be the trickiest part as you will need extra effort to deal with them.
The only way to counter this problem is try to predict their behavior by putting yourself in their shoes. Make it a point to bring along some food because kids get hungry easily. Make sure to make stops at regular intervals so that your children can go to the bathroom. If you happen to get close to a gas station along the way, find out whether they need to go to the toilet. Somehow or the other, for some strange reason, children will mention that they need to go to the toilet.
Yes, it can get more than a little irritating. But then, they are just kids right? Other than that, remember to bring along their favorite toys, pillows, pacifiers. Get along some basic medication for those little emergencies as well.Although it is tough to be prepared for all contingencies, we must make a sincere effort. Try to anticipate the potential problems that may arise. Ensure that you car ride is a lot of fun by taking time out to get adequately prepared.
Source: Free Articles from ArticlesFactory.com
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Get Travel Tips and Advice on Traveling with Kids and for Budget Vacations.
Those who often travel on regular basis will often find that traveling without prior preparation is always a mistake one will regret later. The experience which was supposed to be a fun and exciting will eventually turn out to be a disaster. There are actually many pros and cons as to the choice on the mode of transport that one can choose for his traveling experience. Each mode will have some pros that will appeal to you. Preparation for each mode of transport will be different.
Traveling from one place to another usually by car is always one of the better choices if time is not an issue and provided that the distance is not too much. Compared to traveling by plane, traveling by car actually offers the traveler many important benefits. The great thing about car travel is that you decide the route and the number of stops that you make. Traveling by plane may be faster. But once you reach your destination, you will have to hire a taxi to move around in. But this is not the case when traveling by car. While traveling by car has its own benefits, it has a number of hassles of its own.
Take the instance of car journeys where you have kids around.First of all, before the start of journey you must ensure that the car has recently gone through proper servicing at the garage. The gas must be sufficient and you will need to get a good map to guide you through your journey. It is good to get a checklist and ask yourself some questions before you start your journey.
You would need to ask questions like how long will it take to reach and whether you brought sufficient cash for the trip. Check out the various hotels and motels that you will be passing in your car. After all, you will need to have proper rest after long hours of driving. One of the fun parts when it comes to traveling is bringing one's kids along. Surprisingly, road trips often turn the sweetest angels into bundles of mischief. This is bound to be the trickiest part as you will need extra effort to deal with them.
The only way to counter this problem is try to predict their behavior by putting yourself in their shoes. Make it a point to bring along some food because kids get hungry easily. Make sure to make stops at regular intervals so that your children can go to the bathroom. If you happen to get close to a gas station along the way, find out whether they need to go to the toilet. Somehow or the other, for some strange reason, children will mention that they need to go to the toilet.
Yes, it can get more than a little irritating. But then, they are just kids right? Other than that, remember to bring along their favorite toys, pillows, pacifiers. Get along some basic medication for those little emergencies as well.Although it is tough to be prepared for all contingencies, we must make a sincere effort. Try to anticipate the potential problems that may arise. Ensure that you car ride is a lot of fun by taking time out to get adequately prepared.
Source: Free Articles from ArticlesFactory.com
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Get Travel Tips and Advice on Traveling with Kids and for Budget Vacations.
Monday, December 17, 2007
Venice, always in the hearts of tourists from all over the world
Venice, capital of the Veneto region, is one of the most beautiful and picturesque Italian city, and coveted tourist destination among the most important at the global level, is considered a strategic connection with the Middle East and its history is thousands of years.
In this small lagoon town live over 270,000 inhabitants; it is situated in the northeast of Italy and overlooks the Adriatic Sea. Venice is divided into Sestieri, three of these (Castello, San Marco and Cannaregio) are here to the Grand Canal taking as a point of reference Piazza San Marco; the three at the other hand, are Santa Croce, Dorsoduro and San Polo-Rialto. These six subdivisions of the city are represented in the "Ferro" (front of the gondola-metal boats typical of the city - which has precisely six points / lines). The rear of the craft, however, represents the Giudecca island which is located right in front of Piazza San Marco.
Of course, the capital of Veneto, which is categorized heritage of humanity by UNESCO, is a unique city, where there are no roads but only canals and rivers navigable by small boats (Gondole). Historically it was called the Dominant or even as the Serenissima, in fact has been for over a millennium, the capital of the Republic of Venice. The old city lives mainly from the tourism, but also of local manufacture and crafts, just think of the beautiful Murano glass (small island in the lagoon of Venice). Moreover, for the most recent city located inshore, has a flourishing business and point of reference for the economy of the country. Venice, offers many opportunities within the tourism industry and food for a variety of factors: history, culture, romance, shopping and entertainment; also offers a wide selection of hotels in Venice.
In particular, who wants to visit Venice for a few days should not miss some areas and traditions that make the visit to the city unique and unforgettable
• Piazza San Marco is considered the core of sestriere and the heart of the city (the only open space considered Square), where there are the most important monuments:
• Lido di Venice: very characteristic because it is an thin island that extends for more than 10 km in the Venetian lagoon and the Adriatic Sea. In this narrow strip of land there is also the beach of Venice.
• Museo Ca’ D’oro: well known palace situated along the Grand Canal which contains the gallery Giorgio Fianchetti
• Gallerie delll’Accademia: who are in Dorsoduro and retain some beautiful works of Giovanni and Jacopo Bellini, Tiziano and Tintoretto.
• Among a visit and another, take a rest in an inn or in an outdoors bar and enjoy a Recioto di Soave (white wine typical of the Veneto region) with sliced and polenta veneta.
But where to stay in Venice?
In a city that lives on tourism solutions are not lacking, in fact there are many hotels that have rooms to sleep in Venice or in the immediate vicinity also proposing a wide range of hotel in Venice. In this regard, the Hotel Ala is located in Piazza San Marco (the core of the city) and is the hotel ideal in Venice for those who want to spend some days in the fantastic "Serenissima". This refined 4 stars hotel offers many services, such as satellite TV, air conditioning and safe in every room. The Hotel Ala in Venice offers exceptional warmth and hospitality to all its customers, whether they are business people or families and children on holiday. Moreover, thanks to the new link (www.hotelala.it) offers the opportunity to make bookings on-line to all users interested in prestigious rooms in Venice.
Source: Free Articles from ArticlesFactory.com
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
This article was written by Michele De Capitani with support from hotel reservation in Venice. For any information on how travel insurance, please visit hotel in Venice or please visit accommodation in Venice.
In this small lagoon town live over 270,000 inhabitants; it is situated in the northeast of Italy and overlooks the Adriatic Sea. Venice is divided into Sestieri, three of these (Castello, San Marco and Cannaregio) are here to the Grand Canal taking as a point of reference Piazza San Marco; the three at the other hand, are Santa Croce, Dorsoduro and San Polo-Rialto. These six subdivisions of the city are represented in the "Ferro" (front of the gondola-metal boats typical of the city - which has precisely six points / lines). The rear of the craft, however, represents the Giudecca island which is located right in front of Piazza San Marco.
Of course, the capital of Veneto, which is categorized heritage of humanity by UNESCO, is a unique city, where there are no roads but only canals and rivers navigable by small boats (Gondole). Historically it was called the Dominant or even as the Serenissima, in fact has been for over a millennium, the capital of the Republic of Venice. The old city lives mainly from the tourism, but also of local manufacture and crafts, just think of the beautiful Murano glass (small island in the lagoon of Venice). Moreover, for the most recent city located inshore, has a flourishing business and point of reference for the economy of the country. Venice, offers many opportunities within the tourism industry and food for a variety of factors: history, culture, romance, shopping and entertainment; also offers a wide selection of hotels in Venice.
In particular, who wants to visit Venice for a few days should not miss some areas and traditions that make the visit to the city unique and unforgettable
• Piazza San Marco is considered the core of sestriere and the heart of the city (the only open space considered Square), where there are the most important monuments:
- Palazzo Ducale, the Basilica of San Marco
• Lido di Venice: very characteristic because it is an thin island that extends for more than 10 km in the Venetian lagoon and the Adriatic Sea. In this narrow strip of land there is also the beach of Venice.
• Museo Ca’ D’oro: well known palace situated along the Grand Canal which contains the gallery Giorgio Fianchetti
• Gallerie delll’Accademia: who are in Dorsoduro and retain some beautiful works of Giovanni and Jacopo Bellini, Tiziano and Tintoretto.
• Among a visit and another, take a rest in an inn or in an outdoors bar and enjoy a Recioto di Soave (white wine typical of the Veneto region) with sliced and polenta veneta.
But where to stay in Venice?
In a city that lives on tourism solutions are not lacking, in fact there are many hotels that have rooms to sleep in Venice or in the immediate vicinity also proposing a wide range of hotel in Venice. In this regard, the Hotel Ala is located in Piazza San Marco (the core of the city) and is the hotel ideal in Venice for those who want to spend some days in the fantastic "Serenissima". This refined 4 stars hotel offers many services, such as satellite TV, air conditioning and safe in every room. The Hotel Ala in Venice offers exceptional warmth and hospitality to all its customers, whether they are business people or families and children on holiday. Moreover, thanks to the new link (www.hotelala.it) offers the opportunity to make bookings on-line to all users interested in prestigious rooms in Venice.
Source: Free Articles from ArticlesFactory.com
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
This article was written by Michele De Capitani with support from hotel reservation in Venice. For any information on how travel insurance, please visit hotel in Venice or please visit accommodation in Venice.
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Phuket's Secret Beaches
Some complain that Phuket has been overdeveloped but there are still plenty of undiscovered beaches off the beaten track to delight the more intrepid visitor.
Phuket's beaches are world-renowned and tourists flock from across the globe to visit the famous beaches at Patong, Karon, and Kata. So much so that many people complain these beaches have lost their charm. They say Phuket can no longer claim to be an idyllic tropical island getaway. The beaches are too crowded. Sun loungers line the entire length of the beaches, sometimes in rows three or four deep. Jet skis, banana boats and parasail boats plough through the water while vendors ply their wares up and down the beach. They say Phuket is finished as an island getaway destination and only caters to the party crowd.
These people have not spent enough time exploring Phuket. There are more than 40 beaches around Phuket Island and there is something to suit all tastes. If you want a beach with good holiday facilities but not too crowded then Nai Harn, Kamala, Surin, Bang Tao and Nai Yang all have good hotels and restaurants yet do not draw big crowds. If you really want to get away from the crowds then Nai Thon and Mai Khao beaches in the north of the island are usually very quiet.
Still all these beaches are well known in Phuket and firmly in the tourist travel guides. In this article, we will look at some beaches that still remain undiscovered to most tourists. We will not even include Laem Sing or Yanui in this list. They are both charming beaches but they have become well known and usually have plenty of visitors. Some of the following beaches are not even known to many of Phuket's residents. These are Phuket's secret beaches. (If you want more details about how to find these beaches see our Phuket Beach Guide.)
Banana Beach
This beautiful beach is in the northern half of Phuket between Bang Tao Beach and Nai Thon Beach. It is a lovely two-hundred meter strip of sand, studded with rocks in the middle and ringed with trees. It is a good swimming beach and there is some great snorkeling. There is no accommodation and just a single beach restaurant with a handful of sun loungers at the southern end.
There are usually only a handful of visitors at this beach. The majority of them arrive by longtail boat from other beaches but in fact, you can see the beach from the coast road above and there is a trail down.
Pansea Beach
Right at the northern end of Bang Tao Beach is beautiful and peaceful Pansea Beach. There are two up-market resorts here yet the location retains its refreshing tranquility. Just offshore is Kala Island (or Kata Island depending who you believe) which shelters the shallow bay from waves so it is always calm. The waters are too shallow for swimming and when the tide is out you can walk to the island. It is a great beach for paddling and ideal for children to play. There are no refreshments here so it is a good idea to bring a picnic.
Pon Beach
This secluded little beach is in the headland north of Patong. The locals know it as Nai Yair Beach. It is amazing how few people find this beach considering it is located so close to the hordes at Patong. There is nothing here but a couple of rural shacks and a few grazing cows. It is a sandy beach but not good for swimming due to the rocky seabed. There is some good snorkeling.
There are usually a couple of locals renting sun loungers and selling refreshments. They can also provide you with a small barbecue to cook your own. There may be a small charge for crossing the private land to reach the beach.
Paradise Beach
In the headland south of Patong, there are two beautiful beaches that remain relatively unspoiled. They are not as undiscovered as the other beaches we mention on this list but still a break from the heaving masses at Patong. The first is Paradise Beach. Right at the tip of the headland, you can reach it by road (track) or boat.
It is a beautiful beach with overhanging trees. There is no accommodation but there is a restaurant and there are plenty of sun loungers. The beach is not the best for bathing due to the rocky seabed close to shore but there is some excellent snorkeling. There are usually plenty of people around but still it is surprising how many people in Patong do not know this beach is here.
Freedom Beach
You can only reach this stunning beach by boat. It is in the headland south of Patong all the way around and back towards the Karon Beach side. Still it is well worth the boat ride with fantastic bathing and snorkeling.
There are a couple of restaurants and plenty of sun loungers under the trees. The locals take great care of the beach and it is always pristine. Plenty of people do make this a day trip from Patong but the beach is never crowded and again it is surprising how many people in Patong do not know this beach is here.
Nui Beach
This beach is most known for how difficult it is to reach by land. Located between Kata and Nai Harn, the only way to reach it by land is down a two-kilometer dirt track that is almost impossible to traverse in a car. You can just about do it on a motorbike but it is better to walk or let one of the locals take you down on their ATV for a small fee.
It is also known as the most expensive beach in Phuket because you have to cross private land to reach it and they charge 250 baht for the privilege. This fee does get you a sun lounger and drink. When you do arrive, it is a beautiful secluded spot with good swimming and snorkeling. There is a rustic restaurant overlooking the beach but no accommodation. It is never crowded.
Ao Sane Beach
This beach is in the headland at the north end of Nai Harn Beach. You need to go through Le Meridian Phuket Yacht Club's car park to reach it but they do not stop you. There is a restaurant here and some budget bungalows by the beach. There are usually a few people around but it is never busy.
It is actually a series of three small beaches split by little rocky headlands. None of them is good for swimming due to rocks and corals close to shore. There is some excellent snorkeling.
Laemka Beach
This little beach is at the southern end of Phuket between Rawai and Friendship Beach. It is not signposted and a little difficult to find but a beautiful spot. The Evason Resort and a small bungalow resort are nearby but still the beach remains quiet. It is one of the few southern beaches where you can have a swim and there are nice views out to the southern islands.
Ao Yon Beach
Nestled deep into Cape Panwa is Ao Yon Beach. This is the best beach on the southern side of Phuket. Although it is well developed with residential property, there are no hotels or restaurants by this beach. It is home to Phuket Yacht Club and there are always plenty of boats moored in the bay.
It is a beautiful stretch of sand and a good bathing beach. It is usually very quiet and a real getaway.
Source: Free Articles from ArticlesFactory.com
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
The author has lived in Phuket, Thailand for seven years. If you want to learn more about the beautiful island of Phuket then visit Phuket Holiday Guide and Articles where you will find more articles and visitor information.
Phuket's beaches are world-renowned and tourists flock from across the globe to visit the famous beaches at Patong, Karon, and Kata. So much so that many people complain these beaches have lost their charm. They say Phuket can no longer claim to be an idyllic tropical island getaway. The beaches are too crowded. Sun loungers line the entire length of the beaches, sometimes in rows three or four deep. Jet skis, banana boats and parasail boats plough through the water while vendors ply their wares up and down the beach. They say Phuket is finished as an island getaway destination and only caters to the party crowd.
These people have not spent enough time exploring Phuket. There are more than 40 beaches around Phuket Island and there is something to suit all tastes. If you want a beach with good holiday facilities but not too crowded then Nai Harn, Kamala, Surin, Bang Tao and Nai Yang all have good hotels and restaurants yet do not draw big crowds. If you really want to get away from the crowds then Nai Thon and Mai Khao beaches in the north of the island are usually very quiet.
Still all these beaches are well known in Phuket and firmly in the tourist travel guides. In this article, we will look at some beaches that still remain undiscovered to most tourists. We will not even include Laem Sing or Yanui in this list. They are both charming beaches but they have become well known and usually have plenty of visitors. Some of the following beaches are not even known to many of Phuket's residents. These are Phuket's secret beaches. (If you want more details about how to find these beaches see our Phuket Beach Guide.)
Banana Beach
This beautiful beach is in the northern half of Phuket between Bang Tao Beach and Nai Thon Beach. It is a lovely two-hundred meter strip of sand, studded with rocks in the middle and ringed with trees. It is a good swimming beach and there is some great snorkeling. There is no accommodation and just a single beach restaurant with a handful of sun loungers at the southern end.
There are usually only a handful of visitors at this beach. The majority of them arrive by longtail boat from other beaches but in fact, you can see the beach from the coast road above and there is a trail down.
Pansea Beach
Right at the northern end of Bang Tao Beach is beautiful and peaceful Pansea Beach. There are two up-market resorts here yet the location retains its refreshing tranquility. Just offshore is Kala Island (or Kata Island depending who you believe) which shelters the shallow bay from waves so it is always calm. The waters are too shallow for swimming and when the tide is out you can walk to the island. It is a great beach for paddling and ideal for children to play. There are no refreshments here so it is a good idea to bring a picnic.
Pon Beach
This secluded little beach is in the headland north of Patong. The locals know it as Nai Yair Beach. It is amazing how few people find this beach considering it is located so close to the hordes at Patong. There is nothing here but a couple of rural shacks and a few grazing cows. It is a sandy beach but not good for swimming due to the rocky seabed. There is some good snorkeling.
There are usually a couple of locals renting sun loungers and selling refreshments. They can also provide you with a small barbecue to cook your own. There may be a small charge for crossing the private land to reach the beach.
Paradise Beach
In the headland south of Patong, there are two beautiful beaches that remain relatively unspoiled. They are not as undiscovered as the other beaches we mention on this list but still a break from the heaving masses at Patong. The first is Paradise Beach. Right at the tip of the headland, you can reach it by road (track) or boat.
It is a beautiful beach with overhanging trees. There is no accommodation but there is a restaurant and there are plenty of sun loungers. The beach is not the best for bathing due to the rocky seabed close to shore but there is some excellent snorkeling. There are usually plenty of people around but still it is surprising how many people in Patong do not know this beach is here.
Freedom Beach
You can only reach this stunning beach by boat. It is in the headland south of Patong all the way around and back towards the Karon Beach side. Still it is well worth the boat ride with fantastic bathing and snorkeling.
There are a couple of restaurants and plenty of sun loungers under the trees. The locals take great care of the beach and it is always pristine. Plenty of people do make this a day trip from Patong but the beach is never crowded and again it is surprising how many people in Patong do not know this beach is here.
Nui Beach
This beach is most known for how difficult it is to reach by land. Located between Kata and Nai Harn, the only way to reach it by land is down a two-kilometer dirt track that is almost impossible to traverse in a car. You can just about do it on a motorbike but it is better to walk or let one of the locals take you down on their ATV for a small fee.
It is also known as the most expensive beach in Phuket because you have to cross private land to reach it and they charge 250 baht for the privilege. This fee does get you a sun lounger and drink. When you do arrive, it is a beautiful secluded spot with good swimming and snorkeling. There is a rustic restaurant overlooking the beach but no accommodation. It is never crowded.
Ao Sane Beach
This beach is in the headland at the north end of Nai Harn Beach. You need to go through Le Meridian Phuket Yacht Club's car park to reach it but they do not stop you. There is a restaurant here and some budget bungalows by the beach. There are usually a few people around but it is never busy.
It is actually a series of three small beaches split by little rocky headlands. None of them is good for swimming due to rocks and corals close to shore. There is some excellent snorkeling.
Laemka Beach
This little beach is at the southern end of Phuket between Rawai and Friendship Beach. It is not signposted and a little difficult to find but a beautiful spot. The Evason Resort and a small bungalow resort are nearby but still the beach remains quiet. It is one of the few southern beaches where you can have a swim and there are nice views out to the southern islands.
Ao Yon Beach
Nestled deep into Cape Panwa is Ao Yon Beach. This is the best beach on the southern side of Phuket. Although it is well developed with residential property, there are no hotels or restaurants by this beach. It is home to Phuket Yacht Club and there are always plenty of boats moored in the bay.
It is a beautiful stretch of sand and a good bathing beach. It is usually very quiet and a real getaway.
Source: Free Articles from ArticlesFactory.com
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
The author has lived in Phuket, Thailand for seven years. If you want to learn more about the beautiful island of Phuket then visit Phuket Holiday Guide and Articles where you will find more articles and visitor information.
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Backpacking Light - Six Reasons Why
Backpacking light is the way to go. Here are six reasons why.
Backpacking light, sometimes called fastpacking or ultralight backpacking, doesn't mean leaving anything important behind, or sacrificing comfort. My seventeen-ounce down sleeping bag keeps me warmer than my previous four-pounder did. I used to use a five-pound backpack, and now have a more comfortable fourteen-ounce one. I still bring all the necessary safety gear and food when I head into the mountains - I just have lighter versions. Why? Here are six reasons.
1. More Comfort
It feels much better to have 15 pounds on your back than 50. No asking for help to struggle into that heavy pack. A heavy load leaves you sore at the end of the day, and you sweat a lot. My light backpack can be slung from one shoulder and then the other to let my back cool, and I never feel sore from carrying the weight.
2. More Range
A long day with a heavy pack might be 10 miles. With my running shoes and 15-pound load I have often gone more than 20 miles in a day without suffering. That means I have a whole lot more range. Areas of wilderness that were out of reach for a weekend trip are now possible.
3. Fewer Injuries
Some will tell you that light backpacking is dangerous because you carry less gear and less durable gear. The latter may be true, so baby that sleeping bag. But it is also true that with less weight on your back you are less likely to twist an ankle, hurt your back or lose your balance. On balance, my experience is that I have less of a chance of an injury when going light.
4. More Freedom
I used to carry an extra day pack for climbing to the summits of mountains when I was backpacking. Who wants to scramble up those steep sections with a 45-pound load? Then, I had to return to my big pack - even if I saw a better route down. Now my pack is so light that it goes everywhere with me. I hardly ever notice its weight, and I like that freedom.
5. Faster Travel
You may not like to go fast all the time when backpacking, but isn't it nice to have the option? That's what going light gives you. It means you can speed up to reach that waterfall, or speed up to make that campsite after playing in the waterfall too long. If there is a storm coming in, you can move to safety more quickly when you are carrying less weight. Also, if have an emergency and need to hike out to the car or a town, you can do so much quicker with 15 pounds on your back than with 50.
6. Simplicity
Have you seen that Corona Beer commercial where the couple brings a load of equipment to the beach and begins laying out towels, opening coolers and setting up umbrellas that are almost blown away by the wind? Then another couple walks to the beach with nothing but an icy bucket of Coronas and they sit down to enjoy the view. That's simplicity.
Some people get a thrill from finding ways to cook the fanciest meals while in the woods, and from having folding furniture and electric socks, but not me. Backpacking light means simplifying things a bit, which is not a sacrifice, but a pleasure. I often go without a stove, for example, relying on foods that don't need cooking. Not cooking? I like that. It also means no dishes to wash, and more time for swimming in that alpine lake.
Source: Free Articles from ArticlesFactory.com
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Copyright Steve Gillman. Want more information on Backpacking Light? You'll find a free e-book, as well as photos, gear recommendations, and a new wilderness survival section, at: http://www.the-ultralight-site.com/
Backpacking light, sometimes called fastpacking or ultralight backpacking, doesn't mean leaving anything important behind, or sacrificing comfort. My seventeen-ounce down sleeping bag keeps me warmer than my previous four-pounder did. I used to use a five-pound backpack, and now have a more comfortable fourteen-ounce one. I still bring all the necessary safety gear and food when I head into the mountains - I just have lighter versions. Why? Here are six reasons.
1. More Comfort
It feels much better to have 15 pounds on your back than 50. No asking for help to struggle into that heavy pack. A heavy load leaves you sore at the end of the day, and you sweat a lot. My light backpack can be slung from one shoulder and then the other to let my back cool, and I never feel sore from carrying the weight.
2. More Range
A long day with a heavy pack might be 10 miles. With my running shoes and 15-pound load I have often gone more than 20 miles in a day without suffering. That means I have a whole lot more range. Areas of wilderness that were out of reach for a weekend trip are now possible.
3. Fewer Injuries
Some will tell you that light backpacking is dangerous because you carry less gear and less durable gear. The latter may be true, so baby that sleeping bag. But it is also true that with less weight on your back you are less likely to twist an ankle, hurt your back or lose your balance. On balance, my experience is that I have less of a chance of an injury when going light.
4. More Freedom
I used to carry an extra day pack for climbing to the summits of mountains when I was backpacking. Who wants to scramble up those steep sections with a 45-pound load? Then, I had to return to my big pack - even if I saw a better route down. Now my pack is so light that it goes everywhere with me. I hardly ever notice its weight, and I like that freedom.
5. Faster Travel
You may not like to go fast all the time when backpacking, but isn't it nice to have the option? That's what going light gives you. It means you can speed up to reach that waterfall, or speed up to make that campsite after playing in the waterfall too long. If there is a storm coming in, you can move to safety more quickly when you are carrying less weight. Also, if have an emergency and need to hike out to the car or a town, you can do so much quicker with 15 pounds on your back than with 50.
6. Simplicity
Have you seen that Corona Beer commercial where the couple brings a load of equipment to the beach and begins laying out towels, opening coolers and setting up umbrellas that are almost blown away by the wind? Then another couple walks to the beach with nothing but an icy bucket of Coronas and they sit down to enjoy the view. That's simplicity.
Some people get a thrill from finding ways to cook the fanciest meals while in the woods, and from having folding furniture and electric socks, but not me. Backpacking light means simplifying things a bit, which is not a sacrifice, but a pleasure. I often go without a stove, for example, relying on foods that don't need cooking. Not cooking? I like that. It also means no dishes to wash, and more time for swimming in that alpine lake.
Source: Free Articles from ArticlesFactory.com
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Copyright Steve Gillman. Want more information on Backpacking Light? You'll find a free e-book, as well as photos, gear recommendations, and a new wilderness survival section, at: http://www.the-ultralight-site.com/
Travel Tips India: Safety Comes First
This article provides some travel tips to help you stay safe and avoid illness or injury during your holiday in India.
India ranks high as an intriguing tourist destination with lots to offer its visitors. Think for instance of the wonderful Hindu temples, the Taj Mahal, and the great scenery too. India has a rich and fascinating culture, and thousands of tourists are eager to learn more about the country each year. Does that include you?
Unfortunately, like everywhere else in the world, India is not without its problems.
Unfortunately, there is also crime, disease, and even environmental hazards. Any one or all of these could ruin a holiday for an unprepared traveler. The following tips should help you stay safe and avoid illness or injury during your holiday.
Get Your Jabs!
The last thing vacationers want is to get sick during their vacation. But unfortunately, there are lots of serious diseases in India that are less common in other parts of the world. Diseases such as meningitis, dengue fever, dysentery, chorea, hepatitis, malaria, and typhoid are quite common in India. If you are visiting from the UK, Canada, or the United States you will not need a vaccination certificate to enter the country, but visitors from other parts of the world will need to show one. No matter where you are traveling from, it is wise to consult your doctor before you go and make sure you are up to date on all your vaccinations ' these are serious illnesses, and it is not worth taking any risks.
Mosquitoes pose a significant threat. They can spread diseases such as malaria and dengue fever, so you should take along some mosquito spray and nets as a little extra protection.
Watch What You Eat
While in India you should avoid raw vegetables and meats such as pork. Be wary of eating anything from a street vendors, and make sure that all your food is cooked thoroughly.
Don't drink water unless it is bottled water ' avoid ice cubes too, unless you know they were made from bottled water. If you cannot avoid tap water, then use some water purification tablets before you drink it. These usually contain iodine or chlorine, and you should try not to use too many of them, but it is better to purify the water than to drink it as is.
Be Careful of The Sun!
India is very warm, especially from March until May. Perhaps you plan to travel during the hotter months. If so, then be sure to drink lots of water (preferably bottled water), and make full use of the shade when you can. Also, wear sunscreen and re-apply it frequently. Some people even carry a parasol around with them to keep the worst of the sun off them during the day.
Enjoy Your Holiday
It may seem boring to have to worry about vaccinations and sun cream, etc, but it is better to spend a few minutes making sure you are protected, than to get sick while you are on holiday. Sunburn or heat stroke at the start of a trip can leave you unable to have any fun for the entire stay, and illnesses like meningitis can be fatal.
Taking a few simple precautions before you go on your trip, can make a huge difference. It will mean that you can spend your time in India learning about the country, visiting some classic landmarks, and getting some spectacular photographs for your holiday collection. And isn't that what you want.
Source: Free Articles from ArticlesFactory.com
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Become a smarter traveler in just three minutes. Visit http://www.every1loves2travel.com, subscribe to our FREE Travel tips newsletter and get Free Travel planning guide.
India ranks high as an intriguing tourist destination with lots to offer its visitors. Think for instance of the wonderful Hindu temples, the Taj Mahal, and the great scenery too. India has a rich and fascinating culture, and thousands of tourists are eager to learn more about the country each year. Does that include you?
Unfortunately, like everywhere else in the world, India is not without its problems.
Unfortunately, there is also crime, disease, and even environmental hazards. Any one or all of these could ruin a holiday for an unprepared traveler. The following tips should help you stay safe and avoid illness or injury during your holiday.
Get Your Jabs!
The last thing vacationers want is to get sick during their vacation. But unfortunately, there are lots of serious diseases in India that are less common in other parts of the world. Diseases such as meningitis, dengue fever, dysentery, chorea, hepatitis, malaria, and typhoid are quite common in India. If you are visiting from the UK, Canada, or the United States you will not need a vaccination certificate to enter the country, but visitors from other parts of the world will need to show one. No matter where you are traveling from, it is wise to consult your doctor before you go and make sure you are up to date on all your vaccinations ' these are serious illnesses, and it is not worth taking any risks.
Mosquitoes pose a significant threat. They can spread diseases such as malaria and dengue fever, so you should take along some mosquito spray and nets as a little extra protection.
Watch What You Eat
While in India you should avoid raw vegetables and meats such as pork. Be wary of eating anything from a street vendors, and make sure that all your food is cooked thoroughly.
Don't drink water unless it is bottled water ' avoid ice cubes too, unless you know they were made from bottled water. If you cannot avoid tap water, then use some water purification tablets before you drink it. These usually contain iodine or chlorine, and you should try not to use too many of them, but it is better to purify the water than to drink it as is.
Be Careful of The Sun!
India is very warm, especially from March until May. Perhaps you plan to travel during the hotter months. If so, then be sure to drink lots of water (preferably bottled water), and make full use of the shade when you can. Also, wear sunscreen and re-apply it frequently. Some people even carry a parasol around with them to keep the worst of the sun off them during the day.
Enjoy Your Holiday
It may seem boring to have to worry about vaccinations and sun cream, etc, but it is better to spend a few minutes making sure you are protected, than to get sick while you are on holiday. Sunburn or heat stroke at the start of a trip can leave you unable to have any fun for the entire stay, and illnesses like meningitis can be fatal.
Taking a few simple precautions before you go on your trip, can make a huge difference. It will mean that you can spend your time in India learning about the country, visiting some classic landmarks, and getting some spectacular photographs for your holiday collection. And isn't that what you want.
Source: Free Articles from ArticlesFactory.com
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Become a smarter traveler in just three minutes. Visit http://www.every1loves2travel.com, subscribe to our FREE Travel tips newsletter and get Free Travel planning guide.
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