12
Nov
2011
Things to do in San Francisco
In: Travel destinations
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Things to do in San Francisco San Francisco is one of the prettiest cities in the world, and has been used as the setting for countless movies and TV serials, including Dirty Harry, Vertigo, Ironside, and The Streets Of San Francisco. It is also one of the most forward-thinking and tolerant cities in the world, having been at the forefront of the hippy movement in the 60s and the gay liberation movement of the 1970s. Every year, it attracts millions of tourists from all over the world, keen to sample the legendary SF lifestyle. If you’re looking for deals in flights to San Francisco or cheap flights to New York, be sure to visit DialAFlight.com, who currently have some great deals on flight to America.

San Francisco is home to one of the most famous suspension bridges in the world, the Golden Gate Bridge. It is a massively long bridge that connects the north of the city to neighboring suburb Sausalito, and can be crossed on foot, by car, or on a bicycle. From the bridge, you can see the legendary island of Alcatraz, which used to be one of the most notorious high-security prisons in the US, and is now a prison-themed tourist attraction.

In 1967, the area around the intersecting streets of Haight and Ashbury was widely considered to be the epicentre of the ‘flower power’ movement, with thousands of young hippies descending on the area to turn on, tune in, and drop out to the sounds of local bands such as Jefferson Airplane and the Grateful Dead. The summer of love soon blew over, but the area is still heavily indebted to that era, with plenty of second hand clothing and record stores, bohemian bars and cafes, and shops selling all sorts of exotic goods from around the world.
Golden Gate Park, which covers the area between the top of Haight and the Golden Gate Bridge, is one of the largest city centre parks in the world, and is certainly one of the most beautiful. Here, you can meditate in a Japanese tea garden, marvel at the exotic plant life in the botanical garden, visit the bison enclosure, visit one of the many museums and art galleries in the park, or catch a concert in the musical concourse.
If you are a fan of the Alfred Hitchcock movie Vertigo, then you might want to pay a visit to Mission Dolores Church, where the infamous tower scene was filmed. While you are there, you might as well head along to Mission Dolores Park, where you can get some fantastic hilltop views of the city and the Bay Bridge, which connects San Francisco with neighboring Oakland.




26
Apr
2011
Good news for India tourists - no more state restrictions
In: Travel destinations
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Good news for India tourists - no more state restrictions Next time a tourist to India wanting to visit Mount Abu and then wants to drive down to Gujarat, he will not be required to contact tour operators in Gujarat separately.
The Indian Times reports that tourists can contact either the Gujarat Tourism Department or the Rajasthan Tourism Department to assist in making arrangements, irrespective of the state the traveler wants to visit, thanks to a promotion of interstate tourism.
In order to bring in tourists to Gujarat and to market its sight-seeing places, the state tourism department has entered into a pact with Rajasthan, Karnataka, and Punjab for interstate tourism.
It has already started selling North Gujarat with Rajasthan. The department is promoting Shamlaji, Kesariyaji, Udaipur, Chittorgadh, Haldighati, Nathdwara, Ch...
26
Apr
2011
A pick of vacation destinations from the royal couple
In: Travel tips
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A pick of vacation destinations from the royal couple Prince William and Kate Middleton have never been the stay-at-home types. A traveler could plan a royal (and royally expensive) getaway just following in their footsteps. The couple has journeyed to some of the world's most luxurious spots. Here are five places to catch the flavor of a royal vacation.
Desroches Island, Seychelles
Kate and William rekindled their romance here with a getaway in 2007. The private, three-mile-long Indian Ocean coral atoll is surrounded by clear turquoise water, and is reached by private plane. The five-bedroom Presidential Villa would seem perfect for the honeymooners, but others can book a beachfront suite for a mere $1,000 per person per night.
Lewa Safari Camp, Kenya
What better place to soak up royal romance than the spot where Wil...
18
Apr
2011
Falklands’ Conflict legacy - a good reason to visit the islands
In: Travel destinations
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Falklands’ Conflict legacy - a good reason to visit the islands The Falkland Islands will be back in the spotlight next year with the 30th anniversary of the British-Argentine conflict (2nd April – 14th June 1982). Visitors today come to marvel at one of the last untouched wildlife wonders of the world as well as to commemorate the war. Here are just some of the reasons to visit these amazing islands in 2012 and beyond.
Natural Nirvana
A compact archipelago of more than 740 Islands – many uninhabited – the Falklands offer an unspoilt, tranquil wildlife haven affording up-close-and-personal encounters with penguins in their thousands, the chance to see dozens of rare birdlife as well as offshore highlights including orcas hunting seals and dolphins playing in the surf.
Endless landscapes, pristine coast and beautiful white san...
18
Apr
2011
Top 10 wine regions of the world
In: Travel destinations
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Top 10 wine regions of the world We all know the feeling you get when you settle into your favorite couch with a glass of wine. Ever wondered how it's done around the world? Then check out these recommendations for the best destinations around the world to enjoy a lovely drop. You will get a new found appreciation for sommeliers and make yourself look good at dinner parties. Just leave plenty of room in the suitcase for the trip home.
1. Champagne, France - According to French law, only bubbly grown in this region and bottled according to the strictest standards can be labeled as Champagne. Here, you can pop the cork of France's best-known brands, including Dom Perignon, Perrier Jouet, Veuve Clicquot and Moët & Chandon. For those feeling adventurous, you can try the age-old art of sabrage - removing the cork from a...
11
Apr
2011
Going to Europe? Read some tips as to what to ask first
In: Travel tips
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Going to Europe? Read some tips as to what to ask first Traveling to Europe may be a dream of yours that is finally about to come true. Now that it is, you want to ensure that everything goes exactly as planned. Many choose to stay in a vacation rental rather than a hotel or other lodgings which accommodate a number of people. If you choose to go this route, you need to know that the property you are renting is suitable. Here are five questions to ask about vacation rentals in Europe that every traveler should remember when booking the trip:
- If problems arise during your stay, how will they be handled? Will the owner or property manager be accessible at all times so a problem can be reported and handled in a timely manner? As a vacation can be ruined by a lack of hot water or a bug infestation, you definitely need to know how issues wil...
11
Apr
2011
9 American houses that will amaze you
In: Travel destinations
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9 American houses that will amaze you Houses are generally private places. (No trespassing, please!) Some of America’s coolest houses, however, let you peek behind the curtains to inspire and satisfy your curiosity. Cool houses are always experiments, domestic laboratories where designers, builders, and homeowners work out better ways to live.
When you think of experimental architecture, you usually think big: a museum by Santiago Calatrava or a city library by Rem Koolhaas. But the innovations that truly change our lives happen at home. America’s coolest houses may have started out as experiments, but today they’re guaranteed to be an interesting visit. Even if you can’t sip your morning coffee in the kitchen of California’s Hearst Castle, spending a little time in someone else’s pad might give you a few new...
04
Apr
2011
Top 10 party places - never too much
In: Travel tips
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Top 10 party places - never too much The sun isn't the only thing that heats up between June and August in the Northern Hemisphere, the season also ignites the hottest summer party spots.
Top 10 Hottest Summer Party Spots north of the equator are:
Ibiza, Spain – Known for attracting world class DJs and referred to as the 'party capital of the world', Ibiza is home to some of the world's most famous clubs and brings revelers in their millions. The heaving club scene is complemented by a diverse collection of bars and Ibiza has also recently been home to the popular live music event, Ibiza Rocks.
Ios, Greece – Ios is the party capital of the Cyclades islands and is a haven for younger tourists. You'll need some stamina to survive the late night summer action in Chora, so once you've had enough, you can vis...
04
Apr
2011
Fantasy islands can sometimes be a reality
In: Travel destinations
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Fantasy islands can sometimes be a reality An advanced city submerged under sea; an ancient garden paradise bearing a tree of knowledge; an island of bird-women seductresses -- the stuff of pure fiction. Or perhaps not?
Far-off, mysterious islands provide the setting for some of our favorite myths and folklore. But more often than not, they have their roots in real-life locations.
From the Caribbean cove of Treasure Island to the sunken city of Atlantis, here's a travel guide for those who fancy a sailing holiday with an allegorical twist.
Treasure Island
The definitive swash-buckling tale of one-legged pirates, treasure maps and talking parrots centers around a tiny island somewhere in the Caribbean. Starring the rum-swigging buccaneer Long John Silver, the story was penned by 19th century Scottish author R...
28
Mar
2011
Top 10 ways to look confident on your journey
In: Travel tips
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Top 10 ways to look confident on your journey Don't play the fool on April 1. Here is a list of the Top 10 ways to avoid looking like a "foolish" tourist, helping you decrease your chances of being approached with insistent offers of souvenirs, tours, or unscrupulous timeshare salespersons. Walk, talk and act like a local, no matter where you are in the world:
1. NO fanny packs - also known as the Buffalo pouch, hip sack, waist bag, hip pack or bum bag, nothing says "I'm not from around here," like a bulging hump around your midsection.
2. Plan ahead - There is nothing wrong with consulting the map in private to gain your bearings, but try and avoid the dazed "where am I?" expression, especially in crowded city streets.
3. Camera see, camera go - for those who are not professional photographers, try and avoid the te...