Rabu, 15 Februari 2012

Illawarra Fly Treetop Walk


Imagine walking through the tallest of age-old trees at extraordinary heights! The Illawarra Flyover is a 45-minute walking track raised up in the air, set inside a stretch of beautiful tropical rainforest. First, you will take a peaceful stroll through the flora and fauna at land height, soaking in refreshing nature. Then you will embrace your inner Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon for an ascent into the air. If you love views (and who doesn’t?) climb the central tower to experience a magnificent sight of rolling green hills and leafy green forest, which stretches out to the distant ocean. Not for those who experience vertigo, as sometimes the footpath moves with the breeze…so all the more fun for the slight thrill-seekers among us!
Walk through amazing forest standing for many more years than you are old.




Illawarra Fly Treetop Walk
Feel as big as an ant, and look as big as one too.




Illawarra Fly Treetop Walk
Climb up to the Clouds if you don’t mind heights.




Illawarra Fly Treetop Walk
Simply appreciate nature.




Illawarra Fly Treetop Walk

source: http://hotelphotographer.org/illawarra-fly-treetop-walk

Selasa, 14 Februari 2012

Shimla Tour – For Memorable Holidays


by: Caper Travel

Shimla is one of the most sought after hill stations of northern India where tourists flock in large number throughout the year. This beautiful hill retreat is situated in the lap of lower Himalaya’s mountain ranges in Himachal Pradesh state. The mesmerising charm of this place lies in its verdant hill slopes, green pasture land, snow capped mountain peaks and number of Victorian style architectural buildings. It is the place where each season has its own charm and glory that enthral tourists who come here from across the globe.

This place is also renowned for its number of adventure sports activities which heighten the joy of visitors who come here for pleasurable holidays. The popular tourist attractions which are visited by tourists during their Shimla Tour are:

Ridge Road

This is an awe-inspiring attraction of Shimla from where tourists get breathtaking views of the mountains with snow laden peaks. Tourists come here to get panoramic views of nature's speckled beauty. Apart from the scenic vistas this place is also famous for its Neo-Gothic Christ Church and Tudar Library.

Mall

It is the heart of Shimla bustling with social life. This is a must visit attraction of Shimla because of its scattered charm of natural and artificial wonders. The beauty of this place lies in its magnificent colonial style buildings, shops, restaurants and heritage theatre. It is the best place for tourists to enjoy their leisure. The popular tourist attractions of this place are General post office, Scandal point, Kali Bari temple and Christ Church.

Jakhu Temple

This is the highest point of Shimla situated at an altitude of 8000 feet above sea level. It is a breathtaking place from where tourists get mesmerizing bird's eye view of the entire city and surrounding valley. The Hanuman temple is the popular attraction of this place which is visited by large number of tourists as well as devotees throughout the year.

Chadwick Falls

It is a beautiful fall which is located 7 km from the city centre. Large number of tourists comes here to see the cascading beauty of water falling from a height of 67 meter above sea level. The panoramic charm of this place is heightened by the presence of thick deodar forests. Trekking is the best way to reach this place which gives tourists an enthralling experience because of the scattered natural beauty.

Shimla is also famous for its number of adventure sports activities which heighten the joy and excitement of tourists who come here during their holidays. The geographical location amidst mountain ranges makes it a perfect place for trekking, hiking and camping. During winter the thick layer of snow make it a perfect place for skiing and several winter sport activities.

All Inclusive Hawaii Vacation Packages


by: Dhawaii028

If a visitor spent a month on Maui, and did something different every single day, there wouldn't be enough time to do everything. Maui will always be a "doer's" mecca! At 3DHawaii.com there are Hawaii Vacation Packages to suit everyone and help to enjoy all of the Maui Activities for yourself.

From November until April the giant humpback whales spend the winter in Maui's offshore waters. They congregate here to mate and birth their young. This endangered species is known for its gentleness, its oceanic gymnastics and its haunting song. The Pacific Whale Foundation offers whale watching excursions aboard both power and sail boats. Fees are used for cetacean research. There are three whaling museums: the Carthaginian, anchored in Lahaina Harbor, The Lahaina Whaling Museum, and the outdoor museum in the Whaler's Village shopping complex in Kaanapali. Planning your Hawaii Family Vacation in November could be a sure way too please the entire family.

Ho'okipa Beach is the windsurfer's mecca, and so the lovely little town of Pa'ia is its "cool" capital. The perfect waves and brisk onshore breezes are perfect for the fleets of neon-bright sails streaking across the waves. Once a plantation town, Paia now has gotten hip. It now has boutiques, antique shops, art galleries and many excellent restaurants, to add to its windsurfing shops. Look for Hawaii Hotels at 3DHawaii.com and plan your windsurfing holiday now.

Walk through a rainforest echoing with birdsong heard no place else on the planet, or along a rugged lava shoreline spewing giant geysers, or into mysterious sea caves steeped in ancient legend. You will discover trails to waterfalls with plunge pools for swimming, and walks into valleys so deep they never see a sunrise or even a sunset. There are actually even trails into the dramatic lunaresque landscape of Haleakala crater.

Few places are as committed to bikeways as Maui. It is possible to bicycle from the East End of the island at the Wailea Resort to Kapalua on the West End. Much of the ride is along spectacular shoreline road. Presently you will find guided downhill bicycle tours from the summit of Haleakala Volcano along the flower farms and little towns of Upcountry right to the beach at Pa'ia. In 38 miles the elevation drops 10,000 feet.

Dive and snorkel sites are world class. There are two marine conservation areas, one at Honolua Bay on West Maui and the other at Molokini, a partially submerged volcanic crater offshore at Wailea. Because of the contours of the crater, it's like swimming in an aquarium. The nearby Lana'i Cathedrals is considered to be one of the most beautiful dive sites in the world. In addition, there is also a sunken US submarine to explore. Glass bottom boats including a pleasure submarine open up the wonders of the Hawaiian reef to non-swimmers.

Visit 3DHawaii.com for all your Hawaii Vacation Planning needs.

Jumat, 10 Februari 2012

Japanese Overseas Travel Insurance


by: Steve Cogger

If you are an expatriate planning on long-term residence in Japan you can, after a one-year stay, become a part of Japan's national health program. Until that time, however, you're going to need Japanese overseas travel insurance.

Some of the Japanese overseas travel insurance options include not only trip or annual medical emergency coverage for travel but also disability insurance, personal liability coverage and term life insurance. Japanese overseas travel insurance's medical coverage with some plans offers full (100 percent) reimbursement for prescription medicine, medical care for diagnostic purposes, hospital stay and even surgery. You'll also be covered in case of terrorism and an evacuation to your home residence in the event of medical or terrorist emergency.

One firm whose Japanese overseas travel plan we perused offered coverage for those over 80 years old, difficult to find. The minimum coverage time period for this plan is one week (seven days) with a one-year maximum, although it can be renewed for a total of three consecutive years of coverage. Coverage varies according to your age. You must be at least two weeks old for any coverage. If you are under 70 years of age you can choose coverage limits that range from $50,000 to $1 million. Folks between 70 and 79 are excluded from coverage that exceeds $50,000, while those 80 or older can only be covered to a maximum of $10,000.

Let's look at a couple of quotes to see the variation in cost for age, children, number of travelers, and participation in sports. We'll also look at the cost for non-U.S. citizens. The first quote is for a single U.S. resident 18-29 years of age traveling along for one year and not wanting the rider for sports coverage. A $1 million ceiling for Japanese overseas travel insurance coverage, with a $250 deductible, is $576. Reducing the ceiling doesn't seem like nearly as good a deal - the premium is $504, although increasing the deductible to $1000 reduces the cost to $403.20. That same Japanese overseas travel insurance coverage for non-U.S. citizens is several hundred dollars more.

For a couple both 30-39 years old with two children traveling with them, Japanese overseas travel insurance does not come cheap. Assuming U.S. residence and a $500,000 ceiling with $500 deductible the hefty price tag for this coverage is $1814.40. While this may seem excessive, consider the cost of medical coverage for one or more of you, or for emergency evacuation. You'll probably come to the conclusion that Japanese overseas travel insurance is inexpensive as compared to the alternative.

6 Types of Accommodations For Travelers to Japan


by: Sammy Ho

The accommodation cost in Japan is very expensive. Self-service travelers may find that Japan gets the highest accommodation charges in the world. In addition to the language problems, it would be quite difficult for many travelers to travel in Japan. This article introduces six types of accommodations available in Japan which gives travelers to have a more in-depth understanding on Japan's accommodation services.

There are totally about 80,000 accommodation facilities for travelers in Japan which could be classified as Japanese style and western style. Most of the low price accommodation will not provide private toiletry and bathroom and have to share publicly. Besides, most of the owners do not know English. In general, the check in time would be around 15:00-16:00, and the check out time is 10:00.

Youth Hostel

There are about 400 Youth Hostel in Japan, and most of them are private-owned. Resident must be the member of the Youth Hostel or otherwise they have to pay a higher charge. In general, the accommodation cost would be around JPY 3,000 to 3,500 per night depending on the location and facilities. Most of the Youth Hostel provides breakfast and dinner with separate charges since the room has no kitchen facilities. It is suggested to contact your local Youth Hostel Association and book the Youth Hostel in Japan in advance. Otherwise, you have to pay a higher charge for on-site booking, and remember you have to bring your photo to become member.

Minshuku (Living with Family)

Minshuku is a family style accommodation, and it has a higher charges compared to Youth Hostel, at around JPY 4,000-6,000 per night including breakfast and dinner. Most of the Minshuku have around 10-20 living units, and most of them are located at resort areas or small town. Many of the Minshuku are franchised with unique logo but it is quite difficult to locate if you don not know Japanese. Therefore, if you want to find a better priced one, it is better to find a friend who know Japanese to book the room for you.

Ryokan (Japanese Styles Motel)

Ryokan has a better facility than Minshuku with a slightly higher charge. It is usually located around the railway station in towns but most of the staffs would not know English. Accommodation cost would be around JPY 3,000 to 5,000 not including meals. You may contact an organization called "Japanese Inn Group" which provided English information about its franchised Ryokan.

Capsule Hotel

Capsule Hotel is the same as its name; the room is just like a capsule or a box with 3 meter long and 1 meter high, providing TV, small safe and a small desk. Your luggage has to be kept in the storeroom separately. Most of the Capsule Hotels are for male only, but now starting to accepts female guests. Capsule Hotels are usually located at the big city downtown with room charges at around JPY 3,000 to 4,000. You have to consider whether you could cater yourself in such a compact area before you make the reservation.

Business Hotel

There are many Business Hotels for local traveled businessmen. The hotel room is quite compact but with private bathroom facilities. The room charge is ranging from JPY 6,000 to 7,000. Most of the Business Hotels locate at downtown, railway station or subway station and you may find their pamphlets at the railway station counter.

Western Style Hotel

Western Style Hotels are located at the downtown of all major cities with room rates starting at JPY 6,000 not included meals.

A Reason to Travel to Japan


by: Ryu Yuki

When you think of Japan, what comes up to your mind? There might be “Sony” and “Toyota” or “Samurai” and “Geisha.” You might consider that the former ones represent the modern Japan and the later ones represent the past. However, the real Japan is not such simple and contains the both aspects together through its historical stream. It is little bit hard for people to understand that the two different characters exist in one country.

There are some clues to glance at the real face of Japan. As you know, Japanese cars are becoming more and more popular in the US. The reasons explain the typical quality of the Japanese products. Practicability and Flavor. The reliability is that people can count on and the quality is that owners can be satisfied with for a long time. How about Japanese food. Sushi is one of favorite healthy food these days. Thirty years ago almost nobody was willing to eat raw fish in the US, however, recently there are so many sushi restaurants around urban cities like Los Angeles. People eat sushi because it is not just a efficient diet menu but also an cultural experience. They recognize color scheme of sushi dishes. Red, green, black, yellow, and white on the plate. It is a kind of artistic presentation with natural ingredients.

Any basic daily activities of people, food and craft, gradually grows to be the level of culture after many years. Japan has been organized as a nation for about 1500 years and developed the living style to the cultural value. Even though Japan obtained a lot of influence from the US after the WWII, her original essence remained and still exist everywhere in the country. TOYOTA and SONY could not happened as world famous companies without the soul and cultural background. When you really want to feel and realize what it is, it’s time for you to get on an airplane to Japan. You will start connecting the depth of the culture and spirit of the mysterious country from the very first day.

For more Japanese information, visit the author's blog site http://www.traveltojapanblog.blogspot.com .

Kamis, 02 Februari 2012

Sights Tense “Dachstein SkyWalk”, Austria





Called the “Balcony Mountains Alpina”, Dachstein SkyWalk Austria is built at an altitude of 2700 meters above sea level, and on the rocks as high as 250 m. The vertical Hunerkogel A 360-degree show at the visitors view of Slovenia, the Republic Koruna south to the north. Skywalk is much higher than the platform at Niagara Falls, or who are in Iguazu waterfalls, Brazil.


This place is perfect for you who really liked places where the height, but not for those of you who have the disease at a height phobia. Here are some photos that we managed to summarize, from various viewpoints.
source:http://heavenclick.com/sights-tense-dachstein-skywalk-austria/

Underground Cities Cappadocia Turkey


One of the characteristics of Cappadocia is having plenty of underground cities. It's known that there are more than a hundred of underground settlements in the region and many of them are not open for visits. The underground cities, which are guessed to be used since the Bronze Age, used to be a settlement mostly in Byzantine period, doubtless. In this period, increasing invasions forced local residents to build underground cities for protection and religious purposes.
Kaymakli Underground City

Kaymakli Underground City


Certainly the most interesting features of the Cappadocia area are the underground cities founded within. Until now even that have been determined about 40 underground cities just six of these have been opened for visit. Nobody can know how many underground cities there are in the Cappadocia area. Some say that there is one for every village and settlement in the region but certainly not all of the sites can be described as cities. Well known underground cities of Cappadocia area are Tatlarin Underground city Derinkuyu Underground City, Ozkonak Underground City, Mazi Village Underground City, Kaymakli Underground City and Gaziemir Underground City
Derinkuyu underground city


Derinkuyu underground city

The first inhabitants of Cappadocia area have opened deep cavities within the volcanic rocks due to escape from the attacks of the wild animals and hard winter conditions and then they have enlarged these cavities according to their daily needs, they opened new cavities and created the underground cities connecting these cavities with tunnel and labyrinths. Later the underground cities were the place of the hiding of the first Christians who escaped from the persecution of the Roman soldiers and were enlarged to able when were necessary an entire city to live and every kind of fixture necessary for the living of the people has been attached. When there wasn't any danger the people living on the ground in case of the danger have hidden in the underground cities. For this reason all the homes at that time were connected to the underground cities with a tunnel.
Tatlarin Underground City - Cappadocia Turkey


Tatlarin Underground City

In all of the underground cities there are ventilation chimneys reaching place by place to a depth of 80 and until the underground waters. These chimneys were opened due to meet the need of both the ventilation and water. Within the cities that are tepid in winters and cool in summers there are kitchens, cribs, wine houses, depots for cereals, meeting saloons, toilets shortly every kind of living space necessary for living. Within all the cities there are locking stones which can be opened and closed only from inside against to the threats which may come from outside.

The oldest written source about underground cities is the Anabasis named book of Xenophon (Written around B.C. 4). In the book is mentioned that the people living in Anatolia have caved their houses underground and that the houses are connected to each other with holes: "The houses were built underground; the entrances were like wells but they broadened out lower down. There were tunnels dug in the ground for the animals wkile the men went down by ladder. Inside the houses there were goats, sheep, cows and poultry with their young..."
source:http://www.cappadociaturkey.net/undergroundcities.htm