The Ethiopian Wonder - Addis Ababa

Do you have Ethiopia on your mind for a small getaway? You are on the right track.

The capital city of a wonder land and the economic centre to the fast developing nation of Ethiopia, the spectacular Addis Ababa is calling you. In Ethiopian language Addis Ababa means 'New Flower'. Quite an appropriate title that is! This remarkable land explored by many vacationers is the largest city of Ethiopia. The city was discovered by Emperor Menelik in the year 1887. Being the centre of a diverse country, this territory is a home to 80 nationalities, which gives a howling touch to the city's environment.

Perched on the foothill of Entoto Hill, Addis Ababa is a city of sophisticated tradition and it proudly flaunts its enriching legacy. Royal history of this enigmatic terrain is indeed worth exploring.  Historical museums, art galleries and period monuments speak for themselves and the keep the travellers enchanted for days after the vacation.

Addis Ababa, along with its historical treasure, exhibits a strong affluence of progression and development. Let us explore this beautiful metropolis, which is a perfect mixture of past and present, in its real avatar.
Seasons for the Reasons.

Image courtsey: www.8thingstodo.com

Addis Ababa enjoys a pleasant climate throughout the year, which is perfect for vacationing. The bad days are the rainy days; from the month of June to August every year. During rainy season the only thing that can spoil the fun is that you won't be able to discover the city completely as the roads get muddy and sloppy. Therefore, vacationers make it a point to check for the weather report before booking the flights to Addis Ababa.

Sites for the Sight
The capital city of Ethiopia is replete with some of the best architectural monuments in the country. Ethiopian National Museum, Africa Hall, Parliament Building, St George's Cathedral, Menelik's Old Imperial Palace, Netsa Art Village, Derg Monument and many more famous structures give ample reasons for a gorgeous holiday in Addis Ababa.

Fun and Excitement
Are you looking for adventure while in Addis Ababa, well don’t stress, the options are bounteous. You can enjoy the amusing wild life safari, go hiking, take pleasure in hassle-free camping, go for the thrill of biking, explore mountain climbing or you can simply discover the city up close and personal, which is a memorable adventure in itself.

Food for Thought and More
Ethiopia is a mixture of many nationalities and so is the capital Addis Ababa. This acts as the reason that one sees many influences in the cuisine. Versatility is the quintessence of food here. Gastronomic preparations from various corners of the world make to the tables of small eateries and lavish restaurants in the city. The best part is that satisfying your taste buds comes at extremely reasonable cost; hence, relishing the delicacies won’t burn a hole in your pocket.

Shopping Rendezvous
The ecstatic land is speedily rising as a fashion hub in Ethiopia with its heart-stealer shopping options. From designer wear to local handmade curios, you would get to shop for anything and everything to style-up your
senses.

Image courtsey: www.traveljournals.net

The Enchanting City of Brisbane

Right when you are desperately looking for an interesting break from your taxing routine, you get to take a vacation to the capital of Queensland, Brisbane! Wow, sounds terrifically unbelievable!

Well not impossible though. Just booking a flight to Brisbane can take you to a city that makes a part of world’s most admired travel destination, Australia. Peacefully located on the banks of Brisbane River, this city makes for a perfect holiday.

The fact remains undeniable that Brisbane is not one of the prime metropolises of the country but it is on a continuous journey to growth and expansion. Tourism industry in Brisbane is no exception to it. The city witnesses a large number of travellers from all over the world every year.

Image courtesy : www.raubacapeu.net

For an enchanting holiday that you can recall year after year, pack your bags and say to self:
Welcome to Brisbane!

Nature’s Gifts

For the ones who are truly in love with nature and wish to lazy around amidst natural splendour, Brisbane has ample to offer. Breathtaking waterfalls, serene rivers, tranquil cliff tops, and mesmerising rainforests of Brisbane will gratify your senses to the core.

Man Made Structures

Man-made architectural wonders are not left behind that leave you enthralled with all their magnificence coming alive in Brisbane. Towering buildings and other prominent structures are worth a visit. The city is speckled with a number of concert halls, art galleries, museums and auditoriums that make your stay a pleasurable one. No wonder it is lovingly known as “Las Vegas of Australia.”

Image courtesy :www.royalcaribbean.com

Coast to Coast

For the love of sea, Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast are best bet. Just a few minutes from the main city, these coastal pitches are blessed with some of the finest beaches in the world. If you are one of those who cannot complete a vacation without feeling the breezy waves of the ocean, these are haven for you. Surfing is beyond fun at these coastal lines of Brisbane.

 That's Brisbane for you!

Brisbane is definitely an adventure wonderland. A number of thrilling activities keep the vacationers engaged during a relaxing break. You can pay a visit to the places of interest such as Brisbane City Botanic Gardens, Brisbane City Hall, Brisbane Skyneedle, Early Street Historical Village and the list is endless.

The attractions in Brisbane are simply beyond compare as they take you on a wonderful joy ride!

City of Shopaholics- Dubai

Whenever one thinks of exploring a new destination during his/her holidays, the first thing which takes a toll on his mind is shopping choices. Somewhere we all love shopping and constantly seek for unique things to bargain for. If you are a travel freak and shopping interests you, then Dubai is the city for you. Dubai is a Mecca for duty free purchasing. Also known as the ‘shopper’s paradise’, this city celebrates magnificent shopping festival every year, which is visited by travelers from all around the world. This year also this splendid extravaganza of Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) is scheduled from 2nd January 2014 to 2nd February 2014. 

Beginning of the festival
Initiated by the government of Dubai in the year 1996 the festival till now is attended by over 40 million visitors. The main motto behind starting this event was to promote more and more tourism in the city. Now people eagerly wait for the shopping festival to plan out their vacations in Dubai. 

                                                                                  Image courtesy dubaicityblog.com
Discounted Shopping
Who doesn’t like discount shopping? At Dubai shopping festival you can bargain for products which are duty free. Right from jewellery to watches and perfumes to electronics, whatsoever is in your mind to decorate your wardrobe or home with, can be purchased hither. Shopping atmosphere which brings lively vibes to the surroundings is loved by all. Different souks are colonized here. Visit any souk and get ready to mesmerize your mind thoroughly.

                                                                                  Image courtesy dubaicalendar.ae

Events and Entertainment during DSF 
DSF is not limited to bargaining, shopping and lucky draws, but many entertaining events also take place here. Many known names and celebrities are invited here from all over the world. Some events are specifically carried forward to protrude the impressive Arabian culture and its traditions. Just to give DFS a new touch every year the organizers of the event make sure to introduce fresh events every year. The festival starts with colorful opening ceremony, continued with glittery fireworks and light shows giving a tremendous commence to the Dubai Shopping Festival. 

                                                                                 Image courtesy dubaimetro.eu

By :Asif Khan

A guide for gourmet travelers!!!

Culinary vividness is the new reason for travelers to choose their holiday destination. People today prefer to travel the globe in search of places with quality gourmet choices made up of unique flavors and spices. Every corner of the world has its own unique recipes of making cuisines, which very utterly describes its culture. If you are a food lover and want to go on a voyage where you can savor different flavors and history of the world, then this article is a good help for you to decide your next destination of travel. Just forget everything, follow your taste buds and your smelling senses, and leave for an adventurous jaunt of sapidities put together by renowned chefs. 

Image courtesy - allyou.com

South of France

South of France holds an international reputation for its impressive fine dining.  Since last 2000 years, the French have recreated its very own and unique form of culinary art, which makes it famous all around the globe. As it is said that France is a synonym for exceptionally mouth watering culinary arts and famous chefs, you just can’t end up your visit hither without tasting each and every renowned dish of the territory.  Not only cuisines, but the world’s best wines are also served hither.

London

This one of the world’s most cosmopolitan cities, London serves you with almost every dish you have heard of to satisfy any kind of food craving. Right from a hot noodle bowl to yummy British fish, you will find restaurants which will serve you with cuisines perfectly fitting to your pocket size.
You will love the Gourmet experience in London.

Image courtesy - mccormick.com

Barcelona

Famously known as the Capital of Mediterranean diet, Barcelona is a city to be in for food lovers. Catalan cuisine is said to be the healthiest diet in the world and is made out of using legumes, fish, vegetables, olive oil etc. Waffles sold at street stands spellbind passers with its mouth watering smell and are locally very famous. Here you can try out a fine selection of red wines and white wines, like- Priorat, Penedes, Alella etc.

Image courtesy - cakechooser.com

Italy

Italy is not only famous for its impressive historical sites, but also grabs tourist’s attention with yummylicious cuisines and exquisite wines. Food is an important and integral part of Italy’s colorful culture. Every state, city or village you visit, you will get to savor something all different and delicious. In short wherever you go in this country, you would get to relish diversity of tastes and spices.

Image courtesy - nycfoodguy.com

Morocco

Berber, Moorish, and Arab influence can easily be detected in Moroccan cuisines. No doubt that traveler fondly calls Morocco “a magical and mysterious blend of cultural influences”. Delightful taste of the dishes hither is there because of years of friendliness of Morocco with other cultures and nations.

Image courtesy - taste.com.au

Japan

For all those who live with a myth that Japanese cuisine is all about sushi- they must think about it one more time. The country serves almost every type of dish you would have heard of. Local cuisines of the country are made up by combining staple foods, i.e. Japanese rice and noodles. The main focus while making Japanese dishes is kept on seasonality of food, quality of ingredients and presentation.

Thailand

Asia’s most loved Cuisine- “the Thai Cuisine” is renowned globally for its aroma and spiciness. Whichever city in the world you choose to spend your vacations at, you would easily get Thai dishes served on your plate. Some famous Thai delicacies are- Spicy Shrimp Soup, Chicken in Coconut Soup, grilled pork, Thai style Fried Noodles, and Spicy Beef Salad. 

By :Asif Khan

It's All About Travel Value

Best Getaways for Snowfall

Winter is the favorite time of the year for those who love snow fall, cuddling in blankets, sipping hot cappuccino, and enjoy bubbly Jacuzzis. During this season, travel industry goes gaga to provide its customers with best of winter packages. Some destinations which are perfect for vacations during winter season make people forget about sun, sand and surf. Imagine holidaying at a place where all you see outside your room window is snow. Be it trees, buildings, roads, rivers, cars, everything hither stays covered under crystal clear white blanket which makes it all look mesmerizing from every angle. Some cities which embrace the winter season and offer you plenteous activities to do and enjoy are:

New York City

In New York, winters are not about getting bored inside your apartment or hotel room. The city offers you enough of activities to enjoy during this time of the year, like - Christmas, Hanukkah, New Year's Eve, Kwanzaa, Chinese Lunar New Year and Valentine's Day, skiing, NY Chili Fest, Fondue Night and a lot more.

Image courtesy - fineartamerica.com

Granada, Spain

With magnificent views and lively surroundings this city makes sure to serve its visitors with best winter experience ever. 

Image courtesy - costamedi.com

Boston, Massachusetts

From skating to just a simple walk, Boston’s chilly winters and spell binding snow fall makes every activity hither worth enjoying. 

Image courtesy - bbc.com

West Yellowstone, Montana

Right from October, this beautiful city of Montana covers itself under the fine quilt of snow. People here are lively and activities that you get to enjoy in West Yellowstone are numerous. 

Image courtesy - budgettravel.com

Washington, D.C.

Not only the US’s capital but this city beautiful also enjoys the title of being the winter capital too. Washington D.C looks resplendent during cold months of the year. Finding people indulging into snow ball fights is quit a common thing to witness hither at this time of the year. 

                                                        Image courtesy - washington-aftermathnews.wordpress.com

By :Asif Khan

Impressive wild life of Harare

Harare is the largest and the capital city of Zimbabwe. Also known as the ‘Sunshine City’, this metropolis has many reasons for which travelers from different corners of the globe descend hither. Its vivid variety will impress you for sure, but the main attraction that seem to spell global tourists mind is its ferocious wild life. At Harare’s wildlife reserves you would get to confront varied species of animal, birds and plants.

Main attractions that exhibit the wildlife of Harare in a better way are- Mukuvisi Woodlands, Lion and Cheetah Park, Kuimba Shiri Bird Gardens and Snake World, Larvon Bird Gardens and more. With affordable accommodation options, the city gives its tourists an unforgettable holiday experience. If you are looking for some good adventurous break from your daily schedule then Harare can for sure woo you with something you have always dreamt about and something that is different from rest. 

Enjoy the Endless Entertainment Options of Bangkok

Often referred as the "City of Angels", Bangkok is a vibrant city. Its naughty nightlife, colorful markets, beautifully constructed temples and high-rising malls are the reason why every year millions of people book flights to Bangkok. Satiated with worth visiting sights and places of interest, Bangkok is loved by travel freaks. This might come to you as a surprise that the bustling city now once used to be a small trading port. But, with the passage of time it got its whole new makeover which still leaves its visitors transfixed. Today, Bangkok serves as a nerve centre of major happenings in Thailand.

If you are vacationing in Bangkok, then following little information can help you to explore the city better-

Attractions:

The huge list of attractions in Bangkok is not limited to one, two or three, but to many. To give a start to your stumble, visit Wat Pho- the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, which is the identity of Thailand's grand history. Other important sights of the metropolis are- the Grand Palace, Vimanmek Mansion, Jim Thompson's House, National Museum, Museum of Siam, Queen's Gallery, Lumpini Park, Siam Ocean World, and much more.

Vivacious nightlife:

No other city in Asia can beat the real charm of Bangkok nightlife. People planning to holiday hither should not miss to experience its unique nightlife which is much talked about across the globe. With myriad nightclubs, pubs, bars, hotels and restaurants, that stay open till the sunrise, the metropolis can provide you with amazing after the sun-set experience.

Yummy cuisines:

Apart from a sightseeing and vivacious nightlife, Bangkok city is very popular among tourists who love tasting different cuisines. A perfect destination for Thai food lovers, Bangkok makes sure to frisson your taste buds with the best of Thai cuisines. Some of the famous delicacies are - Khao Pad, Pad Thai, Gaeng Daeng, and Gai Med Mamuang. Apart from Thai food you can also enjoy Vietnamese, Lebanese, French, Mexican and many more dishes from across the world.

Unlimited shopping options:

Visiting Bangkok and not doing shopping is just not done. The city is known for its markets from where you can get anything that you want and that too on very cheap prices. Dotted with colorful markets, simple stalls and luxurious shopping malls, Bangkok is called as the shopper's paradise by the people who often travel here to satisfy their craving for shopping etc.

Top three must visit’s of Cape Town

Africa has powers to woo it’s travelers with every little thing possible. Be it its unique attractions, wild-life richness, numerous wonders, and all-year-round soothing weather, every African city has something to make your holidays worth remembering. Cape Town is the most travelled destination, when it comes to exploring the territory. With legion attractions and things to do, you can spend the most amazing time of your life hither.
Some places which you must explore while holidaying at Cape Town are-

The Cape Wine lands-

For all wine lovers across the globe, the Cape Wine lands are a must visit. With some of the best wine producing vineries in the world, Cape offers public tasting, purchase and an ideal place for picnicking with your loved ones. With mind-bending natural beauty and stunning surroundings, wine regions of Paarl, Stellenbosch, and Franschhoek are located at an hour’s drive from the territory of Cape Town.

Table Mountain- 

The majestic Table Mountain is the identity of Cape Town. Anybody who descends here for holidays makes sure to witness its imperial beauty. Its charisma has always attracted people to reach its top, be it via climbing, hiking or through the famous aerial cableway. Location of National Park on the mountain adds on to the reason why more and more people visit hither every day.

Robben Island-

Robben Island epitomizes the struggle and combat that brought freedom to South Africa. It is one of the most famous landmarks of the country, and thus visitors keep this place crowded throughout.  The island is located nearby the coast, and was used to keep political prisoners during the apartheid days. Some of the famous names associated with Robben Island are- Nelson Mandela, Walter Sisulu, and Current South African President Jacob Zuma.

Darwin and its enchanting beauty

A small break from daily hustle-bustle of life is must for relaxation. Choosing an ideal place to holiday at plays a very important role when it comes to unwinding not just your body, but your soul as well. For such vacations, Darwin, which is located on the Timor Sea in north-central Australia is perfect destination. If, you are planning to holiday at Australia, then don’t waste time and book your cheap flights to Darwin, soon.

Darwin has a lot to offer to every age group. From cultural to historical, and natural to entertainment, the city has sights for every category and preference. Its relaxed lifestyle and multicultural crowd is really an incredible thing to experience. With over 50 different nationality people, Darwin is painted with colors of unlike cultures and traditions. You don’t have to worry about your pocket when it comes to accommodation in this metropolis. With a wide range of accommodations, perfectly fitting with every wallet size, you will get something to make your vacations budgeted and memorable, altogether.