Life as such is quite complicated posing several issues and obstacles in front of us on a regular basis. Most of us work very hard to earn a comfortable living and lead a life filled with several issues and complications. At times, you may have even come across certain people working 24×7 all through the year with barely anytime for even eating or sleeping to make end meets. The same people work in more than 2 or 3 shifts to meet their financial demands. It is certainly a very stressful life to leave if you are one among them. Leading such a mundane and horrid routine leads to several other complications. Firstly, you lose your health in the process as stress takes over control of your life, then you will not be able to dedicate quality time for your loved ones and your family lacks proper nourishment and attention. Besides, you also start achieving lesser as your efficiency as a professional gets affected. The only solution for all of your above mentioned issues relies upon taking a vacation and rejuvenation yourself. Having issues with deciding for a place for your vacation? Come to San Francisco. San Francisco is a popular destination for several tourists all around the year. San Francisco tours are highly popular amongst these tourists. Read the rest of this entry »
This year London will be under the global spotlight as it prepares to host the 2012 Olympics. As England’s capital city, London is a popular destination for tourists both from abroad and around the UK. However, its capital city status is often reflected in its prices, and many visitors are looking to experience the city while saving money wherever possible, particularly in the light of the recent economic downturn.
If you want to see London without the spending, check out some of these fun and free things to do:
Markets
You’ll find markets all over London, but to name just a few:
Borough Market is great for produce and foodstuffs both British and International. There are often events including demonstrations and themed evenings, and plenty of the stalls have free samples!
Columbia Road is most famous for its fabulous flower market, where you’ll see everything from bedding plants to 10ft banana trees. As well as this, the road itself is composed of sixty independent shops and is one of the most interesting shopping experiences to be had in London.
Broadway Market has over 100 stalls selling everything from lemons to lingerie, tucked away down a small street in the East End of London. A great place to people-watch among the trendy Shoreditch crowds.
Take a Sightseeing Stroll
Walk along the South Bank of the Thames, from The London Eye to Tate Modern and you’ll see all manner of London landmarks as well as some impressive street art and performances. You’ll eventually arrive at the Tate Modern, where you can explore 5 floors of contemporary art and design for free.
Posted in Budget Travel | 
Tags: banana trees, bedding plants, broadway market, economic downturn, global spotlight, london landmarks | No Comments »
Renting a car during your European holiday is extremely convenient since you will be able to visit more places easier. However, renting automobiles can be a little bit tricky if you are not familiar with the regulations. Learn some requirements below before deciding on renting a car in Europe.
1. Age restrictions
For the most part, the minimum age for renting a vehicle in Europe is 21. However, some countries and car companies may set their minimum age restriction at 25 years of age. Besides minimum age limits, maximum age limits may also be applied in some countries by some rental firms. Generally, in the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Cyprus, the maximum age limit for renting a car is 75 years old, while renters between 70-75 years of age are levied a Senior Driver Surcharge having various additional charges.
2. Driver’s license
The International Driving Permit or IDP is an official document written in 10 languages that serves as an addition to your local driving license, and is honored in about 150 United Nations member countries. The IDP is not required in most European countries. However, if you are traveling in Italy, Spain or the former Soviet Eastern European countries such as Slovenia, Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary and Czech Republic, you will need the document. Note that holding an IDP alone won’t give you permission to drive a rented car in these countries. You will also need to accompany your IDP with a valid passport and a driver’s license from your home country that is valid for a minimum of 12 months from the date of the rental.
3. Border crossing
If you are planning to visit different European countries with the rented car, it is wise to study each country’s laws and regulations. When you visit any foreign country, you are subject to the country’s laws. Never forget to equip yourself and your passenger with complete documents such as passport, visa, vehicle registration, driving permit, travel documents and a cross border fee. Each time you reach a border between two countries, you may be required to stop to have your documents and vehicle checked by Customs Officers. Note that some Eastern European countries may prohibit cross border travel in a rented car.
4. Miscellaneous
- In general, European countries except the United Kingdom and Ireland drive on the right hand side of the road.
- Most European countries forbid the use of mobile phones while driving on the road.
- Car rentals in Europe offer cars with manual as well as automatic transmission. Cars with manual transmission will typically be cheaper than the automatic ones.
- Wearing seat belts is a must while driving.
- European cars measure speed in kilometers per hour. Speed limits are posted in km/hr.
- Distances on maps and in publications are only listed in kilometers.
- Always bring your driver’s license and IDP along while driving.
Coorg is a famous wildlife destination in Karnataka. Wildlife in Coorg has its deep routes due to the untiring efforts by local people and the forest department. As a result, today it boasts of many wildlife sanctuaries, and therefore, it has become a famous tourist attraction. Forest department in Coorg takes the charge to protect the endangered species of animals. The forests have many trees and medicinal plants that are very useful for protecting human life. Popularly referred as the ‘Scotland of India’, it is among the naturally beautiful places where the captivating views attract tourists to revisit the place.
Wildlife Tourism in India
India offers a wide range of wildlife species that are hard to find anywhere else in the world. For highlighting these wildlife treasures, the Tourism ministry of India has also started offering some interesting wildlife packages to the tourists.
Several popular animal species that you can see in these sanctuaries are the Indian wild dog, giant flying squirrel, Indian giant squirrel, civet, spotted deer, stripe-necked mongoose, sambar, gaur, Asian elephant, boars and deer.
Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary
It lies about 1.5 km from Kumaralli village. The village is in the jungles. You can access to the Pushpagiri peak by a 10 km trekking from the base. Trekkers can also cross Subramanya from this path. This adventure sport of trekking is ideal here as it has many high peaks that attract the adventure lovers. Coorg tourism has several popular trekking spots including Tadiandamol, Pushpagiri, Peak of igguthappa, Nishani motte and Brahmagiri.
Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary
Situated in the Western Ghats, the sanctuary has got its named from Brahmagiri peak. It stands at a high elevation of 1607 m where you can easily see grasslands. It enjoys a normal temperature of 5 to 32 degrees. The common animals that you can find here include malabar giant squirrel, sloth bear, nilgiri langur, nilgiri marten, slender loris, bonnet macaque, lion tailed macaque and barking deer.
The Nagarahole National Park
It derives its name from the digit of streams. Initially, it was ready up in 1955. Now, it has become one of the most prominent sanctuaries in South India. It offers the perfect shelter to several wild animals like tigers, elephants, panthers, rhinos, tigers. You can also enjoy jungle safaris on elephants’ back.
While on a Coorg tour, you can also visit the beautiful attractions of Abbey falls, Raja seat, Tadiandamol peak, Omkareshwara temple, Kaveri nisargadhama, dubare, Harangi dam, Irupu falls and Napoklu palace.
Posted in Adventure Travel |
Tags: Coorg, department, endangered species of animals, flying squirrel, giant squirrel, macaque, peak, spotted deer, Tourism, Unfolding, western ghats, wildlife sanctuaries | No Comments »
Maybe you are finished with your Machu Picchu trips or are just curious what’s over the imaginary political line of Peru and Chile during your holidays. Whatever the case may be, thousands of travelers cross from Peru into its southern neighbor every year, especially since the border crossing is so well facilitated, convenient, and affordable. Here is our take for what it’s like to go from Lima, the capital of Peru, all the way down to border town of Tacna, then further into Chilean territory and the town of Arica.
Lima and Peru in general has literally hundreds of bus companies for visitors to choose from. This is because all the bus companies are privatized, and intense competition has driven entrepreneurs to start up their own hopefully successful lines. That means that the first step in getting out of Lima is to figure out how you want to do so. The safest and most reliable bus companies are regarded to be Cruz del Sur, Ormeno, Civa, and Oltursa if you want to go to the deep south by way of the coastal Pan-American Highway.
These companies run very efficient overnight long distance trips, perfect for the 20 hour ride down to Tacna. Along the way, complementary snacks, drinks, and light meals are provided. If traveling for many hours, it is well worth looking into indulging in a fully reclining seat so that you may sleep soundly on the road. “Semi-cama” usually reclines about 120 degrees, while “full cama” means “full bed” and goes back 180 degrees. The price difference is usually modest but notable. Semi-cama options are usually the seats on the second floor of the bus, while full cama occupants will be on the first floor.
Once in Tacna, it is very easy to cross the border into Chile. The international transportation station is just across the street from the domestic bus station, so the transfer can be done seamlessly. For just a few dollars, a minivan with some other passengers will take you to the border. Give the assistant your passport, although this should be done with caution to avoid any scams, who will help you through the paperwork needed to cross. The ride from Tacna to the border stations takes just short of an hour, and the crossing process should take 1 to 2 hours depending on various conditions.
Once in Chile, the vehicle will continue onto the first Chilean border town, Arica. The town is a port town which means it has some beautiful views but can also succumb to pollution at times. Many affordable Chile vacation packages can be found in along the main street, Avenida 28 de Mayo, which can take you to other Chile must-see destinations such as Santiago, Patagonia, San Pedro de Atacama, Viña del Mar, and more.
Posted in Travel and Leisure |
Tags: bus, capital of peru, chilean territory, Machu, oltursa, pan american highway, ride, southern neighbor, station, street, transportation station, Travel | No Comments »