Lamu - Tourist Attractions In This Exotic Tropical Island In Kenya

By Paul M Banks

Lamu has an ambiance of medieval romance, making it a perfect destination for honeymooners and holidaymakers seeking to retreat in an exotic tropical island where life is lived at its own relaxed rhythm.

The town was founded in the 14th century and it has many fine examples of Swahili architecture. The old city is inscribed on the World Heritage List as "the oldest and best-preserved Swahili settlement in East Africa".

Lamu Island, Pate Island and Manda Island are the largest islands in the archipelago. Smaller islands include Manda Toto ('baby Manda') and Kiwayu, which lies in the Kiunga Marine National Reserve.

Together with explore endless pristine beaches or sunbathe while sipping your favorite drink. Other attractions in this low-key getaway are:-

Donkey Sanctuary

Since the island has no motorized vehicles, transportation and other heavy work is done with the help of donkeys. There are some 2000 to 3000 working donkeys on the island. The Donkey Sanctuary was opened in 1987 by Dr. Elisabeth Svendsen of The Donkey Sanctuary in England and provides treatment to all donkeys free of charge.

Riyadah Mosque

It was built in 1900 by Islamic scholar Habib Swaleh. He introduced Habshi Maulidi, where his students sang verse passages accompanied by tambourines. The Mosque is the centre for the Maulidi Festival, which is held every year in May or June. During this festival pilgrims from all over East Africa join the locals to sing the praise of Mohammad.

Swahili Cultural Festival

It is held annually in November and celebrates every aspect of Swahili culture. During the Swahili Cultural Festival there are demonstrations of traditional arts, crafts and dances, concerts of Taarab music, films and talks on Swahili history and civilization, and dhow and donkey races.

Museums

Lamu Museum is home to the island's ceremonial horn (called siwa). The museum is filled with historical artifacts and insights into the history, culture and archaeology of the region.

The Swahili House Museum is also a great place to visit, as it's a recreation of a traditional small coral stone house built in the early 18th century. The museum is filled with traditional furniture and decorative plasterwork.

Lamu Fort

It dominates the town square, and was built by the Omanis as a garrison in the early 19th century. The fort was used as a prison for many years, it now houses a library, the town's conservation department and hosts regular exhibitions. Lavish Swahili wedding parties often take place in the fort's courtyard and female visitors are usually very welcome to attend.

Busch Gardens Tampa: Discount Tickets Info and an Overview of Some Fun Attractions

By George Buyers

If you've ever wanted to go on an African safari but never had the chance, the Busch Gardens Tampa is a good alternative. You will find many of the same animals and scenery. Florida has always been a top tourist spot, especially in the middle part of the state. This Tampa park has a lot to offer, so you don't want to pass up the chance to go.

It's a wildlife reserve and amusement park all in one. Endangered animals such as lions and cheetahs are kept safe. Naturalistic habitats have been built to make them feel at home.

As with any the park, the first step is ordering tickets.

Busch Gardens Tampa Tickets

There are several ticket options to choose from, including single day passes, single day pass and dining combo, flex tickets, and more. The flex ticket will also get you admission to Adventure Island. The Orlando Flex Ticket Plus includes admission to five different parks in the area, including Universal Studios and SeaWorld.

A child ticket is cheaper than an adult ticket, although adults can still find some discounts or promo codes to help them save.

What to See and Explore

Since it's a large park, there are many things to see. If you only plan to stay for one day, you won't get a chance to experience it all.

Whether you're pressed for time or not, you will want to go on a walk through Edge of Africa. This is the closest thing to an actual African safari. You can walk and explore at your own pace. Exotic animals such as lions, lemurs, cheetahs, meerkats, and vultures roam through the area. They are all interesting creatures to see. You might also want to take the time to visit Jambo Junction. You'll get to see the animal ambassadors for the park. These ambassadors include everything from flamingos to sloths.

In addition to animals and safaris, there are some really fun rides. The Falcon's Fury is the newest addition. At the start of the ride, you'll climb about 300 feet, after which you will pivot 90 degrees to a dive position. The speed of the plunge is 60 miles per hour. In short, this ride will make you feel as if you are a falcon.

There are some fun rides for younger visitors. Give your kids a chance to go to Timbuktu by letting them get on rides like the SandSerpent. It's a fun family ride that climbs half a dozen stories into the air.

These attractions and rides are just a few that you and your family might be interested in. Once you get your tickets, you can pick out a few things you think you'd like to do. Busch Gardens Tampa offers a whole lot of fun at an affordable price.

Since this isn't a seasonal park, you can get your Busch Gardens Tampa discount tickets for just about any day of the year. Whether you're going with one person or twenty, you should be able to find some discount offers that will help you save money.

Grand Canyon Float Tours Are Adventurous Fun

By Kelly Kirbee

All-day Grand Canyon float tours down the Colorado River are amazing, unforgettable journeys. They're a great way to kick back and relax, but at the same time they give you a remarkable number of things to see and do. Here's some info on what you can expect on one of the South Rim smooth-water rafting tours:

Getting There

You'll be transported to the base of Glen Canyon Dam - the starting point for all South Rim smooth-water float tours. You'll get there by bus (if you're on a standard tour) or plane (if you choose the upgraded, deluxe package which also includes a 4x4 Jeep ride to Antelope Canyon). Just seeing the dam looming overhead is pretty awesome - it's over 700 feet high and 1500 feet wide!

At the foot of the dam, you'll board your 19-passenger motorized pontoon raft for a smooth, comfortable 15-mile float down the river. The water segment of the trip ends at historic Lee's Ferry. The entire tour takes 12+ hours, so you'll definitely be gone all day.

No rapids are involved, so kids 4 and up can participate. These trips are a terrific adventure for families.

The Experience

It's hard to accurately describe what you'll see and experience while you're on the river. No photos or videos can do it justice. Besides seeing some amazing sights (California condors, anyone?), you'll smell and taste the air of the canyon and the surrounding cliffs. This is the total package when it comes to Grand Canyon tours.

Floating through scenic Horseshoe Bend is one of highlights of this smooth-water rafting tour. This section takes its name from the horseshoe-shape of the river as it winds its way through some pretty amazing rock formations. A lot of folks camp and hike in this area because they feel like they've entered another world. This is a quiet, serene place where time flows slowly - its tranquility is the exact opposite of today's usual hustle and bustle.

People who live in the area call Horseshoe Bend by another name. I'm not sure how it got started, but they call it King Bend. In this section you'll be cruising down the river at an altitude of 4200 feet above sea level, which isn't that much short of a mile high.

Colorado River

The river is ancient and has a storied past. For one thing, it's responsible for carving out the canyon over countless millions of years. Portions of the river are in 7 different states.

You'll pull over at a sandy beach during your smooth-water rafting trip. Just a short hike away you'll come onto some prehistoric Native American rock drawings. We don't completely understand their significance, so you're free to interpret them however you like.

Float tours last all day, and you'll want to make sure you get the most out of the experience. Protect your camera/cell phone from getting wet. Bring sunscreen and wear a cap or hat to reduce your exposure to the sun. Bring some extra water and snacks that are easy to carry. Because you could get wet, you'll probably also want a change of clothing.

SeaWorld San Diego Discounts, Tickets, Thrilling Rides, and Animals: Everything You Need to Know

By George Buyers

If there's one thing Southern California is known for, it's entertainment. SeaWorld San Diego is growing to be one of the most visited places in this part of the country. It's been around since the 1960s and has grown a great deal over the decades. It offers tourists tons of great attractions, rides, live shows, and more. It's especially known for its oceanarium.

If you've ever wanted to see sea animals up-close in a safe environment, then this is the place to visit. Don't be too concerned about the costs - SeaWorld discounts are readily available.

Discounts and Tickets

The best and easiest way to order your tickets or passes is online. In addition to discount tickets, you might also find some coupons to help you save on miscellaneous expenses. Annual passes and memberships come with special perks and discounts.

An annual pass will get you free parking and discounts on entertainment and food. A fun pass is for unlimited visits, but doesn't come with perks. It's a good choice if you only plan on visiting two or three times this year.

There are flex tickets that include admission to SeaWorld as well as other parks in the area. Be sure to look for some promo codes before you buy any tickets or passes - you never know what kind of deals you might find.

Attractions and Animals

After buying your discount tickets, you can start making plans on what you want to do when you get to the park.

If you're a thrill-seeker, you might want to go on rides such as Journey to Atlantis. It's a water ride that is surrounded by amazing special effects to make riders feel as if they really are on a journey to a long-lost civilization.

Other rides you might want to check out include Manta, Shipwreck Rapids, Wild Arctic Ride, and Riptide Rescue.

By far, the most popular attractions are the animals. If you want to see dangerous sea animals, head to the underground viewing tunnels. There, you will be able to watch sharks swimming around. They are surrounded by thousands of colorful fish.

If you'd prefer to see less dangerous animals, go to Dolphin Point. It's a naturalistic habitat made for bottlenose dolphins. Sea otters can be found in this area as well. If you really want to learn about these sea animals, you might be interested in signing up for an education/interaction program.

These are just a few suggestions to get you started. SeaWorld San Diego offers many more amazing attractions that visitors of all ages will appreciate.

Now that you know about SeaWorld San Diego discount tickets, be sure to check some out. It can be a very enjoyable vacation, and you won't have to spend much money at all as long as you order your tickets and prepare for your trip online.

Why Foreigners Come to Work in Phnom Penh

By William A Lake

Phnom Penh, Cambodia's capital city, is an over-crowded, dirty, smelly, sprawling mass of a city. Yet at the same time it attracts many thousands of visitors every year and some of those visitors decide to stay on and find work. Although the opening sentence of this article doesn't promise much, there is an allure to the capital and it's the kind of place that you either love or hate. A large number of foreigners working in Phnom Penh are English teachers and this article will explain why some people decide to come and live in Cambodia.

History 

Cambodia has a had a problem with civil war in recent years. However, the country has remained relatively peaceful for nearly 20 years at the time of writing and the country is slowly opening up to the world. Moreover, Cambodia is a very old country, rich in tradition and culture. Many people come to live in Cambodia to learn more about the culture and traditions.

Lifestyle 

If you have money, life in Cambodia and Phnom Penh can be very easy. Teachers are paid an above average salary and they can afford a great lifestyle that they might not be able to afford in their home country. Most people that work in Phnom Penh as a teacher tend to have a lot of free time. Rarely do teachers work 8-10 hours in one day. Therefore, you can have a lot of free time to do other things besides work.

Big Expat Community 

There is a large Expat community living in the capital city and this thriving community only gets larger with every year. More and more people come to live in Phnom Penh and less seem to be leaving. When living in a foreign country, it's good to have an expat community that can share advice, socialise and provide help and support when need be.

The Locals 

From personal experience, Cambodians are very polite people. Of course, you have good and bad people anywhere you live, but it seems that most people you come across in Cambodia are polite and pleasant. Colleagues are very friendly, neighbours tend to look out for one another and on the whole Cambodians are very nice people.

Opportunities 

Cambodia is a developing country and is developing quite quickly. Phnom Penh is changing almost daily and there are many opportunities for foreigners in the capital city and beyond. The government make it incredibly easy for foreigners to live, work and even start their own businesses here. A lot of people coming to Cambodia are looking to teach English and generally find work relatively easily.

Hiltl, Zurich: A Part of History and Amusement

By Jhonson Peterson

The lush green meadows of Zurich are a great place to escape to and enjoy this summer. The Swiss city is a popular tourist destination and very well connected by air from the US. Be it an extended holiday or just a weekend gateway, Zurich will leave you yearning for more.

Apart from being a traveler's paradise and an absolute delight to the eyes, Zurich is a part of history. It is famous for the oldest vegetarian restaurant in the world that is today a big hit with the masses and travelers from all over the world. If you have the zest for and savor vegan delicacies, Haus Hiltl is a must visit. The restaurant has an assortment of Indian, Thai and Italian recipes amongst others on its menu and since 1898 has been tantalizing people from across the globe.

The restaurant is located in the heart of Zurich. The streets around it are forever bustling with activity as excited shoppers navigate their way to their favorite destinations. None can however, miss the sight of Hiltl, enticing them to grab a quick bite or a full-fledged buffet meal post their shopping spree.

The multicuisine restaurant caters to every diner with equal importance hence always has a special kids menu ready. Besides serving buffet, it has a bar lounge, banquets and take away section and offers online shopping facility to its customers.

The spirit of the restaurant, wide variety of food, its mood, innovative menu, friendly staff and elegant presentation are absolutely alluring. A sojourn to this place is virtuous. Most of the travelers flying down to this largest Swiss city make it a point to drop by this leading vegetarian eatery for a meal.

Once you've treated yourself to a mouthwatering treat at Hiltl and have the time to spare, there are a few places that you should not miss when in town. Lake Zurich is one of the star attractions of this beautiful city. A stroll down the lake in the evening is soul refreshing. It is enchanting to see the environment cozily lit up and the cool breeze softly blowing into your face. The experience is stunning!

Visit to the Old Town, Museum of Art, Rietberg Museum, Zurich Zoo, Lindenhofplatz, Zoological Museum, Church of Our Lady, Great Church, Bahnhofstrasse, Urania Observatory, UBS Polybahn, Opera House, Swiss National Museum, Parkanlage Zuerihorn, Saint Peter's Church, Botanical Garden Tram Museum, Parade Square, Dolder Sports, Swiss Craft CenterFlussbad Oberer Lette, Zurich Yoy Museum, Water Church, Chinese Garden will surely enthrall you.

So, if you are planning to take off to Europe in the near future you must try to book your airline tickets in advance. Booking ahead of time will guarantee you cheap flights and hence savings. You can then indulge your savings in the luxury offered by Zurich for a memorable and fun filled time with family and friends.

Best Attractions in Rio De Janeiro and Safety Tips to Visit the Most Famous City in Brazil

By Rodrigo Bossan 

About Rio de Janeiro:
When anyone think of Brazil, Rio comes to mind and when you think of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil comes to mind, some people even mistake Rio de Janeiro for the capital of Brazil. Even though that's not true, Rio is one of the most important cities in the country and surely the most famous.

Rio de Janeiro may not be the politic capital of Brazil, but it is the touristic capital of the country for sure. Receiving millions of tourists every year, the city has a great infrastructure for travelers, with hundreds of hotels, hostels and inns, some of the best restaurants in Brazil and a huge(and complex) public transport system.

Safety in Rio de Janeiro:
Safety has always been among the biggest concerns of tourists visiting Rio, and sadly those concerns are not without foundation. But that doesn't mean that Rio is like a war zone, it is just that in any area where you have great wealthy living alongside great poverty, trouble tends to rise. Even though there are risks, if you are careful traveling to Rio is as safe as any big city in the world. I've been living here for over two decades and I have never been mugged, robbed, anything like that.

You just need to use some common sense, avoid risky areas, you should always inform yourself with trusty worthy people on your hostel or tourism agency about what areas are safe, and that's true in any big city of the world. Right now the visits to the Favelas (Brazilian slums) are a new trend, and everyone is doing those, that is clearly an example of bad areas you should avoid, a few weeks ago two German tourists decided to visit the biggest favela on Rio by themselves, they got in the place, took a wrong turn, and got on an alley where they ran into a armed drug dealer and one of them got shot. I don't recommend those favela visits at all, but if you decide to go at least search for an agency, cause going alone its just crazy.

Also always remember, a guy wearing just a shirt and bermuda shorts, with no fancy jewelry, and no money or electronic equipment showing will rarely get mugged. On the other hand, if you have a huge golden necklace showing, a big Nikkon camera hanging from your neck and a notebook handbag on your side while walking around a city where a huge amount of people live in poverty, you may be trying your luck.
But once again, millions of tourists come to Rio every year and 99% of them experience no trouble at all, so just use common sense.

What to do in Rio de Janeiro:
With over 5 millions residents, Rio is one of the biggest cities in Latin America, and you will always find stuff to do here. There are dozens of beaches, hundreds of restaurants, some of the best dance clubs in the country and anything else that you can expect from one of the most famous cities in the world.

Lets discuss here some of the best attractions in Rio de Janeiro:

Rio de Janeiro Beaches:
Praia de Ipanema: One of the two most famous beaches in Rio de Janeiro. Beautiful and easy to get to, just one block away from metro station General Osorio.

Praia de Copacabana: As famous as Ipanema, it´s even easier to get to, there are three metro stations nearby, Cardeal Arcoverde, Cantagalo and Siqueira Campos.

Praia do Recreio: One of the favorite spots of surfers in Rio.

Praia do Leblon: Leblon is known as the rich people neighborhood. This beach is a good alternative to Ipanema, since it´s near it, but it´s not as crowded.

Praia do Arpoador: Situated between Copacabana and Ipanema, has one of the best views in the city.

Rio de Janeiro Tourist Attractions:
Christ the Redeemer Statue(Christ Redeemer): The most famous sight in Rio de Janeiro, Christ the Redeemer was elected a few years ago one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, not just because of the statue, but also because of this beautiful landscape, for sure one of the most wonderful views in the country.

Pao de Açucar (Sugar Loaf Mountain): This peak is one of the most important attractions in the city, and the ride on the little cable cars to the top of mountain is one of those things you can´t miss while in Rio.

Maracana Stadium: This was once the biggest stadium in the world, nowadays after a few reconstructions and improvements, including the last one for the 2014 World Cup, it no longer holds this status. But it is still the most famous stadium in Brazil, and one of the temples of Football (Soccer).

Bairro de Santa Tereza: A historic neighborhood, loved by artists and with old mansions all around. You will find a lot of galleries and studios there. Also it´s right beside Lapa, the famous bohemian neighborhood. A ride on the little tramcars is also a must.

Botanical Garden: With over 6500 species of plants, this huge garden was created by the prince-regent Joao de Bragança in 1808. Nowadays its also a research center and its open to visitation. There´s a small fee and you can ask for guides there to help you enjoy even more this great place

Floresta da Tijuca (Parque Nacional da Tijuca): One of the biggest urban green areas of the world with over 3972 hectares. This place is a huge source of entertainment to the population, there are trails for trekking, mountains to climb, areas for barbecues (churrasco) and much more. Just be careful not to get lost there, its a huge forest and from time to time a group of tourists gets lost and spend a few days wandering around until someone rescue them.

Bermuda Vacations

By Cookie Maxwell 

JetBlue Can Make Planning Bermuda Vacations Much Easier

Planning Bermuda vacations is easier with the professional services of a travel agency. An all-inclusive package deal that includes all the activities most everyone wants to enjoy while vacationing saves time and money. Planning ahead is another way to save money. The deals available at JetBlue Getaways include several Bermuda vacations travelers can choose from.

Enjoying the blue waters of Bermuda is easy while staying at the Newstead Belmont Hills Golf Resort and Spa. Enjoy resort privileges like an onsite restaurant that serves delicious local cuisine, room service, golf, and swimming. Choosing JetBlue Getaways is best for getting the all-inclusive deal that includes all these amenities and more at Newstead. One and two bedroom suites are available that include amenities like full kitchenettes and Bose stereo systems.

The pink sand and beautiful gardens surrounding the Fairmont Southampton can enhance relaxation. Staying at the Fairmont Southampton allows visitors to also enjoy the amenities of the Fairmont Southampton Princess resort as well. Arranging a package deal for this fabulous resort overlooking the pristine waters of Bermuda at JetBlue Getaways means greater savings. Booking at the Fairmont Southampton Princess resort allows the same exchange privileges and is as easy as taking the ferry between the two resorts.
Choosing JetBlue Getaways is the most affordable way to enjoy an extended stay at the Grotto Bay Beach Resort. Guests have opportunities to take in 21 miles of beach, explore caves and lush forest that extends to the shores of Bailey's Bay. Choosing this package deal saves money for enjoying private beach opportunities and golfing.

Booking a package deal with JetBlue Getaways for Cambridge Beaches means privileges for European Wellness Center benefits, private beaches, an Ocean Spa, a putting green, tennis courts and exquisite dining. Children under the ages of 16 are not permitted at this resort. Couples can enjoy a dream like tropical setting and enjoy peaceful ocean waters without crowds. Rooms and suites offer excellent amenities like room service and an indoor swimming pool.

One of the greatest benefits of Bermuda vacations is the number of opportunities for private beach lodging. Choosing the Elbow Beach package from JetBlue Getaways allows the kind of privacy many travelers are looking for when considering Bermuda as their vacation destination. Choosing from 98 secluded, Bermudian style private suites over a span of fifty acres of tropical beauty is easy at Elbow Beach. Staying at these cottage style suites allows guests to enjoy a secluded area while also having several great amenities as well. Amenities include golfing, bar and lounge privileges, onsite restaurant serving delectable local cuisine, and relaxing spa privileges. Pets are allowed to travel with you to this tropical retreat also.

Taking the time to plan ahead can save travelers many unnecessary expenses. Checking into the Bermuda vacations offered by JetBlue Getaways allows the greatest number of amenities, beach privileges and comfortable suites for the lowest price. Choosing travel services like JetBlue Getaways includes airfares and other details that can be stressful to travelers. Reaching a destination without going through the stress of arranging it is best for getting the most enjoyment out of Bermuda vacations.