Showing posts with label travel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label travel. Show all posts

The Luxor Temple


Many Fascinating Aspects

Located in Luxor, Egypt this temple of Luxor has many fascinating aspects and features that continue to attract multitudes of people. The temple of Luxor, some 260 m (850 ft) long today, was built by Amenophis III on the foundations of a previous religious structure, dating from the time of Queen Hatshepsut.
The Luxor Temple Colonnades
One of the glories of the ancient Egyptian temple of Luxor is a majestic colonnade dating to the reign of Amenophis III, with 14 columns with papyrus-shaped capitals standing 18 m (60 ft) tall, and almost 10 m (33 ft) in circumference. The colonnade is enclosed on both sides by a masonry curtain wall, with reliefs depicting various phases of the Festival of Opet, completed and decorated during the reigns of Tutankhamun and Horemheb.
A magnificent courtyard follows; it is lined with a double row of columns, and bordered to the south by the hypostyle hall, which itself contains 32 gigantic columns. From here, the visitor passes on to the inner section of the attraction where there is a series of four antechambers and ancillary rooms, as well as the Sanctuary of the Sacred Barque, situated in the innermost room. The chapel was rebuilt by Alexander the Great.

The ceremonies that took place in the temple of Luxor were of great importance, and their religious symbolism complex. During the Festival of Opet, the feast of the royal jubilee, the divine rebirth of the pharaoh, son of Amun, was celebrated, reaffirming in this way his power.

The ancient Egyptian temple of Luxor also served as a shrine for the worship of the divine and immortal portion of the pharaoh, the royal "ka", symbol of the legitimacy of the pharaoh's power, which was universal and not restricted to any individual pharaoh.

In terms of purity of structural design and the elegance of its columns, the temple is one of the most remarkable architectural achievements of the New Kingdom.

Courtyard of Ramsees II
The courtyard of Ramses II, is surrounded by a peristyle of 74 papyrus columns arranged in a double row and adorned with 16 statues of the pharaoh, and incorporates a three-part chapel on the northern side, also dedicated to the Theban triad and dating to Hatshepsut's reign.
The Obelisks
Also dating to the reign of Ramses II are two large obelisks that once stood before the first pylon (a word derived from the Greek meaning 'gateway') and which were given to France by the ruler of Egypt, Mohammad Ali, in 1819.
The western obelisk, more than 21 m (70 ft) tall and weighing 210 tons, was removed by the French in 1836 and erected in Paris in the Place de la Concorde. All claims to ownership over the second obelisk, which remained in its position in Egypt, were renounced by France in 1980.
The Abu El Haggag Mosque

On the eastern side of the Luxor Temple Ramses II courtyard a Byzantine church was built in the sixth century AD, and on top of that, during the reign of the Ayyubid sultans (thirteenth century AD), the mosque of Abu El-Haggag was built. The Abu El Haggag Mosque is still in use today as a place of prayer.

Things To Do On Holiday In Egypt

Egypt is one of the most popular family holiday destinations for families staying in holiday villas and self catering apartments. It is one of the most visited countries in the world. Of course Egypt is famous for one thing in particular and that is the pyramids.

Egypt is famous around the world because of the Pyramids and thousands of tourists come to Egypt each year especially to see these. It is highly recommended you take a trip to see these while holidaying in Egypt. Many tourists chose to stay in a holiday villa or holiday apartment in an area close by. Depending on which resort you are staying in the transfer time to the pyramids varies quite considerably. Once there, you can even do a guided tour inside the pyramids, an experience you're sure never to forget.

Sun-worshippers flock to Egypt year after year, with its year round warm climate it is the perfect sun holiday destination. It's not uncommon in the summer months to have temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius, although existing northern winds take the edge off the heat so it's not uncomfortable. Egypt is home to some stunning beautiful white sandy beaches and warm clear waters.

The main tourist resorts in Egypt are El Gouna, Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh-while here you can stay in one of the many luxury holiday villas with swimming pools or luxury holiday apartments, all are available for rent direct from the holiday home owners.

As well as the pyramids, Cairo is also right on the banks of the River Nile, another major tourist attraction in Egypt. It is one of Egypt's largest cities. The Nile is one of the longest and most fierce rivers in the world. Adventure enthusiasts can go out onto the Nile and challenge it to some rafting, or maybe you'd prefer to just take a relaxing dip while trying to escape the blazing heat. Egypt is becoming more popular with families coming on vacation here and staying in a self catering apartment or a villa with a swimming pool.

Other activities that are popular amongst tourists in Egypt are diving, horse riding, go-kart racing, sightseeing and of course the Safaris. Safaris in Egypt are not just sitting on a bus driving around all day, you can hire a jeep, ride on a camel or motorbike. Some Safaris also include trips by foot. Tourists looking to experience the quiet and natural life of the desert will be amazed.

Another place worth visiting in Cairo would be to Khan El-Khalil. It is filled with ancient shops, factories and workshops. This town has been famous for shopping for many many years and is a popular tourist attraction and one that should be experienced. Why not try your hand at haggling, if you don't want to overpay for merchandise you must master the art of haggling, it is not uncommon to get the price down by as much as 50-60% of the original price. You can stay in one of the many rented holiday apartments or villas and use this as a base to experience the local life and culture.

Egypt is said to be home to some of the best holiday homes in the world. Whether it's a holiday cottage, self catering apartment or a luxury villa with swimming pool you're looking for, all are available to rent direct from the home owners.

Taba Holidays in Egypt

Taba is a small Egyptian village situated at the northern most part of Egypt's Red Sea Riviera. Taba is basically a transit point for travelers from Israel to destinations in Egypt. Taba Heights is a well-planned holiday resort located twenty km south of Taba where the Sinai mountain range provides a spectacular backdrop to the sparkling blue waters of the Red Sea.

The area enjoys year-round sunshine; temperatures range 65?F to 105?F in summer and 55?F to 77?F in winter. You can enjoy a walk on the un-spoilt golden sandy beaches or relax in sunshades and enjoy your beer any time of the year.

There are enough outdoor activities to indulge in such as water-sports, Scuba diving and surfing virtually throughout the year. With varied marine life and coral beds here snorkeling is popular. You can view a variety of colorful fish, dolphins, turtles and barracudas. A glass-bottom excursion is available for those who want to see the fish, but can’t swim. You can explore the Sinai Desert on quad bikes, jeeps, or on horseback; go camel riding.

Taba Heights serves as a hub for various local excursions. You will enjoy a visit to the 6th century famous Monastery of St. Catherine; it was built under the Roman Emperor Justinian over what was known as the place of Moses' Burning Bush. You can go up Mount Sinai or Mountain of Moses on camel caravans, or take the hard way of climbing up the 3000 steps carved into the rock by monks.

The amazing Colored Canyon, 70 km southwest of Taba, is accessible by car and is ideal for a hiking expedition. It is a maze of sandstone rocks mineralized and stained in a variety of ways by water over thousands of years. There are narrow, twisting paths formed into the rocks, surrounded by spectacular 60 meter cliffs with narrow slots, beautiful sculptured walls and cliffs made of sandstone; they have amazing layers of colors such as pink, purple, silver and gold.

Just 5 km southeast of Taba, the Rocky island of Pharaoh (Geziret Faraum) and Salah El Din Citadel depicts ruins of a 12thcentury crusaders' fort. You can dive in a maze of reefs and also enjoy a stunning panoramic view of the coast of Arabia, Jordan and Israel from here.

Animal enthusiast will enjoy visits to the National Park of Nabq and National Park of Ras Abu Galum which shelters an abundance of animal life.

Restaurants at Taba Heights offer international cuisines. Hotels offer live entertainment in the evening. Though shopping is limited to hotels.

Taba Heights has a large chain of international hotels. The Hyatt Regency, designed in the style of a modern Nubian village, provides high quality accommodation and is quite popular. It is nestled between the mountains of Sinai, the desert and the Red Sea and provides breathtaking views. It has a 450m stretch of secluded private beach and it offers its guests a jetty and direct access to the Red Sea coupled with a welcoming service.

Facilities include Airport & border transfer, Bank, Multilingual staff, Safes, In-resort transport, Car/Limousine rental, 24-hours Doctor-on-call, Diving and water-sports centre, Games Centre, three swimming pools, a huge saltwater lagoon, Club Olympus and Health Spa, Oasis Kids’ Club, a shopping arcade and casino. It provides international cuisine and you can experience a traditional Bedouin evening with delicious Bedouin feast and folk entertainment.

Marsa Alam


The rather nondescript town of Marsa Alam is nothing more than a few scattered buildings surrounding a large army base, though this is set to change in the years to come. The area has been targeted as the site of the massive new Port Ghalib marina and resort complex being constructed near Marsa Alam airport which, once opened, will give tourism in the region an entirely different profile.
The primary reason for this intense tourism push is simple – the seas lying just off the rugged coastline offer some of the best diving in Egypt, though up until now only serious divers have set their sights on this far-flung destination. With that said, the diving here truly is world-class, and there are a number of all-inclusive resorts in the area that serve as convenient bases for getting your feet wet.

The Faces of Cleopatra

Most of us --even those not particularly interested in Egyptian history-- are familiar with black-eyed image of dark and beautiful Queen Cleopatra, rolling out of a carpet and into the shocked presence of Julius Caesar. But even more fascinating than the dark and sexy screen vixen we've seen depicted in dozens of films is the real Cleopatra. An incredibly intelligent, vibrant, and ruthless woman, Cleopatra was an intriguing historical character.
The Queen's real history began in 49 B.C., when Cleopatra was in her early twenties. After a failed attempt to establish herself as the sole Pharaoh of Egypt, Cleopatra was driven from the palace by Pharaoh Ptolemy XIII (Cleopatra's brother, husband, and co-ruler). But she soon returned with an army, setting up camp outside the palace in Alexandria and setting herself and her brother into something of a stalemate.
Soon, Julius Caesar of Rome took up residence in the palace, trying to bring peace between brother and sister. But when summoned to the palace by Caesar for a peace conference with Ptolemy XIII, Cleopatra was barred entrance by her brother. Desperate for Caesar's help (and with something of a flair for the dramatic), Cleopatra came up with a plan to sneak into the palace. She had her servant roll her in a carpet and present the carpet to Caesar. Her dramatic gesture won over Caesar, and when Cleopatra rolled out and begged him for help regaining her throne, he agreed.
Though her brother-husband, Ptolemy XIII, rebelled against Caesar's decision to return Cleopatra to the throne, the civil war that resulted was soon ended by Ptolemy XIII's drowning. After his death, Cleopatra wasn't willing to take any more risks. After bearing a son to Caesar (a son who was next in line for the Egyptian throne), Cleopatra had both her brother, Ptolemy XIV, and her sister, Arsinoe, killed to keep the throne safe for herself and her son.
Left free to rule, Cleopatra was a popular ruler. Her main goal as Pharaoh was to keep Egypt free from the Roman Empire, which was rapidly expanding. So she allied herself with Roman general Mark Antony, who was rival to Octavian, next-in-line for the Roman throne. And though their relationship was beneficial to Cleopatra and to her throne, she actually loved Antony --a love which would become legendary as time went on-- and bore him three children.
But Antony's protection didn't last forever, and in 30 B.C., Cleopatra committed suicide to avoid being captured by Octavian, using either a vial of poison or the venom of an asp. This ended the life of one of history's most fascinating female figures, and began a legend that would live on for thousands of years.
Interested in Pharaoh Cleopatra and her history? Visit the Smithsonian Magazine website for fascinating facts about Cleopatra, including the surprising revelation that the Queen was not the legendary beauty she was made out to be, visit the Smithsonian Magazine website.

The Egyptian Belly Dance

Egyptian belly dance offers an authenticity and continuity of culture that one will not find in American style. Each dance has its own unique qualities. Egyptian belly dance is an authentic ethnic dance in movement and spirit. The dance and dancer are the physical manifestation of and visual compliment to the exotic music they accompany. Egyptian belly dance was among the first styles to be witnessed by Westerners.
The exact origin of this dance form is actively debated among dance enthusiasts, especially given the limited academic research on the topic. Much of the research in this area has been done by dancers attempting to understand their dance's origins. Wherever it began, the dance has a long history in African and the Middle East. Despite the restrictions in Islam regarding portraying humans in paintings, there are several depictions of dancers throughout the pre-Islamic and Islamic world.
Because the most popular venue for the dance remains night clubs, it is this version, rather than the more traditional folk or social versions that remain the most popular. The costume now associated Egyptian belly dance is called the bedlah in Arabic (meaning "suit") and was adopted by dancers in Egypt in the 1930s. From there it spread to other countries in the region. It owes its creation to the harem fantasy productions of vaudeville, burlesque and Hollywood during the turn of the last century, rather than to actual authentic Middle Eastern dress.
Most of the basic steps and techniques used in belly dance consist of circular motions isolated in one part of the body; for example, a circle parallel to the floor isolated in the hips or shoulders. This is a very intriguing action especially when accents using "pop and lock" technique where a dancer either shimmies or makes a striking motion in her shoulders or hips. Additionally, exhibits of flexibility and rolling one's belly muscles, balancing various props like baskets, swords or canes, and dancing with chiffon or silk veils are commonly used to enhance the mystery of the dance.
Dancers typically balance swords and other props, or did snake and folk line-dances. Their costuming was and still is distinctive with black and silver asuit fabric and facial drawings to simulate tribal tattoos. Dancers may also use a length of fabric like silk or chiffon during one part of the dance sequence. In truth costumes change from place to place and from time to time if you study the development of belly dancing.

Sharm el Sheikh

Without a doubt, Sharm el Sheikh is one of the best diving destinations in the world. It has always been a beautiful place, but never before has it been as famous and comfortable as it is today. Twenty years ago a diving trip was real adventure. Divers had to accept a long trek through the desert and setting up camp at the beach before they could go for a dive. Today, visitors are offered a variety of adventures and luxuries. Four and five star hotels like the Ghazala, Hilton, Mövenpick, Baron, Mariott and many others are present. But in the background there is still the never-ending magnitude of the Sinai Desert. The center of activities where most of the hotels and diving centers are located is Naama Bay, 7 km from the City of Sharm El Sheikh. Due to the great demand new accommodations are also available outside of Naama Bay, such as the Baron Resort in Ras Nasrani. Numerous bars, restaurants, shops and the attractive Mediterranean promenade, have made Naama Bay a busy holiday resort. In the center of Naama Bay, arabic stile bazars, shops and coffee houses invite the visitor for a stroll and shopping for typical souvenirs and handicrafts. A variety of bars,discos and even a casino offer entertainment until late into the night. Though diving is still one of the main attractions in Sharm el Sheikh, a lot of other water sports, excursions and activities are available. A camelride at sunset in the desert, visits to Mount Moses and the St. Katherine Monastery, excursions to the ancient City of Petra in neighboring Jordan or desert safaris with cross-country vehicles.

Ancient Egypt Pyramids"New Pyramid Found"

I heard a rumour on the 10th of November that a new Pyramid was discovered In "Sakkara" area, on the next day the rumour was confirmed by the Egyptian press & media, the BBC, and yahoo news.Now Egypt has 118 revealed Pyramids and lots more hidden ones, The Egyptian Antiques Chief thought it to belong to the mother of a Pharaoh who ruled more than 4,000 years ago who is said to be Queen Sesheshet, the mother of King Teti, founder of the 6th Dynasty of Egypt's Old Kingdom.

Top 10 Places To Visit In Egypt

Egypt is the most mysterious place on earth, The taste of Ancient Egyptian Mysticism still lingers in the air, This ancient atmosphere really does give you the feeling that secrets are yet to be revealed. Maybe you could be lucky to reveal some secrets yourself, here's where to find them:
1- Pyramids of Giza & Sphinx
These pyramids of kings Khufu, Kafhre, and Menkaura, are the greatest tombs on earth in means of size and structure, these perfectly shaped structures leave anybody seeing them with the mysterious questions of how they were built.As for the Sphinx, the saying "The riddle of the Sphinx" is full of meaning because archaeologies until this day still argue about its purpose and orgin
2- Abu Simbil
Ramsis II had these two temples built in order to give himself and his wife Nevertari mortality, It is said that these two temples are of the most beautiful in Egypt and the world, What is also extraordinary is that these temples were relocated in order to avoid the floods in the late years of the 20th century.
3- Cairo,
The capital of cultureCairo isn't the place you would want to miss, if you really want to dive in Egyptian culture Cairo is the place to go, full of luxurious bazaars and great restaurants makes it your chance to grab a bite from Egypt.
4- Al Azhar Gardens
As one of the most beautiful parks in the world. Al Azhar Gardens remains a landmark in Cairo, where you can catch a panoramic view of the old city, and it's spectacular minarets.
5- Temples of Karnak
This is where the ancient Egyptians worshipped their gods, This temple holds a monument of almost every single god in the Theban religion.
6- The Nile River
Who would be willing to miss the famous Nile Cruise? Yes that's right, Nobody. It is the reason why all the other wonders are present, the legendary river has been the vein of life in Egypt for thousands of years, and it is said that the Nile river will be the last water source to dry out on earth, what else could be magic?7- Valley of the Kings
The most sacred place of the Pharaohs, this is where the most esteemed kings were buried , present there are many mummies and lots of un-revealed treasures, in fact the most famous mummy was found there "Tutankhamun".
8- The Egyptian Museum
After visiting where the treasures were found, you sure would want to see what was found, if that's the case then the Egyptian Museum is the place to go.
9- Siwa Oasis
If Alexander the great liked this place, Why wouldn't you? Egypt is not all about monuments and Pharaohs, this place is one where you could loosen up a bit and take a swim in the cool waters in the middle of the desert.
10- Hurgada & Sharm El-Sheikh
Two world ranked resorts also well known for the great coral reefs and scuba diving sports, Here you can swim in the spectacular waters of the red sea, or dance your hips of at the famous bars and discos.
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Top 10 things to do in Cairo

Had some friends visiting us from Singapore. While they've done the Nile Cruise and Abu Simbal, and of course, the Pyramids and the Egyptian Museum, they asked me a very pertinent question? Other than the antiquities,
what are the top 10 things to do in Cairo?
Not Egypt but in and around Cairo?
For a moment I was fazed! First thing that comes to your mind when someone mentions Cairo is the pyramids and the museum...that set me thinking....I am writing down what I would def like to do in and around Cairo, in random order...and these are things that I would like to do...
1/ Coffee and Sheesha at El Fishawy
2/ Tannoura at Al Ghouri
3/ Felucca ride
4/ Dinner at the revolving restaurant
5/ A day trip to Fayoum
6/ A trip into the White Dessert
7/ A night out at Darts (Heliopolis) After Eight or Budha Bar
8/ The 11 pm to 4 am show with Dina at Semiramis
9/10/Cannot think of the balance two which does not include the antiquities... needs some thought!Anybody who is reading this and has suggestions, would love to hear your top 10 things to do...I have this nagging feeling that there is something very obvious that I am missing out!
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Egypt classical holidays or tours are an enjoyable and unique opportunity to witness the history and civilization of Egypt, through visiting the main

By B. Hopkins

Just because the economy may be weak doesn't mean the need for travel goes away. If you are on a tight budget, it may just mean that you have to be more flexible and creative in your travel plans than before. The great news is that there are deals out there that fit within almost anyone's budget. To keep your eye on the prize, you will need to remember certain principles if you want to get the best deal on last minute travel tickets.
1) Saving money is a high priority
When you are making plans, and scheduling your trip, you want the price of your ticket purchase to be the motivating factor. Look into how to cut the price of your overall trip as well. If you need a hotel, or car rental, or you are planning to visit one of the local attractions, see if there are packages available that will reduce your overall costs as opposed to booking everything separately. Make sure you do some comparison shopping and follow up with any insider tips that you may come across.
2) Avoid costly and unnecessary mistakes
The second principle requires you to do a bit of research when you are making your travel plans. You will want to avoid impulse buying and check out the travel service providers that you may be using before you decide upon your travel to give yourself enough time to do the appropriate research. Make sure you read the fine print and pay attention to any additional fees that may be added that may not be obviously listed.
3) Confirm all details
You should know the cancellation policies, change fees, if insurance is required and all of the other fine print details that may pop up. Don't hesitate to contact customer service and get clarification on anything you are unsure of. You don't want to experience any costly surprises while you are on your trip.
4) Be an informed and empowered consumer
The fourth principle will allow you to make wise choices and decisions on all of your last minute travel endeavors. Create checklists so it is easy for you to evaluate last minute travel deals. The more you do this kind of 11th hour travel, the more adept you will become at finding deals and the better you will become at being efficient, prepared and innovative. There are many travelers who are making the most of what is available on the market, especially those travelers that are on a shoestring budget and do short-term traveling.
The principles mentioned above are basic, yet foundational in their need to create a great travel experience at a discounted price. Taking the time to bargain hunt and do the research will certainly help in lowering your costs for airfare tickets as well as other costs of your trip. Proper and flexible planning will also allow you to take advantage of deals that others might not be organized enough to take advantage of these same deals.
Discover ALL of the Secrets Of The Travel Industry. A disgruntled employee got back at his employers by revealing ALL of their secrets. Now YOU know how to get the best deals on airfare, hotels, the works as well. Their loss is your gain! Discover how to get these Last Minute Travel Tickets now before the price goes up!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=B._Hopkins
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Egypt Classical Tours, Holidays and Vacations

By Mona Yahya

Egypt classical holidays or tours are an enjoyable and unique opportunity to witness the history and civilization of Egypt, through visiting the main sites and antiquities of different cities.
NO other country except Egypt has this amount of monuments and sightseeing. From the immortal Pharonic monuments, to the monuments of the Greek civilization, and from the historical sites of the Roman Empire to the Islamic and Christian monuments.
Egypt is unique from any other country due to its heritage of successive and different empires that ruled. In no other country in the world would you see the monuments of the three main religions located in one place. A sightseeing tour in Cairo will allow the visitor to see the Christian heritage of churches like the hanging church, Church of St. Barbara besides the Jewish monument of Ben Ezra Synagogue, All standing in a close distance to the rich Islamic sites of mosques. Among them are the oldest mosque in Africa, Amr Ibn El Aas Mosque in old Cairo, Ibn Tuloun Mosqe and the Alabaster Mosque of Mohamed Aly in the Citadel of Salah El Din. And in the same city stands one of the seven wonders of ancient world the Pyramids of Giza which testifies the glory of the ancient Egyptian civilization.
Egypt Classical Tours and Holidays Any one visiting Egypt should not miss a classical tour to see the main landmarks and sites of ancient civilizations. Egypt classical tours or classical holidays usually start with Cairo, where daily excursions are held to show the main sites there.
A day tour to the great Pyramids of Giza with their guarding Sphinx is a must see, then proceed to Visit Sakkara the burial site of Memphis, emphasis the grandeur of pharoanic monuments. A visit to the Egyptian Museum of antiquities should not be missed.
A trip to Luxor which has one third of the world ancient monuments is among the main classical tours in Egypt. Luxor has been transformed into an open air museum. The Karnak Temple with its huge colonnades is a master piece of ancient Egyptian architecture.
Luxor West bank has many tombs, many of these tombs has the paintings on their walls still with the colors were one can see the pharoanic art.
Aswan is the third city after Luxor and Cairo where one would love to go for a classical holiday in Egypt. Temples of Abu Simbel with their unique style, reflect the glory and grandeur of the New Kingdom. There as well the Philae Temple and the Agha khan Mausoleum.
Classical holidays in Egypt can include as well religious tours for both Christians and Muslims. For Christians a classical religious tour of the main places which the holy family undertook when they fled from Jerusalem to Egypt. Church of Virgin Mary on board the Nile River banks, The Hanging Church, the ancient pilgrimage site of Al Qusiya and the Wadi Natroun Churches.
For Islamic sightseeing tours, Cairo the city of thousand minarets has some of influential mosques for Muslims like El Azhar mosque, Amr Ibn El Aas mosque, El Rifai mosque amongst others.
If you are planning a holiday in Egypt you should carefully plan the tours and excursions that should be included in Egypt classical tours to make your vacation rich and memorable.
Designing a classical tour you can contact a travel agency which will provide you with all the information and all the itineraries with the main sites not to be missed besides you can save on compiling several tours in one day and prevent being exploited or exposed to a lot of haggling over service price. If interested in creating a classical tour in Egypt contact Deluxe Travel Egypt which can provide you with different solutions to your classical holidays in Egypt.
Travel expert in Deluxe Travel Egypt with a cumulative experience in the travel industry. Provider of high quality luxuries travel services with special catering to different requirements of various market segments.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mona_Yahya
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Striving to Go on Vacations in Downturn Economy - Discover How to Save More From Now On

By Felix Melendez

It is obvious we are facing hard times and economy is not as good as five years ago. All kind of industries have been affected especially tourism worldwide. The negative impact is just creating a positive one but also more promotional attractive offers. There are options to avoid cancelling your vacations. I am sure you do not imagine how simple it is.
A concern during downturn economy is to save money and find ways to reduce our expenses. The way people are planning vacations is changing dramatically. Years ago customers used to visit travel agencies to complete reservations and get information on destinations, airfares or just to check a price. Today, all information you need is available via internet. If we want to get different results, we have to make some changes. Here is my recommendation. From now on stop traveling as a customer and consider to travel as an industry representative.
They enjoy privileges just because they are company members. This is exactly what happen in tourism industry. Just to give you an idea let me ask you something. Why customer pay a vacation package more expensive than a travel agent? Why a cruise line associate pays a different rate? Why an airline may give a special price to an employee? The answers to all questions are very simple. You pay as a customer and they pay as an industry member or representative. The difference in some cases is around 25% to 50 % in savings, may be more.
There is no reason to cancel your next vacations. We all know people search for fares they can afford. Nobody is looking to pay the highest price available to go on vacations. There are companies accessible to you to enjoy the privilege to travel with your family at special member rates. Despite the economy crisis a lot of people will be traveling this year. It is possible some companies may require some fees. Don't worry about how much you may pay to get better rates. Notice how much you are willing to pay in a long term period. Next time you make reservations think about it. Customer always pays full rates and industry members save a lot more. Remember that save money is a rule in hard times.
More information is available at http://www.expensivevacationsneveragain.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Felix_Melendez
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Escape the Hustle & Bustle of City Life - Warm Beaches, Friendly People - The Caribbean on a Budget

By Pieter G Le Roux

Visitors can enjoy a unique trip to Pico Isabel de Torres via an aerial tramway. This novel mode of transport glides to the mountain that is almost 800 metres high. Once at the top, the views of the city are incredible. Botanical garden and a replica of the Rio de Janeiro Christ the Redeemer statue are popular sights that also appear at the top of this mountain. During your time in Puerto Plata, it is recommended that you visit the Fort, Ocean World and El Faro amongst other attractions. The Fort, Fortaleza de San Felipe, was completed in 1577, and was built in order to protect Puerto Plata against bandits and pirates. It was named in honour of Felipe II, who was reigning at the time of its completion. It was declared a national monument in 1980.
Ocean World is a water park right amidst the Cofresi reef. This is the largest park of its kind in the whole of the Caribbean. This $45 million project includes a yacht marina, a beach, and a forest that is home to an exotic array of birdlife and other animals. Ocean World is also home to 14 beautiful dolphins.
The Ocean World Dolphin Swim allows visitors the unique opportunity to swim with one of these 14 resident dolphins. Dolphins are known for their high levels of intelligence and, during your 30-minute session with one of these animals, you will be able to communicate with, feed, dance and swim with one of the planet's most intuitive animals. An educational presentation precedes your swim so that you are aware of the 'do's and do not's' before entering the tank. In addition to swimming with these magnificent animals, visitors will also be able to snorkel in the tropical reef aquarium, watch and touch sea lions and touch and feed nurse sharks and stingrays.
El Faro lighthouse was built to guide ancient ships to the city of Puerto Plata as they crossed the vast Atlantic Ocean. In 2000, plans to restructure and restore this old lighthouse were submitted in order to re-establish it as an attraction to Puerto Plata.
While travelling around in Puerto Plata, tourists are urged to keep an eye on their belongings. It is also advisable to learn some phrases in the local language so as to be able to communicate with residents more effectively. Hot days spent on the beach and warm nights under black South American skies are the order of the day in Puerto Plata. Those wanting to escape the hustle and bustle of hectic city living are warmly invited to have a taste of the Caribbean, where time slows down and everything moves to the heartbeat of the land.
Traveling all my life I love sharing what I've learned and saw with people out to explore the world like I am. http://www.cheapgetawaycaribbean.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Pieter_G_Le_Roux
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Egypt Nile Cruises

By A. Mahallati

Just the words "Egypt Nile cruises" bring visions of exotic surroundings, gorgeous scenery and the mysterious sites and historic locations along the enormous river. Stretching far beyond Egypt, the Nile is still most strongly associated with its people and its agriculture, and one of the most popular activities for visitors to enjoy is one of the many remarkably scenic Egypt Nile Cruises.
Of course not everyone is aware of the "routes" followed by the cruise ships, felucca and other water craft. While most people assume they can hop aboard a boat of some sort in Cairo and then simply head upriver, the fact is that all cruises will either begin or end far south in Luxor. Today there are no cruises departing from Cairo due to the locks and ill-prepared marinas that currently exist along this lengthy section of the river. For now a visitor must board at the southernmost areas and head downriver or they can begin in Luxor and head south.
What kind of Egypt Nile cruises are available? There are an almost limitless range of styles and prices. There are "theme" cruises, such as the remarkably popular Victorian cruises, the Pharaonic cruises and the luxury cruises, among many more. There are cruises that range from three days to those requiring a two week period to complete, and there are those that offer guest speakers and on shore guides as well as onboard entertainment and lectures on Egyptian subjects.
Where do I find Egypt Nile cruises? The Internet is one of the most powerful tools for locating the perfect cruise or tour package. There are many companies that operate tours and there are also those that own their ships and provide "floating hotels" with all of the amenities required of a visitor staying on "dry land".
The best way to select the ideal Egypt Nile cruises is to examine the itineraries available. For example, a visitor with only a week in the country may want to begin their stay in Egypt with a lengthy visit to Cairo, which can then be followed by a short flight to Abu Simbel. Here many travelers board their Egypt Nile cruises and head downriver towards Luxor. At Luxor visitors will see the world famous Valley of the Kings - home to the tomb of Tutankhamun among many others, tour the historic Temple of Karnak and spend some time shopping in the city's popular markets.
Virtual Egypt Travel Guide provides you access to everything Egypt. Through Egypt Nile Cruises, you can explore and experience everything the Nile and Nile Cruise vacations have to offer. For more information on Nile Cruise vacation packages, visit the Virtual Egypt Travel Guide.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=A._Mahallati
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Smart Budget Travel Ideas For Summer Holidays

By Goldie Jones

The summer holidays are fast approaching and chances are that you haven't been able to save up a lot of money for your travels this year. It's a tough time in the economy but that doesn't mean that you have to stay home all summer and sulk. There are several smart option for enjoy travel on a budget this summer.
Smart budget travel options for this year's summer holidays include:
• Work abroad. You can spend the summer doing a little bit of work in exchange for the opportunity to get away from home. Although many of the formal work abroad programs are probably filled up for the summer, you can apply to get regular jobs such as working as a nanny or tending bar. Your work will offset the cost of travel and you'll get the chance to see how people really live in the country that you're visiting.
• Volunteer vacations. If you can't find a job then perhaps you can volunteer your time. There are many organizations through which you can volunteer anywhere from a few days through the entire summer. In exchange, you'll get room and board and the opportunity to travel while helping others. Organic farms are one example of a place that you can do this type of volunteer traveling.
• House-sitting. If you can find a place to house sit for someone who is traveling elsewhere then all that you need to find money for is the cost of the ticket to get there. Check formal house-sitting programs and classified ads to find this type of opportunity.
• Visit family and friends. If you know people around the world who have a couch that you can crash on then you can enjoy some really affordable traveling this summer. Ask around to see who is going to be available and would like to have your company. You'd be surprised how many friends would be happy to take you with them to visit their families.
• Be a tourist in your own town. If you truly can't find a way to get away then pretend that you have by doing touristy things in your own area. Visit the museums, parks and landmarks that you never bother to see. Take lots of pictures. Invite people to come visit you.
Be smart about your travel this summer. Don't spend a lot of money at your destination and try one of the above methods for covering the cost of travel itself. Do that and you should have terrific holidays without digging yourself into debt.
To read the rest of this article and for more student finance, budgeting and even how to make money online tutorials, follow Goldie over at http://studentcashflow.co.uk
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Goldie_Jones
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Tour Egypt for Ancient and Exotic Adventures

By Chris Robertson

If you've ever dreamed of witnessing the magnificence of the Great Pyramids, standing in awe before the Great Sphinx, or reveling in the treasures found in King Tut's tomb, the magic of Egypt awaits you. You can tour Egypt for an unforgettable experience of a lifetime. Whether you want to cruise the Nile in the style of Cleopatra or visit the Valley of the Kings, a Cairo program tour may be just the thing to fulfill your dreams. If your tastes lean toward adventure travel, a Cairo tour may mark the beginning of a journey that will include, for example, a diving excursion in the Ras Mohammed underwater nature reserve or a trek to a desert Bedouin Camp. A Cairo museum tour will enchant you with the breathtaking antiquities of ancient Egypt, while retaining the services of a Cairo travel guide will allow you to experience the beauties and mysteries of a city from a local perspective. If you have an interest in Egypt's ancient Holy Lands, you can travel Cairo and see the Red Sea and visit Old Cairo, where early Judaism and Christianity flourished. While you're in Cairo, photo travel adventures await. You'll want to bring plenty of film - or extra storage cards for your digital camera - when you visit the Ben Ezra Synagogue, the Saint Serguis Church, the Great Citadel begun by Saladdin, and the Mohamed Ali Mosque, also known as the "Alabaster Mosque." In Cairo, Egypt, travel can mean entering a time machine and visiting the sites of a wondrous and mysterious civilization, or enjoying very modern activities and amenities such as golf, cruises, and even bowling. You'd be doing yourself a disservice, though, if you didn't learn at least a bit about ancient Egypt before booking a Cairo, Egypt tour. Some other things to know before you go: * According to the U.S. State Department, a passport and visa are required to visit Egypt. Although renewable, 30-day tourist visas are available for US$15 upon arrival at Cairo International Airport, if you're arriving overland, you should obtain your visa prior to your arrival in Egypt. * Egypt has close to 79 million residents, and Egypt's size is approximately three times the size of New Mexico. * The official language of Egypt is Arabic, although French and English are widely spoken and understood. * Egypt is bisected by the fertile Nile Valley, which spurs Egypt's economy. * The currency is the Egyptian pound, and the exchange rate in 2005 was 5.78 Egyptian pounds per U.S. dollar. Whether you're traveling for business or pleasure, with the right tour, Egypt will enchant and engage you, drawing you in to its ancient mysteries.
Chris Robertson is an author of Majon International, one of the worlds MOST popular internet marketing companies on the web. Learn more about Tour Egypt for Exotic Adventures or Majon's Travel directory
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chris_Robertson
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Cheap Discounted International Airfare - How to Get it Quickly

By B. Hopkins

Airfare discounts for college students and those that are on a limited budget are highly valued. The great news is that getting great deals on international travel is not some myth that you heard from your best friend's neighbor's aunt. You can find some great deals if you know where to look. The process of getting discounted international airfare is the same process as getting domestic airfare. Many online airfare aggregators will carry inventory for both domestic and international flights. Many of these flights go to major international cities and usually not to the out of the way and smaller cities.
So what is the best way to get cheap discounted international airfare? The best way to get it is to find last minute, on demand or 11th hour deals. When traveling last minute, you will need to make sure all of your documents are up to date, and if you require a visa, you should already have it before purchasing your last minute travel tickets.
Where do these last minute discounted deals come from?
The discounted airfares come from a number of different sources. They an come from unsold flights that would normally cost the operators money, and are usually available anywhere from the next day to 2 weeks ahead of time. The operators feel it is better to make some money than none at all, so it serves all parties' best interests to make these offers.
The best place to get these deals is through online airfare aggregators. Some of the most popular online aggregators include:
- Expedia
- Orbitz
- Travelocity
- Trip Advisor
These aggregators will offer the available flight seats and sometimes the prices can vary wildly between the sites. If you don't see a price or a schedule that you like, then go to the next aggregator site and see what kinds of prices they have for their available flights. There can be as much as a $300 difference in ticket costs.
The key in getting the absolute best deal is to be flexible in your travel arrangements. Sometimes taking a multi-leg trip can save you several hundred dollars over a direct flight. One thing that you want to make sure you do is when you have found a flight for the price and the schedule you want, purchase it right away. The inventory is so limited on these last minute deals that if you wait too long, it will be gone. Remember, there are many search engines looking through the same database of available flights as well so you could be competing with many other travelers for your desired flight.
It is relatively simple and quick to get cheap discounted international airfare if you know where to look online. There are many deals that offer round trip tickets at a great price when your schedule is very flexible on when you can leave. Knowing how can get even deeper discounts requires additional industry insider knowledge that is available through other online resources.
Discover ALL of the Secrets Of The Travel IndustryA disgruntled employee got back at his employers by revealing ALL of their secrets. Now YOU know how to get the best deals on airfare, hotels, the works as well. Their loss is your gain!Discover how to get these Cheap Discounted International Airfare now before the price goes up!
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Saving Money Ideas For Honeymoon

By Tomer Houja

Planning a budgeted honeymoon is a must when money is the most important factor for a lot of the newly married couples. Flexibility and creativity is the key to Pandora's Box brimming with usable and effective saving money ideas. If you insist on staying in a over the water bungalow in Bora Bora, the price tag will too match that, no matter if you decide to travel off season. You surely don't want to return from your honeymoon with thousand of dollars in debt. Think cheap and plan ahead!
There is a plethora of beautiful and exotically located resorts all over the place. A very effective saving money idea would be to ideally look for a local, secluded resort within a few hours drive of your wedding. By doing this, you would be saving tantamount spent on airline tickets but simultaneously enjoy the luxury of a 4 or 5 star hotel. The three requisites that need to be taken into account while mapping a honeymoon are the location, time of the year and your preferred honeymoon destination. If you are looking at a tropical honeymoon, choose a destination that will call for a 4-6 hour flight instead of a 10 plus hour's journey flight.
Another one of the exciting saving money idea, would be to typically travel during the off season, particularly when you have a particular destination in mind. Most hotels offer significantly lower prices during off season reason being that the weather isn't at its best behavior during such times.
Asking for your honeymoon as a wedding present or by building a honeymoon registry, where the expense can be divided among the many guests is a saving money idea that must be tapped. Scanning ads and internet based services that display lucrative offers and deals on rooms, airfare, and wedding packages can dramatically minimize your honeymoon budget. Many couples tend to over spend owing to the unexpected expenses or the cost of food or drinks once they arrive to their hotel. This can lead to unbridled stress to your honeymoon. To relieve yourself and beloved spouse, would be apply the wise saving money idea of choosing an all inclusive that includes everything from water, food to alcohol. An exciting, exotic and one of a kind experience honey moon would be to find an isolated, secluded camping site to enjoy the magnificence and grandeur of an outdoor, romantic honeymoon. An inexpensive getaway and an awe inspiring way of being with each other, camping honeymoons are a sure fire saving money idea ensuring that you do not dig too deep into your bank account.
So don't you think that this time of recession is the best time to take action? Yeah, I think so too...so start using our saving money ideas and move on to prosperity!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tomer_Houja
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5 Ways to Experience the Best of San Diego With a Tight Budget

By Jesse Veluz

Enjoying San Diego does not mean that you will have to spend a lot. The city, after all, is rich in culture and natural beauty that are mere priceless. Here are 5 ways to experience the best of San Diego With A Tight Budget.
Balboa Park This park is one of the city's prized tourist destination. With a free admission during Tuesdays, you will be treated to picturesque gardens and Spanish architectures. Bring along some food and your picnic paraphernalia so you can further enjoy the ambiance with your loved ones. If not, you can visit any one of their numerous museums. In the Botanical Building and Lily Pond, you will get to see a large collection of tropical plants. Also, watch out for their seasonal flower displays, which will make your lovely experience even lovelier. Timken Museum of Art, on the other hand, houses Putnam Foundation Collection of Europe. You can also find here both American and Russian art. Finally, you can enjoy Speckles Organ Pavilion, which hosts free year-round concerts on Sundays at 2:00. During summer, look forward to their International Organ Festival that takes place every Mondays at 8pm for free.
Museums The city is home to myriad of museums, some of them have either low or free admission. Here are 5 museums of that kind: 1) The Chinese History Museum ($2) 2) San Diego Museum of History, free admission every second Tuesday of the month 3) Photographic Museum, free admission every second Tuesday of the month 4) San Diego Automotive Museum, free admission during Tuesdays 5) San Diego Hall of Champions, free admission during Tuesdays
Cabrillo National Monument A view of the oldest lighthouses, a panoramic view of the city, the beautiful coastline of tide pools, experience them all with just $5/vehicle.
Hotel Del Coronado Due to its stunning architecture, Hotel Del Coronado is not only a favorite tourist spot but a film location as well. Moreover, it has attracted many A-list and legendary personalities in the past. Take time to visit it to learn more about its history and shop-and-dine in the nearby shops and restaurants.
La Jolla Enjoy the sun and the sand and go for a swim for free. La Jolla is just one of the many beaches you can enjoy in the city. Any beach area will offer stunning view of the sunrise or the sunset. You can also go rollerbladding and bike riding along the coast for more fun under the sun.
There you have it guys! Enjoy your trip!
Jesse Veluz owns a blog that offers tips for San Diego travelers. For more San Diego Guide visit his website.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jesse_Veluz
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