“An adventure is only an inconvenience rightly considered. An inconvenience is an adventure wrongly considered.”

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1. The Brooklyn Bridge

Flights to New YorkThe Brooklyn Bridge is a scientific marvel and is one of the oldest suspension bridges in the United States. The Brooklyn Bridge stretches 5,989 feet over the East River and connects Manhattan and Brooklyn. Inaugurated in 1883, it is a treasured landmark of the city, colorfully illuminated at night to highlight the architectural towers and hangings. The pedestrian walkway from which visitors can savor both Manhattan and Brooklyn adds to the charm of this beautiful structure.

2. Times Square

Times Square is a major intersection in Manhattan, at the junction of Broadway and Seventh Avenue and stretches from West 42nd to West 47th Streets. Though it’s just an intersection, with time it has achieved an iconic status, primarily because of the activity, flashing advertisements and huge billboards that represent the city’s growth.

Sometimes known as the “Crossroads of the World”, Times Square has achieved the status of a world landmark and has become a symbol of this grand city. Times Square is the site of the annual New Year’s Eve ball drop, witnessed by huge number of visitors.

3. The Statue of Liberty

Flights to New YorkSculpted by master artist Frederic Auguste Bartholdi and modeled on the Colossus of Rhodes, the statue was donated by the people of France in 1886 to commemorate the alliance between the two countries during the American Revolution.

Standing on Liberty Island in New York Harbor, it welcomes visitors, immigrants, and returning Americans traveling by ship.

The statue is of a robed woman holding a torch and is made of a sheeting of pure copper, hung on a framework of steel with the exception of the flame of the torch, which is coated in gold leaf.

The National monument has become a true representation of the city.

4. Rockefeller Center

Rockefeller Center is a complex of 19 commercial buildings. It is the largest privately held complex of its kind in the world and has become an international symbol of modern architectural style.

Radio City Music Hall is one of the most popular tourist venues in the city and has hosted multiple awards shows such as the Grammies, the Emmys and the MTV Music Awards.

Rockefeller Ice Rink with the golden statue of Prometheus at its head hosts various sporting activities. Within the complex, you’ll find dining, architecture, music sightseeing galore.

5. Empire State Building

The Empire State Building named by the American Society of Civil Engineers as one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World stands 436ft high.

It stood as the world’s tallest building for more than forty years, from its completion in 1931 until construction of the World Trade Center’s North Tower in 1972. However after the destruction of the World Trade Center in 2001, the Empire State Building once again became the tallest building in New York City and New York State.

The building has been immortalized in many films – most famously the classic King Kong.

The observation decks on the 86th and 102nd floors offer magnificent views of the city.

6. Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts

Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts is a 16.3 acre complex of buildings in the Lincoln Square neighborhood of New York City. The Center is home to 12 resident arts organizations, including the New York Philharmonic, Metropolitan Opera, The New York City Opera and New York City Ballet.

Some of the premier events to take place at this venue are, American Songbook, Great Performers, Lincoln Center Festival, Lincoln Center Out of Doors, Midsummer Night Swing, the Mostly Mozart Festival and the Emmy Award-winning Live From Lincoln Center.

No tour to New York can be complete without witnessing a performance at Lincoln Center.

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7. Museum of Modern Art

The Museum of Modern Art is an art museum located in Midtown Manhattan in New York City. The museum has played a key role in developing and collecting modernist art and is often identified as the most influential museum of modern art in the world.

It is home to works of same great artists Monet, Van Gogh, Matisse, Picasso, Max Beckman, Ansel Adams and Kiki Smith, to name a few.

The collection at the museum offers an unparalleled overview of modern and contemporary art and includes works of architecture and design, sculpture, photography, prints, illustrated books and artist’s books etc.

8. Central Park

One of the historic landmarks of the city, Central Park is a large public, urban park in the heart of New York City and is host to approximately twenty-five million visitors each year. Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and architect Calvert Vau, much of the park appears natural, but in fact has been meticulously landscaped.

The park boasts of natural-looking lakes and ponds, extensive walking paths, ice-skating rinks, the Central Park Zoo, the Central Park Conservatory Garden, a wildlife sanctuary, a large area of natural woods, a reservoir with an encircling running track, and the outdoor Delacorte Theater, which hosts the “Shakespeare in the Park” summer festivals.

9. Broadway

Broadway, as the name suggests is a wide avenue in New York City which runs the full length of Manhattan and continues into the Bronx. A stretch of Broadway is famous as the pinnacle of the American theater industry.

While on vacation, going to the theater, is one of the most popular tourist events and attractions. Broadway gives you a perfect opportunity to experience the city through blockbuster musicals and intense drama and comedy. It plays to host to several popular shows, like The Lion King, Phantom of the Opera, Chicago and A Chorus Line.

10. Grand Central Station

Grand Central is the largest train station in the world by number of platforms, 44, with 67 tracks along them. Although the terminal has been properly called “Grand Central Terminal” since 1913, many people continue to refer to it as “Grand Central Station”.

It’s one of New York’s most famous and loved landmarks, primarily due to its magnificent architecture and striking ambiance, anchored by enormous windows and the refurbished ceiling.

Besides this, the station has several restaurants and about fifty specialty shops.

Like most of the great world cities, New York has an abundance of great attractions. Unfortunately, we can’t list all of them. The list above provides a sampling of what to expect when visiting “The Big Apple”. Take a bite out of this extraordinary city, book flights to New York today, so you can unearth more treasures and famed landmarks.

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“Okinawa Japan Night Life Experience”!

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If you have the desire to go out and experience a “Japanese type bar” vice the places that specifically cater to the foreign community. There are a few things I’ve come up with to help you out.

• Types of places.

Let’s clearly define the different types of bars that exist and place them into various classes. Legally bars are categorized to determine the types of services available, the hours it can be open, what hostess are supposed to do, and the like.

• Izakiyas

These are the most fun and are generally the cheapest. These are also frequented by the younger age groups like college students.

• Snacks

These are fun to go out and sing karaoke at. The songs you sing will be about 100 or 200 yen each. Snacks are by far the most common and they are located all over the island. Customers in snacks may include women. In a snack generally the hostess sits on one side of the counter and is there to provide basic conversation friendly only. There is very little sexual implication or suggestion. Snacks usually sell food in addition to drinks.

• Salon

These are fairly common in drinking neighborhoods, and is totally different from the snack. The only women customers found in salons are generally hostesses from other similar establishments who are friends with one of the hostesses or the mamasan. You can expect them to behave like an employee, as well. Hostesses in a salon are much “friendlier” than in the snack bar. Generally they will sit next to you and behave as though they are your girlfriend. They may hold you hand, put there arms around your, feed you your drinks often faster than you’d like, as well as other intimate gestures that make you feel good.

If you drink in a salon expect to pay more for what your get. This could possibly include a table set-up fee, over priced drinks, often if the hostess sits with you there may be a fee as well. Remember also that tatemae talk (gomasuri or sweet talk) is the standard in these places and anything promised that is not a legal business service is to be considered as talk only. The hostesses job is to make you feel good right now and not to carry through later on any promises made remember there are no friends on duty. This is clearly understood by all Japanese patrons. If you drink at a salon you need to understand this.

Salon and Cafe hostesses also have a reputation for being “very accommodating” while you are buying but, the second you quit they change into flesh eating wenches. This may not be true in all cases.

There is a Japanese word used in bars “oshibori”, which refers to a little hot (or sometimes) a cold towel they give you to wipe you hands and face when you first come in. Along the true path of intent is the Japanese verb “shiboru or shibori” to squeeze or ring out till dry. “O” in front of a Japanese word makes it polite or honorific. A common joke in these places is that the hostesses are actually are there to politely ring out your wallet until it’s dry.

• Cafe

The rules in the cafe are about the same as in a salon. They are fairly common in drinking neighborhoods. The only women customers are hostesses from other similar places. Watch out for oshiburi. These are different from coffee shops and when your toasted and enter the wrong one you’ll be able to quickly discern the difference.

• Cabaret

The cabaret is not as common as the others. This is a class of bar that is usually clearly identifiable even if you do not speak or read Japanese. There are NO women customers in a cabaret. There is a trend in main land Japan nowadays providing these types of clubs for women customers only. There are a couple in Naha that cater to women only and the men are hostess. The entrance typically has a guy there to greet customers accompanied by the ever present “Irasshai , irasshai” ( welcome, welcome) bantering. Most have signs showing prices as much as 30,000 yen . This is the set fee to pay to enter and all of your drinks are free for a limited period that is anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours. This is also called Nomi hodai (all you can drink). There are places that are Nomi hodai that provide a little less seedy atmosphere than most cabarets.

Hostess in these clubs employ the age-old time tested tricks and treats to get drunk. This is to entice you to buy the hostess expensive drinks (which are not included in the entry fee). Naturally, she will do or say anything to get you to feel as generous as possible. If you do not have the cash to blow I’d stay away. Be warned now if you get trashed and cause and argument about how much you did or didn’t spend and didn’t even get… The bouncers will come from the wood work so to speak. Most of these thugs are younger kids without jobs paid to be there and most of them have girlfriends working as hostess there or are very close friends with the hostess or mamasan.

All the Japanese customers know that “if you didn’t get it before you leave chances are you ain’t gettin’ it”. Remember, no matter how nice the hostesses are when you are spending money, as soon as you stop paying they want you to leave. Many of these do not accept foreign customers.

• Members Clubs and Bottle Clubs

There are not very many of these member clubs or bottle clubs around but there is generally one or two in each drinking area. You pay a membership fee, which might mean buying a bottle (keep) of booze, in order to drink there. Many of these places do not allow foreigners either.

• Fashsion or Lingerie Clubs

These are places where the hostesses may wear fancy lingerie and serve you while half clothed. In some, the hostesses take turns dancing on stage and partially remove some of their lingerie. These are not to common on Okinawa but there are a couple in Naha and up in Nago around Midori Michi. They are expensive and most do not allow foreigners. “Nihonjin dake!”

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• Filipino Clubs

There are only about two dozen of these clubs left here. Nearly all of the hostesses speak English and are recruited from the Philippines as cultural entertainers, models, and dancers. Contrary to popular belief the individual hostess doesn’t determine what she may say and do, and the level of truth you can expect from her should be judged with care.

Most of these clubs place limits on when the hostess can leave the club and when she must be at the boarding house where she lives. So if you plan on trying to date one expect a thousand valid excuses. If she leaves either place when she is supposed to be there, she has to pay a fine, sometimes as much as $300 or about 30,000 yen. The intention is to keep them “off the streets”. Her sponsor, generally the club owner, is responsible for her behavior and it will be trouble for his business should the hired help be outside of a specific liberty area.

You should keep in mind that many of these hostesses may have financial problems back home and that is what they hope to alleviate by being here. So, it is possible to set up dates with them, but generally they will be expecting to get paid for their time. It is very uncommon for one of them to go out with you because they like you only. After all, if you like them you must be sensitive to their personal problems.

The remianing few of these are located Kin Village, Okinawa City, Kitamae, Kadena town and a few in Futenma town. The number of these types of clubs or bars a fading fast and is no where near the number that there was in the 80’s and early 90’s.

• Night clubs and Discos

Nightclubs are similar to those in the rest of the world. There are generally one to two discos in nearly every major drinking area. They offer some form of entertainment which is usually a live band, stage act, or dancing. There may be male hosts as well as hostesses, but they only provide the business services of taking orders and delivery your order.

Some nightclubs have hostesses that will sit with the customers. It is safe to say that most are not involved with providing any form of companionship for the patron.

The places that do not normally let in foreigners will usually allow you in if you come as a couple, regardless whether you are with an American or Japanese woman. They are concerned that overly aggressive girl hunters will chase off the women customers or tourist from mainland Japan.

Rock houses were originally designed with an American theme. There a few still left, most from the 80’s and 90’s. The most well known are 8 Beat, Abbey Roads, and Downtown All located in Okinawa City’s Naka no Machi bar district and a couple in Kin Village. This is where the young crowd go to meet and listen to great music. There are no hostesses and house rules are pretty much like any bar in the States.

These places have outstanding sound systems, play good music in a nice nostalgic setting, and have good food and drinks for a fair price. Be careful in these areas though. It’s best not to go alone when it is late after 11:00 p.m., especially if you are new to the island. But definetly worth going and checking out.

Okinawa City is probably the most Americanized town in Okinawa because it is right next to Kade-na Air Base. On weekend evenings, many young Americans spend their leisure time at discos or places that offer live music in Okinawa City, and on those nights the streets of the city are peopled with pedestrians of many nationalities.

Many of the Okinawan discos are large and elaborate, and some are even well-known to tourists from mainland Japan. Young Okinawan men and women dance enthusiastically and sometimes even more wildly when mixed with Americans. The discos are places where communication between young Okinawans and Americans can take place without knowing a common language; they make themselves understood through dancing. Through the mutual enjoyment of discos, they become friends. During the summer, young people from Japan come to Okinawa City to experience an exotic atmosphere that they cannot find on the mainland. Because so many places to visit in Okinawa City are located in a small area, some people may visit three or more discos in one night.

Live music entertainment is also concentrated in Okinawa City, where one can find hard rock, soft rock, and even reggae music. Weekend nights in Okinawa City belong to a world different from what is found elsewhere in the prefecture.

Naka no Machi (The Inner City)This is one of the most famous watering holes on the island. Those it has a long history – it is now in serious decline. The popping of the Japanese economic bubble has cause most revelers to sit home and drink, or drink at friends houses. In addition to the hundreds of tradition Japanese bars and Izakiyas (restaurants), most of the rock houses are located in this area also. These rock houses are favorite pick-up spots.

• Park Avenue / Peace Park Avenue (BC Street)

This is one of the most famous watering holes to those who were here during the 70’s, 80’s, and early 90’s. In the old days BC Street was the place for nighttime entertainment. It was the wild west. Boasting every type of floor show imaginable, both sides of the street were lined with club after club. But I’m dating myself.

In the early 90’s, the local city government decided it was tired of that image, and changed it from BC Street to Park Avenue or Peace Park Avenue. They also spent a great deal of money and effort to renovate it to the present tourist friendly image.

Though it is mostly just gift shops for the mainland tourists who come to Okinawa, there are still a few nightclubs and a Fillipino bars left for the hard core party animals.

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Marriages are made in heaven but honeymoons are celebrated on the earth. If a people think a truly perfect honeymoon destination in India, I think Kerala is their destination, just right for them. Yes, Kerala is a one of the most favored destinations of honeymooning couples or newly wed couples. There is everything in the beautiful state of Kerala honeymooning couples looking for. A romantic honeymoon vacation in Kerala (better known as the God’s Own Country) provides couples ultimate romantic ambiance to relish for whole life long.

There are myriad picturesque places in God’s Own Country to give amiable ambiance for honeymooners or recently wed couples from all over the world. Superb scenic beauty, postcard-perfect locations, gorgeous hill stations, dazzling beaches, breathtaking backwaters, scenic inland waterways, lovely lakes, lush landscapes, blooming meadows, green carpeted locations, luxurious houseboats, boat cruises, chatty waterfalls, world class resorts, ayurvedic resorts, spa centres, palm fringed beaches, coconut groves, etc all are to create romantic and amiable ambiance for honeymooning couples. The reason is clear, why newly wed couples from all over the world prefer to celebrate their romantic honeymoon vacation in Kerala, God’s Own Country.

Kerala has some of pristine beaches in the world which are the prime attractions of honeymoon in Kerala. Fringed by palm trees and studded with silvery white sands, beaches of Kerala provides truly right ambiance for romantic vacation to honeymooning couples. There are lots of recreational activities available on the breathtaking beaches of the state couples love to cherish. Having a leisurely wall on beaches holding hands of each other, watching sunset view together over sapphire Arabian Sea, playing with sands together, water funs, playing with waves, etc all add strong romance to honeymooning couples. Imagine you are sitting down under palm trees in the lap of your beloved and cool breeze coming through the sea playing with hairs of your beloved – truly romantic experience of honeymoon vacation in God’s Own Country. Kovalam, Fort Kochi, Alleppey, Marari, Palakkad, Fort Bekal, Varkala, etc are prime beach destinations of the state.

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If you think unique honeymoon Kerala offers you golden opportunity for houseboat stay. A well-organized houseboat cruise gives couples ambiance for romance like no other. Houseboats are well equipped with modern amenities like well-furnished bed rooms, prosperous kitchen, dining space, etc. Couples love to explore the charm of backwater tourism with houseboat cruise gently sailing over scenic waterways. Watching sunset views of romantic sunset from the deck of houseboat cruise is simply romantic experience.

If you think honeymoon vacation in nature blessed hill stations, Kerala has many picturesque hills to fulfill your desire. Munnar, Ponmudi, and Wayanad are popular hill stations in Kerala and very popular among honeymooning couples. Postcard-perfect locations, fragrant tea & spice gardens, rubber plantations, meadows of colorful flowers, green valleys, etc are delights for honeymooning couples. These attractions are enough to steal the hearts of couples. Honeymooning couples love to pose in the green meadows and tea plantations of hills. Due to superb beauty and amiable ambiance Munnar is often referred as the “Kashmir of South”. To make your honeymoon vacations in hills, hill towns of the state have luxury hotels and resorts with modern facilities.

There are several Kerala honeymoon packages available in the market to choose from. You can choose one of Kerala package tours to plan your honeymoon vacation in Kerala, God’s Own Country. Kerala beckons you! Happy Honeymoon in Kerala, God’s Own Country!

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“He who would travel happily must travel light.”

Goa the smallest state of India and is globally famous for its palm fringed beaches. It is well known for picturesque beaches, azure sky, beautiful landscapes, ancient churches and monuments, etc. The state is the ideal destination for nature lovers, beach lovers, holidayers and honeymoon couples. It is the perfect place for relaxing and fun vacation. Every year tourists from all over the world come to Goa in India to enjoy mesmeric holiday vacation. Come once to this beautiful state of India and enjoy your vacation with your family, friends, beloved, etc in a delightful way. It is the tourists destination of all seasons and this beautiful state never fails give a warm welcome to its Guests. Visit this state and it is sure you will fall in love with the charming beaches and the magnificent surrounding.

Goa is popularly described as the “Pearl of the Orient”. It is the place where tourists and people from all over the world come and spend memorable moment of their life. Goa and beaches go hand in hand infact they are synonymous. It has some of the world finest beaches in the world. Beaches are really charming & breathtaking and are ideal for mesmerizing holiday vacation. These picturesque beaches grab the attention of tourists and vacationers all the year round from all over the world. Some of the charming and frequently visited Goa beaches are Colva Beach, Dona Paula Beach, Condolim Beach, Baga Beach, Arjuna Beach, Palolem Beach, Calangute Beach, etc. There are many other fascinating and captivating beaches that are ideal for beach activities and memorable beach vacation.

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Picturesque beaches dotted with swaying palm trees are ideal for beach activities. Tourists loves to enjoy angling, skiing, sun set watching, wind surfing, swimming, sun bath, volley ball, etc. Couples can enjoy their honeymoon vacation in Goa enjoying the charm of the beaches. Take a memorable walk along the silver beaches holding hand in hand; motor boat tour, surf the cool wind, enjoy the rich sea food in the exotic resort of beaches, etc. In fact the beaches of Goa create the ambiance of heaven for honeymoon couples to spend their best time of their life being together.

Holidays in Goa also provide tourists wonderful opportunity to explore the rich flora & fauna and historical monuments of the state. The Western Ghats which form most of the eastern Goa have been internationally recognized biodiversity hotspot of the world. The National Geographic Magazine in the year 1999 compared the flora and fauna of Goa with Amazon and Congo Basin. Goa wildlife’s sanctuaries have preserved varied wild life species and birds which are worth seeing and exploring. Wildlife lovers and nature lovers from all over the world come here explore the rich flora and fauna of the state.

Well if you want to enjoy the mesmeric and wonderful charm of Goa tourism, visit this beach state of India. Explore breathtaking Goa beaches, rich flora & fauna, exquisite temples, magnificent churches and wildlife. Tourists can also have lots of other exciting option to enjoy holidays in Goa in a delightful way. Visitors can enjoy the night parties held on the beaches. Don’t forget to enjoy the mouth watering cuisines and mood making local wine of Goa. Visit this beautiful carnival state of Goa and make you Goa tours an experience of lifetime.

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“It is solved by walking.”

If a visit to Rome is something you have always dreamed on however, your cruise ship will be arriving in Civitavecchia and you begin feeling your dream of Rome slipping through your fingers, you will be glad to learn that you can still enjoy a private tour of Rome while being treated like a VIP.

With Rome Tour, you can expect to be greeted when your ship docks by an official driver holding a sign with your name. This is just the beginning of your fabulous Rome tour. The driver will then help you with any luggage you wish to take along and escort you to your private Mercedes Benz vehicle. You can choose from a car, minibus, or even a limo for your private tour.

The driver will take you on a picturesque drive to Rome avoiding as much traffic as possible and arrive in central Rome within an hour. Here you will meet your official Rome and Vatican tour guide that has been licensed by the Italian Government. Your tour guide will then provide you with a wonderful tour of Rome avoiding all the tourist traps, congested areas, and watch your safety at all times.

A few of the attractions you will be able to embrace include the Vatican Museums within the walls of Vatican City. During your tour of the Vatican Museums, you will enjoy such marvels as the Sistine Chapel, the ancient Papal Apartments painted by Raphael, and Saint Peter’s Basilica.

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Now, you will enjoy a short break while allowing your palate to enjoy the delicious delights of the local cuisine. After lunch, your guide will escort you to Capitoline Hill. Capitoline Hill is the religious and political center where you will also have the chance to see the Senate and the piazza designed by Michelangelo.

Next, you will enter the Roman Colosseum. Here you will be able to envision the various animal fights and gladiator battles while your tour guide helps you step back in time to ancient Rome.

The last stop is Trevi Fountain. This fountain has a legend that many believe, as you will see if you glance into the fountain. The legend explains if you want to return to Rome, toss a coin over your shoulder into the fountain. It must be true as many do return to embrace the wonders of Rome.

After your tour, your private driver will take you back to your cruise ship in Civitavecchia in time to depart on the next leg of your journey.

If there are other attractions you would like to see instead of the ones mentioned above, you can always talk with a professional tour guide at Rome Tour. They love creating custom tours for their guests to ensure they can grasp the beauty, culture, history, and passion of their city the eternal city.

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“The map is not the territory.”

It’s safe to say that there’s so much to see packed into the city of London that going on one of their many guided tours may be the only way to see everything. Built along the Thames River in England, it’s a city with a history that extends back two millennia. The hardest part of taking the guided tours of London is where to start first.

You might want to take a double-decker red bus tour just to get the lay of the land. They’re inexpensive tours to take and you can decide where you want to spend your time. Another fun tour is one that takes you around to all of the afternoon tea places London has to offer. Who says you can’t have just one of those scrumptious scones with clotted milk and jam?

Many guided tours of London will take you to St. Paul’s Cathedral, one of the tallest buildings in London and home to the wedding of Princess Diana and Prince Charles in 1981. Tourists can visit the whispering gallery as well as the tombs of many past famous individuals in London’s history. Westminster’s Abbey is also beautiful and was home to the funeral of Princess Diana.

In London, most guided tours will show you both Buckingham Palace, the home of the Queen of England and the famous changing of the palace guard. It’s really touristy but worth saying that you’ve been there. Kensington Palace has elegant grounds and was home to Prince Charles and Princess Diana. Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens and Holland Park Gardens are nearby and are perfect places to meet up with your fellow tourists or to take a short walk.

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No guided tours of London will forget to take you to see Big Ben, the London Bridge and the infamous Tower of London. The Tower of London would be a good place to get off the bus and take a leisurely tour of the place. Historically, the Tower of London housed numerous criminals and was the execution spot for several infamous people, particularly Anne Boleyn, the second wife of Henry VIII. Perhaps the most beautiful place to see inside the tower is the vault containing England’s crown jewels. Visitors ride a conveyor belt in a darkened room that highlights the glittering jewels.

If you’re lucky, you’ll be on one of the guided tours of London that allows you a lengthy stop at the British Museum. Clearly one of the premiere museums in all of the world, the British Museum houses mostly procured (stolen) goods from all over the world, including a great deal of Egyptian pieces. The famed Rosetta Stone can be seen up close and personal along with ancient artifacts brought home when British explorers visited ancient Rome, Greece and Egypt. If your tour guide allows it, spend as much time as you can inside that museum as there are things you’ll never see anywhere else.

Perhaps, you’ve got time for nightlife? If you’re on one of the guided tours of London that extends for a few days, take in a play, a musical or even buy group tickets to see the Royal Ballet. Maybe you’ll all get tickets to Leicester Square where you can take in a world film premiere. In addition, many shopping areas are open late and there are so many restaurants that can round out your tour of this exciting city.

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“It’s a battered old suitcase and a hotel someplace and a wound that will never heal.”

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Japan has easily become synonymous with the Land of Enchantment and, while it’s a modern and technologically-savvy society, it isn’t without its culture, beauty and history. That’s why guided tours of Japan are so popular for couples and families alike. Almost all guided tours of Japan begin by flying into the Tokyo Narita Airport. Many tours allow you a night’s rest before heading out to see the sights in Tokyo, a large city of more than eight million people.

You’ll visit the Meiji Shrine A fantastic Shinto monument erected within a man-made forest. After that, you’ll likely travel to the Imperial Palace Plaza where you’ll see the Imperial Palace of the Emperor of Japan. Most of the palace is off limits but it has a lovely East Gardens for visitors to stroll in.

Many guided tours in Tokyo will take you to the Asakusa Kannon Temple and the nearby Nakamise Shopping Arcade, where visitors can shop at their leisure for souvenirs or other items. Later that night, walk the streets of Tokyo with your tour director to take in the dazzling lights of this lovely city. The following day, you can take an excursion to Kamakura, which is the home of the Great Buddha A shrine that is 750 years old.

After seeing the Great Buddha, may guided tours of the area will take you on a scenic drive to Hakone so you can take a cable car ride and get the very best views of Mount Fuji, if the weather cooperates. Guests can opt for a thrilling ride on the bullet train back to Tokyo. After you’ve seen much of Tokyo and surrounding area, most guided tours of Japan will take you up to Matsumoto, considered the gateway to the Japanese Alps. There you will visit the Matsumoto Castle A fortress dating back to 1593. Nearby is the Japan Folklore Museum and a nice way to see artifacts from Japan in their natural setting.

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Later, most guided tours of Japan will take you to Takayama where you can visit the local farmer’s market and travel to the San Machi Suji historic district, famous for distilleries that make Japanese sake. Nearby are lovely lacquerware shops that make items perfect for souvenir shopping. Also nearby is the Kusakabe Heritage House, a lovely place to see traditional Japanese architecture from the late 19th Century.

The next stop on many guided tours of Japan is the Hida Minzoku-Mura folk village A large collection of traditional Japanese buildings, including farmhouses. There, you can enjoy demonstrations of craft-making, such as lacquer making, silk dying, basket weaving and wood carving. Most guided tours of Japan will take you through the mountainous areas, including the Shokawa Valley and onto the village of Shirakawa. This is a remote region of Japan that is home to many world heritage sites. Enjoy traditional Japanese food with your tour mates.

The next stop on most guided tours of Japan is Kyoto, a lovely city and home to the fascinating Nijo Castle, built as the official residence of Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu in 1603. Nearby is Kinkakuji, the temple of the Gold Pavilion and several shrines and gardens. Kyoto is home to numerous temples, shrines and palaces and is a place you’ll want to spend a couple of days visiting.

As you’ve traveled so far north, most guided tours will then take you to Osaka and to the Kansai Airport for your departure home. Hopefully, you’ve taken in plenty of Japanese food and culture, and you’ve enjoyed their unique food.

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“We are all travelers in the wilderness of this world, and the best we can find in our travels is an honest friend.”

City parks offer a great escape from cars and the pavement. The cities in our list each provide a green oasis in an urban setting. Take a look at some of the biggest and most diverse park systems in the world.
New York City – Central Park
The credit for Central Park belongs to many individuals. Evening Post editor William Cullen Bryant called for its creation in 1844. Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux provided the plan – winning a public design competition.

The project took 20 years to complete. Live concerts, boating, running, cycling, museums, restaurants – Central Park has so many things to do that you will find it hard to make time for the rest of the city. Check out the Central Park Conservancy for free walking tours.

Dublin – Phoenix Park
When in Dublin, tear yourself away from the Guinness factory to visit Phoenix Park and its gardens, monuments, and wildlife. This enclosed urban park (the largest in Europe) is a former royal hunting ground with a large herd of wild deer.

It was enclosed to keep the wildlife on the hunting grounds. It has been open to the public since 1745.

Mexico City – Chapultepec Park
Located in the same spot as a former summer residence for Aztec rulers, Chapultepec Park is a popular spot, with 1800 acres, several lakes, forested land, museums, and the residence of the President of Mexico. This park also includes Chapultepec Castle, which serves as the National History Museum.

Phoenix, Arizona – South Mountain Park
With 16,283 acres, this is the largest city park in the United States. The land making up South Mountain Park was purchased and developed throughout the 20’s and 30’s.

South Mountain Park is part of the Sonoran desert, with 58 miles of trails available to hikers and bikers. Look for petroglyphs throughout the park. A trail guide is available online.

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Santiago, Chile – Metropolitan Park
In downtown Santiago there is a 1785 acre park with tiered gardens, swimming pools, a zoo, a 45 feet tall statue of the the Virgin of the Immaculate Conception, and panoramic views of the city. Metropolitan Park is also called San Cristobal Hill – named by conquistadors for St. Christopher.

Moscow – Bitsevsky Park
This park offers a huge open area to get away from the city. It is the place in Moscow to go cycling in the summer and skiing in the winter. Don’t be put off by stories of a serial killer who used the park for his amusement from 2001 to 2006.

Philadelphia – Fairmount Park
Claiming to be within walking distance of every Philadelphia resident, Fairmount Park is a park system with 63 different sections. The largest chunk is along the Schuylkill River, offering fishing and paddling opportunities in addition to the usual park activities.

Vancouver – Stanley Park
Linked to downtown Vancouver by a series of biking and pedestrian routes, Stanley Park is easily accessible. It contains the Vancouver Aquarium, formal gardens, forest, beaches, and numerous sculptures and monuments scattered over 1000 acres. Start by renting a bicycle near the entrance and riding along the 10 km perimeter seawall. The seawall is a stone wall built to prevent erosion along the shore. Now it is the park’s most used facility.

Denver
With over 200 parks within the city, Denver has the largest park system within the United States. And with 300 days of sunshine each year, there is no bad time to visit. Start with Washington Park, City Park, and Cheesman Park.

Perth, Australia – Kings Park
Kings Park is my best memory from my visit to Perth. Many others probably feel the same, since it is the most popular visitor destination in Western Australia. Go walk among the treetops on the Lotterywest Federation Walkway, then just wander towards whatever catches your eye.

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“People don’t take trips – trips take people.”

Are you in the process of preparing for a trip that requires you to travel by air? If you are, you should know the impact that your air travel experience can have on your vacation. Unfortunately, this is something that many individuals do not think of until a complication arises.

For starters, traveling by airplane is important to the overall success of your trip, as it is how you will get to your destination. If you miss your flight, you may, literally, be out of luck. Depending on the situation at hand, you may be responsible for buying your own replacement tickets. For that reason, you will always want to arrive to the airport early. You will also want to make sure that you follow all airport rules and restrictions, especially at airport security checkpoints.

Another one of the many ways that your air travel experience can impact your vacation is by ruining it. Remember that your vacation starts and ends with a plane ride. If you have an unpleasant experience, like with a rude airline attendant or a problem at an airport security checkpoint, your vacation will likely get off to a bad start. This can have a significant impact on your mood, as well as how you look at the rest of your vacation.

Your air travel can also have an impact on what you get to do and see while on vacation. This is impacted by the money that you have. When booking a flight for your trip, be sure to compare prices. The less you spend on your airline tickets and the less you spend on food and snacks at the airport, the more money you will have to put towards your vacation. This may mean that you can stay at a vacation resort as opposed to a traditional hotel. It may mean that you can enjoy dinner at a nice restaurant, as opposed to a fast food joint. It may also mean that you get to participate in activities or visit attractions that weren’t previously on your to do list because of costs.

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As you can see, there are a number of different ways that your air travel can impact your vacation. With that being said, it is important to remember that you do have some control. There are a number of steps that you can take at the airport and while in-flight to help ensure that you have a pleasant experience, as well as a great vacation.

As a reminder, it is important to not only know all airport security rules, but to also follow them, especially when packing. If you do not bring any prohibited items, especially in your carry-on bag, you will likely get through airport security with ease.

Be sure to follow all directions given to you by airline attendants. If you are supposed to stay seated in-flight, be sure that you do. If you have to go to the bathroom, ask an airline attendant for advice; however, do so politely. Better yet, make sure that you go to the bathroom beforehand. As previously stated, there are always steps that you can take to improve your travel.

Finally, don’t let anything get you down. Of course, customer service is important and all airline attendants and security personnel should be kind and treat you with respect, but also remember that we all have bad days. For that reason, donít take anything too personal.

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“It is not down in any map; true places never are.”

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If you know a little Italian, you may want to visit the beautiful country of Italy on your own. If, however, you’re looking to sit back and pack in as much of the country as possible, try one of the guided tours of Italy offered by many travel services. Youíll generally get a cheaper deal and you’ll enjoy the country on an air-conditioned coach, complete with an Italian-speaking interpreter.

There are many ways to take guided tours of Italy but many of them start near the top of the country and go southward. The tour can begin in the watery canals of Venice or in the fashion capital of Milan. In Venice, visitors can take a gondola ride and eat in one of the many fine restaurants in the city. The lovely city stretches across numerous small islands in the marshy Venetian Lagoon that opens into the Adriatic Sea in the northeast part of the country. The city conveniently lies between the mouths of the Po and the Piave Rivers.

In Milan, a tourist on one of the guided tours of Italy can take a few hours to shop the expensive shops in downtown Milan. Your guides might have purchased tickets for the group at the famous La Scala Theater. The Duomo in Milan is the second largest cathedral in the country. Many guided tours of Italy then head south, through the Tuscan hills and into the ancient and beautiful city of Florence, called Firenze in Italy. The Arno River runs through the city, also a location of many museums and churches.

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Many go to Florence to see the Ponte Vecchio, a unique old bridge crossing the river that contains many quaint shops and eateries. The Duomo of Santa Maria del Fiore is the magnificent domed cathedral within the city. On some guided tours of Florence, you’ll be given time to see its many lovely churches or to see the Uffizi Galleries or the Pitti Palace. Outdoors, one can see a copy of the famed statue of David by Michelangelo or the original one, in the Uffizi Museum.

When you think you’ve seen enough churches, many guided tours of Italy take you to Rome and the Vatican both places where the churches and cathedrals are extremely wealthy and amazing to see. You’ll also see the Coliseum, the Roman Forum and the Pantheon all parts of ancient Roman times that have been somewhat preserved. You may also be able to see some catacombs, which were places where early Christians worshipped and buried their dead.

No good visit to Rome is complete without a visit to the Vatican, including the Vatican Museum and the Sistine Chapel. These are wondrous sites that make you wish it were possible to take pictures. You can take as many pictures as you wish of St. Peter’s Square and St. Paul’s Basilica. Hopefully, you’ll be on one of the guided tours of Italy that includes Southern Italy and a visit to the very ancient village of Pompeii. Destroyed by Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, it is currently a life-sized museum of what life was like in the average city a millennium ago. It may prove, in fact, to be the highlight of your guided tour.

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