posted by admin on May 27
Rajasthan Travel Guide
FAIR AND LOVELY!
Come November and Rajasthan becomes the cynosure of all eyes. Why? Because along with Kartik Purnima comes the much awaited Pushkar fair. Over the years, Pushkar Mela, as it is popularly known, has been one of the major trumps in the hands of Rajasthan tourism because in its varied moods it manages to bring the ancient customs of Rajasthan to the fore; mixed with a lot of mysticism, adventure and fun. A perfect formula guaranteed to be a crowd puller. Let’s explore the Pushkar magic a little further.
200,000 people-no, it’s not the population statistic of a large city, but that of the approximate number of people who visit the fair. Not to forget the 50,000 cattle that they bring along. The fair is of great importance to the locals because this is the one chance they get to relive the glory days when a great deal was spent on cattle embellishments. Today the fair gives them a chance by organizing cattle beauty contests where the camels and other cattle preen and pose pretty. Also, a lot of cattle accessories are sold-all in precious silver.
Its not just fun and games at Pushkar because these people take even their sports seriously. The famed camel races of Pushkar are legendary and people come from far and wide to witness them. Also, cattle trading takes place in a big way in this fair.
A comprehensive experience of Rajasthani art, the fair has numerous dances and folk items which regale the spellbound spectators. Music like that created by the Bhil and Langda minstrels is legendary and a definite not-to-miss event. Beautiful materials with rajasthani handwork are also available. Women will get a full country feel with henna and tattoo artists all over the place.
With all this, Puskar has a greater significance. The god-fearing hold that the gods descend from the heaven for five days each year during the Pushkar fair and bless those around. Well, there must be some truth to it since each year the fair witnesses a growing number of people who come to Pushkar for this very reason.
Rajasthan Tourism has capitalized on the Pushkar Fair and publicized it far and wide. Because of their efforts, full facility “villages” are created around the vicinity of the fair for the comfort of the foreign tourists. They are, of course, fully equipped to satisfy their needs and are very luxurious.
Well, all said and done, this is one experience you would not want to miss. So book your tickets now to have the time of your life.
To know more about this site visit us at http://www.rajasthan-travel-tour.com/
Satyanarayan is the author and designer of the guide area <a href="http://www.rajasthan-travel-tour.com">Rajasthan Travel</a>
Caribbean Cruises 101
The Caribbean offers may exciting destinations to explore. There are three major areas in the Caribbean; they are the western, eastern and southern Caribbean. All have their unique actives and natural beauty. It is impossible to say one is better than the others. One of the most popular destinations is Grand Cayman. It offers everything you are looking for, from racing sailboats to swimming with stingrays. You can explore ruins of ancient civilizations and investigate rain forests. The variety of activities, natural wonders and very pleasant temperatures make the Caribbean cruises very popular. The temperatures are so pleasurable; in fact, that you will be very comfortable in short sleeved shirts and shorts, no matter if it is day or night in the Caribbean. Now you know why to go on a Caribbean cruise, all you need to know is what to bring. Well, beyond the obvious essentials of everyday clothes and toiletries, it is a good idea to put in a couple of swimsuits. This will help ensure that you will have a dry suit to go put on when ever you want to go for a dip. It is no fun trying to get into a cold wet suit! Another thing to put on your packing list is a camera and plenty of film if it is not a digital. You will be seeing so many things and having so much fun, you will not want to miss a second of the action. Also, you will be able to show your friends and family what they were missing while you were on your Caribbean cruise. While you will probably spend most of your time switching to your shorts to swim suit and back again, you will want to have some dress clothes as well. When night falls and you want to have a nice dinner with your traveling companion, you will want to look good. Also, with cruises, there is at least one event that will require tuxedos and evening gowns and you should be prepared for this. The nice thing about cruises is they understand it is not always an option to travel this with type of formal ware and will have shops available to rent the evenings attire. With all the time you will spend outside enjoying the sun, you will have to pack sunscreen. It is important that you use it every day and have a SPF sunscreen. Even if you don t think you are getting more sun and don t notice the extended time spent outside, your skin will. Perhaps the most important thing to bring with your on your Caribbean cruise is your appetite for fun and adventure. Remember, the trip is what you make of it. If you would rather just sit on the deck soaking up the sun, than partaking in a whole bunch of scheduled activates, do it.
To read other great articles on all of the different cruise vacation options avaliable to you then check out: http://www.enjoythecruise.com
Along The Yangtze River
For those of you going on to China ( or already there) if your looking for something well - mystical - I recommend the yangtze river cruise for sheer splendor and spectacle .
Go sometime in April when the weather is temperate. You’ll marvel at the mist in the morning surrounding the gorges that impose its majesty on its visitors. Bring a lap-top to ensure you have enough space for your pictures- your going to need it!
Your journey begins in Chongqding where you board the Victoria Katarina which will be your home for three lovely nights. This fine ship offers an array of shipboard ammenities, including a lounge, panoramic observation deck, outdoor jacuzzi, fitness center and beauty salon. Cabins are well appointed and each has a private bath and balcony - perfect for viewing 120 miles of spectacular gorges as you float past the ancient cities and villages that dot the majestic Yangtze.
Along the way youll pass Shibouzhaou’s grand pagoda a breath taking monument built without the use of a single nail! Further on the demons in Fengdu’s rooftops regard you with aspect from beyond -tales of ghosts and specters are common in these areas-(not for the faint of heart)
Arrive in Wushun and cruise through the stunningly beautiful Three Lesser Gorges then continue to the site of the biggest dam in the world. You disembark in Yichang and nicely round off your trip by flying out to Beijing , Shanghai or Hong Kong for some shopping.
For more information about luxury cruises and mystical places to go - Visit www.deluxecruisenews.com
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Cruise Tips For Cruise Travel At Your Ports Of Call
Cruise travel is one of the best vacations you can take. During your cruise vacation you will visit several different ports of call. Your cruise ship will dock at exotic islands or new countries almost on a daily basis. Check out the cruise reviews on line for cruise tips before you visit your destinations to find out what fantastic experience each port has to offer.
During your cruise vacation you will visit ports to shop, explore, beach, sightsee or hike. There are a wide variety of activities in each cruise destination. Or you could just depart the ship for a chance to walk around for a change of pace. Although this is a great cruise adventure, you should realize that you will only get a small sample of what each port of call has to offer. And be forewarned, as you step of your majestic cruise ship there will be hordes of natives trying to sell you a trinket or a tour around the city.
If you take the advice above and search the cruise reviews, you should have a pretty good idea what each destination has to offer. Choose the one that has the most encompassing tour of your port. In exotic ports they have full day tours, including lunch, that will take you to the highlights of the place you are visiting. This is an ideal way to sample the city or island getting ideas for what you may want to come back for at a later date. On island tours you may want to take an organized tour in the morning, go back to the ship for lunch, then light out on your own to explore more fully, shop or just go to the beach.
If you are more adventuresome, skip the lunch on board and dine in the city. You get to experience the local cuisine and soak up the native culture. This is your vacation, learn new and different things. If you chose to do this check with the cruise director for the best places to dine and make sure you know the exchange rate. On of the cruise tips is to put your meal on a charge card so you will be charged the exchange rate on the day the bill hits the credit card company.
A cruise tip that is very useful is to use the brochure that the ship gives you for their organized tour and follow it on your own. Only do this if you are comfortable with the country you are visiting. If it is your first time overseas to a port of call, it is best to stick with the organized tour for safety and convenience. Other cruise tips can be found online about some of the wonderful things to see and do in various ports of call. Be conscious of one thing, if you chose to explore on your own, know what time the ship leaves and how long it will take you to get back on board. If you are not on an organized tour it is your responsibility to get back on time or the ship will leave without you. You then have to meet the ship at the next port of call at your own expense.
If you opt for an organized tour sponsored by the cruise ship, it should cost you anywhere from $20.00 to over $200.00 depending on what you choose to do. It could be just a simple bus ride around town for two hours or a two day trip from St. Petersburg, Russia to Moscow. The options are endless.
Most cruise lines will let you book in advance on their websites. This is very convenient and helpful with tours that sell out quickly. For instances, in the Cayman Islands the Stingray City tour is very popular and will sell out. If you book it in advance you guarantee your spot. The more inexpensive tours also tend to sell out because of some cruisers watching their budgets. So, don’t miss out, check out the cruise lines website to see if you can book your ticket in advance.
It is good to know the game plan that the tour offers. Things you should be aware of is how much the guide will be with you and do they speak English clearly. Mostly the cruise lines have very competent tour guides, but better safe than sorry. Will have any time on your like for shopping or stopping in a caf ©? It is very important to find out how much physical activity is required before you sign on for any tour. If you have limited mobility you don’t want to go on a tour that climbs the Acropolis in Athens or Dunns River Falls in Jamaica. Find out if a snack or lunch is provided, so if it isn’t you can bring along adequate funds to get your own.
There are private touring companies that you can contact on your own if you wish to tour in a more private fashion. Another alternative is to buddy up with some fellow cruisers and share taxi tours to cut your expense in half. Many times you will meet people on a cruise that have similar interests and you will spend a lot of time together on the cruise ship, why not touring also? It’s a way to save money and enjoy other passengers company.
Only hire licensed taxi drivers. Their credentials should be prominently displayed in the front of the cab. With a licensed driver you are ensured a safe trip and a guide who is knowledgeable about the islands or cities background, where to shop, eat or gamble. And of course they will know the best beaches available. Negotiate the price of your tour up front. If you chose to go to a destination where you will be dropped off for a couple of hours, negotiate with the driver to come back and pick you up. Settle on a price and pay half up front and half on the way back. If the driver has been helpful and friendly, please tip him or her.
Some cruisers like to rent cars in their ports of call. It is recommended that you only do this in destinations that you are familiar with and have a good knowledge of where you are going. Be careful when renting a car. Be sure to check out the entire car for any damages that may already be there and note them on your rental contract. If you fail to do this you may be charged for damage that was already done.
Lastly, use common sense when touring. Don’t travel in dark tight alleys, put your money under your clothes, don’t wear expensive jewelry and don’t let yourself be surrounded, especially by children. Always carry identification and the name of the cruise lines agents in the port of call in case you get in trouble.
You are on a cruise vacation make the best of it. Get off the ship at all of your ports of call whether you are touring or are just poking around. Be sure to take lots of pictures so you will have years of beautiful cruise travel memories.
Happy Cruising!
Copyright © Mary Hanna, All Rights Reserved.
This article may be distributed freely on your website and in your ezines, as long as this entire article, copyright notice, links and the resource box are unchanged.
Mary Hanna has traveled the world by Air and Ship while writing eBooks, Software Reviews and Practical Articles on Internet Marketing, Cruising, Gardening and Cooking. Visit her websites at: http://www.CruiseGold.com http://www.CruiseTravelDirectory.com and http://www.CruisingTips.com
Finding a Good Boat Repair Shop
If you own any kind of boat, you should be aware that at some point you will be needing a boat repair shop that you can trust. As it is, there are quite a few reasons why you would have someone work on your boat for you. You can sustain damage from just enjoying your boat, you could have electrical issues, mechanical, the list really goes on and on. The engine could cause issues even if it is a brand new boat. But, just like I mentioned earlier, you should definitely look for a shop that you can trust. The general perception is that someone who owns a boat has a lot of money to spend so it is imperative that you find someone to work on your boat whom you can trust. Easier said that done right? Right, taking your time to find the best shop is the way to go. Do your homework, get quotes from different places. Choose with extreme caution and definitely use your gut feeling for the shops you talk to. Some of the things you should look for in a boat shop are: 1. Check their reputation. Find a way to get in touch with past customers and clients. You certainly don’t want to trust your boat investment to anybody out there. It is a great idea to discover how long they have been in business and by all means, talk to their past customers. If the shop is unwilling to give you contact info for past customers, take them off your list and move on to the next shop. 2. Equipment. You want to be sure that the shop that is going to take care of your boat has what it takes to get the job done. Make sure they have the proper tools and that they are not going to send parts off elsewhere because that would make it even more expensive for you. That’s about all as far as choosing a shop. The other important thing that is worth mentioning is that you can prevent a lot of the problems that boat owners may face just by taking excellent care of your boat. It is important to know you can trust the business that is doing the repairs on your boat. Otherwise, not only can you waste a lot of money but it can put you in a bad position if something that you thought was fixed ends up not being repaired correctly. Choosing a good repair shop will make a big difference in the boating experience that you encounter.
Marcio has taken dozes of sites from 0 to hundreds of thousands of dollars in sales. He specializes in developing comprehensive web marketing plans that make the most of every visitor to your site, growing traffic and more.
Vacation Hotspot: The Mexican Riviera
by Roy Witman © 2007, All Rights Reserved
With some of the best-known cities in the world, the Mexican Riviera has long been an attraction for the wealthy and glamorous. It’s wide range of activities offer delightful excursions for every age range and interest. From the world-famous cliff divers of Acapulco to the exceptional snorkeling of Cabo San Lucas, touring the coast of Mexico makes for a vacation you’ll always remember. If you choose one of the premium cruise lines, such as Princess Cruises, you’ll get more for your money and enjoy exceptional service, too.
Glitz and Glamour of Acapulco
If you want to see and be seen, Acapulco is the place! Jet setters, movie stars, the wealthy and more clamor for all that is Acapulco. Local bistros, mariachi bands and premium shopping are just a few of the delights this cosmopolitan town offers. But, without a doubt, one of the best-loved sights is the cliff divers.
Since 1940, men have trained themselves to plunge, unscathed, from rocky cliffs 136 feet high. As if this wasn’t enough, the divers land in just nine feet of water within a narrow channel filled with the churning ocean. One wrong move: one wrong calculation in timing: means certain death. Crowds flock to see this miraculous exhibition from the windows or outside deck of a local restaurant for each of the four daily shows. You won’t want to miss it!
Formerly owned by legend John Wayne, the Los Flamingos Hotel is a destination all to itself. With regular celebrity sightings, many people visit the hotel just to people watch. But if you crave something more than eye candy, try a high-speed jaunt up the Papagayo River onboard a jet boat. The setting for the blockbuster movie Rambo, this river boasts untouched wildlife and rich naturescapes.
Even if you partake in world-class golf, exceptional bird watching, cooking lessons from authentic Mexican chefs and intriguing archeological tours, you’ve only scratched the surface of what Acapulco has to offer!
Puerto Vallarta - From Sleepy To Stunning
Who would have thought the making of a movie could transform a sleepy little fishing village into the vibrant, stunning tourist hotspot? Richard Burton’s Night of the Iguana did just that for Puerto Vallarta. Today, the rich and famous flock to this international resort for great values on leather, jewelry and crafts as much as they do the white-sand beaches.
If you were asked to describe the perfect beach, what would you say? White, powdery sand? Palm trees swaying in a gentle breeze? Crystal-blue waters? You’ve just described Bahia de las Banderas, one of the most famous beaches in Puerto Vallarta. Relax, soak up the sun and the view, as you’re pampered beyond your wildest dreams. Princess and other cruise lines make sure your every wish is met!
When you’re ready for some excitement, book a dolphin adventure! Bottlenose dolphins greet you, as you get wet and wild with these friendly creatures. A local educational center sponsors these events that allow up close and personal encounters.
Jungle tours, mountain treks and other memorable excursions are available to make your stay in Puerto Vallarta everything you want it to be.
Cabo San Lucas - A Water Wonderland
The Pacific Ocean and Sea of Cortez merge at Cabo San Lucas. With water all around, you’ll have your choice of a long list of quests to choose from. As the ocean pounds the ancient rock formations, you can easily spot sea lions, pelicans and even hear the thunderous sound of whale tails crashing the waves.
Snorkeling, kayaking, fishing and scuba diving are also popular pastimes in this water-encircled Mexican village. If it is related to water, chances are, you can do it in Cabo!
Many top-quality cruise lines, including Princess Cruises, take great strides to provide out-of-the-ordinary experiences for your entire family while onboard or on land. With so much to choose from in the Mexican Riviera, you can opt for practically any length of cruise you wish to as many destinations as you have time for.
Roy Witman is Vice-President of Cruise Vacation Center at <a href="http://www.cruisevacationcenter.com">http://www.cruisevacationcenter.com</a> offering the best deals on <a href="http://www.cruisevacationcenter.com/european_cruises.htm"> European cruises</a>.
