Dubai Holidays

For the majority of people taking holidays to the UAE, Dubai is the most attractive destination of all the emirates. Dubai holidays are popular for many reasons but summing it all up, the combination of year-round glorious weather and the sheer number of things to do appeals to so many different people raising the bar for exciting holiday destinations. Without a doubt, shopping remains the biggest magnet for holiday makers and is some of the best in the world. Shopping holidays in Dubai are very popular. With so many incredible malls, like the massive Mall of the Emirates, and hundreds of local souks selling every item imaginable, you can find just about anything you’re looking for with the bonus of tax-free price tags attached.

Package holidays to Dubai can offer excellent value if you’re planning on staying at a beach resort. There are many exceptional Dubai resorts to choose from when planning UAE holidays. Most of the package holidays to Dubai are similar to all-inclusive trips to popular sun destinations like Mexico, Bahamas and Jamaica. Accommodation, along with some or all meals, drinks and airport transportation can all be included in the total price. Side trips and extras, like UAE tours, are usually paid for separately. These types of Dubai holidays are especially great for those who really want to kick back and relax, soak up the sun, enjoy Dubai beaches and get out for an excursion or two.
Beach holidays in Dubai will eventually include a number of resorts situated throughout the Palm Islands where hundreds of feet of beautiful coastline are being added to the area. The promise of magnificent beach hotels and resorts on Palm Deira, Palm Jumeirah and Palm Jebel Ali will add an even more alluring element to Dubai. Package holidays offer an unencumbered way to enjoy Dubai, without having to make any reservations, worry about arranging tours or finding your way around. Most resorts also offer complimentary shuttles to popular destinations around Dubai, making getting around a cinch.

Parm Island image from plane

For younger generations, Dubai holidays often focus on the club scene. With so many young graduates flooding into Dubai over the years, the club scene has grown astonishingly. Nightlife reigns at many of the popular, cutting-edge clubs where the best DJ’s play a wide variety of music topping the charts. From incredible, sleek designs to an array of delicious food to the most packed dance floors and chi crowds, clubbing is taking on a whole new meaning for those on holidays in Dubai. Yet, clubbing is not the only form of entertainment available. There are great jazz clubs, piano lounges and other laid back bars and pubs offering a less frenzied, yet equally fun option for going out. Abu Dhabi is another great place for Emirates holidays focusing on nightlife. Much like Dubai, Emirates holidays in Abu Dhabi offer a wealth of choices for days and nights.

For visitors who are happiest being more active in the daylight hours during UAE holidays, there are many exciting things to do both in and around Dubai and throughout the other Emirates. The desert acts as a massive playground offering plenty of possibilities for active pursuits. Desert safaris are extremely favored excursions. Exploring streams and dry wadis, sand skiing, sand boarding, dune driving and desert feasts under the stars are all ways to explore the area in a very gratifying way during UAE holidays.
For a less arid experience, hit the Gulf and relish in abundant water sports.Water-skiing gear and boats are both readily available for rent in Dubai and also in Fujairah, Ajman and other coastal Emirates. Snorkeling, and especially scuba diving around Dubai, are leading water-based activities during Emirates holidays providing hours of entertainment for all ages. Windsurfing, sailing and swimming are more possibilities for sticking near the water. A look into fascinating UAE history is possible by exploring Dubai neighborhoods, taking a tour of Bedouin villages, and exploring some of the most beautiful mosques and the best museums. It’s evident that all Emirates holidays are anything but insipid. Not only are there profuse opportunities but they are so incredibly diverse that everyone will find something they can revel in.
Source: http://www.destination360.com/middle-east/united-arab-emirates/holidays

Ecuador Travel

Ecuador is a small country, but it is amazingly diverse with the Amazon, Andes Mountains, and the beautiful beaches of the coast. South America is a large continent, but few other locations have as many options for tourists as Ecuador does. Many tourists arrive in Ecuador and are overwhelmed with the beauty of the country, the imposing volcanoes, the colonial architecture, and the various cultures.

Ecuador Responsive Travel

There are many tours to take advantage of and tourists will need plenty of free time to see it all. A few popular options include humpback whale watching, rafting, swimming, trekking, mountain climbing, and sitting back and relaxing in natural hot springs. Every city in Ecuador has something to offer, but some of the more popular destinations include Quito, Guayaquil, Otavalo, Cotopaxi National Park, Baños, Montañita, and the Galapagos Islands.

The Capital

Located south of the equator, Quito is the capital of Ecuador and has a very high altitude of 9,350 feet. It is known as the city of eternal spring and the weather is quite comfortable year round. This is the country’s second largest city, the largest being Guayaquil. Quito is known as the political and cultural capital while Guayaquil is the financial capital as it is the largest port. Quito has many great places to visit and the colonial buildings serve as a beautiful backdrop.

Volcanoes

Many tourists visit Ecuador hoping to climb the volcanoes. Located between the Cordillera is the “avenue of volcanoes” including Chimborazo and Cotopaxi. These volcanoes are located close to Quito and offer amazing mountain climbing opportunities that provide a once in a lifetime experience.

Baños

While visiting the Andean highlands many tourists visit Baños. This city offers tourists many activities from relaxing in hot spring to horseback riding, hiking, and mountain climbing. This city has many hotels and restaurants and truly caters to tourists.

Otavalo

Tourists can’t leave Ecuador without souvenirs to remember their vacation by. Otavalo is a great place to visit to buy blankets, sweaters, belts, artwork, jewelry, and other craftwork. It’s only 100 kilometers from Quito, so it can easily be a day trip for those stationed in Quito.

Galapagos Islands

The Galapagos Islands are located in the Pacific Ocean 650 miles from the Ecuador coast. There are 12 volcanic islands, but only Isabela and San Cristobal are inhabited. The population is estimated at 20,000 and there are quite a few volcanoes. Some tourists cruise to the Galapagos while others fly.
The flora and fauna on the islands are amazing and there are species that don’t exist anywhere else in the world. The Galapagos tortoises are amazing as well as many of the birds and lizards. The Galapagos Islands are most well known for Charles Darwin and his theory of evolution, which he developed when he visited the Galapagos.
Source: http://www.surtrek.com/ecuador-travel.html

Santos Travel Guide

Santos is the major port of Brazil. Most of the goods destined to Sao Paulo pass through its docks.

Most of the exports that come through here are coffee, fruits, cotton, grains and meat.

Santos was founded in 1543 by the Portuguese. The city grew into a major port when the railway from the interior was completed in 1867.

The Coffee Exchange is the one of the most impressive buildings in town, with an impressive neo-classical facade.

Once in town you should not miss the Boat Ride at the Santos Bay (usually only weekends, except in summer). Go to "ponta da praia" and find the people with the "Passeio de Escuna" boards.

Two great places to eat are Mar de Plats (sp) for seafood and Tertulia (a Brazilian steakhouse) which were both very good.

The Big Trip: British Columbia

True Northwest

The Winter Games are going to make British Columbia a superstar. Go now so you can say you knew it when.

Text by Robert Earle Howells

Photograph by Mike Tittel

It’ll be a few months before the Olympics arrive in Vancouver, but in one contest Canada already has the U.S. beat. As an outdoors outpost, British Columbia outscores the American West across the board. The Pacific-hugging province is as big as California, Oregon, and Washington combined. But with only four million residents (Cali alone has 36 million), BC’s rugged mountain miles are far less developed. Still, for all its immensity, the province has a knack for condensing its wonders into accessible packages. Fly into Vancouver and within two hours you can be hiking Whistler backcountry or paddling the coast of the Great Bear Rainforest. And these days, as the host city primps and preps for the Winter Games, consider tacking on a few days’ stay: Catch Canada’s best speed skaters running drills at the freshly renovated Richmond Olympic Oval, or go all out Canuck and cheer on the home country’s hockey team as it practices in the Burnaby 8 Rinks. After a week in BC, you might be tempted to switch allegiance.