The Main Differences Between Disneyland in California and The Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World

October 4th, 2007

Disneyland is located in Anaheim, California while the Magic Kingdom is in Buena Vista, Florida near Orlando. Disneyland was opened in the year 1955 while the Magic Kingdom was first opened in the year 1971.Before going to both these theme parks I heard a lot of things people had to say about the two. But after visiting them, these are my findings on the main difference between the two parks.

  • Disneyland is a little smaller than The Magic Kingdom. Disneyland is spread over 85 acres of land whereas The Magic Kingdom is on 107 acres.
  • The Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland is much smaller than Cinderella’s Castle at The Magic Kingdom. The sleeping beauty castle is 77 feet tall while Cindrella’s castle is 189 feet tall.
  • The Monorail at Disneyland just takes you from Disneyland to Downtown Disney. While at the Magic Kingdom it takes you from the Transportation Ticket Centre to the Epcot passing through The Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Polynesian Resort and Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa. The Monorail at Disneyland is smaller in height as compared to the one at Magic Kingdom.
  • You will not find Frontierland at Disneyland in its actual place or where you would expect it to be; in fact it is in the area occupied by Liberty Square in Magic Kingdom.
  • Disneyland’s Pirates of the Caribbean is located in New Orleans Square while at the Magic Kingdom it is found in Adventureland.
  • At both parks, Splash Mountain is located in almost the same place, but at Disneyland that area has an additional piece of land which is called Critter Country.
  • The many adventures of Winnie the Pooh version are better at the Magic Kingdom than at Disneyland. At Magic Kingdom it’s longer, the ceilings are higher and the hunny pots bounce with a trigger.
  • Downtown Disney at Disneyland, California is smaller than the one in Orlando.
  • In Disneyland the buildings on “Main Street” are not as tall as the ones in the Magic Kingdom.
  • Many of the rides at Disneyland, especially in Fantasyland, has dummy ride vehicles outside the buildings where you could get yourself photographed in them. This feature is not there at the Magic Kingdom

On the whole both the theme parks offer almost the same attraction, services and features except for in a few cases.

The Top 5 Places within the French Polynesian Islands to Visit

October 2nd, 2007

French Polynesia is a French overseas collection of many islands in the southern Pacific Ocean. It is a French territory but you will feel like you are in another era and another location altogether because of its rich and exotic beauty. The most famous and most populous island in the French Polynesia is Tahiti.

Following are the Top 5 places to visit within the French Polynesian Island:

Tahiti

On this island is Papeete which is the capital of the territory. Papeete has an airport. At the Faaa airport you are welcomed with songs and flower crowns, there’s nothing much to see in this city apart from the city centre and the VAIMA centre. Here you will find some accidental chain shops, but a closer look among these shops will reveal to you a jewelers shop which specializes in manufacturing black pearls at cheap prices.

You can pay a visit to the north-eastern part of the island by local trucks at a modest sum. But be careful of the come back time as they don’t follow any exact time table. Take a walk along the harbor. Here you’ll find lots of shops and bars.

A visit to the Papeete market is also advisable. It is opened from 5:30 am to 5:30 pm. Here you would find food delicacies, flower based liqueurs, exotic fruits, tourist souvenirs, posters, postcards and many more items for you to store in your collection.

If you are tired, take a walk to the town hall and see a magnificent building surrounded by lush green gardens. This is definitely the perfect place to take rest.

If you get an opportunity to witness a Polynesian wedding, don’t miss it. It will be an unforgettable experience.

Try having a swim. Tahiti has some beautiful beaches where both the water and the fishes are great.

Moorea

It’s 15 kms north-west from Papeete and takes 10 minutes by plane to reach. The island was formed due to a volcanic eruption 2 million years ago.

It is famous for its beaches, coconut trees, rocky corries chiseled by the wind, its lagoons with irregular colors gave it the reputation of most beautiful island of the Pacific. Moorea is especially popular as a honeymoon destination and can be often seen in advertisements in American wedding magazines.

Bora-Bora

Its 240 kms north-west of Papeete and takes around 45 minutes by plane to reach.

This island shows a real harmony of colors, with its dazzling lagoons which appear mixed in blues and turquoises and a barrier reef. Its stylishly erosed volcano remains rising to two peaks and the beat of the local music will satisfy your sense of esthetism. The island is completely dependent on tourism. The island has seven resorts which are built on small islands surrounding the lagoons. These resorts offer luxurious services at par with anywhere in the world. You could also find spacious over-the-water bungalows which offer a dazzling view of the mountains and lagoons.

At Bora Bora you could engage yourself with naval activities, the most famous being the Shark and Ray feeding excursion. You could also try Snorkeling and scuba diving. There are also land excursions up the hills to get a bird’s-eye view of the multicolored lagoon.

Huahine

Huahine is 162 kms north-west of Papeete and it takes 40 minutes to reach there by plane. This island has a surprising appearance built up from two volcanic masses formed into mountains, connected by a bridge. The two mountains Turi and Pu Huerei overlook its archaeological outdoor museum and its beautiful lagoons. Coral reefs along the several emerged small islands of Huahine will certainly satisfy you.

Another famous attraction on Huahine is the bridge that crosses over a stream with 3 to 6 foot long eels. These eels are deemed sacred by the locals. At Huahine you will also find a very good hotel and bungalows on its white sand beaches. On the southern coast of the island, there’s another superb hotel. Here you can take a bath, a sunbath or take a dive in the pool.

Raiatea & Tahaa

Somewhat smaller than Tahiti, Raiatea is the second largest amongst all the Islands. Tahaa is slightly smaller and less populated than Raiatea. Tahaa offers a wonderful lagoon which is rich in sea-life and for water sports activities like yachting, windsurfing, scubadiving. These two islands are some of the French Polynesia’s undiscovered treasurers. These two fascinating islands offer a vacationer the experience of a true and perfect French Polynesia holiday.

Raiatea means bright sky. The chief town on Raiatea is Uturoa. The islands of Raiatea and Tahaa are both connected by the same coral reef, and may have once been a single island.

The Islands of Raiatea and Tahaa hold a lot of fascinating history and myth as well as Tahiti’s most significant archeological sites. Both Islands are also flooded with Pearl farms which are known for their superb quality, high artistic appeal, and value.

The Best Advice for Walt Disney World Vacations

October 1st, 2007

A precise planning is required for a trip to Walt Disney World. It is always advisable to know as much as possible from guidebooks, friends, Disney regulars, websites and message boards in order to plan your visit perfectly and to enjoy the trip to the fullest.A surprise planning for your near and dear ones to visit Walt Disney World can be one of the best gifts ever given to them. Disney trip planning should be done on a regular basis with preparation of check lists, search for discount codes and picking appropriate dates to make priority settings. The planning should also look into the weather criteria and the time of visit to avoid crowds.

Advice that I followed and did click:


Early Booking: In order to get the room of your choice within your budget, it is always advisable to book rooms at the resort or hotel early.

Discount Watch: Keeping a watch on the discounts provided on different websites allows you to pick the best bargain for your money.

Car Services: Booking car services avoid the painstaking search for directions on the Local map. It’s always better to have a driver who has been there frequently and knows the roads better.

Preference for unlimited refill mugs at the Hotel: This facility entitles regular servings of soda, coffee, iced tea and hot chocolate.

Schedule for early entry days: A week long schedule for early entry days allows more fun and attendance in scheduled events such as Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at the Magic Kingdom and also chance are their for you to grab the difficult Cinderella’s breakfast.

Down time planning: If you are planning to stay bit longer then with the earned tickets for some of the night time extras such as Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and Cirque du Soleil you can plan to relax by the pool and also schedule character breakfasts.

Notification of Birthday’s and/or Anniversary: While making your reservations and purchasing of the tickets make the personnel aware of birthdays and/or anniversary. The Cast members surprise you with cup cakes and regular wishes. You might be lucky to get a personal wish from Mickey Mouse and deserts served by Cinderella.


Some advice that didn’t click:

Don’t plan more than two or three character meals for a week-long trip. To make the trip enjoyable to the fullest you might plan for almost every day. Enjoy the attractions at the Park more and also reduced the time consumed in seeing the characters and autographs.

Follow the touring plans in the guide books. Instead of following the guide book for the first few rides it is always advisable to plan a list of rides to be taken on a day. This would allow planning each of the rides in the list and experiencing more rides and attractions.

Relax through the Down time: Instead of trying to plan for more character meals take a break. A number of character meals might make the down days hectic and spoil your visit to the park. Take some time out and relax by the poolside, visit restaurants or take long naps.

Things to do on the Big Island in Hawaii

September 30th, 2007
  1. Tour, Hike, or Camp on a Volcano

    Spend an entire day at the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Get your permits for overnight camping and spend some time on this beautiful park. Start your tour of Volcano with a stop at the Kilauea Visitor Center for some great information on volcanoes, maps and even a short movie. You must go on to Crater Rim Drive and also the Chain of Craters Road if you have more time.

  1. Go Wine tasting:

    Do something which not many people know do in Hawaii – wine tasting! A small winery situated atop 4,000 ft on the volcanic slopes, produces two varieties Symphony wines and a bouquet of other tropical wines. You can taste as many as you like and take home a bottle or two as souvenirs.

  1. Gaze at stars from top of the world

    From an altitude of 13,796 feet above sea level, the summit of Mauna Kea (White Mountain) is a brilliant place to have an observatory. While sitting above the clouds look from telescopes to see the infinitesimal stars of the night sky. If you are planning on visiting in winters, the snow covered slopes of this mountain are also a favorite for those who love to ski.

  1. Tee off the golf course

    With 18 golf courses on the island you will not be disappointed with the quality of the golf courses in Hawaii. The great Jack Nicklaus designed Hualalai Golf Club especially for this island - Big Island is any golfer’s dream!

  1. Take a dive to the bottom of the bay

    While most people enjoy water and love to go scuba diving and snorkeling in the blue waters, some are not so adventurous. For those who aren’t, there is always the option of a submarine! Reaching to a depth of 100 feet, this air conditioned submarine takes you to places only experiences by a deep sea diver previously. Also there are several glass bottom boat tours available for you to have a look what’s underneath you as you sail out in the sea.

  1. They call me Ray, Manta Ray

    Dive in the night sea with a giant Manta Ray. Plankton eaters and completely harmless, these giant 8-10 ft sea creatures are quite used to humans and treat them like other fish. An experience to swim with them in the night sea is unlike any other.

  1. Fly as high as a kite

    Soar above in the sky 800 feet, over the inky blue waters of the Kailua bay and feet the wind as your feet dangle in the air. Operated with all safety, parasailing is quite fun activity, designed to give you the freedom with fly with the gulls.

Whatever you do, don’t call it a zoo! Disney’s Animal Kingdom

September 30th, 2007

They’re rather touchy about calling Walt Disney’s Animal Kingdom a zoo. Well for one, it isn’t! Spread across a sprawling 500 acres, this exquisite theme park takes you on a journey like never before. The park is home to some 1700 animals representing 250 different species. A ride on the Kilimanjaro Safari will let you meet many of them, as you cross through the African Savannah. Slow moving jeeps let you experience this wonder from close angles, letting you have a good picture to put on your refrigerator later.

But the true wonder of this park is the mythical Tree of Life, a true work of art. Take the Maharaja Jungle Trek and feel the mysterious deep Asian jungles, teeming with life - bats, komodo dragons, deer, exotic birds and plenty of other wildlife. The Kali River Rapids let you go on a short but exhilarating ride on the river, at the same time also being informative about the evils of deforestation.

While you are venturing through the natural wonders of Asia at Animal Kingdom, take the Expedition Mount Everest. A one of kind roller coaster ride, complete with Yeti’s attacking you mid way and taking you the snow clad peaks of Mount Everest – the highest mountain on Earth.If you get tired and want to sit back and relax, there is always the McNuggets and Rainforest Café to satiate you hunger. You could just walk in and meet Simba and friends or watch Nemo perform in Nemo – The Musical.

Whatever you choose to do at Animal Kingdom, there is one thing you will have in plenty – Fun!

Top 15 Places to Visit in New Zealand and Why

September 25th, 2007

New Zealand is said to be the Adventure Capital of the world. Right from scuba diving to skiing and bungee jumping, a variety of adventure sports thrive here. The maritime climate, with a more dry and hot Northern Island and a relatively cooler Southern Island, offers the tourist a whole range of holiday destinations to choose from. The diverse climate has shaped the terrain such that, rugged mountains, rushing rivers, deep gorges and thick forests and the inhabited cities are all within reach of each other. English being the official language, rest assured - there would be no communication problems.

The Cheap-o-meter: Plan your travel with CheapTickets.com!

 

Let’s have a look at the Top 15 places to visit, while you are in the land of the Maori.

 

  • Abel Tasman National Park

The Abel Tasman national park, in the Southern Island boasts of golden beaches and offers a great walk on its coastal track. Other activities offered are Water Taxi’s and Sea Kayaking

 

  • Fiordland National Park

Located in the Southern Island, it is New Zealand’s largest National Park. The park covers a varied geographic terrain from deep gorges, forests, mountains and waterfalls making it ideal for hiking.

 

  • Milford Sound.

This is a world heritage area at the heart of the Fiordland National Park. The still waters of this fiord reflect the majestic cliffs, and the waterfalls rushing down the rock faces.

 

  • Lake Taupo.

Lake Taupo is the largest fresh water lake in this region. Located in a volcanic region, its surroundings are home to volcanos and hot springs. The Maori rock carvings at Mine Bay are worth a visit. The Waikato River Valley in the vicinity is one of the best places for Bungee jumping.

 

  • Poor Knights Marine Reserve.

New Zealand’s rich marine life could be explored by scuba diving at the Poor Knights reserve where the underwater currents and natural landscape sustain a wide variety of marine creatures.

 

  • Great Barrier Island

Varied landscape with quiet beaches and high mountains, the island is home to a variety of flora and fauna.

 

  • Stewart Island

Also known as Raikura, Stewart Island is known to be a hiker’s paradise. Most of the island lies within the Raikura National Park. It is an excellent site for birdwatchers with five penguin species being found on the island.

 

  • Mount Ruapehu

A volcanic peak covered with snow, Ruapehu is a skiiers delight. There are 2 other smaller volcanic peaks alongside Ruapehu, Mount Ngauruhoe and Mount Tongariro. These peaks are located in the Tongariro World Heritage National Park.

 

  • Kaikoura

A coastal village, close to the towns of Christchurch/ Canterbury, Kaikoura offers a scenic view of the mountains and the coastline. It is an excellent site for watching sea mammals including whales.

 

  • Mountain Cook.

It is New Zealand’s highest peak; Home to majestic glaciers and calm lakes. Moutaineering, hiking, skiing and glacier walks are some of the activities available in this area.

 

  • Omarama

Omarama is a small township close to Christchurch/ Canterbury. It is well known for alpine gliding.

 

  • Hawke’s Bay Wine Country

Hawke’s Bay is one of New Zealand’s grape growing regions and the wineries are situated within reach from the nearest town or city. Guided tours to the wineries are available and the visitors are introduced to wine tasting sessions.

 

  • Queenstown

Queenstown is the adventure hotspot of New Zealand where the relaxation of city life and thrill of adventure can both be experienced at the same place.

 

  • Waitomo Glowworm Caves

Beautiful caves with water dripping down the age-old stalactites and stalagmites, lit by the light of glowworms, it is a sight to behold.

 

  • Taranaki’s Surf Highway

Mount Taranaki and the Tasman Sea provide the visitor an opportunity to take in the beauty of the snow-clad peaks and that of the surf breaks within minutes drive from each other.

 

Be it the casual traveler looking for some relaxation or the enthusiast seeking the thrill of adventure, the scenic beauty of New Zealand is bound to make the trip enjoyable.

Get Great Prices on Last Minute Travel Packages at LastMinuteTravel.com

Interesting Things About Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom That You Probably Never Knew

September 25th, 2007

Walt Disney’s Magic Kingdom is perhaps one of those rare fun Theme Parks, where you will find magic in store for you – whether you are a child, an adult or just a teenager. Be it Cinderella’s Castle or just dancing with Mickey and Minnie on the road. There really is something for everyone here. While almost everyone just visits the resort and then keeps them as memories in a photo album, here are some interesting facts that not many people know about Magic Kingdom for you to enjoy your most favorite Theme Park even more:

CheapTickets Coast to Coast (120x600)

  1. Did you know that you can also get a haircut at Magic Kingdom? Harmony Barber Shop will do the needful if you feel that your hair a bit out of place for that perfect picture against Cinderella’s Castle.

  2. Have you ever wondered how all the Disney characters just appear out of nowhere in the park, as if by magic? Well a series of very well connected underground tunnels, takes Mickey or Minnie all over the park without letting anyone know!

  3. Guests under 16 years of age are not allowed in the under tunnel system because it would bother children to see two Goofy’s passing each other or Mickey without a head or just watching Donald chatting up with Snow White and ruin the magic.

  4. Because of the under tunnel system and the underground complex, the entire Magic Kingdom is technically on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd floors. On noticing carefully you will see that how Fantasyland and the castle are higher.

  5. Once you’ve taken the The Great Bus Ride, one ends up at the main tunnel entrance underneath the Pinocchio’s Village, right next to Fantasy Fair and Small World in Fantasyland. Next to that exists a sub-tunnel which takes you to the costuming, and locker rooms. The tunnel has the costumes for all the characters and themed areas hanging for the Cast Members. With over 1.2 million pieces of clothing, this is the largest operating wardrobe department in the world. Each Cast Member has 3 costumes - one for wearing at the moment, one on the rack and on in the wash.

  6. From the center of the castle, there is an elevator, which operates with a special key, this elevator takes you to famous “secret” apartment inside the castle.



Last Minute Trip Deals- Book now on Cheaptickets!

The Top 5 Places in Peru to Visit

September 24th, 2007

Save up to 50% off Last Minute Retail Fares at Hotwire!

Peru is a country filled with contrasts because of the various layers of great ancient civilizations which make up this country. In Peru you have everything from colonial cities that have preserved the legacy of the Spanish conquerors, to tiny villages where you can really get a feel of the country and its people. Peru has numerous places for you to visit, explore and enjoy some of the most spectacular scenery anywhere.

1. Places to visit at and around Lima

Lima is the capital city of Peru. It is a major city that sparkles with living history and progress. It is a mixture of pre-Hispanic, colonial and modern elements. This city is surrounded by the sea, by islands, mountains, desert and plant life. Some very interesting places to visit while at Lima are

  • Pantanos De Villa is a natural wetland which is a reserved zone for more than 150 bird species.

Get Great Prices on Last Minute Travel Packages at LastMinuteTravel.com

  • The Lunahuana valley is a hotspot for adventure sports. It lies in the Canete highlands and is 180 kms from Lima.

  • The Lomas de Lachay is a national reserve in the foothills which is 105 kms from Lima to the north and features a unique fog-fed eco system of wild plant and variety of animal species.

  • The temples of metropolitant Lima: Lima has left untouched dozens of ancient temples and archaeological sites which stand out against the full of life metropolis. These ancient monuments have been preserved, thanks to the efforts of archaeologists and the residents.

  • Lima’s Cathedral: Built in 1625 in a very stylish way with splendid altars and is definitely the first stop on the tour around Lima.

  • The real felipe Port: In 1747, Viceroy Conde de Superunda, tired of continual looting by some of the most famous pirates of the era, ordered the construction of an indestructible fort in the port of Callao, near the city of Lima. The fort was to be the fortress that would defend the Vice-regency of Peru from pirates and other invaders.

2. Machu Picchu:

Machu Picchu means “Old Mountain” in Quechua. (Quechua is a native language of South America; it was the primary language of the Inca Empire) The civilization at Mahu Picchu is an existing proof of the last remains of the Incan tribes. It has been elected as the Seven Wonders of the World in July 2007. The Spaniards had heard of this mountain but never found it. It was discovered by Hiram Bingham in 1911. Machu Picchu was used as a place of worship and also as a private retreat for the family of the Inca rulers. Machu Picchu is divided into two zones

The agriculture zone: has terraces for farming and the food store houses.

The Urban zone: contains the sacred temples and royal tombs.

It is worth mentioning that throughout this archaeological site one can find the stone staircases and canals flowing.

3. The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

The Inca trail to Machu Picchu is Peru`s most popular trekking route and one of the most spectacular walks in South America. It is a part of the 23,000 Km of roads built by the Incas across South America. Each year, some 25,000 hikers from all over the globe walk the 43 km stone-paved trail, built by the Incas to reach to the unconquerable citadel of Machu Picchu in the city of Cuzco.

4. Lake Titicaca in Puno

Puno is one of Peru’s primary tourist destinations and it is also one of the most interesting spots on the South American continent. There are very few cities in the world like Puno, that lie by the shores of such an amazing body of water as Lake Titicaca. It is the world’s highest traversable lake. Scattered on the lake are dozens of islands, each of them with their own uniqueness and peculiarity. Legend has it that from the waters of Lake Titicaca emerged Manco Capac and Mama Ocllo, the legendary founders of the Inca empire.

5. The Nazca Lines at Ica

Ica is an area of sea, sand, valleys and oases. It is the cradle to Peru’s Creole culture.

The Nazca Lines, which were discovered in 1927, is the most astonishing legacy left by a culture that flourished in 300 BC. These lines are a series of difficult to draw designs up to 300 meters long which can only be seen in their true dimension from an altitude of at least 1500 feet. What confuses many archaeologists till date is how the ancient people crafted these lines, what technology was used and what purpose did these lines serve to them.

Apart from the above interesting places to visit in Peru, you have ample opportunities to enjoy and relax. From Mountaineering in the Peruvian Andes, mountain biking, varieties of water sports, freshwater fishing, hot air ballooning. The list is endless. Peru is very well interconnected by roads and air. Hotels and food in restaurants are quite cheap when compared to other countries. You have every reason to pack your bags and land in Peru for your next vacation.

Find Cheap Flights from 100+ Sites with One Click.

Top 10 Often Overlooked Attractions at Walt Disney World

September 24th, 2007

You might be a frequent visitor to Walt Disney World or at least visit this theme park once a year. You feel that you have seen all the best attractions available here. But what I have found that some attractions which are great, amazing and have an enchanting atmosphere to spend your vacation are often overlooked by many visitors. Below is a list of top 10 overlooked attractions at Walt Disney World.

1. Fairies of Fantasyland and Tinker Bell’s Treasures: Out here you will feel as if you are in Fantasyland and you could prove to your kids that fairies really exist. Make it a point to stop at Tinker Bell’s Treasures, where you will spot the erratic Miss Bell flitting among products for sale. You would need to be patient as it takes a few minutes to notice her. At the Sword in the Stone ceremony which is held right next to Cinderella’s Golden Carrousel, you kids have a chance to become the Queen or King of the day.

Save 40% on a Vacation. Book a package and save at LastMinuteTravel.com

2. Health & Fitness Centers: These facilities have been often overlooked as being offered by many resorts. The health and fitness centers at Disney world are not just for people who want to continue their exercise regime while on vacation and away from home. Each of the fitness centers offer state of the art fitness machines, you can also enjoy a massage at each centre. The massages are pretty cheap here. 3. The Fort Wilderness Cabins although it’s pretty expensive at $270 per night, yet it is worth the money you are spending. There is a one bedroom cabin which allows six to sleep, with a double bed and bunk beds plus a Murphy bed in the living room. The kitchen is equipped with a stove, microwave, refrigerator, dishwasher and utensils to cook and eat. You would save a lot of money, if you don’t mind cooking while on a vacation.

4. Exposition Hall: This is another place that often gets overlooked. This is a nice-looking place to visit on Main Street. It’s generally a stop to buy your film, print out pictures and such, but as you keep on walking towards the back, you see that there are some huge photos for you and your family to click. There’s lots of fun on Main Street

5. Disney Imaginers: Visitors tend to overlook these Imaginers who helped bring Disney world to life. You could find them as you walk down Main Street by looking at the second floor windows of the buildings.

6. Sleuth’s Mystery Show:: Out here it’s murder every night. It is a mysterious comedy show by professionals which also includes dinner, unlimited wine and beer, ice-creams and lots of audience participating in the show. Don’t miss it on your next visit.

7. Adventure land Antics: Did you know that there are about a dozen Hidden Mickey’s in the Pirates of the Caribbean alone? This is a good place for you to practice your Hidden Mickey spotting talent.

8. Restaurants in Epcot: The world is almost at your feet at Epcot. Out here the delicacies include mouth watering eateries and several cultural cuisines from around the globe, all arranged and served in some rather extraordinary settings.

9. Discovery Island: Once you have reached the Tree of Life, stop and truly look at the parks logo on it. Its not only impressive, but a closer look and detailed examination of the trunk will amaze you at the terrible pain workers went through while crafting around the 320 or so animals on it.

10. Disney quest at Downtown Disney is also an overlooked indoor theme park. This larger than life shopping arcade provides a welcome relief from the scorching Florida sun. It is five stories high. Here you can also pamper your kids and yourself with a lot of interactive games.


So, how may of them have you overlooked during your earlier visits?

Find Cheap Flights from 100+ Sites with One Click.

Vietnam

September 22nd, 2007

Shaped in the form of the letter “S”, the country of Vietnam lies in the eastern part of the Indochinese peninsula, with China and Laos and Cambodia as its neighbors. Tracing its rich heritage back to 258 B.C., Vietnam has been a center of activity for centuries owing to its location on the map.

 

Here are the top 5 places to visit in Vietnam:

 

  1. Hanoi – Bordering the banks of Red River, the capital city of Vietnam – Hanoi, traces its long history back to 3 century B.C. Also, as the second largest city of Vietnam, this city has retained its French colonial charm and is dotted with lovely parks and lakes. The Son La Mountains, standing tall on the western edge of the city are home to several sanctuaries, grottos and pagodas. The tranquil haven of peace – Halong Bay on the north of Hanoi gives way to dramatic rock formations and harbours extensive grottos and caves. The Perfume Pagoda, The One Pillar Pagoda, The Temple of Literature, National Preserve of Cuc Phuong and Ho Tay Lake Water Park are some of the main attractions of this beautiful city.

 

  1. Ho Chi Minh City – Formerly known as Saigon, this stunning city is located in the heart of northern Vietnam – between the northern edge of Mekong Delta and the south eastern region of volcanic red soil. This combination of geographical features ensures that Ho Chi Minh is made up of natural forests, vast plains, long coast and hundreds of rivers and canals. Once also known as the “Pearl of the Orient”, this city worked as an important trade route between China and Japan. Lined with stately trees and magnificent French villas, this is the largest city in Vietnam. The pagoda of good luck and happiness, War Remnants Museum, Museum of Vietnamese History and several other interesting attractions like the Saigon Water Park are some of major points of tourist interest.

 

  1. Halong – Located in the northeast of Vietnam, this exquisite city is made up of about 1,600 island and islets – photographs of which have often made Vietnam quite popular. While most of the islands are uninhabited, they’re also protected UNESCO world heritage site. As the islands are a source of life for a host of flora and fauna, there are several caves within the islands which you can explore including: Thien Cung, Dau Go, Sung Sot and Bo Nau. The Bay of the Descending Dragon is often also regarded as the world’s eighth natural wonder.

 

  1. Hue – Originally built in 1687, the city of Hue also served as the capital of Vietnam under the Nguyen dynasty. Once the cultural, religious and economic centre of Vietnam, in Hue charming women with elegant Vietnamese traditional dresses and conical palm leaf hats welcome you, into their world. While no one who has been to Hue can forget the humbleness and graciousness of the Vietnamese people, enjoy the local culinary delights like steamed thin rice pancakes and several other delicious dishes. As several dozen museums and mausoleums surround Hue, most notable are: Gia Long, Minh Mang, Tu Duc and Khai Dinh mausoleums and the famous pagodas worth a visit are: Tu Dam and Thien Mu on the left bank of beautiful Huong river.

 

  1. Nha Trang – Capital of the Khanh Hoa province, Nha Trang has lots of islands, coastal climate, clean beaches and lots of sunshine. Discover the beautiful towers of Po Nagar Cham, built between the 8th and 13th centuries. World famous for their architecture and sculpture, you can also admire the beautiful landscapes of the coastal region of Nha Trang, once you are atop the hill you can gaze at the beautiful landscape of the costal Nha Trang. Long Son pagoda, Hon Chong Beach, Palace of the Ocean King, Hon Mieu Island and Ba Ho Stream are of the other popular tourist attractions.