Friday, October 3, 2008

The Simatai Great Wall - A Real Adventure Tour

China is a country of amazing contrast. If you are a nature lover, it's easy to find a scenic city in China. If you are interested in Chinese history, you can visit historic cities like Beijing and Xi'an. If you are a shopaholic, you will love Shanghai and Hong Kong. If you are a pious pilgrim you may go to the Tibet and China's famous Buddhist Temples. What if you are an adventurer? Have you got any ideal about China? Do not hesitate. China could be your dreamland for a great adventure.

We will write serial articles to introduce the most exciting adventurous sites for you. Let us start from the Simatai Great Wall of Beijing.
The Great Wall is the biggest ancient military defensive system on the earth. It was initially built in 221 BC and did not end until the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). It starts from the eastern coast line, winding through on the mountain ridges, crossing the rivers and valleys, snaking deep into the heart of western deserts. The wall's length was estimated to be anywhere from about 1500 to 31250 miles. Chinese simple call it the Ten-thousand-mile Great Wall. There many awesome sites along the magnificent Great Wall for hiking and trekking. You can choose from easy to hard area depends on your physical level. If you are up to challenge, the Simatai section will be ideal for you.

The Simatai Great Wall is 5.4 km long with 35 beacon towers. It is maintained in its original appearance since the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) and noted for the steepness, queerness, and intactness. Chinese people always called it as the wild Great Wall. The Simatai Great Wall is separated into eastern and western parts. The western part has 20 well-preserved watchtowers dotted along the wall and appears gentle. In comparison, the eastern part is unbelievable steep and sited on the sheer mountain ridge. When you climb the eastern Simatai Great Wall, you will be stunned by ancient Chinese people's architecture skill. This part is the most exciting hiking site for brave tourist. During the hiking, you will pass four tourist attractions. They are named the Watching Beijing Tower, Fairy Tower, Heavenly Ladder and Sky Bridge.

Among them the Heavenly Ladder and Sky Bridge are the most dangerous and exciting areas.
There are 16 beacon towers in the eastern of Simatai section. When you climb to the 14th beacon tower, you will see the most precipitous and slope parts of the Great Wall. This is why the 14th to the 15th is called the heavenly ladder. Heavenly ladder stretches up on the steep mountain cliff. The narrowest part of the wall is just more than half meter wide like a ladder rising up into heaven. You can imagine excitement of this fantastic hiking. If the heavenly ladder did not yet frighten you, there is even more breathtaking hiking site for you, the Sky Bridge. When you climb to the 15th and 16th beacon tower, you will see the Sky Bridge. It is a 40 cm wide and 100m long path connects the Fairy Tower to the Watching Beijing Tower. Only bravest people can pass the Sky Bridge. Are you the fearless one? Go for it!

In our follow-up articles, you will know more interesting adventurous site in China, including Lhasa, Chengdu, Lijiang, Guilin, and more.

From Europe to Africa by Train

There is a tunnel from Britain to the continent; the Euro-tunnel: "The tunnel consists of 3 interconnected tubes: 1 rail track each way plus 1 service tunnel. Its length is 31 miles, of which 23 miles are underwater. ..."

A new idea resembles much of this previous initiative, but the project is much more ambitious: linking Africa to Europe by rail.
Several studies have been executed and one of the last shows some risks: "The material here is not compact enough to allow an initial excavation," reports quoted Angel Aparicio, who leads Spain's government department in charge of the tunnel. "It is clay with rock ... and we are not sure whether we could go through with the tunneling."

The project on itself covers less length than the Euro-tunnel; it concerns a trajectory of about 39 kilometers of which 28 below the seabed. The construction would take place in three stages and cost an estimated 5.36 billion Euro. The idea is to link the two high speed railways to each other. Morocco is already designing its railroad tracks towards this solution, which is planned to deliver in about 20 year's time.

Whether this project will make it remains unclear. If current technology is not able to "breach the gap" it will delay the decision-making process.
The decision making process will already be quite tough I think for linking Africa (Morocco) to Europe (Spain) is of another proposition than linking Britain with Europe (France).
But I think it's a good idea. Once these continents were linked and nature drifted them away from each other, if I understood well. Let culture do its work and connect these continents again. It would be stimulating for both continents I think.

The 5 Most Popular Travel Destinations in Thailand

Travelers who are planning a trip to Thailand will be able to choose from a wide variety of wonderful travel destinations. There are many beautiful Thai islands from which they can select as well as other type of travel destinations such as Bangkok and Chiang Mai.

Tourists can choose to visit the North of Thailand which has beautiful mountains, magnificent flora and fauna and unique hill tribes. Those travelers that have a preference for a nice relaxing beach holiday can choose to stay at one of the popular Thai travel destinations such as Phuket, Pattaya, Hua Hin or Koh Samui.

Thailand has something to offer to all travelers which is why Thailand is such as ideal tourist destination. If you need help in deciding where in Thailand you should spend your vacation then be sure to consider the following 5 most popular travel destinations in Thailand.

Bangkok
Bangkok is the capital city of Thailand and nearly all travelers going to Thailand will pass through this popular Thai travel destination. Although Bangkok has a bad reputation due to the bad traffic problems and the air pollution, Bangkok is definitely one destination where every traveler should spend a few days during their vacation in Thailand. Bangkok has many great attractions such as beautiful Buddhist temples, a variety of spectacular shopping malls and unique activities such as the floating market.

Phuket
One of the most visited travel destinations in Thailand is Phuket. This popular island is in fact the largest island in Thailand and Phuket has many attractions to offer its visitors. The beaches on Phuket are among the most beautiful beaches in Thailand and there are plenty of excellent Phuket beach resorts from which travelers can select. Many travelers choose to visit Phuket on vacation because of the world famous Phuket nightlife and the many great Phuket bars. Other popular tourist attractions on Phuket include the Phuket Fantasea Show, the Simon Cabaret Show and of course a number of world class golf courses. A number of different airlines offer multiple flights a day from one of the Bangkok airports to Phuket International Airport.

Pattaya
Pattaya is the beach resort area which is closest located to Bangkok which is why many local Bangkok residents visit Pattaya during weekends. The beach at Pattaya is actually not very impressive when compared to the beaches found on Phuket or Samui however the beach is not the primary reason why Pattaya is one of the most popular travel destinations in Thailand. The biggest attraction for many visitors is in fact the lively nightlife which can be found in Pattaya. There are thousands of beer bars and other type of Pattaya nightlife venues where tourists can mingle with the lovely Thai girls that work in these establishments. The fastest way to reach Pattaya from Bangkok is by car. A taxi from Bangkok to Pattaya will cost you around 1200 THB.

Samui
Samui is a beautiful tropical island which is located off the east coast of Thailand. The beaches on Samui are even more beautiful then those found on Phuket. The most popular Samui beaches are all located on the east coast of Koh Samui and are Chaweng beach, Lamai beach and Big Buddha beach. If you are looking for a resort area on Samui which offers plenty of activities and plenty of nightlife venues then be sure to book a hotel or resort in Chaweng beach. Both Thai Airways and Bangkok Airways offer several daily flights from Bangkok to Samui.

Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai offers travelers a different type of holiday experience then what those travelers visiting one of the beach destinations experience. Chiang Mai is located in the mountains in the North of Thailand. Chiang Mai is a great destination for those travelers that would really like to experience Thai culture and the cultures of the hill tribes. If you enjoy the nature then Chiang Mai is a great choice as there are various great attractions in and around Chiang Mai such as trekking, rafting, elephant riding and visits to the nearby hill tribes. A number of different airlines offer several flights per day to Chiang Mai from either one of the Bangkok airports. The best time to visit Chiang Mai is during Song Kran which is the Thai New Year festival.

Morocco, The New Holiday Destination - An Introduction For the First Time Visitor

For many people Morocco conjures up a picture of deserts, raids, haggling in the markets and perhaps the odd camel or two! But there are many facets to this increasingly popular destination making it a wonderful place to visit or take a holiday.

Last year alone Morocco attracted 7.5 million tourists- well on the way to achieving its target of 10 million by the year 2010. But why are millions visiting a country and willing to holiday in a country situated on the northern tip of Africa rather than the established European holiday destinations such as France or Spain?

Well, for many Europeans, Morocco is the nearest exotic African destination- taking only two and half hours to fly from London and an hour from Madrid. Once de rigueur destination for those on the hippy trail, Morocco has become a place for the traveller and holidaymaker who demand something more than the average from their hard earned vacation.
One of its many appealing factors is that it boasts thousands of miles of beautiful coastline and beaches on two sea fronts, the Mediterranean and the Atlantic. This, along with all year round sun (temperatures can reach up to 17 degrees centigrade in January and February) make it a perfect destination for sun seeker and those seeking a relaxing break.

The Moroccan government is taking tourism very seriously and has poured billions into infrastructure such as airports, shipping ports and highways. With a relaxed and moderate approach it has set up a number of designated tourist zones whereby the facilities are equal and in many cases better than some similar resorts found in other countries.

This, along with a population that is both friendly and eager to make progress, makes visiting Morocco that much more pleasurable than is sometimes the case in countries where locals are jaded and tourist weary.

Geographically, Morocco, for the first time visitor is surprisingly full of contrasts. While the south, dominated by the Atlas Mountains, confirms the general image of dry and desert landscapes, the north of Morocco is green and lush with parts of the Mediterranean coastline almost resembling parts of the UK - but with the added attraction of blue skies and warm temperatures all year round! And this is why North Morocco can provide a great initial introduction to this beautiful country and its culture for the first time visitor.

Because of its proximity to Europe, (the smallest distance between Morocco's coastline and Spain's is less than ten miles) and the influences that has resulted, this area with cosmopolitan Tangiers and the northern capital of Tetouan all relatively close, is a heady mix of the exotic and the familiar. These factors alone will almost certainly whet the appetite for future and perhaps more adventurous exploring of this wonderfully varied country

London, The Capital of the Mother Nation

With fantastic galleries, fabulous shops & exciting sights, London is one of the much popular sightseer destinations in the world. London boasts a truly diverse population & over 300 languages are spoken within the city. According to 2006 statistics, it boasts a population of 75,124,00, which means it is the most populous municipality in the European union & the second most populous in Europe.

London has been picked to hold 2012 Olympics. London boasts a rich history that goes back over 2,000 years. Amid this time, the city has become one of the financial and cultural capitals of the world. its also suffered from the plague, devastating fire, civil war, & terrorism.

London suffered particularly when world war ii. It suffered bad damage from bombs when this time & numerous of thousands of children in the city were evacuated out to the countryside to avoid the bombs. The most severe bombing occurred between 7 September 1940 & 10 May 1941.

One of the most popular places to visit in London is Buckingham Palace, which has been the London residence of the monarchy since 1837. The palace was initially opened to the public in 1993 and the changing of the guard has proved particularly popular with them. This ceremony takes place in front of Buckingham palace at 11.30 every single day in summer and every other day throughout the winter.

Buckingham Palace is found in Westminster and it is accessible by bus & tube. London is well known for its shopping, which means that you will find everything from unusual independent shops& markets, to designer shops. One of the city's most well known shops is Selfridges, which is situated on Oxford street. It was initially opened in 1909 by Harry Selfridge, who wanted to make shopping lively instead of just a chore. He succeeded & the store now has four other branches in various cities throughout the uk.

London has wonderful night life, which we are sure that everyone will find great. From wonderful theatres, to VIP night clubs and wine bars, there is something for everyone to enjoy in London. One of the most well-known night clubs is the Embassy, which is a private members club on Old Burlington st. The night club is quite expensive, but its full of celebrities and wonderful for star spotting. in addition to this, it serves wonderful food by michelin starred Garry Hollihead.

Because its such a massive place, London is truly simple to get to. in fact, its connected well by rail and has some historic railway stations, containing London Bridge, London Victoria, London Euston and Liverpool st. in addition to this, the city also boasts 3 big airports, Heathrow; Stanstead and Luton.

Driving in London can be hard due to the congestion charge, however the city boasts a marvellous underground and bus network to help people get about.

The Must See Florida Attractions

Sea World presents the mysteries of the sea. People of all ages come here to see its attractions which include the dolphin shows. This unique theme park of Orlando offers various rides, shows and enchanting shows of Shamu, the Killer Whale. There are many new things to know and experience. Your tots will definitely find this place as entertainment zone as well as educational source. This aquatic theme park of Orlando is having a great collection of marine life. Sea World is a must see attraction of Orlando. Some of the well known rides of Sea Word are Kraken, Journey to Atlantis, Wild Arctic, etc.
Sea World Tickets will let you see its wondrous shows such as Believe, Mistify, Odyssea, Clyde and Seamore. Each of these shows presents different theme of entertainment. But above all Sea World is a perfect place for the unique animals like sharks, manatees, stingrays, turtles, beluga whales, polar bears, dolphins, penguins, and even killer whales. So, have a great exciting time with the close encounter of such sea world animals who are the real entertainer of Sea World, Orlando.
Do you want to see the existence of 19th century Africa in Bush Gardens Tampa bay Florida? Buy Bush Gardens Tickets from online in discounted rate and be there. Busch Gardens is situated amidst the lush tropical background and is filled with various thrilling rides, entertainment shows and exotic animals. There are different kinds of rides like water rides or roller coasters.
The train ride in Busch Gardens is one of the most exciting attractions of this place. Apart from this, Morocco presents the attractions such as Moroccan palace, Marrakesh Theater, mystic Sheiks of Morocco. Busch Gardens is a place not only for exotic plants and animals but also for various types of birds. You can see the splendid view of birds in Bird Theatre, Gwazi, and Hospitality House. The alluring attractions of Busch Gardens are many to mention. So, have a personal experience over there as this article is not enough to include all the wonderful attractions of Busch Gardens.
Florida Attractions Tickets are available online all the time. So you will never be disappointed for a holiday trip in Florida.
Buy today www.CoastalTravelPackages.net and save huge amount!

Cancun Travel Deals - How to Get Dirt Cheap Cancun Travel Deals

If you are a frequent traveler, you will know that a trip to Cancun, Mexico is not cheap. However, people are willing to spend thousands of dollars just to have a glance of the paradise which I think is stupid because in this article, you are going to be shown the various methods that you can use to get hold of some Cancun vacation deals which are highly affordable.
Getting Cancun Travel Deals Method

#1 All Inclusive Package
If you plan to visit Cancun with all your family members, co-workers or even a whole bunch of friends, you should be opting for an all inclusive Cancun travel package. These packages will normally include food, insurance, airfare, accommodation and venue tickets.
However, the cost of these packages may not be feasible if you are traveling alone. Some people might have their own preferences such as types of food and hotel suites to stay in when it comes to traveling abroad.

Getting Cancun Travel Deals Method
#2 Avoid Peak Season
People will travel during holiday seasons. Travel agencies often take up such opportunities by raising their prices. On off-peak seasons, travels tend to be lesser and prices are not overstated. Take some time off your work if you want to grab some cheap vacation deals.
For most of the time, services in Cancun will tend to be better during off-peak seasons. You will be getting the same service but half or even one third of the hotel price in Cancun during off-peak seasons. Doesn't this sound like a great deal for you?

Getting Cancun Travel Deals Method
#3 Aim for Last Minute Travel Deals
People cancel their travels every now and then. To maximise their profits, travel agencies will start cutting prices in order to fill up the empty spaces due to last minute cancellations. The prices that you are going to pay for last minute deals will be much lower because for most of the time, people who cancel their travels already paid the non-refundable deposit.

Getting Cancun Travel Deals Method
#4 Online Travel Deals
Hotels and resorts that have an online booking system will charge their online customers at cheaper rates. Customers are helping them to cut their service costs when ordering online and thus, they are offering such rebates. You can also find tonnes of vacation deals online as hotels and travel agencies are trying to promote themselves on the Internet.

Just keep searching using search engines and you will come across deals that you have never thought of before.
Are you looking for an instant Cancun travel deal? Click on www.CoastalTravelPackages.net now to get free 5 star travel packages to Cancun! Yes, you will not need to pay for anything other than the spendings on souvenirs.