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March 31, 2008
York is located Yorkshire, England. It is a city very rich in history.
One of York’s main attractions is the York Minster, a magnificent Gothic cathedral. It dates back to the 13th century and is the largest in northern Europe. The beautiful stained glass of glorious colours in blues, greens and amber date back to the Middle Ages. The top of the central tower offers vast views of York and the Vale of York.
The National Railway Museum is the first national museum outside of London. Its special attraction is Queen Victoria’s Royal Saloon. It is like a small luxury hotel with silk, silver and brocade accessories. The museum has more than forty locomotives on display.
Jorvik Viking Centre was discovered buried many feet below ground. It was reconstructed to look like the 948 original. It gives you an idea of life in a Viking village. A walk down to the river shows activities like a Norwegian cargo ship being unloaded and ship chandlers at work. The “time car” takes you through the sacking of the city by the Normans and through a street market with accurate models of the Vikings.
Shambles is a quaint street filled with shops and cafes. It was the meat-butchering centre in the Norman times.
York is a good family holiday destination.
Vancouver and Victoria Island make an interesting combination, especially for a family holiday.
Stanley Park
Stanley Park is a 988-acre rainforest. It has a petting zoo, a miniature railway, and an aquarium. Brockton Point has totem poles.
Kid’s Market
The mall on Granville Island is dedicated to children and is most probably the only such market in North America. It features a Lilliputian entranceway to bookstores, craft and toy stores, play areas and a water park.
Capilano Suspension Bridge & Park
Vancouver’s Capilano Suspension Bridge is high above Capilano River.
Langley National Historic Site
The site is exactly at the spot where the Hudson’s Bay Company built their first settlement in 1827. The landmark comes to life with costumed craftspeople, demonstrating, woodworking skills, coppering and blacksmithing.
Pacific Undersea Gardens
This is an underwater observatory where children can view sea animals and fish of the Pacific coast.
Whale Watching
Half or full-day boat excursions to the southern tip of Vancouver Island make orca (killer whale) watching possible. Other creatures sighted there are bald eagles, harbour seals and Dall porpoises.
Royal British Columbia Museum
The museum has many displays for children including a simulated dive to the bottom of the Pacific. Other displays show the life and culture of the native tribes that lived there ten thousand years ago.
Haifa, Israel’s third-largest metropolitan city, sits on a hill overlooking a bay. Haifa is very different from either Jerusalem or Tel Aviv. It is beautiful and has a lifestyle of its own.
Haifa’s Baha’i Shrine and Gardens are very impressive. The well-maintained gardens with their cypress trees, stone eagles and peacocks are restful. Bab the Baha’ Allah’s messenger is buried under the grand domed shrine.
Stella Maris is made up of a lighthouse, a monastery and a church. The construction of the church began in 1836. It is a beautiful structure, with brightly patterned Italian marble. Brother Luigi Poggi paintings on the dome depict episodes from the Old Testament. Elijah’s Cave is at the bottom of Cape Carmel, below the Carmelite Monastery and the lighthouse.
Other attractions are:
• The National Maritime Museum covers five thousand years of maritime history in the Mediterranean and the Red Sea
• The Haifa Museum of Art houses contemporary sculpture and painting, with a strong stress on Israeli art.
• Muhraka, outside Haifa, boasts of an impressive stone statue of Elijah, a lovely Carmelite monastery and views over half of Israel.
Evenings in Haifa can be spent dining at fine restaurants, watching concerts or just strolling around town. Haifa is a family holiday destination.
Meknes, based at the foothills of the Middle-Atlas, is Morocco’s smallest imperial city. It was a military settlement in the 11th century, and was the capital of Sultan Moulay Ismaïl, founder of the Alawite dynasty from 1672 to 1727. The architecture was Spanish-Moorish. The fusion of European and Islamic styles of the 17th century are visible even today.
Meknes is indeed a good bargain holiday destination. The ancient medina is the centre point of the city. Its narrow alleys and souks (markets) lead to the El-Hdim Square. The medina, very well preserved, is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It portrays the local culture through the storytellers, snake charmers, musicians and medical practitioners.
Sultan Moulay Ismaïl’s mausoleum is an architectural beauty. Bab Mansour is a gate with marble pillars, carved stucco and spectacular coloured tiles. Nejjarin Mosque, dating 10th century and the Medersa Bou Inania, the school for the study of the Koran, stand close to each other. The Medersa has a great view of the mosque from its roof terrace.
Located a little away from the city are the ruins of the roman city of Volubilis. Its rich mosaic and lack of tourist make it a welcome site to visit. The best seasons to visit Morocco are spring or autumn. Meknes offers a good bargain holiday.
Nepal has such a spellbinding effect on any tourist that those who visit the country, invariably want to come back. High mountains, rushing rivers, wild life, glaciers, flora and fauna; Nepal has it all to enchant a tourist! Surrounded by China in the north and India in the south, it’s just the right place to spend a family holiday luxuriously.
Before planning a trip to Nepal, it is necessary to check the weather. To enjoy your stay to the fullest, the best time to visit is at the beginning of the dry season i.e. October- November.
There are metered taxis available but they could be a little expensive. If you are looking at cutting down on expenses, you could travel by the metered tempos as they are a little cheaper. You can also hire cars with a local driver. If you enjoy bike riding you can also rent motorcycles but it could be risky.
Accommodation
All sorts of accommodation facilities are available - from hotels of international standards to even low cost hotels - if you want to enjoy a cheap holiday.
Prominent holiday spots in Nepal are
Pokhara- Devi’s fall, Fewa Lake, Monastery, Temple
Chitwan- Chitwan National Park, Machan Wildlife Resort
Kathmandu- Pashupatinath Temple
Things to do
Nepal is known to offer some of the best adventure sports in the world. You can go rock climbing, river rafting or take off in a micro light aircraft for motor gliding. You can also take the jungle safari as there are many national parks. Situated at the top of the world, Nepal is the right choice for one of those perfect Cheap family holidays.
Malaysia is definitely one of the most popular and exciting holiday spots of Southeast Asia. The spectacular sights and tourist attractions leave the tourists spellbound and always wanting for more. It is every shopper’s dream to visit Malaysia especially during the shopping carnival, making it one of the ideal bargain holidays.
The places a visitor must see
Kuala Lumpur- This is the capital of Malaysia. The Petronas Twin Towers should not be given a miss (among the tallest structures in the world).
Genting Highlands- It’s the most visited resort in Malaysia because of its theme park and various other hi-tech amusement facilities. It is an ideal place to have fun with family and friends.
Langkawi- This land of beaches is perfect for those wanting to chill out near the sea. You can also try your hand at water sports like snorkeling, scuba diving, deep sea fishing and wind surfing. Visiting Langkawi is an exhilarating experience in itself.
Also not to be missed are, A’Famosa Resort, Bird Park, Botanical Gardens and The Sunway Lagoon Resort in Selangor
Shopping
Malaysia is every shopper’s paradise. You can go to the various shopping complexes like the famous Suria KLCC, Mid Valley Megamall or the Sunway Pyramid or bargain at the night markets and open air bazaars. If you want to spend a cheap family holiday, the best time to visit Malaysia would be during the Great Malaysia Sale as most of the things are offered at bargained rates.
Nightlife
After a day of enjoyable, albeit hectic sightseeing, you can chill out at any of the restaurant-cum-bar if you are with family or you ca go to any of the night clubs; there are plenty to choose from. Seeing Malaysia at night is an awesome experience.
Malaysia is perfect place to enjoy a short luxurious family holiday.
Some of the most ancient civilizations - dating back to the Neolithic era - are found in this magnificent country. The first impression people have of Jordan is that drawn from the ancient city of Petra, but it also provides a lot for the modern tourist looking for traveler, looking for luxury holidays, cheap holidays. It is a connecting link between Asia, Africa and Europe, which makes Jordan a perfect location for a weekend break. Jordan is mainly an Arab country but it values its diverse population.
Travelling around Jordan is pretty convenient as most places of tourist interest are well known. Using a service taxi is a cheap and affordable way to travel around. Private taxis are available but it’s advisable to fix the fare beforehand. Tourists on a family holiday can opt for a rented car so that they can travel at their own leisure.
Some significant places of tourist interest which one should never miss are:
1) Petra
2) Amman
3) Jerash
4) Wadi Rum
5) The Dead Sea
6) Aqaba
Things to do
Jordan offers a variety of activities for all. Those with an adventurous streak can go trekking or horse riding on the famous Arabian mares or spend a night at the Ammarin Bedouin Camp with the local tribe. You can also visit the marvelous desert castles or enjoy the spa facilities at the Red sea. It is an ideal holiday spot to enjoy a luxurious holiday with you loved ones.
Accommodation
It’s easy to find a hotel to meet your budget. So, whether you are looking forward to spending a cheap family holiday or a bargain holiday, you’ll find accommodations to suit your needs.
Cuba, which is situated at the entrance to the Gulf of Mexico, is the largest island in the West Indies. It consists of many smaller islands, islets and cays. Havana, the capital of Cuba, is famous for its rocking nightlife, culture and outstanding architecture. Since it is very close to Florida, it’s a very popular destination for those looking for weekend breaks.
The best way to travel is by using the taxi. Traveling by the local bus called Camello should be avoided as tourists are often pick pocketed. Another option would be to rent a car and explore on your own.
Attractions
Some attractions which a first time visitor should never miss are
• Plaza de la Revolucion
• The Malecon
• Bay of Pigs
• The Isle of Youth
Nightlife
The nightlife in Cuba is pulsating and the two nightspots one must visit in downtown Havana are El Floridita and Bodeguita del Medeo. Other cities in Cuba famous for clubbing are Cienfuegos and Trinidad.
Things to do
Cuba is a perfect place to enjoy one of those good family holidays or bargain holidays as it offers a wide range of activities to suit all. You can soak in the sun and get a perfect tan on many of its virgin beaches or go diving and enjoy water sports or visit the National Parks and Museums. Cuba has something for all ages.
Accommodation
Cuba is the ideal holiday spot as accommodations range from top end hotels providing unforgettable luxurious holiday packages to low end hotels offering Cheap family holidays packages. Some of the hotels even offer bargain holiday packages to attract more tourists.
San Francisco, California, is a beautiful city on the west coast of the United States. It has vast views of the bay, cable cars, beaches and Victorian architecture. A family holiday in San Francisco can be both educative and interesting for children. This is the reason why it makes a perfect family holiday.
The Ferry Plaza Farmer’s Market is the best outdoor market in the city. It sells fruits, meat, sausages, and baked goods. Introduce children to the smells and sights of a bustling market. The farmers let the shoppers taste before buying (especially fruit). Bakeries offer freshly baked pastries and morning breads. The market is open Saturdays and Tuesdays.
Chinatown is very close to Union Square and a different world altogether. Gold, red and green banners decorate everything. It has grocery stores selling Chinese vegetables and live seafood like crabs. Shops sell medicinal herbs and aromatic incense. The Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Company is a great fun place for the children to visit.
Crissy Field, with views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the city, has many play options for children.
Maritime National Historical Park has antique ships for children to explore.
Golden Gate Park has a lot the children can enjoy. The main attractions are the excellent Koret Children’s Quarter and the antique merry-go-round.
Athens is one of the longest standing cities to date. It is a modern Metropolis with a past rich in history and legends. Athens is the capital of Greece and has a link with all the areas of the country. Athenians love art, their city and beauty in all things; this is evident from the ‘Acropolis’. An extraordinary experience that catches the attention of visitors searching for the echoes of the ancient city that once was.
Athens is truly a cosmopolitan city, with people of different nations and traditions joining together to give the city its vibrant colours and smells and boisterous environment. It conveys a warm sense of conviviality that you can find only in Greece. It makes one of the most enduring educational family holidays that will teach children to appreciate history.
The city has numerous churches and cathedrals, monuments and historical buildings, parks and museums, too. The number of historical monuments and stone statues is staggering. But it is unfair to say that Athens is purely about ancient sites and monuments.
Athens has excellent beaches with golden sands and turquoise blue water to immerse in on a hot day. Beaches between Saronida and Anavissos are popular with windsurfers. You could hire canoes or pedal boats or play beach games like volley ball and basketball on the Vouliagmeni beach.
Soccer and basketball are two sports that all Greeks are passionate about. Legal betting takes place when there is a match going on. The two popular teams are Olympiakos (Piraeus) and Panathanaikos (Athens). Do catch the international soccer game if you happen to be in town at that time. It is a memorable experience and a truly one of the beset culture-filled luxury holidays.
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