Must See Places in South America

Set between the Caribbean, the South Pacific, and the South Atlantic Oceans, South America is the land of attractions. This continent can also be referred as the land of superlatives. The continent is the home to Amazon, The world's biggest rainforest, Angel Falls, the world's tallest waterfall, and Patagonia & Tierra del Fuego, the frozen landscapes. While the Remote islands like Galapagos Islands, Easter Island and Fernando de Noronha are great attractions of South America, the pristine beaches in Brazil's Northeastern region also have their own magic.

Apart from breathtaking natural attractions, South America treasures ruins of ancient civilizations. Machu Picchu and other Inca cities are fine examples of these. One can also explore the Serra da Capivara, the oldest rock paintings or admire the modern architecture of Brasilia. While traveling to South America, do not miss out the chance to take part in colorful festivities. Some of the most remarkable names in this context include Rio's Carnival, the Vendimia festival and Belem's Cirio de Nazare, etc. Featuring all these fascinating attractions, South America continues to allure visitors like no other place on the earth.

South America, the southern continent of the Americas, covers about 3.5% of world's total land area that is approx 17,840,000 square kilometers. It is surrounded by Pacific Ocean to the west and north, the Atlantic to the east, North America and the Caribbean Sea to the northwest. South America consists of 15 countries. The continent has a population of approx 371,090,000.

Machu Picchu, Peru: Machu Picchu, the fortress city of the Incas is situated 8,000 feet above sea level. This pre-Columbian ruin is the scared symbols of the Inca Empire. Constructed, during 1430 AD, this ruin was declared UNESCO World Heritage Site in the year 1983. Situated on a mountain ridge, Machu Picchu was made in the traditional Inca style.

Salar de Uyuni: Salar de Uyuni, largest salt flat in the world is one of the major attractions in Bolivia. 3,656 meters above the sea level, it is located near the peak of the Andes. Salar de Uyuni is at present a dried hill with enormous cacti. In this site you can explore tourist areas like Bloques de Sal, Salt-mining area, Laguna Colorada, Laguna Celeste, Valles de Rocas, Train Graveyard and Laguna Hedionda.

Lake Titicaca: This fascinating lake is located between Bolivia and Peru. Tourists throng to this lake each and every year. 3800 meters above sea level, a tour to this lake will be an unforgettable experience for you. This lake was once the sacred place for the Inca civilization.

Angel Falls: The highest waterfall in the world is located in the Canaima National Park. Situated in Venezuela, this waterfall was declared as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Other must see places in South America are Amazon, Nazca Lines, Peru, Cartagena, Colombia, Patagonia, Easter Island, Rio de Janeiro,Galapagos Archipelago, Santiago, Iguazu Falls of Argentina a, Tierra del Fuego, The Great Blue Hole, Los Katios National Park Colombia, Buck Island Reef National Monument, US Virgin Islands, Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, Costa Rica, Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park, La Antigua Guatemala, Placencia Beach Belize, Huacachina and Historic Centre of Salvador.

What to See and Do in Mauritius

The small island nation of Mauritius, situated in the Indian Ocean and just off the coast of Africa, is a popular tourist destination for beach lovers across the world. For some travellers, two weeks relaxing on a beach is a little bit too much relaxation and they get itchy feet to go and explore everything an island like Mauritius has to offer.

Mauritius is split into five distinct areas of interest – north, east, south east, west and inland. Most international travellers will enter Mauritius by plane on the south eastern side of the island. As well as beautiful sandy beaches, warm turquoise seas and stunning coral reefs, this part of Mauritius is also home to one of the oldest settlements in Mauritius at Vieux Grand Port.

The south east also features the remarkable island of IIe aux Aigrettes, which sits just off the coast. This nature reserve is made up of rare species of Mauritian flora and fauna. The island features some of the world’s rarest animals, including the Pink Pigeon and the Giant Aldabra Tortoise.

Heading up the east cost is the village of Flacq. This pretty little village is very popular and holds the country’s largest open air market that attracts a large number of people from the east of the island.

The east coast is very popular for watersports lovers, with The Waterpark Leisure Village on the coastal road at Belle Mare. The island of Ile aux Cerfs is also popular for its watersports and has one of the best beaches in the whole of Mauritius.

Moving north you reach the main shopping area of Grand Bay. This is the most tourist orientated part of Mauritius and where locals go for a good night out. Visitors to the north can also take a tour around the Balaclava ruins near Baie aux Tortues. The ruins offer an insight into the medieval history of the island. There is also an opportunity to visit the island’s largest Hindu temple, the Maheswarnath, at Triolet. For the more active traveller there are mountain bike tours around the Labourdonnais Orchards.

Travelling down the coast to the west of the island brings you to the Martello Towers, which symbolise the end of slavery on Mauritius and the beginning of the Indian immigration. The west of Mauritius is also a haven for nature lovers with the Casela bird park and the Yemen Reserve situated here. Casela, in the Rivière Noire district, is spread over 25 hectares and is home to more than 140 bird species from five continents. The Yemen Reserve is not the largest game reserve on the island but it features a lot of animals, including herds of deer and some of Mauritius’ most beautiful fauna.

Finally moving inland and away from the beaches you can see some of Mauritius’ most breathtaking landscapes, including the Grand Talao Lake. Grand Talao is an important pilgrimage site for Mauritian Hindus and lies in the crater of an extinct volcano. Another natural highlight is the Black River Gorges, a 6,754 hectares national park. This park was created to protect the remaining native forests of Mauritius and is home to some of the most incredible vistas that Mauritius has to offer.

Mauritius holidays are traditionally known as luxury beach holidays, but if you take a little time away from the white sands of this beautiful island you’ll see there is a lot more on offer.

New Year's Eve Restaurants in Nottingham

Nottingham becomes alive on New Year’s Eve. Nottingham is famed for its vibrant night life and there are hundreds of options for any New Years Eve revelers, the question is what to do? With the largest concentration of bars and pubs in a mile radius in the whole of Europe party goers can enjoy a huge range of stylish bars and then go to one of the many clubs and dance the night away.

The Lace Market is home to a number of stylish bars from Living Room to the famous Pitcher and Piano converted church, or perhaps West of the city towards the castle and the cobbled streets is for you. There are a good number of restaurants in Nottingham that will cater an amazing 3-5 course meal and then provide a range of post meal entertainment so you and your guests won’t have to worry about a thing! Having a meal with friends and family on New Year’s Eve is the perfect way to chat about the highs and lows of the year and indeed set those New Year’s resolutions. After all isn’t New Year’s eve about celebration, those you care about and reflection on the year just gone.

Go dine are already taking bookings for New Year’s eve and as everyone knows, those who prepare early tend to get the right offering, venue and even the best table; as the year progresses we shall be adding New Year’s Eve menus and putting these all in one area for you.

Vienna - Situated just of the Market Square in Nottingham city centre Vienna would make the ideal venue. Beautiful surroundings, in house bar, and if you want to join the crowd gathered in the square simply step outside.

Harts - Nottingham restaurant awards winner 2009, Harts will ensure your New Year’s is memorable. Exquisite food, fantastic champagne, perfect service, in-house bar, the list goes on, ooh and why not stay in the fantastic rooms within the hotel... the list is endless at Hart’s.

Home Bar and Restaurant- If you want to be slightly away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre Home Bar is a perfect venue. Home Bar is literally that, Home from home. Enjoy a fantastic menu cooked by one of the finest chefs in Nottingham and then why not sit back in one of Home’s leather sofas.

Check out New Years Eve restaurants in Nottingham.

Visiting San Francisco on a Budget

Budget San Francisco travel - Golden Gate to Fisherman's Wharf and Pier 39

Major U.S. cities can be pricey, but you don't have to spend a lot of money to experience San Francisco's charm. A little research on the internet and perusing local papers reveals a goldmine of free activities and entertainment to keep you busy on a budget.

San Francisco Accommodation

Hostel accommodation is the cheapest option for the budget traveler. San Francisco has some great hostels in prime locations. This includes:

Hi-San Francisco Fisherman's Wharf hostel located at Fort Mason with views of Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge.

Green Tortoise Backpackers Hostel - San Francisco located in the North Beach area with Little Italy and Chinatown only blocks walk away.

Both hostels are located in great positions for exploring the Bay area.

Transit Options in San Francisco

If you have chosen wisely in your choice of accommodation, walking to the major attractions or to the nearest bus stop is your best option. Public transport is cheaper then renting a car, you avoid outrageous parking fees and is less stressful when exploring a new city.


Public transportation in San Francisco is the Bay Area Rapid Transport (BART).There is a trip planner on their website, which is very handy in planning your day and adult fares are only $1.75 per trip. When you board the bus, pay with the correct change and make sure you get a transfer. Transfers are good for 90 minutes from time of issue and can be used for changing buses or for your return trip.

San Francisco Attractions

Walk over the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco's most famous landmark.


Check out Fisherman's Wharf and Pier 39 with street performers and the smell of fresh Clam Chowder and Sourdough bread. Visit Pier 39 and see the huge sea-lions that come into the area to rest and shelter from the sharks in the Bay. Some of the male adults get up to 400kg each!

Visit Coit Tower on telegraph hill with amazing views of the waterfront. Take the elevator to the top for a small fee.

Explore Golden Gate Park. With over 1,000 acres of park, it includes the Conservatory of Flowers, Japanese Tea Garden and the Academy of Sciences.The third Wednesday of every month is free.

Cruise over to Alcatraz and learn about the history of this unique prison for $26/Adult.

Cheap Eats

While down at Fisherman's Wharf taste some of San Francisco's famous Clam Chowder in a Sourdough bowl. This meal will seat you back $6 and is an experience in itself. Eating in Chinatown is also a cheap and tasty option. With so many restaurants to choose from and most meals under $10, you won't go home hungry.

Visiting Buckingham Palace and State Rooms

London: Queen's Guard, Changing of the Guard, Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace in London is one of the few working palaces left in the world. It is the residence of the Queen of England and the administrative headquarters of the Royal household.

It was first opened to the public in 1993, and the state rooms are open to visitors annually in the summer between August and September when the Queen is away in Scotland.

Buckingham Palace is surrounded by 20 hectares of gardens and has 775 rooms. These include 19 state rooms, 72 royal and guest bedrooms, 188 staff bedrooms, 92 offices and 78 bathrooms.

More then 50, 000 guests are invited to the palace each year for banquets, lunch, dinner, receptions and royal garden parties.

Buckingham Palace State Rooms

In the summer months when open to the public, you can take a tour of the Buckingham Palace State Rooms, the Queen's Gallery and the Royal Mews. The staterooms are the main working part of the household and used by the Queen and Royal family to receive and entertain guests on official occasions such as State visits and Royal ceremonies. The Queen's Gallery and the Royal Mews are open to the public all year round.

Included in the admission price to Buckingham Palace is an audio tour of the State Rooms. The 19 State Rooms include the grand entrance, throne room with gold ceiling and red curtains, a 50-metre long picture gallery with paintings including Rembrandts, and the state dining room with a table set to seat 46 guests.

The audio tour is very informative and gives you an introduction to Royal history and interviews with the Royal household and staff. You can walk through the State Rooms at your own pace, and hear about the history and use of each room as you go. The audio tour is in 8 different languages and ends by taking you through the gardens.

Queen's Gallery

The Queen's Gallery is a permanent space featuring items that rotate from the Royal collection. It is open daily and the current exhibition, on until October 31 2009, includes French Porcelain for English Palaces and Treasures from the Royal Collection (spectacular jewels).

Changing of the Guard

A major draw for visitors to London is the changing of the guard. This is conducted on the Palace forecourt daily at 11:30 am from May until the end of July, in August on odd numbered days, and September and October on even numbered days. The changing of the guard is a must see for anyone with a love of all things royal and 40 minutes to spare.

Entry Fees: Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace is open from 26 July until 30 September from 9:45 am until 6:00 pm. Allow 2 to 3 hours to explore the State Rooms and gardens and visit the Queen's gallery or Royal Mews.

 Tickets for the State Rooms only (including audio tour) are £16.50 for adults and £9.60 for children under 17. If you wish to also visit the Royal Mews and the Queen's Gallery, you should purchase a Royal Day Out ticket which is £29.50 for adults and £16.50 for children. Tickets are time stamped for entry every 15 minutes and can be purchased online or on the day.

Getting to Buckingham Palace

Take the tube to Victoria, Green Park or Hyde Park corner

By Bus. Numbers 11, 211, C1 and C10 stop on Buckingham Palace Rd

Take one of the many tours available in London

Stratosphere Las Vegas Hotel and Casino

Budget Accommodation on the Sin City Strip - Las Vegas, Nevada

The Stratosphere Las Vegas Hotel and Casino is located on the northern end of the strip in Las Vegas, Nevada.Staying at the Stratosphere Hotel is a budget way to start your Vegas vacation, while still being in a great location close to the action of Sin City.

Getting around Las Vegas

 

Located at 2000 Las Vegas Boulevard South and less than 10 kilometres from McCarren International Airport, the hotel is easily accessible by a quick taxi ride, shuttle bus or local transit.

The hotel location on the strip is perfect for exploring the neighbouring casinos and entertainment on offer. If you would prefer to stay out of the heat or get off your feet, there is a double decker bus service called The Deuce which runs 24 hours a day, up and down the strip from designated stops. The Deuce costs $3 for a one-way trip, $7 for a 24-hour pass or $15 for a 3-day pass.

The Stratosphere Hotel

Room rates at the Stratosphere hotel can be as low as $34.99 plus tax for a deluxe hotel room for 2 adults. To get the best possible rate, don't say on holidays, Friday or Saturday nights and book in advance as early as possible. You can also get some great air and hotel deals offered through your local travel agent or through online booking sites such as Expedia.com.


For the price you pay for a standard deluxe room, you really do get value for money. The rooms are comfortable, clean and well maintained, and even feature a bathtub. You really can't ask too much more for $35 a night!

Most of the Vegas hotels include their own casino, restaurants and themed shops. The Stratosphere hotel and casino features the Stratosphere Tower which has the highest observation tower in the United States, reaching some 1,149 feet high. The tower also offers a variety of thrilling rides with amazing views and heights.

What to Do in Vegas

Besides visiting all the casinos along the Vegas strip, there is plenty to see and do. Vegas casinos offer a variety of shows such as David Copperfield, Cirque du Soleil, Bette Midler or Disney's the Lion King. There is also free entertainment such as Treasure Island's nightly free outdoor show The Sirens of Treasure Island, which performs 5 times daily.

If you need to get away from the Vegas lights you can take one of the many tours available to visit the surrounding Nevada dessert. Day trips available from Vegas include the Hoover Dam, Grand Canyon and Death Valley.

Take a Historical Ghost Tour in Tasmania

Port Arthur, Australia - Former Penal Colony, Tasmania

Port Arthur is a small town in Tasmania, Australia, located 60 km east of Hobart. It is best known as the site of Australia's largest penal colony.
The prison opened in 1833 as a place to send convicted British and Irish convicts who had reoffended since being sent to Australia. It had some of the strictest measures in the British penal system and was compared to Alcatraz due to its surrounding water and reputation for being inescapable.
At its peak the prison held up to 1,100 prisoners. It closed in 1877 and today visitors are drawn to the Port Arthur for its history, to tour the remaining preserved buildings and to hear the eery stories of the haunted site.

Getting to Port Arthur

Port Arthur is a 90-minute drive from Hobart via the Tasman Highway. There is also a range of tour companies in Hobart that specialize in day tours to Port Arthur.

Port Arthur Historical Site

The Port Arthur Historical site stretches over 90 acres. You can take an introductory guided tour of the grounds, a harbour cruise, a tour of the Isle of the Dead or Point Peur, or a guided ghost tour at night. There is also a museum, a convict gallery with records from convict times, and a research room where you can find out if you have any convict ancestors.
There are more than 30 buildings in various conditions at the site. These include the penitentiary, the separate prison, the Commander's residence, the church and the hospital. All the buildings were built by the prisoners -- each brick made by hand.
The Port Arthur colony was one of the first that made the switch from physcial to psychological punishment. The separate prison contained 80 separate cells where prisoners were kept for up to a year without ever seeing another prisoner and were made to stay in silence to reflect on their crimes. Pads were places on their feet so they would make no noise, and hoods placed over their heads when taken out for their exercise. Many prisoners became mentally ill during their time at Port Arthur and eventually an asylum was built to house them.
Port Arthur housed the British Empire's first boys prison at Point Peur for boys aged 9 and16 who were arrested for such offences as stealing toys. These boys were given a basic education and taught trade skills.
The Isle of the Dead is a small Island where all who died at the colony were buried. It is believed to have up to 1,646 graves but only 180 are marked -- those of prison staff and military.

Port Arthur Massacre

The Port Arthur Historical site is also where Martin Bryant killed 35 people and wounded another 21 before being captured on 28 April 1996. This massacre is one of the worst in Australia's history and led to a national ban on semi-automatic rifles and shotguns. Bryant is now in prision, serving 35 life sentences. There is a memorial at the Port Arthur site to remember those who lost their lives.

The Ghost Tour

Historical ghost tours operate nightly and run for about 1.5 hours. You'll be led through the historical buildings by lantern and hear stories of those who lived, worked and died at the site. These tours are not for the faint hearted and the tour guides have eery stories of their own experiences at Port Arthur that will give you goosebumps. There have been many incidents at Port Arthur, including sightings, sudden drops in temperature and photographs developed that are not so easily explained.