Maldives

Maldives is a collection of 1192 islands covering about 90000km2 located to the south west of Sri Lanka in Indian Ocean but only 200 islands are inhabited by people. It is the smallest of countries found in Asia and country situated at the lowest point. Due to this reason, Maldives is on top of the list of million cities that are greatly threatened by rising of sea level by global warming. Maldives capital is Male and is world's number one dry fish supplier. About 80% of total land area is coral reefs. These act as natural barriers for high waves and storms but is less effective if there is a great Tsunami situation. Maldives face two seasons of climatic changes as dry season with northeastern monsoon and the rainy season of strong winds and storms. 

Maldives has a limited vegetation and wild life because of the salty land masses. Vegetation near the ocean is weak with coconut trees and some shrubs but towards the interior more plants can be seen. However marine life and coral reef ecosystems are abundant. Ocean near the islands provides home for many rare species of fish and other animals such as Tuna, reef sharks, moray eels, Manta rays, Stingray, Eagle rays, whale sharks, hawksbill and green sea turtles. One of the main attractions of this island collection is the marine life and its ecosystems. Live colourful coral reefs are definite to get more and more tourists into Maldives. There are over 1000 species of fish, 5 species of sea turtles, 21 species of whales and dolphins, 187 species of corals, 400 species of molluscs, and 83 species of echinoderms. 

Talking about environmental issues, Maldives is one of the first countries that face the affects of many issues. As we talk on, the country's many islands are threatened to be drawn by the rapid rise in seal level. The Maldivian Government even has pleaded world in common response to cut the emission of green house gases. 

Apart from fishing industry, Maldives largely depend on its tourism. Fine sea waters and ocean creatures along with relaxation and holiday resorts attract many from all over the world. There was a down fall in the industry due to the Tsunami in 2004 however now they have recovered. Transportation between islands is by boats. 

Travellers' Guide

Maldives main attraction is marine life and relaxation and it is a favourite on lists of honeymoon destinations. So mainly you have to get a good hotel facility first.

Cocoa Island Resort 
Cocoa Island
+9606641818
Baros Maldives 
PO Box 2015, 20-02
9606642672
Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa 
North Male Atoll
Mirihi Island Resort
Ari Atoll, Mirihi Island
Soneva Gili by Six Senses
Lankanfushi Island, 20188
+960664030
Lily Beach Resort & Spa
Huvahendu Island, Maldives, 20077
Veligandu Island Resort 
Veligandu Island

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Banff, Alberta

A small Canadian town located within the Banff National Park in Alberta, Canada is the owner of this beautiful scenery. Surrounded by mountains of Rookies namingly a few like Mount Rundle, Mount Norquay, and Cascade Mountain, Banff is a famous tourist hot spot because of obviously number one the enchantingly wonderful scenery, number two mountains eligible for hiking and mountaineering and number three hot springs. In other words to say it is an ideal destination for relaxation. Banff is situated east of Lake Louise at an elevation of 1463m above Bow Falls. There are three main ski resorts as Sunshine Village, Ski Norquay and Lake Louise Mountain Resort.

Despite hiking and hot springs, Banff is a place where you can experience a pleasant breeze of air in a nice climate with a mild temperature. The place also provides its visitors areas for biking, scrambling and skiing. As mentioned earlier, the main attraction mountains include several well known peaks such as Mount Rundle with a height of 2,949 m, Cascade Mountain of height 2,998 m and Mount Norquay  of height 2,134 m. 

The Banff Gondola is another attraction which is used to ascend Sulphur Mountain where you can also experience the Banff Skywalk and Banff Upper Hot Springs.Other attractions include Tunnel Mountain, Lake Minnewanka and its Lake Cruise and motor boat rentals, Rocky Mountain Music Festival and Bike Fest.

Travellers' Guide

If you are planning to visit Banff, check in with these great hotels and inns.

Arrow Motel
337 Banff Ave., Banff, AB, T1L 1H8
403-762-4496
Baker Creek Chalets
Baker Creek Chalets Lake Louise, AB Canada T0L 1E0
403-522-3761
Banff Aspen Lodge
401 Banff Avenue Banff, Alberta Canada T1L 1A9
403 762 4401 / 1 800 661 0227
Banff Caribou Lodge
521 Banff Ave., Banff, AB T1L 1H8
(403) 762-5887 / 1-800-563-8764
Banff Inn
501 Banff Avenue Banff, Alberta Canada
403-762-8844 / 1-800-667-1464
Banff International Hotel
333 Banff Avenue, Banff Alberta T1L 1B1
403-762-5666 / 1-800-665-5666
Banff Park Lodge      
222 Lynx Street, Banff, Alberta T1L 1K5
(403) 762-4433 / 800-661-9266
Banff Ptarmigan Inn    
337 Banff Ave., Banff, AB, T1L 1H8
(403) 762-2207 / 1-800-563-8764

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Sentosa Island

Sentosa can be regarded as Asia’s playground. A viciously beautiful island of Singapore, famous for family adventure and theme parks, Sentosa Island was earlier known as Pulau Blakang Mati which means island of death behind and then 1972 island was renamed as Sentosa meaning peace and tranquility. Though it was a killing field during early 50s or so, during 1970s the government thought of turning it to a tourist hot spot by addition of some new gadgets like Singapore Cable Car system, Fort Siloso, Surrender Chamber wax museum, Musical Fountain, the Underwater World, Causeway Bridge and the Sentosa Monorail system which now discontinued and run as Sentosa Express. Other latest additions include Foot Bridge, Sentosa Boardwalk, covered walkways and travellators, Universal Studios Singapore and Resorts World Sentosa.

The island is actually Singapore’s fourth largest island with an area of 5km2. Most of the land area is covered with rainforest including species like monkeys, lizards, monitors, peacocks etc. Sentosa has a vast beach of pristine white sand. One of the fun activities of Sentosa is the Cable car system from Mount Faber. Don’t forget that Sentosa offers many other kinds of fun activities too.

Carlsberg Sky Tower or Tiger Sky Tower which is an observation tower of height 110m, and allows visitors have a view of the island, Mainland and the other islands nearby. The daily show of the Sentosa Island is known as the Songs of the Sea which comprises of pyrotechnics displays, water jets, laser show, flame bursts and live cast. Sentosa 4D Magix is another wonderful experience you can gain. It is the Singapore’s first 4D theatre where you can experience a 4D show with life like feel concept. Island also has a Butterfly Park and an Insect Kingdom with more than 15000 live butterflies. 

On the western part of Sentosa is the Underwater World Ocenarium with more than 2500 living marine and fresh water animals.  The island also has a Dolphin Lagoon which is home for pink or Indo-Pacific Dolphins. Sentosa Cineblast, Fort Siloso, MegaZip Adventure Park, Azzura Beach Club and Sentosa Luge & Skyride are some of the few that you ought to try for sure at Sentosa. Basically walking around the island itself is a relaxing and a fun thing to do. 

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The Burj al arab hotel

Well, it's not everyday that you can spend a good fine and a luxurious holiday in a grand hotel with all the quality services only a thought away. And not every hotel in the world can do that. And above all not every hotel in the world has the seven star rating (only some say so) but the Burj Al Arab Hotel in Dubai. The hotel is definitely a five star rated Hotel anyways. With a unique architectural scale rising up for a height of 321m with 70 floors, the hotel is the most luxurious and the fourth tallest hotel in the world. It stands on an artificial island away from the mainland, Jumeirah beach connected by a bridge. 

As you can see, the shape of the building is a sail of a boat, a deign concept by the architect Tom Wright and the construction was by Rick Gregory. The artificial island's construction began in 1994 and the building was open to public since 1999. The island has to be a secure and a solid one to bear up the weight of the building. The constructors drilled 230m concrete piles into the sand and took more or less three years to complete the land area.

The hotel has 205 rooms whose price range is between $1000- $27000 and 8 suites namingly One Bedroom Deluxe Suite, Two Bedroom Deluxe Suite, Panoramic Suite, Club Suite, Diplomatic Suite, Presidential Suite, Royal Suite, Royal Deluxe Suite. Al Iwan, Al Mahara, Al Muntaha, Bab Al Yam, Culinary Flight, Juna Lounge, Junsui, Majlis Al Bahar, Sahn Eddar, Skyview Bar are the restaurants you can see inside the hotel. Al Mahara is accessed via a glass domed submarine voyage which has a seawater aquarium. 

Travellers' Guide

Jumeirah Beach Rd | P.O Box 74147, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
97143017777

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Tasmania Island

Have you ever wondered what is the small island hanging down at the right corner of Australia? Well that small island is the Tasmania which is also the 26th among the largest of islands in the world and a state of Australia. 68,401 square kilometers in area, Tasmania is 364km long North/South wise and 306km broad East/ West wise. Hobart is the capital city. Abel Tasman a Dutchman is the discoverer of this beautiful lone island. That was in November 1642.  Geologists believe that once this island was a part of Australia even though now it is separated by the Bass Strait from mainland. Another geologically interesting fact is that Tasmania is the place that has the world's largest areas of dolerite. Amazing, huh???

Most famous destinations one can find in Tasmania are Hobart, Cradle Mountains, Launceston, Strahan, Port Arthur, Freycinet and Wineglass Bay, Bruny Island etc. The highest peak of Tasmania is the Mount Ossa which is 1,617 metres found in Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. There are many famous rivers flowing through out the island. Some of them are Derwent River, Tamar River, Mersey River, Franklin and Gordon Rivers, South Esk River; longest river in Tasmania. 

One of the few advantages of being an isolated island is that you get lots of genetically unique flora and fauna. With less population and more land for natural vegetation, Tasmania has extremely diverse vegetation with alpine heathlands, dry Midlands, tall evergreen eucalypt forest, temperate rainforests and moorlands. Tasmania is also home for the Thylacine aka the Tasmanian Tiger and the Tasmanian devil. Tasmanians faces four distinct seasons with cool temperature. 

Apart from the natural liabilities, there are many cultural experiences one can have when visiting Tasmania. Such events include the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, Taste of Tasmania food and wine festival, road rally Targa Tasmania, Agfest; a three-day agricultural show, Royal Hobart Show and Royal Launceston Show, Falls Festival at Marion Bay and Southern Roots Festival. 

Travellers Guide

Tasmania is a famous travel destination for honeymoon couples, sightseers and adventure sports. If you are planning to visit Tasmania, main Tasmanian hot spots include Hobart, Cradle Mountain, Port Arthur, Bruny Island, Freycinet and Wineglass Bay, Launceston, Strahan. Accommodation in Tasmania is equipped with 110 Hobart hotels, 4 Cradle Mountain hotels, 58 Launceston hotels, 25 Strahan hotels and Stanley hotels, Freycinet hotels and Port Arthur hotels. Some of the famous ones are,

Cradle Mountain Highlanders Cottages 

3876 Cradle Mountain Road

Country Club Villas 

Casino Rise Prospect Vale

City Park Grand Hotel 

22 Tamar Street

Grand Chancellor Hotel Hobart 

1 Davey Street

Aldermere Estate Luxury Accommodation 

27 Harvey Street

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City of Venice

It is suppose to be one of the world’s most romantic cities. With canals of water instead of roads and smiling people always ready to guide you through the city and the magnificent structures displaying eras’ worth of architecture and legends, Venice is a number one choice in Europe for anyone. The name is derived from the ancient Veneti people who inhabited the region by the 10th century B.C. The city historically was the capital of the Venetian Republic. Venice has been known as the "La Dominante", "Serenissima", "Queen of the Adriatic", "City of Water", "City of Masks", "City of Bridges", "The Floating City", and "City of Canals".  The city stretches across 117 small islands in the marshy Venetian Lagoon along the Adriatic Sea in northeast Italy. The saltwater lagoon stretches along the shoreline between the mouths of the Po (south) and the Piave (north) Rivers. 

The classical Venetian boat is the gondola, although it is now mostly used for tourists, or for weddings, funerals, or other ceremonies. Many gondolas are lushly appointed with crushed velvet seats and Persian rugs. Less well-known is the smaller sandolo. The main transportation means are motorised waterbuses (vaporetti), which ply regular routes along the major canals and between the city's islands, and private boats. The only gondolas still in common use by Venetians are the traghetti, foot passenger ferries crossing the Grand Canal at certain points without bridges.

Azienda Consorzio Trasporti Veneziano (ACTV) is the name of the public transport system in Venice. It combines land transportation, with buses, and canal travel, with water buses (vaporetti). In total, there are 25 routes that connect the city. The Venice People Mover (managed by ASM) is a cable operated public transit system connecting Tronchetto Island with Piazzale Roma. Water taxis are also active. 

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Hawaii Islands

Hawaii is the newest state of US and the only state completely made of islands. Hawaii’s natural and diverse scenery, warm tropical climate, abundance of public beaches and oceanic surrounding, and active volcanoes make it a popular destination for tourists, surfers, biologists, and volcanologists alike. Its capital is Honolulu on the island of Oʻahu. The state comprises hundreds of islands spread over 1,500 miles (2,400 km). At the southeastern end of the archipelago, the eight main islands are (from the northwest to southeast) Niʻihau, Kauaʻi,Oʻahu, Molokaʻi, Lānaʻi, Kahoʻolawe, Maui, and Hawai’i. The last is by far the largest and is often called "The Big Island" to avoid confusion with the state as a whole. The archipelago is physiographically and ethnologically part of the Polynesian sub region of Oceania. 

Hawaii means “homeland” in Hawaiian language. Talking about Hawaii and its nature, Hawaii’s tallest mountain, Mauna Kea, stands at 13,796 ft (4,205 m) but is taller than Mount Everest if followed to the base of the mountain, which, lying at the floor of the Pacific Ocean, rises about 33,500 ft(10,200 m). All the Hawaiian Islands were formed from volcanic activity initiated at an undersea magma source called a hotspot. As the tectonic plate beneath much of the Pacific Ocean moves to the northwest, the hot spot remains stationary, slowly creating new volcanoes. Due to the hotspot’s location, the only active volcanoes are located around the southern half of the Big Island. The newest volcano, Lōʻihi Seamount, is located south of the Big Island’s coast. The last volcanic eruption outside the Big Island occurred at Haleakalā on Maui before the late 18th century, though it could have been hundreds of years earlier. In 1790, Kīlauea exploded with the deadliest eruption (of the modern era) known to have occurred in what is now the United States. As many as 5,405 warriors and their families marching on Kīlauea were killed by that eruption. Volcanic activity and subsequent erosion have created impressive geological features. The Big Island has the third highest point among the world’s islands. 

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Bora Bora Island

Known to be a gift of God and incredibly famous for its romantic and mystique sceneries, this volcanic island alone stands apart from the Leeward Islands found in French Polynesia in Southern Pacific waters. Comprised of its Mont Otemanu (Temanu) and Mot Pahia; two peaks of an extinct basaltic volcano that descend dramatically into the ocean and several other volcanic islets rise offshore encircled by a coral barrier reef and its lagoon proliferating the unique beauty of Bore Bora. Certainly its vista of verdant twin peaks and the sea ringed by coral islets sets the mood for memorable honeymoons and get-aways.

   Given the original name “Pora Pora” found in Tahitian language or as found in early transcriptions in 18th and 19th centuries as “Bolabolla” or “Bollabolla”, the meaning however is said to be “first born”.
Bora-Bora lies 260 km (160 mi) northwest of the largest island, Tahiti. Vaitape, on the western coast, is Bora-Bora’s main settlement. The island is relatively small; it covers an area of 39 sq km (15 sq mi) and its highest peak is Mont Otemanu; 727 metres (2,385 ft). It was formed 7 million years ago by two volcanoes

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