Gold Coast

One of the best tourist destinations in the world with eye catching beaches is the Gold Coast city located near the Queensland state capital Brisbane, Australia. Ample entertainment can be seen here via surfing, night life, theme parks, sandy beaches etc. Owing to the subtropical climate of the area also more and more tourists are attracted as well as its ever growing population.

Thanks to 57km long coast line is well rich in surfing opportunities including South Stradbroke Island, The Spit, Main Beach, Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach, Burleigh Beach, Burleigh Heads, Tallebudgera Beach, Palm Beach, Currumbin Beach etc. Gold Coast is supposed to own one of the world's best surfing beaches such as Duranbah Beach. 

As mentioned earlier tourism plays an important role in the lives if Gold Coast people. Since early times as 1980s Gold Coast was able to attract tourists which now exceeds 10 million per year. Basically it is the 5th most  visited destination in Australia. Dreamworld, Sea World, Wet'n'Wild Water World, Warner Bros. Movie World, WhiteWater World, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, David Fleay Wildlife Park, Australian Outback Spectacular and Paradise Country are the theme parks found in Gold Coast. Another fascination most of the visitors tend to visit is the Q1 Building; world's highest residential tower which was opened in 2005.

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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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Disneyland California

If there is one place we all wish to go before we die it would be Disneyland. No matter how old or young you are Disneyland welcomes you all. It was on 18th July1955 that Walt Disney started this theme park. He sought an expert Harrison Price from Stanford Research Institute to build the park and bought a land of 160 acres from Anaheim, California in 1954 and under a budget of $17 million it was finished and opened for public after one year. Within the years, the park was an immediate success attracting many visitors from all over the world. In 1990s the Disneyland theme park was converted into Disneyland Resort with addition of many new attractions.

For its 50th anniversary which was named as the "Happiest Homecoming on Earth" many sites in Disneyland went under construction including Space Mountain, Jungle Cruise, the Haunted Mansion, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room. The original park consisted of 5 theme areas that included Main Street, U.S.A., Adventureland, Frontierland, Fantasyland and Tomorrowland. Since then there have been many new additions to the park. New Orleans Square was added in 1966 while Bear Country which was latter renamed as Critter Country was created in 1972. In 1993, Mickey's Toontown was added. Currently there are eight theme areas in Disneyland now. 

Main Street U.S.A. is depicts a typical 20th century town and the first area visitors get to see. Then there's the magic kingdom with Sleeping Beauty's castle at the centre of it. The castle also acts as an entrance to Fantasyland. Disney Art Gallery and the Opera House  is also seen in Main Street U.S.A. Critter Country which was also known to be Bear Country was a former Indian Village but today it is seen as the area of Splash Mountain with a log flume journey. Adventureland is full of fun items like opening day's Jungle Cruise, the "Temple of the Forbidden Eye" in Indiana Jones Adventure, Tarzan's Tree house and Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room. Fantasyland is a place where you get your childhood dreams come true like Peter Pan's Flight, walk-through story telling of Sleeping Beauty and "Believe, There's Magic in the Stars" fireworks.

"Tomorrow can be a wonderful age. Our scientists today are opening the doors of the Space Age to achievements that will benefit our children and generations to come. The Tomorrowland attractions have been designed to give you an opportunity to participate in adventures that are a living blueprint of our future." These are the words of Walt Disney for Tomorrowland which includes Space Mountain, Innoventions, Captain EO Tribute, Autopia, the Disneyland Monorail Tomorrowland Station, the Astro Orbitor and Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters. Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage and Star Tours: The Adventures Continue. 

Travellers' Guide

Disneyland Park  

1313 S Harbor Blvd, Anaheim, CA 92803-3232

714 781 4565

It is always advised that you book your tickets before you visit the place either from online website or at the reception of your hotel. Here are some best deals where you can stay and enjoy.

Disneyland Hotel 

1150 Magic Way, Anaheim, CA 92802

Ayres Hotel Anaheim 

2550 E Katella Ave, Anaheim, CA 92806

800-595-5692

Park Vue Inn 

1570 South Harbor Blvd, Anaheim, CA 92802

+1 (800)334-7021

Candy Cane Inn  

1747 South Harbor Blvd., Anaheim, CA 92802

Howard Johnson Plaza Hotel & Water Playground - Anaheim / Disneyland Park

1380 South Harbor Boulevard, Anaheim, CA 92802

(866) 757-3050

Doubletree Suites by Hilton Hotel Anaheim Resort - Convention Center 

2085 S Harbor Blvd, Anaheim, CA 92802

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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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Las Vegas

"Viva... Las Vegas!!!!" I'm sure you have heard of this. If you wanna elope and get married or gamble all night long, Las Vegas is the place and perhaps that's why it is also known as the Gambling Capital of the world or the Marriage Capital of the world. Vegas belongs to state Nevada, USA. Vegas is also world popular as a favourite holiday destination with lots of shopping places, hotels, chapels, casinos etc. With the neon/ helium lighting systems, all time crowded streets, Vegas is definitely a beautiful place in the world that everyone should take a chance to visit.

The city is located on a desert area yet the city has considerable amount of green and wild life. There is a bit scarcity of water though. Snow fall is not often but not at all unseen. Vegas' climate is subtropical desert climate. Vegas summers are usually hot and winters are considerably mild. 

Vegas economy is basically fueled by tourism, casinos, hotels, restaurants, gaming and conventions. Casinos and hotels in the area include La Bayou, Binion's Gambling Hall and Hotel, California Hotel and Casino, Fremont Hotel and Casino,  Main Street Casino, Golden Gate Hotel and Casino, Golden Nugget, Plaza Hotel & Casino,  Amtrak,  El Cortez, Fitzgeralds, Four Queens, Gold Spike Hotel and Casino and the Las Vegas Club.

Other attractions of Las Vegas include the Neon Museum,  Las Vegas Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement, the Las Vegas Natural History Museum, Lied Discovery Children's Museum and the Old Las Vegas Mormon State Historic Park. Vegas also has a Zoo which is known as the Southern Nevada Zoological-Botanical Park and it is home for about 150 species of animals. Vegas also has numerous parks , golf courses, sport areas which include Las Vegas Springs Preserve, Floyd Lamb Park at Tule Springs, Angel Park Golf Club, Desert Pines Golf Course, Durango Hills Golf Club, Las Vegas Municipal Golf Course, 5 dog parks, 9 community centers, 8 senior centers and 20 sports facilities including 9 skate parks and 6 swimming pools.

Travellers' Guide

Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas 

3960 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV 89119

1 (702) 632-5000

Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas 

3752 Las Vegas Boulevard South, Las Vegas, NV 89109

+1 (702) 590 8888

Platinum Hotel and Spa 

211 E Flamingo Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89169

702.365.5000

Staybridge Suites Las Vegas 

5735 Dean Martin Drive, Las Vegas, NV 89118

877-859-5095

Red Rock Casino Resort & Spa 

11011 West Charleston Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89135

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Bali

Bali is one of the 33 provinces of Indonesia which is also an island located in the western most end of the Lesser Sunda Islands, lying between Java to the west and Lombok to the east. The island is home to most of Indonesia's small Hindu minority. In the 2000 census about 92.29% of Bali's population adhered to Balinese Hinduism while most of the remainder follow Islam. It is also the largest tourist destination in the country and is renowned for its highly developed arts, including traditional and modern dance, sculpture, painting, leather, metalworking, and music. 

The island lies 3.2 km (2 mi) east of Java whereas Bali and Java are separated by the Bali Strait. East to west, the island is approximately 153 km (95 mi) wide and spans approximately 112 km (69 mi) north to south; its land area is 5,632 km². Bali's highest is Mount Agung (3,142 m), known as the "mother mountain" which is an active volcano. Mountains range from centre to the eastern side, with Mount Agung the easternmost peak. Bali's volcanic nature has contributed to its fertility and its tall mountain ranges provide the high rainfall that supports the highly productive agriculture sector. South of the mountains is a broad, steadily descending area where most of Bali's large rice crop is grown. The northern side of the mountains slopes more steeply to the sea and is the main coffee producing area of the island, along with rice, vegetables and cattle. The longest river, Ayung River, flows approximately 75 km.

Surrounded by coral reefs,  Bali’s beaches in the south have white sand while those in the north and west have black sand. Bali has no major waterways, although the Ho River is navigable by small sampan boats. Black sand beaches between Pasut and Klatingdukuh are being developed for tourism, but apart from the seaside temple of Tanah Lot, they are not yet used for significant tourism. The largest city is the provincial capital, Denpasar, near the southern coast. Bali's second-largest city is the old colonial capital, Singaraja, which is located on the north coast. Other important cities include the beach resort, Kuta, which is practically part of Denpasar's urban area; and Ubud, which is north of Denpasar, and is known as the island's cultural centre.

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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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