January 4, 2011 - Posted by awayholidays.co.uk - 0 Comments
Malaysia is a remarkable blend of natural splendours and man made wonders. The place brims with attractions like grand mountains, beautiful rivers and wild forests, as well as amazing temples and mosques, rousing skyscrapers, elegant colonial structures and lush green spaces.
Malaysia is really like two countries rolled into one. Through these very different but very distinctive regions, an extraordinary variety of attractions are portrayed. Be it the high-rise buildings of Kuala Lumpur or the serene and quiet villages of Sarawak or the pristine beaches of Perhentian Islands.
Malaysia Holidays is like an experience of a multiethnic buffet of Malay, Chinese and Indian flavours. The country celebrates its numerous festivals and events with great fervour and zeal. The year brims with vibrant, invigorating and exciting activities. Some of these festivals are religious and sober but others are vivacious and effervescent events.
Food in Malaysia
Malaysia has one of the finest assortments of delicious cuisines in the world. Well, what else can you expect when you blend the finest of the Malay, Chinese and Indian cuisines. The place is truly a gastronomical delight that tantalises and titillates each and every taste bud with its remarkable spicy food. Chinese buffets, Indian curries, spicy Malay food stalls and even the Western food at some places in the region is simply scrumptious and leaves you wanting for more.
Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur, the capital city of Malaysia, it is a remarkable testimonial of the country’s originality and determination. Kuala Lumpur has emerged as one of the leading tourist destinations in Asia that is dominated by some of the tallest skyscrapers in the world and some of the best hotels in Malaysia.
Malaysia’s strength lies in its multiplicity of ethnicities, religions and landscapes. It is a beautiful country that beckons travellers from all over the world.
December 24, 2010 - Posted by awayholidays.co.uk - 0 Comments
Are your ‘not so rich’ neighbours constantly on vacation and this leads you to wonder that how under the blue sky they afford this extravagance? Their detailed accounts of some of the most exotic and wonderful places on the earth makes you all the more frustrated?
Well, in all probability your neighbour knows (and you certainly don’t) how to find cheap holidays deals. Talk to them and you will learn that these neighbours of yours are getting great deals on holidays. It can be really frustrating for people like you who struggle very hard to find good deals and you end up paying much more on your holidays then you intended to.
While there may have been instances in the past where you ended up paying too much for travelling it certainly does not mean that you cannot find real cheap holidays in the coming future. Such deals are as much yours as they are of anyone else’s. So get up and start looking for some real fine cheap holiday deals. Below mentioned are some helpful tips that will help you in securing amazing holiday deals.
Internet is the solution of every problem and this time too it might turn out to be a money saver for you. Go online and search for good holiday deals that are available.
You must start to think smartly before you actually book for your holidays. Surf well through the internet before making any commitments. Find out the best deals available as far as air tickets are concerned. Look out for travel agents who specialise in cheap holidays as they are much better equipped to offer you some great deals. Watch out for promotional airfares, low-cost carriers and any off-seasonal discounts. Similarly, search well before making reservations in any of the hotels. Check out different cheap hotels and pick the one which is most affordable and conveniently located. Even if you have zeroed upon the hotel in which you plan you stay, it is still advisable to check different websites. You might stumble upon a website that is offering same rooms in the same cheap hotels but at different rates.
Read all the reviews and blogs available before making your bookings. This will give you a better idea about the hotels/hostels/guesthouses in which you hope to stay. Genuine reviews will surely assist you in determining the quality of the place.
One could also use the services of a travel agent. Most travel agents can offer you good deals but to get the best deals one needs to research better. Some people believe travel agencies operating through a website will be cheaper than a travel agent with a typical office as there are no overhead expenses to take care off.
The internet is one the best places to look for great holiday deals and special incentives. It is almost mandatory to surf online before actually making any reservations or bookings
December 15, 2010 - Posted by awayholidays.co.uk - 0 Comments
If you are planning to go away on New York holidays, brace yourself for a rollercoaster ride of endless delights. Playing historian at ‘The Cloisters Museum and Gardens’, revelling in the wonders of Koreatown, exploring ‘Little Russia’ at ‘Brighton Beach’, and tasting the endless goodies at the Union Square Greenmarket – your holidays to New York will ensure lifetime of fond indelible memories.
New York never ceases to amaze. Tremendous shopping, endless sightseeing, a sea of culinary wonders, and a raging nightlife all merge together to sweep you off your feet. Wooded hills, quaint sleepy towns and villages coexisting with noisy dynamic cities, pristine beaches, and dozens of historical monuments – your New York holidays will be all this and a lot more. Here are a few of the places worth exploring on a trip to the destination.
The Cloisters Museum and Gardens
Sitting in the Fort Tryon Park in North Manhattan, the Cloisters stuns with its architecture and gardens as well as the treasures it hides. The museum is a branch of the Metropolitan Museum of Art and its main theme is medieval European art and architecture. Some years before World War II, five medieval era French cloisters were brought here and reassembled and the result was stunning – the creation of the atmosphere of Middle Age Europe bang in the Yankee settlement of New York. No holidays to New York can be complete without a visit to the Cloisters.
Koreatown
New York holidays treat you to a heady cultural cocktail and there are plenty of opportunities to feel this high. Besides the written to death Chinatown and Little Italy, one would do well to check out Koreatown in Midtown Manhattan. It goes without saying that Korean culinary delights, karaoke nightclubs, Korean spas, and lots of Korean retail therapy are all part and parcel of visit to Koreatown. The area is also close to famous New York hangouts like Macy’s and the Empire State Building and is definitely worth a short visit during your New York holidays.
Brighton Beach
Those with a curiosity about Russia and Russians can satiate themselves when they take holidays to New York. Sounds unbelievable? Trust me. Brighton Beach is crammed full of Russian arts, books, food, and music. In fact, many of the signs and shop names are also written in Russian and one may not even hear English conversations in many areas of Brighton Beach. The ardent foodie can tuck into multi-ethnic cuisines at one of the many cafes there. Those looking for authentic Russian fare should check out the restaurants on the Boardwalk between 4th and 6th Brighton Streets.
Union Square Greenmarket
For a very genuine feel of a local New York flavour, stake out the Union Square Greenmarket on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. These are the days when the place becomes packed with fresh farm food. Tasting the freshly picked fruits and vegetables, local wines, artisan breads, ciders, and jams, and farmstead cheeses remain fond memories of one’s New York holidays. The Union Square Greenmarket draws everyone, right from chefs looking for ingredients to gourmets helping themselves to the dozens of tasty treats here.
August 9, 2010 - Posted by awayholidays.co.uk - 0 Comments
Muscat, a colourful hodgepodge of Indian, Omani, Sudanese, and British cultures makes for a delightfully engrossing holiday. The destination has all the usual and some not so usual tourist trappings. Sun kissed beaches, breathtaking serrated mountains, lip smacking culinary delights, and unforgettable sightseeing attractions are all to be found here. However, the best part is that Muscat seems to symbolise tranquillity and lacks the crazy buzz that has become a part and parcel of many other tourist destinations. The city itself has two sides to it. While museums, mosques, Portuguese era forts and traditional souks paint a soothing old world picture, the destination is not at all lacking in modern facilities like swanky malls and gleaming office blocks.
Muscat has something for every one, be it a history bug or a beach bum. There are scores of museums packed with astounding wonders. The Muscat Gate Museum, Oman-French Museum, and Bait Al Zubair are among the most popular museums. The exhibits at the Muscat Gate Museum trace the town’s history from present times to its earliest origins. Those who want to discover of rather rediscover Muscat’s French colonial legacy may look forward to some pleasant times at the Oman French Museum. For some further reminisces of the bygone era, check out artefacts like vintage arms, costumes, and antique household goods at the Bait Al Zubair museum.
Those with a penchant for beaches can soak up plenty of the sun in one of the beaches. In fact, beaches are among the top highlights of holidays to Muscat. Some of the most appealing ones are Marjan, Bandi Al Jissah, and Qurum beaches. The Marjan beach is a paradise for snorkelling. One can get up close to exotic marine life like sting rays, sea cucumbers, parrot fish, cuttlefish, turtles, and clownfish. If you are looking for a family picnic on the beach, head to Bandi Al Jissah. With its golden sands, children’s playground, and shopping facilities, this beach lures families in hordes. However, if you prefer something less crowded, then plan a day at the Qurum Beach. The palm fringed Qurum Beach provides the ideal setting for a nice quiet picnic in the midst of gorgeous scenic beauty. One may also try out the private beaches run by Crowne Plaza Hotel, Grand Hyatt, Inter Continental Bustan Palace, and Chedi Muscat.
The destination also has enough to indulge the shopaholic. Although, there are quite a few swanky malls, but shopping at the Mutrah Souk remains a primary attraction of holidays to Muscat. Here one can pick up a wide array of items like hand woven bags, footwear, religious paintings, ceramic figurines, traditional clothes, as well as regional spices, nuts, jewellery, antiques, local fabrics, and even fresh local produce.
Overall, Muscat remains a very promising destination. The magic of the city is a sum total of all its charms like night desert safari, pleasurable dolphin watching boat trips, the spectacular Grand Mosque and even the sweeping views from atop the watchtower.
July 23, 2010 - Posted by awayholidays.co.uk - 0 Comments
Radiant sun, muscle-stressing surf and variegated arts and culture primarily make up Australia holidays. To unearth its cities, each vying for attention, time would be a constraint for any traveller. Beware of the lists of endless outdoor activities and friendly people in every Australian city who are likely to retain any sociable person hooked to any of its cities.
Among all the cities in Australia, Brisbane is a big draw among British and it boasts thousands of British expats who have made this city their home. Many came to this city to seek sun and surf but have finally settled down to savour every bit of success and succour this city offered them.
For the tourists this city is packed with unlimited attractions starting with the Conrad Treasury Casino, a fabulous nineteenth century building, built of sandstone. This building was a Treasury before it was converted into a glitzy casino. The exterior of this building lacks the ostentation but it remains true to its spirit in taking money from the people.
Take a dip into the history of Brisbane by examining the grand Parliament House, inspired by the Louvre Museum in Paris. Along the banks of the Brisbane River there are pretty parks and beautiful walkways, comfortable play areas and peaceful picnic spots, refined restaurants and cafes and angling facilities.
South Bank village markets are popular for remarkable arts and crafts. The Mt Cootha Lookout and the leading heritage park, Botanic Gardens, offer vibrant views of greenery. For top-notch dining and drinking experience visit the vivacious Fortitude Valley and Chinatown.
South Bank is the best brewing ground for Brisbane’s cultural, recreational and entertainment scene and do indulge in South Bank’s Breaka Beach – a look-alike of lagoon beach – proffering a sensation in connivance with the sun, sand and lifeguards.
Satiate your curiosity about the marine species exhibited at Queensland Museum including dinosaurs, snakes, snails, crabs and crocodiles. Visit the Australia Zoo to get in proximity with the wildlife species such as crocodiles, alligators, koalas, kangaroos, dingoes, foxes, otters and giant land tortoises.
Enjoy watching cricket at Gabba Cricket Ground and during your Australia holidays check with your guide when Queensland Bulls Cricket team would be playing. After watching a nail biting match, head for the vivacious Gold Coast, dotted with stunningly clean beaches, thumping nightlife, and sole-wearing shopping places.
No visit to a foreign city is complete without shopping, so shop till you drop at Queen Street Mall and if you are looking for bargains check out the surrounding suburbs of Paddington and Milton. Finally drown yourself in the musical scene of Brisbane at the Performing Arts Complex which holds fabulous musical performances
July 22, 2010 - Posted by awayholidays.co.uk - 0 Comments
If Dubai is the place you intend to visit on your next holidays and all the necessary visa arrangements have been made then we suggest you include the following activities in your itinerary to make your holiday a memorable and fun-filled experience.
Sightseeing
The best way to explore the city state of Dubai is to join a sightseeing tour that takes visitors to a tour of both flanks of the central business district-the Deira on the North and Bur Dubai on the South. Both sides of the creek are connected by tunnels and bridges and boast of swanky shopping malls, hotels, apartments and villas. Another interesting way to explore the beauty of the creek is to get on board an ‘abra’-small water taxis that criss-cross the Creek .One can also get tickets for dhow cruises that take visitors on a fascinating hour-long trip past many of the city’s historic landmarks. An even better way to explore the skyline of Dubai is to go for a helicopter ride that takes tourists on a whirlwind tour of the city past the Burj Al Arab, Jumeirah Palm and the Dubai Creek.
Desert Safari
The high point of your Dubai holidays would be a Desert Safari tour that takes visitors through the hot sands of the Arabian Desert on board on a 4WD. Conquering sand dunes at break neck speed will send an adrenalin rush through your spine that will be simply inimitable. Most desert safari tours conclude before sunset and as evening descends, tourists can entertain themselves with enticing belly dancing performances and dig their teeth into some delicious barbecue preparations.
Adventure Sports
Tourists who book Holidays to Dubai often do so to experience the thrill of a Balloon Safari that takes them over vast stretches of the Arabian Desert on a hot-air balloon. Such a gravity-defying experience is sure to change the way you perceive adventure travel.
Shopping
As a tourist, you have the option of joining a shopping tour of the city offered by your travel agent who would have booked your Holidays to Dubai. Most shopping tours begin with a halt at the ‘City Centre’ and include a trip to ‘Bur Dubai’ where the famous ‘Gold Market’ beckons shoppers with exciting deals and bargains. If you are looking for branded products then a trip to the ‘Dubai Mall’, the largest mall in the Emirate will be your best bet. No shopping tour of Dubai is complete without a trip to its famous spice souqs where the fascinating aroma of spices and herbs will entice you.
Dubai as most visitors confess is a great place to visit; it’s not only safe as compared to other holiday destinations in the Gulf but also offers a lot of freedom and enjoyment to visitors.
July 14, 2010 - Posted by awayholidays.co.uk - 0 Comments
One year has passed by after the sudden demise of the Pop King, Michael Jackson that sent an emotional tremor of loss and pain across the world. The untimely death was a shock and some even took the extreme step of committing suicides. Apart from many American cities of New York, Los Angeles, Las Vegas etc where Jackson had performed and recorded many of his songs few weeks before he died, MJ visited many countries across the world for music concerts as well as for other human causes and he made millions of fans where he went. As a tribute to the King of Pop, let us look at the places he visited at various occasions during his life time and try to connect with him.
The Pop star has followers across the five continents and to perceive what inspired this exceptionally creative artist to compose inspiring music, the trip to those cities would be a thrilling journey. If you happen to be a die hard Jackson fan and have planned holidays to New York then do visit Madison Square Garden which is reminiscent of Jackson 5 reunion concert, where he along with his siblings enthralled the audience with their adrenalin shooting music. His presence is felt at Hollywood Boulevard in Los Angeles, where the singer’s name is etched in a star in the Hall of Fame.
Exotic places have always cast a romantic spell on artists, musicians and composers and the Jackson followers would love to visit Rio De Janeiro in Brazil and Lima in Peru. At Rio, the video, TheyDon’t Care about Us, they filmed and at the Peruvian capital Lima, the legendary star had stayed on his way to the Amazon rainforest, where the shooting of the video, Earth Song, took place.
The crazy fans can also stay in the hotel Sheraton on the Park hotel, in Sydney, where his second marriage to Debbie Roe took place. The other lesser known places – Bahrain, Brunei and Szentendre (Hungary) – are also attractive enough for crazy fans. At Szentendre, a life-size almond-paste statue of the Pop King has been erected at the Szabo Marzipan Museum, so do stop at Budapest, the Hungarian capital.
A good idea would be to book a group holiday with a travel agent that specialises in round-the-world travel itineraries and include in your itinerary various destinations that Jackson visited around the world. Or you can simply book holidays to America and try to connect with MJ in such places as New York’s Madison Square Garden amongst others where he once performed or the Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, California where he rests in peace.
July 7, 2010 - Posted by awayholidays.co.uk - 0 Comments
Sharjah, the anti-thesis of the glamorous Dubai, lays a ban on alcohol and mingling of opposite sexes in public or private, and makes wearing modest clothes mandatory. So do not make the mistake of flouting any of its cultural rules, if you don’t want to end up being lashed or jailed. If this sounds unappealing and you decide to cancel your Sharjah travel, you are missing the blissful attractions of Sharjah.
So those who are looking for a space far away from the madding crowd of Dubai, the quieter and conservative Sharjah is the best place. There are beautiful lagoons in Sharjah, to relax or you may go ahead and comb the nearest beach in Sharjah with your loved ones.
If you are in a cultural quest, and trying to read the cultural symbols of an orthodox tradition then your decision to book flights for holidays at Sharjah is an appropriate choice. The Islamic Museum at Sharjah is a rich repository of hand-written Korans, Mohammad’s letters and Arabic handicrafts that will surprise, quiz and amaze your minds which are used to the humdrum life in a advanced disciplined city.
The Sharjah Art Museum is a display of paintings, eye popping historic documents of Sharjah and maps of Sharjah. The souqs or traditional markets in Sharjah are still a hotspots for shopping perfumes, carpets at bargain prices. After haggling for the carpets, souvenirs and curios, head for local cuisine in the best hotels in Sharjah and you may skip the international cuisine because for the gourmets the authentic Middle East food can alone do justice to their taste buds.
July 2, 2010 - Posted by awayholidays.co.uk - 0 Comments
In the Wonderland of Singapore watch out for those breathtaking high-rises, immaculately clean city, dazzling shops in Orchard street, unending variety of mouth watering cuisines, spine chilling night safari, soul-elevating special Singapore sling at Raffles Hotel, heavenly relaxation at Sentosa island and the list goes on.
But what fascinates me about Singapore is the co-existence of traditionalism and modernity. The peaceful existence of different cultures and communities has added vibrant colours to the city-state so unique among all oriental cities. The Cricket Club, the elegant Parliament House, the Supreme Court and City Hall uphold the remnants of the colonial history.
The brands and super brands from the glitzy malls jostle with each other to keep the spell-bound shoppers who are already smitten by the products on display in the street shops. Shop hopping had already worn the socks of the mesmerized shoppers and the aroma of the endless variety of food just spoils the hungry tourist for choice.
As the last drop of Singapore sling trickles down the traveller’s throat at the Raffles Hotel, he heads forward to explore the pub hub. But the holidays to Singapore is not complete without walking through the transparent tunnels under the ocean for a spectacular view of the marine life, which is a complete feast for the eyes of a tourist.
July 2, 2010 - Posted by awayholidays.co.uk - 0 Comments
Mauritius is an unparallel patch of sweet romanticism, thrilling adventure and complete relaxation for honeymooners, passionate travellers, and leisure seekers. The grand resorts in Mauritius intensify the exquisite romantic holidays amidst grand luxury and abundance that nature offers in the form of blue lagoons, green hills, spotless beaches and historical remnants of the colonial rule.
The hikers, bikers, and walkers explore the Yemen Reserve replete with rare species of flora and fauna while the bird lovers never fail to visit Casela, situated in Rivière Noire district, to catch a sight of the rare bird species called kestrel. The Anse Jonchée hills, nestling beautiful resorts, is full of beautiful stags, mischievous monkeys and wild boars.
The temptation to surf, dive, scuba-dive and sunbathe keeps aquatic sports lovers tied to the beaches but there is more to explore on the ocean beds and curious travellers go for blue submarine safari. Rising from the waters, the travellers stroll along the shops dotting the popular beaches such as Grand Bay, La Cuvette and Pereybere for souvenirs and handicrafts. The largest open-air market, Flacq, is also a favourite spot for shoppers.
In the evening, the wearied traveller relaxes in the pubs with a punch of local drinks. For gastronomical delight, Mauritian cuisine is available at the beaches as well. This is enough for the day and for the rest, which was promised in your holiday packages to Mauritius, do wake up early tomorrow to soak up those exciting moments.
