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Things to do in Dubai ? the city of gold and the architectural wonders

You will be spoilt for choice with things to do in Dubai, such as an excursion to the vast sand dunes, or strolling along the stunning beaches or shopping at the gold markets. Dubai is well known as one of the fastest growing cities in the world, backed by a booming oil industry, and claiming to some of the most exceptional architectural wonders defining its skylines.

Dubai offers many white sandy coasts, hotel beaches and public beaches, extending along Jumeira Road. If you are looking for a classy coastal experience then try the hotel beaches well furnished with posh amenities including lawns, swimming pools and refreshment outlets. If you prefer public beaches, you can visit Al Mamzar Park towards Deira, furnished with playgrounds, barbecue and picnic sites as well as refreshment kiosks.

Dubai is also known as the ‘City of Gold’ coined after the Gold Souq in Deira – the most popular gold bazaar in Dubai and the largest in the world. Souk/ Souq is an open-air marketplace. The gold sold here features exquisite elaborate designs, carefully priced according to their weight and workmanship.

If you are up for a relaxing holiday, how about going for a tee off at an exclusive golf course in Dubai? There are 2 lush courses namely the Dubai Creak Golf and Yacht Club sited along the shores of the Dubai Creek. The first grass course in the Middle East – the Emirates Golf Club – also lies towards the south of Dubai, which hosts the European PGA Desert Classic annually, where many topnotch players including Tiger Woods partake in the tournaments.

Among other things to do in Dubai, you can opt for an exciting aquatic sport hosted in Dubai beaches which includes jet-skiing, sailing, windsurfing, paragliding and water skiing. There are also diving facilities at some sites where divers from across the globe gather to explore shipwrecks of ancient times and the splendor of marine life.

If you are visiting Dubai, you would not want to miss its deserts. You can go for an exciting ride on a petite 4-wheeler, passing over the rolling sand dunes or better yet a night spent at an oasis watching the clear heavens teeming with countless stars, while reclining under a Bedouin style camp surrounded by camels.

For an exclusively sumptuous treat after a long day you can try one of the luxury Dubai hotels including the Grand Millennium Dubai, where they house classy restaurants serving delectable local and international cuisines. There are over 250 Dubai hotels furnished with modern amenities specifically oriented for the business and pleasure travelers alike.

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Things to do, places to go

Things to do, places to go
MONDAY, DEC. 28

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Things to Do In Arizona

Looking for thing to do in Arizona? Then I have got some great suggestions. Having lived and traveled all over the state I can tell you that Arizona is much more than desert, cactus and coyotes howling at the moon. No matter what your interests you will find plenty to do in the Grand Canyon state.

Grand Canyon: Speaking of the Grand Canyon, cabins and hotels provide ample opportunities for visitors to rest and recover after experiencing the awesome beauty unlike anywhere else in the world. Grand Canyon Village on the South Rim is the center for lodging, dining and shopping.

Phoenix: Attractions in Phoenix Arizona are both man-made and natural. In the spring enjoy the beauty of the blooming desert flora with a visit to the Phoenix Desert Botanical Garden.

Surprise: Surprise Arizona is the home for spring training for the Kansas City Royals and the Texas Rangers.  Exhibition games take place in the Surprise.

Lake Havasu: Home of the real London Bridge, Lake Havasu Arizona is located on the Colorado River across from Laughlin, Nevada. When visitors are done boating and jet skiing on the Colorado River reservoir they often take the ferry across the river to try their luck at the casinos.

Yuma: Yuma Arizona, located in the southwest corner of Arizona, was once the home of the historic Yuma Territorial Prison. It is now the home of the Army base, Yuma Proving Ground.

Winslow: Winslow Arizona was memorialized in the Eagle’s song that mentioned “standing on a corner” in the town that pretty much died after Route 66 was replaced by I-40. Now Route 66 fans come here to pay homage to Route 66 and most recently to pay homage at the 9-11 Remembrance Garden, honoring the dead of September 11, 2001.

Sedona: If you feel drawn to Sedona, Arizona, blame it on the Sedona Vortex. Believers in the esoterical come to Sedona for vortex tours, and to consult with the psychics and spiritual specialists and see a spiritual awakening.

Arizona ghost towns can be found in every country in Arizona. With names that often speak to their origins during the early days of the gold rush, not all of them are completely uninhabited, while others have become tourist attractions.

Arizona RV Parks can be exclusive, expensive and have all the amenities you could want.  Others are cheap, with no amenities, more commonly known as boondocking. The BLM areas between Quartzsite and Yuma, along the Colorado are extremely popular with those independent RVers who don’t necessarily have the money to stay at a regular RV park.

If you are looking for Arizona Spas, you’ll find most in Tucson or Scottsdale. Some are destination spas where people go to get a physical, mental or emotional transformation. Other spas are resort spas, where visitors can decide whether or not they even want to use the spa facilities.

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Ten Great Things To Do When You Visit Ecuador

Ecuador is a South American country. It has a Pacific coastline, and it extends over both sides of the equator. Ecuador is known as the home of the Incas with cultural influences of Spanish colonialism and pre-Columbian traditions. It is a place to visit if you are looking for rich culture and tradition and lots of nature.

1.) Ecuador Amazon Jungle

The Ecuador Amazon offers different water sports such as swimming, canoeing, white water rafting, and kayaking. You can join rainforest walks to visit jungle communities and bask in the wide varieties of fauna and wildlife. This is a true nature exposure.

2.) Galapagos Islands

The name of the island means tortoise in Spanish. It is an island that houses a fascinating collection of colorful aquatic, plants, and animal including reptilian species which differ from island to island. This is a place where you will appreciate the beauty of nature.

3.) Avenue of Volcanoes

It is a 325 km long valley that stretches between Cordillera ranges. The snow-capped volcanoes provide an enthralling structure against the lush greenery of the valley. Mountaineers can have the opportunity to climb to a very high altitude without much difficulty.

4.) Cuenca

It is the third largest city in Ecuador. If you are into old churches, there are two cathedrals in Cuenca. The New Cathedral which was built in 1800s features a series of sky-blue cupolas, and the old cathedral known as El Sagragrio built in 1500s.

5.) Quito

Quito is the capital of Ecuador and is the first city to be named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is divided into three parts – the Old City in the center and the Northern and Southern district on either side. The Old City has no less than 40 churches and convents, 17 squares and 16 convents and monasteries, and the Northern district houses the international airport as well as museums, urban parks, restaurants, and nightlife while the Southern district houses the working class. Quito is a place for culture fanatics.

6.) Baños

Baños is in a small city in the Andean highlands. Here, you will find an active volcano named Tungurahua that have small eruptions of lava and ash. As the name implied, there are a lot of hot spring baths that are popular to both the natives and the tourist alike, so hotels and restaurants line the city to accommodate tourists’ needs.

7.) Esmeraldas

For those who love the beach, Esmeraldas is where the most popular beaches in Ecuador are. It is a coastal city where tourists come to enjoy the warm topical weather. There are hotels and bar and restaurants for the tourist to enjoy.

8.) Cotopaxi National Park

This national park is located near Latacunga, a cone-shaped, snow-capped volcano. It has a small museum, and it houses different wildlife specie such as wild horses, deer, llamas, pumas, and Andean condors. It is also a perfect place for bird watching.

9.) Otavalo

It is a small quiet town north of Quito. There is a market in the Poncho Square every Saturday mornings where natives bring out their colorful and interesting wares and goods to sell. They sell everything from belts, hats, blankets, and different trinkets all created with the skills of their hands.

10.) Archeological Sites

If you are interested in archeology, Ecuador has a rich resource of archeological sites, and there are several ruins in Ecuador left by the Incas or other Amerindians, and the main site is Ingapirca. Others are Rumicucho, near Quito; La Tolita, near Esmeraldas; and Tomebamba in Cuenca. Then there are Real Alto, San Isidro and Santa Elena where the ancient Valdivia vulture left remains. Santa Elena is noted as the world’s oldest known cemetery.

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Things To Do In Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone is the worlds first national park and one of the largest in the contiguous United States. Sprawling across volcanic plateaus in the northwest corner of Wyoming, Yellowstone contains more than 2 million acres of steaming geysers, crystalline lakes, thundering waterfalls, and panoramic vistas.

Home to a remarkable diversity of mammals, birds and fish, it is one of the worlds foremost sanctuaries. Here every season brings special wonders and each of the parks five regions offers you its own experience.

For convenience purposes, Xanterra divides the park into different regions, or countries. Mammoth Country has fascinating thermal are and is home to elk, bison, and has an abundance of hot springs that have formed travertine terraces.

Geyser Country is home to Old Faithful, the worlds most famous geyser as well as other geysers and fumaroles, mud pots, and hot springs.

Lake Country is the domain of the native cutthroat trout, osprey, bald eagles, moose, bison, and bear which wander the coast of cold Yellowstone Lake.

Canyon Country features the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, Hayden Valley and Lowe falls which is almost twice as high as Niagara Falls. This are houses elk, bison, and bear.

Roosevelt Country revisits the Old West, where visitors can see a stage coach forge a stream, deer, bison, or wolves in Lamar Valley.

Xanterra is the company that runs just about everything in the park. If you want to stay at one of the hotels, lodges, or cabins in the park you have to go through them. They also handle all the restaurants, general stores, and all other commercial activity in the park.

We took a Xanterra tour called Yellowstone in a Day. And the tour was well worth it. Not only was the guide very knowledgeable but the tour covered all the highlights on the park. Amazingly it also gave us enough time as each stop to fully see every stop.

The best place to stay when you go to Yellowstone, unless you are camping, is in Gardiner at the North Entrance of the park. You can get picked up for you tour here and it is the most convenient entrance and exit of the park.

We elected to stay in the park one night at the Yellowstone Hotel. While it was nice staying in the park, the hotel is very old and needs a lot of updating. We could actually hear every footstep of the people above us. Needless to say we did not sleep well.

When you leave the park, if you can, you should take the Northeast exit and go over Bear Pass. This road takes you to the main highway but after you go though the mountains and through some very, very beautiful scenery. Taking this road in the winter is not advisable.

The park is open all year round, but in the winter many roads might be closed due to snow.

If you want to see bison/buffalo this is the park to do it. We actually got luck and saw them hanging around the road. At night as we were driving to the hotel, they decided to start crossing the road right in front of us. We had to wait several minutes as they crossed. These huge animals are really scary to see so close up. But it was an awesome adventure.

Old Faithful is also a sight to see. It blows its top every 90 minutes or so. You can check at the visitor center when the next eruption will be. It is kind of like the fountains at Bellagio in Las Vegas but without the music, lights, and the water only goes in one direction.

The Hot Springs are really beautiful to see. And it is amazing to see the animals living in such climates. If you get real lucky you might see a bear or two.

Most of the park is inaccessible to cars since it is mostly forest and mountains.

Everyone in the family will get a kick out of this park.

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Here are 50 things to do over holiday break

Here are 50 things to do over holiday break
Whether you’re trying to find activities to keep your youngsters occupied during their school break or entertaining family and friends visiting from out of town, here are 50 fun ideas. Always call ahead. 1. Marvin’s Marvelous Mechanical Museum, 31005 Orchard Lake Road, Farmington Hills, is bound to make young and old smile. Admission is free, but bring quarters to this historical and modern …

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Things to Do in Pattaya, Thailand

Visitors to Pattaya in Thailand often think immediately of the beach (and well they should with so much going on there) or the nightlife (with its infamous reputation), but don’t overlook the following when spending time in this great city:

Water Sports

The number of water sports available in Pattaya is mind-boggling. Try your hand at sailing, wind-surfing, jet skiing, para-sailing, kayaking or banana-boating. Plus, if you feel like it, mix a boat ride to the outlying islands with some fishing or snorkeling.

Eating out

All along both Jomtien and Pattaya beaches you will find some great restaurants offering a mixture of Thai and Western cuisine. Make sure you try the seafood and look for the restaurants that Thais are eating at, as they will be the ones with the freshest ingredients!

Amusement parks

In and around Pattaya, there are a couple of parks that should form part of any visit, especially for families with children. Underwater World boasts a fantastic aquarium with many activities for visitors. For something a little more adventurous, try Funnyland Amusement Park, with its carnival rides. Alternatively, Pattaya Water Park offers similar fun, of a watery kind.

Shopping

Pattaya has a number of modern shopping centres, together with a couple of great factory outlet malls offering brand names at fantastic prices. Just make sure you have enough space in your suitcases. Remember too that tourists can claim back on the VAT.

Museums with a twist

Nearby, Mini Siam offers a glimpse into Thailand’s past, with mini being the operative word, since everything this reconstruction boasts scaled down miniatures of historic buildings. Otherwise, check out Ripley’s Believe It or Not for a museum visit with a difference.

Other Sports

Pattaya has some gorgeous golf courses (no need to bring your own gear if you are struggling with luggage already), as well as a number of great go-karting courses. You can also try out paintball or laser tag.

Wildlife Parks

If you are more interested in seeing some of Thailand’s more exotic wildlife, there are a number of parks that offer a taste of nature. Sriracha Tiger Zoo offers a close (very close) look at these magnificent wild cats. The Million Years Stone Park and Pattaya Crocodile Farm mixes plant and animal life in its beautiful grounds. Alternatively, visit Nong Nooch Tropical Garden for a glimpse into Thailand’s amazing flora. And of course no visit to Thailand is complete without experiencing the elephants who have their own Elephant Village in Pattaya.

With all of the above (and more) on offer, it is easy to spend 2 weeks in Pattaya and still not see it all.

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I am thinking about skiing in Beaver Creek this winter.What are some things to do around the village?

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Things to Do in Iceland

Having lived in and worked in Iceland for a couple years, I have had the privilege of many memorable trips, events and excursions which may help you to cut through the clutter and plan your Iceland vacation.

Iceland is certainly and exciting and unique vacation destination and is worth visiting. This is especially true if you love the outdoors and crave wilderness and wide open spaces. Iceland is also a fun destination for its nightlife. But that won’t be the focus of this article as that was never something I got into. 

First, I would recommend going during the summer months which are between late May and August, give or take a few weeks. Don’t expect warm temperatures though, the average temperature during the summer months is somewhere in the high 50s.  Every once and awhile the temperature can get into the 70s but those days are few and far between.  That said global warming has been good to this island nation below the Arctic Circle. People I still maintain contact with tell me that they often go weeks without rain and that it is warmer than it used to be. 

Second, you should be prepared for an expensive vacation. Iceland is very pricy.  Food, gas, lodging, car rentals, alcohol and just about everything in between is anywhere from double to even triple the price of goods and services in America.  There are ways of saving money and I recommend taking advantage of every discount, including staying in guesthouses, shopping for and cooking your own food where possible, using pubic transportation or tour buses, and buying your alcohol in the duty free shops when you arrive. Ok, with that information out of the way, here are some fun things to consider:

Iceland has numerous glaciers and there are all kinds of tours offered that allow you to explore and experience these. You can book glacier hiking tours, jeep tours that will drive right onto the glacier, ice climbing for the more adventurous and snowmobiling tours.

Pony Trekking in Iceland is very popular. Icelandic horses are a unique breed in fact they are the only horse species with five different gates.  These horses are short and stocky and quite easy to ride.  There are many tour companies that offer everything from day tours to longer tours into the countryside. Many of these companies will even come and pick you up from your hotel or guesthouse.

Another fun adventure-type tour is jeep tours. There are several tour companies that offer these. They are mostly day tours. These jeeps are locally called “super jeeps” and they are specially outfitted to handle just about anything from crossing rivers to driving on glaciers. This is a fun way of getting a guided tour well beyond the reach of the bus tours. Most of these companies offer themed tours that cater to different tastes and interests, some even provide lunch.

I am not a huge fan of bus tours because they are not very personal but, I can see the appeal of being able to see some of the countries highlights in a few hours.  Bus tours are probably the cheapest option and they will usually even come pick you up at you hotel or guesthouse. Many people choose the golden circle tour which will take you to Thingvellir national park, Geysir, and Gullfoss and very large and famous waterfall.

In my opinion, one of the funnest things to do in Iceland is to go on a hiking tour. The nature and scenery of Iceland is truly world class and what better way to experience this than on foot, up close and personal. There are several well-established hiking tour companies that offer all kinds of tours from day hikes to overnight backpacking trips and even longer expedition style tours.  I realize that not everyone is interested in this but once you get out in nature, you’ll be glad you’re there.

The fishing in Iceland is excellent, especially the salmon fishing. The season for salmon fishing roughly coincides with the summer season. There are numerous rivers and streams all over the country some of which are right in the capital city of Reykjavik. However salmon fishing is very pricey.  So this kind of activity may not be for everyone. Many celebrities and wealthy individuals come back to Iceland every year just to fish for salmon.

Rounding up the list of things to do is whale watching, and white water river rafting. I have never done these personally but know that they are popular activities. Whale watching is a day tour. There are one or two main tour operators in Reykjavik that will pick you up and take you down to the harbor where you will board a boat and spend a few hours. White water river rafting in Iceland is not for the faint of heart. The rivers are extremely cold which requires the use of dry suits.

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Top 10 Things To Do While Visiting Cancun

Cancun offers such a wide range of great things to do, your biggest challenge might be fitting them all in without feeling like you have missed something. Instead of spending hours researching everything Cancun has to offer, we have done the dirty work for you. Without further ado, here are 10 things you do not want to miss while vacationing in Cancun:

Number one is definitely hit the beach. Cancun spoils you with some of the worlds most beautiful beaches, featuring white sand beaches, crystal clear turquoise blue water, and water sports galore. Sun yourself, play in the pristine water, scuba dive or snorkel in one of the world’s most effervescent patches of ocean, sail, sea kayak, jet ski you will be hard pressed to run out of ways to enjoy yourself.

Number two is to kick back on Isla Mujeres. You can hop a ferry from the mainland to explore this once sleepy fishing island eight miles offshore, now chock full of quaint restaurants, shops, and exquisite beaches. As you stroll through Isla Mujeres streets, music surrounds you, providing a locally flavored soundtrack for your exploration.

The islands magnificent white sand beaches feature many of the same water sports found on the mainland snorkeling, scuba diving, jet skiing, kayaking but in a more relaxed setting. You can even swim with dolphins and docile sharks a great story to take back to the mainland with you.

Number three is to dive into an enchanting new world

with the worlds second largest reef just offshore. Cancun offers some of the most spectacular scuba diving in the Western Hemisphere. Warm, crystal clear waters provide visibility of up to 100 feet, and the range of flora and fauna is virtually unrivaled. There are more than a dozen different diving and snorkeling sites in and around Cancun and another 10 on Isla Mujeres.

Number four is to discover the real Cancun in El Centro. El Centro, the citys thriving downtown where most of the locals and expats live, provides a glimpse of the Mexican urban lifestyle. Filled with excellent restaurants, shopping, and local crafts, you will find great prices and the best Mexican food in Cancun.

Mercado Veintiocho also called Market 28 is a huge crafts market filled with vendors hawking many of the same wares you will find in the Hotel Zone, but at half the price. More bargains can be found along Avenida Tulum, El Centros main drag, and Avenida Yaxchilan, which also has a number of good restaurants and nightlife.

If sidewalk cafes and smaller restaurants are you are thing, check out Avenida Nader. Also near Avenida Tulum, Parque de Palapas is an action packed park popular with locals offering music, food, and a giant thatched roof stage.

Number five is to in Cancun is to dance, dance, dance.

Whether you want to cut the rug or just watch professionals do it on stage, the internationally renowned Ballet Folklorico Nacional de Mexico Aztlan performs traditional dances set to Mexican music in the Cancun Convention Center. For one price, you can take in the show while enjoying dinner and an open bar.

More locally seasoned dinner and dancing can be found at El Mexicano Restaurant Folkloric Ballet & Mariachis, located in the Costa Blanca shopping center. Starting at 7 p.m. and running until 11 p.m., every performance features live mariachi music, dancing, and folkloric ballet. Enjoy the show while feasting on large, colorful plates of enticingly fresh and authentic Mexican dishes. If you are traveling with the kids, check out Casa de la Cultura on Isla Mujeres, which hosts dance classes and other childrens activities.

Number six is to behold the timeless matador.

To experience one of the oldest Mexican traditions, head to Plaza del Toros in downtown Cancun for the thrills and spills of bullfighting. Every Wednesday afternoon, man and beast face off in a battle of wits, cunning, and endurance. Matches are preceded by horseback riders, ropers, and dancers decked out in elaborate costumes.

Number Seven is to visit the magical Mayan ruins.

Mayan history is alive and well in Cancun. Located on the Hotel Zones lagoon side, Ruinas Del Rey are now part of the Hilton Resort complex but open to the public for a small fee. Skeletons excavated at the site suggest it may have been a royal Mayan burial ground. Just north of Cancun, the ancient coastal city of El Meco features Mayan pyramids, from the top of which you can take in stunning views of Chacmochuc Lagoon. Recently opened to the public, you wwill not have to worry about throngs of tourists.

Number eight is to go museum hopping.

The Museo de Antropologia e Historia features artifacts and displays chronicling centuries of Mexican culture, including an examination of Mayan culture with items dating back as many as 1,500 years. Museo INAH also has an impressive amount of Mayan cultural and archeological relics, including jewelry, masks, skulls, and a hieroglyphic staircase from the 6th Century.

Number nine is to get close to nature at Reserva Natural Tres Rios. It is located 35 minutes south of Cancun airport, this off the beaten path ecological park is often overlooked by visitors but worth the short trip. Situated in a pristine low subtropical jungle, you can explore this nature reserve by foot, horseback, or bicycle, either on your own or by guided tour.

More than 100 exotic animals make their home here, as well as countless varieties of flora. Kayak, canoe, or jet ski through the reserves mangrove swamps. Snorkel off the coast and take in the wide array of tropical fish and ever changing coral reefs. You can even overnight here group camping is available.

Number 10: Eco Cool Wrapped up in a Theme Park

45 minutes outside of Cancun, Xcaret Eco Theme Park features Mayan culture and archeological tours, as well as entertaining shows, scuba diving, snorkeling, and a chance to swim with dolphins.

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