Top 10 Ski Destinations Resorts Around The World - Travel Tips

Oh the weather outside is frightful, but the "après ski" is so delightful. 'Tis the season once again, where white flakes fall on steep mountain slopes, and those who care not for self preservation rip down the hills at mindboggling speeds.

Skiing and snowboarding have long been popular in Europe and North America, but recently the alpine sports have begun grabbing hold of an Asian audience, (previously difficult because of the lack of…well, snow). However with resorts now in Japan, Korea, China and backcountry boarding available in Nepal (yes, Nepal), swooshing downhill has become increasingly popular with the Asian set.

Our crack team of editors created a list of favorite worldwide skiing resort destinations. The list includes the outstanding usual suspects (Whistler really is amazing), but we've also polled our staff to find favorite alternatives recognizing lesser known gems like Zillertal, Les Diablerets or Big White. Here is a list of some of our favorite resort and destinations for carving up the mountains.

1. Whistler, British Columbia, Canada
Pretty much every ski list has Whistler as the number one destination. The twin peaks of Whistler and Blackcomb offer a massive amount of terrain to go with the massive annual snow fall. The site of the 2010 Olympic Winter Games, Whistler is poised to become even more popular than it already is.

Alternative Choice: Big White, Kelowna, BC

2. St. Moritz, Switzerland
Choosing St.Moritz was an easy choice but it was the fact it receives 300 days of sunshine that cemented it. One of the oldest and most famous skiing place, the St. Moritz website claims "60 modern transportation facilities open up on 350 km of snow covered runs at altitudes from 1800 to 3300 meters above sea level." That is a lot of terrain to choose from.

Alternative Choice: Les Diablerets, Switzerland.

3. Chamonix, France
Site of the first ever Winter Olympic Games of 1924, Chamonix is possibly the world's best known ski resort. Home to Europe's second highest peak (and the highest peak in the Alps), it is also home to the world's longest run. Throw in powder that is second to none, and this is the prototypical ski resorts destination.

Alternative Choice: Val d'Isere, Savoie, France.

4. Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy
Another Olympic city located in the Alps, Cortina has 110 kilometers of downhill and 58 kilometers of cross country skiing choices. This fashionable, laid back village is surrounded by towering peaks with over 50 lifts to get you on the hills quickly. And if you tire of great skiing, you can take a rip down the still functioning bobsled track of the '56 Olympics.

Alternative Choice: Bormio, Italy

5. Zermatt, Switzerland
Claiming to be "car free" made this an easy choice for our list. Set at the base of the Matterhorn (the real one, not the one at Disneyland), Zermatt is one of the most peaceful and relaxing resort towns you'll ever come across. With its amazing powder, long winter season, long days and long runs, you're sure to get your money's worth at this inspired destination.

Alternative Choice: Wengen, Switzerland

6. Kitzbuhel, Austria
Big races, big hotels, big parties and big terrain; this pretty much sums up Kitzbuhel. The location of possibly the most difficult World Cup Downhill Race, this Tyrolean town actually offers slopes for every level of skier. And with 170km of some of the most beautiful snowy runs to choose from, we do mean every level of skier.

Alternative Choice: Zillertal, Austria

7. Vail, Colorado, USA
There are so many great American locations to choose from. We could've gone with Aspen, Telluride or Tahoe, but in the end the snow of Vail was just too tough to pass up. Vail is vast; seven miles wide with almost 5300 acres of freeride terrain, means finding your very own patch of pure untracked powder is easy as pie.

Alternative Choice: Big Sky, Bozeman, Montana

8. Portillo, Chile
A top 10 choice of PowderQuest Magazine, the powder of Portillo borders on legendary. Located 102 miles from Santiago with runs set amongst smoking volcanoes and the steaming thermal springs of the Andes, skiing at Portillo is definitely a unique experience. Plus, once the snow starts to melt on the hills of North America and Europe, it's just starting to fall for the July to September winter season in Chile.

Alternative Choice: La Parva, Chile

9. Hakuba, Nagano, Japan
Another Olympic city, Nagano hosted the 1998 Winter Games and Hakuba Village is the preferred choice for skiers and snowboarders alike. With onsen (therapeutic Japanese hot springs) nearby to sooth the aching bones after a day of riding and skiing, Nagano could be the ideal skiing destination.

Alternative Choice: Niseko, Hokkaido, Japan

10. Banff, Alberta, Canada

Banff's sleepy tourist town is ideally placed to access some of the best skiing in North America. The three nearby resorts of Lake Louise, Mt. Norquay, and Sunshine offer every type of world class skiing and snowboarding. Lake Louise is considered the jewel, however the champagne powder of the Sunshine's higher elevations bring back the "die-hards". And to top it off, Marmot Basin of Jasper, Alberta or Fernie, BC 's big powder dumps, are both within scenic 3-hour drives.

Alternative Choice: Panorama, Invermere, BC

Ski Resorts & Destination Article Provided: Online Hotel Booking - Agoda

Top 10 Cool Toys for Kids - Christmas Gift 2008

Travel back home in this holiday with a very cool christmas gift for kids in your family. This article is talking about top 10 cool toy for kids as a gift for this christmas 2008. Each toy has a brief review for you to make a decision which one is best for your kids.

Christmas is a season of giving. But sometimes picking the perfect gift can be such a difficult decision, especially when it comes to shopping for the children on your list. It can be hard to figure out what toys kids will enjoy. So take the guesswork out of your Christmas shopping this year and consider these Top Ten Christmas Gifts for Kids this holiday season.

1. Fur Real Friends Biscuit My Lovin Pup. This interactive toy is the perfect gift for any pet loving child. This life-sized dog can obey commands and even wag its tail, which gives kids all the benefits of owning a dog without any of the hassle.


2. Kidizoom Digital Camera Pink from Vtech. For the tech oriented little girl in your life, consider the Kidizoom Digital Camera. Not only will she look stylish sporting this pink camera, but she can take real photos and video as well. Vtech has designed all version of their Kidizoom Camera to fit in small hands and be resilient enough to survive in a child's care. This camera is a great idea for kids who want to take pictures but still are a little too young to handle more expensive cameras.

3. Bakugan Battle Arena. This Japanese style game features both collectible cards and figures which opponents can use to battle one another. This game of skill has players rolling marbles on a magnetic board to determine which figure will go into battle for them. Once two players have done this, the battles can ensue, leading to hours of fun.


4. Transformers Movie Leader Optimus Prime. Based on the blockbuster movie, the Transformers Movie Leader Optimus Prime is a great gift for a young sci-fi fan. This toy, which features both light and sound, transforms from a robot to a well-concealed vehicle with a partially automated transformation process that must be seen to be believed.

5. LEGO Mindstorms NXT. This LEGO toy is a fantastic gift for a child who loves to build. The LEGO Minstorms NXT comes with easy to follow instructions that help create a robot complete with sensors that can open the door to the imagination. This is a gift that keeps on giving with hours of discovery, entertainment, and learning to be had.

6. Hannah Montana Malibu Beach House. There is no show popular than Hannah Montana, which makes this Malibu Beach House a great gift to give this holiday season. Designed after the sets of the hit show, the Malibu Beach House is the perfect accessory for the Hannah Montana doll collection and will light up any fan's face on Christmas morning.

7. Blokus Classic. This award winning game is fun for the whole family this holiday season. Designed for two to four players, each time Blokus Classic is distinctive, keeping players guessing and interested. This colorful game encourages logic and strategy and should be a must-have on every Christmas list this year.

8. EyeClops Night Vision Infrared Stealth Goggles. These goggles offer hours of adventure for kids of all ages. With real infrared technology, the EyeClops Night Vision Stealth Goggles allow users to see up to fifty feet in the dark, which can open up the night to hours of nighttime entertainment.

9. LeapFrong Learn and Groove Musical Table. For the younger children on your shopping list this year, be sure to check out this Learn and Groove Musical Table. Designed for children ages six months to three years, this table can help develop the skills young children need. With a wide selection of music and a range of actions to be performed on the table top, babies will love the Learn and Groove Musical Table.

10. Speed Racer Sky Jump Track Set. This Track Set features all the thrills of the Speed Racer movie in your own home. On this set, the cars can complete spectacular leaps and crashes, sure to thrill children of all ages.

Guess writer is the owner of 10 Christmas Toys For Kids 2008

Article Source: EzineArticles.com

6 Things To do To Avoid Credit Card Decline Before Travelling?

"I'm sorry sir, this card has been declined." This is the 3rd most cringe-worthy sentence in the English language (behind "Honey, we need to talk" and "This may sting a little"). It's especially unpleasant when you're on a trip of a lifetime. So here are some recommendations of what to do with your credit cards prior to leaving on that next big trip:

1. Call your card company and let them know you will be travelling and for how long. Credit card purchases are monitored for patterns and that new purchase of 3 bottles of wine in Manila will raise alarms and end in your card being suspended until you contact them.

2. Arrange to have your bills paid automatically while you're away. It's easy to forget a bill or two and you don't want to damage your credit standing because of a poor memory.

3. Confirm that your card is usable in the country you're travelling to. Depending on the card, it may not be recognized.

4. Confirm cash advances are possible. If you do encounter problems, it's always good to have easy access to cash-flow. NOTE: Cash advances from credit cards are at a higher rate than just purchases (often significantly).

5. Confirm currency conversion rates for purchases. Credit cards will generally give preferred exchange rates, often better than those offered by the banks.

6. Confirm their 800 number when travelling to different countries, and keep it somewhere safe. If you lose your cards, you're going to want it...quickly.

Article provided by - Agoda - Online Hotel Bookings

Venus+Jupiter+Moon = Cute Smiley Planet Conjunction! - Travel

It was a beautiful, clear and cloudless sky tonight. I was lucky enough to see this spectacular planetory conjunction with my own naked eyes without any telescope or a great camera.

I took this picture tonight with my very normal digicam in normal mode, I saw them smile at me all the way when I was driving home tonight. This astronomical event may not be seen again for the next 44 years or in the year of 2052.

Jupiter and Venus, the two brightest planets and a crescent moon have travel closer together in this reunite. We can see it separated only by a finger width held at arm's length. In reality, they are just in the same line of sight. The Moon is the closest at about 400,000 km away from Earth. Venus is almost 400 times further away while Jupiter is almost six times further away.


To see photos of similar alignments from the past, check out the NASA Images website.

Backpacker, Student, And Gap Year Travel Insurance Explained

Most backpacker travel insurance policies contain a clause relating to failed examinations. This is a very important matter for students to consider. If exams are failed they may be required by the college or university to sit them again. If the student is already off travelling the world the cost to return quickly for a re-sit could be high. However, be warned that claims on the insurance may be denied if travel insurance is not taken out prior to the sitting of all exams which lead up to the final result.

Insurance terms like curtailment and repatriation do not even enter the equation for most young people when planning a gap year. It is surprising how many don't know, or care, what the words mean - or might entail. These are just two of the words to be concerned about. Cancellation, of course, refers to insurance cover for an emergency situation arising before the departure date, causing cancellation of travel plans.Imagine you are a student well into a gap-year backpacking adventure round the world. You've had a trouble-free trip so far and are in the last month of your travels in an African country. You fall sick with a fever and violent vomiting and diarrhoea. You and your traveling companion both have backpacker insurance. You have some over-the-counter medicines and medical supplies with you and try everything, but nothing seems to work. Your condition deteriorates and you have to seek help from the nearest medical clinic.

The doctor finds that you are severely dehydrated and rushes you by air ambulance to the nearest major hospital.Your companion gets in contact with the claims handler for your travel insurance and alerts them to the problem. A week later your condition has stabilized, but you are still very weak. The doctors advise you to return home (curtail your trip) to continue with your recovery. The claims handler approves the arrangements for the new return flights for you and your companion.Now imagine all the above happened and you had decided to save money and not bother with purchasing travel insurance. Who would pay for the air ambulance, hospital care, the curtailment of your trip (change of flights), and repatriation?It is surprising how many young people take the risk of traveling without travel insurance.

The statistics are something like one in five, which means there are thousands of young and vulnerable adults wandering about the world with no help at hand and exposed to all manner of risks. Many think it's not necessary because they are just backpacking and using hostels. However, their unsuspecting parents would probably end up footing the bill if the worst should happen.Who would help if you were involved in a traffic accident, terrorist attack, had your backpack and travel documents stolen, or were the victim of a mugging? Most people have no clue how much it would cost for emergency repatriation from the other side of the world - from places like Australia, Africa, and South America.Backpacker insurance policies vary but are normally heavy on the medical cover and liability and light on baggage cover.

Many cover participation in adventure sports (on a limited basis) for activities like scuba diving, wind surfing and bungee jumping. Winter sports cover can be added to the policy for an extra premium. If the USA is on your travel itinerary, expect to pay a bit more for the insurance because of the high cost of medical care. Most backpacker policies do not cover risks relating to work (paid or volunteer) so you will need to shop around for the appropriate type of cover.Remember the words 'repatriation' and 'curtailment' and don't let them come back to haunt you.

Repatriation means that in the event of some type of emergency situation your insurance will cover expenses to return you back to your country of origin.Curtailment means cover for expenses incurred as a result of your trip being cut short due to an emergency after you have already left home. Don't wait until it's too late to find out what they mean!Travelling the world before starting university - or after university and before putting your foot on the career ladder - can be a valuable, worthwhile, and fantastic experience. It is false economy, and frankly plain dumb, to save a bit of money by skipping the travel insurance. Why risk spoiling all those wonderful memories - and getting your career off to such a bad start?

Article Source: http://www.travelarticlelibrary.com/

Jean Andrews is a freelance writer living in the UK. She regularly contributes articles for TIA Ltd who offer backpackers travel insurance.

10 Simple Japanese Conversations When Going To Japan!

Knowing a few essential phrases goes a long way when visiting a foreign country. It shows that you are trying to understand what's going on, rather than expecting everyone to understand you. Locals are more forthcoming and eager to help, if they see you making an effort to communicate. As with most metropolitan cities, English is generally understood in Tokyo, but as you travel outside into smaller towns and villages, where the means of communication is only Japanese, it will help if you know some essential phrases.

1. Everyone should know basic greetings, and yes and no:

Konichiwa: Hello

Sayohnara: Goodbye (Konbanwa: Good evening)

Hai: Yes

Iie: No

Hajimemashite: How do you do?

O genki desu ka?: How are you?

2. Dozo arigatou gozaimasu: Thank you, very much.

3. Sumimasen, michi ni mayoi mashita. Watashi wa Nihongo ga hanasemasen: Excuse me I am lost. I do not speak Japanese.

4. Eigo wa hanasemasu ka?: Do you speak English?

Tokyo e no ikikata o oshiete kudasai: Please show me how to get to Tokyo.

5. Otearai (toire) wa doko desu ka: Where is the bathroom?

6. Eki wa doko desu ka?: Where is the train station?

7. Taxi drivers might not know of all the places in the city, so you may need to guide them back to your hotel. A few essential directional phrases are beneficial:

Hidari: Left

Migi: Right

Massugu: Keep going straight.

8. Byoki desu, isha o yonde kudasai: I am sick, please call a doctor.

9. Kore-wa ikura desu-ka: How much is this?

10. Iie, wakarimasen: I don't understand.

Article Provided by Agoda - Online Hotel Bookings

Top 13 Haunted Hotels From Around the World - Part 2

Ok... now let's have a look at another 6 Haunted hotels

8. Dragsholm Slot - Hotel (Denmark)

Another castle (go figure), this one located in Sealand, Denmark is home to three ghosts; the Gray Lady, White Lady and the Earl of Bothwell. The Gray Lady is apparently a maiden who was so devoted to the castle she returns nightly to check on the grounds. The Earl of Brothwell was captured here in the 1500's and imprisoned in the cellar where he subsequently went mad and died, now forever to wander the halls. The White Lady is a daughter of one of the former owners who fell in love with a commoner. Her father found out about the illicit affair and imprisoned her in the castle. During renovations in the 1930’s a skeleton in a white dress was found behind one of the walls lending credence to the tale.

9. The Stanley Hotel (USA)

We like creepy movies, and Stanley Kubrick's "The Shining" is as creepy as they come. Based on the Stephen King novel, King himself based the Overlook Hotel in his book on The Stanley Hotel in Park Estes, Colorado. The Stanley is said to be haunted by its original owner F.O. Stanley and his wife Flora. Stanley's ghost has been seen wandering the lobby, bar and Billiard Room while Flora continues to play the piano in the Music Room. Guests have reportedly heard music coming from the room. When they open the door the keys are seen moving on the piano as well, but as soon as they go closer to investigate, the music stops.

10. The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel (Canada)

Set in picturesque Banff, Alberta the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel is said to be haunted by a ghost bride. Legend has it that a bride was walking down the grand staircase to the lobby for her wedding reception. The "train" on her gown apparently brushed against one of the numerous candles used to light the lobby and caught fire. In her panic, she apparently tripped and fell down the stairs, breaking her neck. Her ghost has been seen wandering the halls still in her dress. Just more proof that eloping is the best choice

11. The Savoy Hotel (India)

Famous as the inspiration for Agatha Christie's first novel The Mysterious Affair at Styles, the Savoy Hotel in Mussoorie, India is apparently haunted by its former owner, Lady Orme. Murdered by sipping on some strychnine mysteriously placed in her medicine bottle, Ms. Orme's murderer was never found. Her ghost has reportedly been seen aimlessly walking the halls of her old hotel.

12. The Langham Hilton Hotel (England)

An iconic hotel in the middle of London, the Langham is reputedly one of the most haunted hotels in the world, with as many as 7 different ghosts seen from time to time. Some of the ghosts are dressed in Victorian clothing, one of the ghosts is said to be that of a German soldier, another is said to be the ghost of doctor who murdered his wife and then killed himself, and the Emperor Louis Napolean III is said to haunt the basement. Room 333 is supposed to be the most haunted of all, in which a BBC reporter watched a specter appear from a floating, glowing ball, right in front of his eyes.

13. The Queen Mary (USA)

It's a boat, a hotel and it's haunted. How cool is that! The former luxury liner was bigger and faster than the Titanic in her day and was used to transport troops in World War II. Now permanently docked in Long Beach, California and converted to a floating hotel, the Queen Mary is reportedly home to various different ghosts. The boat has been the site of 49 deaths, so there could be a few ghosts to choose from. There is the sailor crushed behind Door 13 of the engine room, now seen roaming the halls only to disappear behind the very same door that killed him, there are the women in 30's style bathing suits seen sitting around the first class pool (though the pool has been closed for decades) and there's the little girl who drowned in the second class poolroom, often seen (and heard) in the area while clutching a teddy bear. There is apparently more, but we're just too freaked out to continue talking about it.

Halloween Travel!! - Top 13 Haunted Hotels From Around the World - Part 1

Boo!! 'Tis the season once more, when everything scary, silly and strange becomes really cool (and we're not talking about the American presidential election). Happy Halloween everyone!!

October 31 is fast approaching and the gross and ghoulish will be out and about, looking for candy and trying to scare the bejeezes out of you. Seeing it's about that time, to relate tales from the crypt, who are we to not pander to the masses and give our very own chilling list of haunted hotels from around the world.

During our extensive research we were surprised to find that Europe and North America seem to have an inordinate amount of spirits who just don't want to leave their former residences (though we're thinking with the recent economic downturn, many may change their minds and finally move on).

Even so, there are places to stay around the world where spooks and specters float in the night. And some of these are even available on our site for you to stay, if you dare...

Here is Agoda's top 13 Haunted Hotels!!!

1. The Nottingham Road Hotel (South Africa)

What's the best way to keep good staff? Don't let them leave. This hotel in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa has a barmaid who apparently decided the tips were just too good. The barmaid's spirit has been known to move pots around the pub, open beer taps, ring a service bell (which was supposedly no longer in working order) and has even been attributed to deflating tires of certain guests. They were poor tippers of course.

2. Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel (USA)

There are so many haunted hotels in the United States, it was tough to pick just a few. We picked this one because it's just so cool. The Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel in Hollywood, California is supposedly home to the ghosts or Marilyn Monroe and Montgomery Clift. Marilyn is said to haunt a full length mirror that was once in a room she was known to frequent.

Guests have reported catching glimpses of the blonde bombshell in the mirror as they pass. Clift stayed in room 928 while filming From Here to Eternity and guests have reported being able to hear him pacing and rehearsing his lines.

3. Buma Inn (China)

The Chinese take their spirits seriously, and this one at the Buma Inn in Beijing seriously wants revenge. Apparently a guest at the Inn was poisoned by the chef and subsequently died. The chef was so upset about it, that he then killed himself afterwards. The murdered guest is said to be seen roaming the halls forever in search of the chef, looking to inflict his revenge.

4. Breakfast Creek Inn (Australia)

According to the Brisbane Visitor's Guide this Brisbane hotel is apparently known to almost the entire population of Australia. If that wasn't weird enough, it's apparently haunted as well. It was built in 1889 by William Galloway, the former Lord Mayor of Brisbane. One night, apparently drunk, he fell from a second floor window to his death in 1895. Having undergone many renovations since then, his ghost is said to have been seen and heard wandering the older, original portions of the hotel.

5. Toftaholm Herrgard (Sweden)

Once home to a baron this hotel in Toftaholm, Sweden is haunted by a young boy. The boy, a commoner, fell in love with the baron's daughter. The baron disapproved and arranged for his daughter to be married to someone else. On the day of the wedding, the boy hung himself in the rafters. His spirit is said to haunt room 324 where the rafters once were.

6. Genting Highlands Resort (Malaysia)

Located just north of Kuala Lumpur, this popular resort and casino has apparently seen its fair share of suicides by those distraught after incurring gambling debts at the tables. Various visitors have related stories of seeing a man jump from the top of the hotel only to vanish before hitting the ground. It's also said there are rooms in the hotel that are not available to stay in no matter what the occupancy level of the hotel because of the strong presence of otherworldly spirits.

7. Ballygally Castle Hotel (Ireland)

It's a castle, therefore it must be haunted. The Ballygally Castle Hotel is haunted by Lady Isabella Shaw, who was imprisoned here in the 17th century for the horrible crime of giving birth to a daughter instead of a boy. So distraught, she apparently jumped to her death clutching her daughter. Her ghost is said to be heard wandering the halls, knocking on doors…while holding her crying baby. Creeeeepy.

This is the first 7 haunted hotels around... howzat!! There are 6 more to go in the next part... Please stay tune for Haunted hotels Part 2...

Article provided by agoda.com - Leading online hotel bookings in Asia

Look!! Waterspout In Thailand!

I’ve never seen any natural disasters with my own eyes before especially some kinds of Tornado or Hurricane are pretty hard to find here in Thailand. But on September 9, 2008, there was something strange happened in Nakornsawan Province, about 240 km. from Bangkok to the north, called “Waterspout”.

According to Wiki, Waterspout is an intense columnar vortex (usually appearing as a funnel-shaped cloud) that occurs over a body of water and is connected to a cumuliform cloud. In the common form, it is a non-supercell tornado over water, and brings the water upward. It is weaker than most of its land counterparts.

I saw this from the news, still not with my own eyes though, but I’m a bit exiting on this because this kind of things is rarely happening in Thailand. Word is starting to get crazy, isn’t it? The first Snow fall in 89 years in Buenos Aires, and the first snowfall in Kenya's Rift Valley… and so on…

This is the Waterspout in Nakornsawan province, Thailand... September 9, 2008

And this is the first snow in Kenya's Rift Valley...

Fun Surf @ Gold Coast - A Paradise for Surfers!!!

There is no puzzle as to why Surfers Paradise, which is part of the Gold Coast in Queensland, Australia is such a popular holiday destination. After all, it is the entertainment and glam capital of the island that is ‘Down Under’, and epitomizes that perfect marriage of city and beach lifestyle. 

But it’s the eclecticism of Surfers (as it is affectionately referred to in Australian vernacular) that attracts people from all walks of life. There are activities and events to cater and appease everyone, from families to backpackers, schoolies (young adults who have just finished high school), singles, surfers, honeymooners and retirees. It is home to a host of theme parks and national parks including, Dreamworld, Wet’n’Wild Water World, Warner Bros Movie World, Adrenalin Park, the Australian Outback Spectacular and Fleays Wildlife Park. There are about 53 different tours to choose from, ranging from whale watching to scenic hinterland day tours. 

Accommodation options are plentiful, ranging from youth hostels to 5-star hotels. Since there’s so much to do within a limited amount of time, choosing the right location will help. For example, the A1 Crown Towers is located right in the heart of Surfers Paradise and within walking distance to the city center and beaches. 

Like most tourist destinations, Surfers Paradise offers a vibrant and varied nightlife that caters to all crowds. To start, Melba’s Restaurant and Nightclub is a great place to dine and dance, with a clientele of all ages. The Rose & Crown, Cocktails & Dreams and The Drink are recommended places for people who love to dance, and for those who prefer to lounge out and chit-chat with a cocktail in hand, My Bar is just that type of place. 

And gourmands should be impressed by the variety of cuisines to choose from. Cafes and restaurants line the streets and hotels, offering world class dining experiences. One restaurant currently making waves is Absynthe, where 2-star Michelin Chef Meyjitte Boughenout plates up exciting contemporary French and Australian creations to complement a 600+ wine list. 

Shoppers will also be in paradise. Believe it or not, Surfers is the only 7-day, late night shopping district in Queensland, with 14 shopping centers and arcades, offering both retail and duty free shopping. Those keen on a more local experience, should head over to the Beachfront Markets which open every Wednesday and Friday from 5:30-10:00pm. 

Indeed, there is something for everyone that visits the paradise that is known as Surfers on Australia’s Gold Coast. The weather is subtropical year-round, it is within close proximity to Brisbane airport (just one hour’s drive) and is about as tourist-friendly as an Australian city can be. For more information about this bronzed Queensland town, go to the official Surfers Paradise website. 

Travel in Bangkok by Boat - Cruise & Fun

To understand the nature of Bangkok – and indeed of Thailand – one has to understand the historical significance of its waterways; the matrix of canals that played such a vital role in agricultural life as well as trade and transportation. The magnificent Chao Phraya or 'River of Kings' was the main artery of this network of intricate, life–giving water channels and remains a significant symbol for Thai people today as it did once before.

Being revered as a holy source, the Chao Phraya is also the venue for the Royal Barge Procession, a ritual observed for many centuries to honor the Thai King and the source of life. Painted and richly decorated in gold, 52 barges are rowed down the full length of the river to mark Thai milestones such as the annual Coronation Day. The gilded paddles of the principal barge, the Sri Suphannahongse, are raised in unison, as if were a mythical bird is about to rise from the river. This is one of the most splendid cultural displays in the world and one that was celebrated most vigorously in 2006 when the current King – who is the longest–serving monarch in the world – reached his 60^th anniversary to the throne.

But regardless of whether you're in town whilst there is a royal procession, there is definitely something majestic about Bangkok's river and canal network which warrants the experience of a long–tail boat, river or barge cruise at some point of your visit. After all, Bangkok has often been referred to as the "Venice of the East" and even while river and canal life may not be as important in an everyday context as it was historically, many locals still rely on boats for their daily routines.

Chugging along the Chao Phraya

Fortunately for tourists, access to the chief Chao Phraya ferry boats is very easy and there are legitimate tourist information points to assist you. You can enjoy the full length of the river from one of these public boats for no more than THB15. Best to start at Sathorn (or central) pier which is linked to the BTS train station Saphan Taksin. From here you can catch either express boats (limited stops) or normal ferries up the river and get on and off as you choose.

For those looking for a more romantic river experience, then consider a lunch or dinner cruise on the river. Most of the major hotels on the water offer dining cruises, some even have restored rice barges such as the classic Manohra at the Marriott. Cruises vary in price but are usually quite reasonable for what they involve. Especially if you want to relax and take in the river properly, without the crowds or chaos that can accompany public boat piers.

Messing about in long–tail boats

Bangkok's long–tail boats are designed to be narrow and – obviously – long. This is so they can easily weave their way around the canals. For tourists, organizing a long–tail boat tour of the canals is simple, but whether it gives you a real, value–for–money insight into Bangkok's waterways is another question. Tours will differ in price depending on who you organize them with (for example they will probably be twice as much through a hotel tour operator) and are generally cheaper at the river piers – namely at Ta Chang, the pier closest to the Grand Palace.

There are many touts in the vicinity of the Grand Palace and the Ta Chang pier however, so getting a reliable tour can be a lottery. If in doubt, it's best to go with a tour operator that has an actual information desk and offers a canal route with a price that cannot be haggled on (at least you know it is standard). Canal tours generally range from THB 400 to 800, so make sure you ask exactly how long the tour is and which route you will be taken on. A cheaper tour may only last 30 minutes and take you into one of the nearest canals for a relatively non–scenic ride.

For those with a sense of adventure and a natural disdain for tours, you'll want to try the public long–tail boat which heads up the Bangkok Noi to the town of Bang Yai. This route is very scenic and will give you a fantastic peek into local life on the water. Teak houses punctuate the journey and you'll often see people in small canoes, sporting conical hats and tending to their lotus water gardens or selling goods or meals. Finding this boat will be difficult for most tourists, especially as unofficial 'tourist information' personnel will claim that the only way to see canal life is via a 'certified' canal tour. They can be very pushy, to the point of even trying to prevent you from traversing the part of the pier where the public long–tail boat departs from. Being 'farang' or foreigner, you have to simply ignore the operators and remember that the piers are a public platform for all transport services.

How to use the public long–tail boat to Bang Yai: This boat departs from Ta Chang pier everyday in the afternoon from 3:30pm until 6pm (every half an hour). Get on the earliest one possible to take advantage of the light for photos. There is no return journey and you cannot get off along the way (stops are literally at people's houses), but you can easily get a taxi to Nonthaburi pier and catch the Chao Phraya express back down the river or get the taxi directly back into Bangkok.

To get to the departure point for this long–tail boat, you need to walk past the tour operator desk in front of the pier (facing the water), turn to your immediately left and walk down the jetty to where the long–tail boats come in. Look for a small desk there to enquire – the boat will come in on the left–hand side. The costs are cheaper for Thais than foreigners but you shouldn't pay more than THB 70 for the 45 to 60 minute journey.

Whichever way you choose to take to the water of Bangkok, it will be a memorable experience. It may provide you with an intriguing insight into one of Asia's most ancient water networks, or a glimpse at local life – still disaffected by the evils of urbanization – or it could offer a simple, breezy escape from the sweltering heat in downtown Bangkok. But what is true for all Bangkok visitors, is that you simply must cruise the River of Kings.

Article Provided By Agoda – Leading Online Hotel Reservations in Asia