Takayama Travel Guide

Present Takayama city was formed on 1 Feb. 2005 as a result of merging 9 surrounding towns and villages to the former Takayama city.
Due to this merger, Takayama city has become the largest municipality in terms of its area in Japan, exceeding the largest city, Shizuoka, the largest town, Ashoro, and the largest village, Rubetsu. Moreover, Takayama city is larger than Kagawa and Osaka prefectures, and is almost as the same area size as Tokyo metropolitan excluding islands. Takayama city is the only municipality in Japan that is larger than a prefecture in terms of its geographical size. However, inhabitable land is limited as 92% of its area is occupied by mountain forest.
http://cache.virtualtourist.com/1905163-Red_Bridge_Of_Takayama-Takayama.jpg
In the center of former Takayama city, a castle and merchant towns from the Edo Period have been maintained to today. Due to its landscape, the region is called Little Kyoto in Hida region. In sightseeing guides, the region is introduced as Hida Takayama, attracting a large number of visitors from across Japan every year. Recently, Hida Takayama was introduced as a town maintaining an original landscape of Japan, and the number of tourists from overseas is on the increase as well. Hida Takayama has acquired 3 stars in the French Michelin practical guidebook “Voyager Pratique Japon” as a must visit sightseeing spot.

Arnhem Travel Guide

Arnhem (pop. 135 000) called the “Garden City on the Rhine ” is better known to World War II veterans as the city of A Bridge Too Far (British paratroopers tried and failed to gain a foothold across the Rhine there). A unique thing in this so-called Garden city are the trolley busses; they use electricity-wires instead of benzine and are thus very environment-friendly. While in town see the Dutch Open Air Museum—a collection of buildings and costumes from throughout the Netherlands and take a look at Burger's Zoo as well. This petting zoo is located on the same street as Arnhem's most famous Museums.
http://www.ntsearch.com.au/photos/gallery/Kakadu_National_Park/Arnhem_Land/arnhemland1.jpg
Arnhem rates a half-day visit when you want to enjoy the sights near the center but add more time if you want to see the Airborne Museum in nearby Grote Hartensteyn or medieval Doorwerth Castle. Art lovers will want to visit Otterloo and its collection of van Goghs at the Kroller Muller Museum. When you're planning to stay the night in Arnhem it's real good fun to stroll the lively squares, especially the Hotspots full of bars, pubs, cafes, restaurants and big disco's.
Part or or all of this text stems from the original article at: http://www.world66.com/europe/netherlands/arnhem/modify

Manchester, Liverpool and North West Travel Guide

Manchester and Liverpool occupy the opposite ends of an axis, the Manchester Ship Canal, which runs through the middle of old Lancashire county. An industrial area of northwest England, this region is famous for its gritty, hardscrabble colliery and mill towns, music legends and football (soccer) teams. The Beatles and other purveyors of the Mersey Beat put Liverpool on the map in the 1960s. Since the 1980s and 90s Manchester United, an unstoppable football powerhouse, and Oasis, a heavily Beatles-influenced rock band, have added glitter to the city’s grim industrial past.
http://www.orangesmile.com/common/img_final_large/manchester_sightseeing.jpg
Though the history of the area can be traced back to William the Conqueror’s Domesday Book, the industrial revolution and shipping in the 18 th and 19 th centuries effectively brought the Northwest of England to international prominence. Cotton mills produced material for export and depended on the importation of raw cotton from the American South. This source dried up during the American Civil War with devastating consequences for Lancashire mills. Liverpool became the predominant port in England during the 18 th , 19 th and early 20 th centuries, carrying slaves and immigrants, as well as first-class passengers, to America in tall ships and ocean liners. Today, the Liverpool docks have been transformed into a cultural center that, among other things, celebrates the shipping and musical heritage of the city.
Besides the post-industrial cities of Liverpool and Manchester, visitors to the Northwest should take in the unique cultural experience of Blackpool, a seaside town with a flair for the kitschy. The Blackpool Tower, a smaller scaled replica of the Eiffel Tower, can be seen from miles away on a clear day. The whole town seems to revel in its carnival atmosphere. For a more subdued experience of seaside bathing on the chilly Irish Sea, try Southport, a genteel Victorian town situated between Liverpool and Blackpool.
Accommodations in the Northwest cater to short visits in a range of hotels and B&Bs or long-term visits in rented, self-catering cottages, apartments, and canal boats. Even walkers who take advantage of the many public footpaths that crisscross the countryside and bicyclists will find lodging suited to their particular needs.

New York City

New-york-v-04.3
View of Manhattan from the Brooklyn Bridge, New York.
New York is the most populous city in the United States, and the center of the New York metropolitan area, which is one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. A leading global city, New York exerts a powerful influence over global commerce, finance, media, culture, art, fashion, research, education, and entertainment. As host of the United Nations Headquarters, it is also an important center for international affairs. The city is often referred to as New York City or the City of New York to distinguish it from the state of New York, of which it is a part.
New-york-v-14.3
Empty Brooklyn Bridge, New York.
Located on a large natural harbor on the Atlantic coast of the Northeastern United States, the city consists of five boroughs: The Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island. The city’s 2008 estimated population exceeds 8.3 million, and with a land area of 305 square miles (790 km2), New York City is the most densely populated major city in the United States.
New-york-v-23.3
Reflected skyscrapers of Manhattan, New York.
New-york-v-07.3
View of Manhattan from the Brooklyn Bridge, New York
New-york-v-06.3
Streaks of lights on the Broadway, Times Square, New York
New-york-v-27.3
Night life of Broadway, New York
Many districts and landmarks in the city have become well known to outsiders. The Statue of Liberty greeted millions of immigrants as they came to America in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Times Square, iconified as “The Crossroads of the World”, is the brightly illuminated hub of the Broadway theater district, one of the world’s busiest pedestrian intersections, and a major center of the world’s entertainment industry. Wall Street, in Lower Manhattan, has been a premier global financial center since World War II and is home to the New York Stock Exchange, the world’s largest stock exchange by market capitalization of its listed companies. The original Manhattan Chinatown attracts throngs of tourists to its bustling sidewalks and retail establishments. World-class research universities such as Columbia University and New York University also reside in New York City.

Hilton Bellevue Hotel

Full Service Hilton Bellevue Hotel

Hilton Bellevue Hotel convenient to downtown Seattle

Hilton Bellevue Hotel near Downtown Seattle

The Hilton Bellevue Hotel is a full service hotel in Bellevue, Washington near Seattle area major attractions and businesses. Located in Seattle’s upscale East-side, we are in the heart of Seattle’s premier business district (Bellevue – Redmond) just off I-405, and only ten minutes east of downtown Seattle and 25 minutes north of Seattle Tacoma International Airport (SeaTac).

The Hilton Bellevue Hotel offers tastefully appointed guestrooms, suites and executive accommodations all surrounded by our seven-story atrium filled with trees and blossoms. We also offer a broad range of recreational amenities including a 24-hour fitness center, sparkling outdoor heated pool, and whirlpool spa. The hotel features an on-site restaurant, Basil’s Kitchen which is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner or just relax in our inviting lobby and enjoy a great tasting coffee in Tully’s Coffee.
Hilton Bellevue Hotel- Bellevue hotels near Seattle at their best!

Wonderful Hotels For Families

1. Cloister at Sea Island — Sea Island, GA, United States

For more than 75 years, the Cloister on Sea Island has been standard-bearer for southern grace and hospitality. Generations of families, royalty and heads of state have found respite in the magnificent coastal landscape. In turn, The Cloister on Sea Island pampers them with unparalleled service and a legendary array of amenities, recreations and children’s programs. The Cloister at Sea Island is part of the Sea Island Resort complex – which includes The Lodge at Sea Island (a boutqiue hotel experience) and the Sea Island Cottages.

2. Le Beauvallon Hotel – Beauvallon-Grimaud, Sainte Maxime, France

Photobucket Photobucket Photobucket
Six hectares of landscaped gardens unfurl like a green carpet as far as the Mediterranean coastline to Beach Club, a private playground for guests of Le Beauvallon. Space and tranquillity set us apart and the exclusivity of the residential enclave that is Beauvallon, is highly valued by those who want complete privacy away from the limelight, and yet all the excitement of the Cote D’Azur is but a mere heartbeat away. Le Beauvallon is available to private individuals and corporate clients alike for exclusive use with all our services and facilities reserved entirely for you and your guests. With 70 rooms and suites, we are able to host up to 140 resident guests and up to 300 dining guests at any given time.

3. Paradisus Playa Conchal – Playa Conchal, Guanacaste, Costa Rica

Photobucket Photobucket Photobucket Photobucket Photobucket

New York Hotel & Trip

650639.DSC00011
Discover the beauty and awesome power of Niagara Falls on a day trip from New York. You’ll fly to Upstate New York, tour the falls on both the US and Canadian sides (don’t forget your passport!), see all the sights, including a ride on the historic “Maid of the Mist” boat or the Journey Behind the Falls. And at the end of an amazing day you’ll take an evening flight back to New York.
650640.DSC00013
Port Jefferson Village is one of my favorite spots for shopping and enjoying everything coastal that Long Island has to offer. Quaint shops, fabulous dining and harbor views crown Port Jefferson as one of the greatest tourist locations in coastal New York.
650642.DSC00036
Times Square
650643.DSC00039
650645.DSC00125
Kudos to Asics for opening its first US based retail store in none other than fabulous New York City! The Japanese inspired sports store is “all the buzz” around town since its debut in late fall last year. The expansive 1,100 square-foot store is located in the heart of midtown Manhattan at 51 West 42nd Street, near Bryant Park. Its welcoming décor and sleek, modern design will attract even the fastest New York “speed racer” off the street. Wait until they see what is inside!
666880.Macys
23918141.1010128post
The streets of New York constantly collide with the footsteps of many celebrities looking for the hottest fashions or some extra quality time with their families. You never know who you are going to see in New York, so keep your eyes and ears open. If you hear the sounds of mindless chatter, scurrying feet and snapping cameras, it might just be your lucky day!

Top 5 Paris Tours


Paris can be an intimidating city, as there is so much to see. Since it’s one of the top destinations for travelers in the world, fortunately there are many Paris tours to show you the sights. Here is a list of some of the top Paris tours, including Paris neighborhood tours, Paris walking tours, Paris segway tours and Paris DaVinci Code tours.

1. Paris Pastry and Chocolate Tour. One of the best reasons to visit Paris is for the wonderful sweets to be had here. This fabulous pastry and chocolate tour is a must for any traveler with a sweet tooth. Instead of the typical tour guide, you get a culinary expert to lead the tour to at least four pastry shops, a bakery and two chocolate shops.
2. Paris Segway Tour
3. DaVinci Code Paris Walking Tour
4. Hop On, Hop Off Paris Bus Tour
5. Paris Latin Quarter Walking Tour

Omini Heaven Hotel at Yale

155 Temple Street
New Haven, Connecticut 06510
Phone: (203) 772-6664, Fax: (203) 974-6777
Sophisticated and refined, the four-diamond Omni New Haven Hotel at Yale surrounds you with luxurious comfort and unparalleled service.  This richly-appointed four-diamond hotel is located in downtown New Haven, just steps from the historic campus of Yale University, the New Haven Town Green, a wide selection of museums, the Shubert Theater and quaint boutique shopping.
Enjoy breathtaking views from many of the guest room accommodations and from John Davenport’s restaurant.  The Omni New Haven Hotel at Yale is close to the Union Square Metro Line and Amtrak connections and just fifty miles from Hartford’s Bradley International Airport.
22-5 hotelroom 1

22-5 hotelroom 2
22-5 hotelroom 3
22-5 hotelroom 4
22-5 hotelroom 5
22-5 hotelroom 6
22-5 hotelroom 7
22-5 hotelroom 8
22-5 hotelroom 9
22-5 hotelroom 10
22-5 hotelroom 11
22-5 hotelroom 12
22-5 hotelroom 13
22-5 hotelroom 15
22-5 hotelroom 16
22-5 hotelroom 17

New York Sightseeing

New york - Sightseeing 01
You haven’t seen New York until you’ve seen it from the air and North America Travel Service is delighted to offer you the choice of two tours with Liberty Helicopters, available at both the VIP Heliport and the Downtown Manhattan Heliport.
New-york_sightseeing
New-York is the biggest city of the USA; it’s the city that aims to become the center of the world. The population of New-York is 8 million of people, but if we take into account New-York Metropolitan Area, the number will be 22 million. The most of the New-York sights are famous all over the world and became the decor of many Hollywood films.
New-york tours
NYC-Tour-07-2007 301

Dubai Holidays

For the majority of people taking holidays to the UAE, Dubai is the most attractive destination of all the emirates. Dubai holidays are popular for many reasons but summing it all up, the combination of year-round glorious weather and the sheer number of things to do appeals to so many different people raising the bar for exciting holiday destinations. Without a doubt, shopping remains the biggest magnet for holiday makers and is some of the best in the world. Shopping holidays in Dubai are very popular. With so many incredible malls, like the massive Mall of the Emirates, and hundreds of local souks selling every item imaginable, you can find just about anything you’re looking for with the bonus of tax-free price tags attached.
Dubai Holidays
Package holidays to Dubai can offer excellent value if you’re planning on staying at a beach resort. There are many exceptional Dubai resorts to choose from when planning UAE holidays. Most of the package holidays to Dubai are similar to all-inclusive trips to popular sun destinations like Mexico, Bahamas and Jamaica. Accommodation, along with some or all meals, drinks and airport transportation can all be included in the total price. Side trips and extras, like UAE tours, are usually paid for separately. These types of Dubai holidays are especially great for those who really want to kick back and relax, soak up the sun, enjoy Dubai beaches and get out for an excursion or two.
Beach holidays in Dubai will eventually include a number of resorts situated throughout the Palm Islands where hundreds of feet of beautiful coastline are being added to the area. The promise of magnificent beach hotels and resorts on Palm Deira, Palm Jumeirah and Palm Jebel Ali will add an even more alluring element to Dubai. Package holidays offer an unencumbered way to enjoy Dubai, without having to make any reservations, worry about arranging tours or finding your way around. Most resorts also offer complimentary shuttles to popular destinations around Dubai, making getting around a cinch.
Parm Island image from plane
For younger generations, Dubai holidays often focus on the club scene. With so many young graduates flooding into Dubai over the years, the club scene has grown astonishingly. Nightlife reigns at many of the popular, cutting-edge clubs where the best DJ’s play a wide variety of music topping the charts. From incredible, sleek designs to an array of delicious food to the most packed dance floors and chi crowds, clubbing is taking on a whole new meaning for those on holidays in Dubai. Yet, clubbing is not the only form of entertainment available. There are great jazz clubs, piano lounges and other laid back bars and pubs offering a less frenzied, yet equally fun option for going out. Abu Dhabi is another great place for Emirates holidays focusing on nightlife. Much like Dubai, Emirates holidays in Abu Dhabi offer a wealth of choices for days and nights.

For visitors who are happiest being more active in the daylight hours during UAE holidays, there are many exciting things to do both in and around Dubai and throughout the other Emirates. The desert acts as a massive playground offering plenty of possibilities for active pursuits. Desert safaris are extremely favored excursions. Exploring streams and dry wadis, sand skiing, sand boarding, dune driving and desert feasts under the stars are all ways to explore the area in a very gratifying way during UAE holidays.
For a less arid experience, hit the Gulf and relish in abundant water sports.Water-skiing gear and boats are both readily available for rent in Dubai and also in Fujairah, Ajman and other coastal Emirates. Snorkeling, and especially scuba diving around Dubai, are leading water-based activities during Emirates holidays providing hours of entertainment for all ages. Windsurfing, sailing and swimming are more possibilities for sticking near the water. A look into fascinating UAE history is possible by exploring Dubai neighborhoods, taking a tour of Bedouin villages, and exploring some of the most beautiful mosques and the best museums. It’s evident that all Emirates holidays are anything but insipid. Not only are there profuse opportunities but they are so incredibly diverse that everyone will find something they can revel in.
Source: http://www.destination360.com/middle-east/united-arab-emirates/holidays