Author: auburn

Exotic Camel Rides

The first image that runs through a person’s mind when they think of Oman is a camel back ride across a burning dessert with an amazing backdrop of the sun setting in the distance, the dusty sand dunes surrounding the horizon and the starry skies during the nights. This is exactly what most people love about this dessert country. These exotic animals have great strength and endurance. These ships in the dessert as they are often referred to as, have served the people of Oman in trade and in war. From their wool, to their milk and their meat have become parts of a nomad’s everyday life. They are comfortable with humans and enjoy being caressed.

Camel back rides are a very sought after experience by travellers to the sultanate of Oman. Dessert adventures in Oman are now well geared to provide the discerning traveller a great experience whether they choose four wheel drives or the traditional camel backs. The experience also includes sleeping in Barsti huts, Omani Barbeque under the stars, visiting the Bedouins and of course camel rides. The newest addition to the desert safari is sand-boarding.

Omani residents take pride in taming and breeding their own camels. Nourishing them and training them intensively for races of national and international level. These races are held usually on public holidays and national day celebrations. There is a lot of money involved in these races and proud camel owners parade their hoses to the public.

In your search for a convenient accommodation option to experience the best of Oman, consider booking a Desert Nights Camp to have the ultimate dessert experience. These private Bedouin style tents are an excellent place to admire the surrounding red golden dunes. This very interesting hotel in Oman provides excellent service standards and a romantic adventure. Although there are plenty of Oman hotels to choose from, for a truly Omani experience, you need to stay in the dessert itself. Experience an exotic sunset camel safari and marvel at the history that these sand dunes have seen passing by, visit the local Souq to beauty some exotic souvenirs to take back home, such as pottery, embroidery and silver jewellery and when the night falls, enjoy the beauty of the night sky hanging above the dessert like blue velvet carpet with a champagne glass in hand.

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Disc Kart Indoor karting in Shanghai

Leisure travellers based at one of the residences in Shanghai have the desirable option of 88 Xintiandi, Shanghai. This Shanghai boutique hotel provides convenience when accessing local attractions. For those interested in some sporting fun, Disc Kart Indoor karting is an ideal choice. With go-karts and a fully-equipped bar under one roof, it is visited by groups of people who come to enjoy a thrill by testing this high speed go-kart track which spans across 4,500 sq. meters. Located near Metro Line 3, Jinshajiang Lu Station, it makes for the perfect place to experience some excitement with close friends or family.

Thanuja Silva is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Auburn Silver. She has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.

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Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve: the Rumoured Garden of Eden

Nestled in the centre of the Indian Ocean, Seychelles is home to not only a national treasure but a natural park of global significance. Found on the island of Praslin in Seychelles, the Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve is one of pristine beauty and national importance and its significance is celebrated by UNESCO naming it a World Heritage Site in 1983.

UNESCO recognizes locations worldwide which they believe house universal value and has up to date recognized nearly a thousand such locations as World Heritage Sites. Such locations are often of intrinsic value that is immeasurable and worth protecting and preserving for future generations. The Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve located in Seychelles too is one such site that is of importance not only to the country of Seychelles, but the rest of the world as well. It derives its value from a Coco de Mer palm forest, a type of palm tree which is endemic to the region. The seeds of the Coco de Mer tree are the largest in the plant kingdom and even its leaves are often a stunning 14 metres long. What makes this forest of palm trees so unique is that it appears to have been preserved since pre historic times and the added belief that the Vallée de Mai was actually the Garden of Eden found in religious scripture.

In addition, the forest is also believed to be home to a number of endemic mammals, birds and reptiles. For an instance, the extremely rare Seychelles Black Parrot is said to reside in this valley. Other birds such as the bulbul, the blue pigeon, the sunbird as well as reptiles such as the endemic chameleon, bronze and green geckos and blind snake are said to reside in the valley as well.

The lush greenery from the palm forest coupled with the diverse wildlife brings to life one of the most attractive of forests in the Southern Hemisphere. Therefore, a holiday in a Seychelles hotel would provide you with the opportunity to be surrounded by nature. If you wish to visit this World Heritage Site as well, you should arrange for accommodation at a Praslin hotel. In this regard, one need not look any further than the Raffles Praslin Seychelles a mere 15 minutes away by air from the capital of the country.

Horse Riding In Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi is among the 7 emirates which make up the United Arab Emirates and is rapidly becoming one of the most popular vacation spots in the Middle East. The emirate is the ideal destination for foreigners who want an authentic Arab experience in a cosmopolitan setting. The emirate boasts plenty of attractions and tourists in Abu Dhabi will find plenty of things to do.

High on that list is to go horseback riding at the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club (ADEC). The equestrian club is located in Al Mushrif and has been in operation for over a decade. The club is famous for its horse races, endurance races, and show jumping. ADEC also has a riding school where both seasoned and novice equestrians can ride horses. The club boasts nearly one hundred well trained ponies and horses and is a terrific place to learn how to ride a horse. Those interested in horse riding should also consider trying the Ghantoot Racing and Polo Club and the Dhabian Equestrian Club.

Travellers who want a more local flavour can also try their hand at camel riding. At one time camels were the main form of transport and they still hold an important place in local culture. Going on a desert safari on camel back is undoubtedly one of the most fun activities the emirate has in store for foreigners. Camel racing is also a highly popular activity. The races are often thrilling and should not be missed.

Although the emirate may have sprung from a desert its facilities are top notch. The roadways are excellent and although they are primarily meant for cars one can find comfortable public buses that service most parts of the emirate. Accommodation is also quite easy to come by. Tourists looking for luxury Abu Dhabi beach hotels will definitely enjoy the Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara. The Abu Dhabi resort is situated on the nearby island of Sir Bani Yas and offers a plethora of facilities. Offering mountain biking, kayaking, archery, horse riding and a series of nature walks and drives, guests will find more than enough to keep them occupied for the duration of their stay.

Kitesurf in Vietnam’s Surf Central Mui Ne

Having grown into form a quiet spot of beach near a quaint fishing village to a thriving tourist Mecca in less than two decades Vietnam’s Mui Ne Bay is a tried and true success story in the country’s touristic landscape. Boasting stretches of white, powdery beaches and ideal weather conditions for a variety of water sports this one stop beach Mecca is suited for any type of traveler and budget as any genuine tourist hotpots must be. Mui Ne also enjoys the rare honor of being one of Asia’s premier windsurfing venues with ideal conditions for both beginner and seasoned surfers during the months from November to March every year. The period between October and April are equally conducive to the thrilling sporting activity although the number of windy days may be slightly lesser than those prevalent during the peak season.

The morning hours are known for exhibiting light gusts of winds ranging from 10 to 15 knots and the thermal wind gradually climbing throughout the daytime to its peak strength two hours after midday. The afternoon however boasts gusts of wind over 20 knots and can even reach in excess of 25 knots where 7m kites are not only welcome but a must-have at this time of the day. Mui Ne Bay’s soft beaches are perfect for launching as well as a comfortable landing with cross-onshore wind direction also making the venue ideal for first time surfers. Professional kite surfers will also find water settings to suite wave riders with flat waters and brilliant downwinders throughout the day. Those looking for secluded patches along the bay can head down to Malibu Beach also known as the Wave Spot where advanced level surfers take to the seas in a less crowded region of the bay.

Kitesurfing tours are also available for groups as small as six and as large as 14 surfers from local tour operators who take guests to the best kite surfing areas in Mui Ne on a tour that can last up to 2 days or more depending on the personal preference of participants. A number of kitesurfing schools have also propped up along the beach for the convenience of novices and guests can get a complete course in the adventure sport with the assistance of a Beach Boy for a daily fee.

Travellers in search of a luxury resort in Mui Ne should look no further than the Anantara Mui Ne Resort & Spa. Providing guests with a breathtaking hideaway in one of the country’s most idyllic corners this Vietnam hotel pulls out all the stops when it comes to vacationing in paradise.

Thanuja Silva is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Auburn Silver. She has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.

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Sailing Adventures

Sydney is the capital of the Australian state of New South Wales and is easily one of the most widely visited destinations within Australia. The city has gained popularity as the home of two of the world’s most iconic structures – the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House. It is often referred to as the ‘Harbour City’ due to its importance as a port city and sailing is one of the most beloved of the city’s pastimes.

The Sydney Harbour, which is also known as Port Jackson, is a tourist favourite and few can resist the opportunity to sail around it. There are quite a few places that offer yacht rides. Sailing enthusiasts may enjoy taking a cruise on one of the country’s Americas Cup Yachts – either the Kookaburra or the Spirit. Those who wish to can take a more active role during the yacht ride and take on crew responsibilities while others can simply enjoy the cruise.

This metropolis also has other activities such as surfing, canoeing and kayaking. Fishing is another fun activity that can be done at the harbour although the fish there are not edible. There are a few beautiful spots along the harbour that are ideal for an early morning walk. The city has plenty of interesting tourist attractions including museums, galleries and monuments. ‘Must see’ sights include the Olympic Park, Luna Park, St Mary’s Cathedral and the Royal Botanic Gardens.

The city was the first European settlement in the country and it has come a long way from its humble beginnings. The local infrastructure such as public transport is top notch. The city has a dedicated monorail that services tourist spots making it an easy city to explore. Finding accommodation to suit one’s budget is also easy. There are plenty of places that cater to backpackers, while those looking for aluxury hotel in Sydney will not be disappointed either. The Langham Sydney is a 5 star hotel Sydney known for its elegantly decorated rooms and excellent service. Situated in a central location it is the ideal place to stay when visiting this Australian city and is well suited for business and leisure travellers alike.

Rivers in Thailand- Explore in a cruise!

Thailand is a country with an array of attractions and numerous things to do. When you are exploring this country, there are many ways of doing that. Cruising across some of the main rivers which flow across the country is one of the most exciting ways of experiencing the beauty of this country. Among many other Bangkok cruises, we can recommend you one of the most unforgettable moments in Bangkok with Anantara Cruises Thailand. This Bangkok cruise tour will take you to all the places that you would ever wish to visit when in Thailand. Chao Phraya, being the major river of Bangkok, has many tours across the river which give the tourists an extraordinary experience.

Thanuja Silva is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Auburn Silver. She has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.

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River Cruises to Ayutthaya: Where Culture and Tranquility Intertwine

The city of Ayutthaya, the capital of the province of Ayutthaya in Thailand is a city encapsulated with historic importance and is fondly known as the Venice of the East as well. The city is located in the valley of the Chao Phraya River and tourists often opt to make an excursion to the city to visit its temples such as the Wat Chai Mongkol, the Wat Phra Sanphet and the Wat Mongkhon Bophit.

There are a number of ways of exploring a city of such historic importance, but a river cruise is truly one of the best ways to see it up close. Travelers have the option of selecting a luxury cruise or the economical choice of a converted rice barge to do so. One of the most popular cruises is the River Sun cruise which allows you to arrive back in Bangkok from Wat Chong Lom Pier. The cruise lasts for around three hours and allows patrons to witness the pristine beauty of the river and observe the routine life styles of the locals living along the banks of the Chao Phraya River.

Another cruise, the Grand Pearl, takes its patrons through the provinces of Pathumthani and Nonthaburi. In addition, it allows you to take in the sights of the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, the Grand Palace and the Temple of the Dawn as well. the 4 days RV River Kwai Cruise takes river cruises to another level altogether with a number of stops along the bank to enjoy activities such as elephant rides, hiking and even shopping as well as lectures on the historical and cultural importance of the sites that are passed while on board, are made. Of course, each of these cruises is complete sumptuous buffet lunches featuring a variety of cuisines that is sure to set your taste buds tingling in epicurean delight.

For Bangkok cruises to the city of Ayutthaya which encapsulates the luxury that you deserve, opt for Anantara cruises Thailand which is a three day excursion passing the Royal Barges Boat House, Temple of Dawn and many other historic landmarks. Opt for this Bangkok cruise tour and allow its exquisitely luxurious converted rice barges complete with delectable meals and personalized service, cater to your every need.

Thanuja Silva is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Auburn Silver. She has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.

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Short Break Hong Kong: So Much to Do, So Little Time

Visiting Hong Kong for a short stay or spending a few hours in the city before catching your next flight? Instead of choosing to spend that time in the airport, step out and experience Hong Kong at its best. Once you land in Hong Kong, make your way to the Airport Express Train through which one can access the Hong Kong Central Station in just below half an hour. Alternatively, one can choose to travel via the double-decker Airbus which is operational even at night. Once in the city, one can choose between taking the ferry and opting for the underground train service, buses or trams.

For tourists travelling with families, the Ocean Park is filled with an exciting array of sights, activities and games that will keep both children and their parents entertained. The Ocean Park is home to a shark tunnel, a butterfly house as well as a large marine theatre and is complete with a number of games and rides. Visitors to this marine park also have the opportunity of seeing pandas and killer whales. Finally, wrap it all up with an exhilarating roller coaster ride that will send thrills up your spine! Another ideal attraction would be Hong Kong’s Disneyland where children could take a ride to Tarzan’s Tree house, watch the Festival of the Lion King and even meet their favourite Disney movie characters!

For those who wish to immerse themselves in the hybrid culture prevalent in the city, a visit to the temples hidden away in street corners and tucked away in the hills would surely provide you with much needed moments of peace and tranquillity. Alternatively, one could opt to get away from the hustle and bustle of a city that never sleeps by climbing Victoria’s Peak for the view at the summit of the mountain, of Kowloon, Hong Kong and the Victoria Harbour will surely be worth the climb.

For those who love shopping, the Temple Street Night Market is an experience like no other where various trinkets, souvenirs and unique clothing can be found for extremely low prices. One could also opt to make the most of a short stay by taking a two hour harbour cruise to enjoy the sights of the city from a unique point of view or explore Macau, the oldest European Settlement in this part of the world which is also a World Heritage Site.

Luxury hotels in the city are as varied as the activities and attractions available ranging from modest accommodation to five star hotels. For the discerning traveller, choosing to stay at one of the Peninsula hotels provides you with finest accommodation, the most diverse dining options and the best service in the city.

Thanuja Silva is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Auburn Silver. She has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.

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Challenge Rafting- Queenstown

Travellers to Queenstown should opt for centrally located Queenstown hotel accommodation at an elegant family hotel Queenstown such as Copthorne Hotel & Resort Queenstown Lakefront. During your stay, make it a point to experience some thrilling outdoor fun with an activity such as river rafting. The tour company Challenge Rafting offers a selection of fun filled half day trips on the Kawarau and Shotover Rivers. Whilst a rafting trip along the Shotover River is ideal for ardent thrill seekers, Kawarau River is the best option for the novices to this exciting activity. The offered trips include refreshments, sauna/hot shower, specialist on-river clothing and courtesy coach transfers.

Thanuja Silva is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Auburn Silver. She has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.

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