All of this is now less than an hour drive from Lisbon International airport along the new A8 motorway, linking the vibrant capital of Portugal with historic Oporto in the North. As there is also a proposed new international airport to be located at OTA, this little known region is opening its doors to the outside world. For decades the Algarve has been the only realistic location for overseas buyers to enjoy the unique hospitality of the Portuguese, on the famous Portuguese beaches but prices there have put it out of reach for most. Now we are pleased to invite you to experience the heart of Portugal – a secret we can all share.A region for lifeExploring the tranquil towns, villages and countryside of this beautiful region will confirm to you that here is a place that genuinely has the best of both worlds. Whilst offering a life of rural calm amidst the spectacular scenery, at the same time it is perfectly equipped with access to all the modern facilities of transport, healthcare, education and leisure that make life a pleasure for all generations. The Western Region enjoys entertainments and events throughout the year: concerts, art exhibitions, the Torres carnival – ‘the most Portuguese event in Portugal’, the Caldas da Rainha ceramics and fruit fairs, the Bombarral wine festival, Peniche’s Festas da Nuestra Senhora da Boa Viagem, the Montejunto popular festival (Cadaval), Alenquer’s Feira da Ascensao, festivals in Sobral, Monte Agraco and Arruda dos Vinhos, Feiras da Cebola e das Tasquinhas and hundreds more fairs, festivals and popular gatherings. The region has many hotels with superb facilities and innumerable restaurants, bars and lively venues which ensure that one’s first visit to the Western region is never the last. For golf enthusiasts the Western Region is the new destination in Portugal. Golf Courses at Praia d’el Rey (18 holes)and Rio Maior (18 holes) are complemented by 9-hole courses at Consolação and Porto Novo – Bom Sucesso and Perola da Lagoa 18-hole courses are actually already under construction and the brand new project of the 18-hole course of Foz do Arelho, which will be the hugest should begin within the year 2007. The natural abundance of the area is enhanced by beautiful fine-sanded beaches, where the sands shimmer like silver, at Santa Cruz, Porto Novo, Areia Branca, S. Bernardino, Consolação, Peniche, Baleal, Foz do Arelho and Salir do Porto. Local crafts can be found in Peniche, which is notable for its lace, and in Caldas da Rainha, which is one of the most important centres for ceramics in Portugal.
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Save money by trying a staycation
November 18th, 2011
Tushar Mathur Where are you planning to head this year for a vacation? Do you have a location in mind already? With everyone pinching their pennies these days, the idea of a vacation is often one of the first things removed from the family budget.
When you take into consideration all of the things that you need to pay for, it just seems like an easy solution to cancel the whole thing and stay home. But there is another solution, consider a staycation.
A staycation is exactly what it sounds like. Instead of going, you are going to “stay” somewhere close by. This trip won’t require plane tickets.
Most people choose to limit their destination to being only one tank of gas away. There is a good chance that something fun and exciting awaits your family right around the corner.
Just like any other vacation, some planning is required. You will still need to find hotel accommodations. You will still want to arrange for some fun activities for the family. In fact, the more you plan, the better your staycation will be.
Get out a map or check online to see what is located in the area around you. It can be as close as the other side of town or even in the next town over. Look around for activities that you and your family would enjoy.
If you like to camp, take this opportunity to look for campsites around your town. Are there places that you have never stayed before? Get creative as you look around.
As you search the area, think about things that you have always wanted to do with the family, but just haven’t had the time. Are there parks, recreation sites, or attractions close by that everyone will enjoy?
Don’t put off the visit any longer. This is the perfect time for you to enjoy the area where you live as well as the area surrounding it.
Remember that even though you are staying close to home, you are still enjoying that vacation experience. Everyone will still need to pack.
You will still enjoy eating out for part of the time. In some cases, you may still have a short road trip to spend time together. There are still vacation type benefits to a staycation.
Remember that a staycation does not have to be elaborate to be enjoyable. You don’t have to stay in a fancy hotel with room service every morning. You don’t have to spend money on theme park tickets if you don’t want to.
There are other things to do. It just takes a little research and a little creativity.
Getting Insurance When Traveling Abroad
November 8th, 2011
Tushar Mathur
Visitor medical insurance has become an essential part of the global economy today. Now-a-days, the frequency of the people traveling abroad is on an increase. If anyone is traveling within his/her own country, they need not apply for a separate policy to cover them as they are being covered under the domestic medical services. Such a facility is available under the international travel health insurance scheme.
Visitor medical insurance policy for a travel to USA guarantees that you are safe in the destination land and away from your country. Visitors travel insurance is designed to avert financially incapacitating situations in the event of a medical emergency or some such unforeseen event while traveling overseas. Thus, for all people who wish to plan a trip to USA, visitor health insurance is strongly recommended.
These visitor health insurance schemes are designed for visitors, international students, tourists, business people as well as skilled workers. The motive behind these visitor insurance policies is to make sure that a visitor is underwritten against any possible accidents that he/she may have to face while traveling in USA.
The insurance companies provide these benefits so as to offer maximum coverage to buyers. For example, there are policies available for students having students visa for USA, which also cover them if they visit some other country during the validity of the policy. These policies must be purchased only after you have relevant travel documents with you. There are lot of insurance companies which provide such visitors insurance policies which make a stay of a visitor in USA more comfortable and secure.
The American health care industry is known to be the best in the world. However the costs for medical care in America are equally high and therefore an ordinary person may not be able to bear them. Paying medical bills for such medical care may leave a person bankrupt in a single day. One of the things that can help in such a situation is a having a visitors medical insurance policy.
If you are not insured by any policy, a medical treatment may turn out to be expensive. Without medical coverage designed for emergency reasons, you would end up paying a lot of money out of your own pocket. The bills in a good hospital in USA can reach to thousands of dollars per day. Residents of USA usually have adequate medical coverage under their regional health plans.
In order that you are able to avail the visitors health insurance, you need to meet a predetermined criteria.
Five Best Supermoto Bikes for Travelling the World!
November 3rd, 2011
Tushar Mathur
Supermotos are basically off-road bikes with road tyres. Actually, it goes a little deeper than that, but for the layman, it’s quite true. They are about as paired-down and raw as you can get from a motorbike and although some can have panniers fitted to it, they are basically just a bike for fun and not really for long rides. Short gears also hamper motorway journeys. But, for all-out adrenaline at lower speeds than superbikes, there is little else on the road that can deliver the fun-factor of a supermoto. Also the motorcycle insurance is pretty reasonable so in no particular order, here are the top five that are for sale right now:
1 – Ducati Hypermotard – Hitting the shops, the ‘Duke’ looks quite different to other ‘motos’ but is devastating in it’s deliver. With a thumping single-cylinder engine, a roomy riding position and comfy seat, it’s certainly unique. It comes with a superb-handling chassis and is more practical (ish) than a 1098, for example, and has that Italian charm.
2 – KTM 690SM – Launched at the same time as the Ducati, the KTM looks a little bland and has ‘safe’ styling. What it does give is a tremendous engine and chassis. KTM are the brand to beat in professional supermoto races and transfering that experience and knowledge to the road bikes, they are not only fast, comfortable and easy to ride, there’s a fluidity that other bikes can’t match; it’s a difficult one to beat.
3 – BMW HP2 Megamoto – Ludicrously expensive, enormous and quite ugly, you’d think the ‘Beemer’ shouldn’t be here, but it’s super-powerful, agile like a cheetah and has a fun-factor flowing through its frame that cannot be matched. It’s shame, due to the price, you’ll probably never see one on the roads but if price is secondary to the ultimate riding experience, then the HP2 should be on your short-list. Remember, with rare or expensive bikes the motorcycle insurance will also be a lot higher.
4 – Aprilia Dorsoduro – More of a touring supermoto than a racer, the throbbing Aprilia is both sexy, fun and powerful. It’s easy to ride and has a stunning engine that throws you down the road like an elastic band. It’s the real underdog in this group of super-cool supermotos.
4 Great Caribbean Cruise Destinations
November 3rd, 2011
Tushar Mathur One of the most popular and enjoyable ways to see the thousands of Caribbean Islands is on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship. Explore new tropical destinations, beaches and cultures, all while retreating to the comforts of your ship’s cabin each night. With so many potential destinations, it can be difficult to choose the best islands worth a visit. This guide presents the top 4 Caribbean destinations:
1. Aruba: This incredible Dutch island boasts year round warm weather, along with all the beauty you can expect from a Caribbean destination. Though it may not come to mind as one of the major tourism hotspots in the area, it is quickly becoming more popular as travelers discover all that the island has to offer. Some of the most exciting attractions include the Fontein Cave, the Antilla Shipwreck, the Conchi Natural Pool and the famed Haystack Mountain. Head into the capital of Oranjestad for a taste of fabulous dining and thrilling nightlife.
2. Bahamas: As one of the most popular and easily recognized Caribbean destinations, it should come as no surprise that the Bahamas would make a list of cruise stops in the region.With over 2,000 islands, the Bahamas offers a little of something to everyone, and with a close proximity to the United States it provides a simple getaway to North Americans. Try deep sea fishing on the island of Bimini, or explore the colonial capital of Nassau, where exciting museums like the Pirate Museum and the National Art Gallery of the Bahamas draw in thousands of tourists each year.
3. Jamaica: Whether you look forward to a thrilling party or a quiet family holiday, Jamaica truly does have it all. A short distance from the island of Cuba, Jamaica has incredible weather, stunning beaches and beautiful clear water. Some of the most common places for cruise ships to disembark for the day include the capital Kingston, the bustling Ocho Rios or the breathtaking Montego Bay, which is the second largest city in Jamaica and known for plenty of beachside recreational activities like horseback riding, fishing, surfing and more.
4. Cayman Islands: The three islands which make up the Caymans are among the most beautiful and relaxing destinations within the Caribbean. Grand Cayman is home to the famous Seven Mile Beach, which is easily one of the more incredible shorelines on earth. Explore each of the three islands, but don’t a chance to see a turtle farm, swim with sting rays, or visit the popular Rum Point on the Northern side of the Grand Cayman Island.
Egypt
October 31st, 2011
Tushar Mathur The capital: Cairo
The largest city: Cairo
Population: 2007 estimate – 80,335,036
1996 census – 59,312,914
Holidays: 1 January – New Year, January 7 – Christmas (Old Calendar), April 25 – Sinai Liberation Day, May 1 – Labor Day, July 23 – Revolution Day, October 6 – Armed Forces Day, Sham El Nessim (Spring festival), Islamic New Year, Prophet Mohammed’s Birthday, Ramadan Feast, Sacrifice Feast
Geography: Egypt is country in north-eastern Africa and the Sinai Peninsula. Egypt borders Libya to the west, Sudan to the south and the Gaza Strip and Israel to the east. The northern coast borders the Mediterranean Sea; the eastern coast borders the Red Sea.
Climate: Temperatures average between 27 °C and 32 °C in summer, and up to 43 °C on the Red Sea coast. Temperatures average between 13 °C and 21 °C in winter. Egypt does not receive much rainfall except in the winter months. The Khamaseen is a wind that blows from the south in Egypt in spring, bringing sand and dust, and sometimes raises the temperature in the desert to more than 38 °C.
Time zone: EET (UTC+2)
Summer (DST) EEST (UTC+3)
Official language: Arabic
Spoken Language: Egyptian Arabic
The currency: Egyptian pound
English-Egyptian Phrasebook
Hello Salam Alaikom
Goodbye Ma’ El Salama
Sorry Asif
Thank you Shukran
Yes Aiwa
No La
Good night Tesbah Ala Khir
What is your name? Esmak eih?
Where can I change money? Fen el sirafa?
Help me please. Mumkin tesaedni.
How much does it cost? Bekam di?
Travel to Austria
October 15th, 2011
Tushar Mathur Austria is a vibrant country and is one of the famous destinations in the eyes of the tourists from all parts of the globe. Austria is a landlocked alpine country in Central Europe bordered by Switzerland to the west, Germany and Czech Republic to the north, Slovakia and Hungary to the east and Slovenia and Italy to the south. It is also called as the winter sports capital of Europe. It is one of the world’s leading skiing regions and it is also noted for its historical buildings, outstanding museums and galleries, and awe-inspiring mountain scenery.
Let us know this tantalizing country.
1.Weather
Summers are warm and pleasant with cool nights while the winters are sunny, with reliable and frequent snowfalls. In short there is a changing weather throughout the year.
2.Culture
Austria is a rich cultural and traditional country and can be greatly seen in the architectural buildings and artistic activities. This place is famous for the birthplace of the famous personalities in the world history such as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Ludwig van Beethoven etc.
3.Attractions
- There are various museums such as Natural History Museum, the Museum of Modern Art and the Museumsquartier.
- Do see the Ferris Wheel in the Prater amusement park. Other places worth visiting are St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the Chapel of the Hofburg, the Parliament and the Votive Church.
- Graz city is the famous city to explore on foot. Other attractions are Landesmuseum Johanneum, surrounding the Alte Galerie’s gothic paintings, the Neue Galerie in the Herbenstrein Palace, the Cathedral and the Mausoleum of Emperor Ferdinand II.
- You can also enjoy skiing on the tallest snow covered mountain of Grossglockner in Carinthia. Also experience Hohe Tauern National Park is one of the large peaceful mountain environments in Europe for trekking; and the glaciers of the Silvretta mountain ranges drop noticeably to Lake Constance with its abundant vegetation.
- Never miss to go to a well-preserved medieval city of Retz, which possesses subterranean wine-cellars, medieval city walls, windmills and a Dominican church. You can also explore Austria’s most mountainous province, with forests, pastures, valleys, mountain lakes, alpine villages, churches and castles.
- The overwhelming and magical sight of the Eisriesenwelt in Werfen has ice caves with great ice sculptures all the year round.
- Also go to the last protected area of European rainforest in the Donau-Auen National Park which is a floodplain area of wilderness that cultivates a diversity of plants and animals.
- You can enjoy the Lederhosen Festival in Windischgarsten, Salzburg festival provides a varied music concerts.
Arinsal ski holidays
September 27th, 2011
Tushar Mathur Arinsal, Andorra is renowned for its sunny days and friendly hospitality, as well as being a resort that offers excellent value for money. With the neighbouring resort of Pal, Andorra linked by high-speed cable cars, skiers can take advantage of the Ski areas in the larger Pal Arinsal Ski resort. Since they have been interlinked, skiers of all different levels of ability have benefited from the variety that Pal-Arinsal has to offer. Pal Arinsal hotel accommodation is of a good standard and caters for a range of budgets.
Two new developments have transformed ski holidays in Arinsal over the last few years. The first is the linking of Arinsal to Pal, creating a very respectable ski area, particularly suited to beginners and intermediates on Arinsal ski holidays, and second is the building and opening of a number of good quality and attractive hotels to supplement the existing old favourites.
Arinsal lies at the end of a valley in the southern part of Andorra. It’s a typical Andorran ski resort, mixing smart new hotels and apartments with quaint water fountains; the locals collect their drinking water at the fountain as it’s the purest water in Andorra and is bottled here for the supermarkets, and of course for those on ski holidays in Arinsal to enjoy.
With the new link to Pal, the ski area boasts a reasonable 65km of pistes, mainly reds and blues, many of them cut through the woods. The ski school, as in the rest of Andorra, is excellent and has many English speaking instructors, which attract many Brits to ski holidays in Arinsal. Snow reliability is some of the best in Andorra as most of the slopes are above 1900 m and is supplemented by plenty of snow cannons.
Ski holidays in Arinsal have a good reputation for après ski, with numerous bars, restaurants and discos, so they’re perfect for young people who are learning to ski and looking for a good time in the evenings, all of which is helped by the generous measures and the cheap prices.
For non skiers, ski holidays in Arinsal has little to offer during the day but there is a frequent bus to Andorra la Vella, a mecca for shopaholics.
Arinsal is quite picturesque in places, with stone buildings and not too many apartment block buildings in the centre.
Accommodation
There are plenty of mid-range and budget options, but not too many luxury places though. You can pick up some really low rates (for a ski resort) if you look around.
Food
Ok for a weekend, but not that much choice. A lot British type pub food and pizzas.
The Best Things to do in India
September 27th, 2011
Tushar Mathur
You could travel around India for 100 years and still not see every incredible sight in this vast country.
One thing is for sure, however long your trip, you will every colour of the rainbow on India’s streets with sights, sounds and scents to boggle the mind.
If you’ve booked your cheap tickets to India and are not sure where to begin your adventures, take a look at some of our useful tips…
Don’t Get the Hump
Camel trekking at the Great Indian Desert can be very romantic and thrilling experience, or, if you prefer you can ride an elephant bareback, Jaipur has plenty of them. Desert landscapes are not something many of us see in our lifetime and a desert sunset is something truly unforgettable.
A Little History
Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum is arguably one of Mumbai’s best museums, if not the best. It was originally known as the Victoria and Albert Museum and having opened in 1872, is Mumbai’s oldest museum with hundreds of artefacts and interesting bits and bobs to peruse giving you a deeper insight into the times of the British Raj.
The Ganges River Varanasi, India
The River Ganges is an important link to spirituality for nearly all Indians. Every day about 60,000 people go down to the Varanasi Ghats to take a holy dip along a 7km stretch of the river. Unfortunately, along this same area, 30 large sewers are continuously polluting the water which is now septic and highly toxic. Watch the locals bathe but all means, but under no circumstances take a dip yourself!
Milk and Two
Visiting the cool, misty hilltops in India makes a refreshing change from the intense heat, so be sure to wear and jumper as it can get a little nippy. As you climb higher, stop at one of the tea plantations to see how this famous brew is grown and have a cuppa from a tea stall by the roadside. ‘Kawa’ is a delicious light tea, without milk and topped with grated almonds. If you fancy harvesting a few leaves yourself, that can always be arranged. Happy picking!
Happy Haggling
As you wind your way through narrow alleyways and twisty little streets you’re bound to come across many local markets and bazaars selling everything from strange shaped fruits to slippers and rugs. Put aside any notion of peace, quiet and orderly queuing and simply dive in with the rest of the hordes. Chandni Chawk, in Old Delhi has hundreds of shops and stalls to get lost in. If you can’t find your way out again, just hail an auto rickshaw to bail you out.
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