Travel experiences: Brunei, Borneo
I have been a member of various charities and organisations for years and decided to adopt 2 baby orangutans from the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre in Borneo so naturally as a sponsor I had to go and see how they were getting on!
I landed at Kuala Lumpar and waited for my connection to Sabah the home of the highest peak in Malaysia Mt Kinabalu.
Borneo is green and lush the rainforest’s were once the home to tens of thousands of orangutans but now the numbers are few due to deforestation as our need for palm oil in our daily diet threatens to wipe out their home forever, some are found and kept as pets as local villagers try to look after them.
I woke early to catch a flight to Sandakan and a short drive to the centre, the volunteers leave food on two feeding platforms twice a day, the centre is in the rain forest and some orangutans are never seen again at the feeding platforms, and others return daily to catch up with friends.
The centre is completely dependent on donations and the babies stay in the nursery for 2 years where they are cared for and looked after by local volunteers, when they have learned their lessons how to climb and swing from the highest treetops, skills they would have learned from their mothers if they had not have been killed, they can then move on to the next “school” where they remain until they are about 15 then when they are ready are allowed to go into the forest where they may or may not be seen again.
The sights of the young ones eating bananas and playing with each others does tug at your heart and when they look in your eyes you can see they are telling themselves “hey you look like me”.
There are other primates along the river banks of Borneo but some are hard to see, macaques are common and the proboscis monkey with its big nose will try to get close to you to steal anything in reach.
As the day was nearly over I said goodbye it was hard to leave such a tranquil place where tragedy and sadness had sealed the fate of these adorable orange babies.
The next days I was off to Brunei, I have always had a fascination for ornate architecture and have visited most of the worlds Mosques, but the gold dome ones in Brunei were the ones I was eager to see.
Brunei is one of the smallest countries in the world and one of the richest, it is a reminder of colonial British legacy, the economy is from oil from offshore wells, so as long as the oil lasts the rainforest’s of Brunei remain safe.
This is a strict Muslim country so if you wish to stay here you must remember there is NO ALCOHOL it is virtually unobtainable and they search you at the airport to make sure you are not bringing any in, there is NO NIGHTLIFE so early nights are on the agenda.
Hotels are rare there are only a handful and if you want one on a beach there are only two but if you have some cash then stay at the opulent Empire Hotel it cost over $1 billion to build and no expense was spared the sultan himself was involved in its initial plan, it has a magnificent beach.
Sight seeing was next so decided to find a guide in the hotel who would take me to the best mosques, it was Friday so was not allowed inside the prayer calling had begun “allah aw akbar” I was informed that the chandeliers inside the Jame’Asr Hassanal Bolkiah Mosque were Italian crystal and worth over 1 million, the wonders were outside, the main dome was solid gold as were the spier’s the beauty as the sun shone on the reflective gold was a sight to remember.
This little country in the south china sea is worth a visit once in your lifetime!
Take a trip to Sepilok you too will come home with more than memories.
Winter Trips To Warm You Up
Do you need a break from the cold? If you need to thaw out then consider taking a vacation to a warm weather destination. You will return tan, refreshed and ready to brave the rest of the winter. Here are some suggestions for taking a winter holiday.
First off, you need to decide how long you can get away and how much travel you want to do. Since most of the U.S. is cold in winter you’ll have to go south to find warm weather. If you only have a few days then it makes sense to keep your winter trip close to home since you don’t want to spend a large part of your holiday on a plane.
Consider visiting southern Florida which has loads of options and tropical weather throughout the winter. Miami is fantastic for visiting the beach, soaking up the sun and enjoying the nightlife of South Beach. If you want a slower pace and fewer crowds, consider the Florida Keys. Key West is a quaint city full of bed and breakfasts with plenty to do for the entire family including water sports and nightlife.
A bit farther (but not by much) is the Caribbean. You’ll need a passport and the flights are more expensive but it is well worth it. There are tons of tropical islands from which to choose and there are French, Dutch, British, Latin and other influences to give you some culture. The Dominican Republic is know for its inexpensive all inclusive resorts; included in the packages is accommodation, food, transfers and water sports.
If you have more time and money then consider taking a winter vacation in the Southern Hemisphere which is summer during the U.S.’ winter. Rio de Janeiro has the world famous beaches of Ipanema and Copacabana with Sugar Loaf as a rugged mountain backdrop. Since Rio is a large city, it boasts five star hotels, fine dining and many nightlife options. Another holiday destination south of the equator is Australia. The Gold Coast is full of sun and sand options and the cities of Sydney and Melbourne have a European feel. If you’re up for some adventure then visit the interior and explore the outback.
Southeast Asia is a popular destination due to its affordability and richness in culture. Singapore is not only full of sights, luxury hotels and culture but it is known for being a very clean country. Malaysia has many white sand beaches and islands with accommodations ranging from simple bungalows to lavish resorts. Thailand is another country brimming with ancient sights and gorgeous beaches and its people are known for their hospitality.
If you need to find some warm weather then there are many options for winter vacations. Take lots of pictures and don’t forget your sunscreen!
Travel experiences: Asian adventures
What is the first thought that comes to you when I mention Penang?
Even as an Asian, I can only give you the standard reply that it is one of the state in Malaysia. What had attracted me to Penang in the first place? Cheap and yummy food!
There was a pretty attractive package and what I want is just a short getaway with nice food and decent beach so there was where I ended up with a big smile on my face. The ride from the airport to the hotel was like a cultural shock! I see modern and heritage buildings beside each other, city and suburbs separated by two junctions and they all blend well together.
The hotel service was quite good despite we have difficulties understanding each other. And most importantly, the hotel rooms were clean and not eerie with a good beach view! Imagine waking up in the morning for a beach run, hiding under the umbrella for a beach massage and watch the sunset… Move out of the beach and go grab some dinner at the hawkers. Find your favorite food and go shop for souvenirs at the night market, time yourself to see how fast can you conquer the night market! Make sure you bargain hard to fully blend into the culture.
Enjoy the friendly natives and the interesting buildings in town. But if you looking for nightlife, I guess this is not the place. Pay a visit to the little nook and corner in town to taste some exotic food and the must-try is Penang Laksa! Three separate locations in town for three different home made recipes that are voted to be the best. Enjoy the fried black noodle(cha kuai tiao), Satay and Rojak else the trip is definitely wasted!
When I was planning my trip, safety was my major concern after what I heard about Johor, another state in Malaysia. The locals helped to put my mind at ease after just a day in town. They are friendly and extremely helpful! The most important thing: Most people I met never attempt to take advantage of girl traveling alone.
Most people travel to this island via plane but you will miss out quite alot of interesting things along the way. If you have the time, I will highly recommend that you travel using the road from either Singapore or Thailand and cross the bridge to Penang.
Sum my trip up: Cheap, delicious food and totally enjoyable experience!
Discover Bangkok
The Kingdom of Thailand is a country in Southeast Asia. To its east lie Laos and Cambodia; to its south, the Gulf of Thailand and Malaysia; and to its west, the Andaman Sea and Myanmar. Its capital and largest city is Bangkok.
Outlook of a tourist destination is as important as its image in a tourism department. It is the duty of tourism department to make the place more attracting to the tourists. Authority must ensure that they give the tourists, both international visitors and Thai residents, a general outlook on Thailand as a tourist destination. This helps the tourists to have a better idea about the culture and places of Thailand. For some visitors cultural sights, cuisines and friendly people are considerably important and some others will look for entertainment and nightlife of Thailand.
When tourists were asked about why they choose Thailand as their tourist destination, the reply will be “”hospitality of Thai people is really welcoming and touches our emotions moreover Thai has all modern facilities for tourists visiting Thailand”".
Each and every visitor has different picture in their mind about their holiday destination and the taste varies from person to person. Some like to spend their vacation in adventurous places and some others like to spend holidays in places with amazing scenery and good climate. Thailand is a place in which people love to keep in their hearts with the memories and good time they spend. Most of the people will refresh it quite often to remember the wonderful moments they spend in Thailand.
Thailand is one of countries whose major income source is tourism. Thailand is filled with hotels, resorts, bungalows and guesthouses for tourists. Standard of accommodation of Thailand is excellent with well-mannered hotels all around. Most of the hotels offer wide range of accommodation categories.
To add zest in Thailand destination, a lot more you can have rather than sea, sand and sun or temple visits. The southern part of Thailand and related islands are most famous for sea, fishing and canoeing where as the northern part of Thailand is well-known for adventures including trekking, river rafting, caving and mountain biking. Most of the tourists who choose Thailand destination as their holiday camp quite often enjoy adventure safari, leisure, nightlife, shopping, sightseeing and lot more.
One of the important factors which tie and call visitors to the land of Thailand is mouth watering cuisines. Rice is the major component of Thai cuisine and fragrant jasmine rice which is native to Thailand is mostly used. Cuisines of Thailand destination is well known all around the globe for distinctive combination of flavors which often stir up the images of hot, spicy, tasty flavors and exotic ingredients.
Food of Thai is the indication of Thailand’s heritage which is a combined influence of western and eastern. Capital of Thailand – Bangkok, the 22nd most popular city in the world, is the largest city in Thailand situated near by bank of Chao Phraya River. Bangkok is one among the many to hit the fastest rates in constructions of high rising buildings. The cultural wealth of the city makes it the most admired tourist destination. The city Bangkok has a striking mix up of new and old- recent and ancient things to watch and enjoy.
When you select Thailand as your vacation destination, do not forget to visit Bangkok because it is home to Wat Phra Khao and the Grand Palace which are best for sight-seeing. Bangkok is showered with more and more attractions every square mile unlike any other cities. In spite of heavy crowds, architecture and attractions, the city is really appealing and worth to see and travel. One of the most unique attractions of Bangkok is the traditional life which is safe and sound from the modern civilization and thus would be an enthralling one to watch.
The kingdom of Thailand, the captivating land, is now a most preferred tourist destination. There is no wonder why each and every year tourist is increased at faster rates. New and frequent visitors have lots to watch in Thailand. Enjoy and keep in mind as most precious moments with Thai people. The heritage of the land doesn’t get swept away with the arc lights of trend and modernity. Renowned hospitality, magnificent natural beauty, inspirational temples, tastiest cuisines and also the tremendous appealing ancient kingdoms are the factors which makes Thailand the land of tourist. Now who wouldn’t love to visit Thailand on their vacations!
Macau: a great attraction for travelers from all around the world
Macau, is a southern coast city of China. It is located at the south of Guangdong Province, on the tip of the peninsula formed by the Xijiang (West River) on the west and the Zhujiang (Pearl River) estuary on the east. Macau is situated 145 km southwest of Guangzhou, the capital of Guangdong Province and 60 km western side of Hong Kong. It is next to the Zhuhai Special Economic Zone.
Macau facing the South China Sea in the south and east has thriving industries such as electronics, textiles and toys. There is also a remarkable Macau tourism industry that features a wide range of hotels, resorts, restaurants, stadiums and casinos. Macau, one of the richest cities in the world, tempts all with the variety of entertainment.
The Templo de A-Má, a temple built in 1448 dedicated to Matsu – the goddess of seafarers and fishermen – has given Macau its name. The following are the must see places in Macau:
* Casino at Venetian Macao
* Macau Tower Convention & Entertainment Centre
* Grand Prix Museum
* Leal Senado (Municipal Council)
* Cotai Strip
* Ruins of St. Paul’s Cathedral
* Lisboa Casino
* A-Ma Temple (Ma Kok Miu)
* Largo do Senado (Senate Square)
* Monte Forte (Fortaleza do Monte)
Macau, an enthralling tourist location with a cluster of entertainment facilities, famous for its locales, casinos and nightlife.
Macau Hotels have a huge spread as far as budget and location are concerned. Hotels in Macau possess a great range of diversity in facilities and entertainment options. Macau hotels range from exotic five star accommodations at Lisboa hotel to the very economical three star accommodations of Fu Hua hotel.
The costs of accommodation in Macau Hotels range from as low as USD 65 to USD 142. Most of the Macau hotels provide air condition, television, radio, telephone as basic room facilities and hotel facilities includes beauty parlour, fitness centre, and laundry cleaning service. Other important facilities available in most of the Macau hotels are sauna, conference facilities and car parking.
Hotels in Macau offer great food and beverages that suits both holiday and business travelers. Most of the hotels in Macau have restaurants and serve a range of dishes in Chinese, Japanese and Continental cuisines. Food in Macau interests foodies from around the world. Macau provides Italian, French, American, Brazilian, Japanese, Korean and Mozambique cuisine as well as dishes from Southeast Asia, such as Thailand, Burma, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore.
Macau hotels offer a great Array of entertainment facilities. Lisboa hotel, New Century hotel, Holiday Inn, Royal hotel and many other Macau hotels entertain with a scintillating nightlife.
The hotels in Macau also house busy casinos that are open on all days. Casinos are one of the big attractions in Macau.
Places to visit in Australia
Darwin In A Nutshell
A commonly-asked question: What’s it like to live and work in a tropical paradise? The answer: Come to Darwin and find out. This city is the capital of the Northern Territory of Australia. The population has just reached 100,000 mainly thanks to the mining boom. As Australia’s “Gateway to Asia”, Darwin sees a steady stream of ships and aircraft carrying goods and passengers between here and Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, The Philippines and China. Apart from the burgeoning trade in raw materials with South-East Asian nations, Darwin is the residential hub and services centre for the resurgent mining industry.
The city enjoys a relaxed, informal lifestyle. Mitchell Street, in the Central Business District, is the hub of a high-energy nightlife which never runs out of gas. Partygoers can be seen leaving the nightclubs at 4 o’clock in the morning. One advantage of the compact size of the city, is that it’s very easy to transit from one entertainment venue to another. A good, old-fashioned pub crawl is well within the capabilities of any person of average fitness. Good food and plenty of it is available at all the pubs in town. The beer, of course, is always ice-cold; and an army of transient backpackers, building up their funds for the next stage of their odyssey, work tirelessly behind the counters.
Traffic is well-organised and fairly stress-free. The city itself, unlike Sydney or Brisbane, has very few steep hills, and the infrastructure was built from scratch after the devastation wrought by Cyclone Tracy in December 1974. Very little remains of the lightweight structures which formed most of Darwin’s buildings in those days. Subjected to wind gusts recorded at 300kms/hr (the anemometers disintegrated under the pressure, so wind gusts were probably in excess of this figure), the town was literally flattened. All new buildings since then have had to comply with strict building codes, to ensure their integrity under such conditions.
Cyclones are a feature of the Wet Season, from mid-November to the end of March. This is followed by the Dry Season (April end of July), in which the humidity of the monsoon disappears; rainfall ceases; refreshing sea-breezes blow away the cobwebs, and suburban dwellers and tourists alike head for the National Parks. Kakadu and Litchfield National Parks are only a couple of hours’ drive from the CBD, and as the water levels drop, the picnic and camping areas become accessible
Retire Overseas: The Best Places To Retire In Asia
Choosing a place to serve as a retirement home is always a major decision for anyone. The right decision can lead to years of contentment, and a wrong one can be costly. In order to make the right decision, one needs to gather information about the various options before settling on one.
Here are some of the criteria you should consider when considering a retirement location:
Job Outlook – Since many people work at least part time after retirement, availability of jobs is required in the desired place.
Recreation – Shopping and sport events, access to outdoor recreation, from skiing and biking to walking and hiking.
Cost Of Living – It should be affordable; preferably less than the cost of living in the U.S.
Education – Good public education should be available since many will want to take advantage of continuing education. A scope of higher education should be available for the retiree in order to pursue a new career.
Travel – It should be well connected to the other cities and towns and be easily accessible.
Public Transportation – Transportation such as buses, taxis, trains and planes should be easily available, comfortable and low in cost.
Climate And Weather – this is a major factor that needs to be borne in mind while selecting a place for retirement.
Medical Care – Proximity to comprehensive, well-recognized health care facilities is a major factor to be considered when choosing a place to retire.
Food – A variety of food of all regions should be easily available at a reasonable cost.
If your budget and schedule permits, you should try living in the place of your choice before actually investing in any property. Local community rules should also be read carefully and understood before investing in any property in a foreign country.
Consider Asia in your Retirement Location Choices
Asia is a great retirement option for those seeking affordable yet comfortable living, without compromising on natural beauty, entertainment and great food. The largest of the seven continents, Asia is home to numerous countries, which vary in geographical form, from islands and peninsulas to plateaus and mountains. To top it all off, the continent is home to some of the world’s most hospitable people, making it a perfect place to retire.
Below are some of the best places to retire in Asia:
Malaysia
Malaysia is blessed with a pleasant, warm climate, inviting shorelines of white sands skirted by crystal clear waters. Lots of public and private hospitals, recreational/entertainment facilities and developed and quality education system are also available.
Thailand
Thailand’s reputation as a holiday paradise and an exotic, colorful and easygoing country is well deserved. To add to this, Thailand has a sophisticated and modern culture, fantastic sceneries, cheap shopping options, wonderful food and great nightlife.
The Philippines
The Philippines are comprised of over 7,000 islands, with clear blue waters, white sand beaches and coconut palm trees. The climate is moderately warm all year. Day to day expenses are low, living is easy and the people are warm, friendly and helpful.
Laos
Located in Southeast Asia, the tiny country of Laos is also a great retirement option for those looking for something different. The culture, lifestyle and mannerism of the people of Laos is greatly influenced by the Buddhist religion.
India
India The country is rich in culture and traditions, the effect of which is clearly visible on its people who have distinctive manners, habits, and cuisine, relative to their specific geographical location.
These places offer just a minor glimpse into what Asia really has to offer. Varied landscapes, lifestyles, cultures and cuisines are just a few of the attractions that the continent boasts of. From a retiree’s point of view, the significantly lower cost of living leads to a relaxed and tension-free life.
Copyright by Best Places to Retire and Alex R Valdivia
This article may be used freely in ezines, newsletters, websites, to offer as free bonus or part of a product for sale as long as no changes are made and the byline, copyright, active links and this resource box is included.
Thailand Holidays
In the last few years, more and more people have been heading for the Far East in order to enjoy a memorable holiday taking in the unique sights and sounds of the region. The difference between the culture of Europe and America and countries in the Far East such as China, Thailand, and Malaysia is profound, and the experience of visiting these destinations really can be life changing in many ways.
One of the most popular destinations in the region is Thailand, and people travel from all over thee world in order to enjoy the many different experiences on offer.
Bangkok is the capital city of Thailand, and it is one of the most impressive cities in the world. It is a place that combines the traditions of the country with a modern twist, and blends ancient monuments with shopping malls and plenty of other attractions. Most visitors to Thailand will spend at least a few days exploring Bangkok as part of their time in the country, and this provides an excellent introduction to the pleasures of the country. Make sure you visit the Grand Palace with its breath taking sculptures and the various different temples that are located within the same complex.
Aside from the gilded temples and shopping malls, Bangkok is also well known for its nightlife. Patpong Road is the centre of the action in the city, and aside from the night market that operates throughout the week there are countless bars to explore during your stay.
Once the pace of life in Bangkok becomes too much for you and you are ready to relax on the beach, Thailand has a number of options available to you. Pattaya is on the Gulf of Thailand around two hours south of the city. It has a reputation for great nightlife, but the beaches are pleasant although a little crowded at the weekend. The town has plenty of attractions, but is not always seen as the best destination for families, as the nightlife can be a bit racy.
For a more refined and laid back holiday in Thailand, why not consider visiting Cha Am or Hua Hin on the other coast of the country. These quieter destinations offer plenty of space to relax and unwind, and are great for families. There are several spa retreat type hotels in the area, and these are ideal for anyone keen on relaxing and enjoying their time.
The islands of Thailand such as Koh Samui, Krabi, and Phuket have long attracted travellers from all over the world with their beauty. Phuket is probably the most developed destination in the country, and offers an extensive range of hotels to suit all budgets. The main town has some exciting nightclubs and a good range of shops and the white sand beaches are amongst the most attractive in the country.
Aside from beaches and cities, Thailand also offers a range of inland destinations including Chiang Mai that give visitors the chance to see the more traditional Thai way of life including the famous hill tribes, and also a number of elephant sanctuaries.
Batu Feringgi
Whether it’s budget travel or luxury, Malaysia offers everything a tourist could possibly want from a vacation destination. Malaysia’s Penang Islands offer the best beach spots for sun bathing and relaxing and among these islands, the most famous location is Batu Feringgi. Offering a large expanse of sandy shores, luxury resorts, shopping galas and water sports activities, Batu Feringgi is a must-visit beach destination.
Penang Islands were often in political conflict during the British, Dutch and Portuguese colonial reign. Batu Feringgi is believed to be the Portuguese phrase for “foreigner’s rock,†derived from the constant visits the island experienced in the past. Regardless of all the changes in the past, Batu Feringgi has kept its universal appeal afloat, drawing large crowds to its vacation-oriented beaches every year. The region has an interesting Chinese cultural mix blending in with several other races, and the many businesses are proof for its booming commercialism.
Relatively speaking, Batu Feringgi doesn’t have the best beach among the islands, but it has a very lively night market, which contributes to its immense attraction. Batu Feringgi is also a place with all the modern facilities and conveniences, making the island and its beaches excellent for a trouble-free vacation. The island is also easily accessible via many transportation modes, including boats and airplanes.
The scenery in Batu Feringgi offers massive granite boulders, endless stretches of sand, luxurious greenery and serene waters. A typical sun, sand and sea vacation spot, Batu Feringgi also has a nightlife centered around its amazing night market, the Pasar Malam. The night market is open until the wee morning hours and contains hundreds of make-shift stalls operated by local vendors. The goods sold here range from clothes and cheap electronics to food and mementos. When Batu Feringgi’s beaches are enveloped by the night skies, shopping is on everyone’s mind. The Pasar Malam spreads across the entire main beach-side road.
Visiting Malaysia needs good itinerary planning, no matter whether you are heading off to the beach islands or staying in the city. Book your Penang hotel in advance and remember to ask for seasonal rates from your preferred hotel. Penang islands offer the best high-end hotel accommodations in Malaysia, including luxury beach resorts. If you are looking for something extra special, check out the Copthorne Orchid Hotel Penang , located within easy access distance from the city, beach and local sites.
Five Affordable World Travel Destinations
So
you want to travel the world but you have a tight budget?
Are you tired of reading about everyone else’s exotic adventures and
ready to have some of your own? Have
you always wanted to take an international vacation but thought you couldn’t
afford it? There are numerous
travel destinations across the worlds that are both exciting and affordable.
Five of them are described here to give you ideas and get you started
planning your own getaway.
There
are two ways to approach affordable vacations to distant destinations.
Either you will save money getting there or the savings will occur once
you arrive at your selected spot. If
you want the trip there to be affordable, many travel consolidators recommend
choosing well-known destinations that are served by numerous airlines and
receive millions of travelers each year. The
competition for customers usually drives costs down for everything from lodging
to tour packages. Airfares between
major hubs tend to be more affordable and there are often plenty of discounts
and last minute travel deals.
London
In
Europe, London is a top pick for affordable vacation destinations, for these
exact reasons. Not only do you have
more flights to choose from, they are cheaper than if you flew to a more remote
location. On average, staying in
London may be a bit more expensive than other European destinations, but the
seemingly endless choices in hotels, restaurants, transportation, tours, and
other travel essentials gives travels opportunities to mold their vacation to
fit their budgets. And you can use
London as your home base to set out on day trips to other more exotic locations
or buy a Eurorail pass and see those more remote countries without the expense
of flying there.
Playa
del Carmen, Mexico
This
theory also works well for traveling in the Caribbean.
Belize is an appealing destination, with wonderful Caribbean beaches and
a lush tropic setting, but since it has only recently emerged as a popular
travel destination, it is more expensive than Cancun, Jamaica or other
well-traveled locations along the Mayan Riviera.
With fewer flights, getting there is more expensive, and there are few
moderate lodging options. Development
of larger luxury resorts have begun to boom, but the only real alternative for
those on a budget is staying in local facilities that may be hard to locate from
home and may be more rustic than most travelers are willing to try.
Although
there are many options for affordable vacations in the Caribbean, an excellent
pick is Playa del Carmen, Mexico. Accessible
via flights to Cancun, which are often some of the cheapest in the region, Playa
is just a half hour away. It is
filled with a multitude of lodging choices, from expansive luxury resorts on the
ocean to quaint but clean hotels downtown.
From Playa, travelers can branch out and visit Tulum and other locations
on the Mayan Riviera or take the ferry across to the island of Cozumel where
snorkeling is prime and the attractions are many.
For
Asian destinations, travelers often do better to focus on saving money once they
get to their destination. Depending
on your country of origin, getting to just about any spot in Asia is going to be
a sizable chunk of your travel budget. The
difference will come from the cost of lodging, food, entertainment and other
travel expenditures once you arrive. By
choosing destinations where you get the most for your money, you can save a
great deal on your international vacation.
A drink or dinner in Tokyo will cost you many times more than what it
would in Saigon. The key here is to
go where your dollars buy you more and where the local cost of living is low.
Tioman
Island
An
affordable yet exotic choice for Asia is Malaysia and specifically Tioman
Island, knows as the mythical ‘Bali Hai’ from the film ‘South Pacific.’
Tioman Island is located at the southern end of the east coast of
Malaysia on the South China Sea. Its sandy beaches, bordered by lush jungles and
stunning mountains make it a relaxing yet intriguing destination, ideal for sun
lovers, snorkelers and divers. The
island also has many villages for exploring and shopping.
English is widely spoken and the
rates are amazingly affordable, with a two night lodging package for a suite at
a lovely oceanside resort averaging around 100 U.S. dollars.
Typically visitors reach the island via the speed ferry from the
mainland. Although the trip can
take over two hours, it is enjoyable and provides opportunities for dolphin
watching along the way.
Buenos
Aires
South
America also has many destinations that are affordable because of the savings
once you arrive. Locales like Rio
de Janeiro in Brazil, the areas top destination, are coming down in price but
are still more expensive than cities such as Buenos Aires in Argentina, where
the rates are lower and the U.S. dollar goes further.
A
huge metropolis that is more European than South American, the city has much to
offer including cultural events, thriving nightlife, shopping, local sports, and
a host of tours and excursions. La
Boca, with its street performers, shops, and unique architecture is a big
tourist draw. The large number of
choices for lodging, restaurants, and activities provides opportunities for
budget travel and savings. Airfare to the city is relatively reasonable for an
international destination, with discount fares from the U.S. averaging around
$500 round trip. Buenos Aires might
not be one of the most exotic or inspiring destinations in South America, but it
is a city that everyone should see at least once, and with some of the most
affordable rates and fares around, it makes the list as a top South American
destination.
Las
Vegas
The
list would not be complete without a North American destination, and the champ
of all affordable locales is Las Vegas. It
too is a city that should be seen at least once, and many world travelers return
again and again for the gaming, art, shows and people watching that just can’t
be found anywhere else. Close
enough to other top U.S. attractions like the Grand Canyon, Vegas provides other
options for those who have had their fill of casinos.
The
city has long been known for its cheap vacation packages with hotels and resorts
that offer discount rates for rooms, meals and entertainment in hopes of
attracting people to their gaming tables. Airfare
rates into Vegas are some of the most reasonable in the United States, no matter
the origination destination. And
with more than 100,000 hotel rooms to choose from, there is sure to be a lodging
choice that fits your budget.
The
world provides hundreds of affordable travel destinations. With all the options available, there is no excuse to put off that
life-long desire to travel to exotic places at the far ends of the earth. Destinations can be researched on the Internet or your
travel
consolidator can make
recommendations and help with locating cheap
international airfare and
lodging rates that fit your budget. So
what are you waiting for? Get out
there and explore the world.
