World Wide Travel Guide: July 2006

10:03 AM

Traveling in South America

Travel to South America and you will find the yourself in natural splendor. The fourth largest among the continents of the world, South America occupies about 12% of the world’s land area. Because of its tropical climate, one should pack a cap or hat when traveling to South America. A sturdy pair of shoes is also needed as there will be a lot of nature-tripping and hiking that will be involved.
Among the nations that will be part of the intinerary of South American travelers are: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, Venezuela, Guyana of the United Kingdom, Suriname of the Netherlands and French Guiana.
Famous for its natural land and water resources, travelers in South America will surely fall in love with its mountain ranges, falls and lakes.
One of the most famous falls in the region is the Angel Falls, reputed to be the highest in the world. Located in the southeaster part of Venezuela, the falls drops at 3212 feet from the mesa of Auyántepuí, which is found in the Guiana Highlands. Named after its discoverer James C. Angel, the waterfall holds a magic that few travelers in South America can resist.
Another famous travel site in South America is the Iguacu Falls, sometimes called the Iguazu Falls, which is located in between Argentina and Brazil. Rising at 200 feet, it is separated by a rocky cliff and island. One of its fascinating features is the way the water merges into one fall during the wet season and separates into two during the dry season.
Lake Titaca in Peru and Bolivia is another travel site in South America that should be in the must-see list of any tourist. Considered to be the largest lake in South America with its width of 56 kilometers and depth of 174 feet. It is also the world’s highest navigable lake, becoming a major transportation route between Peru and Bolivia. Other lakes that travelers in South America should note down are the Lake Poopo in Bolivia; Argentino and Nahuel Huapi in Argentina and the Valencia in Venezuela.
Another body of water that is famous in South America is the Orinoco River Delta, which can be found in Venezuela near the Atlantic Ocean. It is longest river in the region stretching to about 2560 kilometers.
Sturdy shoes are needed if travelers intend to visit the Andes mountain ranges in South America. Spreading at about 7200 kilometers, it is one of the longest mountain ranges in the world. South American travelers should also not miss the Aconcagua peak, which lies in Argentina. The Aconcagua peak is the highest mountain in the western hemisphere, rising at a sheer height of 22,834 feet.
In addition to land and water resources, South America also offers travelers a peak into some of the most unique creatures in the world. Llamas, for instance, can be found in packs at plateaus called antiplano that stretches from Bolivia to Peru. This animal provides meat, milk and wool.
The tapir, which can be found in the forests and grassy places in South and Central America as well as in Asia, are nocturnal animals with short legs and flexible snout, which they use to roll up leaves and other vegetations. However, the species found in the Andes and Panama has been said to be nearly extinct.
9:56 AM

Great sights when you travel to Mexico

Mexico is a hub of different interests and cultures. People who travel to Mexico will witness many rich and diverse cultures and entertainment. From museums and opera houses to idyllic beach resorts, travelers in Mexico will definitely not ask for anything more.
Probably one of the places that people who travel to Mexico will surely enjoy are the beach resorts outside the capital city. At the top of the list is Acapulco, which is sometimes referred to as the Riviera of Mexico for its hotels, casinos and beach resorts. The Acapulco is a very popular tourist destination where one can also do deep-sea fishing as well as other water sports. Another haven for people who travel to Mexico is the Mazatlan, which frequently holds the international fishing tournaments as well as pre-Lenten carnivals. Hunting and fishing are also things that will interest people who travel to Mexico. One can also find in Mazatlan an observatory and one of the tallest lighthouses in the world. Other beaches that travelers in Mexico should not miss are the Cancun Island, the Puerto Vallarta and the Los Cabos.
Traveling to Mexico also opens the door to a world of arts and drama. With its many museums, Mexico is one of the most important museum destinations in the world. The Chapultepec Park houses several of these celebrated museums; the most important of which is the National Museum of Anthropology. Other museums that travelers in Mexico should also visit are the Museum of National History, Snail Museum, Technology Museum, and the Museum of Modern Art, which boasts of the finest collection of Mexican painting including those of masters such as Diego Rivera, José Clemente Orozco, David Alfaro Siqueiros, and Rufino Tamayo. Children will also enjoy the Mexico City Zoo and the Papalote, a children’s interactive museum.
Traveling to Mexico will not be complete without visiting the Basilica de Guadalupe, which marks the site of the Virgin Mother’s appearance in 1531. The Metropolitan Cathedral is another travel destination within Mexico. With its baroque and neoclassical façade, the church is a great example of architectural art forms.
Another Mexican architectural masterpiece is the Chapultepec Castle, which once served as presidential residence. The castle also features the murals of Mexican painter Juan O’ Gorman as well as the Memorial to Infant Heroes. Los Pinos, which is the official residence of the Mexican President, is also on the grounds of the Castle.
Monuments abound in the Paseo de la Reforma, a tree-line boulevard that houses Mexico’s landmarks. Travelers will surely love the monuments such as the Angel of the Independence, the symbol of the country’s national identity, Cuauhtemoc Memorial and the Diana Cazadora, the statue of Diana the Huntress.
What is traveling to Mexico without shopping for souvenirs? The Zona Rosa or the Pink Zone is an ideal shopping paradise. Within the area are restaurants, boutique squares, shops and hotels. Another shopping district is the Alameda Park, which borders the Palace of Fine Arts.
History fanatics will also love traveling to Mexico’s famed religious city of Teotihuacan, the capital of pre-Aztec civilization. In Teotihuacan, travelers to Mexico will find the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon, two pyramids that face each other, providing a great view of the surrounding regions from the top.
9:52 AM

France: Ultimate Travel Destination

You will certainly not be bored when you travel to France. Considered one of the most romantic countries in the world, France remains one of the ultimate travel destinations in the world, especially for people who love to go sightseeing.
There are a lot of places to travel to in France. One of which is the world-famous Louvre, which houses some of the most celebrated works of art in the world. Travel back to the time of such great artists like Leonardo Da Vinci. See for yourself the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo and the ancient Winged Victory. The Louvre is the largest and the most famous museum in the world, boasting an art and artifact collection that would make any traveler to France gasp in awe. Other museums that people who travel to France should look into are the Pompidou, the Musee Rodin and the Musee d’Orsay.
Another sight worth seeing when you travel to France is the Avenue des Champs-Elysees, which was built in the 17th century. The avenue has the Arc de Triomphe at one end and the Place de la Concorde on the other. Restaurants and boutiques can also be found along the stretch.
One’s travel to France will not be complete without visiting The Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. A model for French Gothic Cathedrals in the Middle Ages, the structure still stands proud, rich in history and architecture. With its large glass surface area supported by carved stone tracery, the Notre Dame de Paris remains to be one of the greatest works produced in that era.
Children who travel to France will find the Disneyland Paris a great place to hang out. The 5000 acre resort is in itself a wonderland filled with the most exciting rides and games. Disneyland Paris in fact is one of Europe’s biggest tourist attraction.
The Bois de Boulogne will not disappoint any person who paid money to travel to France. Inspired by London’s Hyde Park and Regent Park, Bois de Boulogne is the favorite of Parisian walkers and tourists. Inside, France travelers can also find the Auteuil and Longchamp race courses. Another sight that any person who travels in France should go look for is the famous clay tennis court, Roland Garros, where the French Open is held. The court is all housed within the Bois de Boulogne.
Of course, you must see the beautiful and famous Eiffel Tower. Those who travel to France would not dare leave the country without seeing this wrought iron landmark made by French engineer Alexandre Gustave Eiffel for the 1889 Paris World’s Fair.
People who would love to travel in style will probably shop until they drop in some of France’s fashion squares. The Quartier Latin stretch and the St. Germain des Pres offer a wide variety of shops, from booksellers to antique shops to boutiques. The Printemps and Galeries Lafayette will also be a shopping haven for people traveling to France.
There are also great restaurants inside the QL. Try Parisian pizza, the Lebanese Mezze or just a plain croissant. Visit the bars and party on with the locals. The La Java, for instance, features live Latin bands that will entertain anyone who travels to France. The Moulin Rouge, thanks to the movie, has also attracted quite a number of following.
9:45 AM

Traveling to Europe

Traveling to Europe is like traveling through time. Each country will take you from the triumphs of the past centuries to the discoveries of the present. Elaborate palaces, gothic churches and other great structures reflect the beauty that is Europe.
Your travels to Europe can start off with a visit to the Tower of London. Formerly used as a prison house, the Tower now holds the crown jewels of England, making it one of the country’s most popular tourist spots. Another feature that any traveler to Europe should not miss is the Yeoman of the Guard, known as Beefeaters, who still wear the uniforms that date back from the rule of the Tudors.
Another place that travelers to Europe should look into while in England are the Houses of Parliament. Collectively called New Palace of Westminster, this seat of the British legislature is composed of several buildings, including three towers: Victoria Tower, Middle Tower and the very popular Saint Stephen’s or Clock Tower, which houses the Big Ben.
France also offers much when it comes to sight seeing. The Musee de Louvre currently houses the famous Mona Lisa of Leonardo da Vinci as well as the Venus de Milo. Also travel to the Paris’ Eiffel Tower and the Avenue des Champs-Elysees. A visit to the Notre Dame Cathedral or Disneyland Paris will also make any traveler to Europe sigh with contentment.
Amsterdam is also another European traveler haven. Visit the house of Anne Frank— a girl whose diary accounts of German concentration camps were published years after she died. Also tour the Rijksmuseum, which houses one of the largest collections of Dutch and Flemish paintings in the world, including those of 19th century painter Vincent van Gogh.
Though Italy has been primarily associated with fashion, the country also offers an old-world charm that would make any traveler to Europe swear to come back. Their return is assured, according to tradition, if they toss a coin into Rome’s Trevi Fountain, which was designed by Nicola Salvi.
Traveling to Europe, particularly to Rome will of course not be complete without a visit to the Pantheon, considered as one of the few surviving ancient temples in the world. Equally impressive is the Colosseum, the gigantic amphitheater that witness the combats of gladiators. Though already partly destroyed, the Colosseum continues to fascinate travelers in the country.
Known as the shopping and fashion haven in Italy, Milan is also a major center of arts and architecture. Any traveler to Europe will certainly enjoy traversing Piazza del Duomo, at one of which stands the Duomo, a huge Gothic Cathedral made of white marble.
Lover of arts will not be disappointed when traveling to Europe especially to Madrid (Spain) where the finest museums in the world can be found. Among them are Museo del Prado, which is the most famous in the group; the Centro de Arte Reina Sofia named after the current Queen; the Thyssen-Bornemisza art museum that houses close to 800 paintings; the Lazaro Galdiano Museum; the National Library, which houses every book published in Spain; Museum of Bullfighting; the National Museum of Decorative Arts; and the Cultural Center of Madrid.
8:50 AM

Central America travel destinations

Central America is a great travel site. With its combination of rich history and great scenic views, Central America will surely charm any traveler that books a flight.
Guatemala starts off the list of travel spots in Central America. The Maya ruins in Tikal, Guatemala certainly helps in this country’s growing tourism. Considered as one of the world’s largest Maya ceremonial centers, the Tikal Maya ruins are the site for many excavation and archaeological discoveries that would fascinate any traveler to Central America. It has been believed to house a population of 50,000 people until it was abandoned by the Mayans for reasons no one knows sometime in the 10th century. The sites feature temple pyramids that are elaborately worked and designed. Other impessive Mayan ceremonial sites can be found in Uaxactún, Quiriguá, and Mirador. Colorful Mayan fabrics can be bought as souvenirs for their travels in Central America.
Costa Rica is another travel spot in Central America that no one should dare miss. Rich in culture, Costa Ricans frequently celebrate festivals in honor of their patron saints. This is one event that travelers to Central America should put in their must attend list. Travelers in Central America will have a lot of hiking to do as one-third of the country’s land area is covered by Forest. One of those that are open to tourists is the Braulio Carillo National Park. The Velvetworm is another point of fascination in Costa Rica and a scientific wonder that will interest travelers in Central America. Found in the country’s vast rain forests, it has the characteristics of both the joint-legged animals and the segmented worms.
The Panama Canal is another noteworthy Central America travel spots. Joining the Atlantic and the Pacific oceans and connecting the Caribbean Sea with Pacific, the canal is about 82 kilometers long. A project that was started by the French but was later abandoned, the US government continued the project when it gained construction rights in 1903. It was opened for traffic on 1914 and it was only in 1999 that Panama gained sovereignty over the canal. In addition to Panama City, Panama’s largest cities are Colón, David, Santiago, Penonomé, and Chitré.
El Salvador has also a lot to offer the Central America traveler. One travel destination is San Salvador, its capital, which is marked with a rich culture and architectural flair. Destroyed largely by earthquakes, scenic parks, modern buildings, and plazas have now been erected in place. El Salvador is also home to the Santa Ana Volcano, which is the highest point in the country.
Honduras, another Central America travel country, boasts of great beaches and resorts. Like Guatemala, it also has its Mayan ruins located in the northwester part. Copan, another ceremonial center of this ancient civilization is one of the greatest archaeological sites in this part of the world. People in Honduras are also quite artistic and one of the popular places that travelers in Central America should visit is the School of Fine Arts in Comayagua.
Definitely not the last on the list is Nicaragua, whose popular Central America travel spot would be the Mosquito Coast. These inland areas are covered with rain forests. The area, in fact, receives the highest rain of all in the region.
8:43 AM

Traveling to the sights of Canada

Bordering the United States, the largest percentage of Canadian tourists are Americans.
Among its main tourist attractions are the Spring Festivals in the Nova Scotia and the Okanagan Valley in British Columbia. There is also the Ottawa Festival of Spring and the Calgary Exhibition. Travelers to Canada will also enjoy the Niagara Grape and Wine Festival in Ontario.
The city of Toronto also plays host to the Canadian component of the Niagara Falls, which is often called the Horseshoe Falls because of its horseshoe shaped cradle where the water falls. Another great sight in Toronto that travelers to Canada should not dare miss is the Georgian Bay, a picturesque waterscape with its row of pine-filled islands. The largest and best known of Ontario’s more than 200 provincial parks is the Algonquin Park. Other tourist spots that Canada’s travelers should take special note of are the Quetico Provincial Park, the Lake Superior, the Polar Bear Park in Hudson Bay and the Kakabeka Falls.
Travelers to Canada will also not be disappointed when they see the snow-capped mountain Mount Begbie, which can be found in one of Canada’s main provinces, the British Columbia. Located in the Mount Revelstoke National Park, it retains its lovely evergreen forests. The province of British Columbia offers travelers in Canada the best in hiking, fishing and canoeing opportunities in the world.
Quebec, whose name was derived from the Algonquian term which means “a place where the river narrows,” promises travelers to Canada a mix of the old and the new.
Travelers can visit the French-style hotel Chateau Frontenac, which is located in the Old Quebec district and the Tadoussac, where whales congregate near the mouth of the Saguenay fjord. Travelers to Canada can also enjoy a little bit of fishing experience in the little fishing villages in New Brunswick and in Concepcion Bay, one of Canada’s many coastal inlets. The island of Newfoundland also affords travelers in Canada the best in music entertainment. It also boasts the country’s finest landscapes with its flat-topped peaks and glacier-gouged lakes, which can be found in the Gros Morne National Park.
The waters of Lake Louise, which can be found in the Banff National Park, is the main attraction in the province of Alberta. A lake of glacial waters, Lake Louise reflects on its surface the surrounding Rocky Mountains and forests, making it a great sight to behold.
Wedged with Alaska and British Columbia is the Yukon Territory famed for its mining industry. In fact, one of its bustling towns during the gold rush period, Dawson, is now a tourist attraction. Travelers in Canada just love the Gaslight Folies variety show, a recreation of the entertainment during that period in history. They are performed at its Palace Grand Theater. Southwest of Yukon Territory is the Quill Creek, which flows from the Saint Elias Mountains that contains the highest peaks in Canada as well as the waters that flows in Yukon’s extensive natural water system composed of creeks, lakes and rivers. The Kluane National Park and reserve is one place that travelers in Canada’s Yukon province should not dare miss. Found in the Kluane Ranges and Saint Elias Mountains, the park offers a sight of Canada’s highest peak, Mount Logan as well as a number of glaciers and ice fields.
8:39 AM

Traveling to Asia

Immensely popular as a tourist destination, Asia provides a peek into a rich history and an even richer culture. In fact, some of the great wonders of the world can be found within the boundaries of this continent.
Travelers to Asia will probably have the Great Wall of China as their first stop. Extending to about 2,414 kilometers or 1,500 miles with a height of about 25 feet, the wall has been said to be visible even in outer space. Erected by the Qin dynasty’s first emperor Shihuangdi to defend the city from the nomadic people, the wall is made out of earth and stone.
Another worthy travel spot in Asia, particularly in China is the Terra-cotta Warriors and Soldiers Museum in Xi’an China, which is considered to be one of the world’s greatest archaeological find. Another tourist destination that should be in the list of any traveler to Asia is the Forbidden City, now known as the Palace Museum in Beijing. The enclosed location holds the former palaces of Chinese emperors. Tiananmen Square, which is also located in Beijing, set adjacent to the Forbidden City. A witness to a series of student-led demonstrations and rallies in 1989 calling for the removal of Deng Xiaoping, the square is now a memorial of those whose lives were sacrificed. Asian travelers will probably want to also go to Dunhang, where ancient Buddhist frescoes in caves can be found.
One of the wonders of the ancient world, the Angkor is a major archaeological site located in the northwest parts of Cambodia. A historical travel spot in Asia, the ruins have two Hindi temple complexes, the Angkor Wat and the Angkor Thom, which is less popular having been built later. And though the site has been damaged much by warfare, a traveler in Asia can still feel the ancient spirit of the place living on.
Taj Mahal is another ancient site that continues to lure travelers in Asia into its midst. Located in Agra, India, the temple was made by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan as a mausoleum for his favorite wife Mumtaz Mahal (Jewel of the Palace) who died in childbirth after bearing him 14 children.
Bangkok, Thailand is another travel spot in Asia. One of its most popular tourist destination is the Wat Pho or the Temple of the Reclining Buddha. Other destinations that would surely fascinate any traveler in Asia are the Wat Phra Kaeo (Temple of the Emerald Buddha), which is known as a example of 19th-century architecture; Buddhist temples; the Sanam Luang, where royal ceremonies such as cremation and the annual Ploughing Ceremony are often held; the Dusit Park, Zoo and the Chitladda Palace where the royal family reside. Bangkok is also home to numerous art houses such as the National Museum, National Theater, National Gallery, Rajadamnoen Stadium (the preeminent venue of Thai kick-boxing), National Library, and National Archives.
The Philippines have also a lot to offer travelers in Asia. Its beaches and resorts can rival the world. Boracay, for instance, is known for its white sandy beaches and crystal clear water. Another island destination that any traveler to Asia should not dare miss is Palawan and Bohol, where the world famous Tarsier and Chocolate Hills can be found. Of course, one must also visit the Ifugao Rice Terraces, which is one of he Ten Wonders of the World as well as the Mines View Park and Strawberry fields in Baguio.
8:32 AM

France: Ultimate Travel Destination

You will certainly not be bored when you travel to France. Considered one of the most romantic countries in the world, France remains one of the ultimate travel destinations in the world, especially for people who love to go sightseeing.
There are a lot of places to travel to in France. One of which is the world-famous Louvre, which houses some of the most celebrated works of art in the world. Travel back to the time of such great artists like Leonardo Da Vinci. See for yourself the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo and the ancient Winged Victory. The Louvre is the largest and the most famous museum in the world, boasting an art and artifact collection that would make any traveler to France gasp in awe. Other museums that people who travel to France should look into are the Pompidou, the Musee Rodin and the Musee d’Orsay.
Another sight worth seeing when you travel to France is the Avenue des Champs-Elysees, which was built in the 17th century. The avenue has the Arc de Triomphe at one end and the Place de la Concorde on the other. Restaurants and boutiques can also be found along the stretch.
One’s travel to France will not be complete without visiting The Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. A model for French Gothic Cathedrals in the Middle Ages, the structure still stands proud, rich in history and architecture. With its large glass surface area supported by carved stone tracery, the Notre Dame de Paris remains to be one of the greatest works produced in that era.
Children who travel to France will find the Disneyland Paris a great place to hang out. The 5000 acre resort is in itself a wonderland filled with the most exciting rides and games. Disneyland Paris in fact is one of Europe’s biggest tourist attraction.
The Bois de Boulogne will not disappoint any person who paid money to travel to France. Inspired by London’s Hyde Park and Regent Park, Bois de Boulogne is the favorite of Parisian walkers and tourists. Inside, France travelers can also find the Auteuil and Longchamp race courses. Another sight that any person who travels in France should go look for is the famous clay tennis court, Roland Garros, where the French Open is held. The court is all housed within the Bois de Boulogne.
Of course, you must see the beautiful and famous Eiffel Tower. Those who travel to France would not dare leave the country without seeing this wrought iron landmark made by French engineer Alexandre Gustave Eiffel for the 1889 Paris World’s Fair.

People who would love to travel in style will probably shop until they drop in some of France’s fashion squares. The Quartier Latin stretch and the St. Germain des Pres offer a wide variety of shops, from booksellers to antique shops to boutiques. The Printemps and Galeries Lafayette will also be a shopping haven for people traveling to France.

There are also great restaurants inside the QL. Try Parisian pizza, the Lebanese Mezze or just a plain croissant. Visit the bars and party on with the locals. The La Java, for instance, features live Latin bands that will entertain anyone who travels to France. The Moulin Rouge, thanks to the movie, has also attracted quite a number of following.