Turkey is a great destination for some sunshine and to spend time on the beach and in the sea. But when you’ve had enough of taking it easy, there are some great places to go sightseeing in this beautiful and varied country.

The country’s third largest city, Izmir, attracts plenty of tourists and has become a fixture on many cruise circuits increasing the number of people visiting this city. If you are thinking of booking one of the many Izmir Turkey holidays on offer with the main travel companies, check out this list of things to see while in the city of Izmir.

Konak Square is the real heart of the city, and there’s a massive clock tower right in the centre, making it very difficult to miss or get lost. This is also where the fight for independence began after the First World War.

You’re within easy reach here of the Kordon, the seaside promenade, and Gustave Eiffel’s customs house on Konak Pier – now a great shopping centre. You can also take boat trips from Pasaport.

Up on the hill are the ancient and impressive ruins of Kadifekale castle – the ‘velvet castle’, which was built by Lysimachos – a successor to Alexander the Great.

One of the city’s most famous sights is the Kemeralti bazaar which was originally along the street surrounding the inner bay of city that was subsequently filled in during the seventeenth century. The market spread to fill the new space and the wide street that it curves along today is called Anafartlar Street. It’s a lively and interesting place to wander around for a few hours.

In the Anasanor quarter you can take a ride on an antique (and free) elevator which shoots up from sealevel to the clifftop neighbourhoods in a brick tower. There’s a terrace café at the top where you get some great views over the city.

Outside the city, you can take a trip to Mount Yamanlar, which is actually an extinct volcano. Many Izmir city dwellers head to Yamanlar for some fresh country air and a place to picnic. It’s also a great spot to sit and watch the sun set.

If you only have a day to spend in Izmir itself, you may want to hire a personal guide to take you round. You’ll see a lot more of the city and get some interesting tales of its history this way.

Shanghai, China is a place of great economic success. It is a fast-paced and fast-developing city with a strong foothold in the financial world. Visitors to Shanghai come here to do business and to enjoy the excesses that come with success. Through all this modern progress some may forget to slow down and take a look at Shanghai’s rich history and strong culture. One way to appreciate Shanghai is to visit its top museums. Here are five of the city’s best and most fascinating.

Shanghai Museum

The Shanghai Museum is not what one would consider a beautiful piece of architecture from the outside. It looks rather cold and uninviting, but within its walls there are treasures to be found. It is perhaps the most famous museum in China and is divided into ten distinct sections which include paintings, calligraphy, ancient Chinese bronzes, jades, and more. You’ll find beautiful Chinese Ming and Qing-dynasty furniture and bronzes from the Shang and Zhou period among the many great artifacts on display.

Shanghai Propaganda Poster Art Centre

Propaganda art has had a tremendous impact on the world’s politics and has shaped the beliefs of the masses through deception. The Shanghai Propaganda Poster Art Centre has a collection of 5,000 posters from the Maoist era. These posters were distributed throughout communist China by Chairman Mao as a way to push his agenda upon the people. The museum consists of only two rooms in the basement of an apartment building and is unmarked. Though small and hard to find, it is a rare and unique collection that makes it well worth seeing. Admission is 20 yuan.

Shanghai Museum of Glass

The Shanghai Museum of Glass is the newest museum in Shanghai, built in what was once an operational glass factory. The neighbourhood is still an industrial area of rundown buildings, but that shouldn’t stop you from checking it out. From production to final product, the museum offers a look into the making of glass in many forms and gives visitors a chance to learn the history of glass in China and the West. You’ll also be treated to glass-blowing demonstrations. Even the exterior of the building is impressive, especially at night when LED lights behind the tiles reveal words in many languages related to glass.

Shanghai Natural Wild – Insect Kingdom

Though the name of this museum indicates a world of creepy crawlies, there’s much more to it than insects. In addition to insects like crickets, huge roaches, and butterflies you’ll be treated to the sight of creatures like snakes, turtles, frogs, and lizards. It consists of a first floor and basement with different sections for its variety of inhabitants. In the basement is the petting zoo where you can feed the goats for a small fee. The kids can also try their hand at fishing.

Shanghai Science & Technology Museum

With a theme of “Nature, People, and Science,” the Shanghai Science and Technology Museum has several fascinating displays like the Hall of Widest Spectrum of Life which displays the unique scenery of Yunnan Province. The Light of Wisdom Hall uses several interactive displays to demonstrate the importance of biology, chemistry, and math. You won’t want to miss Robot World where you’ll see a robot playing the piano and you can compete with other robots in chess and archery.

Shanghai is more than a global business giant. Its museums take you into other realms of China’s contributions to the world, a world being swallowed up by new technology and growth. It is Shanghai’s museums that preserve the many sides of China so no one will ever forget.

Bio – This article was written by Ross who writes at Netflights.com and currently loves visiting Shanghai China

In the middle of Africa, things run very differently from at home. It’s very important to be sensitive to your surroundings, both cultural and environmental – not only will it make your safari experience more enjoyable, but it will also have substantially less impact on the animals you’re viewing and your hosts. Here are some tips for anyone going on safari:

• Be as quiet possible at all times (this is extra important if you’re considering taking small children on safari). Avoid making any noise that will attract or frighten wildlife.

• Be as unobtrusive as possible: wear the neutral coloured clothing (khaki, white, light brown) while walking in the bush.

• Dress and behave respectfully to avoid offending local people.

• Do not litter – everything you carry in you must carry out. Aside from the environmental damage, litter can be harmful to the wildlife. Waste disposal can be difficult in remote areas – remove all unnecessary packaging before you travel.

• Don’t encourage your guide to take you too close to the animals or to change the driving route; they will feel pressured. Remember that they are the professionals and know best.

• Never pick plants and flowers.

• Obey all game laws and regulations, and respect the fact that your guide must also obey these rules.

• Do not buy or trade for any articles covered under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). These include ivory, turtle products, rhino horn, furs, butterflies and many plant species.

• Support the community by buying locally crafted souvenirs. Haggling is expected, but be aware that what may seem to be a very small sum to you can make a big difference to a local, so don’t force them into reducing their prices too drastically.

• If you wish to make a charitable donation – such as writing equipment for students – it’s better to give through a local organisation or school, as handing things out on the street encourages begging.

• As a courtesy, ask before you take a picture of someone, but think twice if they request payment.

• Be aware that water is a scarce resource in many places, so use it very sparingly. Sign up to Tourism Concern’s WET pledge to support the organisation’s campaign to ensure water rights are protected.

By observing these suggestions (many of which are simply common sense), you’ll find yourself at ease with locals and your surroundings. Avoiding tension or embarrassment with the locals, and respecting the animals and their habitat will mean that your safari holiday is a better experience for all involved.

Vivienne Egan writes for Safari Consultants who offer safaris to Botswana, Kenya, Zambia and more.

Fuerteventura is a part of Spain and one of the loveliest Canary Islands, located off the African coast in the Atlantic Ocean. This beautiful island enjoys about 3000 hours of sunshine per year and has weather conditions similar to the likes of Florida and Mexico, thus making this place one of the most romantic, dream destinations.

It is home to some of the most exquisite beaches, which are not over-crowded, rocky hidden coves, wonderful and pleasant jogging and cycling paths. The island also has breath-taking underwater scenes in the form of volcanic seabeds, a true under-water ecstasy for adventure-lovers and divers.

In case you want to catch a glimpse of the picturesque locales of Fuerteventura, participating in the Fuerteventura Grand Tour is a great way to explore the island and get the real taste of nature at its best. Always accompanied with a tourist guide speaking in English, the tour is well organized in terms of ensuring that the tourists don’t miss any location. If we haven’t convinced you yet to book your flights to Fuerteventura then read on for even more reasons.

Lobos Island

This is an ideal place for tourists interested in flora, fauna & geology. It is a famous location where people get to enjoy a boat trip through a varied landscape, thanks to Corralejo Harbor for their standard boat services. The island features a plethora of natural habitats, a large variety of seabirds, a huge diversity of fish and not to mention the fact that it has about 130 plant species. The transparent beach water is worth mentioning, in addition to a large number of restaurants that enable people to thoroughly treat themselves to a host of mouth-watering dishes.

Baku Waterpark

This is a fun-filled family park that seems nothing short of a mini paradise and a perfect place to be for families travelling along with kids. It houses a large number of slides, Jacuzzis, a stunning wave pool, solariums built out of sand and to top it all a wide variety of food and drink courts. A noteworthy feature about this place is that it is always offers constant medical services and is guarded by on-duty lifeguards.

Deep Sea Fishing in Corralejo

This is the place to be for people who are keen about fishing, thanks to the vast variety of fish that can be caught. Some of these varieties include the legendary swordfish, the marlin and many more. The best part of this is that there is absolutely no need for prior experience and all that the tourist has to do is to relax and enjoy the thrilling experience.

Dolphin Safari

Nothing can be compared to the exquisite site of watching dolphins dance and sail past crystal clear waters. Accompanied by a guide, be a part of this safari on a yacht of 40ft, where you get to swim and snorkel in the clear transparent waters. The great part is that there is also an unlimited supply of soft drinks and wine.

Submarine Safari in Fuerteventura

Make sure not to miss this experience of a lifetime where you get to explore the hidden beauty of the Atlantic Ocean. Witness the enthralling and fascinating magnificence of the underwater marine creatures from the dusky sea perches to angel sharks and barracudas and many more.

Snowboarding and skiing are two popular winter pastimes across all age groups and skill levels. Skiing has been a popular winter spot from time immemorial whereas snowboarding became a popular in the 1970s.

Both snowboarding and skiing involve traveling across snow in high speed. The basic difference between these two activities is the technique adopted and the equipment in use. A snowboarder navigates the snow by standing sideways using a single, wide board. A skier navigates the snow facing forward, using one or two narrow skis.

Equipment

A basic difference between snowboarding vs. skiing is the equipment used. Snowboarders use a single, wide board, which is similar to a surfboard or a large skateboard. In addition, the snowboarder also wears boots attachable to the board using bindings. The bindings ensure that the toes face one side of the board, either left or right, depending on the snowboarder’s preference.

The skier uses a ski for each foot, and in addition, uses ski poles for balance, to turn and to propel. The ski pole comes with a grip on one end and a pointed tip at the other end. It also features a strap that fixes the pole to the user’s hand or wrist firmly. The skier also uses bindings to attach the boots to the skis, with one binding per ski.

Both skiers and snowboarding wear specialized outdoor pants. The design and style of ski pants vary from the design and style of snowboarding pants, both serve the same purpose of comfort, preserving warmth, preventing water absorption, and protecting the skin from wind. For more information about the kinds of equipment you might need try MadDogSki-a resource for those considering going snowboarding.

Terrain

Skiing is possible on almost all terrains, including mountain slopes, undulating hillsides and flats. The poles allow the skiers to propel forward or navigate wooded terrain. Snowboarding, on the other hand, requires a flat descending surface.

Similarly, snowboards require powder and crud surface to excel whereas skiers perform well even in bumpy and ice surfaces.

Technique

Snowboarding and skiing are popular winter pastimes, but both require considerable skill to master and attract their fair share of dangers.

Comparing snowboarding vs. skiing, snowboarding is more difficult to learn and usually take longer time to master. Snowboarding also require considerably better athletic skills compared to skiing. Snowboarding is more taxing as well as snowboarders need to sit or exert energy constantly to remain on edge while stationary. In skiing, the poles help remain upright and standing when stationery. Snowboarding however is easier on the knees.

Snowboarding is riskier than skiing, for balancing on a single board, without poles, is more challenging. Two separate skis and the poles give the skiers greater balance and control, allowing them to turn or navigate away from dangers such as rock or trees, or stop more quickly and easily.

Both snowboarders and skiers are prone to injuries. The biggest risk in snowboarding is wrist injury whereas the biggest risk in skiing is knee injury. Both these sports have their share of fatal injuries owing to accidents, and in this regard, both are equally dangerous or safe. While skiers have more control, the control makes them move faster, thereby make them more accident-prone.

One of the most cost effective and enjoyable ways to explore a country is with a caravan. The appeal of hitting the open road and being able to stop at locations that catch your fancy is a form of travel that many enjoy. Europe is a very big place that has lots of attractive destinations to enjoy but here are five of the best places in Europe to go caravanning.

Southern France
The French have always been keen campers, and as a result the country is well equipped with high quality campsites throughout. But there is no better place in this beautiful destination than the rolling countryside of the southern region. Long stretches of vineyards as far as the eye can see are the backdrop to golden beaches on its Mediterranean coastline.

Coastal Spain

Spain is very well known for all its beach resort coastlines, but for anyone who is looking to explore by caravan, the part of the Mediterranean which runs from the French border is the perfect spot to start and throw oneself into an adventure that will take anyone into a magical land of amazing food, vibrant and mixed camping communities and most importantly, a well mapped out and trodden path of road networks that take caravanning holiday makers into parts of the country that would never be seen by plane or even land based public transport means.

Northern Italy

Tuscany is perhaps the most famous and well known of destinations in this rural area of Italy however for the keen caravan traveller, it is not the only one that offers a wide range of sites to stay at. There are many campsites that are caravan friendly with spacious lots, access to electricity and a good range of different level of quality of amenities. This is particularly important for those who have the most modern caravans and therefore have no need to be spending extra money for extra amenities that they simply have no use for.

Along the Rhine

Winding along this majestic river, which is considered by many as the most important waterway in Europe, there is a plethora of campsites that provide the ideal stopping places for anyone on a caravan holiday. Each site is located deep in the countryside with luscious greenery, clean air and clear blue skies as far as they eye can see. For those who are not linguists, this is equally one of the most English friendly parts of Europe with the language being spoken well not just by those who work in the hospitality industry but also many of the travellers one is likely to meet on the road.

For the ambitious at heart – Istanbul

This city break location may sound like a strange place to take a caravan but as the region grows there are an increasing number of sites in which to park up and explore around. What makes this unique place just wonderful to explore independently along the road is the mix of European and Asian culture that clashes and fuses together before one’s very eyes. Travelling through the city, people can see step by step as the ever-changing environment blends from a very western to a distinctly eastern flavour.

Europe is the perfect playground for those with a caravan, just make sure you have caravan insurance to cover your vehicle, a stock of supplies in the event of a breakdown and a good map! 

The Canary Islands boast a sterling list of holiday must-haves. For starters you’ve got a fantastic climate which not only promises scorching summers, but mild t-shirt winters too. It’s easy to get to, thanks to the huge range of scheduled flights and package holidays on offer. And above all, it’s got diversity by the bucketload. It’s got snow-capped mountains, volcanic geology, exotic gardens and knock-out beaches. And that’s just for starters.

Whatever you fancy, the Canary Islands are bound to have something to tickle your fancy.

Let’s say you fancy a trip to Tenerife. Thanks to the popularity of this destination the prices have become much more competitive over recent years, and cheap Tenerife holidays can be found all over the travel agents’ websites. But that doesn’t mean to say you’ll have to share your patch of sand with a beach-load of other tourists – far from it. Some places naturally get busy in the height of summer, but by moving away from the main resorts or heading to the northern part of the island – home to Puerto de la Cruz – you’ll find a much quieter ambience.

If Lanzarote’s sun-baked lava fields and spiky exotic gardens take your fancy, you won’t have to look far for a good price. Whether you choose a last-minute getaway or plan your trip a year in advance, Lanzarote holiday deals are pretty easy to come by. It’s got a huge choice of resorts too, from the neon lights and lively buzz of Puerto Del Carmen to the peaceful bays and mountain vistas of Playa De Los Pocillos.

That’s one of the great things about the Canary Islands – you can always find a resort to suit your mood, not to mention a price to suit your pocket. Whether you’re after all-out luxury or something cheap and cheerful, there’s a Canarian holiday with your name on it.

You’ve got the flights booked, accommodations reserved, activities planned, and everything else you could possibly think of for your upcoming trip. The only thing that’s left is what to do with your house. If you’re going away for an extended period do you really feel comfortable leaving it unattended?

There are so many things that could happen while you are gone – a robbery, a fire, flooding and natural disasters. So, instead of leaving your house vacant and vulnerable, why not charge someone to occupy it?

If you live in tourist destination city or near popular attractions, you can lease out your home as a vacation rental. That way, you can have the peace of mind knowing that it is being cared for and that you will profit from the rental fee.

Determine a Price

According to expert mortgage brokers, vacation rentals tend to go for a higher rate than a home on the market because of the shorter lease period. Those who live in top vacation cities, near beaches or mountain resorts are in a great position to rent. If you live in a town where there is a large convention or fare going on you may also be able to take advantage of the high demand for accommodations and charge more. To help find right price for your house, research the market to find out what other rentals in the area are going for.

Understand the Regulations

Technically, a lease is 30 days or longer. If you’re renting your home out for less than that, then it is considered a license. With a license, you may have to pay certain taxes, but as a renter, you do have more control over the agreement.

Advertise the Rental

First, tell friends and family. Let them know that you are leaving and that you are looking to rent out your home. They may have suggestions or friends who would want to use the house. It may also be beneficial to create a listing on websites. Upload pictures that accurately show the property and the surrounding area. In your description, the amenities of the home and the main attractions nearby.

Pick Renters Carefully

Ask potential renters several questions, such as the purpose of the trip and the number occupants and their ages. Perform a thorough background check and ask for references. Picking a renter comes down to whoever you trust to be in your home and keep it in good condition.

Security

To ensure that your home remains safe and unharmed, experts suggest asking for as much money as possible upfront. Some websites like Airbnb and Home Away, which are designed to help homeowners lease their homes provide some sort of security deposit or p

When traveling to Egypt, there are various sites that you must visit. In fact, it is possible that you will find the length of your trip to be inadequate; there is so much to see and do. There are many people who have been to Egypt once and find themselves going back time and time again.

Areas not to be missed

Once you begin your adventure in Egypt, it will never end. However, there are some sites such as the pyramid of Giza, Luxor west bank and Abu Simbel that you shouldn’t leave Egypt before visiting. There are many travelers to Egypt who prefer flying direct to the upper part of Egypt to see Aswan and Luxon while at the same time hoping to see the pyramids. However, they are surprised to learn that they need to travel another 720 kilometres to Cairo as this is where the pyramids are actually located. This ends up costing them an extra $400. Therefore, there is a need to plan the trip well before you can begin.

Areas to avoid

As you travel to Egypt, there are certain areas that you should avoid, particularly those located in the middle of Nile Valley. There was a time about two decades ago when there were cases where Islamic fundamentalists targeted tourists. If you must visit these areas, then you should be ready to be escorted by the police as they will not allow you on your own. If you book a luxury holiday to Egypt you won’t have to worry about where and where not to go as all of those details will be taken care of for you.

Tourist attractions

The best season for traveling to Egypt is between October and May. Even though this is the peak season, the temperatures are better particularly for those who aren’t used to the heat. It is necessary to book your hotel early particularly where you are traveling during Christmas and Easter holiday.

There are tourists who avoid traveling to the country during the month of Ramadan as food and alcohol are not available. However, this is not always the case as there are hotels that recognize that their guests are not necessarily Muslim. The greatest tourist attraction is Egypt is without doubt the pyramids of Giza. Here, there are 3 main pyramids, including the Ancient Egypt pyramids, which were built in 2550 B.C. These acted as the tombs for kings and queens. But there are as many as 93 other pyramids even though these are the most famous. Another popular tourist attraction is the Luxor temple. This is the most beautiful temple, and has a rich history. It was referred as Ipt-Rsyt meaning the shrine on the south.

Things to do

A visit to Egypt would be incomplete without a cruise in the River Nile. This includes a visit to the Edfu, Esna and Kom Ombo temples. You can also take a short cruise to Luxor, which includes a visit to the West Bank to have a view of the Kings and Queens valleys. Remember to have a tour guide with you during a cruise visit.

Most people find packing a bit of a nightmare, the fear is that you’ll take too little and inevitably you end up taking too much. In the stress and confusion that accompanies the packing ritual people often end forgetting the basics or the essentials. This post is to help remind you what five key items are essential on your travels wherever they may take you. These items are more necessary for the journey itself because you are almost always guaranteed to be able to find the things you need for your holiday on your holiday.

GPS system or map

The last thing you want or need is to take a wrong turn while on the road particularly at night. Having a GPS system whether it’s a fancy device or simply part of your smart phone can help you to stay on track on your journey. If you aren’t travelling by car then it’s equally important to make sure you have a map of the place you are visiting, even if it’s simply one you printed off the Internet. When traveling to foreign countries you never know what might happen, flights could be delayed and connections missed meaning you could arrive at your destination in the dead of night and have to navigate your way around an unfamiliar city.

A back up cell phone

Having a spare phone or at the least a spare battery can stop you being stranded without means of communication. These days smart phones are capable of getting us online, directing us to places and so much more but the downside is that the battery life is often much shorter than older phones. With two phones fully charged, you need never worry about your battery dying on you.

Money

This is an obvious one but making sure you have enough money on your travels is essential. It’s sensible to keep a secret stash of money on your person somewhere that is separate to your wallet, purse or handbag. That way if you are robbed or you lose your purse, you’ll have enough in reserve to tide you over until you can get help from your bank.

Audio books

Audio books are the perfect form of entertainment for travel because they don’t take up additional space in your luggage like books do and you won’t need to worry about poor lighting on planes and buses because rather then read you can simply sit back and listen.

Copies of your important documents

It’s not enough to have your important documents with you when you travel. Make sure you take scans of all of your documents such as your passport, drivers license, vaccinations certificates and then carry copies with you but also email the scans to your own email account or a friends so that you can access your detail in case of loss or theft. Also at some border crossings you are required to provide photocopies of your passport.

Tissues or wet wipes 

Many people think of babies when they see wet wipes but these are a lifesaver when it comes to travel essentials. Perfect for spilt food on the plane, sanitisation after using toilets, freshening up after a snooze in transit and so much more.

Carry these five essential items in your hand luggage and you’ll find your travels are much smoother and more comfortable for you.