Americans often dream of visiting faraway lands or some distant, tropical paradise. We tend to forget that we have some of the most beautiful natural landscapes in the world – as do our neighbors to the north. Before venturing too far from home, take a moment to discover what wonders can unfold on a cruise to Canada & New England.

Many cruise lines, including Carnival, have begun offering trips to this majestic region over the past few years. The voyages have been met with great success, as Americans rediscover a little homegrown excitement. Continue Reading

These days, the world is at your fingertips. Say the word and you can quickly book a cruise to any of the seven continents. With so many destinations available, how in the world do you choose where to go? Perhaps a quick overview of some exotic, exciting and eclectic spots can help you narrow it down.

Must-See Locations

Some ports are simply “must-sees.” At some point in your life, you really should make time to visit these destinations. They include:

Hawaii – At the entrance to the South Pacific, the Hawaiian Islands deliver more than you could possibly hope for. Almost everyone who visits Hawaii swears they’ll return. From white-sand beaches with vibrant-blue water to wild orchids that grow by the roadside, your eyes are on constant alert for new, remarkable sites. Of course, surfing, scuba diving, whale watching, volcano exploration, world-class golf and more ensure Hawaii lives up to its name of “paradise.” If you love being out in the warm weather and bright sunshine and your family craves an active vacation, Hawaii might be for you.

Europe – With more to see than do, Europe is filled with history, architecture and food! Tours of ancient churches, castles and other buildings comprise many of the excursions available throughout Russia, England, Spain, Italy and France. Temperatures vary greatly with the four seasons.

Caribbean – Oftentimes, the first cruise “beginners” take is to the Caribbean. This area contains several of the most-visited ports in the world. St. Thomas probably ranks #1 followed by Nassau, Bahamas. The Caribbean is broken into three sections: western, eastern and southern. Regardless of which you choose, you’ll find small islands dressed with white-sand beaches and swaying palm trees. Sound familiar? The Caribbean is rather like a miniature version of Hawaii. With lots of activities as well as ample opportunities to relax, St. Thomas, St. Maarten, St. Kitts, Nassau, Freeport and other islands give you a lot for your money.

Mexican Rivera – Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlán and Cozumel are well-known names in the Mexican Rivera. An electic mixture of ancient ruins, modern facilities, vast marketplaces and gorgeous beaches, you’ll find plenty of activities for you and your family. Temperatures are normally warm, so swimsuits are a must!

Alaska – Another popular U.S. destination, Alaska is a different type of vacation. The cold doesn’t stop adventure seekers! Glacier exploration, rainforest expeditions, helicopter tours and an unbelievable variety of wildlife make Alaska some place truly special. For those who prefer to relax, shops and restaurants are plentiful.

Best-Kept Secret Destinations

If you’ve docked at the most popular ports and are now looking to escape to some little known destinations, try a few of these best-kept secrets.

Galápagos Islands – The Galápagos Islands are, without a doubt, one of the most diverse destinations any traveler can experience. Approximately half of the species of animals and plants on the Galápagos Islands are found nowhere else in the world. With flamingos, giant tortoises and red-sand beaches, those who are looking for a new form of adventure will certainly find it here.

Greenland – The free-range reindeer might make you think you’ve landed at Santa’s workshop, but that’s not the case. Greenland lets you experience an entirely new civilization complete with working reindeer farms, local tanneries and museums. A central point of the former Viking culture, Greenland retains its rich heritage and opens its doors for the whole world to see.

Norway – Majestic mountains – snowcapped in the winter months – are echoed by deep canyons carved by centuries of rushing water. Ancient architecture and astonishing natural scenery keep your senses at full tilt. Kayaking, hiking and even nature safaris will bring you closer to the exceptional natural beauty only found in Norway.

The world is waiting! Choose a destination and start exploring today. With so much to do and see, any cruise you take will be an experience you’ll cherish.

Just say “South Pacific” and immediately images of little grass huts, palm trees swaying in the balmy breeze and electric-blue water pop to mind. Defined by Princess Cruises and other cruise lines as the Hawaiian and Tahitian islands, the South Pacific comprises several of the most popular “one day” destinations on the earth (with most people promising themselves they’ll go there “one day”).

It’s well worth the effort and the money! The term “paradise” really doesn’t do this region justice. “Perfection” may be more in line with what you’ll find. The natural scenery everywhere you look is simply astonishing. Mother Nature has created displays in this area of the world that aren’t replicated anywhere else. For those who love beauty, warm weather, gorgeous beaches and a variety of water activities, the South Pacific may be calling to you.

Hawaii

The Big Island of Hawaii may be the most frequently visited of the seven islands with Maui and Oahu following close behind. But don’t discount Kauai, Molokai or the others, as each offers a diverse experience all its own.

Known for its exceptional collection of active volcanoes, the island of Hawaii offers many opportunities to fly, ride, bike or walk right up on the rim of these massive mountains. Fire pits, lava tubes and more will keep you enthralled. If walking a green is more appealing than walking the rim of a volcano, world-class golf with some of the most awe-inspiring fairways in the world can be played on Hawaii.

Famous for Pearl Harbor and the final resting place of the U.S.S. Arizona, Oahu has a lot to see and do. Tour Pearl Harbor and visit the museum, which depicts the events of that fateful day. Pay your respects to those entombed in the Arizona and reflect on what was considered both our most horrific and finest hour. But Oahu offers much more than history. Surf the famous north shore of Haleiwa, known throughout the world for some of the best waves anywhere.

From whale watching in the Pacific Ocean to jungle tours in the lush island of Kauai, each of the Hawaiian Islands brings a unique vacation best experienced via cruise ship. Princess and other cruise lines give you the ability to jaunt between all the islands in order to partake of what each offers… all without unpacking your bags or changing hotel rooms!

Tahiti

Further south from Hawaii is a culture much like that depicted in the movie South Pacific. Local pearl farms in Polynesia, the extremes of the Cook Islands – from rainforests to windswept beaches plus waterfalls and lagoons, brightly colored flowers, lush jungles and much more keep you busy, as you explore until your heart is content.

Exceptional reefs at French Polynesia give snorkelers and scuba divers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to view sea life from this region up close and personal. Hiking through the forests, jet skiing across the open Pacific, visiting the legendary lagoons of Bora Bora, exploring the ancient temples of Moorea and more will keep you busy for days on end.

Like with the Hawaiian Islands, the islands of Tahiti are best discovered via cruise ship. With a wide selection of itineraries, you can pay one price and then be ushered from island to island without having to change hotels or unpack.

Regardless of whether you choose to tour just one island or the entire South Pacific region, your vacation will be filled with amazing memories of a tropical paradise that really does live up to its reputation.

What are your odds of receiving the vacation of a lifetime lacking having to preclude for a lifetime?

Renting a positionhare may be the answer to your dream vacation lacking having to make a long-name commitment. Many individuals are ready to rent their agreed positionhare week to you. Because of an inconvenient year or some other delicate reasons, many position owners are incapable to use their positionhare and are ready to promote their time position to you.

With a little examine whichever on the Internet, native newspapers or even visiting with realtors, you may be able to tread into a dream vacation. Exotic spaces live for you and your loved ones.

Timeshare companies and positionhare owners propose an alternative to the overpenaltyd lodge and motel quarters.

near every year the costs of lodges go up. You can typically dominate the penalty tag of your vacations by utilizing positionhare choice rentals. Timeshare owners routinely cost a set penalty for their rentals, and they do not must to swell penaltys to pay for endeavor and other regular costs incurred by lodges.

This keeps the penalty of a vacation rental on a more consistent quantity each time it is borrowed.

Timeshare choices are located in incredible destinations around the world. Where have you forever longed to go, but thought, “Wow, it would be too luxurious to live in a place like that!”? Mexico? Hawaii? How about Europe? certain, those destinations can be luxurious, but with a positionhare rental, you can get into incredible choices for a division of the costs of a lodge vacation.

In most suitcases, lodge and motel quarters are undersized, have few services, and rate more than a positionhare rental. Typically when you rent a positionhare section, penaltys are for seven nights, not per qualities. The sections can doze someplace from 2 to 10 people.

You desire the form of scope and services you want! Studio, 1, or 2 Bedscope with kitchen, dining and living vicinity sections are all free.

No concern how good the lodge or Bed & Breakfast. …. it still is just one small scope! Why squander one or more weeks on vacation in a cramped lodge scope and have the spare cost of intake out for every meal. have the spaciousness and liberty of a completely furnished choice condominium and preclude money all at the same time! And you will not be essential to focus a positionhare sales presentation.

Put your vacation tactics into proposal and instigate your explore for the eventual position you’ve been dreaming about. Whether you have dreamed about walking barefoot on an island or skiing down a mountain in another country, there is a positionhare free to you at a more than reasonable penalty. It takes only a little time to put the minutiae together and make your dream vacation become a actuality.

Timeshares are a proven belief for vacationers in many countries, and festival forecast is one of the top rising segments of the leisure time trade all over the world nowadays. Why not instigate your explore nowadays by perusing newspapers and journey magazines, or sorting against the Internet and exploreing for “positionhare rentals?” ultimatum to dream!

Copyright 2004 by Dana Sanders. All rights kept.

Combining a wondrous blend of romance and ancient history, Cyprus is an island of varying inheritance, entertainment, and cosmopolitan cities in addition to a contemporary infrastructure. With a supreme climate, varying seasons, fresh air, welcoming people, and a sensitivity of custom in addition to history, it is a safe and breathtaking island.

The community are welcoming; they drive on the left and because of the island’s protracted association with the British and considering that Cyprus is within the EU, mean that English is observed in all places. Brits may live, find employment and own property in Cyprus freely within the southern part. It has transformed into one of the incomparably fashionable destinations within the med.

Cyprus is linked to the world by 30 main commercial airlines through the international airports of Paphos and Larnaca. Larnaca Airport has one terminal and is busiest during May to November whilst Paphos International Airport is to be found in the west of the island and serves the close resorts of Limassol and Coral Bay.

The strategic station of Cyprus makes the two Airports very demanding. Both airports are well equipped and organised so that they can handle the tourist travel, specifically during the summer when the two airports handle a very vast total of regular flights.

Notwithstanding the brief autumn and spring seasons and gentle winters the prolonged summers are hot and dry with close to 300 days of sunshine a year ensuring the island basks in an enjoyable and healthy Mediterranean climate. Shifting seasons enhance the picturesque vistas and, with fresh air, welcoming people who have a perception of community and antiquity, plentiful, all year round sunshine and minor rainfall, Cyprus is a safe and friendly island.

Sun-worshippers can expect to enjoy an average daily sunshine count of almost 11 hours during the summer months and the more agreeable beach resorts balance out the hot, dry Mediterranean clime. Every now and then strong winds may happen, gales, however are not common over Cyprus and are mainly constrained to unobstructed coastal areas plus areas at high elevation.

Archaeological sites and a distinguished collection of numerous churches, monasteries and mosques are among the attractions that the island is renowned for, all within easy reach of the major towns and cities. Great entertainments, shopping, and water sports are also main features, besides the historic sites. The unspoilt rural areas and many historic sites make a visit worthy. Visitors and tourists can gain a unique conception into the island’s history by visiting these ancient attractions.

Becoming a full member of the EU in May 2004 has meant that Cyprus has continued to become a renowned alternative of island to live on. The level of crime is statistically very low ensuring it is one of the safest, crime free countries in Europe. Cyprus is not simply the faultless holiday site because of this and the balmy and healthy clime, but also a pastoral haven to live. With its warm Mediterranean clime and high standard of comfort, Cyprus is definitely becoming the region to buy property for holidays, retirement or investment.

On this mountain in North Cyprus, overlooking the village of Vouni below, stands a palace. As you look at the fragmentary walls, let your guide be a figure from 483 B.C., when Persia and Greece fought to dominate the island. Cyprus is divided into several small kingdoms. Your guide is Himilcar, elder statesman and advisor to Doxandros, King of Marion. Marion is a city not far away, and the Persians built this palace for Doxandros, who has sworn loyalty to them.

Come to the old entryway on the southwest side of the building. Can you hear Himilcar mumbling to himself as he approaches the palace?

“It’s been fifteen years since the Greeks of Ionia began the Great Revolt. Did they learn nothing from defeat?

“Oh, greetings, stranger. I did not see you there. Come here, under the porch. Our hot Cypriot sun will bake your brains otherwise. What is the Great Revolt, you ask? In what cave have you been living? The Greek cities of Ionia in Asia Minor rebelled against our Persian King of Kings. The Cypriot kings who favored Greece, in cities like Soli, also rose in revolt.

“But the revolt was doomed from the start. The domains of the King of Kings stretch from Egypt to India and his army is beyond counting. He crushed the revolt on Cyprus in a matter of days.

“But come in, come in. I am Himilcar, chief adviser to King Doxandros of Marion. Have you ever been in a Persian palace? Yes, it really is Persian, Persian designed and Persian built.

“How did that happen, you ask? During the Great Revolt King Doxandros remained loyal to the Persians. As a reward, the King of Kings built this palace for him.

A pair of guards, their round shields slung across their back and their long swords sheathed, stands in front of the doorway.

In a corner of the room a scribe sits cross-legged on a cushion, his writing board across his knees. At his side are sheets of papyrus paper, sharpened reeds he will use as pens, and a clay jug of ink.

“Come down the stairs here on the right. These are living quarters for the senior officials, and for me.

“Across the hallway from our living quarters are the palace storerooms. Here the king keeps stores of food, of cloth, of precious herbs and dyestuffs. See how the large vases, the amphorae, are sunk into the ground. Back toward the front of the palace are the guard rooms. You can hear the guards laughing over a dice game. No, they don’t live there. They are on duty, passing time until they are needed.

“Come through into the reception rooms. The ordinary people wait here. On the right is the king’s official recorder. On the left is the queen’s. People come here to have land transfers recorded, to pay taxes, to bring a case before the court.

“Come, come, don’t be shy. The people you see in this third room are the wealthy and the noble. You can tell by the lavish embroidery on their robes. The rich have threads of gold and silver; the noble can wear Tyrian purple, most precious of dyes.

“My own office is on the right side of this last waiting room. Just take a peek and see the jumble of scrolls on my desk. Every day I fall farther behind. Now we go straight ahead into the throne room.

“Come up these seven steps. The steps are broad to announce that the king will receive all his people. Of course he sees mainly the important ones. See the brightly painted columns and the thrones. There the king and queen receive petitioners and well-wishers. The rich and the noble stroll about here, seeking favor, always plotting for favor.

“The queen’s apartments are on the left. The king and his son have rooms on the right. Magnificent as these rooms are, with their painted walls and the pots of lilies and roses, I will show you the real wonder of the palace.

“See here behind the King’s chamber? Two bathrooms with toilets and beyond them, a hot bath. The water comes from our own cisterns and is heated and piped in. You’ll find nothing like it between Crete and Persia.

“We can go through here to the large courtyard. The rooms all around are storerooms and garrison rooms for the troops. Armor and weapons are stored here, along with food supplies. See the well? It goes into a cavern we have cut into the very mountain. It serves as one of many cisterns that hold winter rain for us to use all year long.

“Excuse me, please. I must speak to that fellow over there. You may look through the storerooms and staff quarters that surround this central court.”

The courtyard is filled with activity. Muscular men in kilts are polishing armor in the shade. In one corner a smith is putting a new cutting edge on a pile of swords. The cook and her assistants are plucking chickens across the way, singing softly as they work. But here is Hamilcar returning.

“Who is he? The man I spoke with? No harm in telling you, I suppose. He is one of my spies.

“King Xerxes is preparing to march on Greece. He needs to know which cities will support him, and which might try to stab him in the back. Soli rose against Persia once, and might do so again. So, I have spies in Soli.

“I must return to my work. But you feel free to wander about. May Anat bless you in your comings and goings.”

So farewell to the old ghost, from a time long ago when Asia and Europe held Cyprus in a tug-of-war and bitterness divided city from city.

Find out what happened to the Palace by reading the longer version at http://www.cyprus-seaterra.com/articles/vouni.html

Renting apartment in Paris is a prudent problem, if you are departing to fritter at slightest a fasten of weeks there. During this time you will be able to find a stealthy gate important to Palais majestic gardens, become relaxed with a dozen of most great terraces, eat quite of croissants, buy a lot of trivial things on Drouot mart. In one word, you will become acquainted with all stealthy pleasures of Paris.

Agencies

Reserving apartment in Paris through your resident journey action is not very reasonable: at best they will deal you first taste apartments facing the Eiffel Tower at a marvelous worth. Its better to associate candidly through Internet. Therere many web sites, you can letters rent apartment Paris or louer appartement Paris and decide your prized accommodation.

Internet agencies deal apartments for quite sharp phase from numerous living to a fasten of months. delicate ads web sites have a comfortable explore according to different parameters – metric field, ward, worth. likewise, you have a fortune to contract accommodation at first hand.

language

Most Paris apartments for tourists denote moreover studio a space with integral kitchen, or preset, consisting of numerous small spaces. Therere forever TV, CD-player, kitchen with microwave, toaster, clothes washer in them; anyway, Internet Access sense for owners of notebooks. ring receives only incoming calls: if you want to call superstar, you will have to buy a telephone license.

Where you should fall

outlay, as everywhere, depends on term and chunk of staying. But ward where apartment is situated is the most important cause. Paris is separated into 20 wards (arrondissements), dispersal from axis to periphery spirally.

deep spiral walk, from 1st to 6th wards denotes a historical axis, where therere many old buildings, monuments and museums. Then you can see blocks, built in XIX century. Here you also can outing aristocratic border in the West (16th ward), and eastern periphery, populated with emigrants and proletariat.

Number of ward is definitely renowned in the address, so you will be able to rate your hope accommodation simply, lacking looking in the map. Renting apartments in the axis and such wards like Trocadero (east of the 16th ward), 9th ward, Sent-Onore, around Elysian Fields from Roosevelt street to Triumphal Arch (8th ward), in 12th ward and around Bastille (west of 11th ward) is most pricey. Tiny studio (with 2-stage bed) in the 1st ward (Louver periphery) will price you 550 Euro.

anyhow, you will have to pay at slightest 400 Euro per week. A good apartment will price you more than 1 thousand Euro.

You can find cheaper apartments in 10th, 11th, 14th and 18th wards to the South of Eiffel Tower (15th ward) or around Italian agree (13th ward).

And, lastly, if you are in Paris and want to rent a preset for a sharp while urgently, pay awareness to American churchs update timber (65, quai d’Orsay).

Nearly 16 million people visit San Francisco each year, and more of those people visit Fisherman’s Wharf than any other area of the city. Indeed, as many as 3,000 people per hour walk through the intersection of Jefferson and Powell during the peak season. What makes Fisherman’s Wharf so appealing? Read on to learn more about the Wharf’s main attractions.

History

Fisherman’s Wharf began in the 19th century as the home of the San Francisco fishing fleet. At one time there were as many as 500 fishing boats, which were coming and going all day long. The Italians and the Chinese were the main rivals in the fishing industry, but due to the high degree of discrimination against the Chinese, the Italians were able to dominate the business. The area between Taylor and Jones Street is now known as the Italian Harbor, and many of the restaurants, such as Scoma’s, Tarantino’s, Alioto’s, and others, are named after their Italian founders.

Pier 39

Pier 39 is the highlight of Fisherman’s Wharf. Pier 39 attractions include 110 shops, 13 restaurants, the Aquarium of the Bay, and the California sea lions. The sea lions are there throughout most of the year. They only leave during their mating season, which takes place over about three weeks from early to late July. Also, if you need to catch a taxi, the Wharf’s main taxi stand is in front of Pier 39’s main entrance.

Alcatraz

At present, the Blue and Gold Fleet is the exclusive operator of Alcatraz ferries. All Alcatraz ferries leave from Pier 41. During the summer months, tickets are often sold out as much as a week in advance, so you should purchase your Alcatraz tickets before you arrive in San Francisco.

Boudin Bakery

The Boudin Bakery flagship restaurant is a huge two-story building which houses a demonstration bakery, a restaurant, and a small café. Throughout much of its history, Boudin was secretive about its bread making process. Now, you can watch the bakers at work through the 30-foot window in front of the bakery. Watch as they make bread sculptures of every kind of sea creature imaginable. If you would like to learn even more, Boudin provides guided tours until 5 PM every day. Bistro Boudin on the second floor has outdoor balcony seating, a big-screen TV, and a collection of historical pictures of San Francisco.

Seafood Restaurants

The restaurant industry began in Fisherman’s Wharf in 1916 when Castagnola’s became the first restaurant licensed by the city to sell seafood on the street. Many of the restaurants began as chowder stands serving the fishing fleet. Today, the largest concentration of seafood restaurants on the Wharf is at the end of Taylor Street, next to the Italian Harbor. The best-known Wharf restaurant, Scoma’s, is the busiest restaurant in the entire city. They have their own fishing boat, and they do their own preparation, so you can be sure the fish is fresh. Their specialty is blackened swordfish, which is seasonal. They don’t accept reservations, and it is not uncommon to wait 45 minutes for a table at dinner time during the peak season.

The Cannery

The Cannery was the first building built on Fisherman’s Wharf after the 1906 earthquake. Originally it was a peach canning plant for Del Monte, the largest peach canning plant in the world at that time. After falling into disrepair for many years, the Cannery was bought in 1963 by Leonard V. Martin, a San Francisco lawyer, who reinforced the exterior of the building and completely redesigned the interior to accommodate the shopping complex that is there today. There are no chain stores in the Cannery; each store is one of a kind. The building next to the Cannery, the Haslett Warehouse, originally served as the warehouse for the Cannery, and as living quarters for some of the Cannery workers. The building now houses the Argonaut Hotel.

Ghirardelli Square

The first building built on what is now Ghirardelli Square was the Woolen Mill, which housed the Pioneer Woolen Mill. After the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, the owner of the woolen mill had to fire his Chinese workers, and he went out of business. Ghirardelli and his sons bought the building in 1892 and moved their chocolate factory to it. The other buildings of Ghirardelli Square were built over the next thirty years as the chocolate factory expanded. In the 1950’s the factory moved across the bay to San Leandro. The owners, wanting to preserve these historic buildings, converted the square into a shopping complex, the first shopping complex built on Fisherman’s Wharf, which was completed in 1964.

As you can see, there are many things to do at Fisherman’s Wharf. There is a great deal of history on the streets, and on your next trip to San Francisco, we recommend that you visit the Wharf and have a look.

Ireland is a popular tourist destination. This country offers unrivalled tourist attractions. This is what makes people come back time and again to Ireland. What makes Ireland as popular as it is now among tourists? What is its charisma that makes people want to go back?

Ireland is an 84,412 km land area with a total coastline distance of 3,172. It is considered as the “emerald isle” because of its prominent greens. Its capital city is Dublin, known for its cosmopolitan and chic mood.

Ireland’s Tourist Attractions

Ireland is the home of the Irish race. The Irish contributes to the appeal of this country. They are the people who will welcome anyone with a smile. Hospitality and amiability are traits common to the Irish. These people are nurtured by culture and strengthened by history. Their ways are guided by Irish principles that have guided their ancestors.

Ireland offers an exquisite view and experience of nature at its best. There are several gardens to explore. The St. Stephen’s Green is one of the most visited garden attractions in Ireland. There are several more nature attractions in Ireland. It is in Ireland where you can take a walk surrounded by the unspoiled beauty of nature.

Ireland is a land of culture and history. This is evident in the many festivals celebrated in this country. Tourists can join in the fun and festive spirit of this country. There are festivals commemorating music and arts, films, children, literature, nature, youth and history. These fares and festivals are proofs to how the Irish revere their rich culture.

There are also several historical sites and heritage castles to visit in Ireland. Tourists can relive the earliest years of this country with the several museums. The national museum of Ireland can be visited in Dublin. There are museums celebrating literature, arts, and even transportation. The old castles, which used to serve as residences or fortresses, now serve as historical tourist attractions.

Staying In Ireland Made Easy

Getting to Ireland is easy with all the transportation modes in this country. There are land, water and air transportations operating in Ireland. Staying in Ireland is also a burden off the shoulders of tourists. There is a wide array of hotels and accommodations in Ireland. These hotels suit any type of budget and needs. They range from economy to luxury.

Indeed, there are countless reasons why tourists simply love Ireland. With all the attractions and complete comfort, there is no better “home away from home” destination than Ireland.

Over the last twenty years or so the Middle Eastern city of Dubai has become one of the hottest vacation and business locations in the world. It is a rapidly developing, fabulously wealthy futuristic city set within a centuries-old Arab culture. The traditional ways are still there if you look for them. But they are gradually being overtaken by the new attractions and developments springing up virtually every day.

Dubai is a city of fascinating contrasts. In Dubai one can see dusty traditional villages only minutes from fantastically luxurious residential districts. Rugged mountains and shifting sand dunes are only a few miles from pristine sandy beaches and lush green parks. Shoppers can savor Dubai’s traditional market places or visit some of the most modern and largest indoor shopping malls in the world.

Visitors to Dubai can choose to stay in one of its many luxury hotels. Or for a more authentic Dubai experience a person can rent a beautifully furnished apartment or villa in one of Dubai’s newer residential areas. Dubai apartment rentals offer the visitor more space for less money, and provide a different perspective on this unique city.

Development at a Hectic Pace

The almost frantic pace of new development taking place in Dubai has made it one of the most futuristic cities in the world. The city skyline now highlights sleek new skyscrapers such as the Emirates Towers and Burj Al-Arab, the world’s tallest hotel. The Mall of the Emirates which opened in 2005 is the largest shopping center outside of North. It features one one of the world’s only indoor ski slopes. And Dubai also boasts one of the few 18 hole golf courses in the world that is fully lit for nighttime golf.

Many other large developments and attractions are also underway in Dubai. Just a few of these are:

- Dubai Mall – projected to be the largest indoor mall in the world when completed.

- Burj Dubai – scheduled to be completed in 2008 – will be the tallest skyscraper in the world.

- Dubai World Central including the Dubai World Central International Airport – will be ten times larger than the current Dubai International Airport and Dubai Cargo Village combined.

- The Dubai Waterfront project will be the largest waterfront and largest man-made development in the world. It will be a series of canals and artificial islands housing a number of commercial, residential, and resort zones.

Center for Shopping Tourism

Shopping is far and away the most popular attraction in Dubai. Its malls and market places are stocked with an incredible array of items from everywhere imaginable. Shopping tourists by the millions visit Dubai rom all parts of Europe and the Middle East and even come from as far away as Eastern Europe, India, and North America.

Dubai’s most interesting shopping is to be found in the souks, located on either side of Dubai creek that runs through the city. Two of the most popular are the Spice Souk and the Gold Souk. Bargaining in traditional middle eastern style is an important part of the shopping experience in the souks.

In recent years the traditional type of shopping has met with stiff competition from more western style stores. Fantastic shopping malls and upscale boutiques are now everywhere throughout the city and carry virtually any consumer item you can imagine: clothing, housewares, luxury items, cars, furnishings, jewellery, electronics, sporting equipment. You name it and you will probably find it in the boutiques and malls of Dubai.

The Dubai International Airport also is the home of the Duty Free complex – one of the most extensive and largest duty free shopping areas in the world. New developments such as the Dubai World Central International Airport will have even larger duty free areas to draw in even more shopping tourists.

These and many more attractions make Dubai a favorite destination of tourists and an important hub for business travelers from around the world. Future developments are likely to enhance Dubai’s status as a world class business center and a haven for tourists in search of a unique and exciting adventure.