India Travel Guide Expert Picks for your India Vacation

From the soaring snow-dusted peaks of the northern mountains to the sultry sun-washed beaches of the southern coast, India's dramatic terrain is breathtaking. Along with abundant natural beauties, exquisitely carved temples rise majestically out of pancake-flat deserts and crumbling old fortresses peer over plunging ravines. Aficionados of the great outdoors can scout for big jungle cats on wildlife safaris, paddle in the shimmering waters of one of many beautiful beaches, take blood-pumping treks high in the Himalaya, or simply inhale pine-scented air on meditative forest walks.Spirituality is the common characteristic painted across the vast and varied canvas that is contemporary India.

The multitude of sacred sites and rituals are testament to the country's long, colourful, and sometimes tumultuous, religious history. And then there are the festivals! India hosts some of the world's most dazzling devotional celebrations – from formidable city parades celebrating auspicious events on the religious calendar to simple harvest fairs that pay homage to a locally worshipped deity.

A spending spree in Mumbai's designer shops and a stay in an international hotel in Delhi is going to cost you as much as it would in Dubai, but away from these enclaves the cost of living is ridiculously low. Even if you travel first class on the trains (the Rajdhani or the Shatabdi Express are the most comfortable to travel on, being fully air-conditioned with meals included in the ticket price) and take taxis everywhere, you’ll be hard pressed to spend a lot of money here and it's possible to live like a raj on just £15 (about 1,500 rupees) a day. India is the seventh largest country in the world, so unless you're planning an incredible six month sojourn, it pays to plan which of the country's 29 states you want to visit.

Head to western India to Rajasthan for an assault of the senses in the state capital, the Pink City, Jaipur, or kick back on the white sands of Kerala in southern India. You can't fly all that way without seeing what may well be the most famous tomb in the world, the Taj Mahal, in Agra, northern India - just don't go on a Friday, it's closed. And don't worry about Delhi belly, you'll find some of India's best street food here in the capital, particularly in the narrow streets and bustling boulevards around Connaught Place in the centre of town. Pick your stall wisely - make sure they look clean and if they're busy it usually means the food is fresh, but it's still a good idea to pack the Immodium, just in case.

India, it is often said, is not a country, but a continent. Stretching from the frozen summits of the Himalayas to the tropical greenery of Kerala, its expansive borders encompass an incomparable range of landscapes, cultures and people. Walk the streets of any Indian city and you’ll rub shoulders with representatives of several of the world’s great faiths, a multitude of castes and outcastes, fair-skinned, turbanned Punjabis and dark-skinned Tamils. You’ll also encounter temple rituals that have been performed since the time of the Egyptian Pharaohs, onion-domed mosques erected centuries before the Taj Mahal was ever dreamt of, and quirky echoes of the British Raj on virtually every corner.

That so much of India’s past remains discernible today is all the more astonishing given the pace of change since Independence in 1947. Spurred by the free-market reforms of the early 1990s, the economic revolution started by Rajiv Gandhi has transformed the country with new consumer goods, technologies and ways of life. Today the land where the Buddha lived and taught, and whose religious festivals are as old as the rivers that sustain them, is the second largest producer of computer software in the world, with its own satellites and nuclear weapons.

However, the presence in even the most far-flung market towns of internet cafés, smart phones and Tata Nano cars has thrown into sharp relief the problems that have bedevilled India since long before it became the world’s largest secular democracy. Poverty remains a harsh fact of life for around forty percent of India’s inhabitants; no other nation on earth has slum settlements on the scale of those in Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata (Calcutta), nor so many malnourished children, uneducated women and homes without access to clean water and waste disposal.

Many first-time visitors find themselves unable to see past such glaring disparities. Others come expecting a timeless ascetic wonderland and are surprised to encounter one of the most materialistic societies on the planet. Still more find themselves intimidated by what may seem, initially, an incomprehensible and bewildering continent. But for all its jarring juxtapositions, intractable paradoxes and frustrations,

India remains an utterly compelling destination. Intricate and worn, its distinctive patina – the stream of life in its crowded bazaars, the ubiquitous filmi music, the pungent melange of diesel fumes, cooking spices, dust and dung smoke – casts a spell that few forget from the moment they step off a plane. Love it or hate it – and most travellers oscillate between the two – India will shift the way you see the world.

SOURCE: https://www.roughguides.com/destinations/asia/india/

Vietnam Travel Guide Vietnam Lonely Planet 2023

You’ve probably seen it in the background of countless war movies, but nothing can prepare you for the epic beauty of Vietnam. While it isn’t my favorite country in the world, it is very beautiful and there is no denying that. From the natural beauty of Sam Mountain and Halong Bay to the manmade artistry of the sacred temples and pagodas, to the rice terraces and beaches, Vietnam has a lot to offer travelers.

How much should I budget for 2 weeks in Vietnam? While accommodation, transport, and food are cheap in Vietnam, activities and excursions are likely to eat up a good portion of your budget. Depending on your personal travel style, you should aim to budget anywhere from 460 GBP/560 USD to upwards of 820 GBP/1000 USD for a two-week trip to Vietnam.

Vietnam has suffered a long dark history of colonialism, communism, war, and poverty. Recently, the tourist industry is growing and has become a major source of national revenue for the past 10-15 years. You cannot escape learning about the horrid history whose effects are still visible on the faces, bodies the locals even today. Like India, many travelers either love or hate it here. Admittedly, it’s a hard country to travel through, but despite the challenges, you will find a very interesting and visually-pleasing place to visit.

Daily Budget for Vietnam As a general rule, you'll be able to travel around Vietnam as a backpack on a budget of $40 to $50 per day. However, your luxuries will be limited and you'll spend more of your time eating at local restaurants instead of Western cafés and eateries.

Typical Costs
Accommodation – Hostels start at 130,000 VND per night. Private rooms average about 390,000 VND for a double room. In the past hostels were pretty scarce, though recently, hostels have started popping up all over the country to accommodate budget travelers.  “Homestays” are often popular budget option, too.

Food – By eating at street stalls and markets you can get a bowl of pho or a rice dish for 20,000 VND. Most sit down restaurants are also inexpensive at around 40,000–90,000 VND.  The fancier (and more touristy) the restaurant, the more expensive.  A liter of water at a convenience store is about 15,000 VND, while a beer or soda at a restaurant is about 20,000-35,000 VND.

Transportation – Bus travel is very cheap in Vietnam.  For example, the public bus around Ho Chi Minh City will cost a maximum of 3,500 VND.  The train is also another inexpensive way to travel with the 791km long train journey from Da Nang to Hanoi costing 750,000 VND. Overnight buses (aside from saving on a night’s accommodation) are only about 100,000-500,000 VND and can take you to lots of cities in Vietnam.  There are extremely low-cost airlines that can hop you around the country quickly for as little as 400,000 VND.

Activities – Many of Vietnam’s attractions are based around its natural beauty and as such, cost very little. For organized excursions such as touring the Cu Chi Tunnels you can expect to pay between 100,000–200,000 VND.  Halong Bay tours from Hanoi start at 650,000 VND for two-day trips and increase exponentially from there. Half-day cooking classes and bicycle tours are heavily targeted at tourists, so they cost a bit more, and start at about 300,000 VND.

Money Saving Tips
Eat delicious street food – The food is usually excellent, really cheap and you can watch it being cooked in front of you. Stick to the local food and you’ll save money. The street-side pho, bread, meat sandwiches (called bahn mi), donuts, and bananas are your best deals all of which can be found around 20,000 VND on the streets.

Late-night travel – If traveling long journeys, try to take the late night “sleeper” buses or trains as this will save you the cost of a night’s accommodation.  Depending on the company, you may even have a chance to comfortably lie flat as you ride through the dark countryside to your next destination.

Take the tourist bus – It is actually cheaper to take the tourist bus around the country than taking local transportation because of the “tourist” price you get at the bus station.

Don’t be afraid of taxis – Metered taxis in this country are affordable.  If you are moving around town at night, this is a good, safe, cheap option (especially if you’re splitting the cost with a few others).  A 30-minute ride will set you back around 130,000 VND. The best taxi companies are Mai Linh and Vinasun.

Fly for cheap – Vietnam’s low-cost airlines: VietJet and FlyVietnam are extremely inexpensive and adding luggage to your flight can cost as little s 120,000 VND.  This is a great option for people with limited time to explore different regions of Vietnam.

Bargain hard – Tourists tend to be charged more than locals for everything from cycles (a three-wheel bicycle taxi) to clothes to street food. Bargain harder than you would ordinarily, and don’t underestimate the value of walking away.

Skip the SIM Card – Vietnam is highly connected to Wi-Fi.  You can hook into Wi-Fi in just about every hotel, shop, restaurant, and convenience store for free! Unless you need to have connectivity during long bus rides or rural areas, I’d forgo the SIM card and take a break from connectivity.

Ask your hostel staff – Before you leave the hostel, ask them to estimate how much what you want to do should cost. How much should a ride to the museum cost?  How much should I pay to have a gown like this made? They will be able to give you bargaining guidelines.

Stay a while – You’ll hear tales from many backpackers who have been to many different Vietnamese regions on a very short trip.  A good way to save money and savor the experience is to slow down. Divide your time between a few spots and enjoy.

Factor in visa fees – Visiting Vietnam comes with a much higher visa fees than the surrounding Southeast Asian countries.  Look up the visa requirements and fees before you arrive. Better to be safe than sorry!

Top Things to See and Do in Vietnam
Admire the pagodas – Vietnam’s most distinctive architecture can be been in the pagodas, which can be found all over the country. They are known for their beautifully intricate carvings. Pagodas are used as shrines and temples and are treasured by the Vietnamese people.

Wander around Hanoi – Vietnam’s capital, Hanoi handsomely combines French colonialism with Eastern influences.  Enjoy an afternoon exploring the narrow streets of the Old Quarter or visit the countless temples and galleries dotted around this bustling city.  Don’t miss the History Museum which showcases artifacts from Vietnam’s colorful history and the Ho Chi Minh City Mausoleum. Hanoi is also a good base for doing multi-day tours to Halong Bay, Hua Lu and Tam Coc.

Relax or find adventure in Dalat – Dalat is nestled in the hills of the Central Highlands and is popular with tourists who want to relax in the mountain air, so people flock here for serenity. Others go to Dalat to participate in a host of adventure sports that happen within a naturally beautiful backdrop.  The hills around Dalat are filled with traditional tribal villages, which you can tour, but there is plenty to do within the city itself too.  Visit the imaginatively titled palaces: Palace I, Palace II and Palace III.

Tour the Mekong Delta – The delta is a 60,000km long web of interconnected waterways, which span across three Vietnamese provinces.  The area is filled with small craft villages, Khmer Pagodas, mangroves, orchards and the trademark floating markets.  The best way to experience Delta life is to go on one of the many boat or bike tours. Spend a few days exploring the stunning region.

Crawl through the Cu Chi Tunnels – Crawl through the extensive network of nearly 500 km of tunnels utilized by the Viet Cong in the war with the USA in the 1960s.  Tours involve a description of the tunnels, after which tourists are allowed to crawl about the maze and fire AK47s at shooting targets. It’s a sobering experience and not one meant for anyone claustrophobic. However, if you want a better understand the terror of the Vietnam War, this is a must-visit. Enter for about 100,000 VND.

Visit Cuc Phuong National Park – About 120km southwest of Hanoi lies Vietnam’s first National Park, Cuc Phuong. Covering 222 sq km, this place is home to over 2,000 species of trees and some truly rare wildlife including the Clouded Leopard, Delacour’s Langur and Owston’s Civet. It was my favorite park in all of Vietnam and the only place I didn’t find hordes of tourists. The entrance fee is 40,000 VND.

Hang out in Hoi An – Hoi An is one of the most popular destinations for tourists traveling to the country.  The place is packed with historical homes and buildings and quaint cafes.  It’s small and great for walking, buying suits (they have a huge fashion and tailor market), eating, nearby beaches, and relaxing by the river. It was easily my favorite place in Vietnam. It’s not unusual to find backpackers using Noi An as a resting ground while they recharge from constant traveling.  This is a relaxing quality to it that makes staying for a while very attractive.

Explore Ho Chi Minh City – Also known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City is Vietnam’s largest city and is definitely worth exploring.  Like most cities in Vietnam, you’ll be met with the roar of motorbikes speeding through colonial streets.  Ben Thanh market is a must-see for amazing food and there is a great buzz of activity within the place. If flying into the SGN airport, it’s worth spending a day or two exploring the city.  I recommend spending the night at The Common Room Project for a great hostel experience.

Hike in Halong Bay – More than 3,000 islands sit within the emerald green waters of Halong Bay, one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations. Cat Ba Island has great for hiking and many tourists find themselves taking one of the cave tours. Tours here usually leave from Hanoi and last 3 or 5 days. Try to find a good operator as many oversell or lie about what their boats look like (ask for advice from your hotel staff or travelers who have just returned for the trip).

Get active in Mui Ne – Despite being a fishing village, Mui Ne has got a significant tourism scene, due to its popularity as a wind- and kite-surfing destination, and the rolling sand dunes that lie nearby.

See My Son – My Son is a set of Hindu ruins in Vietnam which date back to the Cham Empire. The Champas ruled over Central Vietnam from the 3rd to the 19th century. The temples here are of incredible historical importance, but they have been largely reclaimed by the surrounding jungle, and have fallen into a great state of disrepair. Don’t come here expecting something as marvelously preserved as Borobudur or Angkor Wat. Entrance fee is 100,000 VND for foreigners.

Visit the caves in Phong Nha-Ke Bang – Hang Son Doong is reputed to be the world’s largest cave, and is located in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. It was discovered by a local in 1990, and “rediscovered” by a British caving team in 2009. You can arrange trips to see this stunning cave. You’ll be blown away by its beauty.

Dive in Nha Trang – This area is full of seaside resorts, and has a distinct urban feel. However, the beautiful sand and clear water make it a main spot for scuba diving in Vietnam.

Check out the rice terraces – Outside of connections to the Vietnam War, the stereotypical image of Vietnam is of the many rice paddies. You can find these in the Muong Hoa Valley.  If you’ve never visited rice terraces, you should make a point to see them in Vietnam.  Visit them to learn about rice production and take stunning photographs of the unbelievable Vietnamese countryside.

How many days are enough for Vietnam? Vietnam Travel Guide Vietnam Lonely Planet ile ilgili görsel sonucu Planning Your Trip to Vietnam Travelers with limited time can rejoice that Vietnam is small enough to experience the highlights in just a few days. That said, the ideal timeframe is about 10 days, as it takes at least this long to immerse yourself in Vietnam's rich culture

SOURCE: https://hackmd.io/@bsports24/rkLxG9Zso

Cambodia Travel Guide Cambodia Travel Places to visit in Cambodia

It is important to remember that Cambodian history did not begin with the Khmer Rouge. Pol Pot's incredibly harsh regime has garnered the most attention, but the Cambodians have enjoyed a long and often triumphant history.

Anybody who witnesses the magnificent temples at Angkor can attest to the fact that the Khmer Empire was once wealthy, militarized, and a major force in the region. Its zenith came under Jayavarman VII (1181-ca. 1218), where the Empire made significant territorial gains from the Cham. The Khmer Empire stretched to encompass parts of modern day Thailand, Malaysia, Burma, Laos and Vietnam.


The period following the fall of the Khmer Empire has been described as Cambodia's dark ages. Climatic factors precipitated this fall, where the Ankorian civilization harnessed Cambodia's water for agriculture through elaborate systems of canals and dams. The Khmer Empire never recovered from the sacking by its neighbors based in Ayutthaya (in modern day Thailand), and Cambodia spent much of the next 400 years (until French colonization) squeezed and threatened by the rivalries of the expanding Siamese and Vietnamese Empires to the West and East. Indeed, on the eve of French colonization it was claimed that Cambodia was likely set to cease to exist as an independent kingdom entirely, with the historian John Tully claiming “there can be little doubt that their [the French] intervention prevented the political disappearance of the kingdom”.

The French came to dominate Cambodia as a protectorate from the 1860s, part of a wider ambition to control the area then termed Indochina (modern day Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos). The French were always more concerned with their possessions in Vietnam. Education of Cambodians was neglected for all but the established elite. It was from this elite that many "Red Khmers" would emerge. Japan's hold on Southeast Asia during the Second World War undermined French prestige and, following the Allied victory, Prince Sihanouk soon declared independence. This was a relatively peaceful transition as France was too absorbed with its struggle in Vietnam, which it saw as more important to its conception of L'Indochine francaise.

Prince Sihanouk was the main power figure in the country after this. He was noted for making very strange movies in which he starred, wrote and directed. His rule was characterized at this point with a Buddhist revival and an emphasis on education. This, however, was a mixed blessing. He succeeded in helping create an educated elite who became increasingly disenchanted with the lack of jobs available. As the economic situation in Cambodia deteriorated, many of these young people were attracted to the Indochinese Communist Party, and later the Khmer Rouge.

As the Second Indochina War spread to Cambodia's border (an important part of the "Ho Chi Minh trail"), the USA became increasingly concerned with events in the country. The US Air Force bombed Cambodia from 1964 to 1973. During this campaign, which was initially codenamed Operation Menu, 540,000 tonnes of bombs were dropped. Estimates of the death toll range from 40,000 to 150,000. Most of the bombing was done in support of Khmer Republic military forces fighting the Khmer Rouge and North Vietnam. In total, the US dropped 2.7 million tonnes of bombs on Cambodia from 1964 to 1973, more than the combined amount dropped by all the Allies in all theatres during World War II.

In March 1970, while overseas to visit Moscow and Beijing, Sihanouk was overthrown by Lon Nol and other generals who were looked upon favorably by the United States. Sihanouk then put his support behind the Khmer Rouge. This change influenced many to follow suit; he was, after all, considered a Boddhisatva. Meanwhile the Khmer Rouge followed the Vietnamese example and began to engender themselves to the rural poor. Between 200,000 and 300,000 people died in the civil war including the United States air campaigns.

Following a five-year struggle, Communist Khmer Rouge forces captured Phnom Penh in 1975 and ordered the evacuation of all cities and towns. Over one million people (and possibly many more) died from execution or enforced hardships. Those from the cities were known as "new" people and suffered the most at first. The rural peasantry were regarded as "base" people and fared better. However, the Khmer Rouge's cruelty was enacted on both groups. It also depended much upon where you were from. For example, people in the East generally got it worse. It is debated whether or not the Khmer Rouge began "crimes against humanity" or a protracted "genocide". There are claims that there were a disproportionate number of ethnic Chams killed, and the ethnically Vietnamese also suffered persecution.

Nonetheless, the Khmer also suffered often indiscriminate mass killings. A 1978 Vietnamese invasion drove the Khmer Rouge into the countryside and ended 13 years of fighting (but the fighting would continue for some time in border areas). As a result of the devastating politics of the Khmer Rouge regime, virtually no infrastructure was left. Institutions of higher education, finance, and all forms of commerce were destroyed in 1978, so the country had to be rebuilt from scratch. UN-sponsored elections in 1993 helped restore some semblance of normalcy, as did the rapid diminution of the Khmer Rouge in the mid-1990s. A coalition government, formed under pressure of the losing party following national elections in 1998, brought renewed political stability and the surrender of remaining Khmer Rouge forces. Many leaders of the formal periods kept important positions. They often adopted more liberal views as long they could extract personal profit of the situation.

SOURCE: http://wikitravel.org/en/Cambodia

Bolivia Travel Guide Expert Picks for your Bolivia Vacation

Bolivia began at the 1994 World Cup, watching the nation make its historic first appearance. Like all relationships, we’ve had our ups and downs – I experienced every level of emotion living in La Paz from 1999 to 2000, riding the turbulent wonder of everyday life. Bolivia wouldn’t let me go: I love its birds (the ones that fly), I love its food, and I love the endearing and easily.Rough around the edges, superlative in its natural beauty, rugged, vexing, complex and slightly nerve-racking, Bolivia is one of South America’s most diverse and perplexing nations.

Nature
Bolivia is so new to scientific endeavor that unique species are being discovered to this day. Tiptoe into caves of tube-lipped nectar bats, their 3in tongues probing the darkness. Tread lightly on the terrain of the poisonous annellated coral snake, deadly in look and effect. Listen for the cackling call-and-response of a dozen different macaw species (among the 1000 bird species) including the world’s rarest, the bluebeard, which only lives here. Multihued, brilliant butterflies and moths flit at your feet in the jungle; lithe alpacas and vicuñas stand out in the stark altiplano.

Adventure
Bolivia is not for the faint of heart: rattling down the World’s Most Dangerous Road into sultry Yungas; soaring breathless above verdant La Paz valleys in a paraglider; pulling a catfish that outweighs you out of an Amazon river (and maybe cooking it for dinner!). Whether your tools are crampons and ice-axe for scaling 6000m Andean peaks or a helmet and bravado for jumping into the abyss on a glider, Bolivia’s rocks, rivers, and ravines will challenge – nay, provoke – you into pushing your own personal limits.

Culture
Bolivians love a parade, and hardly a month passes without a procession of brightly costumed celebrants honoring an important historical date or deity. You’ll hear them from blocks away before the brass bands and whirligigging dancers approach and then envelop you (you may even get to join in). Amateur archaeologists can delve into a rich, multilayered treasure trove of artefacts – Bolivia has South America’s largest percentage of indigenous people, so the culture is still alive and well on the streets, too. Get to know them better by participating in community-based tourism and hiring local guides when you can.

Food and Drink
Ever had a llama tenderloin? Here’s your chance: maybe with a glass of up-and-coming Tarija wine, or artisanal coca or quinoa-based beer. The daily bread varies from the Frisbee-like mama qonqachi cheese bread of Cochabamba, big as your head, to the sourdough-like maraqueta hard roll, staple of paceña breakfast, to Santa Cruz’s mouthwatering cunapes (cheese bread balls). Vegetarians can feast on sonsos, the yucca-and-cheese pancake of the camba, and savor tropical fruit juices like maracuya (passionfruit) and chirimoya (custard apple). Fresh Amazon surubí tastes like it leaped onto your plate. Yungas coffee and chuquisaceña (Sucre) chocolate complete a perfect postre (dessert).

Why I Love Bolivia
My two-decade love affair with Bolivia began at the 1994 World Cup, watching the nation make its historic first appearance. Like all relationships, we’ve had our ups and downs – I experienced every level of emotion living in La Paz from 1999 to 2000, riding the turbulent wonder of everyday life. Bolivia wouldn’t let me go: I love its birds (the ones that fly), I love its food, and I love the endearing and easily understood Spanish and the charming folk who speak it. On holiday, your possibilities are nearly limitless. I keep my charango tuned, because I know I’ll be back.


Known as the Tibet of the Americas, Bolivia is a relatively remote bolthole, being one of only two landlocked countries in South America (the other is Paraguay). Wander along Calle Jaén, in Bolivia's administrative capital, La Paz, for a slice of South American life under Spanish colonial control - the street is home to some of the city's best preserved colonial buildings, whitewashed façades and ornate black grilled balconettes. It's also where you'll find a cluster of museums, including the former home of Pedro Domingo Murillo, who lead forces during the La Paz Revolution of 1809. See them all for the grand total of 40p and pick up your bumper bargain ticket from the Museo Costumbrista, which houses a ceramic depicting the hanging of the aforementioned revolutionary.

As if that weren’t enough (there's more to life than museums?!) Bolivia perhaps boasts the best value food and drink in all of South America. For example, a bottle of Paceña beer generally costs less than £1 and a bowl of chairo (potato soup) about the same. Pack plenty of layers for when the sun goes down; although Bolivia generally endures hot and humid tropical summers, La Paz is surrounded by the altipano mountains and so stays cool all year round. Looking to turn up the heat? Head to Oruro, a city in the heart of the altiplano famous for its Carnival, held each year in February or March to honour the Virgin of Candelaria. Three hours by bus from La Paz and you could be taking part in this UNESCO protected presentation of indigenous and religious Bolivian culture, with more than 48 folk dance performances and a traditional parade.

Stretching from the majestic icebound peaks and bleak high-altitude deserts of the Andes to the exuberant rainforests and vast savannahs of the Amazon basin, Bolivia embraces an astonishing range of landscapes and climates. This mystical terrain boasts scores of breathtaking attractions including stark otherworldly salt pans, ancient Inca trails and towering volcanic peaks. Landlocked at the remote heart of South America, Bolivia rewards the adventurous travellers and encompasses everything that outsiders find most exotic and mysterious about the continent.

The country’s cultural diversity and ethnic make-up are equally fascinating. Three centuries of colonial rule have left their mark on the nation’s language, religion and architecture, but this is essentially little more than a veneer overlying indigenous cultural traditions that stretch back long before the arrival of the Spanish. Though superficially embracing the Catholic religion, many Bolivians are equally at home making offerings to the mountain gods or performing other strange rites, such as blessing vehicles with libations of alcohol. And although Spanish is the language of government and business, the streets buzz with the cadences of Aymara, Quechua and more than thirty other indigenous languages.

Geographically, Bolivia is dominated by the Andes, which march through the west in two parallel chains, each studded with snowcapped peaks; between them stretch the barren, windswept expanses of the Altiplano. Reached via a series of lush valleys, the country’s lowlands range from dense Amazonian rainforest to vast plains of dry thornbrush and scrub. The geographical extremes are fascinating to explore, but can take their toll on travellers. This varied topography supports an extraordinary diversity of flora and fauna from condors to pink freshwater dolphins– Parque Nacional Amboró, for example, has over 830 species of bird, more than the US and Canada combined. The country’s underdevelopment has in some ways been a blessing for the environment, allowing vast wilderness areas to survive in a near-pristine condition.

Though it covers an area the size of France and Spain combined, Bolivia is home to just under ten million people, who are concentrated in a handful of cities founded by the Spanish. Some of these, such as Potosí and Sucre, were once amongst the most important settlements in the Americas, but are now half-forgotten backwaters, basking in the memory of past glories and graced by some of the continent’s finest colonial architecture. Others, like La Paz and Santa Cruz, have grown enormously, and are now bustling commercial centres.

Despite these attractions, Bolivia remains one of South America’s least-visited countries. Some blame Queen Victoria, who after a diplomatic incident is said to have crossed the name from a map and declared that “Bolivia does not exist”. Among those who have heard a little about Bolivia, meanwhile, it has a reputation for cocaine trafficking and political instability. These clichéd images have some basis in reality, though the 2006 election of Evo Morales has reduced the instability to a certain extent, and Bolivia remains one of the continent’s safest countries for travellers. And for those who make it here, the fact that Bolivia – one of the continent’s least expensive countries – is still not yet on the major tourist routes means you’re unlikely to find yourself sharing the experience with hordes of other foreign visitors.

SOURCE: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/bolivia/introduction

People Peace Planet Conference Costa Rica San Jose 2010

It may be a "developing" country (although I never liked the term), but did you know that Costa Rica developed the concept of carbon credits?! Pretty innovative for such a small country with such limited financial resources! Costa Rica continues to be an innovative leader in the area of sustainable tourism and ecotourism. The title of the Second International Conference hosted in San Jose, Costa Rica earlier this month says it all! Planet, People, Peace...

For the second time, CANAECO the Ecotourism Chamber of Costa Rica, hosted the International Conference: Planet, People, Peace from November 1 to 3, 2010 in San Jos?, Costa Rica. In efforts to promote the country's model of sustainable tourism and learn from experts around the world, the Conference attracted speakers from:

Kenya, such as Joseph Ole Shuel, the Director of II N'gwesi Masai Community Lodge,
USA, such as Alex Major, the Founder and Executive Director of the Green Flight Foundation; and Erika Harms, the Senior Advisor on Tourism at the United Nations Foundation,
Canada, such as Deidre Campbell, the CEO of the Tartan Group,
England, such as Richard Denman, the Certification expert appointed for the World Ecotourism Summit by the World Tourism Organization and UNEP,
Guatemala, such as Oscar Cac from the AK Tenamit Indigenous Community development Organization,
...and oh so many more!
Others, like Hitesh Mehta (a landscape architect and world designer of ecolodges), were effectively mingling with unsuspecting participants, attending companies, organizations, and professionals, who may be unaware of the "star factor" that they may discover in stopping to chat or sharing a meal. That was the wonderful aspect of this conference! Networking with international experts, indigenous community members, and business professionals was never so effortless and real. I mean you could really share your passion and talk about real issues... maybe because the Costa Rican culture provided the perfect backdrop of friendly atmosphere to an otherwise professional event. Where else do you see professionals kiss and hug when accepting a gift on the stage?!

The format and organization of the conference encouraged an active participation and exploration, including the option of translation for English speakers like myself. Guest speakers and discussion panels on the stage were joined by interesting inquires and comments from the floor, while the stands outside of the conference room continually generated a buzz of excitement.

Coming out of this significant event and having made so many wonderful and important connections, I realised on a deeper level the achievement in sustainable tourism by this little brave country. Costa Rica has been both a pioneer and an innovator and this is why it is recognized by the world as the leader in sustainable tourism. This important intrinsic aspect is ingrained in the country's culture, government and policies, and eagerly embraced by businesses that love and cherish their little piece of paradise and the pure life (pura vida) that it offers. This is very smart of Costa Rica, because tourists continue to increase their concern about the natural environment and they are consistently choosing tourist destinations using these models of sustainability. As a result, the conference reinforced the innovative Costa Rican model, creating a responsible destination where tourists can contribute to solutions and sustainable tourism.

The next step for Costa Rica? The country may be reinventing itself yet again by changing the seal from Sustainable Tourism to Carbon Neutral, thanks to the Costa Rican national airline Nature Air, the only fully sustainable airline, among others. And perhaps in the near future the country will even become "carbon negative" - another first for Costa Rica!

Source: http://mynatour.org/econews/planet-people-peace-conference-ii-costa-rica-san-jose-2010

USA Travel Guide - New York City Expert Picks for your Vacation

From Wall Street's skyscrapers to the neon of Times Square to Central Park's leafy paths, New York City pulses with an irrepressible energy. History meets hipness in this global center of entertainment, fashion, media, and finance.

World-class museums like MoMA and unforgettable icons like the Statue of Liberty beckon, but discovering the subtler strains of New York's vast ambition is equally rewarding: ethnic enclaves and shops, historic streets of dignified brownstones, and trendy bars and eateries all add to the urban buzz.

NEW YORK CITY RESTAURANTS

Ready to take a bite out of New York? Hope you've come hungry. In a city where creativity is expressed in innumerable ways, the food scene takes center stage, with literally thousands of chances to taste what Gotham is all about. Whether lining up at street stands, gobbling down legendary deli and diner grub, or chasing a coveted reservation at the latest celebrity-chef venue.

PLAN YOUR NEW YORK CITY VACATION

From Wall Street's skyscrapers to the neon of Times Square to Central Park's leafy paths, New York City pulses with an irrepressible energy. History meets hipness in this global center of entertainment, fashion, media, and finance.

World-class museums like MoMA and unforgettable icons like the Statue of Liberty beckon, but discovering the subtler strains of New York's vast ambition is equally rewarding: ethnic enclaves and shops, historic streets of dignified brownstones, and trendy bars and eateries all add to the urban buzz.

Source: http://www.fodors.com/world/north-america/usa/new-york/new-york-city

Denmark Travel Guide Expert Picks for your Denmark Vacation

Denmark, Western Europe, in the central part, forming a ridge to the north Jutland peninsula, covering the northern part of the island is a small country with a host. Denmark is a constitutional monarchy. Greenland and the Faroe Islands belong to Denmark. In Iceland was under the rule of Denmark until 1944. Exotic villages and towns, historic castles and monuments, cities large and small vahalarıyla, each composed of the islands, which is a natural and historical treasures.

Water and lush to visit a country of all kinds of activities should be one of the most wanted things in life. Thousands of kilometers on the coast of the country, large and small, wide beaches, bays, fjords wind turbines vary greatly, from an image of a cute exhibitions. Beaches in the country, very close to all the cities.

Copenhagen was the capital of the country for 600 years, churches and skyscrapers rising into the sky, historic sites, beaches, the harbor and the Strøget pedestrian travel destinations such as Europe's largest metropolis with a man to be admired. Lush gardens and parks, nature, generosity offered by the city's most beautiful products. Hamlet's Elsinore Castle, Kronborg Castle, the Royal Theatre, Royal Denmark Ballet, Mermaid Statue (The Little Mermaid), Amalienborg Palace and the National Museum, the city's historical and cultural assets that must be visited in between takes.

Copenhagen harbor, is presented as Europe's best and busiest port. Is Germany's southern neighbor Denmark, Sweden eastern neighbor. At the confluence of different air masses in the temperate climate of the Denmark shows an unstable structure. Approximately 10 percent of Denmark is covered with forests. British, French and German culture traces of Danish culture, artists trained in many areas at the international level. The first examples of 15th century literature goes back to its roots in Denmark and the Danish monk Saxo Grammaticus famous history book of Icelandic Sagas reached until today.

Most famous for its cleanliness of the environment where you want to see over Denmark able to go by bike. Denmark, deep-rooted historical and natural beauties, offering its guests the atmosphere quite pleasant in all seasons. On average 45 minutes per day reading newspapers Danish people, the environment is also very fond of cleanliness.

For this reason, the streets are always clean. Committed in the country in accordance with the rules of traffic, cycling is definitely the most comfortable means of transportation ... Just a note düşelim: "city bikes" application in the world are not only in Denmark.According to leading cities in Denmark can inspect places of interest.

Copenhagen: Copenhagen, Europe's top tourist cities. The history of this city is the capital of Denmark 17 -century churches, palaces, castles, and there are other royal buildings. Also, many shopping centers, restaurants and cafes in the home. There are more than 50 museums you can visit in Copenhagen. For cultural events in the city to enjoy the nightlife in the many theaters and again that there are many bars and night clubs.

Copenhagen, all of these reasons, the cultural capital of Europe in 1996, has been announced. Aarhus: Aarhus, Denmark's second largest city. Aarhus, Denmark, referred to as a music center. Every year, hundreds of cities opera, dance performances and concert events are organized. Therefore, it is home to many art galleries and concert halls.

Odense: Odense, Denmark 3 largest city. Funen islands takes place. In Funen Art Museum is in the best museums outside Copenhagen. Aalborg: This city of Denmark 4 largest city. The city is one of the important business centers in Denmark, and the highly developed industrial area. The city of Aalborg, but also due to more than 300 restaurants in the "Little Paris of the North" also known as.

Belgium Travel Guide Resources Trip Planning Info by Rick Steves

Belgium North and northeast of the Netherlands, Germany and Luxembourg in the east, south and south-west France is surrounded by. Facing the north-west coast of the North Sea about 68 km long. 1830 - 1831, since the establishment of representative and constitutional monarchy. Brussels, the capital. Carrying the heritage of the Old Latin and Germanic civilizations in Belgium, a country in which cultural diversity.

Outside the German-speaking minority in the south-east is a small, geographically, living in 4 cities in the southwestern and northern and north-and French-speaking Walloons and the Dutch-speaking Flemish divided between living in the four provinces. This is true both of the official languages ​​in the capital, Brussels. Brussels Brabant province in the central part of the country where both the Flemish and Walloons live.

Belgium, language differences, all the important positions held in his hands the Walloons make up the majority in the past, has created an unstable social and economic structure. Flemish reacted to this situation for a long time, have been effective in certain areas after outnumber the situation.

Belgium is officially a bilingual state since 1898, despite the language difference created by the conflict today is not fully resolved. Belgium is an advanced market economy is largely service sector, based on light and heavy industry and foreign trade. North of the country, mining and heavy industry is declining faster than the growth in the southern regions.

The main source of income for the economy, manufacturing and processing of imported raw materials, exports of manufactured goods creates. Belgium has a rich tradition of art and culture and well-established. Throughout the centuries has produced significant names in the picture, and music. Between the Flemish and the Walloons is a fundamental cultural distinction.

Walloons are often line of development pursued in France, whereas the Flemish tended to protect and develop their cultural identity. Today, the "culture house" known as the institutions in the country are working to develop cultural cooperation. Cultural diversity in Belgium as a result of changing trends by region observed.

The visual arts, especially the various currents of Flanders was born. Music, Brussels, Liege, Ghent and effective in their reflection in Antwerp, Hainaut maintains the distinction of being the center of classical and popular traditions. A true literary style unique to the region of Flanders, Wallonia and Brussels in the works for the common readers more prone to French culture. Belgium, the great importance of press freedom "can not be applied any form of censorship" is guaranteed by the constitution.

Consortia are largely autonomous control of the newspapers published in the press. Out of the newspapers that reflect different political tendencies, many periodicals take out. Belgium, a country that is quite small in terms of area museums and historical beauties, so much so that even though all of them may take you weeks can surf. The occurrence, and the place to be visited in Belgium due to the fact that the size of the country are located near each other so.

Cities, if you do not want to go into, and it will take more than 1-2 hours guided tour on foot or by bike just do not have time. Brugge Belgium's most important cities, Antwerp, Ghent and Brussels, the capital. Clock back to us, and that the country is dominated by one hour due to the often rainy climate of the ocean air, the sights Recalling that listed as follows: Grand Palace: This challenge is at the heart of the capital, Brussels. Grand Place square, the town hall, which means, Beer Museum, City Museum, and City Hall is located in Belgium. Where at certain times of the year, the flower market is established. Manneken-Pis: Brussels landmark was built in for.

1619 "Manneken Pis" statue attracts a great deal of tourists. This statue changed clothes at certain times of the year and offers a visual feast. Atomium: the work of a Belgian and Brussels are quite interesting. Microscopic image are represented as 102 feet tall, is an artifact of an atomic nucleus. Taking the atomic nucleus Brussels topaklarına watch. A lush park area is the area where the work is. The Cinquantenaire Park Brussels rather than a general sense that the number of green parks şehirlerdendir.Brüksel in one of the most famous parks in the Cinquantenaire Park.

Various structures in the park until the military museum is located in the mosque. If the city of Brugge and winter, however, do recommend you to see the ice festival. Sculptures are on display here is breathtaking. Brugge, peaceful and charming side streets with small and large homes actually tells another facet of Belgium. Here are many breweries.

One of them is going to monitor the production of beer learn. Also Michelangelo's Virgin and Child monuments in this city. There are cathedrals and churches in the city of Gent. Examples of important structures can visit the city of Gent The count's castle, Belfry Tower and 12 I have stayed century, St. Nicholas Church can be counted.

Germany travel guide tour guide in heidelberg beste preise best prices‎

Germany 357,021 km ² and covers an area located in the temperate climate zone. The European Union with a population of 81.5 million, is the most populous country. In addition to the third-most immigrant status. 2 The border between the two German states established after World War II, the German Democratic Republic in the west to the east in 1990 and joined the Federal Republic of Germany has lost its political character.

But the 40-year internal border has a historical importance. Federal Republic of Germany in 1955, became a member of NATO. Moreover, the European Coal and Steel Community and the European Economic Community, a founding member. Thanks to the economic miracle of the 1950s became one of the world's leading economic powers. Beginning with the unification of East Germany, but ultimately a huge financial burdens to strengthen Germany's position as a thought.

Germany territory when you go from north to south, just as the eastern lands of five western neighbors increases. Almost the same size in terms of surface forms of the country is divided into three regions: the North German Plain, the Central German Heights and South Germany. Germany is a federal parliamentary republic. Of sixteen states. The United Nations, NATO, the G8 members, and ratified the Kyoto Protocol. Germany compared to 2007, GDP in the world according to the 3 and most of exports, the largest economy in the country.

Most donors for the development of the country is the second country in the world. However, the country, the military spending budget 6 rank. The country has a high standard of living social security system. Germany, Europe's population and economic issues of the country by the development of a high international level plays a key role. Germany has been adopted in many leaders in the field of science and technology. Germany-wide, has a moderate climate humid westerly winds established superiority.

Climate, under the influence of the Gulf Stream is affected by the North Atlantic Drift. This warmer water, Jutland Peninsula in the North Sea and the Rhine in several areas, including the impact. As a result, the northwest and the north the climate is oceanic, with a maximum rainfall during the summer lasts all year. Germany's climate, winters are mild and summers are cool, though temperatures often exceed 30 ° C (86 ° F) periods. East, the climate is more continental, winters are very cold, summers can be very hot and dry. Central and southern Germany as opposed to the transition zone between continental and oceanic climate.

Christianity, Germany, 53 million (64%) are the most common with a number of religious belief. The religion of Islam is widely believed to be the second with 3.3 million people (4%), then the total 200,000 people who believe in both (0.25) and are Buddhism and Judaism. German official and predominantly spoken language in Germany. In addition, the language in the European Union is one of the 23 official languages ​​of English and French To the European Commission together with one of the three working languages.

Lesser known local languages ​​spoken in the Danish, Serbian, Romanian and Frizcedir. These languages ​​are officially protected by the European Convention for the Protection of regional languages ​​and minority languages.

The most used immigrant languages ​​are Turkish, Polish, the Balkan languages, and Russian. Germanic Kabileleri'nin, is thought to occur immediately prior to the Bronze Age or Iron Age. M. Ö. 1 century, tribes from southern Scandinavia and northern Germany, south, east and west, spreading the Celtic Gaul, Slavic, Baltic tribes and peoples relationship with Iran entries. Is known about early Germanic history, the Roman Empire, the data are limited. Augustus led the Roman Empire, the Roman General Cermanya'ya began to attack.

Germanic tribes at this time learned the tactics of war. In the meantime, have managed to maintain their identity. M. S. In the ninth, led by the Roman legions, the Battle of Varus were defeated by the leader of Çeruskerlerin. Thus, expanded to the borders between the rivers Danube and the Rhine. M. S. Demand around 100, according to Tacitus of his works on the Teutons.

Germanic tribes settled in the area between today's modern dorms, the Danube and the Rhine river. 3 century, several major Germanic tribes emerged around. Alamanlar, Franks, Saxons, Frisians, chattie, Sicambriler some of them. Around 260, the Germanic peoples, past the Danube began to enter the Roman-controlled lands. M. S. Germanic peoples lived in the region before the year Cermanya called 100. 10th century until 1806 was part of the Holy Roman Empire.

Germanic regions. 16th century northern Germany became the center of the Protestant Reformation. Be the first Germanic people in 1871 Franco - Prussian War of the nation - the state has become. II. After World War II, in 1949, Germany was divided into two states, winning the war by the states. In 1990, these two states combined. Then the name of West Germany in 1957, a founding member of the European Union, the European Community. Incorporating East Germany in 1993, became a member of this union.