The Philippines

Philippines travel is all about enjoying the unique Philippine environment and the warmth and friendliness of the Filipino people.

You can just as easily spend some time in the bustling metropolis of Manila or relaxing under a palm tree on some of the finest beaches in the world.

The Philippines boasts some wonderful marine life, countryside, city, shopping malls and tourist spots. The country is also rich in cultural heritage including the UNESCO heritage site Banaue Rice Terraces in Ifugao.

The three main areas of the country are; Luzon in the north, Visayas in the center, and Mindanao in the south. The capital is Manila, which is on the island of Luzon. The area around Manila is also called the National Capital Region consisting of several cities including Quezon City. Cebu City is the primary city in the Visayas, which was the landing place of the Spanish explorer Ferdinand Magellan. Davao is the main city in Mindanao.

The Philippine Islands are situated near the equator, so the climate is tropical year around. Hot and humid describes the typical day in the Philippines. However, in the mountainous areas it can be quite cool, such as in Baguio City.

Scuba diving, snorkeling, and other marine activities are very popular around the island chain. The Philippines is known to have one of the most diverse marine eco-systems in the world. You will be amazed and delighted at the coral reefs, tropical fish, manta rays, and the gentle whale sharks.

Philippines Travel - Boracay Beach

The number one Philippines travel tourist spot for both foreign and domestic tourists is Boracay. Boracay is a small island located in the center of the Philippines. It has been recognized as one of the best beaches in Asia and it certainly deserves the title. It has an approximately six kilometer long beach with numerous resorts lining its shore. There are accommodations to fit everyone's budget, from five star all-inclusive resorts, to pension houses for backpackers.

The primary points of entry into the country are through Manila's Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), Clark Airport (Diosdado Macapagal International Airport) at Angeles City, Cebu City (Mactan-Cebu International Airport), and Davao City (Francisco Bangoy International Airport).

Sailing & Cruising In Cuba

Sailing & Cruising

A Great Setting for Enjoying Water Sports

One of the Caribbean’s most enchanting sailing areas, Cuba has it all—natural marvels, gorgeous weather and historical charm. The first known sailor to drop anchor off this green-and-blue isle was Christopher Columbus, who in 1492 declared it “the most beautiful land human eyes have seen”. Ernest Hemingway spent three decades tooting around the Cuban keys in his fishing boat, the Pilar, then immortalized them in his novels, The Old Man and the Sea and Islands in the Stream. And Fidel Castro sailed the Cuban seas in his cabin cruiser, the Granma.

An archipelago in the Greater Antilles, Cuba lies at the mouth of the Gulf of Mexico, some 180 kilometres south of Florida, 140 kilometres west of the Bahamas, and 210 kilometres east of Cancun. While it is directly in the path of the Gulf Stream, the current is not strong—averaging less than half a knot, and sometimes reaching a maximum of three knots.

Cuba’s 5,746-kilometre coastline is marked by 200 sheltered bays, more than 4,000 keys and islets and 588 kilometres of beach. Most shores are covered with mangroves and cut by rivers, creeks, marshes and lagoons. Parts of the coast are rocky and steep. Both the Atlantic and Caribbean sides of the island are sheltered by coral reefs, one of which is part of the world’s second-largest reef originating in South America. Through-water visibility is 30 to 40 metres, and the surface water temperature averages between 24°C and 29°C.

On the north coast, the ENE winds prevail, while in the south ESE and SE winds predominate. Average wind speed varies between eight and 12 knots. Hurricane season is June to November, with September and October being the highest-risk months. While Cuba’s average air temperature is 25.5°C, the island has about 20 cold fronts a year. These last for two or three days and come with high swells and dramatic temperature drops. Nevertheless, Cuba averages 330 days of sunshine a year.

http://www.gocuba.ca/client/specialtytravel/show.php?specialty_id=2

Cuba: A Million Tourists Already!

As of April 5, Cuba had welcomed a million tourists this year so far, five days earlier than in 2011, according to a Ministry of Tourism press release.

The information provided indicates an approximate increase of 4% in the number of arrivals and a 12% increase in income, during the first three months of the year. The encouraging report noted that, in particular, the numbers of visitors from Canada, Argentina, Russia, Germany, France, Mexico and Scandinavia grew, representing a trend which is expected to continue over the coming months.

Tourism from other countries such as Colombia, Peru and Holland is also expected to continue on the rise.

Reaching this important number of visitors, in a shorter period of time, confirms that Cuba’s attraction as a destination which offers peaceful, healthy, secure and reliable options is becoming more widely appreciated. The Ministry statement indicated that these figures inspire an even greater commitment, on the part of the Cuban people, to these visitors who have chosen our country.
http://www.gocuba.ca/client/news/show.php?news_id=43

Alsace France

Alsace is France's smallest region. Its location in the north east of the country bordering Switzerland and Germany is ideally situated at the heart of the continent. Strasbourg is often considered the capital of Europe. 

5 reasons to visit Alsace

> A strong local identity and culture 
Alsatian folk traditions, cuisine, language and many traditional eventstake place in villages throughout the summer.

> The region’s chequered history Alsace has changed hands 17 times in 20 centuries, which has left a plethora of stunning fortresses and chateaux.

>The landscape is dotted with medieval towns Each Alsatian town or village has its own unique charm.

>An exciting range of theme parks and activity centresThese are surrounded by rolling countryside,
meandering waterways and the Vosges Mountains, making Alsace aparadise for family holidays.

>The food and wine of Alsace are legendary The region is home to more Michelin starred
restaurants than any other region in France (not counting Paris).
http://uk.franceguide.com/maps/france/regions/alsace/home.html?NodeID=144

France By Video

http://uk.franceguide.com/

Yokohama Japan

The birthplace of the railways is the starting point for tourism in Yokohama

Sakuragicho took its name from the Sakura River, which used to flow nearby. In 1872, Japan's first railway line was opened, running between the stations at Shimbashi and Yokohama. In fact, both stations were sited in different places from their present-day locations, and Shimbashi Station was in what is now the district of Shiodome. Meanwhile, Yokohama Station was located at what is now Sakuragicho Station. In 1914, as a result of changes to the route of the Tokaido Main Line, Yokohama Station was relocated to Takashimacho, and the original station was renamed Sakuragicho Station. A monument has been erected at the station, commemorating its status as the birthplace of Japan's railways. In front of the station is Minato Mirai, a 186-hectare district that is home to office buildings, commercial facilities, and hotels. Work began in 1983, with a view to the area's redevelopment as a waterfront city, and Sakuragicho is now the bustling gateway to Minato Mirai for travelers on JR lines and on the Yokohama Municipal Subway.

Sakuragicho Station is also a convenient access point for Yokohama's various tourist attractions, including Nogeyama Park, famous for its cherry blossoms, Nogeyama Zoological Gardens, and the Yokohama Bay Bridge, which spans the Port of Yokohama. The Sakuragicho Tourist Information Center can be found within the station precincts; as well as offering CyberPetit internet terminals, which cost 100 yen for 10 minutes, the Tourist Information Center provides support to tourists in 11 languages.
http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/location/spot/cityscap/sakuragicho.html

Croatia

Lapped by the warm waters of the Adriatic, Croatia is famed for its stunning coastline dotted with hundreds of islands, beautiful white pebbly beaches and secluded coves set against the dramatic backdrop of the steep, green hills and mountains. The natural beauty is complemented by rich history and heritage found in many of the small medieval towns and cities bustling with vibrant Mediterranean colour and life. Cruise the untouched islands, explore the streets and lively market squares, visit some of the many museums and galleries or simply enjoy the laid back charm of the cafe culture and dine al fresco under the starry sky. Whatever you decide to do this endlessly captivating country is sure to excite and inspire, and give you a glimpse of what many say is the Mediterranean as it once was.