Cities

• Abu Dhabi – The capital of the UAE
• Ajman – The smallest emirate, One of the budget destinations.
• Al Ain – Inland and close to the Omani bordertown of Buraimi, Al Ain comprises a triangle between the proper cities of Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
• Dubai – The most common entry point for travelers, it is the transport and commerce center of the UAE.
• Sharjah – A cheaper destination, dusty and chaotic in places but with its own unique charm.

The United Arab Emirates is a modern and dynamic country. To some, it is an advanced and clean country, to others a touristy “Disneyland”.

For most Western tourists, the UAE offers an environment that is extremely familiar. The malls are extraordinarily modern, filled with virtually any product available in the West (save sexually explicit material; movies are censored, as are, to some extent, magazines). Alcohol is widely available at many restaurants and bars in Dubai and in the tourist hotels of every other emirate save Sharjah. However, in Dubai you must obtain a liquor license (US$50) in order to buy a full bottle at a liquor store. The liquor license is proof that the bearer is a non-Muslim. A passport will not suffice. However, you can purchase liquor duty-free at the airport to bring into the UAE. No liquor license is required to purchase alcohol in any of the other Emirates.

The roads and other public facilities are modern if, at times, extremely crowded. Supermarkets offer a vast assortment of products from the U.S. and Europe, mainly from the U.K., along with local and regional items. Major international chains such as Ikea and Carrefour have a presence and fast-food chains (nearly all from the U.S.) such as McDonald’s and KFC operate widely. On the other hand, there are still crowded traditional souks filled with products from around the world, rug stores. These can be hard to find for the average traveler, as the malls tend to gain an overwhelming amount of attention.

However, its teardrop shape is not inappropriate and Sri Lanka has known its fair share of political turmoil and natural disasters in recent decades. Once the country became a Republic in 1972, serious conflict arose from the Tamil minority (occupying the north and east), who demanded a separate state. Terrorist activity by the Tamil Tigers has been prevalent ever since – apart from a shaky ceasefire in 2002, which sadly did not last much more than two years.

The country was also devastated by the 2004 tsunami, which killed more than 30,000 Sri Lankans and wiped out many coastal communities. While many tourists have been discouraged by the troubles, tourism is a healing force in this hard-hit country, and visitors will be guaranteed a warm welcome.

Switzerland’s famed political neutrality, financial power and isolated location, ring-fenced by breathtaking mountains, have enabled it to play a safe but central role in European affairs. The conveniently central location in the middle of Europe has also made Switzerland a favourite meeting place for conventions and international conferences – Geneva, for instance, is home to the United Nations.

Switzerland is not only a place for professionals, though. As a stylish tourist destination it offers such top ski resorts as Zermatt, Verbier and celebrity-studded St Moritz, while the white peaks of mountains set against blue skies make a wonderful backdrop for summertime hiking. The ancient capital of Berne provides superb opportunities for sightseeing, shopping and traditional folk entertainment while the largest city, Zürich leads the way in arts, design and nightlife, from opera and world-class theatre to stylish bars and nightclubs.

Switzerland’s unique political model is based on consensus-building, and, considering that the country consists of several culturally different groups speaking different languages (Swiss German, French, Italian and Romansch), its peaceful domestic situation is admirable. And while the Swiss in practice have been neutral in foreign affairs for several centuries, they are increasingly willing to get more involved in world affairs and deploy the skills in democracy and diplomacy they have developed domestically on the international stage. Switzerland finally joined the United Nations in 2002, and signed the Schengen treaty in 2005, showing their support for the European Union.

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Some pubs bear the name of “hotel” because they are in countries where stringent anti-drinking laws were once in force. In Scotland until 1976, and in Wales until 2003, only hotels could serve alcohol on Sundays.

There are approximately 53,500 public houses in the United Kingdom. In many places, especially in villages, a pub can be the focal point of the community, so there is concern that more pubs are closing down than new ones opening.

The history of pubs can be traced back to Roman taverns, through the Saxon alehouse, to the development of the modern tied house system – a period of huge growth in the number of drinking establishments.

Most crafts require a combination of skill, speed, and patience, but they can also be learnt on a more basic level by virtually anyone. Many community centers and schools run evening or day classes and workshops offering to teach basic craft skills in a short period of time. Many of these crafts become extremely popular for brief periods of time (a few months, or a few years), spreading rapidly among the crafting population as everyone emulates the first examples, and then their popularity wanes until a later resurgence.

Lacquer Painting Building on the workmanship of bodiless lacquerware, Fuzhou’s lacquer painting has developed into an art form in its own right. Although just over a decade old, it has already found great popularity. In lacquer painting the artist can depict a wide range of subjects and images such as human figures, flowers, birds, animals and landscapes. Screens and wall hangings are the major forms this art takes, and are often bought to decorate hotels, restaurants or villas.

In addition to the above, Fujian also produces paper umbrellas, lacquer thread carvings and paper-cuttings. Fujian’s varied and beautiful arts and crafts play an important role in the province’s cultural heritage, while also contributing greatly to the development of both foreign trade and tourism.

Home to the Indus Valley Civilisation and a region of historic trade routes and vast empires, the Indian subcontinent was identified with its commercial and cultural wealth for much of its long history. Four major religions, Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism originated here, while Zoroastrianism, Judaism, Christianity and Islam arrived in the first millennium CE and shaped the region’s diverse culture. Gradually annexed by the British East India Company from the early eighteenth century and colonised by the United Kingdom from the mid-nineteenth century, India became an independent nation in 1947 after a struggle for independence that was marked by widespread non-violent resistance.

India is a federal constitutional republic consisting of 28 states and seven union territories with a parliamentary system of democracy. The Indian economy is the world’s eleventh largest economy  by nominal GDP and the fourth largest by purchasing power parity.  Since the introduction of market-based economic reforms in 1991, India has become one of the fastest growing major economies in the world. India is a nuclear weapons state and has the third-largest standing army in the world  while its military expenditure ranks tenth. India is considered to be a potential superpower, having a rapidly growing economy and growing political clout.  India is one of main troop-contributing countries to United Nations peacekeeping operations. It is a member state of the United Nations and members of Commonwealth of Nations, the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation, G4 nations, G15, G20, G8+5, Asia Cooperation Dialogue, the Colombo Plan, Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation and the Non-aligned movement, and is one of the BRIC Countries. A pluralistic, multilingual and multiethnic society, India is also home to a diversity of wildlife in a variety of protected habitats.

India is a mystical land that presents the traveller with a bamboozling array of unforgettable experiences. Hinduism, the prominent religion, is intimately woven into the fabric of everyday life, reflected in an extraordinary range of time-honoured traditions. Apart from its ancient spiritual framework, India’s vastness also challenges the imagination, being home to one sixth of the world’s population.

Its intoxicatingly rich history can be traced back to at least 2500BC when the first known civilisation settled along the Indus River. There was an influx of Mughals in the 1520s from Central Asia, who maintained effective control of the north until the mid-18th century. At the end of that century, as the Mughal Empire declined, the British took control of the whole subcontinent, and India was administered by a single alien power.

The Indian National Congress was formed in 1885, but made little progress on independence until Mahatma Gandhi began the policy of non-violent non-cooperation with the British. But the Congress itself was later split on the issue of Hindus and Muslims. The Muslims, under Mohammad Ali Jinnah, claimed a separate homeland and in August 1947 the independent states of India and Pakistan came into being. Since this time, India has been a democratic republic.

Such a rich history has spawned an incredible number of exquisite palaces, temples and monuments. The most frequently visited part of India is the Golden Triangle, comprised of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. Meanwhile, the people-packed cities of Mumbai (Bombay) and Kolkata (Calcutta) have a bustling, colourful charm, while the holy city of Varanasi and the awe-inspiring temples of Tamil Nadu are rewarding places of pilgrimage. For those in search of tropical bliss, there are the palm-fringed beaches of Goa and Kerala. And for fresh air and serenity, India ripples with pristine mountains and hills, from the towering beauty of the mighty Himalayas to a bevy of beautiful pine forests, orchards and babbling streams.

One of the greatest fascinations of India is the startling juxtaposition of old and new; centuries of history rubbing shoulders with the trappings of modern-day living, from slick Internet cafes and fancy fast-food eateries, to swanky bars and chichi boutiques.

• First of all, determine your budget and make sure the trip is actually in your budget. Plan where you’re going around to spend the money.
• Making a list of everything you’re bringing will ensure that you won’t forget anything and checking it again before you come home will ensure you won’t leave anything behind.
• Lay out everything you want to bring, and then put half of it away. Keep in mind the place’s climate you are touring for and pack your clothing accordingly.
• Pack some snacks like granola bars, chocolates and chips etc to curb your hunger when the travel time will be long.
• Manage all the document in an organized manner. Keep all of your important papers, such as your passport or license with you at all times.
• Buy hotel sized toiletries and keep them in a plastic pouch of their own. It’s a good idea for a couple of reasons. One, if one of the bottles should mysteriously open, it will be contained and not spread all over your clothes. Second, you don’t have to unpack it when you get home. Just stash it away until the next trip.
• Some at home should know about your whereabouts. Let someone at home know what your travel plans are and when you can be expected back.
• If you’re traveling with kids, bring lots of travel games and extra batteries for electronic toys. Don’t forget necessary clothing and eatables to kids.
• Before leaving home confirm all reservations whether hotel, transport etc. There’s nothing like getting to a hotel only to realize they mistakenly booked you for the following weekend.
• Enjoy well planned tour.

The majority of French had left by 1945, but in 1946 they returned to continue the fight until their decisive defeat at Dien Bien Phu in 1954. The Geneva Conference partitioned the country into two at 17th parallel, with a Communist-led North and Ngo Dinh Diem declaring himself President of the Republic of Vietnam in the South.

US economic and military aid to South Vietnam grew through the 1960s in an attempt to bolster the Southern Vietnam government, escalating into the dispatch of 500,000 American troops in 1966 and what became known as the Vietnam War – although the Vietnamese refer to it as the American War. What was supposed to be a quick and decisive action soon degenerated into a quagmire, and US armed forces were withdrawn following a cease-fire agreement in 1973. Two years later, on April 30, 1975, a North Vietnamese tank drove into the South’s Presidential Palace in Ho Chi Minh City and the war ended. Over 55,000 Americans and an estimated 3 million Vietnamese were killed.

The American Vietnamese war was only one of many that the Vietnamese have fought, but it was the most brutal in its history. Over two thirds of the current population was born after 1975. American tourists will receive a particularly friendly welcome in Vietnam, as many young Vietnamese aspire to American culture.
Destinations

* Con Dao (Côn Ð?o) island

* Cu Chi (C? Chi), site of the Cu Chi Tunnels

* The DMZ

* Ha Long Bay (V?nh H? Long) – famous for its unearthly scenery

* Kontum – A relaxed little town providing access to a number of minority villages.

* Mui Ne (Mui Né) – beach resorts

* Phu Quoc (Phú Qu?c) – an island adjacent to the border with Cambodia

* Tay Ninh (Tây Ninh) – main temple of the Cao Ðài

* Tam Coc (Tam C?c) – In Ninh Binh province south to Hanoi with Ha Long-bay-like sceneries on rice paddies

* Vung Tau (Vung Tàu) – fishing town

Lively cities
Portugal’s lively capital, Lisbon, and its northern sibling, Porto, are magical places for the wanderer, with picturesque neighbourhoods, broad plazas and old-fashioned trams still rattling through the streets. Both cities have their share of enticing urban life, with eclectic restaurants, colourful boutiques, bohemian cafes and stylish nightclubs that make good use of the waterside setting. Smaller towns offer their own enchantment, with well-preserved medieval quarters that invite exploring in towns like Évora, Coimbra, Guimarães and Braga .

Scenic countryside
Outside the cities, travellers can enjoy Portugal’s warm sunny weather exploring centuries-old vineyards, visiting stone villages in the mountains or soaking up rays on the magnificent southern shoreline. Dramatic scenery lies all along the coast from windswept cliffs with edge-of-the-world views to wild dune-covered beaches.

More than just a static backdrop, the scenery sets the stage for outdoor adventure. Hiking, surfing, windsurfing, horse-riding, big game fishing, kayaking, diving, golfing and mountain biking are a few ways to spend a sun-drenched afternoon.

Portuguese culture
Those seeking a different slice of Portuguese culture can join in the revelry at a traditional festival, discover the melancholic music of fado (Portugal’s answer to the Blues), sample the great fruits of the sea or go port wine tasting.

Perhaps best of all, visitors can stay overnight in some beautiful settings, from converted medieval monasteries to sprawling manor houses, elegant beach resorts to urban townhouses set in the heart of a historic neighbourhood.

Malaysia, which celebrated 50 years of independence in 2007, is one of the rising stars of South-East Asian tourism, a nation looking to the future while cherishing the ways of the past. Centuries of trade combined with a vibrant mix of Malay, Chinese, Indian and tribal influence have created a mix of peoples and culture that make it a colourful and intriguing place to visit.

Tropical island resorts and endless white, sandy beaches offer a taste of paradise, while beneath warm coral seas, world-class dive sites await exploration. Orang-utans, the oldest rainforest in the world, city skyscrapers and majestic mosques and temples, plus a gorgeous coastline, are enough to tempt even the most jaded visitor. And if that were not enough, Malaysia’s culinary credentials are among Asia’s finest.

The British were relatively late arrivals to the region in the late 18th century, following Portuguese and later Dutch settlement, but they played a key role following the European wars of the 1790s and, in particular, the defeat of the Netherlands by France in 1795. The Federated Malay States were created in 1895, and remained under British colonial control until the Japanese invasion of 1942.

After Japanese defeat in 1945, the 11 states were once again incorporated as British Protectorates and, in 1948, became the Federation of Malaya. In 1963, the Federation of Malaya merged with Singapore and the former British colonies of Sarawak and Sabah, on north Borneo, to form modern Malaysia. Singapore seceded to become an independent state in its own right in 1965, leaving Malaysia in its present form.

Its convoluted history highlights why Malaysia is so ethnically and culturally diverse. Even better, the magnificent landscape is no less fascinating – dense jungles, soaring peaks and lush tropical rainforests harbour abundant and exotic flora and fauna.