Paris, France

Paris, France is a destination that almost everyone should want to see in their life time. It is a place where history breeds romance, and where old world charm meets modernity. Paris France has only one downfall; there are so many tourist destinations and attractions to see in one vacation. Just taking in the beauty of the natural landscape could take up your entire vacation therefore I will recommend a few must see attractions. Perhaps this is one trip where an air tight itenarary will make the most of your vacation.

The Louvre makes first on my list as it is a great starting point when visiting Paris, France. The Louvre is the world's largest and most diverse collection of historic paintings, sculpures and other art objects. Here, you will get to see the Mona Lisa, indulge in the gardens which are adjacent to the breath taking palace itself and learn about much of the history of Paris from themedieval period through today. Since this is the world's largest collection, this should take up an entire day of your fully packed schedule.

Now that you have seen the romantic and awe-inspiring architecture of the Louvre, the next stop should very well be the Notre Dame Catherdral. Here your imagination will be swept away as you take in this beautiful and stunning gothic masterpiece. Complete with dramatic towers and stained glass, this medieval marvel took over 100 years to complete. This is medieval Paris at it's finest and an absolute must see.

Not that I have to tell you to see the Eiffel Tower, as it is the Paris tourists staple, but it did make my top list of must see Paris attractions.  I will give you a bit of history on this must see landmark. While it was the center of discontentment among France natives when it was first unveiled, today it represents Paris as the elegant, romantic, historic and contemporary city that it is. The tower, made of iron, was built in 1889 for the World Exposition by Gustave Eiffel. While most have seen pictures and movies with the Eiffel tower in the background, seeing it in person will most certainly take your breath away. It gives a glow to the night sky and a hopeful light during any storm. Perhaps this is why it has now reached more than 220 million visitors since it's humbling arrival.

The next attraction is viewed as a timeless peice of art today but the era it was built in, during the reign of Emporer Napoleon, didn't view it as such. Arc de Triomphe was deisgned to portray a France that was overflowing with military power and triumph. The 164 foot Arc, commemorating Napoleon's generals and soldiers, leads to Avenue des Champs-Elysees. Both the Arc and the Avenue will leave you feeling the splendor that the Emporer once felt.

This is a tiny list of attractions in a city that is wall-to-wall with historic monuments, grand buildings, art displays, timeless artifacts and cultural finds. Paris is a city where you can indulge in just about every fancy of the vacationers dream. Paris, France literally has hundreds of years waiting for your eyes to feast on and even more diverse attractions awaiting your arrival.

Vancouver, BC, Canada

Vancouver has a breathtaking view, a place where city truly meets wilderness and where you can experience modernity coupled with nature excursions. The city is backed up to a beautiful harbour where you can take a stroll and see some of the most lavish and beautiful ships in the world. From the harbour, you can look back on a city with innoative highrises, and well kept and appointed buildings.

From most angles, you can see the prosperous downtown area, full of life and sophistication, as well as the natural beauty of the North Shore Mountains. This is also true for most hotels in the downtown area.

No matter what type of hotel you are looking for, Vancouver has it. You can find luxury suites, romantic get aways, or business rooms for a working vacation. You can find a nicely appointed and inexpensive hotel room if money is a priority for your annual vacation.


Vancouver has a feel all of it's own where small community meets a big city, and where diversity creates new ideas and innovations. You will feel at home amongst a city of nearly 600,000 ihabitants while being able to experience international cuisines of almost every venue, local customs, and ethnic food stores and shops.

Vancouver offers activities for anyone. You can swim in beautiful crisp clean waters, sun bathe in the summer at the beach or kayak in the creeks. The North Shore Mountains offers skiing and snowboarding in the winter and a biker and hiker's heaven in the summer. Vancouver provides a vacationing paradise anytime of the year.

You don't hve to stay in Vancouver, although there is plenty to see and do. Victoria is a short distance away and would make for a beautiful day trip. Victoria is the capitol of British Columbia.

Daily excursions are available. You can tour the North Shore Mountains on a suspension bridge, go on a zodiac boat tour, take a scenic flight to an alpine lake and glacier, or visit the site of the 2010 Olympics.

Regardless of the occassion, Vancouver, BC, Canada will exceed all of your vacationing expectations!

La Massana City Guide for Tourists

La Massana, a city in the tiny principality of Andorra between France and Spain, has made a name for itself and has emerged from the once mule-raising and tobacco smuggling country land to the now robust city with all the makings of a major metropolitan area. Experience exquisite luxury from the boutique hotels to the luxurious spas, ski resorts and tax free customer oriented shopping malls. This area has completely reformed itself to boast one of the highest living standards in the world. This area offers hiking, festivals, picturesque mountain scenery and many other indulgences only known to this unique but tiny European country.

While the shopping is known all over the world, and the financial centers offers offshore banking and the Pyrenee Mountains offers some of the best ski slopes, Andorra offers a relaxed atmosphere and a few good museums. For the relaxation any vacation deserves, visit Caldea, the largest spa center in Southern Europe which is a water palace sitting at a whopping 1000 m, with splendid architecture and well appointed amenities. This trip will be a wonderful compliment to the luxury or boutique hotel room that you have chosen. Choose one of the fine museums to satisfy the urge to achieve a cultural experience. The museums of Andorra include The Sanctuary of Meritxell, where you will experience the dedication of the locals to their Saint, The Virgin of Meritxell, The National Automobile Museum where you will find a unique collection of bicycles, The absolute must-see Areny-Plandolit House Museum where you will feel as if you have entered an elaborate private mansion with unique collectibles and other art mediums on display, The Andorran Postal Museum for the Stamp collector and enthusiast, The Rull House Museum which contains some rare finds and beautiful surroundings, The Casa de la Vall where you will experience the early years of the Andorra parliament, The Nature Interpretation Centre which offers a unique exploration along the river and one of the oldest highways of Andorra, The Viladomat Museum, The Andorran Model Museum, Nicolai Siadristy’s Microminature Museum and the Perfume Museum. After spending a day trekking across Andorra and experiencing the history and culture that this unique area has to offer, you will be overjoyed to see the comforts of your luxury or boutique hotel.

La Massana and the rest of the areas throughout Andorra offers rest, relaxation, culture, history, luxury, world-class spas, adventures, picturesque landscape and the diversity of a major city. Enjoy the plush well-appointed rooms of your boutique or luxury hotel while peeking out the window for a once in a lifetime view. This destination is sure to fulfill your need for a much deserved holiday while supplying original and unique experiences.

Santander City Guide, Attractions, Events

A paradise in hiding, this Spanish city is host to many attractions, a busy port and beautiful seaside resorts. Most do not take the time to discover what Santander has to offer; they simply experience a small portion as they lay over, waiting to continue their journey to a more popular part of Spain. When we take a closer look at Santander, not only is it fashionable and beautiful but it has all the makings of a fun-filled and jam-packed itinerary. Santander is located on the northern coast of Spain. While Santander offers beautiful beaches, the climate may not always cooperate therefore the city offers other attractions such as historical sites, architectural delights, and abounding culture.

After King Alfonso XIII made this part of the Cantabrian coast his summer retreat, the city responded by catering to the aristocrats. With this in mind, visitors to Santander will now enjoy plush luxury and boutique hotels, impressive casino’s, world class restaurants, theatre’s with one of a kind talent and other fine buildings which add to the beautification of the natural breathtaking scenery. Santander is divided into two parts, the downtown region which is the hub of the commercialized city, where you will find impressive shops, historical sites and prestigious attractions and the beach resort of El Sardinero, where you will be witness to some of the classiest and esteemed suburbs including the former royal palace and the casino.

Wide tree-lined boulevards burst with delectable street cafés, prominent plazas, a beautiful waterfront promenade, dazzling parks and gorgeous gardens attract the attention of the visitors, providing days of pleasure and enjoyment outside of your luxury or boutique hotel room. While on holiday in Santander, you have a choice of two zoos, many fine museums, a planetarium and a prevailing arts centre which is the host for many of the varying cultural events that take place throughout the year.

The fun doesn’t end with the with the usual traveling itinerary and extravagant lusxuries found in your boutique hotel room. Other must see’s are specific to Santander. For example, you may want to see Casa Pardo, situated in a posh neighborhood offering breathtaking views of the Biscay Bay. While this house dates back to 1915, the upkeep is unmatched and is considered one of the most splendid mansions in all of Santander. Designed by Atilano Rodriquez, Casa Pombo dates back to 1875 and is a block long. Known for its exterior décor, this building boasts beautiful colonnades, domes and pillars that are both artistic and ornate. The Dique de Gamazo will tickle any seafarers or fisherman’s fancy. This maritime delight illustrates the historical importance of the fishing industry and offers the views of an exceptional jetty. This manmade area dates back to 1908 and measures 8 meters deeps, 180 meters long and 15 meters wide.

Just like any other robust city, Santander offers all of the national food chains found elsewhere in the world. It is highly recommended that while in Santander, you explore the local traditions, especially in their native cuisines. From comfort food to fine dining you can find delicious restaurants throughout Santander. Some of the top picks include La Cecilia, Cafeteria Zorbaa, Canadio, Los Troncos, Bodega del Riojano, Eh Marceino and La Mejillonera.

If you are looking for museums, Santander can meet that demand as well. First, you may want to visit Museo de Altamira. Here you will find prehistoric artifacts dating back over 15,000 years ago celebrating the caves of Altamira. For a diverse guided museum tour, visit Museo Etnografico de Cantabria Casa Velarde. You will marvel at an array of antiquities, furnishings, kitchen artifacts and paintings throughout the well stocked nine rooms. If you are a seafarer, visit the Museo Maritimo del Cantabrico. This nautical experience will drown you with artifacts from Spanish boats, ship-building techniques, cartography collections and marine biology displays. For more rare finds and older artifacts, plan to see the Museo Regional de Prehistoria y Arqueologia de Cantabria. The series of exhibitions will heighten your senses of things past including pieces excavated from the Iron Age and Roman Era, giant stone monoliths and other archaeological treasures. The best part is that most of Santander’s museums have free admission. When you return to your luxury or boutique hotel room, you will be thankful for the amenities after exploring how the ancient civilizations of Spain lived, or you may feel like a king who lived in one of the more extravagant palaces. Either way, this trip will bring you joy, pleasure, excitement and will please all of your natural senses.

Amsterdam City Guide for Travelers

Amsterdam, with a culture rich in history, trade, art and natural beauty will welcome any tourist with a warm heart and an eagerness to see more. This thriving and diverse climate offers a touch of class, entertainment and a cosmopolitan flair that is sure to leave long lasting memories. From the many museums to the restaurants, canals and gardens Amsterdam will not pose a problem for your itinerary. To the contrary, you may be looking for ways to cut back from the daily exploring in order to enjoy all the offerings of your luxurious boutique hotel room.

The museums in Amsterdam are plentiful and the works displayed are diverse and rare finds. In 2009, two more important museums will be cutting the grand opening ribbon. The Hermitage Amsterdam and the Stedelijk Museum. The Hermitage Museum of Amsterdam will be the sister museum to the world-renowned museum in Saint Petersburg of the same name. Works by famous Artist from Amsterdam, such as Rembrandt, Van Gogh, Mondriaan, Vermeer and Appel will be coming home in 2009. The exhibits will include “The Colours of the Night” by Van Gogh, on display at the Van Gogh museum and the world-famous Starry Night on loan from new York. While these are impressive, you will find over fifty mind boggling museums where you will ogle collections in modern art, press, film, theatre and photography mediums. If you are looking for a rare and exotic theme, a visit to the sex, erotica, hash and torture museums are a must.

Discover the natural beauty of Amsterdam. Botanical Gardens are plentiful, the architecture is splendid and the canals quite lovely. The canal system, while stunning, also provides a glimpse into history and what made this fishing capitol into the tourist Mecca and trade center that it is today. The streets are lined with historical architecture, beautifully designed, and behind the facades is a city reminiscing on a by-gone age. You can enjoy the Plantage at the water architectural walk or learn about the more than 6,000 species at the Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam. On every turn, down every street and in every window, there will be a view or mirrored image into one of the most vibrant cities and cultural capitols in the world.

Your taste buds are in for a delightful surprise when you travel to Amsterdam. With over 1,000 restaurants’ ranging from Argentinean to Vegetarian, pricy to inexpensive this city caters to all tastes and budgets. Since Amsterdam represents every nation’s cuisine faithfully, the possibilities are endless. You can find Thai, Indian, European, French and Dutch dishes. You can choose from seafood, steak, traditional café’s or fast food establishments. While most restaurants’ close at around 10p or 22:00, the night pubs, brown café’s, bars and takeaways are readily available to the midnight snacker.

While there is so much to do by day, Amsterdam still competes with that luxury hotel bed by night. The nightlife echo’s the robust and pulsating attitude of the locals, and caters to the tourists that come into town. You will find Lounge Bars, Cinema’s, Coffee Shops, Clubs, Night Theatres, cozy Pubs and intimate dinners and dances with themed hot spots open until 5:00a. This cosmopolitan city never sleeps! Browse around the red light district where the restaurants will be packed, the dance floors hopping and the streets crowded until the sun is nearly up. In the United States, they say what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. Amsterdam is no exception, with it’s rich and diverse night culture, the same would be true for this en vogue city. There are a couple of rules however. Never buy any drugs from the street. Soft drugs are legal and available in most street side shops. Also, never take a camera into the Red Light district. Remember that prostitution is legal and brothels are readily available. While you do not have to partake in such an eccentric past time, this is definitely a once in a lifetime attraction that you will only find in the after-hours streets of Amsterdam.

The I Amsterdam Card is a must have for any Amsterdam explorer. You will get access to over 30 museums for free, a transportation ticket and vouchers for discounts at restaurants and attractions. This card is available in unit hours, giving you the flexibility to use it as you need while on vacation in this spirited city. The I Amsterdam card for 72 hours is only 58 Euros, so it’s not hard to see how this card can offer deep savings.

Amsterdam is full of life and energy. Taking a hot bath in your boutique hotel will be much needed after a rendezvous on the streets in Holland. The Luxury and Boutique Hotels are plentiful and despite the taboo style nightlife, the class you will find in Amsterdam is next to none. Relax in your hotel, take a stroll around the museums, have a five star brunch or dance the night away. No matter what your age, nationality or gender, this city has something to offer to you.

Hong Kong City Guide for the Traveler

Hong Kong is a destination that will please any traveler from either corner of the World. It is cultural, dynamic, beautiful and a natural city that has architectural splendor and delight. The city is so robust and eventful that it will be difficult to decide on where to go and what to see. Get you laptop out and plan an itinerary inclusive of the top picks for you and your family.

Hong Kong offers several areas that boasts a plethora of diverse attractions. You can enjoy temples, monuments, museums and the beautiful shopping districts. Other areas that offer days of must do’s include Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, the New Territories and the Outer Islands.

The Temples are spread throughout the territory. They serve Buddhism, Taoism as well as other deities. Some of the most stunning and breath-taking temples include the Chi Lin Nunnery, Sha Tin Che Kung Temple, Miu Fat Buddhist Monastery and the Yuen Yuen Institute. The various monuments throughout the city will allow you a glimpse into over 5,000 years of Chinese heritage and over 150 years of British Colonialism.

The museums in Hong Kong are diverse, and offer a vast expression of cultural arts, ancient works, history and modern science. Some of the most popular museums include the Hong Kong Heritage Museum, The Museum of Coastal Defence, The Hong Kong Museum of Art, The Hong Kong Museum of History, The Hong Kong Science Museum, The Hong Kong Space Museum and Dr. Sun Yat-sen Museum. While these are the major museums, you can set out to see some unique history at the Hong Kong Correctional Services Museum or the Police Museum which are only two of the approximately twenty special interest Museums.

Hong Kong has a never ending playground for the shoppers in each of us. The Street Markets are full of excitement and color. Here, shoppers get good use of their bargaining skills as everything for sale has a price that can be negotiated. You will find unique hand-made crafts, second hand items and even antiques. A few to choose from would include the Stanley Market, Temple Street Night Market, Ladies’ Market and Jade Market. If you would rather shop at a name brand paradise, Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and the New Territories features shopping malls, department stores as well as vibrant open-air markets.

Hong Kong Island is filled with popular attractions that will keep you out of your Luxury or Boutique Hotels for days. Here you will find attractions such as Madame Tussauds, Hollywood Road, Western Market, Lan Kwai Fongand SoHo, Golden Bauhinia Square, Happy Valley Race Course, Jumbo Kingdom, Ocean Park, Repulse Bay, Stanley Market, and Aberdeen. Additionally, this is where you will find Hong Kong’s most popular attraction, the Peak. Looking down from the Peak, you will be awe-inspired by the spectacular views of the city skyline, the world-famous Victoria Harbour, Kowloon, towering skyscrapers and green hillsides. The Peak’s tram is pulled by steal cables and climbs 373 metres making the trip up and down an amusing adventure.

Kowloon has many attractions within itself as well. This pulsating destination within Hong Kong Boasts over eleven attractions including the Cheung Sha Wan Road Fashion Street, Avenue of Stars, a Symphony of Lights, the Clock Tower, Kowloon’s Walled City Park, Lei Yue Mun Seafood Bazaar and Sik Sik Yuen Wong Tai Sin Temple. Markets are plentiful here as you will find the Temple Street Night Market, Jade Market, Yuen Po Street Bird, Flower and Goldfish Market, and the Ladies’ Market.

When you visit the New Territories, you may see more old than new. Here you will find some of the oldest settlements and temples in Hong Kong. The most popular tourist attractions include Sha Tin Racecourse, Ching Chung Koon, Ping Shan Heritage Trail, Kat Hing Wai, Mai Po Wetlands, Tai Fu Tai, Tsing Ma Bridge, Fung Ying Seen Koon, Lung Yeuk Tau Heritage Trail, Lam Tsuen Wishing Trees and Tin Hau Temple, Sai Kung Town and the Hong Kong Wetland Park.

The Outlying Islands may be the most famous of attractions and is sincerely Hong Kong’s playground. Here you will find Hong Kong’s Disneyland, The Giant Buddha, Ngong Ping 360, Tai O Fishing Village, Mui Wo, Sky City, AsiaWorld-Expo, Cheung Chau and Lamma Island.

Hong Kong has so much to offer, from the finest boutique and luxury hotels to the cityscape and skyline. The attractions and events are endless. While this city guide may give you a glimpse into the robust lifestyle that Hong Kong has to offer, it only skims what is available in this busy city. Anything you need is available and everything you want is just a fingertip away. Enjoy it all, take it in and use a camera to look back because this vacation is sure to fly away.

Singapore City Guide for the Traveler

Singapore is a thriving city centre with 63 surrounding islands and one mainland. The size shouldn’t fool you as this robust city has grown in the last 150 years to become the busiest port in the world with over 600 shipping lines, super tankers, container ships and passenger liners. Outside of being one of the world’s leaders in manufacturing, oil refining and distribution of electronic components, Singapore owes much of it’s success to the excellent facilities, fascinating cultural diversities and tourist attractions. With over 130 banks and the superb communications network, Singapore has become a mecca for business and pleasure travelers from all over the world.

There is so much uniqueness and diversity in Singapore that we will be listing the odd attractions and must do’s rather than the same old museums, comedy clubs and monuments. Stepping back in time by visiting a well liked hole-in-the-wall confectionary, Chin Mee Chin, is a good place to start. This 65 year old charming breakfast and teas shop is far from modern but can provide insight into a rich history and culture.

When you are looking to escape from the hip-chic and modernized night life, head to Wala Wala. The moos here is laid back, the dress is very casual and the live band takes center stage. This pub draws it’s crowds which are as diverse as the city itself, offering chicken wings to pizza and everything in between. This hopping night time eatery and bar will bring Singapore into the heart of any traveler.

If you are looking for line dancing and a more interactive night time treat, then the Far East Square is the place to go. Die-hards grooving to the music of Country, Western, pop hits and odd samba. This craze caught on a few years ago, and today you can find cowboy Singaporeans dancing the night away.

If you are in Singapore it is a must to try the national dish, laksa, which is rice noodles, shrimp, cockles, fish cake and chili paste in thick coconut-based broth. This staple has won the hearts and bellies of critics and dignitaries alike. Area restaurants battle in Katong Laksa Wars, but you can take a stroll and try the most famous of them in the four stalls, 47, 49, 57 and 328. The food is great, the competition interesting and the area dynamic.

An interesting attraction, home to 71 hectares of land, the Pasir Ris Park, on the northeast coast of Singapore is a tourist hotpot. Here you will find pond-fishing, beachfront dining, bike, blade and kayak rentals, mangrove forests, pool, beers and café’s.

All the walking that you will be doing in Singapore will leave you in need of a good foot rub. It’s a good thing that foot reflexology is a Singaporean must have, and you can find a fuss free shop on every corner which are open extended hours. You will have your nerve endings, which are in your feet, massaged. According to ancient Chinese medicine, this helps to normalize the function of the body’s internal organs. Your boutique or luxury hotel may have personal indulgences but this will out do any other experience.

We have come to know convenience at Wal-Mart but a 24 hour six story shopping mall that is full of bargains, sometimes half that of an entire department store, is a shopaholic delight. Even if you’re not a shopaholic, you will see this rare find as not only delightful but creative and convenient. From local finds to major appliances, this mall has everything. You can find late night bargains at 145 Syed Alwi Road.

In addition to the more unique venues, some of the great and trusted attractions can be found in Singapore. Venture out and soak in Animal Kingdom, Butterfly Park, Night Safari, or the Singapore Zoo. Visit the Ethnic Quarters and see Little India, Chinatown, Gevlang Serai and Kmpong Glam. Indulge yourself in the Isles of Singapore and enjoy Kusu Island, Pulau Ubin, Sentosa and St. John’s Island.

Landmarks, memorials and museums are plentiful in Singapore. Some notable stops include Dalhousie Obelisk, Istana, Parliament House, Statues of Sir Stamford Raffles, the Supreme Court and City Hall.

The Museums are a must see in any city and Singapore doesn’t fall short. There are over twenty major museums from toys to designs and art to coins. The Parks, Gardens, Themed Attractions and Historical sights are no exception as Singapore boasts over sixty-five other unique and intriguing city highlights.