Leisure Markets

Dubai is a city built for tourism all around the year with excellent hotels, resorts, shopping and places to visit. In this article you’ll read a little about the top three attractions that you can visit on your Dubai holiday.

Dubai Creek

At the Dubai Creek visitors can take a small water taxi, called abra, allowing them to see the old trading port and the dhows from the water. The Creek is a natural sea water inlet, and it cuts through the center of the city, this is a historical part of the city. By taking a cruise to Al-Maktoum you will pass many landmarks, both historic and modern. A leisure walk round the walk will impress with a pitoresque glimpse at Dubai’s trading history.

Bastakiya

Curious about the way people were keeping their houses cool in the days before electricity and air conditioning? Then Bastakiya is the place to visit, this district is a step back in time with it’s houses cooled by wind towers. Dubai was famous for these wind towers that were aligned on both sides of the creek. Even today, the narrow lanes are showing the distinctive Arabian architecture that is a popular tourist attraction marked for development.

Souks

These are the traditional markets of Dubai and they are very popular for bargain hunters but sightseers and photographers enjoy them too. The gold souk is the most famous of them, here the streets are full of shops were anything golden can be found at low prices even, rings, bars, and elaborate necklaces. The traditional spice souk has tiny lanes scented with sacks of cinnamon, incense, spices, and dried fruits. Also the modern fish souk bustles with activity but smells in this area are of a more unpleasant nature. On the other streets you can find everything from carpets to traditional pieces or loaves of bread.

These three are not the only attractive objectives in Dubai, many others are available like the Grand Mosque, the Wild Wadi and many others that can make you holiday in Dubai a very interesting one.

Top 10 Tourist Attractions In The Sonoma Wine Country, California

1. Be a Pioneer at Fort Ross State Park

This historical settlement dates back to 1812, when it was an important trading post that helped send vital food supplies to the pioneer communities in Alaska. Be sure to visit the chapel and the Rotchey Houseone of the few surviving original structures. Theyve also reconstructed the blockhouses and stockades, to give visitors a chance to get a feel of life in early America.

2. Visit Lake Sonoma, Healdsburg

Lake Sonoma has something for everyonefamilies, couples, or even individuals seeking a few hours of serene solitude. You can hike, swim, ride a boat or a horse, hunt, and even set up camp.

There are nearly 17,700 acres to explore, full of trails and groves full of oak, madrone, alder, redwood and bay trees. These encircle the lake and the surrounding hills, and are full of amazing wildlifedeer, rabbits, birds, and one of Americas endangered species, the peregrine falcon. In early spring and summer, the forest floor is carpeted with wildflowers of every color.

Bring a picnic basket and a camerathis is one place you cant miss.

3. Experience a Scenic Air Tour Above California

Experience California from a completely different perspective from the air! These amazing aerial tours will take you through the famous Sonoma and Napa Wine Country through vineyards and valleys, over the mountain peaks and the rippling waters of the Pacific Coast. Youll even get to see places accessible only through plane (and imagine what kind of pictures youll be able to take!).

All pilots are FAA certified, and give an informed and interesting commentary on the regions history, geography and ecosystems. Truly an Experience of a Lifetime youll remember forever.

Visitors can also ask for customized tours and photography flights. Visit www.sonomacountyairport.comscenic-air-tours.php for more information or call North Coast Air at: 707-542-8687 (TOUR).

4. Cruise Along Americas Famous Hwy. 1

They dont call this American Road for nothing. Californias state route, Highway 1, takes visitors past one of the worlds longest stretches of coastlines. Enjoy mile after mile of ocean view, refreshing breeze, and clear, blue sky. Then, stretch your legs at any of the many golden beaches. Dive into the water, work on that tan, or lounge in the shade with a cold drink and a good nook.

5. Ooh and Aah at The Old Faithful Geyser

Think of geysers as natural recurring steam baths. These stone cones cast a scalding fountain of water up to 75 feet into the air. However, most breakouts are irregular and unpredictableonly three in the world actually have constant, predictable eruptions.

One of them is found in Calistoga. This Old Faithful erupts every 20 to 30 minutes, though rainfall can cause it to blow more frequently, but with less intensity. Visitors say its an amazing experience that draws oohs and aahs every time. Pack a picnic lunch and grab a table near the geyser.

6. Be a Farmer for a Day on Sonoma County Farm Trails

For one day, you can experience being farmer for daygo berry picking, feed the sheep and llamas, and bite into apples that had been picked off the branches just minutes before. You can get free trail maps that will lead you though different produce farms, breweries, cheese factories and wineries. You can also buy fruits and vegetables directly from the farmer.

You can also sign up for the Gravenstein Apple Fair held every year from August 11 to 12. For more information, visit www.farmtrails.org

7. Enjoy Ferrari Carano Winery

In just 2 decades the Ferrari-Carano winery had become one of Americas leading producers of world class wines. You can schedule a wine tasting tour from Monday to Saturday, and avail of any of the several fun but informative programs. Sample different vintages, paired with cheese, chocolate and dried fruit.

Test your smell memory. Find out how to pair wine with different dishes. Or, ask for a customized tour (by appointment only).

Schedule wine tours by emailing Mandy Cuthbert at mandy@fcwinery.com. You can also take your trip to new heights with an amazing aerial tour of the regions vineyards. Visit http:www.SonomaCountyAirport.com to book your memorable scenic air tour.

8. Visit Ancient Redwood Trees at Petrified Forest, Calistoga

Geologists say that the Petrified Forest in Calistoga has one of the worlds best fossil forests. These ancient redwood trees were buried under tons of volcanic ash, freezing life as it was 3,000 years ago. So, when you walk through the woods, you literally walk back in timeseeing insects and animals (some of them now extinct), ancient leaves turned to stone, caught mid-furl.

The park is dotted with signposts that explain key fossils and geology. At the end of the 20 minute tour, visitors can relax in the picnic area.

9. Go on a Wild Safari at Safari West Animals

This unique 400 acre wildlife preserve is home to over 400 animals and birds, some of them endangered. There are zebras, giraffes, lemurs, several cats and much, much more. Great for families and all nature lovers, its the closest people can get to an African reserve while on American soil.

The tours last three hours each and are led by an experienced naturalist. Visitors are also free to explore the inner compound at leisure, where they can make friends with friendly animals like giraffes and moneys, and enjoy the music of the birds in the open-air aviary.

Entrance fee is 58 per person. For more information, visit http:www.safariwest.com

10. Come Say Hi to Snoopy at the Charles M Schulz Museum

The world owes much to Charles M. Schultz, the creator of the beloved comic strip, Peanuts. His lovable characters were not only funny, but often incredibly philosophicalfrom the existential angst of Charlie Brown, to the carefree spirit of Snoopy.

Charles Schultz closest friends and family established the Schultz museum in 2002, in the heart of his hometown, Sonoma County. Collections include over 6,000 drawings, samples of thematic work from 1950 to 2000, and priceless preliminary sketches for Peanuts.

Direct flights straight into the heart of the Wine Country are now available at none other than the Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport. The Airport was recently re-named to pay tribute to the local artist.

Discover all you need to know about visiting the California Wine Country at:
http:www.SonomaCountyAirport.com

While youre there, make sure to sign up to win a FREE Trip to the Wine Country – one lucky winner is chosen every 30 days.

1. MOUNT KILIMINJARO TANZANIA

The highest mountain on the African continent, Kili measures an astounding 19,340 feet at her highest point. The challenge to climb this majestic mountain has lured many to scale her heights, a demanding but worthwhile ascent by most accounts. Kili, which has five distinct ecological zones, is an extinct volcano.

2. OKAVANGO DELTA – BOTSWANA

The champagne-coloured waterways of this famous floodplain form the basis of a pristine Wetland of International Importance (RAMSAR). With some of the most fantastic birding globally and a wild dog population, the largest inland delta in the world is often called Africas most beautiful destination. The region can be explored by land, boat and air. Enjoy the spectacular diversity of flora and fauna species.

3. THE EGYPTIAN PYRAMIDS

Easily the most recognizable of the 7 Wonders of the World, the Egyptian Pyramids have long held fascination for thousands of people. Recent resurgence of interest Egyptology has made trips to this alluring destination more popular than ever. The majority of visitors view the pyramids at Giza. The origins of these majestic structures continue to be a source of lively debate, while the stories of ancient curses and grave robbers delight us all.

4. PONTA DO OURO MOZAMBIQUE

With around 100 Bottlenose and Spinner dolphins making the sheltered waters of Ponta du Ouro their home, this region is definitely worth visiting. Dive the reefs to 40 metres in depth; they are teeming with a rainbow of marine life. Dolphin dives are a popular while in winter the haunting call of the humpback whale can be heard.

5. KRUGER NATIONAL PARK – SOUTH AFRICA

The oldest, most established reserve in Africa, the Kruger boasts an amazing variety of game and bird life throughout its numerous habitats. The fantastic opportunities to view the Big Five draw many visitors to the park, hoping to spot lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard and black rhinoceros. Game drives and guided walking trails offer great animal watching opportunities in the African bush.

6. DJEMAA el FNAA SQUARE MARRAKESH MOROCCO

A tapestry of colours, smells, sites and wonderful local characters make a visit to this bustling marketplace an unforgettable experience. Be entertained by fortune tellers, street performers and henna women. The Municipal Market sells local fresh produce. Take a ride in a Horse-drawn carriage and enjoy the spectacular sunset. More performers come out in the evening and entertain till midnight. Enjoy the famous local orange juice or mint tea!

7. THE SERENGETI – TANZANIA

The Serengeti National Park, covering 14,763 sq. km, is named endless plains in Masai. Here are 35 species of mammals, including wildebeest, zebra, lion, cheetah, leopard, elephant and giraffe, and over 200 species of birds.
The annual wildebeest migration is possibly the most spectacular natural event in Africa.

8. THE VICTORIA FALLS ZIMBABWE

From either Zimbabwe or Zambia you can experience the worlds largest sheet of falling water. The spray can be seen up to 30 kilometres away – hence the local name Mosi-oa-Tunya – “The smoke that thunders”.

Apart from the spectacular views including permanent rainbows arcing across the face of the falls, one can experience the waters along the river at closer quarters with white water rafting.

9. LAKE MALAWI

The 3rd largest lake in Africa is a tropical paradise. The tranquil waters lap against shores lined with palm, mango, banana and avocado trees. Here you can kayak, while snorkeling offers access to the colourful kaleidoscope of endemic cichlids found at this UNESCO world heritage site.

10. TABLE MOUNTAIN SOUTH AFRICA

This iconic landmark stands in the centre of the beautiful city of Cape Town.

Climb, or experience the wonders of the revolving cable car. Either way a visit to one of the most recognizable mountains in the world is a must for your trip around the great African continent. And while youre there, enjoy the wonders of Cape Town beaches, winelands, Robben Island each one a Top 10 in its own right!

A family vacation in a Disney theme park or Disneyland is always a dream holiday for millions of people around the world. The Disney brand is such a resounding success worldwide that it is inconceivable that any child in any developed country do not know what is Disneyland.

If America or Paris is too far away to take your family for a Disney vacation, then you can settle for either of the 2 Disneyland in Asia located in Tokyo and Hong Kong. Disney theme parks, wherever they are located usually have the same theme. For example, in Disney Tokyo will find the following theme parks which can be found on other Disneyland albeit sometimes in different ways the parks are presented.

World Bazaar – Sprawling smack at the entrance of the Tokyo Disneyland is the World Bazaar. This Bazaar is a reminiscent of turn of the century American town with the feeling that you may come face to face with an Apache Red Indian or an outlaw wanted by the local county sheriff.

Here you will find restaurants, shops, restaurants, outlets selling souvenirs and stuff that are appealing to tourists.

Tomorrow land – A space age futuristic theme park. A delightful combination of science and innovative imagination. In Tomorrowland, you can enjoy rides that rockets you to outer space or if you are a science geek, get invited to the “Inventor of the year award ceremony.” One of the favorite rides in Tomorrow Land is to help Buzz Light Year pulverize the Evil Emperor Zurg. Whatever that is.

Toon Town – Bring the children to Toon town, they will love you for this. Toon town is where Disney characters work and play. Toon town is designed to cater exclusively for the kids and is bursting with colors with plenty of kiddy rides.

Fantasy land – How can one be in magical Disneyland without entering the world of fairy tales and cartoons? Meet Disney’s icons Mickey Mouse, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Donald Duck, Cinderella, Peter Pan, Captain Hook and a host of Disney cartoon characters this never never land.

Critter Country – This is the land of the, well, you’ve guessed it, Critters. The critters are small animals from the Disney movie “Song of the South”. Enjoy watching the critters burrowing little homes along the banks of the Rivers of America and on the slopes of Splash Mountain.

Western land – A visit to the Wild Wild West brings you back in time to the earliest settlers of the American West. Perhaps the most important chapter of the American history. Enjoy dinning in restaurants from the wild west era.

Adventure land – This is the where you visit the African, South American and Asian rainforest. You can even take a cruise in a “crocodile infested” river. Tropical jungles in downtown Tokyo? Well, this is what Disney magic is all about isn’t it?