The Most Amazing Beaches on the Planet

With so much of the earth's surface covered in water, the planet is littered with beaches of all types; from talc fine white sand to pebbles to smooth rock shores and although many of these beaches are beautiful in their own way, few can ever claim to have been considered the absolute best. The following beaches have, at one point or another, been considered the most amazing beach on the planet - it's up to you to decide which is the all-time greatest!

Ihuru Island is part of the Maldives and the beaches there are something to behold. Although any photo of Ihuru can't hold a candle to seeing it in the flesh, the island looks like something you would see on the cover of a brochure with its blindingly white beaches, clear warm waters and sapphire blue sky. The reef just off of the coast creates a glittering aquamarine ring around the island and allows travellers to see the wildlife of the reef up close without having to charter a boat. With only one resort on this island travellers can enjoy this paradise in peace and quiet.

White Haven in Australia is a phenomenal sight. Seven kilometres of dazzlingly bright white sand stretch out before you and the turquoise waters beckon you in. The range of colours found on this beach is stunning, from the brightest white to the darkest blues; colours which are so rarely seen in nature. The beach is relatively isolated and is located on Whitsunday Island, the largest of the Whitsunday Island group which can be found off the coast of Queensland, promising a peaceful respite.

Kenya has some fabulous beaches, but due to their popularity many are overrun by tourists and beach hawkers who will relentlessly try to sell you every souvenir and knock off watch on earth. Turtle Bay brings together all the best bits of Kenya's beaches and removes the crowds and hawkers, leaving only a stunning six kilometre stretch of powder fine white sand fringed by beautiful blue waters and a coral reef that's ideal for snorkelling and fishing.

Bora Bora in Tahiti is known as the "romantic island" and it's not hard to see why it gained this nickname. A haven of secluded beaches, cosy hotels and a laid back atmosphere, the 30 kilometre long island lies within a protected lagoon bordered by white sand shores. Two huge black peaks of smooth rock tower over the centre of the island and create a beautiful colour contrast with the deep lush green of the surrounding scenery.

If you're a sunseeker and are already thinking about your next beach holiday then any one of these fabulous beaches will leave your skin golden, your mind relaxed and your heart singing.

About the Author

Chris Miles is an accomplished travel blogger. He enjoys all types of holidays, especially those which take him to the beach.

Cheap Flights to Luxurious Holiday Destinations

Cheap flights to Geneva take you to the land of health, wealth and happiness. This chic and urbane Swiss city is the birthplace of the International Red Cross. Luxury cars and magnificent yachts, pristine air and sophisticated settings make Geneva a happy-go-lucky city.

Geneva is considered as one of the healthiest places to live on the earth. Sitting astride the River Rhone, Geneva is set against a backdrop of mountains. The city's landmark attraction is the Jet d'Eau, the most powerful fountain in Europe which shoots water an astonishing 140 meters into the sky.

The best weather for a holiday in Geneva is during the peak summer season, July and August. Tourist season also peaks around the same time. If you like fewer crowds, then you can take cheap flights to Geneva during spring and autumn when the climate is more pleasant for travelling. Rains can be expected throughout the year.

Cheap flights to Geneva land at the Geneva Cointrin International Airport situated 5 km north of Geneva. Uniresco public buses are available for the city every few minutes from the airport. Airport taxi services can be found outside the arrival terminal while car rental services are also available easily from the airport.

Everyone with historic, cultural, religious and natural interests can find something of their choice among the sightseeing expeditions in Geneva. Lake Geneva is the most obvious attraction and is the largest lake in Central Europe. Jardin Anglais Garden is a place frequented by scribes and philosophers. Close by is the Rousseau monument dedicated to the inhabitants of Geneva.

Other important places of attraction include St. Peter's Cathedral - a great religious landmark, and the Town Hall also known as Hotel de Ville, a hugely impressive structure. The Maison Travel is believed to be the oldest private house in Geneva. Sightseeing in Geneva can be an enriching experience if you do your research well beforehand.

Geneva hosts some of the most exciting events throughout the year. The International Tree and Lights Festival started in 2001 presents a contemporary exhibition of imagination and creativity. Trees of the city are adorned with creative decorations during this festival. The Geneva Music festival is an annual event where locals and international artists turn up to perform in large numbers. The Montreux Jazz festival is another musical event held on the beautiful Lake Geneva and attracts 200,000 people every year.

Cheap flights to Geneva are operated from all major destinations of the world all round the year. Just make sure that you make the bookings at the right time to enjoy your Geneva vacation to the fullest.

About the Author

Welcome to flylink website, committed to offering you the cheap flights to barcelona to your top destinations and discount vacations at time of booking. Book a cheap flight, cheap flights to mexico city trip with the best rates online for airline tickets, last minute deals, cars, hotels and travel insurance.

Whale Shark Tours - A Fantastic Day Trip Diversion

Whale Shark Tours provide you with a supreme swim adventure that you should not fail to experience. So, don't miss your chance to swim with gentle giants this year. The available tour from June until September.

The whale sharks are seen to be the largest of all sharks yet they are one of the most friendly creatures in the planet. A swim with the Sharks is a unique experience awaits you in the clear blue waters of the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico.

We invite you to experience this wonderful shark adventure by ground, by boat and by air.

The flying tours depart from Playa del Carmen or Cancun airport and go either to Holbox or to Isla Mujeres. Even though ground trips begin at Cozumel and can go either to Holbox or to Isla Mujeres. Both tours will take you to the ultimate whale shark experience at the equal cost.

Choosing whale shark tours by air can take you off with a charming flight over the Yucatan Peninsula in a small aircraft. The plane will fly low to make it possible for you acquire a remarkable view of the whale sharks as well as the Caribbean Sea.

In Isla Mujeres or Holbox in the Gulf of Mexico, you will find that the waters are richer in plankton plus more awesome wildlife.

From Cancun and Isla Mujeres, the sharks are visible in the crystal clear waters of the Caribbean. Each of the tour has their splendor and charm, and so to see and take pleasure in the best of each; I personally strongly recommend trying both tours.

After that, you will be transferred to a speed boat for a special tour right after you have arrived in Holbox or Isla Mujeres.

At Holbox, you will get 1 hour of extra time to explore the small village just before your flight returning to Cozumel.

At Isla Mujeres, you'll have time to experience lunch at the beach.

In this tour, you'll enjoy swimming with the gentle underwater giants, snorkel and see beautiful coral reefs and stop at the river to see loads of marine birds. You will be led by expert multilingual guides to have close encounters with the warm and friendly giants.

Heading for a Whale Shark tour enables you to be one with nature in the beautiful setting of the Caribbean while you swim and snorkel together with these friendly marine giants.

Therefore for those tourists enjoying holiday escapes in Cancun and the Riviera Maya, the Whale Shark Tours will really offer you an excellent day trip diversion.

About the Author

Ismael Bustos is a freelance writer invites you to experience this whale shark tours adventure by boat, ground or air. Visiting the whale sharks is worth well the price and something you can't afford to miss when you go on your vacation to Cancun and Isla Mujeres.

Travel To Nafplion Greece

Nafplion may not be as famous or as often visited as the popular Greek city of Athens or the charming island of Santorini, but it holds a beauty and magic on its own.

Located in a seaport town of Peloponnese, Nafplion features century old houses, marble paved squares, historical fortresses and attractive cafes and restaurants situated on a jutting peninsula overlooking the Argolic Gulf.

A mere 2-hour drive from Athens, Nafplion is often regarded as nothing but a short stopover spot for the nearby ancient sites of Argos, Corinth, Epidavros, Nemea and Myceneae. However, this charming little town offers more than just a convenient break from a long drive. It has its unique offerings that visitors to Greece will want to see.

The center square or platia of Syntagma is paved in marble and surrounded by inviting cafes, shops and hotels. Take a seat in one of the many delightful outdoor cafes, sip on a cup of frappe coffee and enjoy the sights of people casually strolling about or shopping for baked goodies or expensive jewelry. Nearby is Kathni, a cafeneon that retained the old world charm of the 60s, and the Ellas Taverna where great restaurants of mouthwatering sumptuous Greek meals abound.

If you want to watch the sun set in the turquoise blue waters of the sea, take a walk to the big square located at the waterfront beautifully landscaped with palm trees, lush greens, and pretty flowers and lined with many café-bars and restaurants. The Bourtzi or a fortified islet can also be seen from the many café-bars that line the waterfront.

The Bourtzi was originally built in 1473 by the Venetians to protect the harbor from pirate attacks. If you happen to visit in the months of May and June, see the Bourtzi for yourself while you listen to musicians from all over the world at Nafplio Folk Music Festival held on the premises of this island fortress.

Another must visit attraction in Nafplion is the walled fortress of Paladi. Originally built in 1714, this fortress offers a breathtaking panorama of the city against the sparkling sea. If you are up to the challenge, take on its 999 steps on foot. But, if you're just in it for the view, a taxi to the top will do the trick for you.

Don't leave the city without passing by its oldest part, the Akronapflia that was built way back in the 13th century. If you can afford it, Nafplion Palace Hotel offers the best view of the city and the Harbor and a great base to explore the fortifications above and the rocky shore of the Peloponnese on the southern part.

Take a stroll to the nearby fisherman's district of Psaromahalas and do some shopping for the famous Greek worry-beads known as komboloi or for musical instruments such as a hand-made flute, a guitar or bouzouki. Art shops selling original local arts are also aplenty in this area. Even if you are not planning to buy any of these, they all look pleasing to the eye and some window shopping is a fun way to while away the time.

About the Author

This travel tip is brought to you by BookCentralCoast.com.au, the specialists in The Entrance accommodation and Ettalong accommodation on the NSW Central Coast.

China's Terracotta Army

The Terracotta Army is called one of the greatest archaeological finds of the 20th century and to be honest, it is one very impressive piece of ancient history. Where else in the world can you find a life size army of terracotta warriors over 2240 years old??? I'll tell you. NO WHERE!!! Like the Forbidden City and the Great Wall, the Terracotta Army is one of the places in China you must see before you go back home.

Background - The first emperor of China, Ying Zheng united China, created the first version of the great wall, standardized the written language, killed a lot of people and lived a pretty violent and impressive life. The terracotta army was a part of an underground mausoleum built for him.

Work began on the mausoleum in 246 BC soon after Ying Zheng took to the throne as king and took 11 years to complete by 700,000 workers. The mausoleum was put to use later in 210 BC at Ying Zheng's death.

The army itself is estimated to be over 8000 warriors, horses and chariots and is buried in a series of four pits. Precise estimates are still not possible because excavation of the pits is not complete. The purpose of the army was to accompany Ying Zheng in the afterlife.

You can see from the pictures below that many of the actual statues are in pieces and putting them back together again is a long and painstaking task.

The pits holding the army are 1.5 kilometers east of the actual tomb of the emperor which remains unexcavated because archaeologists fear that excavating the tomb will damage or destroy its priceless contents.

Getting There - The Terracotta Army is near city of Xian in Shaanxin province south west of Beijing in the centre of China. The best way to get there is by catching an over night train from Beijing West train station. There are at least 3 trains leaving Beijing each evening and the train trip takes about 12 hours. Depending on the train you catch, you'll have a choice of a seat (no, no, no), hard sleeper (my favourite), soft sleeper (too pampered) and a deluxe soft sleeper (no comment).

Look for a train with the sign in the photo below and make sure you are in Beijing West train station not Beijing train station. To many hapless foreigners and locals have ended up at the wrong station.

You'll arrive in Xian in the morning so head of to your hotel, dump your bags and prepare yourself for a great day. I stayed at the Xian City hotel which was not the best but good enough. You'll need at least half a day to see the Terracotta Army and mausoleum. There are public buses leaving from different parts of the town that will take you all the way to the Terracotta Army. Ask your hotel staff for directions to the nearest bus stop. The bus trip will take about an hour.

Stay over night and catch an evening train the next day back to Beijing. Going back to Beijing there is also at least 3 trains in the evening. Xian is a great place and you'll find that even two days there is not quiet enough.

Trivia - The Chinese for Terracotta Army is bing ma yong which means soldier horse funeral statues. Tell your Chinese friends and travel companions you've been to see the bing ma yong and they will be impressed.

This article is Written by Brendon Lang from China Travel Go, an expert blog on travel and life in China.

About the Author

This article is Written by Brendon Lang from China Travel Go, an expert blog on travel and life in China.

Top 5 Summer Destinations

It's that time of year again, when the sun lingers a little longer in the sky and summer is creeping ever so closely that it is almost unbearable. The winter coat is locked back up in the closet for good, and the itch for some Vitamin D is overwhelming. It's time for a vacation. To help you decide where to go, here is a list of the top 5 SaveOnResorts summer destinations:

1. Glacier National Park, Montana: If you crave the crisp, fresh air of the great outdoors then Glacier National Park is the vacation spot for you. Rugged mountains and crystal clear blue skies create the backdrop for this US National Park. With an astounding 700 miles of trails and dozens of brilliant glistening lakes, Glacier National Park offers visitors an array of adventurous or leisurely activities. Must See:Going-to-the-Sun Road. Spanning 50 miles through the interior of the park, Going-to-the-Sun Road crosses the Continental Divide at 6,646 above sea level. It is a spectacular way to see each unique terrain type in the park, from glacier lakes to cedar forests.Click here for the best vacation deals to Glacier National Park.


2. Charleston, South Carolina: Flush with cobblestone roads, historic landmarks, modern art museums, and a posh fashion scene, Charleston is the archetypal hodgepodge of the old and new worlds. Charleston has emerged as a culinary destination and offers visitors a variety of dining options from Southern nouveau to waterfront restaurants with some of the best fried seafood in the South. Make sure to check out the peninsula, or "downtown", where you will encounter such sites as the Battery, Fort Sumpter, and over 2,000 historic homes. Click here for the best vacation deals to Charleston, South Carolina.


3. Punta Cana, Dominican Republic: Situated in the easternmost tip of the Dominican Republic, Punta Cana is home to a 63 kilometer stretch of pristine white beaches. With the Atlantic Ocean coastline to the east and the Bavaro and El Cortecito beaches to the north, Punta Cana is teeming with turquoise waters on all sides. Although Punta Cana still remains undiscovered by many, it is home to some of the most luxurious resorts in all the Caribbean. It is a golfer's paradise with spectacular golf courses made by some of the best designers in the world. Click here for the best vacation deals to Punta Cana.


4. Williamsburg, Virginia: The quaint town of Williamsburg, Virginia has over 300 acres of original 18th-century houses, shops and public outbuildings. Choose to visit any of three museums and discover rare treasures that all have a unique story. On any given day there are scores of events and activities to partake in, including walking tours, arts performances, political speeches, trades demonstrations, military exercises, fife and drum parades and more. Click here for the best vacation deals to Williamsburg, Virginia.


5. Puerto Vallarta, Mexico: Located on the coast of the Banderas Bay, Puerto Vallarta has over 34 miles of coastline where visitors will enjoy a variety of different water sports from snorkeling, windsurfing, scuba diving and more. Adorned with traditional architecture, Puerto Vallarta's lively downtown offers travelers an eclectic array of restaurants, shopping, nightlife, sightseeing and adventures. Click here for the best vacation deals to Puerto Vallarta.

So go ahead- give in to the travel bug and head out to one of these destinations for a guaranteed memorable vacation.

About the Author

Kate Rasmussen is an online Marketing Manager for SaveOnResorts.com.

Top UK Summer Destinations

Summer's well on its way and, when you're a British citizen, you've got to make the most of it. Whether this year will promise us two days, two weeks or two months of sunshine, it's important to take the opportunity while it's here and book a holiday or two - but where to go? After all, in a country as diverse and unique as the UK, it's not easy to decide just which city or countryside area to head to - but there are certainly some easy options.

When it comes to hitting the big city, it's only natural to think of London. London is a city with everything, from the glitz and glamour of being an international icon to its myriad attractions, events and nightlife, London is an obvious choice when it comes to top summer holiday destinations. Coupled with excellent summer weather - perfect for working on that tan - London is truly an excellent option if you're stuck for ideas.

But the big city isn't everything, and perhaps you'd like to visit somewhere with a little more robust character - or simply somewhere that isn't heaving with millions of other summer holidaymakers. If you're a Londoner yourself, perhaps you just want to get as far away from the big city as possible - which is where the north of Scotland comes in. Why not head way up north and take a ferry to the majestic Orkney Islands? Still capable of getting a little summer sunshine, the Orkney Islands offer Scottish hospitality at its best - and some of the best locally-brewed ales you'll ever taste. Coupled with the Neolithic site of Skara Brae and the quaint town of Stromness, Orkney is a truly fantastic destination, whales and all.

If natural beauty is your bag, you may want to head to the Yorkshire Dales, where you can rent a car and enjoy beautiful countryside packed with plenty of walks and hiking routes. What's more, you can stay in the gorgeous city of York and really make the most of a majestic holiday setting - as well as travel to nearby Durham in order to see yet more eye-catching scenery.

Of course, you can't mention beautiful cities without touching upon the Scottish capital Edinburgh - with a dynamic skyline including ancient volcanoes, intricate monuments, high-reaching towers and steeples and, of course, the incredible Edinburgh Castle, this mesmerising city is a cobblestoned paradise visitors will never forget. What's more, with the Edinburgh Fringe theatre and arts festival taking place every August, it's a true goldmine when it comes to a summer treat.

With so much to choose from, you may find yourself needing a while to decide where to go, but don't worry - there are plenty of last minute hotels dotted all over the UK, so you can be sure of getting the holiday you want, when you want it.

About the Author

Adam Singleton writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.