EVENTS: Mardi Gras New Orleans 2012

Photo by Ugur Arpaci

Mardi Gras is one big holiday in New Orleans, it means music, parades, picnics, floats, and excitement! Everyone is wearing purple, green, and gold, some even adorned themselves with the long beads they caught from the beautiful floats. People sit on the ground throwing balls, playing music, and having a picnic while they watch the crowds walk by between parades.

During Mardi Gras, all of the businesses and roads are practically shut down -- people are walking everywhere and meeting new friends. People are dressed in crazy costumes, kids are everywhere, and the air is oozing with fun and excitement!

The highlights of the festivities are the Mardi Gras Parade Krewes where one can get treasure items being thrown from different floats like anodized aluminum that depict the parade theme on one side and the Krewe's emblem on the other called doubloons, cups, long pearl beads, and stuffed animals.

Each year there are dozens of parades in New Orleans and the surrounding area, and this year is no different. Parades begin Sunday, February 5, 2012, and continue until Mardi Gras Day, February 21, 2012. 

Each Mardi Gras Parade Krewe has a unique history and theme. Some have been around for decades, while others have been in existence for just a few years. Krewe of ZULU is well known for its interesting history and "golden nugget" (coconut) parade throws. Mardi Gras Indians are about beautiful beaded and feathered costumes they hand design throughout the entire year. Krewe of Bacchus features national celebrity monarchs each year and draws hundreds of thousands of visitors. Krewe of Rex is the origin of many traditions of Mardi Gras, including its colors of purple, green, and gold, as well as the collectible doubloon coins Krewe of Endymion quickly emerged as one of Carnival's 'Super-Krewes' in 1974 with the inclusion of more floats and celebrity guests.

Usually, days have several parades booked back to back, so whether you are on St. Charles Avenue with the family, catching beads from a Central Business District balcony, or enjoying the floats on Canal before a night in the French Quarter, plan for a day of Mardi Gras magic!

TRAVEL NEWS: Myanmar to Introduce E-visas

Photo by Cheng Q 

 

Tourists who are planning to visit Myanmar will no longer need to go to the Myanmar embassy to apply for a visa starting in March.

The country’s Ministry of Hotels and Tourism is pushing for a significant liberalisation of the country’s visa regulations and is planning to introduce an electronic visa application system beginning next month.

Union Minister, U Tint San said “We are trying to introduce an e-visa system from March, that would allow international visitors to apply for a visa from anywhere via the Internet, before visiting Myanmar”.

The ministry’s efforts to roll out an e-visa system were first unveiled in January. The pilot project will start this month before it is officially launched in March.

U Tint San mentioned that the ministry is also working to attract direct international flights to airports at Bagan and Ngapali “in the near future”.

“We are also in discussions with other ministries to allow tourists to enter or exit the country at a checkpoint by either air or land,” he added. 

Presently, tourists who would like to enter Myanmar by land need to face quite a number of travel restrictions. Only a handful of border crossings are open to foreigners and a regulation introduced in mid-2011 which requires tourists to enter and exit at the same checkpoint are just a few of them.

Travel News: 2011, Busiest-ever year for Changi Airport

Image Source: SingaporePictures

Records showed that 2011 is the busiest-ever year for Singapore’s Changi Airport. It handled over 45 million passengers for the first time ever last year.

The airport registered 46.5 million passenger movements and 302,000 aircraft movements in 2011, an increase of 10.7 % and 14.5 % over the year before, respectively.

December 2011 was also recorded as the airport’s busiest ever month with 4.53 million passenger movements which is about 11.4 % more than its succeeding year and 27,700 aircraft movements, showing a 16.0 % increase from last year.

The substantial increase in the airport’s passenger and aircraft movements was attributed to the strong travel demand in Asia-Pacific. South-east Asia and North-east Asia were the two best-performing regions registering double-digit growth, while traffic to and from South Asia and South-west Pacific also enjoyed positive growth.

Jakarta, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok and Manila occupied the top five positions among Changi Airport’s top 10 routes. On the other hand Taipei, Manila, New Delhi, Melbourne and Hong Kong registered the strongest percentage growth with at least half a million passengers who travelled to Singapore last year.

 

It should also be noted that seven new carriers joined the airport’s portfolio of airlines in 2011. They are Air Macau, Hong Kong Airlines, Finnair, TransAsia Airways, IndiGo and Lao Airlines.

News Source:

TTG Asia

India Plans to Extend VOA Policy to 13 more Countries

Photo by Sylwia Bartyzel 

The Indian government is planning to extend visas on arrival (VOA) to citizens of 13 more countries including Malaysia and Thailand according to a source from India’s Ministry of Tourism.

Based on a report published in India’s “The Economic Times”, other countries which are being touted as potential beneficiaries of the VOA policy extension are Brunei, France, Germany, Spain, Sweden, Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Brazil, and South Africa.

The report also stated that the VOA facility would be extended within a year to airports in Hyderabad, Kochi, Bangalore, and Goa, adding to the four active airports such as Kolkata, New Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai.

Currently, there are 11 nations that are benefiting from the said policy, namely Luxembourg, Finland, New Zealand, Japan, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Myanmar, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Singapore. In 2011, records showed that only slightly more than 10,000 VOA applications from nationals of these countries were granted.

Anju Desai, vice president of Mumbai-based HMA Travel was quoted saying: "The countries earmarked for the VOA are major source markets and will open the floodgates of inbound tourism. We have received complaints about delays in the issuance of Indian visas from our missions abroad. Now, all that will end and seamless travel will begin."

In relevance to the issue, the Indian High Commission in Malaysia released a statement clarifying that the Indian Government had not yet taken any decision to extend VOAs to Malaysian nationals.

News Source:

TTG Asia

Getting To Know Guangzhou China

Photo by Lycheeart 

Guangzhou, historically known as Canton or Kwangchow is the capital and largest city of Guangdong province situated in the southern part of China on the Pearl River. It is considered a key national transportation hub and trading port. Although Guangzhou is leading a hectic way of life, there are several tourist spots around the metropolis that offers a relaxing atmosphere and panoramic views that will surely take the stress away caused by the noisy and busy streets of the city.

The outskirt of Guangzhou is a perfect getaway to have a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere away from the busy metropolis. The hilly district in the northeastern part of Guangzhou offers a scenic view of the city. The famous Yuexiu Park can also be found within the district. Yuexiu Park is the largest park in downtown Guangzhou covering an area of 212.5 acres. The park is made of three artificial lakes and seven hills of Yuexiu Mountain, where its name came from. Tourists and locals alike are drawn by its perfect combination of cultural relics and ecological tourism.

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Nearby sights can also be enjoyed by climbing the five-storied watch tower which was built during the Ming Dynasty. At present, the tower houses a historic museum which is also worth a visit.

After exiting the park, two large hotels and a market can be seen. Twice every year, traders and customers from all parts of China meet in this particular place for a trade fair. Just nearby is the Orchid Garden where one can see the astonishing sight of 100 orchid species growing on the garden’s 18-hectare territory.

Another place worth exploring which is within the vicinity is the South China Botanical Garden. It is considered one of the largest Botanical Garden in the world boasting a record number of 5000 tropical and sub-tropical plants, grown locally or imported from other countries.

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Moving into the centre of the city, visitors can see the Guangxiao Temple – one of the region’s oldest and grandest temples. The temple possesses a solemn and imposing aura. The key structure of the temple is the Mahavira Hall which sits on a high pedestal with the Bell and Drum tower erected on both sides. Inside this hall are three statues of Buddha, Sakyamuni in the centre, Manjusri on the left, and Visvabhadra Bodhisattva on the right, known as the Three Saints of Huayan. There is also a pagoda built to house Huineng’s hair, Huineng is one of the six founders of Chinese Buddhism who saved his hair in the temple itself when he became a monk. The two oldest iron pagodas which happen to be the oldest of their kind in China can also be found in the Guangxiao Temple.

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The tomb of King Nanyue which is located on the Jeifang Bei Road always attracts a large number of tourists. It is hidden 20 meters underground made up of 750 huge stones with colourful murals. The mausoleum also features more than 1,000 pieces of cultural relics, bronze ware, and terra cotta. The main highlight of the place is the silk-jade garment made up of 2,291 pieces of jade – one of its kind in the whole world. Seeing this fascinating work of art is quite an experience so set aside any hesitation and start looking for cheap air tickets to Guangzhou!

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Other exciting places visitors must explore to get the most from their Guangzhou trip are Temple of the Six Banyan Trees which features the giant statue of Guan Yin, the Huaisheng Mosque presenting a good example of Chinese tolerance and shows proof of ancient connections between China and Arabia, Ancestral Temple of the Chen Family and the Culture Park which offers lots exciting activities and attractions.

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All these and more waiting for you to explore in the city of Guangzhou, start planning your trip and remember to include all these exciting places in your itinerary for a memorable trip! Several online travel companies offer China tour packages so budget won’t be a hindrance as well.

Exploring New Delhi

Reasons Why You Must Grab The Best Deal in India

Photo by Krishna Moorthy D

New Delhi is the capital city of India known for its tree-lined boulevards and home to numerous national institutions, museums, and landmarks. It is considered one of the fastest-growing cities in the world with a population nearing three hundred thousand residents. That is why one negative impression of first-time tourists in this city is its tenacious touts and crush of mechanical and human traffic. However, we cannot deny the fact that amidst these negative things, New Delhi is a place rich in history and amazing ancient monuments which made this place worthy of an air ticket to visit India.

Delhi represents two very different worlds, the “old” and the “new”. New Delhi was built as the imperial capital of India by the British while Old Delhi served as the capital of Islamic India. Visitors can easily have a taste of both worlds by immersing themselves in medieval-flavored bazaars of New Delhi or chilling out in the modern cafes and bars in New Delhi.

New Delhi is also home to two UNESCO Heritage Sites namely Humayun’s Tomb and Qutub Minar. These two ancient historical places are must-see places when you book air tickets to New Delhi. Considered two of the most popular tourist destinations in India, these monuments represent the ancient history of India.

Photo by Rohit Tandon

Humayun’s Tomb was designed by a Persian architect named Mirak Mirza Giyas for Humayun’s widow Hamina Banu Begum. This tomb later established a standard for all Mughal monuments, such as the Taj Mahal which followed its design.

Qutub Minar is a 72.5 meters fluted red sandstone tower covered with intricate carvings and verses of the Qur’an. The construction of this monument signifies the Muslim domination of Delhi and is a minaret for the muezzin to call the faithful to prayer. Qutub Minar is the first monument built by a Muslim ruler in India which began the new style of art and architecture that came to be known as Indo-Islamic style.

Another historical structure worth spending for an air ticket in India is the India Gate located on the ceremonial Rajpath Avenue in New Delhi. This monument is erected in honour of the Indian soldiers who died during the Afghan wars and World War II, names of all those soldiers were inscribed on the walls.

Photo by Vinit Singh

Aside from these magnificent monuments, New Delhi is the best place to sample authentic Indian cuisine. Have a taste of the meaty Mughlai curries, plump South Indian idlis (rice cakes), wood-fired pizzas, and squishy sashimi to complete your New Delhi experience.

Photo by Saundarya Srinivasan\

Don’t let petulant first impressions stop you from visiting India. Create a journey now for wonderful moments to last a lifetime.

Affordable Adventure Travel Destinations in Asia

Photo by Simon Migaj 

Are you the type of traveller who looks for adrenaline-pumping activities during your holiday vacation but is short of budget to afford the trip to popular adventure destinations? Travelling to Asia can be the best alternative as cheap airfares are commonly available for flights bound for different countries in Asia.

Buying online air tickets from established travel companies can be cheaper especially during promotional periods rather than going to the direct website of airline companies. Thus most travellers who are planning a trip to Asia resort to online booking to get the cheapest air ticket. Although most of the famous adventure destinations can be found in expensive-to-travel continents, Asia offers numerous places which guarantee a vacation full of adrenaline rush. Here are some of the places that promise a smashing holiday:

Bali, Indonesia

Photo by Sebastian Pena Lambarri

Most travellers thought of Bali as a romantic and relaxing place to go because of its spectacular beaches. Aside from being an ideal getaway for sun and sand lovers, Bali offers adrenaline-pumping activities as well. The big waves of its beaches are a big hit for surfers from around the world. Visitors can also try ocean raft sightseeing or snorkelling for more adventures. For those who love the rapids, white water rafting in the Ayung and Unda Rivers can be the highlight of the trip.

Thailand

Photo by Frankie Spontelli 

If you are planning to go to Thailand for a holiday trip but still hesitant to do it, forget the hesitation because this country is filled to the core with adventures that will surely make your blood pumping. Inland activities such as jungle treks in the Northern Mountains, mountain climbing, canopy tours and elephant rides will surely make travellers sweat while having a good workout. Other activities worth trying are cave exploration, scuba diving, surfing and kayaking.

Ladakh India

Photo by Omendra Singh

Climbing the rugged mountains of the Northern Border of India can be physically demanding however it can also be a lifetime experience for those who crave for adventure. Different forms of Buddhist culture can be seen dotting the region as traveller trek along the steep mountainside of Ladakh. White water rafting is also a popular sport in this part of India. The ultimate test of courage and physical fitness will be conquering the River Azkar known for its wild raging rapids and cold waters.

Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia

Photo by Ling Tang 

Climbing the tallest peak in Malaysia which is the Kota Kinabalu is one of the reasons why travellers search for cheap air tickets to Sabah. This activity is commonly popular for those who seek adventure during their trip. Aside from climbing the 13,400-foot peak of Kota Kinabalu adventure lovers can also enjoy camping out in the jungle and have a chance to see untamed wild animals wandering free.

Vietnam

Photo by Jonathan Ouimet 

The country’s national park Cuc Phoung is famous to tourists because of its more than 300 species of tropical birds and a whopping 43 million varieties of flora and fauna. Trekking through the forests of Vietnam can bring each traveller closest to the wildlife and nature at its best.

Bhutan

Photo by Adli Wahid 

Bhutan is one of those destinations waiting to be discovered by adventure lovers. An archaeological paradise, Bhutan is well-known for its magnificent monasteries and fortresses. Travellers can trek through the trails that wind past them or bike through the countryside to explore the area. Other ways of touring this place is through kayaking or rafting which is more of a challenge.

Travellers who crave an adrenaline rush need not spend a lot to have a dose of thrilling activities. With several cheap airfares available for Asian countries, adventure comes at an affordable price.