As with any visit to a country abroad, when planning to visit the Kingdom of Bhutan it is important to consider the best time of the year to go. This varies greatly between individuals and, depending on what sort of traveller you are, the weather may be your priority, or on the other hand you may be more concerned about how busy or quiet the region will be. Bhutan treks and tours in the months during spring and autumn are more comfortable because of the even temperatures and reduced chance of inclement weather; however, these peak times are naturally much busier as well. If you can travel early or late in the peak seasons you will still be able to enjoy good weather but visitor numbers will be a little lower. Another major factor to consider when planning Bhutan treks is the annual festival calendar; an opportunity to experience one of the many colourful events which take place all over the country is not to be missed.

The varying altitudes in the landscape of Bhutan mean that across the different elevations, there can be a huge variation in temperatures. The lower-lying southern regions have a more tropical climate, whilst in the higher valleys even in the milder months evenings can range from cool to very cold.

Spring
Spring runs from late February until the end of May and the temperatures range from around 13 -24 C in Bhutan. Treks during these months can see quite cool evenings and nights, but during the day you can expect clear skies and plenty of sunshine to warm your back on the trail. The Paro Festival, one of the biggest and most important of all the festivals in Bhutan, also take place in the spring.

Summer
The summer months in Bhutan are usually considered to run from the end of May until August. This period also includes what can almost be deemed a fifth season – the rainy season, which encompasses June though to September. The temperatures climb to an average of about 25 C but can often reach up to 29 C. Bhutan treks during the height of the summer months mean, not only extreme temperatures, but heavy monsoonal rainfall and the risk of landslides hampering your progress. Although the rains are welcomed by the farmers as they are vital for their crops, it is not the best time to plan a trek.

Autumn
By September, autumn has arrived in Bhutan. Treks and tours are ideal during the autumnal months as the rain and heat give way to wonderfully mild daytime temperatures with an average of 18 C. The clear skies and pleasant weather make the months between September and November probably the best time for Bhutan treks. They are certainly the most popular, and with good reason; this time of the year is delightful in Bhutan and there are also a lot of festivals which take place around the country.

Winter
Except for the lower-lying southern regions of Bhutan, snow falls over much of the country during the winter months, which are from around December to February. However, despite the colder climes, with an average daytime temperature of about 11 C, the days are often clear and bright and the vision of the snow-capped mountains serve as a magnificent backdrop to the stunning landscape of Bhutan.

Jude Limburn Turner is the Marketing Manager for Mountain Kingdoms, an adventure tour company who run Bhutan Treks and tours. They now offer treks and tours worldwide, including destinations in North and South America, Europe, Africa, and Central and South East Asia.

The Elite World is Coming Soon to Bhutan!

By: Martin Stoleman

It has been my privilege over the past twenty years to travel to many parts of the globe. When I was hired to be a traveling photojournalist for a popular travel magazine, I had no real idea what kind of life lay ahead of me. I never really expected to spend weeks on an African safari or climbing the Great Wall of China. I guess I sort of expected that my job would take me to places like Kansas and Canada. I have made it to nearly one hundred countries now, and I have a short list of favorite places that I’ve seen. For the most part I would be happy never returning to the places I’ve seen, but there are a few that stick out that I must see again in my life. Australia’s Great Barrier Reef is one of those places that I just cannot get enough of.

My coworkers laugh at me for how many times I suggest the Great Barrier Reef when we need an article or a spread of photos for an upcoming issue. They all know how much I love the reef and how I’m dying to go back at any chance I get. We sit in staff meetings and I slyly or not-so-slyly suggest the Great Barrier Reef as often as I can. It has worked sometimes because I have been able to travel to this beautiful part of the world six times now. My coworkers have said that my turn is up because they all want to go as well.

The Great Barrier Reef is simply breathtaking, and Australia is not bad itself. I love going there for work or for play. I have been able to bring my family with me three times and they have loved it as much as I can. There is nothing like spending a day deep sea diving around the most famous reef in the world. I have captured a collection of the most amazing underwater shots from the Great Barrier Reef.

So if you’re looking for a beautiful location for your next vacation, look no further than to Australia and the Great Barrier Reef. Talk with a travel agent or get online to find the best deals. There are often great packages that can be purchased that include airfare, hotel and excursions, so just take your time and look carefully.

The world is a beautiful place. Few places compete with the beauty and wonder of the Great Barrier Reef though. See it for yourself.

Article Source: http://www.travelarticlelibrary.com

The Elite Resort for this destination can be visited at Hayman Great Barrier Reef. Make a reservation today!

By: Stephen Ma

Planning a great Antarctica visit depends largely on proper scheduling. You want a vacation that allows for enjoying all that is good there. Determine the most advantageous times for vacationing in Antarctica here. You must decide when it is ideal for an Antarctica cruise.

Consider the things you are looking forward to on an Antarctica travel before deciding on a date. Antarctica cruises booked between November and March are said to be timed right. Sunlight is experienced the whole day at this time.

Spring lovers should arrange Antarctica tours in November or December. There is renewed activity around this time in Antarctica. This is a great time to experience the lives of penguins and snow petrels. This season is when the ice shows up as crisp and clean.

People looking to experience wildlife should go in January or December. This is when food is most abundant. Whales seeking krill scour coastlines at this time. Add this to the whale watching experiences of various animal lovers. Penguins also hit their peak for hatching during this time. Lots of seals can be found dotting nearby ice and shores.

A February or March Antarctica tour will allow you to view springtime baby wildlife. This is when penguin chicks start growing and like to play a lot. The many baby penguins available for eating cause the seal population to multiply. Find orcas anytime within these months. Animals are getting as much sun as they can while it is still there. If you cruise to the Antarctic Circle at this time you will see so very rarely visited landscape. It is easy to be moved by the sunsets occurring around this time.

You get to enjoy fair climes anytime during an Antarctic Cruise. Weather conditions are naturally extremely fickle. The state of the sleet ice wind and snow does not stay the same. It is not necessary for you to wait for more favorable weather. Different seasons dictate the type of wildlife and sceneries observed.

Book Antarctic travel tickets anytime to experience an unparalleled wonder. Passing hours and days have the place taking on a constant new appearance. Such switches encountered while traveling come in different forms.

Cruise companies offering Antarctic travel exclusively are worth considering. This lets you avoid getting stuck with an unsatisfactory travel exploit. A cruise line regularly visiting Antarctica knows where to take vacationers to give them a taste of the splendor of the place. You will also get to utilize the expertise of the staff members who have travelled there many times. Count on them to satisfy queries and other issues you have about the place to be visited. Leave Antarctica an expert of its many wondrous locations.

Article Source: http://www.travelarticlelibrary.com

Elite Resorts of Asia Pacific presents Banyan Tree Samui – Grand Opening

Elite Episode Offer!

Rates for this fantastic oppertunity are:

• Garden Pool Villa – 21,610 THB
• Ocean View Pool Villa – 23,390 THB
• Hillcrest Pool Villa – 25,170 THB
• Beachfront Pool Villa 26,950 THB
• Royal Banyan Pool Villa – 29,920 THB
• Spa Pool Villa (2-bedroom) – 35,850 THB
• Sanctuary Pool Villa (2-bedroom) – 50,450 THB

The Banyan Tree Samui – Grand Opening Elite Episode Offer includes:
Daily buffet breakfast for 2 guests in one-bedroom villa and 4 guests in two-bedroom villa.
With a minimum 2-night stay, receive Thai Baht 8,750 nett on hotel credit for Food & Beverage at any of Banyan Tree Samui’s restaurants, Banyan Tree Spa Samui’s spa packages and Banyan Tree Gallery per booking. With a minimum 3-night stay, receive one additional complimentary 90–minute spa session at Banyan Tree Spa Samui. A Hydrotherapy experience for 1 hour per guest per booking.

Please click Banyan Tree Samui Grand Opening Elite Episode- to find out more details about this Elite Episode! Or to make a reservation directly please visit the Banyan Tree Samui reservation page and quote Banyan Tree Samui Grand Opening Elite Episode!

To find out more about this amazing Elite Resort please visit Banyan Tree Samui page at Elite Resorts of Asia Pacific.

The Amala, Seminyak, Bali.

As a keen traveller and an Australian, I have always dreamed of living in Bali, with its mélange of ruggedness and exotic chic it presents itself as a haven for artists, writers and all those that enjoy an occupation that doesn’t require a suit and tie.

While I’m not living the dream yet, I still dip my toe into it once every couple of months by jumping on a quick flight from Singapore and arriving into Seminyak, Bali for a much needed escape.

Because of the frequency of my visits to Bali, I have had the opportunity to experience countless villas, hotels, resorts and once or twice staying in a home-stay temple and like any explorer will tell you there has been a myriad of hits and misses, which stirs the homebody in me to want to literally airlift the comforts of my own home smack bang into the centre of Jalan Seminyak…or better Jalan Oberoi.

But dear Elite Readers, let me share with you a little discovery…There is a home with all the comforts, and in fact more than your own home, in Bali and this sanctuary has a family, without the baggage of your own, that will take care of you and ensure all the residence’s luxurious features are tailored to your desires.

Located just behind the buzz of Seminyak, Bali’s most stylish and trendy stretch, The Amala is a retreat. The name derived from an ancient Sanskrit language, means pure and unspoiled, and each of their villas embodies this and makes their guests feel the same.

With close proximity to the countless incredible stores, boutiques and sumptuous restaurants, The Amala allows guests to enjoy all that Bali has to offer, with the comfort of knowing you have a retreat to return to at the end of a long day or late evening. From talking with my new Amala family, it appears that often guests choose to skip the outside excitement and simply enjoy the privacy of their villas, which reflects how splendid each of the spa and pool villas really are.

The first indication of the personal care I was about to received when staying with The Amala, was in the form of an email from The Amala Resort Manager, Lisa, asking me for my preferred music, movies, activities and even type of cookies.

What I didn’t expect was for each of my indicated preferences to be accounted for in my spa villa, which they were, from the complimentary cookies in the fridge to the DVD’s available to watch, the scented soap for the treatments within their outstanding spa and so much more.

Each spa villa features a spacious bedroom with four poster bed stretching out to an outdoor Jacuzzi plunge pool, bath tub, steam shower, and two deck chairs. While the pool villas contain a bedroom opening up to a large private pool, kitchenette, living room and pool deck.

With only 5 pool villas, 6 spa villas and The Amala Residence (a 3 bedroom pool villa) the architects of this retreat have done what so many have neglected and respected the concept of space. The Amala is small enough that you never really see another guest, even when fully booked, yet it feels large, open and spacious. With a private driveway from Jln. Kunti, near the well known Bali Deli, you literally feel like you’re walking into another world, where you simply don’t have to watch where you step and everyone knows your name.

The Amala is ultimately a refuge for the modern traveller, who does want to feast of the culture and action that Bali has to offer, but also desires a level of personalization and attentiveness during their stay. With around the clock butler service and a small dedicated family of staff, The Amala is definitely a lavish home I look forward to returning to again.

Candice.