By : Macon Gravlee
Submitted 2010-03-14 20:41:40

Tahiti is an island located in the archipelago of Society Islands in the southern Pacific Ocean. It is the largest island in the Windward group of French Polynesia. An ideal place for a holiday. This archipelago is a combination of a number of islands divided basically in four groups i.e. Tuamotu, Australis, Marquesas and Gambiers.

The island has warm, temperate weather all round the year. As due to its closeness with sea, any season change is minimal. There is warmer and humid and a little rainy period of 5 months i.e. from November to March and the rest of the year are dry and warm. The average temperature is 78°° F. So, clothing requirements are very casual. General summer clothes will do. One could also keep a foldable raincoat for refreshing tropical rain showers.

As for currency, the local currency is CPF Central Pacific Franc, code being XPF. The banks located on each of the island give slightly better exchange rate than the hotels. All the hotels generally accept credit card such as American Express, MasterCard and Visa.

French nationals require only a National Identity Card for a stay in the Tahiti Island. For other nationals, they must have a valid passport, more than six months pass return date, and an outbound ticket. The French Embassy in the resident country could only issue visa. There are no work visas or residential visas are issued.

Health care system in Polynesia is advanced and modern. Apart from a big hospital in Tahiti, there are many pharmacies and private clinics in and around the island. Special care has to be taken while consuming water as tap water is not so safe here.

On security points, there are generally few thefts on Tahiti Island. Though personal attention is required. Strangers should be avoided. Valuables should be kept in the hotel room or your rental car. The safe boxes provided by most of the hotels may be used.

Tahiti Excursion:

There are many day trips and excursions at Tahiti Island. Some of them are fun especially for families with kids. Following are some fascinating excursions

Swimming with Dolphins: Some companies provide these services in the areas profound with dolphins. The visitors could jump in the water and play with dolphins. But one should be cautious about swimming. One should not enter the water after having a meal, after a heavy sun bath or after consuming alcoholic drinks. One should avoid water when one is not feeling well. The charges for one dolphin swimming are around $100 per person. A great experience for kids when the kids are old enough to swim.

Fishing: A holiday is never over without some fishing. Though fishing is a bit expensive at the Tahiti Island (a few hundred dollars per person per trip) it is a must go for a person who loves fish. The best way to go is search for a good deal with a local hotel. They take you for a good fishing trip in the sea.

Pearl Farms: This is the specialty of the Tahiti Island. The Island is famous for its pearl production and export. One could have a unique experience of seeing actual pearl farming.

Helicopter Tours: One could enjoy the titillating experience of seeing the island from above. But those who fear height should avoid this.

Tahiti Island Nightlife:

The night at the island is equally fun as the day excursions. There are many places where one could enjoy the evening starting with a good meal and drinks and then some sort of entertainment. There are many night clubs and pubs which provide good night life. These places are full with locals as well as the tourists. The bars range from every day bars to elite pubs. Though this night fun doesn’t come cheap. The pubs are generally costly and most of them require cover charges.

Paul Gauguin Museum Tahiti:

While visiting Tahiti Island Paul Gauguin Museum is a must go. The museum contains Gauguin’s life in French Polynesia. A lot of wooden carving and engravings are at display. The museum is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm.

Hotel and Resorts:

There are many hotels and resort at Tahiti Island. These range from comfortable budget to luxurious first class hotels.

Author Resource:- http://akumalvacation.com/akumal_links/ http://linkroo.com/Travel/
Article From Free Travel Articles

The Elite World is Coming Soon to Tahiti!

By : Ricky Coates
Submitted 2009-11-20 21:00:49

There are plenty of reasons why people take Sri Lanka holidays. You might want to experience the unique culture of the island, visit ancient Buddhist temples, relax in a traditional Ayurvedic spa or experience the frantic nightlife of Colombo. But whatever reasons you have for going to Sri Lanka, it is likely that the beaches are going to play a big part in your holiday!

On both the east and west coasts, the island is blessed with dozens of outstanding natural beaches, ranging from bustling and beautiful party beaches to secluded getaways, so whether you want to relax in solitude or enjoy some of the most visually stunning beaches in the world, there will be something for you. Here are a few of the very best beaches on both sides of the island…

East Coast

If your Sri Lanka holiday is on the east coast, Nilawell beach will be the star attraction. The six kilometres of white sandy beach are stunning, and there are also excellent scuba diving opportunities, especially around the nearby Pigeon Island.

Keen surfers who are holidaying on the east coast should head over to Arugam Bay, widely renowned as one of the best surf spots in Sri Lanka. If you prefer to swim, the sheltered reef beaches of Passekudah and Kalkudah (located very close to each other) provide excellent opportunities for bathing in calm waters with beautiful surroundings.

For something a little different, consider a visit to Batticaloa. Boasting singing fish (visit on a full moon night to hear them) and the largest natural lagoon in Sri Lanka, it is a remarkable place to visit.

West Coast

For a picture perfect beach, Unawatuna is hard to top. With a narrow stretch of sand curving around a pristine bay, it is one of the most naturally beautiful beaches in the world, and the sheltered waters are perfect for swimming. The beach is very popular, however, and there is hotel and restaurant development on the beach front itself.

If you are looking for a beach that is more secluded on your Sri Lanka holiday, head over to Mirissa. This quiet and peaceful fishing village has a stunning beach that is perfect for a relaxing swim, and the clear waters provide some excellent opportunities for snorkelling as well.

Keen scuba divers will be in heaven at Hikkaduwa. With its coral gardens and active marine life, it is an underwater paradise and one of the best dive sites in Sri Lanka. Even if you aren t a diver, glass bottomed boat tours are offered here, and the beach is also noted as having some of the most active night life on the island.

Finally, if you want a unique experience on your beach trip, pay a visit to Weligama, where you can see the traditional stilt fisherman catching their supper for the day. Alternatively you could go to Ambalangoda, home of the so called devil dance and colourful mask shops that can provide you with the perfect Sri Lanka souvenir.

Author Resource:- Ricky Coates is a Sri Lanka holiday specialist for key2holidays, an online tour operator offering Sri Lanka holidays (http://www.key2holidays.co.uk/srilanka/) as well as holidays to other destinations in the Indian Ocean.
Article From Free Travel Articles

The Elite World is Coming Soon to Sri Lanka!

By : Chin Hock
Submitted 2009-06-03 05:19:14

The tiny country of Singapore is in South East Asia but many could spend hours trying to locate it on a map. This is because it is signified only as a little dot even though the country has become increasingly prominent on the world stage. Many now regard Singapore as a very modern, clean and efficient country with strong governance.

Even with a very small land size, there is much to offer for any visitor to Singapore. The country enjoys a multi-cultural history and that is very rich. One will not be short of options from a variety of the old and modern, as well as much food to fill the stomach with.

Any visitor to Singapore has to visit five attractions, the first of which is the Night Safari. It is the first ever park in the world that provides close access to wild creatures of the night from all over the world. The Night Safari has consistently been voted one of the world’s best attractions and not just in Singapore.

One can then make the next stop at the Singapore Bird Park. It is a natural sanctuary for thousands of species of birds, with man made forests and a waterfall surrounding them. There is much to see and do here for any lover of wildlife and nature.

You can enjoy lots of activities in the city centres too. One of the favorites would be Chinatown which represents both new and old Singapore. Many visitors have spoken glowingly of the delicious local fare and cultural relics that can be found there.

The Esplanade has been championed as the mecca of fine art, culture and shopping by the locals in Singapore. For anyone wishing to pamper themselves with great food and artistic indulgence, this is the place to be. It might be taxing on the wallet, but the promise of an exhilarating experience can be hard to resist.

For a taste of the more political side of the country but with a twist, visit the Istana. Some of the highest placed politicians make it their humble abode, but it is more famous for its flower filled gardens. It is also a quiet haven in the centre of Singapore’s busy commercial district.

Despite her small size, one will find it difficult to be at a loss of what to do in Singapore. Many have praised her clean and fresh environment, while offering some of Asia’s shining lights. This can be proven by the endless stream of visitors to the country annually.

Author Resource:- Chin Hock loves writing about the amazing sights available in Singapore for the benefit of visitors. Read more on his site at the Singapore Beat.

The Elite Resort for this destination can be visited at Capella. Make a reservation today!

By : Jenny Lama
Submitted 2009-07-30 01:35:54

For me, initially springing to mind when I think of white water is automatically New Zealand or Canada, two countries generating hype for having some of the most ferocious and spectacular rivers in the world. It never crossed my mind that Nepal could offer amazing adrenaline pumping white water to warrant being rated along with some of the worlds finest.

Of course when you picture sublimely crisp alpine rivers kissed by the Himalaya, roaring into narrow gullies, along white sandy banks, through pristine jungle and quaint farm estates. It must be very hard not to want to take a peak yourself!

I was new to the sport of white water rafting when I first ventured to Nepal, and when my travel companion persuaded me into tackling a river she had ventured on twice and was completely in love with I was simply terrified. I didn’t know what to expect, and then there it was, my introduction to rafting and the mighty Kaligandaki River. At best a 3 to 4 grade, the river has some intense fast sections, holes to trap any raft and some fantastic rapids. It’s great for Kayakers, beginner rafters with an adventurous spirit, and those experienced rafters that just want to have some fun. Camping at night, with the sound of the river roaring along, camp fire alight, cosy tents and good company has got to be one of the best things to do on holiday.

Nepal not only has this fantastic river, but offers a multitude of rivers ranging from freakishly advanced to perfectly calm, for scenic enthusiasts that just want to cruise along and take photos with the occasional easy riding splish splash rapid. Some of the rivers Nepal boasts are as above the divine Kaligandaki, the wild Bhote Koshi and the gentle Trisuli, along with three very exciting and scenically spectacular river expeditions on The Karnali, Tamur and Sunkoshi. An absolute feast for any white water enthusiast, from first timer to advanced adrenaline junkie looking for the next rush.

There are two ways you can go about rafting in Nepal. If your one of those ‘do it when I get there’ types, it is easy enough to organise it once you get in to Kathmandu or Pokhara, the streets are lined with rafting and kayaking tour companies all looking for your business. Word of caution though, you really need to do your research before venturing in with blind faith, some companies aren’t too proactive with the moto “safety first” and tend to scrimp on equipment where possible. I remember my friend sinking rather than floating one time, after she fell out in a fairly intense little rapid, she later said her life jacket was like a led weight, rather than buoyant.

I now opt for a certified tour company that offers rafting trips as add on activities to their initial tours, have concentrated rafting tours, as well as include them in package tours with trekking and mountain biking (link below). At least I’m guaranteed they use approved equipment, and are insured, they have emergency evacuation procedures, qualified local guides, and are really well organised. It’s peace of mind and makes for an incredible and enjoyable experience.

The best times to go are between March to June, when the rivers are fed by the pre monsoon rains and September to October, when the rivers are fed by snow melt. Towards late October the rivers are lower, the holes are deeper, but the rapids tend to be in shorter bursts and give you time to recoup before the next onslaught. The weather gets cooler the further you get into October, so you will need to bring warmer clothes for the night time camping. Earlier in the year the Monsoon fed rivers can be a pretty intense time to raft, most rivers are swollen and running particularly fast, with not much break between rapids. December through to February tends to be quite cold, and getting wet is not very enjoyable, remember where this water comes from, it’s freezing! So in saying that, the river guides tend to become dormant throughout these months.

Most rafting companies in Nepal supply dry bags for clothes and sleeping bags, as well as iPods and other technological gadgets. I still recommend bringing your own dry bag for extra care. Companies like Sea to Summit do some great light weight ones in all sizes, and will easily tuck into the heavy duty dry bags the rafting companies supply.
I’m now an avid fan of rafting Nepal, and I hope I have inspired you to get out there and give it a go; it really is an incredible rafting adventure and a must do.
Enjoy

Author Resource:- D’Tours Original – “Original Tours, Original People” is one very reputable Adventure Tour Operator that runs adventure tours, rafting and mountain biking in Nepal, Tibet, Bhutan and India. More information can be found on the website –
www.dtoursoriginal.com

The Elite Resort for this destination can be visited at Ananda in the Himalaya’s. Make a reservation today!

By : Christina Daw
Submitted 2009-08-18 07:00:20 Nepal is quickly becoming one of the biggest adventure playgrounds in Asia. Many people travel here to discover more about the mysterious Himalaya and the beautiful culture it has to offer but more recently adrenaline junkies have been travelling to this enchanting country to get their next kick. And who can blame them; with so many sports on offer and the stunning scenery, where better to go than Nepal.

Listed below are a few of the action adventures you can expect to find in this surprising country…

Whitewater Rafting and Kayaking
Nepal has some of the best whitewater in the world, with rivers ready for first timers or experienced paddlers. Trips range from one or two days to two week expeditions, often paired with some trekking to get to the remote rivers offering a whole new experience. Depending on how daring your feeling, Nepal has rivers that will make anyone’s heart beat a little bit faster!

Paragliding
Where better to go paragliding than Pokhara with a breath taking view of the Annapurna mountain range? After the takeoff (which believe me is the only scary part!) you’ll be soaring in the sky with eagles weaving in and out of you. Your only problem will be knowing where to look! With the mountains glistening in the sun on one side and the Fewa Tal lake on the other with the World Peace Pagoda looking on at you, you won’t ever want to land! Most flights are half an hour tandem, but if you have more time why not learn to fly yourself? All the equipment is provided and guides are trained to an international standard. A great way to spend a morning in Pokhara.

Canyonning
Canyonning is quite a new sport to Nepal, and I must admit when I first got there I’d never heard of it before! Basically it is the sport of travelling down canyons using a variety of techniques such as walking, scrambling, climbing, abseiling and swimming. It is one sport that will get you completely off the beaten track but does require quite a good level of fitness. There are several sites in Nepal where canyonning is available.

Rock Climbing
With endless mountains in this country, it’s not really that surprising that you’ll find some great places to go climbing. And you don’t have to go that far to find them, even within Kathmandu there are some great little spots (have a look at Narajun forest for example). There are courses for beginners or advanced climbers. It’s a great way to fill in your spare days in Kathmandu and get away from all the traffic.

Mountain Biking
Although trekking is still the most popular past time for travellers, Nepal has some of the best terrain for mountain biking. There are some incredible tracks and trails to be explored and you won’t be stuck in a crowd. Depending on your fitness you can opt for a one day down hill tour, or if you’re up for it a week’s expedition, (thighs of steel are recommended for this though!). Bikes can be hired locally very cheaply, just make sure you spend that extra 25p and get a helmet for the day as well!

In two weeks you can get a fairly good taste for adventure in Nepal. Raft, bungee, fly, bike, climb and abseil you way around this remarkable country. Just make sure you book your trips with a safe company, when involved in these type of activities you can’t afford to skimp on your safety. Have a look at http://www.grgadventurekayaking.com for more information.

Author Resource:- I have been travelling for many years now and have recently fallen in love with Nepal, now involved in a travel company I am living a dream I never knew I had! For more information please visit our website on http://www.grgadventurekayaking.com or email us at info@grgadventurekayaking.com

The Elite Resort for this destination can be visited at Ananda in the Himalaya’s. Make a reservation today!