1. Learn and be entertained
Did you know that some airports house interesting museums that you can visit for free? The San Francisco Airport is one great example. One can learn and be enlightened at its library and museum where its walls are filled with photos and information pertaining to the interesting industry of aviation. The main airport in Atlanta even offers an attractive display of rock sculptures from Zimbabwe. You can also view famous planes at the museum housed at the Chino Airport, California.

2. Work out a sweat
Feel lethargic? Don’t feel like hanging around the airport doing nothing? There’s only so much you can do with Facebook on your iPhone so grab your bags and head to an airport hotel nearby where you can indulge in an afternoon of work out fun at the gym! You can also rejuvenate yourself at their spas with a day pass, just ask the friendly staff how you can obtain one. Look out for the XpresSpa chain of spas and relaxation spots where you can be pampered with facials and have your tired muscled reinvigorated in no time. Massage Bar outlets also allows you to immerse yourself in a world of relaxation before you flight arrives.

3. Eat and let live
Eat to live or live to eat? Either way you can while away your time by visiting dining options at the terminals you’re stuck at. Forget fast food, instead indulge in authentic Texan fare at Cousin’s Bar-B-Q stationed at the DFW or sink your teeth inside sumptious ribs at La Carreta located at Miami. Or spoil yourself with a cornucopia of Eastern and Western delights located in the JetBlue Terminal at JFK, while sipping a cup of freshly brewed coffee.

4. Shop till you drop
Duty-free shopping is for normal folks. For you upscale shoppers, don’t forget to check out the international departure concourses to have your Prada, Hermes or LV fix satisfied. It also pays to call your credit card company beforehand and let them know that you’ll be making some purchases overseas.

Travelers on the other hand, swore that their iPhone is more than handy – in fact, this gadget even saved their lives a few times, thanks to the apps available in the phone. Here are the top handiest iPhone apps you can download before you start your travels soon!

1. Cheap Gas!
If you are driving in the Australian outback and realize that you are running out of fuel, have no worries! The Cheap Gas! app is sure to help you find the location of the nearest gas station without you getting stuck in the middle of nowhere with an empty tank. This can DEFINITELY save your life and help avoid danger when traveling, even with a companion.

2. Stanza
Don’t feel like lugging around that thick John Grisham omnibus around and taking up valuable space in your bag? Get the Stanza app and store e-Books that you can read with the touch of your finger. Now’s the time to catch up on your reading when you’re alone in the plane!

3. Currency
Don’t let your wife shop till you both drop in a foreign land! Be sure to check currency conversions regularly so that you won’t go overboard with your spending!

4. Babelingo
Stuck in Japan and don’t know how to get to the nearest train station? Faster than you can say “Densha Otoko”, you can have the Babelingo app displaying the translated words in super large fonts on your iPhone so that you can show it to the person you intended to ask.

5. Wikipanion
Wikipanion is like Wikepedia, but in travel-sized. Thou shalt rely on it like it’s your travel bible!

6. AroundMe
If you got lost in a shopping mall, you can go up to the information counter and enquire your whereabouts but what happens if there are no helpful counters? This is where AroundMe comes in handy. You’ll be able to find out about things located around to help you get your bearings. Also great when you need to locate banks, clinics or embassies in a jiffy!

For the uninitiated, capsule hotels are hotels which resemble well, capsules. They are small, with limited facilities and yet desired by those travelers who are on a shoestring budget when visiting Japans. Also great for otakus, or Japanese fanboys, who are strapped for cash as the night before they attend huge conventions in the heart of Tokyo or any other city in the Land of the Rising Sun. Don’t be intimidated if you are planning to stay in one during your sojourn in Japan, check out some tricks and tips we prepared.

1. Counter your claustrophobia
Capsule hotels are cheap, but it comes with some setbacks and one of the major disadvantages include claustrophobia. Those who suffer from this condition should stay away from capsule hotels and bunk in with their friends in Japan or pay more for a budget hotel. For travelers who are slightly uncomfortable with tight spaces, it pays to focus on the task at hand when you’re in your cabin, and that is by sleeping the night away.

2. Boys only? We don’t think so
There is a misconception capsule hotels are only for males but nowadays more and more hotels catering to women travelers have popped up, such as the Akihabara Capsule Inn. Women traveling in groups can safely stay the night with their gal pals without worrying about drunken salarymen trying to proposition them.

3. Keep plenty of change
There are lots of vending machines in the vicinity of the capsule hotel so if you are hankering after a snack or a cold drink during warm nights, you can easily fulfill your desires with some coins. Otherwise, do ask the friendly staff behind the counter for some change.

4. Bring ear plugs
The walls between one capsule and the one next to it are SO THIN that you can hear people talk and snore. Bring ear plugs and use them when the snoring gets too unbearable.

5. Learn basic Japanese
It helps if you packed a small but handy Japanese dictionary in your belongings. This allows you to converse with the people running the capsule hotel and with people around you.

When people think of Hawaii, they often think of the beautiful beaches, the great landscape, and the fantastic people. However, central to Hawaiian culture is cuisine. The people of Hawaii love food, whether it’s a simple plate lunch or an extravagant luau. They have created many delicious dishes that they can truly call their own, like poke, a raw dish featuring cubed tuna, and lau lau, a pork and butterfish creation steamed in taro leaf. While you’re in Hawaii, you’d be doing yourself a disservice not checking out your fantastic food options. While you’re in Hawaii, here’s some places you should check out, both large and small, fine dining and not.

Waiola’s – A must go to location; practically a destination. Get shave ice (do not say shaved ice unless you want to be berated senselessly) with ice cream on the bottom after you’ve spent a day out on the beach or hiking Diamond Head and are really hot. They also serve beer, if shave ice and beer is your thing.

Dukes – Popular place right on Waikiki beach for breakfast. Very relaxed and laid back, the definition of Hawaii. Goes well with a hangover.

Ryan’s Bar and Grill – This is a great casual spot for appetizers and drinks as a way to start your night. The crab artichoke dip is delicious, but incredibly rich; it feels like it must take a year off your life (but so worth it). Ryan’s Bar and Grill is located in Ward Center.

Tokkuri-Tei or Izakaya Nonbei – Fantastic local izakaya’s that are really showing off some of Hawaii’s rich heritage through delicious Japanese small dishes. Izakaya is traditionally a Japanese afterwork spot for drinking and eating, so these are good places to load up on the sake and beer while you pick at some really tasty and traditional Japanese food.

Kaka’ako Kitchen – Casual gourmet type of place, serving actual quality dishes in fast food format. Also located in Ward Center.

Mai Tai Bar in Ala Moana Shopping Center – You’ll find a surprising amount of locals here at night, and it gets way crowded. Live Hawaiian or Reggae music, pretty cheap drinks, and you can go there immediately after shopping.

Of course, if you must…

Luau – You will need to do this one night, just to get the full Hawaiian experience. Various hotels have them – it’s a big Hawaiian banquet, typically with a hula show. Typically a must do at least once for a traveler, you’ll never find a local at one of these. Except, that is, to work them.

The breathtaking Khaju Bridge from Ispahan, on the Zayandeh River

The Khaju Bridge enjoyed travellers already in the 17th century, and it is today one of the most famous bridge of the East and surely one of the most beautiful and impressive bridges on Earth. The Khaju bridge plays a multiple role. It is very nice indeed, but it is also very useful. Under the archways of the bridge there are sluice gates serving to raise the water level  upstream the bridge; thus the many gardens of Ispahan can enjoy the precious water!

Also, during the hot sommer days, the Khaju bridge offers on its lower level popular shady places, where someone can escape the hot sun. The lower level can be accesed only by pedestrians, while the upper level is accesible for  horses and carts. The octagonal pavilions from the both sides offer impressive views of the river and of the city.

This is a detail of The Khaju Bridge, and one of the reasons to qualify the Khaju bridge among the most beautiful bridges on Earth.

Visiting the Khaju Bridge from Ispahan with its sophisticated architecture you can understand better Iran, the East and even the Islam.

The Singapore Flier is arguably one of the best places to visit in all of South East Asia. When I first heard of its construction, I did not believe that such an enormous structure could fit in the tiny city island but once I see it upon completion, I am awed beyond belief because the Singapore Flyer is indeed larger than life itself.

1. Enjoy 360 panoramic view
If you want want to enjoy a beautiful 360 degrees panoramic view of the city, you don’t need to sneak up to the tallest skyscraper in Singapore. All you need to do is get a ticket to ride the Singapore Flyer and you will be rewarded with sights that will take your breath away! On a clear day you can see the bustling streets of Orchard Road, the scenic Straits of Singapore and even Batam Island in neighboring Indonesia! Being in this gigantic Ferris Wheel does not mean that you will only be contained in your seat for the entire 45 minutes – in fact, you get to take a stroll, take in the views and get excellent snap shots as souvenirs!

2. Have a romantic dinner
Did you know that you can wine and dine your date with a romantic dinner aboard the Singapore Flyer for a mere SG$199 per couple? For that price you will get exclusive VIP lounge access, a delicious 3 course meal and your very own host in your decorated cabin! If you feel like splurging and/or proposing to your spouse in a private ceremony, you can shell out SG$1500 for a private cabin complete with 3 course meal, champagne, flowers – the works! Otherwise you can opt for the Champagne Flight or the Cocktail Flight packages, perfect when riding the Flyer during sundown to appreciate the delectable view of the city.

3. Learn more about the amazing city of Singapore
It is recommended that you utilize the free audio guide on board the Singapore Flyer where you can learn a lot about this wonderful city. A comprehensive map is also available in the cabin should you feel like planning your trip around the city as major landmarks are labelled clearly for your convenience.

4. Value for money ride
Where else can you get so much for so little? For as low as SG$30, or lower if you book your ride online, you get to enjoy the views and be in your private little world with loved ones.

Tips to ride the Singapore Flyer: It’s not easy to get “air sick” but if you feel uncomfortable, it would help if you walked around instead of focusing your eyes on a single spot. Also, you can book the Singapore Flyer at http://www.singaporeflyer.com.sg/ to get an attractive 20% off the $30 fare.

Downtown rangoon with modern skyscrapers

Despite the fact that Rangoon is no longer the capital city, it remains the most populous and most important city of Burma ( or Myanmar, if you wish). It counts 4 millions inhabitants, and suffers in some of its neighborhoods of its poor infrastructure (no rubbish collection, no permanent electricity). But Rangoon, and the all Burma are really fascinating, despite or due to the military dictatorship. Here comes the key question: doest it worth visiting Burma? Thus shall we support the military  junta, or the simply poor people ? Fact is, that most of the hotels are under the rule of the junta, but I still am  for visiting this country. Thus even the simply people could get contacts and even earn something. The chamber maid, the taxi driver, the street vendor will surely take a profit of your visit, and this is very good for the country.

Colonial buildings in Rangoon give the city a familiar flair

You will find in Myanmar important minorities as Chinese, Indians and Anglo Burmese and the corresponding restaurants with cheap and delicious dishes. You will also find very many Buddha statues and many pakas (or pagodas). It is amazing, I think that here the Buddhism is much stronger and deeper than in India itself! Anyway, don’t miss in Rangoon the Shwedadon Pagoda, which is a remarkable city landmark. Admire in Rangoon the colonial buildings, which are very well preserved and still in use for different purposes. Don’t ask anything about Nagis, the typhoon which caused 1 year ago 100 000 victims in Burma, as the country is recovering and the military junta stopped the international help. There were no victims in Rangoon, despite its low altitude in the Delta of the River Irrawaddy, but the damages were huge.

Shwedadon Pagoda in Rangoon is a renowned city landmark

The best season to visit Burma is the dry one, from November to March, so you can hurry up. During this dry season are held the religious pagodas festival.  The most important of them is the Shwedadon Pala Festival, held in March and attracting many pilgrims from all the country.

Accommodations is very cheap in Rangoon, and the same does the food. Search the Biryany restaurants, which serve the delicious Biryani, a local specialty based of course on rice with meat.

Another must do thing in Rangoon is taking The Circular Train. For 1 US$ you can have a 3 hours journey through the many villages surrounding Rangoon. Most of the railway stations are made in the good old Victorian style, looking almost familiar for an European. The landscape changes unexpected from urban to rural, with children, ponds and passing cows. It is an event for sure.
Another interesting experience is taking a ferry. Which is aparently no more a ferry, but a floating market! Sliced melons and other dishes, as also many other non edible things are to find on the deck, offering an unbeatable local show.

I am deeply convinced that Rangoon is one of the best destination for this month, October 2009.

Since that time, many western tourists have enjoyed this unique little city. Filled with quiet beer gardens, quaint squares and countless coffee shops and bistros, during the day Riga is a relaxing and enjoyable place to visit.

One of the most popular parts of the city for tourists is the famous area known as the Old Town, which is home to a great many traditional buildings such as St Peter’s Church in which you can ascend to the top of the building and see one of the city’s most stunning views.

During the evening however, the city wakes up, especially the many bars, restaurants and nightclubs which offer a range of food and drink, and one of the best bars to visit in Latvia is the famous Leningrad bar which is like stepping back into an era of soviet occupation.

One of the best nightclubs is a place named Pulkvedis which is highly popular among the younger generations. There is a small entry fee of around 3 Lats which is a veritable bargain.

Winter is no excuse to stay away from the hospitable city of Riga. Just wrap up warm and if you’re feeling a bit too cold, take a bit of advice from the locals and partake in a drink of Riga Balsam a traditional herbal liqueur designed to both wake and warm you up!

The ancient Lagos was located on the Lagoon Islands

Lagos is a very old city. Its modern beginnings date back in the XIV th century, when Portuguese explorers gave it the name. During all the Middle Age Lagos was an important center of slaves trade. When Nigeria gained its independence from the British crown in 1950 started the modern boom of Lagos, due to the rich oil reserves of Nigeria.

Lagos started its development from the two islands of the Lagos lagoon: Victoria Island and the Lagos Island, which remain today some residential and expensive areas. Meanwhile, the city expanded impressive 40 km on the mainland, gathering 8 000 000 together.

The Residential Apartments on the Lagoon Islands are among the most expensive throughout Africa

Well, this was the introduction in order to get more from Lagos. If you want to visit Lagos ( and I will give you many reasons for doing it), you should know something about the city itself. Otherwise finding your way in Lagos is an impossible mission, then the city is huge and overcrowded. If you are really sure about your targets in Lagos, you may want use the public buses; if you have doubts, take a cab, but it will cost you ten times more. Try to find a satisfactory car and a driver you can understand, as he can tell you a lot of stories about the visited neighborhoods. You should handle by price, all the people are expecting it and it is normal. If you are waiting to the traffic lights, or are caught in a traffic jams, don’t buy anything from the people who try to sell all the kind of faked things. And don’t give money to the beggars, as your car will be simply attacked by a crowd of beggars !

A romantic dinner on the Victoria Island, over the Lagos lagoon

The rich culture of Nigeria is a major reason to visit Nigeria and Lagos. The National Museum of Nigeria and the Didi Museum are simply fabulous, hosting many traditional artefacts. Other interesting attractions: The Shrine of Fela and the Oba’s Palace ( a former royal residence).

For shopping in Lagos, I would recommend the Tafawa Balewa Square, which is safe on daylight. As soon the dark comes, avoid it any price! Besides, there are some good malls and fancy boutiques on the Lagos Island.

Entertainment and music on the streets of Lagos is usual. Maybe you are so lucky to experience the Eyo carnival held in April. Otherwise, you will be anyway mesmerized by the endless street parties. Lagos saw the birth of a few African music styles: highlight, juju, fuji, afrobeat. These street parties are organized mostly on Victoria Island, where you can find also the city’s most fashionable bars, like La Casa or Planet 44.

Central Business District in Lagos

Don’t miss when in Lagos the traditional Pepper Soup. The strongest you can find also on Victoria Island, in Groto Bar!

The old City Hall of baltimore is a beloved landmark

Baltimore has had a turbulent history, and was strongly divided by North/South loyalties during the American Revolution, which crippled its flourishing post-Revolution economy and led to violent clashes between the various factions within the city. In 1904 a terrible fire swept through the city, destroying thousands of homes and businesses, which meant that much of the city had to be rebuilt from scratch in the years that followed. Baltimore also suffered during the Great Depression, when many of its key industries were devastated by falling market prices and the collapse of key financial institutes, but over the years this resilient city recovered much of its former glory, and is once more a lively and successful place, full of modern conveniences such as business districts, shops, restaurants and entertainments.

Baltimore skyline

There are plenty of things to see and do in Baltimore, and here are just a few of the most popular attractions.

The National Aquarium
Both kids and adults will love the Baltimore’s Aquarium, which is among the best in the world (and one of the most popular attractions in the USA). The Aquarium has various different themed areas, such as ‘tropical rainforest’ and ‘Pacific coastland’, and there are a wide variety of fascinating creatures to see, both those under the sea and on land including sting rays, turtles, sea horses rainforest frogs and tropical birds with beautiful colored plumage. There are also regular live dolphin shows at the Marine Mammal Pavilion.

The National Aquarium from Baltimore is one of the world's biggest

Maryland Science Center
The Science center is located in the beautiful Inner Harbor area in Baltimore, and has a number of imaginative and engaging exhibits including the ‘Your Body: The Inside Story’, which explores the rich world of human biology and offers plenty of fun hands on experiments for children and adults to enjoy. The Center also has the world famous Davis Planetarium and observatory, where visitors can observe the stars and night sky, and learn more about the universe.

The Battle Monument from Baltimore

Baltimore Museum of Art
This Museum of Art was founded in 1914, and is today the home of an extensive and renowned collection of American and European arts, with objects, paintings, sculptures and drawings from the 15th century right through to the modern day. There are some particularly fine landscaped sculpture gardens for visitors to enjoy, which often hold musical performances on balmy summer evenings, and there is also an excellent museum restaurant called Gertrude’s, which serves top class food and beverages, and has a lovely terrace dining area.

Outdoor Activities
There are a number of excellent outdoor activities and excursions to enjoy in and around Baltimore, and there also several excellent parks and reserves in the West Maryland area, such as Deep Creek Lake (the largest freshwater lake in Maryland), which is popular for hiking, swimming, fishing and boating. Baltimore also has a number of sports facilities, with state of the art stadiums and professional teams including Baltimore’s NFL football team ‘The Ravens’, and the Major League Baseball team ‘The Orioles’. There are also a number of interesting excursions to historic sites such as trips to the Fort McHenry monument, which remembers the Battle Of Baltimore when US forces successful defended the city and harbor from the British fleet sent to overcome them, and inspired the famous poem “The Star-Spangled Banner”, by Dr. William Beanes who witnessed the event.