Travel Guides

Khaju Bridge in Ispahan is simply spectacular, simply breathtaking. The Khaju Bridge is build in a sophisticated Islamic architecture, but really has something charming of his own.
Khaju Bridge has been build in Ispahan not only by simple coincidence. In the XVIIth and XVIIIth century Ispahan, situated on the Silky Way, was probably the biggest city on Earth. During this fantastic period of flourishment Ispahan was the center of a big empire, ruled by the Safavids dynasty. One of the most important representants of this dynasty, and namely Shah Abbas II, build in 1650 The Khaju Bridge, on the Zayandeh River.

The breathtaking Khaju Bridge from Ispahan, on the Zayandeh River

Whether you visit Vietnam for the bustling city of Hanoi, the charming Ho Chi Minh City or the scenic Halong Bay, you should definitely consider selecting a top notch accommodation spot. Budget hotels are not as terrible as it sounds, in fact choosing a budget hotel with 5-star services IS possible in Vietnam. Here are several budget hotels in Hanoi you may want to look into before you book your tickets to fly into Vietnam.

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!

Pho is easily the most recognizable Vietnamese dish, reaching cult like status in many major metropolitan areas. However, Vietnamese food has such incredible depth and variety that it’s a shame more people never experience it. Vietnamese food is beloved for many reasons: it’s one of the healthiest asian cuisines, has incredible flavor while being light, and blends spices and textures in a way that attracts wide appeal. So what really makes Vietnamese food so special?

Vietnamese food can be divided into three distinct regional styles. The northern style of cuisine is the most traditional, and uses less ingredients and has a more simple taste and feel. Southern cuisine has much more French and Chinese influence, and southern cuisine has a broader range of flavors. The central part of Vietnam focuses on smaller dishes, and as a whole uses much more spices than the North or the South.

There is nothing that can prepare you for the experience of seeing the 1.5 billion dollar Oasis of the Seas for the first time. Truly a sight to behold, Oasis of the Seas is the largest cruise ship in the world, with over 2,700 cabins and an occupancy of 6,000. Serving those guests is a crew of 2000; and impressive 3:1 ratio. To put it in perspective, it is almost 50% larger than the next largest ship! If that doesn’t give you an idea of size, check this out – there are actually neighborhoods on this cruise ship.

With varying themes such as “Central Park”, “The Boardwalk”, and “Youth Zone”, the Oasis of the Seas has nearly every amenity possible. For instance, in Central Park you’ll not only find restaurants and bars, it will be the first living park ever on a cruise ship, with an estimated 5,000+ plants to be planted upon it’s arrive in Fort Lauderdale. The Boardwalk has a giant freshwater pool, a carousel, and even a tattoo parlor. Finally, the Youth Zone is nothing like the arcades of old cruise ships, featuring computer gaming and a science lab for the youngins.

Las Vegas has been a popular tourist destination for decades, and in this rough economy, there has never been a better place to visit. With fewer consumer dollars going around, casinos and shops are pulling out all the tricks, much to your benefit. Here’s a pro-tip: subscribe to every single casino’s mailing list. They will frequently send you offers, so if you sign up for all of them, you’ll have a bunch of deals to choose from.

For instance Luxor recently sent out an email advertisement for $33/night, as well as additional coupons and suite credits. On the other end of the spectrum, Venetian frequently emails guests offers for $119 suites, as well as additional suite credits, slot credits, and bonus coupons. A spectacular deal, considering those suites are normally a minimum of $169 a night. And, should you be so lucky to be staying at the Venetian, you can have breakfast and one of the best value’s in town.

When foodies think of Britain, they usually think of London. The reason is obvious: London is HUGE, and boasts a ton of superstar chefs, including it’s very own Gordon Ramsey. But great food in the UK is not limited strictly to London; Manchester is also home to some killer dining options. Here’s a short list for even the most discriminating tastes.

1. Michael Caines at the Abode – 2 michelin-star chef Michael Caines calls the basement of the Abode his home, opening up one of Manchester’s finest restaurants. Michael Caines at the Abode has won several prestigious awards, including Pride of Manchester 2009 and Best Restaurant 2009. The cuisine is nothing short of exquisite, and the service impeccable. Clearly Manchester’s best shot at getting a 2 michelin star.

With L.A. Live finally nearing completion, Los Angeles is truly becoming the entertainment capital of the west coast. An entertainment center supported by an extensive network of theaters, bars, and restaurants, L.A. Live is an entertainment mecca like no other, and truly an impressive sight to behold for any tourist.

Anchored by the Staples Center, home of four different major sports teams, L.A. Live consists of an outdoor shopping area, a world class theater, numerous clubs, restaurants, movie theaters, and mall stores – it even boasts two separate five-star hotels on the same property and even luxury condominiums starting at over $1,000,000 each! As if that weren’t enough, as a testament to it’s worldwide clout, L.A. Live is also the proud home of the Rock and Roll Hall of fame museum, which, for the budget traveller, is open free to the public.