Advice and Information for the World Traveller on Many Destinations

Archive for December, 2009

Perhaps not high on many holiday itineraries, there is nonetheless beauty, culture, and history in spades in Israel.  Flights to Israel land in the middle of one of the most politically charged and historically significant regions in the entire world.  From prophets to poets, protestors to presidents, Israel remains a mysterious and intriguing destination for people from all walks of life.

Before you leave on flights to Israel, it is essential that you check the latest government warnings and news updates in order to ensure your safety.  The social and political landscape in Israel and Palestine is extremely unstable, especially in the border towns along the Gaza Strip, the south-western Israeli border, and the country’s border with Lebanon.  Smart travellers will check all relevant travel advisories before taking off on any flights to Israel.

As one of the world’s oldest travel destinations, thousands of pilgrims still flock to Israel’s numerous culturally and spiritually significant sites.  The holy city of Jerusalem, the natural beauty of the Negev desert and Mount Masada, the lovely beaches at Eilat, the vibrant clubs in Tel Aviv, the calm tranquillity of the Dead Sea, the fantastic hiking on the Israel National Trail – it’s all waiting to be explored before your flights from Israel depart.

Territorial disputes between any of the several and varied groups and cultures that call this place home are the main source of conflict in the region.  However, these struggles have not turned Israel into the dangerous warzone that so many believe it to be.  In truth, security is so strict and closely enforced throughout the nation that travel is actually (and surprisingly) quite safe.

The Caribbean is perhaps the area that is most synonymous with cruise holidays and with its stunning range of picturesque and iconic islands, will be the ideal location for an escape to paradise. What’s more is that there are a wide range of airports dotted across the islands so getting in and out couldn’t be easier.

With famous locations such as Barbados, Trinidad and Jamaica waiting to be discovered, it is hardly surprising that this corner of the world is so highly sought after for cruise holidays. You will also be able to find cruise deals all year round; Christmas and New Year are especially popular times to travel.

P&O, Royal Caribbean and Carnival cruises provide a variety of different routes, but with so many inspirational locations on offer, it will be very hard not to pick more than one. The wealth of history, scenery and culture to be discovered on these islands is sure to appeal to any taste and, in true Caribbean fashion, all of the cruise and stay holidays will be moving at a slow pace, allowing you to soak in the atmosphere.

Of course, when to book will depend on many factors. There is no doubt that Caribbean cruises have their peak seasons – around popular holiday periods and the early autumn months in particular – so, it is best waiting to see when the prices will go down. The large cruise companies will always offer special deals, but independent websites and travel agents can sometimes provide exclusive packages that could better suit your requirements.

Being one of the top 25 cities in the world, Dublin continues to emerge as a historically rich city with its contribution to contemporary culture.

Flights to Dublin will be more thrilling with trips to the city’s best known theatres, the Gaiety, which hosts musical productions, the Abbey, which aims to advocate indigenous literary prowess and the Gate, which stages avant-garde productions.

The city also hosts the Dublin Theatre Festival, during which international plays are staged in larger venues for public enjoyment. Flights to Dublin offer the chance to experience the vast choice of cafes serving only the best coffees and teas from all over the world. These cafes also offer a mouth-watering selection of delicacies and cakes. They are the perfect place for tourists to unwind after enjoying action-packed activities in the city.

Dublin is also famous for its pubs, which are a central hub for musicians, literary artists and politicians. With almost 1,000 in the city, you should be sure to experience the Dubliners’ pub style.

The city is home to the three branches of the National Museum of Ireland, which are Archaeology, Decorative Arts and History.

Dublin holds festivals for locals and tourists that add to its cultural vigour and flair. There are the Dublin Culture Night, Darklight Festival and many others, which are all eagerly anticipated each year.

There is no doubt that Dublin transcends other cities and is highly deserving of its place as one of the most admired cities in the world. With its undeniable mark in diverse areas of culture, Dublin continues to attract art and culture enthusiasts from around the globe.