Sharm el-Sheikh is one of the most charming destinations for travellers in the Middle East. Also known as the “City of Peace,” Sharm el-Sheikh, this is one place that will give holiday goers the chance to unwind. Follow this little cheat sheet to get a quick look at what makes this destination so magical.

Diving

This is the most popular draw for visitors to the area. The waters of the Red Sea that surround Sharm el-Sheikh offer some of the best diving in the world. There are two coral reefs just a short boat ride away from the city, Ras Mohammed and Tiran, which many dive experts consider as good as any found on Earth. There is also a spectacular wrecked ship, the SS Thistlegorm, for divers to explore.

The waters around the area have seen a big increase in plankton over the last few years, which has led to an increased amount of marine life throughout the food chain. Huge schools of fish will frolic around divers, offering some of the most spectacular dive scenes imaginable.

Horseback Riding

There are stables in the area that offer guided horseback rides through the desert surrounding Sharm el-Sheikh. This is a great activity that is well worth the time.

Eating

The food in the city is very good. There are cuisines from around the Middle East available for diners. There are also western chains like Starbucks, the Hard Rock Café and McDonalds. Makes sure to eat plenty of Egyptian barbecue foods. This is the style of cuisine that the area does best.

Drinking

Alcoholic beverages are available at most restaurants and at all the bars in the city. Be aware that they will be expensive. This country with a strong Muslim population puts a heavy tax on booze. The best soft drink available is fresh squeezed guava juice. It is amazing and is an absolutely must-try beverage while in Sharm el-Sheikh. There are also good teahouses and coffee shops in the city as well.

Mt. Sinai

A short taxi ride from the city will take visitors to Mt. Sinai, which is thought in the Biblical tradition to be the site where Moses was given the Ten Commandments from God. The mountain is now home to a beautiful monastery, the Monastery of St. Catherine.

Clothing

This is a place with a heavy Muslim population, so conservative clothing is recommended. This is especially true for females. Feel free to wear bathing suits at the beaches, but cover up when going into town.

The Monastary, Petra by Poco a poco

Hotels

Most of the hotels in the area cater to resort tourists who like to pay for an all-inclusive package. There are not many budget options for staying in Sharm el-Sheikh. Names like Ritz Carlton, Hyatt Regency and Four Seasons are the order of the day. You can research prices for your stay here.

See Petra

The beautiful city of Petra is one of the most fascinating historical sites in the world. Carved into the walls of a canyon, the beautiful ruins can be reached in a day trip to Jordan from Sharm el-Sheikh.

Bedouins

A popular day trip from the city is to take a trip into the surrounding desert to meet some Bedouins. Visitors can have tea with and talk to these fascinating wanderers.

Shopping

One of the most enjoyable parts of any trip to Sharm el-Sheikh is shopping in the many colourful markets. Always be sure to haggle fiercely to get a good deal. Have a price in mind before beginning to haggle, and do not go over it.

The largest and most urbanized city in China, Shanghai is one of the most cosmopolitan cities in Asia. With a population of over 23 millions, this stunning metropolis hosts 9 million migrants from all over the world. If you visit Shanghai, expect to find a blend of Chinese tradition and multi-ethnic influences in a cutting edge environment. As Shanghai’s climate is subtropical, it is often better to visit this striking city during the spring, autumn or even winter, as the temperatures are not too low. However, if you plan to visit Shanghai during the summer, get ready for really high temperatures and an increasing humidity.

Regardless of the season, Shanghai is an amazing city worth visiting, especially for those passionate about modern architecture. There are numerous impressive buildings in the city centre, the business area and also in most of the other districts. A major national pride, Shanghai’s contemporary edifices can be encountered in Pudong’s Lujiazui district, along the Huangpu River bank. The third largest building in the world, the Shanghai World Financial Center has the highest observation deck, measuring 474 m and it is the world’s largest building by roof height.

The Oriental Pearl Tower is one of the tallest constructions in Asia, being also open for visitors and providing amazing tours. Finally, the Jin Mao Tower is another impressive structure that has 88 stories and it is a must see among Shanghai’s astonishing landmarks.

The most interesting thing about Shanghai is that it perfectly combines the old and the new in order to keep the pace with the modernization process and preserve its classical rhythm at the same time. Shanghai’s 20^th century classical architecture can be admired along the Hunan Rd, Shaoxing Rod, Hengshan Rd. and Fuxing Rd. Two of the most impressive traditional buildings are the French Concession and The Bund. Among these inspiring, epochal edifices, you can also find several lovely restaurants and even fabulous boutiques. In fact, the area along the Changle Rd, the Anfu Rd and the Xinle Rd. is highly popular for its eclectic range of shopping boutiques.

Conserving the Chinese culture and heritage for centuries, Shanghai’s temples are some of the most beautiful constructions in the entire China. The Jade Buddha Temple, the Jing’an Temple and the Longhua Temple are just some of the most significant temples in the city, bringing millions of visitors each year. Visiting these temples and admiring their impressive architecture is a breathtaking experience that will live forever in your mind.

Finally, the Shanghai Museum, the Navy Shanghai Museum  and the Shanghai Propaganda Poster and Art Center are all remarkable buildings that not only hold impressive cultural heritage, but also represent the amazing Chinese architecture. Shanghai is an incredible city that has a lot to offer. From its marvelous temples, to its amazing buildings, this city is a 21^st century piece of art.

Enjoying the skyscrapers of Shanghai can be difficult when you are trapped in a timeshare contract. Resort Management Association teaches you how to vacation without being restricted by your timeshare.

Russia’s appeal has drawn western travellers for centuries. It’s hard to overstate just how expansive the country is – stretching from the gentrified shores of the Baltic Sea to the wilds of Asia. Some of Russia’s most exciting destinations are to be found in its western waterways, stretching between the cities of Moscow and St Petersburg. One of the best ways to experience this part of Russia is on a cruise, sailing the canals and rivers which connect the two metropolises.

Tours begin in Moscow – the sprawling capital city founded in 1156. Invaded countless times over the centuries, Moscow developed a bold national identity – and showcases some of Russia’s most famous landmarks. Home to the Kremlin, Red Square and Lenin’s Tomb – Moscow is a vibrant modern environment with a direct link to Russia’s fascinating political past. Once you’ve spent time in Moscow’s restaurants, bars and the fashionable shopping district – it’s time to set sail.

The Moscow Canal takes travellers out of the city and through a number of historic locales on the way to St Petersburg – including Uglich, with its ancient Church of St Dmitry, the tranquil, rural community of Goritsy – and the island of Kizhi on Lake Onega. Kizhi island is one of the oldest settlements in the country: home to a collection of ancient wooden buildings and a glimpse into Russia’s storied past.

At the end of the River Volga, on the shores of the Baltic Sea, lies St Petersburg. St Petersburg is known as the ‘Window to the West’ after the eastern and western cultural forces that met within its walls. Catherine the Great founded the huge Hermitage Museum – in a complex which includes the beautiful Winter Palace – in the city in 1764. Today, the building is home to antiquities from all over the world.

There’s an air of sophistication around St Petersburg, and you’ll experience it in attractions like the St Nicholas Cathedral and the Dostoevsky Literary-Memorial Museum. You’ll have plenty of opportunity to taste the culture and character of the city firsthand – in its bars, cafes, restaurants and shops. For those eager to experience the arts, the Mariinsky Theatre is a must-visit: home of Russian ballet and opera since the 1860s, the building is one of the most illustrious cultural establishments in Russia and the world.

Russian rivers cruises cover a huge variety of settings, and reflect the diversity of a country home to hundreds of ethnic groups, histories and cultures. Relaxing on a luxury cruise is an ideal way to take in everything your Russian experience has to offer – without worrying about the pressures that go hand in hand with modern travel.

This was brought to you by Titan Travel, spicialists in river cruises and other forms of inspiring travel. For more information please visit their website.

No place in the world compares to Hong Kong when it comes to celebrating Chinese New York that combines modern metropolitan festivities with ancient Oriental traditions. 2013’s New Year’s festivities and celebrations are expected to last about two weeks. Hong Kong’s incense-filled temples and colourful markets welcome visitors from around the world to celebrate the Year of Snake. Following is a list of activities you can enjoy this February in Hong Kong:

Flower markets

Hong Kong’s flower markets are located at 14 playgrounds and parks including Hong Kong Island, Victoria Park in Causeway Bay and Fa Hui Park in Kowloon. These famous flower markets offer an enchanting mix of colours and exotic scents that are worth immersing yourself in. Even though these shops sell auspicious blooms all year round, the lead up to the New Year is when it starts to get really crowded as families throng the place to carefully select the flowers that would bring good fortune to the house as new lunar cycle starts.

Fortune Seeking Trip Partake

Chinese New Year’s age-old seasonal ritual involves people giving thanks for the past whole year and praying for good fortune for the New Year. Most of the locals head to Sik Sik Yuen Wong Tai Sin Temple to perform the ritual by burning incense and shaking out fortune sticks. Some people also go to Yuen Yuen Institute where they pray to the deity Tai Shui or spin the Wheel of Fortune at Che Kung Temple.

Lam Tsuen Wishing Trees also attracted scores of people to make wishes at the fabled trees and pay tribute to the God of War and God of Literature. Regardless of your religious beliefs, you would want to make a stop at one of these places to shore up some good fortune.

New Year’s Food

On Chinese New Year, the menu is extensive and includes dried oysters, black moss, steamed sticky cake, vegetables with ham and Tangyuan. All these items represent good fortune such as “prosperity,” “good business,” “higher year,” “large return on a small investment” and “family reunions.”

Two Weeks of Chinese New Year

On Chinese New Year’s eve, Hong Kong’s residents gorge on family reunion dinners, take strolls in the flower markets and enjoy light incense in the decorated temples. This goes on till the early hours of the New Year after which the 1st day celebrations begin. Relatives make quick stops at temples to light incense and pay respect to ancestors before dropping by at your home. As the evening begins, people start looking forward to the glamorous International Chinese New Year Night Parade.

On the 2nd day, married daughters visit their parents’ homes for lunch or dinner. Victoria Harbour displays incredible fireworks that set the night sky ablaze. The third day of the new year is known as “chec hao,” which is considered a likely time to get into a spat, which is why it is advised not to get into an argument with somebody. Instead, most people spend the day at Che Kung temple to keep it cool and avoid quarrels.

After the first three days are over, the city reopens for business. All the shops open up and hustle bustle of the market continues. Festivities continue till the 6th day after which the 7th day arrives. Also known as “renri,” 7th day of the New Year is the common man’s birthday. On this day, wish yourself and everyone around you a happy birthday.

Finally, the last day of the Chinese New Year arrives on the 15th day. As you may already know, this day’s celebrations are known as the “Spring Lantern Festival.” Families enjoy eating sweet rice balls and watch traditional performances and lantern riddle contests. Above all, everybody enjoys lantern displays and prays for a happy and wealthy new year ahead.

To enjoy maximum benefits, you can apply for a gold card to avail benefits such as dining discounts, entertainment privileges and emergency home assistance.

Tokyo is known for its stunning designers, delicious food, advanced technology and for hosting some of the weirdest attractions in Japan. Visiting this fabulous city is quite an adventurous experience because it is an extremely lively destination, brimful of people of all nations and ethnicities. Tokyo is popular for the energy that it emanates, more than for its monuments, culture and history. This is one of the reasons why it is advisable to feel the city’s vibe, meet new people, and visit strange places, because Tokyo can be a truly exciting experience.

Famous for its advanced electronic industry, Japan is home to a myriad of electronic centres dedicated to entertaining the tourists, promoting cutting edge products and offering a dazzling spectacle of lights and sounds. Akihabara is the most popular electronic centre in Tokyo and it is one of the first stops for every tech-addict who happens to spend a few days in this bubbly capital. Being a place where products are rather tested than sold, Akihabara is great when it comes to the spectacle that it offers. Tourists usually come here just for the sake of watching and being part of the show. Moreover, Akihabara has become increasingly popular for its pornographic cartoon manga, which is to be seen in the maid cafes along the busy streets.

The Tsukiji Central Fish Market is perfect for the gormandizers who are passionate about the tasty Japanese food. The hustle and bustle characterizing this market can be quite annoying at some point, especially for those who are travelling with kids. However, with a little bit of patience, travelers can witness an incredible spectacle when it comes to the process of making and selling food. For those of you who are keen on the food industry, this might be a fun and enriching experience. Just to have an idea about the amount of fish and the economic power that the Tsukiji Central Fish Market holds, you should know that there are around 2250 tons of fish, worth over $15.5 million sold here daily. Quite impressive I’d say.

Visiting Tokyo and not witnessing its sizzling night life it is like not visiting Tokyo at all. This startling city is all about having fun and being open to new experiences. Golden Gai is an extremely vivacious neighborhood hosting some of the most exciting pubs, cafes and clubs in town. Golden Gai has become very popular among tourists because it is quite unique in terms of architecture, decorations and even space. Mainly characterized by a mysterious touch, the Golden Gai clubs are very different from the regular ones. With steep stairs, small rooms and bizarre decorations, these clubs are a must see among Tokyo’s attractions!

To put it in a nutshell, Tokyo is a lively city, offering unforgettable experiences to all those who are open minded enough to try them.

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Singapore is renowned for it’s ‘Singapore Sling’, that fresh, fruity cocktail with the frothy top. Made with a cherry liqueur, gin, triple sec, herbal liqueur and fruit juice, it is served cold in a tall glass to show off it’s splendid, majestic red colour. When visiting this city, people will normally stop off to taste this famous cocktail, but is it the best cocktail that Singapore has to offer?

Originating from around the early 1900′s, the ‘Sling’ has certainly maintained its notoriety within this region. Unfortunately, nobody knows if its the original recipe and the mixtures vary from bar to bar. There have been many stories surrounding this beverage and the only known true fact is that it was created by, Ngiam Tong Boon, a barman from that early era. He apparently used Sarawak pineapples, to give it that lovely foamy texture.

Singapore has amazingly vibrant nightlife and within the mound of drink menus available, there are lots of other things to try. Many tourists hang out around the Clarke Quay area, or one of the other water surrounded spots. There are also many tall hotels and buildings that offer sky bars, they provide great views and boast some of the best mixologists the world has to offer. It will be their pleasure, to create your ultimate taste experience.

There are plenty of other cocktails on offer, which seem to be trending at the moment. Examples are, the Mojito, the Margarita, the Mai Tai, the Cosmopolitan and the Long Island Ice Tea. The region also boasts wonderful micro breweries, that offer their own beers that are flavoured with anything from honey to tamarind. Of course these bars still offer the mighty, red, staple cocktail.

So it’s probably safe to say that whilst in Singapore, this is the best cocktail they have to offer. Simply because it has that added historical twist and unique flavour, enticing tourists in to give it a try. Once people have had a taste, they usually enjoy it and they often like to try it’s variations and different flavours that are on offer.

Depending on where you choose to drink one of these cocktails, you might want to take one of your Singapore credit cards, or a credit card for Singapore! Either way, you have the option to drink in complete five star luxury, or in a slightly more humble setting. The choice is yours. Cheers!

The Taj Mahal, Agra

India is famous for being one of the most culturally diverse countries in the world. With such an incredibly rich heritage and history you can expect to see some great sights and experience some real adventure while on holiday in this outstanding country. There is something for everyone in this great land. Adventure, relaxation, fun, culture and night-life are all available and unique in their design. No matter what type of holiday you are looking for, you will be able to find it in India.

With striking mountain ranges, coastline, cuisine and architecture, you are able to see and do so much in just this one place. Forts, palaces, temples and scenery all met together to create the ultimate holiday destination for all types of travellers. Using different offers, promotions and online coupon services you are now able to experience so much more of this fabulous country at affordable prices no matter what your budget may be.

One of the most magnificent sights of India is of course the ‘Taj Mahal’. Also known as the ‘Elegy in Marble’, this mind blowing building too over 22 years to finish being built and was first started in 1648 CE by the Emperors Shah Jahan as memorial all to his late wife, Mumtaz Mahal. This stunning edifice is located on the banks of the Yamuna River and is a truly awesome sight for anyone visiting, a must see attraction.

Also situated on the River Yamuna is the inspirational Agra Fort. Built in 1565 under the direction of the Emperor Akbar, this colossal structure consists of five hundred gardens and numerous landscaped gardens. It is made primarily from red sandstone, though some of the buildings are made of marble and other materials and it took a whole 8 years to fully complete.

Delhi

Going to the busy metropolis of Delhi which allows you to take in the hustle and bustle of city life in India. You can try a range of different traditional dishes with Indian restaurant coupons in Delhi and try the local delicacies which can tickle your taste buds and give you a real flavour of the country. Delhi is a very old and culturally rich area of the country where you can really see some amazing architectural examples from days gone by.

For the beach lovers, Goa is the best destination in India. Even though it is the smallest state in the country, it is one of the most popular destinations due to the amazing facilities and coastline that are present in the area. Being majority influenced by the Portuguese, this destination is a great place to kick back, relax and experience some of the more luxurious and exotic therapies that the culture has to offer.

With such an array of majestic attractions, adventure and hidden depths to explore, India is a country with infinite appeal. To be able to experience the amazing food, sights, culture and landscape of such a wondrous place is an honour that will leave you spellbound, in India you truly are treated to a whole feast for the senses.

Chiang Mai, exactly how you imagine a Thai town should look

Surrounded by mountains, the edges of the great Himalayan mountain range, and the largest natural forest in Thailand, Chiang Mai has always been an attraction for people seeking the unusual and the exotic flair of a different culture and a lifestyle. While the even though beautiful and picturesque sandy beaches in Thailand’s south might become a little boring after a while, the expat community in the northern city of Chiang Mai stayed.
Its climate, the cool season lasts from November to February, is more enjoyable than central and southern Thailand. The rainy season lasts from June to October and is lighter in Chiang Mai compared to other places, while the hot season starts in March and ends in June. Should it get too hot, in Chiang Mai there is still the option to find relief up in the mountains.

Chiang Mai – a place to live and to work

Most visitors stay in Chiang Mai’s Old City, though there is plenty of affordable accommodation available everywhere around the city. Discounts for a long-term stay are easy to negotiate. The budget places are simple but clean. Modern, fully-equipped apartments are also available for cheap leases, however you might need to commit for a couple of months.

Chiang Mai Old City Gate

Foreign locals?

The Expat community in Chiang Mai has grown over decades to a community, supporting and enjoying each other. In contrary to other places in Thailand, Chiang Mai has managed to keep a friendly neighborhood, with foreigners and locals living together. A number of companies, serving international customers has settled in Chiang Mai, employing foreigners. If you plan a six-month stay – or longer- you might be lucky enough to get hired, securing you a working permit, being able to combine an almost typical western daytime job with the tranquil Asian lifestyle in the probably most laid-back city in Thailand.

What else to do?

Apart from the vast number of rather typical touristy attractions to visit – the monasteries and temples, river cruises, national parks and museums, there are many more highlights to pass some time at in Chiang Mai.

Learning Thai

The American University Alumni offers six-week Thai courses, making you fit for some small talk and basic reading and writing. At Chiang Mai University you can get you on a one-year certificate program in Thai as a foreign language.

Typical Thai classes

How about returning home as a trained Thai Boxer? Lessons in Thai Boxing are offered in English as well, as there are the possibly less adrenaline inducing cooking classes on Thai cuisine.

Feel free to join a Thai Boxing class…or stick with cooking if you don’t want to bleed!

In case you are done with any lifestyle whatsoever at arrival, you can also retreat yourself in a meditation course for a couple of months.

Rice or (no) Rice?

You are getting hungry? Nothing to worry about that either. Apart from the delicious, (though very spicy) Thai Food, you will find a vast range of international cuisine in Chiang Mai. You can certainly find some good non-rice dishes and meet some expats at the German “Bierstube”, the dinosaur in Chiang Mai’s expat scene, or check out a middle eastern dish at the popular “Jerusalem Falafel”. Their owners? Expats who chose to stay in Chiang Mai – many years ago.

Pad Thai- delicious, but feel free to stick to your old comforts when homesick!

Getting around

The easy to navigate place, most residents here drive scooters, has a modern bus terminal, serving travels to Myanmar and Laos for a visa renewal or sightseeing and of course to Thailand’s south. The 12 to 15 hours journey to Bangkok can be accomplished by Bus or Train. Connections to and from Bangkok are available multiple times a day, as there are more convenient flights between Bangkok and Chiang Mai International Airport.

Chiang Mai – a place to stay

Its pleasant climate, and the beautiful setting amid mountains and jungle, makes Chiang Mai the perfect place for a long-term stay. Together with the living and thriving expat community it provides a lifestyle, centered and balanced between the Asian and Western culture.

If you do end up staying out here for a while, make sure you click here to get a multi-trip travel insurance for Asia, then there’s nothing holding you back!