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Nova Scotia is so much more than I expected. It’s a delight to the senses, a city that speaks to the soul. I went there to learn about the wines, and came home with a wider appreciation of their dynamic and intriguing mix of heritage and culinary mastery. It’s such an easy trip to get there, you should definitely think about adding it to your “must travel to” list. I am glad I did.

Flying into Halifax to start my seven-day trip with seven other writers was easy. The airport is small and easy to n

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Cirebon: That Duck Place

Your heart beat faster, a moment of anticipation...even how may times you are told that nothing good will come from indulging from it, yet you still come back for more.

In its cholesterol yummy goodness Bebek Goreng had become my comfort food since I had arrived here in Cirebon. Back home bebek (or duck) is not usually part of a staple diet at least where I came from. It was the one of the first restaurants we were introduced to when we first got here. We went to H. Salamet Bebek Goreng. Everbody

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The onset of Costa Rica’s “green season” means it is whitewater rafting time! Rainwater flows into Costa Rica’s tropical rivers this time of year, making the rapids bigger and more exciting. What could be more fun than splashing down a warm-water tropical river on a hydro-powered rollercoaster? Costa Rica is one of the world’s top destinations for whitewater rafting.

See waterfalls and rainforest rafting on the Pacuare River, Costa Rica / photo by Rios Tropicales

Tropical rivers in Costa Rica are renowned for their beauty. Thick green jungle splashed with rainbow colors of over-sized flowers,

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Melodious bubbling of the river below combines with the metallic “clink” of Common Tink Frogs and the hum of crickets to lull me to sleep. My soft, cushy bed in my modern, comfortable bungalow is just steps from the wild Costa Rican rainforest. I make out the dark outline of large vine-covered trees out the window, and sweet fragrances of night-blooming flowers drift through the room. This is jungle living!

Portasol-entrance-300x253.jpg?width=300I spent a recent weekend at Portasol Rainforest and Ocean View Community on Costa Rica’s C

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The Mystique of the Quetzal

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There are few animals – and offhand I can’t really think of any birds – with quite the mystique of the iridescent emerald-green denizen of southern Mexico and Central America known as the resplendent quetzal. Since they’re fairly rare (officially “near threatened”) and even more elusive, you’re very unlikely to spot one if you go birding in the scrub forests of the Yucatan or the highlands of Chiapas (they’re somewhat easier to spot further south, in places like Costa Rica and Guatemala, altho

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If you’re traveling in a wheelchair, getting around at your destination is a major concern. Yes, there are companies like Wheelchair Getaways that provide wheelchair accessible van rentals but they run around $100 a day, plus tax and mileage.

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Luckily, one option is becoming more common in increasing areas of the world…accessible public transportation.

Here in the U.S., the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires that new public transit be made accessible and older transit choices be adapted

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Tales of the Panama Parrot Vendor


One day in Bocas del Toro an indigenous man dropped by with a parrot to sell me. I knew I wasn't going to be here long enough to buy pets, but I had owned a parrot when I lived in South America as a kid, and I always wanted another. I figured that when I left Bocas I would let him go, like I did my macaw in Cochabamba.

As long as he was there, I decided to ask him about the indigenous culture. Not necessarily how they lived now, but what their history and traditions were. 

“What island are yo

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After half a century of being classified as a national historic site in 1962 and seven years of being recorded in the Vietnamese Guinness Book as the pagoda with the most unique architecture in the country, Mot Cot (One-Pillar) Pagoda was recently recognized as “The Pagoda with the Most Unique Architecture in Asia” by the Asia Record Organization.

This once again affirmed the nearly-thousand year old pagoda’s historical and architectural values. 


 Mot Cot Pagoda is also called “Lien Hoa Dai” becau

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A Taiwanese business group visited in the Vietnamese capital of Hanoi Wednesday to take part in an international travel fair and boost Taiwan's tourist attractions.

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The 23-member delegation, consisting of representatives of tour agencies, hotels, leisure farms and specialty stores, and led by Wu Tsung-lin, director of the Kuala Lumpur office of Taiwan's Tourism Bureau, will take part in the 2013 Hanoi International Travel Exhibition and Trade Fair slated for April 18-19.

The deleg

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Things to do in Thailand

Cruising when on a vacation in Thailand Whell the first thing that Thailand offers as their brand is the famous rock formations in the blue turquoise waters.And the best way to enjoy that view is by boat.One or multiple day excursions are available to enable you a good view of this magnificent landscape.The trips are combined with other activities like snorkeling and kayaking, making your travel experience fantastic.You can also make a romantic voyage just for you and your partner,but everything

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Planet-Dolphin-13-150x150.jpg?width=150I met Nemo the other day. Well, actually it was his cousin. Instead of a cute bright orange and white striped Clownfish, this little guy was a vibrant yellow and turquoise with dark stripes. It swam right up to my snorkel mask, in my mind to say, “Hi!” Really, what it was probably thinking was “bug off,” given that it was a Sergeant Major Fish and highly protective of its territory.

Planet-01-300x183.jpg?width=300I was living the good life on a Planet Dolphin catamaran sailing and snorkeling tour off of Quepos and Manuel Anton

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"Gatlinburg Mansion"     $1345 to $2595 per night


 Grand Opening April 26, 2013

 

 "Gatlinburg Mansion" is a 14 bedroom luxury cabin, overlooking The Great Smoky Mountains Mount Leconte.  Awe-inspiring views & memorable times await you!  Providing the ultimate in elegance, fun & amenities, this 3 story, lodge sleeps 44 people.

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Ballooning New Mexico's Rio Grande Gorge

As I stand at the top of the Rio Grande Gorge in the wild lands outside of Taos, New Mexico, I peer down into a 900-foot tunnel of sandstone-brown with a thin string of color – the Rio Grande – at the bottom. It has taken millions of years for this spot to look this way. And it takes only seconds to take my breath away.

When you realize you’re about to go down into the Gorge, it takes your breath away, as well. You can climb down into it, as some do. Or you can do as I’ve done, starting at the bo

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Hanoi Imperial Hotel – one of the leading three star hotels in Hanoi is pleased to offer the Summer Package Deals. Taking advantage of our save offers and enjoys your summer holidays for more even benefits, the special opportunity you should not miss in summer 2013.

 

PACKAGE ONE: 1 night in the boutique Hanoi Imperial Hotel (Deluxe double/twin room), 1 night on charming V’spirit cruise in Halong Bay and 2 way airport transfers. ONLY US$299/two persons (SAVE 30%)

Trip included:

-          Compliment

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Enjoy a summer holiday with your family at the boutique Hanoi Imperial Hotel- one of the best three star hotels in Hanoi.

 

Book now: Only USD 85 net for a family room (for 3 people) and get more special benefits (Valid from 1st May, 2013 till 30th June, 2013)

 

 

-          FOC for children under 10 years old (daily buffet breakfast, complimentary drink,  free extra bed in room).

 

-          Free late check out until 2 p.m

-          Free

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El torneo Reef Classic Adrenaline Tour 2013 llevó emoción y sorpresa hasta playa Santa Teresa de Cóbano, Puntarenas. Patrocinado por Costa Rica Sin Ingredientes Artificiales, el evento reunió a la crema y nata del surf latinoamericano desde el 17 hasta el 20 de abril.

La puntuación máxima estuvo a cargo del deportista brasileño Alan Saulo. A lo largo de cuatro días el joven logró sumar un total de 14,33 puntos. Con ellos se impuso ante el costarricense Jason Torres (12 puntos) en la categoría abi

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Pechos al Aire Junto al Misisipi

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por Cristóbal Ramírez
 

El estrés no va con Nueva Orleáns. Tampoco las hamburguesas XXL. Y no se utiliza el coche para ir a la esquina. The Big Easy, como la llaman los lugareños, tiene poco que ver con esas mega ciudades americanas enmarañadas en autopistas. Aquí se camina, se baila y se come marisco. Casi nada, ¿eh? Ubicada en el estado de Louisiana, en el llamado Deep South, acoge un centro histórico delicioso: el barrio francés, con balcones de hierro.


Muchas de las calles tienen letreros e

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Srinagar… famous as the city of the Dal Lake is also the capital of the state of Jammu and Kashmir. Situated at 1,730 meters above sea level, the uniqueness of this city are its lakes and the house boats and shikaras swinging on the water. The origin of Srinagar is said to be Srinagari founded by Emperor Ashok in 3rd century B.C. The great Buddhist scholar from China also has written about Srinagari, as a beautiful city in the northern most part of India.

A city of mixed cultures. The Hindus, the

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Tourist attractions in Vung Tau

Coming to Long Son fishing village, Ba Ria – Vung Tau province, tourists will have a chance to turn into a fishman, catch fish and enjoy fresh seafood.

After travelling more than 10 kilometers from Highway 51 to An Son island commune, the image of a small beautiful village floating in the water gradually emerges. The hot and muggy weather in the summer is replaced with the cool and fresh air.

In order to arrive at the fishing village, tourists have to spend 10 more minutes going by boat. The resta

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Contemplating sparkling beauty of Phu Quoc island

Being in the southwest of Kien Giang province, Phu Quoc is the most biggest island in Vietnam with stunning scenery.

Spending three days discovering the island during three days, tourists will have a lot of unforgettable experiences, and memories.

There are two ways to go to Phu Quoc. Firstly, tourists go by plane from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City. Secondly, they can go by high-speed train.

As many people know, Phu Quoc is very famous for ridgeback dogs. The Phu Quoc Ridgeback dog is one of only three

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