There are many reasons why Thailand should be your destination. First, the beach in Thailand such as Phuket and Pattaya is one of the most beautiful in the world. In my country, these beach were called party beach. That’s where we can spend time with our spouse or family fun. Second, Thailand is also the paradise for shopping.  Cost of living in Thailand was relatively cheaper so that our money could be used to buy the goods of international class. Third, the weather in Thailand were friendly enough, cool enough,  so we can adapt easily.

For me, being in Thailand is like being in a unique traditional culture but in the space of international standard. Enjoy the flavor of the royal past in a modern restaurant on the roof of the skyscraper. Trip to Thailand just like make a traveling to a harmony between traditional culture and modernization.

In addition, the allure of Thailand is also the food …!! For those of you who like a culinary tour, then Thailand is a heaven for you. Thai food has become one of the most popular cuisines in the world.

And for those of you who already have children, then your child will be very happy because a lot rides children’s games are built very sophisticated as well as in Europe or the U.S. So .. Do not waste any more time .. Trip to Thailand will be the most memorable trip for you and your family.

Costa Rica is a great destination for your next family getaway as it offers a large number of educational but yet still fun activities. Some of the activities you can participate during your Costa Rica vacations are: a visit to the local museums, art galleries and theatres, hanging bridges tour, bird watching, volcano hiking, horseback riding and many more.

For romance Costa Rica offers extensive features, romantic candlelight dinners, and astonishing sunset views are just two quick things that we could mention. Honeymooners in Costa Rica will love the beaches and their accommodations.

Hotels in Costa Rica are equipped with great luxury and all basic services are offered such as internet access, international and national phone availability, air conditioner, and 24/7 emergency assistance. Many local tourist agencies offer diverse Costa Rica travel deals and discounts depending on the season you decide to travel; it would be a great idea to contact them and compare prices before making a decision.

A famous destination in Costa Rica is the Arenal Volcano National Park, located in la Fortuna de San Carlos. The volcano is young compare to others in Costa Rica but it is considered the most active mountain in the country.  Travelers from all around the world come every year to gaze the picturesque scenery. Between 20-30 harmless eruptions can be seen daily.

Come to Costa Rica for vacations and build great memories for a lifetime!

Egypt is very famous for its ancient civilization and some magnificent ancient monuments in the world, such as pyramids of Giza, the Temple of Karnak and the Valley of Kings and the Temple of Ramses. In Luxor, a city in the south, there are about ancient artifacts that cover approximately 65% of ancient artifacts in the world. Today, Egypt is widely recognized as a cultural center and the main politikal in the Arab region and the Middle East. In Egypt, you not only can see some beautiful places but also saw one of the evidence of ancient world civilization directly that still exists today. So .. amazing. !!

You do not have to wonder how to reach Egypt and travel there, because the travel agents as latedeals.co.uk will ensure your travelling in comfort.  About the cost, you also do not need to be confused because we can have fun with cheap holidays to Egypt.

Not just the pyramids and the desert, you and your family can relax at the Sharm el Sheikh.  Have ever hear that ? Sharm el-Sheikh is known as a tourist town, especially for water activities such as snorkelling or diving. Sharm El Sheikh which gave the Red Sea an international reputation as one of the world’s most extraordinary diving destinations in the Red Sea, Egypt. So make Sharm el Sheikh Holidays as a memorable holiday experience. !!

Do not waste time anymore. Prepare yourself and your family to enjoy the beauty of Egypt with an affordable cost. Make your last minute holidays as the most beautiful time ever you have. See you in Egypt!!

Machu Picchu means Old Mountain in Quechua language, which is sometimes called the Lost City of the Inca. Machu Picchu is the most famous symbol of Inca Empire that ever existed in the ancient South America. Location of Machu Picchu was a secret and remote, in the mountains near the precipice, as a form of natural defense.

Construction of buildings in Machu Picchu proves that ancient human civilization has advanced. Machu Picchu was built by the ancient Inca architectural style with walls of polished stone. The main building is Intihuatana, Temple of the Sun and Three Window Room. These places are sacred area of Machu Picchu. There are thousands of very high value artifacts that found there. The central building of Machu Picchu has the classical architectural style with stone wall which is neatly arranged.

Incas were recognized in the world as the best in terms of buildings, including irrigation. Irrigation system was built to bring water from the holy spring to each house in turn. Because the structure of state land in Peru earthquake prone, then the construction of buildings in Machu Picchu built without mortar. The stones were arranged till they can move a little but did not collapse. Design of doors and windows are trapezium-shaped with a certain slope so that spared from the earthquake. How the Inca people can put a large stone blocks on top of the mountain remains a mystery until now.
Now some of the artifacts used for research in order to know more about the history of the Inca tribe. Machu Picchu is estimated to include the generation of the 9th Inca who ruled in the mid-15th century.

Dubai has a number of landmarks or a global characteristic, which reminds us similar to the story of Babel Tower, a development of city tower that was built with the ambition to reach the sky. Some of phenomenal and spectacular works in Dubai were:

a.    The Dubai Mall
The Dubai Mall is one of the biggest and the best mall or plaza in the world.

b.    Burj Dubai
Burj Dubai is the tallest building in the world, surpassing the height of KVLY-TV tower at North Dakota, United States.  Burj Dubai development value is about 1 billion U.S dollars and was designed with a height more than 800 meters and 169 floor covering.

c.   Palm Island
Palem Island is an artificial island called The Palm and was built at the offshore area.

d.    The Burj Al Arab
The Burj Al Arab is a hotel as tall as Eiffel Tower in Paris that reached 321 meters in height and the most luxurious and the first seven-star hotel in the world.  The cheapest room is 9,000 dirham or 2,700 U.S dollar per day and the most expensive room is 60,000 dirham or 18,000 U.S dollar per day….!!

e.    Falconcity of Wonders (FCW)
Falconcity of Wonders is a city area with the concept of mini world that was brought into the Dubai Emirate.  In FCW there was a luxurious residential complex with replica of the most famous and amazing architecture places in the whole world like Egyptian Pyramids, Hanging Gardens of Babylon, Eiffel Tower, Taj Mahal in India and Pisa Tower in Italy.

How Wonderful it is…. !!

However, the earthquake failed to dampen the local’s spirit, with batik makers quickly working to restore their shattered economy and rebuild their lives.

We worked in the batik industry before the earthquake, but now we do everything ourselves, including drawing, dyeing and selling pieces of batik,†said Muqoyaroh, 50, head of the Berkah Lestari batik cooperative in Karangkulon hamlet, Wukirsari, a kilometer northeast of the Mataram royal cemetery in Imogiri.

Muqoyaroh said four months after the disaster, approximately 150 batik makers from the Karangkulon, Giriloyo and Cengkehan hamlets decided to set up the cooperative.

He said the drastic change from working in the batik industry to creating their own batik cottage industry required a lot of adjustment.

One of the cooperative’s early creations was a 1.2-kilometer batik cloth, which currently holds the record for being the country’s longest piece of batik at the Indonesian Records Museum.

However, the most important thing is people’ spirit. Thanks to God, residents are able to create batik by hand as part of our cooperative,†said Muqoyaroh.

Khoryatun, 54, said batik making skills had been developed for hundreds of years in the village. At one point, nearly every resident was involved in batik production. To preserve the tradition, a number of children and teenagers are currently being taught the art.

Giarti, a mother of two, said the cooperative uses natural ingredients to produce colors used to dye batik. For example, mango leaves are used to produce light green, teak leaves produce a brownish red color and mahogany tree bark is used to produce brown.

We are able to get materials to produce the colors we need from the surrounding area, Giarti said.

To produce bright colors, fabric must be dyed between 15 and 30 times.

After the dyeing process, the fabric is hung out to dry, but not directly under the sun. It is later dyed and dried several more times until the required color is achieved, said Giarti.

She said the cooperative is currently trying to find a market niche for their products, with buyers from Australia and Sweden having already shown interest.

The price of a piece of batik varies depending on its motif, colors used and its level of intricacy. Undyed fabric sells for approximately Rp 250,000, while dyed fabric varies in price from Rp 500,000 to Rp 1.5 million (approximately US$165).

Batik fabric is soaked for 24 hours, boiled for an hour, soaked again and then ironed before motifs are sketched on in wax.
After the motif is sketched on, which takes between 10 and 20 days, the fabric is soaked in detergent and then dyed with the desired colors.

Batik is relatively expensive because it takes a long time to make. We are only able to produce 20 to 50 pieces of batik each month despite the fact our cooperative is made up of hundreds of artisans, Muqoyaroh said.

Slamet Susanto – Travel and Tourism

Gado-gado is Indonesia’s food which is made from a mixture of several types vegetables.  The vegetables used in two form, have been boiled and uncooked one.  The boiled vegetables were cabbage, cabbage flower, long beans and beans sprout. Meanwhile, uncooked vegetables were selada and cucumber.  All vegetables were sliced, mixed and served with peanut sauce, boiled eggs, fried tofu, crackers or emping melinjo and also fried onion topping.  This food is like vegetable salad.

Bika Ambon is typical cake of Medan, North Sumatera Indonesia.  The main base materials of this cake were sago flour, eggs, sugar and coconut milk.  Distinctive skill is required in making this cake because the uniqueness that we can find out in Bika Ambon.  There were like bubbles inside of cake that has been cooked.

Empek-empek is typical food of Palembang, South Sumatra Indonesia.  The main materials of this food are meat of tenggiri fish, sago flour and eggs.  Meanwhile, the main materials of sauce or ‘cuka’ are brown sugar, garlic, vinegar and ebi or dried shrimp.

Rendang is original food of Minangkabau, West Sumatra Indonesia.  The main base material of this food is beef.  Something that makes this food special is the way to cook and the ingredient.  Many kind of ingredient is used such as cayenne pepper, onion, hazelnut, ginger, a lot of coconut milk and various spices.  Not only that, it  also take several hours to make this food due to achieve the delicious rendang.

Gyeongbokgung Palace
The meaning is Palace that be blessed by Heaven.  This palace was built in 1395 as the main palace of Joseon Dynasty.  On the front yard, there is a wide range of paving stones.  Standing in the middle, a building called Geunjeongjeon, place where the emperor holding the government, meetings, receive foreign guests and the ceremony of inauguration.  On the side yard of Gyeongbokgung, there is a pool with glorious pavilion. This pavilion is used if the emperor makes a reception.

Meanwhile, the back yard is a place where the concubine living. In here, there is a pool with a small island in the middle and the beautiful building called Hyangwonjeong standing there.

Changdeokgung Palace
Built in 1405, Changdeokgung is a palace where the family of the emperor was living.  Part of the palace that most famous was ‘Secret Yard’ located on back yard.  Tours at Changdeokgung must be guide by travel guide except on Thursday in April to November.  The tour take in 1 hour 20 minute, with 3000 won cost or about $ 3.

Changgyeonggung Palace
Built by the fourth king of Josoen Dynasty, King Sejong (1418-1450), dedicated for his father, King Taejong.  This palace was often used for the residence of empress and concubine.  During the Japanese colonialism (1905-1945), this palace is used as the zoo and botanical garden.

Deoksugung Palace
This palace is ever be the main palace for The Great Han Dynasty (1897-1910).  Deoksugung appears as the center of modern history of Korea in 1897.  Inside of this palace, there were two western -style buildings namely Seokjojoen and National Art Museum of Deoksugung.  Both of these buildings were made from stone, not wooden, like other palaces.  These buildings were built by The Great Han Dynasty as effort to modernization.

Gyeonghuigung Palace
In the past, this palace was the second palace where the emperor lived in emergency condition.  During Japanese invasion to Korea, the Japanese school was moved to this palace.

And then… how important of these palace for Korean people ?

“These buildings were the ‘gate’ between us and our ancestor as the founders of this nation that bring us at now on.  That’s why the government is willing to spend much cost for their renovation and conservation.”

Check our list of hotels that are popular for the surfers who visit the island
Whether you are a beginner or advanced surfer there is something here for you, also available are surf lessons and surf tours.  Even the most advanced surfer know that there is nothing like local knowledge of a break.  Zed is the man to talk considered by many to be one of the top and most knowledgeable surfers on the island he can organize a surf tour for you to suit your skill level.

The premier Surf Spot in the island is the Soup Bowl, which is like a magnet, if there is swell out there the Soup Bowl will catch it.  The east coast boasts the most powerful and biggest waves. Sitting on the eastern coast of the island this is where the Atlantic unloads it’s power.  With an offshore wind this is the spot every surfer dreams of riding.  Careful this is an advanced spot and should not be taken lightly.

The north and west coasts of Barbados have some great spots as well, like Mullins, Sandy Lane, Batts Rock and Tropicana to name a few, but these only go off with a north swell.

On the South there are breaks like South Point, Freights, Brandons and Surfers Point.  Check our listings of Surf Breaks for more information on these and other beaks on the island.
The warm waters of the Caribbean and laid back lifestyle of the people coupled with the stunning tropical scenery make this a surf destination well worth your time.  Beware many who make the trip return again and again and again……..

While Barbados has swell all year the best time for solid ground swell is from October to March when waves can range anywhere from  2 to 12 ft in the north and east of the island and 2 to 8 ft for other breaks.  This is also the time for the West to cash in on north swells. From April to September the surf is between 2 to 6ft, coupled with lighter winds,  especially in the summer this can make for near perfect glassy conditions – ideal for a great surfing vacation.

Alam Kotok Island
Alam Kotok offers a chance to holiday in the untouched island habitat of the exotic ” Thousand Island” just 90 minutes from Jakarta. This peaceful tropical atoll has been kept in its original pristine state, the flora and the fauna undisturbed by cozy cottages tucked amongst the foliage, looking out to sea. Here the only sounds are the wind in the trees, birdsong, and the gentle waves lapping the shore. Discover the gentle rhythm of island life, diving the colorful coral reefs, swimming and wandering at leisure.

Ayer Island
In ancient times, this island (Pulau Ayer) was the private recreational retreat of the former kings of the Thousand Island. The first President of the Republic of Indonesia also used it as his private vacationland many years ago. Today, this intimate and tranquil island with its secluded trees and beautiful beach has been dubbed ” Mutiara Kepulauan Seribu ” or ” Pearl of the Thousand Island “. Located only a short, 30 minutes boat trip from Marina, Ancol Jakarta, this enchanting island resort offering many kind of entertainment, recreational, water sport facilities beside unique accommodation with a total of 45 floating as well as on land cottages. Each cottage is fully air-conditioned and has its own bedroom, telephone, fridge, private bath, living room and terrace.

Everybody dreams of taking island holidays.  There are islands all over the world, each offering it’s own cultural experience and natural wonders.  Many spots for island holidays are still unspoiled and secluded, while others are lively and exciting.  Island holidays offer a real diversion from your everyday life.