Tours Offer Unique Glimpses of Seattle
As tourist, when we visit a city, it is always interesting to check out the various tours of that city that are offered. Many cities have tours that are similar to basically any other city. Seattle, Washington, however, is different from most other cities. Not only do they have tours that really can’t be compared to anywhere else on earth, they have tours that are delightfully fun and entertaining in and of themselves.
One of the more interesting and most popular tours of Seattle is called Ride the Ducks of Seattle. This tour takes you on amphibious World War Two vehicles throughout the city giving you a great tour of Seattle from land and water. The tour lasts about ninety minutes and will be unlike any other tour you’re ever likely to take again.
The second tour of interest is a toss up with another tour for my favorite land excursion. I’ll tell you about both; hopefully, you will try both and decide which one you like best. This would be called Bill Speidel’s Underground Tour. This tour is strange, hilarious, and fun all at the same time. It is also shocking and disturbing in ways too. The idea that a city was built basically on top of itself is a little strange, but to discover that the original city isn’t ruins makes the tale even stranger to those who don’t know the story. The story is great and the telling is even better. The only drawback to this tour is that young children might find it either disturbing or boring, or both. So be prepared to entertain. The terrain is also not suitable for strollers if you have very little ones.
My next favorite tour is called Private Eye Tours. This tour takes you to scenes of crimes some solved, some unsolved throughout the city. There are three tours that you can currently take. Each one costs $25 per person and lasts about two and a half hours, except for the ghost tour, which lasts three hours. The different tours are: The Queen Anne Mystery and Murder Tour, The Capital Hill Mystery and Murder Tour, and Haunted Happenings, which is also known as the Seattle Ghost Tour. Each of these tours is great fun for those who are not squeamish and make a great gift for a true crime fan or someone who loves those old fashioned detective novels.
If you are interested in whale watching there are several excursions you can take. First of all, during the height of the season (June and July) you have an excellent chance of seeing whales if you watch from the western side of San Juan Islands. This is probably the best way to see whales from land. Beyond that you can take several chartered whale watching excursions. Here are a few of the companies offering whale watching cruises: San Juan Safaris (you can also do a five hour Orca search by kayak with this company), Salish Sea Charters, Island Adventures (this tour offers a discount for early birds and they offer a whale spotting guarantee), and Maya’s Whale Watching Charters, which for a slightly higher price gives you a much smaller boat and puts you much closer to the water for a better view of the whales.
Tours are a great way to get the most of your vacation experience. I hope I have showcased some of the more unique and colorful tours that Seattle has to offer. There are the general tours of the city and walking tours as well, these are just the tours that stand out and leave an impression.
read more5 Countries to visit before you die
1 – Egypt. King Tut, The Pyramids, The Valley of the Kings. The list is endless. But it’s just not the history and the culture, it’s the people too. Egyptians are some of the kindest and most generous people on the planet. They will welcome you into their homes in a second and even if they have almost nothing, they will share it with you.
An afternoon on the Nile with an Egyptian felucca captain sailing your boat as the sun sets over the Nile in Luxor is a once in a lifetime experience not to be missed.
2 – China. China is not somewhere people immediately think of when planning a holiday…but they should, and hopefully after the Olympics in Beijing they will. Even if you could only afford 7 to 10 days, an itinerary that takes in Beijing, Xian, a Yangtze River Cruise and Shanghai will be a great introduction.
And for an unforgettable experience, juts visit Guilin. Guilins landscape is amazing and totally unique. It can’t necessarily be called Mountainous as such, but the peaks that do rise, rise almost vertically up into the mist.
If you get a chance take a ski lift up to one of the peaks and just stare in awe at the view, and if you are feeing adventurous, take a kart down a toboggan style run (about 3,000 feet in length) !
3 – Jordan. Handily located, if you plan it right you can visit Egypt and Jordan together to make a real trip to remember. Amman is a great city full of atmosphere, Petra is marvellous, but surely the can’t miss site is the Dead Sea. The only ocean in the world with so much salt in it, you actually float !
This alone makes Jordan a must see country and on top of what I have already mentioned, don’t forget the Wadi Rum, Aqaba, Jerash and the Kings Highway. A week in Jordan is good, but 10 days is better.
4 – Hong Kong. Although there is much more to Hong Kong than just shopping, if you do love to shop, then Hong Kong is the place for you. A stroll along Nathan Road and a visit to the Temple Street market just HAS to be done. And make sure you have your bargaining hat on as haggling is as big a part of the experience as the purchases themselves.
There lots more to Hong Kong too. The great thing is that despite it being a modern city, there is tradition around every corner. Don’t forget to take a trip to Victoria Peak and enjoy the stunning views and remember that even if it’s misty, there are 2 guys at the top who will take your picture and transpose it onto a picture of what you should see if the weather where not so poor ! I also suggest a couple of half day visits out to Lama and Lantau Islands too. A great way to escape the hustle and bustle of the craziness that is Hong Kong.
5 – Thailand. Thailand suffers a little from it’s reputation of being a very hedonistic destination and while it is true that the is a very wild side to Thaialnd (especially certain areas of Bangkok, Phucket etc) there is also an amazing culture to immerse yourself in.
There really is everything there, adventure, culture and even for the not faint hearted, a place about 1 hour north of Thailand where you can go in, yes go in, with real live tigers. No cages, no chains, just you and around a dozen tigers. For me it was a thrill of a lifetime and without doubt it is just one of the many reasons that Thailand is in my top 5 of places you need to visit in the world
read moreTravel for the best honeymoon
Being on a yacht for your honeymoon cruise is indeed one perfect idea. For couples, it would be the best way of having the privacy and the quality time for each of them. To sail or travel about, as for pleasure or reconnaissance, a honeymoon cruise is of course, far more pleasurable than any form of such.
It cannot be denied that the wedding day s one of the most looked-forward events in a person’s life. Well, specifically for women. According to a poll conducted by women magazines, brides think that the ideal of the perfect honeymoon cruise considering the cost, romance, seclusion, atmosphere, culture and adventure, five of these cruises are really going to be both hot and cool.
Where could you sail and travel? If you wish to see the beauty of the world in a few days, here are the suggested places you could visit:
Your honeymoon will indeed be as sweet as honey if you choose the clear blue waters of US VIRGIN ISLANDS. The white sand beaches will eventually look like a promise of pure love between the two of you. As one of the Caribbean romantic travel spots, its package would let you feel the warmth of love in the four corners of your private villa. Is it not nearly perfect?
If the two of you are looking for an active yet romantic honeymoon, ARUBA will let you enjoy the sea through snorkeling, scuba diving or wind surfing. Being one with the most beautiful beaches in the world and the most adorable person in your life is paradise.
Three Rs will be meeting by the two of you. JAMAICA promises that. Rekindle, renew and revitalize. Luxury comes with the best accommodation, exotic cuisine, serene beaches, ever-romantic ambience and activities that would make the bond tighter.
Do you want to dance the night away like fools? If fun is kept between two people in love, the spark of the relationship lingers. Where does the land of fun and love exist? Try and be captivated, MEXICO. This travel is a whole lot of night life. As you lay down on the white sand, exchange your vows all over again.
A yacht, a couple very much in love, a cruise on the night of the wedding day- what’s more?
A whole lot of the world’s beauty as the swiftness of the yacht lets you travel to the places you think were just but dreams.
read moreOxford City guide, including Oxford Hotels
Oxford, UK is a holiday destination to which the traveler can happily return again and again. One could spend days wandering through Oxford’s myriad cultural treasures which boast some of the world’s best exhibits. The winding streets are full of restaurants ranging from inexpensive local fish and chips shops to world class gourmet dining. Opportunities for recreational pursuits abound; all of this in a city which can easily be traversed on foot.
It should be noted that Oxford is a haven for the pedestrian. The center city is virtually car free. Public transportation is highly advised as it is frequent and inexpensive. Visitors who may be used to long commutes in many holiday towns will find that Oxford has literally dozens of interesting locales within blocks of one another and each side street holds its own jewels ready for discovery.
Oxford is a bonanza for the history lover. Museums and storied historical buildings sit on almost every corner. Trip after trip could be made here and there would still be cultural vistas to explore.
The Ashmolean Museum of Art and Architecture an arm of University of Oxford. Established in 1683 it is one of the world’s oldest and finest museums. Admission is free although donations are accepted and appreciated.
Sheldonian Theatre. This magnificent structure offers unparalleled views of the city. It was designed by Sir Christopher Wren and built over a four year period from 1664-68. Self guided tours available at a modest cost.
Bodleian Library. Dating back to the fourteenth century and housing more than six million texts, the Bodleian is one of the premiere libraries in the world.
Christ Church. Founded by Cardinal Wolsey in 1524, Christ Church is the oldest college in the Oxford University system and serves as Oxford’s Cathedral. The site is familiar to many tourists via its connection to Lewis Carroll and the Alice books and more recently its appearances in the Harry Potter movies. Lines can be long but the galleries and gardens are well worth the wait. Admission.
Museum of the History of Science. This unusual museum is devoted to the history of scientific instruments and its collection of almost 10,000 of these instruments is without peer. Rotating exhibits, many with free admission.
After mornings spent in cultural endeavors, a tourist will find a wide variety of activities to fill the rest of the day. No visitor should leave Oxford without at least a short water excursion.
Have a punt. Located on the Thames River, known as the Isis within Oxford proper, Oxford is home to legendary rowing teams. While rowing is a sport not learned in an afternoon, most people can manage a punt with a short lesson and a little effort. Try picking one up at the Magdelen Bridge Boathouse.
Picnic on the river. The banks of the Isis make for cool and inviting picnic locales and many shops are available for impromptu food purchases to fill a basket.
Self guided architecture tours. Walking the streets of Oxford is a feast for the eyes. Be sure and find the Bridge of Sighs on New College Lane and heads up for the gargoyles which can be found on almost every historic building.
Oxford Covered Market. Don’t miss this walk through center. It features stalls full of items from tourist kitsch to upscale as well as quick eats and groceries. Be advised that skinned animal carcasses hang from many meat market displays.
Hop a sightseeing bus. Although Oxford is totally foot travel friendly those who have only a short time in Oxford might enjoy a trek around town on a bus. This is also a good way to get an overview of the abundance of things to see and do in town. Tours are reasonably priced, easy to hop and make frequent stops.
Alice’s Shop. The small shop is the true inspiration for the shop in “Through the Looking Glass” and the real “Alice”, Alice Liddell, was a frequent visitor.
A quick stop at a pub will leave one refreshed for an afternoon spent on foot exploring Oxford’s side streets. Pubs can also be a fun atmosphere for an afternoon or evening spent watching football or rugby. Multi course gourmet meals of almost any cuisine are also readily available at fine restaurants throughout Oxford.
Eagle and Child. This pub was for years a favorite haunt of both C. S. Lewis and Tolkien and remains largely authentic.
The Exeter Hall. A lively venue further out than most, Exeter offers pool, two bars and a growing reputation for live music.
The Jack Russell. Open to both dogs and children this family friendly bar is also largely handicapped accessible.
Rosamund the Fair. This cruising restaurant specializing in distinctly British cuisine requires advanced booking but offers excellent food and a varied wine list.
Head of the River. This busy outdoor restaurant is a favorite of students. It has heat lamps for cool evenings and a few hotel rooms for evenings spent with beer in hand.
The Navy Oak. Located north of the Ring Road this restaurant may take a little effort to find but a reasonably priced and tasty menu make the hunt worthwhile.
Oxford Hotels & Accommodation
As a university town, Oxford offers lodging running the gamut from bed and breakfast to the most luxurious of accommodations. However, the wise traveler will begin booking early as the city is busy year round and any sort of hotel or self catering establishment can be difficult to find on short notice.
The FEATHERS
Westwood Country Hotel Ltd
The Oxford Hotel
Cotswold Lodge Classic Hotel
A Lakeside Town Farm B & B
Holiday Inn Oxford
Victoria House Hotel
Express by Holiday Inn Oxford Kassam Stadium
The White Horse
The Bat & Ball Inn
For those seeking a little nightlife, Oxford has several lively venues including The Zodiac and Oxford Brookes Student Union. Most name acts visiting Oxford will be found at one of these sites. If the play’s the thing try New Theatre located on George Street or the Oxford Playhouse across the way from the Ashmolean. Oxford also has four cinemas with currently popular offerings as well as foreign and art house fare.
Those who make a first visit to Oxford may well find that there are drawn there many times over. History, food and pleasant recreation are all to be found within easy walking distance. Couple these advantages with hospitable people and climate and Oxford becomes a destination of choice for almost any holiday.
read moreLiving in Bahrain
The Kingdom of Bahrain basks in the warm, clear and calm waters of the Persian Gulf and is an incredibly prosperous and multi cultural country becoming increasingly popular with professional expatriates seeking well paying employment in a low taxation country where the standard of living in Bahrain is incredibly high and the local people are liberal and tolerant towards other cultures.
Bahrain manages to maintain a relatively neutral foreign policy and because of its general liberalism it’s a great place for Western expatriates to experience a totally new life abroad. These facts mean that the number of international citizens living in Bahrain has increased substantially in recent years and directly contributed to the fact that Bahrain now has the fastest growing economy in the Arab world.
For anyone considering living in Bahrain this article is an introduction to the country, the entry requirements and to living and working in Bahrain.
Citizens of all nations other than Gulf Cooperation Council countries require a visa to enter Bahrain with the majority of those moving to live in the Kingdom being sponsored for their visa by their employer. The range of visas available is vast with much depending on whether the applicant has a job offer, is a spouse or dependent of an employed person in Bahrain, the country the individual heralds from etc., and therefore those considering travelling to Bahrain should initially contact their nearest Bahraini embassy or visit the Kingdom of Bahrain’s Ministry of Interior website to find out which visa they should apply for and how to go about the application process.
The capital city of the Kingdom of Bahrain is Manama and most expatriates live in and around the capital and work in one of the Kingdom’s main industries which are petroleum production and processing, IT, telecommunications, hospitality, medicine or banking. As a result of the popularity of the location, property for sale and rent in Manama is offered at a premium and those moving to work in Bahrain on a firm job offer should try and negotiate some money towards their housing as part of their overall remuneration package.
Unlike in some other Arab nations foreigners are permitted to own property in Bahrain and because the economy of the nation is so strong many see investment into property in Bahrain as a solid move to make. However for those keen on living in Bahrain the first step to take is to secure a job offer and then to rent housing while settling into the Kingdom and ensuring it is right for them before committing to the purchase of immovable property assets that can be slow to liquidate should the individual in question decide to leave the Kingdom.
Finally it’s worth noting that the standard of living enjoyed by westerners living in Bahrain is incredibly high. As stated Bahrain is a prosperous country and one offering residents and visitors alike a cosmopolitan destination with exciting nightlife and incredible shopping! Hence it is of no surprise whatsoever that the number of international expatriates moving to the Kingdom ever year is on the increase.
read moreNottingham City Guide, Including Nottingham Hotels
If you are seeking an interesting and relaxing holiday, try visiting Nottingham. There are many things to see and do. For instance, a tour of Nottingham Castle is sure to delight tourists young and old. There are caves, galleries and plenty of entertainment. Also try out some shops, pubs and other fun.
Places of interest
Galleries or even a castle. Nottingham is filled with things to do. Take a tour of some of these prime destinations.
Angel Row Gallery – When it opened in 1991, it instantly acquired a status as a sort of flagship of contemporary art. Living artists have created all the artwork displayed at Angel Row Gallery in Nottingham. Exhibitions are shown throughout the year. Angel Row Gallery makes for a delightful tourist destination for those visiting Nottingham.
Nottingham Castle – Nottingham Castle is also a museum and art gallery as well. Located on Castle Road in Nottingham, Nottingham Castle used to be a Duke’s mansion back in the 18th century. Learn the story of Nottingham and visit the gardens, exhibitions and don’t forget to stop into the café and museum shop.
Brewhouse Yard Museum – For something of a change in your Nottingham adventure, visit the Brewhouse Yard Museum on Castle Boulevard. It is officially called the Museum of Nottingham Life. If you want to learn about culture, you can get a glimpse at what life has been like for the people of Nottingham through a history of over 200 years.
Things to Do
After the museums and castles, there are many things to to occupy yourself in Nottingham. Hang out with the locals in popular clubs or do a bit of shopping in Nottingham’s popular shopping districts.
Dogma – Hang out with locals in a friendly club called Dogma in Nottingham, located on Byard Lane. It has a friendly atmosphere that is slightly sophisticated. Most locals consider it a great place for live music and dancing the night away.
Old Market Square – For plenty of shopping and entertainment, visit Old Market Square in Nottingham. It has plenty of shops and photographic architecture to capture the spirit of Nottingham. Don’t forget to check out the Angel Row central library or the Bell Inn located in the Old Market Square.
Pubs – You can’t visit the United Kingdom without spending one evening in a pub with the locals. Try some of the more favourite pubs in Nottingham. Some of the more popular ones are Chaplins Bar, Tynemill Ltd., and Admiral Rodney.
Food & Drink
After all the entertainment and excitement of exploring Nottingham, you will want to relax and experience a nice meal to complete the evening. Try one of these highly recommended restaurants.
Moog – Located on Newdigate Street in Nottingham, Moog offers a top quality bar and restaurant for hungry tourists and locals alike. Its unique atmosphere makes it an enjoyable place for a rack of lamb or anything else you would like. The food starts at £10 a plate.
Vision Restaurant and Café Bar – In Nottingham is a unique restaurant and bar called Vision. It opened in 2001 by Trevor Cummings. You can meet him at the restaurant most nights, as he is often found in the kitchen, as he is a long time chef. Try some Honey Roast Half Duckling or Rump Steak. Dinner starts at just £20 per person.
World Service Restaurant – World Service Restaurant and bar in Nottingham offers a different flavour for tourists. With three dining rooms, you can eat in elegant style while sampling some of the finest food. A restaurant award winner for three years on a row, World Service Restaurant offers a menu consisting of roast breast of chicken, grilled cod and grilled fillet of beef. Dinner may start at £30 per person and up.
Hotels and Accommodations
There are no shortage of fine hotels in Notingham. Try a few of these favourite Nottingham hotels.
Premier Apartments Nottingham
Village Hotel Nottingham
City Centre Welbeck Hotel Nottingham, Nottinghamsh
Park Inn Nottingham Formerly Nottingham Moat House
Crowne Plaza Nottingham
The Strathdon Hotel
Ramada Nottingham / Derby
Novotel Nottingham
Best Western Westminster Hotel
The Saffron White and Green Hotel
The Nottingham Gateway Hotel
Holiday Inn Nottingham-Castle Marina
Comfort Hotel Nottingham (city centre)
Citilodge Nottingham
Rutland Square Hotel
Express by Holiday Inn Nottingham City Centre
The Dakota Hotel
Jurys Inn Nottingham
Nottingham City Centre (Goldsmith St) Premier Trav
The Britannia Nottingham Hotel
Colwick Hall Hotel
Entertainment
After a cosy night’s sleep, you may want to experience more of what Nottingham has to offer. How about these selected entertainments!
Galleries of Justice – Inside Nottingham is the Galleries of Justice. For fun, you could be arrested, sentenced and executed all in an afternoon. The building was originally a court starting in the 1700’s. Don’t miss out on murder mystery nights and ghost tours provided by the staff of the Galleries of Justice.
Theatre Royal – A journey to Nottingham would not be complete without a little bit of theatre. Visit Royal Centre where you can see drama, comedy and more preformed by some of the best groups in the world. It was built in 1865 and has since house some of the best entertainment. Located on Theatre Square, it is highly accessible to tourists visiting Nottingham.
With everything available to you in Nottingham, you can have fun by yourself or with your entire family. There is plenty to see, taste and feel while on your holiday. Visit Nottingham for fun, excitement and adventure.
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