10 Unique Things to Do During Thailand Tourism

Thailand is one of the best Asian countries to travel to. Not only is the country stupendously beautiful and has a very warm culture, but the amount of activity that you can do here is simply unearthly and addictive. No doubt, Thailand tourism industry has been growing from strength to strength.

Here are some of the more interesting things that your vacation packages have to offer to you in this exciting country:

i. Visiting the sharks: When was the last time when you got really close to those giant and dangerous sharks? Perhaps, never! But the Siam Ocean World in Bangkok (capital of Thailand) gives you a fantastic chance to literally touch these sea monsters. There is this water tank built inside the ocean where you can walk into and enjoy a vivid underwater spectacle. Only a thick sheet of glass separates you from those monstrous jaws!

ii. Visiting the elephants and the crocodiles: When you are at Bangkok, make sure to pay a visit to the famous Samphran Elephant and Crocodile Farm where you can be a witness to the fun-filled elephant theme shows and also watch the gigantic crocodiles show some of their deadly moves.

iii. Visiting Lumpini Park: Your vacation package also offers you a relaxing visit to the Lumpini Park where you can take a stroll or jog or cycle. Its freshness and greenery will certainly leave an imprint in your heart.

iv. Visiting the King of the serpents: The Snake Park at Bangkok organizes special shows wherein a man catches the King Cobra, the king of the serpents, without any protective gear. The show is both informative and adrenaline-pumping!

v. Doing yoga: Thailand tourism is also famous for its yoga centers, Ayurvedic treatment houses and massage parlors. This trip can be a perfect excuse to learn some tricks of holistic Yoga.

vi. Going to Koh Kret Island: Koh Kret is a tiny island just a boat ride away from Bangkok. It is known for its culture and markets. Taking a day out for Koh Kret Island is highly recommended by those who have witnessed its simplistic beauty.

vii. Riding the Tuk Tuk: Your vacation packages also give you a chance to ride the Tuk Tuk, an innovative vehicle which is small and easy to operate. It can easily wriggle through even the narrowest of lanes and is an experience worth some good memories.

viii. Visit Dream World: Thailand vacation package also incorporates a lot of fun in your itinerary. The famous amusement park known as ‘Dream World’ is certainly a must visit especially if you wish to have a roller coaster time breezing through those gravity-defying rides.

ix. Head to a floating market: Those who visit Thailand also bring back pleasant memories of Floating markets (markets floating on water) where you can buy artifacts and food. Khlong Lat Mayom Floating Market is thoroughly recommended.

x. Freak yourself out at the weirdest museum: The Forensic Museum is Bangkok is really weird and can be a different kind of experience- freaky and squeamish! It should not be missed out, come what may!

4 Beautiful Places to Visit During a Campervan Holiday in Australia

You should not miss to explore some of the most fascinating spots in Australia while on a campervan holiday in the country. You will marvel at incomparable natural beauty and take home the best holiday pictures ever. You will also have the opportunity to enjoy a variety of activities. Check out the places which you should definitely visit.

Fraser Island

As the largest sand island on the planet, it has 120 kilometres of golden beaches which offer absolutely spectacular views. The rainforest on the island is home to exotic plants with gorgeous colourful blossoms. You will meet up close and personal many inhabitants of the jungle and the beautiful birds, in particular.

Fraser Island offers excellent opportunities for trekking and 4WD safaris. Off the coast, there is a selection of great diving spots with shipwrecks and diverse marine life. Whether you like being active or just relaxing under the sun, you should definitely include this place in the itinerary for your campervan holiday in Australia.

Lake Eyre

This is the largest inland lake in Australia and the lowest point on the continent. The most interesting thing about it is that it fills with water only occasionally. The place is absolutely surreal with its patches of salt reflecting the sunlight and orange and red sand. When the lake fills with water, the wildlife in the area flocks around it and make the atmosphere even more magical. There is a camping park nearby so you can enjoy an overnight stay.

The Twelve Apostles

The set of limestone stacks rising from the sea offers some of the most impressive views in the whole of Australia. This magnificent site is among the main attractions of the Great Ocean Road in Victoria. It is part of Port Campbell National Park which boasts with rich flora and fauna. The seals and otters living along the shore are among the favourite attractions of tourists visiting the park. You can spend a whole day at the park during your campervan holiday in Australia.

Byron Bay

This coastal town has spectacular sea views and a long sandy beach which is a major hub for suffers from all over the country and the rest of the world. The Cape Byron Light and the local marine reserve with the Julian Rocks formation are among the most popular attractions in the local area. Arakwal National Park is just two kilometres away. It is home to beautiful forests and beaches and to a small Aboriginal community.

These attractions are definitely worth it for everyone going on a campervan holiday in Australia.

Delmarva Peninsula Beaches – Beach Exploring in Delaware, Maryland and Virginia

Delmarva Peninsula is a place unto itself. Caught between the Atlantic Ocean and Chesapeake Bay, it is made up of parts of Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia (VA), thus its name, Del Mar Va. There is a distinct lifestyle here that is unique to the peninsula and decades away from the uniformed, homogenized mainland to the west.

Dotting the shores of Delmarva, quaint towns of 300 to 400 people beckon the tourist to come and explore Delmarva Peninsula. Reminiscent of a Norman Rockwell painting, the tree-lined streets and the wood-framed houses are home to shoremen who earn their living like their forefathers – on the ocean. For centuries, the shores of Delmarva have been the livelihood, the playground, and the oasis for residents and visitors alike.

The pristine, white sandy beaches of Delmarva peninsula boast charming, coastal towns such as Dewey Beach, Rehoboth Beach, Tangier Island, and Chesapeake Bay, to name a few. These picturesque communities offer the visitor an array of activities. On the ocean side, the more adventurous can engage in body surfing, clamming, crabbing, and/or deep-water fishing for blue marlin, tuna, and wahoo. The traveler can also dodge the incoming breaking waves in some of the best ocean around on a hot summers afternoon or relax on the soft sand and watch the ebb and flow of the ocean waves. The bay side lends itself to good windsurfing and jet-skiing. A leisurely stroll on the beach is always a must, especially in the evening when the sun begins to set: A sunset on Delmarva Peninsula is spectacular.

For inland activities the traveler can explore the nooks and crannies of the small towns and their charming antique shops and restaurants or take an historic lighthouse tour in the town of Lewes, Delaware where the breathtaking view of Cape Henlopen seascape awaits. For bird watchers, the region around Salisbury, Maryland is rich in both local and migratory bird species; for mountain bikers, Maryland offers some of the best trails in Delmarva: Great Falls Park; Iron Hill Park; Northern Central Rail-Trail.

For the less sporty, the Blueberry Festival in Chincoteague Island, Virginia, is a slice of Americana. There is entertainment, contests, food, and lots of sweet blueberries. It is held every year on the last weekend in July.

Of course, several of the beach towns (Onancock, Cape Charles, and Belle Haven, Virginia, Chesapeake City, Maryland, South Bethany and Fenwick Island, Delaware) have farmers markets which start in mid-May and run through September. This is a great way to savor the local produce and dishes of Delmarva.

For those who crave bigger-city life, Ocean City, Maryland is one of the larger towns on Delmarva Peninsula. Even though Ocean City has lost some of its charms thanks to wall-to-wall condominiums and hotels that make up much of the coastline, there is still a bit of nostalgic enchantment to be found in this city. There is the old boardwalk lined by shops and restaurants, and, of course, there is always plenty of saltwater taffy. A reminder of a bygone era is the 1802 carousal that shimmers in the sunlight and comes to electrifying life at night. And…there are still miles of beautiful, white beaches.

Whether one wants solitude or excitement, Delmarva has something for everyone. From the shores of Delmarva to the inland towns, Delmarva Peninsula welcomes the traveler. The beaches, the trails, the shopping, the fishing, the culture, all offer the visitor an abundance of experiences and memories like no where else. Delmarva Peninsula is definitely a golden thread in the fabric of America’s regions.

The Tourist Attractions in Kenya Are Unparalleled

The suite of tourist attractions in Kenya is unmatched owing to the country’s unsurpassed beauty and allure. With sugar sand coastlines, grasslands teeming with millions of wildlife, and mountains so tall they touch the clouds, there are a myriad of attractions for the visitor to enjoy. Tourist attractions in Kenya are diverse and can take the visitor into the ocean depths, face to face with a pride of the world’s largest and fiercest lions, or dancing in a circle with the fascinating Masai warriors.

One of the most spectacular sights that occurs from July through September is the Great Wildebeest Migration. Approximately 1.5 million wildebeest and several hundred thousand zebras make their way across the Serengeti to the Masai Mara National Reserve. Crossing the meandering Mara River becomes a perilous danger with crocodiles waiting to snatch a meal or two.

Kenya National Parks

The best way to see the wildlife in the country is to visit one of the numerous Kenya national parks. The best known of these is the Masai Mara National Reserve where the annual wildebeest migration occurs. Expect to see lots of lions, elephants and cheetahs here too.

– Lake Nakuru National Park is known for its millions of flamingoes as well as rhinos, hippos, and giraffes.

– Mount Kenya National Reserve is known for its incredible landscape with Mount Kenya, the highest of the mountains in Kenya and the second highest mountain in Africa being the star attraction.

– Amboseli National Park has excellent views of Mount Kilimanjaro and is home to a high concentration of elephants, and some hippos and profuse birdlife.

– Hitherto notorious for its man eating lions, Tsavo National Park is now renowned for its “red elephants,” hippos and crocodiles.

– Aberdares National Park has breathtaking waterfalls along with leopards, rhinos and bongo antelopes.

– Nairobi National Park, in the heart of the city, is a habitat for the endangered black rhino and lions, leopards, giraffes and zebras.

– And, the Mombasa Marine National Park offers snorkelers and divers glimpses of dolphins, parrot fish and lots of colorful coral reefs.

Kenya Beaches

If you want to enjoy a few days at the seashore, Mombasa is a must-see. With its pristine beaches to enjoy during the day and bars and nightclubs to have fun in at night, this city is a very popular resort town for those seeking a relaxing holiday.

Another of the fine coastal spots is Lamu. This tropical getaway looks like it is straight out of the 14th century. Because the roads are so narrow that cars cannot drive on them, the main modes of transport are on foot, by dhow or donkey back. As there are no grand resorts, nightclubs or couture shopping malls, Lamu is where the visitor goes to truly get away from civilization.

The Lamu beaches are relatively deserted and when the sun sets, everyone goes to bed only to be up bright and early at sunrise. It is this seclusion that appeals to visitors seeking solace and peace.

Mountains

Those in a relatively good physical shape should plan a hike up to the top of Mount Kenya or Elgon or Longonot. While Mount Kenya, the highest of the mountains in Kenya is not as quite as tall as Mount Kilimanjaro, it is nevertheless more challenging, making a successful ascent to its summit that much more of an accomplishment.

Hotels and Lodges

There are plenty of hotels and lodges in the cities and Kenya national parks where visitors can check in and spend a few days savoring these and more incredible tourist attractions in Kenya.

Top 5 Best Beach Camping Sites in Southern California For a Cheap Family Vacation

Camping can be one of the best experiences if done right. Most families enjoy vacations together but can’t afford to stay at fancy hotels or they might prefer not to. Camping is perfect for families with small children. There’s nothing like packing up your stuff for a weekend out in nature. Beach camping is a favorite during the warmer months. There are so many spots in Southern California where you can camp on the beach that it’s hard to pick which one you want. Here is a list of the top rated beach campsites in Southern California.

Most sites do require a fee.

1. Jalama Beach – Santa Barbara County Park

This is one of the most unique campsites in southern California. If you go during off season you can have the beach all to yourself. Summertime is the opposite. You can find yourself in line early in the morning to get one of the 98 beach front sites. The land surrounding this site is huge. Even when the sites are full the beach isn’t crowded at all. You can’t forget the famous Jalama Burgers. The beauty of the surrounding land is an amazing site to see as well, it looks like it hasn’t been touched for hundreds of years.

2. Leo Carillo State Beach California

This state park has about a mile of ocean front with two areas of sandy beaches. There are a ton of smaller coves to explore as well. They have everything from tide pools to sea caves.

There are 135 sites at this park. There is a small general store inside the campground for necessities. Activities are endless you can fish, hike, Swim, scuba, surf and much more.

3. Refugio State Beach – Santa Barbara County

This campsite is located just west of Santa Barbara. There are a limited amount of sites that are on the beach so reservations are recommended. The most distinctive feature of this campsite is the palm trees that are all over. There are campsites on both sides of the Refugio creek. The creek only runs during the rainy season though,

4. Silver Strand State Beach San Diego

This campground is located on the strip of sand that separates San Diego from the Pacific Ocean. Whole relatively close to San Diego this campground gives you a feeling of being in a remote location. There are 136 campsites that are for self-contained vehicle only. There are camping spots in the north lot that are right on the beach. The sites usually book up and it is a good idea to reserve the spot 3 months in advance. The temperatures at this campground stay in a comfortable 65-78 year round. Extreme cold and extreme hots are very rare here.

5. Gaviota State Park California

The Southern Pacific trestle travels over the canyon of the beach. Although Amtrak and a few freight trains travel over the tracks daily you barley notice the noise. There is a pier and a small snack bar with restrooms. This is a very popular site for fishing and scuba diving. There are 41 developed campsites that allow tents and trailers. The sites are not on the beach though but they are on the other side of the train trestle. The beach is a very short walk away though.

Wetland Restoration and Poverty Reduction Through Ecotourism

Long before there was a wide spread concern about the environment, the population of what is now Diawling National Park (DNP), lived as part of their environment; protecting and utilizing it and the surrounding areas which formed a lush ecosystem of dunes, estuaries, pastures, and forests, rich in plant and wildlife bio-diversity; capable of sustainably supporting thousands of inhabitants. Located in the southwest corner of Mauritania on 15,600 hectares, this wetland region became a state owned park in 1991, under the direction of Diawling National Park. The Park, is bordered on the south by the Senegal River, the west by the Atlantic Ocean, the north by the Chat Tboul Reserve and encroaching sand dunes, the northeast by Keur Massene (a popular hunting resort), and the east by unregulated homesteading and agriculture production. Only a natural barrier of sand dunes divides the fresh and salt water wetlands of the park, thus creating a unique habitat for both fresh and salt water birds. The park is a permanent year round home to almost 300,000 birds and a supports over a million migratory birds during the winter months.

From the very inception of the park in 1991, the goals included providing an economic future for the region’s inhabitants. However, over the last 20 years the ecosystem of the park has been greatly damaged by large exterior infrastructural projects (dams, dikes, and water diversion activities) and compounded by interior exploitation: hunting, over fishing, and poor agriculture and water management practices. Today the park’s wetlands, its wildlife, and its inhabitants, face some of the most extreme natural conditions and man made obstacles in their struggle to survive on degraded land in a deteriorating ecosystem.

However, when cooperating with an extremely poor population, whose only means of survival is a dying ecosystem, it is not realistic to insist that they do more to preserve their sensitive environment. An alternative means of income generation, which focuses on maintaining their existing lifestyle while using the ecosystem as an asset, must be developed and implemented. Previous studies of the DNP’s natural resources and economic potential and evidence from experience in Senegal’s adjacent Djoudj Park, indicate that Ecotourism may be the most effective way of accomplishing the goals of: wetland conservation, preservation of traditional customs, and providing a path out poverty. The very definition and concept of Ecotourism provides empowerment of indigenous populations by giving both monetary value and dignity to their traditional activities.

During the creation of the park, there was significant resistance from residents, who were aware of the situation that initially occurred in Senegal’s Djoudj Park; involving forced removal of the local population and cessation of all activities. In addition, many stakeholders both within and outside the Park saw, and continue to see, economic development in terms of large infrastructure and agriculture projects; rather than in the conservation and health of the wetland ecosystem. The involvement of numerous international organization’s concerned about Diawling National Park’s environmental state, has left the inhabitants with suspicion about their future in the park. Although the concept of Diawling has always been very different and encourages the continuation of local activities including fishing, gathering of plants, and herding; residents fear that once the park’s ecosystem has been restored, they will be forced to leave in the name of conservation.

Initializing ecotourism activities calms the fear of forced removal from the Park and ensures the population’s necessity and future in the Park as an integral part of the ecotourism, conservation, and wetland preservation strategy.

The inhabitants of Diawling National Park and its surrounding areas have historically been oppressed and rather invisible in the realm of Mauritanian society. However, improved economic standing, independence, and international recognition breed empowerment and respect within politics strengthening their significance and securing land tenure rights.

The implementation of Ecotourism in the Park, and the resulting economic and environmental benefits to the community and Mauritania as a whole, will give the vulnerable inhabitants of the Park a voice and a tangible argument against continued exploitation of their most valuable resource, the Senegal River.

Experience in other regions of Mauritania indicates that tourist often leave with a deep attachment to the people they visited and become advocates for the improved economic welfare of the population.

Thus under the ‘Wetlands Restoration & Poverty Reduction through Ecotourism’ strategy the environment, economic development, and ecotourism are unified; they can not exist as separate entities. What impacts one, will impact the other.

Top 10 Must-Do Escapes in KwaZulu-Natal

With its warm climate and endless beaches, KwaZulu-Natal is South Africa’s most popular domestic holiday destination. KwaZulu-Natal is often referred to as “KZN” and is also known as the “Garden Province”.

The province is divided into three geographic areas. Along the Indian Ocean coast is the lowland region. The Natal Midlands is situated in the central region and offers spectacular views of the hilly terrain. Finally, there are two mountainous areas: The Drakensberg and Lebombo Mountains.

Rent a car and take a road trip through KwaZulu-Natal and breathe life back into your soul.

African Bird of Prey Sanctuary

The African Bird of Prey Sanctuary is home to a variety of eagles, owls, vultures, and other raptors. The sanctuary is dedicated to a variety of conservation projects. A day at the African Bird of raptor Sanctuary will be both educational and inspirational.

Didima Resort

Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife boasts 65 destinations around KZN. Each destination offers its own set of facilities and activities to cater for every taste. Enjoy the beauty and tranquility of nature at Didima Resort, one of Ezemvelo’s Top 8 Resorts.

Gateway Theatre of Shopping

Situated in Umhlanga, Gateway has something for everyone and more. Gateway hosts three floors of pure entertainment. Retail stores for shopaholics, an Imax theatre to experience movies with a difference, a skate park and a Wavehouse for the more adventurous, and a variety of food and beverage outlets.

Golf Courses

Enjoy a memorable golf getaway at one of the many golf courses on the KZN coast. Selborne Hotel, Spa & Golf Estate on the South Coast is one of the preferred golf destinations in South Africa. This well maintained course is complimented by a clubhouse, a halfway house, and a golf lifestyle shop.

Greater St Lucia Wetlands Park

The Greater St Lucia Wetlands park is regarded as South Africa’s third largest park. It incorporates lake St Lucia, the Costal Forrest Reserve, two marine reserves, and a nature reserve. St Lucia offers a variety of activities, guided and self-guided tours and boat trips.

Microlight Flights

Enjoy a view of the Ballito coastline from the sky. Ballito Microlight School offers fun flights over the Indian Ocean giving passengers the opportunity to experience the beauty of the Dolphin Coast.

Midlands Meander

The Midlands Meander stretches form Pietermaritzburg to the Drakensburg. The Midlands are a place of peace and tranquility. Enjoy the sights, sounds, and comfort as you experience the various arts, crafts and activities available.

uShaka Marine World

uShaka Marine World is a top entertainment destination in Durban, providing fun for the whole family. uShaka features an underground aquarium, a water park, several food and retail outlets, and access to the beach.

Scuba Diving

Aliwal Shoal is one of South Africa’s top dive spots. Oceanworx Dive Charters offer diving for all levels, from the inexperienced to experienced. Enjoy the variety of fish, sharks, manta rays and turtles of the KZN coast.

Valley of a 1000 Hills

The Valley of a 1000 Hills surrounds the Mngeni River and it tributaries. Many visitors have been attracted to this beautiful and friendly area. Phezulu Safari Park in Botha’s Hill is an inspiring destination. Experience the spirit of Africa at the Phezulu Village.

Doggin’ the Golden Isles

The Georgia mainland is completely protected by a chain of barrier islands that march down the coastline. So the mainland is comprised of salt marshes and the beaches are on the barrier islands. Several of the islands are wildlife refuges. The northernmost, Tybee Island, is the playground for Savannah and dogs aren’t allowed there. The southernmost, Cumberland Island, is a national seashore reached only by passenger ferry. No dogs allowed there either.

For dog owners that leaves only one target – the Golden Isles.

The Golden Isles are four barrier islands centered around the historic port town of Brunswick. They are easily differentiated for the visiting dog owner. There is no land access to Little St. Simons Island. Sea Island is private and also has no access. St. Simon Island is heavily residential with a sandy beach that swings around its southern tip. The beach is backed by small dunes, beach houses and high rises. Dogs are allowed to trot the beach anytime except during the high season from Memorial Day to Labor Day. In the summer you can hike the beach before 9 am and after 6 pm.

Most dog lovers visiting the Golden Isles will want to head straight for the fourth barrier isle, Jekyll Island, billed as Georgia’s jewel. First developed in the late 1800s as a playground for America’s riches families, today the entire island, including 11 miles of Atlantic Ocean beach, is a state park. Dogs are allowed on all the beaches anytime.

The beaches around Jekyll Point at the south end are undeveloped and you can hike with your dog for hours beside natural wind-sculpted dunes. At the north end is Driftwood Beach where the forests come right down to the beach. here the sands are harder and the surf gentler. A great beach for strolling with your dog.

Away from the beaches there is no trail hiking for your dog in the Golden Isles, unless you like yo travel on paved bike paths. On Jekyll Island you can walk your dog through the 240-acre historic district anchored by the opulent Jeykll Island Club. You will wander on carriage roads around fantastic cottages built by the Vanderbilts, Morgans, Rockefellers, Goodyears, Pulitzers and so on.

Siam Park Water Kingdom, Tenerife

A great day out for all the family when visiting Tenerife is the Siam Park Water Kingdom which is based on the ancient kingdom of Thailand. Opened in 2008, Siam Park is a fantastic theme park with great water attractions and is located in Playa de las Americas on the island of Tenerife. The park has a magnificent wave pool where the waves reach heights of over 3ft enabling you to ride the surf. The pool also has a lovely sandy beach with the water temperature at 24C.

Siam Beach offers wonderful views of the Atlantic Ocean and the island of La Gomera. Here you will find The Beach Bar where you can enjoy a refreshing drink on the terrace and The Beach Club which offers a buffet with international cusine which you can eat on the terrace or on the beach.

The park has the Billabong Surf Shop and a floating market, built on a Thai Village theme, where you can enjoy a Thai massage and purchase souvenirs, refreshments, sun lotion, swimming attire and much much more.

ATTRACTIONS

The Tower of Power
In my opinion this is the best and most terrifying attraction here. After climbing to the top of the tower you plunge 92ft into an aquarium! A must for the thrill seekers.

The Dragon
Seated in a raft for up to 3 people, you will experience zero gravity when the raft enters a giant cone, spinning round and round until it is washed along to the end of the ride.

Mekong Rapids
This is a mad ride for all the family in family sized rafts along the rapids.

Naga Racer
Comprising of 6 lanes of running water, this is where all the family can grab a mat and have a race down to the bottom of the snakes.

Jungle Snakes
This consists of four entwinnned snakes where you take a fast ride on a raft that slips and slides on the water through a mythical jungle.

The Giant
Another very popular ride where you will feel the force of gravity in a powerful twin cyclone.

The Volcano
Sitting in a dingy with 3 other people you will be transported through the darkened volcano as if you were caught in the lava flow until you reach the end.

The Lazy River (Mai Thai River)
For some relaxation you can take a ride on the long, gentle, lazy river which passes by an aquarium of tropical fish and magnificent waterfalls.

For younger children and babies there is:

The Lost City
The two towers here are joined by bridges, nets and slides where it is safe for younger children to enjoy some adventures and fun. The city also has fountains and waterfalls.

The Baby Zone
Tis is a special area with a pool and slides where parents can safely enjoy some fun with their babies.

This is just one of the attractions the whole family will enjoy whilst on their holidays to Tenerife.

If you are looking for cheap holidays to the Canary Islands, there are always great offers to have had on the internet.

Vancouver, Hidden Jewel Of The Pacific Northwest

Vancouver will receive a lot of attention as the 2010 Olympics approach, but why wait to visit during the most crowded, tourist deluged period since they hosted Expo 86?

Skiing and winter sports will receive the lion’s share of attention during the 2010 Olympics – it is the Winter Olympics, after all – but summer is Vancouver’s best season.

After a fall and winter of grey skies and rainy days, Vancouver emerges to a summer of endless blue skies, gorgeous ocean views and warm but fairly dry climate. This is when you want to come to Vancouver!

There are 5 star hotels available on the waterfront in downtown Vancouver, but there are two great hostels, one just off the famous gay area of Davie Street – its maybe six blocks of the shopping area of Robson Street as well – or another across from Jericho beach, looking across at downtown Vancouver. Very well run, situated in spectacular spots, and cheap!

Vancouver is famous for international cuisine. Sushi, Thai food, Greek, Italian, French, Indian, Chinese – but not just run of the mill varieties – some world class representatives of every type of cuisine. Hy’s Steak House is a venerable, 50 year old steak house. Cioppinno’s has the kind of Italian cooking where everyone at the table raved about having the best______ they’d ever had. C Restaurant on the water has the best seafood. Bishop’s has been rated the best restaurant for years, but Rob Feenie at Lumiere has won the Iron Chef competition. There are probably 300 outstanding restaurants in Vancouver!

What to do? Stanley Park is second only to Central Park in new York for size of an urban park – and it is simply spectacular, surrounded by the ocean. Over in North Vancouver, cross the Capilano Suspension Bridge, swinging side to side, 300 feet over the Capilano River. There are 3 ski hills poised overlooking Vancouver, so great sightseeing – take the gondola up to the top of Grouse Mountain. Storeum in Gastown is a new tourist attraction – find out about BC’s history. See Vancouver Canucks hockey, BC Lions football, Whitecaps Soccer and catch a “nooner” at Nat bailey Stadium and watch Vancouver Canadians baseball.

Granville Street is the entertainment district, with bars lined on both sides of the street, including the Yale, Vancouver’s old time blues bar. There is a gay district with most gay bars on Davie Street. There is a Pride Parade in August, and four nights of the Symphony of Fire fireworks competition – just you and 400,000 of your closest friends watching fireworks timed to music!

Though you’d never need to leave Vancouver, there are great side trips to Victoria (more English than England), Tofino, Vancouver Island and smaller Gulf Islands, Whistler, and the always scorching hot Okanagan Lake. Believe me, you WILL find lots to do!

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