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Top Three Beachfront Accommodations in South Africa That Are Perfect for Beach Lovers

South-Africa-a South Africa is known for offering a perfect holiday no matter what type of tourist you are. The country does not disappoint beach lovers who have booked tickets on flights to South Africa in search of an ocean-front stay. South Africa has some of the best beachfront hotels in the world that ensure an unforgettable experience. Here are just three of them.

De Hoop Collection

De Hoop is a nature reserve that offers once in a life time experience to travellers who book tickets on flights to South Africa to stay here. With mighty sea, sand dunes, rare fynbos plants and the scenic Potberg Mountains – it is a perfect place to spend a holiday with family. Situated in the southernmost tip of Africa, the accommodation is built in a traditional Arniston fishing cottage style that accommodates up to eight people. De Hoop boasts about forty percent of Southern Right Whale population, making it one of the best places to watch the giant creatures. A number of activities like hiking, cycling and bird watching are popular here.

Thonga Beach Lodge

Situated in beautiful shores of Maputuland coast, KwaZulu-Natal, Thonga Beach Lodge is a twenty four bed luxury lodge that is perfect for those who wish to explore some of the unspoilt charms of African continent. Coastal forests, lush grasslands, gorgeous lakes and exquisite sandy beaches – you are sure to find it all. Due to the crystal clear and warm waters of this place, it is considered as one of the best snorkelling and fantastic off-shore scuba diving destinations in South Africa. The individual air-conditioned chalets, raised on wooden stilts are designed to keep your stay close to nature.

Crawford’s Beach Lodge

Whether you are a solo traveller exploring the world or a romantic couple celebrating romance, you cannot go wrong with Crawford’s Beach Lodge. This family owned 4 star beach resorts is waiting to serve you with a marvellous blend of luxury accommodation, great hospitality and myriad of entertainment options. Honeymooners can choose honeymoon packages and special tours to make the most of their trip. Paired with the comfortable stay, the unspoilt charm of Wild Coast region of the Eastern Cape is sure to give you an unforgettable experience.

Loi Kratong – A Festival When Thailand Wears Glittering Attire

There are several gems that add a splendid diversification to the cultural affluence of Thailand. Loi Kratong is one such gem that creates a mesmeric traditional environment in the month of November every year. Loi Kratong or Loy Krathong is the Festival of Lights which spreads splendour of joy in various parts of the country. Travellers booking tickets aboard flights to Thai cities like Bangkok, Chiang Mai or Koh Samui for the month of November can be a part of this cultural extravaganza. Read more to know how this Thai fiesta is celebrated in Bangkok and Chiang Mai.

Bangkok

Bangkok If you are disembarking flights at Bangkok, the capital city of Thailand, on 07th November, consider spending your evening at Chao Phraya River. As the sun sets, during full moon night in the twelfth lunar month, this area glitters like a cluster of diamonds. Lotus-shaped receptacles are known as Loi Kratong that floats on water. Ritual of this festival is to put a candle, flowers, nuts, food and joss sticks in these receptacles and make a wish before leaving them over the waters of Chao Phraya. This dazzling scene under the shade of moon offers several worth-capturing moments and blissful experience.

Chiang Mai

Chiang-Mai Besides Bangkok, Chiang Mai is another city which is famous for Loi Kratong celebrations. Culture vultures buying tickets to Chiang Mai to participate in Loi Kratong festival can peep into some of the most prominent cultural facets of Thailand. Unlike Bangkok, the fiesta keeps up the spirit for three days. This year, Chiang Mai celebrates this festival from 5th to 7th November. Besides ritual of letting the Loi Kratong float over the waters of Mae Ping River, Chiang Mai also feature an array of activities such as boat races and several other contests. On 5th November, the celebrations start with a lantern parade at Thapae Gate and will reach Chang Klan Road around 2200 hrs. At the starting point i.e., Thapae Gate, one can be a part of contests like Yee Peng Kids Contest and Noppamas Queen Beauty contest. Second day boasts similar enthusiasm with a variety of parades and contests. On final day, fiesta comes to an end with an effervescent show of fireworks.

Cinemania – A Film Festival Highlighting Montreal’s French Connection!

November is the month to board flights to Montreal and experience the quintessential impression of the French cinema in Canada!! In the penultimate month of 2014, the city of Montreal is hosting Cinemania, one of the most popular film festivals in Canada. If you are in the city from 6th to 16th November, consider being a part of this 20 year old film fiesta that features French language movies. Let’s check a few more details about this prominent French film festival!

Opening

The festival will open with the gala screening of Anne Fontaine’s movie ‘Gemma Bovery’ at Imperial Cinema located on the Bleury Street. This movie is based on the novel of same name written by British graphic-novelist Posy Simmonds.

Tickets

Tickets for the majority of movie screenings are available online. Film fanatics, disembarking flights in Montreal between 06th and 16th November, can save big by buying Passport for All Films. Festival Pass for six films is also up for sale. Log on to the official portal to buy tickets and to check more details and upcoming deals. You can buy tickets for these movies 24 hours prior to their screening.

Special Events

Besides, this fest also entices several film students, critics etc. to participate in special events such as tributes to notable celebrities and intriguing discussions. This edition of Cinemania features two events in tribute to notable French actress Anouk Aimée. On November 16th, reach Cinema Imperial to be a part of Roundtable discussion with talented actress Emmanuelle Devos and popular French film director Martin Provost who directed movie ‘Violette’ starring Devos. After this discussion, screening of Violette will start.

Closing

Bid adieu to this year’s Cinemania with ‘Party Girl’ which has already been featured at the 2014 Cannes Film Festival and has won two coveted prizes Camera d’Or award and the Un Certain Regard Ensemble Prize.

Since all movies are subtitled in English, UK travellers reserving seats on Montreal bound flights can buy tickets for the screenings, with no worry about the language barrier.

Some Popular Bars and Bistros in Hauz Khas Village, Delhi’s Party Hub

The mere mention of Hauz Khas Village light up the faces of those who have delved into Delhi’s heart-throbbing nightlife and seek to get more. Hauz Khas Village is one of the most happening corners in the Indian capital that brims with an eclectic choice of fun avenues!! Whether you’re a wine cognoscente, a food-lover, an active hipster or indolent epicurean, Hauz Khas Village boasts everything you require for your kind of night-out in Delhi. Listed below are good options to taste a regaling nightlife in Hauz Khas Village, the glittering party hub of Delhi.

U n Me Lounge Bar

With delicious Chinese cuisines, extensive beverage menu, beautiful decor and soothing ambience, this captivating bar in main market of Hauz Khas Village overwhelms one and all. Price is quite pocket-friendly, when it comes to dining as well as wining. It attracts a huge crowd including both locals and international tourists who have spent on flights and holiday deals for the Indian capital.

Botttegger

If you’re after best alcohol, Bottlegger is the place to be. Their innovative cocktail menu has everything from Rum to Whiskey and a whimsical blend of various quality wines from across the globe. Try Chicken Bites with Bbq Sauce or Chicken Caesar Salad to give your taste buds a pleasing experience! The ambiance as well as hospitality at Bottlegger is par excellence, attracting many who have grabbed tickets on flights for a fun-filled holiday in Delhi.

Social Offline

An understated, welcoming place to relish the company of friends while gorging on quality food and wine, Social Offline offers the best of both worlds. Add to that interesting art and photography exhibits, stand-up comedy act or a live DJ performance, and that’s Social Offline for you to have a wonderful night-out in Delhi.

Fork You

The extensive menu at ‘Fork You’ specialises in delicious burgers and chilled beer, making it a great place to hang out with friends. Located near Green Park Metro Station, this swanky establishment is fast becoming a vital part of beer scene in the area. A range of burgers are main highlights of food menu; however, you can try several other delicacies as well. Panko Fried Prawns, Smoked Barbecued Chicken and Pesto Olive Chicken are the specialities at Fork You that are sure to delight international foodies arriving here after disembarking their Delhi bound flights.

Annual Festivals that Explicate the Cultural Affluence of Australia

Studded with multicultural magnificence, Australia hosts several events and festivals all throughout the year that celebrate the amalgamation of various traditions. No matter what time of the year you choose to book flights to Australia for, the nation would have a festival to be on your list. Let’s look at few prominent annual events and festivals that mark the cultural richness of Australia.

National Multicultural Festival

This free community festival is an annual event that takes place in Canberra, the capital city of Australia. The city is hosting this festival since 1981 and even after 33 years, the charm, excitement and exhilaration is still intact. This four -day fest comprises of music, dance and creative performances by individuals and groups from across the globe. Food is another significant highlight of this cultural festival. Culture vultures buying tickets on Australia flights to visit Canberra in February can be part of this extravaganza.

Woodford Folk Festival

Woodford Folk Festival by Jan Smith/ CC BY

This is another popular annual festival on Australian calendar. This folk festival enhances the enchantment of Queensland’s town, Woodford. To immerse in the traditional fun of this fest, check the availability of flight tickets for December-January. During this fiesta, Woodford becomes a world of entertainment and excitement for six days. The town is located around 70kms from Brisbane and visitors staying in this city can easily commute to Woodford to enjoy the folk dances, music, arts and much more. Spotlight of the closing ceremony is the dazzling Fire Event on New Year’s Eve.

Melbourne International Arts Festival

Several performing art lovers book flights to Melbourne in October to experience the grandeur of Australian arts at Melbourne International Arts Festival. Also famous as Melbourne Festival, this 17-day festival features several circus, music, dance, multimedia and visual arts events taking place at several popular performing arts venues in Melbourne. First edition of this arts fiesta was held in 1986 and was known as Spoleto Festival. Several family-friendly events are also featured on the list of Melbourne festival.

Top Three Hotels in Colombo – Not Just another Accommodation

Colombo packs in a myriad of tourist attractions and other sightseeing options. Travellers who are booking tickets on flights to this city will find that the city is not only incredibly rich in colonial heritage; it also blends a perfect punch of modernism. A large number of tourists visit this city every year and take advantage of abundance of accommodation options available here. For those who are looking for staying at one of the top hotels here, the city leaves them with a number of choices. Colombo has hotels that are ranked among the best luxury hotels in Sri Lanka. Here is a quick peek at just three of the top hotels in Colombo that often rank high on popularity chart among travellers.

Casa Colombo

Casa Colombo by Indi Samarajiva/ CC BY

Once a lavish mansion built by one of the wealthiest Indian trading families at the time, Casa Colombo has everything a discerning traveller booking tickets Colombo flights could ask for. There are twelve suites in the hotel and all of them have been designed keeping in keeping the uniqueness and aesthetic appeal in mind. The style is historical hipster; Casa Colombo manages to blend the contemporary and old world charm with panache.
Location: 231, Galle Road, Bambalapitiya, Colombo

The Park Street Hotel

Situated just 3 kilometres from Bambalapitiya Railway Station, The Park Street Hotel is one of the few remaining properties of its kind in Colombo. The hotel boasts a 250-year-old colonial bungalow that has been perfectly designed into a beautiful twelve room boutique hotel. There are three categories in the rooms – Saleh Suite, Beghum Suite and Deluxe Room that rank high among most tourists who invest on tickets aboard Colombo flights. Each room and suite at Park Street Hotel exudes distinct charm and opulence.
Location: No.20, Park Street, Colombo

Paradise Road Tintagel Colombo

With 10 individually designed luxury suites, heavenly dining and legendary hospitality, Paradise Road Tintagel Colombo draws a number of luxury travellers. It also takes pride in being the accommodation option for the Royal Highnesses Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall on their visit to Colombo. The rooms have everything you can expect in a luxury hotel room, the dining is always great and the service is peerless.
Location: 65, Rosmead Pl, Colombo

Best Season to Hike in New Zealand – Take Your Pick!

Endless list of thrill-filled activities explicates the adventurous facet of New Zealand. Of course, hiking is a top activity in the country that appeals to all. Whether you are a professional hiker or just want to explore the captivating natural beauty of the kiwi nation, hiking options are endless. Besides apt hiking spots, another aspect that gets the hiker thinking is the ‘best time to hike’ in New Zealand. Surely, no one can point out a bad time or season for hiking in this country! Whether you are buying tickets on New Zealand flights to enjoy winters in July or Christmas in the shade of sun, hiking is sure to tickle your adventure bone. Here’s a little more about hiking in this country across different seasons!

Summer

summer Summer in New Zealand is stretched from December to February. This is the best time to hike up the mountains in this splendid nation. Aspects that make summer the most favourable hiking time are dry weather and long sunny days. Remember, this is the peak season and sites tend to be crowded, hence plan early.

Winter

winter Hordes of European travellers reserve seats on New Zealand bound flights to avoid soaring heat at home. For hikers in New Zealand, this is the time to take a walk through the snow capped mountains and admire the captivating magnificence of surrounding forests. Availability of cheap air tickets is one of the best prospects to plan hiking trip to New Zealand in winters. Other pros include less crowded tracks.

Autumn

This is another best time to indulge in hiking in this country. Autumn here is stretched from March to May and allows hiking enthusiasts to avoid summer heat and crowds while admiring beguiling fascination of spectacular weather.

Spring

spring Warm temperatures and scores of colourful flowers are the major highlights of New Zealand Spring. With longer days, hikers get more time to explore the tranquil regions of the country. Travellers boarding flights to visit here in late October and November are sure to get mesmerized by the splendour of alpine flowers.

Largest and Most Popular Airports in the USA

With phenomenal services and state-of-the art amenities, many airports in the USA rank among of the most popular ones in the world. People from all around the world book flights tickets to these airports and make them the busiest. Here is a quick look at some of the largest airports in the country and what makes them popular.

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Atlanta

World class terminals, seamless global connectivity, countless passenger facilities, extravagant shopping and a lot more – Hartsfield-Jackson Airport (ATL) is always ready to impress passengers with its services. Busiest in the USA, ATL is also the world’s busiest airport. A large number of travellers from all around the world book tickets to USA every year and a major chunk of them use this airport. ATL is the hub for Delta Airlines. Users of the airport can do a lot here before and after their flights. The airport recently saw the re-opening of the Delta Flight Museum. Passengers can also enjoy free WIFI at the airport now.

O’Hare International Airport, Chicago

A large number of premium carriers serve O’Hare International Airport (ORD). The airport majorly connects destinations in the Midwest and is a hub for United Airlines. With wonderful passenger facilities this airport is among the hot favourite of people arriving on USA flights. Chicago is popular for food and O’Hare is home to several of the city’s most popular restaurants. Be it a Chicago styled hotdog, a deep dish pizza, the airport remains a gourmet’s delight. Besides, ORD makes constant efforts in the direction of sustainability and eco-friendliness and has been a pioneer in hosting the aeroponic garden (growing plants without soil) in the world.

Los Angeles International Airport, Los Angeles

To handle the heavy passenger flow throughout the year from Asia and Pacific, Los Angeles International (also LAX) now has a new international terminal. The airport is packed with myriad of facilities and amenities. There are a number of duty free shops that offer amazing shopping experience. Food and beverages’ outlets are also in no shortage. Besides the modern amenities, Los Angeles airport also hosts an Art Program. A number of diverse and breathtaking artefacts and relics can be seen here which thoroughly enthral the users of the airport. LAX is the main airport for Los Angeles, Hollywood, and Southern California.

Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, Dallas/Fort Worth

The airport itself is so big that it has its own postal code and post office. Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) is the busiest airport in the state of Texas. Admired as one of the USA’s most tech-friendly airports, DFW is an airport brimmed with facilities and services. Browse more than 100 specialty shops and retail locations, savour your favourite wine, enjoy the seamless internet access or simply indulge in a good massage – there is no dearth of options here. No wonder why, the airport has been nominated as Best Airport for a Layover by the readers of USA TODAY 10Best.

Penang Island Jazz Festival 2014 – A Must Visit Event for Penang Travellers in December

Known for its rich heritage and breathtaking views, Penang Island draws a large number of tourists every year. Among the many attractions in Penang, the jazz festival has a prominent place. Every year the island hosts an incredible jazz festival that is attended by a number of music and fun lovers. Penang Jazz Festival is all about music, fun, artist performances, jazz and loads of entertainment.

Penang Island Jazz Festival by viroze/ CC BY

Inception

Though the idea of jazz festival in Penang took birth somewhere in 1996 but the final shape of the festival came in after eight years. In 2004, The Capricorn Connection organized the two day/ one stage event with some workshops and a mini jazz gallery; the idea was to create a festival experience. Over the years, due to its growing popularity, a number of other supporting activities have been added. Some of the most noteworthy ones are Fringe Stages, “Jazz with a Heart” Charity, Island Jazz Forum, Community Drum Circle and After Hours Jazz Jam.

About the Festival 2014

Bigger, noisier and better – this is the 11th edition of the Penang Jazz Festival and it is bound to be entertaining. As the festival has aged well through the years, it has established itself as one of the most popular attractions in Penang. A number of performers will rock the “Jazz By The Beach” stage this year. Some of the prominent ones are Crystal Bowersox, Carmen Souza, Monoswezi, Laila Baili Trio, CNIRBS and Jo Yeong Duk Trio. Apart from the performances, the festival will have workshop exhibitions, Sunrise @ TSG, After Hours Jazz Jam, Creative Malaysia Fringe Stages and the “Island Music Forum Sessions”. Over the course of time, the festival has witnessed a lot of talents, local as well as from the international acts from USA, UK, Australia, South Korea, Japan, Indonesia, Germany, Norway, Netherlands, Sweden, Brazil, Hungary, China, Taiwan, Vietnam, etc.

Highlights of the Festival

•   Jazz by the Beach
•   Fringe Stages
•   Sunrise @Tropical Spice Garden
•   Island Music Forum Sessions
•   Workshops
•   Jazz Gallery
•   After Hours Jazz Jam and More!

The Dates

The festival is starting on 4th December and will continue to rock the island till 7th December.

Locations

Bayview Beach Resort, Hard Rock Hotel, PARKROYAL Penang Resort and Tropical Spice Garden are the key locations.

Goa Sunburn 2014: Get set to be ‘Sunburned’ at India’s Greatest Beach Party!!

Goa is the craziest and most maddening party place in India! The events and festivals of the city often shout loud about its exciting culture and lifestyle. Merrymakers planning to grab flight tickets to Goa to get acquainted with the region’s colourful culture must not think anymore as the state is all set to host the Sunburn Music Festival for the 7th time in a row. Often considered Asia’s most extravagant dance and music event, Sunburn Goa is a perfect dose for adding exceptional glitz and glamour to the nightlife of the city. With stunning music performances beginning from early in the evening and going on till late evening hours, nonstop partying is the prerogative of everyone at the festival!

This electronic dance music (EDM) festival will be held in the month of December from 27th – 29th at Vagator Beach. This year, the festival will be featuring over 7 different stages with live performances from over 90 international artists. The long list of international artists making their way to the carnival includes Afrojack, Axwell, Markus Schulz, Pete Tong, Mark Knight, Andrew Rayel along with local artists naming Dualist Inquiry, (S)haan, Lost Stories, Anish Sood, Kohra and many more. Different genres that will be played during the festival include House, Trance, Electro, Drum & Bass, Techno, Psy-trance, Experimental music, etc.

One of worlds’ greatest music and dance festivals, the event further guarantees an experience of a lifetime with wild dance parties and adrenalin gushing music which is sure to take visitors off their feet. Going much beyond dance and music, this three-day gala event is an exciting amalgamation of food, sports and shopping. For visitors who wish to party till late night, special “After Dark” parties are organized that begin post 10 pm and end with a 24-hour hangover fun and frolic. Tickets for the event are easily available online on the official website of the event i.e. www.sunburn.in. However, apart from dance and music, visitors have many other reasons to book flights to Goa. Adventure seekers may go for trekking, camping or participating in one of the many thrilling water activities offered at most beaches.