Monthly Archives: July 2014

Blackmores Sydney Running Festival 2014 – Another Example of Australia’s Sports-Fanatic Society

The final countdown has begun for the 2014 edition of Australia’s most talked about sports event, Blackmores Sydney Running Festival. All set to take place on September 21st, 2014, this gala celebration is expected to lure scores of sports enthusiasts form different parts of the world to look for cheap tickets on flights bound for Sydney. The previous editions of this amazing festival have already created enough buzz and hype. Moreover, the immense popularity of this carnival has earned it a Silver Rating in the International Sports Council. The festival will feature four distinct events that will cross the Sydney Harbour Bridge allowing the holidaymakers to explore the astonishing picturesque views of the city. Here’s a quick titbit over the event giving all the necessary details to visitors taking flights tickets to Australia to participate in the carnival.

Events

This much-talked about athletic extravaganza will feature four different events that will start in Bradfield Park, Milson’s Point further travelling over the main deck of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and finishing at the Sydney Opera House. The different participants fighting tooth and claw for racing may compete in the following events.

Marathon

Especially tailored for true running enthusiasts and athletes, this is indeed amongst the most scenic marathon festivals in the world stretching over 42.195 kilometres and covering some of Sydney’s most historic and striking landmarks.

Half Marathon

Half Marathon by Angus Fraser/ CC BY

Half Marathon by Angus Fraser/ CC BY

This 21.0975 kilometres stretch invites the travellers to raise high till the challenge and take on the course to relish sites like Harbour Bridge and Opera House.

Bridge Run

The 9 kilometres event is meant for first timers and is an easily achievable challenge taking in the visitors through the lovely sights of Sydney, including Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair just before finishing at the famous Royal Botanic Gardens.

Family Fun Run

No matter you prefer walking or running, partake in this fun run and enjoy a day out with family and friends while travelling the different parts of the city.

Top 3 Magnificent Temples in Bangkok – Exploring City’s Impressive Spiritual Side

Bangkok is not all about pumping night life and swanky hotels. There is a majestic spiritual side to this magnificent city. Bangkok is one of those cities that can not only give you the best options to splurge on all kinds of worldly pleasures but it also offers the best options to find inner peace. People who are booking tickets on flights to Bangkok are sure to be delighted with the experience they will have here, no matter what it is they seek! Whether you are a solo traveller or with family, if it is the spirituality you are after, Bangkok will not disappoint. The city has some of the most magnificent temples (which they call ‘Wat’) in the world. Among the top 5 lures that westerners visit Thailand for, these temples have a significant place. Here is a quick peek into just five of the best wats that Bangkok takes pride in having.

Wat Phra Kaew

Wat-Phra-KaewSituated within the magnificent Grand Palace, Wat Phra Kaew is one of the most prominent Buddhist temples in Thailand. It is also known as the Temple of Emerald Buddha due to the beautiful statue of Buddha carved from a single block of jade; the details are amazing. The statue is in a meditating position, dating back to 15th century AD. This is one of the prime attractions holidaymakers grab hold of tickets aboard flights to Bangkok for.

Wat Arun

Wat-ArunWat Arun, also known as Wat Chaeng is simply one of the most spectacular looking temples in Thailand. The riverside location adds the additional stars. The magnificent spire, that is over 70 metres high, catches the attention first. It is beautifully ornate with coloured glass and Chinese porcelain. Inside the temple you can see some of the most intricate work of architecture; at least one hour is needed to explore this place.

Wat Pho

Wat-PhoBeing one of the largest temple complexes in the city, Wat Pho is a beautiful sample of Thai architecture and a must visit place for those who are seeking inner peace. The temple is famous for its 45 metres gold leaf covered Buddha in a reclining position. That is why it is also called as the Temple of Reclining Buddha. Though you can choose to visit the temple anytime between 8 am to 5 pm, early morning and evening are the best time to visit.

Three of the Top Durban Attractions You Cannot Miss

What makes Durban one of the top destinations in South Africa; one that holidaymakers scramble hard to grab hold of flights’ tickets for? Well, being the largest city in the South African province of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban has a smorgasbord of interesting things to perpetually keep its visitors engrossed. Whether it is the beautiful botanic gardens that are renowned for rich flora or the scenic valley of 1000 Hills, the city never fails to draw the attention of its visitors. Though Durban is brimmed with things to do and see there are few attractions that are a must visit for a perfect holiday. Here is a quick peek into just three of them.

The Valley of a 1000 Hills

The Valley of a 1000 hills is a magnificent place that can spellbind any kind of holidaymaker with its sheer beauty. Unexplored nature, scenic views, great hospitality at amazing places around to wine and dine – this place must not be missed on a trip to Durban. Steam train trips from Kloof station to Cato Ridge on the weekend is one of the most popular attractions here.

uShaka Sea World Aquarium

Sea-World-Aquarium

Are you on a family holiday with kids? There is no better place than the Sea World Aquarium to have a great experience with family. There are a number of water-based activities that are sure to delight you. If you have a love for ocean’s most ferocious creature – the shark, the Sea World offers a shark cage experience and you can feel the adrenaline pumping as you are lowered in an enclosed cylinder into the huge shark exhibit. Other attractions like Ocean-walker experience and Snorkel lagoon remain the hot favourite.

Moses Mabhida Stadium

Moses Mabhida Stadium by Mohammed Moosa / CC BY

Moses Mabhida Stadium by Mohammed Moosa / CC BY

Moses Mabhida Stadium is a must visit for those who are seeking adventure and fun. The thrilling Skycar ride leading to the top of the arch is your ticket to view Durban like you have never done! Walk five hundred fifty steps to the sky platform on the Adventure Walk or take a guided tour of the stadium for guaranteed and unmatched fun. Moses Mabhida Stadium takes your Durban experience to the next level and is simply loved by sport enthusiasts who wish to get the most out of their trip to Durban.

Top July Festivals in Thailand You Can Consider Being a Part Of

Want to experience the quintessential vibe of Thailand? July is the month when you should be there in Thailand. During this month, this Far Eastern nation celebrates numerous festivities and hosts several events where you can explore the cultural, modern as well as spiritual charm of Thailand. Here’s a list of most popular events in Thailand that are scheduled for July.

Phuket Raceweek

Officially, this event is known as Cape Panwa Hotel Phuket Raceweek and ensures an unprecedented yachting experience. If you are boarding flights to be in Phuket around 16th to 20th July, you can be a part of this five-day event taking place at the southeast coast of Phuket Island at Cape Panwa Hotel. You can seek accommodation at Cape Panwa Hotel or Kantary Bay Hotel. Both of these hotels are sponsoring this event from last three year.

Pattaya International Marathon

Runners can ill afford to miss out on this opportunity to test their skills at Pattaya Marathon, one of the most prominent marathons in Thailand. This race is enticing competitors from across the globe since 1995. The event is divided into three sections namely half-marathon, marathon and quarter marathon. In 2014, 27th July is the chosen day when entire Pattaya comes together to celebrate the spirit of sports.

Hua Hin Jazz Festival

Hua Hin Jazz Festival by Greg Walters/ CC BY

Hua Hin Jazz Festival by Greg Walters/ CC BY

Hua Hin Jazz Festival by Greg Walters/ CC BY

Hua Hin Jazz Festival by Greg Walters/ CC BY

Music lovers enjoying their holidays in Thailand for July can be a part of Hua Hin Jazz Festival at Suan Luang Rachinee 19 Rai Park on 26th July. Entry tickets are not required to enjoy melodies played by notable trumpeter from USA, Steve Cannon. Several other world-renowned jazz artists are also going to perform here. Besides international bands and artists, this event also serves as a platform for tyros to flaunt their skills.

Tour De France 2014 – an Event Not to be Missed for Cycling Lovers

If you like bicycle race then you are going to love ‘Tour de France’ and if you love bicycle race, well, then you must not miss this event! Tour de France is a multiple stage bicycle race that has been organized since 1903. It is one of the oldest and prestigious bicycle tours in the world. The event is ideally always organized in the month of July. Due to its ever growing popularity, the tour has been extending across the globe every year. A large number of enthusiasts from around the world book flight tickets every year to be a part of this great event. There are 21 stages that the event comprises of and it covers more than three thousand kilometres. Starting from Leeds, West Yorkshire, Tour De France is reaching its 101st edition this year. Women will also be a part on the final day in the race of La Course. As Tour De France is a part of International Cycling Union (UCI), most of the teams that will be participating in the event will be from the UCI Pro teams. Cycling junkies who have booked tickets on flights to France to be a part of this event are sure to see a lot of action as the event is packed with races and there is a lot to see and do.

Tour De France by Johan Vandamme/ CC BY

Tour De France by Johan Vandamme/ CC BY

Tour De France by Peter Dutton/ CC BY

Tour De France by Peter Dutton/ CC BY

Tour De France by Dan Atrill/ CC BY

Tour De France by Dan Atrill/ CC BY

The Schedule

Nearby Countries:

When Where
5 July Leeds – Harrogate (United Kingdom)
6 July York – Sheffield (United Kingdom)
7 July Cambridge – London (United Kingdom)
8 July Le Touquet-Paris-Plage (France)
9 July Ypres (Belgium)

Back to France:

Date Place
10 July Arras – Reims
11 July Épernay – Nancy
12 July Tomblaine – Gérardmer La Mauselaine
13 July Gérardmer – Mulhouse
14 July Mulhouse – La Planche des Belles Filles
15 July -Rest-
16 July Besançon – Oyonnax
17 July Bourg-en-Bresse – Saint-Étienne
18 July Saint-Étienne – Chamrousse
19 July Grenoble – Risoul
20 July Tallard – Nîmes
21 July -Take a walk, its rest day -
22 July Carcassonne – Bagnères-de-Luchon
23 July Saint-Gaudens – Saint-Lary-Soulan Pla d’Adet
24 July Pau – Hautacam
25 July Maubourguet Pays du Val d’Adour – Bergerac
26 July Bergerac – Périgueux
27 July Évry – Paris

Be a Part of Exhilarating Tomato Fight at La Tomatina Festival 2014, Spain

One of the most exciting and thrilling festivals in the world that is sure to set fun lovers on a mad quest to grab flights tickets to Spain is the much popular La Tomatina Festival. This distinct yet amazing food fight festival is held on the last Wednesday of August every year in the town of Bunol near Valencia in Spain. This year the gala event is scheduled for 27th August, 2014 and expected to beckon millions of people for partaking in the ‘World’s Biggest Food Fight’. The festival is going to start with a bang at around 11 am when the over dozens of trucks will haul the bounty of tomatoes into the centre of the town, Plaza del Pueblo.

All about the Festival

It is a week-long festival brings along a marvellous repertoire of events ranging from music concerts to fashion parades to fireworks. A paella cooking contest is also held a night before the tomato fights. The festival begins just after one brave soul climbs a two-story high, greased-up wooden pole to reach the coveted ham at the top. However, the signal for the beginning of the carnival is firing of water cannons on the gathered crowd and just then the chaos begins with people going mad and crazy to hit each other with squeezed tomatoes. This entire playfulness lasts for almost one hour when the fighting ends with the water cannons fired once more to signal the end. At this time, the participants wash themselves and enjoy the cool shower with family and friends.

The official La Tomatina after Party is also something worth the cost of air tickets for flights to Spain. This year the party is intended to become bigger and better as it will see thousands of merrymakers dancing on the thumping tunes and sipping their favourite booze. Participants must wear protective safety goggles and gloves.

La Tomatina is the most sought after events in the world with thousands of global travellers flocking the Spain. It is a peak season that definitely calls for advance booking of the flights, hotels and entry tickets.

Ongoing Fun in Canada: Vancouver Celebrates Lonsdale Quay Farmers Market!

Relishing scrumptious food is one of the fantastic prerogatives of buying air tickets and holidaying in Vancouver. The metropolis is not for nothing famed as food city of Canada and what adds to its immense popularity is the ongoing Lonsdale Quay Farmers Market festival. Already in progress from 3rd May 2014, the event will last for more than five months and will end on 25th October, 2014. This extravagant gala festival is nothing but the best way to wallow in organic and conventional produce that includes jam, vinegar, jelly, salsa, baking, honey, sauces, maple syrup, tea and much more.

The much celebrated Lonsdale Quay Farmers Market also features pottery sessions, live music, book swap and kids play area along with featured entertainment. This is surely one of the most popular food festivals of the world, which will leave epicureans gloating over their decision of grabbing flights tickets to Canada for participating in the gala. The Market also holds special events which promise fun and excitement for the entire family. Here’s a quick rundown on some of the major upcoming events that are sure to catch the fancy of most visitors.

Teddy Bears Picnic, July 19th 2014

Teddy Bears Picnic by vastateparksstaff / CC BY

Teddy Bears Picnic  by vastateparksstaff / CC BY

At this exhilarating event, the visitors need to bring a special teddy bear along to the market and hunt for a companion for the teddy amongst the other market vendors. Once they find it, claim one to take it back home. Treat your taste buds with some delicious snacks and parade around the market with your exclusive teddy!

Great Zucchini Races, August 16th – 17th, 2014

Great Zucchini Races by Salt Spring Community/ CC BY

Great Zucchini Races by Salt Spring Community/ CC BY

Try and make a unique Zucchini Racer for yourself at the market or home as the organizers supply you all the required materials. Make sure the racer runs well on an incline on all four wheels and win the race to carry home loads of prizes and gift vouchers.

The Market is Going to the Dogs, September 20th – 21st, 2014

This is a special affair particularly organized for the dogs, where they can win prizes in different categories including curliest tail, longest tail, shortest tail, largest dog, smallest dog, best dressed large dog and best dressed small dog.

The Scarecrow Contest, October 18th – 19th, 2014

The Scarecrow Contest by Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts & Humanities / CC BY

The Scarecrow Contest by Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts & Humanities / CC BY

Make a fully decorated scarecrow for yourself at home and bring it to the market to flaunt. Prizes are on offer in different categories – Under 5 years – 5 to 7 years – 8 – 10 years – 12 – 15 years – Adult.

Hong Kong Summer Fun 2014

The bustling city of Hong Kong comes alive in all its elements at the time of the coveted summer festival, the Hong Kong Summer Fun. The merry-making and frivolity commences in the month of June and continues till the end of August. Many tourists from all the over the world book flights to Hong Kong at this time of the year as they wish to experience the multifarious indulgences that the city offers. The 2014 edition kicked off from 27 June and will go on till 31 August 2014. This colourful jamboree brought along numerous options for entertainment and leisure activities to engage and delight visitors and locals alike.

Shopping

Tourists arriving on flights to Hong Kong are keen to explore the array of markets and shopping complexes which the city houses. There are lucrative discounts which are on offer and visitors cannot help but immerse themselves in the pleasant tide of top brands and local produces. Many retail outlets and boutiques participate in the Hong Kong Summer Fun by setting up themed markets and luring shoppers with a variety of discounted items.

Shows and Exhibitions

The festive spirit is alive with the umpteen shows and exhibitions that are hosted in various parts of the city. Be it the glamorous pop-shows featuring celebrities like Jordan Chan and Jerry Lamb who are popular amongst the youth, or the extraordinary exhibition of the “1600 Paper Mache Pandas” which not only amaze tourists, but also enlighten them.

Entertainment Venues

Visitors boarding flights to Hong Kong during the Summer Fun are elated to find discount offers on many of the top notch entertainment venues in the city. This year the prices of tickets have been lowered for the Summer Fun in many places including Ocean Park Hong Kong, Madame Tussauds Hong Kong and Hong Kong Disneyland.

Ocean Park Hong Kong by Robert Baxter / CC BY

Ocean Park Hong Kong by Robert Baxter / CC BY

Foodies Delight

Hong Kong is acclaimed for its wide range of culinary delights which comprises mostly of Chinese cuisine, but is not devoid of Western ones too. Thousands of restaurants and eateries clam up with excited foodies during Summer Fun where one gets to relish some of the finest dishes of Asia.
The summer festivity, with a plethora of attractions, entices many travellers to book tickets to Hong Kong.

Participate in Spain’s ‘Running of the Bulls’ to Experience the Thrill!

The much celebrated festival of San Fermin, better known as Running of the Bulls outside Spain, is listed amongst some of the most thrilling festivals of Spain. This gala event is being celebrated in the country from 6th – 14th July, thus giving the merrymakers a chance to grab last minute flights tickets to Spain. However, holidaymakers already vacationing in the country may head to Irunea/Pamplona in the region of Navarra to partake in this exciting and fun-filled festival. People in large groups assemble in the square, awaiting the official announcement of the mayor that the fiesta has begun. Just after the announcement is made, a rocket is launched towards the sky and the partying begins with utmost zeal and enthusiasm.

The Bull Run starts at 8 am every morning from Santo Domingo where the bulls are kept to the bullring as they fight in the other direction that same afternoon. The total stretch is of over 825 meters and the average time of the run from start to finish is almost three minutes where the participants need to run for their life. The tension intensifies just after the bulls are released. The runners are advised to be dressed in white with a red handkerchief around their necks that marks as a sign of respect for San Fermin. The runners first climb Santo Domingo and then go across the Ayuntamiento Square further crossing Mercaderes. The most exciting yet dangerous part of the run is at the curve leading into Estafeta that takes the breath away of participants.

This popular event was earlier celebrated in honour of San Fermin, a patron saint of Navarra, however with the rolling years the religious aspect has taken a backseat. The fiesta is now seen as a large gathering of people from different parts of the world where people come for partying, having fun and making the most of their huge monies spent on air tickets for flights to Spain. Travellers are advised to follow all the essential tips and advise while being a part of the race to avoid any kind of causality.

Most noteworthy IMAX theatres in the world that will transcend your Experience

Most people across the world love watching movies. Well, IMAX has taken that interest to the whole new level. Now we ‘don’t just watch movies’ we ‘live in them’. Breathtaking ambience, amazing sound effects, spectacular 3d and let’s not just get started with the screen clarity. Love movies? Then you must be loving IMAX too. If you don’t, let us change your mind by giving you a quick peek into some of the best IMAX theatres in the world. These theatres are not only among the most advanced ones in the world but they are guaranteed to make you fall in love with IMAX.

Cinesphere, Toronto, Canada

Established in 1971, Cinesphere is first ever permanent IMAX movie theatre in the world. Around eighty feet wide and sixty feet high, it is also one of the most advanced theatres in the world. Seating arrangement is for 752 people and there are a large number of amenities available. In case you need to visit this theatre, it is located at Ontario Place (amusement park), on the side of Lake Ontario.

Darling Harbour, Sydney, Australia

Darling Harbour boasts the largest IMAX screen in the world. Ultra high definition 75mm format, surreal sound system and amazing seating arrangement make this theatre a great option for movie watching. If you want to be blown away, try the IMAX films like voyage around the earth on the space shuttle and climb to the top of Mount Everest. Watching these films is like living in it, you will never look at the movies same way.

L’Hemisferic, Valencia, Spain

Whether it is their intricate design of the movie theatre or the experience they offer, Valencia’s L’Hemisferic Theatre never fails to spellbind the visitors. Holidaymakers who book tickets on flights to Valencia and have a thing for movies, this theatre is a great option. Designed in the shape of a gigantic eye, L’Hemisferic Theater is a real jewel of the city that truly enhances the movie watching experience in a great way.