Monthly Archives: September 2014

Sightseeing, Shopping and Staying-Safe: Three Important ‘S’ for Lahore Trip!

Lahore is Pakistan’s cultural, intellectual and artistic hub. Just one trip to the metropolis and you can easily comprehend why! The fascinating city thrives on its contrasts that blend together seamlessly: East with West, Islam with other religions and age-old cultures with contemporary flamboyance. Cosmopolitan shopping and easy accessibility from most cities in the world are some other components that tempt holidaymakers to buy travel tickets and land here.

Sightseeing

Badshahi-Mosque

Minar-e-PakistanLahore is home to some of the most magnificent architectural and historical sites in Pakistan. You can spend a full day just exploring city’s historical treasures, all located within a close proximity. First-timers can head to two of city’s highly revered monuments, the Lahore Fort and Badshahi Mosque, and get awed by their grandeur! Minar-e-Pakistan, Lahore Museum and Lahore Art Gallery are some other attractions worth checking out if you’re here to delve into the city’s historical legacy. Shalimar Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, houses landmarks and artefacts dating back to the Mughal era and is a must-visit place for all who have booked tickets for holidaying in Lahore.

Shop to Your Heart’s Content

Lahore has earned its repute as a shopaholic’s delight and not without a reason! There is nothing you would not find in the famous Anarkali Market! Brimming with shops and stalls, this historical market-place spoils one with a wide choice of textiles, handcrafts, garments and leather goods. Don’t forget to bargain if you really wish to crack a good deal! Sampling local delicacies at any of the food stalls in the market is another memorable expedition, well worth the cost of travel tickets and other holiday essentials. Those looking for a more exclusive shopping experience should check the city’s swanky malls such as Vogue Towers and Mall of Lahore.

Staying Safe

Though Lahore is one of the most liberal cities in Pakistan, holidaymakers buying flights’ tickets to the metropolis should adhere to its social and cultural norms. Unlike United Kingdom or any other European country, it is best to dress conservatively when wandering around Lahore, especially if your itinerary includes the visit to the religious sites like Badshahi Mosque. Always fix the fare before you start a ride in a taxi or an auto. If hiring a metered taxi, ask the driver to take normal route, as his proposal to take you through the short-cut may be just a way to hike up the fare! Don’t engage in any sort of dispute with locals. In case of trouble, take help from the local police!

Witness Hilton Arts Festival – An Event to Celebrate Theatrical Treasures of Durban!

Witness-Hilton-Arts-Festival

Performing arts is an integral part of South African culture. For theatre lovers, September is the time to book flights to Durban and be a part of the Witness Hilton Arts Festival! Durban is celebrating this grand event since 1991, and in 2014, this four-day event is scheduled from 18th to 21st September at Hilton College. Take your pick from various genres – comedy, drama, cabaret and music – to name a few. Tickets for all shows are available on official website. Besides numerous theatre plays, the fest also boasts attractions and activities for various interests. Here are few prominent highlights of The Hilton Arts Festival.

The PerSPECtive Art Exhibition

This spectacular art exhibition is an incredible opportunity to admire captivating creations of 50 artists with varied specialties and skill set. You can take a look at magnificent oil paintings, pottery work, photography and wild life drawing. The artistic vibe of the event is enhanced by live music scene. From 19th to 21st September, you can listen to soothing melodies of popular bands from Durban, KwaZulu-Natal and other parts of South Africa.

Craft Market

If you are looking for a prized memento, this market cannot be ignored. Around 150 crafters from various regions will sell high quality handmade products at this market. One can easily find numerous innovative Christmas gifts here. Craft Marquee is easily accessible from The PerSPECtive Art Exhibition and Bell Tower. Travellers with kids must spend some time at Topsy Turvy Kids Area. Hit Peanut Butter and Jam sandwiches whenever you are hungry! Few popular crafters that are participating in this Durban event are Ardmore Ceramics, Aladdin’s-De-Light Studio, Groundcover Leather Company and Sterling’s Wrought Iron.

Free Workshops

Every attraction of this event does not require tickets. There are several workshops where you can participate for free and learn several new things while mingling with people of various ethnicities. ‘Skills in Performance’ is a popular workshop for actors and musicians. This workshop starts at 1315 hrs on Friday. Travellers, who have already disembarked flights in Durban, can also consider being part of Every Little Step and The Difference between an Actor and a Pizza.

Top National Parks in New Zealand That Are a Must Visit For Nature Lovers

Lush greenery, serene lakes and stunning waterfalls – the national parks of New Zealand are some of the most sought after attractions in the country. Few of them are World Heritage Sites. Here is a quick peek into some of the most stunning parks that are worth visiting!

Fiordland National Park

With its iconic fiords and abundance of natural beauty, Fiordland National Park is one of those places where you would like the time to slow down as there is so much to see. The mountains are covered in the ancient rainforests that make the mountains look as fresh as they were years ago. As one looks closer, the fiords catch the attention. All sides of the fiords are decorated with the breathtaking waterfalls that tumble uninterrupted from hundreds of metres up above the mountains.  The entire area has an incredible array of flora and fauna that capture the eyes of the visitors.

Tongariro National Park

Nestling the volcanoes of Tongariro, Ngauruhoe and Ruapehu, Tongario National Park offers some of the most diverse views of New Zealand. The blue lakes, alpine meadows and hot springs decorate the area and offer panoramic views to visitors. While upper part of mountains offer a completely different view, the lower slopes are covered in greenery that shelters a number of native birds and also short and long tailed bats, the only native mammal of New Zealand. Skiing and water sports are some of the noteworthy activities here.

Abel Tasman National Park

Abel Tasman National Park is a coastal paradise that features golden sandy beaches, fascinating estuaries and rocky outcrops. People who are booking tickets on flights to New Zealand in search of relaxation and adventure, this is a perfect place. Cruise boats, water taxi, sea kayaks and sailing catamaran – there are a number of ways to explore the park. Popular activities here are the coastal track walks, day trips to the entire area and sea kayaking.

Mt Cook National Park

Boasting the highest mountains and the largest glaciers, Mount Cook National Park is the spectacular alpine park in New Zealand. Also known as the Aoraki National Park, this place is packed with activities and sightseeing options. The glaciers have played a significant role in shaping the beautiful landscapes of this park. There are a number of walking tracks worth exploring in the park and the nearby areas.

Few Interesting Facts about Las Vegas

Las Vegas’ reputation as a red hot holiday destination is well-known. But what is not known is a string of interesting and unusual facts about this glamorous city. Below are some remarkable facts most people don’t know about United States’ biggest party destination.

las-vegas

At least 150 couples land in the Sin City to get married! The procedure is hassle-free and does not require elaborate preparations. All you need to be is above 16 years of age, and possess valid identification and a SSN (Social Security Number). There is a nominal fee for the license. Divorce in Vegas is pretty inexpensive as well, just in case things don’t work out!

One might not believe it but prostitution is NOT legal in Vegas. “What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas” is definitely a great PR catch line to tempt all sorts to jump on flights and reach Las Vegas, but all must know that while Nevada permits legal prostitution, it only does so for counties with a population of less than 700,000 people!las-vegas-a

Gambling is easily the biggest tourist attraction for people in Nevada. Thousands of overseas travellers board flights to Las Vegas only to gamble. Some interesting gambling facts – there is one slot machine for every 8 residents in the State of Nevada! It might surprise visitors, but gambling is prohibited in places just 40 kilometres away from the Strip area!

Vegas’ hotels are iconic…and interesting, here’s why! Out of the 20 of the world’s largest hotels, 12 are in Las Vegas! The city has more than 150,000 hotel rooms. It would take a person 400 years if he spends one night in each hotel room of this city!!

Vegas Vic, the massive neon cowboy on Fremont Street, was the largest mechanical neon sign in the world at the time of its installation. During the night, the ‘cowboy’ can be seen from several miles away!

Those, who wish to experience something entirely unique after having invested on tickets and flights to the city, there is “heavy equipment playground” in Las Vegas where anyone above the age of 14 can drive bulldozers for fun!

Four Places Promising Exhilarating Trekking Experiences in New Zealand

Of all the adventure sports that New Zealand boasts, trekking is perhaps the most exhilarating and rewarding excursion! Every year, tons of trekkers buy tickets and land in New Zealand to revel in untouched facets of nature. From Tongariro Northern Circuit to Lake Waikaremoana Walk, the trekking tour options are plenty and suit varied endurance levels, but they all promise one thing – a real showdown with nature. So grab a pack, put on your walking boots and head on to any of these fascinating trekking trails in New Zealand!

Milford Track

Milford Track by Fred Hsu/ CC BY

Milford Track by Fred Hsu/ CC BY

Whether you’re seeking a stress-free vacation and are an adventure buff in pursuit of endless exhilaration, exploring untouched vistas of mountain lakes, alpine peaks and gushing waterfalls on Milford Track is a true wonder! It is considered one of the finest walks in the world and aptly catches the fancy of hordes of hikers who have booked flight tickets for New Zealand vacation. Sutherland Falls, the tallest waterfall in New Zealand, is the major attractions for trekkers arriving here.

Lake Waikaremoana Walk

Lake Waikaremoana Walk by Rowan Townsend/ CC BY

Lake Waikaremoana Walk by Rowan Townsend/ CC BY

Nothing like a walking tour around the enchanting Lake Waikaremoana to really rejuvenate your mind, body and soul!  Nestled in the heart of Urewera National Park in the North Island, the beautiful lake is surrounded by pristine rainforests, lush herb-fields, magnificent waterfalls and mist-clad valleys, and is a great place for mesmeric trekking expeditions. People who choose to trek in the region can also visit to a Maori tribe just to make most of their money spent on travel tickets and holiday essentials.

The Heaphy Track

Crossing a diverse topography, the isolated and challenging trek of about 85kms, bestows upon the trekkers a chance to push their adrenaline to levels they have been yearning for. The ancient Maori trail passes through sub alpine tussock grassland, then high rugged mountains and finally along the roaring waters of the New Zealand’s West Coast. Indeed, it remains a favourite haunt among adrenaline junkies boarding flights for holidays in New Zealand.

Tongariro Northern Circuit

Ever dreamt of hiking around an active volcano? Come here and give it a try! Within the Tongariro National park, this historical trekking route brims with an array of natural wonders and promises one an experience of a lifetime. Apart from ancient lava flows and enthralling volcanic views, trekkers on this gorgeous circuit in New Zealand will get opportunity to pass by the famous Tongariro Alpine Crossing.

Top 3 Adventure Activities One Must Enjoy While Holidaying in Cape Town!

Holidaying-in-Cape-Town.

Crammed with gamut of tourist attractions, Cape Town fits the bill of millions of international holidaymakers buy flights tickets to South Africa. Be it natural, historical or cultural attractions, the city offers a resplendent array of charms that suits the taste of every traveller. There is also panoply of extreme adventure activities in Cape Town which remain immensely popular amongst the adventure lovers. Have a look at the prominent ones which tick all the right boxes to fit the desires of holidaymakers netting flight tickets to Cape Town.

Dune Surfing

One of the most thrilling adventure sports that top the travel itineraries of adrenaline seekers grabbing air tickets to Cape Town is Dune Surfing. This exciting fun activity allows the visitors to explore the Atlantis Dunes, 40 km and Betty’s Bay 85 km away from Cape Town aboard sophisticated boarding vehicles. The entire region around these two locations is crammed full of well experienced surfing tour operators who help you with all the basics and safety. Adventure freaks may even cruise down the peaks like pros and make the best of their South African holidays!

Scuba Diving

If it’s the open sea that tickles your fancy, Scuba Diving in Cape Town is just the place to book tickets for! The coast of Cape Town brims with a wide plethora of scuba diving schools which provide all the course entails for two regular days of theory lessons followed by practice in the pool and two more days for some dives in the ocean. Most schools serve on the Atlantic side in Hout Bay and on the semi-Indian side of the ocean, on Windmill Beach near Simon’s Town. These two locations are indeed amongst the best prerogatives to start exploring the wonders of the ocean.

Caving

The city of Cape Town prides itself with over a hundred caves in the Cape Peninsula itself. The caves here widely range from small overhangs to deep cracks in the mountain and are well capable of delivering a fascinating experience to the visitors. The concerned authorities have come up with cave explorations, organized on the first Sunday of every month. This is an amazing and unique way to explore all the nooks and crannies of the mountain in a safe manner. The activity is entirely free for both locals and global travellers.

Islamabad Dining Delights: Around the Asia in Four Restaurants

Islamabad-Dining-Delights

Hordes of epicureans board Islamabad flights to relish its culinary delights and seldom return disappointed. A melting pot of varied cultures, this charming capital of Pakistan is a perfect place to savour different types of cuisines from around the Asia. Dining venues range from immensely upscale bistros to elegant, yet pocket-friendly restaurants and offer something exotic for all. Here are some recommendations to help you make the most of your money invested on travel tickets and holiday deals:

Sakura Japanese Restaurant, Marriott Hotel (Japanese)

Sakura redefines Japanese dining with delicious authentic cuisines and the spectacular interior with a live Teppanyaki station. The chick eatery is a part of Islamabad Marriott Hotel and will win you over with scrumptious food complemented by coveted Japanese hospitality.

Top Picks: Chicken Teriyaki & Tempura, Sashimi and fried Shrimp.

Golden Dragon (Chinese)

Both locals as well as international tourists visit this elegant eatery to savour the best of Chinese cuisines in Islamabad. It serves on platter a wide range of dishes, all cooked to perfect. Cordial staff will make you feel at home and leave you gloating about your decision of dining here after disembarking Islamabad flights.

Best Picks: Soft Noodles/Lo Mein, Pork chow Mein, Beef Chop Suey and Shrimp Egg Foo Young.

Cafe Lazeez (Indian)

“The best Indian food in Islamabad”, this is what has often been said about Cafe Lazeez, located on Bhattai Road in Islamabad. The chic eatery is known for its delicious naans, crispy kebabs and varied shades of Chicken Rizala flavoured with aromatic spices. Great service from the friendly staff makes experience more enriching and well worth the cost of travel tickets, dining and other expenses for Islamabad trip.

Top Picks: Chicken Rizala, Dal Makhani and naans.

Rock Bistro (Local Pakistani)

No ‘true-blue epicurean’ can claim epithet until some of the local delicacies are savoured. And perhaps the best place to do in Islamabad is Rock Bistro, located in street 11-A, F-10/2. It offers hygienic, delicious Pakistani cuisines paired with an elegant ambience. Book your table at the top floor to take in the captivating views of Margalla hills.

Best Dishes: Local cuisines, steak and prawns.

Top 3 Regions to Gorge on Scrumptious Seafood in New Zealand

Top-3-Regions-to-Gorge-on-Scrumptious-Seafood-in-New-Zealand

Seafood! If this word tickles the fancy of your taste buds, you must try New Zealand’s seafood at least once in your life. This dazzling country is blessed with incredible coastal areas that are reputed for serving lip-smacking seafood. Let’s take a look at few Kiwi destinations that always show up in the lists of foodies boarding flights to New Zealand to taste the nation’s scrumptious seafood.

Bluff

Don’t go by the name! This seaport is often billed as the seafood capital of New Zealand. No other port in the country gets more fishes than Bluff. Visit any of the restaurants here; their menus are peppered with incredibly innovative dishes to add novelty to the culinary experiences of locals and tourists alike. Undoubtedly, numerous fish species are available to satiate the carvings of foodies from all walks of life. But your visit to this port area is incomplete without tasting creamy oysters. Every year, the area hosts Bluff Oyster and Food Festival, one of the most popular seafood festivals in New Zealand, in May-June. It allows visitors to taste varied dishes made of oysters as well as to participate in oyster-related activities. Event tickets are available on the official website.

Whitianga

True seafood lovers know why this part of North Island is famous. In case, you are unaware, visit here to taste world’s tastiest scallops. Every year, scores of epicureans plan a trip to this region to be a part of Annual Scallop Festival that takes place in August-September every year. In 2014, this foodie affair started on 6th September. Those who want to spend their weekend amidst flamboyance of New Zealand culture, spellbinding aromas of fresh scallops and unique activities must buy tickets for this extravagant affair.

Auckland

Want to taste scrumptious seafood but cannot compromise on cool metropolitan vibe? Auckland is the place to relish the sumptuousness served in a plush platter at the city’s swanky restaurants. Pearl Garden is one of the oldest food joints where food lovers pay a visit to enjoy delicious seafood featuring a blend of Chinese flavours. Chinese food lovers booking flights to enjoy holidays in Auckland must consider dining here to taste best Chinese seafood in the city. Ostro Brasserie and Bar is another popular restaurant in this metropolis where you get an opportunity to taste Pacific Rock Oysters, Cloud Bay Clams, mussels and prawns.

Most Culturally Rich Cities in USA that Offer its True Flavours

USA might not appear like a culturally rich country in the first look but as you delve closer and explore the destinations this wonderful country has a lot to offer, you will find that it has its own thing going on, which is actually an incredible fusion of multiple cultures. Here are just few of the cities that are not only culturally rich but are also some of the best places that justly reward the efforts and investments of holidaymakers who buy tickets on USA bound flights.

New York

new-yorkArguably the best city in the world, New York is brimmed with almost everything. Take a tour to its boroughs and you will understand why a word ‘everything’ is used to complete the description of the city that never sleeps. Theatres, arts, museums, concerts, opera, ballet, restaurants, festivals, street fairs, parks and shopping – everything is diverse. Whether it is the Chinatown or the Broadway Theatre, every attraction here has a dash of culture. There is always something going on, always some cultural event is hosted and festivals are celebrated – New York is a beautiful blend of diverse cultures.

Chicago

chicagoThere is something about Chicago that makes it different from rest of the US cities. The hustle and bustle of this town might be like any other metropolis but the culture flows through the very veins of Chicago in a unique way. Music, theatre, parades, and festivals – it is all happening here. The city is also home to one of the largest LGBT community in the country. Apart from that, the city boasts its cultural attractions like Art Institute of Chicago Museum, Chicago Opera Theatre and a lot more.

Indianapolis

IndianapolisAnyone who is booking tickets aboard flights to Indianapolis can find why this city is considered to be one of the most culturally rich cities in USA. From the fascinating museums to the people around, everything that city has to offer has a dash of culture in it. Entertainment is always guaranteed whether you are taking a tour to the Indianapolis Museum of Art or catching a show at the Indiana Repertory Theatre.

Unusual Attractions Enhancing the Quintessential Vibe of New York

Energetic, electrifying, exciting and overwhelming, New York is a popular emperor of the tourism world. With its cultural prowess, flamboyancy and striking architecture, the ‘Big Apple’ has earned its image as one of the most loved holiday destinations throughout the globe. With its impressive list of lures, the city casts a spell on holidaymakers taking flights tickets to New York. Following is a list of some of off the beaten path attractions in the metropolis that are certainly worth including in travel itineraries.

The Graffiti Wall of Fame

No matter, graffiti catches your fancy or not, the incredible art works of this urban art form in the city are sure to leave you spellbound. In Harlem, at 106th Street and Park Avenue, vacationers can easily find a colourful wall featuring some of the best and most vibrant images in the city. With a marvellous illustration created with cans of spray paint, this giant wall also serves as one of the boundaries of the well renowned Jackie Robinson Education Complex.

Fort Tryon Park

Fort-Tryon-ParkYet another off beat attraction of New York that makes air tickets aboard flights sell like hot cakes is the Fort Tryon Park. This remarkable cloistered chapel is a reassembled chapel with thick stone walls, stained glass windows set in lush gardens crammed with rich flora and exotic wildlife. Also, the place remains one of the city’s most gorgeous outdoor pieces of art ever received as a present. Travellers making a visit here can picnic, play, and further explore the historic architecture that has survived and thrived within the park for centuries now.

Green Acre Park

The well renowned Green Acre Park of New York is one of the secret gardens and a tremendous place to get away the noise and chaos of the city. This magical attraction located on 51st Street, is a little midtown oasis featuring a 25 foot cascading waterfall. The park also houses skilfully landscaped plantings and trees, a lavish outdoor cafe, and shady arbors, which all together help to keep the visitors engaged for long. The park even hosts many popular events and carnivals annually.