The historical character of the Artis zoo is quite apparent even before one enters the gates of the zoo. It is the oldest zoo with two golden eagles perched proudly atop the main entrance. One can enjoy the 19th-century atmosphere of the gardens: the winding paths, majestic trees, the fascinating sculptures and the monumental historical buildings.

Artis is not only a zoo but a haven of peace and quiet right in the city centre of Amsterdam. Artis having an area of 14 hectares around with 700 species of animals is a fascinating zoo providing a magnificent overview of the entire animal kingdom. Amphibians, reptiles, fish, birds, mammals and insects… all are superbly represented.

The Aquarium at the Artis zoo brings one face to face with the secret life of Amsterdam’s canals! One can find many Dutch and European animal and plant species, along with more exotic species. The Planetarium, the museums and all kinds of smaller exhibitions is there for any person who wants to gain knowledge.

Its atmospheric, 19th century character with ponds, ancient formal gardens and trees makes Artis ideally suited to the casual stroller. Alongside the Predator Gallery, the original design of an English stately home garden gives way to the Classical ‘French Gardens’ (laid out in 1891), called the Dutch Garden. The eight-meter high Westerman monument commemorates Artis’s founder. Marble statues of the Four Seasons border this geometrical garden.

Few zoos are as well endowed with listed buildings as Artis. Twenty of historical monuments bear diamond-shaped plaques with an inscription from a bygone age. Some examples are the Large Museum (1855), the Library building (1867) and the Aquarium (1882). The romantic Masmanhuisje predates the foundation of Artis (1838). It now houses the ibises. The stroll is made even more romantic by a visit to the two, larger than life, 18th century Bodhisatva statues (also known as Buddhas). These were brought to Artis from Japan more than a century ago. These Sculptures which are exhibited all over the park, along with a Japanese garden offers restful moments away from exciting city life.

Rahul viz recommends that you visit http://www.bookings.nl/city/nl/amsterdam.html?aid=305255 for more information on GO ZOOIIIIING.

So you think a trip to Walt Disney World is one only the kids can enjoy. Well, think again! Here are a few tips for making your vacation to Mickey Mouse Land a memorable one for the whole family.

?Hire a babysitter for an evening alone. If you?re a registered guest of a Disney resort, drop off the kids at one of their child care centers for around $10 per hour, per child. They?ll be given dinner along with classic Disney movies, arts and crafts, and video games. If your child is under 4 or not potty trained, call Kid?s Nite Out at 407-827-5444 for in-room childcare.

? Plan a date at one of Disney?s world-class restaurants. For the height of romance, head to Victoria and Albert?s at Disney?s Grand Floridian Resort. In its intimate, dimly lit dining room you?re served a sumptuous 7-course meal on white linen set with Royal Doulton china and sparking crystal. Or try the California Grill on the 15th floor of Disney?s Contemporary Resort. Here you?ll find an unbeatable panorama of the Magic Kingdom and the Seven Seas Lagoon along with picture-perfect views of the Wishes Fireworks. From pristinely fresh sushi to exceptional New American Cuisine to sensational desserts and an outstanding California wine list, this place has it all.

? Consider springing for two rooms. This will guarantee Mom and Dad some alone time. After the kids are in bed, order in a romantic meal in the privacy of your room.

? Enjoy a bottle of wine in your room or on your balcony. It?s a perfect way to enjoy Disney?s wonderful ambience. The bottled wine selections at the Disney resort shops are a bit sparse, but room service usually offers a nice selection.

? Arrange for a couples massage in a candle-lit room at the Grand Floridian Spa. Or choose the 3-hour Couples Instructional Massage with step-by-step instruction in massage therapy.

? Watch the evening fireworks spectacular from a Magic Kingdom resort. You?ll find the most romantic spot at Disney?s Polynesian Resort where the two of you can relax in a swing or hammock on a sandy white beach.

? Take a Fireworks Cruise from one of the Magic Kingdom or Epcot resorts. Bring along a bottle of champagne, 2 glasses, and enjoy!

? Party down at Disney?s Pleasure Island. It?s New Years every night of the week at this 6-acre playground for adults. Wall-to-wall clubs and a nightly street bash with live entertainment and midnight fireworks make this the party-lover?s choice for nighttime entertainment.

? Spend an evening at Disney?s Boardwalk. Rent a surrey for a spin around Crescent Lake followed by dancing at Atlantic Dance and the Illuminations show from the upstairs balcony.

Cara Goldsbury is the author of The Luxury Guide to Walt Disney World: How to Get the Most Out of the Best Disney Has to Offer available at 800-247-6553, or www.luxurydisneyguide.com

If you?re looking to beat the winter blues, you may be considering a holiday to somewhere warm. There are all the usual destinations: Australia, the tropics, the Mediterranean. But if you?re looking for a holiday adventure somewhere you?ve never been?a place with a rich, ancient history, a fascinating culture, luxurious hotels and food?look no further than the Red Sea Riviera.

The Red Sea Riviera refers to a string of luxury towns along the northern coast of the Red Sea, in both Egypt and Israel. This area has worked hard in the past few decades to increase its appeal to tourists?and now there?s so much to do and see there, you won?t want to come home. Following are just a few activities and features you can find during a Red Sea Riviera holiday.

Diving on coral reefs. There are beautiful coral reefs in the Red Sea that rival anything you can find in Australia. The Red Sea Riviera has always been a popular destination for serious divers. Now that the area is welcoming more tourists, there are many opportunities for even beginner divers to get in on the action, with diving schools, tours, snorkeling, and boating trips available at tourist resorts all along the Red Sea.

Beaches. No winter holiday is complete without a warm, sunny beach full of sparkling sand. There?s nothing like digging your toes into sun-warmed sand, feeling a cool sea breeze on your face, settling down with a good book and a drink beneath a palm tree and letting your worries float away. The Red Sea area boasts some of the world?s most beautiful beaches.

Water sports. If you?re looking for adventure on the water, there?s no better place to go than the Red Sea Riviera. Local tourist destinations offer parasailing, waterskiing, motorboat rides, sailing, windsurfing, and more. Whether you?re experienced at water sports or just getting your feet wet, you?re sure to have a wonderful time on the water.

Ancient ruins. This area is rich in ancient history?and you can see it all along the Red Sea. The most famous ruins of Egypt are only a day?s travel away from Soma Bay, well within reach of a Red Sea Riviera excursion. There are also Roman ruins and mines from the time of the Roman occupation of Egypt; ancient temples, monasteries, churches, and mosques; and ruined cities from the dawn of civilization. Each town along the Red Sea Riviera boasts a rich and varied past?and more fascinating destinations for history buffs than can be counted.

Hiking. The Red Sea Riviera is truly the place where sea and mountains meet. The area borders several noted national parks, including the Wadi el Gemal National Park near Marsa Alam; the Giftun Island National Park in Hurghada; the Ras Mohammad National Park at the Gulf of Aqaba; and more. Bird-watch for herons, ospreys, and exotic desert birds; experience hiking on Mt. Sinai and trekking through Bedouin land; walk along pristine and uninhabited coastline in a marine preserve; rappel down sheer red cliffs that soar up from the dunes. If you?re looking for outdoor adventure, the Red Sea Riviera has something for everyone.

Desert safaris. Ever ridden a camel through the desert? Many resort towns along the Red Sea Riviera offer excursions through the stunning desert landscape. There?s nothing more beautiful than a vast desert sky full of stars. A desert safari is sure to be an experience you?ll never forget.

Fascinating culture. Bedouin culture places great emphasis on hospitality?you?ll see when you get to the Red Sea Riviera, and discover how welcoming the people are. It?s a relaxed, down-to-earth culture that?s sure to have you forgetting your day-to-day worries in no time. The Bedouin culture also has a rich tradition of art, poetry and music that?s sure to fascinate and inspire.

Unforgettable cuisine. Don?t be afraid to try the local cuisine. Middle-eastern cooking is bold and flavorful. No visitor should miss the ?Iftar,? the traditional meal that breaks a Muslim fast?with its rich and varied choice of traditional dishes, it?s a feast like no other. Vegetarians are well provided for in the Middle East, with lots of traditional vegetable dishes; however, vegetarians should be aware that chicken stock is often used in these recipes.

The Red Sea Riviera offers an astonishing variety of things to do, places to see, and new and exciting people to meet. With its ancient history, fascinating culture, stunning landscape, luxurious hotels and unforgettable cuisine, you?re sure to want to come back next year. If you?re looking for a holiday that?s out of the ordinary, there?s no better place to go.

Darren Panto works fro www.peltours.com Established in 1920 Peltours is the UK?s longest established tour operator to Egypt. For more information on Egypt and a wide range of Red Sea holidays visit www.peltours.com/resorts

Travel insurance

It is strongly recommended that all travelers are individually insured. The travel insurance should cover personal accident, medical expenses and repatriation, trip cancellation and loss of personal effects. Make sure your insurer is aware of the type of travel to be undertaken.

Travel visa

A tourist visa is required for entry into both Kenya and Tanzania. There are two options for purchase: 1) In advance by applying through your local Kenya and/or Tanzania embassy (allow 4-6 weeks). 2) Upon arrival in Kenya at the airport (Nairobi) and Tanzania at the border. Each visa is $50 USD and is payable in cash only (bill denominations must be $20 USD or less). Allow 30-45 minutes in Nairobi, and about 10-20 minutes at the Tanzania border.

Best time to view game

In general, the best times to see game are early morning and late afternoon. In the midday heat, animals frequently retreat to the cool of thick undergrowth, where they cannot be seen. Another benefit to morning and afternoon game drives is witnessing unforgettable sunrises and sunsets.

Rainy season

There are two rainy seasons – the Long Rains from mid-March to June, and the Short Rains from mid-November to mid-December. The Short rainy season and is only called short because of the duration not the amount of rain. Even though they are called the rainy season, there are still wonderful sunny days during that time. It might open up a huge downpour for an hour or so, but other than that you will be fine. Morning and afternoon game drives are usually not affected. You can usually save up to 20% on your tour by booking during these times.

Why Kenya and/or Tanzania

Hundreds of thousands of people travel to Kenya and Tanzania every year just to see the animals. There are lions, leopards, elephants, cape buffalo, rhino, giraffe, gazelle and wart hogs, just to name a few, that are alive and well and walking around in the game parks. Although you can no longer kill them, you can get mighty close to them to either photograph or just enjoy watching them go about doing whatever it is they do. There is also a huge variety of bird life. To add to all that, the land itself is some of the most gorgeous on the planet and extremely varied. There are mountains, deserts, savanna’s, rivers, oceans and forests. The air is clean, the scenery fantastic and the joys of getting that close to nature is hard to describe. Just being there seems to do something to many a visitors soul.

What about bugs?

There are insects of all varieties in Kenya/Tanzania and of course there are mosquitoes, mostly on the Coast however, but nothing worse then you have seen anywhere else. If the sight of a gecko sends you flying though, maybe a trip to Kenya/Tanzania is best avoided. You will not however, walk into huge swarms of killer bees or step across acres of crunching bugs under your feet. Snakes do exist of course, but are rarely seen. By anyone.

Internet access while on safari

While communications in remote camps will be limited, most major hotels and lodges offer Internet services as well as international telephone and fax services. Additionally, private communication centers and cyber cafes in larger towns enable tourists to stay connected. Some centers may close on Sundays and public holidays. The cellular networks in Kenya & Tanzania cover most large towns and tourist areas. There are post offices in many towns, and stamps are also sold in many shops in tourist lodges and hotels.

Safe water to drink.

The quality of tap water can vary by destination. It is best to drink bottled water.

Safety issues

Basic precautions should be taken in all countries. Tour guides are highly experienced in navigating each destination, but visitors should always be aware of their surroundings, especially in any rural villages that may be wary of foreigners. In less-developed areas where many people live in poverty, crimes of opportunity can occur, such as petty theft. Visitors are advised to stay alert and use common sense. Safari guests should limit the amount of cash they carry and lock valuables in a hotel safe or other secure place. Lock hotel rooms when you leave. Do not walk alone in deserted areas at night. Take extra care of purses, bags and wallets in crowded places.

Malaria

Malaria is spread by mosquitoes, which bite mainly at dusk and at night. You can only contract malaria if you are bitten by an infected anopheles mosquito. It is best to use insect repellent containing DEET (sprayed on clothing and any exposed skin), to keep arms and legs covered as much as possible, and to avoid the use of perfume, hairspray and other scented products that might attract mosquitoes. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) strongly recommends that visitors to Kenya & Tanzania take anti-malarial medication. Consult a physician or travel clinic before your trip so that he or she can prescribe the appropriate drugs. Anti-malarial medications are generally taken prior to your departure, during your trip, and after you return home for periods determined by your doctor. Symptoms of malaria include aches, chills, headaches and fever, and may not appear until after your trip. Treatment is widely available, recovery times are fast, and with basic precautions, the risk of infection is minimal.

Entry into Kenya

U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport, visa, and proof of onward passage. Are there any health precautions I should take? According to the World Health Organization, Malaria risk exists throughout the year in the whole country. There is normally little risk in the city of Nairobi and in the highlands (above 2500 m) of Central, Eastern, Nyanza, Rift Valley and Western provinces. Recommended prophylaxis: mefloquine. Consult your doctor about taking additional vaccinations for polio, typhoid, and hepatitis. CDC Website link: http://www.cdc.gov/travel/eafrica.htm WHO website link: http://www.who.int/ith/countrylist07.html#107

Currency

The currency in Kenya is the shilling. One American dollar equals approximately 80 shillings. Click here for updated currency information. ATMs: ATMs are everywhere in most cities. Tipping: Add 10% to the bill in restaurants, except where a service charge has been included. Tip bellhops 20 KSh per bag.

Best items to shop for in Kenya

Shop for wood carvings of animals and people, sisal baskets, Maasai and Kikuyu beadwork, hand-woven sarong fabric, soapstone, gourds, ebony carvings, batik wall hangings, tanzanite gemstones, and malachite. Some of the best handcrafts of Kenya and other countries in Africa are sent to Nairobi. Visit artist cooperatives to buy directly from artists. Note: There have been problems with not receiving souvenirs shipped home, so I advise you carry them home in your luggage.

Voltage requirements in Kenya

Voltage: 240 V; Plug G. You will need a voltage converter, and plug adapter in order to use U.S. appliances. We recommend getting a universal adapter and converter kit. Click here for more information about electrical standards around the world.

Robert Muhoho For more: www.landmarksafaris.com Robert is a tour consultant in Kenya and has planned safaris for over 50,000 tourists in the East African region. He is a tour operations- major and involved in National tourism policy development in Kenya.

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Who says that you can go to the beaches only during summer? At Galveston, with its semi-tropical climate, visitors enjoy year-round coastal bliss. Located 50 miles southeast of Houston, Galveston is an island in the Gulf of Mexico that offers visitors a unique blend of culture, history, beaches, as well as city ambiance.

On the north end of the island, the restored Victorian Strand district, resort hotels, and beachfront businesses provide a busy, commercial ambiance. If, however, you are seeking solitude and open beach access, then head south where you will find long stretches of private and rental residences.

There are several activity options that will keep you entertained in Galveston. You can shop to your heart?s content, or visit any of the several delightful locations. If architecture and art fascinates you, then structures such as the Bishop?s Palace, the Ashton Villa, the Galveston County Historical Museum, the Texas Seaport Museum and the Moody Mansion are places you might want to include in your agenda. If you are an ocean lover, then Elissa and the Ocean Star may interest you. And if you enjoy spending time in parks, then do visit the Moody Gardens and the Stewart Beach Park. If you want to simply soak in the sun and spend time on the beach, then you can swim, sunbathe, and relax all day.

Night Life: If you are a nightlife enthusiast and love music, then you might want to check out the Galveston Island Outdoor Musicals as well as the Strand Street Saloon. For theater lovers, the Grand 1894 Opera House and the Strand Street Theater offer many delights. To keep up your spirits during your nocturnal adventures, you can visit bars such as The Press Box and Slices.

History: In the year 1900, Galveston was nearly devastated by a hurricane. The resulting destruction of life and property led the city officials to raise the island and add a seawall. Galveston then became a safe place to visit. Though Galveston is no longer Texas’s busiest seaport after the hurricane, preservationists restored stately homes and built commercial districts with modern facilities. The Strand (formerly the site of stores, offices, and warehouses) now features on the National Register of Historic Places, and has one of the largest collections of historic buildings in the country.

Reaching Galveston: The nearest airports to reach Galveston are in Houston. Do check beforehand with the airline as to which of the two airports you will be using, as many airlines serve both.

So if you are looking for an exciting, relaxing and rejuvenating vacation, kick off your work shoes and head to Galveston.

Nancy Kinley recommends that you visit http://www.moodygardenshotel.com for more information on a quality Galveston hotel.

Indianapolis is the capital and the largest city of Indiana. It is a major commercial center. With a population of close to 800,000, it is Indiana’s most populous city and one of the few cities in the Midwest that has seen a growth rate exceeding 5 percent.

Founded as the state capital in 1821, the city enjoyed great social, economic and cultural progress, mainly due to the discovery of a large natural gas deposit in the 1890s. With the state supplying free natural gas to factories in the region, there was a sharp increase in automobile and glass industries until 1915, when the deposits got depleted.

Indianapolis experiences hot summers and long and cold winters, with significant snowstorms. Spring is generally pleasant; however, since there are no mountains to protect the area, thunderstorms that occur in spring and fall often bring in tornadoes.

Indianapolis is rich in culture and in order to improve tourism, the government is taking further initiatives to project the city as a center of art and culture. Broad Ripple Village, War Memorial Plaza, Monument Circle, Massachusetts Avenue, Fountain Square and Wholesale Districare are some of the well-known cultural districts. The city is also known for its reputed educational institutions like Butler University, the University of Indianapolis, Marian College, Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana, and Indiana University Purdue University, Indianapolis. The Indianapolis International Airport caters to Indianapolis and Marion County.

Indianapolis is probably best known for hosting the largest single-day sporting event in the world: the Indianapolis 500-Mile Race. This race is held at the famed Indianapolis Motor Speedway, which is the largest stadium in the world.

The city is also home to well-known sports teams, including the Indianapolis Indians, a minor league baseball team in the International League, the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League, the Indiana Pacers of the National Basketball Associaton and the Indiana Fever of the Women’s National Basketball Association. Beginning with the 2006 event, the NCAA will be holding the Final Four, which is the semifinals and finals of the men’s college basketball tournament in Indianapolis every four years. In recognition of its love for sports, the city has been dubbed The Amateur Sports Capital of the World.

Indianapolis provides detailed information on Indianapolis, Indianapolis Real Estate, Indianapolis Hotels, Indianapolis Directory and more. Indianapolis is affiliated with Cleveland Golf.