Travel Destination: Sweden

The country of Sweden is endowed with abundant natural beauty and numerous tourist attractions. Here one will find the green fields of the south and the tundra climate of Lapland, highlands and wooded cliffs, picturesque islands and the calm coast in the Gulf of Bothnia, the great lake system, and a variety of wild animals. All of this attracts a large number of tourists to the country. And its rich history and beautiful cities give a chance to observe a unique culture. Stockholm, the capital of Sweden, is located on 14 islands on Lake Malaren. It is known as one of the most beautiful capitals in the world. In the 13th century, the city served as the residence of the Swedish royal family and the capital of the then vast country of Sweden. The old part of the city is entirely located on the island Stadsholmen. No vehicles are admitted here. The most famous attractions include the Royal Palace, the Cathedral of St. Nicholas, which was the coronation place of Swedish monarchs, the Antique Museum, the Palace Church, the Armoury, and the Treasury.

Several unique palaces are located in the neighboring island of Riddarholmen. Of special interest are also the Riddarholmen Church and a magnificent museum. The most remarkable tourist attractions of the islands include the Palace of Rosendal, the amusement park and the open-air museum called Skansen. The museum of wooden architecture has collected together more than 150 buildings of various age from all over Sweden.

Kungsholmen district is known primarily for its Town Hall, where the ceremony of awarding the Nobel prizes traditionally takes place. The Tower Hall is Stockholm's emblem, and it has an excellent viewing platform from which the central part of the city can be seen.

There are more than 75 museums and a hundred of art galleries in the city. They include Gripsholm Castle, the National Museum, the Swedish National Portrait Gallery, the Museum of National History, the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Royal Treasury, and many others. Drottningholm Palace is located in the suburbs of the Swedish capital. Visitors will see here the magnificent park, the Chinese pavilion, Drottningholm Court Theater, where opera and ballet performances take place every summer.

Bjork Island is a very interesting place due to the excavations of the first city in the country - Birka, which was often mentioned in medieval chronicles. Today Birka is the homeplace of a number of sites, which are under protection of UNESCO. The latter include the ancient fortress and the city walls, the graves of the Viking Age and the Viking Museum. The second largest city in Sweden is Gothenburg, famous for its wonderful beaches, pristine forests and lakes, as well as the nearby picturesque archipelago of islands. Gothenburg is the location of one of the oldest universities in Europe, widely known for its old buildings, the remnants of the fortress and it's Art Gallery.

Kalmar is one of the oldest cities in the country. There are interesting remains of the Kalmarnaus fortress, Kalmar Castle, and the Baroque church of the 16th century.

Gotland is the most famous island in the country. In the time of the Vikings, it was a well-defended settlement and an important trading center. Visby was one of the most important European trading centers in the Middle Ages.

Check out the list of Sweden's tour operators and its ratings before you start planning your visit: they may recommend something unique to be included in the tour. Travel agents in Sweden cater to the locals who are very passionate travelers who are usually spotted in the world's most exciting destinations.

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Travel in the United Kingdom

Though it is difficult to reach the British Isles from the continent, they have been inhabited since ancient times. In prehistoric times, this territory was rich in tin, and the Phoenicians and the Greeks called Britain the Tin Islands. The most amazing and famous monument here is Stonehenge. A lot of legends are connected with it: Stonehenge used to be an observatory during the Stone Age and a religious monument with an altar; some even considered it to be an alien spaceport.

The Romans have founded many of the current cities in the UK, including its capital London. The Romans failed to conquer all the islands and did not want to move to the cold northern lands. In order to isolate themselves from the barbarians in the north, they built several fortifications. The most famous of them is Hadrian's wall that separates England from Scotland. The city gate of Lincoln, the gate in Colchester, and many ruins of Roman military fortifications have been preserved till nowadays.

The territory of the United Kingdom has long been thoroughly settled, but here you can find many places with almost untouched nature. Loch Ness in Scotland is famous primarily as the abode of the famous Nessie, a mythical monster that is the descendant of the dinosaurs, which, according to the legend, lives in the depths of the lake and sometimes appears on the surface. But even without the monster, picturesque beaches and steep green hills that surround the blue expanse of the lake can hardly leave anyone indifferent.

The fans of lakes and water recreation will certainly have to visit the Lake District in Cumbria and Lancashire County, where the largest national park in England is located. Stunning fjords and steep cliffs of the Hebride Islands, the beautiful island of Iona is among the most popular attractions. The Orkney Islands and the famous ornithological reserve on the 'bird island' Bass Rock are yet another destination.

Those passionate about mountain hiking, skiing and climbing are drawn to the Scottish Highlands, the Pennines, and Peak District at the border of England and Wales. Extraordinarily beautiful mountains are in the northern part of Wales, where the highest mountain in England and Wales, Snowdon, dominates the landscape. Right here, one will also find the Snowdonia national park filled with numerous mountain streams, waterfalls, and wooded valleys. In the south-west of Wales, there are sulfuric, hydrochloric and other mineral springs.

Great Britain represents a variety of architectural styles, including Romanesque Anglo-Saxon buildings noted by the simplicity of design. A typical example of the Norman style of architecture is the legendary Edinburgh Castle in Scotland. The rich ornamentation of buildings has reached perfection in late Gothic style, represented by King's College in Cambridge, St. George's Chapel in Windsor Castle and Henry VII Chapel in Westminster Abbey. The period of the Renaissance and Baroque is illustrated by such monuments as St. Paul's Cathedral in London, built by Sir Christopher Wren, one of the greatest English architects. One of the most famous buildings in the world, the Buckingham Palace, is built in the Victorian style characterized by grandeur and beauty. Modern constructivism does not change the architectural appearance of most cities in the UK, although sometimes contrasts the ancient edifices and underlines their irresistible charm.

True symbols of the United Kingdom are the Tower, the Big Ben, and the Houses of Parliament on the banks of the Thames in London, Westminster Abbey, Stratford-upon-Avon, where William Shakespeare was born, and many other places which attract thousands of tourists each month all year round.

Travel industry in the UK is one of the most developed in the world and travel agencies in the United Kingdom, in most cases, are an example of how the travel business should be run. UK tour operators are numerous and extremely professional.

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Travel Agent Vs Planning Your Own Holiday: What's the Better Option?

Nowadays, more and more travellers turn to the internet when planning for holidays. Anyone browsing the World Wide Web will find lots of online portals offering amazing deals such as cheap flights and budget-friendly accommodation. But while the internet provides a vast range of ideas for holidays, planning a trip on your own can be a long drawn out process. The question is: Can you manage to iron out travel arrangements yourself? If not, then you might need the services of a travel agent.

Saving Time

Unless you have the whole year to plan for the perfect holiday, a travel agent can work things out in a short span of time without the hassles on your part. Use your time wisely by hiring a travel agent who will plan your travel for you. With the endless travel options you will see online, it can be quiet time consuming to browse through them before you decide for a particular deal. Flights, accommodation, attractions and leisure are just few of the endless things you need to arrange separately.

Saving Money

There's no denying the fact that the convenience offered by travel agents come with a price. However, you have to keep in mind that these agents are professionals who have access to travel agencies enabling them to get the cheapest deals for you. Your agent can help you get cheap flights, discounted tickets, and even come up with a list of budget hotels for you. Having this mentioned, holiday trips can be more expensive without the help of travel agents.

Local Knowledge

Travel agents are equipped with first hand information about various attractions in a particular destination. Your agent can counsel you about the culture, the best accommodation facility, food, local routes and mode of transportation, the weather and the activities on your potential holiday destination.

Help with Interruptions

Travel holidays are not always perfect. In case something goes wrong on your trip, your travel agent can help you navigate through the mishaps easily and make things right for you. Keep in mind that most online booking sites have terms and conditions related to your purchase. If you are not careful, you might find yourself stuck in the middle of the trip and headed nowhere.

Although online travel booking is very accessible in just few clicks, it can turn out to be an error-full process if you are not careful. For your long-awaited holiday trip, a travel agent can ensure you of a flawless and pocket-friendly excursion to your destination!

If you are dreaming of Gold Coast holidays and staying in one of the best Gold Coast hotels, we certainly have the best for you. Visit our website and see for yourself!

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Canadian Travel - 10 Things You Should Experience in Banff, Alberta

1. Hiking Trails (easy) - there are some amazing trails within walking distance from the town of Banff. Some easy and rewarding hikes are to the Vermillion Lakes, the Marsh trail near the Cave and Basin, and to the Bow Falls. These are fun family hikes and great opportunities to see wildlife.

2. Hiking Trails (moderate) - for these trails a little ascent is required. One of the best and most rewarding is the Tunnel Mountain hike. Follow switch backs for about 30 minutes to reach some amazing views of the town of Banff on one side and the Banff Springs Golf Course and Rundle Mountain on the other. A slightly tougher hike is to the Sulphur Mountain lookout. Allow 45-60 minutes to reach the top. There is a gondola to the top which is great for a lot of people, but for those who are adventurous enough to hike up, the ride down the gondola is free.

3. Hiking Trails (difficult) - one of the more difficult trails out of Banff is to the top of Mount Rundle. Allow a full day for this one which can be quite a grueling slog through dense forests that only gets tougher and tougher the higher you go. Once at the top, however, you quickly realize that it was all worth it as the views are indescribable.

4. A night's stay at the Rimrock Resort Hotel - if you're going to do it, you want to do it right. The Rimrock has big rooms filled with all the latest amenities, great facilities like a pool, spa, hot tub and gym. There is also a great selection of restaurants including Eden, a Five Diamond fine dining room (one of only five in Canada) that is renowned for its French cuisine, using local ingredients, and a spectacular selection of wines. The best thing about the Rimrock is that it's set outside of the town of Banff, perched on the side of Sulphur Mountain, surrounded by nature. You can check out the Rimrock Resort Hotel.

5. The best Greek food this side of Greece - Barpa Bill's Souvlaki is a great little hole-in-the-wall located off the main drag on Bear St. You would never find this place unless someone told you about it. Once there indulge yourself with a souvlaki, Greek salad and the best fries in Alberta all at great prices.

6. Take the historic tour of the Banff Springs Hotel - an entertaining 45 minutes led by hotel historian Dave Moberg who has been at the hotel longer than any other current staff member. Besides Dave Moberg's passion for the hotel, the highlight is Mount Stephen Hall. This is a great way to get insight and see the hotel especially if you can't afford to stay in one of their rooms.

7. Try the exotic food at the Grizzly House - this is a Banff landmark situated on Banff Avenue. Famous for its Fondue, the Grizzly House offers everything from steaks and venison to alligator and frogs legs, in a unique setting.

8. Evelyn's Coffee Shop - there are a few different locations around the town to enjoy Evelyn's great coffee and freshly baked goods. This is where the locals drink coffee.

9. Coyotes Southwestern Grill - a great place for lunch and home to amazing veggie burgers. It's a small, cozy place that can get quite busy.

10. Photo along Banff Avenue looking at Cascade Mountain - everyone does it because it really is an amazing sight. Cascade Mountain looks right down on the main street in Banff. No trip to Banff is complete without this photo.

Noal Bram is a freelance writer who travels everywhere. He only submits his work to edgy sources like Canada's Travel Network.

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How to Travel Safe As a Volunteer Abroad

Whether you are going to travel to a popular tourist spot or to a far off place you have to be ready for safety issues during the trip and throughout your stay. The situation is not very different for when you are traveling as a volunteer abroad. You have to understand that the communities you will be living in may have fewer communication facilities and higher crime rate compared with your local country. There is no reason for being overly anxious because the local communities are usually very friendly and very hospitable towards volunteers who are there to improve things for them. However, at the same time it will only help you if you take some precautions.

When you sign up with an organization that provides quality volunteer programs in foreign countries, they will provide you safety tips and give you advice and support whenever you need. Thus, you will not be left off in the foreign community to fend for yourself, but it is recommended for you to do some research about your host community on your own before departure. Do get some information about the crime rate in the community and what types of crimes are the most common.

Then you can try to do some research on the factors that promote such crimes. For instance, after what time in the day is it not safe to venture outdoors unaccompanied. You can also try to find out what type of clothing and behavior can be perceived as offensive by the local people and invite hostility. When you have all of this information with you try to make sure that you act wisely and avoid saying or doing anything that can make you a vulnerable target.

Also, it helps to find out what the local emergency number is and where the local police station or law enforcement authority office is located so that you may file a complaint when necessary. Also, register with your embassy and keep their number with you so you can contact them at any time that is necessary.

Moreover, try to blend in with the local crowd and do not go very far off from your group (which can be your host family or your workplace coworkers or other international volunteers). You will increase your chances of being safe against crime if you move around in a group as compared to venturing out on your own. If you do want to go out make sure to ask a trusted person (such as a host family member or program supervisor or workplace coworker) about what is the right time for going out and how far away you can go.

In addition, when you go out, try to avoid wearing expensive jewelry (such as gold or diamond) and expensive items (such as laptop). If you have to take your jewelry or your laptop with you, avoid flashing them on the street in broad sight for everyone to see. Otherwise, you may be attacked by a robber which might even put your life at risk.

Last but not least, avoid getting into arguments with the local people (especially strangers). Sometimes you may find it tempting to criticize the local culture and get into a right versus wrong debate with the local people. It is usually ok to discuss the differences with your host family or your coworkers as it can be a good cultural exchange experience, but aggressive debates (especially with strangers) can be perceived very negatively by some conservative communities and they may feel threatened by your presence. As a result, you may become a target of crime.

If volunteer travel sounds appealing to you, then you should explore the offerings at Cross-Continental Solutions. Check out their website at www.CrossContinental.org. They have programs in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, and offer some of the most affordable rates in the industry. The organization is recommended in the international volunteer industry due to their flexibility and affordability.

Hopefully you find this article helpful for volunteer travel. For these seeking international work and travel opportunities, check out great Intern or Volunteer Abroad Programs.

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Luxury Rail Travel From Cairo To Cape Town

There are some journeys in the world that still embody an ancient sense of adventure and wonder. The opportunity to partake of luxury rail travel across the complete length of the African continent by rail is certainly the stuff that dreams are made of. Thanks to the development of new networks, and changes on the political scene, modern day adventurers can now explore the stunning sights and sounds of this timeless land by the most traditional form of transport.

If you have a passion for rail travel, and are looking for a trip that will live large in your memory, the option of traversing Africa by rail is an activity that should be given serious thought. In fact, the idea of traveling from the shores of the Mediterranean all the way down to the tip of South Africa by train is not new. One of the first people to propose such a journey was Cecil John Rhodes, a nineteenth century industrialist.

Fast forward to today and there are a number of tour operators who organize pan-African rail journeys. Whether you have already spent time exploring some of Africa, or if the amazing vibrancy of this most ancient land is new to you, the journey of discovery and adventure that awaits is sure to fill your heart, body, and soul with wonder.

To journey from Cairo to Cape Town in complete style and comfort is not an activity for the faint of heart. During the four weeks of travel you would witness sights the like of which are available nowhere else in the world. As of today, there has only been small groups of intrepid adventurers who have made the entire trip overland through Egypt, North Sudan, South Sudan, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, and on to South Africa and the journey's end.

If you are a genuine rail enthusiast you may be aware that as of today, it is still not possible to cover the entire 6000 miles of the African continent by train. There is a 500 mile gap that would need to be traversed by other means, most tour operators would provide private flights to overcome this short break in the continent's rail network.

Following in the footsteps of the world's greatest adventurers is an opportunity to cherish. Combining luxury train travel with a trip through some of the planet's most breathtaking landscapes is a once in a lifetime opportunity.

You can find more information about the reasons why luxury train travel is the best option when traveling through South Africa and its neighboring countries and details about excellent Cape To Cairo tours, now.

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Top 10 Ideas for Independent Family Adventure Travel

Are you on the lookout for ideas and inspiration for a family adventure? Are you bored with tired old destinations and resorts, searching for something that's not in the usual brochures? Well we've researched and hand-picked ten top family adventure ideas we think might appeal. Whether you're into nature, wildlife, unusual attractions or more active adventures there's something here that should hit the spot.

1. Bike the Balkans: Croatia, Serbia and Montenegro
With some of the cleanest beaches in the Med, 8 national parks, 10 UNESCO heritage sites, and amazing sailing around the Dalmatian islands, Croatia is one of Europe's less well-known 'not to be missed' destinations and offers lots for active families. There are hundreds of small, family run hotels around the country too, offering a great family experience. If food's more your thing neighbouring Serbia has recently launched 'Soul food Serbia' gastronomy tours and there's great flat biking along the Danube's to help work off those calories. If you're more into mountains, then why not try the relatively undiscovered gem of Montenegro; where dramatic cliffs, extensive coasts and great mountain biking trails are on offer.

2. Go wild about water: Florida
For kids of any age, great water parks are always a hit so why not go big and visit some of the best Waterparks in the world? Florida's Seaworld is opening some new attractions in 2012, including one that will enable visitors to get up close and learn about the amazing sea turtles, while Discovery Cove offers opportunities to swim and wade through water trails with otters and marmosets. If you're after thrills and spills try Orlando's new Coco Key Water Resort for the latest watery slides 'n rides. Or for a more natural thrill how about croc watching in Miami's Everglades National Park.

3. The year of the Mayans: Mexico
2012's a big year in the Mayan calendar, and if you believe some of the wilder predictions, this is your last chance to visit! A vacation in Mexico gives you the chance to combine beautiful beaches with the legacy of an ancient civilisation, to get education and relaxation in equal measures. There are turtles here too and if you visit the Riviera Maya you could be swimming in safe bays just a few hundred metres from nesting turtles. If you like history try a visit to Tulum, an ancient city and gateway to the Mayan world.

4. Safari in the city: Lilongwe Wildlife Centre, Malawi.
Lilongwe in Malawi is the base for an important conservation and education centre that provides sanctuary for orphaned or injured animals and works to conserve the country's animal population. The Lilongwe Wildlife Centre recently won an international Responsible Tourism Award but it's more than just a worthy cause. Set in 180 acres of woodland, you can also go walking, biking or on picnic safaris on wilderness trails that are home to monkeys, hyena and bushpigs. A great up-close with nature experience.

5. Open doors and wild spaces: Iceland
Iceland is currently running a campaign that invites visitors to meet locals in their own homes. People from all walks of life are opening their doors and showing others how they live. Some are taking visitors with them to do some of their favourite activities, to knitting lessons, on ice cream tours, out dog walking or swimming. But Iceland isn't just about people; it's also about wild, untapped beauty and if your family likes geysers, glaciers, deserts and hot springs, this could be the destination for you.

6. An eco escape: Guyana
If eco tourism appeals to you might want to consider Guyana. North Rupununi's is a stunning mix of rain forests, savannahs, and rivers, all largely untouched by the mainstream tourist industry. A variety of community based initiatives bring much-needed money to locals and let you get up close with monkeys, jaguars and otters while staying in eco-lodges in local communities.

7. A celebration of Olympic proportions: London
It's no secret 2012 is a big year for London. It's Charles Dickens' 200th birthday. There's a Making of Harry Potter studio tour opening near Watford. The Royal Palaces are celebrating The Queen's Diamond Jubilee. And there's a new themed resort hotel opening at Legoland Windsor. The Barbican Theatre is celebrating 30 years of theatre and the Cutty Sark is due to reopen in Greenwich. Oh, and if you're a sporting fan I think you'll find a little event called the Olympic Games is on too.

8. Bike the bridges: New York, San Francisco and Monterey
If you are into urban cycling, have you ever thought about a biking holiday in Manhattan? You can circle the island on 90 per cent traffic free trails these days, biking over Brooklyn Bridge and enjoying the New York skyline from across the river. Over on West coast you can bag the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco or take a bike friendly route around Monterey Bay, past the famous Lone Cypress Tree. Blazing Saddles, a family run company, has all manner of bikes for hire, with trailers and tag alongs for kids or an engine for granny.

9. Mad about history: Siene-et-Marne
The charms of Paris are endless, but there's much more around the region than the city highlights. After a visit to the city, why not explore a little further afield? The region of Siene-et-Marne has lots to offer nature, activity and history lovers. In Meaux there are new interactive exhibitions at The Museum of the Great War. In Nestles you'll find the biggest feline park in Europe is purring with life. And in the medieval town of Provins you can indulge your inner actors, rent a costume and join in one of the regular town shows.

10. Slovenia.
Slovenia has love written into its name, its people are friendly and hospitable and its scenery amazing. Right now it's putting active green adventure at the heart of its tourism initiatives. Who needs any more reasons to go?

Stuart runs The Family Adventure Project, a leading family adventure travel blog.

Banish routine. Embrace adventure. Every day. We're about making family life more active, adventurous, creative and interesting through everyday micro-adventures and once in a lifetime experiences.

Stuart and his partner Kirstie are family adventure travel experts with over ten years experience of biking, hiking, ecotouring, roadtripping, and railroad riding with kids. They've done more than 12000 miles of independent family cycle touring in more than 17 countries, and this breadth and depth of experience is shared in their long running blog. Part journal, part inspiration, part wisdom, part nonsense, the blog is a goldmine of hard won lessons, tips, ideas and inspiration for anyone interested in family adventure. We'd love to see you there.

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