Travel blog about best family, spa, beach, hotel resorts. Popular travel vacation packages

Bergen is a beautiful city located close to the
northern sea and has some exceptional wooden
buildings, dramatic scenery, surrounded by mountains
and vibrant nightlife. It is the second largest city of
Norway and one of the rainiest city in Europe since it
rains about 245 days in a year, especially in the
winters. The average temperature all year long is 7°C ( or 45 °F).
May has the least precipitation and is the best time
to go. Daytime temperatures in June, July and August
hover around 14°C ( or 57 °F) are also considered an
acceptable time to visit. Most tourists arrive here by bus (cheapest)
or by air to Bergen Airport Flesland (IATA: BGO).

Bergen is often considered a great symbol of Norway’s cultural heritage and
makes it’s place in the UNESCO?s World Heritage List for it’s historical
re-creations of a medieval settlement. Bergen also has many famous places and
festivals which the tourists can visit and enjoy. It is a great place to
experience how the modern day infrastructure can co-exist with it’s attractive
heritage. Bergen is one of Europe?s most visited cruise ship harbors and
a the gateway to a wonder experience. 

FAMOUS PLACES / POPULAR ATTRACTIONS OF BERGEN:

Bergen Aquarium (Akvariet):

A great place to enjoy, especially for the kids. The
Bergen aquarium is famous for penguins, seals,
tropical fish and a large variety of aquatic life.

Bergen Art Museum (Kunstmusem):
A great place to enjoy contemporary art and those from
the renaissance. It also has many of Edvard Munch’s
arts as well.

Bergen Museum:
One of the best places to see in the city is this
museum, it has several Natural History Collections
and Cultural History Collections. You will find things
from Egyptian mummies, Viking jewelry, prehistoric
fossils, snakes, birds, crocodiles, plant house,
botanical garden, Norwegian folk art, church art,
national costumes and several interesting objects from
all over the world.

Fantoft Stavkirke church:
This church was totally destroyed by arson in 1992 and
was rebuilt. Stave churches are built by logs of trees
as pillars.

Fisketorget (The fish market):
This is the Bergen’s outdoor fish market and can
sometimes be crowded. It has been a historical center
for fish trade and is a good indication to see what
the locals like to eat.

Floibanen:
It is a funicular which goes up to one of the famous
hills surrounding Bergen (Mount Floyen) and offers
great views of the whole city.

Gamle (Old Bergen):
This reconstructed town is located very close from the
the city center and has some very attractive wooden
houses.

This is probably the most popular tourist attraction of Bergen.

The castle on Gamlehaugen:
The best way to enjoy this masterpiece is by taking a
guided tour. It was once the home of former prime
minister Christian Michelsen and now it is the royal
family’s residence.

Ulriksbanen / Mount Ulriken:
You can take a cable car to the top of Mount Ulriken
which is the highest mountain adjacent to the city.

Troldhaugen:
This is the house of Norway’s national composer Edvard Grieg, who also wrote the Peer Gynt suite.
There is a museum devoted to him.

West Norway Museum (Vestlandske):
Famous for decorative art and also has a largest
collection of Chinese art too.

Bergenhus fort:
Built in 12th century, it is one of the oldest and best preserved forts of
Norway.

Bergen science center (Vilvite):
A great inspiration for kids to excel in academics, it features interactive
exhibitions of science, technology and mathematics.

Famous Music Concerts:
Bergen Jazzforum, The Philharmonic Orchestra and Bergen Live

Hiking:
If the weather is good, the mountains surrounding Bergen offer great hiking
opportunities. Check with Bergen Hiking Association for more information.

OTHER TOURIST ATTRACTIONS:
Bergen Maritime Museum, Det Hanseatiske Museum, Damsgard, Domkirken Cathedral,
Hakonshallen, The Leprosy Museum, St. Mary’s Church, Siljustol museum, Theta
museum, Rosenkrantz Tower, Bergen International Film Festival and Natt Jazz
Festival.

A great way for tourists to see the city is to buy a Bergen Card, which
gives you entry in most museums, free bus rides and parking. Great discounts on
several sightseeing attractions. 

Stockholm is the capital of Sweden and a famous tourist destination located in
the eastern coast of the country near Malaren lake and the Baltic Sea. The
Stockholm archipelago which stretches over 80 kilometers is a popular attraction
of the city, consisting of thousands of islands, rocks and islets. The best time
for tourists to visit Stockholm is during summers when the days are pleasantly
warm with evening slightly cool. The average temperature in the month of July is
18°C and -3°C in January. Majority of locals work in service industries like
technology and finance.

Tourism is an important part of the economy and with several famous places to
see, tourists can have a good time in the city. It also has many historical
buildings starting from the 15th century. Stockholm also has an extensive public
transport system and is well connected by rail systems, roads, ferries and air.
Stockholm-Arlanda Airport is the largest airport of Sweden. You can buy tickets
to several tours, tourist destinations and museums at the Stockholm Tourist
Centre. A great way to save money during your trip is to buy The Stockholm Card
which includes admission to several museums, transportation, tourist attractions
and many other famous sights of the city.
*

Famous
places to see in Stockholm are:

1. The Stockholm archipelago:
This is one of the most beautiful sites of Stockholm and it stretches over 80
kilimeters consisting thousands of rocks, islands and islets. The best place to
enjoy this natural wonder is City Hall, the Royal Palace, Vaxholm town or simply
take the tours in ferries or small ships. Many of these islands have restaurants
and stores and others are just lush green
piece of land and others are totally deserted. Grinda, Moja and Sandhamn are
famous tourist destinations.

2. Gamla Stan old town:
It is a picturesque old town with several old buildings and reflects the
historic past of Stockholm.

3. The Royal Palace:
Built in the 17th century, this is a beautiful architectural attraction. This is
also the official Swedish Royal residence and is one of the most glorious
palaces in Europe. The guard ceremony takes place every Wednesday and Saturday.

4. Royal Djurgarden:
The popular island of Djurgarden is densely packed with a variety of
entertainment options like world class restaurants, museums and wooded green
space.

5. City Hall (Stadshuset):
This City Hall is made up of red bricks and stands on the King’s Island (Kungsholmen)
since 1923. The most famous tourist attraction in this building is the
magnificent Golden Hall whose walls are covered with handmade mosaics. Guided
tours are also available to various halls like the Nobelhall and the Blue Hall.
 

6. Museum of National Antiquities:
It contains a treasure of archaeological artifacts many of which were recovered
from the tombs and caches of treasures from the Vikings.

7. Skansen:
Skansen is literally an open-air museum, here the historical buildings from the
18th and 19th centuries can be seen, many of which have been relocated from
around the Sweden. There is also an aquarium, Monkeys exhibit, Skansen Zoo and
more.

Other popular attractions include the Public Library, Globe Arena (Globen),
several Churches and Museums. Stockholm is certainly a very popular tourist
attraction loaded with many natural wonders and famous places to see and enjoy.

Salzburg city is a very popular tourist destination among the tourists visiting
Austria, especially famous for its baroque architecture in the Salzburg’s “Old
Town” (Altstadt), it was also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site
in 1997. Salzburg is geographically located on the banks of the Salzach river
close to the Alps. The famous fortress “Festung Hohensalzburg” was built in 1077
and was later expanded by many rulers. Even though the population of Salzburg
city is of more than 150,000 individuals, this local population gets outnumbered
in the peak tourist season. It is also the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus
Mozart.

As mentioned earlier, the Old Town of Salzburg is a World Heritage Site.
Salzburg is well connected with the rest of the country with rails, it is also
well connected with many towns from Germany and Italy. You can also reach here
by air (Salzburg Airport- SZG), buses or drive in your own car. The famous
Salzburg Music Festival is organized each year in July and August attracting
tourists from all over the world. The best way to get around is by taking the
city busses and then walking around. To save money during your trip, do consider
a Salzburg Card if you are planning to stay for a few days. It includes
free admission to most of city’s attractions, public transport and discounts for
tours and events. 

Famous tourist attractions of Salzburg are:

1. Salzburger Hellbrunn:
Loaded with natural beauty, it has several clever fountains, castles and
beautiful gardens. It also has a children’s playground, Stone Opera Theatre and
an overall good place for picnic.

2. Hohensalzburg Fortress:
It is located on top of a mountain and is clearly visible from most of the city.
From this famous fortress you can enjoy the breathtaking views of the Salzburg
city and the Alps. There is also a museum of medieval weapons, executioner
chamber and even hosts public concerts in the evenings. It is one of the largest
castles in Europe.

3. Mozart’s birth house:
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born on 27 January 1756 in this famous house and the
house also hosts a popular museum devoted to Mozart’s family.

4. Schloss Mirabell:
This has a beautiful castle with gardens and the world’s most beautiful wedding
hall (Marble Hall).

5. The Untersberg:
A famous mountain near the city, tourists can take a cable car which takes them
over 1300m to the Geiereck peak.

6. Casino of Salzburg:
Slot machines and other games. It is located in the Schloss Klessheim Palace and
was once used by Adolf Hitler.

7. Visit the Salt Mines:
There are many salt mine tours available in the city. The name Salzburg itself
means “Salt Castle” because once in the 8th century there were barges carrying
salt on the Salzach river.

Other famous tourist attractions include:
Salzburg Zoo, Toy Museum, Museum of Modern Art, Museum of Natural History, Anif
Castle, St. Sebastian Cemetery , Salzburg Cathedral, Residenz State Rooms,
Salzburger Freilichtmuseum GroBgmain (an open-air museum) and Stiftskirche St.
Peter.
 

Graz is the second-largest city in Austria (after Vienna) and a popular tourist
location, it is also the capital of Styria region. Graz is located in south east
of Austria, on the banks of Mur river. Graz’s “Old Town” is a World Cultural
Heritage Sites as it is one of the best-preserved cities of Europe for its
unique architecture and buildings. The average annual temperature of Graz is
about 9°C. It is also a famous center of education with its six universities of
over 40,000 students. 

It is believed that the oldest settlement in Graz dates back to the Copper Age.
It is about 200 km southwest of Vienna ( about 2 hours commute) and due to its
geographic location it receives more sunshine per year and less rain. It is also
the birthplace of California’s Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger (Thal region), who
is also a popular Hollywood actor. Graz is well connected by air, rail, road and
bus. Within the city you can easily use the trams, local buses, taxi’s, bicycles
or your own car.

Famous tourist attractions of Graz:

1. Old Town: The UNESCO World Heritage organization added this “old town”
to it’s list in 1999 for the architecture of its buildings. The the old town has
over 1000 buildings ranging from Gothic to Contemporary. Popular places to see
in the old town are Schlo?berg hill, Uhrturm clocktower, Neue Gallerie Museum,
Schlo?bergbahn, The Landhaus state parliament, Landeszeughaus armoury,
Schauspielhaus theatre, Dom cathedral, Rathaus toontown, Burg castle, Gemaltes
Haus building, Kunsthaus museum, Murinsel artificial island and Buildings,
courtyards.

2. Schlo? Eggenberg - A palace and a museum.

3. Osterreichisches Freilichtmuseum Stubing - An open-air museum of old
farm houses.
 

4. Herz Jesu Kirche - Largest church in Graz.

5. Ruine Gosting vista point.

6. Lurgrotte - A large cave system.

7. Styrian Tuscany ( or the Steirische Weinstrasse) is a wine growing
region of Graz.

8. Graz has several museums featuring paintings, sculptures, arts,
science, nature, history, literature and religion.

9. Opera House Opernhaus.

Best time to visit Graz: April to September (summers)

ACAPULCO - The Romantic Resort City:

It is a C-shaped bay
and a beautiful resort city in the Mexican
Pacific. It’s also a major seaport and a popular resort for tourism. Many
tourists take long
holiday weekends and cruises from the United States, Canada, the Mexican interior and
countries in South America. Due to its stunning beaches, exuberant natural surroundings
and wonderful climate, this port has been dubbed as the Pearl of the Pacific.
     

Topics:
     
? Acapulco Tourism Overview
     
? Getting There
     
? Transportation And Car Rental
     
? When To Go
     
? Popular Tourist
Attractions
     
? Golf
     
? Shopping
     
? Top Hotels
     
? Nightlife
     
? Spa
     
? Climate / Weather
     
? Local Tourist Office
     
? Currency
     
? Recommendation and Safety

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ACAPULCO TOURISM INFORMATION AND TRAVEL OVERVIEW:

The
modern infrastructure has had very little impact on its original beauty and
attractions. Acapulco offers an enormous range of attractions and activities
along with calm sunny beaches and major hotel complexes, superb restaurants and wonderful
nightclubs. The Nahua Indians, the Aztecs predecessors, lived in Acapulco around
3000 BC. Even though an upscale vacation city, Acapulco tourism is still more reasonably
priced than Cancun and is one of the best places to enjoy Mexican nightlife too
including discotheques. Acapulco is truly a remarkable travel and tourism
destination, adventure activities include bungee jumping, paragliding, swimming,
Scuba diving, fishing and Surfing.

The town of Acapulco is very narrow, about one to half mile wide, surrounded by
sea on one side and mountains on the other. With the semi circular bay of Acapulco,
Mexico is
considered to be the most beautiful bay of the world.

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GETTING
THERE:
Being a popular mega tourism area, getting here is very
easy. Most major airlines fly into Acapulco City.

CRUISES:
You can also visit by taking a Cruise
to Acapulco. There are several Cruise liners like Celebrity, Crystal, Cunard, and Princess
Cruises which anchor off here.

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TRANSPORTATION AND CAR RENTAL:
The city has many buses and taxi services that one can take. An important mode of
transportation is the government subsidized ‘Colectivo’ cab system. These cabs
cost 10 pesos per person to ride and operate on first come first serve rules.
The bus system can be confusing to an outsider but cost under 5 pesos. Taxis are
everywhere in Acapulco and un-metered, therefore the fare should be agreed
before boarding. Yellow cabs are 10 pesos per person; buses are 4 pesos or 5
pesos and are air conditioned.

To rent a
car you must be at least 25 years old and major credit cards are accepted here. It’s
usually difficult to drive in Acapulco as most hotels and attractions are on the
main avenue (’Costera’), which follows the shore of the bay from one end to the
other. International Drivers license is recommended although not always
required.

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WHEN TO GO:
The dry, hot months, October to May, are the best time to visit but the hotel
room rates are also the highest. September to early November and March through
May (not including Spring Break and Easter Week) are shoulder seasons and offer
a good money-weather ratio.

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POPULAR TOURIST ATTRACTIONS OF ACAPULCO:

Acapulco has everything a visitor could ever want - beautiful sunny beaches, a
rich history (including pirates), vibrant nightlife, stunning scenery and brave
cliff divers who jump in the ocean in the night with fire sticks in their hands.

? Beach Tourism:
Beautiful beaches on golden sand with palm trees and refreshing breeze. Swim in
warm blue water, Water Ski, Sports fishing, Scuba diving, and wind
Surfing.

? Roqueta Isle : Roqueta Isle is famous for scuba diving and snorkeling.
Glass bottomed boats are available from “Caletilla” to Roqueta Isle to
help you see the marine lives beneath through the clear water of the sea.

? Isla Roqueta Zoo:
It is the world’s only zoo located on an island. Visitors must ascend a hill and
walk among the tropical plants to see a variety of animals, including elephants,
giraffes, monkeys, and an extensive assortment of snakes.

? Fort of Saint Diego - Museum: This architectural landmark was built to
guard the port of Acapulco from pirate attacks in 1616. It has a collection of
items from Asia and Europe.

? Centro Internacional (CICI) is a great water sports park with
artificial wave pool, aquarium, dolphin and seal diving shows and more. This is
a perfect place for a family outing.

? El Veladero (National Park):
The deciduous forest of this park serves as an important source of water to
the city of Acapulco. Various birds and reptiles live in the 7,900acre park
which is one of the only natural areas surrounding the city. Trails exist for
hiking and horseback riding through the park.

? Delfines Paradise:
You may choose to swim with dolphins in their natural habitat. You can also learn
about dolphins and interact with them on water platforms also.

? Tres Palos Lagoon:
Located about 20 miles southeast of Downtown Acapulco its an incredible way of
experiencing the Mexican wildlife, right beside the tourist destination of Acapulco.
This freshwater lagoon is home to several species of fauna and flora, especially
tropical birds.

? Cliff Divers at Night:
Fearless cliff divers of La Quebrada can be experienced from club La Perla
restaurant which overlooks the cliffs of La Quebrada where the brave cliff
divers dive into the ocean in the dark.

? Coyuca Lagoon:
This fresh water lagoon is one of the most important natural attractions. This picture perfect lagoon is thick with palms, water hyacinths and
native flora.

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GOLF - Acapulco Tourism :
18 hole Acapulco Princess Golf Course, Acapulco Princess Golf Course and Pierre
Marques Golf Course.

? Acapulco Princess Golf Course: Ave Playa Revolcadero, Granjas del
Marques, Acapulco, (Ph: 1.800.441.1414)
? Pierre Marques Golf Course: Ave Playa Revolcadero, Granjas del Marques,
Acapulco, (Ph: 1.800.441.1414)
? Mayan Palace Acapulco Golf Course: Av. Costera de las Palmas Lote
C-1-C, Acapulco, (Ph: 1.800.292.9446)

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SHOPPING:
It is am important part of Acapulco Tourism.

La Gran Plaza Mall:
Located along the main road “Costera”. It is the largest mall in Acapulco
and has a nice movie theatre
and a food court.

Plaza Bahia:
Smaller than La Gran Plaza, also located along the “Costera”.
It has a cinema, and some pool tables and a bowling alley.

Artisans’ Mall:
An open-air mall located across from Plaza Bahia, you can find
many inexpensive arts and crafts and souvenirs.

Zocalo
It is in the older part of the city. You will find hundreds of
shops selling all kinds of gifts, crafts, jewelry, clothing and other local
goods.

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TOP HOTELS:
Grand Mayan, Las Brisas , Mayan Palace, Camino Real Acapulco
Diamante, Etel Suites, The Fairmont Pierre Marques, Mayan Sea Garden, Elcano
Hotel, The Fairmont Acapulco Princess, Quinta Real Acapulco.  You will find
good food of most cuisines, tipping is 15 to 20 percent for good service.

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NIGHTLIFE:
Acapulco tourism offers wonderful nightlife. You will find Drinking Bars, Disco, clubs, and discotheques for all music preferences and
for all ages. Of the American favored
clubs, the top three are Palladium, Mandara, and Privado, all located within a
mile of each other and play a combination of American and Mexican songs. The
price varies due to the time of the year, but generally 40-50 US Dollars. 
Most places are open until sunrise. Dancing at one of the hillside clubs have a
full view of the bay through floor-to-ceiling windowpanes is an experience
unique to Acapulco. Other places include Hard Rock Caf?,  El Alebrije,
Disco Beach,  Baby’O, Zucca, Joy, Baby Lobster Bar, Nina’s, Mangos, Pepe’s
Piano Bar. The best time to enjoy the nightlife scene will be in the very early morning hours, as things are most exciting after midnight, and until about 4
a.m.

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SPA:
Acapulco offers one of the best Spa in Mexico, take a dip in the hot tub, or enjoy
sauna and massage. Villa Vera SPA is one of the largest and most sophisticated.
Others include Alory and Willow Stream at the Fairmont.

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CLIMATE:
Acapulco is generally hot and fairly humid. Most of the rain falls from June
to October, when you can expect a little rain each day, with occasional tropical
storms. The winter months of December to April are cooler and dry, whilst May
and November are also very pleasant months to visit. January through March ­
only dip to around 73 degrees Fahrenheit. Highs year round average 88 degrees.

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TOURIST OFFICE:
Regional Mexico, Acapulco tourism information office is located at:
38-A Costera Miguel Alem?n, Acapulco, Tel: 52 744 484 8555

For information contact the Mexico Tourism and Travel Board at 800-446-3942 or visit www.visitmexico.com.

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CURRENCY:
Mexico Peso

Most hotels and restaurants accept Credit Cards and US Dollars. ATMs are readily
available and accept foreign bankcards. If you are taking travelers cheques then
you should consider getting them in U.S. dollars for better acceptance and
exchange rates in this popular Mexico tourism destination.

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RECOMMENDATION & SAFETY:
Tourists visiting Mexico should focus on total personal hygiene from washing hands and brushing
teeth regularly, drinking bottled water and not to buy food from street vendors.
Medicine should be kept to ward off the malarial infection. Acapulco tourism
information office can also give you useful tips.

Also tourists
should beware of drug traffickers and avoid if any of them tries to contact you.
Police of Mexico is everywhere.  At night you will see prostitutes along the La Condesa strip but prostitution is not legal here. Avoid the timeshare unless you
are sure as they are often scams. Avoid people who try to be over friendly and
over generous. Visit travel.state.gov for most up to date security
recommendations.