Venice, Italy, Tourism, Vacation Packages, Travel, Tour, Cruise

As the world’s only pedestrian city, Venice, Italy, is a charming and ancient canal-based archipelago on the country’s Northeastern coast. The grand displays of city wealth are found in everything from the architecture and massive palaces, to the art museums and waterfront osteries cooking up a gourmet feast on a single burner. Old world Italy is still quite intact in Venice, but the Venetians haven’t turned a blind eye to modernity either. Their dress boutiques are filled with bohemian-chic forward fashions and galleries with blown glass and contemporary paintings. Upon first arriving, one may think that Venice was built just for them. The truth is, there is never a time of year when visitors will not share the narrow streets and sparkling canals with countless other travelers who all share the same love-at-first-sight notion as they settle into their first gondola ride.

Piazza San Marco is the city’s largest, most-visited square, and houses the Basilica di San Marco as well as the clock tower, Doge’s Palace and Procuratie Vecchie, whose ground floor is occupied by shops and cafes. Dotted with a myriad of churches and museums, such as San Giovanni e Paolo, Museo Ebraico (Jewish Museum), Galleria dell’Accademia di Venzia and the Peggy Guggenheim Museum, Venice shines as a cultural epicenter within Europe and the world. The Venice Card and the Chorus Pass are two passes that can be purchased for discounted public transport and access to many churches and museums.

To find some local music coming from venues other than cheerful gondoliers, check out Teatro La Fenice for epic opera, Al Vapore for jazz and blues, Terrazzamare by the beach or Laboratorio Occupato Morion for local Veneto bands in a dive bar setting. Shopping is also plentiful in Venice. The narrow streets and alleyways are peppered with artisan shops selling carnival masks, Murano glass and marbled paper. Designer shops (like everywhere in Italy) are plentiful in areas around St. Mark’s Square and Calle della Mondola.

In Venice, you can have a variety of culinary experiences. There’s the quintessential candlelit dinner by the canal, the hole-in-the-wall joint serving fresh handmade pasta, the sidewalk café serving pizza or the upscale restaurant that prepares local specialties such as cuttlefish or gnocchi. While maybe not getting the most accolades for dining in Italy, Venetian cuisine is nothing to scoff at.

The closest airport is Marco Polo Airport (VCE) on the mainland near the city of Mestre. Located 16 miles from Venice is the relatively small airport, Treviso (TSF), though it mainly serves domestic flights. The transportation choices in Venice are simple ones: by foot or by water. Gondolas and water taxis (vaporetti) will take visitors up and down the canal-riddled archipelago, while the inner parts of the city are highly walkable.

Venice has a humid subtropical climate with cool winters and very warm summers. July is the year’s hottest month, and has an average high temperature of 81.5° F (27.5° C). Winters can get quite cool, with breezes coming off of the water and average lows of 42.4° F (5.8° C). The best time to visit Venice is during the spring and autumn months, though summers are quite popular as well. Chances are the better the time of year, the more people that will visit along with you. Though you might not have Venice all to yourself, the city becomes incredibly personal once your first memory is made here.

Learn more at: http://etravelcruise.com/destinations/europe/italy/venice.html

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Delhi, India, Travel, Tour, Vacation Packages, Tourism

With over 12 million residents, Delhi, India, is not only the country’s capital city, but the sixth-largest metropolis in the world by population.  Standing on the banks of the Yamuna River, Delhi is a rich blend of a past steeped in history and a vibrant, cosmopolitan present.  Due to the sheer size and constant congestion of people and traffic, Delhi can seem downright intimidating at first glance.  But sift through the gritty surface and travelers will discover that India’s capital is strewn with captivating monuments, magnificent museums, beautiful ancient dwellings, a thriving arts scene and some of the country’s most delectable and eclectic cuisine.

A veritable melting pot of language, culture, caste and religion, Delhi is a unique city with both Old and New World influences.  Visitors can easily spend time weaving back and forth from the dramatic Red Fort, Jama Masjid and medieval bazaars of Old Delhi, and in the same day hit one of New Delhi’s many trendy cafés or hip clubs.  Furthermore, Delhi travel also means diving into a world of international cuisine where everything from spicy curries and grilled kabobs, to wood-fired pizzas and fresh sushi can be found.

Delhi is not a city that can be seen in one day.  To fully appreciate the complexity and vivacity of this great city, travelers must fully immerse themselves into the many aspects of culture, history and tradition that pulses through the people and streets.  Whether it’s visiting the myriad of sights, including Akshardham Temple, Lodhi Garden, Humayun’s Tomb and the National Museum, or going shopping in one of the many bazaars and shopping districts for handmade crafts or beaded saris, Delhi is a one-of-a-kind experience not to be missed.

Famous for variety and spice, Delhi cuisine can consist of chaat (Indian tapas) and street food stalls selling homemade Tandoori chicken, or a five-star restaurant serving gourmet frontier cuisine, like Bukhara, in the Maurya Sheraton Hotel. Vegetarians will rejoice in the selection of mouth-watering restaurants like Sri Balaji, serving both North and South Indian dishes. For the Indian take on classic Italian food, check out Satoria in the south of Delhi. The authentic specials include a variety of pasta dishes, carpacchio and pizzas. For some cheap eats, Karim’s has been open since 1913 and serves up local favorites like Badam Pasanda (boneless mutton with yogurt and spices) and Chicken Noor Jahan.

The arrival point for many visitors into Delhi is Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL). The airport is large and extremely crowded. For international flights, travelers should show up at least two hours early. Travelers arriving into the city should arrange transportation from the airport to their hotel in advance to save time. Navigating around Delhi is quite an adventure, as traffic is notoriously horrible. The Delhi Metro is now open, and provides a cheap and air-conditioned option to travel around the city. Other modes of transportation are taxis, as well as auto and bicycle rickshaws.

Delhi has a subtropical climate with high variation between winter and summer precipitation and temperatures. Summers start early in the city, around April, and have an average daily temperature of 90° F (32.2° C). Winters start in November and peak in January, with an average daily temperate of 55° F (12.7° C). Monsoon season starts in late June and can late through September, bringing about 31.5 inches of rain. The best time to visit Delhi is in October and November, as well as February and March, when the days are sunny and warm, and the nights are cool and dry.

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San Diego, California, Travel, Tour, Vacation Packages, Cruises, Hotels, All-Inclusive Resorts

When describing San Diego, California, one word comes to mind -- pleasant. And that’s a great thing. With arguably the best weather in the U.S., picture-perfect waves, a steady stream of tourists, economic boom and some of the friendliest people around, visiting this sunny SoCal locale is nothing if not unrelentingly pleasant. San Diego’s downtown area may have skyscrapers and countless rows of bars and restaurants, but the majority of the city is made up of beautiful outdoor parks and sandy beaches. From Balboa Park to endless stretches of boardwalk, San Diego is both a good-time hotspot and a beach lover’s paradise.

Beaches in San Diego like Coronado, La Jolla, Mission Bay and Encinitas are considered among the best in the country. With the majority of tourism focused on the waterfronts, the city has a resort-like feel to it most of the year. The world-famous San Diego Zoo is one of the largest and most progressive zoos in the world, with over 4,000 animals calling it home. For a little culture amidst the sunshine, check out the San Diego Museum of Art or the Museum of Man located in Balboa Park. At night, check out the best bar scenes in the Pacific Beach and Gaslamp Quarter located downtown.

With gastronomic influence coming from the city’s geography, ethnic mix and sustainable ingredients, San Diego cuisine is just as diverse as it is fresh.  For a French, Mediterranean and Californian-style fusion restaurant located beachside at La Jolla Shores, The Marine Room is famous for its high-end dishes and dramatic ocean views. El Agave Tequileria is an authentic Mexican restaurant situated in Old Town, and famous for its Mexican nouvelle cuisine and tequila list of over 100 brands. A trendy hotspot in town is the Quarter Kitchen. Located at the Ivy Hotel, the restaurant receives rave reviews for the Kobe beef pot pie and caviar tacos.

Located less than 10 minutes from downtown, San Diego International Airport (SAN) is the area’s largest passenger airport, serving most major domestic and international carriers. McClellan-Palomar Airport (CLD), located in Carlsbad, Calif., is the other commercial passenger airport in San Diego County, and is used more for domestic commutes. The public transit system in San Diego includes the Metropolitan Transit System (MTS), which is a series of bus routes that operate throughout all parts of the region, as well as the San Diego Trolley. The trolley serves mainly the eastern, southeastern and downtown sections of the city. The best and most efficient way to get around sprawling San Diego is by car, as it’s a large metropolis and easily navigable.

Characterized by warm, dry summers and mild winters, San Diego is split between a Mediterranean and semi-arid climate. Summer temperatures are generally warm, with average highs ranging from 71° F (22° C) to 77.7° F (24.6° C). Average winter temperatures are usually anywhere from 66° F (18.8° C) to 70° F (21.1° C). Because the city receives an average of over 200 days of sunshine and just nine to 13 inches of rain annually, San Diego is a perfect year-round vacation destination.

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Travel to Belize: Vacations, Tour Packages, Resorts, Barrier Reef, Great Blue Hole, Mayan Culture, Rain-Forests

Though best known as a world-class snorkeling and diving location, Belize also offers spectacular natural attractions and the authenticity of a genuine Caribbean getaway. Nestled between Mexico and Guatemala on the Caribbean coast of Central America, Belize is one of the few remaining unspoiled places on earth.

Off shore, Belize offers the longest barrier reef in this hemisphere, home to the Great Blue Hole, as well as hundreds of islands, and snorkel and dive locations. On land, Belize has hundreds of ancient Maya sites -- both excavated and jungle-covered -- as well as lush tropical rainforests with many species of birds, and exotic tropical flora and fauna.

If you’re looking for an adventurous vacation, Belize has it all, from soft to extreme play, from an adrenaline-charged experience zip-lining though jungle canopies, to exploring a mysterious cave or Mayan ruins, to lazily canoeing down a peaceful jungle river observing nature. Marine adventures are suited for all ages and activity levels, including scuba diving, snorkeling, wind or kite surfing, para-sailing or cruising on a catamaran. The breathtaking colors of Belize’s waters are an invitation to immerse yourself in nature for a safe and enjoyable adventure.

Belize’s history from ancient Maya to recent events are presented in museums, galleries, visitor centers and street-side stalls, offering insight into the friendly Belizeans you will meet. And while you may not find the sophisticated nightlife of other vacation destinations, Belize’s varied cultures, love of music and many holidays and celebrations give ample opportunity to relax your inhibitions and be one with the people of Belize.

Belize is known for its simple yet flavorful cuisine. Most meals include rice and beans (usually red beans, not the black beans which are more common elsewhere in Latin America) and peppers -- the hotter, the better. The menus also include fresh seafood and fresh fruits and vegetables from local markets. One of the newer notable restaurants is El Fogon, in San Pedro, which features a menu dedicated to the home-style cooking of Belizean Creole and mestizo food, all prepared in an open-fire hearth. For breakfast, try Cindy’s Café, on Caye Caulker, where you can browse the collection of books while enjoying bagels with jam or creamy cheese, yogurt with fresh tropical fruit and granola, a gorgeous chocolate brownie and a wide selection of coffee or tea. For more upscale dining, the Blue Lotus, in San Pedro, offers a mouthwatering blend of Caribbean cuisines, including chicken tikka masala and Bombay saffron shrimp curry, in an elegant beachfront setting.

The Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport in Ladyville, about 10 miles from Belize City, serves American, Continental, Delta and US Airways, and is a two-hour flight from Miami, Houston and New Orleans. The best way to get from the airport is by taxi; although an airport bus service exists, it is infrequent and unreliable. Once in Belize City, arrangements can be made for a car rental or other transportation options. Belize City Airport also offers regional service to other cities in the country, as well as Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker.

Belize has a tropical climate with pronounced wet and dry seasons, although there are significant variations in weather patterns by region. Temperatures vary according to elevation, proximity to the coast, and the moderating effects of the northeast trade winds off the Caribbean. Average temperatures in the coastal regions range from 75º in January to 81º in July. Temperatures are slightly higher inland, except for the southern highland plateaus, such as the Mountain Pine Ridge, where it is noticeably cooler year round. Overall, the seasons are marked more by differences in humidity and rainfall than in temperature.

Average rainfall varies considerably, ranging from 53 inches in the north and west to over 177 inches in the extreme south. The dry season is shorter in the south, normally only lasting from February to April. A shorter, less rainy period, known locally as the "little dry," usually occurs in late July or August, after the initial onset of the rainy season.

The busier time of the year for travelers to Belize is November to May, which are the winter months of the Northern Hemisphere. Still, many visitors prefer the more quiet days of the summer months from June to October for their vacation in Belize. Both times of the year have their own unique attractions and the choice of when to visit is totally up to you, your budget and the adventure you crave.

Learn more at: http://etravelcruise.com/destinations/central-america/belize.html

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Japan: Travel, Tours, Cruises, Tour Packages, Air, Hotel, Rail, Sightseeing, Mount Fuji, Tokyo

It’s hard to find another country with a culture as singular as Japan’s. Art, literature, food, architecture and even Japanese Buddhism are as distinct from the rest of the world as a fully armored samurai is from one of King Arthur’s knights. It seems like all travel to Japan is time travel; the trouble is that a traveler has to divide himself in two as half will wander through an elegant past, while the other half speeds into the future.

Traditionally, first-time travelers to Japan combine Tokyo and Kyoto with a call at Mount Fuji, but more and more of the country is opening up its smaller, nuanced destinations. At night, Tokyo’s Ginza district, fully juiced with neons, feels like a stroll through the future. A more traditional Japan can be found in Ueno-Onshi Park, where the Tokyo National Museum, dedicated to thousands of years of Japanese Art, is surrounded by several shrines, temples, museums, a five-story pagoda, a symphony hall and more. A new wave of younger American travelers, raised on Japanese animation is seeking out such Anime sites as the Ghibli Museum which was created by Hayao Miyazaki who made such Anime classics as Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away. With one of the world’s most user-friendly subway systems, Tokyo is an easy city to explore from the Tsukiji Market to the Imperial Palace.

Not even Vivaldi could celebrate the four seasons as well as Kyoto does. Kyoto is the 1,300-year-old capital of Japan, where the beauty of the country's feudal period is on full display. But you don’t have to go as far as Kyoto to find that feudal spirit. Just a short train ride from downtown Tokyo, Kawagoe feels like it lies centuries away. A quiet country town, Kawagoe became prominent when the Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu, perhaps the most towering figure in Japan’s history, made it his northern military bulwark and gateway into his new national capital of Edo, which we now call Tokyo. Kawagoe’s Kitain Temple, originally built in 830, was rebuilt in 1638 after a fire. It’s also home to Kawagoe Castle, built in 1457 at roughly the same time that Edo Castle was being built in Tokyo. Other wonders of Japan include the Inland Sea, Hokkaido and the city of Hiroshima to name just a few.

Japanese food rode to popularity with the sushi craze of the 1980s and it continues in popularity today along with other kinds of Japanese cuisine. In Tokyo, be sure to catch an early morning meal of sushi at Tsukiji Market. Both Tokyo and Osaka serve as important gateways into Japan and the rest of Asia as well.

Learn more at: http://etravelcruise.com/destinations/asia/japan.html

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Panama Canal, Connecting Atlantic Ocean & Pacific Ocean: Travel, Tour Packages, Cruises, Boat Tour

“Honoring the past by building the future” is the idea that the Panama Canal was created on, and it continues to uphold this belief.  The vision of this heroic achievement was brought to life in 1914, after years of dreaming, planning and constructing what would eventually lead to Panama’s independence and become one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World.  
The Panama Canal is a waterway that was created to provide a connection from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean.  At 48 miles long, this global landmark reduces a 14,000 mile journey from California to New York into a mere 8,000 miles, allowing large vessels to navigate across the Isthmus of Panama. By looking to the future, the Panama Canal has become one of the planet’s greatest milestones; bringing worlds together by the diligence of the French and later the United States, who completed the mission of transforming a small dream into a great reality.   With more than 14,000 ships passing through the famous canal annually and a myriad of shipping possibilities, the Panama Canal continues to make a grand splash across the seven seas. 

Located in the vibrant country of Panama, there are several ways to experience this iconic symbol of hope, which took 34 years in the making.  The Interoceanic Canal Museum of Panama (Panama Canal Museum) transports its guests to the origins of the canal through eventful stories and exhibitions.  The Visitor Center at Miraflores Locks is also a must-see. It is decorated with exhibits demonstrating the technical improvements of the canal; you may even see a ship passing by from the museum’s viewing deck.  The Canal Administration Building depicts its past with an impressive mural; however, what better way to experience this historic journey than by cruising through its magnificent realm on a boat tour.  

The Panama Canal bridged the gap between cultures, brought insight to advancements in architecture, and forever changed the navigation of the inter-oceanic passage.

Learn more at: http://etravelcruise.com/destinations/central-america/panama/panama-canal.html

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Travel to Baden Baden, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany: Travel, Tour, Cruises, Air, Hotel, Car Rental, Packages

 Baden Baden is the true definition of a paradise where picturesque parks, gardens, the Black Forest, and exquisite architecture offer an amazing backdrop, which intensify the need to relax and indulge in such splendor. With such a tranquil atmosphere, this emerald town is a unique and lavish destination, whose aim is to fulfill your heart’s desires.

The old town is a peaceful spa retreat that is known to provide its visitors with the luxuries of life and cultural adventures. From thermal baths and springs resembling ancient Roman baths to massages, caviar treatments, and body scrubs, you will feel completely at peace and stress free from the hassles of everyday life.

Overflowing with manicured green pastures, refreshing thermal baths, and ancient attractions, Baden Baden is the perfect destination if you are in need of relaxation and fun. The old town is a peaceful spa retreat that is known to provide its visitors with the luxuries of life and cultural adventures. From thermal baths and springs resembling ancient Roman baths to massages, caviar treatments, and body scrubs, you will feel completely at peace and stress free from the hassles of everyday life. Baden Baden is the true definition of a paradise where picturesque parks, gardens, the Black Forest, and exquisite architecture offer an amazing backdrop, which intensify the need to relax and indulge in such splendor. With such a tranquil atmosphere, this emerald town is a unique and lavish destination, whose aim is to fulfill your heart’s desires.

Situated on the banks of the Oos River, Baden Baden is a resort town in the state of Baden-Wurttemberg in Germany.  Baden, meaning baths, dates back to the Roman period when baths were first introduced to the town.  However, Baden Baden did not fully become a spa resort until the 19^th century.  Since then, the establishments of many spas and springs have dominated the town.  Elaborately decorated with marble, brass columns, and lily pads, the nude bathhouse Friedrichsbad, was a popular retreat for the rich and famous. However, tourists are invited to unwind inside the steamy saunas and massage rooms. The Baths of Caracalla are also enticing to visitors with its indoor and outdoor swimming pools, waterfalls, and Jacuzzis.  Baden Baden is also filled with cultural sites.  The Museum Frieder Burda invites visitors on an extraordinary exploration of modern architecture through paintings and sculptures. The neo-classical style Festspielhau is where the town’s locals go to watch classical music concerts performed by international artists. Try your luck at a game of Poker or marvel at the elegant décor of Germany’s oldest casino.  History lovers would appreciate the lavish ancient churches and castles that can be found throughout the narrow streets.

Along with the many attractions, you cannot visit the town without shopping in the trendy markets. The paved roads are painted with boutiques and stores that offer some of the best souvenirs and designer merchandise that Germany has to offer.  Take a break from shopping and head to the cafés and bars, which offer scenic views, lively music, and great European wines and treats.

Baden Baden offers a unique dining experience with delightful sceneries of pictorial gardens. Chefs are culinary masters at preparing traditional specialties influenced by their European neighbors.  The sweet aromas from veal, black forest ham, union and black forest cake, and potato salad fill the atmosphere of the charming restaurants.  Also, feast your senses on red and white wines from the local vineyards.  The gastronomy of Baden Baden will satisfy any food connoisseur with its endless supply of mouthwatering delicacies.

During the course of a year, Baden Baden experiences a moderate humid climate, with typically warm summers. During the warm season (May-September) the temperature averages from the high 50s to high 70s.  In the cold season (November- March) the temperature fluctuates between the 30s and 40s.

Baden Baden’s pleasant landscape is best enjoyed by walking or on a horse-drawn carriage.  From the town’s center there are a number of buses that provide transportation and tours to various attractions and locations in Baden Baden.  To reach other major German cities, catching a train is the best way to travel.  In addition taxis are also available to take you to your desired location and renting a car is accessible but expensive.

Learn more: http://etravelcruise.com/destinations/europe/germany/baden-baden.html

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