I would love to see your comments about where you dream vacation would take place.

To get started I have been fortunate enough to see quite a bit of this planet we live on. Some of my most memorable sights have been the Grand Canyon, Yosemite, the Great Wall of China and the amazing colours of the corals in the Great Barrier Reef.

I have been to some big sporting events such as the Olympics in Sydney and Beijing. I have also been to the Australian Open on many occasions.

They are just a few of my experiences during my travels. Now as I sit here I am thinking about what my dream destinations are.

Tahiti is always one that comes to mind. The view of Bora Bora from an over water bungalow is something I always dream of seeing. Just sitting on the balcony and relaxing sounds good to me. Then when I am ready to cool off I just step into the spectacular lagoon. Perhaps I would slip on the face mask and snorkel and check out the local fish.

Another place I have always dreamed of visiting is the land of the Great Pyramids in Egypt. The sight of the Great Sphinx of Giza and the nearby pyramids is something high on my list of places to visit.

Something else I dream of is to do a Grand Slam of Tennis tour. If money was no object I would take in all of the Grand Slam tournaments in the same year. First of course I would visit Melbourne the home of the Australian Open tennis. While in Melbourne I would head over to Phillip Island to see the penguins. I would also take a drive along the Great Ocean road and then I would let my wife loose in Melbourne to do some shopping.

To fill in some time between the Australian Open in late January and the French Open in May I would go on a cruise going the long way around to Europe. I of course would be in no hurry. I would plan to arrive in Europe in early April and then take in the sights of Italy, maybe even learn a bit of Italian cooking. Once the tennis is about to begin I would arrive in Paris. I of course would do some sight-seeing and take some romantic walks along the river Seine with my wife.

After the French Open it would leave me some time to see a bit more of Europe before skipping over to London to take in Wimbledon. I would spend at least a day on Henman Hill or is that now Murray’s Mound. Hopefully some Aussies would go ok at the tennis to add to the atmosphere.

Next it would be time to head over to the USA. Here I would land in Los Angeles. Next it would be time to pickup the luxury RV and then start cruising. First off I would head up the Californian coastline then keep going north up to Canada. I would then come back down and check out Yosemite before heading across to Las Vegas. From there it is the Grand Canyon and plenty of sights inbetween there and my final destination New York.

Now it is time for a bit more tennis and then perhaps another cruise back to Australia.

That is just some of what I am dreaming about. If only money was no object you could really enjoy yourself. I would need a personal assistant to take care of all of the travel bookings or maybe I could just do it all online. It would be fun trying.

Now over to you. Where would you go if money was no object and you could live out your dream vacation. Love to read about it below.

The Fleming Hotel in Hong Kong has launched ‘His Space’ rooms. As the name suggests these are rooms catering for males.

There are plenty of boys’ toys to keep a man occupied. The rooms include video consoles for Playstation 3, X360 and the Wii. What would be my favorite feature is the golf putting green which is part of the ‘His Space’ rooms.

To keep the guys happy there will be a collection of men’s magazine and a library of DVD’s. Also on offer in these rooms is broadband internet and cable TV. Male guests also get access to selected imported beers at 50% off the normal price. To further sweeten the deal the hotel includes an American breakfast, gym access and a late checkout.

If you think this is a bit unfair for the girls, well actually it is about time they had guy themed rooms as the hotel already introduced ‘Her Space’ rooms in 2007. The five rooms for women come with enhanced security and female-focused amenities.

For the more traditional traveler, the Fleming Hotel does have other rooms that are sure to please. The hotel is located at 41 Fleming Road which is located in the heart of Hong Kong’s well known Wan Chai business and entertainment district.

The Fleming Hotel aims to impress their guests through exceptionally friendly staff who provide impeccable personalised service.

Put this hotel down as a must visit location. Villa d’Este on Lake Como in Italy. Why you might ask? Well according to the readers of Forbes Traveler this hotel is the finest in the world.

It has everything,” says one Forbes Traveler 400 board member of Villa d’Este, the World’s Best Hotel. “Location, views, architecture, beauty, service, decor, history, easy accessibility, a spa, sightseeing and weather.”

Villa d’Este is a former princely residence dating back to the 16th century. It is surrounded by a 25 acre park. When staying at the villa you get to enjoy the magnificence of a bygone era. The luxury and elegance has been transported into the modern era and gives you everything you would expect in a luxury hotel.

On their website it says “Upon emerging from the revolving doors you feel the cares of the modern world slip away and the warm greetings of the staff make you feel at home.”

In the past the villa was owned by a ballerina and a Napoleonic General, a Queen without a crown, a Russian Empress and minor aristocracy. It was transformed into a hotel in 1873.

If you enjoy art then you will delighted with what you see within the Villa d’Este. The hotel is decorated with fine arts to give it a palatial atmosphere. Some art works to look out for include the Adam and Eve Carrara marble statues by Marco Antonio Prestinari in the Canova Bar.

You will feel like royalty strolling through the magnificent gardens of Villa d’Este. You will enjoy the blend of two styles, the Italian and the Picturesque. The garden alone attracts many visitors to this region.

Villa d’Este has won so many awards the list is too long to include here. Just to name a few it won the Conde Nast Traveller Best Resort in Europe award in 2004 and the No. 1 spa hotel in Europe from Travel and Leisure magazine in 2006.

Villa d’Este totals 152 rooms and feature period furniture and oil paintings.

Rooms at the Villa d’Este are not cheap but you are experiencing the heights of luxury. To give you some idea of the cost some rooms available in September 2009 are the Double Superior from 690 Euros, Double Executive for 790 Euros, Corner Room 980 Euros or a Junior Suite for 1160 Euros.

So to experience true luxury this is the place. If it is out of the question but you would still like to visit the beautiful Lake Como in Italy you can book here. Book hotel in Como Italy

What is your favorite hotel in the world?

For such a little total landmass, Japan has left an undeniable stamp on human history. If you are considering Japan as a destination, here is an outline of the country.

An helicopter view of Japan for Travelers

Extending along the eastern coast of Asia, Japan is a country composed from a collection of islands. The mainland, as we consider it, is the island of Honshu. There are three other enormous islands, Hokkaido, Shikoku, and Kyushu, and approximately three thousand much smaller islands comprising what we call Japan. Put together, the total land mass is rather smaller than California. The geography throughout the islands is mountainous, best exemplified by Mt. Fuji at 12,385 feet. As you might expect, the island country is inherently recognition of a volcanic are and Japan experiences quakes reasonably often, some on a massive scale.

Japan is an highly urbanized country with most people living in major cities. The 2 distinguished faiths are Shintoism and Buddhism. The belief systems are harmonious and regularly share the same temples.

Per legend, Japan was founded by Emperor Jimmu around six hundred BC. The current emperor is a descendent of the 1st.

The first interaction with the West was in 1542 when a lost Portuguese ship landed in Japan. Over the next century more Westerns came, but they weren’t trusted. The Japan shoguns finally banned all foreigners and the country was isolated for over 200 years. Not till 1854 did Japan open its doorways to the world under the Convention of Kanagawa with the US. Once this happened, Japan quickly evolved from a feudal state to a more modern approach.

World War I used to be a boon for Japan. Fighting on the side of the victorious Allies, Japan repeated new respect as an industrial and army power following the defeat of the Axis. Alas, the emperor of Japan went in a different direction after the war, looking for dominance of China and Asia in general.

In 1937, Japan became a friend of Nazi German. This at last led to its decision to pursue an attack on Pearl Harbor on December seven, 1941. Following 4 years of war, the loss of 3 million Japanese lives and 2 atomic bombings, Japan surrendered to the U. S. on September 2, 1945. It was stripped of the majority of its territorial holdings and was ruled de facto by General Douglas MacArthur, elected the Ultimate Chief .

Following WW2, Japan turned to a democratic system thru reforms. The U.S. And allies returned absolute control to Japan on Apr twenty-eight, 1952 through the Contract of Peace. Though its days as a military power were over, Japan once again became an industrial giant. In spite of its comparatively little land mass, Japan has the second biggest economy on the planet.

Modern day Japan covers 145,902 square miles. The capital is Tokyo. The terrain is most accurately described as craggy, mountainous islands with varying temperatures.

The people of Japan are called “Japanese.” The total population is just over 127.4 million folk, but the population is decreasing slightly in size. Eastern is the essentially language spoken and literacy rates are ninety nine p.c. Japanese males have a life outlook of 77 years whilst girls live to 84 usually.

With its mountainous island landscape, Japan is a hot destination spot for travelers. It is costly, but a trip to Mount Fuji alone makes a trip worthwhile.

To read more about travel topics, visit famouswonders.com and while you are at it, check out Japanese pictures.

Naming top ten travel destinationscould prove easy, but how relevant such a list is, that is debatable. This article includes only the most popular locations based on the statistics made with international travel agencies, and according to travelers’ reviews posted on a number of web pages.

To many tourists, Latin America is the perfect place to go on holiday: there is the beauty of cities like Rio de Janeiro and the mystical attraction of Peru and the ancient Maya and Inca cultural remnants. The cultural charge, the leisure activities combined with some great weather conditions, make this part of the world a focal attraction point for millions of tourists during the peak holiday season.

Western Europe with the charm of the Romantic setting of Paris, the historic attraction of Rome and Venice, the fascination of Spain’s former Arab cities and the mystical lands of Scotland and Ireland can be included in the list of top ten travel destinations any time of the year. Palma de Mallorca and Ibiza require a special mention here, as they complete the list of exotic resorts in the European part of the world.

The Egyptian Pyramids and Morocco mark any foreigner who visits them, and travel agencies sell thousands of touristic packages for holidays on the dark continent. One of the features of African resorts consists in the constant touristic push and a magic harmony in the mixture of cultures that mingle so thoroughly in the crowded North-African cities. No matter if you visit retreats in oases or famous resorts, this part of Africa will always remain in the top ten travel destinations.

Moving further on to the distant countries of the Far East it is impossible not to notice the fascination with Nepal and the ancient Buddhist temples on the roof of the world. It is the Nepalese capital city, Kathmandu, with millennia of history that swallows most of the tourist crowds. As for the climbing of the Everest, very few courageous people dare to venture on the crests of Himalaya.

Finally, a lot of great sunny islands can be included in a top ten travel destinations list: Bali, Jamaica, Crete, Hawaii and many others, which is why the list proves virtually limitless, as so are the beauties man and God created. All in all the places closest to a person’s heart remain the ones to attract him/her for further exploration, and therefore, anyone can create a list of top ten travel destinations.

There exist a lot of things to see and do while in Washington!  Now check out the fun and exciting Washington attractions when you vacation in our great state!  Whatever you enjoy – urban centers, mountains, nature, or water, the State of Washington offers incredible variety of tourist attractions and activities.  Everyone can discover the ideal chance to relax and getaway from the frantic pace of life.

Tour Idea #1:  Pioneer Square – Seattle, Washington. Seattle has a wide array of different places to visit, but this is truly a Mecca of Victorian Romanesque architecture for you to enjoy.  Here you will find unique shops, fine art galleries and it is the epicenter of Seattle’s entertainment nightlife.

As well as the traditional Washington travel, there are a variety of many exciting activities to experience and do.  Do you reminisce about fishing when you were a child?  You can camp and have an outdoor family vacation.  Located within just a short distance, you can experience a variety of nature and natural beauty. Explore the native beauty of the state and experience the outdoors.  Whether it is exploring the historical trails or boating or hiking, there are activities for everyone. These are just a few of the activities you will discover, for more ideas, watch this Washington attractions video.

Tour Idea #2:  Visit the Beautiful Parks in Whatcom County! The city of Bellingham is located in Whatcom County in northern Washington. Bellingham is a beautiful area that attracts visitors who love the mild climate and gorgeous landscape. Many who come to the area visit the many parks located throughout Whatcom County.

Balancing the unusual attractions with the general historical attractions will create a memorable family vacation escape.  To create the most of your family vacation getaway, you may want to consider one of the various vacation packages or tours.  Most vacation packages bundle airfare, hotels, and auto rentals  or provide a entertaining tour.  Many packages include activity or museum passes, so you can choose packages interesting to everyone.  If you are fascinated in antiques and heritage, there are many arts and heritage attractions, along with museums of all types of specialties.

Everyone can save money by visiting online travel guides. Most guides will describe the various attractions.  Quality guides will include more detail than just a short snippet or sentence. Enjoy your time and explore excitement about your Washington attractions.  Experience your vacation getaway and experience the opportunity to make family memories that will last a lifetime.

Arvanassi is deservedly recognized as one of the most attractive destinations in Bulgaria. Arbanassi is past of the world cultural heritage and is a declared UNESCO preserve. Arbanassi overlooks the ancient capital of Bulgaria Veliko Turnovo from a high rock vista opening up spectacular views on the river Jantra and the walls of the Turnovo. The village was founded in the beginning of the 13th century by Bulgarian boyars (regional rulers) and had a population of 2000. The highest peak of Arbanassi’s prosperity was in the second half of the seventeenth century. The village had over 1000 houses and its population included nobility who traded with Italy, the Austria-Hungarian Empire, Russia, and India. Numerous crafts were developed – goldsmithing, coppersmithing, blacksmithing, and silkworm-breeding. The houses, churches, and monasteries built during that time are proof of the economic progress and prosperity.

In fact, today Arbanassi (???????? in Bulgarian) is known primarily for its historic buildings.  Preserved are 144 houses, 7 churches, and 2 monasteries with rich interior decorations, carvings, and wall-paintings dating back to the 13 – 18 centuries. These unique architectural and artistic monuments are the reason why Arbanassi is visited not only by tourists but also by scientists, archaeologists, historians, architects, and artists. The colorful and picturesque inside gardens are in sharp contrast with the massive walls. The ceilings, the doors, the furniture and the windows are luxuriously decorated with wood-carvings. The walls are decorated with plaster elements adorned with flowers. One of the most spectacular buildings are the 17th century churches with their high stone walls and massive oak doors. They harmonically fit in the overall architecture style of the village. The churches are almost without any decoration outside but inside they are luxuriously adorned with incredibly beautiful wood-carvings and paintings.  

The seven churches of Arbanassi are some of the most remarkable monuments of Bulgarian art. All churches are built from rock with iron bars on their windows and rich wall-paintings. One of the oldest and most interesting churches is Rojdestvo Hristovo with its stern looks and ascetic outlook. St. Archangels Mihail and Gavriil is the biggest church while St. Atanas is the smallest one, dating back to 1637. St. Dimitar and St. Georgi were constructed in 1661 and 1621.

I have seen on the weather recently just how cold it is in Chicago. Last night on the news it said the forecast is 2 degrees F to 6 degrees F. Those numbers make me feel cold just thinking about them. It is no surprise that Barack Obama and his family are escaping the winter chill with a vacation in Hawaii.

The President-elect headed to Hawaii by charter flight on Saturday for a two-week Christmas vacation. It has been reported that the Obamas will be staying at a Kailua beachfront location. Kailua is a 30-minute drive from downtown Honolulu.

You don’t have to be the President-elect to escape the winter chill. You could take your own Hawaii vacation and enjoy the warmth of a tropical breeze. There is plenty to do in Hawaii.

You may think that Hawaii only offers sun and surf, if you do you couldn’t be more wrong. There is much more for a family to do on the islands of Hawaii, including taking advantage some world-class skiing! Yes that’s right, skiiing.

Hawaii is home to Mauna Kea, which when measured from its undersea base to its 13,000-foot summit, is the tallest mountain in the world!  If you are visiting Hawaii in the winter, you can actually ski on Mauna Kea!

So there you go a Hawaiian vacation can give you everything from the beaches to the snow.

Also for something different in Hawaii you could vist the famous volcanoes.  The town of Volcano, Hawaii, is one of the best locations to visit some of the lesser known, and therefore less crowded, volcanoes on the islands. Start with a visit to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, where you can see actual flowing lava.

If surfing is more your thing winter in Hawaii is a great time to visit as it is the big wave season. Kelly Slater just won his sixth Pipeline Masters at Sunset Beach. This year the waves are big so surfing on those breaks may be best left to the pros. It does however make some great viewing. Sunset beach and Waimea Bay are the places to go.

So there you have it. Hawaii is one great destination for a winter vacation. Why not make your bookings now?

It is not long now until my family and I will be heading over to Beijing for the Olympics. As I am a keen sports fan this is the ultimate holiday destination for me this year. As I love the Olympics I also enjoy going to the cities that have hosted past summer games.

So far I have visited Sydney, London, Paris, Tokyo, Atlanta, Los Angeles and Melbourne as past hosts. I think the coolest stadium was the one in Los Angeles. I also enjoy collecting Olympic memorabilia. I will be keen to see what pins and badges people have in Beijing.

This now leaves Mexico City, Athens, Barcelona, Seoul, Helsinki, Berlin, Munich, Montreal, St Louis, Stockholm, Antwerp, Moscow and Rome. I think that is the lot.

Out of all of the cities still on the to do list I think Barcelona is the number one that I want to visit next. I still remember the stunning scenery that was shown during the Olympic coverage back in 1992. The diving event was amazing. Seeing the divers perform with the city below looked spectacular. Also the architecture looked very interesting.

Looking ahead to a visit to Spain I have started some research. I came across a site that has Spain holiday lettings. It has a good range of accommodation choices. I like the look of some of the luxury apartments in Barcelona. One that caught my eye was a 6 bedroom Apartment in Barcelona.

It is probably out of my price range but I was thinking if I convinced a couple of my friends to share then what a great thing to do. You can have the benefits of a great apartment and enjoy the company of family and friends.

I wrote another post that talks about the benefits of vacation home rentals. It is a great way to save money on your accommodation costs.

With today’s modern airliners providing access to more for less the chances of getting a cheap flight have improved. If only the cost of oil would go down and then there would be some sensational prices.

Still it is affordable to travel the world to see exotic locations. It just takes some imagination and then you can see the places of your dreams.

What is the place you would love to see? Some travel experiences I know people are planning include a six week holiday in France. The friend of mine who is doing this would love to go to France in July this year and hire a car. From there he will travel to the places you don’t see if you go on a package tour. He is planning to find local guides that can show him the out of the way places in France. This will be a truly unique adventure.

Another friend is planning on a visit to Vietnam, once again the focus is seeing the places that not everyone will go to. It seems people are wanting more unique holiday experiences nowadays.

With this comes some risk so it pays to get travel insurance and also register with your countries local diplomatic mission in the country you plan to visit. See the travel registration article for more on this.

My family and I are also having a vacation this year. My wife is from Beijing, so we are going back for the month of August. We get to enjoy the great food available in China as well as take in some Olympic events. Just to be in Beijing at this time should be amazing. Hopefully the Tibet situation will not interfere too much with what should be a fantastic sporting event.

What are your plans for your next vacation? Do you want an overseas adventure or are happy to stay local? There is so much to see and do and with careful planning you can save yourself lots of cash and lots of hassles.