Travel And Tourism: 2011/09

29.9.11

Galle Sri Lanka Nice View 2011

Galle, Sri Lanka

A new airport is due to open in Matara, in the south of Sri Lanka, towards the end of 2011; making the seaside village of Galle far more easily accessible. Now recovered from the 2004 tsunami, it's a perfect time to visit this reincarnated area of Sri Lanka with its beautiful beaches, boutique hotels and chic guesthouses. Plus, 2011 has been designated Visit Sri Lanka Year, so there'll be even more reasons to take a trip to the jewel of the Indian Ocean.

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Galle, Sri Lanka

Turku Finland Nice View 2011

Turku Finland

2011 sees Turku crowned European Capital of Culture. Finland's oldest city will be laying on a veritable feast of artistic and cultural events to celebrate the accolade, from film festivals and jazz orchestras to more Finnish events like cutting the world's longest rag rug. After sampling this Smörgåsbord of events, you'll deserve a relaxing dip in one of the country's half million saunas.

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Turku Finland

Orkney Scotland Nice View 2011

Orkney Scotland

The magical archipelago of Orkney is another hot tip for 2011. The second largest Island, Hoy, presents a superbly dramatic landscape, with some of the highest sea cliffs in the country. And there are suggestions that 2011 could the last chance to tackle the famous Old Man of Hoy climbing challenge, as it's tipped that this 450ft pillar of sandstone will collapse soon.

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Orkney Scotland

Stockholm Sweden Nice View 2011

Stockholm Sweden

From its quaint old town and beautiful residential streets to the thriving, vibrant city centre, modern Stockholm is like two stories set in one - and a delight to explore for that very reason. In December 2011 a film remake of Stieg Larrson's book The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, set in Stockholm, is due for release. Follow in the footsteps of stars Mikael and Lisbeth on one of Stockholm City Museum's Millennium Tours through settings from the book.

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Stockholm Sweden

Dunedin New Zealand Nice View 2011

Dunedin New Zealand

Often overlooked in favour of better-known destinations, 2011 is the year that Dunedin shines. New Zealand's most southern city, it's the perfect base for adventure enthusiasts - within easy access of adrenalin-fuelled Queenstown and the wildlife of the Otago Peninsula. Plus, in the autumn the spotlight will be shined on Dunedin as it's a host city of the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

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Dunedin New Zealand

20.9.11

Boracay Island Philippines Nice View 2011

Boracay Island Philippines

While less known than some of the other finalists, Boracay has received numerous accolades, especially for its "White Beach," situated at the West Coast between the villages of Angol and Balabag. The water is shallow here, and the sand is brighter and finer than most beaches in the archipelago. With over 350 beach resorts and 2,000 rooms, you're sure to find whatever you're looking for. Boracay also offers a wide range of restaurants, bars, pubs, and nightclubs that bop until morning.

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Boracay Island Philippines

Tenerife Canary Islands Spain Nice View 2011

Tenerife Canary Islands Spain

Tenerife is a popular tourist destination in the world, get ready to have a unique experience thanks to the wide range of activities that will make your stay in the island unforgettable. Tenerife has some of the highest quality, several of which have soft golden or volcanic sand with warm tranquil waters ideal for swimming. These are mainly around the major tourist resorts. Most have good access, meet stringent European standards of cleanliness, have shower facilities, sunbeds, sunshades and the majority offer water sports, including jet-skiing and wind-surfing as well as exciting boat trips. Sitting very close to the equator, the Canary Islands offer visitors yearlong stable weather. Tenerife is the largest component in the Canary Island archipelago (the Islands are part of Spain). An artificial reef bunkers its beaches. The weather is near perfect, ranging from 68 F (20 C) to 77 F (25 C), with water temperatures ranging from 66 F (19 C) to 72 F (22 C). Impressively, this island receives less than 30 days of rain each year. Avoid holidays if you do not like the masses, while May and November are the slowest months.

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Tenerife Canary Islands Spain

Best Thailand Beach Phi Phi 2011

Phi Phi Beach, Thailand

The first tip is to book in advance, especially if you wish to get the best hotel rate. In any case, Phi Phi has two islands: Ko Phi Phi Don and Ko Phi Phi Leh (smaller). The larger Ko Phi Phi Don houses several fine restaurants, bars and coffee shops. It's pretty busy from November until January because that's when skies are blue, the water is calm, and the air is at its driest. Overall, the weather is fine during the rainy season, except for the fact that the humidity will make you sweat profusely.

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Phi Phi Beach, Thailand

17.9.11

London Nice View In Photos/Pictures 2011

London

There is never a bad time to go to London. But this year may be better than most: the 2012 Summer Olympic Games has prompted the construction of 12,000 hotel rooms, and several hotels that have been around for a while are burnishing their appeal with notable new restaurants. Many are opening well in advance of the games. The 192-room Four Seasons London at Park Lane reopens late this month after a two-year-plus gut renovation that added a penthouse spa overlooking Hyde Park and new restaurant seating in a private garden. The new W London Leicester Square arrives in February, conforming to British tastes with a trendy take on high tea. In April the Corinthia Hotel London reinvents a vintage 1855 hotel, and in May the St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel London makes its debut in a cathedral-like Victorian hotel with a restaurant by the Michelin-starred chef Marcus Wareing.

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London, UK

Koh Samui, Thailand Nice View In Pictures/Photos 2011

Koh Samui, Thailand

Koh Samui – In Thai language, Koh means Island, hence it’s a repetition to say Koh Samui Island, rather say Koh Samui or Samui Island. An Island located in the Gulf of Thailand, a choice backpacker’s destination from around late 1970’s, a peaceful “paradise”. That is the right description to give Koh Samui. It has a history of having the first settlers arriving on the Island around 1500 years ago and was recognized on the maps of the Chinese Ming Dynasty, maps as old as 500 years. Anyone with a business interest in Bangkok will be glad to own a Koh Samui property. It is indeed a relaxing tourist destination. You will be amazed to find out that this is an Island that is surrounded by 60 other Islands, all inhabited.

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