The Forbidden City, Beijing Destination China

China is an amazing cultural treasure of the world situated in eastern Asia. Its natural wealth, five millennium of history, and an old continuous civilization, place China as a great travel destination. Shanghai is largest city and the major business center with many commercial opportunities. Nanjing and Suzhou are historical places. Guangzhou is a modern prosperous city and Guilin is a paradise location. There are more than nine cities in China that should be visited.

In the world, China is the most populous country, over 1.3 billion population. China is also the third largest country in terms of area, it has an area of 9.6 million square kilometers. Economists think that China will be the most world economy powerful within 20 years. Because of its large population, rapidly growing economy, extensive research and development investments, China is often considered as an emerging superpower. Finally, China has more than 5,000 years of alive history. For these reasons, traveling to China is like traveling to another world.

Tipping is not widely expected or required in Mainland China. However, at superior hotels and restaurants catering to western tourists, porters, room service and wait staff may have become used to receiving small tips. You can tip in cash, some small gifts brought from your country would also be appreciated, such as music CDs, books, perfumes, candies, etc. Do not assume that your medical insurance coverage at home will take care of all your medical expenses abroad. It might only cover a percentage. It certainly will not cover "evacuation" on a private plane with medical staff.

If you pay for your travel through some credit cards, you automatically get travel insurance. Do check the terms. Ask about evacuation insurance if you are going off the well-beaten tourist track. AEA/SOS International has clinics and doctors in Beijing and other cities around China for this and other emergency medical help. Tel.(U.S. and Canada)800/523-8930.

In case of Emergency don't forget to take a China SIM Card , a local service here in US at the wholesale rates to save clients up-to 85% on international roaming. China SIM Card includes FREE incoming calls with service across China plus lowest call charges.

Don't have a Unlocked Cell , explore the options of buying a China- compatible cell phone from RebelFone, renting a China Cell Phone at $1 a day. Rent a Cell with a Free Activated China SIM & you are ready to stay connected to your friends & Family where-ever you go.

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Learn How to Travel the World for FREE!

Looking to take a gap year or another round the world adventure but not sure where to start? It can be scary to venture into the world with nothing more than optimism and good-will, but personal freedom begins with a leap of faith.

1. Embrace the Simple Joy of Travel

Travel frees you from the grind of daily routine. You will explore new places, meet new people, try new foods and learn things about the world – and yourself – that you never imagined were possible.The joy of new experience is the most wonderful thing about travel – and new experiences are free. Walk the streets of a city. Stop and chat with a local. People watch in a public park. Climb to the top of a hill and watch the sun set over the ocean. The simple joy of being in a new place is just a matter of…wait for it…going someplace new. No tour package required.

2. Keep Your Needs To A Minimum

The modern American economy is built on the false premise that people need to buy new goods and services all the time. Again, I call bullshit. People need fresh air, healthy food, clean water, exercise, creative stimulation, companionship, self-esteem and a safe place to sleep.

All of these things are simple to obtain. Most of them are free.

For fresh air, go outside. For exercise, take a walk. For creative stimulation, go somewhere new. For companionship, make a friend. For self esteem, turn off your TV, breathe deep and open your spirit to the basic goodness of the world.

3. Leave Your Possessions and Obsessions Behind

When you travel, you don’t need to pay rent. You don’t need a car. You don’t need an oven, a washer-dryer, electricity, Cable TV, a gym membership, a sofa and loveseat or a closet full of clothes. You don’t need a suit and tie to wear to your job because you don’t need a job. You don’t need to worry about paying the bills, because there are no bills to pay.

4. Get Out of the City

Although it’s possible to travel for free in a big city, it’s damn difficult. Cities are built on money, and necessities like fresh air, clean water and a safe place to sleep are difficult to come by in cities. Go to the country, where people are more relaxed, food is plentiful and there’s ample room for one traveler to lay out her sleeping bag under the stars.

5. Embrace Serendipity

Traveling the world for free requires a blend of advance planning and the willingness to seize opportunities and go with the flow. Does your new Couch Surfing friend want company for a drive across the country? Grab your pack and ride along! As Kurt Vonnegut wrote, “Peculiar travel suggestions are dancing lessons from God.” Go Dancing.

6. Free SIM Card in Case of Emergency

Also do remember to take a World SIM Card as a convenient and economical calling solution while you travel to World. The World SIM card includes FREE incoming calls with service across World. Pay the local rate for local calls and use a cellular phone in World like you do at home. And unlike home, your World SIM card and cell phone service is free of a contract or minimum commitment.

Also explore the options of buying a World-compatible cell phone if you don't have a Unlocked Cell Phone, renting a World Cell Phone at just $1 a day.

Packing for Europe Under a Travel Threat

In response to this alert, counter-terrorism experts recommend that you avoid clothing that identifies you as an American. While some tourists assume that clothing doesn’t matter, under an alert in which Americans are targeted, what you wear can bring you unwanted attention. How do you dress to fit in?

Terrorists may elect to use a variety of means and weapons and target both official and private interests. U.S. citizens are reminded of the potential for terrorists to attack public transportation systems and other tourist infrastructure. Terrorists have targeted and attacked subway and rail systems, as well as aviation and maritime services. U.S. citizens should take every precaution to be aware of their surroundings and to adopt appropriate safety measures to protect themselves when traveling.

European men tend not to wear shorts like American men, mostly because they’re usually more dressed up than the typical American. So avoid sloppy, baggy shorts – dress more like you’re going to a business lunch, less like you’re going to a ball game. In general, Europeans wear more muted tones. Beige, gray, olive – not bright whites or bold colors. Except, weirdly, Italian men wear bright-brick-red pants. Older men don’t wear cotton pants, like light-khaki colored Dockers – they wear rayon, or wool pants in dark colors. Younger men wear t-shirts, but more often they wear polo shirts that are tightly fitted. And they’re a lot slimmer than Americans. I could definitely pick Americans out of a crowd.

Women should do the same – wear muted colors, in rayon or polyester. In Italy, the most popular colors are shades of plum, olive, and black. Black works everywhere in Europe, and travels well. Jeans are fine during the day, even jean jackets, but don’t wear brightly-colored cotton separates. If you wear shorts, they should be long (to the knee) and not baggy.

Still, I have to question the value of alerts like the one excerpted above. While it is understandable that the government would want to offer some sort of official indication of the increased threat, a warning about travel to an entire continent, as well as words of caution about ubiquitous "public transportation" and heavily-trafficked tourist sites are so broad that they limit the power of any information contained in the warning itself.

For the convenience take a before leaving for your trip The Europe SIM Card works in 44 Countries & comes with unlimited free incoming in UK,Lowest call cost to US from anywhere in EU, No contracts, simply return the SIM after your trip, 24 x 7 Global Support, 365 days a year, Itemized Monthly billing all of this FREE ; you only have to pay for the outgoing calls you make as incoming is Free too.Don't have a Unlocked Cell, struck with your US carrier & they are refusing to unlock your cell phone – Don't worry we also offer Unlocked Europe Cell Phone on rent at $1/Day. Just Rent a Cell with a Free Activated SIM & you are ready to roll to any place on earth, connected to your friends & Family where-ever you go.

If you’re on your way to Europe, take a deep breath – the law of averages is with you, and chances are you’ll be fine. So enjoy every minute. But during this alert, you’ll feel more comfortable if you look less like a tourist and more like part of the crowd.

Sweden – Dream Destination

Beautiful and clean, the peaceful Sweden is a land of cultural diversity with a mix of Danish and Wild Arctic North influences. One can also get the feel of urban living in its beautiful and sophisticated cities and at the same time one can feel the tranquility in the countryside. Sweden is full of charm with scenic medical villages, islands, lakes and forests dotting its landscape.

Sweden has a population of around 9 million and the official language is Swedish. Lapp is spoken by Sami people in the north. Most people speak English fluently and also many speak German and French.. It is customary not to drink until the host makes a toast. Smoking is prohibited in most public areas. It is also customary to say Tack for maten to the host after having a meal which means thanks for the food. Casual dress is acceptable for everyday wear and formal wear for social gatherings.

Stockholm – The biggest city and capital of Sweden and is one of the most beautiful cities of the world. The old town is a treat for your eyes and a walk around city’s waterways and parks is an experience to cherish. Most visitors prefer walking around on foot and visit the medieval part of Gamla Stan. The city is basically constituted by archipelagos which are outstandingly scenic and can be explored by cruises.

Eating at restaurants in Sweden can be expensive. Too many times you looked at the bill only to start converting in my head to find I paid two or three times what I would have in the US. It’s a horrible habit and one that I have to break. At the same time, it helps me to find meals that are worth eating without feeling like I’ve thrown away money as I convert from kronors to dollars.

Sweden, is a leader in car safety, is now fitting the devices to all new cars in a voluntary code which involves all Swedish car manufacturers. And by 2012 these devices will be compulsory for all the country's new commercial vehicles. We believe Sweden lead will make all of Europe sit up and take notice extending to all new cars

Also do remember to take a Sweden SIM Card as a convenient and economical calling solution while you travel to Sweden. The Sweden SIM card includes FREE incoming calls with service across Sweden. Pay the local rate for local calls and use a cellular phone in Sweden like you do at home. And unlike home, your Sweden SIM card and cell phone service is free of a contract or minimum commitment.

Also explore the options of buying a Sweden-compatible cell phone if you don't have a Unlocked Cell Phone, renting a Sweden Cell Phone at just $1 a day.

Holiday in Italy

Italy holidays are enchanting. Stay in a luxurious hotel, farmhouse or castle, take a grand train journey through unforgettable scenery or book an exhilarating ski holiday.

The main town of the region is Amalfi, and while expensive, if you shop around you will get good value. Ceramic shops are well worth checking out in this town. It is a good base for exploring the region. The other tourist places that dot the region are Ravello and Positano. Ravello is renowned for the delightful gardens that are located in the mountains overlooking the sea, and Positano to the west coast is a well-established resort for the rich and famous!

European country so basically Italian people do and love the SAME things as other nations , people like a lot to travel and have fun when they can (lately the economy is not so good in Italy) they like to have dinners out and have hobbies as all other westerns people got but a difference between Italians and other nations is that Italians are more oriented in get fun traveling or going out to dinner whilst everywhere else it seems that the "food" issue is less strong but much more strong the "drink" issue so if you come to Italy.

For Lovers of extreme sports such as rock-climbing, hang-gliding and paragliding have options galore. After all, about three quarters of mainland Italy is mountainous. The Italian Alps run across the length of the northern reaches, while the Apennines, the ‘backbone’ extend from the northwest, near Genoa, to the south near Calabria. Operators can advise on the best options, including specialist climbing courses.

We love Italy and Italian culture so much that most people honeymooned and holidayed there, bought a house there, and are now living in Italy for a large part of the year. In doing all that we've absorbed huge amounts of personal knowledge about the culture of Italy - not just academic knowledge but a real, huge, genuine love of and passion for the place, the people and all the Italian culture we can soak up.

Also do remember to take a Italy SIM Card as a convenient and economical calling solution while you travel to Italy. The Italy SIM card includes FREE incoming calls with service across Italy. Pay the local rate for local calls and use a cellular phone in Italy like you do at home. And unlike home, your Italy SIM card and cell phone service is free of a contract or minimum commitment.

Also explore the options of buying a Italy-compatible cell phone if you don't have a Unlocked Cell Phone, renting a Italy Cell Phone at just $1 a day.

My Mexico Travel – Travel Tips

I just returned from my second visit to the Rivera Maya, Quintana Roo and Yucatan. After 21/2 years, lots of change is evident. As we already observed during our first visit, construction on Mega Resorts was well under way, but I had no idea how fast the landscape would change. Charming little fishing villages, such as Punta Bete seem to be completely gone. Giant Hotel Complexes now stand where once empty Caribbean beaches with little restaurants were.

The sites in Mexico like Chichen Itza, Palenque and Uxmal are fabulous. Merida is a nice city, especially on Sundays. However, it's much more expensive than Guatemala, and it also lacks the atmosphere of Guatemala. The Caribbean coast (Playa Del Carmen, Tulum) could definitely not seduce us: it's hypertouristic and quite expensive also.Still, we went back to Mexico in 12/99 to finish the trip we had stopped in 1993. From Tikal we went to Bethel, crossed the Usumacinta river into Mexico, and then visited Yaxchilan, one of the highlights of our second trip (don't miss it). From there onwards toPalenque with side trip to Agua Azul. Then San Cristobal, Oaxacaand finally Mexico City. I think we"ll need a third trip to visit the Nothern part of the country.

While the area was hit hard by Hurricanes during the last season, Mega Resorts have recovered quickly, fueled by foreign investments. Areas such as Puerto Morelos however did not recover as quickly. Little Hotels are still struggling to clean up and rebuild. Financial bankruptcy will only result in the inevitable, more Mega Resorts.

As an enthusiastic traveler, I do not feel well in all inclusive style resorts. People are not interested in the country they visit, just how to get the most out of the buffet and the most Drinks in their alcohol ridden bodies while trying to obtain the best tan to show off at home. I never understood this kind of travel culture, but if you like to spend your vacation in comfort and style without having to worry about anything and if you like group tours instead of exploring a country on your own, the Mexican Caribbean is just the place for you. If you are looking for empty beaches and romantic little villages, go somewhere else.

This article outlines the changes that I observed between my two visits to the Mexican States of Quintana Roo and Yucatan and about some general Travel Advice for Mexico SIM Card and Mexico Cell Phone Rentals .

Switzerland : Tourist Paradise

Switzerland is a small, compact country that contains some of the world's best alpine landscapes. Although somewhat short on cultural destinations, the country offers a cornucopia of beautiful mountain and valley landscapes. Switzerland's cities and villages exude a wonderful "old world" charm and are great places to eat, shop, and relax.Switzerland travel offers you a wide opportunity to witness the eye-popping dream destination of the world. The stunning alpine view of the country is simply majestic and unique beauty in its own. Travel to Switzerland to covert your dream into reality.

Geneva, international meeting place, the smallest of the world's metropolises, peace capital of the world, situated between the shores of Lake Geneva (Lac Léman) and Mount Salève, is a world for everyone, quiet apart from the rest of Switzerland. Known for being headquarters for many international organizations, Geneva also features the world's tallest fountain, the Jet d'Eau, Cathedrals, numerous museums and libraries, the University, the Opera and the Orchestra of the Suisse Romande. They all have contributed to the city's development.

Switzerland conjures up a fair swag of clichés: irresistible chocolates, yodelling Heidis, humourless bankers, international bureaucracies and an orderly, anally-retentive and rather bland national persona. But Harry Lime was wrong on more than one account when, in The Third Man, he said 500 years of Swiss democracy and peace had produced nothing more than the cuckoo clock. For a start, the Germans invented this monstrous timepiece; secondly, the Swiss, who are a brainy lot, have won more Nobel Prizes and registered more patents per capita than any other nation on earth.

The main entry points for international flights are Zürich and Geneva. Basel, Bern and Lugarno airports also receive international flights. There is no departure tax when flying out of Switzerland. Trains are a popular and convenient way to travel to Switzerland, and European rail passes make train travel affordable. Buses tend to be slower and less comfortable, though sometimes cheaper. Getting to Switzerland by road is simple, since there are fast, well-maintained motorways through all surrounding countries. If you have time and money, it's possible to get to Switzerland by boat along the Rhine all the way from Amsterdam. Switzerland can also be reached by lake steamer ferries from Germany via Lake Constance, from Italy via Lake Maggiore and from France via Lake Geneva.

For an extended pleasure take a Switzerland SIM card as a convenient and economical calling solution while you travel to Switzerland. The Switzerland SIM card includes FREE incoming calls with service across Switzerland. Pay the local rate for local calls and use a cellular phone in Switzerland like you do at home. And unlike home, your Switzerland SIM card and cell phone service is free of a contract or minimum commitment.

Also explore the options of buying a Switzerland-compatible cell phone if you don't have a Unlocked Cell Phone, renting a Switzerland Cell Phone at just $1 a day.

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Spain Vacation Travel - Fast becomes an Addiction!

If you are coming to Spain for the first time, be warned: this is a country that fast becomes an addiction. Spain is the land of fiestas & throughout the year there will always be a festival taking place somewhere in Spain. Ones of international interest include the bullrun in Pamplona, the Fallas festival in Valencia and Holy Week in Seville. However, there are thousands more and on these pages you'll find the most comprehensive online guide to Spanish Fiestas.

Few countries offer a stunning blend of natural wonders, historic monuments, and amazingly friendly locals. Spain's population of more than 40 million people are an intriguing blend of cultures and nationalities. Most of Spain's residents are Roman Catholic, though there are a few Protestants, Jews and Muslims. Each of the 17 autonomous cities/communities offers its own unique spin on the Spanish way of life.

The dream destination of many, Madrid is time and again listed and described in all Spain guidebooks. This is where the seat of the central Spanish government as well as other major local and international agencies are located. Once a shabby 16th-century municipality, today this sunshine capital of Spainhas proudly emerged as a finely polished European cosmopolitan. It is by default the gateway to the rest of Spain as well as the door to the Mediterranean.

Spain is comprised of numerous autonomous regions, offering such variation within one country. The hundreds of miles of Mediterranean coastline provide ample opportunity to get off the beaten track, and the country's vibrant cities and colorful festivals will amaze and delight even the most seasoned traveler. There is the Spain of Gaudi, Dali, and Picasso, of Goya and Velazquez - proudly displayed in Madrid's museums and galleries.

Spain is also a country rich in heritage and the historic cities of Toledo, Salamanca, Seville and Granada promise a wealth of early Christian and Moorish buildings and monuments, as well as the remains of some incredible medieval sites. Spain has six cities that have been declared UNESCO World Heritage sites, more than any other country in the world.

Avoid the peak season periods of Easter, Christmas, July and August and you'll be able to pick up a discount air ticket and cheap hotel room in some of Spain's top tourist destinations for less than the price of a decent dinner in London.Even in high season, there are plenty of incredible holiday bargains to be had in popular resorts such as Benidorm on the Costa Blanca, Lloret de Mar on the Costa Brava and Torremolinos on the Costa del Sol.

To add to pleasure take a Spain SIM card for a GSM international cell phone is the most convenient and economical calling solution while you travel Spain. The Spain SIM card includes FREE incoming calls with service across Spain. Pay the local rate for local calls and use a cellular phone in Spain like you do at home.

Don't have a Unlocked Cell, struck with your US carrier & they are refusing to unlock your cell phone Just Rent a Spain Cell Phone at $1 a day with a Free Activated Spain SIM & you are ready to roll to any place on earth, connected to your friends & Family where-ever you go. 

Netherlands Holiday Guide

Netherlands the country of tulips, windmills and bicycles stretches out over a predominantly flat landscape of reclaimed land. Sophisticated urban centres and sleepy rural towns are contained within the expansive vistas broken here and there by canals, castle walls and dikes. Europe's most densely populated region is located within an area of the Netherlands called the Randstad. This urban hub is spread in a circle from Amsterdam, and includes The Hague, Rotterdam and Utrecht and the smaller towns of Haarlem, Leiden and Delft. The metropolitan centres buzz with the activity of seasonal festivals, cultural activities, vibrant art scenes and excellent pubs and restaurants.

Most people travelling to the Netherlands head for the unique experience of its capital city, Amsterdam. The other parts are largely unaffected by tourism, particularly the areas outside the Randstad. The southern parts of the country are transformed by undulating landscapes of shifting sands and heath moors, best experienced within the Hoge Veluwe National Park. Still south, tucked between the German and Belgian borders, lies the historical city of Maastricht. But on the changing face of the Netherlands, the windmills are restaurants, the canal barges are tourist tanks, the tulips are growing in the wooden clogs and the tiles are on the wall.

The Netherlands has a reasonably good public transport system, but the payment system is undergoing transformation. Here is a basic guide to tickets, trains, buses, trams, airports and taxis, including information for those with special needs.

The Netherlands offers a wide range of attractions and its trademark culture is certainly worth exploring. Fascinating old cities, picturesque countryside, rich traditions, seasonal events, unique scenery, windmills, art galleries, museums, coffee shops, bars, restaurants – whatever it is you want you'll find it in the Netherlands. Nestled between Belgium and Germany, it is quite easy to reach from France and Great Britain. Modern transportation networks and numerous airports provide simple and quick transportation to and from the Netherlands within all Europe and the other continents. Anyway there are many other interesting places not to be missed during your Dutch adventure. Why not travel to the west of the Netherlands, a region dotted with interesting historical landmarks, abundant in extraordinary cities, such as Leiden, the birthplace of Rembrandt with a beautiful old town or the vibrant port city of Rotterdam.

Also take a Netherlands SIM Card , a local service here in US at the wholesale rates to save up-to 85% on international roaming. Netherlands SIM Card on KPN Network includes FREE incoming calls with service across Netherlands plus lowest call charges back to US.

Don't have a Unlocked Cell , struck with your present US carrier rent a Netherlands - compatible cell phone from RebelFone, renting a Netherlands Cell Phone at $1 a day.

Vietnam Travel Guide

Vietnam is located in both a tropical and a temperate zone. It is characterized by strong monsoon influences, but has a considerable amount of sun, a high rate of rainfall, and high humidity. Regions located near the tropics and in the mountainous regions are endowed with a temperate climate.
The annual average temperature ranges from 22ºC to 27ºC. In Hanoi, the average temperature is 23ºC, in Ho Chi Minh City it is 26ºC, and in Hue it is 25ºC.

There are two distinguishable seasons. The cold season occurs from November to April and the hot season from May to October. The difference in temperature between the two seasons in southern Vietnam is almost unnoticeable, averaging 3ºC. The most noticeable variations are found in the northern provinces where differences of 12ºC have been observed. There are essentially four distinct seasons, which are most evident in the northern provinces.

Weather forecasts are only of value for a week or so in advance and even then they are not very reliable. Weather averages are better indicators of what to expect in a particular month. In each of the pages describing the weather patterns in specific locations, there is a table of average temperatures, rainfall, and so on. Also keep a close eye on short-range weather forecasts and warnings of possible storms.

December to March is a good time to visit the Central Highlands when conditions are usually dry and cool. We visited the region in late November when the weather was beautiful with fine, warm days and pleasant evenings. We had a few light showers as we headed north towards Hoi An. Along the central coast there is a rainy season from December to February. June to October tends to be very dry and hot.

If you're planning a trip to cover all of Vietnam the best time to visit is from September to December or from March to April. Also to ensure a complete peace of mind experience take a Vietnam SIM card for a GSM international cell phone is the most convenient and economical calling solution while you travel Vietnam. The Vietnam SIM card includes FREE incoming calls with service across Vietnam. Pay the local rate for local calls and use a cellular phone in Vietnam like you do at home. And unlike home, your Vietnam SIM card and cell phone service is free of a contract or minimum commitment.

If you are struck with your US carrier & don't have a unlocked cell phone then you may also , rent a cell phone for Vietnam at $1 a day. Rent a Cell with a Free Activated SIM & you are ready to stay connected to your friends & Family where-ever you go.