Travel

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Tahiti - everything you need to know

Posted by Alex
March 1, 2007

Maeva! Welcome!

Tahiti – Moorea – Bora Bora – island names that evoke a wonderful state of mind, seducing honeymooners, romantics, adventurers, and vacationers looking for escape.

Here, around these South Seas isles, a romantic sunset sea sends giant curls of turquoise breaking onto the colorful reefs that protect the tranquil lagoons of warm, bright-emerald waters and white coral-sand beaches.

Closer Than You Think

Easier to travel to than you might imagine, Tahiti’s Faa’a Airport is under 8 hours by air from Los Angeles LAX airport, with daily nonstop flights and starting in the summer of 2005 – 3 non-stop flights a week from New York’s JFK airport.

As far south of the equator as Hawaii is north, Tahiti is halfway between California and Australia, on the same side of the International Date Line as North America, and in the same time zone as Hawaii - (only three hours behind California April-October and two hours behind California November-March).

What is Tahiti?

Tahiti & Her Islands cover over two million square miles of the South Pacific Ocean and is comprised of 118 islands spread over five great archipelagos.

Many islands are crowned with jagged peaks while others appear to barely float above the breaking waves. Spread over an area as large as Western Europe, the total land mass of all the islands adds up to an area only slightly larger than the tiny state of Rhode Island.

The three archipelagos most sought by visitors are the Society Islands, comprised of Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora, Huahine, Raiatea and Taha’a; The Tuamotu Atolls or “Tahiti’s Strand of Pearls”, include the atolls of Rangiroa, Manihi, Tikehau, and Fakarava; and the Marquesas, or “The Mysterious Islands.”

Interesting? … Continue reading »

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Hawaii - everything you need to know

Posted by Alex
February 15, 2007

Introduction

Home of the world’s most active volcano and the world’s tallest sea mountain. Birthplace of surfing and the hula. Former seat of a royal kingdom. Hawaii is one of the youngest geological formations in the world and the youngest state of the union. But perhaps Hawaii’s most unique feature is its Aloha Spirit: the warmth of the people of Hawaii that wonderfully complements the Islands’ perfect temperatures.

There are primarily six major islands to visit in Hawaii: Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, Maui, and Hawaii’s Big island. You’ll find each island has its own distinct personality and offers its own adventures, activities, and sightseeing opportunities. We invite you to explore all of Hawaii to find the unique island experience for you.

Hawaii Quick Facts

State Name:
Hawaii

State Nickname:
The Aloha State

Capital City:
Honolulu

Population:
1,262,840

Time Zone:
Hawaii Standard Time (GMT-10 hours), 5 hours behind the US East Coast, 6 hours behind during Daylight Saving Time (Hawaii does not observe Daylight Saving
Time).

Languages:
English
Hawaiian

Currency:
US dollar. Credit cards are widely accepted. Traveler’s checks are accepted at many businesses.

Average Temperature:

April- November: 75˚-88˚ F.
December- March: 68˚-80˚ F.
Average water temperature: 74˚ F.

Area Code/Cell phones:
The area code for all of Hawaii is (808). Cell phone coverage on most Islands is readily available if you’re coming from the US. Check your carrier and calling plan for details.

Internet Access:
Internet access is readily available on most islands and at many hotels.

Accommodations:
Luxury resorts, hotels, bed and breakfasts, rental cottages and condos are located throughout the islands.

Transportation:
Transportation options include car rentals, tour buses, shuttles, taxis or city buses.

Clothing:
Dress casually. Bring a light jacket for nights. Bring semi-casual dress clothes or resort wear for restaurants and nightlife. Suits and ties are rarely worn.

Tipping:
U.S. standards apply: 15-20% on meals, at least $1 per bag for porters, and at least $1 per night for housekeeping.

CHOOSE AN ISLAND:

Interesting? … Continue reading »

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Dubai - everything you need to know

Posted by Alex
February 6, 2007

When we are talking about Dubai we are referring to one of the following :

Dubai the most populous and second largest emirate of the United Arab Emirates after Abu Dhabi. Dubai is distinct from other members of the UAE in that revenues from oil account for only 6% of its gross domestic product. A majority of the emirate’s revenues are from the Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZ) and, increasingly, from tourism.

ORIGINALLY a fishing development, Dubai was taken over in 1830 by a branch of the Bani Yas Tribe, the Maktoum family, who still rule the Emirate today. In the early days, traditional activities included goat herding, cultivating dates, fishing and pearl diving. Oil has been a crucial factor in Dubai’s development since the late 1960’s.

TODAY, Dubai is a class destination with all the modcons of the western world. Dubai is a fascinating Emirate with beautiful buildings, excellent restaurants and nightlife as well as white sandy beaches, culture and history that you can feel as you visit the souks, shopping malls, museums and historic buildings and sites. There is something for everyone in Dubai.

LOCAL TIME: Dubai is four hours ahead of GMT, during BST, three hours ahead.

RELIGION: Islam.

PHOTOGRAPHY
It is strictly forbidden to take pictures of Government Buildings, Army areas, Refineries, Airports and Sheikh Palaces.
Tourist photography is allowed but it is considered offensive to photograph Muslim women. It is always courteous to ask permission before taking pictures.

ALCOHOL
Alcohol is sold only in hotels and clubs. Street restaurants do not serve alcohol. During Ramadan alcohol is not served anywhere from Sunrise to Sunset.

CLOTHING
Light weight summer clothing is suitable most of the year. A cardigan is recommended for the winter months, Dec - March. There are no clothing restrictions, however a little respect for local customs doesn’t go amiss. Don’t forget the sunblock and sunglasses!

WATER
Tap water is drinkable but most people drink bottled water.

ELECTRICITY SUPPLY
T220/240v. Socket type is indentical to the British 3 point system.

BARGAINING
Shop ’till you drop!
Bargaining is part of the tradition on most purchases. Shop keepers will often offer you a cup of tea/coffee whilst you bargain away.

VISAS
Required by most Nationals.

GETTING INTO DUBAI

By plane :

By car :

Dubai’s only international road border is with Oman at Al Wajajah. Expatriate residents of Oman will require an official permit to exit Oman by road. Visitors do not require the permit. There is an OMR 3.000 charge per vehicle to exit Oman and, if returning, retain the charge receipt as it will be required to reenter. Ensure that insurance is valid for the UAE (preferably before commencing the journey). Temporary UAE insurance can be purchased at the border for a premium price. Exiting Oman is fairly orderly but several kilometres down the road, entry into the UAE is totally disorganised; so, be prepared for a wait.

There are also road borders between the neighboring Emirate of Abu Dhabi and Oman at the Al Burami Oasis which divides the sister cites of Al Ain, UAE and Al Burami, Oman. Some people have experienced problems entering Oman at the Al Wajajah post and reentering the UAE at Al Burami Oasis.

By boat :

Dubai is a trading hub for dhows from around the Indian Ocean. Travellers wanting to arrive in the city this way will probably need to make their own arrangements with the captain of the vessel.

PLACES TO SEE

THINGS TO DO

ACCOMODATION

Budget :

Mid-range :

Luxury :

Various special offers available on traveldubai.co.uk

Dubai in 5 images :

Burj Al Arab

Burj Al Arab

Burj Al Arab

Burj Al Arab

Burj Al Arab

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Ibiza - everything you need to know

Posted by Alex
January 31, 2007

Ibiza is a Spanish island in the Mediterranean, and as such, the main language is Spanish or Catalan. But don’t worry almost all of the locals speak English.

The name Ibiza is derived from the Original Arabic word “Yabisah” as for Land or Landward in English. Eivissa is the official Catalan name and the name used by its inhabitants; but the name in Castilian Spanish and many other languages is Ibiza, often manifested by English speakers.

The Island of Ibiza is most famously known for its summer parties, with thousands of people flooding in for the big summer club nights.

There are eight main clubs on the Island :

These clubs are hosts to parties of international fame such as Cream, Manumission, F**k Me I’m Famous and more.

Climate

The climate of Ibiza is Mediterranean and has milder winters and slightly cooler summers than Mallorca. The winters are mild with temperatures around 15° Celsius (60° Fahrenheit) and some rain. The hot summer season lasts from June to September inclusive with temperatures regularly reaching 30°C (85°F), lots of sunshine and very little rain. Frost and snow are very rare.

Music

There also exists a genre of dance music named for Ibiza dubbed Balearic Beat, similarly to the way Goa trance is named for Goa, India. The style tries to reflect the atmosphere of Ibiza, and listeners often say they can see a Mediterranean sunset when they hear its euphoric, uplifting melodies. The atmosphere is brought on with the use of synthesized string instruments, the sound of waves, mandolins and guitars, and wispy vocals.

Accomodation

You can find villas for accomodation easy although you won’t be getting much sleep. For a price comparison :

View detailed info regarding the villas and their services here.

Clubbin’ prices

Expect to pay up to 50 euros for entry and 10 euros for a beer in the island’s most expensive club, Pacha.

See also the Travel Guide

Ibiza in 5 images