MashaTravel

Qatar's capital city, Doha is a flourishing tourist destination. The city encourages patrons to invest on flights tickets and unearth a wide assemblage of things and activities that need to be explored and enjoyed.

Experience the enamouring beauty of Doha, the capital city of Qatar, a fast blossoming Middle East country that thrives on its glorious parade of cultural attractions, remarkable monuments, interesting museums, mesmeric historical emblems and refreshing sporting activities. Doha has come to represent all this and much more on behalf of Qatar. With its lap full of noteworthy sightseeing and interesting recreational pursuits, Doha has been pushed right at the global tourism's acme, right among the world's biggest holiday destinations.

Doha has realised its tourism potential and has sought to capitalize on it by promoting modern luxury hotels, and well-maintained seaports and airports. Almost every key destination on this globe is connected to Doha via direct/indirect flights. With the modern accompanying the traditional, it goes without saying that there is a lot to do in the city after blocking tickets on flights to the region.

Explore the Cultural and Historical Flair

Mangalore is located in between the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghats in Karnataka. It is the administrative headquarters of Dakshina Kannada district and covers an area of 132.45 square kilometers. It has been a major trading port of south India from the medieval times and is known for its historicity. Even though it has been urbanized over the past few decades, it retains its tradition as a cultural centre and houses some of the most ornamental temples and sacred churches. The city is famous for its many beaches that are spread across its borders.

The city derives its name from the Hindu goddess, Mangaladevi. Due to its strategic location, it has been used for centuries to export many items including coffee and cashew nut. People of Mangalore engage in all sorts of urban and semi urban occupations. The population of Mangalore is said to be over 419, 000 people. Among them, Hinduism is the major religion practiced followed by Christianity. Tulu seems to be the primary language of communication in the city. However, people also speak Malayalam, Konkani, Tamil and Kannada.

The culture of Mangalore is reflected in its art forms, cuisine and architecture. Yakshagana is a famous folk dance performed in Mangalore during Dasara and Krishna Janmashtami. Karadi Vesha is another popular dance form unique to the city. During festivals such as Diwali, Dasara and Ganesh Chaturthi delicious treats are cooked. The Udupi cuisine in Mangalore has some exclusive dishes like Neer Dosa, Patrode, Boothai Gasi and Kadubu. Minor communities such as Catholic Christians and Muslims also celebrate their respective regional festivals.

When it comes to listing the most well-known and touristic spots in the Philippines, Puerto Princesa in Palawan is definitely one of the places that come to mind. The capital of Palawan is a perfect destination because it combines the convenience of being in a city, with a rich natural environment which is suitable for eco-tourism.

Mayor Edward Hagedorn, a recognized environmentalist, has exerted efforts to maintain sustainable development in Puerto Princesa, keeping a balance between development and environmental preservation.

Getting Around Puerto Princesa, Palawan

It is quite easy to get around Puerto Princesa. If you choose to stay near the Rizal Avenue area, all of the commercial centers such as banks and restaurants are pretty much a stone's throw away. You can either choose to take a tricycle or walk around to take in the city's attractions. For longer trips, it may be necessary to hire a van.

There are many famous tourist destinations across the United States; the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone National Park, the Golden Gate Bridge, Time Square, the Las Vegas Strip and Ellis Island, for example. Then there are some tourists that enjoy traveling the country to see a specific type of landmark, such as a lighthouse. Another type of landmark with multiple locations tourists can travel to are large outdoor clocks. Not only can several of these be found in the United States, but across the world as well.

Located in Jersey City, New Jersey, the Colgate Clock boasts a 50 feet diameter. The original Colgate Clock was built in 1906 and sat atop the Colgate-Palmolive headquarters. A replacement clock was constructed in 1924 to take the place of the original. This large outdoor clock has been relocated several times and now resides in an empty lot on the Hudson River waterfront.

With 19 different dials and displays, the Dreger Clock, which can be seen in California, tells local time as well as the time in 12 international cities. It also shows the date, day of the week and the phases of the moon. This clock was originally constructed between 1928 and 1933. Its current location is in the Buena Park Historical District in Buena Park, California.

Also located in California is Jesop's Clock. This large outdoor clock has long been an icon for the city of San Diego. It displays the time in hours, minutes and seconds along with the month and day of the week. It has 21 dials, 12 of which are used to display the time of various international cities. The current location of this landmark is in Horton Plaza, a shopping center in downtown San Diego.

 The Upcountry History Museum, operated by Furman University, is a regional museum located in Greenville, South Carolina.  It preserves and promotes the history of the Upstate of South Carolina, a region that includes the cities of Greenville, Spartanburg, Anderson, and York.  It also includes the mountainous areas along the border with North Carolina.  The museum is housed in a unique building with a clock tower reminiscent of the one on Greenville’s Old City Hall.

The museum’s interactive exhibits help visitors learn about the history of the region and the culture of its people.  Permanent exhibits focus on farming, the textile industry, early settlers, mountain culture, and civil rights.  Visitors can enjoy multimedia presentations, touch screen displays, and artwork.  Many exhibits are child friendly and touching is encouraged.  The museum showcases temporary exhibits on a variety of topics in its Changing Gallery and Focus Gallery.

The current special exhibition gives visitors the opportunity to explore Southern culture.  “Uniquely Southern Folk Art” showcases the work of 25 folk artists from across the Southeast.  The art is from the Scott Blackwell Folk Art Collection.  Notable artists whose work is featured in the exhibition include Leonard Jones, Howard Finster, Mose Tolliver, Jimmy Lee Sudduth, R.A. Miller, and Lonnie Holley.  South Carolina artists that are highlighted include Richard Burnside and William Thomas Thompson.  The exhibit will run through September 2, 2012.  An upcoming exhibit scheduled to open in October is “Looking Through the Lens: A Photographic History of Greenville.”

 When trying to figure out a new place to venture to, sometimes it is hard to know what is in store for you. It isn’t like you can just pull out a crystal ball and see what your vacation will be like. It is always best to go at it being educated and having some information on places to see and things to do. Branson, Mo. can be one of the best places to experience with your family.

Entertainment: Branson has a plethora of entertainment for you to choose from. From musical performances, golf courses, to afternoon train rides through the mountain wilderness, you will find plenty to do that will sate your need for getting out and seeing something new. Visit the Bandstand Theater, Thousand Hills Golf Resort, or Branson Railway Tours. All places are designed for your comfort and enjoyment, showing you that famous southern hospitality.

The Great Outdoors: Being nestled in the Ozarks, you have many choices of outdoor activities you can do. The weather in that area is generally very mild and warm year round, so you don’t have to worry about your plans being ruined much. Do check your forecasts before you plan a day on one of the two major lakes near Branson. But even hikes and horse trail rides can be done in minimal rain. The ziplines in the canopies of the forests provide you with spectacular views of the vegetation and heart pounding fun.

 Dubai has always been on the top of the list for holiday trips. The various attractions in Dubai encourage people to spend their leisure moments in its lap. The environment, deep blue sea and other attractions make people to love it at the first sight. 

Cruises in Dubai 

As half of the Dubai is covered with water, there are many water activities and cruises for the visitors. The Dhow Cruise is among them, which serves the tourists with all the facilities for entertainment such as belly dance and music. You can enjoy the dance and music while sipping your favorite drink. 

The Dhow Cruise Offers:

by Susan Crown 

 Mauritius’ capital city, Port Louis, is a mandatory stop for anyone looking to get a taste of real life in the Indian Ocean nation. While its spectacular setting and mountain backdrop make the city worth visiting alone, it’s also packed with sights and experiences that make Mauritius holidays in this unique city mandatory, with a mix of cultures you won’t find anywhere else in the world.

 A Mauritius holiday usually begins on the Candan waterfront. This is where you’ll find most of Port Louis’ tourist shops, and where you’ll find the highest concentration of bustle and chaos in the whole city. It’s an exciting experience, but shows little of the real everyday life of the citizens of Port Louis. For a flavour of this, head to the Central Market where you’ll find local traders selling some beautiful, fresh and fragrant fruit and vegetables, as well as some very interesting artisan crafts. If you’re a little intimidated by the crowds (this is a real functioning market and not a tourist attraction by any means!) head to the more sedate Craft Market instead. Here you’ll find the goods are a little more expensive, but do tend to be crafted with extreme care and love. If you’re looking for some unique handcrafted gifts to bring home to friends, this is certainly the place to find them. For a colour and tasty sensation, visit the nearby Bombay Sweets Mart. Here you’ll find the local speciality, Caca Pigeon, or in English, Pigeon Droppings!

 Christmas at Callanwolde Fine Arts Center is a 12-day Atlanta holiday tradition.  Highlights of the seasonal festivities include tours of the mansion, holiday concerts and special activities for children.  This year’s celebration is scheduled for December 7-18.

The Callanwolde estate was once the home of Coca Cola heir Charles Howard Candler.  The Gothic Tudor style home was completed in 1920.  Callanwolde hosts concerts, literary events, and other fine arts activities throughout the year.  The historic mansion is beautifully decorated for the holidays by some of Atlanta’s top interior and floral designers.  The home’s decorations reflect a classic English Christmas theme that was popular in the early 20th century.

The Christmas celebration kicks off with a Preview Party on December 6 from 6-9pm.  Attendees will be the first to see the decorated mansion and meet the designers.  An evening of musical entertainment will be provided by jazz vocalist Gwen Hughes.  Wine and gourmet refreshments will be available.  This is a reservation only event, and tickets are $75 per person.

 by D Gammell 

 Virtually everyone knows about London's nightlife and hens that choose to go there would know what to expect. Though most hens would know what to expect at night time, not a lot of hens know what's in store for them during the day. As a global city, London does have a lot to offer. Still, if one needs ideas on daytime hen party activities, here are some of those.

Learn New Dance Moves

What better way to spend the day than to learn something new? Since London is known for the performing arts, you can easily find a professional dance instructor that will teach you and your girlfriends some new dance moves during your hen party in London.

Latin dances are sexy and if you do not know how to dance the salsa, you can do so as one of your hen do activities. Besides the salsa, you can also learn how to dance burlesque, or perhaps, do some dirty dancing.

Mix and Match

You do not have to go to France to learn how to make perfume if you have always wanted to know how to make some. Get a perfume making lesson as one of your daytime hen party activities and have a lot of fun mixing certain scents.

If you'd rather start partying during the day, you can always choose to learn how to mix cocktail drinks. Of course, you'd get to sample your own concoctions! Learning how to make cocktails can be a great way to start drinking during the day.

 by TraceyLC 

 Tasmania may be small in size but its overflowing with natural beauty and a rich history. Tasmania’s small size makes it the ideal destination for a road trip and the close proximity of each town means you can spend more time exploring and less time driving. 

Day 1 – Devonport

Devonport is Tasmania’s third largest city and the home of the Spirit of Tasmania car ferries. If you are bringing your own car over from the mainland, Devonport will be your first port of call. The maritime city is full of attractions suitable for all ages, from the spectacular ‘Bluff’ headland with its aboriginal carvings and Aboriginal Culture Centre to the Don Railway and Devonport Maritime Museum & Heritage Centre. Devonport is also bursting with unique boutiques and specialty shops making it a shopper’s paradise. A wide variety of restaurants and cuisines can be found on the streets of Devonport, satisfying even the most gourmet tastebuds. Accommodation in Devonport Tasmania is varied and plentiful, from quaint bed and breakfasts to international hotels and even holiday parks and backpackers.

Day 2 – Devonport to Launceston - 100km

The drive from Devonport to Launceston takes you through the picturesque wine region of the Tamar Valley. The Tamar Valley has an abundance of wineries, scenic walks, historic settlements and many small townships to explore. Once in Launceston, the second largest city in Tasmania and the third oldest city in Australia, there are numerous activities for young and old. Launceston is renowned for its fresh local produce and local wines so is a gourmet playground for foodies. The many nature walks and diverse natural attractions will keep nature lovers busy and for adventure lovers the Cable Hang Gliding and Hollybank Treetops Adventure are sure to satisfy.  There are a range of Launceston Hotels and accommodation options available for travellers, with prices to suit every budget.

 Albury Wodonga is made up of two inland Australian towns nestled on either side of the New South Wales and Victorian border. Located on the shores of the mighty Murray River the twin towns are a surprise package as a holiday destination with an eclectic range of activities and attractions for all age groups and interests. As would be expected, river based activities are plentiful but you may not have expected to find stunning wineries, gourmet dining or a pub inspired by a cartoonist.

Albury Wodonga accommodation is plentiful and ranges from houseboats and farmstays to luxury hotels and resorts. All styles of travellers and all budgets are catered for in these picturesque and inviting towns.

Arts & Entertainment

A number of annual events are hosted by the twin towns, many based around the local country spirit and include things such as rodeos, horse races, musters and bush festivals but are not limited to these. There are also local and national sporting events and community events celebrating important days of the year. The towns are busy enough to attract some of the most popular Australian music acts on tour, and local galleries and museums host a range of exhibitions. The HotHouse Theatre is Victoria’s third largest professional theatre company and is widely acknowledged as Australia’s leading regional theatre company. The local Regent Cinemas house nine high tech cinemas including a Gold Class cinema that screens all the latest international and national movie releases.