The Most Enjoyable Mammals To Watch For Africa Travel

Does travel to Africa every come up on your mind? Many people will tell you that, indeed, Africa hunting safaris or an Africa photo safari is among their life goals. A safari allows you to experience the essence of Africa.

In this day and age, when television gives you fantastic programs on the various attractions of Africa, some people would rather stay at home and experience Africa in comfort. Getting up close and personal with Africa, though is a unique experience. The sights, sounds and smell of classic Africa safaris are an experience of a lifetime. You will be overwhelmed with the sheer number and variety of wildlife that you'll be able to appreciate, plus Africa's wild terrain and its people. If you are into Africa safaris and are contemplating on making your dream safari come true, there are a few things you should take into consideration.

The Kruger national Park is home to reputedly 13 000 elephant, yet some visit the park for the day and don't see one of them. In the 100 plus visits that I've made, I have never not seen at least one. The male elephant, or the big tusk carriers are scarce and difficult to find, but the bigger herds comprising the female of the specie and their young more visible.

These mammals that can reach the weight of a small bus, can sneak around without a sound, and on a few occasions whilst stopped to view other antelope, I've been surprised by the sudden appearance of these giants. They've been near during the time spent looking at other animals, without my spotting them, their natural camouflage and quiet unbelievable.

These are probably the most enjoyable mammals to watch, the antics of the young, the adults when in water and the general discipline of the group, marvellous. These herds controlled by a single matriarch will stand and feed yet a silent noise given by her will have them moving in a certain direction. Their disciplining of the young and their protection of the same, lessons we as humans could learn from. An errant young is gently smacked and chided into obedience, yet look the slightest like a threat to these giants and you could easily find an elephant sitting on the bonnet of your car.

Their speed deceiving, from standing to top speed, achieved in a few paces, the demise of a few hunters attest to this fact. Yet most of the time they will allow you to stop nearby to witness their antics and feeding, without batting an eye. They are the gentle giants of reputation. The bulls when in musk, the very example of a giant bully, bent on destroying all things between him and a cow “in heat”.

It was on one of our visits that we met with such a bull. Heading for the gate, as time was nearing for us to exit, we came upon a scene one very big bull in the middle of the tar road. This bull agitated; the swing of the head the flapping ears and the tossed trunk told me so. There being no other road to the gate, we slowly reversed ahead of this giant. He, being followed by other vehicles, kept turning and warning them not to approach too near.

I had a video camera and decided that an action footage maybe forthcoming, zoomed in, and started to film hoping to catch the action. It was at this time that a second vehicle pulled alongside mine, windows open the occupants asked my opinion if they could pass this beast, they had a flight to catch. Now I was well back from this bull allowing me enough space to turn and run if needed. As these where foreigners to our country, and I assumed not as well versed with elephant behaviour as I, I advised patients and distance, this elephant would soon or later leave the road.

They not obviously considered my analogy of a fight between a car and elephant, that the elephant always wins idiotic, as they decided time being of the essence, proceeded towards the angry animal. I handed the video to my wife and told her not to miss a second, this was going to give us a memory of note. I turned my car half way round ready to rush for help should it required. My wife, unable to film with both eyes open, had one on the view finder the other closed. Forgetting I had the camera zoomed in the scene appeared much closer than it was.

The car managed to just get passed this angry bull, which fell on its knees trying to impale the vehicle with its ample tusks. It stood again and looked around, it saw me and decided that a burst of speed would have me on my way. Well it did but whilst fleeing my wife continued to video the action, the only problem, in the view finder the elephant seem closer than it was. The result, my wife started to make a video of her last will and testament for the children, telling them where her jewellery hidden, as well as spare cash stashed in places of hiding I never knew of.

Needless to say the gentle giant never caught us and finally left the road allowing us to go ahead home via the Park gate. The laugh happened just within the boundaries of the park, where we came upon the car of foreigners parked next to the road. The driver, crouched in the bushes with his pants down, obviously completing the job brought about by his near meeting, the laugh, the spare underpants he had in his hand.

Find The Best Beautiful Sights When Travel To Mexico

Mexico is a great place to visit. With pristine beaches, majestic canyons, desert landscapes, ancient archeological ruins, charming colonial cities, scrumptious local cuisine, and a fascinating people, Mexico is sure to appeal to the nature enthusiast, the art and history fanatic, the food lover, and anyone else bitten by the travel bug. Despite compelling reasons to visit and its convenient location just below the border, many Americans put-off plans for visiting Mexico for security concerns. Mexico's reputation has been damaged by negative publicity from sensationalized news about drug-related criminality.

Like every other country (including the USA and Canada,) Mexico does have its share of crimes and violence. But what is not correctly reported is that these drug-related incidents are isolated to a few areas close to the border, like Tijuana and Ciudad Juarez. These crimes are attacks between drug organizations, and do not target visitors. In fact, ninety-five percent of Mexico is as safe as ninety-five percent of the US or Canada. Each year, Mexico is host to over 20 million visitors, and the number of visitors who are victims of crimes is statistically insignificant. David Shirk, director of the Trans-Border Institute of the University of San Diego, likens the chances of getting kidnapped or killed while traveling in Mexico to the odds of being struck by lightning. Nevertheless, like any travel destination around the world, there are petty criminals in Mexico that will take advantage of unsuspecting visitors.

Mexico is a very large vacationer's paradise that includes many places to take in the sights and many activities to take part in. Mexico's beaches are among some of the most beautiful in the world as the countries coastlines straddle the Pacific Ocean, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Caribbean Sea. Mexico's richness also includes historical cities with an all around tropical landscape designed for relaxation. Though most of the tourist destinations are beach resorts, there are many archeological sites that draw many visitors yearly; along with beautiful jungles and ecological parks. Among the water sport activities available one can go snorkeling, scuba diving, surfing, whale watching, and many other interesting activities. With this type of paradise there are bound to be some negative aspects, but it is this way around the globe. So here are some travel tips and guidelines designed to be of use to the travel novice.

1. Crime - A rule of thumb before traveling to any country should be a quick check of the crime rate. Mexico is a major drug transit point between Latin America and the United States; and this role has drastically increased the crime rate in Mexico. Some things to watch out for as a tourist are armed robberies, purse snatching, pick pocketing, taxi robberies, kidnappings, and extortion. It is known that the crime rate is lower in most tourist areas. It is a good idea to not wear flashy clothes, jewelry, expensive shoes, or carry yourself in anyway that would bring you to the attention of thieves and criminals. It is best to give off the impression that you are one of the locals. Also, you should invest in a money belt and remember that there are pickpockets that target crowded places like markets and all types of public transportation. If you must take a taxi, have the people at your hotel call a reputable one for you because it is not wise to go into the street and wave one down. It is known that though the crime rate is high Mexico is still one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world.

2. The Water - We all know it has been overstated that when you go to Mexico, you should not drink the water. Stay away from salads and fruits that are not peelable because they were more than likely washed with unpurified water. Beverages with ice in them are a no-no just to be on the safe side. And yes, teeth brushing should also be done with bottled water. Any water that you are planning to drink during your stay should be bottled water.

3. Archeological Sites - Mexico's rich history has bestowed some archeological gems upon the country and its inhabitants; among some of the cultures that have left their mark are the Maya, Aztec, Toltec, Olmec, and Zapotec. Among these sites is the famed Mayan city of Chichen Itza with its pyramid; though it is 100 miles from Cancun, there are tours available. There is also the Mayan beach front city of Tulum with a picturesque oceanfront view; this site is a 2 hour drive away from Cancun, with tours readily available. Other sites include El Tajin, Ek Balam, Teotihuacan, and many others that are accessible through tours.

4. Beach Resort Towns - The Mexican beach resort has long been the backbone of the tourist industry in this Latin American country. Let's face it; children love the beach, party goers love the beach party atmosphere, lovers love the late night beach strolls, and everyone has some reason or the other to like the beach. Los Cabos is a beach resort town known for its beaches that are mingled with grand rock formations on the southern tip of the Mexican peninsula; water sports are almost a necessity here. Acapulco is one of Mexico's most famous beach resort towns; if you are seeking fabulous nightlife, Mexican cuisine at almost any time, and to dance and party the night away, then Acapulco is the place. In Puerto Vallarta one can find white sand beaches mixed with traditional Mexico; one can gaze at the architecture of the colonial style buildings or even watch some bullfighting in this beach resort town. Then we have Cancun the Spring Breaker's dream; located at on the Caribbean Sea one can find lovely drinks, some of the best beaches and, and party like ambiance. Other nice beach resort towns include Puerto Escondido, Playa Del Carmen, Mazatlan, and too many others to mention.

5. Important Information to Know - If you are having an emergency the number to call is 060 in Mexico City and its surrounding areas, other areas should dial 080 or 066. The legal drinking age in Mexico is 18. It is best to try to agree taxi fares first before embarking on a taxi ride anywhere in Mexico. If you travel off season to Mexico then you will save a lot of money on travel costs.

South Africa Travel Tips Will Help You To Plan The Holiday Of Your Dreams

Africa, the second largest continent in the world, is composed of 54 countries. For the adventurous and avid traveler, Africa presents a world of exciting destinations from the pyramids of Egypt to Cape Town in South Africa. There is no other continent that provides travelers with a variety of culture and visual imagery that stirs the imagination more than Africa.

Africa covers a surface area of 30 million square kilometers, which represents 20% of the earth's total land area. The continent is bordered by the Mediterranean Sea to the north, the Red Sea and Suez Canal to the northeast, the Atlantic Ocean to the west, and the Indian Ocean to the southeast. The continent's biggest country is Sudan and the smallest is Seychelles, an archipelago on the east coast of mainland Africa. Meanwhile, the tallest point in Africa is Mount Kilimanjaro at 19,340 feet above sea level, and the lowest point is Djibouti's Lake Assal at 515 feet below sea level.

Africa's diverse and colorful culture is incredibly fascinating to learn and discover. Each African country has its own mix of tribes, languages, and customs.

Weather in South Africa
South Africa’s hottest and busiest time is during the UK winter months of November to March.  This is also the busiest period for tourists and locals.  For a cooler temperature and less busy period, the UK summer months of July and August are a good time to go.  When I visited South Africa in July and August the weather was mainly sunny and warm but not too hot so this was the best time for me to travel.  It was perfect for all activities.  It was nice and quiet at this time too, and this is the cheapest time to visit South Africa.  I made sure I read a lot of South Africa Travel Tips before I travelled to ensure I travelled at the best time for me, which was July and August as I prefer the milder temperatures.

How to get to South Africa
The main airports are Johannesburg International Airport and Cape Town International.  Flights normally take 12 hours.  I flew from Manchester to Amsterdam to Johannesburg on the way there, and on the way back from Cape Town (extra £50 and extra 2 hours) to Johannesburg, to Amsterdam back to Manchester.  On the way there this took about 12 hours and was all during the day so left first thing in the morning and got there in the evening, but on the way back I spent about 36 hours getting home as I had long delays between my different connections.  I found Johannesburg very busy and had in fact managed to collect a lot more luggage than I started out with, but there is a place to store your luggage in the basement so you can wait for your flight without carrying all your bags around with you.

Getting around South Africa
As a general guide, public transport in South Africa isn’t very reliable but the roads are good so it’s easy to hire a car, or the Baz Bus is a very affordable hop-on-hop-off bus service for backpackers which is an excellent way to meet like minded people.  You can also book an organised tour which can also be very economical.  I used all three methods of transport during my travels.  I started off with an organised tour which was a great way to ease me into travelling alone as you get to know new people really well, then I used the Baz Bus and met hundreds of people all travelling the same route as me, then I hired a car with 2 of the people I had become friends with on the trip.  This was a great way to see South Africa by splitting the cost and having more freedom to go where we wanted to in South Africa. The best South Africa Travel Tip I can give you is to make sure you trust people before putting yourself in vulnerable positions.

Time Difference in South Africa from the UK
South Africa is 2 hours ahead of GMT and 1 hour ahead of BST, so when I travelled in the summer, I only had a time difference of 1 hour.  That was excellent as it meant no jet lag!

Currency in South Africa
The South African currency is the Rand (R).  At the time of writing the Rand is weaker than the pound, Euro and Dollar which means you get a lot for your money.  Eating out, accommodation and top attractions will be very affordable.  Credit Cards can be used in most areas.  I remember staying in the most beautiful hostel in the Drakensburg Mountains having a room to myself with gorgeous views, all for the equivalent of about £3 per night.  There are many hostel reviews online you can read to decide where to stay.  I ate out most nights and the quality of food was excellent in most places for very little money.

I hope these South Africa Travel tips will help you to plan the holiday of your dreams.

Great Singapore Travel Tips To Commuting Around Singapore

Singapore is a cosmopolitan city that is filled with multi-cultural diversity. It is one of the best starting points when visiting South East Asia. It is a friendly place to visit that is convenient, and affordable. Its modern infrastructure makes commuting around town very easy. Here are some great Singapore travel tips on the best ways to commuting around Singapore.

The most effective way to travel around Singapore is to take the MRT subway train. It is fast, efficient, and the most economical way to travel around town. The MRT train has a vast network that boasts four separate train lines that serves almost every corner of Singapore. Therefore you can pretty much reach all the major sights in Singapore all by the MRT subway train. Also there is a direct MRT train line that links the Singapore Changi International Airport to the city, which is an added convenience for visitors.

There is a large array of different taxi cab companies all around Singapore. You will see them everywhere on the roads all around the city. Taking taxis in Singapore offers you a more convenient way to travel, as taking MRT trains can be sometimes tiring due to the walking that is needed to get in and out of the train stations. Comparatively to most western nations such as the United States and Canada, taking a cab in Singapore is quite affordable, and the best part is that you do not need to tip the driver! You can catch the taxis in Singapore by simply waving one down, or by waiting at the various designated taxi pickup queues. The major taxi companies in Singapore include Comfort cabs, and City cabs.

Travel the way residents have travelled during the early days of Singapore! One of the more interesting ways to commute around in Singapore is by hiring a traditional rickshaw driver. You will get a different view of the city by riding in one of these. Many rickshaws can be found in the historical sightseeing areas of Singapore such as Bugis, Chinatown, and Little India. Just simply look for a rickshaw ticket counter to purchase your tickets to hire one.

Singapore offers a modern infrastructure that provides you an effective means to travel around the city state. The various modes of transportation offered are relatively cheap, and efficient.

Explore the different cultures Singapore is the perfect place to go if you want to have a taste of Asia, but still like the luxury of a very clean city, people that speak English and fantastic shopping. Although it is a very modern city there are still places in Singapore where you can still experience the Asian culture.

Places to visit

• Arab street: this is the traditional neighborhood of the Malay people. You can find the mosque here and some wonderful quaint streets with little shops. 
• Little India:  As soon as you step foot in this part of town, most of the people on the streets are Indian as are the restaurants and shops and you really get a sense of being in India.
• Chinatown: lovely antique shops, temples and many beautiful old shophouses makes this a fun place to explore.
• Raffles Hotel: this place served as a place of tranquility for the Europeans in colonial times. Today it is a lovely place to explore the museum, browse through some shops, have a drink at the long bar or sit on the outside terrace.

Enjoy the nightlife
Although Singapore seems to have a reputation of being 'boring" the city is working hard to get rid of this image. The formula 1 race is now held here once a year and 2 casinos are being built. There are already many nice cafes and restaurants here.  I just love to go outside in the evening with minimal clothes on when the temperature is so lovely and sit at one of the many terraces outside.

Places I like:

• Clarke quay: if you think that Singapore is not a happening place then visit Clarke quay. A very bustling part of town with many trendy restaurants, bars and nightclubs. One place I like there is the 1NiteStand comedy bar where they have excellent stand-up comedy and life bands.
• Although I now prefer Clarke Quay this is still a fun and happening place where many expats and tourists hang out.
• Dampsey Hill: this used to be where the former British army barracks were, but it has now been turned into a trendy area with upmarket restaurants and specialty shops.
• Holland village: a fun and casual place to meet up for drinks, coffee or visit one of the many restaurants.
• Raffles Hotel long bar: traditionally THE place to go for a Singapore sling. 
• Hawker centers: if you want to eat the Singaporean way try one of the many hawker center where you can eat very cheaply. 

Enjoy beautiful nature walks 
Few cities are as green and luscious as Singapore. There are many places to go for a stroll and discover new trees and plants. Here are some of my favourites:

• Singapore botanical gardens: beautiful big park with wonderful gardens
• Bukit Timah nature reserve: for those that want to be in the jungle and have a more challenging walk
• McRitchie nature reserve: lots of lovely and peaceful walks here.  From here you can also do the Tree Top Walk which gives you a different perspective on the Singapore's trees.
• The Singapore zoo is a beautiful nature walk all by itself. The zoo grounds are wonderfully lush and of course it's fun to encounter some amazing animals along the way.

Lots of activities for the kids
Singapore has a lot of interesting activities for children

• Forest adventure: a fun and challenging course across trees and over water. Children love this!
• Sentosa Island: too many activities here. Some examples are: The luge, butterfly garden, laser show, trapeze, underwater world, dolphins, images of Singapore museum, beach, airlifts, dinosaur walk, etc. If you are traveling with kids then this would be the best place to stay.
• Zoo and Night Safari: I believe that Singapore's zoo is one of the best (if not the best) zoo in the world. Both zoo and night safari are fantastic so that will be a tough choice to make (or you can just do both)
• Wet and Wild and Jurong Swimming complex: fun places for swimming, complete with lazy rivers and slides
• Jacob Ballas children's garden in the botanical gardens: a lovely free playground for the kids with water, cubby houses, slides etc (and shade for the parents to sit and chat). The botanical gardens also have a lot of ducks and fish that children love to feed.
• East Coast Park: this is a park next to the sea, although you should not expect to do a lot of swimming here. People come here for walking, rollerblading, cycling but there are also lots of activities like a fair, watersports, sailing, taiqi, fishing etc. 

Go Shopping!
Singapore is famous for its shopping which is the people's favorite pass time. There are so many malls here that I don't think I will ever be able to visit them all. Check these ones out:

• General shopping: The most famous shopping street in Singapore is Orchard Road.  Ngee Ann City is the home of Takashimaya, a big Japanese superstore. You will find many of the major brands here, and also the great book store Kinokuniya. You can walk from Ngee Ann City to Wisma Atria where there is a great variety of shops. Paragon is opposite Ngee Ann city and has a good variety of shops also. Another favorite is Singapore's newest mall Vivo City which is close to Sentosa.
• Sports: for sport shoes and lots of other sports articles go to Queensway shopping centre. But my personal favorite, as many of my local sport friends will know, is the The Velocity Sports Mall at Novena square for some great deals on Adidas clothes.
• Computers and electronics: Lots of variety of electronics and computers at Sim Lim Square. Another good one (less messy) is Funan DigitaLife mall. A good place for bargaining for electronics on Orchard Road is Lucky Plaza.
• Singaporean: for Chinese products head to the Yue Hwa store. Arab street is good for baskets, textiles, mats and dry goods. In the Tekka Centre you can buy gold, (Muslim) food and clothes.
• Children: The Forum shopping mall tends to be focused on children but it is very expensive. 

Best Places for Honeymoon

Honeymoon is one of the most awaited moments in the life of an individual .It enables the newly wedded couples to come close to each other, spend some cozy moments in each other’s arms, and discover true love in their new relationship.Everyone tries to make their honeymoon a memorable lifetime experience. Discover the Best romantic destinations worldwide to help plan your first romantic vacation 

Paris, France 
If you are looking for the most romantic and stunning honeymoon of your life, plan for your honeymoon in Paris The “City of Lights”. You can enjoy a romantic cruise for the two of you. The Cruises in Paris include the lovely glass ships. Aboard the ship, you will enjoy nature at its best, as well as fine wine and dining. Known as the "city of love", Paris has been a desired destination for couples. With so many breathtaking landmarks, delicious wining and dining opportunities, Paris became the, Best places for honeymoon so if you're looking to treat your special someone to something special, Paris should be number one on the list. 

Taj Mahal, India 
Taj Mahal in India, a perfect symbol of love, a beautiful creation by the man, its beauty is beyond the scope of word. It is a immortal sign of showing your love to your beloved.  It looks more fascinating on full moon night when you hold hands of your beloved and the night passes-by unknowingly bringing in the romantic sun bath in shades of pink at twilight. Find yourself why it is so the ultimate proof in stone of the power of love.

Venice, Italy 
One of the most romantic destinations of the world, Venice is also dubbed as one of the cities to visit before dying. However, Venice is particularly renowned as lovers' retreats. Venice, for instance, boasts beautiful canals, gondola rides, and breathtaking spots like Piazza San Marco. There are countless romantic spots to woo couples in Venice. No other destination you can find like Venice in the world; romantic, mysterious, and beautiful. For those who is seeking to experience the romance combine with cultural experience, you should visit to Venice to make your honeymoon memorable. 

Bora Bora, France

Bora Bora symbolizes one of the most ideal honeymoons. When a couple chooses to have honeymoons in Bora Bora, they are definitely in for a treat and will have found a great way to find romance. This island is situated in French Polynesia and is the most renowned island for new wedding couples on their Honey moon trip. This Island is really heaven with striking locations and what else you need to spend some moments with your beloved on such a romantic place.

Bali ,Indonesia

Bali has become one of the Best places for honeymoon on earth, a beautiful island in Indonesia. Bali is well-known for beautiful rice terraces, sun kissed beaches, tropical forests and active volcanoes. Wherever you go and whatever you do, Bali will surprise you with unforgettable honeymoon experiences.  Bali is a destination in which you will definitely experience lost without having to worry about your daily life and exploring a fully different way of life.  Discover and enjoy stunning islands and spots of Bali in your honeymoon.

Rome, Italy

Rome is the home of great lovers like Casanova, Romeo and Juliet, has the numbers of striking romantic lanes, restaurants and parks. However, lovers may find that crowds can be off-putting, and the tourist industry leads them away from the quainter local corners. Known as the Eternal City, Rome can truly live up to that status every single time. The intimate atmosphere of Rome provides a exceptional essence of love and romance to all new weddings couples and honeymooners.