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China: Travel, People and Culture

One of the fastest growing economies around the world and a country rich in its cultural heritage, has for years been the defining criteria for China. Undoubtedly, the country values its culture and economy a great deal, but there is another strength that the country possesses.

Tourism in China

China is full of tourist attractions and an enthralling experience is on cards when you visit the country. Whether you talk about Shanghai – the city by the sea or you look to visit the cultural center of the country – Beijing, the country promises a lot to its tourists. Not only will your day be filled with beautiful sites to visit, but cities like Shanghai offer entertaining night attractions.

If you still are not sure about your upcoming vacations, China surely qualifies for your list. Those of you who are more into the adventurous hiking, the water towns around Shanghai may be an exciting option. Not only this, but the Yangtze River could also add a lot to your hiking experience together with the gorgeous scenery that it offers.

While these are only a few to get you going, a visit to China remains incomplete till you have been to the ‘Great Wall of China’. China comprises of many waterfalls all around. Tourists regard the Magu waterfall as a must visit site for anyone who visits the country. In order to facilitate the tourists, there are several means that may be used to commute from one place to another. These include train travels, cruise and bus or you may look to hire a private car. In addition to this, there are different tourist packages available that will suit your budget and to make the tour a memorable one you’ll be accompanied by a guide.

Modern Conveniences

Up until now we have largely talked about the natural beauty that the country possesses. Naturally with the kind of economy that China has, a lot goes into the development work and project. Consequently, the metropolitan cities of the country have witnessed rapid development and have taken new tolls in terms of tourist attractions.

Looking at the swift development of the tourist industry, many international hotel chains have made their way into the country. How about you take a look around the city during the day and head for a massage of your choice to provide you with great comfort? Sounds cozy already! Well mere write ups are not enough; the country deserves a visit from you. Plan your vacations to China this year and experience the zenith of nature and development.

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The Top 10 Cruise Travel Myths and Stereotypes Explained

If you have never actually been on a cruise before, more than likely you have heard a variety of different stories about cruising. Unfortunately, many of the things you may have heard are actually myths and have no truth at all. Before you go on your first cruise, it is important that you know what myth is, and what fact is. The following are ten of the most common cruise travel myths that you will encounter.

Myth #1 – Waiting Until the Last Minute Gets the Best Price

Many people have heard the myth that waiting to book a cruise at the last minute will result in the very best price. This is actually quite far from the truth, since it is actually those who book first who will get the best deals on their cruise.

Myth #2 – Center Cabins are the Best

While in some cases the center cabins are the best ones, this is not always true. There are some ships that have engines in the middle of the ship, which can be a bit noisy and may cause vibrations, which can be bothersome.

Myth #3 – All Ships Meet the Same Safety Requirements

Not every ship meets the same safety requirements, though many people think they do. Every ship is different, and if you are concerned about safety procedures and requirements, you should speak to your travel agent or a representative of the cruise line.

Myth #4 – Cruising is for Inactive Retirees

Another myth that many people have heard and believe is that going on a cruise is only for retirees who are very inactive. This is a very wrong misconception, since many people who go on cruises are quite young, and there are a variety of great activities to participate on when you are on a cruise.

Myth #5 – Travel Agents Can Help You Upgrade

There are those who think that it is the travel agent who can give you an upgrade on your cruise package, but this is actually not true. As a general rule it is the cruise line themselves who offer the upgrade, and many times you will have this option offered to you when you are making your initial purchase.

Myth #6 – Cruises Are All-Inclusive

Some people have been led to believe that when you pay for a cruise, it is all inclusive and you will have nothing else to pay for. Sadly, this is not true. While your cabins and most of your food will be included in the price you pay, snacks, drinks, and other items will not be included and you will have to pay for them as you want them.

Myth #7 – Cruises Only Go to Beach Destinations

There are many who have the idea that cruises only go to beach destinations, and while many cruises do go to beach destinations, they are not the only destinations to choose from. There are many other great destinations to choose from including Alaska, Greece, and Italy, which are not focused around beaches.

Myth #8 – Cruises are Dangerous

Too many people still have visions of the Titanic in their head when they are thinking about cruises, and there are many who actually think that cruises are very dangerous. Cruises are actually quite safe now days and you can enjoy yourself on board a cruise ship without constantly worrying about going under.

Myth #9 – Assigned Seating at Dinner

Some people find themselves concerned about the dinner seating, since they believe that it is always assigned. Assigned seating makes some people feel uncomfortable, but while a few cruises still have assigned seating, most cruises have now gone to open seating, which allows you to sit where you want.

Myth #10 – Seasickness is Inevitable

There are some who may not be going on a cruise because they truly believe that they will definitely get seasick. Although seasickness can occur, most people do not have a problem with it due to the stability of the newer cruise ships.

Make sure that you are not fooled by the various myths that go around about cruise ships. Keep these myths in mind so you really know what to expect when you go on a cruise. Be sure that you get the facts straight so you can be well informed and enjoy your cruise.

 

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Where to Get the Best Travel Deals

When it comes to vacationing, many people search high and low for the best deal. I know that I like to save the most amount of money I can myself. This allows me more cash on hand to have fun and enjoy my trip. There are a few places that I recommend using to get the best travel deals around.

The internet has a number of websites that will allow you to save money on your travels. Expedia, Orbitz, and Travelocity all offer discount rates on lodging, flights, and attractions. Booking with these companies may mean a better price than if you call the hotel or airline directly. They also offer last minute deals to help travel businesses fill empty seats and rooms. This is a good way to go if you are flexible with where you want to stay or what airline you wish to fly with.

If you are looking to rent a condo or other accommodations for cheaper than a motel room, you should take a look at vacation rentals sites. Here, there are many individual owners that offer their vacation homes for rent for days or weeks at a time.

These people are allowed to set their own rates, meaning you are bound to find a good deal here. I have used this site many times to find people who want to rent in the town I will be vacationing to. If you visit the same places often, you can get to know the owners and perhaps get an even better deal in the future.

Coupons for attractions and entertainment can be found online for a number of destinations. To find these savings, start by searching for the town’s chamber of commerce or visitor center. These places often provide tourists with a small book that provides them with the best things to do while on vacation. Many of the places featured within the guides offer discount coupons. Many people overlook this resource, and may be missing out on some of the best deals for travel.

Some credit cards companies offer incentives with certain cards that will allow you to save money on your vacationing. American Express, for example, offers a program that gives you Delta Sky Miles when you make purchases. These miles can be redeemed for flight tickets when you have gotten enough. This can mean a savings of several hundred dollars, depending on when and where you choose to fly when cashing them in. Other top credit card companies offer similar perks with their travel cards.

Check out many different places on the internet if you wish to find the best travel deals. Browse the sites I have mentioned to find travel packages that bundle flights and lodging to save you money. You may also want to check out vacation rentals owned by individuals. If you have a credit card that offers travel rewards, that is just another way to save on your travel expenses.