Few places around the world lend a friendlier hand than Dublin. The Emerald Isle offers wonderful hospitality, complemented by its warm and friendly hosts. A cosmopolitan city, Dublin is rightly proud of its rich heritage, but also presents a modern face in keeping with contemporary culture.

1. Trinity College

Housing the Book of Kells, a near two century old manuscript written by monks, Trinity College is Dublin’s oldest university, built in 1592.

2. Christ Church Cathedral

Dublin’s oldest building dates back nearly one thousand years to 1038. It was built courtesy of the invading Vikings, a monument to serve a powerful army.

3. Dublin Castle

Dating back to the Norman invasion, this wonderful example of medieval architecture captures the artistic influence of the time. Magnificent painted ceilings and crystal chandeliers portray the Ireland of one thousand years ago.

4. National Gallery of Ireland

Monet and Picasso are just two of the influential artists on display in the city’s largest gallery. Some 2,500 paintings give a flavour of a historic past and present.

5. Guinness Storehouse

Ireland’s most famous export was once brewed in this famous old building. Since relocated, the Guinness Storehouse now delights in telling its visitors how one of the world’s favourite beverages came to be.

6. Temple Bar

Contrasting Dublin’s historic ancestry, Temple Bar brings the city right up to modern day with its cosmopolitan mix of bars, restaurants, shops and art galleries.

7. Smithfield Village

More eating, drinking and shopping can be found at Smithfield Village, a newly renovated development. A walk to the top of the Chimney presents magnificent, panoramic views of Dublin.

8. Grafton Street

Big name department stores trade alongside local craft shops in the busiest shopping area of Dublin. Traditional Irish gifts and souvenirs can be found more easily in the adjacent Nassau Street.

9. Pint of Guinness

No visit to Ireland would be complete without a tipple of the world famous Irish Guinness. Locals say it tastes better in its home city. Well, there’s only one way to find out!

10. Irish Grand National

You can smell the money amongst the punters present at one of the great sporting events of the calendar. Join the runners and riders during the month of April to witness the Irish Grand National.

High spirits and vitality govern in abundance when in Barcelona. This infectious capital of Catalonia, and second largest city in Spain, exudes soul and energy, living life to the full. Barcelona’s verve is matched by its magnificent architecture, characterised by one man’s signature, Antonio Gaudi.

1. Las Ramblas

Running from seafront through to Placa de Catalunya, Las Ramblas is a fusion of market stalls and street entertainment. Watch out for the mime artists, though keep a hand on your wallet.

2. Sagrada Familia Church

In progress since 1882, La Sagrada Familia is perhaps Antonio Gaudi’s most magnificent achievement. As yet unfinished, the ongoing construction of this gothic masterpiece is financed through tourism.

3. Picasso Museum

Born in Malaga, Pablo Picasso moved to Barcelona during his teen years. Though many of his greatest works are in private hands, the Picasso Museum on the Carrer Moncada is well worth a visit.

4. Casa-Museu Gaudi

A pink, Alice-in-Wonderland house is the setting for the Gaudi museum. Gaudi lived in this surreal location between 1906 and 1926 with his niece. Exhibits in the museum include furniture, drawings and portraits designed by the great man himself.

5. The Poble Espanyol

Completed in 1929, the ‘Spanish Village’ is a compilation of buildings representing the collective architectural characteristics of Spain. A celebration of all things Spanish, the village has become a gathering place to dine and be entertained.

6. Bishop’s Palace

After being destroyed by fire, Bishop Juan Bautista Grau i Vallespinós commissioned Antonio Gaudi to design a new, more magnificent palace in 1887. Upon the bishop’s death, and consequent interference from the diocese, Gaudi abandoned the project. It was not inhabited until 1961.

7. Gothic Quarter

On the site of an ancient Roman village, the Gothic Quarter is a contrast of contemporary and medieval architecture, incorporating the magnificent 14th century cathedral.

8. Olympic Stadium

During 1992, the eyes of the world focused on the Olympic Stadium in Barcelona as they hosted the Olympic Games. Today a popular athletics facility, the stadium was a redesigned version of the original built in 1929.

9. Passeig de Gracia

As one of the major shopping areas of Barcelona, Passeig de Gracia caters for the modest, and also those who prefer the more sophisticated boutiques. Bars and restaurants also line the thoroughfare.

10. Lover’s Day

On behalf of those looking for romance, Barcelona obliges with its own version of St Valentines, known as Lover’s Day, celebrated every April 23rd.

An enticing fusion of ancient and avant-garde, Amsterdam is a beautiful city of creative legacy. Take a walk along the cobbled streets and serene canals and you can seem a million miles from the vibrant nightlife on every corner.

1. Dam Square
Dam Square is the hub of the city and located on the site of the original Amstel dam. The focal point of the Square is the Royal Palace. Originally the town hall, it became regal following Louis Napoleon’s crowning in 1808.

2. Anne Frank’s House
In close proximity to the Square, Anne Frank’s house provides a constant reminder of Nazi occupation during the Second World War. Her infamous diary is kept here; be prepared to queue as it gets very busy during the tourist season.

3. Rijksmuseum
The fabulous Rijksmuseum is home to some of the most important historic art in the world. Perhaps the most famous pieces here are that by Rembrandt; the works of Frans Hals and Vermeer also feature prominently. Beautiful examples of porcelain dolls and dolls’ houses can also be seen.

4. Van Gogh Museum
Another unmissable illustration of fine art is exhibited at the purpose built Van Gogh Museum. Including many of his finest pieces, the Van Gogh Museum is home to the largest collection of his work in the world.

5. Albert Cuypmarkt
If you feel the need to shop, the Albert Cuypmarkt offers just about everything you could wish to buy. This cosmopolitan shopping region will provide your credit card fix.

6. Queen’s Day
A sight to behold, Queen’s Day is the celebration of all that is gay and lesbian. Music is pumped from every corner, as what seems to be the entire world’s gay population descends on Amsterdam.

7. Vondelpark Summer
This summer festival is held between June and August and features all forms of entertainment including open air concerts, theatre and cabaret. The fun is enjoyed by men, women and children of all ages.

8. Holland Festival
The Dutch certainly enjoy their festivals; this is the biggest annual arts event in the country and continues for three weeks during the month of June.

9. Dutch Clogs
You cannot visit Holland without at least trying on a pair of their famous wooden clogs. Other iconic souvenirs include Dutch dolls and Delft pottery. Cheese and the famous windmills are also very popular.

10. Grand Cafes
Amsterdam’s notorious cafes are spread densely throughout the city. Take a well earned break and try the local erwtensoep as you wet your whistle.

What image does a New England Christmas conjure up in your mind?

A Currier and Ives scenes of a snow-bound village with festive decorations… skating on a frozen pond… or taking in an exciting holiday show in Boston? And if you have kids… no Christmas is complete without a ride on the Polar Express – New England style.

Here’s where you can experience six holiday magic events this season…

BRIGHT NIGHTS AT FOREST PARK

Billed as New England’s single most popular holiday destination, “Bright Nights at Forest Park” is entering its ninth season. Located in the Forest Park area of downtown Springfield, Western Massachusetts, it’s a wonderland of marvelous displays such as this year’ lost in time display where eight mammoth dinosaurs come to light along side an exploding volcano with flowing lava.

Entrance fee is $12 per car and the show begins on November 23, 2005 at 6:00pm and operates through January 1, 2006.

CHRISTMAS AT THE NEWPORT MANSIONS

Each holiday season the Newport Mansions of The Elms, The Breakers, and Marble House put on a stunning show of spectacular evergreens, trees, thousands of poinsettia plants, fresh flowers and wreaths.  The great entrances and hallways display magnificently decorated trees. The dining tables are set with period silver and china, and mannequins are dressed in authentic costumes.

You can see this stunning display of seasonal decorations at these Newport Mansions yourself November 12 through to January 1, 2006.

NEW ENGLAND CHRISTMAS AT OLD STURBRIDGE VILLAGE

Between December 1, 2005 and January 1, 2005 Old Sturbridge Village in Massachusetts will be transformed so you can experience a 19th century New England Christmas.

Old Sturbridge Village has always been one of my favorite places to visit and discover about life in 19th century New England. Now with the holiday season upon us, the village once again displays its ability to provide a discovery experience in a fun and entertaining way, and with a New England Christmas flavor.

THE BOSTON CHRISTMAS SEASON

Whether you delight in taking in the seasonal favorite of Boston Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” or soaking up “glad tidings of joy” at Symphony Hall with the Boston Pops Holiday Series, Boston knows how to celebrate the season with special shows and concerts. And of course there’s always the Candlelight Carol Concerts at Trinity Church in the Back Bay area, and the famous “First Night” celebration.

The Boston Pops kicks off on Friday, December 9th at 8:00pm and continues through to their annual New Year’s Eve celebration on December 31st at 10:15pm. The Boston Ballet performs “The Nutcracker” at The Opera House, and the season starts on November 25th with performances through December 30th.

POLAR EXPRESS – CONNECTICUT STYLE

The North Pole Express is a popular nighttime steam train ride with live readings of Christmas stories, hot chocolate and cookies, sing-along, and holiday surprises. Special guest Santa Claus has a treat for all children, and you’re guaranteed lots of fun and lots of extras.

Essex Steam Train’s North Pole Express operates Fridays through Sundays December 2 through December 23, with special early trips on November 25-27. Tickets are sold at the Essex Train Station in Essex, Connecticut – call (860) 767-0103 or toll free 800 377-3987.

NEW ENGLAND CHRISTMAS TIME AT SANTA’S VILLAGE

Way up north is the village of Santa. You can visit him in the summer, and you can visit him in the fall, but the best to time visit him is… Christmastime! Santa’s Village is located in Jefferson, New Hampshire – a spot deep in the White Mountains. Santa is preparing for his world tour on Christmas Eve, but you can take a peek for a brief time if you hurry.

The village opens for the Christmas season on Friday November 25th from 11:00am to 7:00pm.  Then every Saturday from November 26th through December 17th from 11:00am to 7:00pm, and every Sunday from November 27th through December 18th from 11:00am to 6:00pm.

Make your New England Christmas magical this year by experiencing one or more of these attractions. It is after all the season to create unforgettable memories.

Student travel promises to be an enjoyable trip. Not only do students can visit several places, they could also learn so much on every trip. And since air travel agencies as well as airlines provide student travel discount and special student travel rate, student travel is becoming more and more available for greater number of students who want to explore and learn more about the world.

For first time travelers, here are some historical destinations you can consider for you student travel:

Athens
As the center of knowledge, government, and system in the ancient world, every student would be amazed how this ancient city grew and evolved. Students can visit Acropolis, Agora, Library of Hadrian, Kerameikos, Olympieion & Southeast Athens, Pnyx, Roman Agora & Tower of the Winds, Arch of Hadrian, City Eleusinion and other ancient sites in this ancient city of Athens.

Egypt
Visit one of the earliest civilizations founded in this part of the world. Egypt features 3000 years old city in the banks of River Nile. Egypt is also one of the oldest tourist spots in the world with visitors coming from the ancient Rome and Greece.

Moving your way south from Cairo, the nation’s capital, you can stop at Giza where the infamous Great Pyramid stands. It was built by Pharaoh Khafu in the year 2550 BC. Standing at 147 meters, it was the largest and the most ambitious structure built in the ancient Egypt requiring 2.3 million stone block to erect. Also at Giza, see the Pyramid of Khafre home if the Sphinx. It was built 30 after the Great Pyramid. As the second largest, the Pyramid of Khafre stands at 144 meters of 471 feet. The third pyramid located at Giza was the Pyramid of Menkaure which stands at 65 meters or 213 feet.

Further south, Saqqara is home to the Step Pyramid of Djoser built in 2630 BC. Pyramid of Pepi II, also located at Saqqara was the last pyramid built by ancient Egyptians. In Dahshur, the Bent and the Red Pyramids are located. And down south at Maidum, the Maidum Pyramid can be found.

See the temples, mummies, tombs, hieroglyphics, and Valley of the Kings and the Queens if you visit Egypt.

Rome
See ancient Rome still intact with evidences of Roman structure and architectures built more than 2000 years ago. Rome presents the living timeline from the Roman Empire to the shift of the Middle Ages, to baroque and renaissance, to the dawn of the romantic period and enlightenment. Rome preserves its temples, churches, arts, and priceless paintings and murals.

Turkey
A former territory of the Roman Empire which stood strong for more than a thousand years against several barbarian attack. Turkey is in the easternmost part of Europe that features a diverse culture, religion, philosophy, and architectures.

China
Travel Far East and learn the history of the ancient eastern civilization that was once unknown until the last centuries. See the Great Wall, a remnant of the Zhou Dynasty along with other unique oriental culture and tradition. See the Chinese painting, calligraphy, paper cutting, and Chinese art.

Peru
As the center of the Inca civilization, Peru is a great destination for student travel for discovery of South American history. The 500-year old Inca traces could be relived in the Inca Trail that is both exciting and educational. Walk to the Ollantaytambo, Sacsayhuaman, Machu Picchu, and Pisac.

If there’s one thing that many visitors at Disneyland find annoying or frustrating, is the long lines for the rides. You can literally spend several hours of the day standing in line to ride popular attractions. These lines can be avoided in one of five ways.

One way to avoid getting stuck in long lineup is to purchase FastPass tickets for the rides that offer them. Do this early to ensure that you get to ride those rides earlier in the day.

Second, ride many of the popular rides later in the evening, while the majority of people are enjoying the entertainment. Disneyland has nightly entertainment, and this is a good time to find shorter lines. Of course, it will mean that you probably miss the entertainment, so if you can use one of the other options for shorter lines at Disneyland, you should probably do so. Besides if you are deciding to stay in Disneyland for a few days, you can always plan to explore the nightly entertainment on the last of day of your trip, it’s great way to end your holiday.

Third, avoid going to Disneyland during busy times such as between Christmas and New year, spring break, the summer months, or on Saturdays.

Fourth, get to the park early. The lines are shorter in the morning when the park first opens. Instead of jumping in line for the first ride you see, head for the rides that you really want to ride the most – the most popular rides, which includes “Indiana Jones,” “Pirates of the Caribbean,” “Matterhorn,” “Thunder Mountain,” “Haunted Mansion,” and “Splash Mountain”.

Last but not least there are websites that are so dedicated to providing informations on Disneyland such as mouseplanet.com or laughingplace.com. These sites can help you provide a better plan of attack sort of speak, by providing the best times to visit, which rides you should visit first, how to get cheap tickets and so on.

Planning your vacation to the happiest place on earth is becoming more critical every year to avoid long lineup as it will have tremendous impact on your overall experience and your wallet.

According to the latest reports from the tourism industry Turkey remains the number one emerging holiday hotspot despite recent cases of the human form of avian flu having been discovered in remote areas of the country.

The appeal of the country for those in search of a dream vacation destination stems from the following five key reasons: -

1)    Turkey is a vast country with a rich historical and cultural background that offers the summer holidaymaker some of the most stunningly beautiful and unspoilt beaches on the Mediterranean Sea and some of the most exciting resorts which are becoming increasingly popular with European sports stars and celebrities.

2)    The summer sunshine shines in southern Turkey from March until October giving tourists the chance to sample the delights of this inimitably interesting nation throughout the spring, summer and autumn.

3)    In the winter Turkey plays host to winter sports fans and those in need of some après ski fun in a wide range of sophisticated ski resorts where prices are far lower than in Austria, Italy or Switzerland but where the quality of facilities and amenities are on a par with those of the best European winter sport resorts.

4)    Prices for holiday accommodation to rent or even buy in Turkey are the lowest in the entire Mediterranean region and it’s possible for a family of four to rent a villa with sea views and a private pool for a tenth of the price of a similar property in Spain, Cyprus, Italy or France.  Furthermore anyone wishing to buy a holiday home in the sun will save hundreds of thousands of dollars, euros or pounds by buying property in Turkey rather than buying property on the Greek Islands or on the Spanish Costas for example.

5)    The accessibility of Turkey is improving all the time as more airlines open up more routes to and from Turkey from across Europe.  One of the most recent developments in this area is a new regular British Airways flights from the UK to Dalaman and in terms of domestic flights within Turkey they are incredibly affordable which gives the holiday maker a chance to enjoy a dual or multi location holiday in the vast nation of Turkey.

Thailand has one of the most beautiful beaches on the planet.  For those that have traveled there they know that the beauty of this untouched place makes for some of the best vacations in the world.  This is coupled with the vast amount of historical culture that abounds the countryside and there is never a shortage of things to do in this country.  Because much of this land is untouched by development you will find that relaxation and peaceful living is more than possible.  The reaches of the mighty have not gotten this far and that means that you will get the very best in the vacation arena, especially when it comes to the Thailand beach areas.

Khao Lak is a wonderful Thailand beach.  Just a short drive from the airport, this paradise offers a remote vacation area like no other.  Thanks to the area being largely uninhabited, there is lush rain forest nearby along with a whole host of wildlife to be viewed.  The water remains warm in the November through December months and the fishing and scuba diving is out of this world.

Phuket Thailand Beach is another great spot.  Enjoy this resort November through March.  There is more than enough to do.  It is a bit more crowded than other beaches as this area thrives on the tourism dollars that it brings in.  The scuba diving is top notch in this area and you will also find some of the warmest most clear water in the world.  There are several nearby attractions to keep one busy for quite a few days.

Phi Phi Don Thailand beach is quite the turn around.  Once a remote and nearly unknown place, this Thailand beach came to life when Hollywood came in and filmed a movie here.  It is now considered to be one of the most popular beaches in the entire country and is frequented by many big names.  This is a site that you will not want to miss, as the views are breathtaking and the water warm and inviting.

West Raily Thailand beach is one of the undiscovered diamonds in the rough.  There is very little that is expensive here and one can stay at the “resort” for over a week and barely tap the budget.  The sands are milky white and the water clear.  Scuba diving is very popular here as well as the fishing.  This location is only accessible by long tail boat so plan for a bit of a long ride.