The Australian Holiday Destination with Something for Everyone

March 1, 2014 by Leave a Comment

Coffs Harbour, on the northern coast of New South Wales, Australia, is considered one of the top holiday destinations in the country by locals and tourists alike. Located where the Great Dividing Range meets the Coral Sea, visitors can enjoy the fantastic beaches and marine parks as well as trekking through the rainforest and walking along the Creek-side Boardwalk through mangrove forests and the Botanical Gardens. Whether you are looking for an adrenalin rush or a relaxing holiday at the beach, Coffs Harbour is for you.

New South Wales is famous for its water sports and Coffs Harbour has them all. Surfing, kayaking, white-water rafting, snorkelling, diving and Jet skiing to name a few, and there are catamaran tours for whale watching.

Other outdoor adventures include wildlife encounters from camel rides on the beach, to horseback riding though national parks on the Valery Trails. There is swimming with dolphins and sharks as well as the famous Muttonbird Island where visitors walk through the breeding grounds of thousands of wedge-tailed shearwaters in a nature reserve sacred to the Aboriginal people.

From skydiving and helicopter scenic flights to Segway tours through the city there is never a dull moment in Coffs Harbour. Visitors can find a local car hire and drive through the forests and along the coastal highways stopping whenever they want.

The Big Banana is famous all over Australia and families come from everywhere to have their photo taken near this 40 year-old landmark. There’s lots of banana-themed merchandise as well as food. The attraction includes much more with rides including a Wild Toboggan Ride as well as an inflatable waterslide and an ice-skating rink, shops and lakes and real snow in an indoor snow slope.

One truly amazing attraction is the Butterfly House. It is an indoor rainforest with thousands of butterflies. It also has a maze that is a challenge to navigate and a café.

For those who are looking for a casual, relaxing holiday, Coffs Harbour has more than nine golf courses and a Thai cuisine cooking class.

There is much more to Coffs Harbour than tourist attractions. They support an annual Sustainable Living Festival, the Coffs Harbour International Buskers and Comedy Festival, the Coffs Harbour Gold Cup Race and, the fantastic food festival, the Woolgoolga Curry Festival.

The best way to see and experience it all is to find a local car hire and choose your own itinerary. You will have the freedom to visit areas nearby at your own pace including Sealy Lookout in Bruxner Park as well as the forest sky pier or Dorrigo Skywalk. You can take drives along the Pacific Highway that runs between Sydney and Brisbane. Waterfall Way is considered one of the top scenic drives in Australia and the best in New South Wales. You can take a scenic 30 minute drive to the northeast of the city centre and visit some local artisans including a pottery shop and a fantastic bakery. There are also wineries and a tram carriage dining room.

Coffs Harbour is a modern city with a small town atmosphere. It is a great place for people looking for family fun as well as for people who want to participate in serious water sports. There are surfing schools that make it a point to combine the two.

Filed Under: Austrailia Tagged With: , ,

Major Dos And Don’ts While Traveling Abroad

January 29, 2014 by Leave a Comment

Traveling

Travelling once in a while can work like magic, which will help you to rejuvenate both your mind and soul. However, if you are planning for a big trip abroad, then you might have to take help of some special tips and advices, which will double up the fun and excitement of the people. However, you have to deal with the major professional holiday helpers, who have years of experience in this area. If you browse through the internet, then you will come across different major professional websites, offering you with some fruitful tips and services, which you might have to follow religiously. Meeting with new people, checking out some attractive tourist attractive spots will surely make your trip a memorable one.

Significant points to be avoided

While you are traveling abroad, make sure you do not create any awkward situation for your fellow travelers. This will not only hamper their traveling experience but will also create a bad reputation for you and the place, from where you belong. Avoid a boorish manner and do not try to grab attention towards you. This might seems to be irritating behavior for your partner or other fellow members of your travelling group. However, you just cannot expect direct eye contact with anyone from a foreign land. In some areas, that might turn out to be some sort of provocative sign, which generally means unwanted or uneasy invitations.

Other noteworthy points to be followed

If you have rented any place in a foreign land and is staying over there for few days, then you should check for the security services. It will not be a good idea to keep your house unlock and leave without any security services. You are not aware of the security services of that new place, and it might give rise to some serious losses. Even if you are on a vacation trip, then make sure to lock your hotel rooms tightly and keep the keys with you. Avoid carrying heavy cash or expensive jewelries, when you are traveling. It might turn out to be provocative for robbers, which will be risky for your life. You can avoid using baggage tags if you do not want to disclose your nation’s identity. Keep all the emergency numbers near your hand, so that you can contact any police station, in times of need.

Eminent dos and don’ts

  • Avoid drinking too much alcohol, which might be an uneasy option for the travelers, with you.
  • Do not create any nonsensical behavior after consuming any addictive product. In certain parts of the world, drinking publicly can be a legal offense, which might give rise to a bad result. Therefore, look for the laws of the place before indulging into any action.
  • Keep a Xerox of your passport and other credit card numbers with you. Moreover, you can even get an extra copy for your family members, as well.
  • If you are into any medical courses, then do not forget to keep your medicines near your hand. You can also keep your doctor’s certificate with you, for getting any medicine from foreign medical store.
  • Keep any identification proof with you like ID card, bracelets, tag and more. This might really help if you are suffering from any serious medical condition.
  • Be polite and friendly and keep your calm, which will help you to mix with people well. If you are traveling alone, then a book can be your handy help.

If you browse through the internet, you will see that there are different travelling kits available, which can be of great help. Get those ticket and money kits from any leading store, at reasonable rates.

Author Bio: Mary Whitney can help you find information on apartments in Dallas, which can be availed at competitive market prices. You can stay in those apartments, while you are on your vacation.

Filed Under: Travel advice

Experience Thrill And Adventures Of Wildlife At Tadoba Tiger Reserve

January 25, 2014 by Leave a Comment

Tiger Reserve

You can enjoy the activities of the wild animals as you travel in an open jeep. Observe the behavior of the animals who occupy dense wilderness. You can see a herd of docile deer munching on tender grass or catch a glimpse of the herd of elephants bathing in a lake. Sight of the rare one-horned rhino or the majestic lion can be memorable. If you are interested in migratory birds, you can head to the sanctuaries located in India. Apart from the fantastic flora and fauna the sanctuaries are a home to tigers. Several campaigns in the country aim at saving and protecting the depleting tiger population.

Important tiger reserves in India

Bandhavgarh national park boasts of a healthy tiger population. You can indulge in varied wildlife spotting, in the park. You can catch a sight of leopard, muntjac, wild boar and rhesus monkey. Amidst the cluster of trees, you 242 species of birds have discovered their home. The likelihood of spotting a tiger is immensely high. Situated in Maharashtra Tadoba tiger reserve is the largest in this Indian State. The protected forest of the reserve spans across 12.55 square meters. A lake, which lies amidst the thick woods, is a home to mugger crocodiles.

Enjoy in Tadoba

The Tadoba tiger reserve encompasses the Andheri sanctuary and Chimur Hills. The caves and cliffs, meadows and valleys offer shelter to a variety of wildlife. The deciduous trees include Mahua, Semal, Beja and Salai to name a few. Enjoy the vibrant colors of the forests as you travel through the thick foliage. Certain medicinal plants can be found in the forest. Among the reptiles, you may be able to spot a cobra, Indian monitor or Russel’s viper. Jungle cats, leopards and sloth bears, can be easily seen. At a resort, your day begins with a cup of steaming coffee. An open gypsy is ideal for a safari.

Dos and donts

When planning for a jungle safari, you must ensure that you are in light colored clothes. A pair of binoculars will help you to spot rare birds and animals. It is important to remain equipped with water and light snacks. It is essential to maintain silence in the jungle so that the animals are not disturbed. Observing the wild animals without disturbing them is the primary aim of a safari. The changing terrains in a forest offer a panoramic view. Activities which harm the environs should be avoided. While on the ride if you wish to take photographs you can do so without disturbing the untamed animals.

Plan your tour

Luxurious lodges can be found which are situated close to Tadoba tiger reserve. The tariffs charged by the resorts are easy on the pocket. It is important to plan the safari and stay well in advance. The resorts combine all the modern comforts and along with the excitements of wildlife adventure. In Maharashtra Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary is well known for the teak forests where there are large chances of spotting a tiger. Hyenas, jackals and leopards too can be caught a glimpse of.

As you start planning for a jungle safari you can consider a trip to Kanha National park which is located in Madhya Pradesh. Animal lovers and naturalists can head to this reserve to experience the wonders of the wild. The rich habitat of the forest offers wonderful experiences. The panoramic views of the valleys and the rare sight of a variety of birds can be delightful. It is one of the best reserves in the world to see tigers. You can expect to hear calls of deer and langurs which indicate that the prettying tiger is on the prowl.

Author Bio: Steve planned a trip to India after he learnt about the rich tiger reserves. After the exploration, he was immensely satisfied with the experience which he gathered at Tadoba tiger reserve.

 

Filed Under: Attractions

A Guide to Enjoying a Beautiful Winter Getaway with Your Spouse in Sussex

January 4, 2014 by Leave a Comment

sussex

If you are looking to make the festive period more magical this year you should take a trip to Sussex. You and your spouse will have a beautiful winter getaway in this lovely county. After all, Sussex has so much to offer. From the stunning landscape, to the popular tourist attractions, to the wealth of charming pubs and restaurants; this is the ideal destination for a few days away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Sussex is made up of many different cities, towns and villages. You won’t be short of options when it comes to determining where to reside. You have the vibrant and lively town of Hastings. Or what about Eastbourne? Another place filled with personality and of course boasting the famous and beautiful Beachy Head. Or, there’s always Chichester – you will struggle to find somewhere else with such a charm as this city does. From the cobbled streets to the old buildings; it’s truly a delight.

No matter what place you select, there is one thing all of these destinations have in common; lovely self-catering cottages. You should look into these instead of staying in a traditional hotel. They are comfy and cozy and therefore provide the ideal basis for a romantic vacation. Not only this, but they are a lot cheaper as well. You will be able to stay in a quaint and pretty cottage. You will have all the homely comforts, more facilities and stunning views too. What more could you want when having a weekend away with the one you love?

There are also some really great places you should consider incorporating into your trip. As mentioned earlier, Beachy Head is a place that has generated a lot of attention. This is a chalk headland that is situated near Eastbourne. It is a place of sheer beauty. Nonetheless, aside from marvelling over the stunning vision in front of you, there is a lot more to do in the area. You can explore the Beachy Head Countryside Center or why not take a boat trip to the iconic lighthouse? After you have finished you can enjoy a bite to eat and a nice drink in the delightful Beachy Head pub.

Aside from this another romantic place worth incorporating into your trip is the garden and grounds of Herstmonceux Castle. You will literally have your breath taken away when you visit this famous tourist attraction. Firstly, you have the castle itself. This moated castle will take you back on a journey to medieval England. But that’s only the beginning of it. The gardens are truly magical. This is where the romance really blossoms. Once you have taken a look around all Herstmonceux Castle and Gardens has to offer you can enjoy a lovely cup of tea and a nice cake in Chestnuts Tea Room.

It’s important to make sure you and your partner spend some precious time together every now and again. And, what better time to do so then during the winter period? Get away from the stresses of everyday life and enjoy a lovely vacation with one and other.

Filed Under: UK

The Famous Bridge between Asia and Europe – Bosphorus

December 29, 2013 by Leave a Comment

Bosphorus

The world that we live in is divided by boundaries and border lines of countries and to top that the whole earth is further divided into continents comprising of many countries. Though some might say these boundaries are not fair as we are all are human beings and we should have an open choice of living anywhere we want to as Earth belongs to us. It is such an amazing thing that we human beings are the only species on planet earth that pays to live. We either pay rent or have to buy property to own so we can permanently live there. No matter how big our concern about the borders might be, unfortunately or fortunately for us, we have chosen this path our self by letting our leaders decide for us, and of course they were put into power by us.

The Asian and European continents are sometimes also known as east and west. The Asian side is termed as eastern states and European side is termed as western countries. The continents have a bit of rivalry as well in terms of thought of view and western side is considered to be modern while eastern side is considered pretty much conservative in ideas. Europe and Asia are separated amazingly by one country, in fact a city to be exact, Istanbul – Turkey geographically. The city of Istanbul has Marmora Sea passing between it and the part of the city on the side of European continent is also city of Istanbul and part of Turkey. The bridge is a major attraction and across the world in many travel agencies you see large size images of the bridge printed on to photo canvas    displayed for tourist attraction. Though there is more than one bridge connecting both sides together, the most famous one is this one, known as ‘Bosphorus Bridge’.

Bosphorus Bridge is considered as the 21st longest suspension bridge ever built. The bridge has a total length of more than 1550 meters and width of more than 33 meters. The bridge was completed in 1973 and at then it was 4th largest suspension bridge of the time. The idea of connecting Asia with Europe is not of 20th century but dates back to 500 BC when the Emperor Darius I the Great from Persia somehow managed a bridge connecting two continents. The city of Istanbul has been a place of major significance in history. The city now known as Istanbul was known as ‘Constantinople’ in history and was the capital of many Empires including Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman. The city being the capital has many palaces and buildings of historical importance and is a major tourist place for the people from around the world.

Because of the city of Istanbul having a small part of it in Europe, Turkey has been on its way to be a member of EU in future and is a part of NATO as we speak. There have been many reforms at all levels in Turkey to secure the bid and opportunity to join European member states. The Bosphorus Bridge has been used as official meeting places for these events of meeting Turkish and EU parliament officials. The bridge has also been showcased by tennis players playing match on it and F1 cars taking a spin on the bridge to signify it the bridge linking EU and Asia together for each other’s prosperity and better future.

Tom Anderson is professional content writer. He writes about home decoration, planning for self-grooming and necessity of innovation in every sector.

Filed Under: Asia, Caribbean Tagged With: ,

What Makes Berlin A Special Place?

December 29, 2013 by Leave a Comment

Berlin is so special because it is the capital of Germany and houses many important things. There are many great sights which are scattered all over the Berlin. It is known as the crazy place. Berlin is different from the other capitals of the world. It is simple and people love to spend on organic food rather than hifi restaurant.

Demography:

Berlin is the multicultural city with about 5 to 9 million residents of some 190 nations. You will clearly see the multicultural feature in shops and restaurants all over the Berlin.

Attractions in Berlin to make it special:

There are so many attractions for you to enjoy the marvelous city.

Mauer Park:

It is the not a spot for relaxing but it is the hot spot for shopping lovers. The park has a massive flea market where you can find everything on discount. Buy your favorite bicycle, furniture, cloths and souvenirs. You will love shopping here.

DDR museum:

If you want to hark back to old days when East Berlin was occupied then do visit DDR museum. This museum will provide you a perfect snapshot of bygones days. Go and experience the east germen memorabilia. And also mimic a stasi officer. You will enjoy doing this. Capture the moments and photo prints on canvas to save your memories of Berlin.

Berlin television tower:

It is known as “fernsehturm” locally. It is visible from the very distance; it is the tallest building in the Berlin having 368 meters height. You can enjoy the 360 degree panorama of the city while standing on the tower. Its multifaceted architecture will spellbind you. Near the tower there is a wide street known as karl-marx-allee having buildings of Socialist Classicism style.

Museum islands:

It is the UNESCO world heritage site. There are many important exhibition sites here at

  • Neues museum
  • Bode museum
  • Altes museum
  • Pergamon museum
  • Alte nationale gallerie

These all are full of art work and show pieces of cultural history. The digital prints to canvas of these artworks will look great on your wall.

Brandenburg Gate:

It is the Berlin’s signature attraction. It was built in 1791 and on of the old gates in the city of Berlin. The distinctive feature of this gate is the embellishing Pariser Platz at the foot of the gate. The striking buildings here are

  • Hotel adlon
  • Akademie der Künste (academy of the arts)

The academy of the arts is very nice place for art lovers and it provides unique facilities to the people present here.

These are the some attractions that make Berlin a special place.

About the Author: AtiqUr Rehman is professional independent information technology provider. He writes on gardening, home decoration and photography.

Filed Under: Europe

Cozumel – One Destinations, Many Flavors

December 29, 2013 by Leave a Comment

mexico

One of Mexico’s most prominent resorts for beach enjoyment and scuba diving, the 250 square mile island of Cozumel, is located off the northeastern point of the Yucatan, where the Gulf of Mexico merges with the Caribbean Sea. Whether you want to check out the Mayan ruins, swim in the Great Maya Reef or just breathe easy on the white sandy beaches, Cozumel makes for an ideal vacation spot.

However, apart from its white sands and crystal-clear waters, this tiny Yucatan island has a lot more to offer. Cozumel has plentiful of tourist attractions that give visitors an understanding of the local history and culture of Mexico.

From San Gervasio Mayan ruins to the Punta Sur Eco Park – the tourist attractions of Cozumel can gratify visitors of all ages.

Cozumel Island Museum

Situated in downtown San Miguel, the Museum of the Island of Cozumel is a great place for tourists who wish to learn about Cozumel’s history. A luxury hotel at one time, this 2-storey museum displays items that explain the facts behind the island’s natural environment and culture. Mayan and Spanish artifacts are displayed on the second floor. Visitors to this museum can also learn about the pre-Colombian and Colonial periods, archeology and pirate attacks on the island throughout history. A restaurant on the second floor offers good food and spectacular views of the Caribbean Sea.

The timings of the museum are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily and entry fee is around USD 3 per person.

San Gervasio Mayan Ruins

In ancient times, Mayan women would come to this sacred shrine in central Cozumel to pay tribute to ‘Ixchel’, their goddess of love and fertility. Today, visitors can see parts of the temple and sculptures on this Mayan archaeological site that is situated 11 miles from San Miguel de Cozumel. There is a bookstore on the site which also sells maps and snacks. For those who have never witnessed Mayan ruins up and close, visiting the San Gervasio archaeological site will be an unforgettable experience. For people living in Playa del Carmen, this is a great opportunity to know more about this glorious civilization.

The site is open to public daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and entry fee is USD 7 per person.

Faro Celerain Eco Park

For wildlife lovers, visiting the Faro Celerain Eco Park, also known as Parque Punta Sur, will be an absolute delight. This 2500 acres eco-park spreads out across the southern end of Cozumel and houses a variety of native species, including exotic birds, crocodiles, sea turtles and also flowers. The Celerain Eco Park offers boat trips through the lagoons and also snorkeling tours. Visitors can explore the El Caracol Mayan ruins and also the historic lighthouse.  From the top of the lighthouse, visitors can enjoy fantastic views of the beach, lagoons and the sand dunes scattered throughout the park.

The park is open daily. Entry fee to the Faro Celerain Eco park is USD 10 for adults and $5 for children between 3 and 11 years of age.

Discover Mexico

Situated along the coast in the south of San Miguel, this cultural theme park features miniature models of some of the country’s most well-known attractions, for example, the Mayan ruins of Tulum. For visitors who do not have the time to visit all of Mexico’s attractions, a trip to ‘Discover Mexico’ in Cozumel will certainly be well worth it!

Discover Mexico also provides visitors knowledge about Mexican history and culture during the colonial times. Visitors can watch documentaries in the modern theatre on-site and also watch tortilla-making demonstrations and the popular Tequilla Tasting Tour.

Discover Mexico Park is open Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Entry fee is USD 20 for adults and $12 for children of ages 12 and below.

Filed Under: Caribbean Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Work and Play the Australian Way

December 29, 2013 by Leave a Comment

You have the opportunity to live and work abroad for the first time in your life. Why not take it and make the most of it?

Australia is an excellent choice for long-term working vacations overseas. With a high quality of life, terrific technology access, and friendly, vibrant people, Australia is becoming a go-to destination for young professionals who want a change of scenery and lifestyle.

 

The visa system is in Australia is quite complex, but should not be daunting for any visitors coming from the US or many other countries. Many options are available, based on age, purpose and duration of visit, and other related factors. For those wishing to avoid the online forms and paperwork, migration help is an option and readily available.

For longer stays, more forms are required, but with assistance available, even these should not prove unnecessarily difficult. Seeking migration help early in the process can reduce frustration and lead to a much improved experience, especially for those wishing to stay in Australia for more than six months or a year.

Australia is a technologically savvy and connected country, equivalent to the United States in most ways in terms of accessibility and connection speed. Most accommodations offer some form of web access, whether wireless or wired broadband connection. This is especially true of urban locations, although finding places in the Outback with Internet access should not pose much difficulty, especially for travelers willing to plan ahead.

Because flights into Eastern and Southeastern Australia are generally cheaper and more plentiful, many travelers begin their exploration of the country from Sydney or Melbourne. From there, it is a simple matter to visit other major cities, including Brisbane to the north or Adelaide and Canberra. For those who have time, the island state of Tasmania is well worth the travel time.

However, it is impossible to say that one has really seen Australia without heading west through the Outback and the farther shore and the city of Perth. The more adventurous may also wish to explore the wilds of northern Australia, including the rain forest region. For those wishing to cross the continent quickly, flight time from Sydney to Perth is generally about five hours, although more scenic ways to travel are available.

Scenic train travel across Australia is growing in popularity, but most of Rail Australia’s many cross-country routes require four days / three nights for the trip, with planned stops along the way and endless opportunities to customize the journey and accommodations. Fares and timetables are widely available online for convenience. For those who must have round the clock Internet access, these scenic trains may not be ideal in terms of connectivity; however, if this is a work issue, traveling over a long weekend may give travelers the best of both worlds.

For those wanting a more lasting experience of the Outback, many tour companies exist just for this purpose, offering an array of choices for a variety of budgets and catering to disparate interests, whether for bus touring, backpacking, etc. Travelers can easily spend a memorable weekend or longer visiting Uluru and other Outback landmarks.

In Australia, it’s easy to enjoy both work and play while away from home on a much needed working vacation.

 

Filed Under: Austrailia Tagged With: , , ,

Tourist Attractions in Europe

December 29, 2013 by Leave a Comment

Europe has diverse tourist attractions and is one of the continents which receive a lot of tourists each year who come from Europe itself and other continents as well. Some of its cities like London, Paris, Rome, Madrid, Frankfurt and Venice rank top on the list of the most popular in the world. While it is not possible to exhaust each and every of the tourist attractions on a detailed list, one who plans to scour the continent’s charms will benefit from the one below which highlights the most popular tourist attractions in Europe.

Eiffel Tower 

france

The Eiffel Tower is not only one of the tallest in the world but is also one of Europe’s most influential landmarks. It is 1063 feet high and until now, ranks as the most visited paid monument in the world. Each year, an average of 7 million people ascend in it most of who are first time international visitors. The attraction is ideal for three types of tourists; those who love architectural structures, those who love historical tourist attractions and those who intend to visit each and every popular attraction cite in the world. The Eiffel tower is in Paris.

Acropolis of Athens 

The Acropolis of Athens is another of the tourist attractions which continues to grow in popularity each year. In general context, Acropolis means a citadel or fortified part of a Greek city which was built on a hill. The one in Athens is a historical site which contains the remains of ancient Greek buildings which were of great significance to the cultural heritage. Note that the Acropolis of Athens is so popular so that many people just refer to it as The Acropolis although Greece harbors several others.

The Tower Bridge 

Notable as London’s most influential landmark, the Tower Bridge is another of Europe’s greatest attractions. The bridge’s proximity to Her majesty’s Royal Palace and Fortress which is also known as the tower of London earns it its name. Its beauty and uniqueness are the two major reasons why most tourists yearn for a live glimpse. Visiting it gives a good view of The River Thames and the city of London in general.

Edinburgh Castle

Many a times, Edinburgh Castle is described as a historic fortress which dominates the skyline of Edinburgh. It has a long history as a Royal residence for the rulers of Scotland although currently most of the activity which goes on around it is tourism. Archaeologists speculate that it is more than 1000 years old. Visitors can travel around it and even visit the surrounding gardens.

The Roman Coliseum

The coliseum which is also known as the Flavian Amphitheatre is located in the center of Rome. In history, it was the greatest amphitheater of the Roman Empire and until now, The Coliseum is considered one of the greatest works from ancient Roman Architecture and Engineering. Its main purpose was to host gladiatorial shows and other public events. Today, visitors pay to view its interior and it receives a lot of them probably due to its uniqueness and connections to ancient Rome. If you intend to visit London and other European cities, it is important that you apply for a driving licence.

Author’s BIO:

Hi! I am Alice. I write blogs on various topics ranging from health related articles to travel and automotive articles. Right now, I’m working on articles related to UK driving licence.

Filed Under: Europe Tagged With: , ,

Fabulous Toscana Travelling Review

December 29, 2013 by Leave a Comment

Toscana

Toscana, commonly referred to in English as Tuscany is that region of northwest Italy favoured by the rich and famous throughout the world who either rent or purchase classic Tuscan Villas in order to escape the pressures of their modern high profile lives. Toscana, due to regional linguistics and a strong regional culture is often called a country within a country.

The region covers 8,900 square miles with a population of 3.8 million people. This gives Toscana a population density of 427 persons per square mile with over a 3rd of the population living in the greater Florence Metropolitan area. For modern Western Europe this is considered a sparse population.

If you are planning a trip to Toscana (Tuscany) it is always prudent to consider whether a comprehensive travel insurance policy makes sense. This decision of course is up to the traveller. Things to consider should be where you plan to stay, what the crime statistics for the area are, what the local medical facilities are like and your own personal health needs and concerns.

Cities in the Toscana Region

Some of the must see cities to include on any visit to Toscana (Tuscany) are Florence which holds the distinction of being the regional capital. Sienna, with its historic centre which was designated a World Heritage Site in 1995 and of course Pisa, home to the famous leaning tower. History, culture, architecture, food and shopping are the leading activities for visitors to this region.

Crime in the region is not out of control. However since tourism is a major industry, like other major tourist areas crime is an issue. Tuscan thieves prefer to target the traveller who is apt to be carrying larger amounts of cash and very rarely shows up to testify at any trial.  A good comprehensive travel insurance policy can protect you from loss of cash due to theft.

Florence

Considered the birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence was declared a World Heritage Site in 1982. Ranked by Forbes as one of the most beautiful cities in the world, Florence attracts visitors from across the globe that flock to their museums, palaces and historical centres.

An important fashion centre, Florence is a shopping experience like none other for the fashion conscious.

Sienna

Legend has it that Sienna was founded by the son of Remus from the legend of Romulus and Remus. This explains the numerous depictions of twin babies suckling on a she wolf to be found throughout the city.

While originally part of the old Roman Empire, Sienna existed as an independent republic from the 12th to the 16th centuries.

The Sienna historic centre was designated a World Heritage Site in 1995 and is a must see when you visit. The Sienna Cathedral and the Piazza del Campo are also important sites to visit in the city.

Pisa

Pisa is one of the most ancient cities in Italy. Even the ancient Romans referred to Pisa as “the old city”. Recent archaeological work has shown that Pisa was a busy maritime trading city in the year 500 BC and speculators suspect that it has been continuously inhabited since 1300 BC.

While originally an important maritime centre for trade, Pisa became an important naval centre for the Roman Empire and in later years for the Popes who would dispatch ships on missions of conquest for the greater glory of the church. Pisa’s militant past means it was both a city that grew rich from conquest and suffered under conquerors.

Rich in history, the city of Pisa offers 20 historic churches and of course the single largest tourist draw in the city; the famous leaning tower. Prudent travellers can enjoy all these sights with peace of mind when they have comprehensive travel insurance.

Comprehensive Travel Insurance

Important for many reasons, comprehensive travel insurance provides common sense protection for travellers to popular tourist destinations or remote areas where local desirables find them easy prey. Additional coverage can be provided for travellers with specific health concerns. Consider your travel insurance needs and select the provider that will best suit those needs.

Filed Under: Europe
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