My Travel Tales

Many people who have never been to Alaska have never experienced a display as powerful as the northern lights. Aurora borealis is the scientific name for this phenomenon. You may not even exactly understand what they look like, what causes them to happen or when the best time of year to view them in Alaska is. The point of this article is to help shed some light on these questions and help better educate visitors to Alaska so that they may enjoy the amazing spectacle that is commonly know as the northern lights.

What causes the northern lights?

Without getting too scientific there are several factors that come into play when discussing what causes the northern lights. When the sun experiences large explosions or flares there are large quantities or solar particles thrown into space. These particles form plasma clouds that usually take between two to three days to reach our earth.

When the plasma clouds near the earth they are captured by the earth's magnetic field and guided towards the earths two magnetic poles, the North Pole and the South Pole. As they travel closer to earth towards the two poles the plasma clouds are stopped by the earth's atmosphere. The atmosphere helps protects us from these deadly particles. When the solar particles are stopped by the atmosphere this collision creates an energy between the atmospheric gas particles and the solar particles. The energy is released in the form of a photon or a light particle.

Millions of these light particles being released into our atmosphere at one time cause the northern lights. This helps explain why they appear to dance across the sky as they intensify or subside.

What do the northern lights look like in Alaska?

In Alaska the closer you get to the North Pole the better of display you can see. Above the Arctic Circle there are amazing displays. However, living in Anchorage I have still seen many impressive displays of green and red lights in the night sky.

The northern lights seem to shimmer and dance across the sky as they are displayed. The usual color is green but more intense displays will have red or purple in them. They almost appear as a ghostly cloud of light that rapidly moves, intensifies and subside during the display. Northern lights displays in Alaska can continue for several hours.

What is the best time of year to view the northern lights in Alaska?

The winter months, October through March, are the best time frame to view the northern lights in Alaska simply due to the fact you will have some darkness. In the summer months it can stay light for nearly 24 hours. You must have darkness to witness this phenomenon happening. However, you should expect cold weather during this time period and be sure to bring clothes accordingly if you plan to stand outside and watch the northern lights.

Viewing the northern lights is an experience everyone should have at least once in their life. This truly amazing sight is almost mystical and hard to believe the first time you see it. In my opinion there is no better place than Alaska to witness the northern lights.

Located in South East Asia, bordering Thailand in the north and Singapore in the south, Malaysia achieved its independence from British rule on the 31st of August 1957. With a population of approximately 23.5 million (58% Malays, 24% Chinese, 8% Indians and 10% others), Malaysia is rich in differing cultures and traditions. The uniqueness of Malaysia is that all these differing religions live alongside each other in harmony and peace.

You may be asking "What's there to do in Malaysia?". Malaysia offers natural beauties in tropical rainforest, scuba diving; Shopping haven in all major cities; Friendly citizens across the country. Whatever you want to do, ranging from being a potatoe couch at the hotel to extreme adventures, Malaysia has it all.

Having said that, I will now point out to you the essential visits that you should take part in order to make your trip whole (in no particular order):

Petronas Twin Towers

Towering at a height of 452 metres (1483 feet), the Petronas Twin Towers is the highest twin towers in the world. Built to 88 storeys and 32000 windows, the towers are connected via a skybridge. You must book your time to access the skybridge for an excellent birds-eye view of the Kuala Lumpur city. The towers were featured in the movie Entrapment starring Sean Connery and Caterine Zeta Jones. When visiting the towers, take a stroll at the KLCC park (20 hectares or 50 acres) located adjacent to the towers and indulge yourself in shopping at the Suria KLCC located inside the towers.

Pulau Pinang (Penang Island)

Affectionately known as Pearl of the Orient, Penang is famous for its natural beauty and exotic heritage. Located at the northern part of Malaysia, Penang, a bustling island, has a large variety of culture, people and food within the 285 square kilometres enclave. So diversed, you will be able to find churches, Chinese temples, Indian temples and Muslim mosques all within a five minutes walk. Colonial buildings still exist and are constantly being restored to its former glory. When you are at the Pearl of the Orient, you must sample the hawker food found at abundance, take a ferry ride (especially at night) and stroll along the beaches of Batu Ferringi.

Sipadan Island

Located on the north-eastern part of Borneo Island, Sipadan is one of the world's best dive spots. White sandy beaches borders this 12ha island. The island was formed from a undersea volcano and is raised 650meters from the sea floor. Sipadan is famous for its reef wall, rare reef creatures and the regular appearance of sea turtles. If you are a diver, this is one place that you would not want to miss.

East Coast Islands

On the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia, an abundance of idyllic white sandy beaches. To escape the hustle and bustle of the city, hop over to the east coast, put on a sarong, grab yourself a coconut, relax and enjoy the pounding of the waves. Out in the sea, islands such as Perhentian, Tioman and Redang are famous for their dive spots and family getaway.

Cameron Highlands

This 1800 meters above sea level region is a popular getaway from the tropical heat for Malaysians and tourist alike. Cameron Highlands was discovered by a British surveyor named William Cameron in 1885. This highlands resembles England as old English inns, chalets and bungalows still exists today. Attraction in Cameron Highlands includes mountain and jungle hikings, tea plantations, fruits and vegetable farms, flower nurseries and its people. Cameron Highlands has two golf courses if you are game.

Proboscis Monkeys

Living exclusively in Borneo island, proboscis monkeys have the largest nose amongst all primates. Reaching up to 17.5cm long, the reason for the elongated nose is unknown. Another distinctive feature of this unique creature is its pot belly. The proboscis monkey is an endangered species and is listed under the IUCN Red List. Visiting these creatures in its natural habitat is well worth the journey.

If you're a history buff, Antietam National Battlefield is a national park you have to see. Antietam, of course, is a major civil war site.

Antietam National Battlefield is simply huge. Located in the middle of Maryland, the national park is made up of over 3,255 acres of land. The geography of the area evolves from flat lands used for agriculture to heavily forested areas.

Antietam National Battlefield is an incredibly important historical location. In 1863, the battlefield was the site of the first invasion of the north by the Confederate Army. The battle was simply brutal with over 23,000 soldiers killed or wounded. The battle is known for being the bloodiest one-day event in the history of our nation. As a result of the Confederate invasion, President Lincoln issued his now famous emancipation proclamation

In 1934, Antietam was established as a National Park. In light of its historical importance, it is a major tourist destination with over 300,000 visitors annually visiting the park.

When visiting Antietam, there are a few locations you simply must see. Dunker Church may seem unassuming, but it was the location of massive battles for armies trying to gain high ground. The sunken road is the site of a brutal battle in which nearly 6,000 solders from both sides were killed in only three hours. Located on top of a hill, Antietam National Cemetery is the resting place of over 4,000 soldiers.

Obviously, the civil war was a defining moment in the history of the United States. If you're looking for a historical experience, Antietam is worth a visit.

First to Almyra, a trendy-hip box-of-a-hotel right on the shore, a few minutes' walk from Paphos, the fishing village that turns to youthful activity when the sun goes down. Owned by Kikkos Monastery since its launch in 1973, the 158-room hotel has had such a makeover it reminds me of Clint Eastwood redone as Brad Pitt.

I was in villa 10, which could inelegantly be described as a modern terraced bungalow, even nearer the water than the main blocks. All white outside, it is similarly light within. You look through the room to your private concrete terrace, from which you can go down three steps to a grass patch shared with your neighbours, with the beach below (you also share your flat rooftop with them - again white, it has been sculpted with white seating and becomes pretty sexy by night). In the room, thanks to French designer Joelle Pleot - who had earlier redone Thanos Michaelides' home - I had grey marble floors, palest white-grey walls, soft wood furniture with pale blue leather upholstery and pillows. A futuristic stainless fan whirred overhead. The bathroom had a big overhead rainforest shower as well as a hand-held unit, and lovely LaSource toiletries, from Crabtree & Evelyn, that matched that pale blue upholstery.

We met for dinner in the outdoor restaurant, by the beach. The menu is international with a twist. Fish and chips here is a basket filled with fried calamari, served with a metal pot of 'village' fries and another pot of tartar sauce. When I got back to my villa, I found the bed turned down, and a red apple on a round card, on which was written 'Happiness resides not in possessions and not in gold, but the feeling of happiness dwells in the soul'.

In the morning I did a pre-breakfast power walk along the coastal path, coinciding with some young revelers still on their way home from the previous night. Fishermen were already getting ready to go out. I returned, to be ready for breakfast, in another outdoor area. I checked out the massive hotel lobby, really only used during winter months unless, like me, you wanted WiFi (perfect reception here, which is not usual on this island). Pleot has deliberately turned the lobby into a residential home, albeit a massive one, with lots of different chairs, different seating areas. In winter there is a giant open log fire. Her sense of colour comes out in the bright orange chairs in the bar area. I was offered a round of golf, a mere 20 minutes away, but it was time to go.

Forty minutes later we were in the north-west section of the island at the small coastal town of Polis. We headed west towards the Akmasa Peninsula, and after four miles turned off the oleander-flanked road into the private drive of Anassa ('Queen', named for Aphrodite, whose mythical baths are a few miles further along). This Leading resort, opened in 1998, cascades over 70 acres of rough coastal terrain. It is, frankly, huge. A water feature in the outside turning circle and then a guard of honor of seven water jets greet you as you come in to a honey-colored marble colosseum. To get to the sunset terrace, to look down to the sea, it is a 200-foot walk (I measured it), along wide open corridors, which take angles, say past a big mirror flanked by a pair of green lights. Thanks to designer Darrell Schmitt, you can always see something intriguing, and there are strategically-placed local pots, or modern icons, to give culture as you walk - or through gorgeous gardens, immaculately tended, with lawns but also acres of natural bush, a millefeuille of different colored flowers.

The 173 rooms are set, village-like, in blocks. I was in 73, a downstairs suite with private outside entrance, parlor and bedroom, and a stone-walled terrace with plunge pool. My rooms had pale wood floors, cream walls, paintwork and shutters covered with fine curtains. Here the fans were pale creams, hanging from slightly peaked cream wood ceilings. I had a bathroom and a half, with Bulgari.

I rushed out to the spa, somehow finding my way across the 'village square' and the little church - contemporary with the resort - where a couple, attended by their ten-ish son, were being married. The spa is semi-subterranean, a real draw as it has 17 treatment rooms. They offer thalasso and Organic Pharmacy, the London firm apparently beloved of Madonna and Gwyneth Paltrow. I had an anti-ageing body treatment, namely a scrub of white sugar, salt and rose petals followed by a wrap of day and Andean rose petals, then a rose oil spread, then a body cream which included the following ingredients, green coffee fatty acids, guarana, horsetail complex, ivy and meadowsweet - a 200ml pot this from the Organic Pharmacy webset will cost you £150.

There are five restaurants, cleverly not all open every night. Wednesday is Cypriot night, a buffet with live dancing in the 'village square', and lots of fun (had I stayed another night I would have coincided with the weekly management cocktail. The new chef here is Australian Ashley Goddard, who wants - as he did at Soneva Fushi - to plant an organic garden, for guests to visit.

In the morning, the sun streamed in through shutters that I had deliberately left open. I got up, looked over my plunge pool to exotic bushland, far down to the ocean. A mountain bike awaited, and I managed a good workout. My room service breakfast was simple style, a big wood tray holding marvellous orange juice and a generous bowl of unsweet local yoghurt. I had a heart shape of butter, French L'Ancienne jams and local honey, a Frette napkin and oodles of flavourful coffee. It was time for my acupuncture, from an amazing local resident, Christine Whittaker, a Welsh woman who gave up serious law for a change of lifestyle, and spent four years studying detailed acupuncture in Beijing. She was supposedly doing my face but at one point I opened one eye to find myself lying with needles stuck in all up and down my legs. I felt like Gulliver with the Lilliputians. And this one is for energy, she said, putting one in the top of my head. She counted 'em in, counted 'em out (fortunately the same).

Sadly, no time for tennis or watersports or even trialling all the restaurants. My car awaited, and I promised myself to come back (35% of all guests here are repeats). Well done Thanos and sisters!

P.S. the following night Christine's energy needle took effect. I woke up at 2 am bursting with creativity.

When it comes to traveling in style you may want to checkout some if the different travels reward credit cards that are out there. With the travel rewards you are going to earn so many points for all of your purchases. This could be real helpful if you are one of the many business men and women out here that travels a great amount of time for your business.

With the travel rewards credit cards you will be able to acquire so many points for all of your purchases but one thing is that if you are using your credit card for purchasing any airline tickets you may end up double ling your reward points. There are some credit cards out there that have an alliance with a certain airline so that you are going to be able to receive more reward points from flying with them. They do even offer different kind of insurances that would help you out when you are away from home. Some of the insurances can be travel accident insurance and even auto rental insurance. They do offer many different benefits for the one that does travel a lot of their time so that they may not feel like they are just a number to the credit card company.

When you are traveling with your business for any meetings you are going to be able to take advantage of all the travel reward credit cards. That way there you will be racking up some points on your credit card for a spectacular getaway vacation that you may have been planning for quit some time to get away for all the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Then you are going to be able to take some nice rest relaxation that you are in need of after dealing with all of the different people in the world today that may place stress on you.

So you are going to want to take your time and checkout all the different travel reward credit cards that are being offered to you so that you are sure to find the best deal that will fit all your traveling needs. That way there are sure to receive the best credit card that is going to be a big benefit so you are going to be able to travel in style with your travel reward credit card to take a nice vacation with your family or be able to fly first class on a business trip.

Budapest is an amazing city with so many attractions that it is hard to know where to start. The health resort spas seem as good a place as any.

Budapest Spas

Budapest sits on a tectonic plate fault line in Eastern Europe. While earthquakes seem inevitable, one advantage to the location is the proliferation of mineral water spas in the city. Here are a few highlights.

The Gellert Spa Hotel is located in the center of Budapest on the eastern shore of the Danube River. From the front, the hotel looks like a classic renaissance building you would find in Paris or Vienna. The entrance to the hotel opens onto an indoor pool that looks like something out of ancient Rome. The square pool is surrounded by baroque columns and covered by a glass roof two stories above the water. Palms, plants and relaxing Hungarians are everywhere. It is staggeringly impressive.

For roughly ten dollars, you can have the full Gellert experience. There is on mixed sex indoor pool and two sections reserved for just men and women. In these reserved sections, one can get massage services, but keep in mind these are vigorous Turkish style massages. Put another way, you will be getting slapped around a bit instead of nearly falling asleep.

At the rear of the Gellert, there is an outdoor area that rivals any Las Vegas hotel. Unlike Vegas hotels with themes, this pool area is truly historic. The area comes with marble steps, ceramic tile mosaics and lush landscape. One tends to feel a bit like you are taking a bath in the Vatican.

Other Spas

Frankly, there are spas all over the place in Budapest. Although I didn't personally visit it, I was told very good things about the Kiraly Baths. Kiraly was apparently built during Turkish rule and the spa experience is entirely Turkish.

If you get the chance to visit Budapest, make sure you drop by one of the spas. Prices are relatively cheap and the experience is definitely worth it.

Oahu, Hawaii's 3rd largest island, could easily be considered the heart of Hawaii. With looping mountain trails, to monster waves breaking on the gorgeous golden beaches, to beaches where the turtles are swimming right along with you, down to country stores and discovering the uniqueness of Hawaiian culture, where do you begin?

With limited time and a wealth of things to see and do, here's a list of things to do in Oahu, that I hope will help you determine what you'd like to put in your schedule!

Snorkelling in the exquisite Hanauma Bay

The Hanauma Bay Nature Park is actually a State Underwater Park and is a paradise for even the novice of snorkellers! The Bay is the result of the ocean's breaching and incursion into two volcano craters. In addition to the beautiful swimming and snorkelling opportunities, there are also hiking trails with gorgeous vistas and plenty of picnicking sites.

Take an Eco Adventure Tour and swim with the Dolphins!

Discover whales, dolphins and sea turtles with nature-tour operators who are filled with knowledge and carry a deep respect for marine animals in their natural habitat. Cruise out to sea in a relaxed sailing atmosphere and view the mountainous shorelines and pristine beaches. This journey is sure to make an adventure of a lifetime!

No trip is complete without a Hawaii Luau!

The Luau, based on traditional Hawaiian feasts, has become a rite of passage for all tourists! You can expect a flashy show, a huge buffet and a true authentic Hawaiian experience!

Feeling adventurous? Try your hand at surfing!

Originating as the sport of ancient Hawaiian royalty, you can find lessons right on Waikiki Beach. The surf is great for beginners and kids as young as eight can try! If that's too much adventure for you and you're there in the winter time, why not head on up to the north shore and watch the pros compete on the giant surf!

Climb Diamond Head Volcano

The most famous volcanic crater in the world, Diamond Head is located on the southeast coast of Waikiki. It is an easy to moderate hike that is well worth the effort when you see the spectacular view of the entire west side of the island from Waikiki to Koki Head.

Visit the Hawaii Polynesian Cultural Center

An opportunity to visit seven Polynesian Islands in one afternoon! It gives you a chance to learn and interact with the people of Hawaii, Samoa, Maori New Zealand, Fiji, Tahiti, the Marquesas and Tonga. You'll also see the world-famous and largest night show, Horizons: Where the Sea Meets the Sky.

And of course we have Waikiki Beach!

The place where you can surf, swim and sail by day and dine, dance and party by night! Waikiki is truly legendary and one of the best things that you can do in Oahu. Beyond the gorgeous sand and surf, you can stroll along the flagstone walkway where you see fountains, rock pools, statues and surfboard signs that teach you a bit about its history! Waikiki is the world's most famous and most filmed beach. It actually consists of nine individually named beaches which stretch along two miles of shoreline. Do beware, it is also one of the most crowded!

While this is only a very small portion of things to do in Oahu, I hope that this has helped you to discover a little bit about what this truly magnificent island has to offer!

Among many other things, an airline ticket is perhaps the biggest, single money that you have to put up and deal with before traveling. This is so because regular airline tickets do not cost cheap. Finding one that does not dampen a tight budget is the topmost priority for people. Here, the internet comes in handy.

Cheap airline tickets can be found online. There are many sites calling themselves cheap airline ticket providers, but you really have to take a hold on their names. These online sites will give you the best savings you can never have on other means available.

So how do these online cheap airline ticket sites give such kind of savings?

Firstly, online sites offer the same kind of ticket that is being offered through other means and by airline companies. Of course all the tickets do come from one source: the airline carriers themselves. The cheap online airline tickets seller sites get their tickets from airline carriers by bulk. This if often sold to them at a bargain price. So when they are about to sell it online, you can see that the price are relatively lower than the regular prices. Some cheap airline ticket sites include Travelocity, Expedia, Previewtravel, Thetrip, Hotwire, and Webflyer among other sites. They are there with a guaranteed offer to sell cheap airline tickets anytime you want to fly and anywhere you want to go.

Airline companies also use the internet to send their services in giving their passengers easy access on the flight schedules and special offers. Online, it is easier to compare flights anytime of the day and find the cheapest trip for you with the least work. You are probably aware that flying during off-hours is cheaper than flying in the morning. Relatively, flying during weekdays is also cheaper than flying during weekends. Checking the online flight schedule as the easiest and most effective way to know the details and ticket prices of the flight you wish to take…CONTINUE

If you are thinking of how to pop the 'question' be sure to stop at <b>The Eiffel Tower at Paris Las Vegas.</b> It is by far, one of the most romantic locations to propose. Take advantage of their romance package and 'meet up in Paris' for the weekend. You will enjoy rose petals, bubbly and a breath-taking view of Las Vegas. Romance will be in the air, literally!

The <b>Bellagio Dancing Fountains</b> and take in the fabulous music as the water dances and prances in front of your eyes. this location is top of the list along with The Eiffel Tower at Paris Las Vegas. Ask your sweetheart to dance right there on Las Vegas Blvd. Indulge in a little romance!

If you have always wanted to travel to Italy and engage in a latin-inspired romance, go on the amazing <b>Gondola ride at the Venetian Hotel.</b> Enjoy the serenade as you ride the gondola through all of the different canals while you hold the hand of your loved one. You will feel like you are in Italy without having to pay for the flight. Ciao!

If you're looking for the exotic type of experience and want to get a little wild be sure to go out for dinner at the <b>Rum Jungle</b> that is located within the Mandalay Bay Hotel and spend the whole evening dancing with your special someone. Dancing goes on until late into the night, so be sure to brush up on your moves.<b>Rum Jungle</b> has been voted the hottest nightclub in Las Vegas, and has art d?r from waterfalls and fire walls to volcanic mountains of rum and go-go dancers. The music generally includes Latin, African and Caribbean beats with a bit of techno thrown in. A fabulous place to truly be wild and get your groove on!

If you're looking for a place that is a little more 'reserved and out of the jungle' go out for a nice romantic dinner at <b>Mon Ami Gabi restaurant</b> and reserve a patio table. The Mon Ami Gabi at Paris Las Vegas is the perfect place to sit, laugh and eat, and also fall in love all over again.This classic French bistro is where you will enjoy some of the finest seafood or steak dishes from well known chefs.

If you just have recently met, this is definitely the atmosphere where you will find yourselves gazing into eachothers' eyes.

<b>Romance is in the air! Vegas style!</b>

This article is written for all those of you who wish not to experience the anguish and distress of having to unpack your belongings jammed hap-hazardly in your suitcases, toped with a perfume-soaked sock swimming in a flower-scented river from the melted deodorant.

- Packing clothes: The order you will pack your clothes can make all the difference in the world. Put your shirts on the bottom, then dresses, skirts, shorts and pants. It is better to fold your clothes in order to avoid wrinkles and nasty marks. Thus, shirts should be folded on a large rectangle area and start with the sleeves folded inward moving on to the rest of the shirt folded in half (from the bottom) that will give you a nice, neat rectangle. Delicate shirts should go at the bottom of your shirts' pile. Then you can spread dresses or skirts to their fullest length on top of your shirts, before putting on top your shorts and pants, which should be folded in separate pairs in half (lengthwise). Again you should begin from the most wrinkle-prone pairs on the bottom of each cloth pile and move to the toughest ones placing them on top of the others. Finish by wrapping the portion of your dresses that is not stack inside the suitcase around the pants. In case all these sounds complicated, you better check beforehand if there will be an iron at your hotel room.

- Shoes: In order to avoid your clothes smelling like they have been walked on, you better place each shoe inside a grocery bag and put a dryer sheet into each shoe.

- Miscellaneous: Whatever has a spilling effect or is breakable should be kept in plastic bags-like regular sandwich bags-so you will not have to research on how to get toothpaste off your "good" shirt when you open up your belongings. Zip lock freezer bags can be filled with "dangerous" items, like your cologne, your soaps, toothpaste, shampoo or face creams.

- Dirty laundry: Since it is difficult to wash clothes while you are away, you should remember packing a large kitchen garbage bag to toss the dirty clothes inside. Some people advise to bring older underwear and socks that you can throw away after wearing them. This actually will free some space in your luggage making room for your family's and friend's gifts.

- Be cautious: It is imperative for you to remember NEVER to pack valuable items, like jewelry, cash, credit cards, house or car keys, in your non-carry on luggage. No airport company will ever reimburse you in case your bags get lost-even if you have informed them in advance. In addition, some people believe it is best to place their business address on their suitcases tags, instead of that of their home, since thieves often target visible ID tags to spot their next hit since you are going to be away!

Hopefully, these packing tips can help you feeling great after reaching your final destination and opening up your luggage. Have a nice time packing and enjoy your trip!