1. Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park may be found in central California and draws backpackers from every part of the globe who wish to experience its natural grandeur. There are more than 800 miles of trails and no shortage of amazing lakes. There are plenty of climbing opportunities, breathtaking views, and terrain at all levels of difficulty. The picturesque views of Yosemite National Park are sure to inspire backpackers of all backgrounds and levels of experience, which is why it deserves to be first on this list.

2. The Appalachian Trail

Backpackers, tourists, and lovers of nature will agree that The Appalachian Trail is an excellent location for exploring the great outdoors. It is possible to hike the more than 2000 miles of the trail that stretch from Maine to the northern stretches of Georgia. More than 2000 different kinds of plants and animals call the trail home, including the Black Bear. As the trail was created to foster hiking and exploration, it is truly fit for backpackers who want to get closer to nature while exploring the eastern seaboard of the United States.

3. Alaska
Alaska is the most geographically diverse state in the United States as well as the largest, and its pristine and untouched nature make it one of the most inspirational places a backpacker can hope to visit. There are thousands of people who come to the state each year to rediscover what life used to be like before the trappings of modernity, such as cell phones and instant access to hot coffee. Backpackers will enjoy the myriad of sights present in the state, from vast mountains and plains to piping hot volcanoes to green forests and crystal clear lakes.

4. Yellowstone National Park
Last but not least, Yellowstone National Park should be visited by every backpacker seeking inspiration at least once in their lives. It is found in the state of Wyoming, and the park spans close to 3500 square miles. The ecosystem in the park is rich and full of varied flora, fauna, and geological features. Some of these features include turbulent geysers and hot springs with unique colors. The challenging terrain draws thousands of backpackers each year from all over the world, and it is well worth visiting no matter what one’s level of experience backpacking.

Orlando first came into prominence as a tourist destination in the early 1970s when the Walt Disney World resort first opened. At this time, Walt Disney World consisted of the Magic Kingdom as well  as two resorts, a campground, and golf courses, all of which are still in operation today.

In the 40-plus years since Walt Disney World has been open, the word Orlando has become synonymous with family-friendly holidays. Numerous theme parks have sprung up around the area, offering  something for every taste, every age, and every budget and the easiest way to get a slice of the fun is to book your Orlando theme park tickets in advance before you go.

SeaWorld Orlando opened in 1973 and is now often named as one of the top ten most visited theme  parks in the United States. Visitors to the park can purchase single Seaworld tickets, good for two days of park admittance, which give them access to the vast number of aquatic attractions, live  shows, and thrilling rides. Guests can also save time and money by purchasing multipark tickets.

Along with admission to SeaWorld, guests can visit the water park Aquatica, as well as Busch  Gardens in nearby Tampa Bay.

Universal Orlando Resort opened in 1990 and has since experienced great success as a competitor to  Walt Disney World. Those who choose to purchase Orlando theme park tickets for Universal can  experience some of their favourite films in an up close and personal manner. Universal Orlando is  comprised of Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure as well as a number of resort  hotels and restaurants. Universal Studios Florida is home to features based on such popular films as Jaws, Ghostbusters, E.T.: The Extra Terrestrial, The Terminator, and the works of Alfred  Hitchcock. Islands of Adventure’s attractions are based largely on Marvel comic heroes, Jurassic  Park, and Harry Potter.

The longest continually running theme park in the Orlando is Gatorland. Founded in 1949, Gatorland  is a wildlife preserve that introduces visitors to alligators and other reptiles. Visitors can purchase tickets to spend the day, an evening, or an hour with the animals. The truly adventurous  can choose to wrestle alligators or can take a ziplining tour.

Of course, the most famous theme park complex in Orlando is Walt Disney World. The four theme parks that comprise Walt Disney World are the Magic Kingdom, which focuses on family focused rides and  events; Animal Kingdom, Disney’s animal-centric theme park; Epcot, which allows visitors to explore the world in one convenient location; and Hollywood Studios, the spot where visitors can have their  own experiences with favourite films, including Star Wars, Toy Story, and Indiana Jones. Disney  World theme park tickets can be purchased in multiple forms. Visitors can choose tickets that are for single-day admission for one park only, they can receive a discount by purchasing multiple day  tickets, or can choose the “Park-Hopper” option, which allows visitors to explore more than one  park during each day of the holiday.

Either way, you probably haven’t considered the wonderful opportunities for wildlife spotting in the nation and there’s no better place to this than Dalyan. This is a sleepy town on the south-west coast of Turkey, in the Mugla province. It’s relatively close to one of the region’s main airports – Dalaman – making it easy to reach.

Unlike at the nearby beach resorts of Marmaris and Fethiye, you won’t be surrounded by other holidaymakers, all jostling for a spot on the sand. In Dalyan, you can expect peace, quiet and plenty of opportunities to go walking and exploring.

Here are just a few of the highlights you can enjoy on cheap holidays to Turkey:

The river delta
Rather than strapping on your hiking boots straight away and striding out to explore some of the forest-covered hills that surround the town, climb into one of the small boats that ferry people up and down the river.

This is a great way to explore the Dalyan River delta, which is a protected area thanks to the wealth of wildlife it supports. In amongst the reed beds you can spot all manner of birds, from storks and little egrets to corn buntings and kingfishers. Look up to the sky and you may catch sight of a white-tailed eagle or black kite soaring overhead.

One of the main attractions for visitors to Dalyan lies at the top of the river estuary, though – a sand spit called Iztuzu Beach. This 7.5 km stretch of sand is a nesting ground for loggerhead and green turtles, which means it’s totally untouched by development.

Hop out of your river taxi and enjoy a leisurely stroll along the beach. Keep an eye out for the wooden stakes in the sand that denote nesting areas. The breeding season usually begins in May and continues into June, with the young hatching approximately two months later. To protect the turtles, you’re not allowed on the beach after 8pm in the evening, but you may be able to spot one or two of these amazing creatures in the water if you go snorkelling around this time of the year.

Ancient ruins
Turkey is home to numerous archaeological sites, each offering you the chance to get a glimpse into its long and varied history. Near Dalyan is the ancient city of Caunos, now largely in ruins. It covers an extensive area and much of it has yet to be excavated, so it’s a great place for a gentle stroll.
Take your time to explore the many structures that have been uncovered, including a theatre, Roman baths, a marketplace and a temple. The buildings here are thought to date back to 2 BC, so it’s probably one of the oldest settlements you’re ever likely to visit!
In the cliffs on the opposite side of the river to Dalyan there are some more ancient ruins – this time in the form of Lycian tombs, constructed as resting places for the kings of Caunos. The best way to view these is from the river and you’re bound to wonder how they managed to carve these chambers out of the rock face all those centuries ago.

Mud baths
After spending an active break in Dalyan, you can soothe your muscles by paying a visit to the thermal springs and mud baths in nearby Sultaniye. The mineral-rich waters here are said to have a range of healing qualities, while taking a mud bath is believed to be great for your skin, thanks to the minerals it contains. Let’s be honest, wallowing in mud and then relaxing in warm springs is loads of fun, too.

Egrets are among Dalyan’s birdlife

Diwali lasts for five days and is a festival which celebrates the Hindu New Year. This event is also called the ‘Festival of Lights’, due to the many candles, clay lamps and fireworks which are used to illuminate the celebrations.

The lights are used as a symbol for good triumphing over evil. This event is held in honour of the Hindu Lord Rama and Sita, his wife and the occasion when they defeated the evil King Ravana.

Diwali is held in either October or November – the exact month chosen for the celebrations each year is dependent on the cycle of the moon. The festivities take place in most places in India, aside from Kerala. However, it is said that Jaipur is one of the best cities in which to experience this exciting event.

The festival of Navaratri, Dussehra and Durga Puja is divided into two separate parts. The first section, Nayaratri, lasts for a total of nine days. During this time, people perform dances on the streets, in order to celebrate the Mother Goddess.

On the tenth day of the celebrations, the festival reaches the Dussehra section, where people honour Lord Rama and his defeat of King Ravana.

As well as this, Dussehra also celebrates the victory of the Goddess Durga, a warrior, over a demon buffalo named Mahishasura. In the east of India, this festival is known as Durga Puja and beautiful statues of the Mother Goddess are built and then submerged in the waters of the River Ganges. This festival begins in mid-October of each year.

Holi is an Indian festival which is held over a period of two days. This event is based on the idea of good conquering evil, as well as the fruitful abundance of the harvest season in spring. Those living in India often call this event the ‘Festival of Colours’, as it is common for people to throw colourful powdered water all over each other as they dance on the streets. The festival is held as the winter season comes to a close, usually on the day of the final full moon of a lunar month.

Ganesh Chaturthi is another spectacular festival and goes on for eleven days. This event is held in honour of Lord Ganesha, the Hindu Elephant God’s birthday. On the first day of the celebrations, elaborate, enormous statues of Lord Ganesh are installed on specially constructed podiums.

One the last day, these beautiful statues are paraded around the streets of the cities, after which they are submerged into the sea. This event is usually held in mid-August, from the 19th onwards.

Although this event is celebrated all across the country, the most lavish of celebrations can be found in Goa, Karnataka, Andhra and Maharashtra.

Krishna Janmashtami, a festival sometimes also called Govinda, is held to commemorate Lord Krishna’s birthday. This lively, fun event includes peoples forming a human pyramid, climbing on one another in order to reach the clay pots which have been hung with string from tall buildings in the cities and towns.

The festival is held between the middle of August and the middle of September. Although widely celebrated in India, the most extravagant ceremonies are found in Maharashtra and Manipur.

Onam is a ten-day-long festival during the harvest season, which celebrates the return of the mythological king called Magabali. During the festivities, locals decorate the area outside their front houses with beautiful arranged flowers in order to welcome their king back home.

People also celebrate by having elaborate feasts, dancing on the streets, having races on snake boats and buying new clothing. This festival is only held in Kerala.

The time that it is held is based on the Malayalam Calendar and it falls somewhere between August and September, depending on the year.

If you want to attend any of these events, then start looking for cheap flights to India now to try and keep your cost of travel down.

For most holidaymakers, the type of travel insurance policy that will best suit their needs will be a single trip policy – as this is designed for those going abroad once a year, for a short period of time. The standard single trip policy offered by the majority of the major insurance providers will cover all of the most common problems that can lead to a person needing insurance protection.

Perhaps the most common issue that can arise while abroad is that of a personal injury or illness being sustained – something which is fairly common, as personal injuries are in any location. Should you or a family member experience such an injury or illness abroad however, this can lead to additional problems, including a language barrier, differences in the health care system, and differences in personal injury law, all of which can make the aftermath a lot more stressful and costly for those who are not properly insured.

Another potential pitfall for those planning to holiday abroad without securing insurance cover is that of the travel agency or the airline company that they have booked their holiday with, going out of business. In this situation, if you are not insured, not only will you lose out on the holiday, you will also not be financially reimbursed for the money you paid out for it. Have a look at the cheap travel insurance policies available at www.endsleigh.co.uk for a range of holidays and possible circumstances.

March 27, 1977 is remembered as the date of the deadliest plane crash ever recorded. It took place at the Tenerife North Airport in the Canary Islands. Back then, the airport was known as Los Rodeos. Two airplanes were involved in a crash from the runaway with deadly consequences.

About the Crash

Gran Canaria Airport could not function due to a bomb that had exploded on its premises. As a result, many flights had been diverted to other airports including Tenerife.

A dense fog had covered Tenerife, reducing visibility. Moreover, the airport was overwhelmed by airplanes.

The airplanes involved in the crash were Flight 4805 from KLM and Flight 1736 from Pan Am. The two airplanes collided on the runway at Tenerife. There were 583 victims as a result of the crash and 61 survivors.

What Had Happened?

When the Gran Canaria Airport was reopened, the Tenerife airport was overcrowded and the visibility was seriously reduced. Moreover, there was no ground radar available. This means that the controller could only know the location of the airplanes from reports received over the radio. Misunderstandings and communication-based issues were the causes of the accident.

The KLM flight was preparing for take-off. On the same runway, the Pan Am flight was stationed. As a result of the first flight trying to take-off, it collided with the Pan Am airplane. Both airplanes were Boeing 747 and were destroyed as a result of the collision.

All the 248 passengers and crew members from the KLM flight died in the crash.

The Pan Am flight had 396 passengers. The crash left 61 survivors and 335 victims. Both the pilot and flight engineer escaped from the disaster.

The investigation had shown that the collision took place as the result of the KLM flight captain’s decision to take-off without approval from the traffic control of the Tenerife airport.

On the Peninsular you’ll find a multicultural mixture of Malay, Chinese and Indian flavours abound both in foods and in style and attitude. Actually foodwise, the Malaysian Peninsular west coast has one of the best cuisines in the world and includes a wide range of things from Indian banana leaf curries to Chinese buffets and Malay food along with a mix of western styles thrown in for good measure.

Malaysia’s capital city is Kuala Lumpur which is known as KL and began with a humble start as a mining shanty town. Today however it’s a 21st century metropolis and is dominated by the skyscrapers – some of the tallest in South east Asia.

Bako is one of the oldest national parks and is 27 square kilometres of unspoilt land between the Sarawak and the Bako river. Mangroves fringe the coast here, and the park has rainforests, as well as kerangas. It is the best place to see the rare proboscis monkey, and Macaque monkeys are common here too.

Cambodia lies just over 600 miles from Malaysia across the Gulf of Thailand, and air travel between the two is frequent and cheap. Like Malaysia it has a tropical climate and it’s temperature tends to range from around 21 to 35 degrees Celsius. It has a low lying central plain surrounded by uplands and low mountains, and transitional plains extend outwards from this central region. The Mekong river flows
southwards through the eastern regions.

Cambodia’s wonderful mixture of history, spirituality, symbolism and symmetry casts a spell over many of its visitors on Cambodia holidays, and as well as the many temples here there is much more that is all too often overlooked by tourists.

The revitalised city of Siem Reap is one area which deserves a mention, and has a georgous riverside location and much of cultural interest as well as fine dining and a drinking scene that rivals anything else available here. Another area of interest is the Bokor National Park where a wide range of rare animals dwell and can be seen if you’re lucky including Indian elephant, leopard, Asiatic black bear, slow loris, pangolin, and many more including over 300 species of birds.

Comtemporary Cambodia blends well with the ancient Khmer empire which it succeeds and there are many remains that can be seen at the fabled temples of Angkor such as Angkor Wat. The south coast has many tropical islands with beautiful deserted beaches awaiting discovery, and as yet virtually untouched by the tourist tide, while inland the cardamom mountains are beautiful to behold in the morning light, and
the cuisine is subtle and delicious.

Disney World Resort if the ultimate destination in Orlando. With theme parks, water parks, shopping, entertainment and much more to be enjoyed there is plenty to see and do for the whole family. Whether young or old you can be sure of an amazing trip here that will give you wonderful memories for the rest of your life. Not to mention the
autographs and photographs that will be collected on your trip around the parks and with four theme parks and two water parks you will be sure of seeing plenty of Disney characters that people, young and old, will recognise from themes and shows throughout their lifetime.

If you are looking for an enchanting theme park chock full of Disney characters and attractions, parades, fireworks and shows then be sure to visit the Magic Kingdom Park. This is really the ultimate fairy tale park and by booking your Disney Tickets Orlando in advance you can be sure of a great deal.

The Animal Kingdom Park is a fantastic place and is actually the Worlds largest animal themed park. There are some amazing animals here and you can enjoy a Backstage Safari tour showing you all around the back stages of the park and how the animals are cared for.

In addition to these parks you can visit Epcot, with it’s entertainment and vast cuisine, Hollywood Studios, with it’s behind the scenes look at real Hollywood action. There are also the water parks of Blizzard Beach & Typhoon Lagoon which offer lots of different water rides, of various scariness levels and whether you are looking for a raft ride, a surf pool or a shark reef you will find something wet and wonderful here.

In addition to all the wonderful parks to visit there are lots of amazing places to eat and you can even dine with Disney Princesses here.

Once you have explored all the wonderful parks that Disneyland has to offer then be sure to visit some of the other amazing locations that Orlando has to offer with Florida attraction tickets.

Discovery Cove is an amazing place to view some of the beautiful wild life and marine life that this area has to offer. This park is full to the brim with helpful staff and you will be able to arrange to swim with dolphins and have the whole thing captured on DVD.

Gatorland is another amazing place to see some of the wild life that is on offer in Orlando. You will be able to see a number of alligators, crocodiles, birds and snakes. This a fantastic way to get up close, and almost a little too personal, with some amazing animals that are rarely found in other parts of the World.

If you are looking for something a little different on your holiday then why not visit the iFly Orlando location where you can practice skydiving in a wind tunnel. This is a truly amazing experience that is not widely available in other holiday destinations.

Wherever you decide to visit in Orlando you will be sure of great weather, fantastic people, wonderful cuisine and a holiday that you and your family will remember for the rest of your lives.

Pinpointing the best spot for such a getaway can be a difficult decision, especially as there are so many wonderful destinations to choose from.

Paris

Among these is the city of love itself – Paris. The French capital is the ideal place to spend some time bonding with your partner, and whether you end up at the pinnacle of Notre Dame, the Arc de Triomphe or the Eiffel Tower, romance is sure to be in the air as you gaze over the city from up on high.

Head to the luxurious Chateau de Versailles and take a tranquil stroll around the grounds or visit the beautiful gothic Chartres Cathedral before stopping off at a top-class restaurant on the Champs-Elysees for a moonlit meal for two.

Prague

Another great spot for a romantic break is Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic. Crossing the beautiful gothic Charles Bridge is an iconic and romantic experience you’re sure to want to try; alternatively, you could head to the intimate Mucha Museum, where you can take in the artist’s works.

Head to Prague Castle to step back in time and make sure you witness the movements of the astronomical clock before you leave – one of the oldest in the world.

Florence

The Italian city of Florence is also an excellent choice for an idyllic escape, with its charming architecture, artistic masterpieces and romantic hotspots, such as the River Arno, Ponte Vecchio and the Boboli Gardens.

Enjoy breathtaking views from Piazzale Michelangiolo or climb Giotto’s Bell Tower for equally stunning vistas and make your way to the Uffizi Gallery to marvel at the works by Botticelli.

Venice

As well as Florence, there are a number of other ideal locations to visit in Italy, one of which is Venice. Getting around by boat is a great way of spending uninterrupted time with your loved one while taking in the beauty of the city, which boasts many gothic buildings and a number of Renaissance and baroque structures too which you can see from a Venice gondola ride.

Sample some of the rustic seafood dishes the region is renowned for and visit historical landmarks such as Basilica di San Marco and the Ponte di Rialto, the latter of which is a bridge built in the 1500s. This is an ideal place to pick up curiosities as there are numerous shops here, while the wider neighbourhood boasts plenty of fresh fish, fruit and vegetable stalls.

Rome

Within the same country is the glorious capital of Rome, and there’s plenty to see and do here. The bustling metropolis is filled with antique buildings – and it’s no surprise, as the city is thousands of years old.

As the capital of Roman Catholicism you can expect to find some wonderfully ornate churches in Rome, none more so than St Peter’s Basilica. Take a tour and then head on to another of the city’s most famous landmarks – the Colosseum, which is thought to date back to around 80 AD.

Consider taking a Rome tours to see everything this fantastic city has on offer.

Bruges

Alternatively, head to Bruges in Belgium for a romantic break where you can stroll hand-in-hand down intimate lanes, enjoy a boat trip along the canals or take a horse-drawn carriage ride around the city.

What could be more romantic than taking a hot air balloon ride over the picturesque city? This is a popular pastime in Bruges and could be the ideal place to pop a very important question!

New York

New York is another great location for a romantic city break. Here you can take in the amazing skyline from the top of the Empire State Building, enjoy a fun skate on the ice at the Rockefeller Centre, visit the beautiful green space of Central Park and wander around the grand Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Brooklyn Promenade and the nearby Botanical Gardens make for a couple of lovely spots to spend quality time as a couple, too.

Edinburgh

Meanwhile, if you’re looking for a short getaway closer to home, you can’t get much more romantic than the city of Edinburgh. The Scottish capital is steeped in history and has a picturesque old town, the focal point of which is the imposing castle, which dates back to around the ninth century.

There are plenty of cosy restaurants to enjoy some traditional Scottish food and be sure to spend some time visiting the historic sites and neighbouring tranquil lochs.

With so many romantic cities to choose from, you’re bound to enjoy a trip to any of these beautiful destinations! Visit idealshortbreaks.co.uk to find out more about these – and plenty of other places for a romantic getaway.

1. Summer Palace (Yiheyuan). It is one of the most famous places to visit on a China tour. This palace was once the summer home of the Emperors of China. Today it is a large, beautiful park that spans more than 290 acres. There is an ancient palace, pavilions, palaces, a large lake and many small places to eat and shop in the park. It is the perfect place to visit for the tourist who is tired of working his or her way through large crowds.

2. Forbidden City (Imperial Palace). This palace stretches across a property of over 250 acres. The palace itself boasts more than 9,000 rooms. It was originally built during the 15th century and later renovated during the 18th century, under the leadership of the Qing Dynasty. It’s a beautiful place to check out – make sure that you purchase your tour tickets ahead of time. It can get crowded if you don’t have reservations booked in advance.

3. Great Wall at Huanghuacheng. The Great Wall is one of the seven wonders of the modern world – and the ancient one. Although it stretches for many miles, try exploring this specific section of the wall. The scenery of the area is stunning, and the sheer magnitude and height of the wall is amazing. You can book a tour with an English speaking tour guide. You will be able to walk along the top of the wall, as well. It is definitely worth the visit!

4. Beijing Capital Museum. Nothing is quite so fulfilling as soaking in the local culture and history of a new city or country. The Beijing Capital Museum is an excellent place to do just that. There are more than five floors in the building, and you will find some of the most unique and ancient Chinese art on display here. It might even be a good idea to start off your trip to Beijing right here.

5. Temple of Heaven (Tiantan Park). As one of the most religious sites in China, is is also the largest worship center in the entire country. It spans many acres. It was originally built during the 15th century. Today people can walk the lovely grounds and enjoy the scenery. It is a great place to learn about the history of China.

6. Hiking the Great Wall at Jinshanling toward Simatai. While the Great Wall is amazing to visit, it is even more amazing to hike an extensive piece of it. Jinshanling and Simatai are located right on the blade of mountains, providing breathtaking views, as well as some of the original features from the Ming Dynasty Wall. You will definitely love it.