The Irishman's Guide To Dublin

Dublin has been one of Europe’s most welcoming and intriguing cities for decades. However, since Ireland was crowned the Celtic Tiger in the early 21st century thanks to the rapid economic growth it experienced, the Irish capital has become one of Europe’s most popular tourist destinations. This reputation has continued, despite the decline in economic fortunes seen by the country as the global recession took hold. However, while most visitors to the city flock to tourist-friendly hotspots like Temple Bar, the Guinness Storehouse and Dublin Castle, it pays to do as the Irish do when you visit Dublin. So while you’re there, make sure you seek out a few handy hints and tips from local Irishmen and women.

Unlike some large European cities, such as London and Paris, asking locals for detailed help and directions in Dublin is perfectly normal and most people will be happy to stop and chat. One element of Dublin life on which you should seek advice is how to get around. The tram and bus network is fairly extensive but can be confusing, so local help will not go amiss. If you’re a keen cyclist, you may also want to ask about the best places from which to rent a bicycle or speak to other cyclists about cycling etiquette. And if you’re planning to stay out at a bar or a club until early in the morning, it’s a good idea to have a reliable taxi number to hand.

When it comes to things to see and do, most Irishmen and women will suggest you visit the main attractions in every tourist guidebook. However, they may also point you towards sights that have a strong association with Dublin’s history, which was often violent during the colonial era. Glasnevin Cemetary on Finglas Road, for example, runs walking tours that take visitors past the graves of illustrious figures in Irish history. Kilmainham Gaol on Inchicore Road, where rebels from the 1916 Easter Uprising were executed, also operates guided tours. If you’re more interested in Dublin’s cultural history, don’t miss a trip to the Dublin Writer’s Museum, dedicated to local literary heroes like James Joyce and WB Yeats, or Merrion Square, which is home to a statue of Oscar Wilde.

For those who want to sample the best of Ireland’s food and drink, a chat with locals can be particularly rewarding. The first thing most Irishmen will tell you is to avoid Temple Bar, the primary location for touristy – and very expensive – bars and clubs. Instead, they should be able to point you towards bars that are traditional but not kitsch – like Kavanagh’s near Glasnevin Cemetery or Frank Ryan’s on Queen Street. Food, on the other hand, is a varied mix of hearty Irish stews and multicultural grub but can also be very pricey. To try a bit of everything at reasonable prices, head to the Epicurean Food Hall on Lower Liffey Street, which is very popular with locals at lunch time.

Although city breaks in the Irish capital may require a substantial budget, the frequent availability of cheap flights to Dublin means that actually getting there can be surprisingly affordable. Looking out for these deals means you’ll have more money to spend during your holiday. And with tough economic times persisting, you may even find some great deals on accommodation, food and drink while you’re in town, and the friendly local population may be able to point you towards these offers.

Paul Buchanan writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.

Article courtesy of triporiginator.com



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What Is Glamping?

The idea of roughing it during a camping trip might sound appealing if it weren't for the bugs, wild animals, sudden storms, leaking tents, smelly sleeping bags and questionable food. For a number of people, their first camping experience often becomes their last, but there is now a camping option growing in popularity. Welcome to the world of glamorous camping, otherwise known as glamping. Organized glamping trips feature all of the exposure to the great outdoors as traditional camping trips, but the amenities found at the campsite far exceed anything most campers have ever experienced.

During a typical glamping trip, for example, the tents are often designed with bright designer colors and materials, not the olive drab canvas tents of yesteryear. These tents can be rigged for electrical power, which means occupants can operate appliances, reading lamps and climate controls. Forget about smelly sleeping bags placed on rocky or insect-infested ground, as well. Those who have gone glamping may sleep on full-size air mattresses, or even regular spring mattresses provided by the outfitters.

Many glamping trips do involve the same types of excursions provided by traditional adventure groups, such as safaris, hiking, and river rafting, but the focus is often on the comfort of the guests. Comfortable transportation is usually provided from the campsite to the excursion and back, and guides are responsible for providing such amenities as full-course meals and laundered clothing upon a guest's return to camp. Some glamping trips are more primitive than others, however, so guests may actually have to experience a little discomfort while glamping.

The idea of glamping appears to have been inspired by the experiences of young, rich entertainers and models at outdoor events such as open air rock concerts. Many wealthy concertgoers wondered aloud if it might be possible to avoid the trappings of a hot tent on a muddy field just to enjoy a show or the wonders of nature. Several adventure groups saw an opportunity to cater to the needs of disillusioned campers who wanted to experience the positive aspects of camping without so many negatives. Thus the concept of glamping was born.

Many companies who specialize in camping equipment and supplies have created high-end or designer gear over the years, but few campers wanted to be seen carrying brightly colored tents or packets of gourmet foods. With the growing popularity of glamping, however, many would-be campers are now buying up designer camping gear and other amenities before going on their own glamping trips. Even those on more modest budgets are discovering it is now acceptable to bring along a few more comfort items while camping outdoors. While glamping may still be a niche market, it does offer people the chance to experience all of nature, not just its insects and bad weather.

Article written by wisegeek.com



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Dong Hoi - Cave of Teeth

Discovered in 1935, but only opened to tourists in 1999, Phong Nha Cave was made a global Heritage Site by Unesco in 2003. In comparison with its fellow Central Vietnam Sites - The citadel of Hue, the ancient town of Hoi An and My Son Sanctuary - Phong Nha has always been largely off the beaten track a minimum of for international tourists.

In part it has been due to its comparative inaccessiblity/ however, the outlet of your regular air service from Hanoi towards the city of Dong Hoi, some 40km in the caves in September 2008 has changed all that. Now the caves certainly are a 45-minute flight from the Vietnamese capital.

Like Ha Long Bay's rocks, the caves date back on the Palaeozoic period, some 400 million in the past. indeed the limestone karst formations is going to be familiar to the majority of individuals to Vietnam's most northerly Heritage Site. The real difference is in the vast scale from the cave. The full complex is some 65kmlong stretching for the Lao border.

Previously, Phong Nha has received a bad press to be messy and filled with "noisy" Vietnamese tourists. The local authorities seem to have pulled their act together. An everyday clean-up with the site leaves the caves clear of rubbish. Additionally, should you time your vacation for your afternoon, the cave is basically empty. An extra for latecommers would be that the sky at sunset because you motor back over the river on the small village of Son Trach can be very spectacular

What exactly is unchallenged is Phong Nha's beuty. The big chambers posses the solemnity of the cathedral, but on insprired by Dali in the darkest modments. Since your boat paddles across the slow waters the scale and subtle colours from the massive statlacitites and acoustic rock formations are overwhelming.

Boats take a look at the big chamber at the end of the cave which was utilized by its northern border Vietnamese within the American War being a hospital and munitions store. Additionally, it has engravings through the Champa those who occupied the collapse the 9th and 10th centuries.

The cave's status as Quang Binh Province's major tourist attraction has become threatened by. In April 2009, a team of British cavers discovered Son Dong Cave. Some 200m high, 140m wide as well as over 5km long, Son Doong is reputed to become the greatest cave not simply in Vietnam, in the entire world. A six-hour walk in the Ho Chi Minh Trail, the cave is currently inaccessible to tourists.

The village of Dong Hoi is a nice fishing village. The Nhat Le River snakes with the town towards the sea. It is not theonly serpent around. At sunset locals sit by either the river or even the sea and revel in a glass of snake wine - a variety of snake blood and vodka - which locals claim is wonderful for your wellbeing. They drink it with banh loc an area cake made out of glutinous rice paper and filled up with cassave. Looking very much like a translucent revioli, commemorate an incredible accompaniment to the wine.

Stretching for miles into the horizon, the town's Bao Ninh beach is largely deserted. Several fishing boats for sale bod up and down on the horizon, and locals flock towards the beach around sunset. It really works as well for the late evening swim or watching the sunrise.

Dong Hoi is a good base for seeing the DMZ. It's nearer to a lot of the sites than Hue, as an example the underground tunnels at Vinh Moc are merely some 70 km away For a lot more details, you really should pay a visit to: tour in vietnam

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Top 7 Destinations For Mountain Trekking.

Mountain trekking offers the chance to see a country from a wider point of view, not to mention engage in a unique and breathtaking experience. There’s a boundless spectrum of mountain trekking opportunities across the world, each including adventurous trails, stunning scenery and the ultimate retreat into isolation. Whether you’re donning your hiking boots for the first time, or you’re a seasoned pro, pick your mountain, compare travel money for your country of choice, and get ready for a truly exhilarating holiday.

Mt Everest, Nepal
Ever heard the saying ‘this is my Everest’? Climbing the world’s highest mountain has become synonymous with difficult tasks, so this is truly one for experienced climbers. If you intend on making the full trek to the top it will take years to get fully prepared, but for a less difficult yet still challenging climb, you could try Everest’s Base Camp.

Mt Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
With examples of virtually every ecosystem on earth (including glaciers, deserts, savannah and tropical jungle), trekking Mt Kilimanjaro is an unforgettable experience. The best time to go is from January to March1 and the trek can only be made with an organised tour.

The Andes, Columbia
After years of civil unrest, Colombia has begun to grow in popularity among world travellers. For many this popularity is due to the country’s picturesque beauty, but for trekkers, Colombia appeals because of its dazzling mountain ranges, monumental peaks and challenging climbs.

Mt Whitney, California
The tallest mountain in California, Mt Whitney is a relatively easy climb for amateur trekkers and can be completed in 5 hours on a fast hike2. Obtain a permit and walk the John Muir Trail which will take you from the northern end of Yosemite Valley up to the summit of Mt Whitney, passing through deep valleys, meadows and an abundance of wildlife.

Mt McKinley, Alaska
A haven for outdoor enthusiasts, Alaska has much to offer for hikers and trekkers. Mt McKinley is the highest peak in North America and there are several opportunities for off-trail trekking. Make sure you take the time to stop and admire the magnificent wildlife, including brown bears and moose.

Mont Blanc, the Alps
For spectacular alpine trekking, Mont Blanc boasts one of the world’s most celebrated hiking circuits. Although not a technically difficult climb, trails can take up to 9 hours, are mostly uphill and are often on rough, steep trails and glaciers3. If you’re up to the challenge, you’ll be rewarded with some spectacular views.

The Routeburn Track, New Zealand
From magnificent peaks, to glistening lakes and beautiful waterfalls, the Routeburn Track is one of the most popular and accessible trials in the forests and mountains of New Zealand. A guided walk will take 3 days and 2 nights and is of moderate difficulty4, so you’ll require a reasonable level of fitness.

Article courtesy of triporiginator.com



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