Author: Pushpitha Wijesinghe

Cairns is an absolutely spectacular city to vacation in regardless of age. This cosmopolitan Australian city is a popular tourist destination due to its outstanding natural beauty and modern attractions. Filled with beautiful beaches, lush gardens, tropical jungles, contemporary museums and charming art galleries, Cairns has something for everyone!

The most popular highlight of Cairns is the city’s awesome aquamarine beaches and golden sandy shores. Apart from relaxing on the beach and catching a tan, the area is ideal for water sports such as fishing, snorkeling and diving. Visitors are able to go on excursions to explore the magnificent Great Barrier Reef with its amazing marine life.

For animal lovers’, a visit to the interactive Cairns Tropical Zoo and the spectacular Cairns Rainforest Dome is recommended, whilst tourists can also go on one of Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures to learn more about crocodiles. For the more daring, a trip to the Undersea World will be exciting as visitors are given the opportunity to swim with sharks. Wildlife can also be explored within natural jungle areas by taking a trip to places such as the Lamb Range and Mount Lewis.

The beauty of trees, flowers and plant life can be appreciated at Cairn’s Botanical Gardens which is spread over 38 hectares of land. This garden is home to several native Australian plants that cannot be seen elsewhere. Next to the gardens, stands the picturesque sight of the Centenary Lakes which has many walkways to be explored.

Cairns city is also home to many museums that cover a wide range of topics. The Cairns Museum is an interesting place that exhibits information and unique displays on the history of Cairns and its culture. The Shipwreck Museum is an interesting attraction that features exhibits on the Great Barrier Reef.

Travellers looking to enjoy the touristy hustle and bustle of Cairns must definitely visit popular areas such as the Pier Marketplace, the Esplanade and Shields Street which is filled with numerous shops and attractions. The Pier Marketplace is a lovely marina shopping area that is home to the Ancient Earth Indigenous Art Gallery. Shields Street too has 2 art galleries, namely the Cairns Regional Gallery and the Peter Lik Gallery. The Esplanade is crowded with many eateries and is the venue for the colourful Night Market.

Much of the main attractions in the city can be explored when staying at the Shangri La-Hotel, The Marina, Cairns, which is a distinguished and elegant Cairns luxury hotel. This warm and hospitable hotel offers contemporary and relaxing accommodation in Cairns right in the heart of this beautiful seaside destination.

The largest emirate in the UAE, Abu Dhabi is now coming to the fore as a trendy yet outlandishly appealing holiday destinations in the Gulf region. Even in the presence of neighbours with more glitzy appeal such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi is able to hold its own and attract a large number of visitors to its shores. What it lacks in star power, this laid back land compensates with its natural beauty and the adventures offered for to the traveller who is assured to become engrossed in the wonder that is Abu Dhabi.

This proud little country is not all about fine dining, lavish shopping and safaris under the blazing desert sun. While there is no lack of such distractions, Abu Dhabi has some more surprises in store for you. Leaving the shopping malls and belly dancers behind, you can go sate your wanderlust exploring the mangrove islands and shallow coastal waters of Abu Dhabi, and what’s more; you might even kayak your way there yourself. While it’s a rather new adventure to become popular over here, you will find that going kayaking among the desert islands with their waterlogged arboreal barricades and remarkable wildlife is a wholesome change from the constant rush and jam of the usual tour frenzy in middle-east.

Abu Dhabi’s deepest island mangroves offer the intrepid outdoor person quite an adventure to take part in. With a local guide who knows his way through the shadowy inlets at you back, you can easily paddle your way along the sluggish currents of around the islets, taking your time to enjoy the sights and sounds of the place. But kayaking in Abu Dhabi is definitely not just about paddling around the mangroves; you also have the chance to kayak along the shallow coastal waters enjoying the oceanic scenery, or maybe even leisurely row your way around whole of Abu Dhabi, depending on what you have in mind. Even if you’re new to handling the oars, the tour guides are usually all right with showing you the ropes.

You will find out that many independent operators as well as several Abu Dhabi resorts and hotels offer tourists some good kayaking adventure options to enjoy. If you check yourself in at a luxury resort Abu Dhabi is well known for such as the Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara, organized kayaking adventures and even rowing training will be available at the resort itself. An island resort is a good choice because simply it is closer to the areas frequently visited when kayaking in Abu Dhabi. When you have a chance to make your time in the Emirates a memorable one by doing something a little different from the usual Gulf tour routine, take the oars and go kayaking in the blue waters of Abu Dhabi to face a whole new adventure awaiting you.

Home to the great musical legend Tina Turner, the city of St. Louis might not tally with your definition of a laid back tourist destination but this is one of those places in America where you can head down to a local bar, grab a pint of ice cold beer and just watch the baseball game while enjoying the great company. St Louis has a welcoming city that doesn’t really care much about where you’re from as long as you have a passion for music and know how to have a good time.

Known as one of the largest urban parks in the United States, the Forest Park covers a total area of 1293 acres and is one the 105 city parks of America. This massive tourist attraction is what draws most of the visitors that travel to this city. Within the limits of the Forest Park are many other attractions such as the Art Museum, the Zoo, the Science Centre and the History Museum. The Zoo is an ideal place where families can enjoy the presence of friendly members of the animal kingdom. The two museums are complete with an array of artifacts that are historically important for both the city and the country at the same time.

The greenery that dominates the landscape of this park is the perfect environment for those of us who enjoy a peaceful few hours of serenity. This unique park also doubles up as a sporting location where golfers, ice skaters and even basketball players can come to enjoy an adrenaline pumping session of practice. Concerned about your fitness? You can even go for a jog or a bicycle ride through the park while enjoying the lush forestry that will keep you company.

Millennium Hotel St. Louis is the perfect base for travellers who wish to explore this fascinating city. Offering a host of outstanding amenities and excellent accommodation options this St. Louis hotel is truly one of a kind.

The yellowfin tuna is a well known food fish which is renowned for its taste and flavour. Among tuna varieties it is second only to the bluefin in size and taste. The yellowfin is without a doubt one of the largest tuna species, reaching weights in excess of 300 pounds. However the average fish does not reach these mammoth sizes.

The fish derives its name from the vivid yellow colour of its anal fin, second dorsal fin and finlets. Another distinguishing feature of the species is that in mature fish the anal and second dorsal fins are often very long, with a sickle or scimitar shape, extending almost as far as the tail. The pectoral fins also are fairly long. The body area of the yellowfin is a deep metallic blue, fading to a silver colour on the lower parts, with a number of vertical lines on the belly.
Although the yellowfin spends the majority of its lifetime in the upper regions of the ocean waters, they have been known to dive to considerable depths on occasion.

Diving to far depths and more activity generally take place during the daytime, with more shallow swimming at night. This is considered to be a result of prey movements in the ocean. The yellowfin is classified as a schooling fish, and generally spends its time with its habitual school.

The species is most commonly found in offshore deep waters, but are also found near seashores where suitable conditions exist, such as the Maldive Islands, the Caribbean and the Western Pacific islands.

The shape of the yellowfin’s body is optimized for speed, allowing them to successfully pursue and catch prey such as saury, mackerel and flying fish. They also consume such species as anchovies, lanternfish, sardines and skipjack tuna. Adult yellowfins are only threatened by the largest and fastest ocean predators.
This tuna variety constitutes a large proportion of the yearly fishing harvest of the Maldives. The yellowfin catch is exported to many countries as well as being consumed locally by the residents of the islands.

The traveller seeking Maldives island resorts would do well to select Nalandhu, Maldives. This fine Maldives hotel offers beautifully located accommodations and hospitable service never disappointing its guests.

A camel safari is undoubtedly one of the most exciting and memorable activities to be experienced in the environs of Abu Dhabi. In a past era when there were no motor vehicles or the conveniences we take for granted, the invaluable ‘ship of the desert’ was the only way to traverse the vast empty expanses of the Arabian desert. The forefathers of today’s Emiratis would travel long distances with no assistance apart from the prized camels which served their Arab masters faithfully.

Climbing and descending vast sand dunes and crossing expanses of picturesque desert on camelback is a truly magical experience reminiscent of the famed Arabian Nights. Providing a genuine taste of the nomadic lifestyle of ancient Arabia, a camel safari is always a memorable experience. The visitor may choose a safari trip of the desired duration, from an hour’s ride to an overnight expedition complete with a serene night in the desert in a Bedouin tent.

Alternatively the visitor may choose to traverse the desert in the comfort of a four wheel drive vehicle, which takes the guest on a thrilling rollercoaster ride over sand dunes and desert valleys. The loftiest sand dunes provide a spectacular view over the Arabian desert; the desert sunset is a particularly memorable sight. The journey proceeds to a Bedouin campsite where the traveller can enjoy refreshments and have their hands and feet decorated with henna designs. Often a belly-dancer performs to traditional music, after which a delicious barbeque dinner will be served to the visitor.

The ancient art of falconry, a cherished Arab tradition can also be experienced in the desert. The falconer’s skill in handling the birds of prey always impresses the beholder.

‘Wadi bashing’ has gained great popularity in recent times. In this exciting adventure sport a four wheel drive vehicle is piloted at considerable speed over a wadi, the term used for a dry rocky riverbed, of which many are found in the environs of Abu Dhabi. However it is customary to receive expert instructions before trying your hand at this activity.

With all these exciting options on offer, a visit to Abu Dhabi will never be dull. When selecting amongst Abu Dhabi resort hotels an excellent choice is the Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara. This fine Abu Dhabi resort provides luxurious accommodation and gracious service satisfying every expectation of its guests.

In recent years Abu Dhabi has consolidated its position as a premier tourist destination. With its tropical year-round sunshine, scenic sand dunes, pristine beaches and traditional Arabian hospitality Abu Dhabi is a memorable holiday destination. Appealing to both leisure and corporate travellers with modern convention centres, spas, theatres and golf courses amongst other facilities the desert emirate never disappoints its guests.

A desert safari in the environs of Abu Dhabi is a delightful way to experience the magical aura of the Middle Eastern desert. Always a thrilling adventure, safaris take the visitor deep into the desert providing a genuine insight into the challenging conditions of the desert as well as its beauty and mystical allure.

Four wheel drive vehicles take the visitor on a rollercoaster ride over the picturesque high sand dunes which promise to be an invigorating experience for even the most jaded of travellers. The peaks of the lofty sand dunes provide a panoramic view over the desert landscape which stretches out as far as the eye can see. Especially memorable is the vista of the desert sunset, a once in a lifetime experience.

‘Wadi bashing’ is a popular activity for the thrill seeker. A ‘wadi’ is the term used for a dry rocky riverbed found in the desert carved out by flood waters over millennia; innumerable wadis are to be found in the deserts surrounding Abu Dhabi. A four wheel drive vehicle is used to drive through these riverbeds, a bone–shaking and tough adventure, but always memorable. Before engaging in wadi-bashing it is important to receive comprehensive instructions from an expert, so as to avoid any unnecessary complications.

Traditional falconry displays may also be observed in the desert environment, with expert falconers demonstrating this age-old craft. Visitors may also enjoy camel rides and receive henna decorations on their hands or feet.

Some safari excursions will take you to a Bedouin campsite where you will be entertained by a talented belly-dancer moving sinuously to local music for a truly distinctive Arabian experience. A sumptuous barbeque dinner will be served at the end of the evening.

For the traveller selecting amongst Abu Dhabi resorts, there is no better choice than the Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara. This fine luxury resort Abu Dhabi offers promises lavishly appointed rooms and courteous service assuring a memorable stay.

Koh Samui is an island off the coast of Thailand, with abundant natural resources, coconut trees, coral reefs and inviting sandy beaches. Historically coconuts were the main cash crop for locals, but now tourism has become the main industry.

The island is thought to have been first inhabited by fishermen from Southern China and Malaya around 15 centuries ago. Even until the latter part of the 20th century, the island was a secluded independent community and lacked roads until the 1970s. Today the island has a successful economy, largely based on tourism and coconut and rubber exports. The island even boasts an international airport but has retained its image as a pristine island paradise.

The island’s central part is a dense tropical jungle. Nathon, the old capital is the main hub for sea transport and fishing, and retains the charm of a less complicated era. In the main street old Chinese stores and buildings suggest a multicultural history. However due to the advent of tourism many restaurants, hotels and clubs have been set up in the coastal areas.

Kayaking in Koh Samui is a truly unforgettable experience for anyone fortunate enough to experience it. Most tour companies use modern safe equipment and the guide will first initiate the novice concerning the proper handling of the kayak.

Once the training has been completed, the adventure will begin. Amidst emerald seas and sandy white coastline, the kayaker is free to relax, unwind and soak up the invigorating tropical sun. There are no stresses or worries here, only mile upon mile of delightful exotic coastline, a truly refreshing and rejuvenating experience.

Among Koh Samui resorts, a truly relaxing haven is The Langham Place Samui at Lamai Beach. A distinctive luxury resort Koh Samui, Langham Place Samui offers every imaginable amenity including the Chuan Spa, delectable dining and absolute privacy.