July 12 - As summer heats up, more Saudis are traveling outside the Kingdom to spend their summer vacation, with Europe as the favorite destination this year, according to travel officials. Summer vacationers this year have diversified destinations outside of the Mideast. These destinations include Turkey, Australia, Hong Kong, China, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, and South Korea, travel executives said. Europe, however, is the favourite spot, they said.
Destinations in the region, such as Egypt, Syria or the UAE, are not as popular as in the past, travel officials said. "Because of the better exchange rate in Europe, an advantage for visitors, there has been an increase in booking to European destinations by as much as 15 to 25 percent depending on the European countries to be visited," said Essam Al-Hassani, general manager of Minhal Travel and Tourism Agency.
The much-beleaguered euro currency is still in the midst of a long-term downtrend, having plunged almost 50 percent in value since December 2009. Global currency strategists are saying that they expect the euro to decline to $1.13 in the third quarter, $1.08 by the end of 2010 and for it perhaps to go as low as $1.01 next year before rebounding.
The Great South Gate is one of the symbols of Seoul and is the most prized treasure of the country. It is a two -tiered pagoda style roofed gate made with stone and wood. This gate served many purposes; it greeted visitors to the city, kept away wild animals and prevented outsiders from entering the city. It looks stunning at night when it is floodlit. The nearby Namdaemun Market is a great place ...
Located on the eastern tip of North Male' Atoll, Paradise Island Resort, locally known as Lankanfinolhu, is a sight for sore eyes. The third largest resort in Maldives, it offers superb accommodation to tourists with its water and beach bungalows. Paradise Resort offers plenty of recreational and water sports facilities like diving, wind surfing, water skiing, parasailing, snorkeling, canoeing, ba...
It’s easy to be put off by this square with its drunken stag parties, drug dealers, pickpockets and brash advertising on old buildings. However still take a look as this place is the central area of Czech history, a gathering place for demonstrators and proud Czechs; also check out Wenceslas Statue at the southern end and the Memorial to the Victims of Communism is nearby. Address: Vaclavske name...
Hoan Kiem Lake is the center of the city both literally and figuratively. The lake is the city's most popular strolling ground and large groups can be seen in the mornings walking or jogging along the lake or taking part in tai chi exercises. In the middle of the lake is Thap Rua, or Tortoise Tower a three-storey pagoda built in the 18th century. Turtles can be seen basking at the temple's base; w...