Istanbul

A very strange feeling comes over you while watching the waters of the Bosphorus channel between two seas Istanbul crossing from north to south, from the Black Sea to the Sea of ​​Marmara. Here ends Europe, Asia begins here ... Straddling two continents, the city sometimes it was the Byzantine Greeks, the Constantinople of the Eastern Roman Empire and the capital of the Ottoman sultans remembers . This city was, for generations, the place itself and the symbol of civilization. Fabulous concentration of intelligence and wealth, Istanbul dazzled humanity during nine centuries ....
Theater of history, Istanbul is also a real street theater. Built on seven hills overlooking the sea, it is a tangle of narrow streets, riddled by large boulevards.
Istanbul is both a reduction in Turkey and a cultural exception. All provinces and all trades are based on a cosmopolitan bustle. Here, however, Europe is a dream; archaic alongside the modern. It is the East (all) against the West. The Bosphorus stare, sometimes jealous, always binoculars.
Just over the bridge for a new adventure begins. Two giant suspension bridges thrown over the Bosphorus connects Istanbul's Asian to European Istanbul. In turn, the latter is divided in two by a famous estuary, the Golden Horn: the south, the peninsula of Old Istanbul (Sultanahmet Sirkeci ...), which includes most of the known monuments. To the north, the districts of Galata, Beyoğlu Istanbul with late nineteenth extended by modern city begins the "real life" Istanbulites.

Due to the construction of two railway lines at high speed (one between Istanbul and Ankara, and the other between Istanbul and the Bulgarian border), plus no train arrives in Istanbul station. Traffic recovery is not announced before 2015 More in the news ratings.
                                                                                                                                From: Routard.com

Havana

Cuba's capital and population of over 2 million inhabitants, Havana is the economic, cultural and historical center. You will fall in love with this city on the Gulf of Mexico, its houses with pastel shades, fortresses recalling the Spanish conquest and the warmth of its people.

The city is divided into 15 municipalities. Old Havana, Heritage Site by UNESCO, is west of the port. Once encircled by walls, demolished in 1863, the district has expanded gradually to reach the current city center.

At the west end, is the Vedado neighborhood are grouped almost all restaurants hotels and other entertainment. Nearby, at the Plaza de la Revolucion, stands the administrative district built in the 50s Farther west to Miramar, Marianao and Playa, it is mainly residential.

Havana is connected to the old town through a tunnel of 733 m completed in 1958 There are mainly public housing and two small fishing villages: Alamar and Cojimar.

The majority of the population lives south of Havana near industrial areas. A little further away, are international, golf and zoo airport.

Center your tour around the old town, Vedado and downtown. Enjoy the richness of the city but also its contrasts. True open-air museum, the old city of Havana concentrates the most beautiful monuments and museums in the country.

You can not miss the Morro Castle, which overlooks the bay and the Cathedral of San Cristobal de La Habana Plaza Catedral, one of the busiest places.
If you have some time to browse through the old town, visit the Museum of the City to better know the history of Cuba and the National Museum of Fine Arts, bringing together local and foreign works.

More contemporary and interesting in terms of history and Cuban culture, stop by the Museum of the Revolution, and national music museum next door.

Finally, the car museum will better understand the origin of these old cars you come across everywhere.

Do not be surprised by the heavy police presence in Havana. They are present mainly to ward jineteros (touts).

Around Havana, starting to the east, take the highway to Pinar del Rio. The site of Las Terrezas probably surprise you: you can see the old coffee plantations remains.

Nearby, the Vinales Valley is famous for its wooded hills, large boulders of limestone where you can go climbing. These two sites are classified as Heritage.

Finally, if you love wild corners, take the boat towards the Isla de la Juventud. This little paradise in addition to its lush vegetation, home to one of the most beautiful beaches of Cuba, Cayo Largo and has the best dive sites.
                                                                                                                                   From : l'internaute

Seoul

Introduction of Seoul
is the capital of Korea with over 600 years of history. It is the heart of Korea’s culture and education as well as politics and economics. Seoul is home to many old historic sites like Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung Palaces, and places of traditional culture like Bukchon Hanok Village, Insa-dong, and Namdaemun Market. The shopping and entertainment districts of Myeongdong and Apgujeong, and Asia's largest underground shopping center COEX Mall also draw a large number of tourists every year. The Hangang River, which runs through the center of the city, is also a distinctive landscape of Seoul that offers a myriad of resting areas for citizens.                                   From:Routard.com	In Seoul, you try to escape the traffic jams to find refuge in the royal palaces preserved among green setting and romantic ponds. In addition, the capital of South Korea is a traditional in Insadong and two interesting shopping street markets: the Dongdaemun (Tongdaemun) and the large Namdaemun gate near the old South. South Korea also recites several national parks, including the mountains of Seorak which residents of the bustling Seoul recharge time for a weekend. Finally, stays in Buddhist monasteries called "temple stay" were set up by the tourist authorities if comfort conditions are minimal, authenticity is the rendezvous.	The rest of the stay in South Korea can be spent in Busan (Pusan​​), the first port in the country. This seaside town is very much alive and visiting the fish market a must. In the South, we will leave to the discovery of the temple of Haiensa, where a copy is preserved Buddhist scriptures in birch boards. Finally Gyeongju (Kyongju), the capital of Silla (Shilla), the first unified Korean kingdom, has preserved its past grandeur imposing tombs of its rulers buried under huge mounds.

Tokyo

Tokyo is a huge city with several district articles containing sightseeing, restaurant, nightlife and accommodation listings — have a look at each of them.

Tōkyō (東京) [1] is the capital of Japan. At over 12 million people in the official metropolitan area alone, Tokyo is the core of the most populated urban area in the world, Greater Tokyo (which has a population of 35 million people). This huge, wealthy and fascinating metropolis brings high-tech visions of the future side by side with glimpses of old Japan, and has something for everyone.

Culture

Shinjuku at night

Tokyo is vast: it's best thought of not as a single city, but a constellation of cities that have grown together. Tokyo's districts vary wildly by character, from the electronic blare of Akihabara to the Imperial gardens and shrines of Chiyoda, from the hyperactive youth culture mecca of Shibuya to the pottery shops and temple markets of Asakusa. If you don't like what you see, hop on the train and head to the next station, and you will find something entirely different.

The sheer size and frenetic pace of Tokyo can intimidate the first-time visitor. Much of the city is a jungle of concrete and wires, with a mass of neon and blaring loudspeakers. At rush hour, crowds jostle in packed trains and masses of humanity sweep through enormous and bewilderingly complex stations. Don't get too hung up on ticking tourist sights off your list: for most visitors, the biggest part of the Tokyo experience is just wandering around at random and absorbing the vibe, poking your head into shops selling weird and wonderful things, sampling restaurants where you can't recognize a single thing on the menu (or on your plate), and finding unexpected oases of calm in the tranquil grounds of a neighbourhood Shinto shrine. It's all perfectly safe, and the locals will go to sometimes extraordinary lengths to help you if you just ask.

Expenses

The cost of living in Tokyo is not as astronomical as it once was. Deflation and market pressures have helped to make costs in Tokyo comparable to most other large cities. Visitors from San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York, and London will likely not find it any more expensive than back home. Travelers should budget a similar amount of money for their stay in Tokyo as they would for any other great city in Europe, North America or Australia. Locals will know the bargains, but experienced cheapskates from anywhere in the world can get by with a little ingenuity. Tokyo is one of the most popular places to live in Japan. It is also rated the fifth most expensive city to live in, in the world. Rent for a single's apartment could range from $US500 to $US1,000 a month. Tokyo is so overwhelmingly crowded that apartments are usually no bigger than 175 square feet (16 square meters).

Climate

Cherry blossom picnic, Yoyogi Park

Tokyo is classified as lying in the humid subtropical climate zone and has four distinct seasons. Summers are usually hot and humid with a temperature range of about 20-30 °C (68-86 °F), though it can sometimes climb into the high thirties. Winters are usually mild, with temperatures generally ranging from 0-10 °C (32-50 °F), though occasional cold spells can send temperatures plummeting below zero at night. Snow is rare, but on those rare occasions (once every few years) when Tokyo is hit by a snowstorm, much of the train network grinds to a halt. The famous cherry blossoms bloom in March-April and parks, most famously Ueno, fill up with blue tarps and sozzled salarymen.

                                                                                                                                      From:wikitravel

Shanghai

Shanghai, Hu for short, is a renowned international metropolis drawing more and more attention from all over the world. Situated on the estuary of Yangtze River, it serves as the most influential economic, financial, international trade, cultural, science and technology center in East China. Also it is a popular destination for visitors to sense the pulsating development of the country.

In addition to its modernization, the city's multicultural flair endows it with a unique glamour. Here, one finds the perfect blend of cultures, the modern and the traditional , and the western and the oriental. New skyscrapers and old Shikumen together draw the skyline of the city. Western customs and Chinese traditions intertwined and formed the city's culture, making a visitor's stay truly memorable.

                                                                         From :  travelchinaguide.com

Mexico

MEXICO

Mexico has become a major player in the travel and tourism industry and has scaled up five positions in the global tourism market over the past century. Nowadays, Mexico is ranked 7th place, receiving a total of 22.8 million tourists a year and is expected to beome the second fastest growing destination by 2013. Mexico has participated in the international travel market for many years as a competitive destination not only because it offers quality services but originality and cultural richness as well, all this exemplified by the diversity of its major cities, colonial villages and archaeological sites located throughout the country. Mexico City, its capital, is itself an open-air museum; walking around the downtown is a delight for the human eye. Our beach resorts are incentive travel destinations par excellence. the variety of its atractions, the quality of its services and the warmth of its people place Mexico's cities and resorts among the top choices of domestic and international travel planners. Mexico offers plenty of Grand Tourism and Special Category hotels that will satisfy the most demanding market, and possesses many other equally interesting destinations that can fully satisfy the needs of the most exacting travellers and assure that their visit to this country wil be a positive experience that they will always remember. In ecotourism and adventure travel Mexico has much to offer with 22 biosphere reserves, 47 national parks and 9 protected areas. What can you find in Mexico? Mexico is a country that possesses an enormous patrimony, natural as well as historical and cultural. Also, the country has a long tradition of tourism, and its tourism sector has increased in the last years and it is widely developed. The country is a land of contrasts. It has it all: a very rich history and culture, a warm and pleasant climate, a varied geography, an impressive nature, a tasteful gastronomy and a friendly and obliging population... in few words: Mexico can fulfill all your wishes! Mexico’s wide range of offers include: Historical and Cultural Tourism (Mayas, Aztecs, colonial cities...) Relaxation Tourism (Beaches, spa & wellness... Modern Tourism (Cities, museums, theatres...) Adventure Tourism (Surf, scuba-diving, rafting...) Ecotourism (Hiking, trekking, thermal springs, national parks...)                                                                                                                                              From: Embassy of mexico in signapur

Barcelona

Barcelona is a huge city with several district articles containing sightseeing, restaurant, nightlife and accommodation listings — have a look at each of them.

Barcelona is the capital and largest city of Catalonia and Spain's second largest city, with a population of over one and half million people (over five million in the whole province).

This city, located directly on the northeastern Mediterranean coast of Spain, has a rich history, having been under Roman, then Frank law before declaring its independence.

In 1992, Barcelona gained international recognition by hosting the Olympic games which brought a massive upturn in its tourism industry.

This had the effect of changing the city in ways that are still felt today with neighbourhoods renovated (and in some cases leveled) and the intense focus of modern design permeating all aspects of life in Barcelona from public buildings to something as simple as a park bench or an event poster.

For visitors, this has translated into the very modern, yet incredibly old city you see now in the 21st century, where the new elements work to both preserve and celebrate the ancient.

This beautiful city is full of what European cities are known for (outdoor markets, restaurants, shops, museums and churches) and is fantastic for walking with an extensive and reliable Metro system for more far-flung destinations. The core centre of town, focused around the Ciutat Vella ("Old City") provides days of enjoyment for those looking to experience the life of Barcelona while the beaches the city was built upon provide sun and relaxation during the long periods of agreeably warm weather.

                                                                                                             From: wikitravel

Niihau

Niihau

The smallest of the eight main islands (116 square kilometers), sacred to Hawaiians site, has long served as the training of the bombers of the United States Navy. Finally returned to the state of Hawaii in 1995, it remains for now inaccessible to most visitors because of unexploded ordnance still scattered there. It will take years to clean up....
                                           From : Routard.com

Kahoolawe

Kahoolawe

The smallest of the eight main islands (116 square kilometers), sacred to Hawaiians site, has long served as the training of the bombers of the United States Navy. Finally returned to the state of Hawaii in 1995, it remains for now inaccessible to most visitors because of unexploded ordnance still scattered there. It will take years to clean up.

                                                                   From : Routard.com

Kauai

Kauai 

The westernmost of the main islands (1,432 sq km), the wettest also known for its lush tropical vegetation, Kaua'i is known as the "Garden Isle." Extraordinarily sculpted by erosion, his trainer volcano Waialeale, is notched inaccessible valleys and the Waimea Canyon, so impressive that Mark Twain affubla the nickname "Grand Canyon of the Pacific" ...

A small road leads on to the park and its margins Koke'e, which discovers the extraordinary Kalalau Valley on the Na Pali Coast, watched by a horde of cliffs accordion with sharp spikes. Trails lead to breathtaking panoramas.

Closer to the coast, alternate resorts and villages of old plantation. At long, beautiful and sometimes deserted beaches invite to forget the Hawaiian sun.
                                                                      From : Routard.com

Molokai

Molokai


Between Oahu and Maui, Molokai (673 sq km) is the least visited of the islands. They talked a while to make a Honolulu suburb with ultrafast shuttle boat service but its inhabitants, mostly of Hawaiian descent, rejected the project with full force of conviction. The low road network really allows you to browse the spectacular southern coast, no, I must admit.

The true character of Molokai is north, where the highest cliffs in Hawaii surrender at sea Three options to discover. Helicopter, boat or hiking (extra for the more experienced). There is also the option to go down to Kalaupapa (on foot or by mule), a peninsula which long lived in exile lepers of the archipelago. The west is dotted with ranches stretched to the horizon and beautiful deserted beaches, which have their peace with the strength of currents that bathe areas.
                                                                                                                              From : Routard.com

Lanai

Island of Lanai


At 30 minutes by boat from Lahaina (Maui), "Pineapple Island" (362 sq km) owes its nickname to the company Dole, who made it the largest plantation in the world in the late nineteenth century. But pineapple is gone and the island has been converted to an elite tourism around twin resorts. Elsewhere, bumpy trails allow visitors to explore (4x4 preferred) the vast arid expanses of the interior and the vast and lonely beaches that dot the coastline.
                                                                                                                           From : Routard.com

Maui

Maui 

Located almost exactly in the center of the archipelago, Maui (1887 sq km) is the most visited island after Oahu. Formed by two volcanoes connected by a plain, she is beautiful, but overrun with visitors to its west wing - around the old port of Lahaina and Kaanapali chic and expensive resorts. The setting is pleasant, beautiful beaches, but the plantations are gone, too wasteful, replaced by condos, and the island it takes on the air more and more artificial. Only a tiny road undulating, north of West Maui, brings a more human touch, with its folds where camouflage isolated hamlets. 

The center is not essential either: the capital Kahului and Kihei popular resort not worth Tripette. 

Fortunately, there is the majestic Hale'a'kala ("house of the sun"), peaking at 3055 m, which forms the east wing of Maui. A road leads to the top, where you can snorkel for days in the vast caldera, extended over 35 km in diameter! There is also another highlight, the road to Hana, 600 turns, 54 bridges and an indeterminable number of waterfalls to reach the east coast, so much wetter, greener, wilder.

                                                                                                                  From: Routard.com

Hawaii island

Island Hawaii (Big Island)


Incomparably greater than the other islands (10,461 km ²), Hawaii has given its name to the archipelago. Two gigantic shield volcanoes, Mauna Loa (4,170 m) and Mauna Kea (4205 meters), form its backbone. Three other smaller brought them to the building, including the very active Kilauea. It was he who, for 25 years, emits lava flows almost without interruption - Discover the fascinating at Volcanoes National Park show (if access is possible).

Moon in many places, the Big Island has been reclaimed by vegetation on the north coast wettest,. A riot of tropical vegetation nimbus valleys and rugged coastline. Stopover of choice: Waipio Valley, accessible only by foot or 4x4, and path leading to Waimanu.

In the interior, Waimea draws a strange interlude cowboy in the Pacific: land of ranches, the paniolos concurred in rodeos each year. The West Coast, more sunny, winds around the lovely seaside town of Kona and big resorts scattered northwest in haggard lava landscapes sorry. South of Kona, the "coffee belt" consists of charming plantation villages, old churches and some Hawaiian website Pu'uhonua o Honaunau reconstituted.                                    
                                                                         From: Routard.com

Oahu

Oahu 

Third Island of Hawaii by the size (1574 square kilometers), O'ahu is the nerve center. It comes from all the islands to shop at the Ala Moana Center and in major supermarkets in the suburbs of Honolulu. The capital is a modern city, very American, with its gleaming skyscrapers, its Chinatown and tropical parks surrounding the old Iolani Palace (the Queen Lili'uokalani). All is not bad, especially for those who like to browse and smell the smells in the temples and the back rooms. 

On the one hand, there is Pearl Harbor and Memorial, the gateway to American tourists, on the other there and Waikiki beach, the headquarters of the Japanese and Koreans. This is where tourism began a century ago. Some venerable hotels (overpriced) kept their original line, but the neighborhood is bristling with towers, so Copacabana. Surprisingly, much of the north coast remained untouched by development. HQ surfers returning en masse every winter, it displays a lifestyle very laid back. Program: beaches, flip flops, shave ice stands and the hot hours of papayas along the road.                                                 

                                      from : Routard.com

The Hawaiian archipelago

Itinéraires conseillés Hawaii

Located about 3900 miles from San Francisco, the Hawaiian archipelago consists of 122 islands. These are the world's most isolated islands. 5 hours flight from the West Coast US (6:00 Seattle). 8:00 Japan. 3:00 Midway. Only six of them are equipped to receive tourists. Of those lost in the middle of the Pacific Ocean confetti, known Honolulu, the capital, and his shots at his ukulele, but contrasts between Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, the "Big Island" and Maui! 

Their common: several volcanoes, some of which still come sometimes active. The Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island, for example, is a kind of drive-in for volcanologists! We arrive at the edge of the main crater by car and we come full circle. Except rash, always spectacular, which happens regularly: huge red plume, rumbling lava bombs exploding ... A glimpse of hell. 

The islands are close but their beauty and diversity invites to linger. In our view, difficult to have a good look in less than two weeks. 

One week: bet on the classics, O'ahu and the Big Island, just to sunbathe, surf, and see the volcano up close. 

Two weeks: that which leaves you time to also explore the beautiful valleys of Kaua'i and Hale'a'kala Crater on Maui. And, perhaps, to offer a hike of 2 or 3 days if the mood takes you. 

Three weeks is what it takes to pass reasonably review the available six islands of the archipelago. But you might as well stay six months and have still not want to leave ...

                                                                          

                                                                     from : Office tourisme usa

Miami

Miami Beach is a city in Florida. This small barrier island near Miamiwas originally cleared of mangroves in the late 1800's to make way for a coconut farm, and was later incorporated as a city by real estate developers in 1915.

Districts[edit]

Miami Beach

Although tourists generally consider Miami Beach to be part of Miami, it is in actuality its own municipality. Located on a barrier island east of Miami and Biscayne Bay, it is home to a large number of beach resorts and is one of the most popular spring break party destinations in the world. Because of its length, it is generally broken up into two or three districts, with South Beach being the more popular by far.

Understand[edit]

Miami Beach has been one of America's pre-eminent beach resorts for almost a century. The city has a rich history as a trend-setting center of arts, culture and nightlife, from the world famous nightclubs of the 1950s to the rich cultural life of today's South Beach. Today, Miami Beach is a major international entertainment and cultural destination, with stronger entertainment, production, and arts communities than ever. As a world-class destination, Miami Beach offers several kinds of lodging options. The visitor can stay in a normal hotel or choose from a variety of Miami Beach vacation rentals, including beachfront condos.

Often referred to under the umbrella term "Miami", the City of Miami Beach is actually a separate municipality on a barrier island connected to Miami by a series of bridges. Miami Beach has a large Latin American population, and Spanish is often used along with English for day-to-day discourse, although English is still the language of preference. There is also a smaller Haitiancommunity, and many signs and public announcements are in English, Spanish, and Creole.

Climate[edit]

Despite occasional cold snaps, Miami Beach is known for its generally warm, muggy weather. Located just above the Tropic of Cancer, Miami Beach has a subtropical climate, with dry, warm winters and springs, and hot, humid and rainy summers and falls. Miami Beach, due to ocean breezes, has lower humidity and heat than inland areas in South Florida, and also does not get as cool as inland South Florida during cold spells.

Get in[edit]

For more information on travel to the Miami area, see Miami#Get in.

Miami International Airport (MIA) is the closest airport, but Fort Lauderdale International Airport (FLL) is only around 40 minutes away (depending on traffic).

The Miami Metrorail and Metromover do not include Miami Beach, but you can take the J or 150 Bus, both of which connect to the Metrorail, from Miami International Airport. To Get to South Beach, transfer to a southbound C, L, or S bus. The fare is $2.25 for the local and $2.65 for the express. If you get the 150, you can also transfer to the South Beach Local at the last stop. From Fort Lauderdale Airport, you can take the #1 Broward County bus to Aventura Mall for the Miami-Dade S bus. [1]

By car, take one of several causeways across Biscayne Bay. The Julia Tuttle Causeway (I-195) in Mid Beach and the MacArthur Causeway in South Beach are the largest, and both connect to the airport and to I-95. Car rentals are the most convenient form of transportation for visitors, but taxis, while expensive, are available at almost any time and place.

                                                                                    from: wikitravel