Switzerland Top for Tourists (Not Because of Chocolate)

TripAdvisor, the world’s largest travel community, has compiled it’s top 10 places in Europe to propose, according to TripAdvisor travellers and editors.

1. Eiffel Tower, Paris, France
Confirm Paris’ reputation as the city of love, by proposing at the top of the Eiffel Tower overlooking spectacular views of the city. Afraid of heights? Set the tower as the backdrop by popping the question at nearby Trocadero Park. A TripAdvisor traveller advises, “Go early in the morning to avoid the crowds and pop the question atop the Eiffel Tower after enjoying the beautiful views of Paris.”

2. London Eye, London, England
Lift that special someone off their feet and propose high in the sky on the London Eye - the largest observation wheel in the world. Avoid spectators by hiring a private capsule – complete with champagne – for that special moment. As one TripAdvisor traveller said, “A romantic place to propose might be the Millennium Wheel (or London Eye). It gives you a great view of London.”

3. Oia, Santorini, Greece
Watch the sun set over the caldera in Oia, on Santorini, overlooking the breathtaking Aegean Sea, renowned for its striking sunsets. Squeeze through the narrow passageways and white buildings, to the cliff-like Kastro walls – known for having the best views. As one TripAdvisor traveller said, “The village of Oia is a romantic village perfect for your proposal plans.”

4. Alhambra, Granada, Spain
Described as a “pearl set in emeralds” by Moorish poets, the Alhambra in Granada, a former palace and fortress, is a perfect place to propose to your gem. Stroll through the magnificent gardens with cypress-lined walkways and listen to the water dance from the fountains. As one TripAdvisor traveller said, “A great private place [to propose] would be in any garden in the Alhambra in Granada.”

5. Canals of Venice, Venice, Italy
An over-the-top romantic? Work up the nerve to pop the question while reclining on a gondola, gliding under the Venetian bridges, through the windy canals of Venice. Hire a opera singing gondolier so you’re hands-free for that perfect moment (and response). As one TripAdvisor traveller recommends, “Take a gondola ride and hire a guy to sing. See if he can sing something romantic while you propose. Hide some flowers and champagne for when she says yes.”

6. Neuschwanstein Castle, Bavaria, Germany
Propose like royalty at Neuschwanstein Castle, a 19th century Bavarian palace and former home to King Ludwig II. Channel medieval times by riding up the steep hill to the castle, located on Romantic Road, in a charming horse-drawn carriage. According to one TripAdvisor traveller, the Neuschwanstein Castle is “by far the most fairy tale-like building that I have ever visited.”

7. Mount Pilatus, Lucerne, Switzerland
Don’t get cold feet at the summit of Mount Pilatus near Lucerne Switzerland, after chugging up the side of the mountain on the world’s steepest cogwheel railway. Celebrate by shouting from the mountaintops, featuring panoramic views of more than 70 peaks and five lakes. As one TripAdvisor traveller said, “From the summit you can take the semi-safe trails to the mountain's precipice and really get a feel of the Alps (don't look down!). What a great place to propose to your significant other.”

8. Trevi Fountain, Rome, Italy
For the exhibitionist couple, the Trevi Fountain in Rome guarantees an audience and (ideally) cheering crowd. Toss a coin (not the ring) into the fountain, which legend says will ensure your return to Rome, hopefully not alone. As one TripAdvisor traveller recalled, “At Trevi Fountain, a guy asked his girl to marry him and the whole piazza started cheering.”

9. Charles Bridge, Prague, Czech Republic
Secure a life long connection at the 13th century Charles Bridge in Prague, featuring dreamy views of the Prague skyline. Lined with baroque statues and protected by three bridge towers, visit this walkway at night for a more peaceful moment. As one TripAdvisor traveller said, “Many people I know proposed on the Charles Bridge at night, very romantic!”

10. Piazzale Michelangelo, Florence, Italy
With sweeping views of the entire city, Piazza Michelangelo overlooks Florence, the Arno River, and golden Ponte Vecchio Bridge. Get down on one knee near dusk when the crowds disperse, and a magical glow is cast on the city below. As one TripAdvisor traveller said, “Piazzale Michelangelo is the spot....buona fortuna, e auguri, or mazel tov, as the case may be!”
source:http://www.easier.com/view/Travel/Travel_Guides/article-16127

Best Travel 101

Any form of traveling requires a certain amount of preparation - thorough or otherwise - from your end. A good preparation is one of the best ways in making your travel - be it a vacation or an official business trip - successful, and of course enjoyable.

Especially if you are a jetsetter and have been sent to other parts of the world for meetings and conventions, then you are probably a master on travel preparation already. If you've made so much use of your travel wallet, then packing up is no daunting task for you.

Regardless, it doesn't hurt to have a review on some travel tips. Here are a few simple suggestions in keeping the endeavor of packing up more enjoyable:

1. Put all your essentials in one "container."

Especially if you are travelling abroad, then your passport, your plane ticket and your travel wallet are your most important companions. Without them, you are not going anywhere. Thus, to ensure that you will not forget any or all of them, then keep them together. Also, keep them in a very accessible compartment of your hand-carried bag so you don't have to rummage among your stuff come inspection or security check time.

2. Research regarding your destination.

This is automatic but this tip means more than just knowing about your hotel, the locality's tourist destinations and your travel itinerary. This is also about the little things: those that seem useless.

You surely will be using chargers - may they be for your iPhone, your laptop or your mp3 player. It's quite a small thing but to be able to charge your gadgets, you need to know if your plug would work in your place of destination. Otherwise, bring an adaptor. Sometimes, the appropriate adapter can only be bought in your place of destination. When this is the case, then you'd need to stuff up your travel wallet.

3. Bring your toiletries, but in small amounts.

Some travellers bring their 500ml lotions or 200ml shampoos when they fly. This is actually not practical as this - first and foremost - defeats the standard of travelling light. Sachets are specifically targeted for travel so use them. They are fairly priced so you don't need to empty the contents of your travel wallet just to be able to keep your luggage light.

4. Of course, travel light.

Yes, over and over again, you've been advised to travel light. And this is not just practical for you (because your bags will not be heavy); this is practical for your travel wallet too (because you don't have to pay for excess baggage).

For instance, if you will be housed in a hotel, then don't bring towels and house slippers. If you're not so particular with the brand of your toiletries, you can even do away with them as most hotels provide them for free.

Travel is always something fun and exciting. It is a chance for you to see the other parts of the world and to experience other cultures. Thus, to make it stress- and hassle-free, you need to have good preparation. Prepare for your travel and prepare to be wowed by both nature and culture!

Best Camping Safari Adventure in Tanzania

Imagine being right in the heart of the wilderness with a camping safari in Tanzania's Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Samantha Riechter and her boyfriend Thomas Beck, German tourists, agreed that a camping safari in Tanzania brings an unforgettable up-close and personal experience of the African bush.

At the break of dawn, the two trek near the Crater's rim while the shifting colors of the morning sun illuminate the acacia landscape. The savannah is bright red, then orange and finally settling to a golden hue as the grassland comes to life. They begin their day by taking a short walk just to awaken their spirits. Upon their return, a full English breakfast is served in the open under a morning breeze. Soon, they embark on a morning game drive, where they are treated to the rich tapestry of habitats teeming with wildlife and exotic birds. Samantha can not believe the immense wildlife especially the rarely seen black rhino.

They soon return to the campsite at midday for lunch under the shade of a Baobab tree. A tasty meal with fresh vegetable and tropical fruit is served. After, a siesta is as welcoming as a gaze over the seemingly endless plains sprawling for miles on end. Soon, it will be time for an exciting afternoon game drive. The game viewing is abundant with lions, hippos, rhinos, cheetahs, buffaloes and giraffes just beyond their wondering eyes. Under the dazzling colors of sunset, they return to the campsite holding hands intimately, where they take a warm shower and wait for another Tanzania safari adventure.

Juma, the Tanzanian safari cook anxiously awaits their arrival at the dinner table immaculately set next to a crackling campfire underneath the brilliant canopy of stars. While they dine on a five-course safari cuisine, gazelles make their way to a favorite watering hole while curious baboons sniff the aroma of the rich Tanzanian coffee in another adventurer's cup. After dinner, an evening of stories and tails are shared by the flickering campfire as relationships cement and memories forged forever in wilderness. As night falls, Samantha and Thomas casually head to their tent for a well deserved rest.

While Samantha drifts off to sleep under the canvas tent, Thomas hears a lion's roar and a hyena's mating call in the distance. He's not startled, as a ranger stands guard throughout the night. Samantha was already in slumber land after a long day's walk. As the whispering wind blows, tenderly brushing the tents Thomas is gently lured into a deep sleep. The midnight coolness punctuated with the occasional echo ushers in the wee hours of morning. After a peaceful night, the terrain begins to slowly come to life again, as the two awaken for a new day of discovery.

Samantha and Thomas begin this new day by exploring the surrounding wilderness on foot, as they walk beyond the campsite, taking time to observe the small wonders, such as spiders, ant lions, and dung beetles. Led by a qualified ranger, the two embark on a walking safari taking them to the Ngorongoro Crater's edge. Here, they are astounded by plentiful game drinking at a nearby lake. Like the day before, they undoubtedly witness another black rhino in distance while prides of lions that include the magnificent black-manned males roam the grasslands just before the acacia filled hills. They also observe lots of colorful flamingos and a variety of other exotic water birds around the lake on the crater floor. Along the way, a hearty al fresco brunch is served under a shady tree, followed by a short siesta in a hammock.

There's no better way than a camping safari in Tanzania to experience the true essence of the African wilderness. Like Samantha and Thomas, if you befit a adventurous person who respects nature and wants to experience the African bush in its unique environment, arrange a tailor-made Tanzania camping safari in the unspoiled, untouched reaches of northern Tanzania.

Golden Temple, The Temple of God

Overview

The Golden Temple or Darbar Sahib, situated in Amritsar, Punjab, is the most sacred temple for Sikhs. It is a symbol of the magnificence and strength of the Sikh people all over the world. In the evolution of the Darbar Sahib, is entwined the history and ideology of Sikhism. In its architecture are included, symbols associated with other places of worship. This is an example of the spirit of tolerance and acceptance that the Sikh philosophy propounds. Sri Harmandir Sahib, also known as Sri Darbar Sahib or Golden Temple, (on account of its scenic beauty and golden coating for English speaking world), is named after Hari(God) the temple of God. The Sikhs all over the world, daily wish to pay visit to Sri Amritsar and to pay obeisance at Sri Harmandir Sahib in their Ardas.



Golden Temple (Punjabi:) or Darbar Sahib (Punjabi:) located in the city of Amritsar, which was established by Guru Ram Das, the fourth guru of the Sikhs and the city that it was built in, is also due to the shrine, known as "Guru Di Nagri" meaning city of the Sikh Guru.

Its name literally means House of God. The fourth Guru of Sikhism, Guru Ram Das, excavated a tank in 1577 which subsequently became known as Amritsar (meaning: Pool of the Nectar of Immortality), giving its name to the city that grew around it. In due course, a splendid Sikh edifice, Harmandir Sahib (Temple of God), was constructed in the middle of this tank which became the supreme centre of Sikhism. Its sanctum came to house the Adi Granth comprising compositions, Sikh values, philosophies and teachings of the Sikh Gurus and other saints of Guru Nanak's time, e.g. Ravidas a Hindu Guru, Baba Farid a Sufi Sant (Saint) and Kabir, all of whom the Sikhs refer to as the Bhagats.

The compilation of the Adi Granth was started by the fifth Guru of the Sikhs, Guru Arjan Dev (Arjan Sahib).

Guru Arjan Sahib got its foundation laid by a