Lake Eyre Basin is the lowest point on the continent of Australia, situated 50 feet below sea level.  This basin is normally deserted to most life forms.  This otherwise ordinary and deserted area, however, reawakens roughly once every 50 years when this empty basin that is twice the size of Texas fills itself with water.  It is at this point that this area turns into a world phenomenon and fills itself with water.  Currently, there are travel packages available in order to see this wonder first hand.

The package to see this natural wonder begins on September 11th and ends on September 22nd with a price of $6,099 per person.  This package includes a roundtrip airfare, accommodations, park entry fees, meals and nine days of touring with an experienced tour guide.

This Eyre Basin normally has very little or no water that usually does not host any form of life.  When it fills up, it becomes a flourishing oasis and serves as a breeding ground for up to six million birds.  Some of these birds travel all the way from Japan and China.  Other species come out of 50 years of hibernation including frogs and other amphibians.  Wild camels are even drawn to the Eyre Basin.  This serves as an excellent sight for tourists who are able to enjoy the beauty of the lake in addition to the vast assortment of wildlife that you won’t ever find come together anywhere else.

In the last 150 years, Lake Eyre Basin has only filled itself to capacity three different times.  This year, the high waters are making this basin a must-see for travelers to see a whole new side of Australia. 

While traveling to Lake Eyre Basin, there are many sight-seeing opportunities to help to gain an even greater appreciation for Australia.  This includes the isolated mining city known as Broken Hill.  Mutawintji National Park is also a must-see area with beautiful gorges and serves as a historical site with Aboriginal rock Art.  Another notable park is Sturt National Park with breathtaking red sand dunes.  Other notable places to explore that are included in the Lake Eyre Basin include the towns of Innamincka, Diamantina River, Birdsville, the old settlement of Marree, the Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary, and the Gammon Ranges National Park.

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With this in mind Maitreyi, a beautiful village that covers approximately 25 acres, was founded for those who wished to get away from the hectic day to day events of the city, a place where one may pursue a state of mental tranquility and inner happiness.

Located at the foothills of the western parts of Ghats, which contains some of the purest natural environments of the country, the village of Maitreyi was built there after the vision of the seers, and supported by a European group seeking Vedic knowledge.

Maitreyi is an eco friendly village, built near the Aliyar Dam Lake in Tamil Nadu, which is well known for its natural beauty, but even more for its healthy climate. The architecture and layout of Maitreyi itself is styled on the Vedic architectural knowledge, and caution has been taken to preserve the environment surrounding the village as much as possible.

While practicing organic farming, the practice of Vedas Organic farming techniques is a sight for sore eyes, enriching the natural scenery rather than disrupting it. Every activity is geared towards preserving nature instead of exploiting and destroying it.

Maitreyi is the location where tourists go for treatments involving meditation, enlightenment and Ayurvedic treatments, that looks at modern day tension as the cause for poor health. Those who have visited the village and participated in the treatments describe it as uplifting and relaxing.

Maitreyi is a place for relaxation, inner peace and healing, and well known amongst tourists as the place where one can rekindle the connection to our inner self.  Besides healings and meditation, there are lots of cultural happenings, involving traditional dances and musical performances, in celebration of cultural events according to the Vedas calendar. Tourists will experience what the wisdom of Vedas is all about.

In the village, classes are organized for experiencing several cleansing and rejuvenation therapies, while accommodated in beautiful traditional cottages. The experience will be a revelation to many tourists, who shall leave calmer and more balanced than ever before.

Besides the activities in Maitreyi it is also good to explore its surroundings, gaze at mystical waterfalls, and visit the ancient temples. For those that cannot stand to be away from the big city for too long, Coimbatore and Palghat are nearby with a population of 400 million, one will get a good impression of urban India.

Maitreyi is the perfect holiday destination for those who seek to recharge their batteries after a long period of hectic city life. It is a place of mystical peace and tranquility, where inner peace and higher states of being are practiced, taught and cherished, along with beautiful natural scenery, that amazes the eye, and installs awe in all that gaze upon it. Those that visit Maitreyi will leave feeling reborn and ready to take on the world once more!

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Prague is suitable for a day trip destination, but also for longer holidays. The city is the Czech heart of the arts and has a rich music and art scene, where visiting tourists can experience anything from Shakespeare to performance artists.

The two main attractions of Prague in terms of culture and historical buildings are without a doubt the castle of Prague and St Vitus Cathedral. Prague castle, which is the world’s largest castle, is easiest to reach by car, and from up there you can watch over all of Prague. The St Vitus Cathedral contains the tombs of many of the famous Bohemian rulers, and if you visit at 12pm you can witness the changing of the guards.

Another popular spot in Prague is Charles Bridge, which is a lively place during the day, filled with artists selling their art between the many statues that are displayed there. Half way across the bridge you will find some small stairs leading down to an area with plenty of cafes and restaurants, which makes the perfect place to enjoy a tasty lunch, and just around the corner, there will be the John Lennon Wall filled with Graffiti art, inspired by the greatest Beatle. Allow yourself to be moved by the added texts, and be sure to come prepared with tissues.

A benefit to visiting Prague is the low prices, where decent accommodation is still very affordable. Western Europeans or citizens of the United States will be amazed with the low cost of everything this great city has to offer. When looking for good accommodation, worthy of a memorable time spent in the Capital of Czech, look for the three star hotels, which will provide you with all the luxuries at very decent prices. Most of these hotels are located in beautiful historical buildings, which add to the atmosphere and definitely are an added bonus. Often these buildings date back far into the medieval time periods, which will provide an unforgettable experience.

Prague is an excellent holiday destination for anyone, but especially for those that are holidaying on a budget, but still want to experience the full holiday treatment.

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While there be sure to visit the botanical gardens located at the university area, and shoppers will appreciate the ultimate shopping experience at the Bahnoffstrasse. Be sure to also visit the historical Grossmünster and Fraumünster Churches, and after a day of sightseeing and shopping relax at the Tiefenbrunnen beach.

A trip to the older parts of Zurich should definitely also be on the agenda, to feel the unique atmosphere of walking the cobblestone streets, which invoke the impression you are walking inside a picture postcard. Many small stores are located in the alleys, along with bistros and restaurants. From Zurich’s central station it is within walking distance, but the tram will also take you there if walking is not to your liking.  The old part of Zurich is perfect for exploration by foot, as you visit nostalgic guild houses that still show the old Zurich of times long gone. Cobblestone streets on one hand, while a beautiful riverside setting on the other, provide spectacular scenes, worthy to be printed on a postcard. This part of Zurich houses many shops selling antiques, and for relaxation there are many cafes along the riverside of the Limmat.

The central station of Zurich also holds a large shopping mall, which was built underground, and is open seven days of the week, and therefore a good location to visit on days when regular stores are closed. In the old parts of Zurich there also exists a vibrant nightlife, with many bars and clubs where you can dance, party or just relax. It should be mentioned that the old scene also serves as the heart of the gay club scene, and while most clubs cater to all, some are exclusive to gay people.

A good time to visit Zurich is around the second half of April, as this is the time for the famous Six Ringing Festival. The original theme of the holiday is the celebration of the return of the spring season and is part of the local tradition of Zurich.

Winter time is also a good time to visit the city, especially during December, as the city is host for the traditional Christmas markets, which the city is famous for. Visitors at this period will experience the unique atmosphere of Zurich during the holidays, which is unique in the world and definitely something one should experience at least once in their life.

Besides being the financial and business center of the world, Zurich is rich with culture and well worth a visit. From the past Zurich had a reputation of being expensive, but this no longer holds true. Zurich can be an excellent holiday location on a budget, if you cater to your needs in the old parts of the city. Especially when eating and drinking are concerned, we can highly recommend the restaurants down the riverside of the Limmat, where you can eat and drink at reasonable prices and enjoy quality food and drinks.
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Back in the age of the Ottoman Empire, the heart of the city was the Hippodrome, with a rich history of political catastrophes; it was the place where the emperor was overturned after a chariot race that ended dramatically. In modern times a spot of equal importance to the tourist visiting Istanbul will be the Grand Bazaar, strategically placed in the center of the town, where tourists can shop to their hearts content. Throughout the ages, this “heart of Istanbul” has been the center for business as it still is today, with many restaurants, workshops and also ancient mosques and other relics from Byzantium times. Another part of the city that will be popular among the shoppers will certainly be the Kapali Carsi where almost everything is sold.

One of the sights that are not to be missed when visiting Istanbul is without a doubt the Aqueduct of Valens, a structure that looks out over the Ataturk Bulvari, completely made up out of limestone. One of the best known monuments in the city is the Aya Sofia, which the Greek refer to as Hagia Sofia, and was built on the orders of Emperor Justinian. A sight not to missed is that from the Galata Bridge, be sure to watch a sunset from there, to see some spectacular panoramas.

Of course a visit to Istanbul is not complete without visiting a few of the many ancient mosques, like The Mihrimah Sultan Camii, with its windows constructed from stained glass. For the scholars amongst us, Istanbul holds many artifacts from the Ottoman era, like the ruins of the palace of Anadolu Kavagi Kalesi, and a tour of the Topkapi Palace is not to be missed out on.

The climate in the area is ideal for a trip to Istanbul during spring or autumn, with mild temperatures and lots of sunshine. It is also the time for the many activities that are held in the city every year, like festivals and musical events. For sports lovers there is Formula 1 racing in June as the Grand Prix starts. The summer months are less suitable for visits to the city, with very high temperatures and the majority of the many attractions are closed during that period.

In and around Istanbul there are many means to move around in the city, like buses, ferries and the popular cabs. Typical transportation in the area is by boat.

Over the years Istanbul has developed into a true world city, with all the comforts of modern day while maintaining its rich culture and history, which is why it has become one of the most popular holiday destinations.

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Where there are beaches there is water, and at the Sydney Harbour you will find many different vessels ranging from private yachts to a fully fledged destroyer and submarine from the Australian military. It is also the home of the famous “Spirit of Australia”, which ranks amongst the fastest ships in the world.

A ride on the ferry will take you to Manly, passing each of the gorgeous golden beaches and pines. Once there, be sure to tag along with the others to the main beach and avoid the smaller ones next to the ferry terminal. Also while you are there, be sure to take a walk over the Harbour Bridge. You will see scenery that will take your breath away, and when you feel up to it, participate in a three hour climb organized by BridgeClimb, that will take you to the highest point which is over 400ft above the water.

The Taronga Zoo was built on a large hill that provides a view over large parts of Sydney, just like the Harbour and the Opera House. The Zoo itself contains plenty to see with an excellent selection of wildlife, including facilities where one can observe the nocturnal wildlife of Australia up close, providing a sight rarely seen otherwise. It is also the home of Australia’s official Easter Bunny.

Sydney also houses one of the largest interactive museums of the world, with many exhibits all related to the technological accomplishments of mankind. Allow yourself to be fascinated by the many wonders of technology as the trip will be well worth the time.

Of course a trip to Sydney would not be complete without visiting at least one of the wildlife reservations it holds. The animal selection is nothing short of awesome and all the animals are well treated. Surely you would not want to pass up the opportunity of going on camera with Australia’s most famous animal, The Koala.

Besides wildlife and museums, Sydney offers plenty of opportunity to shop and of course excellent waves for surfers at Coogee Beach.

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A trip to Paris is not complete without exploring the old Paris with its nostalgic cobblestone paved streets, alleys and atmospheric cafes. Walking past the ancient fountains will invoke the feeling of time travelling as you are visiting a part of the city where life has never changed for centuries. The rich history of Paris surrounds you from all sides, visiting the same places the likes of Ernest Hemminway have visited before you along with many other famous names in history. While there be sure to experience the Pantheon after which a visit to the famous Notre Dame is an absolute must. These are just a few highlights that a visit to Paris holds in store, there are many more famous sites to visit and explore.

After a day filled with exploring the sites have a seat in one of the many cafes that are always nearby. Should you be a traveler originating from the United States, tasting the typical French coffee is recommended, you will find it to be very different. All the places are easy to visit using the famous Metro system in Paris, so go and visit “Place Monge” for some typical French cuisine. France has always been famous for its kitchen and not just because of its wines. You will find the prices very reasonable.

Paris was built on the two sides of the Seine and its best known monuments are nearby. As darkness falls these are covered with lights, so get on a cruise down the Seine and experience how Paris got its nickname. The site of a completely lit up Eiffel Tower is majestic to say the least, and so are all the other sites. The sight of these will be engraved in your memory forever.

A visit to Paris is not complete without a visit to Montmartre, a large community built on the top of a large hill. From there one can oversee all of Paris. Especially when looking over Paris from the large church which gives an overview of Paris of approximately 30 square miles. Montmartre became famous during the 1860’s when practitioners of the fine arts sought it out in order to experience the gorgeous sights first hand. The fame of the area was made complete by the paintings of the area from the hand of Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec.

Another site in Paris one must visit is without a doubt the Louvre, home of a collection of art that is unrivaled. One could spend a day at the Louvre and never see all the pieces in their collection. The pieces the museum is most famous for are the Mona Lisa and the legendary Venus de Milo.

Besides the arts, the food and the wines there is one other thing Paris is famous for, which is fashion. With this premise it is safe to say the shopping is fabulous in Paris, especially their large department stores and shopping malls.

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Over the last couple of years Lisbon has been cleaning up the city and the European Football Championships that were held there in 2004 gave those renovations a large and much needed boost. The event brought back the former glory of Lisbon and now the city has begun a new age.

In the past Lisbon was known as the calling port to Europe but years of decay and construction sites left the city and its residents anxiously awaiting better days when it could reclaim its past glory.

Central Lisbon was like going back in time with cobbled streets and alleys that gave the impression of being warped into the eighteenth century far away from modern Europe.

These days Lisbon has been fully restored to its former glory and is eager to promote itself as such in order to attract tourism and bring about a brand new era.

In 1755 the whole town had to be restructured due to a large earthquake. Reconstructions were necessary just to keep the capital city of Portugal running. The infrastructure that was put in place at that time still is the basis of today’s infrastructure in modern Lisbon.

By a waterfront is a gorgeous square that is called The Praca do Comercio. Looking out to a beautiful archway on one side, the waterfront on the other, it is a square that attracts pigeons while around it stores are keeping shoppers busy with plenty of bargains to be had.

This square functions as the central point of focus for a large part of the local population where they gather to engage in conversation while their children play. It all adds to the unique atmosphere giving an excellent impression of the city. Restaurants in the area provide an enticing smell of cooking, and the native food they serve will certainly appeal to your appetite.

Another must see in Lisbon is the Elevador de Santa Justa, which is an outdoor lift providing those without the fear of heights with spectacular views of the streets below. The sight of tiny figures moving through what looks like mere alleys is truly a remarkable sight. The Elevador de Santa Justa dates from 1901.

To the east many influences of ancient Moorish culture still remain and remnants of Christian influences, after their victories during the wars. The cathedral that still exists there was built on top of a mosque back in 1147.

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Besides the old Rome, there is also modern Rome which is a modern world city in every sense of the word, containing all the comforts a modern city should have and geared towards tourism, with many hotels, clubs and restaurants of all tastes and an exciting nightlife filled with bars and clubs that will keep you entertained during the evenings.

When travelling to Rome the first places to visit would be the Forum and the magnificent Colosseum which are world famous places from Roman history. Next on the agenda would be without a doubt a visit to the Vatican to gaze in wonder at the beautiful Vatican City. The Vatican is officially the smallest country in the world that is still independent.

Another stop on any visit to Rome must be the Cistine Chapel where one can view the works of the most famous artists of all times, like Michelangelo, Rubens, Bernini and Caravaggio. After the chapel make a stop at the beautiful piazzas and fountains and be sure to visit the Fountain of Trevi which is the most famous one of all. After visiting all these amazing historical places you can shop at the many boutiques and have dinner in a traditional Italian restaurant to get a taste of the modern Rome of today. The Italian kitchen belongs to the finest in the world (If not the finest) and offers much more than pastas and pizzas. There is a wide variety to choose from and whatever choice you make there is always a good Italian wine that will go well with it.

Near the famous places of Rome there are always plenty of cafes and restaurants which makes getting a quick bite or drink easy and convenient and at very affordable prices. In case of any problems, or should you need directions, hotel staff is the best source to ask. You will be amazed at the service you receive from them.

No matter your taste, or reason to visit Rome, as a tourist you will never be disappointed by it because it simply has everything you could want, a rich culture and lots of historical places to explore, a modern city filled with clubs, bars and more to keep you entertained while participating in Rome’s exciting night life, and a unique atmosphere that still breaths the presence of the Roman Empire from long ago.

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In 2004, Athens went through a complete makeover in order to be prepared for the Olympics that were being held there at that time. Due to this makeover they discovered that because of the high level of smog historical artifacts were affected by it and eroding fast. Out of this need to decrease the smog the makeover also included a new concept for transportation through Athens, which makes the city now very easy to navigate through because of its well marked streets. Transportation in Athens is now regulated better than ever before.

In the first century Greece was at the height of its society, it was the time when beautiful monuments like the Temple of Athena were created on Acropolis while schools were created by Plato and Socrates to spread their so called western thinking. All these famous constructions of that era reside in the heart of Athens, but a visit to other parts will also bring encounters with many significant places of that golden era of Greek society. Not only the influence of ancient Greece is seen in Athens, but also the Turkish and Persian elements, remnants of many wars, between those nations. These wars went on throughout all ages until the twentieth century when the great Ottoman Empire collapsed.

While ancient Greece is fabulous and a source of inspiration to many there is more to Athens than old artifacts alone, like excellent restaurants and cafes located on almost every street corner and clubs one can visit in the evenings. Athens is famous for its sparkling nightlife that comes to life as tourists return from their explorations in and around Athens. Whether one visits Athens for exploring the ancient artifacts, a wild party vacation on one of the surrounding Islands, or a peaceful holiday enjoying the sea, Athens has it all and will please even the most demanding tourist. With its large cultural influence still very much present in today’s modern life Athens is one of the most unique places one can choose as a holiday destination.

A journey to Athens is a trip that will take you through the golden age of Greece while enjoying the unique modern day facilities one can expect from a modern city. After the wars that destroyed large parts of its historical legacy, once again Athens as the capital city of Greece is an example of the great society it used to be, built on the foundations of their ancient history.

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