China is a land of ancient wonders. It’s so different from the norm of western travelers that a first visit there can be a bit intimidating. Today, we will become acquainted with some basic traveler information on China. We’ll talk about the time of year to go, when to avoid China and some points of interest.

Times to Go

China can get pretty cold in the winter. For instance, Temperatures in Beijing are average highs of 40F and lows of 14F. In Hong Kong, the temperatures are more bearable58 F 75 F. The summers can get a little warm for some, but it’s the best time of the year to visit China. Temperatures can reach 90 F in Beijing and Hong Kong.

When To Avoid China

The worst month to travel in China is February. In early to mid-February, the Chinese hold their Spring Festivalwe also know it as Chinese New Year. February is when most Chinese either take a vacation or limit work time. Therefore, the country is crowded with travelers and businesses are closed or operating during limited hours.

Festivals

As with many countries, festivals are held throughout the year at various locations within China. We already talked about the Spring Festival, which is something to experience if you don’t mind being overcrowded.

The Harbin’s Ice Festival is held in Zhaolin Park. It starts in the beginning of January and runs through the end of February. This ice festival is a spectacle that features huge ice sculptures of legendary figures and animals. It’s held at this time of the year, because the temperatures a freezing. The average temperature will be around 20 F. If you like the cold, or can stand it, this is one festival to check out.

If you are interested in visiting the Birthplace of Confucius, check out Qufu. Confucius’ birthday, which falls on September 8, is a celebrated event. It’s also home to many Confucius points of interest, such as the Confucius Temple.

China is full of great travel points. Don’t try to tackle them all in one visit. Pick an area and savor the moments while you are there. Beijing is in the north and Hong Kong is in the south.

This article was  written by Jason A. Martin  

About the Author:

Jason A. Martin is the owner of a travel & vacation guide website at TourismJunction.com. You can find more China travel articles at the site. He also operates a travel china site at ChinaTourist.org.

Istanbul is one of the most ancient cities in the world, with hundreds of amazing things to see, do and experience. Here we’ve selected five of the best to help you make the most of your trip to Istanbul.

1. Sample the local cuisine

Of course, the first thing you’ll want to do after your long trip to Istanbul is fill yourself up on the fantastic local cuisine, and where better to start than with a Turkish Kebab House. Kebabs are typical South Eastern Turkish food and although you may be familiar with the western version, there is nothing like a true Turkish kebab. A traditional kebab may be cooked over a flame or grill, but if you prefer something in the form of a sandwich, look for a doner kebab – very thinly sliced roast lamb on flatbread, with vegetables and a delicious yogurt and garlic sauce. Alternatively, fresh fish and seafood can be found in abundance in Istanbul. You can wash your meal down with a selection of Turkish delicacies – Raki is a particularly strong distilled liquor made with anise and grapes (know to the locals as “Lion’s Milk”!), and Turkish Coffee is a real treat for any coffee lover. Just remember to sip it slowly and to not drink the muddy substance at the bottom of the cup (it’s those finely ground coffee beans) unless you really need a serious caffeine hit!

2. Go Shopping at the Grand Bazaar

At the world famous Grand Bazaar there are some 4,000 merchants selling their various wares on this series of covered streets. Anything you may want to buy in Istanbul can be found here, from gold and silver to carpets, slippers, boots, books, purses, foods and much more. And remember to haggle! Contrary to what you might be used to, merchants at the Grand Bazaar are generally offended if you simply pay the asking price. You’ll be expected to and try and talk them down, until eventually an agreement is reached. If you tire and walk away, don’t be surprised to hear the merchant calling after you with a fairer price.

3. Enjoy the Turkish Baths

Whether you’d prefer to soak, steam or to have a massage, a stop at a Turkish bath can be a wonderfully relaxing break. Just be sure to check the hours of the local bath according to sex. The sexes bathe separately according to specific hours for men and others for women.

4. See Topkapi Palace

Topkapi Palace was home to the Ottoman sultans for nearly 400 years. Here, in addition to the amazing architecture and gardens, you will see swords and daggers, royal clothes, carpets, textiles, ceramics, jewels, armor, and many other wonderful treasures. Take a day to enjoy the splendor of the artistic and architectural delights that can be found in Topkapi Palace.

5. Visit the Hippodrome

The Hippodrome, on the square next to Sultan Ahmet Mosque, was built 480 meters long by 117 meters wide and could contain 100,000 people. This massive amphitheater occupied a very important place in Byzantine life. In Roman times, the chariot races held here were major social events. In Ottoman times, the hippodrome hosted polo games as well as circumcision ceremonies of the crown princes.

This article was written by Matt Davies

About the Author:

Matt Davies writes travel articles for HotelHippo.com, who offer cheap hotels in Istanbul.

When people think of grand beaches, they generally think of places like California, Florida or Hawaii, but they rarely think of a country like Turkey. Despite being under-publicised, holidays to Turkey offer a wide variety of beaches that stretch along the Mediterranean Sea.

In this article, we will take a look at the top ten beaches found in Turkey.

Patara Beach: Patara is the longest beach in the Mediterranean, and was hailed by The Sunday Times as the best beach in the world. Accommodations are limited, loungers and umbrellas are available to rent, and it is backed by ancient ruins and dunes.

Oludeniz Beach: Oludeniz is Turkey’s most famous beach, and therefore in peak seasons, is the most crowded. There are good hotels to stay at, very good bars, water sports available, scuba diving and is surrounded with resorts.

Olimpos: If you want a more relaxed, romantic atmosphere, this is the beach for you. It is far more secluded and smaller than the other two beaches mentioned so far, and is backed by a forest, which is filled with Roman ruins.

Side: Side is only an hour away from the airport, and is very popular with holiday groups. There is a village and a beach filled with fine sand, as well as some Roman ruins to explore nearby.

Iztuzu Beach: Iztuzu Beach is a national conservation area, and is one of the last breeding places in Europe of the Loggerhead Sea Turtle. It can only be reached by a 20 minute boat ride from the nearby town of Dalyan. There is a lot of beach, and the water is warm and shallow. Nearby, there are some cliff tombs you can explore as well.

Cleopatra’s Beach (Alanya): Alanya is one of the biggest resorts found in Turkey, and Cleopatra’s beach is splendid and very popular. The beach and resort offer great accommodations, facilities and things to do. There is also an old fortress nearby.

Kemer: Kemer is basically a seaside town built along the sea. There are a number of small beaches you can visit, as well as many day-trip opportunities. Most of the beaches are made up of small pebbles, although there are a few with sandy beaches.

Bodrun: Bodrun is home to the original mausoleum, which is one of the Seven Wonders of the World. It is also home to the Castle of St Peter, which used to be a crusader fortress but now serves as the Museum of Underwater Archaeology. The beaches in town are small, but many people visit them as an afterthought to sightseeing.

Pamucak Beach: Most of the beach is public, but on the south side there are some resorts. It is close to the Aqua Fantasy water park, and there is a small hotel where you can get refreshments and amenities. The water is pretty choppy, and there aren’t any life guards, so be careful.

Sinop: Sinop has many fascinating things to see, and the beaches are small. Because the water comes from the Black Sea, it can be rather chilly too.

This article was written by Travel Guru

About the Author:

directline-holidays.co.uk provides you with the latest Turkey holiday offers, cheap Turkey flights, essential information & reviews on Turkey.

Majorca is one of the hottest vacation destinations in Spain for many reasons. This island is one of three off the tip of Southern Spain, the Balearic Islands.

Majorca is known to some as Mallorca. Millions of tourists vacation in these Mediterranean islands every year for the gorgeous weather and beautiful beaches. Two of the most popular beaches in Majorca are Ca’n Pastilla and El Arenal. Palma is the capital city of the island. The peak tourist season for the island starts in April and goes through September.

The variety of vegetation and scenic areas in Majorca offer a wonderful array of excursion possibilities. There are forests of lush pine trees. Serene coves are found around the coast of the island. There are numerous pristine beaches for sunbathers.

There is no shortage of activities for the traveling family on vacation. Railways offer peaceful journeys to remote villages. Palma alone offers art galleries, clubs, Le Seu Cathedral, Bellver Castle and dinner theaters.

Majorca also offers sporting enthusiast a variety of activities. There are several golf courses for you to test your skills skis or ATV vehicles that allow the adventurous tourist a unique experience. For the less adventurous sportsperson, there is also sea kayaking and mountain climbing. Scuba diving and cycling are other popular activities in Majorca. There are scenic railway excursions to show you the paths least traveled on this island.

Families need not fear to travel to Majorca. Children are welcome at most establishments on the island. Even the first class dining restaurants welcome families of all ages and sizes. For the traveling family, you can look forward to numerous water parks, a drive through safari zoo and marine life attractions. Majorca is one of the few places that offer submarine tours to watch undersea life.

Majorca offers opera houses for those who love classical music. There are many theaters and dance performances to suit a variety of tastes. Visitors can enjoy folk music in a variety of settings. There are also contemporary performances by DJs, and July is the Festival Isladecanta. This annual celebration brings people together from all around the world to celebrate electronic music.

Shopping enthusiasts will find virtually any product imaginable on the island of Majorca. You can find crafts and handmade goods at many of the small open markets. Designer products can be found at the shopping malls. The hours for the shops and boutiques typically allow an extended lunch break. Tourists and visitors should make a note of this if they are interested in shopping. The small open markets are open weekly, and it’s best to arrive early in the morning.

For those who love the nightlife, Majorca also offers a variety of attractions. World famous clubs and low-key cafes will keep you occupied until dawn. Establishments offer a variety of atmosphere and can occupy those craving fast dance clubs or soothe and calm those who enjoy a good jazz session.

With the proper planning and awareness while you are there, your vacation in Majorca can be a wonderful experience. Experts recommend that tourists observe the usual cautions, such as carefully crossing streets and proper placement of valuables in your clothing. Also, avoid any unusual offers for free products such as televisions or other major awards.

Majorca can provide the ultimate destination for your holiday. The island has established itself as a worthy attraction for several years, and the current outlook predicts this island will only continue to offer more.

This article was by Roger Munns

About the Author:

More holiday information for Majorca is available with travel site yourmajorca.net Cheap Majorca flights with different airlines are on offer along with cheap Majorca holiday deals. They also have a map of Majorca