Whether you are in the mood for food, culture, sports or history, the City of Brotherly Love has it all. Better known as Philadelphia, the large American city, which lies beneath the shadows of New York and Boston, is filled with fascinating events and activities.

If you are looking for a chess partner; want to soothe your nerves, then take a stroll past lovely flowering plants and shrubs; lounge at an open-air café while sipping coffee; give the kids a pony ride; get away from your office for a quiet lunch break, then the gorgeous Luxembourg Gardens is just the place for all these activities. The gardens have fountains, sculptures, ponds, tennis courts, a marionette theatre, playgrounds and food kiosks.

Jardin du Luxembourg, to give its proper name, sprawls in the 6th Arrondissement, the heart of Paris, on the Left Bank of the Seine. It is bounded by Rue de Vaugirard, Boulevard St. Michel, Rue Auguste-Comte and Rue Guyneme. The second largest park in the city it is the official gardens of the Luxembourg Palace, the home of the French Senate.

The Palace and the Gardens are the child of Marie de Medicis’ grief at the assassination her husband, Henri IV. Not wanting to live in sorrow at the Louvre, their home, after his death she bought the (now called) Petit-Luxembourg Palace in 1611.

She then set about building a new one to resemble her childhood home in Florence – the Palazzo Pitti. She also commissioned several gardeners, notably Tommaso Francini, to design and create a park in her beloved Florentine style. 2,000 elm trees were planted amidst several terraces. Francini then built the beautiful Medici Fountain – the centre of a grotto.

When work first started the garden was only eight hectares. Then in 1630, Mme. Marie purchased more adjoin land and engaged Jacques Bovceau to carry on the work. He laid out a series of squares along an east-west grid that was marked at the east end by the Medici Fountain. He added borders of flowers and hedges in front of the palace, an octagonal basin with a fountain facing (what is now) the Paris Observatory.

Work was completed in 1625 but the present size of the Gardens was reached in only 1790.  This additional land was confiscated from the Carthusian monks by leaders of the French Revolution. Jean Chalgrin, architect of the Arc de Triomphe, carried out restoration work on the derelict gardens. He preserved and incorporated the old vineyards and formal French style gardens of the monks.

In the mid to late 1800s, many statues, sculptures and new boulevards were added. The Medici Fountain was rebuilt and moved to its present location. A scale model of the Statue of Liberty, built by Bartholdi, became a new resident. The garden also acquired a marionette theatre, greenhouses, an apiary and an orangerie.

The Jardin du Luxembourg now has hundreds of statues, monuments and fountains; acres of flower beds, trees and shrubs. It has changed much since Marie de Medici’s original plan but one thing has always remained – serenity. The gardens have always been an oasis amidst Paris’ turbulent history and everyday life. It is true sanctuary in every sense of the word.

Admission to the Luxembourg gardens depends upon the time of the year.

Opening times: Between 7:30am and 8:15 am.
Closing times: Between 4:45pm and 9:45 pm.
 

Long before it was completed or opened, the London Shard was the centre of swirling controversy, contradictions, conspiracies, rumours and stories. No one could quite agree on a name for the structure. I mean it was only just recently that it came to be known as the ‘The Shard.’ It was previously known as London Bridge Tower, Shard London Bridge and Shard of Glass. The building was also opposed by local authorities, the Royal Parks Foundation and English Heritage.

Towering above everything and standing on London’s South Bank, it has dramatically altered the London skyline, notwithstanding the Gherkin, Millennium Dome, City Hall and London Eye. It is claimed that on a clear day you can see France from its viewing galleries.  London Bridge Rail and Tube Station, located at its base, is the closest rail station. The Shard was designed with an irregular pyramidal shape from base to the top and inspired by the church steeples that once defined London’s skyline.

Scheduled to open to the public on 1 February 2013, this tower of glass is the tallest building in the European Union. On the night of July 5th, 2012, the building’s inauguration was accompanied by a choreographed light and laser display comprised of twelve lasers and 30 searchlights that lit up the city. Thousands of Londoners clambered to rooftops and other high public spaces to watch the blue, green, purple and gold laser show.

Its shiny, glistening bluish look definitely takes the eye and has also attracted the attention of conspiracy theorists. Some have even likened it Sauron’s (the bad guy in The Lord of The Rings) tower as depicted in the movie series. There are supposedly plenty of Freemason and Illuminati symbols openly and covertly embedded in its pyramid-like structure.  Perhaps only the architect, Renzo Piano, can clear up these perceptions.

Some Facts about the Shard

•    It is 1016 feet (309.6 metres) tall
•    95 storeys
•    It has 11,000 glass panels
•    The area of the glass façade equals eight football pitches
•    95 percent of the construction materials are recycled substance
•    72 of the floors will be occupied
•    15 levels are the ‘spire’
•    4th to the 28th floors will be office space
•    31st to 33rd will be restaurants and other dining facilities
•    34th to 52nd floors are taken by the Shangri-La Hotel and Spa (200 luxury rooms
•    53rd to 65th for 10 exclusive residences
•    68th to 72nd – public observation decks and galleries
•    The 72nd floor has an open-air observation deck
 

Edinburgh has more to offer other than the imposing Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile.  The City is a bewildering mix of history, classic buildings, world-renowned educational institutions and a rowdy, nightlife.  While on the subject of nightlife it also has a remarkable variety and number of dark and ghoulish goings on.

Ghosts, stories of ghost and other paranormal activities – both old and some relatively new – abound in this city. It must have something to do with the city’s narrow twisty streets, the grey dark stone of the buildings and the long misty nights. The ideal material and setting for creepy and bone-chilling meetings.

There are several tour operators and individuals who run these tours so you have a choice as to who will take you on a scary walk. We have mentioned and highlighted just four of these tours – the major ones. However, tour operators mix and match portions and parts that sometimes overlap each other – giving different names for them.

So put on your woollies and comfortable walking shoes, dress up warmly and come along with us on some of Edinburgh’s Ghost Tours.  

City of the Dead Tours
This one takes you through the City of the Dead, involving a trip through Edinburgh’s underground streets. Damnation Alley has an ancient curse upon it while Greyfriars Kirkyard is said to be haunted, in particular the gloomy section called Covenanters Prison. The most famous of the ghosts is Mackenzie Poltergeist who seems to concentrate his spiritual attacks around the Black Mausoleum.

The guides seem to have a great patter in the humorous telling of awful events. Despite that the walk can still be unnerving.

Auld Reekie Tour
In Victorian times, when the Edinburgh air was thick with smoke and smog, cloaking buildings and turning streets into veritable haunts, the locals referred to the city as ‘Auld Reekie.’

The tour, which takes you through the Wynds and Closes of the Royal Mile and the Haunted Underground, is reputed to be the scariest! Travel under the South Bridge and the damp, dim, haunted vaulted chambers of Blair Street. Each one has its own bloody horror story and maybe you will have a chilling encounter of your own, to add to the long list. Then there is the visit to the Torture Museum.

Maybe you will meet the ‘Southbridge Poltegeist,’ a violent, scratching entity! To soothe your frayed nerves you could then quaff a drink or two in the Banshee Labyrinth – one of the most haunted pubs in the land.

Murder and Mystery Walking Tour
This is a slightly (very slightly) different tour. You get to experience and visit the scenes of tortures and murders; tales of witches and ghostly and ghastly events while walking down dank, dim alleys and spine-shivering parts of Edinburgh’s Old Town. Once again, the guides dole out chunks of humour that somehow emphasise the creepy, horrific nature of the tales they recount rather than alleviate them. They also throw in plenty of local history and facts.

Mary King’s Close
The ancient streets of Mary King’s Close are located under the present day buildings of Edinburgh’s Old Town. This spooky area is entered from Warriston’s Close and Writer’s Court. There have been reports of hauntings at the Close (Scots for alleyways) since the 17th century. The perfectly preserved homes and shops are touted as the most haunted site in all Scotland. Among the many shadowy apparitions is that of Annie, a young girl, whose family died in the plague. Visitors, over the years, have built a shrine to her, composed of dolls.
 

(How not to stand-out like an obvious tourist in a foreign country)

At the very outset let’s make one thing clear. As a tourist you are never going to blend in a 100 percent and all the time. There will be occasions when you will stand out or be recognised for who you are – a visitor. That’s all right. The trick or rather the art is not being boorish and stick out like a sore thumb.

We hope that some of the following pointers will help you to blend in, enjoy your vacation and not fall victim to those many and varied tourist disasters and faux pas.

Take a little time: When you are planning your trip abroad take some time to learn about your destination. It will be invaluable to know the weather at the time of year you will be travelling and some of the local customs and etiquette.

Clothes: This is the most frequent and obvious blunder that mark tourists like a neon-lit sign. Avoid those ghastly sneakers, flip-flops, baseball caps, cargo pants and ugly, clumsy-looking cargo pants and shorts or other items that belong on the beach. Hairy legs and knobbly knees sticking out of weirdly-coloured shorts that are either too short or overly long are another give away. Try not to look dishevelled and unwashed if you are going the backpacker route.

Another big no-no is wearing clothes featuring national flags, football and college sports teams. Jeans, light cottons or other breathable materials are good choices. Don’t wear round-neck T-shirts to dinner as a guest at someone’s home or a nice restaurant. Sandals accompanied with socks are a dead give-away. Take the time to change after a day out sightseeing.

Keep the expensive jewellery at home. Those expensive earrings, chains and watches will make you an unwilling object of thieves’ attentions.

Camera: The person with a camera permanently stuck to their eyes or draped around the necks is the image of the archetypal tourist. Fight back the desire to photograph any and everything. There are excellent compact, convenient digital cameras readily available. So there is no real need to have those cumbersome, big-lenses and highly expensive cameras on your neck. Get one you can slip into your pocket or purse.

Fanny Packs: These ugly inventions scream ‘tourist’ in every country. Keep your money, wallet, documents and valuables in a shoulder bag. Fanny packs are also very vulnerable to the attention of pickpockets. They can be easily unzipped or cut open without your being aware of it happening.

Consulting Maps and Guidebooks: Tourists standing in the middle of busy sidewalks unfolding maps and struggling with them in the wind is a sight we have all seen. That puts you in the cross-hairs of scam artists, pickpockets, thieves and other undesirable types.  Consult your maps and guidebooks in your hotel room before leaving for the day’s outing or fold the map into a smaller section of the area you will be covering.  Make notes of names and other details you might need. However, if you still need to consult your map duck into a coffee shop or store and do it. Discretion is the watchword.

Loudness: Tourists have been noted for their loud voices when chatting amongst themselves. Unacceptable and insensitive remarks about local conditions, facilities and sometimes ignorant comments about landmarks and traditions in loud voices are a good way to give the wrong impression and possibly antagonise the locals. Keep it down, avoid exaggerated arm movements and the too often, ‘take a look at that.’

In ending…  It will be really difficult to become completely invisible or fit in when travelling abroad. Don’t let that spoil your holiday but follow the tips above and you will be less likely to stand out, offend and possibly be liked.
 

Vancouver has some of the best places to go hiking in Canada. This is mainly due to the availability of trails for all skill levels and interests – from seaside hiking to mountain hiking to urban wilderness hiking. Let's have a look at some of the interesting hiking places:

Stanley Park Seawall: The most famous place in Vancouver, Stanley Park is famous for its recreational facilities and its natural attributes. It attracts 8 million visitors a year – including locals and tourists. The Seawall stretches 8.8km and loops around Stanley Park, running along the park's northern, western and southern coastlines. The Seawall is fully-paved and is an ideal pathway for hikers of all skill levels. Its route is undoubtedly beautiful with views of the city, northern mountains, and Lion's Gate Bridge.

Lynn Canyon Park: The park has lots of free activities for all ages, including the suspension bridge, waterfalls, mini hikes, and a swimming hole – all connected by hiking trails. Its most famous feature is of course, the Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge. The Suspension Bridge stretches 50 feet above the churning waters. The park also boasts of the popular Twin Falls, where a wooden bridge stretches over the river in view of the two gorgeous waterfalls. Another popular feature of the park, the 30 Foot Pool swimming holes is an ideal spot to keep cool in the summer months.

Burnaby Lake: A home to a large variety of wildlife – at least 70 species of birds making it their home – the lake occupies 3.11 square kilometres of land. The lake also has a 10km hiking path that loops around the entire park area.

Deer Lake: Located in the east of Vancouver is Deer Lake that offers nice scenery, a viewing tower, a beach area and pier. It is popular with locals walking dogs as well as for an afternoon stroll through the park. In the summer you can rent a boat, launch your own canoe or sailboat/rowboat on Deer Lake or enjoy sunbathing on the beach. There are also hundreds of rhododendrons blooming every spring.

Baden Powell Trail: Named after Lord Baden-Powell, the founder of the world Scouting Movement, the trail is about 48 kilometres long and has lots of switches. It extends from Horseshoe Bay in West Vancouver to Deep Cove in North Vancouver. The hike takes you through an amazing range of vegetation – Oaks, Jeffery pines, Sugar Pines, Incense Cedar, White Fir and Limber Pines etc.

Iona Beach Regional Park: Located north of Vancouver International Airport, the park is made up of a long, narrow jetty of sand and grass along the mouth of the Fraser River. You will have a fairly unobstructed view of the Georgia Straight. Sea birds are visible throughout the area as well.

So there, you have our best hiking places in Vancouver. What about yours? Do share us your favourite hiking places.

Happy Hiking!

Islands are small, but that does not mean that there is not a plethora of activities to do while there. But don’t get lulled into the idea that each island is the same, either. Each island – whether it’s in the Pacific or Atlantic – has its own culture and feel. So I challenge you to visit an island, any island, this New Year! (As a side note: they’re also great places to escape the cold of the winter season.)

Hawaiian islands

This famous string of islands in the Pacific is best known for its volcanic activity. In fact, the islands were created from volcanic activity- over time, the various underwater volcanoes built up the islands to what they are today. The best part? The islands still aren’t finished. The volcanoes on the islands, especially on the Big Island, are still active. Visiting these island-shapers is a must when you’re on Hawaii- it was on the top of my list when I finally got there!

Fiji islands

This small collection of islands near Australia is an exotic destination that reaches the top of anyone’s list. With over 330 smaller islands around the main island of Fiji, this destination will not fail to entertain. The water in the Fiji islands is absolutely stunning, and you cannot help yourself from spending time in it- or above it. Kayaking in the Fiji waters is spectacular and lovely. The peaceful waters make it perfect for this activity, and the clear quality of the water enables you to see almost to the sandy bottom.

Jamaica

Jamaica in the Caribbean is one of the most colourful islands, in a region where each island is colourful in its own way. The birthplace of Bob Marley and reggae, Jamaica is a great combination of beautiful sandy beaches and cool rainforests. There is always something to do on this island, whether it be laying on the beaches, hiking through the forests, trekking to a waterfall or swimming with dolphins, Jamaica will always promise to be a great holiday spot!

These three that I have highlighted is barely the tip of the iceburg. In the Hawaiian and Fiji islands alone there are a plethora of islands to discover, with their own distinct histories, traditions and cultures. The same goes for the Caribbean islands. Jamaica is just one in a whole line of beautiful islands, each with something unique to offer. Wherever you decide to go, I promise you will not be disappointed!

(How to pack only the bare essentials into a backpack)

Aah! The backpack! One of the greatest inventions for travellers – after the aeroplane, that is. Travel is great fun and the backpack a great travel convenience but it’s the packing that gives the biggest headache. The veteran traveller knows this problem and has devised and found his/her solution.

In this world of overweight charges and limited space, packing for a three week trip can give you that dull pain between the eyebrows. What do you pack? How much do you pack? Finally, how do you pack a backpack?  It suddenly seems so small and inadequate.

In the immortal words of MAD magazine, ‘learn from the mistakes of others, you don’t have time to make them all yourself.’ Going by that sage advice this piece is an attempt to help the first-time traveller or others figure out the maddening intricacies of packing a backpack and not make those mistakes.

Make a List: This is simply a must because it helps you realise what you need and what you don’t. It is then you are able to cut out what is unnecessary. Do this regardless of the length and type of your trip or your destination.

Choose the Right Bag: There are so many backpacks to choose from with each one having its selling points. We suggest you go with either of these two options: a carry-on-size convertible backpack/suitcase with zip-away shoulder straps or an internal frame backpack.  Our choice would be to go with the latter as they are good for times when you have long walks ahead of you. Besides, the convertibles are more expensive and the wheels add weight to your back and on the airlines’ scales.

Pack Outside your Bag:  One of the best tips I can give on packing light is to place everything on your list on the bed before actually placing them in the bag. That will give you a visual of what you will be packing.  t is one the best ways of eliminating non-essential items.

Pack Tight: There are a couple of ways you can do this. Rolling or bundle-wrapping are great ways to compact your clothes. The tighter you roll or bundle your clothes, the more space you will have in your backpack for other stuff.

Multipurpose clothing: Your travel wardrobe should be multi-purpose and interchangeable.  Dark or neutral colours are ideal. Khakis or dark jeans can do double duty as hiking and dinner wear. Denim shirts, olive or brown khakis go with most or any other shirts or trousers. Dark also hides stains and food drippings, which always seem to happen on travels.  Remember you can do laundry along the way so you don’t need a different shirt or underwear for every day of your trip.

Think Small: Toiletries, detergents, toothpastes should all be of the travel or mini varieties. You don’t need the large-sized containers. Also you could go with the ‘buy it there’ philosophy. Toothpastes, soaps and shampoos from universally known brands are now available all over the world so you could pick them up at your destination. Cheap, disposable shaving kits are also a good idea.

Keep it Light: While overweight airlines charges are a good incentive to keep your luggage weight down, remember that most of the time you will have to lug the knapsack on your own back. So pack light and keep in mind the dictum, ‘What to leave out trumps over what to put in – every time.

Once you have packed your knapsack sling on your shoulders and go for a short walk, you will then get a good idea of how it will feel when you have to carry it for longer periods.  Believe me; doing this will inspire you to remove some things you earlier thought were indispensible.

It is also practical and good sense to pack light because you can travel happy, cheap and enjoy the freedom of mobility. You will not be at the mercy of porters and other luggage issues on the trip. Happy Trails!
 

Many cities in Europe are laced with rivers and canals, and some are at the edge of the Atlantic or Mediterranean Oceans. So why not make time for some cruises, featuring gorgeous sights in some of the most beautiful cities in the world?

Prague, Czech Republic

One of my favourite cities in Europe, Prague has a perfect combination of Neo-classical charm and modern attractions. It is one of the few cities that as just as beautiful during the night as it is during the day. This tour takes you through an informative and insightful trip through the city, stopping at some of the most notable places. It then proceeds to a picturesque glide down the Vltava River, giving you a wonderful view of Prague’s skyline by night. Food and drink are provided on the cruise, as well as live entertainment.

Amsterdam, Netherlands

A wonderful combination of a canal and city cruise, this Amsterdam tour takes you past some of the most prominent landmarks of the city, like the Royal Palace and the Skinny Bridge, as well as some of the iconic sights of Amsterdam, such as the windmills and 17th Century Merchant Warehouses. Enchanting and informative, this cruise crosses off two must-do’s in Amsterdam.

Frankfurt, Germany

This activity brings together a tour of the city with a dinner cruise by one of the most scenic parts of the city, the Rhine! The tour begins on an open-top bus, and stops twice: at Romer Square and Sachsenhausen. The cruise takes you through the Rhine Valley, which has inspired many poets and artists. Enjoy dinner with this picturesque backdrop in a charming waterside restaurant.

Venice, Italy

When you think of canals, you think of this Italian city. Out of the many Europeans cities I have visited, Venice is my favourite because of its quaint houses and built-in charm. Venice is famous for its myriad of twisting and connected canals, but that is not all there is to this loveable city. The islands close to Venice are just as remarkable, with unique aspects of their own! Visit Murano to see how its distinctive and beautiful glasswork is made, Burano for the wonderful lacework and Torcello for Venice’s first cathedral.

Budapest, Hungary

A defining aspect of Budapest is the river that runs through the city. The Danube used to separate two separate cities – the Buda side from the Pest side – but history has brought these two cities together into the one we all know. So slide along this historic and beautiful river to the many other towns along its edge. This cruise is extremely lovely and allows you to appreciate the beauty of river outside the bustling city of Budapest.

Whichever cruise you decide to try out, a good time and beautiful scenes are guaranteed!

With the festive period upon us, I was just thinking ways with which we could make a difference to fellow human beings. After all, the festive period is all about that – being generous, giving gifts, cherishing bonds and the like.

And what better way to show you care than help Hurricane Sandy Victims? It’s been close to two months now that the super-storm washed away dreams and hopes, along with houses and properties; but rebuilding from the disaster has only begun. Residents are still struggling and are in desperate need of shelter. The truth and the extent of the damage are sinking in now.

Read up on the multiple ways with which you could give to those affected by Hurricane Sandy. Here’s our collection of various charity organisations – where you can donate/contribute – who help provide food, shelter, and other supplies to the victims of the super-storm.

Provide emergency supplies

 World Vision, AmeriCares, Catholic Charities USA, Direct Relief International, Feeding America and Operation Blessing International all provide food, medical supplies, emergency kits and support.

The Salvation Army has dozens of mobile feeding units and shelters along the East Coast that are working to serve thousands in the most heavily-hit areas.

Help children in need:

Save the Children pays special attention to the needs of children affected by the storm.

Attend to animals:

The Humane Society of the United States, the American Humane Association and ASPCA help rescue stranded pets and give pet food to those in need. They have also been going door to door looking for abandoned animals.

Sean Casey Animal Rescue group also has been taking in a lot of rescued and abandoned pets including dogs, turtles, birds, cats and snakes.

Volunteer:

Team Rubicon and Samaritan's Purse are asking for volunteers to help the storm victims, as well as for cleaning and rebuilding. 

Concert for Sandy Relief:

12.12.12 – The Concert for Sandy Relief will take place on December 12, 2012 at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Various television channels in the US and other international TVs will air the four-hour concert which is expected to reach over 1 billion people worldwide. The concert will feature performances by such artists as Bon Jovi, Eric Clapton, Dave Grohl, Billy Joel, Alicia Keys, Chris Martin, Paul McCartney, The Rolling Stones, Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, Roger Waters, Eddie Vedder, Kanye West, The Who.

NOTE: When planning to donate to a non-profit (in the wake of any disaster), make sure you verify that it is legitimate and that your funds will go where it is intended. Charity evaluators like Guidestar and Charity Navigator are good ways we recommend to check that the organisation you're donating to is established and legitimate.

Today, when you are thinking of festive period and holidays, spare a thought for ones who could not think past – how to stay warm, what to eat, and how they are going to survive. They have no heat, no running water, no power…and they are hurting.

Make a difference this season of goodwill.

Have you donated to Sandy relief efforts yet?