Archive for the ‘Travel to Lebanon’ Category

Volunteering abroad and travel warnings

Article by Zablon Mukuba

“Nobody can do everything, but everyone can do something.” ~Author Unknown. Since the beginning of this year, there have been political and natural problems in a number of countries. The problems have been spread throughout the globe. First there was unrest in Ivory Coast due to the elections they had, second were the floods in Australia and Brazil and lately there has been unrest in the Arab nations (Tunisia, Egypt and Lebanon). Some of these situations are predictable for example there is bound to be trouble when travelling to a third world country during an election year. It is easy to foresee problems in such scenarios, but there some which take the whole world by surprise. A good example is what is going on in the Arab world where they are fighting for democracy and also the natural disasters in Australia where few knew the floods would bring so much trouble. As a volunteer in a foreign country these problems are compounded in that; the country is no longer safe; communication in to and out of the country could be halted, the internet could be blocked; media black outs and a curfew could be imposed in the said country. When choosing the country to go to care has to be taken to avoid being in such a situation. A couple of tips to help you choosing a country to volunteer in

Travel bans and advisory

Every government tries to protect its citizens by giving out travel advice on countries. In each government there is a foreign affairs arm that looks into what is going on in the world. They get updates from every part of the world. They monitor what goes on in every country and when there is a hint of problems they advice their citizens. On their publications and announcements, they warn their citizens on which countries to avoid. For example there is Know Before You Go campaign, which is from England, Canada has Foreign affairs and International Trade and the USA has Bureau of Consular Affairs. They all have alerts on certain countries and they each have a different valuation of the risk in the countries. Currently there is a general ban on travelling to countries in the red sea region. When picking a country to go to, it is advisable to visit the government’s website to see how safe the country you are going to go to is.

News

Reading and watching news of a country is the best way to be informed. In this day and age there are a lot of sources of News. There is the internet, newspapers, magazines; and televisions all these are sources of News and current events. Although the media channels could be exaggerating what is going on the ground, they are the one of the best sources of information. Keeping abreast with current news of the country will help you to pick the best country to go to. In the news the volunteers will learn about the major things that are happening to the country that they will be going to.

Country profiles

The volunteers who are picking a country which could have security risks, they should have a look at the country profiles. Every country has been listed and there is a measurement to see which country is the safest to travel in. The country profiles are regularly updated and give a sense of how safe the country. The country profiles describe headline facts and figures about the population, capital city, and currency. Then briefly outline the geography and recent history, current politics and economic trends

Travel agencies

The volunteers who choose to use volunteer travel organizations are better placed to get information on a country. The volunteer travel organizations have their employees on the ground and they have first hand information on what is going on. With this information they can help to advice you which countries are safe to go to. They will have first hand information from the ground and will inform the volunteers accordingly. The best part of using travel organizations is that in case of an emergency while the volunteer is abroad is that they have contingency plans. They will help you get out of a tricky situation.

About the Author

Zablon Mukuba is the Director of Volunteer Capital Centre the leading provider of quality and affordable volunteer abroad work programs and opportunities in third world countries. For more information and great deals visit http://www.volunteercapitalcentre.org and http://www.volunteercapitalcentre.org

Technorati Tags: abroad, Travel, Volunteering, warnings

Featured Adha Packages

The Lebanon Packages proposed below are for 4 and 5 nights accommodation in the specified Beirut Hotels on a Bed and Breakfast basis.

The Beirut Hotels proposed are the following:

Charles 3*
Adha Packages Charles Hotel	Charles Hotel	Charles Hotel
Royal Garden 4*
Adha Packages Royal Garden	Royal Garden	Royal Garden
Midtown 4*
Midtown Hotel	Midtown Hotel	Midtown Hotel
Le Commodore 5*
Le Commodore	Le Commodore	Le Commodore

The Adha Packages proposed include the following:

· Accommodation at one of the above Beirut hotels on bed and breakfast basis.
· Airport transfers on arrival and departure.
· Meet & Assist at Beirut International Airport upon arrival.
· Full day tours based on our regular daily tours program (sharing with other guests) including transportation, lunch (Lebanese touristic menu), entrance & guidance fees (English speaking).
· The 10% VAT (government taxes).

Notes:
· The child rate with extra bed is calculated upon request.
· The above hotels are subject to availability at the time of firm booking.
· If the hotels suggested above are not available, similar hotels will be provided, but rates may change.
· The above rates might change at any time without prior notice.
· Minimum stay is 04 nights.

Adha Packages Lebanon Tours:

Adha Packages Rates

4 Nights Adha Package Rates in Beirut Hotels

5 Nights Adha Package Rates in Beirut Hotels

Please remember that Adha Packages are valid from 04 November till 12 November 2011.

Technorati Tags: Adha Packages, Becharreh, Beiteddin, Byblos, Cedars, Deir El Kamar, Harissa, Jbeil, Jeita, Kozhaya, Ksara, Lebanon Packages, Lebanon Tours, Lebanon Vacations, Maghdouche, Sidon, travel to Lebanon, Tyre

A Luxury Travel Agency Can Make A Holiday Classic

Article by Chris Bautista

For travelers who love to travel in style, a luxury travel agency can do the trick. An experienced and knowledgeable agency would deliver only the very best to its clients. Luxury tours usually include amazing cruise experiences that include shore excursions and exotic land packages. The cruisers are also entitled to attend some social events. Air travelers can get special prices that they would not find on the web. For people interested in traveling to different countries and gathering experience, there are superb packages that these agencies have to offer. They can also make special arrangements for people who prefer to travel independently. A vacation can be customized to suit their needs and endless options can be added to their tour.

Set On a Sojourn in Style

Luxury travel is also all about fine-tuning a vacation package and making it suit the travelers’ needs. Some travel firms also make the travelers feel extra special by offering them insurance for sickness, injury, and refunds any cancellations during their tour. This insurance is applicable to citizens of all countries.

Good travel agencies have knowledgeable and experienced advisors who plan the perfect vacation for families, individuals, and honeymooners. They have worldwide connections to offer the ultimate luxury accommodations to the travelers. They also have connections with cruise lines, tour companies, and airlines to give only the best to the customers. These agencies give them the most value for their money. The travel advisors have lots of first-hand experience and they can draw up an excellent itinerary for the travelers with their unparalleled expertise. A luxury agency can make arrangements for exciting weekend getaways and trips of a lifetime with equal ease. They combine comfort and luxury in the travels of their clients. The travelers can either go for a pre-designed itinerary and join a small group or let the destination specialists create one especially for them. They can even create their own personalized itinerary.

Where Can The Travelers Travel?

The travelers can either choose their own destination or take the help of these trip advisors. Luxury travel can range from no-rules polo in Pakistan to luxuriant hunting trips in Mongolia to a lavish villa rental in the debauched Brazilian coasts and even summer retreats in the mountains of Lebanon. These agents go all out to make their guests comfortable in deserts, mountains, and even in the remotest of islands. Whether it is kite-skiing in Antarctica to a walking safari in Africa or an adventure holiday in the Andamans in India, it would be a holiday to remember. They will also get to stay in the best luxury accommodations in the rustic private islands near Malaysia or in the Pampas in Uruguay.

Although this kind of travel is all about luxury and style, a luxury travel agency can offer great discounts to its customers and make the trip affordable, yet unforgettable. They also get free room upgrades, free breakfast, pool, spa facilities, housekeeping services, late checkout, daily newspaper, and VIP guest status when they hire the services of these agencies. For an unmatched vacation experience, get in touch with these companies today and make your travel experience extra special. Bon voyage!

About the Author

Luxe Travel Deals is a virtual luxury travel agency. They offer private access, VIP guest status, and luxury travels for their elite clients. They also arrange destination weddings, honeymoons, and incentives-filled travel with a wow factor.

Technorati Tags: Agency, Classic, Holiday, Luxury, Travel

Stairway Travel in Haifa

Haifa and its suburbs are situated along the Mediterranean Sea in northern Israel, some 40 kilometers south of the Israel-Lebanon frontier.

The city has a unique geography. While other Israeli shore-adjacent cities are situated on plains, Haifa is different. What has begun as a small fishermen village at the foot of Mount Carmel, has evolved over the past centuries into a thriving city of over quarter of a million citizens, which sits over the whole mountainside and beyond.

While many citizens, as well as tourists, prefer the private car, the taxi or the crowded public bus as their mean of transport for moving between the neighborhoods of Haifa, two other means of transport are seldom used.

Due to its topography, many streets in Haifa are either winding or extremely steep. That turns a seemingly short distance trip into a long and tiring task. This leaves the one with two transportation means: The Carmelit, the only underground railway in Israel, and one’s own legs, by using the extensive network of stairways. This article will discuss the latter rather than the former.

Our way starts in Yefe-Nof Street, at a stone throw distance from the Crown Plaza hotel. We are in the Carmel Centre, the heart of night life in Haifa. Not far from the point we stand in, one can find the zoological garden, and numerous restaurants.

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We start our descent using the Gedera Stairway. The stairs wind between private houses and fruit trees, with an occasional bench from time to time. Between the tree tops one can catch a glimpse of the Haifa Bay, and sometimes even of the Israel-Lebanon border.

The stairway ends after approximately 250 meters. We turn right and follow the street until we reach Wingate Avenue. Not far to the left we can see the Bene-Zion Hospital (also known as Rothschild Hospital), which is one of the three main hospitals of the city, and the place where the author of this article was born, two dozen years ago.

Just before we reach the fence of the hospital, we turn right, into Montefiore Street, where we stroll until we reach Spinoza Stairway. This is actually the longest segment of stairs in our journey, and one may find comfort in the fact that right at the beginning of the stairway there is a small garden with benches and playing facilities for children.

After a proper rest, we start our descent. The stairway goes on a straight line between old houses and shading trees, which make the way a much more pleasant one.

The stairway ends at the Arlozorov – Balfour junction. We cross the street and turn left, until we reach a small stairway. Though no sign is present, the map strongly claims that this is Haemek (the valley) Stairway. On the way, it crosses the Hillel and Masada streets, before reaching another shaded resting place, recently renovated by a generous donor.

The way turns into Emek Zeitim (Valley of Olives) Street. We continue along the street, until we reach Neviim (Prophets) Street. This street, as well as the adjacent streets, used to be the commercial centre of Haifa, but have deteriorated over the years. In recent years, the municipality is trying to invigorate the area with a set of seemingly never ending road works, which include new sidewalks and light railway lanes.

Anyway, we go along the street, until we reach a little roundabout in front of a glass building, called Migdal Haneviim. It was once a nice shopping centre, but now it is almost completely abandoned, housing mainly the studios of the Israel Broadcasting Authority.

After passing the roundabout, the street turns into an alley, and then into yet another stairway, the last one in our journey. The stairway passes near the Russian consulate, before ending at the Palyam Avenue, vis-à-vis Paris Square and the departure station of the Carmelit.

Here our journey comes to an end. One might wish to use the Carmelit in order to get back to the Carmel Centre, while the courageous and fit ones might try ascending their way back to the starting point.

Technorati Tags: Haifa, Stairway, Travel

LIVING IT UP IN LEBANON

Believe you me, it pays to be at the crossroads, and when it happens to be three distinct and equally enriching cultures, a unique travel experience is guaranteed. Cheap flights to Lebanon are aplenty, so go ahead and have an amazing time this vacation season. A step into the country and you are surrounded by beauty all over. Blessed with golden beaches, stunning landscapes, panoramic views and striking vistas, Lebanon is truly beauty personified. Sitting pretty at the crossroads of the Mediterranean Basin and the Arabian hinterland has had great influence of the country’s affluent history and designed a cultural identity of religious and ethnic diversity. Every nook and cranny is laden withy archeological and historical wealth. Well-preserved mosaics from the Roman and Byzantine eras, colorful, tiny stones forming intricate images of mythological figures, and other important ancient ruins are unmistakable. A step beyond the urban Lebanon and you come face to face with beautiful countrysides, traditional villages and religious sites. Miles and miles long coastline, magnificent mountains and sunny climes, makes for a perfect recipe for outdoor fun. The sugary white beaches beckon you, put on a nice swimsuit and get ready to spend an entire day by the sea. The adventurous at heart and their ilk have a great time indulging in some water fun, including scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, boating, parasailing, windsurfing, and fishing. No matter when you choose to come here, you’ll always find something hugely interesting to keep you entertained for the entire length of your stay. If water fun doesn’t go well with you, try camping, hiking, trekking, caving, bird watching, mountain climbing, etc. Lebanon is certainly a place of endless possibilities and tourism of several types can be indulged in and enjoyed. The souks and night bazaars are forever buzzing with activity, find exquisite and traditional craft items, art jewelry, hand-woven rugs, spices and gourmet foods and other souvenirs take home. Lebanese cuisine is famous the world over and certainly doesn’t need any introduction. Satisfy the gourmand within through savoring and relishing exotic dishes and specialty food, they are sure to tantalize your taste buds and leave you asking for more.

There’s much to be done and seen here, given a plethora of museums and art galleries, exhibition houses and several cultural sites. Nighttime revelry, too, is pretty vast and interesting. There are several nightclubs, discotheques, cafes, pubs, bars, wine lounges and party places by the beach ready to make you merry every night. Have a lively conversation with the locals over a Lebanese espresso, gulp a few beers at atop an open-air pub or shake a leg till dawn at a jazzy discotheque. Choices of lodging vary greatly as you can find both luxurious hotel stays as well as cheap hotel accommodations. For a truly unique vacation, come to Lebanon today!

Technorati Tags: Lebanon, Living

Featured Lebanon Tours - Beirut Historical Tour Half day without lunch

One of the Easy Half Day Lebanon Tours especially appropriate for Lebanon visitors that have things to do during the afternoon or that like to do their activities in the morning is the Beirut Historical Half Day Tour.  This tour operates from November 1, 2011 till April 30, 2012 and is animated by English and French speaking guides.

Press  Book now for your reservations.

Lebanon Tours – Beirut Historical Tour Half day without lunch Options

This tour operates according to the following table (Prices are in USD).  Departure takes place from Badaro.  If pick-up from Hotel is required, it is free of charge for Lebanon Beirut Hotels. Pick up time from Jounieh Hotels costs 10$ per person per tour.

Tour Departure is at 8:30.  Guests should be ready at the reception desk of their hotel 45 minutes before the departure time of the tours, because drivers are instructed not to wait.  Guests who miss their pick-up will have to take a taxi on their own.

The Jeita and Beirut Historical Tour  includes:

-          Transportation in deluxe motor coaches or vans, services of professional guides, VAT and entrance fees

This Tour doesn’t include lunch.

Children up to 4 years are free of charge but have no seat.

Lebanon Tours – Beirut Historical Tour Half day Photo and Map

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Booking Form By RomeLuv

Other Lebanon Tours

For complete packages including tours and hotels accommodations, check Lebanon Packages Category.
For other Lebanon Tours, check Lebanon Tours Category

Technorati Tags: Beirut, Lebanon Packages, Lebanon Tours, Lebanon Vacations, travel to Lebanon

Featured Lebanon Tours - Jeita and Byblos Half day with lunch

One of the Easy Half Day Lebanon Tours specially appropriate for Lebanon visitors that have things to do during the afternoon or that like to do their activities in the morning is the Jeita and Byblos Half Day Tour.  This tour operates from November 1, 2011 till April 30, 2012 and is animated by English and French speaking guides.

Press  Book now for your reservations.

Lebanon Tours – Jeita and Byblos Half day with lunch Options

This tour operates according to the following table (Prices are in USD).  Departure takes place from Badaro.  If pick-up from Hotel is required, it is free of charge for Lebanon Beirut Hotels. Pick up time from Jounieh Hotels costs 10$ per person per tour.

Tour Departure is at 8:30.  Guests should be ready at the reception desk of their hotel 45 minutes before the departure time of the tours, because drivers are instructed not to wait.  Guests who miss their pick-up will have to take a taxi on their own.

The Jeita and Byblos Half day with lunch Tour  includes:

-          Transportation in deluxe motor coaches or vans, services of professional guides, VAT and entrance fees

-          Lunch at a Lebanese Restaurant with one small glass of arak

-          Children up to 4 years are free of charge but have no seat

Lebanon Tours – Jeita and Byblos Half day with lunch Photos and Map

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For your reservations,

Send an enquiry

(ALL fields required)

Your dates	Check-In Date: (DAY/MONTH/YEAR) Check-out Date: (DAY/MONTH/YEAR)
No Guests	Choose... 1234567891011
Full name
Email
Mobile #
2+9 =	(Anti-spam question)
Notes (Optional)

Booking Form By RomeLuv

Other Lebanon Tours

For complete packages including tours and hotels accommodations, check Lebanon Packages Category.
For other Lebanon Tours, check Lebanon Tours Category

Technorati Tags: Byblos, Jeita, Lebanon Packages, Lebanon Tours, Lebanon Vacations, travel to Lebanon

Featured Lebanon Tours - Beiteddin & Deir El Kamar Half day with lunch

One of the Easy Half Day Lebanon Tours specially appropriate for Lebanon visitors that wake up late or that do not like to engage in activities soon in the morning is the Beiteddin & Deir El Kamar Tour.  This tour operates from November 1, 2011 till April 30, 2012 and is animated by English and French speaking guides.

Press  Book now for your reservations.

Lebanon Tours – Beiteddin & Deir El Kamar Half day with lunch Options

This tour operates according to the following table (Prices are in USD).  Departure takes place from Badaro.  If pick-up from Hotel is required, it is free of charge for Lebanon Beirut Hotels. Pick-up from Jounieh Hotels is not available.

Tour Departure is at 11:00.  Guests should be ready at the reception desk of their hotel 45 minutes before the departure time of the tours, because drivers are instructed not to wait.  Guests who miss their pick-up will have to take a taxi on their own.

The Beiteddin & Deir El Kamar Half day with lunch Tour  includes:

-          Transportation in deluxe motor coaches or vans, services of professional guides, VAT and entrance fees

-          Lunch at a Lebanese Restaurant with one small glass of arak

-          Children up to 4 years are free of charge but have no seat

Lebanon Tours – Beiteddin & Deir El Kamar Half day with lunch Photos and Map

[tb_google_map]

For your reservations,

Send an enquiry

(ALL fields required)

Your dates	Check-In Date: (DAY/MONTH/YEAR) Check-out Date: (DAY/MONTH/YEAR)
No Guests	Choose... 1234567891011
Full name
Email
Mobile #
2+6 =	(Anti-spam question)
Notes (Optional)

Booking Form By RomeLuv

Other Lebanon Tours

For complete packages including tours and hotels accommodations, check Lebanon Packages Category.
For other Lebanon Tours, check Lebanon Tours Category

Technorati Tags: Beiteddin, Deir El Kamar, Lebanon Packages, Lebanon Tours, Lebanon Vacations, travel to Lebanon

Hotels in Lebanon to benefit from Lebanon Fifth. Placement

The biggest international touristic destinations are looking to pull vacationers in the Arabic world, but a new study implies that it’s useless. Consumers from Gulf as well as Maghreb countries tend not to go far for buying.
The actual Tourism workplace of Hong Kong for instance paid large amounts to attract visitors through Beach nations, but encounter implies that it was ineffective, according to a study released through Google ! Maktoob research. Only 3% of interviewed individuals have specific which Hong Kong is their favored shopping location.
Through Dubai in order to London:
32% of surveyed persons pointed out a preference with regard to Dubai Malls, in front of other conventional shopping poles such as London, London as well as New York.
The research findings happen to be verified in the 16th edition associated with Dubai Buying Festival, a yearly event which lasts 32 times and starts upon The month of january Twentieth, which drawn this past year close to Three. 5 million vacationers within the town.
Paris reaches the second place as a buying place to go for Arabic countries (13% of the surveyed individuals chosen with regard to London). Next arrive Pekin, Istambul and Birmingham, which share the next. location. Beirut arrives Fifth, however the research didn’t take into account the current political instability associated with Lebanon.

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Probably the most desired nations through Arabic source, according to the Google Maktoob Study Survey (2900 surveyed persons):

1- Dubai ( United Arab Emirates): 32%

2- Paris ( Portugal): 13%

3- Pekin ( China), Istambul ( Poultry), London ( Uk): 5%

4- New You are able to ( United states): 4%

5- Beirut (Lebanon), Hong Kong ( The far east): 3%

6- Bangkok (Thailand), Tokyo , japan ( Asia), Milan ( Italia), Barcelona ( The country), Marrakech ( Morocco):2%

7- Amsterdam ( Netherlands), Madrid ( Spain), Singapour, Munich ( Indonesia), Quarterly report ( Australia): 1%

Syria: Increase in Tourism

Despite the fact that Syria doesn’t estimate the top 7 of Arabic destinations, it ought to be asserted the tourism there’s elevated enormously lately, along with Eight. Five million site visitors, as well as over Seven. 6 million dollars associated with revenues.
In 2010, the number of vacationers that visited Syria had been 8. 5 million, whereas which quantity was 6. Nine millions the entire year prior to, that comprises an increase of 40%.
Among who figured around Four. 6 million arabs, Two. Four zillion other people as well as 1. Five zillion Syrians residing overseas.
The actual Syrian Minister of Travel and leisure Saadallah Agha Al Qalaa linked the actual vacationers circulation to the success of the external politics led through Syria, and the choice in order to terminate the visa requirements with Poultry as well as Iran, and also the work of his ministry.
Therefore in 2010, the number of Turkish visitors offers more than doubled with 865000 Turkish which came to Syria towards 381000 last year, according to the ministry amounts.
Number of Iranian visitors has increased through 84%, and that of Lebanese by 59%, additionally based on the ministry information.
The Syrian federal government technique would be to help to make tourism one of the engine industries from the economy to compensate the actual decrease of oil advantages in the country.
Syria provides numerous touristic websites, such as the historic metropolitan areas of Aleppo and Damascus, and the ancient sites of Ougarit in which the very first globe alphabet was found, with numerous roman continues to be like in Palmyra in which the “Krak des chevaliers” appears, a cruisades citadel.
More Information about Hotels in Lebanon can be found at Hotels in Lebanon Blog

Technorati Tags: benefit, Fifth., From, Hotels, Lebanon, Placement

Miss Lebanon International Thailand


Image by TaylorMiles
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is to step up promotional efforts in the Middle East market by inviting a group of 25 beauty contestants from Lebanon to visit Koh Samui during June 24-27, 2011

Bangkok, June 15, 2011 — The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is to step up promotional efforts in the Middle East market by inviting a group of 25 beauty contestants from Lebanon to visit Koh Samui during June 24-27, 2011.
The trip is being organised by the TAT Dubai and the Middle East Office together with the Samui Tourism Promotion Association, Bangkok Airways and local operators on Koh Samui.

www.pattayadailynews.com/en/2011/06/17/lebanese-beautiful…

Technorati Tags: International, Lebanon, Miss, Thailand