Value for money key to travel in 2011

ABTA’s Travel Trends 2011 Report says that against a harsh economic backdrop, British travellers will continue to seek value for money in 2011. Seventy-four per cent of travellers believe that the greatest value for money – but not necessarily the lowest prices, is an essential or important booking element.
With the pound falling against the euro over recent years, British travellers have discovered non-eurozone destinations in their droves. Turkey and Egypt will again experience a successful year as the high standard of holidays on offer at good prices has consistently provided good value for money. Next year will also see competitors, such as Tunisia, Syria and Abu Dhabi climb the ranks of popularity as investment in tourist infrastructure comes to fruition.
Enthusiasm for our favourite short haul destinations in Europe is also set to be reignited, as it is likely that the pound will finally rally against the euro in 2011.
The UK cruise market prides itself on value for money, with an all-inclusive price structure which includes accommodation, entertainment and meals. This combination together with attentive service, innovative products and great headline prices will see cruising grow to 1.77 million UK passengers next year. Seven new ships are launching to the UK market in 2011 further increasing UK cruise options.
Despite cutbacks, travel is still seen by the majority in the UK as an essential, and all-inclusives again will be popular in 2011.
Mark Tanzer, ABTA Chief Executive said: “While cost will be high in customers’ consciousness in 2011, so is their desire to get the best experience for their money. Travel companies who pride themselves on good service and provide excellent holidays will win custom. ABTA and its Members will continue to strive for high professional standards in 2011 and offer value, quality and a fantastic range of choices.”
FCO spokesperson Lynda St Cooke said: “It’s interesting to note the trends highlighted in this report. People are clearly seeking to watch their budgets, which will lead some to stay with friends and family rather than in hotels. It’s easy to assume that, if you are visiting friends or relatives, they’ll look after you so you don’t need to take any health precautions or take out travel insurance. But our consular staff regularly have to help people who have run into problems because they haven’t made these basic preparations, so it’s important to remember to consult your GP’s surgery before you go, and take out travel insurance to avoid the risk of you or your family being billed for thousands of pounds.
There’s clearly an increase in holidays in “mid haul” destinations. It’s vital to understand a bit about your destination: not knowing about local law won’t stop you being imprisoned for breaking it. It’s worth researching the laws and customs of the country you are visiting, so as not to get caught out.
This article is taken from- http://www.traveldailynews.com/pages/show_page/40753-Value-for-money-key-to-travel-in-2011

Taj Mahal

Taj Mahal, beyond doubt, is the most precious architectural heritage of the wonder that was India. As Fergusson remarked, "it is the combination of so many beauties, and the perfect manner in which each is subordinated to the other that makes up a whole, which the word can not match and which never fails to impress even those who are most indifferent to the effects produced by architectural objects in general".
Taj Mahal, built by Shah Jahan in memory of his consort Mumtaz Mahal at Agra (UP), is perhaps most enduring symbol of human love. Arguably, it is still India's most popular tourist attraction. Infact, for many outsiders visiting India, it is the most irresistible spot. This perfectly symmetrical edifice is set amidst landscaped gardens on the banks of Yamuna river. Built under the supervision of persian architect Ustad Isa, the building in white marble has the verses of the holy Quran inscribed on it, with the gate being crowned by 22 small doves. Constructed between 1631 (when Mumtaz Mahal died) and 1653, Shah Jahan had called experts from Europe, too namely Austin of Bordeaux and Veroneo of Venice. The two had a hand in the Taj Mahal's decoration.

The Taj Mahal has been constructed on a 313 square feet marble platform, enclosed within a high boundary wall with broad octagonal pavilions at the corners the most elegant dome has a diameter of 60 feet and a height of 80 feet. Pietra dura, semi precious stones inlaid into the marble in beautiful patterns, is perhaps at its best here. The jewel inlaid cenotaph of the queen lies within the dome. Set against the plain across the river Yamuna, that works its magic of colours that, through their reflection, change the view of the Taj Mahal, the tomb especially appreciated for its perfect proportions and exquisite workmanship. As they say about the Mughals in general, it has been "designed like giants and finished like jewellers".
Though, later critics saw a sentimental strain in the construction, built avowedly on a concept which makes death an almost nostalgic aspiration to the onlooker, the Taj Mahal is all its timeless beauty is still the inspiration to poets and painters, writers and photographers. So much so, that it offers a challenge to the poetic imagination, as does the best in the so-called Indo-Islamic 'baroque' style.
Although the Taj Mahal, also noted for its features like finely cut marble screens and use of gems, is amazingly graceful from almost any angle, its close-up is really astounding. Hence, travelmasti suggests, whenever you are in Agra, rise at dawn and allow yourself some time to visit the Taj Mahal's chameleon - like guises in different light. If Agra, whose origins are recounted in the epic Mahabharata as 'Agrabana', is paradise, then the Taj is arguably its heart core! .
Tourist Information
Open from sunrise to 19 hours. Entry fee for those above 12 years: Rs. 15.00. Free entry on Fridays.
Best time to visit
From November to February
Places to visit
Agra Fort, Itmad-ud-daulah Tomb, Sikandara, Tomb of Sheikh Salim chisti, Bharatpur, Diwan-i-Aam, Diwan-i-Khas, Musamman Burj or Jasmine Tower, Jahangir's Palace, Jama Masjid, Chini Ka Ranza, Babur's Ram Bath.
The article is taken from- http://www.travelmasti.com/worldheritage/tajmahal.htm

Five Places for Honeymoon in Egypt

Are you looking for a romantic and marvellous place to have your honey moon? Well, how about the land of pharaohs? Yes, Egypt extends you an adoring as well as marvellous honeymoon. If you think Egypt is only about olden times it is not factual because this land presents much more than mere historical impacts which can make your honeymoon a superb experience. With some of the top and most idealistic places to reside, Egypt can give you a wonderful package to benefit from a great honeymoon. Here we have the top 5 places where you can have a fantastic honeymoon.
1. The Mena House Oberoi, Cairo.
Cairo, the heart of Egypt, is the most astonishing place to be at in Egypt. Overflowing with a number of the wonders of the world, you will have a striking honeymoon in Cairo beholding the Pyramids at Giza along with other historical attractions.
The Mena House Oberoi is the perfect hotel for you in Cairo. Established in 1869, it is one of the most luxurious hotels in Egypt. It is perfect for honeymooners for its amazing luxurious offerings such a 24-hour room and butler service, and bars.
2. The Nile Palace, Luxor
Placed in southern Egypt, Luxor is crammed with some of marvellous things for your honeymoon. Luxor is in fact built on the remains of the prehistoric city of Thebes, and is full of mythology and amazements. Nile Palace hotel is in its heart which is one of the most excellent places to stay for you honeymoon. Being in the close neighbourhood of river Nile, this hotel is wonderful for money moon couples. It proffers just the thing environment of romance and charm which all honeymooners yearn for. It possesses luxury gym, pools and health club and all you must to have on your honeymoon.
3. Oberoi Philae Cruise on the Nile
One more astonishing place to have your honeymoon in Egypt is Oberoi Philae Cruise. You can have a striking honeymoon travelling on the Nile at cruiser Philae, which possesses 58 suites and is filled with luxury. You will have personal showers and bathrooms, balconies and sun loungers, all of which will make it the most excellent place for you honeymoon tour.
4. Kasr Ibrim, Lake Nasser
If you wish to have a honeymoon on cruise you can also try the Kasr Ibrim. It is a wonderful cruise which drifts on Lake Nasser and gives you a stunning honeymoon experiences. You will find some wonders of history packed together with the luxury you seek on your romantic trip.
5. The Al Baben Shall, Siwa Oasis
In case you fancy having considerable isolation and sumptuousness on your honeymoon in Egypt, the place for you to head is the Al Baben. It is a superb boutique hotel by the Siwa Oasis which is in the vicinity of to the Egyptian sand sea. Several people desire to stay on this Oasis and unveil the splendours Egypt holds.
In reality, your honeymoon here will provide pure Egyptian experience. The setting is entirely of Egypt with luxurious rooms having rustic feel, together with rooftop eating places providing delicious traditional food.
This article is taken from-  http://chuculture.net/five-places-for-honeymoon-in-egypt/