Monday, September 12, 2011

3 Top Towering Attractions in New York City

If you're in this great city on business, you'll probably spend much of your time in New York conference rooms. But if you take some time to stroll around the streets to explore, amongst the hustle and bustle you will soon realise that you are surrounded on all sides by giant skyscrapers. Whilst many are purpose-built office buildings, some have interesting history of their own.

Here are three of the tallest attractions in the city you shouldn't - and in fact, can't -miss!

1. The Statue of Liberty

The Statue of Liberty is the iconic symbol of New York, and when you are doing business or attending events in New York conference rooms you may well be able to spy it from the window. It's much more impressive up close, so you should take time out of your schedule to pay the lady a visit.

At 93 metres, this is one of the biggest statues in the world, and one of the tallest attractions in New York. It was opened in 1886, and is now a symbol of freedom all over the world. While you can go inside and go up inside the crown to get a fantastic view, visitor numbers are strictly limited so you'll need to book months ahead. Even so, just seeing it from the base is impressive enough. Take a walk around the base and reflect on the symbolism behind this great statue.

Thursday, September 8, 2011

Fashion Study Tours to Barcelona

Traditionally, if you heard the term 'fashion capital', it would probably conjure up images of couture garments being paraded on the catwalks of New York, Paris, Milan and Tokyo. However, Barcelona has made a name for itself as a competitive fashion capital with its own unique, innovative sense of style. Thus, fashion-based study tours to this thriving city, where designers have been making headlines, are becoming extremely popular. There's much to see and learn on fashion study tours to Barcelona. Here are some key venues that every fashion student should be eager to visit while there.

Textile and Costume Museum
This wonderful museum has clothing and textiles dating back from the Arab conquest of Spain, to the Gothic, Renaissance and modern times. On study tours here, students can examine fashion from 17th century Baroque styles to 20th century designs. There are several collections on display, including a display of jewellery featuring close to 500 pieces produced in Spain. The Dressing the Body exhibition takes visitors on a historical walk through the history of garments - covering the periods 1550 through 2000. This interesting exposition explores how men and women have altered the appearance of their bodies through various kinds of garments, hairstyles, jewellery and body tattooing. Learn the five ways the appearance of the body has been altered throughout time, on this one of a kind tour.

Sunday, September 4, 2011

Get the Right Motorcycle for Off-Road Biking

Off-road biking is certainly an exciting prospect; however, if you are looking to swap the relative comfort of riding on tarmac for more varied terrain, it is important you lend some thought to which kind of motorcycle you will require.

Of course, not all motorbikes are the same, so you ought to consider looking for models that are specifically designed for use off-road.

Whether you're after a bike to compete in races or you're planning on going on a globetrotting adventure where you'll encounter a range of landscapes - which may include everything from forests and deserts to mountains and jungles - you'll need something that gives you the performance necessary to keep going.

Friday, August 19, 2011

Algarve's Carvoeiro Is Perfect for Family Getaways

For a Portuguese destination that is perfect for families and filled with stunning restaurants and beaches, parents should look no further than the small fishing town of Carvoeiro.

There are many reasons why booking a villa in this destination will prove ideal for families, not least the variety of sandy beaches that can be enjoyed.

The beautiful weather and safe stretches of sand are two of the main draws of Carvoeiro villas. The south-west location means parents and kids can almost be certain of a favourable climate, with mild conditions often experienced even during the winter.

Many of the beaches are also shielded by dramatic cliff tops, so the common problem of the wind blowing sand into your eyes and packed lunches should not be an issue!

Praia means beach in Portuguese, which could be useful to know when on the hunt for the perfect place to enjoy a day splashing in the waves and sunbathing. Praia de Marinha, Praia de Carvalho and Praia da Albandeira are just some of the stretches of sand on offer here.

The latter is divided by rocks and is therefore fairly small, which mums and dads might prefer if they want to spend some quiet time with their little ones. As well as breathtaking cliffs, stone structures rise out of the water, adding to the beauty of the area.

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

School Ski Trips to Folgaria, Italy

Folgaria, in Italy, is a beautiful ski resort town located in the Northern Italian province of Trentino. It is about 15 kilometres south of the main city of Trento, nestled in the heart of the Trentino Dolomites. Though it is often visited in the summer, the area is best known for its 'Skitour dei Forti', which is connected to three of the Altipiani plateaus: Folgaria, Lavarone, and Luserna.

The Folgaria ski network has over 100 kilometres of downhill pistes that are linked to form the Carosello Ski Folgaria. With 37 ski lifts serving the area, school ski trips here will be packed full of non-stop skiing and boarding for all ages and abilities. While in the area of Folgaria, as well as skiing, snowboarding and sledging, students can visit the snow parks and take some time out to go ice-skating too.

Skiing, Snowboarding, and Sledging in Folgaria

As one of the most important skiing circuits in the Trentino Dolomites, or Prealps, Folgaria offers something for everyone - including those looking to brush up on their snow-skills or start from scratch at a school. Ski trips here allow access to light blue, red, and black slopes, which are well marked and easy to navigate. The new ski lifts make moving from one area to another simple, as students progress in their ability and want to try higher and harder slopes. If young skiers have had enough of two skis and want to try their legs on a snowboard instead, this is the perfect place. The easy (light blue) slopes are great for learning the basic manoeuvres in a safe and comfortable environment - with a bonus of beautiful views.

Sunday, August 7, 2011

Popular Activities for People on Group Vacations

Cape Town is a wonderful city with plenty of places to visit and loads of activities to do. Some popular activities include wine tasting, shark cage diving, abseiling, and hiking. Read further to know about the different activities that can be undertaken as a group:

• Hiking: Needless to say, this is the most popular activity among tourists and locals. The Table Mountain offers the best opportunity to understand and learn more about the unique fynbos vegetation, bird life, and the natural history of the place. In fact, the Cape Floral region is known to be listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Tourists can choose from one of the many hiking trails including Silvermine Nature Reserve, Kalk Bay Caves, Elsies Peak, and Chapman's Peak.

Friday, April 8, 2011

Taste Testing the Tapas on Study Tours to Barcelona

For the catering and hospitality student, study tours to Barcelona can involve participants in demonstrations of Spain's most loved appetiser - tapas. Tapas is an essential part of Spanish cuisine and it has been growing in popularity across the globe. In its most basic form, it is a small snack or appetiser taken with a drink at lunch or early eveninf. Tapas, however, is not merely a type of dish: it is a Spanish style of eating where conversation and sociability are encouraged as an important part of the ritual. On catering study tours to Barcelona students can learn more about this widely loved cuisine that sits at the very heart of Spanish culture.

Origin

The origins of tapas continues to be the subject of controversy, but a common theory is that is that it began with the practise of placing a slice of bread or ham atop one's glass of wine to keep insects out. The word 'tapas' literally means 'cover' or 'lid.' Another theory suggests that tapas became ingrained in Spanish culture, when illness forced the Spanish king, Alfonso the 10th to eat small bits of food with wine between meals. It is said that once the king recovered, he decreed that no wine should be served in the land of Castile without accompanying food. This was meant to discourage the poorer people from drinking on empty stomachs. These are just two of the many theories students can debate on their study tours. However it originated, Spanish tapas quickly evolved into elaborate morsels that now vary from region to region. Today, it represents Spanish lifestyle and plays a role in tourism with many tapas tours on offer.