Where is Socotra?

Socotra, also spelled Soqotra, is a small archipelago of four islands in the Indian Ocean. The largest island, Socotra, is about 95% of the landmass of the archipelago. Socotra lies some 240 kilometres east of the Horn of Africa and 380 kilometres south of the Arabian Peninsula.

Socotra is considered the jewel of biodiversity in the Arabian Sea. In the 1990s, a team of United Nations biologists conducted a survey of the archipelago’s flora and fauna. They counted nearly 700 endemic species, found nowhere else on earth; only Hawaii and the Galapagos Islands have more impressive numbers. One of the most striking of Socotra’s plants is the dragon’s blood tree (Dracaena cinnabari), which is a strange-looking, umbrella-shaped tree. Because of this biodiversity the island was recognised by UNESCO as a world natural heritage site in July 2008.

Yemen: Jewel of Arabia

Map

TravelTipsPlus Google Map of Socotra

One Great Reason to Visit Socotra

One great reason to visit this travel destination is to the magnificent dragon’s blood tree.

Socotra, Yemen

For More Information

• Wikipedia
• Yemen Tourism Site

Where is Ubud?

Ubud is located north-east of Bali’s capital Denpasar, in the central uplands regions. Cheapflights Australia will get you to Denpasar where you can grab an airport taxi or hire a car. The trip generally takes 1-1.5 hours. Note there are no airport shuttle buses.

Ubud is the hub of Bali’s arts and culture, together with yoga and nature. The Ubud area is surrounded with forests, rivers and cooler temperatures. Some of the small “boutique” hotels in and around Ubud, offer spa treatments or treks up Ubud’s nearby mountains. Ubud’s central market is a popular attraction also.

Ubud’s other star attraction is the ‘Ubud Monkey Forest’ where visitors can see the hundreds of macaque monkeys which live in the reserve. Visitors can buy bananas at the front gate to feed to the monkeys, who may even try to steal from you! The cheeky monkeys love objects which are shiny, so glasses, earrings and metal objects are often stolen…so be on the look out!

Map

TravelTipsPlus Google Map of Ubud

One Great Reason to Visit Ubud

One great reason to visit this travel destination is for a true Balinese cultural experience.

Walking around Ubud, Bali

Bali & Lombok (Regional Travel Guide)

For More Information

• Wikipedia
• Bali Tourism Board

If you want to take your family to Orlando for vacation, then you have to be prepared for a very busy and fun experience since you will be on a tour of their wonderful attractions, amazing sightseeing, and meeting new and interesting people.

There are many things to do in Orlando and it is a place for children, adults, and families. Every age and person can find something to do to enjoy themselves.

1. Incredible and Fun Theme Parks

When it comes to visiting Orlando the one thing you can’t forget to do is to go to the theme parks. Orlando offers the very best ones such as Disney World, Universal Studios, Sea World, Busch Gardens and the new LEGOLAND.

2. Saving Money While Having a Great Time

From theme parks, historical places, wildlife, and shopping centres they all seem to offer discounts and deals for everyone who comes to Orlando. There are many ways to get Universal Studios Orlando tickets as well as tickets for many other theme parks for great prices. You don’t even have to spend time with small coupon booklets given to tourists since the best deals can be found right on your computer! Having a great vacation doesn’t need to take a lot out of your wallet. You can have fun with the family and save money while doing so.

3. Beautiful Beaches

Some of the beaches in Orlando such as Cocoa beach, Daytona Beach, and many others have amazing views and white sand with crystal clear waters. With all the entertainment available, you can have an itinerary full of fun just by the beach.
The kids can enjoy the boardwalk attractions and carnivals while adults can listen to live music at nights on the beach. There is fun for everyone.

4. Lessons In History

If you want to look back, the Kennedy Space Centre will give you the most significant events in a man’s history. There are many sites to see especially in downtown Orlando. Orlando is not just to party and have fun, but it is a great resource for a history buff.

5. The Amazing Wildlife

If you want to experience wildlife, swim with the Manatees in their crystal river. You can go on whale watching on the space coast or bird watching at the Meritt Island bird refuge. There are many options to explore if you want to see exotic wildlife.

6. Endless Places to Shop At

Are you a shopaholic? A vacation to Orlando will not be complete if shopping is not in your list. There are lots of shopping malls, flea markets, and even more shopping available at the theme parks. One of the three one-of-a-kind malls here is the M&M World Store, and it is a must to visit the place.

7. Kind Hearted People

The reason why a lot of people visit Orlando is not just because of its attractions, but the people as well. Once you arrive, you will be accommodated. They will be the ones to make your vacation a meaningful one. Especially for a younger crowd, you will meet lots of new people especially since there are many colleges around the area.

8. Exclusive Events
Knowing many tourists come from all over the city of Orlando makes sure to put together some amazing events that you can take advantage of, most of the time these events are free or very low in cost.

9. Unbelievable Food Places

When visiting Orlando, try not to eat at the regular places that are found everywhere else. Visit the delicious cuisines Orlando has to offer. From the cheapest to the most expensive restaurants, you can find something new for any budget. There are a lot of restaurants that only exist in Orlando and on top of that most of them offer discounts.

10. Beautiful Landscapes

Orlando is truly a remarkable place and anywhere you decide to travel to you will see amazing landscapes. If you are a landscape lover then it is another one of the many reasons why you need to visit.

Orlando is must visit place for any family. There are attractions for kids to adults, from a history buff to a shopaholic. You will not run out of things to do at Orlando so book your visit today.

Travel Photo of the Week: Kakadu National Park, Northern Territory, Australia

I visited Kakadu National Park back in 2000. It was early June and the wet season was only just finishing up but there was plenty to mark the wet season had been! Many roads were still under water and a good portion of the Yellow Water Billabong car park remained submerged. So much water laying about together with ‘Beware of Crocodiles’ signs, you couldn’t help but feel a little apprehensive. During the Yellow Water Billabong tour by boat, these water lilies were captured. Photos of the crocs will come another time! Stay tuned!