Seychelles Tourism

History of Seychelles

Seychelles is a comparatively young nation which can trace its first settlement back to 1770 when the islands were first settled by the French, leading a small party of whites, Indians and Africans. The islands remained in French hands until the defeat of Napoleon at Waterloo, evolving from humble beginnings to attain a population of 3,500 by the time Seychelles was ceded to Britain under the treaty of Paris in 1814.

During this period Seychelles came to know the enlightened policies of administrators such as Pierre Poivre, the brilliant politicking of Governor Queau de Quinssy and, of course, the terrible repercussions of the French Revolution.

Under the British, Seychelles achieved a population of some 7,000 by the year 1825. Important estates were established during this time producing coconut, food crops, cotton and sugar cane. During this period Seychelles also saw the establishment of Victoria as her capital, the exile of numerous and colourful troublemakers from the Empire, the devastation caused by the famous Avalanche of 1862 and the economic repercussions of the abolition of slavery.

Seychelles achieved independence from Britain in 1976 and became a republic within the commonwealth. Following a period of single party rule by the government of Mr. France Albert René, on December 4, 1991, President René announced a return to the multiparty system of government, 1993 saw the first multiparty presidential and legislative elections held under a new constitution in which President René was victorious. President René also won the 1998 and 2003 elections before transferring the Presidency to James Alix Michel in June 2004.

Seychelles Tourism

for Seychelles Tourism please visit Seychelles site

New Zealand Tours

Take a New Zealand tour and let your tour guide show you the very best of beautiful New Zealand, while combining it with your chosen activity. Take a relaxing cruise, join a food or wine tour group, or self-drive yourself around New Zealand.

New Zealand tours include escorted tours, package tours, adventure tours, motorcycle tours, train tours, PGA golf tours and Lord of the Rings film and theme tours.

If you have a love for the outdoors, New Zealand is the ideal destination for you. Take an eco or nature tour, go camping, hire a motorhome and travel New Zealand at your own leisure or stroll through beautiful gardens.

Below is list of tours in New Zealand..

New Zealand Adventure Tours NZ 4 Wheel Drive and Off Roads Tours.

In remote high country, gold mining territory or stunning alpine scenery, you can choose from a variety of tours such as Lord of the Rings (LOTR) tours, photographic safaris, unimog tours, 4WD scenic adventures and snow shuttle tours.

New Zealand Adventure Tours

New Zealand is the home of adventure and taking an adventure tour is a great way to meet like-minded travellers. Tour activities can include: whitewater rafting, caving, rainforest exploration, gold hunting, cycling, hot air ballooning, mountain biking, kayaking, fishing, jet boating and dolphin swimming.

NZ Age Group Tours

Not everyone wants to go bungy jumping, so these tours are specifically for more mature, senior travellers. Designed for comfort and set at a relaxed pace, these tours can include lawn bowls, garden visits, aviation or steam train tours, day walks, jet boating, wine tasting, golf, wildlife and scenic tours.

New Zealand Agricultural and Farmland Tours

If you're a farmer or interested in farming from a personal or professional point of view, an agricultural or farmland tour through some of New Zealand's most beautiful countryside is a great way to experience New Zealand farming, visit the farms and meet the farmers and their families.

NZ Boat and Sailing Tours

Sail around New Zealand's unspoilt coastlines, head out for open waters or experience fiordland cruising. There is a host of boating, cruising and sailing tours available on skippered vessels, with luxurious or more rustic cuisine and accommodation, plus crewing or more relaxing options.

NZ Bus and Coach Tours

Sit back in comfort whilst someone else does the driving through the truly captivating and beautiful scenery of New Zealand. Choose from hop-on and hop-off bus tours, chartered bus tours, fully-inclusive coach tours, luxury bus tours, small group specialist bus tours, one-day or multiple day options.

New Zealand Camping and Outdoor Tours

Lie back under the Southern Cross and count the stars after a day of activity and adventure, as you enjoy some of the best camping experiences New Zealand has to offer. Explore the wilderness, the wildlife and a taste of an outdoor life far removed from the modern world.

New Zealand Cruises - Day and Overnight

Enjoy the clear waters of New Zealand's most picturesque areas such as the Auckland Gulf, Doubtful and Milford Sounds, Akaroa Harbour, Bay of Islands, Marlborough Sounds and the Coromandel. Choose from day or overnight cruises for both private or public charters of all sizes.

New Zealand Cruise Ship Tours

See New Zealand from the sea and enjoy its unspoilt coastline and view marine and birdlife such as penguins, dolphins, seals, whales and more. Also available are guided tours of local beauty spots and sights of interest, which start and finish from popular cruise ship ports and harbours.

New Zealand Cultural Tours

The wide range of cultural tours available reflects New Zealand's diverse and vibrant culture. Choose from tours such as Maori cultural tours (myths, legends and heritage), chocolate, lifestyle and wine tours, adventure and wildlife tours, spiritual and political tours.

New Zealand Custom and Personal Tours

If you can't find a tour that includes some of the places you'd like to visit and the activities you want to enjoy, why not have a tour tailored especially for you and your group. Customised and personalised tours help make sure that you get the 'Kiwi experience' you really want.

New Zealand Cycle and Mountain Bike Tours

The clean, green way to explore New Zealand is by pedalling away on two wheels, albeit with a support team in tow. Experience the country's best cycling tracks, trails, roads and mountain bike circuits which cater for seasoned professionals, keen amateurs and family groups.

New Zealand Dive Tours

Take your diving to a new level and dive into some of the world's best diving areas guided by the locals who know the turf and the surf. New Zealand offers professional and safe diving tours and diving lessons for both diving and scuba-diving beginners and experts.

New Zealand Eco and Nature Tours

You never know where an eco and nature tour can take you – the range of New Zealand's eco and nature tours include glowworm caving adventure, wilderness and wildlife tours, whale watching, swimming with seals and dolphins, albatross and penguin encounters and more.

New Zealand Educational Tours

Educational tours are offered throughout New Zealand and are designed to cater for groups with specific interests as diverse as aviation, penguin breeding, the chocolate industry, beer and cider brewing, winemaking, Maori culture, astronomy, adventure and tourism education.

New Zealand Exclusive Luxury Tours

Luxury, exclusive tours designed especially for you and your travelling group offer the very best itineraries combined with top-end luxuries and an excellence in service that guarantees a highly relaxing, luxurious and comfortable holiday experience in New Zealand...

New Zealand Expedition Cruises

Experience a life at sea by securing a berth in one of the many freighter ships leaving and arriving in New Zealand from distant shores. This is not an experience for the faint-hearted, but offers an unforgettable way to travel. Also available are expedition cruises leaving New Zealand for the islands and Antarctic regions..

New Zealand Film and Theme Tours

Your chance to photograph and film the locations that feature in movies such Lord of the Rings, Narnia, Whale Rider and River Queen, as well as visiting Wellington, New Zealand's capital and world-renown film-making centre. Tours available on both the North and South Islands, self-drive or escorted by 4WD, coach and helicopter.

New Zealand Garden Tours

There are many private and public parks, gardens and reserves throughout New Zealand which are well worth a visit for anyone who appreciates botany, horticulture and beautiful outdoor spaces. Gardens on both the North and South Islands can include formal rose gardens, English gardens and rural, high country gardens.

New Zealand Gay and Lesbian Tours

New Zealand is world famous for its stunning scenery, but it is also home to warm and welcoming 'Kiwis'. Gay and lesbian tours give gay visitors the opportunity to meet gay and lesbian locals who can become part of a memorable New Zealand holiday experience. Accommodation, itineraries and activities are designed for personal preferences..

New Zealand Heritage and Historical Tours

Walk in the footsteps of Maori explorers, follow the trails of late 19th century gold-miners, trace the routes forged by European settlers and enjoy a taste of New Zealand's colonial and cultural past, such as the French settlement of Akarao and the the Chinese gold mining camp in Arrowtown...

New Zealand Lord of The Rings Tours

See why Peter Jackson filmed the Lord of the Rings trilogy in New Zealand, a 21st century Middle Earth. Visit locations such as Edoras, Helm's Deep, the Misty Mountains, Pelennor Battle Fields, Pillars of the Kings, Aragorn's Cliff, the outskirts of the Shire, the Gardens of Isengard, the River Anduin and the white bridge of Lothlorien..

New Zealand Motorcycle Tours

Join a guided motorbike tour or hire a motorcycle to see the very best of New Zealand from the open road. Motorbike touring options include hiring vintage 1970s Triumph motorbikes, classic BMWs or timeless Harley Davidsons and joining tours for beginners through to experienced riders. Off-road and quad bike tours also available.

New Zealand Motorhome Tours

Motorhomes and campervans are a familiar sight on roads throughout New Zealand all through the year. Hiring a motorhome for a motorhome touring holiday is a popular option for many visitors, who want the freedom to explore the country in their own time and experience the beautiful outdoors with a few home comforts at their fingertips.

New Zealand Package Tours and Vacation Planners

Get those in the know to help design and plan the perfect holiday in New Zealand for you and your group. New Zealand vacation planners can ensure that you get the most out of your time and budget by maximising on and selecting the best travel, accommodation and activities options for you.

New Zealand Photography and Art Tours

New Zealand's natural landscapes and stunning scenery provide endless inspiration for photographers and artists from all over the world. By taking a specialist photographic or art tour, you can visit some of the most beautiful destinations in the country, at the right time and with enough time to capture it in the medium of your choice.

New Zealand Private Guides and Personal Service

Get to know New Zealand by getting to know one of the locals. By using the services of a private guide in New Zealand, you will receive a personalised service ensuring your stay ncludes activities, accommodation, experiences and tours that are suited to your specific interests and preferences..

New Zealand Scenic Tours

New Zealand offers visitors an almost endless diversity of scenic and natural attractions including glaciers, lakes, rivers, beaches, volcanoes, geo-thermal reserves, snow-capped mountains, rainforests, fiords and remote islands. Tours encompassing natural beauty spots range from one-day to multi-day trips catering for all interests, ages and abilities.

New Zealand Self Drive Tours

If you want to see New Zealand at your own pace with freedom to roam, a self-drive tour is the perfect option for you. You can rent cars, motorhomes, campervans, 4WDs, motorbikes and large people carriers from tour specialists throughout the country who provide rental vehicles with maps, guide books and road-side assistance.

New Zealand Ski and Snowboard Tours

From June to October, skiers and snowboarders can usually enjoy almost perfect conditions for skiing or snowboarding tours. New Zealand's ski fields offer top slopes, trails and runs for skiers and snowboarders of all abilities and experience with some tour companies offering heliskiing for the ultimate skiing experience.

New Zealand Small Group Tours

Tour New Zealand in a small group of like-minded individuals and travel in comfort. Small group tour specialists offer visitors an excellent standard of service, food, transport and accommodation. Small group tour choices include wine tours, film location tours, high country tours, activity, adventure and wildlife tours.

New Zealand Sporting and Golf Tours

New Zealand has a growing reputation for some of the finest golf courses in the southern hemisphere and taking a golf tour in New Zealand is an excellent and time-effective way to get round its many holes. Also popular are fishing tours (fly fishing and deep sea fishing), rugby tours and more.

New Zealand Surfing and Kiteboarding Tours

Learn to surf or kiteboard in a safe, fun environment or stretch your surfing skills with surf camps, surf tours and surf safari camping trips. With excellent beaches and surf schools throughout the country, taking a surfing tour in New Zealand is a great choice for active holiday makers, with no, little or lots of surf experience.

New Zealand Train Tours

Include a train tour on your tourist trail around New Zealand and enjoy the scenery in unique style and comfort. You can choose from a number of rail tours including coastal railways, mountain railways, steam engine railways and one of the best known railways in New Zealand, the mighty TranzAlpine railway crossing from Christchurch to Greymouth on the South Island.

New Zealand Travel Agents

There are travel agents throughout New Zealand who can help you to create and book your perfect holiday. Offering specialist local knowledge and up-to-the-minute market knowledge, travel agents can help take the strain and financial pain out of booking accommodation, transport, tours and activities..

New Zealand Volcanic and Geothermal Tours

Explore New Zealand's unique volcanic landscape on one of the volcanic and geothermal tours available in the volcanic regions. Guided walking, scenic drives and cruises can take you through stunning volcanic landscapes, alpine panoramas, spectacular geothermal activity, scenic crater lakes, magnificent ancient rainforests and breathtaking coastal scenery.

New Zealand Wine Tours

New Zealand's wine growing regions stretch over 1,000km and run the length of the country from Northland to Otago (in the South Island). Wine makers and wine guides run a wide variety of guided wine tours for visitors interested in New Zealand wine. Transport and accommodation, where required, is provided and wining and dining is of course first class..

New Zealand Womens Tours

Highly personalised, small group tours for women of all ages offer a more intimate touring experience, with plenty of opportunities for participants to rest, relax, enjoy the scenery and the company of fellow travellers. Scenic, adventure, activity, wine, cycling and other special interest tours catered for.

Travelling and Tourism in Indonesia

Travelling and Tourism in Indonesia

Tourism in Indonesia is an important component of the Indonesian economy as well as a significant source of its foreign exchange revenues. In 2009, the number of international tourists arriving in Indonesia climbed 3.6% to 6.45 million arrivals from 6.43 million in 2008. The subsequent economical impact of this tourist influx in 2009 saw $6.3 billion US dollars spent by international tourists in Indonesia, at an average spend of US$129.57 per day and US$995.93 per visit. Whilst the number of arrivals increased in 2009 the total spent per visitor decreased leading to a revenues shortfall of US$1.07 billion when compared to the previous year.

In late January 2011 Culture and Tourism Minister Jero Wacik announced that "Wonderful Indonesia" would replace the previous “Visit Indonesia Year” branding used by the nations official tourism promotional campaigns. The minister announced that in 2010, foreign tourists visiting Indonesia touched 7 million and made predictions of 7.7 million in 2011. He was reported as describing the new branding as reflecting "the country’s beautiful nature, unique culture, varied food, hospitable people and price competitiveness. “We expect each tourist will spend around US$1,100 and with an optimistic target of 7.7 million arrivals, we will get $8.3 billion,” from this. The Culture and Tourism Minister added that 50 percent of the revenue would be generated from about 600 meetings, conventions and exhibitions that were expected to take place in various places throughout the country 2011. He further added in the announcements of January 2011 that his ministry would be promoting the country’s attractions under the eco-cultural banner.

Both nature and culture are major components of Indonesian tourism. The natural heritage can boast a unique combination of a tropical climate, a vast archipelago of 17,508 islands, 6,000 of them being inhabited, the third longest shoreline in the world (54,716 km) after Canada and the European Union. It is the worlds largest and most populous country situated only on islands. The beaches in Bali, diving sites in Bunaken, Mount Rinjani in Lombok and various national parks in Sumatra are just a few examples of popular scenic destinations. These natural attractions are complemented by a rich cultural heritage that reflects Indonesia's dynamic history and ethnic diversity. One fact that exemplifies this richness is that 719 living languages are used across the archipelago. The ancient Prambanan and Borobudur temples, Toraja, Yogyakarta, Minangkabau, and of course Bali, with its many Hindu festivities, are some of the popular destinations for cultural tourism.

Travel and Tourism in Indonesia is currently overseen by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. International tourism campaigns have been focusing largely on its tropical destinations with white sand beaches, blue sky, and cultural attractions. Beach resorts and hotels have been developed in some popular tourist destinations, especially Bali island as the primary destination. At the same time, the integration of cultural affairs and tourism under the scope of the same ministry shows that cultural tourism is considered an integral part of Indonesia's tourism industry, and conversely, that tourism is used to promote and preserve the cultural heritage.

Some of the challenges Indonesia's tourism industry has to face include the development of infrastructure to support tourism across the sprawling archipelago, incursions of the industry into local traditions (adat), and the impact of tourism development on the life of local people. The tourism industry in Indonesia has also faced setbacks due to problems related to security. Since 2002, warnings have been issued by some countries over terrorist threats and ethnic as well as religious conflicts in some areas, significantly reducing the number of foreign visitors for a few years. However, the number of international tourists has bounced back positively since 2007, and reached a new record in 2008.

Travel and Tourism New Zealand Guide

Travel and Tourism New Zealand Guide

About New Zealand

In New Zealand you will find a unique culture and stunning natural environment. Look out for beautiful native birds such as the tui and kereru as they venture into suburban gardens to feed.

Natural environment

From rolling green farmland to majestic snow-covered mountains, New Zealand deserves its reputation for some of the world’s most beautiful natural environments.

Population

New Zealand is similar in size to the United Kingdom or Japan but the population is just over 4 million. Most New Zealanders live in cities, so the countryside is very sparsely populated. While the scenery sets our country apart, Kiwis have a reputation for friendliness, creativity and independence.

Climate

The varied terrain and long thin shape of the country (from 34 to 48 degrees latitude south) create a variety of climatic conditions, from sub-tropical to almost continental. Conditions are very changeable – a cool rainy day can suddenly turn sunny and hot. The mild climate is great for our agriculture and horticulture industries, which are vital to the economy.

Wildlife

Our closest neighbour is Australia, 3 hours by plane. This geographic isolation means many indigenous species of plants and birds are found only in New Zealand - including, the famous, flightless kiwi.

Air travel to New Zealand

Travel to New Zealand is easy, with many cities around the world offering direct flights to Auckland, Wellington or Christchurch.

Carrying cash

If you bring more than NZ$10,000 or the equivalent amount in foreign currency, you’ll need to declare it to a customs officer.

Quarantine regulations

To protect New Zealand's agricultural, horticultural and forestry industries, the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry enforces very strict quarantine requirements. Many animal and plant products are banned.

On the incoming flight you'll be given a declaration form. Declare any items you have or put them in the special bin at the airport. It's a good idea to pack everything you think may be inspected near the top of your suitcase. Clean all outdoor footwear and equipment, including farm, camping and sports gear, before you pack.

Airport pick-ups

In most cases, your institution will arrange for someone to meet you at the airport and take you to where you’re staying.

Domestic travel – transfers

You should allow about 3 hours to be processed by customs. If you’re catching a flight within New Zealand, go to the domestic transfer desk. Allow for at least an hour to check in your luggage.

In Auckland the domestic terminal is located about 10 minutes’ walk from the international terminal. Follow the sign-posted walkway. There is also a free inter-terminal bus.

Travelling home

If you are travelling home for a holiday or at the end of your course, the cheapest place to get air tickets is often the Internet. Check the websites of the airline you want to travel with.

Travel Insurance Tips

Travel insurance is insurance that is intended to cover medical expenses, financial default of travel suppliers, and other losses incurred while traveling, either within one's own country, or internationally. Temporary travel insurance can usually be arranged at the time of the booking of a trip to cover exactly the duration of that trip, or a more extensive, continuous insurance can be purchased from travel insurance companies, travel agents or directly from travel suppliers, such as cruise lines or tour operators. However, travel insurance purchased from travel suppliers tends to be less inclusive than insurance offered by insurance companies. Travel insurance often offers coverage for a variety of travelers. Student travel, business travel, leisure travel, adventure travel, cruise travel, and international travel are all various options that can be insured.

Travel insurance will protect you from losses in the unexpected when you travel on business or when you're melakukana travel when on vacation. So what protection will be provided insurance when things happen we do not want? The following is a general protection on the cover by the insurance provider:

protection when the accident occurred (death, disability, injury, drugs, medical expenses, etc.)

protection of luggage (baggage, personal items)

protection of the chaotic travel schedule (delay, repatriation)

Quite interesting is not it? especially for those of you who are always mobile and often travel both at home and abroad.

Then to choose the appropriate travel insurance, there are some things you should consider. Here are some things we need to think carefully when choosing a travel insurance :

It should be understood that the insurance premiums is an expense, not investment. In other words, our money will be lost if the period of the policy we are in good health.

Ask your insurance agent for the detailed each item that is written in the policy. For example, an exception condition that is not guaranteed. Because of the cost, insurance buyers should ask friends or people who felt more aware about insurance.

Ask also about the claim procedures. More quick and easy claims process, the better kuliatas bureaucratic insurance companies concerned. That is why, notice that the insurance company track records will be selected.

Travel and Tourism Tips to Germany

Travel and Tourism Tips to Germany  :

Restaurants and Bars - You do not get water for free, you have to pay for it. If you order water you will get carbonated water. In most restaurants you can request tap water and they may or may not charge you but it is most likely straight from the sink. In some American fast food restaurants, (i.e. McDonalds) you must pay for ketchup as well. Be aware that the menus at most fast food restaurants in Germany are not exactly the same. You may also notice that a sandwich that you recognize from back home may taste a little different or it could be smaller. When you enter a restaurant you will not be seated, just walk right in and pick the table of your choice!- the tip should be much smaller than you would give in the States (this is because the waiters/waitresses get paid more than in the states) A tip of two or three EUR would be considered a good tip for very good service.

Supermarkets - If you shop for groceries in Germany you will notice the supermarkets have all of their large rolling carts outside in a designated area and they are locked to one another. In order to utilize a cart you must place one EUR in the cart itself, you will see the slot on the handle. Upon leaving the supermarket you latch the cart back to the other carts and pull the device out where you placed the coin, now you can retrieve your coin. When you have all of the groceries you want, proceed to the check-out counter. You will have to purchase plastic bags to put the groceries in or you can take one in yourself. If you decide to purchase one they are usually visible at the counter and normally only cost a few cents. If there is a long line do not put all of your groceries in the bag, put them back into the cart and bag them away from the line.

Closing hours - On Sunday everything is closed except for some restaurants, bars, gas stations and shops at the main train station and bigger airports. Some bigger stores are realizing that they can make much more money if they open on Sunday so they are doing just that, but I would not rely on it. During the week shops in bigger cities close at 8 PM at the latest. You may see shops in smaller cities closing even earlier.

Public Phones - Public phones are very rare in Germany. If you find one you will notice that they only take telephone cards. You can buy a telephone card in different shops like "T-Punkt", "Telekom", "Post", and "Vodafone" or you can go to an Internet cafe.

Miscellaneous - "Bad" in front of a towns name does not mean that the people or the city is bad for example, "Bad Homburg". Bad in front of a towns name normally means that the town is designated as a healthy location normally with very clean air and water.

Joshua Spaulding is an author providing a unique view to travellers. Joshua is an American Soldier stationed in Germany and offers outstanding