Let's Go to Indonesia

Indonesia is the world's largest achipelagi comprising some 17,508 islands that stretch across the equator for more than 5,000 miles. There are five main islands and 30 smaller archipelagoes. The main islands are Kalimantan, Sumatra, Papua, Sulawesi and the most populated island, Java.

Situated along the volcanic rim known as the "Pacific Ring of Fire", Indonesia is the most volcanic country on earth with 128 volcanoes. Straddling the equator, Indonesi has dry season and rainy season.

It is the 4th most populous country in the world. More that 480 ethnic groups display a rich variety of customs, religions and languages (approximately 583) and dialects. Living side by side in harmony, these people still retain their own distinctive cultures. The arts and ancient traditions are expressed through hypnotic music, such as gamelan, angklung, kolintang, as well as sublime dances, exquisite cloths, paintings and carvings.

Indonesia is home to several animal and plant species, that are found nowhere else, such as orang utans, komodo dragons, one-horned rhinoceros, anoa and babi rusa. Exotic white-sand beaches reach towards warm tropical seas teeming with coral and a marvelous variety of marine life in some of the most colorful, breathaking sea gardens in the world.

Indonesian cuisine displays a mind-boggling variety of dishes that are characterized by the liberal use of aromatic spices and a variety of hot chili peppers, then cooked in a number of exciting ways, including baked or steamed in banana leaves. Rice is the nation's staple for most of the archipelago, but in the eastern islands, corn, sago, cassava and sweet potatoes are more common. An extensive assortment of tropical and sub-tropical fruit and vegetables can also be found year-round to tantalize your taste buds.

Visit Indonesia 2010

Our Top Picks For Indonesia

1 Kelimutu
Multihued crater lakes set atop an ancient volcano

2 Sumba
Fascinating and isolated island with unique tribal traditions and a rich weaving heritage

3 Pulau Weh
Undisturbed beaches, visiting whale sharks and sublime diving

4 Danau Toba
Gracious Batak hospitality and Southeast Asia’s largest volcanic lake

5 Banda Islands
Sublime snorkelling and pristine coral gardens in history’s fabled Spice Islands

Post World Cup South Africa

South African has been a successful host for World Cup 2010. So, what will happen next to the country?

World Cup commentators often describe South Africa as the “rainbow nation" but eight years ago, it was easy to see the tensions among the various ethnic groups even after a decade of post-apartheid existence.

Next to Spain, the big winner in the World Cup is the host country, with most commentators describing the games as “an unqualified success." Like other travelers who have seen the country’s seamy side, I was a little skeptical about the ability of South Africa to host a major international event, but South Africa pulled it off. I’m waiting to see what the spanking new stadiums will attract next time, and how the country will leverage its newfound reputation to bring in more travelers.

Going to South Africa

Follow the accommodation and tour links to find and book your dream South Africa travel destination. South Africa is one of the most diverse and beautiful countries to travel in the world. Aptly nicknamed the Rainbow Nation, its spectacular and varied land and its friendly people never fail to captivate those who travel in South Africa.

As one of Africa's top three safari destinations, the Kruger National Park offers visitors the iconic African safari - a dramatic production rich in lion prides, elephant herds and thousands of other animals, played out against shifting backdrops of savannah, forest, river and mountain.

Travel in Central Africa

Have you heard of a land locked country that is doing well in the tourism industry because of its beautiful sites and sceneries. Take a trip to the Central African Republic and this could make your holiday one of the best you have ever experienced. Central African Republic is a country that borders Chad in the north, Sudan to the east, republican of Congo to the west and Democratic Republic of Congo to the south. Bangui being its capital city, this country has a population of approximately 4,216,666 people where the official language is French.

The best time to visit the Central African Republic is from November to March, thus avoiding most of the rain. If you stay long enough, you can catch the March 29 celebration of Barthelemy Boganda’s death. Typical dishes in the Central African Republic are based on staples and sauces. Western food is only available in the capital, Bangui. Pop in into one of the top class hotel or restaurant that is affordable and order rice, bananas or cassava served with okra. Other foods include Muamba de Galinha, which is chicken with palm oil and okra. Chicken and cumin stew, Palm butter soup, Spinach stew, which might also include tomatoes, peppers, chilies, onions and peanut butter, Shrimps eaten with boiled yams or sweet potatoes, Beer, ginger beer, palm wine and banana wine are all common drinks throughout the area. The few hotels in Bangui have expensive clubs catering for tourists and businessmen; local nightlife is centered on the district known as ‘Kilomètre Cinq.

This is where you can dance all night to the slow music that is produce by massive sound systems that are found in these clubs and bars. Are you a fan of live music; then this is place to visit. As you are visiting the various tourist sites, why not book a 3 star hotel in the Central African Republic that will accommodate you as you travel. This country has reasonable hotels that provide a good level of service. These hotels will provide the best services and have facilities like hair driers, private bathrooms and toilets, beauty parlours, colour TV with satellite channels, shaving mirrors, hairdressing salon, daily laundry and a doctor on call. This is the best place to visit as there are experienced staff on hand to assist in planning meetings and tidying rooms. Central African Republican has various physical attractions including rivers, lakes and mountains among other features that have contributed to the tourism industry.

How about visiting Bangui? It is located on the Oubangui River and offers great photo opportunities of the landscape from the Grande Corniche. Before you head off to the rest of the country, stop by the Central Market, where local tribal art and handwork is available, and is best visited during the day. The wildlife parks and nature reserves in the Central African Republic can literally take your breath away.


The Dzanga-Sangha Reserve guards virgin rain forests, jungle elephants, gorillas and chimpanzees, and visitors can take comfort that the park entrance fee is funneled back into the reserve, the Saint Floris Park, in the country’s northeast, is open from December to mid-May and has one of the better concentrations of wild animals, including cheetahs, elephants, leopards, giraffes and other African animals. This is an interesting country. Why not pay a visit and experience it.

Flyin' with Kids

Are you a parent who needs to fly with your young children? If so, you need to look for ways to save money. Unfortunately, parents often pay full-price, if not more for their children to fly. Realistically speaking, it should be the other way around. So, how do you, as a parent, find cheap airfare when traveling with children?

Do not get a seat for a child under the age of two. Most airlines allow children under the age of two to fly on the lap of a parent. If you have a child under two, don't pay full-price for a ticket. Depending on where and when you are traveling, this seat could cost $400 or more! Some airlines do charge a fuel charge for lap infants, but it is still cheaper than a single seat.

Right about now, you may be thinking it is too uncomfortable to fly with a child on your lap. It is best if you are traveling with your spouse or another adult. You can alternate between holding your child. This is ideal for long-distance flights, ensuring both parents get to relax on the flight at some point. Do not let an airline charge you extra for a car seat. If an infant under the age of two gets their own seat, most airlines require you to have a car seat. This car seat is for safety purposes. Although some airlines require infant car seats, they have no problem charging you extra. Don't let this happen. If you must have a separate seat for your infant, contact the airline directly and bargain. Let them know that if they do not waive the fee for the infant care items, you will opt for a lap arrangement instead. Once again, this can lose the airline up to $400 or more!

Ask for a discount. If you have a small child who is over the age of two, you must buy a seat. As previously stated, that seat could cost $400 or more. What you need to remember is that your child weighs less than an adult, they have less luggage, and most have few travel needs. They aren't calling the attention of a flight attendant every ten minutes. Technically, it costs less for your child to fly, so try to pay less.

When seeking a child airfare discount, these discounts are rarely offered online. In fact, they are rarely offered at all. Parents need to seek them. Before making your airline reservations, contact the customer service department of your preferred airline. Outright ask about a discount. Mention the fact that your child does weighs less and will not have as much luggage. Be very polite, but clearly state your point. You should get a discount.

The best way to reduce the cost of flying with kids is to focus on airfare. However, don't discount other money saving areas on your family vacation. It is cheaper to fly with layovers than take a direct flight. Unfortunately, that leaves you and your kids hanging out at the airport. We all know how expensive airport meals, snacks, and drinks are. Eliminate this added expense. Give your kids a full meal before leaving, pack lots of dry snacks, and share drinks bought at airport stores.

If you are traveling with one or two children, they may want their own suitcases. As cute as they may look dragging this suitcase along, it may cost you at least $30 extra. Now, many airlines charge for not only second suitcases, but the first one too. Save money by condensing luggage with your family. Will your daughter's clothes fit into your suitcase and your son's clothes fit into your husband's suitcase? If your airline charges you $15 each way for a checked bag, you save $60 total! As you can see, there are many ways that you can save money when flying with kids. Whether you have one child or three, don't let the cost of flying ruin your finances.

Typhoon Lagoon

This summer, you can cool off at Disney Worlds Typhoon Lagoon. This water park which first opened in 1989 is still attracting a lot of visitors with its centerpiece, the 100 foot Mount Mayday where the parks 2 speed slides, 4 twisting body slides and three tube slides are all located. You won't have a hard time finding it because you will notice Ms. Tilly, a shrimp boat situated on top of the mountain.

Beneath the 100 foot man made mountain, the theme park spreads out to a 2 + acre lagoon that is surrounded by white beaches. If the weather gets to you, there is plenty of shade around thanks to the lush vegetation.

Some of the other attractions at the theme park are Ketchakiddie Creek, Typhoon Lagoon Surf Pool, Castaway Creek, Humunga Kowabunga, Storm Slides, Gang Plank Falls, Mayday Falls, Keelhaul Falls and Shark Reef.

In case you need anything, you can head down to Singapore Sal's Beachwear, Gifts & Sundries. If you have to store some stuff, you can rent a locker for $5 or $7 for a larger one. There is a refundable fee of $2 when you turn in the key.

Guests can borrow towels for $1 each. For those that need a life vest, you can get these for free since you are not allowed to bring other floatation devices into the park.

When you feel hungry, you can get some snacks at Leaning Palms, Typhoon Tilly's, Lowtide Lou's Snacks and Lets Go Slurpin.

If you need some medical attention, you can go to the First Aid Station that is located near the Leaning Palms Snack Bar.

There are certain regulations that should be follow when inside the park.

1. Swimwear that has exposed metal is not allowed to be worn inside the park.

2. Children under the age of 10 should always be accompanied by an adult.

3. Although the park is open from 10am to 5pm, this may change depending on the weather conditions.

4. If you have made reservations beforehand and the park is suddenly closed, you will not be given a refund.

5. Even if you buy a ticket to enter this water park, you cannot use this to enter any of Disney's other water parks.

The park is closed for one month every year for repairs and maintenance. Adults pay $35 plus tax while children the age of 10 to 4 will pay $29 plus tax. Anyone under three is free.