World's top 10 beach destinations

Beaches, bays and impressive coastlines beckon almost all Australian travellers. However, not everyone is wowed by the same waves, and everyone has their own idea of what their perfect beach might be. We have selected their top 10 best beaches in the world, taking into account the off-the-beaten-track beauties and the best-value beach hotel hotspots.

Travel to India - Advice and tips for first time travellers

There's no denying that travelling to India can be a major culture shock, especially on your first visit. It's a huge and bewildering country, with many different religions and cultures, and cities that roar with traffic and bustle with activity non-stop. So how to prepare for this assault on the senses? We reckon that if you want to get the most out of your trip it's best to:

Lonely Planets Guid to Hong Kong

Hong Kong in Cantonese, meaning fragrant harbor is a place with multiple personalities, as a result of being both Cantonese Chinese and under a more recent contemporary ex-British influence. Today, the former British colony is a major tourism destination for China's increasingly affluent mainland population. It is also an important hub in East Asia with global connections to many of the world's cities. It is a unique destination that has absorbed people and cultural influences from places as diverse as Vietnam and Vancouver and proudly proclaims itself to be Asia's World City.

Sri Lanka; A Land Like No Other !

Mainly named as the Pearl of the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka as a small island has many names which people call; Serendib, Ceylon, Teardrop of India, Resplendent Isle, Island of Dharma, Pearl of the Orient are some of those beautiful names. This colorful collection reveals its richness and beauty, and the intensity of affection which it has evoked in visitors.

Sunny Island Escapes

You survived the post-holiday blues, but we’ll bet a pick-me-up is still in order. These sunny island escapes should do the trick.

Jade Mountain St. Lucia: Where All Rooms Have Infinity Pools

Located in the eastern Caribbean Sea, Jade Mountain in St. Lucia is one of the most incredible resorts the Sifter has seen. Each room has only three walls and a private infinity pool with stunning panoramic views of the beautiful Caribbean. A tropical oasis, this slice of heaven doesn’t come cheap, with nightly rates ranging from $950 up to $2,700 US. One can dream though!

Check out the gallery of images below along with information on the resort and rooms. Sigh…

Best Secret Islands on Earth

Hollywood scouts were on to something when they skipped over Mykonos and chose a secret island in Greece as the location for Mamma Mia. The movie was a $600-million hit, in part because it fueled peoples’ fantasies of escaping to a secluded island (and yes, those catchy ABBA tunes didn’t hurt).

Surprisingly, that picture-perfect movie location, Skopelos, has stayed under the radar. When you hop off the ferry, you’ll be wowed by the view of the shimmering Aegean Sea, the island’s tile-roofed tavernas, and a decided lack of travelers.

Top 10 Best Winter Vacation Destinations

If you are an adrenaline junkie and winter activities are right up your alley, then going for a winter vacation is just your thing. At least, it's better than sitting at home doing. So, if you are a snowboarder, a skier or just one of those people who loves the winter, then going to a fun winter destination is just what you are looking for. However, winter vacations don't necessarily mean roughing it out in the snow, you could also go to a sunny, relaxing location to soak up the sun while all the others back home are freezing their hands off!

Best Places to be for Christmas

From New Mexico to New Zealand, a world of Christmas celebrations awaits.
A solemn group of candle-carrying figures has just been turned down entry to one of San Miguel de Allende’s Spanish colonial buildings right off El Jardín, the town’s main square. A girl on a donkey leads the way, past shops festooned with piñatas and poinsettias, and you can still see the glow of the town’s Christmas tree in the distance.

Best Affordable All-Inclusive Resorts

All-inclusive resorts that deliver surprising luxuries, service, and cuisine at an affordable (and predictable) price.

As a Manhattan assistant district attorney and mother of three, Kerry Chicon can make a persuasive case for needing a break from stress and planning. So finding a low-maintenance vacation is her high priority: “When we travel with kids, we always go all-inclusive,” she says.

Leh Ladakh

Leh India - Leh, the capital city of Ladakh is a destination where you should head to if you are looking for a vacation with difference. The rugged landscape of the Leh India with towering mountains and precariously perched monasteries will enchant you completely.Travellers flock to Ladakh from all corners of the globe. This trans-Himalayan district of Jammu and Kashmir has now become a favourite of both adventure freaks and culture enthusiasts.

Most Awesome Sunshine Destinations

Say goodbye to cloudy sky, annoying rain, low temperatures and dark miserable days. While planning your next vacation choose one of those destinations where permanent sunshine, hot temperatures and warm sea water can be taken for granted regardless of the season.

See below several places blessed with eternal sunshine and everlasting summer.

Things To Do in Dubai

went to Dubai three years back and it was a trip I can never forget. I had actually  planned everything before leaving home. I knew exactly where I had to be each day because  I was suppose to be there for 5 days only. So if you’re planning your trip to Dubai, make  sure you get to visit all the worthy places like Desert Safari, Global Village, Jumeirah Beach, Wild Wadi, Burj Al Arab  and of course all the shopping malls.

Aruba, Jamaica, Ooooh I Wanna Take Ya...

Try as they might to deny it, everybody has hummed it at least once. The odds are high, too, that we all know the chorus by heart. The question is: does Kokomo really exist? And even if it does, how much do you have to loosen your purse strings to be part of it without passing as a cheapskate?

Top Ten World's Tourism Earners

Tourism is a huge industry. It is an important pillar of many economies that generates billions of dollars annually. Without revenues from tourism even the world's strongest and most prosperous countries could shake. Despite the economic downturn, which has stopped many people from traveling, the world's most popular destinations still receive enormous numbers of visitors, who leave enormous amounts of money in the pockets of their hosts.

A Vacation Guide To Bachelor

When you're single, there's something missing alright. When you're in a relationship, the whole world is missing YOU, and the moment another fight over crumbs in the toaster breaks out, you realize that playing solo was far more fun. That's of course a temporary state of mind, and sooner or later, the need for “possession” takes over. But what if you're single and can't help it? Well, the first thing to do is to be persistent and keep looking; the second - have a holiday that will make your mind race and your buddies turn green with envy.

Best Budget Destinations

If you want to travel longer, more often and for less money, check out our best budget destinations for 2010. These places have it all: beautiful vistas, hospitable people, amazing beaches, ancient sites...and jaw-dropping prices. So don't worry about your limited funds as these countries will stretch the budget of the most money-conscious traveler.

Best Backpacking Destinations

It goes without saying that backpacking is one of the most incredible, challenging and rewarding forms of traveling. Freedom, the scent of adventure, the sense of achievement - it all comes in a package, or, actually, a backpack. Whether you follow typical tourist routes or choose to stay off the beaten track, backpacking is a life changing experience for every independent traveler. Have a look at our selection of the best backpacking destinations for 2010 and choose your option for the days to come.

Least Visited Destinations to Avoid Crowds

They are a bit forgotten, away from the most wanted tourist routes and less-traveled. Still, the least visited destinations can boast amazing heritage, natural wonders and welcoming locals. They might be less developed and less popular but, then again, the unspoiled nature, untrodden trails and unexplored regions make them unbelievably rewarding pursuits.

See where to go to avoid crowds.

Awesome and Best Mediterranean Destinations

How to find the best section of the Mediterranean coastline that extends for 46,000 kilometres (28,600 mi), winds through 21 countries and is bounded by three continents - Europe, Africa and Asia? From hundreds of amazing spots we selected ten jewels of the Mediterranean that are particularly rewarding, beautiful and special.