/Paraiso Philippines/

mitad del mundoQuito, the capital of Ecuador in South America, is only 24km south of the Equator, and lies at an elevation of 2,850m, flanked by snowcapped volcanic peaks. This amazing locations means that you can experience what feels like four seasons in one day: spring-like mornings, summery afternoons, cool, autumnal evenings and wintery nights.

A visit to its vibrant Old City will also be a rich sensory affair. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1978, it has been protected and preserved.
As you traipse through its labyrinth of colonial mansions, cathedrals and busy cobblestone streets, look out for the exuberant magnificence of its colonial - and independence-era architecture and heritage.

But alongside the experience of 40 Cathedrals, museums and mansions lies modern luxury in the form of boutique hotels and chic restaurants. One must do: Head to the Mitad del Mundo, an obelisk-shaped monument which marks the equatorial line, where you can straddle both hemispheres and stand in the middle of the world.


BurjalarabMany people visit Dubai to witness one of the greatest Dubai hotels, Burj Al-Arab. This name literally means Tower of the Arabs. Constructed for 5-years (1994 - 1999) and stands on an artificial island 280 meters from Jumeirah beach, Burj Al-Arab is the highest building in the world that used exclusively as hotel. It’s a unique shape that mimic the sail of a boat, is an iconic structure that symbolize Dubai’s modern urban development and transformation.

It takes 3 years to build the artificial island, but the building itself takes less than 3 years to build. More than 230 piles (each 40-m long) drove into the sand used to secure the foundation. 9k tons weight of steels and 70k cubic meters of concrete are used to construct this building.

With maximum heights of over 1.000 feet (321 m), 60 fl count, 1.2 million sq ft floor area, 18 elevators count, this property claim itself as 6-Stars hotel status. Despite of its extraordinary size, this exclusive hotel only hold 202 bedroom suites. The minimum room size occupies 169 sq meters and the largest occupies 780 sq meters. Begins with $1.500 until $5.000 per night, Burj Al Arab is one of the most expensive hotels in the world.

Don’t claim yourself been at Burj Al-Arab if you haven’t visit Al-Muntaha (literally means ultimate highest) restaurant, which is located 200m above the Persian Gulf. Witness the wonderful view of Dubai from this ultimate height is an unforgettable experience. On the contrary with Al-Muntaha, you’ll also found the other restaurant Al Mahara (literally means The Oyster), which lies below the Persian Gulf (a large seawater aquarium theme).

I personally admire and love this building, as you’ll find many unique experiences and unforgettable moments that any other places can only be envy. It’s a 6-stars experiences on a 6-stars magnificent hotel.


I was going to Barcelona full of bad thoughts as some of my friends didn’t get the best of their vacation because of poor service they were offered in Spain.

Quick I realised that they must have had tons of bad luck as my Barcelona hotel was nearly perfect. The hotel staff were extremely helpful and changed my room as my TV wasnt working. The initial room (with shower) was quite small but fine for 1, the Classic room with a bath was lovely and big - much better for a couple. The decor was beautiful and I would definately recommend it and stay there again.

On the next occasion (when I was going to Europe) I had decided to try some of Rome hotels, and I must say I was not disappointed. Also my friends (those who had received bad service in Spain) decided to use Europe Cities which I recommended to them and booked some Zurich hotels.

They were very happy with their holidays this time and thankful to me.


Saint Maarten Dutch SideIf you plan to spend your holiday in a Caribbean tropical island, you might want to consider the beautiful island St Maarten. It’s the smallest island that inhabited and shared between 2 countries France and Dutch Antilles / West Indies. The two main towns Philipsburg (Dutch side) and Marigot (French side) offer you a complete gratification, with its own uniqueness. You’ll find numerous boutiques that sell high quality duty free goods, which many people refer these places as Shopper’s paradise.

The French side, St-Martin, is known with its shopping, nude beaches, clothes with lots of Indian and French cuisine. While the Dutch side, St Maarten, is known with its casinos, rum-base guavaberry liquors (which is very exotic), jewelry, beaches, and festive nightlife.

St Martin and St Maarten Vacation Villas give you world-class accommodation and exclusive touch of Caribbean Tropical Island. You can find huge properties with more than 200 rooms or private properties with less than 20 rooms instead, so you decide which you prefer most.

More people nowadays prefers St Martin and St Maarten Villa Rentals compared with quality stars hotels, as these villa rentals services gives you more exclusivity of luxurious communal areas like swimming pool. Families, groups and couples can expect to spend more quality time together with no disturbance of other guests and or hotel staff.

Primary mode of transportation for visitors staying is rental cars. 4-wheel drive is recommended when you expect to drive off the main road and go to the secluded beach areas. However, long traffic jams between the 2 main cities Philipsburg, Marigot and the airport are common.

Saint Kitts, Nevis, Saba, St Eustatius, Anguilla, and St-Barthelemy are neighboring islands which can be seen easily on sunny day of St Maarten. Make sure to check the local weather information before going to this lovely area, especially on late summer and early fall as tropical activity storm is occasionally menaced.

Enjoy the beauty of St Martin and St Maarten.


Car travel preparationBreakdown could happened anytime and ruin your lovely summer plan. These tips might prevent your car from the unexpected breakdown:

1. Emergency Kit - Never forgot to bring some basic items in case of any emergency situations. Basic tools, windshield washer fluid, gloves, jumper cables, flash light, first aid, and a gallon of gas are some items that you might want to consider as your emergency kit. If you’re using car rental , ask whether they able to provide some of these emergency stuff.

2. Cooling system - check your coolant (remember to do this only when the engine is cold) and make sure that the radiator fins is not clogged by debris or dirt. Also keep an eye on the oil and fluids level for brakes, power steering and transmission.

3. Tires - Check the recommended pressure rating for your car in the owner’s manual and make sure the actual tire’s pressure are within this recommended range. Tire pressure that outside the recommended rate could easily blow out by overheating. Ask the vendor to check this for you if you use service from a car rental.

4. Temperature Gauge - Always keep an eye on the temperature level of your temperature gauge, when the indicator shows red zone immediately stop your car in a safe area. Do not open the radiator’s cap while the engine is hot. Overheated can caused a serious damage on your car.

5. Synthetic oil - gives you extra protection on high temperature for your engine

6. Lights - Always check your headlight’s low / high beam, turn right-left signal, brake lights, side marker lights and also emergency flashers.

7. Windshield wipers - wiper’s blade made of rubber which gets susceptible by summer heat. Investing a new (if necessary) set would always make sure your windshield wipers in a prime condition.

These tips might useful whether you use your own car or even use a car rental service. Have a great summer vacation.


CarHire vacationMany people having their dream travel around Europe by using rail transportation. But have you ever considering of driving your own car around Europe, where you can drive where ever you want and whenever you like?

Train prices are always goes up every year and car hire is a good option for every traveler in Europe, especially when you got limited budget. Below are few tips when you try to find car for hire to enjoy your vacation:

  1. Surf the Web. Internet is like a giant shopping catalogue where you can find and compare car hires on different rates, companies, car types, pick locations, schedule, etc. Many car hire companies also provide discount to anybody who rent through internet. The best thing is that You can get the information 24 hours a day, 365 days. It’s also regardless you want to find car hire Spain, England, Denmark or where ever you want.
  2. Travel on weekend. Most of car hire companies would provide cheaper rates at weekend (although this is not always the case).
    Hire weekly. It is most likely that all car hire companies would give you better rate if you hire weekly, rather than daily. One of the car hire france companies even gives 30% discount if you rent for the whole week, so it will be a pocket saver.
  3. Take look insurance carefully. (CDW) Collision Damage Waiver and (LDW) Loss Damage Waiver are common type of car hire insurance that offered to you when rent car. Both are good coverage for you, but not if they duplicate with your own existing insurance policy. Some Credit Card provider even also offer this coverage if you paid using their CC. Double check with your credit card provide before proceed with the Car’s insurance.
  4. Avoid airport pickups. Due to its additional fee and taxes, most of airport car hire / rental are 11.5 percent more expensive than at nearby neighborhood.
  5. Be Careful on bigger vehicle upgrade. Some car hire companies will give you free upgrade into bigger vehicle, which sounds like a good deal. But remember that bigger vehicle consumes more gas. So this ‘free upgrade’ is not really free, as you must pay for the extra gas. But this feature can be really a good deal, especially when you do need extra spaces on your car, to more enjoy your vacation.

By following those tips, I hope that you can more enjoying your vacation through Europe.


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