/Paraiso Philippines/

Insider story of Helsinki

helsinki-recommendFashion designer Annika Rantala lives in Finland’s capital, where she retails her own clothing line in Helsinki’s emerging design district. Here’re some of her recommendations:

  • Favorites spot: Suomenlinna is a historic naval fortress, reachable by ferry. It’s a beautiful place to spend a sunny summer day with a picnic.
  • Hidden treasure: A Finnish sauna is a must, and the Kotiharju Sauna is the only remaining publick wood-burning one in the city.
  • Best meal: Restaurant Tori in the trendy heart of the city, Punavuori. With a living room atmosphere, it’s popular with art and media people who dine off its extensive menu which includes excellent Finnish home cooking and all-day breakfast. Decent prices, too.
  • Best music: Erottaja Bar is my favorite bar to hang out with my friends. It is small, cool and cozy, DJx play mostly electro music and it is packed on weekends. There is no dance floor, but I hear that people dance on the tables when the nights get crazy.
  • Solo spot: Esplanade Park is in the middle of Helsinki, with hundreds of people walking through each day, yet you can sit on a bench with an ice cream and enjoy the crowd or read a book.
  • Shopping: Helsinki Design District is ideal for the best Finnish design products - found in design and antique shops, fashion stores, museums, art galleries, restaurants and showrooms.
  • Market: The Market Square is Helsinki’s most famous market, loved for its traditional food, produce, handicrafts and souvenirs. Its heated café tent is where you can sip steaming hot coffee even on the coldest of winter days. In summer, the flea market at Hietalahti market place is a must for great finds and good bargains.
  • Quiet place: The park around Toolo Bay, with its winter gardens and historic wooden villas. Stop for coffee at Blue Villa; its opening is a sure sign that spring has arrived.

As told to Andrew bender of SilverKris Magazine


Recent survey result mentioned that Caribbean is still the top cruise destination for American cruise ship travelers, regardless its higher price and shorter itineraries. Another survey by Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) also found 43% of their respondents choose Caribbean as main destination for Cruise travels. Among tops others are Alaska, Europe and Mediterranean (Greek Islands).

The rising of fuel cost these days deeply impact Cruise industry. This can be seen by increment of surcharge price and also changes in itinerary to cut out some destination port. But this doesn’t seem to stop the vacationers to travel Caribbean by cruise ships.

Talking about the best Cruise Line services, then you can’t miss Royal Caribbean. Think about staying in the first rate resort hotels with excellent fine dining, show, cultural events, movies, dancing, etc… while floating to your destinations. It’s one of the largest and most innovative cruise ships on entire cruise industry.

You can always consider Celebrity Cruises service, as this line is also top rated cruise lines on the industry that offers highest quality food, services and entertainment. This line ensures that there is at least one staff standby for every two guests onboard.

Apart from two previous cruise services, Norwegian Cruise Line offers The Freestyle Cruising Experience where you can eat anytime and whatever you want, and even wear whatever you want. Its unique services allow you to stay away from traditional cruise into personal and customize itineraries that fit your need.

Whatever cruise line that you’re choosing, make sure to experience the Caribbean islands Top Destination.


Fira at Santorini (from north)If you’re looking for the best place for cruising along the Greek Islands, then you’ll soon find 3 islands: Santorini, Rhodes and Mykonos. Each island has its own uniqueness and gives something for everyone. Greek Island Cruises are best visited on late springs, early summer or autumn.

Santorini – a small but Wonderful and spectacular island located in southern Aegean Sea. It’s an ancient volcanic caldera formed at 1500 B.C., made it a spectacular physical beauty island. Archeological sites from Minoan era like Fira, Oia, Pyrgos and Therasia are other main attractions of this island.

Rhodes – is another island with wonderful beaches and extremely popular among European tourists along with many its historical sites. Well known as the home of the Knights of St.John who fled Jerusalem in 13th Century. Get 45-minutes bus rides to go to ancient village of Lindos to witness spectacular acropolis overlook the old city and sea horizons.

Mykonos – Different with 2 previous islands of Santorini and Rhodes, Mykonos more well known as the party island, especially in July and August. You could not find any ancient city or archeological sites in this island, but this Island has charming streets lined with artist’s shop and cafes.

You might ask what cruise ships sail to the wonderful Greek isles? Well, there’re many large cruise lines that sailing to Greek including Carnival Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Princes and Celebrity Cruise Line. Or if you prefer the mid-to-small sized cruise lines, you could also consider Holland America, Regent Seven Seas, Silversea, Seabourn, etc. With so many alternatives, it’s a good idea to start booking and packing for your wonderful Greek Island Cruises now.


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.


Build in the early 1900s, Myrtle Beach is a natural resort town with many attractions. More than 10 million tourists are visiting Myrtle Beach during fall, summer and spring months to witness what the Golf lovers called “Golf Capital of the World”. This honor is not surprising since more than 120 golf courses were located here, plus with more 50 miniature golf courses. So far the city has been recorded 4.2 million golf rounds played. Most of Myrtle Beach golf courses are open to the public. Most of the golf courses are located in the downtown area of the city. Tobacco farms, berries farms, indigo farms, and other crops farms also very common in the area.

Don’t worry about accommodation, as you’ll find many options for Myrtle Beach hotels. Range from a budget hotel to luxurious stay experiences. There’s must be something for every taste.

Few recommended attractions for your unforgettable Myrtle Beach vacation are:

1. Hard Rock Park - it’s a rock’n'roll theme park which feature six “rock environs”: All Access entry plaza, Rock n Roll Heaven, British Invasion, Lost in the 70’s, Born in the USA and Cool Country. With variety of amusements, shows, shopping and dining experiences, Hard Rock Park is a one stop entertainment for every Rock lovers.

2. Huntington Beach State Park - previously was a private property of Archer M Huntington which then donated after his death. It’s a small coastal preserve with a large sandy beach and few beachgoers. This state park is a perfect spot for birds’ lover, as many birds’ species and ducks featured around the area.

3. The Carolina Opry - it’s a nightly musical variety show which originally created by Calvin Gilmore (a musical entrepreneur and artist). From November until end of December every year, Carolina Opry held special seasonal Christmas celebrations.

4. Myrtle Beach Pavilion - voted as #1 Family Amusement in Myrtle Beach. Located in corner 9th avenue and Ocean Boulevard surrounded by few similar attractions. It’s a pay per ride 11-acre amusement center located in the heart of Myrtle Beach area, with more than 40 rides.

Come and enjoy the attractions of Myrtle Beach.


Chiangmai viewIf you open Thailand Travel Guide, you’ll find that in northwestern part of Thailand lies the old city of Chiang Mai which bounded by partial walls and moats. The recommended time to visit this lovely place is between October and April, as daily rain often washout the area in the other months.

Some great sights and places to go in Chiang Mai are Anusawari Sam Kasat (Bronze Sculpture), night safari, night bazaar (market), Tribal Museum, Chiang Mai City Arts & Cultural Centre, Th Phra Pokklao, etc. Chiang Mai’s temples (over 300) would probably exhaust you with its own charmed aura. Some people enjoy to spend sometimes in the city garden below a palm tree, either for a simple relaxation or to practice your Buddhist calm.

Bicycle is the most common vehicle to get around the city area. You’ll find this type of vehicle very cheap to hire, environmental friendly, and will give you chance for a workout. Saamláw (three-wheeled pedicabs), hordes of sawngthaew, túk-túk (three-wheeled motorised taxis) are another cheap alternatives for going around.

Never worries about accommodation in Chiangmai , as about 300 hotels and guesthouses are ready to serve and give its best staying experience for you. Homes that already converted into a simple guesthouse offer you great atmospheres which give you the unique Chiang Mai stay and living experiences.

Everybody who went to Chiang Mai would be agree that its one of the best place to find best restaurant in Thailand outside of Bangkok. Anusan Night Market for example, provides the best seafood and authentic Thai food. Most of them provide menu in English version.

As any other places in Thailand, bars, pubs, live music, cinemas, discos, and cultural show are common options to spend your night time and get entertained in Chiang Mai. It really depend on the venue that you’re choosing, the crowded can vary from locals, expats and backpackers.

Do not believe what I’m saying; prove it yourself by visiting Chiang Mai yourself :)


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