Switzerland

Jungfrau Glacier

The Jungfraujoch is a saddle between the mountains Monch and Jungfrau in the Swiss Alps. It is known as the Top of Europe and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From here you look down upon the ice wilderness of swirling glaciers and across at 13,000 ft (4,000 m) high mountain turrets. On top of the Jungfrau is a global atmospheric monitoring station.

Visiting the Jungfraujoch's eternal ice and snow is a once in a lifetime experience as the annual two million visitors can attest. Riding the narrow cog railway to 11,300 ft (3,454 m) is a must. On the journey you pass by the foot of the notorious Eiger North Wall, through tunnels, past polar dog kennels, finally arriving at the heart of the glaciers. The longest glacier in Europe, the Great Aletsch Glacier - 14 miles (23km) - begins at Jungfraujoch, and you can see as far as France and Germany.

Mt Titlis

Permanent ice and snow at the top of the world and a revolving gondola lift to take you to the top of the mountain, chairlifts over deep crevasses and exploring a glacier cave... If any of these sound amazing - and they do - Mount Titlis is the place for you. There are also restaurants and breathtaking views for those of us who prefer to be amazed in comfort while sitting on top of the world at 10,600 ft (3,238m).

Titlis is Central Switzerland's highest mountain and the views are amazing. However, be prepared: it is a bit like a high altitude theme park. The ice cave has music and flashing neon lights and you can pose for a photo with a giant Toblerone. Still, the surrounding peaks like shark fins, the glacier and the sweeping views to pastures, cliffs and waterfalls should make you forget any crass commercialism.

Mt Pilatus

Mount Pilatus rises high above the city of Lucerne giving wonderful views of Lake Lucerne and the Swiss Alps. At 6,992 ft (2,132 m) high, it has 2 cable cars, the world's steepest cog-railway, hotels, restaurants and lots of outdoor activities. People come here to toboggan, sledge, mountain bike and for the excellent hiking. There is a Rope Park for treetop adventures.

Rumor has it that the mountain is named after Pontius Pilate who they say was thrown into a nearby lake and haunts the mountain. More likely is that the name comes from the Latin word for cloud-covered, pileatus. It was made famous by the composer Richard Wagner in the 19th century and Britain's Queen Victoria rode up here on horseback.

Mount Rigi

Mount Rigi is a mountain in central Switzerland, bordering Lucerne, and part of the Swiss Alps. It's also known as the "Queen of the Mountains.” Rigi offers stunning panoramic views and is famous for its beautiful sunrises. Nowadays, the mountain is easily accessible by public transportation. It offers many winter and summer excursions such as skiing, sledding, or hiking.

It has been popular with adventurous, romantic travellers for quite some time (before the advent of public transportation), including Mark Twain more than a century ago. The Rigi has been immortalized through paintings by JMW Turner, including "The Blue Rigi, Lake of Lucerne, Sunrise".

Lake Zurich

Lake Zurich is big: 25 mi (40 km) long and 1.9 mi (3 km) wide. At its deepest it reaches 469 ft (143 m). The water is very clean, coming off those Swiss mountains, and is used for supplying water to the cities around it. The largest of these is Zurich at around 360,000 residents.

The lake is used for boating and swimming, reaching up to 20 degrees Celcius (68 F) in summer. Along its edges are dotted swimming pools - these are floating pontoon decks with change rooms, sunbathing areas and usually saunas, massage and a cafe. They are open May-October. Parks line the lakeside and fill with people picnicking, roller-blading and sunbathing in summer. Even the police patrol on rollerblades!

Bahnhofstrasse

Bahnhofstrasse is THE shopping street in Zurich. Running from Bahnhofplatz outside the main train station all the way to the lake, it's full of luxury shops selling designer fashion, furs, porcelain, and, of course, chocolates, clocks and watches. Halfway along is Zurich's first, biggest and best department store Jelmoli. The basement food-hall is a must. Or if you want the best in Swiss chocolate, take a break at Cafe Sprungli, the epicenter of sweet Switzerland since 1836.

Bahnhofstrasse follows the line of the moat of medieval Zurich and is mainly pedestrianized, although watch out for the trams running along it. It runs parallel to the river Limmat and it's easy to punctuate your shopping with visits to churches and other important sites of Zurich dotted in the narrow streets between. Culture and consumerism: Zurich has them both.

Church of Our Lady (Fraumunster)

The 13th-century Church of our Lady, or Fraumunster, has an elegant blue spire which soars above the Zurich skyline. Situated right next to the lake, it is one of Zurich's key sights. Founded in 853 as a Benedictine convent, around the 11th century it was responsible for minting coins and collecting tolls making the then Abbess a powerful women indeed.

Inside the church are the famous stained-glass windows of 1967 by the famous artist Marc Chagall. The three main windows are: the blue Jacob window, with a ladder to heaven, the green Christ window, featuring Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus, and the yellow Zion window depicting King David and Bathsheba being trumpeted into New Jerusalem. To the sides there are windows depicting the Prophets and Moses. Near the main exit is a window by another famous artist, Giacometti.

Hong Kong Attractions

Lantau Island

Lantau Island is twice the size of Hong Kong Island, but only a fraction of the population live here, leaving its beaches, hills and national parks to visitors to enjoy.

The highlight is the Po Lin monastery and temple, reached by the Ngong Ping 360 cable car on the western side of the island. The temple’s amazing seated bronze Giant Buddha is the world’s largest.

Hong Kong Disneyland offers more familiar entertainment, and the island’s fishing villages, walking trails, beaches and seafood restaurants are also popular.

Macau

To discover another aspect to multifaceted China, take a day trip to Macau.

The former Portuguese colony mixes crumbling fortresses with glitzy casinos, baroque churches with cobbled backstreets, and spicy Macanese seafood with classic dim sum.

Macau’s exotic history and culture are evident at every turn, with eight squares and 22 historic buildings on the World Heritage List.

Take a walk down the main street to the baroque Church of St. Dominic, tour the Jesuit Monte Fort, with its exceptional Macau Museum, and don’t miss the evocative ruins of the Church of St. Paul, its free-standing baroque facade a Macau symbol.

A drive around the peninsula reveals yet more churches, beautiful colonial buildings, temples and gardens.

Aberdeen Harbour

Aberdeen Harbour is a busy harbor with floating restaurants, brilliantly illuminated at night. Jumbo is the most famous of these floating restaurants, along with its neighbor Tai Pak.

Recently refurbished, and outlined in colored lights, the double-storied Jumbo serves up a huge array of gourmet delights, highlighting fresh seafood and traditional Cantonese dim sum.

While you’re here, take a sampan tour of the harbor and its famous ‘floating village’ of junks, used for fishing, restaurants, sightseeing and also the home of Aberdeen’s boat-dwellers.

Victoria Peak (Tai Ping Shan)

Overlooking the Central district on Hong Kong Island, Victoria Peak (Tai Ping Shan) is one of the best vantage points for stupendous views of the harbor and high-rises. Rising 1,810 feet (552 meters), Victoria Peak is topped with the touristy Peak Tower complex of shops, restaurants and 360-degree Sky Terrace viewing platform.

Go for a stroll through the Victoria Peak Garden, follow one of the many nature walks on the mountain, and stay on for nightfall to see Hong Kong's spectacular nightly light show.

Peak Tram

For over 100 years, the Peak Tram has been inclining its way up the Peak mountain on Hong Kong Island. Taking a ride on the steeply angled tram is an essential Hong Kong experience.

The service began as a coal-fired tramway in 1888, and was electrically powered by 1926. Today, more than four million people take a ride on the Peak Tram every year.

At the top, you’ll find the ultra-modern Peak Tower with its restaurants and Sky Terrace viewing platform, the surrounding nature walks on the Peak and the Victoria Peak Garden.

Kowloon

Kowloon, on the mainland facing Hong Kong Island across Victoria Harbour, has a less formal, more domestic feel. Most Hong Kongers live in the crammed streets of Kowloon, and the focus for visitors is Nathan Road's hotels and shops on the waterfront at Tsim Sha Tsui.

Most people flock to what is known as 'the Golden Mile,' the neon-lit lower end of Nathan Road, lined with shops and businesses. If you need time out from the bustle, head to the trees of Kowloon Park.

Further north from Tsim Sha Tsui, you’ll find the popular night markets of Temple Street and Tung Choi Street. Take the lift to the 28th floor of the legendary Peninsula Hotel for cocktails and views at Felix Bar, and browse the upmarket stores of deluxe shopping malls like Harbour City and Festival Walk.

Hong Kong Island

The focus for shopping, eating and sightseeing on Hong Kong Island is Central and Causeway Bay.

Away from Victoria Harbour, Hong Kong Island retains a surprising amount of greenery on the Peak and its mountainous interior, and its coastline is indented by a beguiling sequence of coves and harbors.

Explore the streets and shopping plazas fanning out from Connaught Road in Central, Harcourt Road and Gloucester Road in Causeway Bay. Shop for antiques in Hollywood Road, browse the Graham Street and Western markets and shop till you drop in upmarket malls like Pacific Place and Times Square.

At night the towering skyscrapers light up along the waterfront and at the famous Happy Valley Racecourse. Catch a wobbly double-decker tram from Des Voeux Road to Wan Chai, or ride the world’s longest elevator past shops and houses.

Symphony of Lights

Every night at 8pm, Hong Kong puts on a spectacular light show, highlighting the skyscrapers lining both sides of Victoria Harbour. The world’s largest light show, A Symphony of Lights, is free.

More than 40 skyscrapers shoot laser beams, colored lights and searchlights from their rooftops, in a choreographed sequence synchronized to music and a narration.

The best place to view the extravaganza is from a boat cruise or ferry ride on Victoria Harbour.

Tourist Attractions in Thailand

Thailand has some of the most beautiful and lively cities and tourist attractions in the world. These sites not only play host to descending tourists and curious travelers, they also shield the raw beauty of unexplored regions and unique fests from the rest of the world. With TSI Holidays outbound tourist packages, you can explore the famous with the lesser known attractions and events on your tour to Thailand and its cities.

 Tourist Attractions 

Thailand is a place where the past meets the present and creates an ambience that is both charming in its Oriental appeal and exciting in its permissiveness. No matter where you travel in Thailand, you are bound to run into ancient palaces, shrines and Buddhist temples.

The islands and beach resorts in Thailand are a haven for water sports and adventure sports enthusiasts. The rainforests in Thailand hold the key to the heart of nature lovers with Koh Samet Marine National Park, Ao Phang Nga National Park, and Khao Yai National Park.

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Events
Events and festivals in Thailand showcase the cultural heritage, natural resource, and progressive frame of mind. Bangkok International Film Festival, Chinese New Year Celebrations, Pattaya Music Festival, Toh Moh Goddess Shrine Festival, Samui Carnival, King's Cup Elephant Polo Tournament, Sukhothai Loi Krathong Festival, and Chiang Mai Flower Festival are just some of the festivals that blend Thailand's past with its present.

The Bangkok International Film Festival is one of the major annual events organized in Thailand that attracts large crowds of movie buffs and participants from all over the world. The main focus of the Bangkok International Film Festival is to promote Thai movies and South East Asian motion pictures in a big way.

Held in March every year, the Pattaya Music Festival offers you a rich medley of jazz, pop, rock and classical. Live band shows and musical extravaganzas is one of the most important features of this glorious festival that is counted among the most important annual events celebrated in Thailand.

The city of Chiang Mai brightens up with floral displays, sculptures, temple models and other interesting things made purely of colorful flowers during the annual Chiang Mai Flower festival held in February every year.

Among the most enchanting annual events that are celebrated with enthusiasm and fervor, the Samui Carnival is definitely an important event. Sponsored by Bangkok Airways, the Samui Carnival is a colorful cultural panorama that glistens with open-air parties, food stalls, folk performances, jam sessions and more. The main objective of the Samui Carnival is to raise funds for the local charities and environment conservation.

 

iifa awards 2011

China

Great Wall of China

The Great Wall of China, one of the greatest wonders of the world, was listed as a World Heritage by UNESCO in 1987. Just like a gigantic dragon, the Great Wall winds up and down across deserts, grasslands, mountains and plateaus, stretching approximately 8,851.8 kilometers (5,500 miles) from east to west of China. With a history of more than 2000 years, some of the sections are now in ruins or have disappeared. However, it is still one of the most appealing attractions all around the world owing to its architectural grandeur and historical significance.

Museum of Qin Terracotta Warriors and Horses

Since Oct. 1st, 2010 the Museum of Qin Terracotta Warriors and Horses and the Qin Shi Huang Mausoleum have been combined into one large tourist area, which also includes three other small sites that will be opened in 2011. A through ticket (CNY110) is adopted. The Qin Shi Huang Mausoleum and the nearby three unopened sites (namely the Museum of Terracotta Acrobatics, the Museum of Terracotta Civil Officials and the Museum of Stone Armor) constitute the so-called Lishan Garden. Besides, 30 free shuttle buses have been available for visitors' convenience to travel between the Lishan Garden and the Museum of Qin Terracotta Warriors and Horses from then on.


The Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses are the most significant archeological excavations of the 20th century. Work is ongoing at this site, which is around 1.5 kilometers east of Emperor Qin Shi Huang's Mausoleum in Lintong, Xian, Shaanxi Province. It is a sight not to be missed by any visitor to China.

Upon ascending the throne at the age of 13 (in 246 BC), Qin Shi Huang, later the first Emperor of all China, had begun to work for his mausoleum. It took 11 years to finish. It is speculated that many buried treasures and sacrificial objects had accompanied the emperor in his after life. A group of peasants uncovered some pottery while digging for a well nearby the royal tomb in 1974. It caught the attention of archeologists immediately. They came to Xian in droves to study and to extend the digs. They had established beyond doubt that these artifacts were associated with the Qin Dynasty (211-206 BC).

Yangtze River 

 Winding about 3,964 miles, Yangtze River is the largest river in China and the third largest in the world after the Nile in Africa and the Amazon in South America. Originating from the Tanggula Range in Qinghai Province in western China, the Yangtze River traverses eleven provinces and cities from west to east, including Qinghai, Tibet, Sichuan, Yunnan, Chongqing, Hubei, Hunan, Jiangxi, Anhui, Jiangsu and Shanghai. Finally it pours into the East China Sea at Shanghai.

Acting as the largest water system in China, Yangtze River is historically, economically and　culturally important to the country. Yangtze has numerous tributaries including Min River, Han River, Jialing River, Gan River and Huangpu River etc. The Three Gorges Dam on the river is the largest dam project and hydro-electric power station in the world. Generally, people consider the Yangtze River a dividing line between North China and South China. Areas to the north and the south of the river have many differences in climate, scenery, economics, culture and folk customs. 

Forbidden City (Palace Museum) 

Lying at the center of Beijing, the Forbidden City, called Gu Gong in Chinese, was the imperial palace for twenty-four emperors during the Ming and Qing dynasties. It was first built throughout 14 years during the reign of Emperor Chengzu in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). Ancient Chinese Astronomers believed that the Purple Star (Polaris) was in the center of heaven and the Heavenly Emperor lived in the Purple Palace. The Palace for the emperor on earth was so called the Purple City. It was forbidden to enter without special permission of the empeor. Hence its name 'The Purple Forbidden City', usually 'The Forbidden City'.

Now known as the Palace Museum, it is to the north of Tiananmen Square. Rectangular in shape, it is the world's largest palace complex and covers 74 hectares. Surrounded by a 52-meter-wide moat and a 10-meter-high wall are more than 8,700 rooms. The wall has a gate on each side. Opposite the Tiananmen Gate, to the north is the Gate of Divine Might (Shenwumen), which faces Jingshan Park. The distance between these two gates is 960 meters, while the distance between the east and west gates is 750 meters. There are unique and delicately structured towers on each of the four corners of the curtain wall. These afford views over both the palace and the city outside.

The Forbidden City is divided into two parts. The southern section, or the Outer Court was where the emperor exercised his supreme power over the nation. The northern section, or the Inner Court was where he lived with his royal family. Until 1924 when the last emperor of China was driven from the Inner Court, fourteen emperors of the Ming dynasty and ten emperors of the Qing dynasty had reigned here. Having been the imperial palace for some five centuries, it houses numerous rare treasures and curiosities. Listed by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage Site in 1987, the Palace Museum is now one of the most popular tourist attractions world-wide. 

United States & Canada

Best Family Friendly Vacations - United States & Canada

Orlando, Florida

Orlando offers opportunities to ricochet through a thrilling itinerary of roller coasters, resorts, dinosaurs and Disney amusements. Fantastic family fun plus shows and rides galore come courtesy of Walt Disney World, SeaWorld Orlando and Universal's Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios.

New York City, New York

New York's many zoos, museums and landmarks make the city a perfect destination for families of all ages. Explore Times Square or take the kids to FAO Schwarz, take a boat ride to the Statue of Liberty or an elevator to the top of the Empire State Building, eat lunch at Carnegie Deli or picnic in Central Park - the choices are endless.

Chicago, Illinois

One of the best places to go with family in tow, Chicago absolutely teems with attractions. Choose from the fun of touristy Navy Pier and photo ops at the mirrored Cloud Gate sculpture to riding a tandem along the hem of Lake Michigan, the (free) zoo or the wonderful Shedd Aquarium.

Anaheim, California

Anaheim is ideally situated to take advantage of all Orange County's adventures, whether you plan on delving into the delights of Disneyland or basking on the bountiful beaches. Biplanes and hot-air balloons soar over O.C.'s aquariums, museums and restaurants. A visit to Nixon's Birthplace adds another element to family vacations.

San Diego, California

Beaches, fierce beasts and some serious splashes are just some of the sizzling hot family attractions in San Diego. The home of the San Diego Zoo, SeaWorld and LEGOLAND California's slew of more than 50 rides, holidays in San Diego are always hot commodities.

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

With its beautiful beaches and scores of golf courses, popular Myrtle Beach offers plenty of great outdoor activities. And if the weather doesn't cooperate, there's a great hands-on children's museum, Alligator Adventure and outlet malls that are sure to please.
Also recommended for: Beaches & Sun

Washington DC, District of Columbia

D.C. diversity dazzles. Families find an endless variety of attractions to explore, from the buzz of Georgetown and funky Adams Morgans to more than a hundred monuments and museums, including the Smithsonian. And most are free! There's also a vibrant performing arts scene and major league sports excitement, courtesy of the Redskins and the Nationals.

Boston, Massachusetts

With its host of revolution-related sites and an eclectic range of attractions, from the Museum of Science to the Museum of Bad Art, Boston is an inspired choice for family vacations. Watery wonder is on offer at New England Aquarium and from a swan boat on Public Garden Lagoon.

Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii

Honolulu has more than history and tropical beaches. The entire family can delight in the astounding views from the short hike to Diamond Head crater, splash about in any of the water parks, investigate Hawaiian marine life in nature reserves and aquariums and indulge wonder in the many kid-friendly museums.

Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Fort Lauderdale calls itself the Venice of Florida, with frontage on the Atlantic Ocean, the New River and the Intracoastal Waterway. Families can journey through the Everglades, salt marshes and savannahs or relax on sunny, sandy beaches. Kids will especially love the Museum of Discovery and Science.

Maui, Hawaii

Whether on beautiful island beaches or volcanic craters, families will have a hot time enjoying all that Maui has to offer by foot, bike, car, helicopter or submarine. Kids will especially enjoy a Trilogy trip to Lanai, exploring Haleakala crater and visiting Maui Ocean Center's Turtle Lagoon and Hammerhead Harbor.

Virginia Beach, Virginia

Boasting the world's longest pleasure beach, a renovated three-mile boardwalk and a plethora of parks--nature and themed--Virginia Beach is a perfect family getaway. You can escape the sun, but not the water; explore Virginia's largest aquarium or Ocean Breeze Water Park.

Nashville, Tennessee

Great country music may have put Nashville on the map, but other attractions are rapidly taking center stage. The nationally acclaimed zoo features the largest community-built playground in the nation, plus great animal exhibits. And the Adventure Science Center is perfect for all ages.

Kauai, Hawaii

The least developed of Hawaii's major islands, Kauai offers big fun to young families. Take a boat ride to Fern Grotto, explore the Children's Discovery Museum or go wild at the Makalani Playground and Lydgate Beach Park, wandering a labyrinth, snorkeling or swimming in pools safe enough for your littlest ones.

Los Angeles, California

The rejuvenated Hollywood Boulevard is sure to keep the family entertained with such historic sights as the Chinese and El Capitan theaters and Hollywood and Highland, the home of Academy Awards, plus visit the kitsch hot dog stand, Tail O' The Pup. Griffith Park offers great Hollywood Sign views.