Ho Chi Minh City, formerly Saigon. A destination known for its famous war with the Americans throughout the 1960’s until 1975. Learn all about what life was like in the jungle with an interesting visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels, located 70 km from downtown.

In the heart of the jungle, 200km of tunnels were well hidden from American soldiers. Originally built to protect the Vietnamese from French air strikes in the lat 1940’s to 1950’s, they were re-used during the 60’s as a staging ground for attacks on American troops.

The land was bombarded with napalm and agent orange in an attempt to wipe out the tunnels. Soldiers knew that they were there, but it was almost impossible to find. The jungle was wiped out and became a waste land, but you would never know it today. Trees and plants have grown back showing just how resilient this earth is.

Some guides are actual former soldiers that acted as translators for the Americans. They are filled with a wealth of information and if you really listen and forget that you are on a kitschy tour exploiting the horrors of war, you can learn a great deal about the tactics used by a people filled with strong will to defeat a more powerful enemy.

The Viet Cong were very clever indeed. They would run through the jungle and disappear by sneaking into cave entrances camouflaged by having termite hills placed on top. Cayenne pepper would be sprinkled around the entrance to disrupt the search dogs senses. The cave entrances were small too. So small that even if the Americans found them, the large G.I.’s would not fit through. A blast would make the opening larger but it would also alert the people underground that they had been found and they could slip away to another part of the cave. They even had escape routes leading to the river to be swept away to safety.

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When traveling to Laos, there are many places and sights to see. But one of the most unique and interesting destinations has to be the Pak ou Caves. Located near Luang Prabang you can hire a boat or songthaew to take you the 25 km down river.

Located directly on the Mekong River, the Pak Ou Caves are one of the most sacred sights in the country. They are actually still used as a place of worship. Every New Year people from Luang Prabang make a pilgrimage to visit the caves containing over 4000 Buddha images and statues.

The caves contain mostly the traditional tall standing Luang Prabang Buddha statues, but you can find Buddhas of all shapes and sizes. As you approach the caves from the opposite side of the river, an incredible view unfolds. High limestone cliffs jut above the banks with a black hole cut into its side. As you come closer, you will see the white stairs leading to the upper chamber and know that you are about to witness something magical.

You can take the stairs to two different Chambers. The higher chamber Tham Pheung houses more of the buddhas than the lower cave Tham Thing. They are both impressive, however more light is let into Tham Thing. If you plan on visiting the caves, bring along a headlamp. It can be quite dark and it helps to see the statues better.

While the caves make for a great day trip from Luang Prabang, there are many things that you can do in town. The city is beautiful and there is no better way to see it than by bicycle.

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A small twin engine airplane is the only way to get to Gunung Mulu National Park in Sarawak Borneo, and looking out the window you will be overwhelmed with the vastness of the jungle that lay below. Once you have landed on the isolated runway, you truly feel in the middle of nowhere.

The main event when visiting Gunung Mulu is a trek to the Pinnacles. An ominous stone forest standing tall in the middle of nowhere. It is not an easy task to see these beauties. You will have to book trip at the headquarters upon your arrival to get your permits and guides in order.

You can book your trek at the park headquarters. Check with other arrivals to see if they want to join your party. It is a great way to save on costs and to enjoy other peoples company. Once you are booked and ready to go, you can settle in for the night to arrange everything that you will need for the following days trek.

You will have to take a 2 hour boat ride into the jungle and then you will be let off at the foot of a trail where you will proceed for almost 9 km alone in the jungle. You have to be completely self sufficient. Carry all food and snacks that you will need for the next 3 days and be sure to leave most of your packs contents at the park. You should take a small day pack filled with essentials only.

Don’t forget to tell your driver how long you will be at the Pinnacles. Give them an approximate time and exact day that you will meet them for a ride back to park headquarters. They will be ready and waiting for you when you emerge from the jungle.

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Clewiston, Florida resides on the Southern shore of Lake Okeechobee, a lake enhanced by the US Army Corps of Engineers to provide water for Southern Florida. Previously the water flowed through the Everglades to the Gulf. Now it is stored in the lake, reducing the size of the Everglades, but giving fresh drinking water to the population and irrigation for the sugar cane, and citrus industries. Florida orange and grapefruit groves are not myths conjured up by the Tourism bureau. They do exist: as far as the eye can see in some places.

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Words cannot adequately describe the experiences you will have spending a week at The Everglades National Park. You are definitely strangers in a strange land: a very fragile ecosystem for all of Southern Florida and the entire nation. The Everglades has two seasons: wet and dry. This is the dry season, until May or June.

Camp at Lone Pine. The pinelands region is an important ecosystem in the everglades, being the home to many different animals: panthers, bobcats, deer, black bear, raccoons, alligators, and an assortment of snakes, etc. These animals like their privacy. Even though you might not see many during your stay, they most probably were looking at you. What you will see is an abundance of alligators doing what they do best during the day: working on their sun tan. They feed at night and will eat almost anything that moves. Go to one trail at night to see them in action and you will not be disappointed.

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American beach resorts can be an excellent choice for families that want a fun-filled and relaxing vacation. Beaches offer a wide range of activities to insure the entire family will find something enjoyable during their stay.

Beach Activities

A day at the beach can include, swimming, jogging, walking, volleyball, flying kites, building sand castles, shell collecting, sunbathing, napping, picnics and best of all, relaxing. Bring a beach umbrella, beach chair, towels, sunblock, eyewear, camera, water, snacks, binoculars, a novel and don’t forget your bathing suit!

Boating and Fishing

Beach destinations often have a nice variety of boat cruises, including, nature cruises, scenic cruises, sunset cruises, , site-seeing, eco-tourism trips, kayaking adventures and fishing charters. The array of guided trips gives families a good choice of events, and there is something for everyone. For the more independent and experienced vacationer, boat and other watercraft rentals are another option.

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Do you want to take your family to one of the best resorts for kids for that much-delayed vacation? Don’t know where to start? Yes, the family vacation. It’s the source of some of our most potent and pleasing memories, both as kids and as parents. It is the perfect bonding time and you want it to experience like no other. While time away is an opportunity for bonding, fun, and relaxation, careful vacation planning and necessary preparations should be underway done months ahead. Check out this article for ideas on what to look for on your next family vacation, especially if you have kids in tow.

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At present, Pelion is a very desirable vacation destination in Greece. This region lying in the centre of Greece is completely a mountainous region and it is located on a peninsula between the Aegean Sea and the Pagasitic Gulf. From nature lovers to good time holiday makers and people who want to retreat into a relaxing vacation away from the noise and crowded areas, Pelion is definitely the right choice. The region’s popularity has urged many hoteliers to open a good Pelion hotel in this region, be it in the quaint mountainous villages or in the picturesque coastal villages. The region is inviting tourists and visitors not only in the summer season but also in the winter season as well. Besides the standard facilities, a lot of other considerations are always taken into account while choosing a Pelion hotel.

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Mooloolaba on the Sunshine Coast and its surrounds have numerous activities and attractions which thoroughly entertain both young and old visitors during their stay.

Dive with sharks and rays or simply experience the creatures of the deep at UnderWater World. Australia Zoo now provides intimate Whale Encounters – Steve’s Whale One is a luxurious vessel that takes guests on an exclusive Australia Zoo Whale Experience. Steve’s Whale one departs from The Wharf Mooloolaba, it cruises the beautiful coastline of the Sunshine Coast in search of magnificent Humpback Whales.

Take advantage of this beautiful coastal destination and book in for a fishing tour, snorkel in the sea, cruise on the canals or feel the power of a jet ski. For more advanced divers, scuba enthusiasts will be amazed at the ex-HMAS Brisbane and even enjoy diving into the engine and boiler rooms.

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The Queen of Deccan, Cultural Capital of Maharashtra, Oxford of the East, this is Pune for you. Formerly known as Punavadi or Poona, it has always remained at the helm of affairs in Maharashtra. The city of Marathas, it is still known for its valor and courage. The cradle of Chhatrapati Shivaji, Pune still invoke the same feelings of nationalism and bravery in mind.

Travel to Pune

Pune, one of the most important cities of Maharashtra is connected to other parts of India as well as world through rail road and air. All the major airlines operate flights to/from Pune to various national and international destinations. Pune International Airport at Lohegaon is Pune air connecting point to the outer world. Rail and Bus service is also available to all the parts of India through Pune.
Pune Travel Destination

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