World Travellers

1. Nokia the worlds leading manufacturer in mobile phones are based in Espoo and generate an annual revenue of 50.7 billion Euro’s.

2. Despite the country having a population of just over 5 million, there are two million guns in Finland.

3. Tampere is twinned with Kiev in the Ukraine and Syracuse in the U.S, amongst others.

4. Finland was regarded as the second most stable country in the world.

5. Tap water in Helsinki is of such high quality it is sold to countries such as Saudi Arabia.

6. There are 248 bird species in Finland.

7. Helsinki used to be part of Sweden.

8. From north to south Finland is roughly 900 miles in length.

9. It’s a myth that Finland banned Donald Duck because he doesn’t wear pants.

10. Turku comes from the word ‘Turgu’ meaning market place and was the first capital of Finland.

11. 25% of the country lies in the Arctic Circle.

12. The Saimaa ringed seal is one of only three lake seal species in the world.

13. Helsinki has 121 rainy days per year.

The Benelux countries are playing most interesting roles in the European history since early medieval times. They were always places of economical, political or other interest to the neighboring countries and therefore there were always lots of events and interesting historical moments.

A member of the Benelux counties – Belgium was always a place of interest, being historically for a period of time a part of the Netherlands, because it had access to the sea and therefore those early economical relations between countries were taking place also in this country.

One of the most interesting places to visit in Belgium is the town Brugge. There are many opinions that it is one of the most beautiful towns in Western Europe. It was formerly one of the most important international trade ports and trading settlements. Even the first financial relations such as credit trade, banks and many other that are normal for us right now were born there too, as in many European ports of the medieval times. The word “Bourse” itself, under which we understand now “Stock Exchange” was born there as it is the surname of the person who settled up the place for negotiations between the merchants in Brugge in 1309, which has been later developed into an elaborated financial market with various financial features.

In the past few years, besides tombs, temples, pagodas, etc.,village travel has attracted many foreign visitors. What is the reason for this attraction?

Going with a group to visit Thanh Toan village, we got acquainted with a young American girl asking about her reason for this visit, she said: “The air is fresh, the village is peaceful and remains its soul of Vietnam. With this short tour, I think I understand more about local people, their working day, their relationship etc… It is very interesting to explore a different culture in a typical village like this by yourself”. A French visitor shared her thinking: ” I can not expect for more! Modernization sometimes makes us bored, what we want to do is to explore and experience ourselves. This is a full feature of small Vietnam, I think I have become a Vietnamese even in a short day”.

Hue is very rich in culture which has deep influence on the life-style of surrounding villages. I think that tourism should not be rigid. Mixture of destinations including village visiting is a good way to introduce and to help foreign visitors have a better view over Vietnam people, culture and history. Each countryside has its own features including villages. Like foreign friends, many Vietnamese people living in cities often come back their villages where they were born and brought up in the weekend as a short vacation to find peace and breathe in fresh air.

With an incredible mixture of old and new, Turkey offers contemporary resort vacations, weekend getaways, romantic hot spots, secluded beaches and modern amenities. Turkey has always been a fantastic attraction for those interested in a fascinating mix of culture, history and sightseeing. Modern tourism has developed in Turkey over the past few decades, and now a vacation in Turkey can fit any budget and whim and promises an unforgettable getaway from the everyday grind. In fact, Turkey has seen some of the highest increases in number of tourists over the past 20 years or so, along with Egypt.

Travel to Turkey is relatively easy with flights taking off from all major European airports and landing in landing in Ankara, Istanbul, Anatalya and Izmir. Domestic travel is done by bus or train between cities and in taxies or city buses within metropolitan areas. Driving in Turkey should be done at your own risk, and can be best described as chaotic order that somehow works. Rental cars are an option, if you are willing to take on the local drivers and driving habits.

The Norwegian coast is a heaven for sailors with picturesque small towns and a coastline especially on the south coast filled with islands.

The fjords and the mountainous landscape gives you the possibility to create interesting itineraries that are unique along the 1.200 nautical miles long coastline.

The beauty of Norway doesn’t only depend on its mountains and fjords but also on the diversity of its islands, which makes sailing in Norway truly enjoyable. All you have to do is charter a yacht, and then you can give yourself one unique and memorable holiday for you and your family.

One of the most fascinating places to visit in Norway is Bergen. It is a small town, the income of which is much dependent on tourism. Perhaps the reason could be attributed to the fact that the city acts like a portal for the glamorous fjords that comprise Norway. Moreover, there are several amateur bands that tirelessly play all over the community. Hence, while you’re waiting for your charter to arrive, you can sit down and listen to these individuals play their own music.

Norwich is considered as an East Anglian city and is situated in the Eastern part of England in the UK. It is the principal city of Norfolk which is known as the regional administrative centre and is also a county city. During the staring of 11th century Norwich achieved success becoming the second largest city in England.

Norwich suburban area
Some places in Norwich or near to Norwich have been blessed by great providence with complementary landscapes and a number of inspiring places to holiday. Norwich’s peripheral areas all have their own personality, charisma and demand, with admirable facilities and housing to suit every possible taste and resources. The suburban area in Norwich is large with its huge boundaries. All these areas surround Norwich to the western, northern and eastern sides and one of them is Thorpe St Andrew which is located at the eastern side. As compared to all other areas Norwich City Council is considered to be the most popular places for local residents.Norwich is considered to be the fourth most densely populated area in England. The average population across the Local Authority District which is located at the East of England is 3319 people per square kilometer.

Alesund is a fishing village on the northern coast of Norway. Alesund is one of the largest and most important fishing harbors in the country. It is in the northern fjord district of Norway, and the coastal views are amongst the best in all of Norway. Take the 418 step climb up the Aksla mountain for a breathtaking view of the seascapes and mountains.

Alesund was completely burned to the ground on the night of January 23, 1904. At that time most of the region’s towns were built primarily of wood. After the fire, Alesund was completely rebuilt in the then popular art nouveau style. Needless to say, the building materials chosen were stone, brick-and-mortar instead of wood. 30 Norwegian architects combined to give Alesund an Art Nouveau flavor uniquely its own.

Due to its proximity to the sea and the warm currents, Alesund is remarkably mild in the winter, although if you plan a visit to Alesund you will find more of the outdoor activities and organized events occurring during the summer.

As a New England vacation travel writer I’ve always considered Connecticut an overlooked state when people choose destinations and attractions for a New England vacation. As you’ll discover here a Connecticut vacation offers excitement… or peace and quiet, depending on your mood.

Let’s take a quick look at seven reasons why you should consider a Connecticut vacation for your next New England trip.

THE MUSEUMS OF CONNECTICUT

With more than 14 diverse theme museums in Connecticut, there’s bound to be something to suit your taste. Here’s a quick rundown…

Bridgeport is home to The Barnum Museum and Discover Museum, and at Danbury you’ll find the Military Museum of Southern New England and the Danbury Railway Museum. Keeping with a train theme Thomaston hosts the Railroad Museum of New England and Naugatuck Railroad.

In Bristol you can find The New England Carousel Museum and period time pieces at the American Clock and Watch Museum. Just a little south in Waterbury is Time Expo, and a chance to celebrate the heritage of the Litchfield region at the Mattatuck Museum. At the Connecticut Antique Machinery Museum in Kent experience machinery that once drove commerce in the area.