The Great Wall of China is not just an ordinary travel icon; besides the role it plays in China’s tourism, it has led to the development of China’s long history and culture. People are curious to understand the facts of how the great wall came about; however, it is not until one visits this majestic structure, you can truly understand the significance of the great wall to China and the rest of the world.

The origin of story of the great wall is unknown, but history shows that the construction of the wall began in the early seventh century B.C and was made out of stone, wood, grass and earth. This was when the earliest regional kingdom was built for the defensive military needs. The purpose was to protect the farming lands from the invasion of the tribes from the north and to hold the natives from vacating the lands. Used as a military demarcation, there were various watchtowers which stood at varying distances from each other; these towers substituted the time warning system used during the ancient times. The fire and smoke signaled the day and night time respectively. Many of these watch towers still remain in their original position where they stood while some have been destroyed during the revolution.

Over the years, parts of the great wall was destroyed and rebuilt and more sections were added. Due to this construction, it stretched so wide from the east to the west bordering almost the entire country. At present, they say it measures about 7300km from one end to the other.

There are different sections to travel the wall, all of which have different attractions and features. The sections also represent the roles played during the construction of the great wall. For adventure lovers, it would be a challenging task to travel the entire length of the wall. The Great Wall Marathon and Half Marathon is an annual marathon race which takes place every year in China. For runners and adventures, this marathon is one of the experiences of a lifetime as they run through 7km of the incredible wall passing through beautiful countryside villages and mountain trails.

For tourists on short stays in China, climbing the great wall from almost any part of northern china is possible, although, many travelers prefer to climb the wall from Beijing because the sections of this part of the wall are very good for sightseeing and have great features. Besides that, it affords them the opportunity to see other historical attractions like the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, and Tiananmen Square etc.

The most popular sections to visit and climb the great wall in Beijing are the Badaling, Simatai, and Mutianyu sections.

Badaling section of the great wall is located 70 km away from the center of Beijing and is the most popular section to climb the wall in Beijing. It was the first part of the wall to be opened to tourists. History has it that Badaling section was built to protect the Juyongguan Pass, along which the Guan’gou gorge and several interesting sites of interest are located. This section of the Great Wall was made by huge bar stones and paved with square bricks making the wall pavement smoothly ordered. The Badaling section became a national cultural relic and a world heritage listing by United Nations in 1987.

Simatai section in Beijing is a very remote and quiet section on the great wall. The ruins and untouched parts of this section is what helped Simatai section earn its reputation of being the unique section of the wall. There are features retained from over the years which were untouched and looks like what it used to be like over 500 years ago. This section of the wall has about twelve watch towers at different intervals and takes about 2hours to reach the twelfth tower. Simatai section is great for adventure hikers and trekkers.

The Mutianyu section of the Great Wall is located on Huairou County northeast of Beijing. This section of the wall is known for its unique quality of construction and features compared to other sections of the wall. It is known as the main essence of the great wall because of the style which it was built.

In Summary, traveling the great wall is one of the greatest experiences of a lifetime and it is difficult to understand its history until it is visited. It is assumed to be one of the top 100 things to do in this lifetime.

For more information about China Travel, China Tour Vacations, visit Passport to China.

Lola writes about travel and adventure tours for China Tour & China Travels a foreign inbound tour operator in China.

A Visit to China $6.33 This book is in Good Used condition

Mandy and Pandy MP1002 Visit China $25 Mandy and Pandy Visit China takes your child through a tour of China learning all the key attractions sites to see and things to do. Made with the Best Quality Material with your child in mind. Top Quality Children s Item.

Let’s Visit China $16.95 This book is in Good Used condition

Let’s visit China today $8.47 This book is in Good Used condition

---

Luxury Travel Group Vietnam Promotes Destinations and Luxury Tourism Products in ITB Berlin 2009, Germany.

Luxury Travel Vietnam will participate in the World Largest International Travel Show “ITB Berlin 2009,” to be held from March 11 to 15, 2009 in the city of Berlin, Germany in order to promote the Vietnamese tourism product in the luxury segment.

Luxury Travel Vietnam will participate in the World Largest International Travel Show “ITB Berlin 2009″, to be held from March 11 to 15, 2009 in the city of Berlin, Germany.

The aim is to promote the Vietnamese tourism product in the luxury segment, which is addressed to people who want to live a unique experience, with personalized service, privacy, tranquility and simplicity. All this in a different destination combining history, culture and cuisine or an exotic destination with an excellent service.

Ha Pham, founder and CEO of the Luxury Travel Company believes the time is ripe for high-end travelers worldwide and luxury german tourists. Vietnam has world class properties to compete with other destinations in the region.

These German luxury travelers are keen to visit and discover the country in lap of luxury. “luxury adventures, golf, spas, beaches, family travel, junks cruises, honeymoon and romance packages have moved up in terms of favorites for upscale travelers to Vietnam including German travelers. In addition to comfort and security, Vietnam offers warm weather year round, stunning scenery, world class cuisine and luxury shopping. However, many travel companies in Vietnam still sell the same tourism products since 10 years ago, and there are no niche products for this upscale market,” says Ha.

According to VNAT statistics, most foreign luxury travelers come from Western European countries. 170,000 French tourists from the UK (100,000) and Germany (100,000). The upscale German market has potential for Vietnam tourism, but has not been fully tapped.

Vietnam’s first luxury tour operator is founded in 2004 to catch this new trend and promote niche tourism products to high end travelers. The company’s depth of experience and large infrastructure enable it to create unique itineraries with the operational confidence to fulfill client expectations.

Last year, Luxury Travel Vietnam company served 10,000 satisfied customers. Among Luxury Travel’s clients are ambassadors, senators, Russian millionaires, CEOs and presidents of Oman Oil Company, royalty and Oman Royal Government ministers, French ministers, Deputy Prime Minister of Canada…and others.

VNAT targets to lure 6 millions in 2010, the company targets only at 3% of these figures. For further business discussion with Luxury Travel check the company website www.luxurytravelvietnam.com, visit the company booth at ITB Berlin.

About the Author:

Award Winning Travel Advisors in Asia

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Luxury Travel Group Vietnam Promotes Destinations And Luxury Tourism Products In Itb Berlin 2009, Germany

Hoi An – created by Asiatica Travel Vietnam

Vietnam Flag 5′x3′ £2.50 Good Quality Flag…

Vietnam War Veterans Embroidered Patch Badge £4.99 Embroidered Patch…

Vintage TINTIN in VIETNAM Poster A3 Reproduction Print £5.99 A3 * 29.7 x 42cm * 297 x 420mm *…

Forrest Gump – The Soundtrack £4.46 Forrest Gump (1994) is one of the most successful films ever made, winning Tom Hanks his second successive Best Actor Oscar (he won the previous year for Philadelphia) as well as claiming the Best Picture Oscar and many other awards and nominations, including several for music. A unique fable of American life from the 1950s to the 80s, the film blends comedy, drama, war, romance and groundb…

Miss Saigon [Original London Cast] £15.20 Miss Saigon rather surprisingly turns out to be a tour de force for its star, Jonathan Pryce. In the midst of Boubil and Schönberg’s “girl-meets-boy-with confused-emotions-in-Vietnam” rewrite of Puccini’s Madama Butterfly, Pryce’s Engineer’s bright tenor provides a nasty yet humanely pragmatical focal point for more logically tuned minds. Daring to tackle the controversial theme of doomed lovers …

Full Metal Jacket £3.27 Stan Kubrick’s 1987 take on Vietnam is a strange disorientating “wriggle” through film genres and human psyche alike, and the movie ends up as a kind of docu-drama road movie where the protagonists are being wasted one by one. The original score is by Abigail Mead. Admittedly she only had to come up with a few, eerie underscore themes, but they do their job, although unaided by images her mid-1980…

Good Morning, Vietnam [VHS] [1988] £1.49 TOUCHSTONE, D306602, pal…

Dark of the Sun Video Rod Taylor Yvette Mimieux Kenneth More Set against the back drop of the Belgian Congo, Dark of the Sun is an explosive mix of action and personal conflict. Rod taylor plays Captain Bruce Curry who is the hardened leader of a group of mercenaries, they are sent to rescue the inhabitants of Port Reprieve, but there mission doesnt end there as there is 2 million dollars worth of uncut diamonds to keep out of rebels hands….

Dogfight (VHS) (1991) Suprb drama, both a tender love story and a realistic look at the early days of America’s involvement in Vietnam, in the early 60′s. River Phoenix (Stand By Me, Running On Empty) plays a young US Marine just about to be shipped out to Vietnam, who along with several other soldiers takes part in a “dogfight”. this is a contest where each man must bring the ugliest girl he can find to a party, with …

Men Of War: Vietnam (PC-DVD) £12.50 …

Vietnam $9.99 Vietnam

‘Health is Wealth’ a very common phrase but has its deep essence in every sphere of life.  Travel to any place is extravagant and exhaustive. This one word is easy to utter but calls for great attention in terms of healthy and hygienic travel while in India. Be it a business trip, a luxury travel or a casual tour to India, your life is full of journey. In whatever physical condition we are, we have to get set and go. Your body bears the toll of a tour and as such your ill-health may ruin an interesting traveling plan. Other than spending our bank balance for travel, spend a good time to care for a hygienic travel.

Follow the cited recommendations and enjoy a stress-free travel, just anywhere.

Preparation for a Hygienic travel in India
Besides packing your luggages, travelers should study the geographical and climatic condition of their places of interest in India. One must-do task lies in checking the medical, hygienic and pharmaceuticals facilities of the place before traveling. Travelers should inspect their physical status and should follow the follow the guidelines on vaccination and health precautions. In case of your pre-existing medical problems, do carry the prescription detailing your medical condition and assigned medicines. It is effective to pack a few medicines and additional eyeglasses along with other necessities. Senior citizen must be aware of the local condition of the travel destination you are visiting in India. They must be wise enough to think if they are able to undertake the journey. And though your wardrobe is filled with fashionable garments, do carry a few of them. Physically challenged individuals should learn about the hygiene facilities provided by the mode of transportation. Health may counter act the cherishable moments and as such take proper documentation of immunizations and consult your physician regarding your traveling plan. One very important point for all kind of travelers is to make an health insurance policy. It will not only make you feel secure, but will also provide you with the adequate medical facilities all across the world. At times, your travel insurance policy may not work out in abroad and so you need to confirm a temporary insurance policy of the place you plan to visit.

Health and Hygiene during travel in India
Your journey begins with wonderful schedule. But the everlasting dream may turn into a nightmare, if your health turns poor all of a sudden. One key point during your travel lies in caring about your food-habits in India. Take fresh fruits, vegetables and drink liters of water. Avoid spicy food-stuff and alcoholic drinks. If possible carry your own lunch-bag and avoid having food stuffs from strangers . The most common health hazard comes with dehydration. A camel ride in Rajasthan or a walk on the sandy beaches of Goa calls for an undesirable scorching heat of Sun. Make sure you stay hydrated with drinking bottles of clean, boiled water. Your travel demands energetic and enthusiastic mood for which you need comfortable sleeping hours. Ensure that you use a cushy pillow which supports your neck-line. Carrying your own pump-pillow will keep you away from used one. Your eyes will get relieved with applying sleep mask on the journey. This are generally made of natural herbs which adds a cool refreshing look even after a tiresome trip. India experiences a range of changing temperature in different her location and as such do carry a warm shawl with you. The desert land Rajasthan may offer you the high humid condition, so do pack a folding fan onto your purse. Wear loose fitting cotton clothes during your journey and feel fresh all the time. Unload your luggage with a perfume which will help you protect form smelly environment. Moisture your skin with lotion and take proper care of your most precious hair, hand, feet and face. You can also combine a hygienic travel with visits to the Ayurveda center in the states of Goa, Kerala and Rajasthan in India.

Health and Hygiene after Travel in India
After you had a successful hygienic travel, do not feel lazy to carry forward your care for health. Let not your moments of joy turn into the saddest part of your life. You have been in the alien land and you might not know that you have turned a source of many infectious diseases. Many diseases remains dormant at the initial stage and burst out at once. Thus it is important to have a medical check-up after you return to your own land. The ultimate mantra of life lies in precaution and protection against adverse condition. So friends stay safe, be healthy and enjoy traveling to India even more.

About the Author:

I am a creative content writer in a travel-based web industry

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – How to Plan a Hygienic Travel in India

Travel India Information and Tourist Guide – Best Travel Destinations

East of India Petite Wooden Love You Gift Tag £0.95 Love You Wooden Tag from the East of India Range Sweet little heart tag, wooden with a metal hanger, great for attaching to that extra special gift…

East of India Boat Decoration – There is no set path just follow your heart £3.95 East of India Boat Decoration with Fabric Sail A miniature boat decoration handmade from the East of India design house. Painted in cream and blue with a printed sail There is no set path just follow your heart….

NEW! East of India 2035 White Porcelain Hanging Heart Bless This House £3.30 This beautiful porcelain heart decoration from East of India features the words ‘Bless this house with friends, love and laughter’ making it an ideal gift for so many occasions – house warming, Christmas etc….

Cbeebies – The Ultimate Party Collection [DVD] £2.62 …

Acoustic Soul £3.87 India.Arie’s Acoustic Soul is just as advertised: grooving soul music with an acoustic bent. Arie herself plays guitar, supplemented by strings (instead of synthesizers) and drums (instead of drum machines). The first single, “Video”, is a calm, confident ode to self-love, comparing the dreadlocked, petite Arie to the average girl in a video. Arie is indeed anything but average: her debut marks th…

Traveller £7.02 …

Teletubbies – Dance With the Teletubbies [VHS] £4.59 The British countryside has seen few raves like this one–our favourite Teletubbies are shown dancing through Teletubby Land with a few of their friends and, of course, their many rabbits. The “Stepping and Standing Dance” leads things off, followed by the “Walking Dance”, “Running Away Dance”, “Splashing Dance”, and so forth (thankfully, we’re spared from “Riverdance”). Of course, all this dancin…

Ryder Cup Golf 1985-Europe’s Glory [VHS] £9.99 …

Wild Cactus [VHS] £10.99 …

East India Company Collection (PC DVD) £2.50 BUILD THE WORLD MOST POWERFUL TRADING EMPIRE In East India Company, you assume the role of Governor Director and seek to ship precious cargo to Europe in order to amass vast wealth. Build your fleets, establish connections to distant countries and dominate the other rival empires. East India Company – Collection bounds together this trade oriented strategy game and its add-ons. This is the defi…

India: $31.46 India

India $6.99 India

With 11-day motorcycling tour in Ho Chi Minh trail in total 18 day trip from Hanoi to Saigon, Active Travel Asia show the exotic land where many American soldiers lost their lives, and those who survived often lost their spirit in the past.

Motorcycling tours along Ho Chi Minh Trails

THE LEGENDARY Ho Chi Minh Trail was the supply line used by North Vietnam to link North and South Vietnam during the American War. Soldiers, ammunition, and supplies were carried by hand, bicycle and truck for hundreds of kilometers through the otherwise impenetrable jungle that covered Vietnam’s mountainous border with Laos. A testimony to the ingenuity, fortitude and commitment of the northern Vietnamese, the trail slipped from use at the end of the war and was taken back by the jungle.

Recent road work that follows original sections of the trail has changed this.Besides incredible driving, deep in the Vietnamese countryside, this ride takes in the charming ancient trading town of Hoi An, Khe Sanh battle site and DMZ. Travelers also take time to stay overnight in a traditional Thai hill tribe and visit to some tribal villages on the way.Start this trip in Hanoi, travelers have Hanoi city tour to visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and the “Uncle Ho” house and other famous sight-seeings and a relaxing cyclo tour through the ancient part of Hanoi.Next day, travelers take a short bus drive the Ho Chi Minh Trail Museum on the outskirts of Hanoi.

After the visit to the museum travelers will jump on our Minsks and spend sometime to get familiar with the bikes. Crossing two short mountain passes then descent to the mountain valley settlement of Mai Chau, travelers will have dinner and overnight in a stilt house of the Thai people.Next day, travelers then head South on a beautiful winding road which follow the banks of the Ma River. After some hours riding on undulating quiet road, travelers join the new Ho Chi Minh Highway. This newly carved route leads us due south, through remote back country, not far from the Laos border. In the afternoon, travelers cut eastward towards the coast and stay overnight in the peaceful city of Vinh.

The next morning, travelers head inland towards the Laos border after 40mins riding travelers can reach the birthplace of Ho Chi Minh in Kim Lien Village. The place is truly a shrine to the Vietnamese and visited by few westerners.Travelers continue on the quiet highway to Dong Loc Intersection which is widely regarded in Vietnamese eyes as the beginning of Ho Chi Minh Trail. Travelers then pass through remote back country, close to the border, as the scenery steadily becomes dominated by Karst limestone rock formations. Travelers will reach our overnight spot, Huong Khe Town.Next day, travelers will arrive in Phong Nha around noon, board a dragon boat to explore the famous Nature World Heritage Site of Phong Nha cave, then riding 30km eastward to the costal town of Dong Hoi, an overnight spot.Next day’s ride is also on the new, quiet highway. Along the way, travelers will have a short stop at Truong Son National Cemetery to pay respect to the soldiers who fought and died on the trail during the American War. After here, travelers head to Dong Ha Town passing Ben Tat Bridge, built by the VC over the Ben Hai River.

Arriving in Dong Ha, travelers will check into the hotel, have lunch and then drive to the mystic Vinh Moc Tunnel and the famous DMZ, Doc Mieu fire base and the historic Hien Luong Bridge in the afternoon.Next day, continuing West on Highway 9, travelers will climb into the Truong Son foothills. About 16km from Khe Sanh is the Dakrong Bridges and the road turns winding and narrow. A bit further, travelers will come to Huang Hoa, once known as Khe Sanh Base, which was established as a forward base by General Westmoreland near Laos to secure Highway 9. About 3km from Khe Sanh is Ta Con Airbase.Lunch in Khe Sanh and then head out across the famous Dakrong River Bridge on Rte. 14 near the town of Ta Rut, travelers will stop for a visit with the Pa Co people and a walk through their village.Next day’s riding is the best riding of the whole route. For the first 110 km, travelers cross one of the longest and most stunning pass on new and quiet road, through stunning scenery of primitive forests backed by the imposing Truong Son mountain range. There are also two long tunnels and very little traffic. The next 68 km from Hien to Thanh My are on good road with some gentle climbs.

Travelers will have a relax day in Hoi An town – the ancient Quarter famed by its important trading ports in Southeast Asia. After one night-staying here, travelers will be transferred to Da Nang and end the interesting trip.

Detail itineraries

- Motorcycle tours in Ho Chi Minh Trail:  http://www.activetravelvietnam.com/tour.php?op=detail&tourId=33

About the Author:

ACTIVETRAVEL ASIA (ATA) offers a wide selection of Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar adventure tours, including hiking and trekking, biking, motorcycling, overland touring and family travel packages.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – ATA Promotes Motorcycle Tours for American Veterans travel to Vietnam war in the past

Although you want to significantly cut down on the amount of luggage you take, you should still take advantage of the maximum size carry on luggage you can take. Find out what the average carry on allowance is and buy an new bag to fit those dimensions.

2. Wear Your Heaviest/Bulkiest Items

Ok, so it’s an obvious point, but if you’re taking some bulky items, such as a thick coat, or walking boots, wear them on the plane and free up as much valuable space in your carry on luggage as possible.

3. Create A Packing List — And Ruthlessly Edit

It This is something you can perfect over time. Basically, every time you go abroad create a packing list. Then, when you come home and unpack make a note of everything you didn’t use. Then cross them off the list for next time!

4. Plan To Buy Things At Your Destination

Remember, most destinations will have places you can buy the basics you need to get you by. Need a smarter shirt for an unplanned trip to a fancy restaurant, just buy one at a local store. You’ll also be able to discard these items if you need to before you leave.

5. Decant Toiletries Into Smaller Bottles

For your essential toiletries, do away with the bumper family size bottles and decant rations into smaller bottles. Not only will you save space, but also a lot of weight. And remember the point above — if you run out you can always buy some more.

6. Roll Your Clothes

It’s an old trick but an effective one. Rolling your clothes makes them easier to pack down into the corners of your carry on, plus it can help you avoid the creases created by folding.

7. Wear Clothing With Lots Of Pockets

Remember, you don’t need to carry everything in your luggage. Wearing clothing with extra pockets, such as cargo pants, or those vests that professional photographers wear, you can carry many smaller items and leave space for the bigger stuff in your luggage.

8. Buy Speciality Travel Clothing That Converts

Now you can buy items of clothing specifically designed for travelers. Usually travel clothing has features such as being light-weight, breathable and none-creasing and quick drying, but you can also find clothing that is convertible. Trousers that turn into shorts, or long sleeved items that become short sleeved. By making your clothing work twice as hard, you can save twice as much space.

9. Buy Speciality Travel Products Designed To Be Compact

Aswell as clothing designed for traveling, you can find all manner of accessories that have been designed for traveling and to be compact. For example a travel towel can be a quarter of the size of a traditional towel.

10. Ask Others For Their Tips

If you see someone breezing through check in with just one bag, stop them and ask them how they do it. Most people love to show off how clever and travel-savvy they are, so they’ll be happy to share their wisdom with you!

These handy tips have been taken from the full 225-page Packing Secrets — The Ultimate Packing Guide For Travelers. This guide was created by interviewing 100s of travelers, from business travelers to family vacationers. You can discover more using this link >> www.packingsecrets.com

 

Travel $59.99 Travel – Wall Decal

---