Barbados Destinations Guide

Tourists pour into Barbados from all over the world, drawn by the delightful climate, the big blue sea and brilliant white sandy beaches. Many of them rarely stray far from their hotels and guesthouses, but those who make an effort find a proud island scattered with an impressive range of historic sites



For more than three centuries Barbados was a British colony and retains something of a British feel: the place names, the cricket, horse-racing and polo, Anglican parish churches, and even a hilly district known as Scotland.

The people of Barbados, known as Bajans , take great pride in their tiny island of 430 square kilometres

Tourism plays a major part in the country's economy and revenues have been put to good use. The infrastructure and public transport are first-rate and there is no sign of the poverty that continues to bedevil some Caribbean islands.\

Where to go
Chief among the island's attractions are its old plantation houses - places like St Nicholas Abbey and Francia , superb botanical gardens at Andromeda and the Flower Forest , and the military forts and signal stations at Gun Hill and Grenade Hall . The capital, Bridgetown , is a lively place to visit, with an excellent national museum and great nightlife in its bars and clubs



When to go
For many visitors, Barbados's tropical climate is its leading attraction - hot and sunny year-round. The weather is best, however, during the high season, from mid-December to mid-April, with rainfall low and the heat tempered by cooling trade winds. The peak season also brings the biggest crowds and the highest prices.

Getting around
The bus system in Barbados is excellent, with blue government buses and yellow, privately owned minibuses running all over the island. Fares are a flat rate of B$1.50. Buses run roughly every half-hour between Grantley Adams International Airport and Bridgetown, stopping at or near most of the south coast resorts en route. Services to the resorts on the west coast are less frequent.

Food & Drink
Fresh seafood is the island's speciality: snapper, barracuda and dolphin fish, as well as fresh prawns and lobster. Most popular of all is the flying fish - virtually a Bajan national emblem.

For snacks , you'll find cutters (bread rolls with a meat or cheese filling), coconut bread, and more substantial rotis (flat, unleavened bread wrapped around a filling of curried meat or vegetables); all are widely available.

Rum is the liquor of choice for many Bajans. Hundreds of tiny rum bars dot the island, which are an integral part of Bajan social life. On the coast, you'll find fewer places that cater specifically to drinkers but, all-inclusives apart, most hotels and restaurants will welcome you for a drink even if you're not staying or eating.


Barbados Destinations Guide

There are many varieties of food in Dubai. But there are few Dubai food items you MUST try while in Dubai. Also try to visit these restaurants in Dubai to enjoy good food.

News this week that WH Smith has signed an exclusive deal with Penguin travel guides in their 460+ shops, including most airports and train stations has disgusted me. On the rare occasion I do purchase a guide book I want choice not restricted to a certain brand.

You will not be able to purchase guides from the likes of Frommer’s and Lonely Planet.

Last week I purchased an AA city guide to Venice from a WH Smith but I for one will be purchasing any future guide books prior to my arrival at the airport. My meagre purchase of the occasional guide book will not bring WH Smith to its feet, but I suspect I will not be the only person boycotting them.

Debate on the future of the guide book

You have to also think about the writers who write for smaller brands or are independent. The debate over the future of the travel guide book is one that has been discussed at length. If more outlets like WH Smith go down a similar route could this be the end of the travel guide book.

Money talks

I do not know why WH Smith have gone down this path, I suspect its because it’s a lucrative deal but for consumers it’s not right and it’ll only be a matter of time before we find out of if it’s the right decision. I am interested to read your comments on their decision.

October 21, 2008
I love Italy. I think Italy loves me. You have got to go there and you'll see why ! I have enjoyed such wonderful times in Tuscany, Sienna, Rome, Naples, Sicily, The Italian Riviera, Venice, Milan, Florence and Turin. The Italians have always been so lovely with my children, making restaurant meals a great family experience. The climate is so warm, the countryside so inviting, the history so pervasive, that it is hard not to just throw it all in and move there ! If you want to go on holiday to Italy then you must visit Holidays In Italy - the home of variety, choice, inspiration and value holidays to this fantastic country for the last five years.

Visa to enter in Germany is required by all, except nationals of the following countries:

American Samoa, Andorra, Argentina, Bermuda, Bolivia, Brazil, Brunei, Chile, Colombia, Cook Islands, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Estonia, Guam, Guatemala, Honduras, Hungary, Israel, Korea (Rep. of), Latvia, Lithuania, Macau, Malaysia, Mexico, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niue, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Poland, Singapore, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Uruguay, Vatican City, Venezuela and US Virgin Islands. But they don�t require Visa for stays of 3 months, after this time, they must obtain a Visa.

Visa isn�t required either for passengers who continue their journey by the same or first connecting aircraft; however, it is important check with the Embassy before your trip.

Citizens of EU countries holding a valid national ID card just need a passport to enter Germany. But, if you want to take up employment, it is absolutely necessary to have a full passport.

Students
If you want to take up studies in Germany, you will need a visa for entry, but not any type of visa. You must obtain a visa for purposes of study. Documents required are:

• Valid passport with one blank page to affix visa stamp.
• Application form
• Two passport photos
• Proof of sufficient funds to finance your period of study
• Fee (payable in cash or by postal order)
• Letter from the place of study (University, college or school)

Tourists
If you are not a citizen of EU countries or of any country mentioned before, you must obtain a tourist visa. Documents necessaries are:

• Valid passport with one blank page to affix visa stamp.
• Application form
• Three photos
• Proof of adequate means of support during stay (at least £20.00 per day).
• Proof of medical insurance.
• Proof of accommodation
• Fee (payable in cash or by postal order)

Business
If you have to enter to Germany for any business purpose, even if you are self employed, you need a visa. Documents necessaries to obtain a Business Visa are:

• Valid passport with one blank page to affix visa stamp
• Letter from the employer or place to work, if self employed, a letter from a solicitor, accountant, bank manager or local Chamber of Commerce
• Formal obligation from host in Germany
• Fee (payable in cash or by postal order)

Work permits
Currently, citizens of EU countries don�t need a visa or work permit to work in Germany. But non-EU nationals must obtain a visa or resident permit before entering Germany. Documents required to obtain a work visa are:

• Valid passport with one blank page to affix visa stamp
• Two application forms
• Two passport photographs
• Employment contract or a letter from your future employer in Germany (with a copy)
• Police certificate of good conduct
• Fee (payable in cash or by postal order)

Validity of Visa
Visa is valid according your stay type, and it can not be extended. If you want to stay more time, you have to make a new application.

Short stay (single and multiple entry): Valid for 6 months from date of issue for stays of maximum 90 days per entry or for 1 year from date of entry for stays of maximum 90 days in one half-year.
Transit (single and multiple entry): Valid for a maximum of 5 days per entry, including the day of arrival.

STUTTGART is the capital of the Baden-Württemberg state and is located in the center of the populated southwestern of Germany. Stuttgart is an ideal starting point for excursions to the Black Forest, the Swabian Alb, the Lake of Constance, the Hohenloher Land as well as the neighboring countries of Austria, France and Switzerland. Stuttgart is a cosmopolitan area and it is one of the prominent and well-known German towns, particularly due to its cultural, administrative and huge economic importance.

Stuttgart was chartered in the 13th cent and it became a residence of the counts of Württemberg, who made it their capital at the end of the 15th cent. After World War I it became famous for its numerous modern buildings with an innovative architecture. In World War II, the center of the city was almost totally destroyed although after 1945 many old buildings were restored.

Stuttgart is a relaxing city, its wonderful environment including the black forest and lots of acres of vineyards which make it one of the greenest cities in Europe. The region's long wine-growing tradition is carefully documented in a museum. Even as visitors come in to land at Stuttgart International Airport, they will be impressed by a fascinating landscape consisting of mountains, woods, vineyards, gardens, meadows and fields.

In Stuttgart, you can find a lot for the whole family: museums, art galleries, beautiful squares and imposing palaces. There are also exclusive stores, boutiques, modern malls and street cafés � some extravagant, other more elegant � that offer a beautiful view of the city.

The city is the place where the motorbike and the four-wheeled automobile were invented, famous and prestigious brands as Mercedes-Benz and Porsche are produced there. One of the Stuttgart�s attractions is the Mercedes Benz museum that is one of the best visited museums.

Welcome to the

The city of Izmir is located in the Aegean region in western turkey, at the gulf with the same name Izmir. Called as �the Peal of the Aegean�, is the third largest city and one of the most important commercial and industrial centre in the country. Izmir is also the second largest Turkish sea port.

Studies and excavations prove that Izmir dates back to 3000 B.C. During the ancient times Izmir was known as Smyrna and was initially built on the Tepekule site today as Bayrakli. Later, in the Turkish era the city of Smyrna was re-named Izmir...

Kusadasi - (Show on the Map) - one of Turkey’s premier holiday resorts, offers an excellent environment for an unforgettable holiday. Situated on the west coast of Turkey - 90km south of Izmir, Kusadasi, is reputed for being one of the most attractive cities of the Aegean, as it is close to the important historical sites including Ephesus, Temple of Artemis, Goddess Artemis, House of Virgin Mary, Seven Sleepers, Didyma, Priene, Miletos - the principal of ancient times, and ideal for sightseers. Kusadasi has a typical Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters, providing a long tourism season. The city is bathed in sunshine for 300 days of the year.

Kusadasi - The perfect combination of history and nature

Kusadasi, as many know, takes its name from the small islet of Guvercinada (Pigeon Island) in the bay. The island, now the site for a number of tourism facilities, was connected to the mainland for security reasons following the Moria Rebellion in 1834. Although the date of the first settlement in Kusadasi is unknown it is clear that it goes back in time. In 3000 BC the Karia came from Anatolia and settled here. In 12th century BC, it became a part of the Ionian League and was then known as Panionia. In 546 BC, the Persians came here had seized the entire coastline, with Kusadasi then being taken over by the Romans in 200 BC. This naturally was followed by the Byzantine era and with the neighbouring city of Ephesus losing its popularity, kusadasi became more prosperous. With its natural port it became a centre of trade. In 1071, it came under the control of the Selcuk Turks and in 1413 was seized by Ottomans. The Ottomans made use of the port as a trading centre for agricultural products brought over the Silk Road running through China, Central Asia and Anatolia. Altough it never was a major centre, Kusadasi was always an important port, having strong links with Levantine communities. Until the First World War many Jews, Genovese, Venetians and Greks lived here. After the war, with the population exchange, the Greeks went to Greece and Turks, especially those from Crete, were settled in the aera.

You can find a beach for swimming even in the city center. While there is a beach right in the middle of Kusadasi the town’s most famous swimming spot is Ladies Beach. You can get there in minutes by taking a dolmus from the times when men and women did not bathe in the sea together. However, nowadays that is most certainly not the case. The long open beach, lined with palm trees, has numerous outlets providing food, drink and deserves its popularity.