If your China holidays lead you to Guangzhou, in southern China, you’ll have a chance to visit an ancient Bhuddist temple built in 537 AD. This temple has a fascinating history behind it…

Built during the Liang Dynasty and initially called Baozhuangyan Temple, the temple has its present name attributed during the Northern Song Dynasty. A writer by the name of Su Shi saw six banyan trees near the temple and so inscribed the name Liu Rong, meaning the Six Banyan Trees, on a tablet. It’s up above, in the picture. Hence the temple is now know as the Temple of the Six Banyan Trees.

As you enter the Temple through the mountain gate, the famous Laughing Buddha is there to greet tourists in the Tianwang Hall. Behind this lies the Weituo Hall. Legend has it that a general by the name of Weituo recaptured the stolen Buddhist relics. A serious and a military type figure, an expressionless face can be seen on the statue of Weituo, a great distinction from that of the Laughing Buddha.

At the same site you’ll find the Six Banyan Pagoda. The Pagoda resembles a flower with its up-turned dark red roofs, like petals, and its tips resembling stamens, hence the popular name the Flowery Pagoda. This is an ideal site to take a look at the breath-taking scenery around the place. To the west is situated the main hall, the Daxion Boadian Hall. A notable attraction here is the three biggest copper Buddhist statues at the temple, symbolizing the past, present and future.

Each year during the Chinese traditional Spring Festival and Lantern Festival, the area is buzzing with the people burning joss sticks, which is a huge event here at the temple. Spending a few nights here site seeing and joining in the festivities would be a memorable choice. Well, you came all this way…you don’t want to just watch, do you?

There are quite a few tour and travel companies offering trips to the city of Guangzhou, and they all include Liu Rong Temple on their itineraries. Most of them can also help with accommodation and transportation advice and booking. Search ‘Guangzhou’ for more information.

Naveen Marasinghe

http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-tips-articles/visit-a-1400-year-old-temple-in-the-south-of-china-727983.html

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No matter where you want to go or what you want to do, you’re likely to find travel auctions available to help make the trek easier on your wallet. The auctions that handle travel are found online in a number of places and will range from auctions for airline tickets to all-inclusive outings…

As you look for the best travel auction deals, remember that there are a multitude of sites that provide these auctions. Which one you’re most comfortable with is up to you, but it does pay to check out the different sites before diving in with a big bid on a travel auction offering. If you’re in the market and want to look at travel auction bargains, here are some types of sites to seek out:

* Larger auction sites. These often have a number of travel auction listings going at once. With offerings varying from international trips, complete with airfare, to those that involve more modest destinations, they can all be found online.

* Time share sites. These often have mechanisms for property owners to create some buzz for renting out their timeshares. Sites that cater to timeshare owners very often have their own auctions going to help owners get the most for their property’s rental.

* Ticket sites. Sometimes online sites that cater to ticket sales will have areas especially designed for travel auctions.

As you look for a discount travel auction online, there are some things to consider before making bids. These include:

* Exactly what kind of trip you’re looking for. Travel auction discounts can be found for just about any kind of trip to any destination. If you’re picky on location, dates and so on, make these determinations before you start trying to hunt for auctions.

* Prices. While travel deals can be found via auctions, it’s still a good idea to set a budget. Sometimes a hot commodity might be available that, due to bidding wars, ends up being anything but discount. If you allow yourself to go too far over budget, you won’t be getting a bargain even if it is a travel auction venue!

* Mode of transportation desired. Travel auctions can be found that include everything from cruises to helicopter flights to remote locations in the wilderness. Decide how you want to travel and where before looking for auction deals.

Once you’ve set a few parameters for you travel auction search, it’s a good idea to remember to check out the auctions closely before bidding. Remember that not everyone that offers auction items is reputable, but many are.

Vacations can be expensive, but travel auction bargains can make them more affordable. When people book trips and find out they can’t take them, they’re often willing to let them go for very reasonable prices. Or, sometimes timeshare owners want to rent out their weeks in luxury accommodations for a profit. Whatever the case, online auctions can provide real savings for travelers. The key is knowing where and how to look for the savings.

Tom Sample

http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/shop-discount-auctions-for-travel-bargains-113351.html

Technorati Tags: affordable, airline, all inclusive, auctions, bargains, budget, deals, discount, holidays, online, prices, search, sites, tickets, time share, transportation, travel, vacations

Over the years, air travel has declined significantly. Bad economic times, acts of terrorism, and the overall high cost of flying have deterred many travelers from flying the friendly skies. Instead, they’re opting for local travel that doesn’t require flying or selecting other methods of transportation such as driving, taking the train, or going “Greyhound”. As a result, the major airlines are making less and less each year, forcing some to close up shop and call it quits…

However, bad economic times and acts of terrorism aren’t the only things affecting the major airlines and the air travel industry as a whole. Discount air carriers who offer limited yet discounted air travel rates have put a huge dent in the business of the major airlines. These airlines, such as U.S. based Jet Blue and Southwest Airlines, can undercut the major players in the air travel market because of lower overhead and less labor costs.

Since the discount air travel carriers are smaller and often only have one type of aircraft (compared to bigger airlines that have full fleets of varying plane types), they have more flexibility with their pricing and can offer discount air travel deals more often then their much larger counterparts. And when combined with the decline in overall air travel, the discount air carriers are winning out over the larger airlines, causing the major players to rethink their game plan and, in many cases, start offering discount air travel through dynamically priced fares.

Using Discount Air Travel and Carriers for Your Benefit

For the most part, discount airlines operate within their country of origin. In other words, many don’t offer flights abroad. So if you need to fly domestically for business travel or a family vacation, a discount air carrier is the way to go. However, just because the discount airlines don’t offer overseas travel, it doesn’t mean you can’t get discount air travel deals on international flights.

The bigger airlines are starting to offer last minute travel deals and dynamically priced fares to try and fill their flights as much as they can. And since the discount air carriers are taking much of their previous domestic customers, the larger airlines are desperate to make a buck any way they can.

Finding The Best Travel Deals

Some airlines offer last minute and discounted travel deals directly to the consumer; however, many work with online travel sites and supply them with bulk-rate deals on plane tickets. Either way, the key to finding discount air travel deals is to search the web and call the airlines.

Compare prices and give yourself time to research your discount travel options. You may find that booking last minute will save you a bundle on your flight in some cases, but cost you twice as much in others; so be flexible and don’t purchase the first ticket you find. You’ll find a better deal on discount air travel if you shop around.

The discount air carriers have caused a significant shift in the air travel industry. There is more competition and less people buying, causing the industry to offer more discounted air travel deals than ever before. As a traveler, this means there are currently more ways to save on your air travel. All you have to do is go out and find those deals!

Frank Johnson

http://www.articlesbase.com/business-articles/discount-air-carriers-and-discount-air-travel-transforming-the-air-travel-industry-52942.html

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Holidays in South America are an exciting prospect! With it’s vibrant, passionate culture, its music, dancing and fabulous beaches, exciting cities, rainforests, jungles and mountains, some of the world’s best holidays can be enjoyed on this continent. Here’s a quick look at 3 of the most exciting destinations…

Holidays in Rio de Janeiro

Every day feels like a carnival in Rio de Janeiro, you are never far from the pulse of the samba. Situated between glorious beaches and lush mountains it’s a perfect place for a lively holiday.

Weather

The weather never gets cold in Rio, the rainy season is from October to January and temperatures can drop to 23C. The humid climate reaches 28C in the summer.

Transport: how to get there and around

The airport in Rio serves flights from all of Latin America, Brazil, and beyond. Long distance buses depart from Novo Rio Rodoviaria.

Getting around the city can be a little uncomfortable on the often crowded buses. For a cooler option try the air-conditioned subway which covers part of the city.

Accommodation: Luxury to budget stays

The internet can offer some of the best information on the cost, range and location of hotels in Rio de Janeiro.

Attractions & Events

*Unforgettable Costumes, dancing and body painting are paraded through the streets for the famous 5 day Carnaval. This event starts on the Friday before Ash Wednesday.

*Throughout June is the Fiestas Junina, which takes place in public squares in the city.

*Festa de NS da Gloria do Outeiro is celebrated with street parades and stalls on 15 August.

*Each Sunday in October the religious festival Festa da Penha takes place.

Holidays In São Paulo

São Paulo is Brazil’s largest and most cosmopolitan city. There are many attractions for the visitor to enjoy including the art and culture, fine restaurants and pulsating nightlife.

Transport: how to get there and around

There are three airports in São Paulo. Congonhas for domestic and Sao Paulo/ Guarulhos both for domestic and international flights.

To avoid the congested streets the subway is a great option. There is a bus service but this can be crowded and uncomfortable.

Weather

The city receives most rain during the summer months, although generally the weather is sunny and warm all year.

Accommodation: Luxury to budget stays

The internet can offer some of the best information on the cost, range and location of hotels in Sao Paulo.

Attractions & Events

*In June the hot fashions are on show during São Paulo’s Fashion Week, the same month brings the huge gay celebration Gay Pride.

*In October sports fan can enjoy the Brazilian F1 Grand Prix.

Holidays In Buenos Aires

Located in Argentina, Buenos Aires has an old style European feel with its boulevards, café’s and architecture. But you’ll quickly find it also has a trendy chic side and a population that makes flair into an art form. And as home of the tango, the city has an irresistible allure.

Transport: how to get there and around

The city’s two airports known as Ezeiza & Aeroparque serve as an important hub for the southern region of South America. There is a bus service which connects the city with both airports.

The efficient underground called Subte makes traveling around the city easy. You can also use the bus service 24 hours a day. Most of the tourist attractions are situated close to one another so walking is also an option.

Weather

The best time to visit is during Spring and Autumn as the summer can be scorching up to 40C and the winters are cold. You will see some rain although its not generally heavy.

Accommodation: Luxury to budget stays

The internet can offer some of the best information on the cost, range and location of hotels in Buenos Aires.

Attractions & Events

*Dancing is a popular celebration, the Buenos Aires Tango festival is held during February and March.

* To celebrate Latin American literature the book fair The Feria del Libro takes place every April.

*Campeonato Abierto Argentino de Polo takes place in December.

Alistair White

http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-tips-articles/travel-south-america-rio-de-janeiro-sao-paulo-and-buenos-aires-219554.html

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Technorati Tags: argentina, attractions, beaches, brazil, buenos aires, carnaval, culture, destinations, events, holidays, rio, sao paulo, south america, transportation, weather

When you are planning your UK holidays, make sure you take advantage of the travel savings for UK tourist sites. This might include visiting the hundreds of British castles and stately houses, through which tour packages will give you the best price. The sheer number of people will give you the savings, and the sites will give you the history!

The British Tourist Authority will point the way to the choices in travel savings for United Kingdom destinations. They offer quick links to flights and transportation sites in Great Britain that will take you to such airports as the famous Heathrow International Airport, where travel to other points of interest is available…

There are terrific travel savings for UK holidays offered in the many forms of transportation that are available in Great Britain. The British Tourist Authority has all of the links that will conveniently take you to all available public transportation sites, rental car sites, taxi companies, and companies that will transport you direct.

When you can travel the best routes between all the holiday places to be found in Great Britain, then the travel savings will be found in reduced rail ticket costs, and rental car costs, because you will know where you are going and will not have to spend money on petrol unnecessarily.

Sightseeing offers great travel savings for UK holidays, because you see more of Great Britain than you would ever think possible. Convenient city maps can be obtained that will give the placement of every castle in the United Kingdom. If you do not care to drive, you can use the public transportation and save money in the fares that are cheaper than any other travel mode being offered.

Some of the unofficial guides to Great Britain will give you a hint about the travel savings for UK holidays and give you a first-hand perspective on what things there are to do at these sites, because these unofficial guides are written by people who have done the travels already. These people might be Londoners, or people from Peoria, Illinois and any other location in the world.

By learning from their personal experiences, you will know of other unadvertised travel savings that cropped up from conversations with proprietors of local pubs and eateries that were on your list of attractions to visit while you were in Great Britain.

At attractions such as Buckingham Palace, you can get travel savings tips from the tour guides. They know the best places, with the best deals for all your needs that are within walking distance of the Thames River, and the business districts. There are millions of people that vacation in Great Britain. See where they go, and how they bargain for prices. Some of the ways will surely delight you.

The locals are the best source of information about travel savings. Talk with them, and you might even get some advice about the local delicacies such as fish and chips, and which size lager is proper for a lady to drink. The United Kingdom is full of friendly people who do not mind pointing out a good place to eat at a reasonable price.

Leon Groom

http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/travel-savings-for-united-kingdom-sites-124649.html

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Technorati Tags: British Tourist Authority, buckingham palace, castles, destinations, great britain, packages, sightseeing, sites, tips, transportation, travel savings, Trip, UK Holidays

Holidays in Germany continue to gain popularity among vacationers around the world. Germany’s unique culture, friendly people, and distinctive destinations are just a few of the distinctions that have made this beautiful country one of Europe’s hottest tourist vacation spots since 2000. Each year, the number of overnight visitors grows. In fact, Germany attracted over 2.2 million visitors from the United States alone within the first six months of 2006!

Traveling to and from Germany with ease and in style can be a relaxing and pleasant experience in and of itself. Depending on where the visitor is coming from, Germany can be reached by boat, airline, automobile, or train. With all of these options available, there is a safe, convenient, and affordable option accessible for travel to Germany for every one!

Air Travel to Germany

Air travel affords the world traveler speed and convenience. Germany can be reached as an air destination through major airlines located across the globe. The most accessible German cities by air include Berlin, Munich, and Frankfurt. Germany’s own airline, Lufthansa, accesses over 75 countries, reaching more than 175 cities. No matter what continent the would-be German visitor is located on, there is a flight headed to Germany nearby.

For a German holiday on a budget, there are a variety of no-frills air fare packages available. Some of the airlines to consider when flying affordably are Air Berlin, Ryanair, Germanwings, and Easyjet. For the most recent and up-to-date deals on airfare to Germany near you, contact your local favorite airline.

Travel to Germany on an Ocean Liner

For the traveler that isn’t in as much of hurry, or wants to combine their German vacation with another unique and memorable experience, visiting Germany by way of a cruise can be the perfect choice for relaxation and fun. The benefits of a cruise to Germany include avoiding the hustle and bustle that can be associated with flying and another option to reaching Germany from an overseas destination than via a plane.

Rates vary substantially with packages, but cruise ship lines typically offer great deals on packages for the traveler that are available on a flexible schedule. In fact, some cruise lines can offer rates that come out to be pennies on the dollar when compared to premium air line rates! Popular cruise lines that port in Germany are Norwegian Cruise Lines and Sea Cloud cruises.

Visit Germany by Train

European rail transportation is world famous for its efficiency, speed, and affordability. So for the budget-minded traveler, catching a train to Germany is an option that the traveler can’t afford not to look into!

But don’t discount the amenities available aboard trains! Packages offered by German rail travel can vary from the no-frills to the extravagant. There is truly something available for everyone.

Trains allow tourists taking a holiday in Germany to relax and enjoy the countryside without the added stress that can come with airline travel. Meeting new people and sharing the experience is a traditional aspect of vacationing in Europe and traveling by train affords the vacationer a unique opportunity to have the option of mingling with their fellow passengers if they want or to ride in privacy if they wish – something no long flights in a plane can present.

Puripong Koomsin

http://www.articlesbase.com/business-articles/travel-to-germany-66904.html

Technorati Tags: air, airfare, budget, cruise, destination, europe, Germany, holidays, liner, lufthansa, ocean, packages, rail, tourist, train, transportation, travel