Globetrotting Cities Of The World

How much of a globetrotter are you?  Guess this city?  Hint:  This city is an eclectic mix of old and new, East and West.  It is a bustling metropolis and an epicurean paradise.  Formerly, Constantinople, it is the only city in the world that bridges two continents – Asia and Europe.  It is the largest city in the predominantly Islamic country of Turkey.  Answer:  Istanbul.

There is nothing like discovering or learning about a city and losing yourself in its irresistible pull.  There is thrill in connecting with different cities and in the process having a better grasp of humanity, history, culture, geography of the world.  We are in the threshold of a new millennium.  With it comes globalization- a world without borders.  This reality plus hunger for knowledge has served as a catalyst for people to venture forth and acquaint themselves with the cities of the world.  Come let’s take a sneak peak at some of these great cities.  Let’s discover diverse worlds as we tread from one city (familiar or newfound) to the next and be entranced.

Few places in the world have a bigger number of familiar landmarks than London.  Whether it is Big Ben, the Tower of London, Buckingham palace, #10 Downing Street or Harrods, the sights of London are legendary.  London thrives as a collection of vibrant and distinct communities.  There is West Hampstead, Kilburn with its Irish heritage, Hampstead Heath (a vast park in North London) and Soho Square.  Take a virtual tour of London canals and discover a floating community of houseboats.

Paris is the City of Romance.  Meander through the cloistered streets of Montmartre.  Be awed by modern art and “hi-tech” architecture such as the Beaubourg Centre, the cultural heart of Modern Paris.  This blending of old and new architectural styles adds up to the many reasons why most everyone ultimately falls in love with Paris.

New York is a city that never sleeps.  Climb up the Empire State Building.  Pass by the Chelsea galleries.  Experience the sights and sounds of Brooklyn nightclubs. Take your fill of Broadway shows.  Immerse yourself in the museums of New York.  Truly, it is the 21st century city.

Reach for the sky.  Hongkong’s skyline is one of the most famous in the world.  Take a tram ride up Victoria Peak and get a glimpse of the spectacular view of the territory.  Savor culinary delights honed to perfection.  And take out your credit cards and splurge.  Hongkong is a shopping paradise.

Chiang Mai is paradise revisited.  Just an hour’s ride from Bangkok, Chiang Mai has charm, mountains, and greenery.  Join in the festival of Songkran (New Year water festival) and the Loi Kratong (candle festival).  Along with the showers of water and the twinkling kites that light the night sky, the city comes alive and molds the old with the new, eliciting a sense of nostalgia.  Finally pay homage in the temples in Chiang Mai.  Bask in the cooler climes of Chiang Mai.  It can’t get any better.

Dubai is a world on its own.  It is a giant-sized playground for the whole family.  It is the second largest of the seven states making up the United Arab Emirates.  Luxury villas, theme parks and skyscrapers dot the desert and the coast.  However, Dubai is not all glitz and glamour.  For a glimpse of its past, visit Deira district – narrow alleyways, nondescript buildings, jewelry shops and spice souk and breathe in a variety of aromatic spices.  Try skiing at the Ski Dubai, the first indoor ski resort in the Middle East.  Dubailand is set to open.  Suffice to say Dubai is giving Las Vegas a run for its money.

And the list goes on…..  Unraveling the myriad cities of the world may take a lifetime but take the first step, you’ll never regret it. Travel, read or surf, take your pick.  Keep discovering… Keep learning.

A Most Trusted Travel Buddy

Traveling is a great way to gain new experiences and learn a new culture. However, it's not too much fun to travel with the thought of your safety hanging over your head right? Because no matter how everything seems to be well-planned, you know that something will inevitably go wrong. Accidents, loss of possession, or an urgent return trip might disrupt your travel plans. It is for these reasons that travel insurances are necessary. But then again, there are lots of insurance choices out there. It's of no use to you if you end up with a lousy policy right? Here are a few considerations you must think about before deciding to purchase your own travel insurance.

First, consider your travel habits. Do you go abroad? How long do you stay on a particular place? What mode of transportation do you frequently use? If you travel all over the world, be sure that your policy is accepted anywhere. Also, make certain that your policy covers basic travel insurance claims such as medical expenses, loss of luggage, repatriation expenses, cancellation of trips, and liability. If possible, ask for a list of agencies and institutions where you can get emergency assistance and where your policy is recognized. Check and inquire for exclusions. Exclusions in policies might include injury or loss of possessions during terrorist attacks and the bankruptcy of the agencies covered by your policy to meet your needs. It is a good idea to check the status of the establishments where your insurance is honored.

Secondly, a good travel insurance will cover pre-existing situations. These conditions might include medical or health problem that you have prior to buying insurance. Disruption of a trip caused by a medical emergency or sickness by a member of your group will also be covered a good policy. However, age is of importance since most policies exclude people who are over the age limit. It is important to consider this if you frequently travel with the elderly.

Third, age is probably the most important factor with travel insurance. Most insurance policies do not cover people who are over the age limit. The age limit is usually around 65 years of age. People over 65 are usually considered high risk individuals. Check if you and the members of your group are well under this age limit before deciding to purchase policies. Though high risk, older people can still get a high premium insurance. The usual terms under the policy still applies with added benefits.

With these tips, assess your situation and get travel insurance that is suitable to your needs. Next time you travel, arm yourself with a camera, a travel book, and most of all your insurance policy. After all, no one knows when you'll need it. MeWe Social Network