The world’s most visited museums in 2011

More and more people are interested in art and culture and who use their free time and leisure to visit museums. Furthermore, as we saw a few days ago, in 2011 we have been enjoying major exhibitions worldwide. The importance of cultural tourism is growing, so that cities built museums in tourism. Thus, when we travel we enjoy museums of all kinds.

The main cities and capitals of the world have museums of great importance and that each year attracts thousands of visitors. BBC Travel has developed a list of world’s most visited museums during the 2011. Let’s see what they were.

- Louvre Museum (Paris / France)

It is probably the world’s most popular museum and also the most visited. In fact, it seems that no one may threaten the privileged position, as in 2011 received more than eight and a half million visitors. The museum houses a vast storehouse of 300,000 art pieces, which exposes 35,000, including the Venus de Milo and the Mona Lisa. Inside you can find beautiful paintings, sculptures and objects from past civilizations and all over the world.

- Smithsonian National Air and Space (Washington / USA)

Opened in 1976, houses the collection of aircraft and spacecraft in the world’s largest, with over 50,000 original items from the Wright brothers’ plane in 1903 to a lunar rock sample that visitors can touch. In addition, visitors can enjoy flight simulators, shows in 3D space and the spectacular Albert Einstein Planetarium. During 2011 received 8.3 million visitors.

- National Museum of Natural History (Washington / USA)

It has a collection of more than 126 million items, including plants, animals, fossils of dinosaurs, meteorites, rocks and human cultural objects. It is considered the largest natural history museum in the world. Last year received 6.8 million visits.

- British Museum (London / UK)

The second European museum of the list is also one of the most important, thanks to its impressive collection of more than 7 million objects that allow us to time travel back in time. It also covers such diverse fields as human knowledge, history, archeology and art, among others. Also notable for its section on ancient Egypt, the largest in the world after that of the Egyptian Museum in Cairo. Last year was visited by nearly 5 ½ million people.

- Metropolitan Museum of Art (New York / USA)

Thanks mainly to the exhibition “Alexander McQueen: Wild Beauty,” which has received over 600,000 visitors, is in the fifth position of the most visited museums in 2011. The Met’s collection is more than two million works of art from around the world, with collections covering all periods and styles. Inside are works of great masters such as Rembrandt, Velázquez, Picasso, Braque, Raphael and many more. In 2011 received more than 5.2 million hits.

Caribbean experience in Trinidad

A trip to the vacation paradise promises pure zest for life. If one decides to travel to Trinidad, one may look forward to a paradise with a Caribbean flair, makes not only the hearts of nature lovers higher. With a car rental holidaymakers can explore the beauties of the country, which together with the island nation of Tobago ‘Lesser Antilles’. Between the Caribbean and the Atlantic Ocean is home to Trinidad and always attracts thousands of visitors to magical.

For adventure seekers on a journey into the larger of the two islands get their money and can enjoy a tour by mountain bike all natural spectacle, which the island has to offer. A total of three mountain ranges are in the water park at home and invite long walks in addition to exploring one on the bike. It can be enjoyed by the tourists at the fabulous flora and fauna of Trinidad and dangle your soul then to leave stunning beaches. In the crystal clear water can refresh the tourists, with regions such as Maracas Bay, Las Cuevas or Tyrico Bay beautiful vacation spots know that transform the most beautiful time of year in an unforgettable experience. In addition, you can fill up at water power or pay the new cricket stadium in Port of Spain to visit.

This site presents itself as the largest cricket stadium in the Caribbean and is an equally fascinating attractions of the capital of Trinidad as the Stoll Meyer’s Castle, Queen’s Royal College. And the Fort San Andres as one designed by the British harbor protection system is an impressive landmark that conjures not only culture lovers a smile on his face. In addition, the Cathedral of Immaculate Conception is just as inviting for cultural exploration tour, such as the National Museum, the Art Gallery and the Theatre ‘Queen’s Hall’. Through its wealth of attractions the city promises Port of Spain as a vibrant center of the independent state of a true adventure trip that can only be trumped by visiting the carnivals in the region.

With colorful costumes, this flow is not only the inhabitants of the Caribbean to the streets and celebrate with the typical music all day long in every nook and cranny of Trinidad. As part of the carnival, you can even competitions between various groups continue to experience local music, drumming where the musicians on drums called to race control.

Families exploring home turf during holidays

While exploring the UK’s shores, hills and cities has always been a popular choice for British families, holidaying on home turf has undeniably become more widespread in recent years. Figures from research consultancy BRDC Continental show that nearly half (48 per cent) of Brits are intending to holiday in the UK this year, up from 39 per cent in 2010.

Although for many the reasons for choosing to holiday on home shores are financial, holidaymakers are finding that taking breaks in the UK has allowed them to plan more intimate and activity filled holidays. One factor aiding this trend is the superb breadth of accommodation on offer here. Alongside hotels, B&Bs and guest houses, the UK has a fantastic range of self-catering accommodation such as villas and cottages provided by well-established firms such as Easy Cottages

One of the main advantages of staying in accommodation which offers a home-away-from-home feel, is the ability to stay right in the midst of the community you are exploring. This means you get a much more intimate view of the environment and if you are planning activities such as walking or cycling, you can choose to stay in the very areas which you plan to explore – saving you valuable time and money which could otherwise be spent on travel. With parking available for free with this type of accommodation, a cottage or villa break offers savings on staying in more traditional lodgings such as hotels where parking fees can sometimes be payable on top of your stay.

Choosing a self-catering break in general will often save you cash by keeping you in control of how much you spend on your meals, as well as when you choose to eat them. Nowadays holiday cottages offer far more amenities than a basic kitchen however. Alongside TV’s and DVD players you may also expect to find more luxury items to enhance your holidays such as Jacuzzis and hot tubs. Or if cooking really is your thing you may benefit from an on-site BBQ to give you even more creative catering choice.

If you are planning a holiday here in the UK and want to pack in as much as possible while keeping an eye on the purse strings, make sure you investigate the self-catering options available to you in your chosen destination.

Bed And Breakfast: How To Ensure Repeat Visits

As large tour operators like Thomas Cook struggle to stay afloat, many holidaymakers are seeking out alternatives to the traditional package holiday, making now the time to get your B&B business off the ground so you can start reaping the rewards.

In an increasingly shrinking world, the market for holiday accommodation is getting ever more competitive. Whereas bed and breakfast holidays are considered by most to be a British phenomenon, these days you are just as likely to find a Bed&Breakfast in Istanbul as you are to find privately owned apartments in Edinburgh. To make your bed and breakfast establishment stand out from the crowd, there are a few tips you should take on board.

The first is to know who it is you are targeting as a customer. If you live in a large city and your establishment is close to local transport facilities and entertainment venues, you should look at attracting tourists looking for weekend city breaks, for example. By working toward the strengths of your local area, you can refine the service you provide to highlight the best aspects of your local area.

You should always have good knowledge of your local area too. If you are asked to recommend a good local eatery and the only restaurant you know in the area is a branch of McDonald’s, it will not inspire confidence in your guests. By establishing relationships with the propriators of local restaurants, bars and entertainment venues, you can provide guests with accurate information and even receive discount vouchers from local businesses to encourage your guests to spend their money in the local area.

You should always be approachable and where possible, flexible regarding curfews and timings for the serving of breakfast. If your guests are not awake before nine in the morning, it does not make sense to have breakfast ready at seven. If you bend to your guests’ whims, you are more likely to hear from them again.

Diverse Argentina

After Brazil, Argentina is the largest country in South America and offers a scenic and climatic diversity, which are normally found in a little country. Of tropical rain and cloud forests, over vast plains, the mountain ranges of the Andes, the glaciers of Patagonia, Argentina’s beauty amazes.

Politically, Argentina is divided into 23 provinces, which act as member states of the Federal Republic and, in turn loosely Regions have joined forces. Geographically, one can divide the country into different climate zones and natural areas, we will explore, from north to south.
The north of Argentina

We begin our Travel in the north with one of the most spectacular sights in Argentina. In the province of Misiones, in the triangle Argentina-Paraguay-Brazil are the waterfalls of Iguazú, In addition to the Victoria Falls the largest waterfalls on earth. Nestled in a hilly landscape with subtropical vegetation, waterfalls plunging 275 created from up to 80m in depth and height of such an impenetrable fog, sparkling in the sunshine with colorful rainbows.
Besides the waterfalls are the old Jesuit Missions, Which the province takes its name, a main attraction of the area. Flora and fauna of Misiones impressed by their variety, if you are on a Trekking Tour the red by iron oxide stained floor moves, his gaze through the subtropical jungle leaves and listening to the voices of nature.
Extends south of the mountain ranges of Misiones, the swampy landscape Mesopotamia, Between the land between the Paraná River and Río Uruguay. Lies at its mouth Buenos AiresThe political, economic and cultural center of Argentina, which is surrounded to the south and west of the steppe landscape of the pampas.
The Pampa is the agricultural heartland of Argentina and is used primarily for livestock. While the biodiversity here is by far not as pronounced as in the north of the country, you can also meet in the boonies next to cattle to more exotic creatures such as the Mara, a long-legged relative of the guinea pig, or the ostrich-like flightless bird Rhea. In the north is in the dry pampas and shrub savanna of the Chaco on, among others, are located in tapirs, jaguars and pumas. The possibilities for activities in the Argentine steppe regions are diverse and range from trekking over Rides in the style of Argentine gauchos to Boat Tours along the Rio Bermejo.

Romance on the Jamaican Beaches

Jamaica is known for many things. It’s known for being one of the islands in the Caribbean, therefore a nice sunny place with great beaches and a good deal of nice scenery. It’s known for reggae. It’s known for many famous people that were born or came from there (including Bob Marley, Naomi Campbell, and Grace Jones). What may be less known about it is that Jamaica is one of the best places for romance.

It may not be Italy, but bring a romantic partner to one of the many Jamaica villas, and you’ll see the sparks flying more than ever before. There’s just something about being in such a beautiful paradise-like place that makes lovers love and couples appreciate each other like never before.
If you are planning a trip to Jamaica, and are considering taking up one of the beachfront rentals for a place to stay, then good for you. Here are some ideas of romantic things to do while on the island.

Beachfront and Waterside Romance

In Jamaica, a walk on the beach in itself is extremely romantic. It becomes doubly so when you choose an extremely dreamy spot to do it. There are many such places often right in the vicinity of Jamaica villas, sometimes on the actual property. If you find a villa that is somewhat secluded, it could provide you with the most beautiful area of beach you could wish for.

Jamaica also has some incredible waterfall formations, where the dull roar will calm and relax couples who visit. Besides the beautiful sights, the foliage surrounding is beautiful, and in some places visitors can even go swimming in the small pools. One such place is the Y.S. Falls, which houses a series of falls set in the middle of a wonderful forest. If you and your soul mate go there, you’ll be sure to never forget the experience.

Other Mainland Ideas

Don’t limit yourself to the beach, however. If you travel a bit beyond the reach of your beachside rentals, you could find many other romantic things to do in Jamaica. Jamaica has many cultural centers, particularly for enjoying music, and you’ll be sure to find one in your area. You can go to an event like the Jamaican National Dance Company, the Symphony Orchestra, or any others that catch your interest. Kingston, the capital of Jamaica, holds many of the fun and exciting events that a couple could wish for, as well as restaurants, bars, clubs, discos, and much more.