Vegas First Timers

What Happens In Vegas Stays In Vegas
So, you've never been to Las Vegas. What's kept you? Never mind - let's stop talking, and start doing! The important thing here is that you're ready for the time of your life, and there's no better place to celebrate than Las Vegas.

Las Vegas, USA

First up - people watching. It may sound mundane, but with the cross-section of visitors and celebrities who come to Las Vegas, it's usually primetime entertainment. There are several terrific vantage points on the Strip, including Mon Ami Gabi at Paris Las Vegas, a French bistro with the bonus of being directly across the street from the famous Bellagio fountains. Serendipity 3 at Caesars Palace also has a great outdoor view of Las Vegas Boulevard, not to mention some tasty treats. Elevated viewing with outdoor dining is always popular at Planet Hollywood - both at Cabo Wabo Cantina and PBR Rock Bar.
Cruising the Strip is required for any first-timer, by car or by foot, and since we're on the Strip, now's a good time to start. As you cruise, check out the enormous digital marquees for amazing shows you'll only find in Las Vegas. There's LOVE by Cirque du Soleil at The Mirage, Rock of Ages at The Rio, Tournament of Kings at Excalibur and Le Rêve - The Dream at Wynn Las Vegas. The people back home will expect you to see at least one of them. Check out legendary magic duo Penn & Teller at the Rio Hotel for a one-of-a-kind Las Vegas experience.

LAS VEGAS Welcome Board 

Be sure to get out and have a little fun exploring, too. Stroll through the open-air street party that is Carnaval Court at Harrah's, or let out a few screams riding the roller coaster at New York-New York. The new LINQ entertainment and shopping street meanders between the LINQ Hotel and Casino and Flamingo Hotel. With new restaurants, shops and performance venues, this family-friendly destination will soon be home to the High-Roller Observation Wheel.
There's so much to do in Las Vegas besides gaming, but if this is your first time in town, you almost have to play a little. Many hotels offer free lessons for novices - the Golden Nugget among them. While you're downtown, check out the assortment of restaurants and bars that make up the Fremont East District and the new Container Park, made entirely of shipping containers; and be sure to drop by the historic El Cortez and the all-new elegant Downtown Grand hotel.
Hungry yet? Las Vegas used to only be famous for buffets. Nowadays, you can also enjoy the culinary creations of any number of celebrity chefs; but as a first-timer, a buffet is in order. The Bistro Buffet at the Palms will satisfy your palate with international selections, while the Bayside Buffet at Mandalay Bay features a diverse selection of tastes, with sweeping views of a tropical water garden. Celebrated for its expansive selection of gourmet offerings, the Bacchanal Buffet at Caesars Palace will leave everyone at the table wanting more.
Looking for adventure? Vegas've got you covered; whether you like thrills by air, land or sea. Start with the SkyJump at the Stratosphere. At 108 stories, it's the longest controlled free fall of its kind. Soon, you'll be able to experience Slotzilla - a spectacular high-flyin' attraction where you get hooked to a harness and zip line right over the crowds on Fremont Street and under the giant video canopy. Not daring enough? How about swimming with the sharks at the Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay?

Las Vegas is the birthplace of many legendary excursions - from Swingers to The Hangover. Who knows? You could be the next to leave your mark on Las Vegas.

WTTC's Tourism for Tomorrow and Freedom to Travel

Travel & Tourism is growing faster than any other sector. WTTC's sector already accounts for 9.5 per cent of global GDP and 266 million jobs.  Over the next 10 years Travel & Tourism’s global impact on GDP is set to rise by 4 per cent per annum. ‘Tourism for Tomorrow’ addresses the challenges posed by such growth. It is WTTC’s vision for tourism that responds to the demands of increasing numbers of consumers in the face of shrinking natural resources; it reflects the needs of employees and destination communities; it looks beyond competitive boundaries to strike new alliances; and it recognises the need to start tackling these challenges now. It’s a vision that understands the need to balance people, planet and profit. 
WTTC has a huge responsibility for ensuring that the growth of our sector is managed responsibly. WTTC's Tourism for Tomorrow Position paper calls on businesses in Travel & Tourism to be accountable, show leadership, invest in sustainable solutions, and work together to drive real change. WTTC members are spearheading environmental programmes such as the Hotel Carbon Measurement Initiative and the Human Capital Initiative.  WTTC's Members’ global reach and level of seniority means that they are in a unique position to drive these greener practices into core business models. WTTC strongly advocates to international institutions and governments that their policies and regulatory frameworks are supportive of the sustainable growth of their sector. And WTTC continue to promote the very best in sustainable tourism through their annual Tourism for Tomorrow Awards – one of the highest accolades in the sector worldwide. 

‘Freedom to Travel’ means ensuring that people have the right to cross international borders safely and efficiently for tourism purposes. It means smarter visa processes, more visa waiver agreements and trusted traveller programmes. Of course, we recognise that there is a need for countries to maintain border security. But there needs to be a better balance between sovereign security concerns and the needs of international leisure and business travellers to pass through immigration with the minimum of hassle. We have recently seen unprecedented changes and improvements in visa facilitation around the world. More and more countries are taking deliberate steps to ease visa restrictions in order to increase visitor numbers and improve competitiveness. Yet despite these positive moves there are still too many nationalities who find it too complex and too difficult to cross borders as international tourists.

Indian Culture and Lifestyle

Indian culture and life style is always a subject of curiosity for the west. India, the country of Ten thousand years culture, the land of sharp contrasts and the perfect example of unity among vivid diversity believes in simple living and high thinking. Though Hindu dominated country, peaceful co-existence of people belonging to all religions of the world here is one of the greatest aspects of the Indian culture. Constitutionally, India is a secular country and every Indian enjoys equal rights irrespective of his/her religion, caste, sex and political opinion. When you minutely analyze the Indian life style and culture we find several other unique and interesting aspects of Indian culture. They are described below.

Irrespective of caste creed and religion, marriage is a must and the most auspicious social ceremony of every Indian family. And the interesting fact is that more than 70% of the marriages are arranged one even today. It means, the parents of the boy or girl take the decision about his/her marriage. However, there are few exceptions to this too. Indian family life is an extended and inclusive one. The concept of joint family and offspring taking complete care of the parents during old age is a common aspect of Indian lifestyle.

Clothing of Indians varies from state to state according to the Local Culture. The very word pajama has its root in India. Indians still believe in simple draped clothing. For men, the common dressing in North India is Kurtta and pajama. In south India, men wear Mundu (white wraparound clothing) and angavastram (shawl). Though sari is the most common apparel for Indian women in some parts like Punjab and Haryana, salwar-kameez is more popular.

Taking foot wears off is a common practice when some enters into temple or house. While accepting something, using only the right hand is another interesting custom related to Indian culture. Greeting guests with folded hands is another unique aspect of great Indian culture as Indians treat their guests as their God.

Top 10 places to visit in India

1) Kerala Backwaters

The Kerala backwaters are made up of 900km of interconnected waterways, rivers, lakes and inlets. This network is fed by 38 rivers and is made up of 5 large lakes that are connected by various canals which are both natural as well as manmade. This chain of lagoons lying parallel with the Arabian sea is also called the Malabar coast and extends across almost half of Kerala's coastline. The Kerala backwater offers visitors a quiet, tranquil getaway with the cozy houseboats for tourists to stay in and enjoy the beauty of the backwaters and the small towns near the backwaters.

2) The Belum Caves

The Belum Caves are located in the Belum village in Kolimigundla Mandal of the Kurnool district in the state of Andhra Pradesh. These caves are the second longest and largest caves in the Indian Subcontinent and were first discovered by a British surveyor, Robert Bruce Foote, in 1884. The caves are natural underground caves from by a constant flow of underground water and have long passages, spacious chambers, fresh water galleries and siphons. The Belum Caves are best known for the amazing formations of stalactites and stalagmites.

3) Konkan

With the Sahyadri mountain range on the east and the Arabian Sea on the west, Konkan is made up of the coastal districts of Maharashtra, Goa, and Karnataka. Konkan is home to some of India's most beautiful and clean beaches such as the beaches of Tarkali, Alibaug, Dapoli and many more. Konkan also has a number of forts from the times of Shivaji Maharaj like Sindhudurg and Murud Janjira. 

4) Lakshadweep

Lakshadweep, part of the Indian Subcontinent, is a group of islands in the Arabian Sea and also the smallest Union Territory of India. The name 'Lakshadweep' literally means 'hundred thousand islands' in Sanskrit. The whole of Lakshadweep is made up of a total 12 coral atolls, 5 banks, 3 coral reefs, and several inlets. Blessed with an unmatched natural beauty, the exotic coral reef island of the union territory is an interesting blend of scenic beauty coupled with modern infrastructural facilities that draw several tourists to this place from across the globe. 

5) Andaman and Nicobar

The islands of Andaman and Nicobar a are a group of Indian Ocean archipelagic islands in the Bay of Bengal, between the Indian peninsula to the west and Burma to the north and east. With near-deserted beaches, incredible corals and marine life, an intriguing colonial past and the remnants of a Stone Age culture lure travellers to these mysterious islands.

6) Lake Dal

Dal Lake is a beautiful, urban lake that is located in Srinagar, the capital of Jammu and Kashmir. This lake is also known as the 'Jewel in the Crown of Kashmir.' It is the second largest lake in the state and contributes immensely to the tourism and recreation in Jammu and Kashmir. The lake's periphery consists of three gardens- Mughal gardens, Shalimar Bagh and the Nishat Bagh. The lake is also an important source for commercial operations in fishing and water plant harvesting.

7) Majuli

Most people are not aware of Assam's hidden jewel - Majuli Island. Majuli is the world's largest river island and it's located in the Bhramaputra.Its wide blue sky, Holy River floating across the banks, and beautiful landscape is the best example of God’s creation. The river, its tributaries, the wet lands and the chaporis (the local name for its islets) along with the island of Majuli make it the largest mid river delta system in the world.

8) Jaisalmer 

Lying in the heart of the Thar Desert, Jaisalmer is a town in the state of Rajasthan, named after its founder- Maharawal Jaisal Singh. Jaisalmer is sometimes called the "Golden City of India" because the yellow sand and the yellow sandstone used in every architecture of the city gives a yellowish-golden tinge to the city and its surrounding area, and is crowned by the Fort of Jaisalmer and its several ornate Jain temples.

9) The Darjeeling Tea Fields

India and tea or chai as Indians call it, go hand in hand, and its no wonder India is one of the largest tea growers in the world. Darjeeling, as well as being one of India's most popular hill stations, is surrounded by tea plantations that produce prized light coloured, floral smelling tea. 'Tea tourism' is the latest concept being popularised in India. The tourists are encouraged to stay in tea garden Bungalows with all amenities during which apart from enjoying serene atmosphere of tea garden they can also see the tea manufacturing process and the unique culture of tea garden. 

10) Nandi Hills

Nandi Hills or Nandidurg(a) is an ancient hill fortress that is tucked away from the fuss and tensions of a busy everyday life. It is renowned for its stunning panoramic landscape and greenery. The Hills are a part of the Chikkaballapur Taluk of Kolar District in Karnataka. It is 1,478 meters above sea level and about 65 Kms from Bangalore.  Surrounded by vineyards, lush greenery and coconut groves, punctuated by pools and lakes, perfect for losing yourself to nature.

India

India is a very beautiful country filled with diversity from Northern part of the nation to the south. Diversity is the best part of the country with different culture, different people, different places and much more to explore.

Tourism in India has shown a phenomenal growth in the past decade. One of the reasons is that the Ministry of tourism, India has realized the immense potential of tourism in India during vacations. India travel tourism has grown rapidly with a great influx of tourists from all across the globe who have been irresistibly attracted to the rich culture, heritage, and incredible natural beauty of India.
India tourism with its foggy hill stations, captivating beaches, historical monuments, golden deserts, serene backwaters, pilgrimage sites, rich wildlife, and colourful fairs capture the heart of every tourist.

In addition, a variety of festivals, lively markets, vibrant lifestyle, and traditional Indian hospitality, will make your experience as an india tourist truly unforgettable and fantastic.Travel through the lovely Indian states and discover closely the resplendent colors and rich cultural locales of this incredible land.

When we think of India, the words curry, masalas, temples, Bollywood etc come to mind, but India isn't only about just those things. India is a beautiful country that is truly so diverse in not only the culture but in nature as well. North to south, east to west, from snow capped mountains to dry, sandy deserts to breathtaking tropical beaches, India has it all.

Nepal People, Culture and Lifestyle

Nepal People and Culture and Lifestyle.

Nepal is as diverse in her inhabitants as her geography and climate. It will not be an exaggeration to call Nepal a melting pot of races and tribes. Tibeto-Burmans, or Mongoloids from the north, and Indo-Aryans from the south are the two major groups who have inherited many customs from both the sides; and in the course of time have evolved in myriad forms by the influences of the land, climate and available resources. Sherpas are the major inhabitants of high mountains.

The Sherpas have easy access to Tibet for trade and social intercourse and therefore Tibetan influence on their culture and civilization remains distinct. They live by raising animals, and trading .The harsh climate and geography makes life a real challenge up on the mountains. Life here is a delicate balance of hard work and social merrymaking, tempered by a culture deeply steeped in ancient religious traditions. The mid-hills, valleys and river basins are home to various Tibeto-Burman and Indo-Aryan people, for example the Brahmins, Chettris, and Newars. The Brahmins and Chettris inhabit through out the country mainly practicing numerous form of agriculture and animal husbandry. But the Newars, who are more in business, are mainly concentrated in the Katmandu Valley and othersmall and big towns across the country. The Tamangs live in the north central hills. The Rais, Limbus, Chepangs are mainly found in the eastern hills. The Magars, Gurungs, and Thakalis inhabit the central hilly region. They grow different crops and keep animals for their livelihood; and have their own distinct social and cultural patterns.

The Tharus, Kumhals, Brahmins, Rajputs, Danwars, Majhis, Darais, Rajbansis, Statars, Dhimals and Dhangarsare the chief ethnic groups living in the southern palins of Nepal. Most of these ethnics have roots in India. They speak different north Indian dialects - Maithili, Bhojpuri etc. Most of the inhabitants live on agriculture although there are some occupational castes like Majhi ( Fisherman), Kumhal (Potter) and Danuwar (Cart Driver).

As popularly stated by King Prithivi Narayan Shah Nepal is a common garden of four castes and 36 ethnic groups where people have lived in perfect harmony and peace for centuries. This respect for multi- linguality, multi- ethnicity and religious-diversity; among the people of various ethnic, tribal, and social groups living in astonishingly varying physical and social settings; has made Nepal tremendously rich and diverse in her culture despite her poverty, illiteracy and backwardness .The culture of Nepal is a unique combination of tradition and novelty. The traditions are followed as they were and new customs are created to keep pace with the changing times. Nepali culture manifests itself in various forms: religion, festivals, foods, drinks, language, music, dance, songs, folklore, literature and philosophy. Nepal, in short, is a country where art, culture and religion are a part of life of the inhabitants. Nepal has been a feudalistic society and distinctively stratified across class lines so codes of manners, dress, language, rituals, norms of behavior and faiths in various fields of life are the waystolivelife.

Although Nepali people practise different religions, there has never been any conflicts regarding religion. Religious respect and tolerance are very important values to Nepalese.The largest portion is Hindu accounting for about 80 % of the population, approximately 11 percent people are Buddhhists, 10 % Muslim, 4 % Kirat; and the rest are the other religion followers like Christians. Celebrations and festivities are core elemnets of Nepali culture. Nepal is a land of Festivals and rituals. Festivals in Nepal begin with religious significance and end as social events bringing families and friends together. There are more than 50 major festivals celebrated in Nepal throughout the year. Most festivals have religious hue and are related to different Hindu and Buddhist gods and goddesses. Festivals like Vijaya Dashami, Deepawali, Buddha Purnima, Lhosar have national sigificance. Howeve; there are some festivals which have historical significance and others are seasonalcelebrations.For the Nepalese, festivals are not merely the annual spectacles, but also are a living part of their rich cultural heritage. Festivals have brought unity in the evident diversity that exists in Nepal.

Lifestyle in Nepal.

Social life in the village revolves around the family, which is headed by the father. Extended families sometimes break apart as sons separate from parents and brothers from each other in search of additional land. Family property is divided equally among sons at the time of separation. Consequently, family land holdings are extremely fragmented. Villagers often pool resources and labor to implement village-level projects such as irrigation ditches or channels. Rice is the food staple in most parts of the country. Barley, millet, and potatoes are important food staples in the Himalayas. In Nepal women are generally subordinate to men and have less access to education, economic resources, and political power. Their plight, however, varies from one ethnic group to another. Among Tibeto-Nepalese community’s female status is relatively better than in Indo-Nepalese communities. Generally, women work harder and longer than men, taking care of household chores, fetching water and animal fodder, and farming. Women in upper-class families, however, have maids who do household work

Nepal: Mustang trip

History describes Mustang as an independent Kingdom, ancient commercial route between Tibet and India, Sakyapa Buddhist land where Kampa Warriors lived and tried to reorganized their power against China. Here was the land where Milarepa, one of the most important Buddhist Mystic Guru, prayed for years.

Mustang has been opened to foreign tourism in 1992. Mustang region is populated by Tibetan people, and the history of this kingdom is a legend all over the Hmalayan land.

To go there, you need to reach Pokhara by flight from Kathmandy, or by bus in a long way through the Prithvi Highway (from 6 to 8 hours, it costs no more than 12$). Then you can go to Jomsom by jeep or by flight (20 minutes) or walking for 3 days. Jomsom is the starting point to explore Lo’s Kingdom.

This is a trekking route, a classic route but it's good enough to see, learn, and live a good experience in the Lo’s Kingdom, and a good example to whom would like to go there:

1st day: bus from Kathmandu to Pokhara (6 h)

2nd day: flight to Jomsom 2.760m. Starting to trek to Kagbeni 2.840m (around 2 h walk)

3rd day: Kagbeni-Chele 3.100m (around 5 -6 h)

4th day: Chele-Geling 3.570m (around 7-8 ore h)

5th day: Geling-Charang 3.575m (around 6-7 h)

6th day: Charang-Lo Mantang 3.840m (around 4-5 h)

7th day: Lo Mantang

8th day: Lo Mantang-Ghami (around 7 h)

9th day: Ghami-Samar 3.620m (around 6 h)

10th day: Samar-Chhusang 2.980 (around 5 h)

11th day: Chhusang-Muktinath 3.710m (around 6 h)

12th day: Muktinath-Jomsom 2.760m (around 2-3 h)

13th day: flight Jomsom-Pokhara then bus to Kathmandu

If you have good breath you can come back from Lo Mantang to Jomsom in another way, walking through Marang, the remotes villages of Tange and Tetang, then down to Muktinath. Choosing this option you can change a little bit the landscapes ;-)

If you want to visit Mustang during a traditional festival, at the end of May, according to the local calendar, there's Tiji Festival. Tiji is celebrated in Lo Manthang, the ancient capital of Mustang. During Tiji,  the monks of Lo Manthang, dressing traditional coats and wood carved masks, rapresenting gods and Devils, perform traditional Kham dances and give blessing to the people.