July is the best time for dates in this captivating country of Abu Dhabi. The date palm being symbolically as well as historically important in the history of the country, the Liwa date festival is an event much anticipated by locals as well as various tourists visiting the location. The festival revolves around the date competition where Emirati date growers from all over the place compete against each other for the prestigious title of the best date grower. The date palm is a powerful symbol in the Emirati culture and has played an integral part in the country’s thriving economy. The vision of the festival is to present the date palm as a source of prosperity for the country in the future as well as …

The mere mention of Hong Kong, one of China’s special administrative districts, brings to mind images of a grand city, its skyline dotted with skyscrapers whose lights illuminate the night sky. Hong Kong’s importance as business centre in Asia stemming from the rapid economic development it witnessed in the past fifty years has also ensured its status as a major global financial centre. Hence, life in this city is fast paced and quick and often, those travelling to the city do not have the opportunity to experience the city. Hence, especially for those visiting the city on business, the Hong Kong Flower Show would prove to be a welcome change of pace. Conducted from the 15th to the 24th of March this year, the Flower …

With the Dubai Summer Surprises running in its 15th year, Dubai has been able to seal their place in the International Summer fun agenda. Begun in 1998 in a bid to encourage friendly relations and added tourism revenue, the Dubai Summer Surprises is the summer extension of the Dubai Shopping Festival. During this Summer Surprise which runs for around 10 weeks each year, usually between the months of June and August, each week is dedicated to a different ‘surprise’ or theme. These ‘surprises’ are varied and are decided by the government departments involved in the event. Some of these are the color surprise, art surprise, adventure surprise, heritage surprise, sweet surprise and the continuous finale – back to school surprise. Whilst adults have shopping and …

The Regent Taipei is luxury hotel Taipei that always strives to give the customers the best service more than the expected level. The location of the hotel is more convenient compared to other luxury hotels in Taipei. One of the most celebrated festivals in Taipei is the Lantern Festival. The colourful lanterns are the main sign of the festival. This is held for several days at Dr. Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall. A huge lantern displaying the Chinese zodiac animal of the year is the center piece. There are other various lantern types and designs created. The glowing lanterns create a magical site to all that witnesses this event. Uditha Dharmawardhane is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Roland Lefevre. He specializes in …

Tipped to be one of the most colourful and engaging local festivals in Thailand, Songkran is an annual event of truly monumental cultural significance. Three months after the rest of the world celebrated the dawn of a new year, this vibrant festival harking in the new year in the month of April is one of the best reasons to head down to Bangkok this holiday season. Also known as the Thai Water Festival, the Songkran festival of 2013 is due to take place from the 13th to the 15th of April with the days declared a public holidays all across the great nation. Formerly calculated according to the Thai lunar calendar, the event is now marked according to the Georgian calendar and typically falls between …

Since the Maldives is a Muslim country, Christian holidays are not celebrated in a big way, though one can nevertheless experience Easter celebrations. Travellers looking for Maldives resorts which to base themselves at can choose Kurumba Maldives since it provides idyllic accommodation for the entire family. One of the best luxury hotels Maldives has to offer, this resort has a wealth of leisure facilities that will help make your Easter holiday even more enjoyable. Following the forty day period known as Lent, Easter commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ who Christians believe to be the son of God. Easter falls on a Sunday and the 50 days following this day is known as the Easter season, culminating on Pentecost Sunday. Chandrishan Williams is a travel …