A taste of the Central Highlands

Visitors and locals in Ho Chi Minh City can now get a flavor for the Central Highlands without ever leaving the city.

The Siu Black Café, located near the city’s Tan Son Nhat International Airport, is owned and operated by the vivacious female singer of the same name.

Black, a renowned staple of the local entertainment scene for the past 20 years, is known for her powerful voice and distinctive performing style. The 41-year-old singer has also acted in several films and served as a judge on Vietnam Idol for the past two seasons.

From the décor to the staff, the Siu Black Café, located at 23 Cuu Long Street, Tan Binh District, features a Central Highlands style. The employees are mainly Bana ethnic people and wear traditional costumes. Most are from Pleitonghia Village in Daklak Province where Black grew up.

The café is spacious and features an outdoor seating area. A patio is adorned with a system of water wheels and wooden statues of people. The indoor area displays several masks, gongs, shields and costumes of different ethnic groups.

Customers can sip coffee and may even be treated to a story from Black herself about a collection of items in the café from the K’ho, Ede and Bana ethnic communities.

Aside from the Highlands ambience, a range of delicious beverages are also available at Siu Black Café. Strong black coffee is one fixture on the menu, made from locally roasted beans and perfect for caffeine addicts who enjoy a strong brew.

Another drink is Konreng, a traditional drink of the ethnic Highlanders. The main ingredient is the juice of rung sau (a type of fruit). Black says rung sau trees grow naturally in her village and people throughout the Central Highlands now grow it around their houses. The fruit itself has an acrid taste, but once mixed with the juice of other fruit, the beverage takes on a unique, delicious flavor.

Black says that in the near future she also will begin holding ‘music nights’ featuring live performances at the café.

PortAventura Holidays, Spain

In association with

Take a trip with PortAventura Holidays to the sunny Costa Daurada in Spain - the perfect place for a family holiday.

Escape to PortAventura theme park with its five fascinating lands where you can brave the thrilling rides, take in stunning shows and enjoy relaxing dinners in delicious restaurants.

Cool off in the Caribbean waters of Caribe Aquatic Park; a waterpark that offers fun in the sun and a chilled-out reggae vibe.

Stay in one of the fabulous four-star resort hotels. You can choose from the Mediterranean themed Hotel PortAventura, the Mexican themed Hotel El Paso and the Caribbean themed Hotel Caribe or the new Hotel Gold River opening in summer 2009. All hotel guests have exclusive benefits which include unlimited park entrance amongst other great advantages.

Discover PortAventura and explore the resort’s sunny, beachside location combined with the non-stop fun of the parks that make PortAventura an exciting destination for a fabulous family holiday.

Port Aventura holidays have something for everyone. Take a fascinating journey around the world to the exotic lands of China, Polynesia, the Far West, Mexico and of course the Mediterranean. Each land has rides, shows, shops and restaurants that are themed with native products, plants and artists.

PortAventura Park offers more than 30 rides to suit both adrenaline junkies and small children. Test your nerves on the eight-loop Dragon Khan ride which reaches speeds of over 112 km/h (70mph), whilst the Hurakan Condor stands at over 91m (300ft) and lifts its riders slowly to the top before plunging them to the ground in freefall. Or try out the new roller coaster Furius Baco in the Mediterranean area of the park. This ride speeds from 0 to 135 km/h (83mph) in less than 3.5 seconds. To make it even more exciting it drops to ground level, runs through trenches, tunnels and even skims across the Mediterranean lake.

And for the little ones, PortAventura Theme Park has a wealth of roller coasters, teacups, swings and more.

But it's not just about rides. PortAventura Park has over 100 performances each day of dazzling shows; from Can Can dances, to Chinese Acrobats, Polynesian tribal dances and FiestAventura - a stunning midnight firework spectacular which takes place on the Mediterranean lake.

The park has a wide variety of restaurants in each land. You will find restaurants serving a la carte menus with full table service as well as fast food outlets for those who would rather not stop, and the little ones will just love the children's specialties.

Caribe Aquatic Park

The water park guarantees non-stop fun for hours on end. Enjoy whizzing down breath-taking slides and rapids, surfing the waves in the wave pool, or winding your way down the lazy river. Lush Caribbean surroundings are filled with palm trees, beach huts and cool reggae music. While the bars, restaurants and gardens will whisk you away to the heart of the tropics.

Beach Club

The exclusive Beach Club is an idyllic spot which will make your stay at PortAventura an unforgettable experience. Close your eyes and imagine an exclusive destination right by the sea in a unique Mediterranean setting. Take a relaxing dip in the pool, enjoy a refreshing fruit shake, or take a quiet stroll along Salou's Playa Larga.

Hotel PortAventura

Discover Hotel PortAventura - the perfect holiday village with all the charm of the Mediterranean. Sit back and relax in comfortable rooms, magnificent gardens and large swimming pools. The hotel's wide range of restaurants will delight you with their tasty Mediterranean dishes. And with direct access to the PortAventura theme park, this is the ideal combination for theme park lovers of all ages.

Hotel El Paso

Ideal for families, the Hotel El Paso is a traditional Mexican hacienda where the authentic looking décor and charming gardens will take you back to the days of colonial Mexico. Lie back and relax next to the hotel's enormous pool which features a sunken pirate ship where children can splash around for hours. Relax in comfortable lounges as you take in all of the excitement of this hotel which lies just minutes from the gates of Port Aventura Theme Park and Caribe Aquatic Park.

Hotel Caribe

Portaventura Hotel Caribe is a unique tropical paradise comprising huge open spaces and low-rise buildings set around a picturesque central lake. The hotel has four pools, a children's club, wellness area and an entertainment venue. Relax with a cocktail on the wicker loungers surrounding the lake whilst the children enjoy one of the many facilities on offer. The hotel with its landscaped surroundings is a charming Caribbean paradise just a stone's throw from PortAventura Park.

Geocaching in the Yorkshire Dales

"Vg fbhaqf nf vs guvf pnpur vf orarngu lbh!" the clue reads. But, while it may look like an attempt to represent the sound of a stifled sneeze in the written word, for geocachers - proponents of a new high-tech treasure hunt sport - it could mean the difference between discovering the prize or walking away empty-handed.

Unfortunately, for my inaugural geocaching hunt, I forgot to print out the code used to crack the clue. Bletchley Park it wasn't, but, stood in a damp churchyard in the middle of the Yorkshire Moors, I realised the scale of my school boy error.

Origins of geocaching

Geocaching was devised by gadget geeks in 2000 when the global satellite positioning system was opened up to mere mortals (as opposed to the military). A guy in Oregon hid a ‘cache' - a small box - in the middle of the woods and gave his friend the coordinates. Using a GPS receiver, he followed the directions, just like on a sat nav, and found the prize. Thus was born geocaching - after thinking twice about calling it ‘stashing'.

As of 16 July 2009, there are 849, 790 caches hidden in more than 100 countries, and on all seven continents. There are thousands of urban caches in London, New York, Paris, Toronto, and many more camouflaged in countryside across the world; I would be fairly certain there is at least one within half an hour from where you're sitting. You can find one in your lunch break.

What's the prize?

Geocaches can contain all manner of whimsical items, pieces of information, coins that have moved around the world and you plant somewhere else, or, at its simplest, a log book and pencil. The idea is that you can take any prize and replace it with a like-valued item. But for geocachers, the prize is the least important element. It is an excuse to go places you may never have seen.

In urban areas, you can find a new coffee house, boutique shops, or in the country, a new walking or mountain biking route. But at its core is forcing the geocacher into the unknown. You become a 21st-century flâneur, guided on the whim of 27 GPS satellites. Well that, or maybe it's just a good fun treasure hunt.

Getting started

1. All the caches are logged on www.geocaching.com. Register for free and type in your postcode, or the town where you want to start your quest from. This will draw up a list of caches.

2. Click on the name for more information about the cache. It will also give coordinates of either the cache's location or a starting point. Read the clue carefully, sometimes a maths quiz is thrown in to work out the coordinates, sometimes the information given in the first cache will lead you to the second and so on. And then maybe another coded hint. Print out the page - all of it.

3. Find a starting point, tap in the coordinates to your GPS. A specific outdoor handheld receiver is best, but a sat nav and GPS enabled phone (there is an excellent Geocaching application for the iPhone) will do the job just fine. A good OS map can be useful for footpaths, or finding the cache old school style.

4. When you find the exact location for the cache, this is where the hint comes in handy. The caches are usually in plastic weatherproof boxes, or in cities, they could be a film case. And eureka! Inside each cache must be a log book. Jot down your details and ponder the prizes. Geocaching etiquette says you must replace the prize with some of like value.

5. Sit in a nearby pub and relish in the joy of finding the treasure.

6. Log your find on www.geocaching.com.

7. Go plant your own.

Cathedral of the Dales

After following these steps, I arrive in Maham - a small village under the brooding Yorkshire Moor skies. Hikers and mountain bikers scurry around as I head into one of the Yorkshire Dales National Park Centres. The park authority has been instrumental in promoting geocaching in the UK and was an early adopter. So much so, that today, there is a computer dedicated to geocaching with guidelines. You can even hire an outdoor handheld GPS receiver for £5 a day and £50 deposit.

I choose a cache called Cathedral of the Dales in nearby Kirkby Malham. Up hill and down dale, I plod through the sun-dappled countryside passing abandoned farmhouses, ruined abbeys and stop at country pubs to read the history of the St Michael the Archangel, the Cathedral of the Dales. Briefly: built 1490, Oliver Cromwell was the witness at a wedding here, original stocks still in churchyard. The coordinates gradually count down.

Once I find the exact coordinates, I start to hunt. Behind gravestones, in some poor folk's garden (cue odd looks from passers by) cursing the fact I didn't print the second page off with the code. What the devil does "Vg fbhaqf nf vs guvf pnpur vf orarngu lbh!" mean? Arrgghh. Twenty minutes later, and getting considerably frustrated, my wife notices an oddly placed rock underneath a tree (was she once in the SAS?), lifts it and there it is. A little Tupperware box, filled with a doll, a purse, a key ring and a notebook.

I write ‘Daniel Neilson, 11 July 2009, www.worldtravelguide.net'. At least 50 people have found it earlier, including one the day before. Happy we head into the pub next door. When I return I work out the clue: "It sounds as if this cache is beneath yew!". See what they did.

Budapest Trip – Experience Heaven on Earth

One of the most wonderful European capitals, the city of Budapest is a visual treat to the tourists. Budapest is inexplicably beautiful. It has a kind of magnetic quality that attracts people from all over the world. A city that is bustling with life yet peaceful, treasures its past and embraces its future, where the hills harmonize with the picturesque Danube River. The impressive buildings, streets and squares all offer a warm welcome to the visitors. 

Budapest is home to a number of World Heritage Sites as well. If you are planning a trip to Budapest don’t miss the following sites. 

1) Danube Panorama and Castle District: The view of the Danube embankments has been listed as an UNESCO World Heritage site. The Buda Castle District also comes under the list on 11th December 1987. Some of the most important historical Hungarian monuments can be found in this ancient town. The site encompasses the Liberty Bridge, the Chain Bridge, Citadel, the Gellert Bath, the Gellert Hill with Statue of Liberty, the Turkish baths of the Water Town and the Baroque churches. 

2) Andrassy Avenue: This is the most scenic avenue of Budapest and is named after Hungary Gyula Andrassy, former Prime Minister. One can see the three distinct parts; the first stretching from Bajcsy to Zsilinszky, the second part running from Oktogon to Kodaly Korond and the last part extends from Kodaly Korond to the Heroes’ Square. Millenium Underground, the first European underground railway was built under this avenue. It is home to some very impressive buildings like the Academy of Music, Institute of Ballet, the State Opera House, the House of Terror, Hotel Andrassy, Art School of Budapest etc. 

3) Heroes’ Square: Heroes’ Square is a very significant World Heritage site of Budapest. This impressive square starts where the Andrassy Avenue concludes. The Millenium Monument stands in the middle of the square. The monument is topped with the statue of Archangel Gabriel with the Holy Hungarian Crown and the double cross of Christianity. The Museum of Fine Arts can be seen at the left side of the square and the right side features the Art Hall. The City Park Lake rests just behind the square.

Trip to Dublin

The age old tradition of true hospitality and the general feel of the city makes Dublin one of the most sought after tourist destination of the world. The warm welcome you receive on your arrival will give you a glimpse of the great time ahead. Ireland is all about charm. Therefore a trip to Dublin will rejuvenate your tired soul. The unique style of Irish charm makes Dublin the most charismatic of capitals.

Meet the real Dubliners to get the feel of the city that thrives with life. There are the landscaped parks for nature lover, the museums for tourists interested in the history of the city and the cultural shows for people desiring to explore the effects of multiculturalism in Dublin.

Staying in Dublin is not very expensive. You can book hotel online before physically arriving there. This will save you from the hassle of searching hotel room meeting your needs on one hand. On the other hand it will save your time and money. A trip to Dublin will offer you a pleasant experience for life time.

How to Get the Best Travel Insurance Policy

Selecting the ideal travel insurance is quite easy when you know what you need exactly. There are plenty of options. Just check the options and determine which one meets your requirement. Here are a few ways to get the best deal.

Before traveling check whether purchasing a single trip policy will serve your purpose or an annual travel insurance package will be a better option. Medical insurance, trip cancellation coverage, loss of baggage coverage, accidental death these are the conditions that most of the policies cover. But make sure that the travel insurance is also destination oriented. For example if you are traveling to Kashmir you should consider terrorism insurance.

Before buying a travel insurance check what your credit card and health insurance already covers. Many of the health insurance policies cover international medical insurance. If you buy air ticket by credit card it can provide coverage against cancellation of tickets. Other factors to consider for getting travel insurance is your age, gender, any specific disease, recreational activities included in your holiday plans and so on.

Considering these few points will help you to get the right travel insurance.

Top places to go and things to do before...

Whether looking for romantic evenings, back-to-nature breaks, some vibrant and buzzing nightlife or family-friendly activities, it can be tricky deciding what, with so many sights to see and treks to tread, should be top of the list when planning a memorable trip.

To help you decide what experiences to include in your trip, especially with time ticking away faster than you can say ‘budget flights to the moon', here is our pick of travel treats not to be missed, whatever your situation. 

... you settle down

Dance at the Rio Carnival
The annual carnival in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, is one of the wildest urban extravaganzas on the planet. The main party scene in the Cidade Nova district comes alive with a riot of colour, outlandish floats and throngs of gyrating dancers; all shaking to intoxicating samba rhythms.

Sip cocktails in Las Vegas
Sheer excess and decadence is the name of the game along Las Vegas' infamous Strip. Whilst still footloose and fancy free, make the most of Sin City's endless playground of neon lights, casinos, live entertainment and raucous nightlife.

Party in Ibiza
Nowhere in the world does nightlife like Ibiza. The clubbing haven for grown-up clubbers and style icons alike attracts world-famous DJs and celebrities every year as well as an increasing number of bands at the Ibiza Rocks line-up. 

... you need creature comforts


Go trekking in Nepal
Nepal's 800km (500-mile) stretch of undulating peaks and breathtaking views is one of the world's prime destinations for those wanting to tackle a mountainous challenge. Strap on your backpack and get trekking.

Try festivalling in the desert
For a unique festival experience, catch bands from around the globe play up a storm at Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, set in the heavy heat of the Colorado Desert.

Explore the Amazon
Covering nine South American nations, the Amazon rainforest is the most diverse spread of tropical forest in the world. Sign up to a volunteer programme, join a jungle trek or try your hand at white-water rafting. 

... you have kids



See the Inca ruins of Machu Picchu
One of the world's most famous and sacred mountain treks, Peru's spectacular Inca Trail to the lost city of Machu Picchu passes through snow-capped mountains, a cloud forest and a string of 12 Inca ceremonial centres.

Cruise the Nile
Few places on earth conjure up the magic and mystique of Egypt's world-famous river. Taking a cruise on the Nile is the most romantic way to visit the Pharaohs' temples of Luxor and Karnak, the Valley of the Kings, and the sole survivors of the world's seven wonders: the Pyramids.

Sleep in a Kyoto temple 
Embrace Japan's Zen culture and spend the night in a temple. Rise early, pray with monks, eat a traditional fish breakfast and take in the beautiful surrounding scenery before any tourist crowds get in the way. 

... your kids grow up


Relish an ice cream factory tour
Celebrate USA's National Ice Cream Month (July) with a tour - and free flavour samples - of Ben & Jerry's ice cream factory in Vermont. If your taste buds haven't had enough, the Scoop Shop outside features all of Ben & Jerry's ice cream, frozen yogurt and sorbet flavours.

Let go at Florida's theme parks
Your kids will love you for it and so will you. Orlando and Tampa in Florida, USA, offer some of the world's best theme parks, from Walt Disney World and Universal Studios to Busch Gardens and SeaWorld.

Visit Singapore Night Safari
For discovery, adventure and wide-eyed amazement, zoos tick all the boxes when it comes to entertaining the kids. Singapore Night Safari is one of the world's best zoos and offers ample opportunity for you and your young ones to be blown away by impressive creatures.

Travel insurance varies widely from company to company

The U.S. Travel Insurance Association has recently reminded people that “travel coverage varies widely by company.” Beore assuming that a travel insurance policy will or will not cover a situation, the travel insurance organization is urging everyone to “check with their individual travel insurance company and carefully review their policy to see what is covered.”

Mos travel insurance companies that offer trip cancellation and interruption policies will cover cover travelers who contract the swine flu before traveling and while on a trip, as well as travelers quarantined prior to or while on a trip, but, “coverage does not include fear of traveling to a specific region, and generally there is no coverage for cancellation due to government regulations or advisories to specific regions.” These plans also do not cover you because you fear going to Mexico because of the swine or H1N1 flu.

You should know that the swine flu outbreak hasn’t been officially declared a full epidemic or pandemic. If one is declared, most insurance policies specifically “exclude any loss due to pandemic or epidemic,” and do not consider epidemics and pandemics natural disasters.

Some travel insurance plans offer a “cancel for any reason” option that allows travelers who have purchased policies to cancel their trip due to personal choice or concern due to government advisories. It is a great options that is available from Travel Guard via TFG Global Travel Insurance.com

Discover the UK's best beaches

With summer 2009 seeing a record number of Britons seeking their sun, sea and sandy pleasures a lot closer to home, we've picked out the UK's best beach spots to suit all seaside needs.

The UK might be a teeny isle hovering on the outskirts of the European landmass, but a substantial plus point of small-island status is that a splashing stretch of coastline is never far away.

Best for... surfers

Croyde, Devon
Set in a sleepy and scenic pocket of southwest England, Croyde offers some of the most reliable waves in the country. Expansive golden sands, a friendly surfing community and plenty of crashing waters make this Devonshire beach a massive draw to surfers of all ages and abilities. As a result, Croyde has played host to the British Surfing Championships on three occasions. The summer months see the beach and waters get pretty packed, with a host of surf schools taking to the waves, but the cheerful crowds just add to the buzz, and satisfied surfers continue to return to Croyde year after year.

Also try: Newquay, Cornwall
While there are grumbles that excessive tourism has worn away Newquay's charm, great waves, clear Gulf Stream waters and swathes of dedicated surfers keep this stretch of Cornwall coast a firm contender for the UK's surfing top spot.

Best for... swimming

West Wittering, Sussex
For rippling sand and Blue Flag waters, West Wittering really does come up trumps. The calm shallows of low tide are perfect for paddling water babies and relaxed sploshing, while the more undulating waters of high tide are ideal for a refreshing dip. With the Isle of Wight providing a barrier from the Channel in front and the protective backdrop of the South Downs behind, West Wittering enjoys its own balmy microclimate. Being by far the best beach for miles, things can get rather crowded when the sun's out, but it's always relaxed, and the vast sands are definitely big enough to accommodate everyone.

Also try: Tyrella, Co Down
Broad, flat sands with lapping water well worthy of their Blue Flag status make Tyrella ideal for the avid swimmer, and a pretty conservation area adds to the beach's simple charm. Tyrella has been proud owner of a Blue Flag for over a decade, and lifeguards are on duty in July and August.

Best for... scenic views

Holywell Bay, Cornwall
Even with some seriously stiff local competition, Holywell Bay undoubtedly ranks as one of the most beautiful beaches that the UK has to offer. Backed by sandy dunes punctuated with tufts of long grass, and with the looming figures of the Gull Rocks off shore, this striking spot is a picture postcard of idyllic British beach. Holywell's clear waters are popular with swimmers, and the extensive beach area is ideal for brisk walks, family ball games and pretty picnics. Plenty of scenic walks can be found along the coastal path, and to the north of the beach lies the Holy Well from which bay gets its name.

Also try: Sandwood Bay, Scotland
For a refreshing walk along a deserted beach, you won't do better than Sandwood Bay. This piece of Scottish coastline is said to be the most remote beach in mainland Britain (it's a 7km (4.5 mile) trek across the moors just to reach it) but the peachy sand, ice-silver Atlantic, wild rocks and achingly blue loch make it all worthwhile.

Best for... families

Bournemouth, Dorset
This bubbling south coast location is a magnet for beach lovers of all ages; lively Bournemouth bursts into action the moment the sun peeps out, and, as well as crystal seas and tons of sand, a family friendly Kidzone scheme means added fun for children and less stress for parents. Bournemouth's Blue Flag beach is noted for its cleanliness, and the 11km (7 mile) stretch has received several accolades, including the Quality Coast Award. With all it has going for it, Bournemouth can certainly attract a hefty crowd, but this always ensures a constant supply of family frolics and plenty of action.

Also try: Weston-super-Mare, Somerset
Find a clean, sandy beach and a wealth of traditional seaside attractions at Weston, one of the UK's most famous seaside towns. Paddle in the clear waters, take a ride on one of Weston-super-Mare's famous donkeys, and cool off with a brightly coloured ice cream.

Best for... stripping off

Morfa Dyffryn, Wales
Situated on the Welsh coast, between Barmouth and Harlech, the golden sands and grassy-green backdrop of Morfa Dyffryn are a beautiful piece of coastline, a regular dolphin-sighting spot, and one of the UK's premiere naturist beaches. The naturist section, which is 1km long and found in the northern end of the beach, is popular with singles, couples and families alike; although naturism has been practised here since the 1930s, it wasn't until early this decade that a section was specifically set aside for naturists.

Why Do I Need Travel Insurance?

Before you travel abroad on a holiday or trip of any nature it is vital to make sure that you have travel insurance. It doesn’t matter where you are going or for how long, adequate medical and personal liability insurance cover is a necessity, not a luxury.

If you are unlucky enough to have an accident or fall ill whilst abroad it could cost you thousands of pounds if you are not properly insured. Amazingly, 15% of British people still risk going on holiday without travel insurance, which could result in financial ruin if they required medical treatment.

To be returned to the UK in an emergency could cost thousands of pounds, so it is vital to ensure that you have appropriate travel insurance for your trip. Although aEuropean Health Insurance Card can cover the cost of some medical treatment in EU countries, it will not cover the cost of returning you to the UK after an accident or medical emergency.

Typical Medical Costs Abroad

The figures below illustrate some of the costs which you could incur if you were to fall ill or have an accident abroad and were not covered by adequate travel insurance.

£30-35,000 Air ambulance (Jet) – East coast of USA
£12-16,000 Air ambulance (Jet) – Canaries
£10-12,000 Air ambulance (turbo-prop) – Balearics
£1,200-3,000 Air taxi (propeller driven light aircraft) – Northern France
£15-20,000 Scheduled flight, stretcher and Doctor escort – Australia
£9-12,000 Scheduled flight, seated club, with a nurse escort – West coast of USA
£1,800-4,000 Scheduled flight, seated economy with a Doctor escort – Mediterranean
£100-£800 Scheduled flight, seated economy without an escort – Mediterranean
Figures supplied by First Assist

All Travel Insurance is Not the Same

When buying your travel insurance, don’t assume that every policy is the same. Your needs may be different from others, so make sure the policy you buy provides the cover that you require. Read the small print, check the level of cover and ensure you are covered for any activities that you want to undertake.

Carry your travel insurance documentation with you on holiday and keep the 24 hour emergency assistance number on you at all times along with your policy number. Go Travel Insurance is a leading online travel insurance provider. Visit Go Travel Insurance for an instant quote for your next trip.

Northern Ireland's Causeway Coast

Northern Ireland's coastal route offers dramatic scenery, vast eroded cliffs, intriguing architecture and a good smattering of mythical legends. We set out on a road trip across this fantasy land in search of giants, ghosts and geological formations.

Northern Ireland's A2 often finds itself topping lists of the world's most beautiful roads, and with its pretty villages, crashing waves and ruined castles, there's certainly plenty to justify these claims; heading north from Belfast, the Antrim coast soon reveals its naturally crafted beauty and enchanting land laden with charming superstitions.

Setting off

The 193km (120 miles) Causeway Coastal Route is clearly signposted as soon as you leave Belfast; follow these signs and you can't go wrong. Before long, the dramatic coastal scenes begin to unfold - as do the nine Glens of Antrim. Each of these valleys is riddled with fairies and folklore, exhibiting wild and unspoilt beauty. The one not miss is Glenariff - known as ‘the queen of the glens' for its waterfalls and scenic path that runs close to a plunging gorge.

Bays, beaches and views

White Park Bay is 2.5km (1.5 miles) of sandy shores, sweeping bays and well-varied grassland - a popular haunt of geologists, botanists and archaeologists.

For views stretching out to Scotland, follow the coastal route up to Torr Head. At just 19km (12 miles) from Northern Ireland's Celtic neighbour, the panoramic views (which you may have to bypass some sheep to reach) are breathtaking.

The sandy dunes of Magilligan Beach, close to Coleraine, also draw the crowds, with the dunes also serving as a golf course and caravan park.

The main attraction

Whether you believe that the hexagonal formations at the Giant's Causeway were formed by volcanic lava or created by a local giant, the thousands of basalt columns at Northern Ireland's most visited attraction seem to defy the laws of nature.

Created 60 million years ago, some of the columns rising up from the shore reach 160m (525ft), and the area is understandably protected as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Along the way, the site of the wreckage of the Armada treasure ship ‘Girona' is found at Port-na-Spaniagh. The walking trail is literally cut out from the cliff face so you're sure to be rewarded with some lovely views.

Another big draw in the region is the rope bridge at Carrick-a-Rede, near Ballintoy. Swinging 24m (79ft) above the sea, the 18m (59ft) wobbly bridge can prove a little too precarious for some, but sweeping views over the water are still to be found on the walk down to it, even if you don't make it across.

Castles and gardens

Visit Glenarm Castle, one of Northern Ireland's oldest estates. Aside from the beautiful building itself, there's a walled garden to explore that hosts an annual tulip festival.

The ruined Dunluce Castle is spectacularly perched on a rocky cliff edge over the North Atlantic, so close to the sea that it lost its kitchens and seven cooks to it one night in the 17th century. Drive past at night and it's even more spectacular.

Another fortified ancestral home awaits at Dungiven Castle - home of the O'Cahan clan who ruled the area between the 12th and 17th centuries. Set in truly magnificent grounds and overlooking some particularly beautiful countryside, the castle is also a hotel with a special turret room for guests.

Towns to call in at

Whisky fans will want to make sure they drop in on Bushmills, home to the Old Bushmills Distillery since 1608. See the mashing, fermenting and blending process on a tasting tour.

Experience the faded charms only a Victorian beach resort in Britain can possess at Portrush and Portstewart. Both are popular bases for exploring the Causeway Coast. In Portrush, the main attraction is Barry's Amusements - the biggest amusement park in the whole of Ireland. The town has a cosmopolitan harbour, with lively restaurants that include the fashionable Ramore Wine Bar. Meanwhile, in Portstewart, the strand is a centre for family holidays, with various beaches, walks and activities.

Buidlings not to miss

Out of Castlerock you'll soon reach Mussenden Temple and Downhill Demesne. Sitting on the very edge of a sheer drop stands this 18th-century folly that was originally inspired by the Tivoli Temple of Vesta. The building is close to the ruins ofDownhill Castle, set in extensive gardens, grounds and forest.

Also nearby is Hezlett House, one of the oldest buildings in Northern Ireland at 300 years with timber frames dating from 1690. The thatched cottage has a cruck-tuss roof viewable from the attic.

BBC airs TV commercial to promote Vietnam tourism

BBC airs TV commercial to promote Vietnam tourism

A snapshot of Prenn Waterfalls in the resort town of Da Lat, the central province of Lam Dong. A 30-second TV commercial to promote Vietnamese tourism began broadcasting on the British Broadcasting Corporation’s World News on June 11, Vietnam National Administration of Tourism said Friday.

The advertisement, made by BBC professionals to introduce the country and people of Vietnam, will be aired a total 429 times in more than 200 countries and territories around the world. The International Cooperation Department of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism is negotiating with ESPN and Star World to advertise images of Vietnam on the two channels. Beginning July 1, images of Vietnam’s major scenic spots will be advertised on public transport in London for six months. The government plans to spend VND25 billion (US$1.4 million) this year to promote tourism.

Media, airlines and tourism firms in new promotion tie up

Saigontourist Holding Corporation (Saigontourist), the Saigon Times Group, and four international airlines operating in Vietnam signed Wednesday a strategic agreement on a one-year tourism promotion campaign.

Key activities of the program agreed upon include enhancing tourism and entertainment information supply in Vietnam and the Saigontourist network in particular through The Saigon Times Daily and The Saigon Times Weekly.

One of the campaign’s targets is passengers traveling on the four international carriers - Vietnam Airlines, Eva Air, United Airlines and Air France.

These airlines currently have a large number of international passengers traveling in and out of Vietnam, the campaign organizers said.

The strategic cooperation aims to create a bridge between readers, tourists and service providers and promote Vietnam as a world destination for international travelers, especially amidst the economic recession and influenza A (H1N1) fears.

The deal could be extended every year by mutual consent, the signatories said.