Sydney, Australia is the largest city in Australia and the state capital of New South Wales with a population of just over 4.25 million. Sydney is a European settlement, having been founded by the British as a penal colony on 26 January 1788 which is celebrated as a public holiday, Australia Day, with major festivities around the country. Sydney's large, safe and beautiful natural harbour was the reason that the original penal settlement was established in the area. In 1788 the first fleet, with 1400 convicts, soldiers, administrators and their families, arrived in the area now known as Circular Quay located between the famous Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House. By 1840, convict transportation to Sydney had ceased and in 1851 gold was discovered leading to a huge population boom. By 1925, Sydney's population had reached 1 million inhabitants. Sydney has an international reputation as one of the world's most beautiful and liveable cities. It is a multicultural and cosmopolitan city, with one third of its population born overseas. Sydney was the host of the very successful 2000 Summer Olympic Games, which raised the city's global profile.
Dubai is an amazing place to visit, a city of contrasts, where East meets West and old meets new. Situated on a coastal strip bordered by majestic desert and calm blue waters of the Arabian Gulf, Dubai offers year-round sunshine and a unique Arabian experience of fantastic scenery, world-class shopping, luxurious hotels and fabulous dining. Dubai has been transformed from a small fishing village to a modern vibrant city where celebrities holiday and the Dubai skyline competes to be the world's biggest, brightest and tallest. In the 1990s, Dubai launched an ambitious campaign to become one of the world's top tourist destinations supported by a huge program of hotel building and the launch of its Emirates airline. Today, Dubai is known for its man-made islands in the shape of palm trees and the map of the world and the reputation as an international shopping destination. It makes for a perfect stopover destination when travelling between Asia and Europe.
Paris, France is located in the north of the country on the river Seine. It is widely recognised as being the most beautiful and romantic of all cities. Paris is highly influential in culture, art, fashion, food and design and is regarded as the most popular tourist destination in the world. Central Paris is officially divided into 20 districts (arrondissements), numbered from 1 to 20 in a clockwise spiral from the centre of the city. Each arrondissement has its own unique character and attractions. The area north of the river, known as the Right Bank, includes the tree-lined Avenue des Champs-lyses, the Arc de Triomphe and the Louvre Museum. The area south of the river, known as the Left Bank, showcases the city's most famous landmark, the Eiffel Tower.
Las Vegas, USA is the largest city in the state of Nevada with a population of over 500,000 people. The city has become a stand-alone holiday destination in its own right with many amazing hotel and casino complexes located along the famous Las Vegas Boulevard or "The Strip". Many of the hotels have created a fantasy-like atmosphere with names and themes that evoke romance, mystery, and far-away destinations. The "Entertainment Capital of the World" also boasts some of the biggest names and stage productions in entertainment including music stars, magicians and the Cirque du Soleil productions. And just a few hours away there is one of the natural wonders of the world - the Grand Canyon. Even if you are not a gambler there is a lot to do in Las Vegas!
Phuket, the "Pearl of the South", is Thailand's largest island (48 km in length, 21 km wide) lying in the Andaman Sea off the country's southwestern coast and is connected to the mainland by a bridge. Phuket Town is in the south-east part of the island, the international airport is in the north and the most popular beach resort towns are on the west coast. As one of Asia's premier beach resorts, Phuket still retains its own distinct culture from Chinese and Portuguese influences. The island offers visitors warm tropical weather, beautiful white sandy beaches with warm clear water, pristine forests, shopping in up-market stores or traditional markets, many bars and restaurants, enchanting nightlife and friendly locals. Phuket has also been voted one of the World's Top 5 retirement destinations by Fortune Magazine.
Thailand is a country of beauty and mystery that attracts many travellers to its island resorts and busy cities. The culture, food and warm hospitality of the locals keep tourists coming back for more. The two most popular beach resorts are:
Pattaya located on the Gulf of Thailand 150 km south of Bangkok. Known as the 'Thai Riviera' and one of South East Asia's best beach resorts, resort Pattaya attracts more than a million tourists annually from all over the world. Set along the 4km beachfront, Pattaya is renowned for high standard hotels, shopping, seafood restaurants, assorted international cuisine, water sports and its vibrant nightlife. The southern section of the bay becomes very lively and entertaining at night with many bars, nightclubs, shopping stalls and local food vendors. A day trip cruise to outlying islands such as Coral Island is a very popular activity where water sports, restaurants and quiet beaches can be enjoyed.
Singapore is the vibrant and energetic city where the East meets West with the traditional and modern. It is one of the world's financial centers and famous for world-class shopping, modern architecture and delicious cuisine. The Lion City offers a unique experience for every visitor from colourful ethnic festivals to lively nightlife. Singapore the city has many other highlights like the Singapore Zoo, the famous Night Safari and the tropical theme park, Sentosa Island. This city has a fantastic tourism infrastructure and great public transport making it an ideal holiday destination and the perfect gateway to other South East Asian destinations.
