Archive for July 2012

Some Helpful Guidelines Travel To India

This holiday, if you plan a trip to India, will have a great life experience. India has much to offer to its tourists, while a traveler must witness a wide range of culture and festivities. Whether you're in the desert of Rajasthan, or the magnificent Taj Mahal or the tranquil backwaters of Kerala, there is something in store for the discerning traveler. His search for new cultures and the world comes to an end after a trip to India to discover. Take a winter vacation the most memorable visit to this mystical land.

There are things that when traveling to India, the journey was comfortable. Travel to India was probably planning trips in advance to the budget is moderately useful. It is essential that you have your passport and visa for your trip to have. There are plenty of places to stay for the budget; it is advisable that you book your hotel in advance to avoid a hassle. The hotels here are international standards, international cuisine, so no need to worry about cooking spicy flavor.

If you travel to India in the summer, and always have a bottle of water and sunscreen. For the traveler on the road there are many transit options such as air conditioning, buses and taxis, rickshaws and domestic traffic in India is well connected to the airways and railways.

India is a diverse country with many religions coexists peacefully here different religions, different customs, so it is important to familiarize yourself with the basic good manners. Therefore it is best to seek help from your travel agent. As previously entering a mosque or a Gurudwara, it is important that both men and women to cover their heads. We also encourage you to India to book your travel with a good travel agent and also to guide and give you knowledge about the rich history of India.

It is always recommended that your passport and visa, always in motion and in case of emergency, you can always use the help of local police to bring. Because Hindi language is spoken all over India, which can also lead to a translation book for a better understanding of the language? If you travel through a travel agent, it is not necessary because the agent as a translator for you. These tips will make your trip more enjoyable.

Time in India: India is a tropical country, usually warm, but there are areas that are cold enough in winter. From March to August is hot in most parts of the country and the temperatures are known to exceed 40 degrees Celsius, various locations in northern and western India. Good way to go the best mountain resort in the Kashmir Valley and Himachal Pradesh with a heat. September and November are ideal for trekking in the Himalayas. However, the best time to travel to India from October to February is cooler and the weather is bearable. Visit to India at the moment is probably more comfortable and you can cover more places. In general, northern India is warm, the center is hot and dry, while the south has a subtropical climate.

by Rajasthan Travel


Which Kind of Modes of Travelling will You Choose

College students, curious and energetic, love traveling; summer and winter vacations provide them with golden opportunities to travel. There are two major modes of travelling--traveling by oneself or traveling in a group organized by travel agencies.
Those two patterns offer different travel experiences, with respective advantages and disadvantages. For the solitary traveler, the greatest advantage is freedom. He is perfectly free to choose his itinerary and plan his schedules, thus he can visit whatever his curiosity leads him to and contemplate over a historical site or a cultural relic for as long as he desires. The trouble is he cannot share his perceptions and excitement with any partners. Moreover, it is time-consuming and difficult to buy train tickets and look for accommodations and in emergency situations an individual traveler is largely helpless. Those problems are non-existent for group travelers because travel agencies take care of everything. Within a group, people who used to be strangers soon become friends. However, the fixed itineraries and tight schedule prevent travelers from satiating their individual curiosities. In addition, tourists are often subjected to forced shopping by tour guides who are more concerned with securing commissions than providing services.
According to UNESCO's Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage (2003), all forms of social customs and habits, folklore, performing arts, rituals, oral traditions, festivals, traditional crafts and various knowledge and practices about nature and universe can be classified as intangible cultural heritages. As a country consisting of a great diversity of ethnic groups and with time-honored history and civilization, China abounds in intangible cultural heritages. Cultural heritages connect modern people with the historical past, allowing them to acquire a cultural and historical identity. Without cultural heritages, we would be rendered absolutely rootless and we would find it hard to cope with challenges at present and in the future.
However, the modernization process poses mounting threats to intangible heritages. Many people have a blind faith in the latest electronic devices. It is also pathetic to see elderly people in possession of such legacies pass away without transmitting them to the younger generation. Faced with those challenges, we should both preserve and renovate our ancestral heritages so that we can help contribute to the cultural diversity of the world and return to our spiritual homeland in this age of impersonal science and technology.
My solution to these two imperfect modes of traveling is to travel with friends or classmates. This pattern incorporates most of their advantages while avoiding all their disadvantages. I am convinced this is the best and most sensible form of traveling which everybody should adopt.
 

by Apeppe

 

How to Choose Summer Cramps

Summer holidays arrives, as for children, they should make a choice that whether they should go to some summer crams or just stay at home, spending a quite summer holiday? Of course, most children will choose to take part in some cramps, so do their parents, because in this case, the summer cramps can increase the children's knowledge as well as enable them to make new friends and integrating themselves to the community, on the other hand, parents have no need to take care of their children all the time. But facing this problem, they also face so many advertisement of the summer cramps, in fact, in order to choose a summer cramps for children, parents should be aware that what kind of summer cramp the children need, or what kind of summer cramp the children want to go to? The following are some choices parents can refer to:
1, trusteeship summer cramp. If both of the parents work in summer, they have no time to take care of the children, they can go to such summer cramp, which can look after the children as well as help them finish the summer homework, they can also have the art courses or have some outdoor exercises such as ice hockey,akegeesports and so on, the children can play to their content. 2, the quality summer cramp. If the children have weak autonomy, or they want to improve their own quality and artistic accomplishment, or if the children have weak dependence ability and are spoiled at home, they do not want to communicate with people, they have poor psychological quality, this is a best choice. It can open the children's eyes, enable them to have contact with the society. 3, learning summer cramp. It is suitable for students who are partial at certain subjects, they can learn various courses such as writing, math and so on, it aims at improving certain subject of children, but when parents choose this kind summer cramp, they should pay attention that they leave some time and space for children, do not let them bare very heavy load. 4, travelling summer cramp. This is a very special summer cramp, it can provide enough chance for children to know more about the outside world and even the foreign world, they enjoy a very colorful summer holiday, but pay attention to the health and diet when going out, because children need special attention.

Driving Europe in Summer Time

Winter is quickly approaching, as scarves and gloves begin to become popular clothing items peoples' minds turn to the idea of holidaying somewhere warm and sunny. Spring and especially summer in Europe is the perfect time for Australian travellers to thaw ourselves out and witness the perfect climate the Continent has to offer. Here are a few places to explore and soak up the sun.
Lake Como
Lake Como is Italy's most popular and deepest lake. Located between Milan and the Swiss border Lake Como is surrounded by picturesque mountains and hills providing suburb panoramas of the lake. Excellent for water sports and hiking Lake Como is a fabulous destination for travellers wanting to experience the outdoors or even just relax.
Tuscany
Famous for its authentic food and wine Tuscany is always a popular destination with travellers. Summer months bring hikers and cyclists, ready to witness the marvellous conditions the new season has to offer. Olive groves and vineyards cover the countryside providing scenic views as far as the eye can see.
Bergen
Located in Norway, Bergen is the perfect place to spend the European summer. Surrounded by mountains and placed midway between Sognefjord and the Hardangerfjord this rustic town is the best place to experience Norway at its best. The harbour front fish market is a must, not only selling fish but vegetables, handicrafts and souvenirs.
The French Riviera
Sporting medieval hilltop villages and situated next to the Alps, the French Riviera is a breath-taking location, and a popular one at that. The French Riviera is well known for its beaches, museums and shopping not forgetting the art and craft festivals hosted during the summer months. With its remarkable views and tropical climate it's easy to see why holiday makers flock here every year.
Now's the time to dust off your swimming costume and think of all the wonderful places you can go to enjoy what Europe has to offer this summer. 

by Car Guru writes for DriveAway Holidays


Family Travel: Summer Fun is Closer Than You Think!

Keeping the kids busy in the summer isn't always easy, but there may be some fun to be had in your own backyard that you've forgotten about. Maybe there are things you did for hours when you were young, but haven't shared those same experiences with your own children.
Pack up the kids and go for a summer trek! This is what childhood memories are all about, and whether it's a day trip, a weekend jaunt or a full two weeks' planned vacation, there need not be a full-fledged agenda. Pick a destination and keep things simple, allowing for stops wherever you feel called to stop and for some relaxed family time instead of a hectic, destination-oriented rush.
Some ideas for having a fun and memorable vacation with your family include:
  • Look local: We all have tourist attractions surrounding us that we rarely visit. Try looking at your local attractions with new eyes. Perhaps a trip to the beach all the tourists love would be a perfect outing: have some hotdogs, splash in the water, rent jetskis, go parasailing. If you're in a big city, maybe a ride on the subway and go to a museum, a festival, or just see the city sights (you take them for granted, but they might be exciting to your kids!).
  • Take a drive along a coast or out into the country. Pack some great snacks and drinks, and maybe some games, and just go. Stop and climb trees, pick flowers, walk in fields, dip your toes into ponds...these timeless moments are precious and we forget to create them when our schedules are hectic. Talk to your kids about what's going on in their lives and just listen...the more they feel heard, the more they will also want to listen to your stories of 'way back when.' This family storytelling is a human tradition, and helps us keep close as a family unit. Kids love to know where they came from and how things evolved to the point where they are now, even if they don't appreciate that until they are older.
Many local parks and attractions cost little or no money, and offer a change in scenery for your kids, especially important if they spend a little too much time on the computer or video game console. Even simple activities like playing catch, frisbee or bike riding are old-fashioned, great ways to get some exercise, fresh air and quality family time. Enjoy! 

by Shauna Arthurs


Great Summer Vacation Deals And Destinations

Ah, summer. The time of year when the weather's warm, the kids have a little more time off school, and it's time for a vacation. Theme parks and beach destinations make for great summer vacations, as well as island trips and continental excursions.
Many people have images of endless road trips when they think about summer vacation, but international travel is a wonderful way to spend the summer. In recent years, airlines have offered cheap airfare to entice travelers to think abroad when it comes to summer vacations. However, when you travel abroad for summer vacation, you need to make sure the destination you're traveling to has a comparable climate during your summer season.
If you're in the northern hemisphere (where the summer months are June, July, and August), the following travel destinations are great places to go on your summer vacation. Read about these locations and select a summer vacation destination that offers the best climate, sights, and activities.
Summer Vacation to France
May through June is the most opportune time to travel to France. The weather is optimal and tourist attractions are open and ready for your arrival. For a chance to experience a true French holiday, travel France in July and witness Bastille Day, a commemoration of the destruction of the prison that King Louis XVI and his predecessors used to quiet social disruption and censor or torture public irritants. The day is symbolic of the value of social freedoms and democratic governance to the French people. The main celebration takes place in Paris at the former site of the Bastille. 
Summer Vacation to Germany
Not as warm as a Southern California summer (Germany's summer temperatures range from 75 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit), Germany still offers reasonable weather for summer vacation travel. The German landscape is still comparable to your favorite fairytale or Robin Hood adventure. Castles in the sky preside over the rich green forests where Hansel and Gretel ventured to meet their witch. The Black Forest (Schwarzwald) is famous for its intense evergreen canopy, vast outdoor activities and secluded get-a-ways. 
Summer Vacation to Northern Italy
Northern regions in Italy have warm weather during North America's summer season as compared to southern regions in Italy where summers can be quite wet. Northern Italy regions include Emilia-Romagna, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Liguria, Lombardy, Piedmont, Trentino-South Tyrol, Aosta Valley, Veneto. So if you want to travel during summer, you should focus your travels on more northern regions. However, don't let questionable weather deter you from visiting the southern regions of Italy. No other country on earth offers the depth, breadth, and scope of Italy. For lovers of art, history, architecture, or music Italy is unsurpassable.
Summer is the ideal time for vacations. There's no school and many destinations around the world have perfect climate conditions to accommodate your traveling desires. If you have the itch to travel, summer is truly the best time to spread your wings and fly.
Note: Countries in the northern hemisphere have similar summer months. So when searching for a summer vacation destination, it's a good idea to stick with countries in the northern hemisphere.


by Frank Johnson


TRAFFIC CONTROL AREA OF THE WORLD

TC Area 1
North America
South America
Bermuda
West Indies
Hawaiian Island
All of the North and South American Continents and the Islands adjacent there to Greenland, Bermuda, the West Indies and the islands of the Caribbean sea, the Hawaiian Island (Including Midway and Palmyra)
� TC1 � North Atlantic sub area, (7 Countries)
Canada, Greenland, Mexico, Saint Pierre and Miquelon, USA (including Alaska, Hawaii), Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands US
� TC 1 � Mid Atlantic Sub � area (38 Countries) - Area 1
Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda. Aruba, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, Bolivia, Cayman Island, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, EI Salvador, French Guiana, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Guatemala Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Martinique, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, St Kitts & Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent & the Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad & Tobago, Turks & Caicos Islands, Venezuela, Virgin Islands (British).
� TC1 � South America sub Area (14 Countries)
Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay, Venezuela.
� TC1 Mexico sub-area
Between: Canada, USA (excluding Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, US) and Mexico.
� TC1 Caribbean sub-area (see Note 1)
a) Between: USA (excluding Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, US) and Bermuda, Bahamas, The Caribbean Islands, Guyana, Suriname, French, Guiana
b) Between: Canada, Mexico, and Bermuda Bahamas, The Caribbean Islands (including Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands) Guyana, Surinam, French Guiana
c) 1) Within the area composed of Bermuda, Bahamas, The Caribbean Island (including Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands, US)
2) Between the area referred to in (i) above and Guyana, Suriname French Guiana.
TC1 Long haul sub-area (sea Note 1)
� a) Between: Canada, Mexico, USA and Central America, south America,
� b) Between Bermuda, Bahamas, the Caribbean Islands, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana and central America South America.
� c) Between Central America ad South America
 TC2 Area
Europe
Africa
Middle East
Asia (Western Side)
South Asians Sub Continent
TC Area 2
Europe (as defined below), Africa and islands adjacent thereto, Ascension Island and that part of Asia West of Ural Mountain including Iran and the Middle East as defined.
� TC2 within Europe sub-area
Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Armenia Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia, and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Faeroe Island, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Gibraltar, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, (Republic of), Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, From (Yugoslav) Republic of ) Malta, Monaco, Moldova (Republic of),
Morocco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, (including Azores and Madeira), Romania, Russia (in Europe), San Marino, Serbia and Montenegro (formerly Yugoslavia) Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, (including Canary Islands), Sweden, Switzerland, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom.
� TC2 Within Middle East sub-area
Bahrain Egypt, Iran, (Islamic republic of), Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syrian Arab Republic, United Arab Emirates, (Comprised of Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Dubai, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah, Umm al Qaiwain), Yemen, (Republic of).
� TC2 Within Africa sub-area
Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon (Republic of), Cape Verde (Republic of), Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Congo(Brazzaville),Congo (Kinshasa).Cote d� lvoire, Djibouti, Equatorial guinea,Eritrea,Ethiopia,Gabon,Gambia,Ghana,Guinea,Guinea-Bissau,Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya Arab Jamahiriya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mayetta, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Reunion, Rwanda, Sao Tome and principle, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa. Swaziland, Tanzania, (united Republic of), Togo, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe.
 TC Area 3
Asia (Eastern Side)
South East Asia
Japan & Korea
Australia New Zealand
 TC area 3
Asia and the Islands adjacent thereto expect the portion included in Area 2, the East Indies, Australia, New Zealand and the Islands of the Pacific Ocean except those included in Area 1
� TC3 South Asian subcontinent sub-area
Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, (including Andaman Islands), Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka.
� TC3 South East Asia sub-area
Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, China, (excluding Hong Kong SAR and Macao SAR), Chinese Taipei, Guam, Hong Kong SAR (China), Malaysia, Marshall Islands, Micronesia (includes Caroline Island except Palau Island Group), Mongolia, Myanmar, Northern Mariana Island, Palau, Philippines, Russia (in Asia), Singapore, Tajikistan, Thailand, Timor Lester, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Vietnam.
� TC3 South West Pacific sub-area
American Samoa, Australia, Cook Islands, Fiji, French Polynesia, Kiribati (Canton and Ender bury Islands), Nauru, New Caledonia (including Loyalty Islands), New Zealand, Niue, Papua New Guinea, Samoa (Independent State of), Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Wallis and Futuna Islands.
International sale indicators
The sale and ticket issuance are both in the country of commencement of transportation. SITI will also apply to tickets:
SITI

� Sold and issued in Scandinavia for travel originating in Scandinavia
� Sold and issued in the area comprised of Canada and USA for travel originating in Canada or USA
The sale is made in the country of commencement of transportation and the ticket issuance is outside the country of commencement of transportation.
SITO will also apply to tickets:
SITO
� Sold in Scandinavia but issued outside Scandinavia for travel originating in Scandinavia
� Sold in Canada or USA but issued outside Canada or USA for travel originating in Canada or USA

The sale is made outside the country of commencement of transportation and the ticket issuance is in the country of commencement of transportation.
SOTI will also apply to tickets
SOTI
� Sold outside Scandinavia but issued in Scandinavia for travel originating in Scandinavia
� Sold outside Canada or USA but issued in Canada or USA for travel originating in Canada or USA
SOTO
The sale and ticket issuance are both outside the country of commencement of transportation.

by ASFAND TANVEER

French Polynesian Islands Travel Information and Travel Guide

French Polynesia Islands is an overseas country of French Republic and is comprised of several groups of Polynesian, the most popular island being Tahiti in Society group, also one of the most crowded islands and seat of capital of territory. Although not an integral part of its territory, The island groups, which make up French Polynesia, were not authoritatively united till the establishment of French protectorate in the year 1889. The first island to be settled here includes Society in AD 800 and Marquesas Islands in AD 300.
French Polynesia Islands is a set of islands, which is an overseas country attached to France. Situated in South Pacific Ocean, it is halfway between Australia and California. Tahiti and its cover 4 million square kms of ocean, which is the same region like the European Union. Nevertheless the land above sea level accounts for around 7,000 square kms comprising of 118 islands, combined into 5 archipelagoes (1 coral and 4 volcanic). Makatea is one of the 3 great phosphate rock islands in Pacific Ocean, while others include Banaba (Ocean Island) in Nauru and Kiribati.
Politics of French Polynesia Islands takes place in structure of parliamentary representative democratic French overseas collectivity, whereby President of French Polynesia is head of multi-party system and government. Executive power is implemented by government. Legislative power is vested in both Assembly of these government. It sends 2 deputies to French National Assembly, one symbolizing central and eastern part of Tahiti, the Tuamotu-Gambier administrative division, and Marquesas Islands administrative division, while other symbolizing Leeward Islands administrative subdivision, an Austral Islands administrative subdivision, commune (municipality) of Mo'orea-Mai'ao, and westernmost part of Tahiti, including capital Papeete.
The French Polynesia Islands have total land area of 1,622 square miles scattered more than 965,255 square miles of ocean. There are approximately 130 islands in French Polynesia and the highest point is Mount Orohena on Tahiti, which is made up of 6 groups of islands. The most populated and largest island is Tahiti in Society Islands. The island groups include Society, Marquesas, Gambier, Austral, Tuamotu Archipelago and Bass Islands. Aside from Tahiti, some other significant islands, island groups and atolls in French Polynesia are: Pora Pora, Ahe, Huahine, Hiva 'Oa, Maupiti, Mai'ao, Mo'orea, Meheti'a, Ra'iātea, Nuku Hiva, Te Ti'aroa, Taha'a, Tūpai and Tupua'i.
It's Vacation include Tikehau Ninamu Resort; Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora; The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort; Tevahine Dream; Pension Poe Iti; Fare Pea Iti; Fare Suisse Tahiti; Au Motu Mahare; Topdive Bathys Tahiti; Lagoonarium; Coral Gardens; Pure Snorkeling par Reef Discovery; Moana Adventure Tours; ATV Moorea Tours; Baie de Cook in Mo'orea; Mont Otemanu in Bora Bora; Satellite view of the Iles Gambier; Black sand beach in Tahiti; Motu Tiahura, Mo'orea; Fakarava lagoon; Baie des traîtres, Hiva `Oa; Presidence of the Government (Papeete); Mangareva; Bungalows of Hotel Hibiscus, Hauru Point, Mo'orea; Plage de Marita, Bora Bora; Bora Bora from the air; High Commissionership of the Republic (Papeetē) and Sunrise over Mo'orea.
French Polynesia Holidays:
The epitome of South Pacific, exotic French Polynesia has captured an imagination of travelers since 18th Century. Explore its magical islands and relax on secluded beaches, trek through lush rainforest on one of its islands and take a dip in a cerulean lagoon. 

by Jackson26


Nauru Real Estate Over View

Nauru real estate is extremely difficult to obtain unlike the international real estate market. Also rights to the land are also difficult to establish.
Nauru real estate is among the smallest in the world, since this is smallest country in the world. It earlier had vast reserves of phosphates which after a century of mining have been totally devastated. This has led Nauru in becoming dependent for all its needs and the country is almost on the verge of insolvency.
The mining ahs also affected the marine waters that surround the island country. It ahs been estimated that at least 35% - 40% of the marine life has been killed by the runoffs from the phosphate mining that has been carried out. The economy of Nauru was at its peak in the 1980�s but after that it has declined and the National bank of Nauru has been declared insolvent. Nauru doesn�t have any other resources and all of its necessities are imported from other countries primarily Australia.
Mining of Phosphate is still carried out but at a much lower scale and the earnings from this has been placed in Nauru Phosphate Royalties Trust that is intended to provide the citizens with monetary help once the reserves of phosphates have been completely wiped out. Nauru has absolutely no money to even perform some of the basic functions of the government and unemployment rate is estimated to be 95%. While the rest of the people are employed by the Nauru Government. Even tourism is not a major earner, since there is nothing to do on the island and is serviced by only two hotels. As per the 2007 Asian development bank report, the estimated GDP per capita is around $2400 - $2700.
In the 1990�s it took some rather unconventional choices to generate income. It first became a tax haven and people were offered passports for a fee. After pressure from the international market for money laundering activities, Nauru enforced the anti avoidance law in 2003. From 2001 to 2007, it also served as Nauru detention centre for the Australians. The shutting down of the centre has caused a direct loss of jobs to the citizens.
The real estate market in Nauru is quite troublesome since establishing the rights to the land can be quite complicated. The Nauru real estate for sale is a problematic issue for the citizens of Nauru themselves and understandably can be bad for the foreigners who wish to invest in the Nauru real estate. Along with this the population of Nauru is quite big, but the land mass is extremely limited. This will make the Nauru real estate for sale quite expensive. 

by Taylor White


Exotic Tropical Islands Of The South Pacific

With long haul travel no longer such an attractive option for Australian and New Zealand residents, due to the world financial crisis, it is time to turn and take a good hard look at the largely under-sung tropical island South Pacific nations, as the adventure travel destination of 2009. Every tropical island has its own individual and particular attraction, but a quick overview may assist the discerning traveler to make a well balanced travel {{{decision |choice}}.
1.Papua New Guinea still appears to have a 6 � 7% economic growth despite I in spite of the globall financial crisis.
2.Solomon Islands has one of the highest population growth records in the area, also had the highest economic growth of over 10% in 2007. It {{{appears |is}} strongly placed to continue this trend into 2009.
3.The Asian Development Bank is {{{forecasting } forecasting |predicting}}} a slowdown in growth for Vanuatu for 2009, though tourism is booming, because of the greatly increased air services from from Air New Zealand, Solomon Airlines, Pacific Blue, Air Pacific and Air Vanuatu. It is reported that countries that offer tax-haven facilities appear to be more able to hold up against the {{[world |global}}} financial crisis.
4.Fiji, under the leadership of military strongman and coup leader Commodore Frank Bainimarama could be in for a rough 2009 with the threat of an election. Bainimarama, with his military-led regime is fervently determined to smash the country�s coup culture, with a burning driving force to {{[alter |change}}} the election laws of the nation, before the voters go to the poll.
5.Samoa is the only South Pacific nation that is not grappling with poor leadership, corruption and instability, under the 11 year long leader, Prime Minister Tuilaepa Lupesoliai Sailele Malielegaoi. Though vastly unpopular, the Prime Minister has pulled off the unpopular decision to change the road code from driving on the right, to driving on the left. Almost single-handedly Tuilaepa pushed the alteration through parliament.
6.The Cook Islands use New Zealand currency, so the nation may not find it is as protected from the global financial downturn as other South Pacific nations. The rapid rise in tourism may be the Cook Island�s means of salvation.
7.Due to Niue�s severe lack of cash, New Zealand advanced $1 million for jet fuel, to ferry delegates to the annual Pacific Islands Forum meeting in Niue, in August 2008. The need for this never eventuated and now Niue has to work out how to get rid of a million dollars worth of jet fuel.
8.Australia is still committed to rescuing Nauru, after many years of financial disregard, from bankruptcy, is forced to invest nearly Au$1000 per capita each year into the island nation. Fiji is promising to sign a regional air-services agreement with Nauru�s Our Airline, may assist the tiny tropical island nation.
9.Tuvaluuses the Australian dollar as currency, may find itself more exposed to the financial global crisis than some of its neighbours. Finally it appears Apisai Ielemia may prove the {{[exemption |exception}}} to the constant removal of prime ministers by no confidence votes. Ielemia has remained unchallenged since taking office in August 14, 2006. The tiny nation of Tuvalu has played a giant role in climate change talks, through Australian-based Dr Ian Fry.
10.Asian Development Bank and international donors are deeply anxious about the financial status of Kiribati, with its constant draw-downs from the country�s reserve funds, which are invested offshore. A more prudent approach by the government, toward spending, is needed immediately. The country�s deteriorating infrastructure and overcrowding in urban developments, are Kiribati�s other major problems.
11.French Polynesia has experienced 8 governments in the last four years. Gaston Tong Sang is clutching to keep power, with only a one seat majority. Tourism is expected be in for a huge downturn through the global economy in shreds.
12.New Caledonia�s economy has achieved a huge boost {{{because of } because of |through}}} the new US$4 billion Koniambo nickel mine. There are whispers that the seat of power could be relocated from Paris to Noumea.
13.One of the smallest nations, with its two kings as co-rulers, Wallis and Futuna will experience hardly any change in 2009.
14.Guam has seen the relocation of the US military base from Okinawa, Japan, to this South Pacific tropical island. Some 8000 troops are to be stationed there. Infrastructure alone is estimated to cost US$15 billion, stretching across the next decade, in a joint undertaking between the Japanese and United States governments. However the {{{world |global downturn appears to have slowed down this process.
15.Northern Marianas is facing the possibility of an erosion of up to 44% of its GDP according to a recent study. The status of 10,000 Filipino workers may be affected by the alterations to the immigration system. Because of recessionary trends in both Japan and South Korea, tourist numbers are expected to drop.
16.If Palau loses its US$70 million aid Itwill not have the ability to meet its 2009 budget. This combined with the down turn in Japanese tourists, could make Palau create with its own financial strategies.
17.The Marshall Islands had hoped for some spin off from the US military base in Guam. This may not happen as quickly as many had hoped. Environmental and overcrowding issues remain the major issues.
So you have seventeen exotic, exciting and very individual holiday destinations right on your doorstep. Perhaps 2009 is your year of discovering the magic of the South Pacific. 

by Sternberg-Tendys Wendy