When most people think of China, they probably imagine crowds of people, stuffed subways and endless traffic. But what they may not think about is the vast size of the country. Covering 3.7 million square miles of land, China is one of the largest countries in the world and includes more than 20 percent of the planet’s population.

With all that land, China has a huge variety of landscape and it’s not hard to find many remote spots not frequently populated by tourists. China’s beautiful scenery and ancient culture make it a huge attraction for nature lovers and hiking has become more and more popular. Whether it be the mountains of Tibet or the easy walking tours of the big cities, China offers a wide variety of Hiking Routes no matter what your physical ability.

Some of China’s top hiking destinations include the Great Wall, the Yangtze River and Tibet.

- The Great Wall is perhaps the most popular sight to see in all of the China. Most visitors travel to the wall from Beijing, but anywhere along it’s length is worth seeing. It’s so vast, that you could spend all day just covering a tiny section. The wall itself along with the surrounding landscape make it an excellent place for hiking.

- Hiking along the Yangtze River is another great choice, especially the trails throughout the Three River Gorges. It’s here where you’ll see stunning scenery above one of the world’s largest artificial lakes. The Three Gorges of Qutang, Wu and Xiling are all equally beautiful and offer superb photo opportunities.

- Tibet is known as the “Roof of the World” and being bordered by three of the highest mountain ranges – the Himalayas, the Karakoram, and the Kulun – it is a name that’s well deserved. Only recently has this area of isolation opened up to foreign visitors. There are endless opportunities for hiking here including the route of Tingri to Everest Base Camp which is often regarded as one of the world’s classic trails.

In addition to these popular destinations, the city tours of both Beijing and Shanghai are fun and informative.

When booking your flights to China, check out China Highlights for some great deals and expert travel advice to make your trip one that you’ll never forget.

Working on an airplane, you’re exposed to a variety of people. You’ll find the happy, go with the flow passengers, the I hate to fly, can’t wait to get off of this plane passengers as well as everything in between. But, I would have to say that the two flights within the United States that you will probably find the happiest travelers are the flights flying into Las Vegas and Hawaii.

People going to these destinations are usually either on a long weekend break or vacation. Whether it be to party in Vegas or relax on a nice Hawaiian beach, everyone is excited and ready to arrive. The fun usually starts on the airplane when people start drinking and socializing. Families are reading their guidebooks and will usually break out their cameras to take pictures out the window and record some of the memories. Everyone is pleasant which makes for a very enjoyable trip.

However, there is a noticeable difference in the attitude of people returning home from these destinations.  I guess it’s no surprise, people have to go back to work and that’s never an exciting time. Passengers returning from Vegas are hung-over and upset at all the money they dropped in the casinos. There are websites out there that I find to have great casino guides that you could use in planning your trip. Meanwhile, passengers returning from Hawaii are sunburned and depressed that they are leaving 85 degree weather to return to 45 degree weather. It makes sense. Not only that, I’ve also noticed that couples are sometimes mad at each other and don’t speak. I guess this could be because they are not used to spending so much time together and are sick of one another. I remember one circumstance when a woman demanded on changing seats because she refused to sit next to her husband. I guess Jimmy Buffet was right, when he said that “Changes in Latitude, Bring Changes in Attitude.”

Crossing the United States by car is a great way to truly see the country. You miss so much by flying, and driving not only allows you experience the changes in scenery, but also the differences between people. Some make the trip for work or to relocate, while others do it simply for the adventure. No matter what your reason, driving cross-country is a journey that you’ll never forget and because it’s not exactly a quick trip, it will also give you a better appreciation for aviation technology.

This is a guest post by Travelsupermarket.com

Jetting off to a long-haul destination is an exciting prospect, or at least the prospect of arriving and enjoying your time away is. The flight itself, however, can be uncomfortable and boring, so it’s a good idea to think about coping strategies before embarking on your travels.

When it comes to booking your flight, spend some time looking at what level of comfort is available, as there are differences between the airlines. While the amount of legroom provided may be of little consequence for short haul flights, it is of much greater importance for long haul destinations.

Make sure to book a good seat if possible. Many airlines now give you the chance to select your seat in advance. Seats at the emergency exit rows are popular, although you may have to pay extra and aisle seats or window seats are also a popular choice.

It can make sense to avoid peak time flights. A quieter aircraft with fewer other passengers will give you more room and will result in higher standards of service.

If you can afford it, why not upgrade for one leg of your journey? It can make sense to do this if you will be travelling on a night flight, as you will have a better chance of sleep or, at the very least, have a greater level of comfort.

If you are intending to sleep on a night flight, then come prepared. Make sure that you are wearing loose fitting clothes and bring a good book to help you relax. You may even want to try a travel pillow, for extra comfort.

If you are flying on an early morning flight, most airports have hotels nearby where you can stay the night before. This can be a great way of eliminating worries about transport problems on the day and allows you to relax and start your travels early.

If possible, break up your journey. If your flight will be more than 12 hours, there will generally be a stop where you will have to disembark while the plane refuels, or you may even change planes. There is usually little or no difference in cost to break your journey and take in the sights of destinations such as Bangkok, Hong Kong, Miami or Hawaii.

Make sure to move around during the flight. This is especially important on long haul flights, as there is an increased risk of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), which is thought to be caused by underlying medical issues, immobility and dehydration. Many airlines give you guidance on simple exercises that you can do during your flight to minimize the risk.

Also make sure that you drink plenty of non-alcoholic fluids. This is important in reducing the risk of DVT but also helps to combat the dry air on board the aircraft, which can leave you feeling dehydrated. Drink water and use eye drops, nasal spray or lip balm in order to keep as comfortable as possible.

Relieve boredom by bringing some entertainment with you. The onboard entertainment is not available immediately and it can be some time before the movies come on. Bring newspapers, magazines, books, crosswords, or even your iPod to ensure that you have plenty to keep you occupied.

Many people believe that avoiding alcohol and caffeine during a flight can help combat jet lag. Help prepare yourself so that you increase your chances of sleeping by reading a book, blocking out noise with headphones or light with eyeshades.

Once at your destination, try to get as much sleep in a 24 hour period as you would normally, even if this means taking a nap each day until you adjust.

Whatever your reason for taking a long-haul flight, whether it is for business or pleasure, by taking a little time to think about how you will cope with the flight in advance, you will be able to make your journey as safe and pleasurable as possible.

About forty miles northwest of Ho Chi Minh City lies the very elaborate Cu Chi Tunnels. It’s an underground community made up of a network of passageways used by the Vietcong during the Vietnam War. This place is simply amazing. It’s unbelievable how they used these to hide from and fight the Americans.

Still in very good condition, they would make a unique playground for little kids. However, during the late 1960’s they were anything but fun. American tunnel rats would make their way through these unexplored, narrow passageways with nothing more than their handgun and a flashlight.

Stretching 75 miles, this maze of tunnels was dug by the local people using only shovels. They built many levels, which included living spaces, hospitals, kitchens and clinics.

The tunnels were often rigged with explosive booby traps or punji stake pits and the Americans would flush the entrance with gas or water to try and force their enemy out into the open. However, the strategic use of trap doors and air filtration systems made this largely ineffective.

Now preserved by the government of Vietnam and turned into a war memorial park, you’re able to take tours through this historic battleground. Along the way you’ll see impact craters, now overgrown with brush that were the result of “carpet bombing” from B-52’s. There are also a number of ingenious booby traps on display and if you‘re really feeling warlike, a selection of machine guns to shoot. During the tour, they let you crawl through some of the tunnels which really gives you a feel of what it must have been like.

Most of my tour group wasn’t too excited about crawling through these small spaces, but me on the other hand, I couldn’t wait. So along with one other tourist, our guide took us inside. At first, we could bend over and walk, but then that turned into crawling. Once the tunnel opened up again, we took a few pictures and then continued on. At this point, the tunnel started branching off. Our guide took us left, then right, then down. We stopped to take a few more pictures and noticed that our guide was gone!! Oh Shit!! Now where do we go?? It was quite scary at first, but I knew he couldn’t be far. We continued on, making turns here and there until we could see some light. “We made it!!” Upon exciting, we found ourselves inside a small hut in the middle of the woods. Hearing our group yell our names in the distance, we walked back, above ground this time!! Apparently, our guide was very concerned and had been looking all over for us. With our clothes covered in dirt and sweat, it definitely added some adventure to the whole experience. I’m just glad we were lost then and not during the Vietnam War.

For a harrowing account of America’s “tunnel rats,” check out the book, “Cu Chi Tunnels” by Tom Mangold and John Penycate.

This is a guest post by Travelsupermarket.com

This city of contrasts is a fascinating place to spend some time. With its varied architecture, historical associations and lively nightlife, there is plenty to see and do here. Germany’s largest city is a great destination for a fun filled weekend away, cultural city break or spot of retail therapy. Check out our guide to Berlin to see what makes it one of the most popular city breaks destinations, largely because of the number of cheap flights available from budget airlines.

For views of the city, head to one of its observation decks. The TV tower with its rotating cafe is probably the most famous. Views can also be seen from the Bundestag or the Kollhoff Tower.

A good way of exploring the city is to go on one of the many walking tours that are available and which can usually be booked through your hotel. There are many different types available, from tours that take in the history and architecture of the city, to those that detail its alternative culture.

There are a number of museums to visit in Berlin. Museum Island is home to many, including the Pergamon Museum with its extensive selection of ancient Greek, Islamic and Middle Eastern art, the Altes Museum with Egyptian and antiquity displays and the Neues Museum, which includes pieces unearthed from Troy.

There are a variety of other museums located throughout the city. These include the Jewish Museum, which has a permanent exhibition on the history of the Jews in Germany, the open air Topography of Terror, which remembers the reign of terror that existed under the Nazi regime and the German Historic Museum, which covers pre-history to modern times.

A visit to Berlin is not complete without seeing the infamous Berlin Wall. A section of the Wall has been preserved as a gallery and can be found to the east of the City. The Berlin Wall Memorial in also worth checking out – a monument to those who died crossing, it offers an insight into the no man’s land that existed.

The city has many historically important churches. The most impressive is the Berliner Dom, which also offers excellent city views from the top of the Dome. The oldest, the Nikolaikirche, dates back to the 13th century and is now a museum.

Tiergarten is the largest public garden around and is popular with families, particularly in the summer as a spot for barbecues. World’s Garden is also worth visiting and is known for its oriental gardens.

Berlin is famous for its Zoo, which has over 1,500 different species, the largest of any zoo in the world. Located in the heart of the City West district, the Zoo is known for its breeding programs, with animals such as the polar bear Knut and the Giant Panda, Bao Bao becoming known globally. Prices start from €6 for children and €12 for children.

When visiting Berlin, allow some time to look around its excellent shops. Visit KaDeWe on Wittenbergplaz, known for its old world charm and friendly staff. For upmarket shopping, head to Galeries Lafayette or the Galeria Kaufhof at Alexanderplatz. Make sure to visit one of the many flea markets throughout the city, such as Mauerpark that takes place on Sundays.

Berlin is an excellent city for eating out. Its multiculturalism means that there is a diverse range of food available, such as currywurst, a Berlin staple. This dish of bratwurst covered in ketchup and curry powder is sold by street vendors throughout the city.

Berlin is renowned for its nightlife, so it comes as no surprise that there are many theatres, concerts, cinemas and other cultural events on offer. The Deutsches Theater is one of the most prestigious, home to many classic productions and famous actors. The Theater des Westerns is known for its musicals, while the Friedrichstadtpalast offers cabaret and revues.

Berlin is also home to some of the biggest clubs in Europe. With over 200 clubs here, there is something catering for all tastes. Techno and electro music are the biggest draw in the city, but there are alternatives offering everything from mainstream music to that of the 1960s.

There are a wide range of events that take place throughout the year. The Berlin Film Festival is of global importance and brings some glitz and glamour to the City while the Christopher Street Day Parade brings a touch of the flamboyant. The Fete de la Musique sees the city alive with many different types of music while the Karneval sees a vibrant carnival procession.

There is much to see and do when visiting Berlin. With its historic monuments, interesting museums, great shopping and lively nightlife, the city has something to offer whatever the purpose of your visit. It is this variety that make it such a popular tourist destination.

This is a guest post by James Pretorius

Most tourists travel to Kauai for the scenery, beaches and weather, but the island also has much to offer nature lovers. As one of the most remote island chains in the world, 2500 miles from the nearest continent, Hawaii has a large number of endemic species – plants, birds, insects and animals found nowhere else in the world.

One such animal is the endangered Hawaiian monk seal. Researchers estimate that fewer than 1,500 seals remain. Sighting a monk seal on vacation is a rare treat, but the seals aren’t shy of people and will beach themselves on any spot of sand no matter how crowded. Since they’re endangered you’re not allowed to get closer than 100ft, but that’s still close enough to observe and take photos.

Monk seals tend to have favorite beaches which they routinely visit. So if you’re out exploring Kauai’s beautiful beaches and want to maximize your chances of seeing a seal the following are the top 5 most likely locations.

Larsen’s Beach

The remote Larsen’s beach on the north shore offers seals protected reef areas to raise cubs. This beach is located between Moloaa and Kilauea. In addition to the possibility of seeing a seal, you’ll thoroughly enjoy the area’s tranquility and beautiful scenery. Just a head’s up – this is the only beach on Kauai where nudity is tolerated.

Lawai Beach

Lawai Beach is located in Poipu, beside the lovely Kuhio Shores Resort. This is one of the most popular snorkel spots on Kauai. The beach here is small, so if a seal appears they’re going to take most of the beach real estate. The beach is beside a road making it easy to drive by and check for seals. If you’d like to snorkel with turtles, this is the best place on Kauai to do so.

Mahaulepu Beach

Mahaulepu is another remote beach. It takes about 15 minutes to get here from Poipu, driving over a poorly maintained dirt road. Even if you don’t see a seal, the beauty of this region is worth the visit.

Poipu Beach Park

One of the most popular beaches on Kauai, Poipu Beach Park seems to be another popular resting place for seals despite the crowds. The beach sometimes has a tombolo, a bar of sand that leads from the beach to a rocky outcropping where a seal will take a nap.

Secret Beach

During the summer months you may find a seal snoozing at Secret beach, a large beach just north of the Kilauea Lighthouse. Be prepared for a long walk, as the preferred resting place is at the end of the beach. In the winter months large waves can overpower the beach so a seal would chose another location like nearby Larsen’s beach.

This is a guest post by Travelsupermarket.com

With over 37 million visitors every year, the ‘Entertainment Capital of the World’ known as Las Vegas offers a truly unique experience. It is home to many famous attractions, including the Las Vegas Strip.

The Strip is a 4.2 mile road that runs through the middle of Las Vegas and it is on here that the majority of hotels, casinos and entertainments can be found.

Like every other night of the year, New Year’s Eve in Las Vegas promises so much to see and do. The majority of venues are holding a variety of parties and balls, with an eclectic range of hosts and Djs.

On New Year’s Eve, fireworks are set off simultaneously from eight of the Vegas hotels and some of this year’s eight include MGM Grand, Caesars Palace and The Venetian.

The Bellagio is set to open its new Hyde Lounge on New Year’s Eve and Bruno Mars will be performing at the Bank Nightclub as part of the Bellagio’s New Year’s Eve party.

MGM Grand is hosting a New Year’s Eve special show with David Copperfield, one of the world’s most famous illusionists. One of his many illusions include making the Statue of Liberty vanish. There are many other magical and illusion shows available, including Penn and Teller at the Rio.

Guns ‘N’ Roses are playing at the Joint in the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino as part of the New Year’s Eve Weekend celebrations. Drake and Corey Taylor will also be performing at the Hard Rock.

The party at the Mirage is being hosted by Fergie from the Black Eyed Peas and Kim, Kourtney and Rob of ‘Keeping Up with the Kardashians’ fame are hosting New Year’s Eve events at different venues.

Celine Dion is performing in concert at Caesars Palace and Stevie Wonder will be starting the ‘New Year, New Possibilities’ party at The Chelsea in The Cosmopolitan.

There are comedians offering comedy shows to suit all tastes at casinos and comedians performing on New Year’s Eve will include Kevin Burke and Brad Garrett.

The Cirque de Soleil will be performing a variety of shows across Las Vegas at New Year, including ‘O’ which is performed in, on and above water. All Cirque de Soleil shows have a different theme which incorporate amongst others, dance, acrobatics, martial arts and multimedia.

Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band are performing at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino and on The Strip, across from Mandalay Bay, the stuntman and actor TJ Austin will attempt to jump a Boeing 747 on his motorbike and set a new world record.

A few other stars from the many that will be appearing in Las Vegas include Vanessa Williams, The Commodores, Paul Oakenfold and Kaskade.

There is also a variety of live music and activities available all along the strip on New Year’s Eve, including the Freemont Street Party, which offers light shows and a number of stages with live tribute acts performing.

There is also plenty of entertainment of a more adult nature available for both men and women, including cabaret shows. Most adult-themed shows will require visitors to be at least eighteen, but most will admit only those over twenty-one.

With such a wide range of events to choose from, you will find something unique to do on New Year’s Eve in Vegas whatever your budget. Now is the time to start booking tickets, as many are now on sale and will be selling fast for what is known as ‘America’s Party’.

Written by the TravelSupermarket cheap holidays team.

Have you ever boarded an aircraft to find that you were assigned the last row of coach? Many of us have been there and although there are the many well known questions and annoyances: “Will I hear the toilet flush the entire flight? Will people be standing with their backside in my face? Will my seat recline?” Despite these concerns, there are actually some advantages to sitting in the last row.

First off, any other seat in coach is subject to being hit or bumped, just when you’re falling asleep. Well, guess what? In the last row, that will never happen.

Secondly, because you are near the bathroom, you will always know when it’s unoccupied in case you feel the need. More importantly, you can beat the rush as soon as the movie ends.

Being near the aft galley allows you space to get up and stretch during the flight. This is the perfect way to get the blood flowing through your veins as well as the opportunity of getting to know your crew.

Sitting so close to the flight attendants definitely has its advantages. Odds are you’ll be able to strike up a conversation. This will not only help to pass the time, but depending on their generosity and your likeability, you may find yourself with a free cocktail or dessert from First Class.

Do you have a connecting flight and are all out of reading material? As you leave the plane, you’ll be able to see every seatback pocket for all the latest magazines and finished books. This will not only save money, but also precious time you may need to get to your connecting gate without having to stop at Hudson News.

So, the next time you are assigned the last row of coach, take a deep breath and think of the advantages however few there may be and remember to be polite and courteous to your fellow passengers, it makes for a much more enjoyable flight.