Discover the expert in you.
Discover the expert in you.
From the ancient sites near bustling Cairo in the north to the southern gems of Luxor and Aswan, Egypt's pyramids hold a spot on many people's travel bucket lists. As with any trip abroad, travel to Egypt requires some forethought as to what to bring and how to dress -- and then some. Witnessing the wonders of ancient history in Egypt will go more smoothly if you pack with the desert weather and the nation's culture and geography in mind. Before any trip to the Middle East, U.S. citizens should also check the U.S. Department of State Current Travel Warnings…
An African safari requires you to pack a few very important items in your luggage. Find out what to wear on an African safari with help from the Vice President of Chic Little Devil Style House in this free video clip.
Inform yourself about how to contact someone in Egypt in the event of an Internet cutoff. The Egyptian government cut off the Internet in January 2011 during the revolution that occurred in the country. Although access has since been restored, knowing how to contact a friend, family member or colleague living, working in or visiting Egypt in the event that it happens again gives you peace of mind.
"2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa" is a video game for Wii, PlayStation 3, PlayStation Portable, Xbox 360, and iOS. Produced by EA Sports, World Cup South Africa features 199 of the 204 teams that participated in the real-world 2010 FIFA World Cup. Players can cooperate or compete against one another or they can play against computer opponents, visiting each of the 10 soccer stadiums used during the real-world tournament. Among the many settings in World Cup South Africa is an option for language selection.
The mango tree (Mangifera indica) is a tropical tree that has been cultivated in India for more than 4,000 years and treasured for its flavorful, healthful fruit. The tree may grow to be anywhere between 30 to 100 feet tall, producing a rounded crown and panicles of pinkish white flowers that give way to oval-shaped fruits.
As early as 3100 B.C., Egypt had developed into a large, advanced state. The reasons for this are varied, but a major factor was the river Nile. The abundant and various resources of the river and the delta area gave Egypt a stability and unity that most other cultures of that time period lacked. Due to this stability, even in periods where there was no strong ruler the civilization did not collapse.
Madagascar jasmine (Stephanotis floribunda) is an evergreen, flowering vine belonging in the family Apocynaceae. Though not a true jasmine, the flowers resemble true jasmine (Jasminium officinale) blossoms in size, shape and fragrance. This Madagascar native requires tropical, frost-free conditions to grow outdoors. It makes a hardy garden addition requiring minimal care.
A pea bean, so called because it is the size of a pea, is a small dry white bean sold in prepackaged amounts or in bulk. It goes by many other names, the most common being Navy bean as it was a regular item on the menu for the U.S. Navy during the first half of the 20th century. Pea beans can be boiled or baked and combined with grains such as rice or corn to provide complete protein in the diet.
Despite its name, a starfish is not a fish, but rather an echinoderm, similar to sand dollars and sea urchins. The scientific name for the red starfish is fromia milleporella. Marine scientists are appropriately trying to replace the name starfish with sea star. The sea star lives up to 35 years in the wild.
Symbols and icons have played an enormous part in the formation of the cultural fabric of a great many African tribes. Without symbolism, religions and philosophies would not have flourished and, in some cases, entire languages would not have been able to take root. Given the vastness of the African continent, symbolism and iconography is not used in the same way in different areas of Africa, but by examining the use of symbolism in individual tribes, you can build a picture of the different uses and development of symbols across the continent.
It's all in the name. Lungfish are a rare, snake-like species of fish that actually breathe air through their lungs in much the same way we do. The origin of this freshwater fish dates back to the Devonian period -- its primitive bony skeleton and ability to breathe air serve as reminders of a bygone era from which many species did not emerge as unchanged as the lungfish.
Helleborus niger is a perennial grown for its striking white flowers. Commonly called Christmas rose, this evergreen plant tends to bloom in late January or February. Helleborus niger is native to the woods, mountains and grasslands of Southeast and Central Europe. In North America, Christmas rose thrives in areas that experience freezing winter temperatures, such as New York and Michigan.
Sport fishing for tigerfish on the Zambezi River in Zimbabwe or Zambia is an experience never to be forgotten. The tigerfish is found in many rivers in Africa, and its unique coloring -- silvery body with black stripes and red fins -- is unmistakable. It has a row of fierce teeth, grows to around 20 pounds in weight and puts up a good fight, often leaping into the air.
African elephants are among the largest mammals on earth and are even bigger than their Asian counterparts. There are actually two species of African elephants: the African savanna elephant (Loxodonta africana) and the African forest elephant (Loxodonta cyclotis). African elephants spend the majority of their time awake and foraging for food. As a result, they don't have any set place they call home. However, they do prefer to rest in or near certain locations in their habitat.
The city of Marrakech is the most historically important former imperial city in Morocco. Marrakech is known for its beautiful architecture, local artisan wares and as a place to explore Moorish culture. Marrakech features a combination of local historical landmarks mixed with urban shopping, dining experiences and luxury accommodations for travelers to the area.
Though most ancient Egyptians traveled to their destinations on foot, this civilization was advanced enough to offer other means of transportation for those who could afford it. Non-agricultural regions of ancient Egypt were known as the 'red lands' because they were quite barren and exposed to full sun. Roads were rare in ancient times, so even the most sophisticated ground transportation could be expected to provide a rough ride on most occasions.
Egyptian customs duties aim to protect the local economy. According to the Encyclopedia of the Nations, under-invoicing is a common concern in the country, which prompts customs officials to actually add about 10 to 30 percent of invoice value when calculating duties and taxes. Travelers and businesses can benefit from a number of free zones around Egypt. Many of these are located in the country's key tourist areas.
Egypt, the world's oldest civilization and site of the pyramids of Giza, has gone through many upheavals through the ages. Today, Egypt is an exotic and historical travel destination for many tourists. In early 2011, Egypt was in the news as it endured economic and political instability. It is a country in transition, and Egyptian present-day ideas are still evolving.
While 1,200 species of geckos exist throughout the world, only eight live in Hawaii. Geckos are not native to Hawaii. Early Polynesian settlers brought most of them over, while travelers in the 20th century brought over the rest. Hawaiian geckos differ greatly in color. Some are duller while others are bright, but all communicate through chirps that sound similar to singing.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania was founded by William Penn in 1702. Since its foundation, Philadelphia has undergone many changes and today, it is famous for being a city rich in history, culture and nightlife. With its historic monuments, enthusiastic sports fans, scenic river and lively art scene, Philadelphia is the perfect place to celebrate your birthday or the birthday of a loved one.
If you are about to go on a vacation, then you must be prepared to fit in as many sites and attractions as possible before your vacation is up. Whether you are successful at fitting all of your activities in during your vacation or travel adventure largely depends on your ability to navigate your destination. Your choice of map can spell the difference between an enjoyable break and a confusing, tiring ordeal.
Every country has its own standard voltage and its own type of outlet. Nearly the entire Eastern Hemisphere uses 220 volt electric systems, rendering North Americans' 110 or 120 volt plugs useless without an adapter. The wise traveler is always prepared; save time and money by learning what types of outlets are used where, before you travel.
With the accessibility of Wi-Fi Internet, more and more airplanes are utilizing the technology for flights of any duration. With a Wi-Fi connection and an Internet phone calling program such as Skype and Google Talk, you can make phone calls from your laptop to any landline, cell phone or computer. Whether you need to make an emergency call or are just looking to pass the time on your flight, the Wi-Fi on the plane can connect you with anyone while flying at 35,000 feet above the ground.
The Transamerica Pyramid, constructed in 1972 in San Francisco's Financial District, remains a distinctive feature of the city's skyline. The unusual pyramid-shaped skyscraper was built by Transamerica Insurance Group, which has since become a subsidiary of Netherlands-based Aegon N.V. As of 2011, Transamerica continued to own and operate the building.
Latitude and longitude calculate distances on the Earth in degrees. Latitude marks distances from north to south and vice versa, with longitude from east to west. Converting latitude distance to miles is simple, but longitude is different because the distance between longitude points gets wider as you travel closer to the equator. Calculating and converting these distances requires knowledge in numerous types of math, including geometry and trigonometry, to get it precise.
The United States of America has more than 12,000 miles of coastline. This coastline borders three major bodies of water: the Pacific Ocean to the west, the Atlantic Ocean to the east, and the Gulf of Mexico to the southeast. In addition, part of the border with Canada runs through the Great Lakes and the northern coast of Alaska borders the Arctic Ocean.
When traveling to a foreign country, it is exciting to explore and learn about a new culture. For women travelers, it is also a potentially dangerous situation. Traveling alone at night increases your risk, but you can reduce your risk at any time by taking a few precautions. Know how to contact the U.S. embassy or consulate and consider registering with the State Department before you depart.
Karnak is one of Egypt's most famous sites. Situated 372 miles south of Cairo, it was the major cult center for the sun god Amun and his wife, the vulture goddess Mut. The complex at Karnak is vast, consisting not only of the sanctuaries of Amun and Mut but also temples to other Egyptian deities. There are also other monuments which indirectly celebrate the wealth and power of the Egyptian empire.
Catching a glimpse of a Nigerian giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis peralta) traveling through Nigeria is no longer possible. The rare giraffe is extinct in its namesake country and is now found in Chad. The animal has nine subspecies or relatives.
Different types of maps are used for different purposes. A local map gives you a good look at streets, locations and monuments, yet, of course, if you wanted to get a look at the whole planet, you would use a world map instead. Different types of maps present a variety of data about the Earth.
The elephant is the world's largest land animal and can be found in Africa and Asia. Unlike their African cousins, Asian elephants have smaller, rounder ears. Unfortunately, deforestation and hunting have put the Asian elephant on the endangered list. Conservation efforts have made progress toward saving the Asian elephant and reintroducing it into the wild. If you want to help prevent the extinction of Asian elephants, there's a number of ways you can assist.
Community based tourism helps to stimulate local economies through allowing tourists to experience local culture and flavors. As opposed to the traditional tourism industry, community based tourism is billed as more sustainable as it seeks to explore resources that already exist within the community structure rather than develop tourism enterprises and entertainment through building attractions.
Hippopotamus are large animals native to parts of Africa. Though hippos are land mammals, they spend a good deal of time cooling themselves in water. According to National Geographic, hippos spend up to 16 hours each day submerged in rivers and lakes. At first glance, male and female hippos appear similar. Both are very large, weighing between 5,000 and 8,000 lbs. Never approach a hippo in the wild. They are responsible for more human deaths than any animal in Africa, according to the Animal Corner.
On the Mediterranean coast, Alexandria has slightly different weather than most of Egypt. While Cairo, for example, only receives a few centimeters of rain every year, Alexandria often has rain in the winter months and can receive several inches annually. Alexandria also remains several degrees cooler than other parts of Egypt.
The monuments and temples of Ancient Egypt are well preserved, not only due to the uniqueness of Egypt's extremely dry climate, but also because of the sheer scale of these monuments. Most of these monuments have some funerary or religious function, in addition to monuments of commemoration and astrological importance.
Although there are many kinds of vultures in Oregon's zoos, there is only one vulture native to the state---the turkey vulture. Historically, there have been other vultures in the western United States. (See Bird Remains from the Kern River Pliocene of California) According to Birds of North America.net, the turkey vulture and black vulture are the only vultures found in North America. The Vulture Society, however, includes the king vulture and the Andean and California condor as American vultures; these are not native to Oregon.
Romantic weekends are a perfect break from the everyday routine. Spending time with your loved one can be rejuvenating and healthy for the relationship. It gives a chance for you to connect as a couple and rekindle the flame. Choosing the best romantic weekend destination means taking time and budget into consideration. If you can't travel, you can have a romantic weekend at home.
Four types of deserts exist on Earth. Subtropical deserts are in the hottest areas with extremely dry terrain. Cool coastal deserts are cooler than subtropical deserts because of cold offshore ocean currents. Cold winter deserts vary among seasons, peaking at 104 degrees F in the summer and dropping below 14 degrees F most winters. Polar deserts are considered deserts even though almost all moisture is in the form of ice. Looking at the two dozen main deserts in the world, most of them are near bodies of water.
The Nigerian savanna, with its lush and open grasslands, is home to some of the world's most famous creatures. Most of these animals can be viewed from a safe distance with a watchful eye during a safari through the region. African elephants, lions, cheetahs, crocodiles, snakes, storks and hippopotamus are just some of the animals you might see.
Originally, the safari was a big game hunt undertaken by wealthy European colonists in the plains of central Africa, notably Kenya. The word "safari" comes from a Swahili word meaning "long journey." Nowadays, tourists go on sightseeing safaris in huge nature preserves that exist to protect endangered animals from hunters.
Egypt's pyramids and the Sphinx are collectively considered one of the "Seven Wonders of the World." Located in the Giza Plateau, these structures were built during Egypt's dynasty period. In order to accomplish the building of the pyramids, Egyptians used a very sophisticated mixture of technical skills and advanced mathematical calculations.
Ethiopia is a country in the horn of Africa with a wide range of cultures and traditions. A country steeped in history and natural beauty, Ethiopia is a growing tourist attraction. There are a number of products that are quintessentially Ethiopian and make ideal gifts for when you return home, or can also be ordered online.
According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, the term "world power" first surfaced in 1860. The title describes nations and states that wield enough power to influence the rest of the world. National power can take on many forms; for example, a nation can achieve power through economy size, military power, scientific advancements or diplomatic excellence. The world powers are constantly in flux; the big players in today's international world may lose authority in the future.
Getting information about a Dutch passport can make the difference between being able to travel internationally and having to stay in your country, because you do not know the rules of your passport. There are some advantages and disadvantages through the method you choose to gain information about your passport, whether visiting the Netherlands' passport website or calling an embassy.
Cheap travel to Ghana is possible, because it is a major hub of travel to the West Coast region of Africa and several international airlines travel there regularly. Ghana is a bustling country, and according to the website Ghana Web the country is often referred to as an "island of peace" in one of the most chaotic regions on earth.
The Pyramid of the Sun is one of the most famous pyramids of the ancient Mesoamerica region, an area that is now part of Mexico. When the pyramid was built in Teotihuacan, the city was one of the largest in Mesoamerica, with about 100,000 people.
Founded by Alexander the Great, Alexandria has a rich and diverse history. The multi-cultural history of the city is evident in the art and architecture that is evident throughout the city. Greek columns, Italian influences combine with Egyptian Art Deco. Within the city there are a number of art museums, from both ancient times through modern day art.
From planting crops in Mali to distributing food supplies in Zimbabwe, volunteers from all over the world give their time freely every day to help the people, wildlife and environment of Africa. If you want to help, traveling to Africa to volunteer can be a rich and fulfilling experience. Before you go, though, it's important to make sure that you're prepared. Follow these steps to get the most out of your volunteering expedition.
Mount Kenya is an extinct volcano about 180 kilometers north of Nairobi, in the eastern part of Africa. Several thousand climbers visit the mountain annually. It is the second-highest mountain in Africa, and its summit reaches more than 17,000 feet. Often climbers will encounter wildlife such as elephants, tree hyrax, white tailed mongoose and waterbuck. Hundreds of bird species also make their home on the mountain. Mount Kenya is home to many types of vegetation. In order to get there, you will likely fly to one of the two international airports in Kenya: Kenyatta International Airport or Moi International Airport.
Sierra Leone is a small English-speaking country in largely French-speaking West Africa. Its name is still associated with the terrible civil war that devastated the country throughout the 1990s. This association is unfortunate, since Sierra Leone has been at peace since 2002 and boasts many amazing tourist attractions. Getting to them isn't always easy, especially in the wet season, but the friendly people and beautiful scenes make up for it.
