Top 10 Cheap Holiday Destinations

1. Sri Lanka

Known as the pearl of the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka is a beautiful tropical island near the tip of the Indian sub-continent. The temperature ranges anywhere from warm to hot with no traditional seasons. Due to its size, the island can be explored very easily and there are many cheap tours to take. For a relaxing beach holiday, Sri Lanka cannot be beaten.

2. Nepal

If you have an interest in Buddhism or your spiritual side needs reawakening, Nepal is an excellent destination. Well known for being a great sanctuary for backpackers, the country is cheap and has a wealth of history to explore. The local villagers are generous with what they have and you can learn about the local culture while sampling ethnic dishes.

3. Iceland

Due to the collapse of the Icelandic currency, now is the best time to visit Iceland and see amazing scenery unlike anything else on Earth. Volcanoes, bubbling mud and great nightlife in the capital make for an unforgettable trip; all this just a few hours from home.

4. Mexico

This is where Americans head for their cheap holiday destination and we can make it ours too. With tasty food and even better beaches, which are backed up by great flight deals to encourage tourism in the area, it is certainly worth a look. You can even find cheap flights if you look online.

5. Bulgaria

Cheaper than most of Europe, this country is steeped in history and has some great beaches. Package holidays are a dime a dozen and our currency is still managing to hold up against the local Lev. Bulgaria is still relatively undiscovered, ensuring your stay will be peaceful and quiet.

6. Las Vegas

Believe it or not this once expensive holiday destination has become one of the cheapest and more interesting holidays you can take. With the credit crunch hitting gamblers hard, there are discounts and bargains to be had. Just be careful not to gamble all of your money away.

7. Thailand

This relatively small paradise is still one of the best value for money options in the Far East. The flights may be a little on the long side, but once you get there you have incredible scenery, sandy beaches, warm climate and the notorious Thai nightlife.

8. Budapest

On the banks of the Danube this city has architecture to die for and enough art museums to satisfy anyone’s tastes. This romantic city is special and above all, it is still has cheap food and wine. Great for a weekend break.

9. Mumbai

Just about anywhere in India is going to be cheap, but Mumbai offers something special. From the searing poverty of the slums to the financial centre which has new buildings and some of the best restaurants in the World, you will see all that life has to offer. You can get a sense of perspective in a city like Mumbai.

10. London

The recession has meant that even the most expensive city in the UK has dropped its prices. You can now find special deals in London hotels and restaurants and can even visit a show and stay the night at half the price it used to be. Now is definitely the time to visit the UK capital.

Top 10 Movies You Are Better off Not Watching

1. You’ve Got Mail

Any movie that stars Meg Ryan has to be slightly boring but this one definitely takes the cake. It revolves around two rival bookstore owners who start chatting on the internet without knowing each other’s identities. He finds out and falls in love with her but she hates him. Surprise surprise, she falls in love with him too in the end.

2. Legends of the Fall

Legends of the Fall talks about William Ludlow and his sons Samuel, Alfred and Tristan. It is set in the earlier part of the 20^th century and the plot unfolds to reveal quite a tangled web. Samuel’s fiancée, Susanna falls in love with Tristan while Alfred falls in love with her. The bond that exists between the three brother is obviously ultimately broken.

3. AI- Artificial Intelligence

David is played by Haley Joel Osment, an advanced robot who hopes to develop real emotions in order to gain back the love of his estranged mother. His journey is quite long and will make you fall asleep.

4. Vanilla Sky

Vanilla Sky stars Tom Cruise who plays the character of David Aames. David takes everything for granted- especially his friends, lovers and family members. The movie pulls the audience into the character’s twisted psyche. This may sounds interesting but it honestly is not.

5. The English Patient

The English Patient revolves around a Hungarian mapmaker who is slowly but surely losing his memory. The story is so dull and so boring, that you will want to pull your hair out by the end of it. It also features a troubled nurse and thief of some sort.

6. The Black Dahlia

This movie is set in Los Angeles during the 1940s and follows the journey of two cops, Lee Blanchard and Bucky Bleichart who are trying to figure out the dynamics behind Elizabeth Short’s murder. Bucky finds out that his girlfriend knew Elizabeth and also realizes that the police department is laced with conspiracy and corruption. How shocking.

7. Ripley’s Game

Tom Ripley is cool and murderous and lives in a gigantic villa with his unusual girlfriend. Somebody he used to know contacts him and asks him to kill off a rival. Tom then goes on to frame an innocent farmer. If you watch this movie, you should also watch grass growing and compare the two to see which is more interesting.

8. Even Cowgirls Get the Blues

Sissy Hankshaw hitchhikes her way to New York and becomes an advertising model. The movie also features some whooping cranes and a cowgirl named Bonanza Jellybean. If this synopsis has not bored you enough, you should go watch the movie.

9. Safe

This movie revolves around Carol who starts complaining about nosebleeds, congestion and has trouble breathing almost every day. Nobody can figure out what’s wrong with her and ultimately it is revealed that she is suffering from “Environmental Illness”. No, this is not a parody- it is a mainstream movie.

10. Gerry

Gerry stars Casey Affleck and Matt Damon and talks about their journey through a desert which starts off as a hike. They soon realize that they were dumb enough to forget to carry food or water. They walk around and make the audience feel that Van Sant took it upon himself to bore them senseless.

Ten Most Popular Food Items in the World

Food is an essential part of our lives and everyone has a different take on what is the most popular food item on a menu. For this list let us have a look at what is the most recognizable food item in the world, something that we order for our take-outs or something that we always fall back upon when we are looking for a quick and tasty meal. It can loosely be termed as fast food, though some of these may not fall in that category.

In no particular order – here are the world’s most familiar food items:

1. Ice Cream:

Is there a soul left in this world who has not tasted ice-cream? The ultimate soul food, ice cream has, like many of the food items listed below, adapted itself to local flavours. The most prevalent flavours are vanilla, chocolate and strawberry but there are many places which boast of over 30 flavours. Yummy, mouth watering, and so much fun to eat, ice cream probably tops the list of all popular food items

2. Chocolates:

However a close contender for the most popular food item would be chocolates. Big or small, with fruit fillings or with nuts, dark or milk, the choices are endless. The Swiss claim to have invented it and Cadbury’s claim to have popularised it, and lovers all over the world claim it to be the ultimate aphrodisiac. With choices ranging from the simple Kit Kat’s to the ultimate luxury brands; there are few people who can say that they do not love chocolates!

3. Pizza:

There are few places in the world where a pizza joint is not present! Apart from the inevitable Dominoes and Pizza Huts, there are often some local eating places which will serve you their version of pizza, with some local spices and vegetables added to them. Quick to make and easy to home deliver, pizzas are very popular among the young and old alike.

4. Burgers:

McDonald’s can and do claim credit for popularising the hamburger throughout the world. Children love them and even though the parents are not too sure about the nutritional quality of the burgers, they inevitably give in and take their children to the nearest burger joints. Here also, the burgers have adapted themselves to the local cuisines and traditional taboos.

5. French Fries and Potato Chips:

Where there are burgers – there are French fries. We have combined them with potato chips to make them one category – since both are basically variations of the very popular potato. When well made and correctly fried, French fries can be quite nice and definitely filling.

6. Noodles and Chicken in Garlic Sauce (or any other variation):

Noodles and Chinese chicken or lamb or pork are great light and tasty dishes to get home delivered. Light on the stomach and calories, these are high on the popularity scale. Basically all Chinese dishes accompanied by noodles or rice are being classified in this category, proof of the fact that Chinese food is very well-liked and served all over the world.

7. Chicken Tikka Masala:

Believed to the most popular food item in Britain, this is one of Indian foods most popular dishes. Once again it is light to eat, it is not fried and has some great Indian spices. They have even invented a pizza with chicken tikka masala as a topping.

8. Kentucky Fried Chicken:

The KFC logo is recognisable all over the world and is one of the most frequented places when people are seeking a quick bite of chicken. There have been many other offshoots, but fried chicken has been associated with KFC so long that it has become a kind of generic name for it.

9. Tandoori Chicken:

If there is an Indian restaurant or take-out anywhere in the vicinity, you can be sure that it will have tandoori chicken on it’s menu. When made well, it is a delicious dish and is often served with the Indian bread known as Naan and some pickle and chutneys.

10. Thai Green Curry and Rice:

Thai food has achieved immense popularity all over the world and the most prevalent dishes are the Thai green curry or red curry served with rice. Lightly spiced, or with a fair sprinkling of chillies – if you like it hot, it is delectable and scrumptious.

Ten Unconventional Holiday Destinations

The choice of a holiday is dependent on many factors. They range from budget considerations to the kind of accommodations available. More and more people are travelling outside their country nowadays and many have now begun to opt for unconventional holidays, which take them off the beaten track and give them a chance to enjoy some unusual cuisines and destinations.

Here are ten unusual holidays which you can enjoy – some expensive and some within the range of the average traveler

1. Trekking in the Atlas Mountains:

Located in Morocco, these mountains offer stunning views and some amazing areas to go for a trek. With fitness holidays becoming a very popular aspect of people’s lives, a walking holiday through these mountains can give you many days of fun and satisfaction. Snow in winter, sun in the summer, a plethora of cultural experiences and some great places to stay in, all contribute towards making this a great holiday.

2. Ladakh:

A place of stunning beauty, Ladakh is the home of many beautiful monasteries. There are many ways of moving around Ladakh, but the most popular means among the young people seems to be on the motorcycle. The barren landscape can take your breath away, and you will also be amazed at the calm and serenity of it’s people and their homes. Make sure that you stay in Leh for a day or two, so that your body can get acclimatised to the high altitude air.

3. Iceland:

Snow all around and yet, some amazing landscapes symbolize Iceland. It is rising steadily in the popularity charts as a holiday destination. The midnight sun is a sight which by itself can make the trip worthwhile. Time your holiday carefully, since winters here can be harsh with very little daylight time. Summers are surprisingly mild, and the people are very friendly. Their food is also great!

4. Villageways guided tours in India:

Guided walking tours through certain parts of the hinterland of India, with a chance to meet the local people and enjoy their culture are the speciality of Villageways. They take you right to the heart of the village communities where you have the opportunity to appreciate the lives of the village residents. There are many options available – ranging from weekend escapes to 10 days of walks around the regions.

5. Cruise down the Kerala Waterways:

Kerala’s houseboats are renowned for the comfort and beauty. You can take a houseboat and travel in a relaxed manner through some of India’s most beautiful regions. The houseboats will give you the privacy and luxury of a private hotel, and you can savour some amazing and delectable dishes which are the speciality of this region.

6. Outward Bound – New Zealand:

Outward Bound holidays are renowned among people who like their holidays to be rugged and full of physical activity. One of their most popular destinations is New Zealand, where they take you through the varied landscape of this beautiful country. The activities, as in most Outward Bound holidays, include running, swimming, sailing, and mountaineering.

7. Alaska:

The largest state in the United States, Alaska has something for everyone. You can go rafting, you can trek in it’s beautiful mountains, you can take a cruise around it’s coastline and you can also go surfing here – though the water is likely to be freezing. A popular destination for most cruise liners, Alaska, another great way to see Alaska is by railroad.

8. Jules Undersea Lodge – Key Largo – Florida:

Have you always yearned to live in the water? Then do try out the Jules Undersea Lodge in Key Largo in Florida. Just to enter this abode you have to scuba down 21 feet. The Lodge is entered through an opening at the bottom of the home. There are wide glass windows and you can spend all your time observing the water-life around you, while you are being watched by them. All comforts such as books and music and a well equipped kitchen are part of the experience.

9. Cruise around the fjords of Norway:

Norway is well known for it’s varied scenery, but it’s best known for the complex and deep fjords around West Norway. There are many beautiful destinations around this region and you can visit them by either driving around this region or by taking a cruise through the fjords. Summers are the best time to visit, but do remember that during that time there is 24 hours of sunshine!

10. The Wild life Sanctuaries of South Africa:

South Africa is ranked as having one of the most diverse flora and fauna with beautiful grasslands called savannahs. If you feel that you need to get close to nature, visiting this country will definitely be fruitful. There are plenty of national parks, the most popular one being Kruger National Park, where you can see the world’s most exotic wild animals such as lions, leopards, giraffes, zebras, to white rhinos, hyenas, etc.

The Beast Bike Goes 40 MPH

This here is a really fast bike.It’s called “The Beast” and it’s designed and made by M55 Bikes it goes 40 miles per hour. One charge on this electric bike and you’ll go as far as 75 miles even off-road. It’s made of custom parts created by M55’s seasoned engineers, using technology and materials used in Formula One cars and supersportscars. Titanium, carbon fiber, CNC machining, and a brushless motor mechanism, plus more!Each of the non-custom parts on this magical machine are of the finest quality, chosen by the M55 crew to meet golden standards. It’s got a hybrid drive.Each time the sensor feels you need some extra torque, it packs a punch and blasts you forward, multiplying your power.

Schiena Bookcase

This bookcase looks just like the inside of your back. There’s a bunch of bones in there, and that’s what this is aimed at looking like. It combines with the surrounding environment by casting shadows it extends horizontally by employing its lovely sliding elements. Balance, dynamism, and movement can be found in this beast through the circular attachment plates, all of them lightly separated from the wall. The designer of this “Schiena” bookcase, Pietro Travaglini, placed these plates as the physical connection between concept and reality.

Emergency Toothpaste

Here is the Thrift Toothpaste package,it allows you to cut open the end of your toothpaste tube to get to the last wee bit of paste. Call it conservation or being stingy.The Thrift Toothpaste package design hopes someone like Colagte or Crest adopts it! It will save the trouble of hunting for scissors I’ll just tear open the rear end!

Funny Banana Arts and Paintings