British Museum, London - Travelers Guide

London is one the most-toured cities in Europe, and the strength of its destinations extensively relies on heritage and arts. Going to London means visiting museums and appreciating what’s housed there—may the theme is of culture, history, timeless art or contemporary design. British Museum, dedicated to human history and culture, dominates the line-up of London’s museums. To date, the prestigious museum plays a sanctuary to almost 8 million collections, probably the largest of all collections in the world.

British Museum started out as a universal museum with an initial collection from physician and naturalist Sir Hans Sloane. At that time, the collection reached as high as 70,000 pieces including some 40,000 books, 7,000 manuscripts, and an extensive collection of natural history specimens. The establishment of British Museum is something new in the history of the country: it was national, it did not belong to royalty or church and it was open to the public. 

For the last seven years, British Museum is one of London’s most famous attractions. The massive building is divided into several departments. The Department of Ancient Egypt and Sudan has the largest collection of Egyptian antiquities outside the Egyptian Museum of Cairo. Sir Hans Sloane had an initial collection of Egyptian antiquities of just 160 pieces, and now in modern times, it has grown to almost 100,000 objects. The key highlights of Egyptian collection includes The Rosetta Stone, The Battlefield Palette, Colossal red granite statue of Amenhotep III and Mummy of Ginger, to name a few.

Over 100,000 pieces from the Classical World are housed in the British Museum’s Department of Greece and Rome. The collection comprises of objects gathered from as far the Greek Bronze Age up to the era of Roman Emperor Constantine I. The highlights of this department include the famous sculpture from the Parthenon in Athens and the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus and the Temple of Artemis at Ephesos, which are considered two of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Important collection of ancient jewelry, Roman glass, Greek vases, bronze and silver are also displayed in the Department of Greece and Rome.

The archeology and art of Europe from the ancient times up to the present, the national collection of horology, and important treasures such as Esquiline Treasure, Carthage Treasure, First Cyprus Treasure, Mildenhall Treasure, Vale of York Hoard, Lampsacus Treasure, Water Newton Treasure and Hoxne Hoard are among the pride of the Department of Prehistory and Europe. Completing the division of British Museum are Department of Middle East, Department of Asia, Department of Africa, Oceania and the Americas, Department of Prints and Drawings, Department of Coins and Medals, Department of Research and Conservation, Libraries and Archives.

Universal Parks and Resorts, Orlando - Travel Guide

Universal Parks and Resorts, headquartered in Orlando, is behind all the theme parks of Universal Studios. With the aim to grant entertainment, not just through films and movies, Universal Studios has also been a provider of thrill and excitement through tummy-flipping rides and heart-skipping fun. It was June 7, 1990 when Orlando’s Universal Studios opened to the public and it has been gathering millions of guests since then.

As one of the most-visited theme parks in the United States, Universal Studios has never stopped in granting the kind of excitement every visitor expects from its huge grounds. The visitors become instant superstars as they are treated in a wonderful array of colorful rides, live shows and top-of-the line attractions. As one enjoys each and every Universal Studios treat, a line-up of popular characters and famous Universal Studios movies serve as the amusing backdrop. To experience the most-thrilling ride right in the picture of a popular movie is a fantasy that comes to life.

Serving as a family’s all-in-one getaway, Universal Studios guarantees unparalleled fun for all ages. The wild roller coasters of Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit and Revenge of the Mummy are always a hit to adventure-lovers, while The Simpsons Ride is for those who prefer a milder-yet-fun kind of a ride. For little ones, Woody Woodpecker’s Nuthouse Coaster is ideal, as well as the hilarious ride of Despicable Me Minion Mayhem. For some entertainment, there’s the Horror Makeup Show and The Blues Brothers Show. If the little ones want to slow things down, they can rest and relax to the park’s major play areas or sing and clap in Barney’s show.

Families going to Universal Studios enjoy an added treat courtesy of the nearby Islands of Adventure. Opened on May 28, 1999, Islands of Adventure is all about exploration, discovery, journey and everything that spells adventure. Here, park goers are treated by amazing shows and interactive attractions, not to mention world class stimulating rides. Needless to say, there is an escapade waiting to happen in every Islands of Adventure’s corner.

Jurassic Park is a famous attraction in Islands of Adventure, together with Marvel Super Hero Island. Harry Potter fans embark in their own adventure within the walls of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter while little ones can always be a Dr. Seuss star in Seuss Landing. The water splashes from the rides of Toon Lagoon and Dudley Do-Right's Rip Saw Falls completes the journey in this adventure-filled park. 

Both Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure are packed with eateries and restaurants to satisfy the thirst and hunger after a long day of rides, entertainment and fun. Most importantly, the memories of the family’s fun-filled day can be brought home as Universal Studios shops for souvenirs, tokens, as well as toys and playthings are present in every turn.

SeaWorld Florida, Orlando - Travel Guide

SeaWorld Orlando, under the operation of SeaWorld Entertainment, is a zoological and theme park that highlights the majestic under-the-sea life. Together with Aquatica and Discovery Coves, SeaWorld is one of the departments of SeaWorld Parks and Resorts Orlando. With millions of visitors it magnetizes all over the globe, this marine park is named as one of the most-visited theme and amusement parks in the United States. Backed-up by the 30-year operation in the industry, SeaWorld has achieved mastery when it comes to animal attractions and marine shows. 

The huge space of 200 acres boasts of a chain of rides, animal exhibits and wholesome entertainment for the family, making SeaWorld an ideal place for a weekend getaway. SeaWorld operates with a variety of ‘’themes’’ to cater to different personalities and ages. Key West, for instance, is an attraction that reflects the architecture, landscape and atmosphere of the Key West city of Florida with side-attraction of bottlenose dolphins, American alligators, brown pelicans and other water-creatures. The Waterfront, on the other hand, describes how it is like to be in the seaside Mediterranean village, surrounded by shops and restaurants and accentuated by a thrilling Sky Tower Ride. The park’s mascot, a killer whale named Shamu, is the proud host of Shamu’s Happy Harbor. An absolute favorite of the little ones, the harbor features kid-friendly activities such as water play area and net-climb. The junior roller coaster called Shamu Express is the superstar of Shamu’s Happy Harbor.

Wild Arctic is a famed attraction of SeaWorld that features simulator rides alongside animal exhibit in the likes of polar bears and beluga whales. The simulating ride to Base Station Wild Arctic is operated by a character named Captain Emerson. His helicopter flies down so riders can witness the polar bear family, and he dives the ride to the arctic waters for the riders to experience the narwhals. As the Arctic storm kicks in, he lands on a glacier until some of the helicopter’s parts break. The storm becomes a challenge and the struggle to fly the helicopter sets in. He eventually pilots to a narrow cavern until he arrives in Base Station Wild Arctic, signaling the end of the thrilling ride of the popular Wild Arctic attraction.

Different seasons equate to different events SeaWorld offers to its guests. Summer Nights SeaWorld encourages park-goers to beat the summer heat through water-fun activities while the surrounds get colorful and bright courtesy of the glimmering lights of SeaWorld Christmas Celebration. Happiness cannot be denied as the presence of the mascot Shamu and Santa Clause unfolds in front of the children. Thanksgiving, Halloween, Bud and BBQ Fest, Valentine’s Day and New Year also stir an upbeat and lively atmosphere in the happy environs of Orlando’s SeaWorld.

SeaWorld creates a venue for imagination and fantasy, and with the perfect blending of nature and man’s creative mind, SeaWorld has given life to marine-like sanctuary that are fully enjoyed by families all over the world.

The Eiffel Tower, Paris, France

The Eiffel Tower, or La Tour Eiffel, is the iconic and widely-admired landmark of Paris. Standing on Champ de Mars, it has a towering height of 324 meters that make it France’s 2nd tallest structure. For 41 years until 1930, Eiffel Tower was hailed as the world’s tallest man-made composition. Due to its unconventional design, the tower was heavily criticized by France’s leading artists. But Eiffel tower proved otherwise, and in fact, even became the country’s highly-respected cultural icon. Now, Eiffel Tower not only serves as Paris’ prime attraction, the structure is marked as the most-visited paid monument in the world as well.

The tower was designed and constructed by the company of engineer Gustave Eiffel, the same company that built the internal frame of the Statue of Liberty. The company’s chief engineers, Maurice Koechlin and Emile Nouguier, were the ones responsible for the tower’s original drawings. The purpose of the tower was to serve as an entrance arch to 1889 World’ Fair that would celebrate the centennial of the French Revolution. The foundation was laid on January 28, 1887 and the main structural composition ended on March of 1889. The lifts were not yet available when Eiffel Tower was opened to France’s government officials, media and press, so the attendees had to ascend by foot which took for more than an hour.

The wrought iron used in the Eiffel Tower weighs around 7,300 tons. The entirety of Eiffel Tower, including non-metal elements, weighs around 10,000 tons. When it was finished, three restaurants occupied the first level and there were apartments reserved for engineer Gustave Eiffel’s guests. It is said that the tower was not meant to be a permanent sight in Paris and it would only serve for a mere 20 years. Gustave Eiffel could not accept that his precious work would be dismantled so he turned the tower into an indispensable asset of science and discovery. The engineer installed laboratories on the third level of the tower and invited scientists to perform their experiments there.

From then until now, the Eiffel Tower serves as the heart of Paris’ cityscape. This is undoubtedly Paris’ most-enticing structure that attracts millions upon millions of tourists around the globe. Since its public opening in 1889, Eiffel Tower already gathered 250 million of visitors from all over the world. Two restaurants occupy the Eiffel Tower-- Le 58 tour Eiffel found on the first floor and Le Jules Verne on the second floor. A banquet hall, champagne bar and several specialized shops are also within the tower’s grounds. Since there are tons of visitors to accommodate, the Eiffel tower is open all year long—no breaks, no holidays. 

Universal Studios Japan, Osaka – Travel Guide

Universal Studios Japan was the first Universal Studios theme park built in Asia. Located in the Osaka Bay Area, the park spans a massive size of 39 hectares that aptly accommodates millions of visitors from near and far. Opened in March 31, 2001, this park is patterned after the Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood. Universal Studios in Japan is one of the top 25 amusement and theme parks worldwide. In Japan, this ranks as the second most-visited theme park next to Tokyo Disneyland.

Universal Studios has whole lot to offer to its visitors, starting from the park’s eight sections: Universal Wonderland, Amity Village, Jurassic Park, Lagoon, Hollywood, San Francisco, New York and Waterworld. The attractions are mostly inspired by popular Universal Studios movies including ET, Spiderman, Terminator II, Back to the Future, and the most popular of all, the Jurassic Park. Universal Studios Japan will bring an ear-to-ear smile to Harry Potter fans as a Harry Potter theme section, to be called The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, is on its way to this famous park with the Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey as its flagship attraction.

Apart from the thrilling rides that range from child-friendly carousel to loops and turns of the roller coaster, the park’s numerous eye-catching landmarks provide magnificent backdrop for photos and videos. Children highly-anticipate the appearances of their favorite characters such as Snoopy, Hello Kitty, and Bert and Ernie of Sesame Street. One of the highlights of Japan’s Universal Studio tour is the night parade, a parade of illuminated and intricately-designed floats that glow in the dark. And because the parade is simply amazing, no visitor must dare miss it. 

After the fulfilling experience in the grounds of Universal Studios, visitors usually head to Universal City Walk Osaka, a strip of hotels, malls and restaurants just outside the theme park. Here, tourists can buy Osaka tokens and souvenirs, as well as Universal Studios merchandise. The mall’s fourth floor, tagged as Osaka Takoyaki Museum, is a popular spot as it serves as a venue for vendors selling popular local dishes. 

Most people visiting Universal Studios in Japan are tourists of neighboring countries in Asia such as Taiwan, China and South Korea. Tourists from other continents who visit Japan often include the Universal Studio trip in their list of to-see places. Foreigners find their gateway to Universal Studios through Kansai Airport. From there, train transfers from Nishikujo Station to JR Yumesaki Line and to Universal City Station leads to the theme park. From Universal City Station, it only takes a good five minute walk to get to the entrance gate of the theme park. Universal Studios of Osaka is open every day from 9:00 to 21:00 during peak season and 10:00 to 17:00 during low season.

Trafalgar Square, London - Travel Guide

Trafalgar Square is an open space in central London that serves as a tourist attraction in the City of Westminster. In every season, there are a lot of things to do and see in Trafalgar Square as it is rich of historical museums, fine galleries, nature parks, high-end shops and upscale restaurants. Trafalgar Square highlights some of the important landmarks of London and certainly, this is one of the best and beautiful squares London has to offer. There is no other square in the world can hold such a remarkable beauty and take pride of its relevance in history.

London and the Big Ben are synonymous to each other. Officially named as St. Stephen’s Tower, the Big Ben, London’s most recognized landmark, erects within the grounds of Trafalgar Square. Nelson’s Column is also found here, a landmark that gives tribute to Britain’s greatest Naval Commander. Admiral Lord Horatio Nelson led a fleet of 27 British Navy ships to fight a fleet of 33 French and Spanish ships. He was a significant instrument in defeating the enemy of superior strength without compromising any of the British Navy ships. 

The oldest Royal Park of the country is nicely sitting in Trafalgar Square. St. James Park, a stunning open space with a size of 58 acres, is a major attraction of the square. This park plays hosts to concerts, gardens, statues and monuments, cafes and pastry shops and open-air theatre venue. Three palaces encircle St. James Park each boasting of distinct beauty--House of the Parliament or what used to be Westminster, St. James Palace and Buckingham Palace.

The official residence of Her Majesty, The Buckingham Palace, found a home in Trafalgar Square. This was initially built as town homes, then it evolved into a 775-room palace that is today. The Throne Room and the Picture Gallery are free for the visitors to see, as well as the Ballroom, the largest area of the palace where state banquets are held. Sighted here are the Royal Collection’s greatest treasures and work of art including paintings by Canaletto, Rembrandt and Vermeer and sculptures Chantrev and Canova. The garden of the palace has a majestic, perfectly-manicured landscape.

One of the world’s largest and most important museums is the British Museum that holds a collection of almost 7 million artifact from each continent. This museum joins the rest of relevant establishments, structures and landmarks found in Trafalgar Square. London’s National Gallery is also established in the square, as well as Natural History Museum, Science Museum, and other museums that hold numerous collections of arts, documents and photographs that depict the events of the past. 

The Trafalgar Square is also home to quaint shops, specialty restaurants and local cafes. Trafalgar Square is a witness to London’s Christmas celebrations, New Year’s Eve Fireworks, and other relevant events. The newly-restored LED fountain is one of the inviting elements of the square and people are at awe once it shoots an 80-foot jet of water into the air as it dances to the various projections and colors of the lights.

Tokyo Disneyland, Tokyo, Japan - Travel guide

Tokyo Disneyland is a theme park that is based from Walt Disney’s famous animated creations, movies and stories. Opened in April 15, 1983 in Urayasu, Chiba, Tokyo Disneyland was the first Disney theme park that was built outside the US. The entire theme park is named Tokyo Disney Resort where Tokyo Disneyland is one of the major attractions together with Tomorrowland, Toontown, Adventureland, Westernland, Critter Country, Fantasyland and World Bazaar.

The construction of Tokyo Disneyland was commissioned to Walt Disney Imageneering and its design was modeled after Magical Kingdom in Florida and Disneyland California. Tokyo Disneyland is noted for its extensive size that spans a 115-acre of open space, more than enough to accommodate huge number of visitors that tour the park. With almost 15 million visitors each year, Tokyo Disneyland ranks as the third most visited theme park in the world. Tokyo Disneyland has a partner, the Tokyo DisneySea, and these two themed parks are the only parks that are not wholly owned by the Walt Disney Company.

Going to Tokyo Disneyland must be everyone’s top priority when touring Tokyo, Japan. This is the theme park for all ages because even adults are awed with what the theme park has to offer. For the adventurous little children, the ride to the Omnibus, Jungle Cruise, Western River Railroad and Tom Sawyer Island Rafts are new experiences for them. And for rides that they will never forget, there’s Castle Carousel, Dumbo the Flying Elephant, Gadget's Go Coaster and Starjets. Some of the notable attractions that cater to all ages include The Big Thunder Mountain, Haunted Mansion, Buzz Lightyear's Astro Blasters, Splash Mountain and Pooh’s Honey Hunt.

The visit to Tokyo Disneyland is not complete without going to its companion park Tokyo DisneySea. Opened on September 4, 2001, the 176-acre attraction allures almost the same number of visitors from near and far, making it the fifth most-visited theme park in the world. Second to open in the property of Disneyland Resort, it reached a milestone of 10 million guests only 308 days after its grand opening. As the name suggests, Tokyo DisneySea has a nautical feel attached to it, but the intention to erect a separate theme park was to create a place that is more adult-like which equates to faster and ‘’scarier’’ rides and concepts that cater to mature audiences. 

Tokyo DisneySea’s most prominent landmark is the giant volcano of the Mysterious Island where the Mount Prometheus Ride, the thrill ride of ‘’Journey to the Center of the Earth’’ and the dark ride of "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea" are found. The Mermaid Lagoon, inspired by The Little Mermaid, is designed to expose the awesome sights and sounds of the underwater world, while the Arabian Coast, modeled after Aladdin, enchants visitors of the colorful Arabian nights. Completing the attraction of Tokyo DisneySea are the Meditterranean Harbor, American Waterfront, Port Discovery and Lost River Delta. Since Tokyo DisneySea is a concept that is exclusive to Japan, all the attractions, rides and entertainment within its grounds are only seen and experienced only in this country.