Speciality Museums
Really, the reader wouldn’t believe what sorts of specialty museums are out there. Some of them cater to a specialty most folks would think is quite normal, while others are a bit more eccentric. Here are a few of them.
The American Museum of the Moving Image, Queens, New York
This absolutely wonderful place in Astoria in Queens, New York, showcases the history of movies from their beginning. Hand on exhibits let the guest make their own movie and teach them the finer points of movie making, from lighting to sound to editing. The museum also has exhibits and once exhibited the animatronic super wolves from Wolfen and a collection of Tim Burton’s sketches from his films, including The Nightmare Before Christmas and clips of the Large Marge segment from PeeWee’s Big Adventure. Best of all, they have A-list guest speakers and screenings of movies both classic and about to be released.
Ripley’s Believe It Or Not! Odditorium, St. Augustine, Florida
This is the oldest of the Ripley museums and was once visited by Ripley himself. Aside from the idea that it’s supposed to be haunted, it houses such oddities as a two headed rabbit, pirate skeletons, shrunken heads that are claimed to be real, implements of medieval torture, a model of the world’s tallest man and the world’s largest Ferris wheel made out of an erector set, which actually works.
The Icelandic Phallological Museum, Husavik, Iceland
Might as well get this one out of the way. This very interesting museum, founded in 1997 in Reykjavik, was the brain child of historian Sigurour Hjartarson. Since it’s in Iceland, it’s not very surprising that most of the objects have been collected from marine mammals, including a polar bear. The first human male contributed to the collection in July, 2011.
Mütter Museum, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
This is a museum of medical weirdness, famous for having the liver of Chang and Eng Bunker, the original Siamese twins and its collection of misshapen skulls. It also has pieces of Presidential assassins John Wilkes Booth and Charles Guiteau. The museum is also the final resting place of the Soap Lady, whose body turned to soap, a not uncommon condition that happens to corpses left in cold water for too long. Of course, there are many jars of deformed foetuses and organs. The purpose of this gruesomeness, initially, was to educate aspiring doctors.
New York Hall of Science, Queens New York
This is one of the coolest museums in the world. Amazingly kid friendly, some of this museum’s exhibits include optical illusions that make the visitor look like a giant standing in a normal sized room when they’re a normal sized person standing in a tiny room, Van de Graff generators that make the visitor’s hair stand on end, bubble making machines, microbes and other fascinating stuff. Outside there’s a little park filled with real rockets from the space program and indoors there are seasonal exhibits.
Just goes to show, there are museums for everybody, and if you think one of these is for you, you may want to apply for a credit card online to make sure your trip is enjoyed to the fullest extent; you never know what you could benefit from, such as shopping, dining, entertainment or travel extras. Cards are also a great way to keep your money safe abroad, rather than carrying cash with you.
The author of this article is part of a blogging team that works with brands like American Express. The content contained is for information purposes only and should not be used to make any financial decisions.
Asia’s Best City Break Destinations
Beijing
Beijing offers a vibrant mix of history and modernism. From the soberness of the Forbidden City to the chaotic free-for-all of the markets, the city combines the past and present and encourages visitors to lose themselves in city’s energy. The markets are hard to resist with trinkets and silk slippers and the outdoor market Panjiayuan offers factory knockoffs, antiques and handicrafts. Pay a visit to the Forbidden City which has been home to a long line of emperors. This fascinating architecture is the best preserved in China.
Dubai
Dubai has become one of the ‘go to’ destinations over the past few years and it’s not hard to see why with a cosmopolitan culture there are 100s of fantastic restaurants. Did someone say shopping? The world famous gold market is the place to find amazing jewellery at low prices. The architecture is fascinating. The modern buildings have been designed by leading architects with the structures some of the most breath-taking you will see. Level 124, Burj Khalifa is the world’s highest observation deck with panoramic views of the city, sea and desert sands. There are beaches with perfect white sand and the weather is sizzling.
Tokyo
Add some karaoke, sumo and craft beer to, shopping for high-tech electronics and exploring old neighbourhoods for your perfect stay! With a distinctive history the largest city of Japan boasts landmarks and attractions including the Meiji Shrine, the amazing temples of Asakusa, the Imperial Palace and the Tokyo National Museum of Modern Art. The Shibuya district puts the city’s innovation on show while fashionable Ginza is filled with unique shops and restaurants. Go to the Roppongi district for great nightlife. Other attractions include Kitanomaru Park, the Kanda Shrine and the Tokyo National Museum of Modern Art.
Hong Kong
Culturally diverse, a shopper’s paradise and home of the world’s highest bar and the world’s highest swimming pool, take a trip to Hong Long for breath-taking views and relaxing Tai Chai. The unique cultural fusion of British and Chinese in Hong Kong is what makes it unique. With excellent transportation options you can take the tram 1,305 feet up to Victoria Peak for amazing panoramic views or take a ferry to the islands and enjoy both the city and the countryside.
Use your credit card to pick up points as you fly to these cities or redeem your points on a visit.
Tenerife Flights: Searching For the Best Deals
The best deals on Tenerife flights are available. You simply need to know where to look and how to go about finding them. Online travel websites will likely be your best bet for finding the most affordable flights. Once there, you will need to perform a flight search by selecting your destinations, the number of people traveling, and your travel dates.
Completing this simple search form will allow you to see just what your options are for your travel dates. Should you like what you see, you will have the option to complete your booking online. This is a simple process that allows you to skip phoning or visiting a travel agency. You will be able to print out the confirmation of your purchase, which you will then take along with you when you travel. The online purchasing process is both simple and safe.
Tenerife flights are available throughout the year, and you may even be able to find last minute deals should you not have had the opportunity to plan your holiday well in advance. Prices and availability can vary, so should you find an excellent deal you may wish to consider making a purchase immediately. Tenerife has become quite a popular destination. However, this fact does not mean that low cost flights will not be available when you search for them online.
Finding Time for You: A Holiday in Turkey
Whether you are planning a holiday on your own or with a partner, it should be a chance for you to get away from the stresses of life and find time for you and what you truly enjoy. Whether what you enjoy is history, culture, incredible cuisine, lavish beaches or breath-taking scenery, you can enjoy it all in Turkey. For the ultimate holiday that allows you to find yourself and indulge the senses, consider the many possible all inclusive holidays to Turkey.
Incredible Cuisine: One of the most enjoyable aspects of any holiday is getting a chance to taste the luxurious local cuisine. With all inclusive packages, your meals will be included in the overall price, giving you an excuse to dig in t whatever your heart desires. Nibble at traditional olives, cheese and pita bread with a cocktail or save room for the delectable rich dishes served each night at dinner. Indulge in tasty sweets like Turkish delight or baklava for a real treat on holiday.
Stunning Beaches: Whether you opt to take advantage of inclusive resort holidays in Marmaris, Lara Beach or any of the other beautiful destinations, you will have the beach right outside your door. Few things are more relaxing than reclining on a warm sandy shore. Bring along a book to read, music to listen to or just soak in the sights and reflect on your past and the exciting events found to be in your future. Leave feeling refreshed and ready to tackle your goals in the coming year.
Vibrant Culture: One of the most attractive things about choosing Turkey for a holiday is that the culture is an astounding blend of ancient and modern, Eastern and Western. As the only country that is situated on both the Asian and European continents, there is something special about Turkey and its heritage and culture. Visit local shops and converse with friendly locals who can share their experiences and help you understand your own life better, or just soak in the ancient ruins. Either way, Turkey can serve as a way to reconnect to the past and finding yourself in the present.
How To Do: Bargain Holidays
Holidays are the ultimate way to start fresh, relax and explore new destinations. Although luxury holidays might not be in the cards for everyone each year, it is certainly possible to find bargain holidays that fit within even the strictest budgets. By following these helpful tips for finding an affordable holiday, anyone can enjoy the relaxation and rejuvenation that a short trip abroad can bring.
Flexible Travel Dates: Perhaps the most helpful tip when it comes to finding a bargain holiday is to be flexible with the dates of travel. When using flight or package search engines, always check the box that specifies the desired dates are flexible. The same trip that is full price on a weekend might be half price when selected for a Monday through Thursday holiday instead. For even greater savings, be even more flexible. Opt to head for beaches in the winter months, or ski destinations in the summer. The locations will be just as beautiful and excited, but less crowded and much more affordable.
All About The Timing: Timing is crucial when it comes to snagging the most affordable holiday. Sometimes the best deals are to be found right at the last minute, so it certainly helps to have a flexible schedule in these cases. For the most part, however, affordable deals are found with careful planning far in advance. It might even be a good idea to book a holiday months in advance for the greatest discounts.
Package Deals: At the outset, package deals can be seen as quite expensive. The key is to break it down and calculate how much it works out to each day of your holiday. Once you add up accommodation, meals, flights and even sometimes recreational activities, the package deals can start to look like a smart choice. Pay attention to the prices to find what will work best for you. Many package holders pay extra for a free breakfast as part of the deal, but rarely wake up early enough to partake. Skip those extra costs entirely if they are unlikely to ever be used on holiday.