As a good parent, taking your children on different trips is always a goal you work your best to achieve. This is because through visiting several places, children will get to learn more about what is happening in the world. It is also a good way of breaking the monotony for both you and your children. One such place to go and experience the different features of the world is the California west coast. California has several things that make it fantastic for a vacation with your children. In planning your vacation to the west coast you need to prepare well. You also need to prepare your kids so that they can learn more from the trip. Some of the ways in which you can ensure good preparation of your children for the trip include the following.

 
1.Deciding where to go in California

There are many cities located in the west coast. For the trip to be successful you need to decide on the most appropriate city for you and your family. You need to decide on specific cities and inform your children on what they can expect to see and do. Check out the average prices of eating, hotels and attractions in each of the cities on your wish list, and factor that into planning. Some cities are definitely more expensive than others, so if you’ve got a lot of kids in tow, that may not be ideal.

2. Selecting the most appropriate gear for the kids

Stocking up on the right clothes, accessories and more for both you and your kids is essential before any big vacation. That means considering kids favorite styles and the weather expected at your destination. Kids Vans shoes are a great accessory to keep your kids stylish, comfortable and excited about the trip. It’s a brand that will definitely help them harness their inner Cali cool!

3. Teaching the kids about the history of California

Nothing makes a trip more memorable than getting your kids involved in learning about its history. California has a vibrant and exciting history, despite being one of  the newer states in the United States. Get your kids excited about the upcoming adventure by teaching them about the various national parks, geographical oddities and gold rush history of California. The best part is that your kids will keep their minds and curiosities sharp, even as school is winding down. Plus, when the trip is over, you can continue the learning and keep their interests peaked.

California has so many recreational facilities, by taking your children there for a vacation you will achieve a lot. It will help the children in understand California more which will help them in expanding there knowledge. As a parent taking your children to vacations is a wise idea because it will help you in showing the necessary love to your children. In case you are accompanied by your partner, you’re guaranteed to find a few places to escape for a little rekindling of the romance as well. California has it all for every member of the family!

Photo Credit: Damian Gadal

Let’s say you’re looking for a little adventure, beach-style. Something out of the ordinary, but still featuring enough development to meet minimal needs. Here’s a suggestion: block out some free time and start searching through some of the magnificent Virgin Gorda villa rentals.

Located in the British Virgin Islands, “The Fat Virgin” is said to have gotten its name from Christopher Columbus, who noted that the island looks like a fat woman lying on her side. Within her ocean gates lies a true adventurer’s paradise.

Dive The Shipwrecked RMS Rhone

Excellent diving options are plentiful around Virgin Gorda, with transparent waters and a wide variety of colorful sea life. One of the best local sites is the shipwrecked RMS Rhone, which went down off the coast during a hurricane in the 1860s.

Both for historical interest and teeming marine life, this is considered one the best wreck dives worldwide. And whether you’re an experienced or novice diver, this shipwreck welcomes you.

Kayak Beach Tour

Take a different view of the coast by paddling from beach to beach in a kayak. You’ll wade through light to medium surf while discovering one stunning beach after another separated by stunning granite sections that have been there for centuries. Speaking of those big rocks…

Baths & Devil’s Bay Beach

This collection of three-storey high boulders is striking enough on its own, but adds additional appeal by encompassing an enchanted maze of tide pools and heavenly grottoes just waiting to be explored. A trail leads through the pools and caves to Devil’s Bay Beach, but you’ll want to avoid the mid-day crowds that come with the small cruise ships that dock here. The best time to go is either between 8:00 and 10:00 am or 3:00 and 5:00pm.

Hike Up To Gorda Peak

Once you dry off, head to North Sound Road and hike one of its connected trails up beyond 1300 feet to Gorda Peak. Its aerial platform is the best spot to take in the whole island spectrum of beaches, coves and boulders. It’s a fairly friendly climb, easy for anyone in at least average condition (just make sure you bring water).

Credit: Peter Pawlowski

Become A True Sailor

With its protected inland seas, the British Virgin Islands are perfect for learning and practicing sailing techniques. Those with a basic background can really elevate their skills with help from local sailing schools, which offer excellent classes for absolute beginners as well.

Rich with exotic flavours, unusual architecture and labyrinthine souks, multi-ethnic Morocco is a culture blast thanks to its Silk Road history and place where Europe meets Africa.

A luxury African holiday here is a lesson in exploration and in getting to know this intriguing destination. If you really want to get under the skin of Morocco, add the following cultural sights and traditional activities to your list.

Experience a traditional hammam

The hammam (a traditional Moorish steam bath) was always a meeting point for Moroccan men and women and it continues to be a social hub. Now tourists are getting in on the act, too, and there is an array of places – both old and new – to head to for a good old-fashioned scrub down.

Try the highly-rated hammam at La Maison Arabe for a modern, decadent take on this local treat. For a more genuine experience, try Hammam Ziani and be prepared to strip right down to your pants!

Staying in a Berber camp

Staying under the stars in a Berber camp is one way of really sampling what traditional life was once like here in Morocco. The upsurge in the trend for camping means that there are now several beautiful campsites throughout the Sahara, close to some of the country’s most interesting towns, cities and villages. M’Hamid is a pretty place to get a sense of everyday village life, and Tamegroute is famed for having one of the oldest Koranic libraries in the world.

Checking into a Berber camp – even a more luxurious version of the real thing – is a fantastic experience which will be accompanied by campfire stories, delicious food and perhaps a sunset camel ride.

Exploring the Marrakech souks

Number one on most visitors’ lists is a journey through the Marrakech Medina. You’ll skirt past snake charmers, pick up the wafting scent of mint tea, spices and hookah pipes, and barter over what were once some of the globe’s most prized possessions. Wear comfortable shoes, be prepared to get lost and carry some small change for bartering precisely!

Taking a hot air balloon ride over the mountains

A little dose of luxury is to be had in a hot air balloon ride over the Atlas Mountains. A handful of operators offer this amazing trip out of offices based in Marrakech, most of which start you off early in order to see sunrise from the edge of the basket – well worth the early alarm call!

Kite surf on the beaches of Essaouira or Agadir

One modern pursuit is to kite surf on the breezy Atlantic Coast – the sunny seaside hangouts of Agadir and Essaouira aren’t just for sun-worshipping. Get active and get involved with locals and tourists alike giving it a go. This sport is growing in popularity and Morocco is one of the world’s best places to practise it thanks to the perfect conditions. Take a private or group lesson: after 10 hours, you should be up and riding the waves!

When you’re about to take off and travel the world, you’ll need to make sure you’ve got everything you need to make sure you’re prepared for your flight.  There are a few things that pilots should always be taking with them when they’re flying, most of which can be obtained right from Skygeek Shop Supplies that will make your flight more enjoyable and relieve a little bit of a headache from the equation. 

Whether you’re flying domestically or heading to another country, make sure you’ve got these next few items.

If you’re a pilot you know how important it is to have a working headset – without that headset you’re not going to be able to speak with anyone, which is part of your job.  You’re not going to be without a headset but most pilots would do well to get their own and bring it with them.

There are a lot of germs that get spread from people using the same headsets because whether you realize it or not you’re going to get saliva all over the mouth piece.  Grab your own headset and bring it with you on your travels so you don’t run into the problem of sharing one and potentially getting sick.

Every pilot should have a notepad or something similar in their travel bag when they go to fly so that they can keep writing things down while they’re in the air.  Notepads are great but they also have the possibility to fall or get lost the moment you run into turbulence.

There are alternatives called knee boards that are great for pilots because they won’t get scattered if you run into issues or if turbulence gets knocked around.  If you’ve got an iPad, you could also use a knee board that has the ability to be pinned to the device.

Inside their travel bag, every pilot should have information readily available to them.  This means you should always be carrying current charts or diagrams with you to make sure you have the latest information.  A common issue that pilots run into is that they are given charts and information that are expired or outdated, which makes your job much harder when you’re trying to fly the plane.

There are plenty of ways to get this information on your iPhone or your iPad so it’s always handy.  If you aren’t a fan of having loose papers everywhere, you can easily utilize your mobile device to keep the information ready without having to carry around extra stuff.

Make sure before you leave you have your operational handbook in that bag or you could end up getting in a bit of trouble.  This should always be at the top of your mind but many pilots can overlook it and forget to put it in their bags, so make sure it’s always near you so you never forget it.

Lastly, make sure you’ve got some sort of first aid kit in that bag with you before you take off for your destination.  This helps not only the passengers should anything happen, but it also helps you if you get injured or suffer a small accident.  It’s always a good thing to have bandaids and sterilizations on you, especially when you’re a pilot.

Each pilot is different with what they choose to do and bring with them, but there are a few things that should never go missed when you’re packing your flight bag.

Do you ever get the feeling that everyone just goes to the same places on holiday? There seem to be those few tried and tested holiday spots that everyone likes to stick to, making certain beaches and ski resorts overcrowded year after year.

Of course, you don’t have to follow the crowd. If you are looking for somewhere a little different for this year’s holiday, then there are plenty of unique all-inclusive holidays with Club Med to choose from. Here are a few unique luxury holiday destinations you might not have thought about.

Cherating Beach, Malaysia

What could be more unforgettable than sleeping in bungalows on stilts in the jungles of Malaysia, surrounded by pig-tailed monkeys and gibbons?

Club Med’s Cherating Beach Resort has everything you could ever need. If relaxation is in the cards, you can rest easy by one of the many pools, or head on down to the white sands and turquoise waters of the adjacent beach, to enjoy the beautiful tropical sun.

If you’re feeling a little more active, then there’s plenty of free sports to keep you entertained. There’s also a gym, for both weight and cardio work. Most uniquely of all, there are opportunities to try out activities you wouldn’t usually come across, like rock climbing and kayaking.

Guilin, China

As far as setting goes, this is going to be as unique as it gets. Situated in the region of Guilin, Southern China, this is home to some of China’s most magical scenery. Club Med’s Guilin Resort is located in a beautiful 46 hectare park that’s dedicated to contemporary art and surrounded by magnificent peaks. It’s a place where you can simply lose yourself in the tranquil beauty.

With its surroundings, it’s no wonder this resort is dedicated to Zen activities, such as spa treatments, Tai Chi and art workshops. If you still want to get that adrenaline pumping, there’s plenty of opportunity for that as the resort offers rock-climbing as well. There’s also Mah-Jong if you’re in the mood for a little light gambling.

Sahoro, Japan

This lesser known ski resort will allow you to experience Japan in all its wondrous glory. It’s almost impossible to describe the scenery you’ll find there and is something that must be seen for its unique and subtle beauty to be understood; once witnessed, it’s something that will stay with you forever.

Club Med’s Sahoro resort gives you a perfect base in the alpine mountains of Hokkaido Island. Grab your ski passes and enjoy the slopes at will, or take some professional ski and snowboard lessons from trained instructors who can cater to your specific skill level.

Full board accommodation throughout your stay means you get all your meals free, so you can sample some of the wonderful cuisine the country has to offer. Free drinks and snacks are available at certain times during the day, too. Try the gently heated saké after a run on the slopes – the perfect way to warm up.

Photo Credit: Auswandern Malaysia

The capital of Italy is one of the most successful city brands in the world. Rome, also known as the “City of Seven Hills” is a magnificent city steeped in history, it has a unique cultural background, friendly and warm inhabitants as well as magnificent panoramic views and splendid parks called villas. Whether you consider a holiday or an expat life in the Eternal City, they both represent the perfect opportunity to taste the real, utterly famous Italian cuisine, which is embedded into the Italian lifestyle, beliefs and ancient culture. 
Eating al fresco is an intrinsic part of Rome and an excellent occasion for tourists and expats to experience an authentic Italian meal. And if you find an apartment to rent while in Rome through services like Oh-Rome.com, you can always buy the ingredients for a traditional Italian meal and cook it yourself! One of the reasons Italian cuisine is so tasty and popular with many tourists from all over the globe is that Italians use for each meal only the freshest and the highest quality ingredients available from local markets called piazzas. Pampering your papillary tastes with an original Italian dish cooked by you while in Rome and even sharing your culinary creations with your Roman friends, now that should be a truly memorable experience for you.

Of course, there is no other way to start your day in the sunny Rome other than sipping a cup or two of the real Italian espresso. The apartments which are available for rent on the abovementioned website are equipped with automatic home espresso machines, so that you can enjoy a strong espresso while viewing from your balcony the breathtaking panorama of the city. While you are in a reverie state of mind, which just comes with the territory when in Rome, you can choose to make the first part of the plot of “The Roman Spring of Mrs. Stone” a reality for you. Just like yourself, the main character of this Hollywood movie, fabulously played by Vivien Leigh, decides to rent an apartment in the Eternal City.

Unlike other nations, Italians eat their main meal of the day exactly in the middle of the day and not in the evening. This main meal is called “pranzo” ( lunch ) and it is composed of an “aperitivo” and a few courses known as “primo”, “secondo”, “antipasto”, “frutta” and “dolce”. Gnocchi is a very popular dish and many gnocchi recipes use a combination of mashed potatoes, whole wheat flour and egg yolks. Gnocchi are hand-shaped dumplings which are simmered in water until they start to float. They are served with tomato and pesto sauces, grated cheese and a topping made from butter and fresh sage or basil leaves. You can also cook ricotta gnocchi or “strangolapreti” with spinach and stale bread. Saltimbocca alla Romana is another traditional Italian meal you can cook it yourself, using 4 sliced veal cutlets, 4 slices of prosciutto (ham) and sage leaves. After all the ingredients are rolled up, weave a toothpick in and out of the veal and then cook them in Marsala wine and butter for 3-5 minutes.

For desert, nothing compares to the Italian ice cream called gelato. This is a soft, non-airy ice cream made from at least 3,5% milk fat ot butterfat, sugar, cream, and every natural flavor you can think of. Homemade gelato is very popular among Romans and it is very easy to make, using high quality ingredients to achieve its specific dense consistency and smooth texture. A rapid freezing process is also required to prevent ice crystals from forming. Gelato is also healthier than packaged ice creams, because it is lower in fat and it contains less sugar. Buon Apetito!

As long as you have a rented apartment in Rome, cooking your own Italian meals using only the freshest ingredients is a fantastic opportunity to experience the Italian lifestyle to the fullest. Moreover, it can also help you remember better this collection of authentic Italian recipes, so that you can recreate the delight of the Italian cuisine whenever you want to. This delicious, real Italian feast is a must – when in Rome, eat as the Romans do!

Football. Pride. Amazing nightlife. Manchester has so much to offer to a sightseer – whether you’re visiting the area for the first time or are a regular city dweller, you’ll always find something new and exciting going on, at any time of year.

When booking a Manchester hotel, look for accommodation near the centre so that you have easy access to all the city has to offer. To get around, you can easily explore by foot in about 20 minutes from one end to the other. There are also great bus and tram links; or if you’re travelling from further afield there are four key train stations in the centre as well as Manchester Airport.

Upon arrival in the city, top picks to see include the two football stadiums which are home to Manchester United and Manchester City. Both the Etihad and Old Trafford tours include walking down the players’ tunnel, visiting the dressing rooms as well as exclusive dug outs.

Manchester Museum is a fantastic treat for families, where children can learn about ancient Egyptians, dinosaurs, mummies and even see live reptiles in the award winning vivarium. Art lovers should visit Manchester Art Galley which has some of the country’s finest art collections including early 20th Century British art and an extensive costume collection. For more cultural events, see creativetourist.com’s culture calendar.

The city’s vibrant nightlife is second-to-none – from legendary Matt and Phred’s Jazz Club and top DJ spot Sankeys, to celebrity spot The Bijou Club and cocktail bar The Alchemist, there’s endless places for pubbers and clubbers to see in the early hours.

Labelled as Manchester’s best restaurant time and time again, be sure to check out celebrity Michael Caine’s offering in the basement of the Adobe hotel. If you fancy a quick bit at a coffee shop, stop off at Teacup on Thomas Street or Oak Street Café in the Manchester Craft and Design Centre.

Manchester’s Northern Quarter is a dream for shop lovers: a bohemian vintage haven, you’ll find timeless one-off pieces and off-beat steals. If designer is more your bag, on King Street you’ll find Selfridges, Harvey Nichols and Emporio Armani; while Arcades Shopping Centre, Crompton Place Shopping Centre and Lowry Outlet Mall in Salford Quays are havens for high street fans.

If you want to experience a large event during your stay in Manchester, this year’s calendar includes: the Parklife music weekender in June, with a line-up that features Plan B, Rita Ora and Sub Focus; and Manchester Pride in August which raises funding for the local LGBT community.

Returning for its fourth year, Manchester International Festival is another local event which invites some of the world’s best musicians, visual and performing artists and popular culture to the city. This year’s event features an integrated show with Massive Attack and Adam Curtis, performance art from choreographer Mårten Spångberg, an open-air Macbeth relay and much more. Running between 4th and 21st July, tickets for the festival are on sale now.

If you need further tourist information or guidance when you’re visiting Manchester, contact the Visitor Information Centre in the Piccadilly Plaza, Portland Street.

Manchester photo credit: By Michael Colvin via Wikimedia Commons

The Nordic/Scandinavian countries (Norway, Finland, Iceland, and Sweden) are the best places spend your holidays in Northern Europe. The countries have vibrant cities with wonderful cultural life, natural scenery, impressive landmarks, and sophisticated urban life. Planning or going for a holiday to any of the Nordic countries has been made easier with the availability of cheap flights to Oslo, Copenhagen, Stockholm, Reykjavik, or Helsinki. Each city has its own unique attractions worth visiting. Some of these attractions include:

1. Royal Palace, Sweden

Found in Stadsholmen, Stockholm, the Royal Pace serves as the official residence of His Majesty the King of Sweden. It is located close to some of Sweden’s notable attractions including the Stockholm Cathedral and Riksgdag Building. It is one of the largestand most famous palaces not only in Stockholm, but also in the whole of Europe.

The Royal Palace displays the best of Baroque architecture and comprises of four façades: northern facade, representing Sweden’s common royal: southern facade, representing the nation; northern façade, representing the common royal; western façade, representing the king, and the eastern façade representing the queen. The palace has more than 1,450 rooms with stylishly decorated interiors from the 18th and 19th centuries. While in the palace, you can get a chance to visit some of its historical museums including the Tre Kronor Museum and Gustav III Museum of Antiquities.

2. Kronberg Castle, Denmark

Established in the 15th century, Kroberg Castle stands out as one of the oldest and most important Renaissance castles in Denmark. It is strategically located on the northern tip of Zealand Island. The building boats of Baroque architecture designed by Anthonis van Obbergen and Flemmings Hans Hendrick van Paesschen, some of the most famous Danish architects of the 15th century. The castle was turned into a military base in 1785 and later into a museum in the year 1923. It houses both ancient and modern pieces of art from different notable artists.

3. Vigelandsparken Sculpture Park, Norway

Vigelandsparken Sculpture Park in Oslo, the capital city of Norway, houses a huge collection of granite and bronze, and cast iron sculptures designed by Gustav Vigeland, a famous sculptor of the 1800s. One of its biggest and most famous sculptures is the Monolith. This sculpture stands at a height of about 15 metres and features more than 120 human figures. Because no one is really sure of what was in Gustav’s mind while developing his pieces of art, there has been varied interpretations of the Monolith. Some people say it represents man’s resurrection, some say it represents man’s yearning for spiritual spheres, while others say it represents man’s struggle for existence. In addition, the park houses the Vigeland Museum, which displays the best of ne-classical architecture.

4. Linnanmaki Amusement Park

Linnanmaki Amusement Park is a family-friendly park located atop a hill on the northern side of Helsinki’s city centre. It is surrounded by luxurious restaurants, kiosks, ice cream stalls, arcades, and a large outdoor stage used for performances by different artistes during summer. The park is very large in size and contains 40 functional rides, with its oldest and most popular ride being the Wooden Roller Coaster. Other roller coasters include Linnunrata, Vonkaputous, Tulireki, and Pikajuna. Whatever your reason for coming, this is a great way to kick back and have some fun.

5. Thingvellir National Park, Iceland

Thingvelir National Park is found a few kilometres from the city centre of Reykjavik, the capital city of Iceland. The UNESCO’s World Heritage Site park is home to a different species of plants and wild animals. Notable wild animals include polar bears, minks, white foxes, wild rabbits, and reindeer. You can also enjoy bird watching as it has numerous bird species including the puffin, fulmar, eider, common guillemot, and the black-headed gull.

Photo Credit: opethpainter

Italy is one of the most famous countries in the world. Visitors from all over the globe travel there each year. There are tons of world famous sites to see – So many, in fact, that it’s hard to fit them all in your itinerary. However, it’s the lesser-known attractions that may provide you with the most memories upon your visit. There are places all over Italy that, while still captivating and exciting, don’t get as much worldly attention as more known attractions. Perugia is one of these places.

Perugia is located in the Umbria region. It is one of Italy’s best-preserved hilltop towns. If you visit Perugia, however, expect to leave with a full stomach. Aside from the delicious Umbrian meals of wild boar and truffles, there’s also the Perugina Chocolate Factory. This factory produces Baci chocolates, and is open to the public. It offers chocolate making classes, a chocolate ‘show’ known as Eurochocolate, and tons of exhibits each year around October. If you’re looking for delicious treats, Perugia is the place to go.

For another place with wonderful food, visit Bologna. Known as the “food capital” of Italy, there’s no way you won’t leave Bologna without trying more food than your stomach knew it could handle. The meat-stuffed tortellini is to die for. Aside from the abundance of food, Bologna offers plenty of history. It’s home to Europe’s Oldest University, where Copernicus studied. Traveling through the city, you’ll see medieval towers, brick palaces, and fascinating arcaded streets.

Off the north coast of Sicily, you’ll find the Aeolian Islands. Lipari is the largest of these islands and offers plenty of sights for intrigued tourists. They have a wonderful archeological museum, and in the heart of the town is a fascinating clifftop castle. The island of Stromboli is home to an active volcano. Upon your visit there, you have a good chance of seeing some real live molten lava. And, of course, there are also the beautiful blue seas on the Aeolian Islands. They’re perfect for snorkeling and scuba diving.

Guardiagrele is often referred to as Italy’s most beautiful village. The whole town will look like a picture-perfect postcard. The narrow streets will lead you to plenty of camera worthy sights. There are beautiful cathedrals and a natural heritage site.

Siena is a Tuscan town that sits on top of 3 hills. It’s medieval style is catching to the eye, and the abundance of activities is great for the whole family. Twice a year, the famous Palio horse race is held in Siena. This horse race has been a tradition since the 17th century, and features riders from ten districts. Before each race, there is a parade in which citizens from each district dress up in historical costumes and show their pride for their district by displaying their flags and colors. Siena also offers plenty of history lessons – The historic district offers views of breathtaking Renaissance and Gothic palaces, and a fascinating 13th century cathedral.

It’s pretty clear that Italy is one of the most visited places in the world. However, if you plan a holiday to Italy, be sure to check out some of the ‘hidden gems’, as well as the world famous sights. Just because you haven’t heard of it doesn’t mean there’s no exciting and memorable adventures awaiting you there!

Photo Credit: Maarten Van Hoof

One of the biggest and most anticipated rugby sevens tournament is the Hong Kong Sevens which is usually preceded with the Las Vegas sevens held in the United States. It is one of the several seven tournaments organised and managed by the International Rugby Board. Currently, 22 countries take part in the tournament, making Hong Kong one of the premier tourist destinations in March. It is a tremendously exciting tournament for rugby players, fans and party revellers. Players enjoy the thrill of the boisterous game as they fight to be crowned champions while fans are particularly excited by witnessing every minute of the gruelling games. Party lovers on the other hand, come for the mesmerizing party atmosphere especially during the after-party when the games are over.

Although 22-24 countries attend the tournament, only the 16 core teams battle for the main cup. Some of the strongest countries which consistently perform considerably well include New Zealand, Australia, Kenya, South Africa, Samoa and France. The 16 teams are divided into four groups where the winners are determined through a group round robin. Only two teams can advance from the group stage to the main cup finals. The weakest teams in a group advance to the shield where they play 6 more teams for the shield.

Similar to all sevens legs, the quarter, semi and main finals are always action-packed since every second of each game largely dictates the final score. Most of the play offs games proceed to tense sudden death extra time. It’s therefore very crucial for each team to extensively prepare physically and emotionally for each game. Every move and mistake count to the final score. Apart from carrying the cup and pride, the main cup winner also bags 30 points from the tournament. The first runner up will be credited with 25 points.

The 2013 Hong Kong Sevens promises to be extremely exciting since some of the strongest teams are already pooled together. It will be exciting watching them fight for the quarter final spot, which is only available for two teams in each group. Although the pools are comparatively balanced, fans and sports analysts are especially keen on Pool B, which is arguably the tournament’s ‘Group of Death’.

New Zealand is pooled alongside Kenya, France and USA. New Zealand are definitely out for revenge after the earlier sevens leg held in their country which saw Kenya beat them in front of their home fans to proceed to the finals. The team is top overall with 96 points, 23 ahead of South Africa. Kenya on the other hand, will be looking to revive their performance after a dismal show in the past leg in the USA. France promise to present reasonable competition especially after coming so close to winning the main cup at a past leg. Another similarly arduous and challenging group is A, where South Africa, Wales, Australia and Argentina are pooled together. Each of these teams is considerably strong according to the IRB rankings. South Africa is thirsty for another title after mercilessly thrashing New Zealand for the main cup in their home ground South Africa. Argentina and Australia on the other hand are exceedingly fervent to make an impact in the IRB circuit and perhaps win a main cup.

Hong Kong is arguably the sevens hub of Asia. Alongside the main competition of 16 teams, 12 more will be playing a pre-qualification tournament. The four top teams in the tournament will have a chance of fighting for a spot in the next IRB sevens circuit season after playing in London. With such action –packed events lined up, no one in Hong Kong would want to miss the tournament. If you already don’t have tickets, get your credit/charge card for example and purchase one to witness the top rugby nations tussle and defend their rugby superiority. Don’t let your finances come in the way of watching a great tournament. Compare charge cards online and find the one that will get you the greatest flexibility. The tickets also come with the accompanying party perks. Why wait? Get your tickets now and remember with some cards like the platinum card will allow you to gain bonus points with your spending.

Photo Credit: jparise