How to Use Social Media for Better Customer Acquisition

A user’s clickstream — the trail of clicks she leaves behind while surfing the web — has to end somewhere, so why not on a place where that surfer can become a customer?

That’s the thinking behind web-based customer acquisition. Until fairly recently, that was a relatively straightforward proposition: Just run some banner ads and search ads and then continue the conversation through email.

Social media adds some complexity. Nowadays, a tweet might lead to your Facebook Page or maybe a detour to LinkedIn. A Google search might include a +1 from a friend that will make you reconsider a brand while a Bing search will show what your Facebook friends think of that brand.

Not everyone has successfully navigated this new terrain. As Matt Lawson, VP of Marketing and Alliances for Marin Software admits, “I don’t yet have a handle on it.” With more variables comes more opportunities, though. Proponents say social media provides a powerful new tool to convert surfers into buyers. “Social media allows marketers to two things they couldn’t do before: scale one-to-one conversations and publish their own content without a media partner,” says Joe Chernov, VP of Content Marketing at Eloqua, a marketing automation firm. “These two behaviors converge in customer acquisition.”

However, Brian Solis, the principal analyst at Altimeter Group, says the modus operandi for most marketers is still twofold:

• Build the size of the community.
• Hope that at some point that translates into customer acquisitions.

olis isn’t alone in making this observation. Carolyn Everson, Facebook’s VP of Global Sales, told attendees at a media event earlier this year that she considered acquiring “Likes” to be the second phase for marketers on Facebook after setting up a brand Page. The third was using Facebook to cultivate your biggest and most-engaged fans.

The latter is the primary method for acquiring customers. In a nutshell, the idea is that if you engage people who are very interested in what you’re selling, they will tell others about it. Eventually, at least some of those people will buy something as well, even if it takes years to convert them. Below are some tips for offering that engagement.

Ask Your Fans What They Want:

It sounds simple enough – Notice the interactions on your posts & identify things fans really want from your social media page.

Become a Publisher:

Once you’ve determined what your target customers’ interests are, a good strategy is what’s known as “content marketing,” a.k.a. providing objective information. Since a hard sell undermines credibility, marketers are more or less forced to become publishers. Many are aware of this. A recent survey of marketers by Focus, though, found that so-called “content marketing” was the second-strongest performer for them over the past year, second only to email. (Social media was No. 3.)

Another upside of this strategy is that it provides a stream of content for your Facebook and Twitter activities. After all, without frequent, interesting updates, your fans will lose interest.

Provide Resolution:

If you consider a user’s clickstream as a conversation of sorts, then ending things in the middle is unsatisfying for the user and will end in frustration. Solis says the reason for this is the common tendency to end the clickstream at the company website. These days, there’s no reason to do that.

“The idea is that brands can use social media to bring closure,” Solis says. “By studying behavior, questions, answers, conversations, relationships, etc., businesses can learn how to design content, landing pages, and overall experiences to deliver the resolution various consumers seek.”

As an example, Solis cites the use of QR codes. Most companies, he says, will run a QR program that leads to the company’s homepage. A better strategy is to provide “a new landing page that is optimized for expectations.”

Improvise, But Use Common Sense:

As mentioned, Marin’s Lawson admits that customer acquisition via social media isn’t easy. One major issue he has is that, compared to traditional tools like search an ad, banner ads and email, social media is difficult to measure.

Lawson’s not the only one who has that issue. No industry standard figure seems to exist for customer acquisition via social media. That means that you may have a Facebook Page with 10,000 fans that nets only four leads but won’t have any idea whether that’s good or not.

Lacking a well-worn playbook, many go with their gut. Eloqua’s Chernov, for instance, has found that the hard sell is the wrong approach. “Selling on social media is like the old joke about the two bulls on the top of the hill: They can run down and cozy up with one cow, or they can walk down and get to know ‘em all,” he says. “Companies that try the hard sell on social media get ousted from LinkedIn Groups, voted down on Quora and ignored on Twitter and Facebook. The hard-sell runs against the fabric of social media. Marketers are far, far better off trying to help prospects — by talking about what they ‘know’ versus what they ‘sell’ — on social channels.”

Article Courtesy Mashable

Image courtesy of iStockphoto, toos

Life Under the Skies

A cloud does not know why it moves in just such a direction and at such a speed... It feels an impulsion... this is the place to go now.  But the sky knows the reasons and the patterns behind all clouds, and you will know, too, when you lift yourself high enough to see beyond horizons.

When scattered clouds are resting on the bosoms of hills, it seems as if one might climb into the heavenly region, earth being so intermixed with sky, and gradually transformed into it.  ~Nathaniel Hawthorne

The quietness, the empty streets on a rainy Monday evening, inspires you to click more & more. Be glad of life because it gives you the chance to love, to work, to play, and to look up at the stars.

When we look up, it widens our horizons.  We see what a little speck we are in the universe, so insignificant, and we all take ourselves so seriously, but in the sky, there are no boundaries.  No differences of caste or religion or race.

Without a wish, without a will, I stood upon that silent hill, and stared into the sky until, my eyes were blind with stars and still, I stared into the sky. - Ralph Hodgson

Images from my Photography: Visit me on Facebook - Ameya Khandekar Photography

Take Stunning Abstract Pictures with Movement & Zoom

Camera movements have been used a lot to create an abstraction from a scene. The recipe is very simple: in a long exposure times move the camera while exposing. The result will look similar to the scene but in a more abstract way, in this small article I will discuss how to do it and what kind of results you can expect.

Equipment

Many of these images can be done handheld but it will be a lot easier with a tripod. If you handhold the camera it will be really difficult to get motion in only one direction and the result will probably look messy. If you have a tripod you also need a good head, a head that can allow you to move the camera in only one direction. Three way tripod heads or geared heads are perfect for the task. A ballhead will not be very useful but you can use it to pan horizontally if it has a panning knob as most ballheads have.

On a Sunny day you may also need some ND filters are you will be trying to achieve long exposure times. A ND8 filter is probably enough if you stop down the lens to F16 or F22. Diffraction is not a big problem as nothing in the image will be totally sharp.

A zoom lens is a good idea to create different compositions and to do some zooming!

Exposure Time

This depends a lot on the scene and what you plan to do. Very long exposure times or very short exposure times usually produce an unpleasant result. If you can try to use exposures from 1/30 to 4 seconds. With 1/30 you need a fast wrist!

Movements

The movements you can try depend on your equipment and the scene some basic ideas are:

• Vertical panning (typical for trees)
• Horizontal panning
• Circular panning
• Zooming

Circular movements are nice for fisheye views of a forest with the lens pointed straight up or for the opposite effect with the lens pointed 90 degrees down on a flower field or some scene with a lot of contrast.

Camera movements can be fun to try and can help you create a beautiful scene with bad light or when there are distracting elements in the middle of your composition. It’s a simple way to create abstract representations of what you see and if you process them strongly they can be beautiful prints.

Courtesy: Photography Blogger

20 years of selling condoms – KamaSutra completes 20 years

20 years of selling condoms – KamaSutra completes 20 years

The occasion was the 20th anniversary of condom brand Kamasutra that was launched in the year 1991 by Gautam Singhania, Chairman and MD of Raymond Limited with those who contributed to the brand's standing today in some way or the other got together at a Canvas - suburban lounge to celebrate the success of its 20 years completion.

Funny man Cyrus Broacha left everyone in splits with his standup comedy act as an anchor. The faces of the 'bold advertisement' which made Kamasutra a household name were those of model-actress Pooja Bedi and supermodel Marc Robinson. The two were honored on the occasion.

Kamasutra (KS) was launched with a bold campaign in 1991, at a time when sex was still taboo. What was the idea behind it? - In those days, condom use wasn't talked about. We realized that if we wanted to get into that category, we had to do it properly. We wanted a loud campaign that would get us noticed. We needed a sex symbol to launch our brand and hit upon Pooja Bedi. She had a great face for KS and along with model Marc Robinson; they became part of the sensual ad.

Reminiscing about the launch, Mr. Gautam Singhania said, “At the time of its launch, Kamasutra ads faced resistance in the form of accusations of challenging conservative Indian sensibilities. The brand faced the challenge of media channels refusing to carry Kama Sutra’s bold advertisements. However today, the brand is a grand success in terms of consumer acceptance. We are the leading condom brand, especially in urban and metro markets. “KamaSutra is much more than a condom brand. It signifies liberation as a way of being. KS is today symbolized as the expert in the art of lovemaking. Such an encouraging response to the brand and its positioning fuels our drive to innovate further on the products and campaigns of KamaSutra in the future.

The KamaSutra Business History:

2011- Chill Thrill & Warm Intimacy condoms & Launch of 2 Women Deos (a: Maya, a: diva)

2010- Launch of Wet n’ Wild, a first -to-market innovation

Launch of First of its kind web portal – www.kamalounge.in

Launch of Excite Series

2007- Entry into deodorant category

2004- Launched new Brand Identity & new innovative packaging & Launched Kamasutra Long last, super thin and Intensity condoms

2003- Launch of KamaSutra Sport

1996- Joins Ansell Ltd to form J.K. Ansell Ltd.

1994- Starts the export business

1992- Becomes the no 2 brand in market

1991- Launch of KamaSutra

Mr. Peter Carroll, President - Sexual Wellness, Ansell Healthcare said, “India is a promising consumer market. The Indian consumer has a unique perspective on all aspects of sex, intimacy and relationships, and is continuously evolving. We have seen this evolution demonstrated every time we’ve have introduced a new innovative concept in India. Our every product innovation has met with resounding success in the country. This encourages us to further launch innovative products in the future.”

These innovative products have been supported by bold campaigns in keeping with the KS philosophy of enhanced consumer experience and for them to enjoy the pleasure of love-making.

Mr. Ranju Kumar Mohan, Director and Business Head, JK Ansell Limited said, “Today, it is not just condoms but other personal care products like deodorants have also embarked on sensual campaigns. To have identified such a potential twenty years ago goes to state the vision of this iconic brand. That our pioneering effort has been rewarded with consumer acceptance drives us to innovate on our products and create campaigns for KamaSutra which connects with consumers whether it is through use of our website kamalounge.in and other social media engagements or use of print or activation.”

JK Ansell is a 50:50 joint venture between the Raymond Group and Ansell International for manufacturing and selling the popular 'KamaSutra' brand of condoms and personal care products.

Source: Times of India & SPICYSTARS MUMBAI

Composition Tips for Landscape Photography

To get impressive landscape images, you have to think outside of the box and beyond the stunning vista before you. Composition is a key component in any image, but it can take an average vacation snapshot and transform it into a true work of art. Below are a few key points to look for when composing your landscape image.

Leading Lines - Landscape images call for a viewer to look across the entire frame to take it all in. This is accomplished much easier when there’s a leading line guiding the viewer. Whether literal lines like the boardwalk in the image below or strong horizon lines such as a mountain range or treeline, leading lines can easily direct the attention where you want it.

Minimalism - Sometimes the best landscape images are the ones that say the least, using negative space and contrast to make a prominent point. You can either isolate part of your photo by composition or by using a wide aperture (shallow depth of field) - either way, it’s a fantastic method to create a stunning landscape in a clean, crisp manner.

Layers - Landscape images are known for creating layers within a composition, both subtle and prominent. They can come in the form of sharp lines across several mountain ranges or the gradual transition between foreground and background. Whatever your image is composed of, layers of color or content can make for a powerful landscape photo.

Patterns - When you have a repeated pattern in your image, it can create a visually striking composition. Patterns can come in the form of textures, colors, or physical elements in your scene (such as the rows of lavender plants below).

Foreground Interest - The power foreground interest can bring to a landscape is considerable – it can take a beautiful vista and turn it into a well-balanced image with multiple focal points. While many beginner landscape photographers may focus on a beautiful backdrop of a sunset or hillsides in the distance, someone with a bit more experience would look for a strong focal point in the immediate foreground (such as the rocks below) to bring the image together, creating a complete and breathtaking photo.

These are just a few of the many composition tips you can follow to create stunning landscape images. The goal is to create a photo that is unique, but also strong in presentation. Once you’ve developed your own sense of style, finding a powerful composition will be like second nature, where incredible photos come naturally to you.

Article Courtesy: - Christopher O' Donnell

Social Media Revolution 2011

Welcome to The Social Media Revolution 2011

Part of the world's most watched Social Media video series; "Social Media Revolution" by Erik Qualman. Based on #1 International Best Selling Book Socialnomics by Erik Qualman. This is a shorter version that includes new social media statistics for 2011.

Cadbury Oreo Togetherness Movement

Weekend will arrive soon. I miss the last weekend I spent with my family. I had great fun at the Movie and the dinner with my cousins and mom. Suddenly to my realization, we are so busy with our work life that we forget to spend quality time with our loved ones. There was once a time when families loved to be together. Had meals together, played together; but, today in this busy life, we often forget to bond with our children and parents which unfortunately builds up a large communication gap between the families.

My family thoughts took a spark when I observed my friend’s wall on Facebook. He posted an app result which caught my attention. It was “The Togetherness” app from Oreo India page. So, I went further more on my research to find that my favorite cookie Oreo was on Facebook. I instantly liked the page and saw some amazing activities on their wall.

From my observation I learnt that Oreo India is encouraging Togetherness between the families in India. May it be your relationship with your kids or with your parents; Oreo India is trying their best to erase all the gaps by connecting with your family members. 

I came to know about a feeling which was inside me from ages. The togetherness feeling. Togetherness is the feeling of being close to another person emotionally and physically. It’s an emotion which is as sacred as love for your family.

They have a brilliant app called Togetherness Quotient. A fun and interactive quiz which displays fascinating facts about Indian families. And more we can calculate our own togetherness quotient through their application. It is seriously some valuable piece of information when it comes to youngsters like us who find ways to bond with our families.

But the most proud moment was my “Togetherness Pledge” on the Oreo India page. “I pledge to spend more time with my family & will make all efforts to create warm memorable family moments and give my loved-ones what they deserve” …

This is certainly amazing for me to join such a movement and I personally feel that you guys should too join the togetherness celebration and spread love with your family at – Oreo India page on Facebook. – http://www.facebook.com/OreoIndia

Life - By the Sea

Life By the Sea -


We all like the Sea Shore. Calm and Silent. Always provides me with different meanings whenever i look at the water and the shore. The noise of the water on the rocks, the crystal clear shoreline and many more.
There is so much to learn from it. You just need some imagination and the scene gives you with all the Life's answers


Every time I have some moment on a seashore, i see the dark water. The story they tell.. The lesson they teach.

Every moment and every wave on the shore plants something to my soul.

I would like to share some of my clicks on the Shore - with you guys :)

To put meaning in one's life may end in madness, But life without meaning is the torture Of restlessness and vague desire-It is a boat longing for the sea and yet afraid.

When you live by the sea, there are definite seasons when you can see the weather coming and going, which lends itself to photography.

For More visit -Ameya Khandekar Photography on Facebook

Travel Photography – In Monochrome

As I was surfing through the net, I came across some works from some the leading snappers. You might have doubted how black and white pictures make an impression sturdier than colour snapshots.

When clicked with full passion and knowledge - black and white pictures can successfully tell a story and suggestively convey attitudes not seen in colour images. Yet, not every theme may be appropriate for capturing in black and white.

Here are few pointers to select when to you go for monotone images instead of colour &how to make a picture that leaves a long-lasting impression.

• B&W or color - Select to go for black and white when colour in the subject is not important, but you are trying to convey a mood, a story or an action related to your subject. A good illustration is a portrait of an elderly person, where you are trying to focus the wrinkles on his face but you are not very interested in the colors of his clothes.

• Subject Selection - Black and Whites work well in photographing portraits of people, people at work and in documenting an action or a process. It would also work well in comparatively darker surroundings where colours can’t be highlighted, high-contrast states and in places that have an old-fashioned feeling. Roadside chai stalls, lively markets in thin lanes are some good samples.

• Process your photograph - Use more innovative processing methods such as ‘Channel Mixer’ in Adobe Photoshop, where you have a superior control in deciding how the final image should look.

Some Clicks - Ameya Khandekar Photography

Sharing with you some of my Clicks -

Click Here to view more of my work :)

Mobile Phone Photography - Keep Clicking

The rise of mobile phone photography as an art form, rather than just a convenient way to grab casual snapshots, has greatly inspired me.

We have developed a habit of clicking photographs from our cell phone devices and cherish them later. In most cases, our phone has become our primary camera, but despite tech developments that can see high-end options, most of us have 3.2-megapixel or less with limited functionality. But this doesn't mean you can’t take great photos — it just means you have to be smart about getting the right shot.

If you’re interested in taking better photos with your phone, then have a look through the article for some hints, tips, tricks and ideas for shooting success with your camera phone.

Manage Light - Camera phones always fight with the adjustment of lights. Try using manual settings on your camera phone and experiment on shooting with and without flash. Use the natural light available and try to reduce the harsh flash while shooting portraits.

Lessen the Camera Wobble – One of the greatest challenges with mobile phone cameras is the wobble while clicking images. Although this might help creating a special effect for certain pictures but more often it is an annoying result. Try using both your hands while clicking and try to reduce the shake to click stunning pictures...

Try Black & White – In certain circumstances, the image looks more striking when clicked in Black & white. Some angles enhance the objects and the overall effect of the click when turned to black & white. Portraits and close shots are mostly advisable when clicking in monotone.

Experiment on Different Angles – Experiment with your photography by clicking pictures from different angles. Get near to the ground, shoot from above, and keep clicking on different angles.

The best thing about camera phone snapping is that we never run out of film. So keep trying new approaches on your clicks and categorize the best of them. Remember – “The Best Images are born by imaginative experimentation.”

Do tell me your advices in the comments below.

Canon v/s Nikon Cameras - Infographic

Many people are confused over buying their cameras. The first question that pops up in their head – Canon… or Nikon...???  At some point, the world’s leading SLR camera makers, Nikon and Canon, pretty much leveled the playing field with each other - Both producers offer high quality compact digital cameras, professional digital cameras. Both manufacturers are constantly making substantial contributions to technological improvements in photography.

So here’s a quick infographic to help you think better:

Inforgraphic by - Mashable.com

Welcome To - Ameya Khandekar Photography

Welcome To - Ameya Khandekar Photography

Photography is the beauty of life, captured. - Tara Chisholm

Everything around us, ourselves included, is in constant change. Photography is our means of capturing now - and to remember where we've come from - Amanda Van

I often wished I could capture and share the sudden moments of beauty that I would see all around me. - ... *& I wish you will share them with me too.. Explore the Page and do Post your reviews on the wall.

Ameya Khandekar


Do visit the page at - www.facebook.com/ameyakhandekarphotography

Precautions that should be taken by bus managers when the bus is filled with children, on school picnics, etc.

Children are the future of the country. So many innocent lives are lost during school bus accidents that occur due to rash and unsafe driving of the bus drivers. And major of them happen due to the improper management and maintenance of the bus contractors. For a country like India, the transport system for these kids is very miserable. 
School bus starts with you, every morning and every afternoon. Take a few minutes to make sure that all of us understand the rules of the road.

• Display the school bus sign when in use – To inform the nearby cars of the school bus.


• Discourage speeding. – Bus drivers should know that there is no need to drive fast and endanger the lives of the children.


• Seating Discipline – It is always good to make sure that students are properly seated. It is a key safety factor. We should ensure that passengers are resting fully within the 'safety compartment' of the seat - i.e., there no body parts extended into the gangway.


• Children need to be seated immediately upon entering the bus.  They should not stand or move from place to place while the bus is in motion.


• Bus drivers should know that there is no need to speed and risk the lives of the children.


• It is good to ensure that windows and doors are to be opened or closed only with the permission of the bus driver.  If allowed, windows should only be opened to the indicated safety line.

There should be no indecent conduct or loud, disruptive or profane use of language.
Your kids' favorite outfit may not always be the safest. Laces can catch in school bus doors, playground equipment, and escalators. Take proper care that the laces and strings are properly attached. By following these simple rules, you can keep your kids safe even before they get on the bus. 


It is always good to give tips to drivers by their contractors, as it will help them to ensure safety measures both on & off the road. 
We can always change the wrong things. And it is our duty as a nation to provide better facilities to the future of this country.

Courtesy: Mahindra Navistar

Summer Care - Beat the heat with Fruit Juices

SUMMER is one of the six seasons of the year. Every two months will make a season or Ritu. Summer is in between the 16th May to 15th July. The strength of the body will be lost during this period.

People feel tired and exhausted during the season due to extensive heat rays of the sun, the watery portion (or Kapha) of the body of people, animals, plants, foods and the entire environment will become waterless and the vata will become more in the body and the atmosphere.

The skin will become dry and may precipitate skin diseases as eczema..

What to Drink and Eat: One must drink the juices of grapes, watermelon, banana, jack fruit, lemon and pineapple. This is to say foods and juices of sweet and cold and easily digestible must be consumed. The preparations of sugar, barely/green gram, sharbats, buttermilk with sugar candy are to be used daily to cool the body.

One must take the food of white rice with meat soup of meat of animals reared in cold areas.

Try out juices of grapes, watermelon, banana, jack fruit, lemon and pineapple during summer. Consumption of fruits and juices reduces body heat and benefits in controlling body temperature.

The juices of dry grapes, cucumber, kharjura with Dalchini, Cardamom must be drunk along with pure cold water kept in a pot or a freezer or these must be kept at night in moon light and used along with buffalo's milk. Water with parijatha flowers and usheera can also be used for drinking.

- One must not take foods of pungent, sour, dry and salty foods. Foods of rice with milk, sugar candy, butter milk, lassie are good for good health. Ghee can be used.

- Coffee and tea are not all good as they stimulate the central nervous system. Taking them on empty stomach is harmful as they mix with acid and circulated all over the body producing several sicknesses.

- Alcohol is a hot drink and must not be used during this season, either avoid it or drink it with plenty of water.

TOP TEN Travel Destinations for Family :)

Have you ever wondered where would you travel with your family. Well, I compiled a list of top 10 travel destinations for people who love to travel along with their loved ones. The places have everything for each and every member of the group.

Let us take a look at the all time best travel destinations, those places which repeatedly pull visitors year after year, regardless of economic issues. We will take a look at the top ten all time travel destinations and try to find out why each of these is on this list.

1. India

India is one of the most incredible places in the world. You can expect astonishing things on your visit to India. It’s a land that has a rich and diverse culture. There are many historical monuments, great beaches and beautiful parks in the country. It’s also home to one of the seven wonders of the world-Taj Mahal. The two prime spots in India are Goa and Mumbai.

2.United States

Truly no other country in the world can offer such a varied experience for the visitor. The southern states supply some of the best known attractions such as Disney Land while the midwest offers unparalleled natural beauty; the modern metropolitan centers of the north such as New York offer the visitor an urban adventure.

  3.Mauritius

Declared by many as a paradise on earth, Mauritius needs no formal introduction. Filled with a plethora of ocean and exhilarating natural beauty, a visit to Mauritius can never be disappointing. Some of the beautiful coastlines in Mauritius are simply mesmerizing. Combined with white beaches, numerous species of sharks and highly energetic people, the place is flooded by tourists all round the year. Don't forget to pack all the essentials for the beach, but be warned, your old pair of plastic sunnies might look out of place among the designer sunglasses worn by the rich guests of the resorts. Mauritius is renowned as being a destination for sun, sand and aquamarine seas but for those without deep pockets. This is almost always the cheapest option, and you can save your hard-earned green stuff on souvenirs that you couldn't get back home. But make sure you have checked the weather! In January, Mauritius is in its rainy season perhaps you won't use those sunglasses so much after all. 

4. Australia

Australia is a place that beats almost every other travel destination, when we talk about various ethnicities coming together to offer Families the best food of each culture. There are endless places that a worth a visit in Australia such as Sydney harbour, Kakadu National Park, Great Barrier Reef, Sydney Opera House and many more. Not to forget the fact that one can enjoy a great nightlife and shopping experience on their stay in Australia.

5. London

London is a prime hub for entertainment and fashion. London has numerous activities in store for travelers, which is why it attracts bag packers like a magnet. Loaded with splendid structures and great shopping centers, the city has it all. Needless to say, a visit to London would be an out of the world experience.

6. Hawaii

For Families who flock to this perennial favorite for sun, surf and sand. What's not to like about touring volcanoes, swimming in waterfalls and sipping frothy drinks under palm trees? The vast number of condominium rentals on the islands also makes this destination appealing for families who eschew cramming into double-bedded standard hotel rooms.

7. Kenya

Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya

The life of wildebeest is not smooth sailing. Their annual migration between parks of Serengeti and Masai Mara is one of the finest spectacles of the natural world. The Mara River is their last obstacle: if the ford is shallow, the majority manages to cross; otherwise the wildebeest will serve dinner to the huge hungry crocodiles. Enjoy this amazing scene as your stay at luxurious hotels, lodges and resorts.

8. Thailand

Although Thailand is now rather westernized, adopting an international culture that can be found from London to Sydney, it still hasn’t lost its appeal that it had when the first deluge of Western travelers came to the country over 40 years ago. The people are all smiles; they are welcoming, light hearted and fun. The beaches may be more developed by they are just as beautiful. The waters are warm, the sand is pure white and the palm trees still nod their heads in the breeze.

9. Sri Lanka

A single line of footprints crosses the golden sand towards the Indian Ocean, which spills softly onto the beach. Beyond the stretch of calm, indigo-blue sea, a line of breaking waves marks the coral reef where recreational divers discover vividly colored tropical fish and living corals.
Sri Lanka offers over 1,000 kilometers of idyllic sandy beaches. With its year-round summer and two different weather systems, whatever the time of year, there’s always a beach with sunshine and a choice of calm seas or steady surf depending on what you feel like. There’s a beach for all tastes, budgets and seasons in the lovely island of Sri Lanka.

10. Dubai

Sunshine, shopping, seaside, sports and safety - five of the key ingredients that have earned Dubai a growing reputation as one of the world's most attractive and rapidly developing leisure destinations.

With a perfect winter climate, top class hotels, superb facilities for a variety of sports and leisure activities and excellent shopping, Dubai has something to offer everyone. Moreover, the emirate is friendly, safe and virtually crime-free. Located at the cross-roads of Asia, Europe and Africa, Dubai is well positioned to attract tourists looking for somewhere new and different, a destination combining the traditions of the east with the comforts of the west. Both business travelers and tourists find that Dubai offers the highest standards of comfort and luxury. As befits a dynamic and prosperous business centre, Dubai's ultramodern hotels offer every luxury. Yet the comforts of the 21st century co-exist comfortably with the emirate's rich Arab-Islamic culture. An intriguing land that combines old-world souks and modern shopping malls, rolling sand dunes and championship grass golf courses, remote Bedouin villages and an array of five-star hotels, Dubai defies easy definition.