Category Archives: Spring Travel

Enjoy the most popular Spring travel and vacations spots from around the world. Best places to travel to in the spring. Spring destinations and travel trends.

Discover the Beauty of Keukenhof Garden

Welcome to Keukenhof Garden, one of the world’s largest flower gardens located in Lisse, Netherlands. Keukenhof is known for its stunning displays of tulips, hyacinths, daffodils, and other spring flowers.

If you are planning to visit Keukenhof Garden, we have compiled everything you need to know in this comprehensive guide.

Keukenhof Garden Tickets offer access to one of the world’s most famous flower gardens, located in the Netherlands. Visitors can enjoy over seven million bulbs in bloom, including tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths. The park is open from late March to mid-May and tickets can be purchased online or at the entrance.

There are plenty of things to do in Keukenhof Garden, one of the most popular tourist attractions in the Netherlands.

Visitors can stroll through the beautiful gardens and admire the vibrant flowers, take a guided tour, enjoy a picnic, or even rent a bike and explore the surrounding tulip fields.

Getting to Keukenhof Garden

Keukenhof Garden is easily accessible by public transportation or car. If you are taking public transportation, take a train to Schiphol Airport, and from there, take a direct bus to Keukenhof Garden.

The bus ride takes around 30 minutes, and you can purchase your bus tickets online or at the airport. If you are driving, Keukenhof Garden offers free parking.

When to Visit Keukenhof Garden

Keukenhof Garden is open annually from mid-March to mid-May, and the best time to visit is mid-April when the tulips are in full bloom. However, keep in mind that Keukenhof Garden is a popular tourist destination, and it can get crowded during peak seasons. To avoid crowds, try to visit early in the morning or on a weekday.

Exploring Keukenhof Garden

Once you arrive at Keukenhof Garden, you will be amazed by the vibrant colors and fragrances of the flowers. The garden is spread over 32 hectares and features over 7 million flowers. Take a stroll through the winding paths and discover the different themed gardens, such as the Japanese garden, English landscape garden, and historical garden.

If you want to learn more about the flowers, join a guided tour or visit the flower shows, where experts showcase their designs and creations. Keukenhof Garden also offers activities for children, such as a petting zoo and a playground.

Dining at Keukenhof Garden

Keukenhof Garden offers a wide range of dining options, from casual to fine dining. Enjoy a snack or a hot beverage at one of the garden’s cafes or indulge in a three-course meal at the restaurant. You can also bring your own food and have a picnic in one of the designated picnic areas.

Shopping at Keukenhof Garden

If you want to take home a piece of Keukenhof Garden, visit the souvenir shops, where you can find flower bulbs, seeds, and other souvenirs. The garden also has a flower market, where you can purchase fresh flowers and plants.

Final Thoughts

Keukenhof Garden is a must-visit destination for flower lovers and nature enthusiasts. Plan your visit in advance and make the most of your trip. We hope this guide has provided you with all the information you need to know about Keukenhof Garden.

Enjoy your visit!

Top 10 Best Things To Do In Tenerife

To have the best time of your life on Tenerife Island, here are our suggestions for the top 10 best things to do in Tenerife, part of the Canary Islands in Spain.

Pro Tip: Book your accommodation in a central location that is close to popular attractions, restaurants, and bars. We booked our hotel/resort in Santiago del Teide.

Overview of the 9 days trip

Day 1 check in to your hotel and/or resort and get rested for your upcoming epic trip. To find the best place to stay, check out vacation rentals in Tenerife with cozycozy.

Day 2 Explore Teide National Park

  • Mirador de los Poleos
  • Teide National Park
  • Mount Teide
  • Mirador de El Corral del Nino
  • Teide Observatory
  • Cascada Barranco del Rio
  • Piasaje Lunar
  • Boca Tauce

Day 3 Hike Masca Valley, Charco Los Chochos, & explore North-Western beaches

  • Charcos Los Chochos
  • Rural de Teno park
  • Hike Masca Valley
  • Playa de Juan Lopez
  • Playa del Carrizal
  • Masca Beach

Day 4 Playa Guios, Los Gigantes, and Playa Arena

  • Playa de los Guios
  • Los Gigantes
  • Playa de la Arena

Day 5 Loro Park, La Laguna, Astro Observatory, & Santa Cruz

  • Loro Park
  • La Laguna town, a UNESCO Heritage
  • Institute of Astrophysics\
  • Santa Cruz de Tenerife

Day 6 Explore South-Western Beaches, do Dolphins and Whale watching, & visit Los Cristianos

  • Playa San Juan
  • Abama beach
  • Playa de las Americas
  • Los Cristianos
  • Playa de la Tejita

Day 7 Anaga Rural Park & Mirador Aguaide

Day 8 Playa de Las Teresitas & Benijo

Day-by-Day Tenerife Trip Plan

1. Visit the famous Teide National Park and hike to the top of Mount Teide, the highest peak in Spain. There are several scenic pit spots on the way.

2. Enjoy the beautiful beaches of north-western Tenerife. Go swimming, surfing, or snorkeling in crystal clear waters. Visit the Tenerife Cliffs also locally known as the Los Gigantes.

The Los Gigantes Cliffs are aptly named, as they are one of Tenerife’s most spectacular landscapes. Located on Tenerife’s western coast, the sheer, rocky walls of Los Gigantes (giants) rise majestically above the sea, with heights reaching up to 600 meters.

3. Visit the historic town of La Laguna, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and explore its beautiful architecture and museums.

4. Experience the nightlife of Tenerife and visit some of the popular clubs and bars in Playa de las Americas or Los Cristianos.

Los Cristianos Coast in Tenerife

5. Go on a boat tour and see the dolphins and whales in their natural habitat.

6. Visit the Loro Parque, a famous zoo and amusement park, and see the exotic animals and thrilling rides.

7. Try some of the local cuisine, such as papas arrugadas (wrinkled potatoes) and mojo (spicy sauce), and taste some of the famous wines of Tenerife.

8. Visit the Mount Teide Observatory and see the stars and planets through the telescopes.

9. Take a trip to the neighboring island of La Gomera and explore its beautiful forests and nature reserves.

10. Relax and unwind in one of the many spas and wellness centers in Tenerife and rejuvenate your mind and body.

You can also try out water sports such as surfing, scuba diving, and snorkeling in the crystal clear waters of the Atlantic Ocean. But most importantly, take time to relax and unwind at the end of your trip, enjoying the island’s peaceful atmosphere and beautiful sunsets.

Kyoto On A Budget: Japan Travel Tips

Japan is one of the most popular countries in the world to visit. It is a country where you can find old traditions mixed with modern technology.

And depending on which city you choose to go to, you’ll find vast differences between each one of them. For instance, Tokyo might be the city surrounded by technology, but Kyoto is the city known for its old traditions and temples all around.

Spring time in Kyoto

Which is why if you decide to visit Kyoto, you will be stunned by all the amazing traditions this city has kept. From the old shinto shrines to temples to bamboo forests to even geishas. You will feel like you traveled back into the past and get a first hand look at just what Japan was like in the older days.

There is simply so many things to see and do. And it is because of these things that many people will often think that visiting Kyoto is a very expensive thing to do.

And to be honest…Sure there are some expensive things here in this city, but it isn’t as bad when compared to some of the other countries in the world.

Kyoto On A Budget: Travel Tips

Path to Fushimi Inari Shinto Shrine

There are many things you can do here in this city for either a low cost or no cost at all. It is totally possible to save money when you are visiting Kyoto. Which is why in this post I’ll be detailing all the tips and tricks for you to visit Kyoto on a budget.

So let’s get started!

Finding Cheap Accommodations

As we know, one of the most expensive parts of a travel trip is the place we stay at.

So the first thing on our list of budget tips is on how to choose your accommodations wisely.

Good thing for you is that there are a variety of cheap accommodations in the city that you can choose from.

In this list, we’ll be starting with the most basic of places to stay at and then move slowly up to the more higher end price points.

Capsule Hotels

A capsule hotel is basically a hotel that rents out small cubicles. The size of the entire cubicle is not very big and can only probably fit 1 person max. Even though it is small, it is a popular choice for many people to stay in if all they really need is a bed to sleep on. So if you don’t mind small spaces, then this will be perfect for you.

Typical Price: $10 – $15 USD a night.

Hostels

This is something where a lot of people might be familiar with. They are basically communal places where you stay with a lot of people. One room might have many beds for a bunch of people to sleep in or depending on which hostel you decide to use, they may offer private rooms.

Typical Price: $10 – $50 USD a night.

AirBnB

This is one form of accommodation where I think everybody should be familiar with by now. It is incredibly popular in Japan as there are many houses available for you to choose from at affordable prices. Although it is a bit pricier than some of the other options, it is still cheaper than a hotel.

Typical Price: $20 – $50 USD a day

Hotels

Just like every other city in the world, there are many hotels for you to choose from in Kyoto. Although the price point tends to be on the higher end of things, it may be something you’ll consider.

Typical Price: $80 – $100 USD a night

Using Public Transportation

When you are going to be traveling around Kyoto, there are a few methods you can use.

Trains, Buses and Taxis are going to be your friend. Now depending on where you are going, you might not even need them.

I personally recommend that if the destination is less than 30 minutes away by foot, I would just walk to that destination instead. Or, if you don’t feel like walking, there are some bike shops around that’ll let you rent out a bike to ride.

But if the destination is a little bit far, I would try a Public Bus first as they are relatively cheap. However if the Public Bus is not able to reach your destination, then I would try a Taxi.

Do know that taxi’s are actually quite cheap here in Japan compared to some other parts of the world. They are great to use especially if you are late for something or you missed that last subway or bus home.

Furthermore, here are some tips that can help you make traveling around the city more easier for you.

Download Google Maps if you do not have it yet. This is literally a god send and can help you out if you ever get lost. Google Maps is also able to give you accurate recommendations for different modes of transportation when you are trying to figure out your journey. So overall, it is a must have app for travel.

Download CityMaps2Go app for your phone to plot your destinations. This is a great app to use especially if you don’t have wifi because it works offline and is able to help you identify where you want to go.

If you are going to be using the train system here in Japan, then I would highly suggest you download Navitime for Japan Travel as it can help you figure out where you are going.

Finding Food To Eat

Fried pork with onions

This is the part everybody is probably waiting for.

You’ll be happy to know that eating food in Kyoto is incredibly affordable and cheap. Plus, the food is at a real high quality as well so you know you are getting some good food.

However, you do have to know where to go before you go buy your food. Mainly because, not everything is cheap in Kyoto.

Restaurants

Tip: Try to go where the locals eat. Avoid the restaurants that are geared towards tourists and go find some hole in the wall restaurant where locals eat. This will guarantee you save some money as foods tend to be cheaper here.

Note: The only problem in this approach is that they probably won’t speak or understand English so you might need a translation software or do some hand signs. Perhaps, learn a few common Japanese words, numbers, and phrases.

Also please note that these places might be a bit hard to spot if you don’t know what you are looking for. Typically you can find these places by going to any residential neighborhood and finding a place that can only sit 5 to 8 people only.

Street Food

Street food is another type of food you can buy for a very cheap price.

You can find street foods by going to any of the street markets here in the city. And once you are there, you’ll be able to enjoy an assortment of different and delicious tasting foods.

Some of the foods you can find are:

Tempura – This is basically a fried Japanese dish that can consist of mostly seafood and vegetables. The batter is light yet crispy and makes for a delicious bite. Also, it is usually less oily than the other regular fried foods you’ll find in other countries.

Takoyaki – Takoyaki is basically a fried octopus ball and can be found all throughout Japan. They basically take a piece of octopus and cover it in dough batter and cook it into a ball shape. After that they top it with a sweet sauce, bonito flakes, and also Japanese Mayonnaise.

Okonomiyaki – A common street food (as well as commonly served in many restaurants) you might run into while in Japan is one called Okonomiyaki. It is basically a savory pancake excepted it is pressed on a griddle with a very diverse amount of ingredients. You can find them topped with all kinds of toppings such as cabbage, bacon, egg, seaweed flakes, and much more.

Yakitori – Yakitori is another street food you might run into while in Japan. Basically it is a grilled chicken skewer that has been cooked over a hot charcoal fire. It is a pretty cheap dish that is highly popular in pubs where people sit down and enjoy it with a glass of beer.

Donburi – Another simple dish you can find in Japan is one called a Donburi. It is a very cheap and affordable dish that is also very filling. The name Donburi means rice bowl and it can consist of many different types things added together with the rice bowl. It is a common item that you can find almost anywhere in Japan, as there are even fast food chains that sell this delicious item.

Donburi – this one is a traditional rice bowl with eggs

The best thing about this is that most of the street foods you buy are only around $5 bucks or less. So you can eat quite a bit without having to break the bank.

Convenience Stores

Another place where you can find some cheap and affordable food is at convenience stores all over the country. These stores are on a whole different level than those you can find back in the States.

Plus, they don’t just stock food, but they have literally anything and everything you can ever want.

One of my favorite things to get at these stores are the Ramen bowls. You can get them for as little as $0.50 cents and they will fill you up just nicely. Plus you can grab a drink and a dessert and make it a full on meal. How great is that?

So if you are wanting to save some money, I highly suggest you visit the convenience stores located in the area. They are amazing!

Places To Shop At

To be honest, Kyoto isn’t really the city to be shopping in as there are not that many stores around. If you are wanting to shop, I would recommend taking the 1 hour train ride to the city of Osaka where you can find literally anything and everything you want.

However what Kyoto does have is something called “Kyoto’s Kitchen”, which is the number one place for you to go buy all your food ingredients.

That place is the famous NISHIKI MARKET.

Nishiki Market is popular with both locals and tourists as it offers you a glimpse into what a traditional Japanese shopping street looks like. This is the place to find all your traditional Japanese ingredients as well as fresh seafood. They also have takeaway food stalls and even restaurants selling all kinds of delicious and yummy foods at affordable prices.

Definitely recommend coming here if you are looking to try new foods.

Free Or Cheap Places To Go Visit

Did you know that you can visit a bunch of different attractions for either no cost or low cost price?

It’s true! There are literally a ton of things that you can do for either a low cost or no cost budget!

So lets see what you can see for FREE or very little entry fees:

Fushimi Inari Shinto Shrine

This is probably the number one attraction of Kyoto. The famous gates of the Fushimi Inari Shrine. The gates form a line and go all the way up the mountain of Southeast Kyoto. Definitely a must see attraction as it is something you’ll never find anywhere else.

Cost: Free

Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

The Arashiyama Bamboo Forest is one of the most beautiful sights here in Kyto. It is favored by many people from all around the world for its beautiful bamboo. Walking along the path of these bamboo shoots will make it feel as if you are going through a different dimension. There are also some local temples nearby which you can visit as well.

Cost: Free

Tenryuji Temple

Tenryu-ji Temple is the most important temple in Kyoto’s Arashiyama district. It is the head temple of the Tenryu sect of Rinzai Zen Buddhism and is ranked first among Kyoto’s top five Zen temples. It is also here where you can find a beautiful Zen garden that dates back to the 14th century. It is one of the most beautiful Zen gardens in all of Japan.

Cost: ¥500

Giouji Temple

This is a small and interesting temple that is located close to the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and is known for its picturesque view of its moss garden, bamboo grove & maple trees.

Cost: ¥300

Kinkakuji Temple

Kinkakuji Temple is a unique temple because it is all Golden yellow. Heck, even the top two floors are covered in gold leaves. Although you are not able to enter this temple, it is still a beautiful sight to see.

Cost: ¥400

Nanzen-Ji Temple

Nanzen-ji temple is said to be one of the best temples in Northern Higashiyama district. It is one of the most important Zen temples in all of Japan as well as being the head temple of one of the schools within the Rinzai sect of Japanese Zen Buddhism. It is a magical place where you’ll have to really visit it to understand everything it has to offer.

Cost: Free to explore

Philosopher’s Path (Tetsugaku no michi)

If you want to see something truly beautiful, then head to Philosophers Path. It is a 2km long walkway that follows a canal and is surrounded by hundreds of Cherry Blossom Trees. If you come during the right season, the trees will be in full bloom and full of color making the area extremely beautiful to walk along in.

Cost: Free

Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Kiyomizu-dera Temple is a Buddhist temple that is unlike any you ever seen. It is one of the most celebrated temples in all of Japan. What makes this temple famous is that it has a wooden stage that juts out from its main hall.

This stage allows visitors to a nice view of the surrounding area. Not only that, but there is also a shrine here that is popular among women for it is said to be the shrine to the god of marriage. Definitely a must see temple.

Cost: ¥400

Gion Street

Gion Street is a famous geisha district that is filled with shops, restaurants and teahouses. It is here where you’ll be able to see many geiko’s and maiko’s roaming around trying to entertain people.

Cost: Free to roam

Conclusion

As you can see, there are quite a bit of things for you to see and do for either a low cost or for no cost at all. Hopefully this post was able to show you that you don’t have to spend a lot of money in Kyoto just to have fun.

So next time you plan a trip, you might want to consider traveling to Kyoto and enjoy all it has to offer.

Let me know how your trip goes!

Author Bio

Wayne is a part-time traveler and a firm believer that anybody is able to travel no matter how busy they are in work or life. He wants to show you how you can travel better and smarter like never before. So, if you want to check out his travel blog, you can do so by visiting Daily Tourist.

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10 Stunning Images of Spring Trips

Spring is here folks! As Percy Shelley, an English romantic poet, said, “If Winter comes can Spring be far behind?” 

That is what we all think when the winter freezes us off, but as soon as we see the first blooms of spring, we only want to bask in the sun.

Read: Top 9 Spring Destinations You Must Visit

Spring Trips

Here are the 10 stunning and soulful photographs from 10 different destinations to visit this Spring.

SRI LANKA

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The sun glides over the horizon leaving a crimson reflection on the Pottuvil lagoon, Sri Lanka. If you want to enjoy the sunset as much as the fishermen in the image are doing then you can take canoe tours through the lagoon and see lizards, crocodiles, macaques and even elephants.

In Sri Lanka, you can indulge in all kinds of boating activities. You can sail from a beach to beach and you can also ferry yourself to Pigeon Island which is famous for snorkeling.

You can paddle through the waters of lagoons and watch the diverse wildlife. And you can also get a suntan at the Pasikuda beach. Sri Lanka offers you a relief from the winter blues and is one of the sunniest places you can opt for in Spring.

Related: Travel Bucket List

FOGO ISLAND, CANADA

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A dream looks exactly like the Fogo Island Inn where you get a floor to ceiling views of the ocean. In Fogo Island in Newfoundland, Canada, the night views are adorned with the glittery Milky way above your head. A whole new world comes alive around you, pulsing with serenity.

Fogo Island Inn offers Luxury at its best. It is not just the Canadian Whiskey we are talking about or the rooftop hot tubs, but the magnificent views of the landscape around it.

Newfoundland’s Fogo Island Inn is surrounded by quaint fishing villages, along which you can take bike rides and go on boats to go whale-watching as well. The delights which this places offer are too big a temptation. If you have got the cash, then we recommend you go for it.

 

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NAMIBIA

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When the sandy shore of the Namib desert kisses the turquoise blue ocean, you get this surreal image of two worlds meeting. Want to see Ocean and Desert going hand in hand then a trip to Namibia is what you need to do.

As soon as spring touches the ground here, Rain leaves Namibia. There are abundant wildflowers and pastures from the previous showers to get you through your spring delight. At this time of the year, the travel costs are pretty low and you can get better access to hotels and basic amenities while traveling.

But you are not going to Namibia just to lounge in a hotel, right? The Namib-Naukluft National Park is rich in wildlife such as giraffes, rhinos, elephants, and lions, who come out of their hiding during summer. It’s not just about the wildlife, who wouldn’t love to surf through the sand?

Read: Adventure in Namibia (Trip Report)

PERU

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Into the wild, I go, to lose myself and find my soul. Embark on the wild journey through the upper Amazon, and let the river enchant you. Live in the treehouses and sail on wooden boats- like a local. Find your tribe.

Till May, Peru’s Amazon River receives rainfall. That means cooler temperatures and easy navigation through the river. You can beat the winter cold with the boat rides on this ancient river.

You might feel like you are in the middle of nowhere when you are here, but it is exactly the heart of nature you are in. The golden sunsets, the pink dolphins and the nights spent on boats and tree houses are worth a lifetime of experience.

SVALBARD

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Nothing is more breath-taking than watching the blind fury of nature. The 100-mile long ice wall of Svalbard crashes in the springtime. You can watch it if you are lucky enough – with some timing and a bit of patience.

 

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Svalbard is just 620 miles from the North Pole, which means it is the place of eternal sunshine during summers. In spring you can bath in the polar glow of the sun.

It is not just you who craves the sunlight, but the polar bears, walruses, and seals also come out of their hibernation. So, you can see their summer bodies. Spot the wildlife while you are off hiking or kayaking.

JAPAN

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All of us love that blush pink color and we always wish we could bottle it up. Such is the charm of the cherry blossoms you see in this picture. The golden lights and the pink reflect in the water of the Meguro River in Tokyo giving it a twinge of sunset.

Spring in Japan brings with it a season of cherry blossoms. People flock to places where there are these blossoms like Nakameguro canal, sakura hot springs where you can watch the bloom in all its glory.

There is also the Takayama Spring Festival in the Hida Mountains where there is an exquisite lantern parade every year. The blossoms continue till the month of May in Hokkaido.

And there are many ways for you to enjoy these cherry blossom sessions in sspring, may it be boating down the Kitakami river surrounded by cherry trees or dipping in the hot springs of Kawazu.

PANAMA

 

The turquoise blue water meets the sandy white beach in the Coiba National Park, Panama. A day on the beach is magical when you spend it doing boating or snorkeling.

Most of the tourists prefer traveling to Costa Rica, which leaves Panama less-crowded and serene. This Caribbean island has a variety of fun things to do – like from diving in with sharks and manta rays, to pampering yourself in a swanky cabana in Pearl islands.

It is a bit rustic compared to its neighboring islands. It has got a weak Wi-Fi connection, which is good if you want to get lost. And the chief mode of transportation are still horses, and you can have a clear sky for star gazing.

 

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COLUMBIA RIVER, CANADA

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This image looks nothing less than a painting. The Columbia River in British Columbia, Canada winds through the deep gorges, and the gentle colors of sunrise grace the sky. Anybody would kill to have a view like this as soon as they wake up. 

Besides, the river live many indigenous tribes who have lived there for centuries. Yakama, Nez Perce, Umatilla – all these tribes are masters at living in the wild.

You can Learn many things from them like nest-fishing or basket weaving. You can even find few touristy places around here to visit the Western Antique and Automobile Museum and Fort Clatsop.

SEYCHELLES

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Vitamin Sea is all anyone needs after a long winter. And what better way than to witness the deep blue waves crashing against the rocky beaches of Seychelles. This image is of the La Digue beach in Seychelles, one of the popular beaches.

There are about 115 islands along the coast of Tanzania which make up Seychelles. It is a dream holiday to fly over any one of these islands and enjoy your spring amidst the cool blowing trade winds and cute tortoises making their way into the moonlit ocean. 

These islands are not limited to coastal vegetations and aquatic animals, but you will find that the shores of the beaches are rocky. There are granite cliffs rather than the sandy beaches, and quiet dinners rather than loud crowds – its Nirvana.

MOROCCO

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Go offbeat, while visiting Morocco and visit this little town of Essaouira as an alternative to Marrakech. It is more of a quaint fishing village rather than a loud tourist town.

The Berber villages of Atlas mountains are cooler options to visit in spring, cooler as in literally. The village of Essaouira is cooled with the Azilee trade winds.

There is another city of Chefchaouen which also has a great outdoor market like Essaouira selling oriental rugs, aromatic spices, and Moorish lanterns. Explore these Moroccan delights in spring to take a break from the winter blues.

 

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15 Photos Showing How the World Celebrated Easter

Easter is recognized on the first Sunday after the first full moon of Spring. Since 325 AD, Christians have celebrated Easter on a collective day. Some indulge in the easter eggs hunting and some just want to feel the experience the warm sun rays falling through the Holy Sepulchre.

Here are 15 unique and interesting easter tradition photos from around the world that capture the essence and spirit of Easter celebration.

This Photo dates back to 1930 taken in  Megara, Greece. The women are performing a traditional Easter Dance.

Here is a photo which was taken by Alessio Romenzi when the nuns were blowing out their candles after the Holy Fire ceremony, Jerusalem.

In Stinatz, Austria women dressed up in traditional dresses, while they shared Eggs with “Happy Easter”  written on them.

The procession along the Via Dolorosa is carried out in Jerusalem City, Israel, during the Good Friday.

This mascot is the Easter bunny who the curious children found when on an egg hunt in Connecticut, USA.

This is how the window looks from the roof of the church of the Holy Sepulchre. And all that haze is due to the smoke from the Holy Fire Ceremony in Jerusalem.

An altar created in Oaxaca, Mexico for Easter. And a woman who unknowingly became the subject of this photo.

During the Holy Week,  Procession of Verges takes place in Verges, Spain. The actors re-enact the life story of Christ. This photo is from the final act – The Dance of Death.

This delish scene is outside St Michael’s Church in Vorkuta, Russia. Eggs, candles, and cakes! I bet the parish is feeling the giving spirit of Easter.

The photo was taken by David Alan Harvey in 1978 during Holy week procession in Valladolid, Spain.

The Holy Fire is indeed blazing during the Holy Fire Ceremony in Jerusalem. Alessio Romenzi accentuates the passion of the festival.

A March in Chartres, France in 1969 when the students walked to the cathedral bearing crosses.

The light coming from the window of Holy Sepulchre (in Jerusalem) is considered Holy by many Christians. Some women reverently basking in the sun rays coming through the window.

These beautifully painted Easter Eggs are all the way from Lincoln, Nebraska. Ready to hide the eggs and play the fun game?

A procession held from Mount Olives to the Temple of Holy Sepulchre, Jerusalem, where pilgrims carry crosses to commemorate the journey of Christ to his Crucifixion.

All photo credits go to the gallery of National Geographic Travel.

Interested in pilgrimages? Check our Post 5 Pilgrimages That Could Change Your Life

You may like: Visiting the Birth Place of Buddha in Nepal

 

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Top 9 Spring Destinations You Must Visit

When the freezing temperatures give in to a subtle rise in warmth it means spring is at the doorsteps. Spring season is one of the best times to explore scenic places because of cheaper hotel rates and uncrowded destinations.

Top Spring Destinations

Below is our pick for the top 9 spring destinations from around the world, for you to enjoy the coming of spring.

Cape Town, South Africa

The second largest city in South Africa sees spring during October-November. The gap between the warm tourist season offers great deals on accommodation. But there are occasional showers, and the wind blows hard in these months.

When the wind subsides, the city offers splendid architectural walks; sandy bay walks, hiking in the Table Mountain, and wine tours in Constantia Valley.

Gulmarg, India

Tourists visiting India during February–March experience a pleasant temperature. Unlike the summer months which are really hot in India. Gulmarg is a city in Kashmir which sports snow even during the spring months.

It has the world’s highest gondola ride, and not just that, Gulmarg sports some of the World’s best trekking routes as well as skiing opportunities. Get ready to chill down on your next visit to exotic India.

US Virgin Islands

The archipelago of Virgin Islands belongs to the U.S. and enjoys a tropical climate most of the year. So Spring here is more like a short trailer for the upcoming long summer. February to April seems to welcome temperature drops as well as price drops.

The spring induced fun includes hot curried meats, brewery tours (Cruzan Rum Distillery), and historical landmarks like Blackbeard’s Castle, Christiansted.

Coorg, India

Who said India is too hot! Maybe it is. But if you want to avoid the summer heat, India has yet another world-class destination in the abode of holy hills that is home to quaint villages. Coorg sets a unique scenery and experience if you visit during the Spring months.

For a complete list of things to do here, please read Coorg Travel Guide.

The water in the famous Abbey Falls has a fair amount of volume and depth. During this time, the misty waterfalls do not get shrouded by an overdose of water. The Coffee plantations in Madikeri in Coorg is another must-visit destination. Coorg flourishes during Spring and gives all of the tourists yet another reason to visit India.

Twentynine Palms, California

A town with a tale of courage displayed in the Old School House Museum, Twentynine Palms is in the Californian Desert. The surrounding scenery of the city gets enhanced by the Joshua Tree National Park.

The desert landscape acts as a camping ground for hikers and rock- climbers. Twentynine Palms during the Spring season is an out of the world experience. It is the only time in the year when you can have a first-hand desert trip without turning to cinders in the heat.

Lisse, Holland

When Lisse comes alive in Spring, the tulip gardens bloom in their beautiful glory. From March to May the tulip flowers in Keukenhof, Lisse make it an attractive destination. This gorgeous village has a rich cultural history reflected in the renovated Keukenhof Castle.

The bright flowers and the castle together bring the best in nature. When spring knocks, have your share of flowery awesomeness at Lisse in Holland.

Kauai, Hawaii

Photo via Good Free Photos
An island that remained unconquered by any external forces (including the US) even after numerous attempts is the Island Of Kauai. Kauai was not part of Hawaii for a long time. This may be one of the reasons why it is more laid back and rural compared to the other Hawaiian Islands.

Those who are looking for a remote and secluded place for a spring getaway, Kauai is your paradise. Being oldest of the Hawaiian islands, it has sandier coastlines. It isn’t just the sand though, but the Garden Island lives up to its name.

There are plenty of National Parks and wildlife reserves that deserve a visit. The Na Pali Coast offers great peaks for hikers. And the Spring weather makes it all even better.

Alishan Scenic Area, Taiwan

This piece of paradise in Taiwan wraps around the Mount Ali. It is a 415 km long and hilly nature’s awesomeness that is hard to ignore. The gorgeous and wild scenery provides for many hiking trails as well.

In the springtime, the tea and coffee plantations become lush after the end of harsh winter months. Have a slice of traditional Taiwan this spring by visiting the wooden Buddhist temples and by interacting with the local Tsou tribe.

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Those who love pedestrian-friendly cities are in for a treat in Buenos Aires, the capital and most populous city of Argentina. There are several walkable paths where you can gawk at the splendid greenery surrounding you. During Spring, the botanical gardens and the green open spaces become a refreshing attraction in a rather busy city.

For a relaxing day, embark on a nearby wine tasting tour. Buenos Aires has every trick up its sleeve, may it be medical tourism or luxurious golf courses, it caters to all of your senses, especially during the Spring (when the city has everything to offer at a discount.)

Let us know about your favorite Spring destinations in the comments below.

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