The billion-dollar question of this month is where are you going to celebrate your New Year’s Eve? With the second and third waves of Covid19 case spikes and new lockdowns around the globe, many people have already ditched their new year’s plans.
But not all is bad news. The vaccines are already being administered and there are plans put in place to vaccinate most of the developed world by end of 2021 and the entire world by 2024.
Those who are lucky enough to travel next year, we have some great suggestions for you. If not this year, you can always make your plans for 2022. Hey, there is nothing to lose by planning ahead!
Have your pick from the below-mentioned destinations. Whether you want to kiss below the Big Ben or party hard in New York, we have it all laid out for you.
LAS VEGAS
If you think that you cannot stand and enjoy in any busy street of Las Vegas you are wrong. The whole city comes alive with fireworks set from the seven rooftops. Apart from the exciting countdown and dazzling fireworks, the city becomes sans-car.
All the streets host all-night parties, displaying talented bands from around the world. Get caught up in the thrilling excitement of laser shows, wild parties, and over-the-top concerts.
LONDON
Those who have a bit of refined taste ought to change their option from Las Vegas to London. When the needle strikes twelve, pull your loved one closer and kiss them hard.
The massive tower above you is an epic landmark to start your New Year. Thousands of tourists from around the globe gather for the countdown and witness the 10 minutes light show.
If you want something other than the Big Ben tower, then head to London’s Eye that gives you a spectacular view of the star-studded night sky.
NEW YORK
Get ready early so that you get a head start to reach Times Square. It is in hullabaloo during New Year’s Eve. And if you want to make it to Times Square to see the Final Countdown, then you better be prepared to stand in long lines and endure the cold.
The high-tech light shows in Times Square rivals any other show in the country. You cannot miss the pulsating energy emanating from people around you, expecting a grand 12 ball to drop.
Scream, dance, jump and let go of yourself in the busiest New Year’s Eve crowd.
BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS
Indulge yourself in some debauchery. And you can get involved with sin this New year in British Virgin Islands. Do not underestimate it for its size. It is one of the hottest party spots for the New Year.
Those who have fat wallets and overflowing bank accounts can head here. There is a 48-hour long party, and it included dirty dancing, drinking, and debauchery.
Spend your time with sexy people this New Year’s Eve on an exotic Caribbean beach!
RIO DE JANEIRO
If you had enough of sin, then offer prayers to Gods to forgive you. Something of the same nature happens in Rio. All the citizens come together in Copacabana Beach and offer prayer to the sea goddess Yemanja. You can participate in the ceremony only if you dress in white.
After offering your prayers, you can throw the flowers in the crashing waves of the beach, which takes the petals to the goddess.
The ceremony is not the end of New Year but the start of an awesome celebration. In the Beach live concerts as well as dance performances take place. Be a part of Rèveillon!
EDINBURGH
In the city of Edinburgh, New year is not about the new day of the year or the last day of the year. There is a string of events leading to an extraordinary celebration. It starts from 30 December and continues till 1st January Next year.
On the first day of the festivities, there is a light torch procession, on the next day there is a night of outdoor concerts and open-air parties. The culmination of the Celebration is at twelve when a breathtaking explosion lights the sky above Edinburgh Castle followed by tons of Auld Land Syne.
1st January is not for the lazy, take a dip in the chilling water of the Forth.
BAHAMAS
If you were not a part of Mardi Gras in New Orleans, then this is your chance to jump at. The Bahamas get crazy good during New Year’s Eve and New Year.
A parade replicating the Carnival moves through the streets, displaying glitzy costumes and performances. After the fireworks at midnight, all the crowd gathers at the beach to enjoy the parties.
There are plenty of places where you and your family can celebrate New Year’s in the Bahamas like the Grand Lucayan and Atlantis.
Let us face it! It has been our dream since childhood to visit Disney World at least once in our lifetime. Planning a trip to Walt Disney World puts you in good company. It is the flagship of Disney’s worldwide theme park empire and is, by far, the most popular theme park resort in the world.
Year after year, Disney World has been one the most visited vacation resort in the world, with an astounding number of attendants averaging over 50 million tourists annually. The figure speaks volumes about its out-of-proportion popularity.
Disney World at Nighttime
Though many people around the world want to visit this wonderful entertainment complex in the United States of America, very few, know the marvelous rides and attraction sites this place has to offer.
Long story short, going to Disney World will be an exercise in futility if you miss out on the following 10 top best attractions of the place. Mark them in your checklist and be sure to enjoy them right from the get-go.
Magic Kingdom Park
Magic Kingdom aka Cinderella’s Castle
It is a theme park inspired by a fairy tale castle of a movie made in 1950. It represents the classic story of Cinderella rising from being an orphan to a princess. T As the protocol goes, you will get a chance to be a princess or a knight at its very own salon.
Moreover, you can get to experience fine dining at Cinderella’s Royal Table, which is a once in a lifetime thing. But make sure you reserve a seat for yourself, or you might miss this opportunity.
A wedding is unarguably the most important day of an individual’s life. This is one reason why we leave no stone unturned to make it a memorable occurrence. But if there is any place in the world that truly deserves to host your dream wedding, it has to be none other than Disney Wedding Pavilion.
Disney Pavilion
Concerning the wedding ceremony, the Disney Wedding Pavilion is everything you can venture to imagine.
It is based in a dazzling setting, which will charm each one of the guests on your list with spectacular views and romantic archways. In addition to providing aesthetic pleasure, it serves as an ample picture-point for guests. Everything is designed in such a way that they make up for a great background for photography.
Disney’s Boardwalk
Fireworks seen from Disney World Boardwalk
Disney’s boardwalk occupies the area of roughly 90000 square feet. Here, you will witness an endless streak of shops, nightclubs, and restaurants. What could be better than shopping around and munching one of the most delicious foods you will ever have in your life?
Simply put, if you have an appetite for the typical nightlife of a metropolitan, the boardwalk is surely your cup of tea. This attraction is commonly referred to as a village on the water.
As you stroll along, your kids are quite likely to come across street performers. Talking about the most popular sites of this place, they are Atlantic Dance Hall and Jellyrolls.
The park is a special treat for animal-lovers. Whether you are fond of African, Asian, or species that belong to other vast and varied parts of the world, you can watch them all buying a single ticket. The park is also home to several animals that are almost on the verge of extinction. Rest assured, the experience is bound to cast a spell on your mind.
Speaking of formalities, you can explore the animal kingdom from 9 AM to 5 PM. Therefore, be smart to manage your time, or else you will go end up regretting big time.
Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park
Blizzard Beach Water Park, Disney World
Are you one of those many people who are the victim of poor work-life balance? If yes, then you would be spending only a fraction of your time with the family, and even taking your kids to a local park might seem like an uphill task.
Attractions like Blizzard Beach Water Park allows you to splash into action and have fun with your family that you have been missing all these days.
Ranging from Summit Plummet to Runoff Rapids, it has tens of innovation water slides that will shock you. However, it would be a mistake to assume that the place is all about water. There are also numerous delicacies in Frostbite Freddy’s Frozen Freshments and Lottawatta Lodge. It is hands down one of the very famous attractions in Disney World.
The American Adventure
The whole point of going on a vacation is taking a much-needed break from hectic life. There is no harm in opting for a vacation spot that educates you and your children in a fun way. That is where Disney’s American Adventure swings into action.
The American Adventure at the Disney World
Once you step into this place, you will fall in love with American history, partly because America has a very proud history and partly because of the way this history is illustrated here.
From great depression to the deceleration of independence, many other historical landmarks are recalled during the projection. Those who have already been through this adventure will assure you that no one can walk off from the theatre without getting a deep sense of American history. Guess what, and you do not have to be time-bound for this show. So if you do not make it in time, you can always wait until the next round begins.
ESPN Wide World of Sport Complex
The ESPN Sports Complex is erected on a massive real estate. If you are into sports, this place will facilitate you to compete in nearly 60 top-tier games, taking the factor of age completely out of the equation.
Of course, not all of us are sports-enthusiasts. But if you are, you can choose to be a spectator and cheer for your team.
Awesome Planet
Our planet has been going through wear and tear since the dawn of history. However, in the last few decades, our ecosystem has collapsed like anything, and scientists say that the worse is yet to come. Provided unprecedented threats to our planet, it becomes even more important to visit this attraction.
The Awesome Planet film was made in partnership with Disney Conversation Fund to tell the story of our beloved planet and why it is important to take care of it. It calls upon the people to think and pay attention to global emergencies such as climate change and many others. Awesome Planet will do a world of good to you and your family in terms of igniting civic sense.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Hollywood Studios at Disney World
If you have been a fan of Disney films, you cannot ask for anything better than Disney’s Hollywood Studios. As it turns out, there is a huge fan-following of Disney films because Hollywood tower remains the busiest place in the entire Disney world throughout the year.
Hollywood Studios owes much of its popularity to the recent openings, namely, Stars Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and Toy Story.
Since the opening hours of this attraction keeps on fluctuating, staying on top of the time-management will be the key.
American Heritage Gallery
This list surely cannot come to a close without mentioning the name of the American Heritage Gallery. It showcases the heritage of America by displaying authentic artifacts along with some contemporary works as well. It is a major tourist attraction as it represents the richness of American culture.
Main Street, Disney World
Taking a few pictures here and there and getting to know more about the diversity of the American culture would be a great use of your time at Disney.
The Final Verdict
Undauntedly, every part of Disney World is gold. But if you lack time and other resources to explore all of it, then sticking to the places mentioned above will guarantee not only unlimited fun but also the best return of your investment at the same time.
Australia is full of exciting things! It’s true, there is nowhere else quite like Australia, the only country that has a whole continent to itself. This amazing country has it all, vibrant cosmopolitan cities, stunning scenery, the crazy outback and more.
But what if you’ve done the traditional stuff and you’re looking for something a little off the wall?
Well, Australia has plenty of that too. Check out one or more of these awesome, unusual, and unique destinations for something
a little different and adventurous! After all, you are in Oz, the Down Under!
1. Coober Pedy
If it’s weird you’re looking for the town of Coober Pedy; don’t worry, it is right up your street. This remote town is located roughly 6-8 hours drive from Port Augusta with almost nothing in between. making it one of the most remote towns in Australia.
Coober Pedy was originally built as a settlement for miners working in the local opal mine. But today it is one of Australia’s most popular tourist destinations. Blisteringly hot during the day, most of the houses are built underground to shelter from the intense heat.
This gives the town an almost futuristic feel as though you’ve just been transported onto the set of the latest Star Wars movie.
If that’s not enough, there is also a golf course, although it’s not like any golf course you’ve seen before. There is no grass and it can only be played at night when it’s cool enough.
Fun Fact: There are other weird things to see here too. As you enter the town you’ll pass a soul tree made from scrap metal, there’s a house in town decorated in women’s underwear and the world’s only underground gaming room is also located here.
The land surrounding the settlement is also pretty unique.
An hour’s drive away is the dystopian landscape of Moon Plains which was used in the films Mad Max 3 and Priscilla Queen of the Desert.
2. Devils Marbles
The Devils Marbles are certainly one of the strangest things to see in the Northern Territories. Essentially they are just a pile of rocks stacked on top of each other in the desert. But they are not man-made, they were formed by millions of years of wind erosion to form a unique piece of natural sculpture.
The Devils Marbles are conveniently located close to Darwin, making them the perfect stopping off point if you are heading from Alice Springs to Darwin or Adelaide to Darwin.
The best time to visit is sunset when you’ll capture some truly breathtaking photos as the stones change color in the setting sun.
3. Great Ocean Road
Well, not really a hidden gem (since it’s popular all over the world) but is it unique? Definitely so.
The Great Ocean Road is one of the world’s great scenic drives. Not just that, it’s a major coastal highway in the South West Coast region of Victoria, Australia.
Note that none of the other states of Australia do not have their coastal roads as well situated as this one – with either the views, the access, or the length and variety of environments.
To travel from Melbourne along this route is an experience that has a lasting impact on most travelers.
4. Squeaky Beach
Located in Victoria, Wilson’s Promontory National Park is home to Squeaky Beach. As its name would suggest, is a sandy beach which squeaks underfoot. Think about that! Or better yet, close your eyes and imagine!
The unique sound is created by rounded grains of quartz in the sand which makes a squeaking sound when they rub together. Walking on the beach is a truly unique experience and one you won’t be able to recreate anywhere else.
Squeaky Beach is located in Victoria around 3 hrs drive from Melbourne.
It is best to visit by car because there are no direct train or bus services. However, you could take the train from Melbourne to Morwell and then grab a taxi to Squeaky Beach. The journey should take no more than 3.5 hrs.
5. Uluru and Kata Tjuta
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park is a park in the southern portion of the Northern Territory of Australia, part of the so-called Red Centre of the continent. The National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage area. It is best known for Uluru, a single massive rock formation, and also for Kata Tjuta (“the Olgas”), a range of rock domes.
Note: Visitors should note that the National Park contains both the Uluru Rock and Kata Tjuta. The park closes at night has few services and no accommodation or camping. Yulara is the resort town that contains all the services for the area.
Uluru and Kata Tjuta are considered sacred places by the Aboriginies. The land is owned by the Anangu, leased by the government, and jointly managed by the Anangu tribe and the Australian parks and management services.
Visitors will notice efforts throughout the area to include and encourage respect for the Anangu perspective on the land.
Much of Kata Tjuta is off-limits, for example, and climbing Uluru is strongly discouraged by sign-posts. Also, please note that climbing Uluru will be no longer allowed from October 2019.
6. Hahndorf
Hahndorf is a little piece of Germany in the Adelaide Hills. Founded by German immigrants in 1839 the town looks and feels like a traditional German settlement transplanted from Bavaria.
There are German cafes serving traditional German food, the main street is lined with German-themed shops and you can even sample some locally produced Riesling.
Hahndorf is pretty unique and not all that well known, so you will surely have some stories to tell when you get back home. The town is located just a short distance from Adelaide along the Metro 864 bus route.
The local light rail system also passes through the town so unlike the other attractions on this list, it’s pretty easy to get to.
7. The Pinnacles
Located in the Nambung National Park; the Pinnacles were virtually unknown until 1967 but are one of Western Australia’s most visited attractions today. Formed by the fragments of seashells millions of years ago, there is still some debate about how these natural rock creations came to be located here.
Getting to the Pinnacles is pretty easy, they are located approximately 2.5 hrs drive from Perth along the beautiful Indian Ocean Drive. The nearest town is Cervantes which is famous for its delicious lobster and seafood dishes making it the perfect place to stop for lunch.
The best time to visit is between July and October when you’ll get to enjoy the local landscape filled with the blooms of spring.
Pro-Tip
So if you’re looking for something a little out of the ordinary, these can be few of the unique places to visit (other than the Sydney region and the Great Barrier Reef), which everyone goes to (and you should too).
What we are trying to say is Australia has no shortage of unique and other-worldly spots. But a quick word of warning, venturing into the bush is not for the fainthearted, so it is wise to ensure you have an adequate travel insurance policy in place before you set off.
A good travel insurance will not only provide cover if one of your party becomes sick or injured but it will also cover your rental vehicle excess. When traveling internationally, having travel insurance will allow you to enjoy your holiday without having to worry about any unforeseen bills.
A girl who had a learning disability but did not give up, instead she became a risk-taker.
Born in Minnesota, and graduated from St Paul Academy and Summit School she eventually became a wilderness instructor. She was the only women to go on the International North Pole Expedition on sleds.
It was just the beginning of an exciting journey. She crossed both polar Ice caps- North and South, her obsession with The Poles did not diminish.
She conducted the first-ever all-female expedition to the South Pole. Other than being a feminist, she is also a staunch supporter of the LGBT Community.
Explorers are those who dare to tread on the unholy ground. Daniel Boone – started a trade which gained popularity.
He went game hunting, then he sold the pelts in the fur market. Boone became the first American to settle west of Appalachian Mountains.
The route which he marked became the Wilderness Road- filled with attacks from Shawnee Tribes. Where Boone settled later became home to 20,0000 Americans, and it was Kentucky.
Boone had guts to trail through the paths that nobody ever touched, and in doing so, he discovered something worthy. He also founded the village Boonesborough in Kentucky after himself.
RICHARD MOHUN
Born in Washington D.C, Mohun became a commercial agent for U. S in Congo and Angola. During his work as a commercial agent, he led a campaign against the Arabian slaves. He subsequently became counsel to Zanzibar.
His three-year posting here made him middle-man between rivals in the Anglo- Zanzibar war. Seeing his dedication, the Belgian Government gave him an assignment which he happily accepted.
He had to layout a telegraph line from Lake Tanganyika to Wadelai on the White Nile. His ship- Sir Harry Johnson took him from Zanzibar to Africa.
On their way, his crew faced a lot of problems- from cannibals to laying the long transmission lines. It took him three years to do so, and he was the only one standing alive at the end of the expedition.
FREDERICK COOK
Despite the reputation of a Failed Explorer Frederick Cook has some wins under his belts. His clash with Robert Peary did not help his image. And whatever he claimed to achieve, got denied by Peary.
When Cook claimed that he reached the North Pole on April 21, 1908, a year before Robert Peary, his accounts were not trustworthy. His claim of climbing the Mt. Denali is also denied, the picture which portrays the Fake Peak- is the photo of a small peak 19 miles away from Mt. Denali.
But after all the denials there is one truth that proves Frederick Cook did go in an expedition to the North Pole but whether he reached is a big question mark. He discovered the first and only American Arctic Island- Meighen Island.
WILLIAM CLARK
Clark- a native of Virginia joined Military and took part in the Northwest Indian War. But at the age of 26, he retired because of his poor health. After six years in Mulberry Hill, Louisville he, Meriwether Lewis recruited William for Corps of Discovery.
The mission of this expedition was to establish trade with Native Americans, explore the territory of Louisiana, find a waterway from the US to the Pacific Ocean. In the Pacific, Coast Clark became the tough slave owner, but the indigenous people respected him.
Sacagawea was the lone woman in the team of Lewis and Clark Expedition. Born as Shoshone, she got kidnapped at the age of 12. She was the slave wife of the Toussaint Charbonneau who accompanied Lewis and Clark. Sacagawea knew how to speak Shoshone. Hence Lewis and Clark thought it was a good idea to hire Charbonneau as his wife speaks Shoshone.
When they headed for the expedition from the port, Sacagawea was pregnant. Both Clark and Lewis nick-named her baby Pompy. She was the lady who guided Lewis and Clark through every basin, mountain pass and gave them the optimal route.
KIT CARSON
A vagabond in nature, he truly outdid any other explorer of his time. Carson came from a humble family in rural Missouri. At the age of 16, he went to become a mountain man.
Later, after accompanying Ewin Young in his Mexican California Expedition, he became a fur trapper.
His marriage in the Rocky Mountains was to Cheyenne and Arapaho tribes.The next ten years passed in a flash when he guided John C. Fremont through California, Oregon, and Great Basin area, giving us the Oregon Trail.
ROBERT EDWIN PEARY
While Cook’s claim of reaching the North Pole is fraud, Peary’s claim became null in 1913. After careful evaluation of his accounts, we know that he never really reached the North Pole. He was just 60 miles away from it.
Though his desire remained unfulfilled, he took eight expeditions to the North Pole. His every attempt was to get closer to the North Pole.
His first expedition in 1886 was to Greenland, he decided to travel solo using a sled, but a Danish Official Maigaard convinced that it is suicide to visit the North Pole alone. 1891 to 1909 – he took four expeditions, of which last two were solely to reach the North Pole.
GEORGE ROGERS CLARK
He worked for the militia in the American Revolutionary War and made valuable contributions by capturing – Vincennes and Kaskaskia.
This led to the British ceding the power of North West. He also led the opening engagements of Northwest Indian War.
There were accusations against him drinking while on duty, which forced him to resign. In later years he led the Lewis and Clark expedition through the Pacific Coast.
His knowledge of the west’s natural history gained him many students like John Pope and John James Audurbon.
DONALD BAXTER MACMILLAN
Born in Massachusetts, Macmillan became a world-class explorer of the Arctic. He studied geology at Bowdoin College. And he went on his first expedition with none other than Robert Peary. After than explorations became a daily thing for him.
In his 46 year career, he went on 30 expeditions. He was the first to introduce the use of radios, electricity, and plane in Arctic.
And he also studied flora and fauna of the Arctic, bringing back with him samples and photos of the Arctic scenery. He took his last expedition when he was 82, and he died thirteen years after that.
Happy New Year! You have hit the reset button and you get to start fresh. Congratulations, you have made it to the new year, a new beginning in many ways.
This morning, on January 1st, Neha and I brainstormed and discussed how can we make this year a little different and more interesting than any of the previous years.
A New ‘New Year’
We didn’t want to do any new year’s resolutions this time. Like, lose another 10 pounds or travel to 6 new countries kinda common, boring, silly stuff.
This year, we wanted to do something fun and inspirational. Something that can be replicated by anyone and can be measured and therefore hold us accountable.
After drinking a gallon of water to flush all the alcohol from our system from the last night’s new year’s eve party, and peeing around 15 times, we were finally hit with a lightbulb moment.
We thought of how we can turn an ordinary year into a transformational year. Something that is both fun and motivational for our travel-addict community.
We had a nicely brewed cappuccino by the window while we enjoyed the sunny Boston afternoon. We discussed what challenges are practically doable by most people and beneficial to the doer even if they fail. We brainstormed and selected the following ideas.
One month of eating only at home or home-cooked meal
One month of no Netflix and TV
One month of daily reading for at least 30 minutes
One month of daily mindfulness meditation for at least 20 minutes
One month of doing a random act of kindness
No soda, no alcohol, no caffeine
Monthly Challenges Breakdown
January – one month without alcohol and soda
February – one month of being total Vegan
March – one month of sugar detox
April – one month of running 1 mile each day
May – one month of yoga every day
June – one month of social media detox
July – one month of caffeine detox
August – one month of eating only at home or home cooked meal
September – one month of no Netflix and TV
October – one month of daily reading for at least 30 minutes
November – one month of daily mindfulness meditation for at least 20 minutes
December – one month of doing a random act of kindness
Well, this is going to be both fun and tough.
That said, we want to encourage you to make your own list of challenges and play along with us.
A new day, a new start
Benefits of Monthly Challenges
Whether it’s writing a novel in 30 days or doing 30 days of yoga or 30 days of running or 30 days of detoxing, there is a good reason that 30 days challenges are getting popular. I believe:
Monthly challenges are a great way to instill new healthy habits
Anyone can commit to doing anything for 30 days
The 30 days duration is neither too long nor too short
A monthly schedule is easy to track and follow
These can be turned into fun group activities and can be viewed as games
Well, the clock is already ON. Let’s get started and motivate each other!
Challenge Your Friends
Please share your progress and lessons learned from each challenge on the social media of your choice or just comment below.
When men invented ways to move from one place to another, may it be through wheels or sails, many brave souls ventured into the unknown to defy logic? Such explorers made a name in history, and surely lived a life of adventure.
Let’s hear their tales of discovery and exploration.
Famous Explorers
The Age of Discovery or the Age of Exploration primarily began from the beginning of the 15th century until the end of the 18th century.
It is an informal and loosely defined term for the period in European history in which extensive overseas exploration emerged as a powerful factor in European culture and was the beginning of globalization.
Photo: The Art of Travel Partners
It also marks the rise of the period of widespread adoption in Europe of colonialism and mercantilism as national policies. Many lands previously unknown to Europeans were discovered by them during this period, though most were already inhabited.
From the perspective of many native population or non-Europeans, the Age of Discovery marked the arrival of invaders from previously unknown continents.
Global Exploration
Photo: The Age of Discovery / The Art of Travel Partners
Global exploration started with the Portuguese discoveries of the Atlantic archipelagos of Madeira and the Azores, the coast of Africa, and the discovery of the sea route to India in 1498.
This was followed by the trans-Atlantic Voyages of Christopher Columbus to the Americas between 1492 and 1502 and the first circumnavigation of the globe in the early 16th century.
These discoveries led to numerous naval expeditions across the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific oceans, and land expeditions in the Americas, Asia, Africa, and Australia that continued into the late 19th century, and ended with the exploration of the polar regions in the 20th century.
Let us relive the stories of 16 of the most famous explorers in the history of humankind.
Marco Polo
Photo: The Art of Travel Partners / Public Domain Archive
What sets Marco Polo apart from the rest of the explorers is his written account of his travels. Though when he published it, many believed it to be fiction, but now historians confirm many of his accounts as facts that Marco Polo mentioned in his book.
Polo was an Italian, his father and uncle were successful Jewel Merchants in Asia. When they came back to Italy, Marco Polo went with them to China. He describes his first look of hardships in Afghanistan and Gobi Desert.
Later when he made it to China, Kublai Khan sent him on voyages to Tibet, Burma, and India. After working for King Kublai Khan for 17 years coming back home after 23 years was a difficult transition. He was also imprisoned in Genoa for declaring war against the city.
Photo: The Art of Travel Partners / Public Domain Archive
Inside the prison, he recorded his tales in “The Travels of Marco Polo.” This made him a celebrity later after he got out of prison. After being released from the prison, he lived 25 more years with his daughters and died in 1324.
Vasco Da Gama
A Portuguese by nationality and an explorer at heart, Vasco Da Gam learned to navigate the ships at an early age from his father, Estevao. When King Manuel discovered that Indian and Atlantic Oceans merged, he wanted to know the route that led to India.
Photo: The Art of Travel Partners / Public Domain Archive
The King sent Vasco Da Gama on his way, the changes in weather forced half of his crew to fall to scurvy. That is the reason Da Gama made a rest at Mozambique, the first step of Portuguese colonialism planted here.
On his way, he stopped at Mombasa and Malindi and took a guide Ahmed Ibn Magid with him. In the May of 1498, Da Gama landed in Kochi.
After establishing spice trade in India, he went on his way back to Portugal. And Scurvy claimed the lives of his fellow crew member, as well as his brother Paulo. After struggling to keep his brother for a year in the Azores, he got back home as a hero.
His next voyage to India portrays his ruthlessness. He ordered the death of 380 Muslims aboard a ship back from Mecca. And his determination made him the dominant spice trader in Kochi. After twenty years of his second voyage to India, in 1524 he ventured to India once again.
But this time age took over mental strength and as soon as he reached Kochi, he became ill. A Catholic Church acted as his burial ground, but later his remains got back to Portugal.
Sir Walter Raleigh
He was not only a favorite of Queen Elizabeth but also a sworn enemy of the Spanish. The reason behind his hatred for Roman-Catholicism was the persecution of his family under Queen Mary I who was a Catholic.
He went to France to fight Wars of Religions, and he also studied law at Oxford. His Voyage includes his quest to find the North West Passage, but along the way, the Spanish army became the vessels of his wrath.
He became the Queen’s favorite after his return; it is even said that when he married some another woman, the Queen imprisoned him in a jealous fit.
That aside, apart from North West Passage Sir Walter Raleigh established a colony in Roanoke. His Last Voyage was to South America after which he died in Westminster (sentenced to death because of treason).
Roald Amundsen
Born to a family of shipowners and captains in Norway, Roald Amundsen was the first ever explorer to navigate the South Pole as well as the first to travel the North West Passage.
Photo: Public Domain Archive / The Art of Travel Partners
He was the leader of the Antarctic exploration. His first expedition led to his being locked up in sea ice west of Antarctic Peninsula. After surviving a harsh winter, he led his crew through the North West Passage.
Roald first wanted to explore the North Pole, but hearing he won’t be the first one to do so discouraged him. It took two attempts for him and his team to reach Polheim or the South Pole.
Abel Janszoon Tasman
Abel Janszoon Tasman was a Dutch seafarer, explorer, and merchant, best known for his voyages of 1642 and 1644 in the service of the Dutch East India Company. He was the first known European explorer to reach the islands of Van Diemen’s Land (now Tasmania after his name), New Zealand, and the Islands of Fiji.
Photo: Tasman’s voyage route to Tasmania and New Zeland / Public Domain Archive
Ironically, from the point of view of the Dutch East India Company, Tasman’s explorations were a disappointment: he had neither found a promising area for trade nor a useful new shipping route. Although received modestly, the company was upset to a degree that Tasman did not fully explore the lands he found and decided that a more “persistent explorer” should be chosen for any future expeditions.
For over a century, until the era of James Cook, Tasmania and New Zealand were not visited by Europeans – mainland Australia was visited, but usually only by accident.
James Cook
James Cook was the brave captain who led his ship to dangerous territories. Son of a farmhand in Yorkshire he gradually grew up and worked as an apprentice for a shipowner in Whitby.
Photo: Gisborne, New Zealand / The Art of Travel Partners
Due to his experience with ships and ports, he joined the British Nany, then ended up as the Ship’s Master. After the Seven Years War, he took on a scientific expedition to the uncharted areas of New Zealand and the Great Barrier Reef.
He also took a tour of Antarctica in which he discovered Ester Island, Tonga, and he smashed the belief of fabled southern continent’s existence.
He did more than any sailor ever did to fill in the vast blank spaces in the world map. He died in a battle with the locals of Kealakekua Bay.
Sir Francis Drake
The relationship between Spain and England was not a warm one during the 16th century. When n Francis Drake became a successful slave trader as he sailed to Africa, but after that, he became a victim of Spanish forces in 1568.
Photo: The Art of Travel Partners
He and Hawkins deluded the Spanish Navy. Then, Queen Elizabeth, I issued a privateer’s commission to Drake saying he has right to plunder the properties belonging to King Phillip II.
For his next voyage, he went to Panama and raided the coast, then came the best point in British Naval history when Sir Drake became the first British to circumnavigate the earth.
Ferdinand Magellan
Magellan is often revered as the first man to circumnavigate the earth. That is so not true, his crew was. In his conquest to find a route to the Spice Islands from Spain without Portugal coming in the way, he lost his life.
But before that, he sailed to East Africa, Malacca (Malaysia), Indonesia. After his employment in Morocco had finished, he moved to Seville, Spain.
Under the orders of King Charles I, he sailed to Brazil, Patagonia, South America, Strait of Magellan, Philippines. He died while fighting in a mutiny in the Homonhom Island.
David Livingstone
In earlier days sailors were rowdy and cruel, they needed a rough exterior while traveling on the unknown waters. But David Livingstone was a saint among the devils.
He was a Scottish pastor who fell in love with Africa. He went to Africa in 1836 to work as a missionary. Even though he traveled to his country, he loathed slavery and adhered to his morals.
His madness for exploration led him to a hand to hand combat with a lion even. After retiring from his missionary job, he continued in Africa- but his source of motivation was to glean knowledge about the origin of the Nile River.
He was unsuccessful in his studies, but he made a dramatic exit from life when he died while on his knee- praying.
Christopher Columbus
Christopher Columbus was an Italian-born to a weaver father, but that did not stop him from going on voyages to Mediterranean and Aegean seas. He was a disillusioned hero who thought he had arrived in South Asia when he had actually discovered America by error.
Photo: The Art of Travel Partners
Columbus made four remarkable voyages. The first one nearly took his life, when French privateers attacked his ship in Portugal’s Coast. But Columbus did not give up and swam to the shore.
Both the Portugues and the Italian Kings rejected his idea of exploring a safer route to Asia, after the war when the Spanish sponsored his expedition Columbus reached the Bahamas.
In his subsequent voyages he set foot in Venezuela and Cuba, but in his death, he still thought that it was some part of Asia.
Amerigo Vespucci
Amerigo Vespucci was an Italian explorer, financier, navigator, and cartographer. Born in the Republic of Florence, he became a naturalized citizen of the Crown of Castile in 1505.
Photo: Vespucci arrives in New World /Public Domain Archive
Vespucci first demonstrated in about 1502 that Brazil and the West Indies did not represent Asia’s eastern outskirts as initially conjectured from Columbus’ voyages, but instead constituted an entirely separate landmass hitherto unknown to people of the Old World.
Colloquially referred to as the New World, it came to be termed “the Americas”, a name derived from Americus, the Latin version of Vespucci’s first name.
Photo: The Art of Travel Partners
Hernando de Soto
Hernando de Soto was a Spanish explorer and conquistador who was involved in expeditions in Nicaragua and the Yucatan Peninsula and played an important role in Pizarro’s conquest of the Inca Empire in Peru.
But Soto is best known for leading the first Spanish and European expedition deep into the territory of the modern-day United States (through Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, and most likely Arkansas).
Photo: The Art of Travel Partners
De Soto’s North American expedition was a vast undertaking. He is also the first European documented as having crossed the Mississippi River.
It ranged throughout the southeastern United States, both searching for gold, which had been reported by various Indian tribes and earlier coastal explorers, and for a passage to China or the Pacific coast.
Brave leadership, unwavering loyalty, and ruthless schemes for the extortion of native villages for their captured chiefs became de Soto’s hallmarks during the conquest of Central America.
De Soto died in 1542 on the banks of the Mississippi River; different sources disagree on the exact location, whether what is now Lake Village, Arkansas, or Ferriday, Louisiana.
Vasco Núñez de Balboa
Vasco Núñez de Balboa was a Spanish explorer, governor, and conquistador. He is best known for having crossed the Isthmus of Panama to the Pacific Ocean in 1513, becoming the first European to lead an expedition to have seen or reached the Pacific from the New World.
He traveled to the New World in 1500 and, after some exploration, settled on the island of Hispaniola.
He founded the settlement of Santa María la Antigua del Darién in present-day Panama in 1510, which was the first permanent European settlement on the mainland of the Americas (a settlement by Alonso de Ojeda the previous year at San Sebastián de Urabá had already been abandoned).
John Cabot
John Cabot was an Italian navigator and explorer, born in the Kingdom of Naples. His 1497 discovery of the coast of North America under the commission of Henry VII of England was the first European exploration of coastal North America since the Norse visits to Vinland in the eleventh century.
Photo: The Art of Travel Partners
Like other explorers at those times, including Christopher Columbus, Cabot led an expedition on commission, in his case, England. Cabot planned to depart to the west from a northerly latitude where the longitudes are much closer together, and where, as a result, the voyage would be much shorter.
He still had an expectation of finding an alternative route to China.
Henry Hudson
Henry Hudson was an English sea explorer and navigator during the early 17th century, best known for his explorations of present-day Canada and parts of the northeastern United States.
In 1607 and 1608, Hudson made two attempts on behalf of English merchants to find a rumored Northeast Passage to Cathay (China) via a route above the Arctic Circle.
In 1609 he landed in North America and explored the region around the modern New York metropolitan area, looking for a Northwest Passage to Asia on behalf of the Dutch East India Company.
He sailed up the Hudson River, which was later named after him, and thereby laid the foundation for Dutch colonization of the region.
Hudson discovered the Hudson Strait and the immense Hudson Bay on his final expedition, while still searching for the Northwest Passage.[6] In 1611, after wintering on the shore of James Bay, Hudson wanted to press on to the west, but most of his crew mutinied. The mutineers cast Hudson, his son, and seven others adrift; the Hudsons and their companions were never seen again.
Lewis and Clark
The Lewis and Clark Expedition began near St. Louis, made its way westward, and passed through the Continental Divide of the Americas to reach the Pacific coast.
Photo: The Art of Travel Partners
From May 1804 to September 1806, it was the first American expedition to cross the western portion of the United States.
President Thomas Jefferson commissioned the expedition shortly after the Louisiana Purchase in 1803 to explore and to map the newly acquired territory, to find a practical route across the western half of the continent, and to establish an American presence in this territory before Britain and other European powers tried to claim it.
Photo: The Art of Travel Partners
The campaign’s secondary objectives were scientific and economic: to study the area’s plants, animal life, and geography, and to establish trade with local American Indian tribes. The expedition returned to St. Louis to report its findings to Jefferson, with maps, sketches, and journals in hand.
The Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis is a phenomenon that can be seen with the naked eye from late-August to mid-April when the sky turns dark around 6 PM to 6 AM. The colorful light display is highly visible in the Auroral Zone, which is between latitude 65 degrees and latitude 72 degrees.
In this post, we will provide you with the list of 15 best places from where you can experience one of the most sought-after bucket list worthy destinations to view the Northern Lights. Auroral displays can appear in many colors although as you’ll notice, pale green and light pink are the most common. Shades of red, yellow, blue, and violet can also be in the mix.
Fairbanks, Alaska
As the largest city in the interior region of Alaska, the city lights may distract you so you may want to go farther into the northeast to Chena Resort from where you can view the Aurora while relaxing in a hot spring. You do not need to be observant at all times because they provide an Aurora alarm service which alerts guests when the light show starts.
As seen from Beaver Creek Scenic River in Alaska
Murmansk, Russia
Located above the Arctic Circle in northwest Russia, be prepared because temperatures can drop to as low as -40 degrees Celsius in the Russian winter. This season also brings polar nights where the sun is constantly below the horizon. During this period, the sky will be completely dark, increasing your chances of viewing the Northern Lights.
Located in the northwest of Canada, Yellowknife is just 250 miles from the Arctic Circle. A half-hour drive will bring you to Aurora Village, a teepee campground where you can view the Northern Lights from the comfort of warm and cozy viewing chairs.
As seen in Yellowknife, Canada
Labrador, Canada
Found in the eastern part of Canada, the forbidding terrain and extreme climate keep the region pristine. The top of the ski trail at the Birch Brook Nordic Ski Club, located near central Labrador, will provide you with a view of the Northern Lights reflecting on vast snow-covered trails.
Yukon, Canada
You do not need to be on land to be able to view the Northern Lights. The partnership between Tourism Yukon, Air North, and the Yukon Astronomical Society now offers flights from Whitehorse, Yukon that specifically flies over the Auroral zone to allow viewers to see the Aurora from the air. You can now enjoy the beautiful northern lights from 36,000 feet above the Yukon.
As seen from Yukon Territory, Canada
Abisko National Park, Sweden
Surrounding mountains and prevailing winds create an atmospheric effect that clears the sky over this region found on the center of the Swedish Lapland. The cloudless winter night creates an excellent viewing condition of the sky along with the view of the mountains and alpine meadows.
Tromso, Norway
Located above the Arctic Circle, this city in northern Norway is a famous site for viewing the Northern Lights. You can make the viewing more special by boarding the Hurtigruten, the Norwegian coastal steamer, so you can view the Aurora in a fjord. Don’t worry if you fall asleep, the ship provides wake up calls when the Aurora is visible.
As seen from Norway
Svalbard, Norway
A remote archipelago located north of Norway known for glaciers and frozen tundra, the islands here have long, dark, cloudless nights with dry weather – ideal conditions for viewing the Northern Lights. Although you will find more polar bears than people, there will be no shortage of attractions, from dog-sledding to backcountry skiing.
Santa’s Hotel Aurora glass igloos provide visitors with a different experience as they view not just the Northern Lights, but the whole arctic scenery from inside a Lapland hut-styled room with glass roof and walls. Here you can view the Aurora from the comfort of a fully equipped hotel room just a few steps from the reception and other services.
As seen in Finland
Oulanka National Park, Finland
Located in the Lapland regions of Finland, Oulanka National Park is one of the best places to go to see beautiful scenery backdropped by the Northern Lights. Comprised of pine forests and river valleys, you can find various camping areas from where you can view the Aurora.
Another shot of the dancing Aurora from Finland
Kangerlussuaq, Greenland
A region close to the Arctic Circle, this town in western Greenland is the main air transport hub so getting here will be easier than the other locations. Having clear skies 300 days a year also makes this a prime location for viewing the Northern Lights.
Thingvellir National Park, Iceland
The Northern Lights are visible from the whole of Iceland but you can improve the experience by viewing it from Thingvellir National Park, located in a rift valley that marks the crest of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, which is a popular tourist destination because of its history and geology.
As seen from Iceland
Cairngorms National Park, Scotland
The largest national park in Britain, located in the Scottish Highlands, where you can perform daytime activities like skiing and hiking. Once night falls, one of the best places to view the Northern Lights is in Glenlivet Estate. Awarded a Dark Sky status, this location ensures that there are no artificial lights that prevent you from seeing the Aurora.
The British Isles frequently have cloudy skies, but when the cloud cover breaks during the winter, the low light pollution paired with the breathtaking view of jagged mountain ranges, sea cliffs, pools, and moors makes for a beautiful scene backdropped by the Northern Lights.
On an Alaskan Crusie Ship
When you book a cruise ship going to Alaska during September, you would probably think that the highlight of the trip would be on one of the cruise shore excursions in the rugged outdoors, but you may be pleasantly surprised when the Northern Lights suddenly presents itself at sea.
Aurora Borealis
That’s it! These top 15 places offer unique perspective and view of the Northern Lights.
One tip in general: for those planning a visit to these areas, don’t make it a trip just for the Aurora Borealis because this phenomenon is elusive and you might be disappointed when you don’t see it. Clouds, weather, light pollution, time in hand, things that are not in your control can affect your viewing experience.
Having other activities planned will ensure that you will enjoy your trip whether you see the dancing Aurora Borealis or not.
Also, these aren’t the only places where you can view the Northern Lights. Sometimes, the Aurora presents itself in unexpected locations. So if you find yourself in the auroral zone in the evening, just face north, look up, and you just might get lucky.
Let us know in the comments below if you have experienced the mystical dance of the northern lights. What do you think? Please do share if you have any special moment or thought that came to you while viewing and experiencing the Aurora Borealis.
Sunbathing became a trend when tanning became a beauty standard. In the Renaissance time, paleness set the bar for beauty, but in 1923 Coco Chanel accidentally popularized the bronzed skin. She was on a Mediterranean Cruise when she got sun-burnt.
Now, the fashion icon set a trend for the privileged classes that tan was the new sexy. Here are 15 photos from the last century which tell us a story of how sun-bathing evolved.
There were Tanning Booths in beaches called Solarium. As you can see “Let the sun bathe your skin” was the tagline of the booths. But Here are two women outside a tanning booth in St. Petersburg, Russia 1929, trying out a tan which says tanning is “life-giving” and “curative”. The bronze skin seriously started to become a craze among the people.
Sunbathing might be the goal but it is very important to have sun protection. The harmful UV rays from the sun lead to the melanoma. So people started using sunscreen to protect their skin. And what better way than a traditional umbrella to do so?
Hence It was, Find the Tan, yet seek the shade. This image is from 1939, where women lounge leisurely in the sun beneath the umbrella and apply sunscreen.
The Popularity of sunbathing was insane. Here are some sun-bathers in Positano, Italy in 1959. But Their number was so huge that the fishermen in the beach had to move away their boats to accommodate the sun-bathers. So, The Summer trips to beaches grew with tanning vogue.
Soaking the sun rays wasn’t all that attracted the travelers to the beach. It was, of course, the Vitamin-Sea as well. Although, here we see Two Romanian girls posing before swimming in Bucharest, 1930.
Hotness does soar with the temperature on the beach. And here is a woman just trying to relax in Trujillo beach, Peru. Oh Yeah, the photographer managed to click a selfie long before the front camera came to practice.
Spring Break soon became time for students to get wild and have fun in the beach towns. And, why not? Two Students lying down on the car in Daytona Beach, Florida 1973, creative, isn’t it?
This photo is of the Padre Island, Texas in 1980. Here Women relax on the beach, with the oil pumps in the background. And the White sandy beaches are perfect for summers and tan.
This might look weird… But these are goggles which sun-bathers used to protect their eyes. The photo dates back to 1995 Narragansett Bay in Newport, Rhode Island.
After a century of Coco Chanel’s bronze skin too, the tan trend lives. And with that came the beach bodies- where you can find the beaches sprawled with muscular hunks and gorgeous beach babes.
And if it is the Spring break for students like it is in the picture then Boom — it is Fun 101. This picture is from Cancun, Mexico.
And at the end of the day, after the sun’s heat is minimal and the sun kisses the horizon – it feels surreal to just sit and admire the view around you. That is what the girls in the image are doing in one of the beaches of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Grace Riordan makes an attractive vintage beach study, 1938.
Sunbathing mother and the naked cute baby.
Basking in the golden rays of the sun has been a craving of humans throughout time. The beach has always been – calm, serene and surreal. Go, get your share of sun and shade before “the dog days of summer.”
Do you know why are they called so? Well, our next post is about its story. Stay tuned.
Imagine the world a century ago, when there wasn’t a fast metro connection, nor was convertible an entity yet. An age of black and white photographs, which people still treasure today.
We bring you a series of the vintage photos to paint the story of modern travel: from how stewardess became flight attendant and how convertibles came to play. We hope you enjoy this series as much as we did.
This is how a bustling street in the Cairo Open Market (Egypt) looked like in the year 1911, with the camels gracing the roads along with the crowd.
Posing is an art as old as the civilization itself, and this man does it like a pro. Dressed like an Arab in front of the Great Sphinx back in 1913.
The travelers of the 20th Century admire the fortifications of a building from the 18th century in Acapulco, Mexico in 1916. Two Centuries captured in one vintage photo.
The Atlantic City Boardwalk was a perfect place for an evening stroll, back in the days of 1920. And by the looks of it, we can see it was very popular among the folks.
A beautiful sight is hard to look away from. That is what passengers of the Oriental Limited Train are doing. As they go from the Skykomish county, Washington in 1923. The passengers are just peering down to admire the view of the river across them.
The Islanders are all set to offer their daily offerings to the temple in 1927, Bali, Indonesia
40 long years after its construction the once hideous tower was now the emblem of Paris. A man soaks up in the majestic view of the Eiffel Tower in 1929.
Composing a photograph to bring the iconic half dome of Yosemite National Park, might be hard. But we had talented photographers back in 1933. Two visitors pose in the Glacier Point Hotel against the background of half dome of Yosemite National Park, California.
A Pan Am flight landing in Brownsville, Texas in 1938. You can see the flight’s comfort clothes were not hoodie and sneakers but traditional dresses.
A Pan Am plane docked at the Manila Bay as curious children look at it in awe in 1940.
A stewardess putting together the meal for the passengers. Don’t be surprised by ” Stewardess” because 1940 was long before the use of ” flight attendant” which was used after the rise of the third wave of feminism around the 1970s.
A woman just getting out of her car to admire the gorgeous landscape ahead of her in South Africa, 1941.
Shreds of evidence in history show us that fine dining came from the French. Guests dining al fresco in Dives-sur-Mer in 1943.
This image calls out epicness on many levels: a woman, on a horseback, calling out to an eagle. Image clicked in 1944.
Dark and desolate landscape sometimes makes for an amazing photo. This image captured in 1945 is of the rocky landscape of Costa Rica.
It was the year of the independence of India – 1947. The sightseers revel in the beauty of a wooden float boat ride.
Before hiking became a hype these two men, stop and stare at the Grand Falls, Arizona by leisurely sipping their coffee in 1951.
A convertible rides from Anacapri, Italy in 1970. Convertibles were first manufactured in the 1940s and the first ever was Chrysler Thunderbolt.
This gorgeous image was taken at the Ionian Islands, Greece, 1973. The boats wind through the narrow cliffs of Cephalonia.
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.
A dream looks exactly like the Fogo Island Inn where you get a floor to ceiling views of the ocean. In Fogo Island inNewfoundland, 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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Summer is the hot weather usually comes after every spring in India. High temperature and sweating make the days and night tired and sluggish. So everybody is looking to visit some cool place to spend some time and beat the heat.
The destination like the Himalayas, southern beaches, the western and the eastern ghats (bay) are very much preferred locations to visit in India. So, if you are fed up with the hot weather, please consider including some of the recommended destinations from our list below.
There is a way you can still chill out during the hot Indian summer days.
Summer Places To Visit In India
Coorg (Kodagu)
Coorg is an awesome place for summer vacation in India. This beautiful piece of paradise is loaded with the hills and valleys of the Western Ghats. This is most desired and visited a hill station in Karnataka. Kodagu is also called the “Scotland of India” and “Kashmir of the south” because of greenery and clean weather conditions.
It is very special place in India which attracted most of the tourist to visit and spend time in natural beauty. This place is cuddled up at the altitude of 3500 ft above the sea. It is the home for Tibetan refugees and Kodava people. The majestic environment of this hill station is ideal for trekking, photography, and revival of the inner soul.
Manali is one of the crown jewels of North India. Almost everyone in India is well aware of Manali and about its natural beauty. Manali is the hill station located in the state Himachal Pradesh attracts lot of tourist and visitors. It lies in between the Pir Panjal and Dauladhar range of Himalayas be a magnet for water streams and mountain adventures.
Most of the adventurers visit Manali to have fun of playing sports like paragliding, water rafting, and trekking. It is one of the best hub to the newly wedded couple for honeymoon too.
The many gorgeous islands of the Andaman in the Indian Ocean is full of beautiful beaches and opportunities for water adventures. If you want to beat the worst heat of the summer season then visit this seaside. This is the popular destination for summer vacations and honeymoon.
There is 52 small islands are located in Andaman out of which 36 are occupied by various tribes and local people. The historical existence of stone age culture also attracts the visitors to spend time here. This tropical area is enriched with the trees and wildlife.
Place to visit in Andaman island
Ross Island
Jolly Buoy Island
Radhanagar Beach
Kashmir
Kashmir is the place which do not need any introduction. In India, it is known as the “The Paradise on Earth”. The awesome weather with snowy mountains is the perfect place to visit during summer. It is also called the “Switzerland of India”.
Gulmarg, Srinagar, and Pahalgam in Kashmir is most visited and popular valley among visitors. The rides of famous Shikara and mugal garden is the most famous things to do in Srinagar and in Gulmarg the most loved gondola rides of khilanmarg are the thing that most of the visitors do.
Place to visit in Kashmir
Dal Lake
Shankaracharya Hill
Indira Gandhi Tulip Garden
Gulmarg
Betab Valley
Ladakh
Ladakh is the“little Tibet” in India. Known for its natural beauty and several spiritual places to visit, it is the ultimate place to visit during summer season. The large mountain range of Karakoram, snow-covered hills, small lakes, cold weather, and enchanted Buddhist crowd attracts a lot of tourists.
In summer most of the motorcyclist take adventures trip here. The Leh highway is the most famous road for thrill lovers. This is the best place to visit during summer when the fierce sun comes to burn you out with excessive heat.
Ooty is a hot spot for summer vacations. Toy trains are fun to ride here. It’s a mountainous region. So if you want to visit the place which is very good to curve the hot weather with some interesting beautiful toy train riding then go for this amazing place.
The beautiful cottages, gardens flooded with different varieties of flowers, fresh air, churches, botanical gardens, and peaceful weather charms this place very much.
Place to visit in Ooty
Doddabetta peak
Tiger Hill
Ooty Lake
Shimla
Shimla is the very attractive tourist site during summer. Known for its natural beauty, it was first developed into a vacation town by Scottish civil servant Charles Kennedy in 1822 as a summer home. Now, it has attracted a lot of visitors. It is the best place to spend honeymoon as well. The snow hills, chilled weather, waterfalls, and the Himalayas are the most visited sites there.
Places to visit in Shimla
Ridge
Mall road
Kufri
Toy Train
Theog
Christ Church
Darjeeling
The majestic place well known for tea gardens is the hub for summer vacations. The mountain range of Kanchendzonga is the most luxury and rejuvenating place for everybody. The fresh air, Toy trains, Greenery, and tea gardens look very beautiful and charming. Darjeeling is a place that radiates inner peace and joy.
Shilong is the capital of Meghalaya is one of the famous tourist sites in India. The place is enriched with hills, pine trees, waterfalls, chilled weather, and fresh air. It is the most preferred site to visit during summer weather. For exciting offers check yatra coupons.
Places to visit in Shillong
Elephant falls
Ward’s lake
Umiam Lake
Sweet falls
Bishop Falls
Mount Abu
Rajasthan is the place known for hot weather and desert. Mount Abu is the most amazing hill station of Rajasthan even it is the lone hill station of this state. It attracts enormous tourist to visit during summer days. Small lakes, hills, and beautiful greenery attracts the people to visit this place
Places to visit in Mount Abu
Nakki Lake
Dilwara Temples
Toad Rock
Conclusion
Chill out the summer weather by visiting these awesome and cool place. These are the most preferred and visited hill stations by the tourist during summer. These places are enriched with the beauty of nature like rolling hills, waterfalls, small lakes, and fresh air.
So, go ahead and beat the Indian summer by visiting these majestic places and enjoy the magic of mother nature.
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.
Greece is the love at first sight. I’ve been there twice and definitely want to go again. There is so much to see and do! However, Greece is the country with its own features and habits, which you should keep in mind if you want to have a good trip. Here are ten of them:
Sea is Everywhere in Greece
The first thing I smelled, when I left the plane, was the smell of the sea. In Greece, the sea is literarily everywhere! You can choose a destination to your taste and budget. If you want to have a relaxed and quiet rest, don’t go to Santorini, the most popular destination in the country. Instead, choose one of the many small and quiet islands, which are numerous.
Greek Alphabet is Unique
The Greek alphabet is unique. It’s neither Cyrillic, nor Latin, and it is quite hard to read. Unless you are in a tourist area, you won’t find many English signs. Fortunately, Greece is a fast developing tourist hub, so it is almost entirely the tourist area.
I have never had any problems with people understanding English, but only those, who work in the tourist industry. Young people in Greece now speak English freely, which I can’t say about elderly, however. So, if you need to ask for directions or need some other help, look for youngsters.
Driving Habits are Indescribable
Although a rental car is still the best way to get around Greece, driving here is not easy. Most roads are mountainous and windy, with sharp turns, and not of the best quality. Nevertheless, Greek drivers tend to drive very fast and not very carefully. If you are about to ride in a car with a real Greek driver, you definitely need to remember a couple of prayers to use on the way. 🙂
You Can’t Avoid Trying Seafood
Greece is all about seafood. You can’t really feel the country if you don’t try freshly fished octopus, shrimps, fish, calamari, and mussels. Seafood in Greece is, in fact, so good, that I could even eat things, which at home I am allergic to.
Special sauces, served with these dishes, are just excellent. The seafood is eaten best with local white wine and freshly made bread. Also, mountain herbal tea and chestnut honey, with original deserts, would be great for the end of a dinner. By the way, in most Greek restaurants, the desert is free and is brought with a check. That’s very pleasant, isn’t it?
Getting around Greece by public transport is not easy, especially on the islands. You will need to spend some time on the Internet, studying the timetables and planning the routes. Trains only ride on the continental part of the country. Airplanes are rather expensive. And ferries highly depend on the weather. Also, on islands, buses, which connect different towns with each other, often ride just several times a day.
Hitchhiking in Greece is not the best idea, especially for women. Feedbacks on the Internet state that the Greeks do not really wish to pick up hitchhikers. Also, passionate Greek men may be rather intrusive, so beware.
Definitely, the best time to get around is by renting a car. However, don’t forget about the roads and driving habits, and be careful.
Hotel Service Varies Greatly
A four-star hotel in Thessaloniki and the same rate hotel in Uranopolis will vary greatly in both the general look and the services provided. In fact, tourist resorts are not known for the best hotel service. Yes, it is adequate. Yes, all the requirements for the 4-star rating are met. But it can still be much better. On the other hand, the small no-star family hotel in Kalambaka can be even more cozy and pleasant, with great big breakfast and the nicest owner! What do I recommend? Do a good search and read the feedbacks carefully, before booking accommodation, and you’ll be fine.
Prepare to Pay
Greece is not a very rich country, particularly due to the crisis, which has hit it in the recent decades. The country’s economy highly depends on the tourist industry. It means the Greek try to earn as much as possible from every visitor. Free compliments, discounts, or low-cost transport are not common here. Although people are very nice and hospitable, the fact remains.
However, it still depends on the place. For example, in the hotel in Uranopolis, when asking about additional services, such as Wi-Fi, room safe, or gym, all I heard was “it costs extra”. Also, the buffet was quite poor. While in Kalambaka, the breakfast was huge and tasty, the owner was nice, and he even gave us a teapot, to use in our room, for free. And many restaurants also provide their guests with free deserts at the end of the dinner. So, it’s not at all as bad, as it may sound.
You Have to Love Olives
If the Greek knew that I hate olives, they would’ve probably deported me 🙂 Here, you can buy so many different kinds of olives, your eyes will just run wide. I don’t even mention many kinds of olive oil (in souvenir packs as well), wooden items (made of olive trees), and all kinds of cosmetics with olive oil, bones, etc.
Stay Safe
Wasps are common in Greece. They don’t attack without reason. But still, you need to be cautious and take some anti-allergic medicine with you on a trip. Also, swimming in the sea may be dangerous, due to the presence of sea urchins. They don’t even seem dangerous until you step on one. But the results can be catastrophic and spoil the rest of your vacation completely. So, keep in mind to wear flip-flops, not to hurt your feet.
Come at the End of the Tourist Season
Greece is one of the Europe’s most popular tourist destinations nowadays. So, during the high season, tourist areas and resorts are really crowded. If you want to have a peaceful and relaxed vacation, come at the end of September or at the beginning of October. At this time, the weather is still good, the sea is quite warm, but tourist sites and hotels are not crowded already.
The only problem will be if you want to go on a group excursion somewhere. During the low season, tour agencies often don’t have enough people for a group. But that’s not a problem if you just want to relax, breathe some fresh air and have a great vacation in Greece!
Paris is not just about the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, and Louvre Museum. It has much more to offer. You will have a great time visiting places, which are not crowded with tourists, and doing things, which you won’t get to do anywhere in the world.
Here are top 10 ideas you can use on your next trip to this lovely French city.
Go Dancing
From the beginning of June till the end of August, every evening, dance-lovers gather along the river bank near the Institut du Monde Arabe, in Jardin Tino Rossi, and give in to the passion of dance, such as salsa, tango, waltz, and swing.
Visit Museums
You think going to a museum in Paris is corny? Yes, it is. If you just go to Louvre. However, the capital of Paris offers lots of museums for every taste. For example, in Jardin des Plantes, you will find a botanical garden, a zoo and an array of natural history museums.
Anatomy and Paleontology provides an amazing look at the world of the 19th-century science, with rows of animal skeletons and lines of old wood and glass cabinets.
Other popular, but not as crowded as Louvre, places include the Musee de Quai Branly, Musee du Moyen Age, Musee Marmottan Monet, and Musee des Arts et Metiers. If you are into impressionism, don’t miss famous Musee d’Orsay. Although, it is rather popular and you might have to wait in line for a couple of hours.
Look for Roman Ruins
Paris is still dotted with numerous tracks of ancient Roman past: a coliseum, baths, and various remains of walls, pillars, and carved stones, which just wait to be discovered by curious tourists.
The Archeological Crypt near Notre Dame reveals the center of the old Roman city of Lutetia, while the Roman Baths at Cluny are probably the most impressive architectural remnant from the Roman era.
Enjoy Street Art
If you are really into graffiti art, head towards the Canal St. Martin in the 10th arrondissement, one of the most exciting and up-and-coming areas in the city.
Full of fascinating restaurants, artistic shops, and great street art, the area is a great place for leisurely strolling.
Explore the Covered Passages
The famous 19th-century covered passages of Paris are the remnants of the post-revolution rise of the middle-class in France. There are around 30 which still exist.
Some of the most impressive lie strung in a line, stretching from Passage Vivienne, behind the Palais Royal, and ending at rue Cadet, a charming little street. This type of activity is great for a rainy day in Paris.
Share a bottle of wine, some fruit, and baguette with a friend at the edge of the Canal St. Martin on a warm summer evening. It is a popular place among Parisians in-the-know, artists, and the Boho-Chic crowd. But still not so much among tourists.
Stroll along the Promenade Plantee
Some time ago, it was an elevated railway track. Now, it is a long narrow stretch of trees and flowers. Also known as La Coulee Verte, it stretches from Bastille, through the area around Gare de Lyon and Bercy, and all the way to the west entrance of the Bois de Vincennes.
After enjoying the gardens and the view of Paris from the height, go down to the street level and wander along the Viaduc des Arts, where you will find ateliers, workshops, cafes, and numerous galleries.
Go to the Flea Markets
Head towards Belleville area, filled with flea markets and produce stands, bustling shoppers, colorful products, and heckling merchants. Or get lost in the picturesque streets of Caulaincourt – a perfect destination for authentic French atmosphere seekers.
If you are into food, visit the charming Rue des Martyrs in the 9th arrondissement, one of the best food markets in Paris, where you will find bakeries, cheese sellers, gourmet shops, cafes, and hot new restaurants.
When in Paris, you just can’t miss some typically Parisian events. For example, Nuit Blanche, held every autumn, is the only night in a year, when galleries, museums, and other cultural institutions are open and free of charge.
In June, the Fête de la Musique takes place, and the streets of the city get filled with dancers. Journées du Patrimoine, the celebration of heritage days, usually takes place in late summer and is a great opportunity to visit all government buildings in France, including the Elysée Palace, the French Mint, and the National Assembly building.
Learn Something New
If your trip to Paris is about to be long-term, sign up for some classes and obtain new skills. Whether it’s cooking, photography, calligraphy, writing, or language, it’s the best way to take something back home with you.
Taking a class in Paris will really be a unique experience, which not many visitors can boast of, so don’t miss your chance!
“Winter is coming” – No, winter has already arrived and we bring you some unique winter travel destinations. These 10 amazing destinations beat winter blues like no other.
Come out of your comfy shell and explore the wonders of this world.
ABISKO, SWEDEN
Just near the Arctic Circle lies a quaint village in Sweden. Trains run to Abisko Village, so it is not a problem to travel here. But winters get brutal here and thus challenging the hikers who decide on conquering peaks of Abisko National Park (like Nuolija).
The heavy snow provides a great opportunity for winter sports like Cross-country skiing, Freeriding, and Back- Country Skiing. Winter is not only about snow but also about darkness, and the long dark nights offer bright starry skies and Aurora Borealis.
LAKE TAHOE, CALIFORNIA
The Largest Lake in North America attracts visitors from Las Vegas, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and pretty much all over America during the winter months. This world-famous, stunning lake acts as a winter sports capital for tourists.
Tahoe straddles both Nevada and California, which names its largest resort Heavenly Mountain Resort as the largest in both Nevada and California.
Other areas for winter sports include Squaw Valley, Kirkwood Mountain Resort, and Northstar. Skiing is not the only thing to do here, Tahoe has a fair number of casinos. Gamble and spoil yourself at Crystal Bay Club or the Calvena.
ATHENS, GREECE
When the wind blows through the columns of Acropolis and the wintry light shines upon the marbles – there is magic in that moment.
There are many places where the winter is beautiful. But Greece has Mediterranean climate and winter brings not the freezing winds but pleasant weather. The days are short, which gives you time to roam the streets in the evening.
Usually, the winter season is low on tourists (which is a good thing if you prefer avoiding the crowd). You can enjoy the monuments and landmarks in a relaxed way, and hotel prices are half of what they are in peak season.
Go outdoors during the day, visit Acropolis, various museums, and boutiques and have a leisurely coffee at cafés in the evening.
Did you know? There are 6000 exotic islands to choose from in Greece and a myriad of ancient ruins to explore and ponder on the meaning of life. Have it all at your disposal during winter.
TULUM, MEXICO
Once upon a time, 1000 residents inhabited the Mayan Port in Caribbean Coast of Mexico. Tulum attracts tourists from around the world to witness the Tulum Ruins. If you reach here via the road of Playa del Carmen, then it feels like you are at a bus stop.
But later when you discover the pristine Coba ruins, secluded Caribbean beaches, and a biosphere reserve, your mind takes a U-turn. It is not a truck stop- uhh no! It is an ancient Caribbean wonder!
Winter brings out the best in it- cheap hotels, inexpensive street food, and lazy sugar sandy beaches.
COPENHAGEN, DENMARK
November to February are the winter months in Copenhagen, the capital city of Denmark. The dark and gloomy time brings less daylight. From 8 am to 4 pm, you have the time to explore all the fun. Then it is time to hygge!
Do not worry, in these few hours there are tons of things to do. Do Ice Skating at Frederiksberg, take a dip in Vinterbad Bryggen, shop at a discount in Christmas Markets (discounts last until January end), and taste the warming glogg snaps (season special).
ASPEN, COLORADO
Perched on the slopes of Rocky Mountains in Colorado, Aspen turns into skiing heaven during winters. The snow-laden valleys become great areas for winter sports.
For skiing, there are four major areas: Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk, Snowmass, and Aspen Mountains. Other than skiing, try your hands at Sleigh rides and sledding. Snowmobiling is also a fantastic way to enjoy winter glory.
JASNA, SLOVAKIA
Jasna is a tiny village in the interior of Slovakia (and maybe, just maybe it is a prospective host of 2022 winter Olympics). If so, why not try what the upcoming winter Olympics host looks like?
Jasna boasts of many of the best skiing resorts. Low Tatras is the greatest among them all. It has four cable cars and eight chairlifts, and a 6 km long home run. Besides that, the new terrain park supports night skiing as well. You can head to Jasna without a second thought!
Ski-lovers, if you are wondering how to how to choose the best ski poles, check out: 10 Best Ski Poles.
WHISTLER, CANADA
Winter gifts the mountains in British Columbia with chunks of snow, which become useful for snow-sports. Those who did not know that Whistler is home to the largest ski resort in America, now perk your ears.
The Whistler Blackcomb has a snowcross track, four terrain parks, and a superpipe. No matter what kind of snow fun you desire, Whistler caters to it all.
This quaint village also has a lot to offer for non-skiers – like just soak up the serene frozen landscape. Well, another reason to love Canada.
TRANSYLVANIA, ROMANIA
The mighty fortresses surrounded by blooming orchids amidst the misty mountains give Transylvania a fairy-tale charm. It’s located in central Romania. It is here that the Dracula story was set.
Step into the wintry magic of the Carpathian Mountains, by riding carriages and spotting bears.
Visit the famous medieval castles like Bran Castle (but meeting a vampire is hardly a chance). Skiing in the Carpathian Mountains is an experience like no other. Save it for the best day!
COSTA RICA
Unlike the Icy Paradises, Costa Rica is a welcome change in winter. The months from December to April sees a throng of tourists, flocking to have a warm winter vacation. Personally speaking, December is my favorite month of Costa Rica vacation!
Beach-seekers who enjoy the sultry sunshine and vibrant wildlife will love it during the wintertime. During the winter season, many lively fiestas include wild dancing, live concerts, and bullfights take place. Plan ahead and go have a blast!
We often run out of words on what to say. It also happens when we talk about travel lovers or want to impress our nomadic friends. Are you tired of using the same old words? If so, today’s fun post is for you.
Do you know what a person is called who loves to travel? Travel lover. Yes, but we all know that, and besides, that’s two words, not a one word noun.
Words for Travel Lovers
How about “Hodophile”. If you are saying, “what, a hodophile!” Yes, a hodophile is a person who loves to travel. Now, that’s certainly going to grab your friends’ attention next time you talk to them.
Below are the top 10 simple to pronounce words you should start using to enhance your regular travel vocabulary.
These are nothing like out-of-the-tongue kinda words but refreshing synonyms one should add to their day to day vocabulary.
Globetrotter
Do you know anyone who loves to hop between countries? Or anyone who is a hardcore traveler? Anyone who leaves their tiny footprints across the various continents? Globetrotter is what you call them, and Globetrotting is their religion.
Itinerant
Few of us hate staying in one place. We are people of many lands who live to travel. Itinerant is an apt word for travel lovers who have got a gypsy soul.
Many times we say, let’s hit the road! That is exactly what roadies do, but they accompany bands or musicians and travel in a group. In recent time though, the term has become more generalized and biking groups can be also called Roadies.
Rover
Wandering around might get old after a few days, why not use roving around for a change? Become a Rover aka Travel Lover. 🙂
Nothing is permanent. And this world is massive to just live in a corner. People who make any place their home are in reality the Vagabonds – the daring nomads, adventurers, and travel lovers.
Also, you might have heard this quote from Saint Augustine of Hippo: “The World is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.”
Solivagant
Traveling alone is empowering. And when you are brave enough to take on the roads yourself you become a Solivagant. Wandering alone is an unadulterated bliss which travel lovers should try once.
Wisdom comes from experience and those who are travelers amass knowledge through traveling. That is what makes them the travel-buffs.
Hodophile
You don’t need an explanation for this word. It is as perfect as it comes. Hodophile – the very word for travel lovers. A Hodophile is “One who loves to travel.”
Grey Nomad
In Australia, a retired old man traveling in a motorhome or caravan is named as Grey Nomad. But why just use it in the context of an old man?
Nowadays the travel lovers who live a nomadic life are often called “Grey Nomads.” (They may or may not have grey hairs though, Lol!)
What are some other words for travel lovers? Comment below and we’ll add to this list. We hope this post cheered you and brought you value. If yes, please share it with your globetrotting friends and tell them they are too young to be a grey nomad. (wink)
Train rides are exciting. Enjoying the beautiful scenery never gets old because it is never monotonous. Below are few pictures of the world’s 10 most beautiful train rides from around the globe that will make you want to hop on a train right now.
The Ghan
Want a change of scenery? The red ravines of Australia await you. The Ghan rides through the heart of the dreary landscape, making it look like something out of an alien world movie.
With the super awesome dome cars that give you an unfiltered view of the rugged scenery of Canadian countryside, you will love a train ride of The Canadian.
It is not always about the gorgeous scenery, sometimes it is about a classy black tie extravagance in the heart of Europe. The Orient Express might be one of the oldest luxury trains but it is also the classiest of all.
The route of this luxury train has changed several times, so if you want to check this off of your bucket list, do a quick search on their website.
As of today, the train operates from London to Istanbul or Paris to Budapest with several other major European cities in between.
We all know that Switzerland has the best of everything in some sense. For example, who doesn’t enjoy gaping at the snowy peaks?
The Glacier Express takes you on one of the most exhilarating train rides, which connects two mountain resorts St. Moritz and Zermatt in the Swiss Alps.
Are you up for an adventure in the African mainland? Then you may want to experience the rich and exotic natural beauty of Africa.
And, what better way than hopping on one of the affordable trains rides in Africa, and indulge in viewing the diverse wildlife of Zimbabwe, South Africa, and Namibia.
As the Shongololo takes you across the Victoria Falls, the Trans Siberian Railways takes you through the Lake Baikal in Russia. It offers a 14 days train ride from Vladivostok and Moscow.
You’ll feel like a royal the moment you step into the traditionally decorated cabins of The Maharaja Express. It gives you a taste of the elegant Rajasthani Royalty, while you wind through the golden sand dunes of the Thar Desert in India.
There are only a few places around the Earth where the Tea plantations thrive. And most of the Tea plantations are in the East. If you want to taste something exquisite, these 13 unique tea destinations will live up to your expectations.
A Tea Plantation is not just about the green leaves sprouting, but the surrounding valleys (and the methods used to make it) play a significant role in luring travelers.
When the word tea is on the tip of my tongue, I can’t help but think of Darjeeling. The mighty views of Mount Kanchenjunga offer a stunning backdrop for the Tea Valleys in Darjeeling. Some of the popular tea plantations are Happy Tea Valley Estate, Glenburn Tea Estate, and Tirrihannah Tea Garden.
SRI LANKA
Ceylon Tea is one of the world’s finest tea that is grown in Sri Lanka. The humidity, cool temperatures, and rainfall of the country’s central highlands provide a climate that favors the production of high-quality tea.
These tea is popular in England and the Middle East. The tea industry was first introduced in 1867 by James Taylor, a British tea planter who arrived in Sri Lanka in 1852.
ASSAM, INDIA
North Eastern India abounds in valleys, and the weather here is conducive for nurturing tea plants. Assam is one of the seven sisters which has numerous Tea Plantations like the Rajmai Tea Garden (which has a beautiful pond), Socklatinga Tea Garden, and Baruah Tea Garden.
MUNNAR, INDIA
When we are talking about India, it is not just the North Eastern states that are rich in tea plantations. But the Southern States have enough hilly regions to support vibrant tea gardens.
Kolukkumalai Tea Estate is one of the best places not only to experience the Tea plants but also to see the sun rise behind the hills. There are small tea stalls on the way up the hill, do taste a cuppa tea here in the early morning.
In the little town of Wazuka, there are about 300 families who come together to take care of the Obubu Tea Farm near Kyoto. There are many ways to tweak up your tea experience here.
If you want you can take up tea internship, or you can visit during spring when the Geisha Dance Festival – Miyako Odori takes place.
MAINLAND CHINA
Green Tea in Mainland China
The Yunnan, Fujian, and Zhejiang tea tours are some of the best you get in China. You will find plenty of tea houses and shops to entertain your tea passion. Yunnan Tea Market and Jinan tea Wholesale market are places which follow Chinese tradition.
It means you can walk into any shop and take a free sip of tea. And if you like it, then buy some.
DA YU LING, TAIWAN
The tea plantations in Taiwan are closing up rapidly. And Da Yu Ling area is a must visit for every tea lover. You see the Taiwanese high mountain teas up close and also get an enchanting view of the mountains. But you ought to keep up your energy as hiking and trekking will drain your energy.
MALAYSIA
Malaysia has some world class and award-winning tea estates that you should visit if you are a true tea connoisseur. Tea was likely introduced to Malaysia by Chinese traders and it has been since enjoyed by Malaysians for hundreds of years.
The majority of Malaysian tea is produced in the Cameron Highlands region, sometimes referred to as Malaysia’s “Green Bowl”. It’s located about 3.5 hours from Kuala Lumpur by a car and is situated on the scenic Titiwangsa Mountain Range, which is also a popular destination for it’s scenic beauty.
Hawaii offers you a tropical tea experience. There are some classy hotels here which have a brand name that revolves around tea. The Modern Honolulu and The Halekulani provide a power-packed three-course meal which heroes tea.
Be it tea sandwiches or scones, everything served has a taste of tea.
ENGLAND
Even though Europe is not great in the production of tea, The British have inculcated a 5’o clock tea habit. There is a myriad of hotels which bring you a Typical 5’o clock British Tea Experience.
One such place is Tea and Cake London by Zena Alkayat where there are 80 rooms to make your tea visit formal and perfect.
MOROCCO
Morocco never fails to surprise me, and in the Tea Department also it has got a secret weapon in its arsenal. Tea in Morocco is generally a man’s duty. The man of the house prepares the tea, and that custom runs in most of the families.
Mint Tea is like water to the Moroccans. It is customary to drink 2-3 cups of Mint tea before having a meal.
AUSTRALIA
Unlike Europe, Australia has a long history related to Tea. And there are loads of farms for you to visit. You can take a tour of the factory in Nerada Tea plantation or join in the Devonshire Tea feast.
Another place on your list should be Tea Estate Madura which is the one and only Tea Estate in Australia.
VANCOUVER, CANADA
It is hard and nearly impossible to grow tea in the freezing temperatures of Canada. Still, there is a farm in Vancouver called just the “Tea Farm.”
Growing tea plants is in an experimental phase. But you can visit, and see history made before your eyes as it is the first such place in Canada.
Millennials love to travel. In the past 10 years, since the internet revolution, several new travel trends have emerged. Do you know what are they and are you are part of any of these growing trends?
It has been suggested that travel is necessary in order to maintain relationships, as social life is increasingly networked and conducted at a distance. For us, millennials, traveling and vacations are increasingly being viewed as a necessity rather than a luxury!
Top Travel Trends
As a hardcore traveler, you need to keep up with all the new travel trends. Whether it is mobile travel photography or the rise in remote jobs, there are hoards of new travel subcultures blooming all around us.
Let’s take a look at top travel trends that will only grow in the coming years.
Solo Travel
It looks like the number of solo travelers will grow in the next year. It is one of the top travel trends in the world. Germany is probably going to be the leading country by the numbers of solo travelers this year.
Over 80% of the Germans said that they would travel alone next year. The United Kingdom and Canada are next in the line.
This trend also goes hand-in-hand with independent travel. In fact, only around 6% of people around the world said that they are going to use travel agency service in 2017. Here is our take on how to avoid loneliness when traveling alone?
The purpose of travel is changing too. More and more people now travel to get new experience and new skills. Over half of the people want to explore local life in the trip and immerse into the local culture.
And only a few percents of people said they travel in search of a party or vivid nightlife.
Taking local courses and obtaining new skills is also a new travel trend, which flourished in recent decades. People nowadays visit new destinations not only to go sightseeing or engage in other popular tourist activities.
Travelers are also eager to learn crafts, arts or jobs, which the particular country is famous for. These skills may include cooking, dancing, making handicraft articles, studying languages, and so on.
Of course, river cruising is not a new way of traveling. However, it is predicted to become even more popular in the coming years. River cruising is going to be a big travel trend, especially for those, who live in countries with plenty of rivers but without any oceans surrounding them.
There are more and more local opportunities appearing for amazing weekends or evening cruises. This means, you can have a great time on the water, even if you can’t afford to go to the seacoast.
Vanishing Destinations
Destinations, which risk vanishing or changing greatly in the near future, are also about to become very popular among travelers. Millennials especially are going to these vanishing destinations and it has become a new travel trend.
For example, some people are in a hurry to visit the Arctic and Antarctica, whose ice coverings are affected by climate change.
Another top destination, which is going to completely change soon, is the Great Barrier Reef. And also, you would like to visit the Maldives in the nearest future, as the islands might actually go completely under water within the next 25 years if the global warming process does not slow down.
Local Travel
Local travel is also one of the newest and hottest travel trends. In the previous years, people were trying to go far away, to another country or even continent. Of course, there is nothing wrong with the wish to see new places.
However, lately, traveling within the one’s country, province or even city, has become a much bigger trend. Local travel allows you to get a totally new look at the place, where you live and where you believe to know already everything, see sights, which you usually just pass by, and become an even bigger culture connoisseur than you are now.
Bleisure Travel
The word “bleisure” comes from the combination of two other words: “business” and “leisure”. It is one of the most interesting travel trends in the coming year. Many companies now offer special business trips, which include leisure opportunities.
These may be traveling with the family, having some free time during the trip or being able to work for travel payment.
Another side of “bleisure” is combining work and travel by becoming a digital nomad. Read more on this below.
Living Like A Local
More and more travelers every year prefer to stay out of hotels and taxis and live like the locals. It is much easier to do when living with Airbnb and riding with Uber. Not only are these options cheaper, but they also allow travelers to immerse into the local way of life more deeply.
Combined with services, such as local tour guides, Airbnb Experiences, or EatWith (dining with locals), the travel experience becomes truly authentic and personalized. And this fact also adds more fuel to the growing interest in solo travel.
Going Green
Ecotourism is one more growing travel trends of our time. Nowadays, hotels, tour operators, and outfitters encourage their clients to travel in a low-impact way.
For example, you can travel somewhere close to reduce bad transport effect on the environment. Or choose facilities with eco-thinking. Or just travel to those destinations, which need your travel dollars the most. These all are the ways to make your trip eco and bring something good to the universe.
To the Moon or Mars
In recent decades, tourism for most people transformed from a luxury into the lifestyle. However, having explored a big part of the Earth, many people now desire to explore the worlds outside of our planet.
According to recent surveys, almost half of the people nowadays dream of spending their holidays in the far corners of our galaxy. And trips to the Moon, already announced by several agencies, are actually becoming more and more realistic.
Along with the latest inventions and improvements in air transportation, these facts are likely to make space tourism a very popular travel trend in the nearest future.
Sustainable Travel
The next year is going to be the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development. Travelers have to keep in mind to travel with responsibility. Whatever you do should ensure the betterment of nature.
Many eco-friendly tours, as well as eco- friendly means of travel, have come to play. Everyone should make a wise choice and visit places of environmental importance. Maybe it is better to see Alaska in its untouched glory than see Paris in its traditional beauty!
Digital Nomadism
Nomads like to discover every nook and cranny of the planet. But when you have no time because of the gigantic amount of work, what can you do?
There is an answer to every problem. And with the rise of improved internet facilities and devices, you can work from anywhere in the world. Those who hate chaining themselves to the desks, can pack their bags and start their nomadic life.
The number of people, who choose to work while traveling, grows every year. The “have laptop, will travel” habit has become one of the biggest travel trends in the latest years.
If today’s technologies allow you to work wherever you are, there is no reason not to take your job with you on the road.
When you are ready with your belongings, laptop, and high-speed internet connection, you can go absolutely anywhere without worrying about work-leave.
Do not get shocked when you see 1 billion digital nomads in the next 20 years. The desire of wanderlust has surpassed the need for job security. Let us embark on a new era.
The Revenge of Bikes
Who doesn’t love to explore the unchartered horizon and beyond? When you have your own two-wheeler you can ride wherever your heart wills you. But have a light and essential luggage with you.
Biking on the mountains through the vivid scenery makes your heart leap with joy. There are many cycling trails around the world where cyclist enthusiasts go, The Dangerous Dragon’s spine or the volcanic landscape of Iceland. Have your pick and stay in the latest travel trend.
Booze Tasting
Photo: The Art of Travel Partners
When what goes down your throat is much more important than what is in your pocket, distilleries come to play. There is no need to travel luxuriously to far off lands if you have a locally brewed spirit right near you.
Those who want a tasting but are not ready to spend a huge sum in traveling can go to local breweries where you can sip fine spirits.
Japan, Sweden, Scotland, and Australia all these countries sport a distinguished amount of micro-distilleries. They also offer guided tours. Whether you wanted to taste whiskey, gin, wine, or beer – anything and everything awaits you, likely in your own town. Just Google it.
Food Tourism
Food tourism is not a new trend; it always remains out of focus. Eating and drinking is an essential part of travel. But recently everyone realizes that Food Tourism is a whole new brand of travel. Whether you take cooking classes during your trip or take a tour of classy restaurants (even sample street food), all of it comes from Food travel.
Photo: The Art of Travel Partners
Did you know there is a Foodtrekking Conference? Yes, the conference of food trekking gets organized by the World Food Travel Association in Portland, Oregon. So, all the foodies who can’t wait to hear from your famous food travelers can come to Portland on April 1st.
Mobile Travel Photography
Sometimes it is hard to sling a heavy camera over your neck. That is why most of the travelers have smartphones with good camera quality. It is handy and clicks like a pro. There are thousands of travel photographers on social media. You can become one too.
Mobile travel photography is a revolutionizing trend because it makes any traveler a photographer. One advice, though – do not forget to see the beauty of travel through naked eyes before capturing it in your lenses forever.
Nobody likes feeling vulnerable, especially Solo Travelers. It is one of the worst feelings in the world. But when you travel alone that is what happens. You have to come out of your comfort zone and start doing something you never did. It requires a lot of guts. But as you know – No Guts No Glory!
Many times when we travel alone, do we meet other solo travelers! It is always more fun to come across a fellow traveler who can understand you better and can correlate with you.
Top Solo Travel Destinations
Airbnb shared some of its data. And there is good news for solo travelers. The solo traveler bookings of Airbnb increased from 14% to 27% over the past year. And not just that it also let out the data on where these solo travelers love to go.
So, if you think that you do not see any solo traveler where you go, then book your tickets for these destinations next. You are going to meet lots of kindred souls on your trips here. We can guarantee that.
London
Having a taste of London alone sounds tempting. But what is the fun if you have an already planned itinerary? Nothing is more fun than being spontaneous. And London is a city where you can do whatever you want and enjoy it.
A survey by Visa Global Travel Intentions in 2015 mentioned that 24% of the overseas visitors were solo travelers. What more? Most of them were women. So girls, pack your bags because London is your next stop.
Paris
When we hear Paris, we imagine couples kissing under romantic architecture. That is what we dream Paris is all about. But Paris has a lot to offer to Solo travelers. As you drive along the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower you can’t help but be in awe of it.
And as French men are most charming in the World, solo female travelers can have their share of fun. (Just a thought ladies!) . That is just an added perk. And why not Paris? Airbnb stats say that it was the second most booked location by solo travelers.
Los Angeles
In the third place, we have Los Angeles which is not a surprise. Most of us have this weird obsession to see the Hollywood sign at least once in our lifetime. That is what drives people to LA. But it is just a part of it. The amount of talent that Los Angeles has makes it the “Creative Capital of the World.”
It is just, the electric atmosphere in LA that doesn’t let you feel like you are traveling alone.
Tokyo
Tokyo is a top choice for solo traveling especially if we are talking about female travelers. From separate hotel floors, to separate train cabins – Tokyo makes sure that women feel safe in their environment.
You will not see anyone giving you “What are you doing alone?” stare. Tokyoites keep to themselves. They won’t bother you. The full essence of Solo travel gets fulfilled in Tokyo (and Japan in general).
Barcelona
At first, you are going to hear stories, lots of it – about pickpockets and thieves. But do not let those tales put you off. Barcelona is a city of panoramic views, do not let a few tales scare you off.
Follow few precautions like a smart solo traveler, and you can stroll down Las Ramblas. And eat as much as tapas as you can and get drown in cava.
New York City
NYC is the city where aspiring artists and dreamers go. And if you are just here for a few days then you are not a solo traveler anymore. Nobody here is alone. Whether you stroll down the Highline or grab a brunch at the eatery, you will always be surrounded by people.
The best way to have fun while you are here is to join Meetup. It is free and lets you meet people who share your interests. Isn’t it a great way to spend time when traveling? Making new friends!
Toronto
Like Tokyo, Toronto is also a safe place to travel. It has fewer crime rates, and people here are too busy to stare at you. Walking around in Toronto is the best thing a solo traveler can do because every turn will take you to a mini Toronto with its own ethnicity.
Above all the young solo travelers can have the time of their life at the lively Toronto Club scene. Drinking age is only 19, which is a plus for the young travelers. But we say, stay smart to avoid trouble.
Madrid
The capital city of Spain is overshadowed by Barcelona most of the time. And even though it sees fewer travelers than Barcelona, Madrid is a beauty of its own. If you are doing a Europe tour, then you shouldn’t miss any of these cities.
The people here are friendly, and you will feel safe here. Be careful with your money belt (keep it hidden). And follow standard precautions like a solo traveler and you are good to go.
Berlin
The understated charm of Berlin comes into focus only when you care to visit it. And those solo travelers who love a quiet and comfortable trip will enjoy Berlin. It has the classiest collection of hotels to choose from.
People are helpful and welcome. And the public transit is easy to figure out as well as inexpensive. Just get a Berlin WelcomeCard, and you get a discount on tours and attractions as well as free public transit. Isn’t that a catch? You will find all pros in Berlin for solo travelers, no cons, I bet.
Seoul
Safety is a priority of solo travelers. And Seoul offers that in spades unless you decide to act stupidly. Solo travelers like Seoul because it is pedestrian friendly, has inexpensive public transport, delicious food, helpful tour guides and a laid back lifestyle.
Now, plan a trip and go somewhere new! Safe travel!
.jpg){kind=link}
