Thursday, January 31, 2019
When most people think of RV travel the word exotic does not come to mind. This is unfortunate because RV travel is by far the best way to travel in a van or a house on wheel to remote and often at times exotic travel destinations whether in spring or summer. In fact, there are many such locations where RV travel is the best way to go to the most exotic vacation destinations and still have access to the comforts of civilized life.
Does escaping the crowds in a beautiful, remote location that is a 45 minutes walk away from civilisation sounds like your kind of adventure? If so, you're in for a treat. Living off-the-grid can be an incredibly relaxing and humbling experience. On this trip you'll stay in beautiful cottages without electricity (only basic lights), with an intimate fresh water source and pond to cool down. All of your cooking and heating needs will be met by a cozy wood fired oven.
Other than being surrounded by natures untouched beauty, what else is there for you to do? Well, relax and take it all in of course! There is a beautiful garden with a lush flowing creek flowing through the property - the back drop to a perfect reading spot if you ask us. Exploring breathtaking hiking trails and learning to cook local dishes in a wood fired oven to maximise your off-the-grid experience.
So if digital detox is your thing, and being away from your buzzing phone and laptop sounds like the right way to unwind and recharge your battery, let us know. If you have a love for travel and camping, now is the time to plan an RV vacation. With so many amazing parks and places to see, it will be easy to plan a trip.
Here in this blog are some of the best RV trips that families can plan today with RV tips for first long trip.
Travel with van down the iconic Route 66 to the Grand Canyon. Most RVers would consider this route to be a must visit place and exotic in its own right with its prestigious position as the Grand Canyon is one of the seven natural wonders of the world. However, most people also go there, stand on the edge of a roadside on a viewing platform, let out a few oohs and ahs and then leave.
There is so much more to the Grand Canyon that most visitors never experience. One of the best cases in point is Havasu falls. Havasu falls is a waterfall that pours over a deep red cliffside into a deep blue pool and it is absolutely stunning to see. It is lightly visited for a couple of reasons. First it is located on Havasupai tribal land which controls access through a permitting system. Find everything you need to know in order to get Havasupai reservations!
Next, getting there requires a 10 mile hike each way from the nearest access point, or the help of a helicopter which can fly you in and land you nearby. Most trips to see the falls involve hiking back and camping in the wild at a nearby primitive campground, then hiking back out the next day. If you want to visit a truly exotic location while in the Grand Canyon region, this is the place to go.
Afterwards, take a side trip to explore city life. Just a hop, skip and a jump away is Las Vegas, world renowned destination for nightlife and entertainment. Take out your party outfit or head a little further west to Ventura, a coastal city, northwest of Los Angeles. Among the things to do, southern California offers a lot. Go for a tour of Hollywood, Disneyland or Sunset Cliffs in San Diego and enjoy some amazing views of the Pacific Ocean.
One of the first places you should consider visiting is Key West Campground. Here you will have the warmth of the Florida sunshine and plenty of warm beaches. Key West is the place to relax, fish, and have lots of family fun. You might even try your hand at snorkeling.
If your family loves Disney, consider heading to Disney’s Fort Wilderness. Spend a day at a Disney amusement park, then head back to camp to rest and relax. These are fully-equipped campsites so you feel like you are camping in luxury. Plus, they are perfect for large groups as ample space is provided within each site.
Canoeing, archery, and many other sports and activities are offered to keep you busy in nature. With a pine and cypress forest, plenty of animals, such as deer, ducks, and armadillos run wild.
This is located along the Georgia and South Carolina coastlines. Spend the day lounging on the beaches, or stroll along the many historical districts. It is simply a gorgeous place to visit.
Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia is home to Plitvice Falls which is listed as one of the seven natural wonders of Croatia. This area contains 16 sapphire blue, crystal clear lakes which are terraced relative to each other. Water cascades down the terraces between the lakes, creating one of the most breathtaking Croatian waterfall landscapes in the world.
There are several campgrounds around the park where caravaners can stay. These areas range from small inexpensive campgrounds to larger higher end state parks. This exotic area should be high on any RVers bucket list of places to see. The best time to visit Croatia is during May to June and September to October during the yacht week.
The Australian outback is a truly exotic location which is one of those places that almost requires a RV to visit. The shortest trip across is a 39-hour drive along the north/south route between Darwin and Adelaide, with Alice Springs falling at about the halfway mark. In Darwin visit the Kakadu National Park, World Heritage Site. For anyone exploring the Northern Territory during their stay in Australia, it is a must-visit place.
South of the majestic Kakadu, the Nitmiluk houses magnificent waterfalls and gorges of the Katherine River. In Litchfield we can visit the Katherine canyon and the aboriginal communities of the Arnhem Land islands and the Tiwi islands. This trip allows for the true outback experience and passes near Uluru, or Ayers Rock, which is accessible as a short side trip, Kings Canyon, Tennant Creek and the Devil's Marbles.
Tennant Creek sits on the Stuart Highway about 500 kilometres north of Alice Springs and just south of the crossroads for the Barkly Highway which is the only direct two-wheel-drive route between the Northern Territory and the Queensland's east coast. It’s not far from the Devils Marbles though!
The outback is largely very remote and can be an unforgiving place so make sure you prepare properly. If the RV road trip across the Outback wasn't enough, Melbourne is only a day's drive from Adelaide and Sydney is another day from Melbourne. Both are world class cities and offer attractions for everyone and has some of the best places to visit in Australia on a road trip.
Venture two hundred miles northwest of Edinburgh, and you’ll find yourself at Gruinard Bay. The area is home to a number of settlements, including the hamlet of Mellon Udrigle, whose claim to fame is having a Pictish hut circle, charmingly situated near a caravan park. When you head out into the waters though, you won’t have to travel far before you reach Gruinard Island, more darkly known as the Island of Death.
The North and South Islands of New Zealand are both outstanding exotic locations for an RV trip to travel New Zealand. RVing is extremely popular with the locals, which makes obtaining a rental RV an easy process. The South Island is larger and is known for its mountains and rocky fjord like coastline.
Either island offers excellent RV infrastructure and will make a great choice for a unique exotic vacation while visiting New Zealand for honeymoon. This is one of the very popular RV vacation destinations in summer.
The road approaches from the southeast with views of the mountain range running north-south. The road stabs into the mountains along Lake Pukaki and then terminates at Mount Cook Lodge. Alternatively, you can see the Mount Cook Range from the west coast of South island, but with only limited and occasional views of the high mountain ridge tops from places like Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier.
Whether you are looking for a new experience across the world, or you want to find the exotic a little closer to home, traveling by RV offers flexibility. If you want to find the unexpected, there is no better way than to pack up your RV or rent one and head out on an unforgettable trip. So get out there and explore some exotic RV traveling with these tips for long RV trips.
Does escaping the crowds in a beautiful, remote location that is a 45 minutes walk away from civilisation sounds like your kind of adventure? If so, you're in for a treat. Living off-the-grid can be an incredibly relaxing and humbling experience. On this trip you'll stay in beautiful cottages without electricity (only basic lights), with an intimate fresh water source and pond to cool down. All of your cooking and heating needs will be met by a cozy wood fired oven.
Other than being surrounded by natures untouched beauty, what else is there for you to do? Well, relax and take it all in of course! There is a beautiful garden with a lush flowing creek flowing through the property - the back drop to a perfect reading spot if you ask us. Exploring breathtaking hiking trails and learning to cook local dishes in a wood fired oven to maximise your off-the-grid experience.
So if digital detox is your thing, and being away from your buzzing phone and laptop sounds like the right way to unwind and recharge your battery, let us know. If you have a love for travel and camping, now is the time to plan an RV vacation. With so many amazing parks and places to see, it will be easy to plan a trip.
Here in this blog are some of the best RV trips that families can plan today with RV tips for first long trip.
1. Havasu Falls, Grand Canyon, USA
Travel with van down the iconic Route 66 to the Grand Canyon. Most RVers would consider this route to be a must visit place and exotic in its own right with its prestigious position as the Grand Canyon is one of the seven natural wonders of the world. However, most people also go there, stand on the edge of a roadside on a viewing platform, let out a few oohs and ahs and then leave.
There is so much more to the Grand Canyon that most visitors never experience. One of the best cases in point is Havasu falls. Havasu falls is a waterfall that pours over a deep red cliffside into a deep blue pool and it is absolutely stunning to see. It is lightly visited for a couple of reasons. First it is located on Havasupai tribal land which controls access through a permitting system. Find everything you need to know in order to get Havasupai reservations!
Next, getting there requires a 10 mile hike each way from the nearest access point, or the help of a helicopter which can fly you in and land you nearby. Most trips to see the falls involve hiking back and camping in the wild at a nearby primitive campground, then hiking back out the next day. If you want to visit a truly exotic location while in the Grand Canyon region, this is the place to go.
Afterwards, take a side trip to explore city life. Just a hop, skip and a jump away is Las Vegas, world renowned destination for nightlife and entertainment. Take out your party outfit or head a little further west to Ventura, a coastal city, northwest of Los Angeles. Among the things to do, southern California offers a lot. Go for a tour of Hollywood, Disneyland or Sunset Cliffs in San Diego and enjoy some amazing views of the Pacific Ocean.
2. Key West, Florida, USA
One of the first places you should consider visiting is Key West Campground. Here you will have the warmth of the Florida sunshine and plenty of warm beaches. Key West is the place to relax, fish, and have lots of family fun. You might even try your hand at snorkeling.
3. Fort Wilderness, Florida, USA
If your family loves Disney, consider heading to Disney’s Fort Wilderness. Spend a day at a Disney amusement park, then head back to camp to rest and relax. These are fully-equipped campsites so you feel like you are camping in luxury. Plus, they are perfect for large groups as ample space is provided within each site.
Canoeing, archery, and many other sports and activities are offered to keep you busy in nature. With a pine and cypress forest, plenty of animals, such as deer, ducks, and armadillos run wild.
4. Sea Islands, USA
This is located along the Georgia and South Carolina coastlines. Spend the day lounging on the beaches, or stroll along the many historical districts. It is simply a gorgeous place to visit.
5. Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia
Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia is home to Plitvice Falls which is listed as one of the seven natural wonders of Croatia. This area contains 16 sapphire blue, crystal clear lakes which are terraced relative to each other. Water cascades down the terraces between the lakes, creating one of the most breathtaking Croatian waterfall landscapes in the world.
There are several campgrounds around the park where caravaners can stay. These areas range from small inexpensive campgrounds to larger higher end state parks. This exotic area should be high on any RVers bucket list of places to see. The best time to visit Croatia is during May to June and September to October during the yacht week.
6. The Australian Outback
The Australian outback is a truly exotic location which is one of those places that almost requires a RV to visit. The shortest trip across is a 39-hour drive along the north/south route between Darwin and Adelaide, with Alice Springs falling at about the halfway mark. In Darwin visit the Kakadu National Park, World Heritage Site. For anyone exploring the Northern Territory during their stay in Australia, it is a must-visit place.
South of the majestic Kakadu, the Nitmiluk houses magnificent waterfalls and gorges of the Katherine River. In Litchfield we can visit the Katherine canyon and the aboriginal communities of the Arnhem Land islands and the Tiwi islands. This trip allows for the true outback experience and passes near Uluru, or Ayers Rock, which is accessible as a short side trip, Kings Canyon, Tennant Creek and the Devil's Marbles.
Tennant Creek sits on the Stuart Highway about 500 kilometres north of Alice Springs and just south of the crossroads for the Barkly Highway which is the only direct two-wheel-drive route between the Northern Territory and the Queensland's east coast. It’s not far from the Devils Marbles though!
The outback is largely very remote and can be an unforgiving place so make sure you prepare properly. If the RV road trip across the Outback wasn't enough, Melbourne is only a day's drive from Adelaide and Sydney is another day from Melbourne. Both are world class cities and offer attractions for everyone and has some of the best places to visit in Australia on a road trip.
7. Gruinard Bay, Scotland
Venture two hundred miles northwest of Edinburgh, and you’ll find yourself at Gruinard Bay. The area is home to a number of settlements, including the hamlet of Mellon Udrigle, whose claim to fame is having a Pictish hut circle, charmingly situated near a caravan park. When you head out into the waters though, you won’t have to travel far before you reach Gruinard Island, more darkly known as the Island of Death.
8. Mount Cook National Park, New Zealand
The North and South Islands of New Zealand are both outstanding exotic locations for an RV trip to travel New Zealand. RVing is extremely popular with the locals, which makes obtaining a rental RV an easy process. The South Island is larger and is known for its mountains and rocky fjord like coastline.
Either island offers excellent RV infrastructure and will make a great choice for a unique exotic vacation while visiting New Zealand for honeymoon. This is one of the very popular RV vacation destinations in summer.
The road approaches from the southeast with views of the mountain range running north-south. The road stabs into the mountains along Lake Pukaki and then terminates at Mount Cook Lodge. Alternatively, you can see the Mount Cook Range from the west coast of South island, but with only limited and occasional views of the high mountain ridge tops from places like Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier.
Whether you are looking for a new experience across the world, or you want to find the exotic a little closer to home, traveling by RV offers flexibility. If you want to find the unexpected, there is no better way than to pack up your RV or rent one and head out on an unforgettable trip. So get out there and explore some exotic RV traveling with these tips for long RV trips.
Thursday, January 31, 2019
Rajasthan is the land of Royals – a place rich in its culture, tradition and history. There are various tourist attractions in the state that you will not stop alluring. The castles in India, forts and palaces at Jodhpur and Udaipur, camel riding at the sand dunes in Jaisalmer, the shopping streets in the pink city of Jaipur and you name it. From travel to food, you will love everything about Rajasthan.
When out for sightseeing, you can also have a travel guide to show you places and share the underlying history and fascinating stories. But make sure you hire a verified guide with proper ID. If you are a travel blogger or photographer, audio guide would be a better option for you. Have you finalized a 5 days for your Rajasthan trip? Ensure your Rajasthan travel package cover maximum of the places within this short yet valuable time.
No matter if you are on a tour of Rajasthan from Mumbai or Kolkata or Bengaluru, you just cannot miss the cultural hotspots in the royal state. It is this culture and heritage that make Rajasthan unique from all other tourist destinations in the country.
The most important cultural hotspots in Rajasthan are Chittorgarh Fort, Mount Abu, Hawa Mahal, Jantar Mantar, City palace and Choki Dhani in Jaipur (a cultural village), Bagore Ki Haweli in Jaipur, Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur and vast desert safari camps in Jaisalmer.
Over time, Rajasthan has turned into an important tourist destination in India inviting travelers from all across the world which has led to better accommodation facilities in the state. You can choose from the wide range of accommodation types from luxury resorts to heritage hotels to small havelis to guest houses to home-stays. Whatever suits your comfort and budget will be yours! However, make sure to book hotels in advance as there’s rush during peak season.
There are a lot of places for shopping in the state. If you are on a tour of Rajasthan from Delhi, being a delhite you probably would be aware of the popular shopping streets like Johari Bazaar in Jaipur, Nayi sadak and Clock Tower in Jodhpur, MG Road in Bikaner, Bada Bazar in Udaipur and Sadar Bazar in Jaisalmer. You never heard about these? Well, now you know about it all!
Rajasthan offers all kinds of cuisine as now it is one of the top tourist attractions in the country. However the traditional food of the state stands unique from any other dishes served in the hotels, streets or homes. Some of the best Rajasthani food that you must try includes Dal Baati Churma, Gatte ki Sabzi, Pyaaz Kachori and Laal Maas.
In Chokhi Dhani near Jaipur, the thaali there is vegetarian and absolutely humongous. It starts with 9–10 absolutely varying dishes all from Rajasthan. You eat and you eat till you can eat no more. And then you turn around to tell your partner that and what do you know? The servers sneak more food on to your plate. Food just keeps coming on and they won’t let you get up. Each dish tastier than the previous one. Divine, fresh food!
The first thing that strikes one's mind is what would be the best time to visit a destination and when the place is Rajasthan, the question becomes more prompt. To answer this direct, you must plan for a trip to Rajasthan in between the months of October and February. During winters the temperature drops to an average range of 25 degree Celsius to 12 degree Celsius.
The next best time to visit Rajasthan after if not winters could be monsoons. The sight of dancing peacocks is worth to behold my friend. So, if you cannot wait till October, book your tickets somewhere in between June and August this year. However, you might have to drop some of the places from the itinerary as they might be closed due to rains.
The summers in Jaipur and Rajasthan are very hot, with a temperature of almost 45 degree celsius, while the winters are cold and ideal for planning a trip to the pink city, since the temperature can even reach 8 degree celsius.
On your trip to Rajasthan, you have to cover four of its major cities – Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur and Udaipur. A trip skipping any of these cities in the Rajasthan packages won’t be called complete so make sure you spend a minimum of 2 nights in each city which makes the total number of days to 10 days. Your Rajasthan trip shouldn’t be less than 10-12 days if you want to cover all the major destinations across the state.
Rajasthan has plenty of local transport systems such as tuk-tuk, e-Rickshaw, Local buses, tourist buses, auto-rickshaws, cabs and tourist permit cars. You can hire tourist cabs dealing with a tour operator for convenience, especially if you want to have a road trip.
Jaipur is well connected by air with Delhi, Calcutta, Bombay, Ahmedabad, Jodhpur and Udaipur. For the more daring, there is train connection with Delhi, Agra, Mumbai, Chennai, Bikaner, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Ahmedabad, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.
Last but in a way the most important point is what to wear when traveling in Rajasthan. If you are going on a trip to Rajasthan in December, pack some cotton wears and flats for the day and get woolens like hoodies, sweaters, jackets, etc. for the chilly nights.
We hope you have a great time exploring the royal land of culture and tradition with a Rajasthan holiday package. Get your rajasthan tour packages and tickets booked and head to the city.
When out for sightseeing, you can also have a travel guide to show you places and share the underlying history and fascinating stories. But make sure you hire a verified guide with proper ID. If you are a travel blogger or photographer, audio guide would be a better option for you. Have you finalized a 5 days for your Rajasthan trip? Ensure your Rajasthan travel package cover maximum of the places within this short yet valuable time.
No matter if you are on a tour of Rajasthan from Mumbai or Kolkata or Bengaluru, you just cannot miss the cultural hotspots in the royal state. It is this culture and heritage that make Rajasthan unique from all other tourist destinations in the country.
The most important cultural hotspots in Rajasthan are Chittorgarh Fort, Mount Abu, Hawa Mahal, Jantar Mantar, City palace and Choki Dhani in Jaipur (a cultural village), Bagore Ki Haweli in Jaipur, Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur and vast desert safari camps in Jaisalmer.
1. Accommodation in Rajasthan
Over time, Rajasthan has turned into an important tourist destination in India inviting travelers from all across the world which has led to better accommodation facilities in the state. You can choose from the wide range of accommodation types from luxury resorts to heritage hotels to small havelis to guest houses to home-stays. Whatever suits your comfort and budget will be yours! However, make sure to book hotels in advance as there’s rush during peak season.
2. Shopping in Rajasthan
There are a lot of places for shopping in the state. If you are on a tour of Rajasthan from Delhi, being a delhite you probably would be aware of the popular shopping streets like Johari Bazaar in Jaipur, Nayi sadak and Clock Tower in Jodhpur, MG Road in Bikaner, Bada Bazar in Udaipur and Sadar Bazar in Jaisalmer. You never heard about these? Well, now you know about it all!
3. Famous food in Rajasthan
Rajasthan offers all kinds of cuisine as now it is one of the top tourist attractions in the country. However the traditional food of the state stands unique from any other dishes served in the hotels, streets or homes. Some of the best Rajasthani food that you must try includes Dal Baati Churma, Gatte ki Sabzi, Pyaaz Kachori and Laal Maas.
In Chokhi Dhani near Jaipur, the thaali there is vegetarian and absolutely humongous. It starts with 9–10 absolutely varying dishes all from Rajasthan. You eat and you eat till you can eat no more. And then you turn around to tell your partner that and what do you know? The servers sneak more food on to your plate. Food just keeps coming on and they won’t let you get up. Each dish tastier than the previous one. Divine, fresh food!
4. Best Time to Visit Rajasthan
The first thing that strikes one's mind is what would be the best time to visit a destination and when the place is Rajasthan, the question becomes more prompt. To answer this direct, you must plan for a trip to Rajasthan in between the months of October and February. During winters the temperature drops to an average range of 25 degree Celsius to 12 degree Celsius.
The next best time to visit Rajasthan after if not winters could be monsoons. The sight of dancing peacocks is worth to behold my friend. So, if you cannot wait till October, book your tickets somewhere in between June and August this year. However, you might have to drop some of the places from the itinerary as they might be closed due to rains.
The summers in Jaipur and Rajasthan are very hot, with a temperature of almost 45 degree celsius, while the winters are cold and ideal for planning a trip to the pink city, since the temperature can even reach 8 degree celsius.
5. How many days are required to visit Rajasthan?
On your trip to Rajasthan, you have to cover four of its major cities – Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur and Udaipur. A trip skipping any of these cities in the Rajasthan packages won’t be called complete so make sure you spend a minimum of 2 nights in each city which makes the total number of days to 10 days. Your Rajasthan trip shouldn’t be less than 10-12 days if you want to cover all the major destinations across the state.
6. Transport in Rajasthan
Rajasthan has plenty of local transport systems such as tuk-tuk, e-Rickshaw, Local buses, tourist buses, auto-rickshaws, cabs and tourist permit cars. You can hire tourist cabs dealing with a tour operator for convenience, especially if you want to have a road trip.
7. How to reach Rajasthan?
Jaipur is well connected by air with Delhi, Calcutta, Bombay, Ahmedabad, Jodhpur and Udaipur. For the more daring, there is train connection with Delhi, Agra, Mumbai, Chennai, Bikaner, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Ahmedabad, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.
8. Clothing in Rajasthan
Last but in a way the most important point is what to wear when traveling in Rajasthan. If you are going on a trip to Rajasthan in December, pack some cotton wears and flats for the day and get woolens like hoodies, sweaters, jackets, etc. for the chilly nights.
We hope you have a great time exploring the royal land of culture and tradition with a Rajasthan holiday package. Get your rajasthan tour packages and tickets booked and head to the city.
Tuesday, January 29, 2019
As poets, artists and philosophers have shown us for centuries, the natural world is a great inspiration. People marvel at the beauty and wonder of the natural environment all over the world. And it's never too young to start getting your little ones to take note of the earth and its many offerings. In fact, simply getting children to play outside when they are young can spark off a true passion for the environment.
So here's how as a parent you can get your kids love playing outside and not just play indoors and get inspired by the natural world.
The benefits of the natural world for little ones
Most adults know that a walk in nature can make us feel better on even the gloomiest of days or a swim at the beach, or an adventure in the jungle. And children are no different. They just don't yet know how to spend time outdoors. Help them get excited about playing outside so that the child loves seeing what the places around them have to offer.
There are lots of different ways to do this. You could start by simply encouraging them to play sports and team games that need to be done outside. For example try introducing easy soccer ball and cricket games for kids or take them on an orienteering walk where they'll be able to take in the environment while engaging with something fun.
You can carry some good story books, worksheets, toys, travel games for kids like boardless games to play without cards in free time depending on the age of your kid, games on your smartphones or tablets.
Ways to get your kids to enjoy an outdoor activity
Want to get your children enjoying the outside fresh air, but not quite sure how? Here are few fun ideas:
One really fun way of getting kids to play outside is to set them a treasure hunt. Hide simple clues in different parts of your neighbourhood and send them out in teams (with a responsible adult attached!) to race towards the end.
The outdoors is a pretty massive place so if you want to get your kids excited about it try showing them some of the variety. Use holidays and weekends to explore rivers, mountains, jungles and oceans.
Want your kids to see the real opportunities the natural world brings? Go for playdates in a local zoo and let them see what it’s like to work with animals. Or let them help out in the garden and see how much they learn about growing plants.
Easy cricket games for kids are a great starter here - it's not something that can be done in the living room and inspiring a love of cricket will mean older children will also have a reason to get out of the house. If cricket isn't their thing, try other sports like hockey, football or athletics.
Those are just a few ways to help inspire your children not to watch TV and reduce screen time but to get outside and be physically active. In these screen-filled times when it seems that childhood is increasingly taken up with social media posts and selfies help kids explore what’s really going in the great outdoors.
So here's how as a parent you can get your kids love playing outside and not just play indoors and get inspired by the natural world.
The benefits of the natural world for little ones
Most adults know that a walk in nature can make us feel better on even the gloomiest of days or a swim at the beach, or an adventure in the jungle. And children are no different. They just don't yet know how to spend time outdoors. Help them get excited about playing outside so that the child loves seeing what the places around them have to offer.
There are lots of different ways to do this. You could start by simply encouraging them to play sports and team games that need to be done outside. For example try introducing easy soccer ball and cricket games for kids or take them on an orienteering walk where they'll be able to take in the environment while engaging with something fun.
You can carry some good story books, worksheets, toys, travel games for kids like boardless games to play without cards in free time depending on the age of your kid, games on your smartphones or tablets.
Ways to get your kids to enjoy an outdoor activity
Want to get your children enjoying the outside fresh air, but not quite sure how? Here are few fun ideas:
1. Plan a treasure hunt
One really fun way of getting kids to play outside is to set them a treasure hunt. Hide simple clues in different parts of your neighbourhood and send them out in teams (with a responsible adult attached!) to race towards the end.
2. Show them lots of different environments
The outdoors is a pretty massive place so if you want to get your kids excited about it try showing them some of the variety. Use holidays and weekends to explore rivers, mountains, jungles and oceans.
3. Link the natural world to different opportunities
Want your kids to see the real opportunities the natural world brings? Go for playdates in a local zoo and let them see what it’s like to work with animals. Or let them help out in the garden and see how much they learn about growing plants.
4. Do things that you couldn't do inside
Easy cricket games for kids are a great starter here - it's not something that can be done in the living room and inspiring a love of cricket will mean older children will also have a reason to get out of the house. If cricket isn't their thing, try other sports like hockey, football or athletics.
Those are just a few ways to help inspire your children not to watch TV and reduce screen time but to get outside and be physically active. In these screen-filled times when it seems that childhood is increasingly taken up with social media posts and selfies help kids explore what’s really going in the great outdoors.
Monday, January 28, 2019
Traveling is a great way to get refreshed whether it is for business or just plain fun. Traveling is just awesome. Therefore, we are going to talk about some of the best portable travel gadgets today. If you are a regular traveler, you must have an idea of how important it is to carry certain gadgets. We provide you the list of best gadgets to enhance your traveling experience.
Here's the big question. Why should you carry portable gadgets during travel? The world that we live in is digital. We revolve around technology. Smartphones, tablets, laptops, everything has just gone digital. Just like the world has become a global village. It's important to keep track of where the digital world is going.
Therefore, to keep your traveling experience over the top without any compromises in the technology department while being in the context of technology, it's very important to keep all these portable gadgets with you all the time. Even if you're on vacation rentals, you might need these gadgets to enhance your travel experience. Now let's talk about the best travel gadgets essential for your traveling experience.
Here are the top portable gadgets:
It's important to have a All-in-One traveling plug adapter if you're a chronic traveler. There are all sorts of adapters available. However, choosing the best one should be your priority. Having a universal plug adapter can make you travel experience rather seamless and less worried. Europe, Asia, and America use different plug adapters.
Therefore, there are universal plug adapters that provide you all these different plugs. There won't be any problem no matter in which country you go to.
Please don’t be the person that rolls their eyes or loudly complains to the gate agent within earshot of a parent groaning, tell me that baby is not sitting near me. Babies have the same rights to flying as you do! You were one once. Have compassion for the parents and understand that it is extremely difficult for them. Be proactive, not reactive and get earplugs. Many airlines will already provide them in a little pouch when you fly long-haul.
Music brings life to boring travel. If you're bored while traveling then music is a great way to bring life to your time. At least temporarily. However, you must choose headphones that are great for this purpose. A lot of companies are making the best headphones suited solely for traveling purposes. So why should you choose noise cancellation headphones?
The main significance of using a noise cancellation headphone is that it can reduce noise coming out of your headphones and vice versa. Therefore, it's best suited for air travel where there is a lot of noise. This makes noise cancellation headphones one of the best travel gadgets on our list.
If you're a YouTuber or a content creator, it's always important to have a portable hard disk at your disposal. A portable hard disk allows you to transfer data from one medium to another or you can just use them to edit current videos or have a large amount of data without having to worry about the storage capacity of any machine.
Therefore, choosing the right hard disk is important. There are all types of them. Ranging from 250 GB up to many Terabytes, it depends upon your budget. This is why portable hard disk is considered as a great portable travel gadget.
Many planes still don't have outlets. Power bank is a must-have for you in all scenarios to power your devices. If, you don't find any plugs while traveling, it's important to have a portable power bank in your backpack. With the use of this awesome piece of tech, you can easily charge your devices without having to worry about batteries dying. Choose a power bank with a high charging capacity.
If you are traveling, enjoying media might seem a little weird on your smartphone. The world is a large place. Therefore, you need a bigger product to enjoy in the outside world. Having a notebook or tablet is a cool way to enjoy media. Even if you're a content creator, notebooks can help you in producing your content without you having to carry those bulky laptops out there.
Samsung, HP, and some other companies like LG are producing some of the best notebooks out there. Carry small iPad with downloaded movies.
Smartwatches are an awesome tool to use especially when you're traveling. Imagine checking your phone every second. Smartwatches enable you to check notifications and stuff right from your watch without having to worry about a thing at all. Therefore, a smartwatch is an awesome device to have.
An eye mask is invaluable for your sleep, but also mental well-being, and often provided in your little airline pouch as well.
Overall
So far we've covered some great portable travel gadgets. Whether you're going on a trip or business, you need to have these items in your bags so that you won't suffer as many people do nowadays.
Here's the big question. Why should you carry portable gadgets during travel? The world that we live in is digital. We revolve around technology. Smartphones, tablets, laptops, everything has just gone digital. Just like the world has become a global village. It's important to keep track of where the digital world is going.
Therefore, to keep your traveling experience over the top without any compromises in the technology department while being in the context of technology, it's very important to keep all these portable gadgets with you all the time. Even if you're on vacation rentals, you might need these gadgets to enhance your travel experience. Now let's talk about the best travel gadgets essential for your traveling experience.
Here are the top portable gadgets:
1. Universal Plug Adapter
It's important to have a All-in-One traveling plug adapter if you're a chronic traveler. There are all sorts of adapters available. However, choosing the best one should be your priority. Having a universal plug adapter can make you travel experience rather seamless and less worried. Europe, Asia, and America use different plug adapters.
Therefore, there are universal plug adapters that provide you all these different plugs. There won't be any problem no matter in which country you go to.
2. Noise Cancellation Headphones
Please don’t be the person that rolls their eyes or loudly complains to the gate agent within earshot of a parent groaning, tell me that baby is not sitting near me. Babies have the same rights to flying as you do! You were one once. Have compassion for the parents and understand that it is extremely difficult for them. Be proactive, not reactive and get earplugs. Many airlines will already provide them in a little pouch when you fly long-haul.
Music brings life to boring travel. If you're bored while traveling then music is a great way to bring life to your time. At least temporarily. However, you must choose headphones that are great for this purpose. A lot of companies are making the best headphones suited solely for traveling purposes. So why should you choose noise cancellation headphones?
The main significance of using a noise cancellation headphone is that it can reduce noise coming out of your headphones and vice versa. Therefore, it's best suited for air travel where there is a lot of noise. This makes noise cancellation headphones one of the best travel gadgets on our list.
3. Portable Hard disks
If you're a YouTuber or a content creator, it's always important to have a portable hard disk at your disposal. A portable hard disk allows you to transfer data from one medium to another or you can just use them to edit current videos or have a large amount of data without having to worry about the storage capacity of any machine.
Therefore, choosing the right hard disk is important. There are all types of them. Ranging from 250 GB up to many Terabytes, it depends upon your budget. This is why portable hard disk is considered as a great portable travel gadget.
4. Portable Power Bank
Many planes still don't have outlets. Power bank is a must-have for you in all scenarios to power your devices. If, you don't find any plugs while traveling, it's important to have a portable power bank in your backpack. With the use of this awesome piece of tech, you can easily charge your devices without having to worry about batteries dying. Choose a power bank with a high charging capacity.
5. Tablet/Notebook
If you are traveling, enjoying media might seem a little weird on your smartphone. The world is a large place. Therefore, you need a bigger product to enjoy in the outside world. Having a notebook or tablet is a cool way to enjoy media. Even if you're a content creator, notebooks can help you in producing your content without you having to carry those bulky laptops out there.
Samsung, HP, and some other companies like LG are producing some of the best notebooks out there. Carry small iPad with downloaded movies.
6. GPS Smartwatch
Smartwatches are an awesome tool to use especially when you're traveling. Imagine checking your phone every second. Smartwatches enable you to check notifications and stuff right from your watch without having to worry about a thing at all. Therefore, a smartwatch is an awesome device to have.
7. Eye mask
An eye mask is invaluable for your sleep, but also mental well-being, and often provided in your little airline pouch as well.
Overall
So far we've covered some great portable travel gadgets. Whether you're going on a trip or business, you need to have these items in your bags so that you won't suffer as many people do nowadays.
Monday, January 28, 2019
Do you dream to go up the Col du Tourmalet, one of the best hikes in France and cycling climbs in the world in your mountain bike. Col du Tourmalet, the colossus, the giant, the myth of all the climbs is the one that all cyclists dream of climbing once in their lives. The Col du Tourmalet, or simply Tourmalet goes without any doubt to the story of great cycling achievements. The Tour de France has added a patina of legend to this high mountain pass in such a way that it is already inseparable from the sport of cycling.
The Col du Tourmalet Bike Climb is situated in Midi-Pyrenees. The Col du Tourmalet ascent is 17.2 km long starting from Sainte Marie de Campan. You have to climb 1268 meters. The maximum slope is 10 %. PJAMM Cycling has the list which contains the best bike climbs in the world. Where to stay to face the climb up the slope of St. Marie de Campan is always a matter of doubt.
It is true that Campan is close to the climb. Many people stay in this town and wheel to warm up in the direction of Bagnères de Bigorre (7 kilometers away) to then return and start the climb. Bagnères de Bigorre is a very touristy town and there is a wide range of accommodation.
For those who are new to cycling sport, you will reach a time where you must climb the hill and much more likely. To perform this task effectively, there are some tips that you should think about so as not to waste all your energy or increase heart rate while climbing the hill. Many first-time cyclists end up falling into bad habits that hinder their ability to climb hills.
Once you develop a method, it's hard to get out. So be sure to start the right foot when it comes to climbing the hills. The last thing you want to do is to be scared of the roads with names like Old Mountain Road, Granite Hill, and Hill Crest Lane. You will use not only your legs to push yourself up the hill but your arms as well.
If you climb a hill correctly, you will notice that your arms will be cumbersome like your leg muscles are pulling down on your bars. Try not to disturb the "pull" from pulling the rails. Eventually, cyclists who tend to pull their rods lose momentum, and their body will work unevenly, making it even more troublesome.
Making a bicycle lighter for cycling uphill is an option that many cyclists choose. They will remove their rear brakes because more power and control comes from the front brakes anyway, but if you are competing, you will need to check the regulations to make sure you can do so and still qualify for the competition.
You can use smaller windows, although this step may bring some comfort away from your trip, you will not notice much because steep climbs reduce travel speed. Some riders under 65 kg lose weight and will use the old road bike seat and remove all padding to ride the open plastic mold only. You will be invited to rule on your part if you can ride without stuffing, by all means, try it.
Mountain bike water bottle holders and cages are almost unnecessary for horse riding for an hour or less. Ready-made cyclists must already compete for water, then respray it immediately afterward, and there is no need to take a huge water bottle. Breathing is one of the most important aspects of climbing the hill.
For your muscles to get the oxygen you need, your breathing techniques must be correct. Make sure to keep your chest open, and breathe deeply through the diaphragm (lower abdomen) instead of the upper chest and shoulders. Skeletal breathing across the chest can increase ventilation, where you will have to breathe twice several times to get the same amount of oxygen as if you had proper techniques in place.
Often the most experienced pheasant has already recovered on the hills. They do this by breathing profoundly and expanding the lungs. RPMs or revolutions per minute can vary from pheasant to pheasant, but on average they will be about 80 rpm when climbing the hill. This can vary due to the composition of the cyclist's body, not because of individual strength.
The important thing is to lift the truck effectively. Do not wait until the current gear becomes very difficult. This somewhat late also focused on pulling the pedal stroke to the top as much as you push them down. One good way to think about it is by guiding your heels down and driving your heels through the ground on the stroke.
On the opposite end of the stroke focus on throwing the knees into the handlebars. This will push the tendons and glutes to work as hard as the thighs do. Otherwise directly burn your thighs out and quickly. The mental aspect of climbing hills with a bicycle is one of the most important parts. Remember mountains like road names?
It has been shown that knowing that you can perform a task is 95% of the battle, and the rest is material. Why do people often surrender? Their minds are trained for this event even if they are their bodies. You will need to be in the right mind mode to climb that hill, see yourself advancing, top up and up with energy to spare you and carry you forward. Just remember this, at the top of each hill you climb there is always a trip back down.
When you recover, you want to see everything, photograph everything and of course enter the bar museum, where you will surely enjoy the most comforting drink and food of your life. From what great being a cyclist we encourage everyone to live this great experience. Numerous cyclists from all over the world reserve a few days in summer to face the climb of the Tourmalet, much more than a mountain pass. Do you dare?
The Col du Tourmalet Bike Climb is situated in Midi-Pyrenees. The Col du Tourmalet ascent is 17.2 km long starting from Sainte Marie de Campan. You have to climb 1268 meters. The maximum slope is 10 %. PJAMM Cycling has the list which contains the best bike climbs in the world. Where to stay to face the climb up the slope of St. Marie de Campan is always a matter of doubt.
It is true that Campan is close to the climb. Many people stay in this town and wheel to warm up in the direction of Bagnères de Bigorre (7 kilometers away) to then return and start the climb. Bagnères de Bigorre is a very touristy town and there is a wide range of accommodation.
For those who are new to cycling sport, you will reach a time where you must climb the hill and much more likely. To perform this task effectively, there are some tips that you should think about so as not to waste all your energy or increase heart rate while climbing the hill. Many first-time cyclists end up falling into bad habits that hinder their ability to climb hills.
Once you develop a method, it's hard to get out. So be sure to start the right foot when it comes to climbing the hills. The last thing you want to do is to be scared of the roads with names like Old Mountain Road, Granite Hill, and Hill Crest Lane. You will use not only your legs to push yourself up the hill but your arms as well.
If you climb a hill correctly, you will notice that your arms will be cumbersome like your leg muscles are pulling down on your bars. Try not to disturb the "pull" from pulling the rails. Eventually, cyclists who tend to pull their rods lose momentum, and their body will work unevenly, making it even more troublesome.
Making a bicycle lighter for cycling uphill is an option that many cyclists choose. They will remove their rear brakes because more power and control comes from the front brakes anyway, but if you are competing, you will need to check the regulations to make sure you can do so and still qualify for the competition.
You can use smaller windows, although this step may bring some comfort away from your trip, you will not notice much because steep climbs reduce travel speed. Some riders under 65 kg lose weight and will use the old road bike seat and remove all padding to ride the open plastic mold only. You will be invited to rule on your part if you can ride without stuffing, by all means, try it.
Mountain bike water bottle holders and cages are almost unnecessary for horse riding for an hour or less. Ready-made cyclists must already compete for water, then respray it immediately afterward, and there is no need to take a huge water bottle. Breathing is one of the most important aspects of climbing the hill.
For your muscles to get the oxygen you need, your breathing techniques must be correct. Make sure to keep your chest open, and breathe deeply through the diaphragm (lower abdomen) instead of the upper chest and shoulders. Skeletal breathing across the chest can increase ventilation, where you will have to breathe twice several times to get the same amount of oxygen as if you had proper techniques in place.
Often the most experienced pheasant has already recovered on the hills. They do this by breathing profoundly and expanding the lungs. RPMs or revolutions per minute can vary from pheasant to pheasant, but on average they will be about 80 rpm when climbing the hill. This can vary due to the composition of the cyclist's body, not because of individual strength.
The important thing is to lift the truck effectively. Do not wait until the current gear becomes very difficult. This somewhat late also focused on pulling the pedal stroke to the top as much as you push them down. One good way to think about it is by guiding your heels down and driving your heels through the ground on the stroke.
On the opposite end of the stroke focus on throwing the knees into the handlebars. This will push the tendons and glutes to work as hard as the thighs do. Otherwise directly burn your thighs out and quickly. The mental aspect of climbing hills with a bicycle is one of the most important parts. Remember mountains like road names?
It has been shown that knowing that you can perform a task is 95% of the battle, and the rest is material. Why do people often surrender? Their minds are trained for this event even if they are their bodies. You will need to be in the right mind mode to climb that hill, see yourself advancing, top up and up with energy to spare you and carry you forward. Just remember this, at the top of each hill you climb there is always a trip back down.
When you recover, you want to see everything, photograph everything and of course enter the bar museum, where you will surely enjoy the most comforting drink and food of your life. From what great being a cyclist we encourage everyone to live this great experience. Numerous cyclists from all over the world reserve a few days in summer to face the climb of the Tourmalet, much more than a mountain pass. Do you dare?
Saturday, January 26, 2019
The number of men and women who are looking for no strings attached relationships or love is on the rise, who abandon the traditional holiday destinations in favor of increasingly exotic places. The number of men and women of different age groups is growing, who caress the idea of finding love or even just fleeting relationships on vacation.
To push many of them to places with a high rate of fun and low inhibitions is not only sexual desire, but also the desire for different relationships. Therefore, the idea of a break leads to relationships that can last only two weeks and which do not exclude a sort of reward in economic terms or gifts to the occasional partner.
During a holiday the rest from busy daily rhythms increases sexual desire. In the summer, moreover, the action of the sun has a decidedly positive effect on the hormones, stimulating the production of serotonin and testosterone. Even the desire for transgression increases, to subvert the habits, in every field and in the erotic one, testing new pleasures.
A trip to India is an opportunity to discover another approach to well-being using techniques ranging from the ancient wisdom of tantra and lush natural landscapes. It's about taking the romantic relationship to the next level, both in the bed and in the outside world. In India the Kamasutra and Tantra were invented hundreds of years ago and they had a very open, advanced and spiritual vision of love.
Without becoming too philosophical, the experience of a vacation is associated with certain pleasures, that is, an escape from normality. For a first approach, it is quite easy to learn different methods of meditation in states like Goa for example, where there are many centers that offer courses to tourists.
In Arambol, there are centers that offers many classes in yoga and meditation, including Tantric meditation, also called sexual meditation. Through breathing exercises, relaxing the body and exchanging energy, the goal is to enter into communion with the energy of our environment and that of our partner.
With a little practice, it can unlock the flow of energy in the whole body and even reach ecstasy without going through orgasm. It is an ideal practice for those who want to live their sexuality better, often held back by cultural taboos around sex in our society. You learn a lot about yourself and your relationships with others.
Ayurveda can be found in India as a whole, but even more so in the state of Kerala, in the south of the country, and the cradle of this medicine. For a first approach, try abhyanga massage, which is a massage of the whole body with essential oils. The coconut available here abundantly is a symbol of fertility in India. In addition, Coconut oil is used as an excellent lubricant and stimulant.
Many retreats in Kerala offers accommodation in cabins with palm trees on the coast of the Arabian sea, as well as sensory-sensual exploration sessions, erotic inspiration, and wild euphoria. Many couples have often resorted to them not because they were necessarily traveling, but as an escape to find romance and eroticism.
It's the same kind of pleasure you feel when you eat a chocolate bar or smoke a cigarette. Oh, and let's not forget those wonderfully clean and fresh sheets, room service, pools, smells, and the list goes on and on. You will learn erotic imagination techniques, and you will enjoy the gifts left in your room like sex toys and homemade aphrodisiac truffles.
Many top hotels offers sensual rooms to unleash the fantasies of the travel couple that allow you to spend a crazy night with the help of intimate products. These are offered in different chests of spectacular design inspired by the seven deadly sins to experience wild, sensual, sweet or perverse fun with the toys, ultrasexy lingerie, bath oils, exfoliants and a massager so that it is she who enjoys a relaxing night. The best? That the next day you can take the chest to continue the fun at home.
In addition to accommodation and toys, many packages includes a bottle of champagne in the room, and strawberries with cream. On the other hand, the therapists use the fertile energy of the earth to allow the tourists to connect with their natural rhythms and find their most pure and primal sensuality through yoga and meditation oriented to sex.
The contemporary tantra concepts lead ancestral practices of tantra to the modern world, combining ancient wisdom with current therapeutic tools that allow couples to build both spiritual and erotic connections. In the north of the country at the foot of the Himalayas is the Disneyland of Yoga. Rishikesh, a sacred city, has dozens of ashrams to choose from and lots of courses of all varieties of Yoga.
Here I reviewed many of the beliefs I had about sex and learned a whole new way of coping with life. In tantra there are two oranges that together form the symbol of infinity and this connects them with everything that exists. No one will enter there for codependency, need or attachment, but by pure celebration of force itself.
After the break it is important that couples are able to incorporate into their daily lives what they have learned during the holidays and to help improve sexual wellbeing. In India breaking away from traditions and taboos, there are now online stores from where you can easily get products ranging from personal lubricants, vibrating rings, foreplay games and sexy lingerie to spice up your fantasies whether you are a single or a couple looking to break the monotony.
To push many of them to places with a high rate of fun and low inhibitions is not only sexual desire, but also the desire for different relationships. Therefore, the idea of a break leads to relationships that can last only two weeks and which do not exclude a sort of reward in economic terms or gifts to the occasional partner.
During a holiday the rest from busy daily rhythms increases sexual desire. In the summer, moreover, the action of the sun has a decidedly positive effect on the hormones, stimulating the production of serotonin and testosterone. Even the desire for transgression increases, to subvert the habits, in every field and in the erotic one, testing new pleasures.
A trip to India is an opportunity to discover another approach to well-being using techniques ranging from the ancient wisdom of tantra and lush natural landscapes. It's about taking the romantic relationship to the next level, both in the bed and in the outside world. In India the Kamasutra and Tantra were invented hundreds of years ago and they had a very open, advanced and spiritual vision of love.
Without becoming too philosophical, the experience of a vacation is associated with certain pleasures, that is, an escape from normality. For a first approach, it is quite easy to learn different methods of meditation in states like Goa for example, where there are many centers that offer courses to tourists.
In Arambol, there are centers that offers many classes in yoga and meditation, including Tantric meditation, also called sexual meditation. Through breathing exercises, relaxing the body and exchanging energy, the goal is to enter into communion with the energy of our environment and that of our partner.
With a little practice, it can unlock the flow of energy in the whole body and even reach ecstasy without going through orgasm. It is an ideal practice for those who want to live their sexuality better, often held back by cultural taboos around sex in our society. You learn a lot about yourself and your relationships with others.
Ayurveda can be found in India as a whole, but even more so in the state of Kerala, in the south of the country, and the cradle of this medicine. For a first approach, try abhyanga massage, which is a massage of the whole body with essential oils. The coconut available here abundantly is a symbol of fertility in India. In addition, Coconut oil is used as an excellent lubricant and stimulant.
Many retreats in Kerala offers accommodation in cabins with palm trees on the coast of the Arabian sea, as well as sensory-sensual exploration sessions, erotic inspiration, and wild euphoria. Many couples have often resorted to them not because they were necessarily traveling, but as an escape to find romance and eroticism.
It's the same kind of pleasure you feel when you eat a chocolate bar or smoke a cigarette. Oh, and let's not forget those wonderfully clean and fresh sheets, room service, pools, smells, and the list goes on and on. You will learn erotic imagination techniques, and you will enjoy the gifts left in your room like sex toys and homemade aphrodisiac truffles.
Many top hotels offers sensual rooms to unleash the fantasies of the travel couple that allow you to spend a crazy night with the help of intimate products. These are offered in different chests of spectacular design inspired by the seven deadly sins to experience wild, sensual, sweet or perverse fun with the toys, ultrasexy lingerie, bath oils, exfoliants and a massager so that it is she who enjoys a relaxing night. The best? That the next day you can take the chest to continue the fun at home.
In addition to accommodation and toys, many packages includes a bottle of champagne in the room, and strawberries with cream. On the other hand, the therapists use the fertile energy of the earth to allow the tourists to connect with their natural rhythms and find their most pure and primal sensuality through yoga and meditation oriented to sex.
The contemporary tantra concepts lead ancestral practices of tantra to the modern world, combining ancient wisdom with current therapeutic tools that allow couples to build both spiritual and erotic connections. In the north of the country at the foot of the Himalayas is the Disneyland of Yoga. Rishikesh, a sacred city, has dozens of ashrams to choose from and lots of courses of all varieties of Yoga.
Here I reviewed many of the beliefs I had about sex and learned a whole new way of coping with life. In tantra there are two oranges that together form the symbol of infinity and this connects them with everything that exists. No one will enter there for codependency, need or attachment, but by pure celebration of force itself.
After the break it is important that couples are able to incorporate into their daily lives what they have learned during the holidays and to help improve sexual wellbeing. In India breaking away from traditions and taboos, there are now online stores from where you can easily get products ranging from personal lubricants, vibrating rings, foreplay games and sexy lingerie to spice up your fantasies whether you are a single or a couple looking to break the monotony.
Sunday, January 20, 2019
Are you wondering on how to travel solo in Europe or looking for some solo travel tips for backpackers? Europe is one of the safest places to travel when you are on your own and travelling Europe alone on a budget as it has some of the cheap places to travel. Every traveler who is about to embark on their first trip to Europe is faced with the same questions: Which are the best places to visit in Europe? Which are the must-visit cities in Europe? And what is the best way to travel Europe for the first time?
No continent on earth is more densely packed with such a variety of cultures and experiences. With a history that has shaped the globe, cultures that change every few hundred miles, and natural beauty that stretches from the sandy beaches of the Mediterranean to the frosty fjords of Scandinavia, it’s not surprising that you’re looking to travel to Europe for the first time.
A traveler should aim to see at least three of the continent’s major cities, as this will offer a sense of the cultural diversity of the region. It can be a great place to meet people and fellow travelers as well and you can also travel cheap especially in May and June or October and November.
The eastern parts of Europe attract with its rich history, magnificent architecture and cultural experiences. In 2020, more and more travelers will replace the most traditional weekend cities like London, Paris and Barcelona, the cities located to the east of Europe. Europe is a continent and hence it is impossible to explore it in just one trip.
What you can do in 15 days is choose places that will be a tad bit light on your pocket and get to know them well. Here you will find a melting pot of culture, interesting food traditions and unique travel experiences with slightly lower prices than elsewhere in Europe - a real win-win. Now you have two options to pursue.
Travel to a lot of places in a touch and go manner and add up to your list of places covered. Travel to a few places but explore them really well.
DON’T. Especially in the metro, train stations, or other busy public places. The RIGHT side is for standing idly. The left side is for people in a rush, walking or running up or down the escalator. Same goes with the flat ones you’ll find in some of the bigger metro stations or in Paris airports. Mind your shopping bags or luggage too.
Don’t stand in the middle, you are blocking the way and annoying everyone. You’ll likely be met with a disgruntled Pardon! coming from behind you.
Whether invited for dinner, coffee, a meal, a party or a longer stay. Always bring something as a gift, something to drink for example or something sweet, like wine (preferably good - if the wine is cheap and/or bad, French people will know and think of you accordingly), good quality chocolates or dessert.
Also, when going to a party, the alcohol you bring is meant to be shared with everyone. People bring their own six pack of beer to parties in some Northern American countries, intending for it to be for their own enjoyment only. That, in France, would be considered terrible manners.
Cafes, restaurants, trains, buses, museums, even in a crowd somewhere unless it is a demonstration. In fact, whenever not at home, keep the volume down. It applies for the communal stairs in apartment buildings too. In the cinema, just keep quiet. If you need to make a phone call when there are people surrounding you, step outside. Disturbing others by chatting too loudly is considered very uncouth. You may even get told off.
Italian men never wear shorts, very young Italian women do, occasionally. Do not forget that in Italy summer can be hot and sunny, you may not like getting extensive sunburns. Bermuda shorts are not considered very elegant but are usually OK, so are those horrible mid-calf trousers (capri in English, pinocchietto in Italian). But stay away from shorts.
Never ever ever wear socks and sandals! Italian can be very judgmental about look and socks and sandals is a BIG no no in italy.
The risk of a trick-roll is very high while travelling, you’ve no idea what mess they hold with them. Think long and hard as to whether the Red Light district in Amsterdam is something you really want to do. You might think you need to do it, or think you want to do it. Until you’re in the middle of a bunch of gawking stag party types, most of whom are drunk or aimlessly milling about or both, crammed into a very small part of the city.
Make sure you bring contraception in case you get lucky.
Follow local customs and have a bit to eat with your drinks. You will find that it has its merits. Do not take an aggressive exchange of words for an invite to physical violence. It is a rare event should it happen and seen as a lack of wits. Do not take loud exchange of words and shouting for aggression. It is just the way people talk, the more south the louder. Just live with it and join in.
Do not complain over kids out late with parents at the bar. This is a different custom and they really do have it under perfect control. Just live with it.
In case you are a student, carry your ID. A lot of places in Europe offer discounts to students. Apply for a multiple entry Schengen Visa before making bookings of flights, trains and accommodations. Once your visa is approved, then go ahead and plan. Always make a habit of uploading or saving copies of your important docs on cloud.
In many Schengen countries, like Spain, France, Belgium and the Netherlands, carrying an official ID document (which for foreigners normally means passport or EU ID card) at all times is compulsory to some degree. In others, like Germany, there is no requirement to carry official ID, but it is advisable to have some form of ID.
It’s not always easy to find out what the rules in any given country are. Now, in some countries you may risk a fine if you’re checked by police when you don’t have your passport on you. This is fairly unlikely in the first place. If you’re a tourist, you’re carrying a photocopy of your passport, and you’re polite, most police officers will probably be lenient even if they could theoretically fine you.
Depending on what you’re doing and how old you are, you might also need your passport for other purposes, like buying alcohol or getting age-based discounts in museums. Now you have to weigh the risk of pickpockets against the possible inconvenience and the risk of a fine.
If you're using Uber or Lyft, be certain the vehicle that shows up is legit. Compare the picture of the driver you are expecting with the person driving. Download offline maps of your route. You can't trust network everywhere. Just download the maps of all the cities in your phone and you wouldn't need to buy a local SIM card everywhere.
Saving offline maps can help but you always need to search hotels/metro time and all. Buy a local plan. You can find its much cheaper than what you pay in-country for an international plan. It also helps to find when is your next metro bus train. Learn to read the metro lines in the google app. It's helpful.
Learn to say hello and thank you in the local language and you’ll have an even better experience with the locals. In Europe you are supposed to apologize even if you touch someone by mistake. Not using these in most of your interactions with strangers or acquaintances will be seen as terribly rude. Dismiss them at your own peril and face the cold wind.
French people do not demonstrate friendliness or welcoming through huge smiles, empty how-are-yas and hugs. But through politeness, restrained but sincere smiles and appropriate greetings. Not quite in the same manner as our British neighbours do, but not far off.
Eat as much as possible from supermarkets and small local stores and street shops. Eating at a restaurant can easily set you back from $10-$20 per person, per meal depending on which country you are. Do not complain about slow service in restaurants. You will wait for everything, use this time to relax and enjoy your company. Europeans prefer parceling the leftovers but aren’t familiar with the concept of sharing food.
Absolutely do not waste a meal by eating a complimentary breakfast at your hotel/hostel. Europe has some of the best pastries and bread in the world. The coffee isn’t half bad either. They take coffee black, but it’s not bitter. It has a really smooth flavor to it, and the sweet pastries are a perfect pairing to the coffee, to start your day on a good note.
In Europe, milky coffees are as firmly entrenched in the culture as a breakfast (or morning) thing, as cereal with milk or runny boiled egg with toast are in other cultures. That’s the real reason why Italians have such a strong and negative reaction to the idea of a cappuccino or even worse, a caffe latte after a main meal. But behind this, there’s another reason.
It’s a commonly held belief by Italians that having a milky drink after or during a main meal is bad for digestion. Whereas in the morning, it only usually goes with a very light breakfast of pastries, biscuits (the UK meaning of the word biscuit) or perhaps some bread with a little jam.
The concept of coffee after a meal in Italy (and in other places in Europe) is as a digestive - which a strong, short black espresso coffee is actually very good for. Italian cafe/coffee is certainly the best in the world, and the Italians take great pride in it. The baristas and bartenders were also really friendly, and are actually responsible for the Barista culture in Starbucks all over the world, as Howard Schulz mentions in his book, Pour Your Heart Into It.
Entering any cafe usually involves a loud and expressive Bon Giorno! with a smile, and acknowledging everybody else sitting there. Almost gives you a communal feel. Nordic coffee culture makes use of coffee as a social lubricant like no other place in the world. And not just in terms of “having a nice time with people”, but no, something far more desperate. Here it comes:
The thing is that the Nordic countries all suffer to an extent of a generally introvert and awkward mentality when it comes to socialising. Having something to wrap your hands around and divert attention away from oneself with is a godsend. When there is coffee to be made, nursed, offered, and appreciated, it builds all those little bridges in personal interactions that would otherwise make the engine run rough.
It doesn’t matter where you go; eat like the locals do! Many are afraid to try any of the street food because of fear of food poisoning. You’ll experience the place through its food. You’ll enjoy plenty of the boring McDonald’s tastes back home. Eat more at small eateries than plush restaurants. If possible, cook yourself in case you have a kitchen in your hostel or if you’re staying in an apartment.
There are two main distinguishing features of the breads of Northern Europe including Germany, Scandinavia and Poland as compared to the breads popular in countries like France, Italy and Britain. They typically use rye rather than just wheat for flour. In Germany, breads made from mixtures of different grains are quite popular, but breads made predominantly from rye are also common.
They normally use sourdough for leavening rather than baker's yeast; this gives them their characteristic sour flavor. That’s not to say there aren’t plenty of other wonderful styles of bread. Take a nice baguette, for instance! Depending on what you’re comparing it to, there may be more to it, though: a good German or Danish rye bread, a fresh baguette, a warm pita bread – those are solid.
Prices in most of southern Europe are more on par with prices in the rural Midwest or South, at least when it comes to food. Specially for people who do not eat meat, should carry their own snacks. Even though vegan culture is largely spread across different countries now, there are still very less options for veg/vegan food. The food is absolutely awesome, and there's a lot of variety as well. From their prosciutto to their Sicilian pizzas, this is where it all started and undoubtedly, no other place can match.
Before starting your day, do visit a supermarket in that particular city. Like Albert heijn in Amsterdam, Lidl in Germany, they provide lot of ready to eat options and are way cheaper than the restaurants you will see on your way. Don’t waste money on buying food at the airport, have some rice wafers or peanuts with you.
The further south you go, the later meals are. If you are hungry around 6 pm you may consider having an aperitivo, which means ordering a long drink (non-alcoholic options are OK) and grab whatever you like from a buffet. Most larger bars offer some kind of aperitivo, which range from just a few strips of pizza and focaccia to an array of finger foods, to pasta and meat in covered warmers.
In restaurants, no tip! Love it! But they charge a service charge which is a charge to use their silverware, tablecloth and complimentary bread. WATER IS NOT FREE! You have to pay for a bottle of tap water. Also, lots of restaurants have outdoor dining. They have a fan, but it has some sort of mist attachment. So the air that blew out, was cold and not hot air.
Don’t order paella, it will not be at all authentic unless you really did your homework.
Increasing numbers of businesses don’t use cash at all. Be sure to bring a credit or debit card. If you don’t want to bring your own bank’s card, you can buy pre-paid cash cards at currency exchange places in airports. Don’t bother with traveler’s checks.
This is one of the most practical traveling organization tips you’ll get, although it doesn’t sound like one. You’ll benefit from the experience and knowledge of locals, as well as from connections with other tourists. Even if you want to spend a lot of time alone or with your partner, being friendly is still important. You’ll have questions and you’ll need recommendations. Being known as the kind person in the group goes to your advantage.
When being introduced to female do not offer your hand for a handshake, it’s always most polite to give a kiss on each cheek. The European people are extremely friendly and happy to assist as well. Be prepared to meet a lot of people and make new friends. The lifestyle in Europe is pretty relaxed, and locals are very laid back and passionate about their country.
There is more to a solo Europe trip than ticking off girls trips to Paris and Barcelona. You should take the time to explore more than just the traditional options. The map of Europe forms a rich and diverse tapestry. And then, there is the behaviour. Scandinavians are, by any measure, very quiet, understated, and ever so slight. They tend to be introverts, very modest, and diplomatic.
Danes are known for cosiness, Finns are among those who drink the most coffee in the world, the Norwegians are known for their rides, hiking, skiing, camping trips and cab rides. While the Swedes love to spread coffee culture. Fika is a magical way that Swedes socialize, connect, and get along with other people, while enjoying coffee and baked goodies (especially cinnamon rolls). Swedes typically enjoy their Fika time twice a day. Just grab a cup of coffee and a cinnamon roll, and chat.
Talk to the locals. Ask for help if you get lost. Never ask only one person for directions. Ask a few people for directions to the same location because chances are, one of them is wrong.
When you walk down any random street of Italy, it really looks as if it's out of a fairy tale. The cobbled streets, the well-designed street lamps, and the general crowd which loves to drink wine. Don’t ask what kind of beer the bar has. Most bars only have one tap. Makes things real easy. Do not be tourist and order sangria, get tinto de verano instead. Or better yet, try some homemade vermouth, many bars have their own recipe.
If someone buys you a drink at the bar, make sure you buy them one back. It’s a common courtesy. You do not know anything about Guinness until you have drank a properly poured pint of Guinness in Ireland. Do not complain on the length of time it takes for the bar staff to pour because that is the proper way to pour it.
On above note, do not try to keep pace with an Irish person drinking Guinness - you will lose. If you go into a bar and see a very old man at the bar drinking Guinness, then order one. That very old man will be a connoisseur of the black stuff and would not be drinking it if it was of poor quality or not properly poured.
You can drink a beer while on the bus or while walking down the street, even in franchises like McDonald's! Although you can't be drunk in public places, the police is generally pretty cool about it as long as you mind your own business.
Italians are very friendly, curious and expressive people, and it clearly shows in their body language. They move their body and hands while talking, and their faces are very expressive, even when they don't really want to express anything or show any emotions. Especially in south Italy, where people tend to punctuate a lot of the words, and it almost sounds as if its rhyming. They would randomly strike up a conversation and smile at you, or wish you.
European countries, specially in the north in Germany or Scandinavia, for instance, are really disciplined and generally tend to be on time.
Meaning two, three or four air kisses on the cheeks. Usually starting from the left. Number depending on the region of France. For example : Paris - 2. Brittany - 2 or 4. If in doubt, go for a handshake. People will gently suggest a bise if they think the situation calls for it. Also, don’t worry if you feel unsure or are afraid of/ have suffered missteps. It’s not a bad icebreaker. Paradoxically, one sole kiss is quite an affectionate gesture. Use wisely.
You’ve already lost that one. They won’t stop, they won’t leave and they will scowl at you. Besides, a cigarette with coffee in the morning or a nice glass of wine on a terrace is a wicked pleasure. Terrible for you but so good all the same. Smoking is a real thing here, and if you find it immoral, try not telling it to those whom you don’t know well.
If someone is smoking in a bus stop, it’s in your best interest to stand in a place where the smoke doesn’t trouble you. Don’t try telling Sir, please don’t smoke, it’s a public place. The fellow will look at you with a face that says Who the hell are you? And even young ladies smoke, so don’t get shocked and try not to flinch.
Just lift your hand and try to make eye contact. If needed, just say S’il vous plaît? a little loudly in their direction.
You’re not aloud to stay on the left lane as long as you want. You have to move back. The left lanes is only used for passing. In Germany you’ll get quickly educated about that by people coming at 200–300 km/h and slowing down basically inside your trunk and driving centimetres from your rear bumper. And in Italy people will signal-light you very soon after you fall asleep on the left lane. Italians like to signal light in most of the cases.
And people drive on the right side on continental Europe and on the left side in UK and Republic of Ireland. Ah and lots of countries have driving circles. In France they are basically everywhere, a low-maintenance form of traffic light. And most cars have manual transmission, especially the cheap ones. That, can be difficult for some people.
And most big cities especially in Western Europe, have very few parking lots at the advantage of bicycle lanes. Better buy a bicycle, no need for a driving license, loads of bicycle lanes (depends on the country).
You might feel like a good driver but the surprises can come anytime in your life especially while you are on the roads. While you are driving your vehicle on the road, you should know the rules applied by that country under the road regulations. Whether you are in any part of the world, every country has its own rules for the roads.
In Ireland the vehicles are driven on the left lane of the road in this country. You can easily understand its rules if you are from the country where the same lane rules apply. But there are tips we are bringing you below which you should consider while driving.
As we discussed earlier, the vehicle is on the left side of the roads. The steering wheels of the cars are on the right sides. It means that the driver will stay always at the center side of the road rather than the corner sides. You must have to give this some time to properly understand the whole adjustment.
If you are from the countries where the road directions are opposite, you can consider taking classes by a good driving school.
There are two types of vehicles available, Automatic and Manual. It is good to have your hands and feet on an automatic vehicle control system rather than on a manual transmission. If you are on a narrow and unfamiliar road, an automatic vehicle will help you a lot to get rid of that situation.
You should do a deep study about the road signs available on the roads. There are very fewer road signs used. You will find a few road signs on the long roads. So, you should know the meaning of every rare road sign which comes in your way. By doing this, you can ensure the proper understanding of the diversions, lanes, and specification of the roads.
While doing a car rental for your visit, you should take care of the size of the car. Small cars are easy to drive even on the narrow roads. Rather than renting big luxury SUVs, you can go for small cars in which your family can be adjusted appropriately. These cars also have comparatively less car insurance prices and also it will reduce your fuel costs.
Like any other country, European countries also has strict regulations for a drink and drive cases. You should stay away from the driver seat if you are drunk. If you are caught by the officers in this situation, you might have to pay huge fine amounts or have to go inside the jail for some days. So, it is good to avoid these types of road rule breakages.
You might not be a learner, but if you are driving in the roads and want to stay at the safer side, you should consider getting a big L sign on your windscreen or the rear glass too. This will help you to maintain space from other vehicles because most of the people feel safe to stay away from cars with the learner signs.
If you try to implement these things while driving, they will definitely help you to get a good travel experience in this country.
If you are on a road trip in Europe or have brought a car on the rent, you should get car insurance to cover the damages to your vehicles. It is good to have a proper backup plan in case you have to face an accident or harm to the vehicle. You should find a good insurance company and opt for the insurance according to your vehicle type, needs and time period of the stay.
Car insurance or caravan insurance or the ones who want to take the pleasure and comforts of traveling around the area in their homes, for those mobile home insurance is a must thing. There are many good companies who provides some inviting insurance covers for all the wanderlusts in the country. Take our advice to get your car insurance or caravan insurance or mobile home insurance done from a good insurance company to make your trip both entertaining, safe and secure.
Prefer to stay in the centre of town, so all the best things to see are within walking distance. After that simply take one day at a time to explore lesser known sites, avoiding the tourist traps. Traveling like this allows you to authentically experience the lifestyle and culture in these areas, and at the same time, avoid the hustle of tourist crowds, lengthy lines and money wasting.
In general, any destination in Europe is worth going to! You really can’t go wrong. Almost everyone speaks English, and important information is displayed and listed in English. The easiest way to save money is to visit cheaper eastern European countries. Euro rail passes are popular but if you aren't on the train everyday your better off buying individual tickets. Don't be afraid to use a ULCC airline (EasyJet etc) to save money especially if your traveling longer distances. Don't travel for travels sake!
As a solo female traveler or singles you have the freedom to set your own itinerary. There are lot of beautiful cities and places than the one we normally see on social media. Paris is not so romantic, but Nice in France is. Take you time and enjoy each destination, if your bouncing around all the time that's costly and your only getting a tour of the public transportation system.
Don’t limit yourself only to the big cities. There are so many small cities and towns with amazing local dishes and historical sights (like the 2,000 year old amphitheater of Merida or the 40,000 year old cave paintings of Nerja).
If your visiting a place give it a minimum of 3 days, so you ensure a full day of sight seeing. Do not plan trip to 7 countries in 10 days, just to update them all on your timeline. You will not even enjoy half of them, because you will be exhausted while travelling and there is much more than a single monument in any city.
Planning down to each hour would be little excessive, as you might end up spending more than planned time at a certain place or the place you really want to visit is closed. This is particularly relevant when you travel to see natural phenomenon such as the aurora. You need to spend at least 3 days in the middle of nowhere to increase your probability of being able to see the northern lights. So make an itinerary, but keep enough buffer.
European countries have diverse landscape and unless you visit it all you would not know. However for the first time traveler, it would be impossible to visit each and every city. Visit one of the Scandinavian countries like Norway, Sweden, Finland or Denmark.
Visit the beaches of Lisbon in Portugal, Barcelona in Spain, Nice in France, Naples in Italy, or Athens in Greece. Visit cities rich in art and history like Paris in France, Rome and Florence in Italy, Vienna in Austria. Visit east European cities like Hvar, Plitvice national park in Croatia, Krakow in Poland, Budapest in Hungary. Visit cities that are not in the list of first time travelers like Budapest in Hungary, Prague in Czech Republic, Valletta in Malta, Berlin in Germany.
If you are on a one week trip through Germany or Austria and want to see a theatre play every evening in a different city, you can accomplish it with ease by driving perhaps 50 kilometres a day. There will be theatres and cultural offerings every few steps. Don’t pay for a Flamenco show. Real Flamenco happens spontaneously and is always free.
Try that approach in Sweden, and you are spending the days in your car, powering through probably more like 200 kilometres of blissful scenery to get to the next town with a theatre. That’s because Sweden is three times the size of Germany, but with only one-eighth the population. There’s simply nobody here!
Visit cities that are not touristic but beautiful Sofia in Bulgaria, Tallinn in Estonia, Andorra la Vella in Andorra. Visit the cities at its best like Amsterdam when tulips are blooming during March to May, Provence region when Lavenders take over the landscape in July, Cologne in Germany during the Carnival or Oktoberfest, Swiss mountains when they are covered in snow.
Do visit places that you always wished to visit even if it is a tourist trap. Yes Eiffel towel is overrated, the Oia sunset in Santorini is overcrowded, but when you grew up reading about these places and wished to visit these once, you should. If you went to Paris, and didn’t see the Eiffel Tower, did you even go to Paris? Don’t limit yourself to just one region, each part feels like a totally unique country.
Plan in your mind what is it that you exactly want to cover, and read reviews online. You’d maximize the satisfaction you get after the trip. Book tickets for popular monuments like the Eiffel, Louvre online beforehand or you might have to stand in long queues.
Time is money and you wouldn't want to waste 2 hours standing in a queue just to book tickets! Book tickets at least 3 months in advance. Book in advance for the best prices and make sure to be flexible. The more flexible your itinerary is, the more advantage you can take of last minute events and festivals, which never seem to end in Europe.
Make sure you choose different types of countries to avoid getting fed up! Mix it up between ones with beaches, jungle, tropical, mountains and more cultural. Don’t miss out on going during a annual fair in the springtime.
Any travel destination on Instagram is probably over rated and overcrowded already. Many people tend to have a romantic notion of certain European countries, and when they visit them, many people are disappointed in seeing the not-so-romantic parts of them. Because no country is perfect, not every part of those countries are flawless, but that’s what they saw in brochures and videos before the actual trip.
The dark side of Italy is that too many tourists come with a checklist of things they must see. They rush through it all with barely enough time to appreciate where they are, and return home with nothing but a few pictures that nobody will remember in 6 months and a bit of extra credit card debt.
Your brain can only absorb so many works of art before it gets saturated. No matter how well you plan, you’re not going to see everything, and if you try to hard you’ll ruin your vacation. Try to deeply enjoy a few things, and give yourself plenty of time to relax. Your greatest memory won’t be craning your neck in the Sistine Chapel while 139 people are pushing you.
Bring prescription medication you need and enough of it to last you the whole time, unless you are going to countries where you can buy it over the counter. Check the availability in countries you are going to.
Finally, respect local culture, laws and traditions. If its not allowed to drink at public places (Amsterdam), swim in Venice canals don’t do it, even if you can without someone noticing you. Don’t go with a bachelor/stag party or act like a drunk fool. Don’t go during holidays, most places will be shut down and most locals will be away, usually at a shore town.
The entire trip will be an immersive experience. It is about getting lost in the streets, stumbling upon great places, meeting people and preserving memories. It is about people gazing in Paris, calmness of canals in Amsterdam, sunrise at Charles Bridge in Prague, spine-chilling bull fighting in Madrid, serene beaches in Ibiza and Spanish music in Barcelona.
The Ring Scam is one seen in Paris. You, the unwitting tourist, are walking on one of the paths in the Tuileries Gardens when you see a glittering gold wedding ring lying in very plain sight. When you pick it up, the person who laid it there, usually standing unobtrusively about 40 feet away, rushes over to either sell you the ring she has lost or demand a payment from you.
The other variation is for them to run up for the ring just as you reach for it and then let you keep the ring you both found if you just give them a small payment. The language varies but the ruse is all based on your picking up the ring. So just don't.
In fact, go off to an unobtrusive distance yourself and watch how the scam artist manages the whole process with the next unwitting tourist. It is a bit like watching a creative squirrel raid a bird feeder -- fun to watch if you are not the bird.
Avoid Museums and castles in Switzerland. There are other European countries having famous museums and castles which are cheaper to explore and better.
So why not take the time to opt for the road less travelled on your next vacation with our travel destinations?
No continent on earth is more densely packed with such a variety of cultures and experiences. With a history that has shaped the globe, cultures that change every few hundred miles, and natural beauty that stretches from the sandy beaches of the Mediterranean to the frosty fjords of Scandinavia, it’s not surprising that you’re looking to travel to Europe for the first time.
A traveler should aim to see at least three of the continent’s major cities, as this will offer a sense of the cultural diversity of the region. It can be a great place to meet people and fellow travelers as well and you can also travel cheap especially in May and June or October and November.
The eastern parts of Europe attract with its rich history, magnificent architecture and cultural experiences. In 2020, more and more travelers will replace the most traditional weekend cities like London, Paris and Barcelona, the cities located to the east of Europe. Europe is a continent and hence it is impossible to explore it in just one trip.
What you can do in 15 days is choose places that will be a tad bit light on your pocket and get to know them well. Here you will find a melting pot of culture, interesting food traditions and unique travel experiences with slightly lower prices than elsewhere in Europe - a real win-win. Now you have two options to pursue.
Travel to a lot of places in a touch and go manner and add up to your list of places covered. Travel to a few places but explore them really well.
1. Standing on the left side on escalators
DON’T. Especially in the metro, train stations, or other busy public places. The RIGHT side is for standing idly. The left side is for people in a rush, walking or running up or down the escalator. Same goes with the flat ones you’ll find in some of the bigger metro stations or in Paris airports. Mind your shopping bags or luggage too.
Don’t stand in the middle, you are blocking the way and annoying everyone. You’ll likely be met with a disgruntled Pardon! coming from behind you.
2. Coming empty-handed to someone’s home
Whether invited for dinner, coffee, a meal, a party or a longer stay. Always bring something as a gift, something to drink for example or something sweet, like wine (preferably good - if the wine is cheap and/or bad, French people will know and think of you accordingly), good quality chocolates or dessert.
Also, when going to a party, the alcohol you bring is meant to be shared with everyone. People bring their own six pack of beer to parties in some Northern American countries, intending for it to be for their own enjoyment only. That, in France, would be considered terrible manners.
3. Speaking loudly in public spaces
Cafes, restaurants, trains, buses, museums, even in a crowd somewhere unless it is a demonstration. In fact, whenever not at home, keep the volume down. It applies for the communal stairs in apartment buildings too. In the cinema, just keep quiet. If you need to make a phone call when there are people surrounding you, step outside. Disturbing others by chatting too loudly is considered very uncouth. You may even get told off.
4. Do not wear shorts if you are an adult
Italian men never wear shorts, very young Italian women do, occasionally. Do not forget that in Italy summer can be hot and sunny, you may not like getting extensive sunburns. Bermuda shorts are not considered very elegant but are usually OK, so are those horrible mid-calf trousers (capri in English, pinocchietto in Italian). But stay away from shorts.
Never ever ever wear socks and sandals! Italian can be very judgmental about look and socks and sandals is a BIG no no in italy.
5. Avoid casual or random flings
The risk of a trick-roll is very high while travelling, you’ve no idea what mess they hold with them. Think long and hard as to whether the Red Light district in Amsterdam is something you really want to do. You might think you need to do it, or think you want to do it. Until you’re in the middle of a bunch of gawking stag party types, most of whom are drunk or aimlessly milling about or both, crammed into a very small part of the city.
Make sure you bring contraception in case you get lucky.
6. No binge drinking
Follow local customs and have a bit to eat with your drinks. You will find that it has its merits. Do not take an aggressive exchange of words for an invite to physical violence. It is a rare event should it happen and seen as a lack of wits. Do not take loud exchange of words and shouting for aggression. It is just the way people talk, the more south the louder. Just live with it and join in.
Do not complain over kids out late with parents at the bar. This is a different custom and they really do have it under perfect control. Just live with it.
7. Always bring at least one physical photocopy of your passport
In case you are a student, carry your ID. A lot of places in Europe offer discounts to students. Apply for a multiple entry Schengen Visa before making bookings of flights, trains and accommodations. Once your visa is approved, then go ahead and plan. Always make a habit of uploading or saving copies of your important docs on cloud.
In many Schengen countries, like Spain, France, Belgium and the Netherlands, carrying an official ID document (which for foreigners normally means passport or EU ID card) at all times is compulsory to some degree. In others, like Germany, there is no requirement to carry official ID, but it is advisable to have some form of ID.
It’s not always easy to find out what the rules in any given country are. Now, in some countries you may risk a fine if you’re checked by police when you don’t have your passport on you. This is fairly unlikely in the first place. If you’re a tourist, you’re carrying a photocopy of your passport, and you’re polite, most police officers will probably be lenient even if they could theoretically fine you.
Depending on what you’re doing and how old you are, you might also need your passport for other purposes, like buying alcohol or getting age-based discounts in museums. Now you have to weigh the risk of pickpockets against the possible inconvenience and the risk of a fine.
8. Compare the picture of the driver
If you're using Uber or Lyft, be certain the vehicle that shows up is legit. Compare the picture of the driver you are expecting with the person driving. Download offline maps of your route. You can't trust network everywhere. Just download the maps of all the cities in your phone and you wouldn't need to buy a local SIM card everywhere.
Saving offline maps can help but you always need to search hotels/metro time and all. Buy a local plan. You can find its much cheaper than what you pay in-country for an international plan. It also helps to find when is your next metro bus train. Learn to read the metro lines in the google app. It's helpful.
9. Not using basic polite formulas systematically
Learn to say hello and thank you in the local language and you’ll have an even better experience with the locals. In Europe you are supposed to apologize even if you touch someone by mistake. Not using these in most of your interactions with strangers or acquaintances will be seen as terribly rude. Dismiss them at your own peril and face the cold wind.
French people do not demonstrate friendliness or welcoming through huge smiles, empty how-are-yas and hugs. But through politeness, restrained but sincere smiles and appropriate greetings. Not quite in the same manner as our British neighbours do, but not far off.
10. Food and Coffee
Eat as much as possible from supermarkets and small local stores and street shops. Eating at a restaurant can easily set you back from $10-$20 per person, per meal depending on which country you are. Do not complain about slow service in restaurants. You will wait for everything, use this time to relax and enjoy your company. Europeans prefer parceling the leftovers but aren’t familiar with the concept of sharing food.
Absolutely do not waste a meal by eating a complimentary breakfast at your hotel/hostel. Europe has some of the best pastries and bread in the world. The coffee isn’t half bad either. They take coffee black, but it’s not bitter. It has a really smooth flavor to it, and the sweet pastries are a perfect pairing to the coffee, to start your day on a good note.
In Europe, milky coffees are as firmly entrenched in the culture as a breakfast (or morning) thing, as cereal with milk or runny boiled egg with toast are in other cultures. That’s the real reason why Italians have such a strong and negative reaction to the idea of a cappuccino or even worse, a caffe latte after a main meal. But behind this, there’s another reason.
It’s a commonly held belief by Italians that having a milky drink after or during a main meal is bad for digestion. Whereas in the morning, it only usually goes with a very light breakfast of pastries, biscuits (the UK meaning of the word biscuit) or perhaps some bread with a little jam.
The concept of coffee after a meal in Italy (and in other places in Europe) is as a digestive - which a strong, short black espresso coffee is actually very good for. Italian cafe/coffee is certainly the best in the world, and the Italians take great pride in it. The baristas and bartenders were also really friendly, and are actually responsible for the Barista culture in Starbucks all over the world, as Howard Schulz mentions in his book, Pour Your Heart Into It.
Entering any cafe usually involves a loud and expressive Bon Giorno! with a smile, and acknowledging everybody else sitting there. Almost gives you a communal feel. Nordic coffee culture makes use of coffee as a social lubricant like no other place in the world. And not just in terms of “having a nice time with people”, but no, something far more desperate. Here it comes:
The thing is that the Nordic countries all suffer to an extent of a generally introvert and awkward mentality when it comes to socialising. Having something to wrap your hands around and divert attention away from oneself with is a godsend. When there is coffee to be made, nursed, offered, and appreciated, it builds all those little bridges in personal interactions that would otherwise make the engine run rough.
It doesn’t matter where you go; eat like the locals do! Many are afraid to try any of the street food because of fear of food poisoning. You’ll experience the place through its food. You’ll enjoy plenty of the boring McDonald’s tastes back home. Eat more at small eateries than plush restaurants. If possible, cook yourself in case you have a kitchen in your hostel or if you’re staying in an apartment.
There are two main distinguishing features of the breads of Northern Europe including Germany, Scandinavia and Poland as compared to the breads popular in countries like France, Italy and Britain. They typically use rye rather than just wheat for flour. In Germany, breads made from mixtures of different grains are quite popular, but breads made predominantly from rye are also common.
They normally use sourdough for leavening rather than baker's yeast; this gives them their characteristic sour flavor. That’s not to say there aren’t plenty of other wonderful styles of bread. Take a nice baguette, for instance! Depending on what you’re comparing it to, there may be more to it, though: a good German or Danish rye bread, a fresh baguette, a warm pita bread – those are solid.
Prices in most of southern Europe are more on par with prices in the rural Midwest or South, at least when it comes to food. Specially for people who do not eat meat, should carry their own snacks. Even though vegan culture is largely spread across different countries now, there are still very less options for veg/vegan food. The food is absolutely awesome, and there's a lot of variety as well. From their prosciutto to their Sicilian pizzas, this is where it all started and undoubtedly, no other place can match.
Before starting your day, do visit a supermarket in that particular city. Like Albert heijn in Amsterdam, Lidl in Germany, they provide lot of ready to eat options and are way cheaper than the restaurants you will see on your way. Don’t waste money on buying food at the airport, have some rice wafers or peanuts with you.
The further south you go, the later meals are. If you are hungry around 6 pm you may consider having an aperitivo, which means ordering a long drink (non-alcoholic options are OK) and grab whatever you like from a buffet. Most larger bars offer some kind of aperitivo, which range from just a few strips of pizza and focaccia to an array of finger foods, to pasta and meat in covered warmers.
In restaurants, no tip! Love it! But they charge a service charge which is a charge to use their silverware, tablecloth and complimentary bread. WATER IS NOT FREE! You have to pay for a bottle of tap water. Also, lots of restaurants have outdoor dining. They have a fan, but it has some sort of mist attachment. So the air that blew out, was cold and not hot air.
Don’t order paella, it will not be at all authentic unless you really did your homework.
11. Bring a credit or debit card
Increasing numbers of businesses don’t use cash at all. Be sure to bring a credit or debit card. If you don’t want to bring your own bank’s card, you can buy pre-paid cash cards at currency exchange places in airports. Don’t bother with traveler’s checks.
12. Be friendly
This is one of the most practical traveling organization tips you’ll get, although it doesn’t sound like one. You’ll benefit from the experience and knowledge of locals, as well as from connections with other tourists. Even if you want to spend a lot of time alone or with your partner, being friendly is still important. You’ll have questions and you’ll need recommendations. Being known as the kind person in the group goes to your advantage.
When being introduced to female do not offer your hand for a handshake, it’s always most polite to give a kiss on each cheek. The European people are extremely friendly and happy to assist as well. Be prepared to meet a lot of people and make new friends. The lifestyle in Europe is pretty relaxed, and locals are very laid back and passionate about their country.
There is more to a solo Europe trip than ticking off girls trips to Paris and Barcelona. You should take the time to explore more than just the traditional options. The map of Europe forms a rich and diverse tapestry. And then, there is the behaviour. Scandinavians are, by any measure, very quiet, understated, and ever so slight. They tend to be introverts, very modest, and diplomatic.
Danes are known for cosiness, Finns are among those who drink the most coffee in the world, the Norwegians are known for their rides, hiking, skiing, camping trips and cab rides. While the Swedes love to spread coffee culture. Fika is a magical way that Swedes socialize, connect, and get along with other people, while enjoying coffee and baked goodies (especially cinnamon rolls). Swedes typically enjoy their Fika time twice a day. Just grab a cup of coffee and a cinnamon roll, and chat.
Talk to the locals. Ask for help if you get lost. Never ask only one person for directions. Ask a few people for directions to the same location because chances are, one of them is wrong.
When you walk down any random street of Italy, it really looks as if it's out of a fairy tale. The cobbled streets, the well-designed street lamps, and the general crowd which loves to drink wine. Don’t ask what kind of beer the bar has. Most bars only have one tap. Makes things real easy. Do not be tourist and order sangria, get tinto de verano instead. Or better yet, try some homemade vermouth, many bars have their own recipe.
If someone buys you a drink at the bar, make sure you buy them one back. It’s a common courtesy. You do not know anything about Guinness until you have drank a properly poured pint of Guinness in Ireland. Do not complain on the length of time it takes for the bar staff to pour because that is the proper way to pour it.
On above note, do not try to keep pace with an Irish person drinking Guinness - you will lose. If you go into a bar and see a very old man at the bar drinking Guinness, then order one. That very old man will be a connoisseur of the black stuff and would not be drinking it if it was of poor quality or not properly poured.
You can drink a beer while on the bus or while walking down the street, even in franchises like McDonald's! Although you can't be drunk in public places, the police is generally pretty cool about it as long as you mind your own business.
Italians are very friendly, curious and expressive people, and it clearly shows in their body language. They move their body and hands while talking, and their faces are very expressive, even when they don't really want to express anything or show any emotions. Especially in south Italy, where people tend to punctuate a lot of the words, and it almost sounds as if its rhyming. They would randomly strike up a conversation and smile at you, or wish you.
European countries, specially in the north in Germany or Scandinavia, for instance, are really disciplined and generally tend to be on time.
13. Don’t go for a hug, go for a bise
Meaning two, three or four air kisses on the cheeks. Usually starting from the left. Number depending on the region of France. For example : Paris - 2. Brittany - 2 or 4. If in doubt, go for a handshake. People will gently suggest a bise if they think the situation calls for it. Also, don’t worry if you feel unsure or are afraid of/ have suffered missteps. It’s not a bad icebreaker. Paradoxically, one sole kiss is quite an affectionate gesture. Use wisely.
14. Complaining about people smoking or vaping
You’ve already lost that one. They won’t stop, they won’t leave and they will scowl at you. Besides, a cigarette with coffee in the morning or a nice glass of wine on a terrace is a wicked pleasure. Terrible for you but so good all the same. Smoking is a real thing here, and if you find it immoral, try not telling it to those whom you don’t know well.
If someone is smoking in a bus stop, it’s in your best interest to stand in a place where the smoke doesn’t trouble you. Don’t try telling Sir, please don’t smoke, it’s a public place. The fellow will look at you with a face that says Who the hell are you? And even young ladies smoke, so don’t get shocked and try not to flinch.
15. Yelling at waiters or waitresses to catch their attention
Just lift your hand and try to make eye contact. If needed, just say S’il vous plaît? a little loudly in their direction.
16. Driving in Europe
You’re not aloud to stay on the left lane as long as you want. You have to move back. The left lanes is only used for passing. In Germany you’ll get quickly educated about that by people coming at 200–300 km/h and slowing down basically inside your trunk and driving centimetres from your rear bumper. And in Italy people will signal-light you very soon after you fall asleep on the left lane. Italians like to signal light in most of the cases.
And people drive on the right side on continental Europe and on the left side in UK and Republic of Ireland. Ah and lots of countries have driving circles. In France they are basically everywhere, a low-maintenance form of traffic light. And most cars have manual transmission, especially the cheap ones. That, can be difficult for some people.
And most big cities especially in Western Europe, have very few parking lots at the advantage of bicycle lanes. Better buy a bicycle, no need for a driving license, loads of bicycle lanes (depends on the country).
You might feel like a good driver but the surprises can come anytime in your life especially while you are on the roads. While you are driving your vehicle on the road, you should know the rules applied by that country under the road regulations. Whether you are in any part of the world, every country has its own rules for the roads.
In Ireland the vehicles are driven on the left lane of the road in this country. You can easily understand its rules if you are from the country where the same lane rules apply. But there are tips we are bringing you below which you should consider while driving.
As we discussed earlier, the vehicle is on the left side of the roads. The steering wheels of the cars are on the right sides. It means that the driver will stay always at the center side of the road rather than the corner sides. You must have to give this some time to properly understand the whole adjustment.
If you are from the countries where the road directions are opposite, you can consider taking classes by a good driving school.
There are two types of vehicles available, Automatic and Manual. It is good to have your hands and feet on an automatic vehicle control system rather than on a manual transmission. If you are on a narrow and unfamiliar road, an automatic vehicle will help you a lot to get rid of that situation.
You should do a deep study about the road signs available on the roads. There are very fewer road signs used. You will find a few road signs on the long roads. So, you should know the meaning of every rare road sign which comes in your way. By doing this, you can ensure the proper understanding of the diversions, lanes, and specification of the roads.
While doing a car rental for your visit, you should take care of the size of the car. Small cars are easy to drive even on the narrow roads. Rather than renting big luxury SUVs, you can go for small cars in which your family can be adjusted appropriately. These cars also have comparatively less car insurance prices and also it will reduce your fuel costs.
Like any other country, European countries also has strict regulations for a drink and drive cases. You should stay away from the driver seat if you are drunk. If you are caught by the officers in this situation, you might have to pay huge fine amounts or have to go inside the jail for some days. So, it is good to avoid these types of road rule breakages.
You might not be a learner, but if you are driving in the roads and want to stay at the safer side, you should consider getting a big L sign on your windscreen or the rear glass too. This will help you to maintain space from other vehicles because most of the people feel safe to stay away from cars with the learner signs.
If you try to implement these things while driving, they will definitely help you to get a good travel experience in this country.
17. Insurance in Europe
If you are on a road trip in Europe or have brought a car on the rent, you should get car insurance to cover the damages to your vehicles. It is good to have a proper backup plan in case you have to face an accident or harm to the vehicle. You should find a good insurance company and opt for the insurance according to your vehicle type, needs and time period of the stay.
Car insurance or caravan insurance or the ones who want to take the pleasure and comforts of traveling around the area in their homes, for those mobile home insurance is a must thing. There are many good companies who provides some inviting insurance covers for all the wanderlusts in the country. Take our advice to get your car insurance or caravan insurance or mobile home insurance done from a good insurance company to make your trip both entertaining, safe and secure.
18. Prefer to stay in the centre of town
Prefer to stay in the centre of town, so all the best things to see are within walking distance. After that simply take one day at a time to explore lesser known sites, avoiding the tourist traps. Traveling like this allows you to authentically experience the lifestyle and culture in these areas, and at the same time, avoid the hustle of tourist crowds, lengthy lines and money wasting.
18. Do your own research
In general, any destination in Europe is worth going to! You really can’t go wrong. Almost everyone speaks English, and important information is displayed and listed in English. The easiest way to save money is to visit cheaper eastern European countries. Euro rail passes are popular but if you aren't on the train everyday your better off buying individual tickets. Don't be afraid to use a ULCC airline (EasyJet etc) to save money especially if your traveling longer distances. Don't travel for travels sake!
As a solo female traveler or singles you have the freedom to set your own itinerary. There are lot of beautiful cities and places than the one we normally see on social media. Paris is not so romantic, but Nice in France is. Take you time and enjoy each destination, if your bouncing around all the time that's costly and your only getting a tour of the public transportation system.
Don’t limit yourself only to the big cities. There are so many small cities and towns with amazing local dishes and historical sights (like the 2,000 year old amphitheater of Merida or the 40,000 year old cave paintings of Nerja).
If your visiting a place give it a minimum of 3 days, so you ensure a full day of sight seeing. Do not plan trip to 7 countries in 10 days, just to update them all on your timeline. You will not even enjoy half of them, because you will be exhausted while travelling and there is much more than a single monument in any city.
Planning down to each hour would be little excessive, as you might end up spending more than planned time at a certain place or the place you really want to visit is closed. This is particularly relevant when you travel to see natural phenomenon such as the aurora. You need to spend at least 3 days in the middle of nowhere to increase your probability of being able to see the northern lights. So make an itinerary, but keep enough buffer.
European countries have diverse landscape and unless you visit it all you would not know. However for the first time traveler, it would be impossible to visit each and every city. Visit one of the Scandinavian countries like Norway, Sweden, Finland or Denmark.
Visit the beaches of Lisbon in Portugal, Barcelona in Spain, Nice in France, Naples in Italy, or Athens in Greece. Visit cities rich in art and history like Paris in France, Rome and Florence in Italy, Vienna in Austria. Visit east European cities like Hvar, Plitvice national park in Croatia, Krakow in Poland, Budapest in Hungary. Visit cities that are not in the list of first time travelers like Budapest in Hungary, Prague in Czech Republic, Valletta in Malta, Berlin in Germany.
If you are on a one week trip through Germany or Austria and want to see a theatre play every evening in a different city, you can accomplish it with ease by driving perhaps 50 kilometres a day. There will be theatres and cultural offerings every few steps. Don’t pay for a Flamenco show. Real Flamenco happens spontaneously and is always free.
Try that approach in Sweden, and you are spending the days in your car, powering through probably more like 200 kilometres of blissful scenery to get to the next town with a theatre. That’s because Sweden is three times the size of Germany, but with only one-eighth the population. There’s simply nobody here!
Visit cities that are not touristic but beautiful Sofia in Bulgaria, Tallinn in Estonia, Andorra la Vella in Andorra. Visit the cities at its best like Amsterdam when tulips are blooming during March to May, Provence region when Lavenders take over the landscape in July, Cologne in Germany during the Carnival or Oktoberfest, Swiss mountains when they are covered in snow.
Do visit places that you always wished to visit even if it is a tourist trap. Yes Eiffel towel is overrated, the Oia sunset in Santorini is overcrowded, but when you grew up reading about these places and wished to visit these once, you should. If you went to Paris, and didn’t see the Eiffel Tower, did you even go to Paris? Don’t limit yourself to just one region, each part feels like a totally unique country.
Plan in your mind what is it that you exactly want to cover, and read reviews online. You’d maximize the satisfaction you get after the trip. Book tickets for popular monuments like the Eiffel, Louvre online beforehand or you might have to stand in long queues.
Time is money and you wouldn't want to waste 2 hours standing in a queue just to book tickets! Book tickets at least 3 months in advance. Book in advance for the best prices and make sure to be flexible. The more flexible your itinerary is, the more advantage you can take of last minute events and festivals, which never seem to end in Europe.
Make sure you choose different types of countries to avoid getting fed up! Mix it up between ones with beaches, jungle, tropical, mountains and more cultural. Don’t miss out on going during a annual fair in the springtime.
Any travel destination on Instagram is probably over rated and overcrowded already. Many people tend to have a romantic notion of certain European countries, and when they visit them, many people are disappointed in seeing the not-so-romantic parts of them. Because no country is perfect, not every part of those countries are flawless, but that’s what they saw in brochures and videos before the actual trip.
The dark side of Italy is that too many tourists come with a checklist of things they must see. They rush through it all with barely enough time to appreciate where they are, and return home with nothing but a few pictures that nobody will remember in 6 months and a bit of extra credit card debt.
Your brain can only absorb so many works of art before it gets saturated. No matter how well you plan, you’re not going to see everything, and if you try to hard you’ll ruin your vacation. Try to deeply enjoy a few things, and give yourself plenty of time to relax. Your greatest memory won’t be craning your neck in the Sistine Chapel while 139 people are pushing you.
Bring prescription medication you need and enough of it to last you the whole time, unless you are going to countries where you can buy it over the counter. Check the availability in countries you are going to.
Finally, respect local culture, laws and traditions. If its not allowed to drink at public places (Amsterdam), swim in Venice canals don’t do it, even if you can without someone noticing you. Don’t go with a bachelor/stag party or act like a drunk fool. Don’t go during holidays, most places will be shut down and most locals will be away, usually at a shore town.
The entire trip will be an immersive experience. It is about getting lost in the streets, stumbling upon great places, meeting people and preserving memories. It is about people gazing in Paris, calmness of canals in Amsterdam, sunrise at Charles Bridge in Prague, spine-chilling bull fighting in Madrid, serene beaches in Ibiza and Spanish music in Barcelona.
The Ring Scam is one seen in Paris. You, the unwitting tourist, are walking on one of the paths in the Tuileries Gardens when you see a glittering gold wedding ring lying in very plain sight. When you pick it up, the person who laid it there, usually standing unobtrusively about 40 feet away, rushes over to either sell you the ring she has lost or demand a payment from you.
The other variation is for them to run up for the ring just as you reach for it and then let you keep the ring you both found if you just give them a small payment. The language varies but the ruse is all based on your picking up the ring. So just don't.
In fact, go off to an unobtrusive distance yourself and watch how the scam artist manages the whole process with the next unwitting tourist. It is a bit like watching a creative squirrel raid a bird feeder -- fun to watch if you are not the bird.
Avoid Museums and castles in Switzerland. There are other European countries having famous museums and castles which are cheaper to explore and better.
So why not take the time to opt for the road less travelled on your next vacation with our travel destinations?
Wednesday, January 16, 2019
What's a fun way other than visiting museums in Bangalore? It is to know the history of a place by visiting places of historical importance and Bangalore has a lot! Bangalore is a beautiful city to enjoy in South India and some nearby one day trips are really enjoyable there. The city has a lot of greenery. Bengaluru is known as the garden city of India. There are so many beautiful gardens and parks and lakes.
Bangalore is at an altitude of 920 meters above sea level, which is also reason for its nice climate. It is located at the southern edge of Deccan plateau. With Sea on either side at a distance of 350 Km, combined with altitude, it cannot really get too hot here. 35 to 36 degrees is enough to create a low pressure area and pull moisture from either side (Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal) depending on the wind flow.
Another unique thing about Bangalore is it’s proximity to amazing destinations. Be it beaches, mountains, forests, waterfalls, rivers, historical or religious places, Bangalore is close to everything except snow may be. The city as a whole is beautiful and peaceful to say the least. It has many historical places of interest and many small hill stations and beaches which can be great weekend getaways for bachelors and families alike.
Actually Bangalore is famous as it is the IT sector hub and for the various jobs, and its nightlife. There are so many options of fun things to do on the weekend. You can go to the theatre. See a play or a musical performance at Chowdiah, Alliance Française, or Jagriti. You can go to the IPL or other cricket matches at Chinnaswamy Stadium. You can go to listen to live music at a bar, Jazz or a rock band.
You can go to Karaoke at various places around the city. You can go shopping! Anywhere from UB city in the fancy shops like Burberry and Louis Vutton, to Commercial Street where you can buy sandals and jewellery.
We have selected some of the best places to visit in Bangalore.
Designed by Kempe Gowda I and built by Reverend J. Garrett, the Bangalore Palace is a must-see historical place of the city. The Tudor-style palace has 35 rooms and now belongs to the royal family of Mysore. There is a guided audio tour, which is perhaps the best option to know the history of the place. It is a great place for photographers and is one of those places to explore for kids in Bangalore.
Location: Vasanth Nagar
Attractions: The royal coat of arms, the Jockey chair
Days Open: Everyday
Hours: 10:00 to 17:00
Registration fee: 230 INR per person for Indian nationals, 460 INR per person for foreigners
Amenities: Parking
Things to consider: The entrance fee is relatively high compared to other historic places in the city. So go there only if you think the kids will appreciate.
One of the many royal residences and must-see places in Bangalore, the Summer Palace and Fort Tipu Sultan represent the beautiful fusion of Indo-Islamic architecture. The architectural marvel is small, but is an excellent structure for photography enthusiasts. Children may not find the story interesting, but you can tell them by weaving an interesting story about Tipu.
Location: Chamrajpet, Bangalore
Attractions: Portraits and paintings of people of the time, a replica Tipu tiger
Days Open: Every day
Hours: 8h 30 to 17h 30
Registration fee: 15 INR per person for Indians, 200 INR per person for foreign nationals
Amenities: Parking
Things to consider: If you are not a photography travel enthusiast, do not spend more than 30 minutes here; otherwise the children will get bored.
Vidhana Soudha is the seat of the state legislature of Karnataka, located in the heart of the city. The massive structure is supposed to be built in the Dravidian styles or Mysore style and was completed in 1956. The building is spread over an area of 11 hectares and is built with granite and porphyry rocks. An interesting fact about the building is that it was designed and built to give the city a clean architectural style.
Location: Sampangi Rama Nagara, Bangalore
Attractions: Architecture, the building is illuminated on holidays and Sundays
Days Open: Everyday
Hours: 9h to 17h
Things to consider: Participation is allowed only with special permission.
Built by Kempe Gowda I, Bangalore Fort was a mud fort in 1537. Haider Ali, father of Tipu Sultan and ruler of the state of Mysore, rebuilt it in stone in 1761. The fort has a church, a cemetery and also a school, although the school has now been relocated. Unfortunately, most of the structure was dismantled and ruined by the British who besieged it in 1791. What remain are the Delhi Gate and some bastions.
Location: New Tharagupet, Bangalore
Attractions: Delhi Gate, a 500-year-old Ganapati Shrine
Days Open: Monday to Saturday
Hours: 10h to 18h
Registration fees: 5 INR for Indian nationals, 100 INR per person for foreign nationals
Amenities: Parking
Things to consider: Like Tipu Sultan's summer palace, Bangalore Fort has little interest for children.
The places to visit in Bangalore include Lalbagh, a botanical garden and you can see many beautiful flowers there and you can even enjoy the flower shows in spring season.
Sankey tank is one of the most beautiful tourist destination. This lake is developed with gardens, gym area and walking path.
Ulsoor lake is on of the biggest lake in Bengaluru. This 126 acre lake has some beautiful islands and offers boating facility too.
It is situated in the BTM Layout. It is a home to huge number of migratory birds like spot-billed Pelican.
Nagavara Lake is a popular attraction in Bengaluru, situated in outer ring road. Enjoy lot of water sports in Lumbini garden with other activities and can have some food in floating restaurant.
Hebbal lake is situated in junction of outer ring road and Bellary Road. This huge lake covers an area of around 150 acres. The main attraction of the Hebbal Lake is wide variety of birds, beautiful landscape and play area.
Once you cross Hebbal, there is a pretty good elevated highway, almost like a free way ideal for night drives. People usually get to the Airport which has plenty options like Cafe Noir, Maiyas, Hatti Kaapi and Puro Gusto. A small trade off is, you have to spend little money on parking your vehicle.
Hesaraghatta Lake is a man made fresh water reservoir across the Arkavathy river. It is the best place for short picnic with family and friends.
With an area of 160-acre, Jakkur lake is the home for large number of migratory birds from other countries. Apart from this there are some more lakes like, Lalbhag lake, Yalahanka lake, Kengeri lake etc.
Around 60 km from Bangalore, Nandi Hills is a go-to spot when you are in need of some solitude and a refreshing start for your day. Nandi Hills is a picnic spot which is a few kilometres from Bangalore and if you go early morning then you can enjoy a beautiful sunrise there. Typically you can start early morning 4 AM and reach there around 5:30 which is when Police will open check-post to drive to top. It’s a mesmerizing experience of Sun rising on top of a cloud bed.
Bangalore is at an altitude of 920 meters above sea level, which is also reason for its nice climate. It is located at the southern edge of Deccan plateau. With Sea on either side at a distance of 350 Km, combined with altitude, it cannot really get too hot here. 35 to 36 degrees is enough to create a low pressure area and pull moisture from either side (Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal) depending on the wind flow.
Another unique thing about Bangalore is it’s proximity to amazing destinations. Be it beaches, mountains, forests, waterfalls, rivers, historical or religious places, Bangalore is close to everything except snow may be. The city as a whole is beautiful and peaceful to say the least. It has many historical places of interest and many small hill stations and beaches which can be great weekend getaways for bachelors and families alike.
Actually Bangalore is famous as it is the IT sector hub and for the various jobs, and its nightlife. There are so many options of fun things to do on the weekend. You can go to the theatre. See a play or a musical performance at Chowdiah, Alliance Française, or Jagriti. You can go to the IPL or other cricket matches at Chinnaswamy Stadium. You can go to listen to live music at a bar, Jazz or a rock band.
You can go to Karaoke at various places around the city. You can go shopping! Anywhere from UB city in the fancy shops like Burberry and Louis Vutton, to Commercial Street where you can buy sandals and jewellery.
We have selected some of the best places to visit in Bangalore.
1. Bangalore Palace
Designed by Kempe Gowda I and built by Reverend J. Garrett, the Bangalore Palace is a must-see historical place of the city. The Tudor-style palace has 35 rooms and now belongs to the royal family of Mysore. There is a guided audio tour, which is perhaps the best option to know the history of the place. It is a great place for photographers and is one of those places to explore for kids in Bangalore.
Location: Vasanth Nagar
Attractions: The royal coat of arms, the Jockey chair
Days Open: Everyday
Hours: 10:00 to 17:00
Registration fee: 230 INR per person for Indian nationals, 460 INR per person for foreigners
Amenities: Parking
Things to consider: The entrance fee is relatively high compared to other historic places in the city. So go there only if you think the kids will appreciate.
2. Tipu Sultan's Summer Palace
One of the many royal residences and must-see places in Bangalore, the Summer Palace and Fort Tipu Sultan represent the beautiful fusion of Indo-Islamic architecture. The architectural marvel is small, but is an excellent structure for photography enthusiasts. Children may not find the story interesting, but you can tell them by weaving an interesting story about Tipu.
Location: Chamrajpet, Bangalore
Attractions: Portraits and paintings of people of the time, a replica Tipu tiger
Days Open: Every day
Hours: 8h 30 to 17h 30
Registration fee: 15 INR per person for Indians, 200 INR per person for foreign nationals
Amenities: Parking
Things to consider: If you are not a photography travel enthusiast, do not spend more than 30 minutes here; otherwise the children will get bored.
3. Vidhana Soudha
Vidhana Soudha is the seat of the state legislature of Karnataka, located in the heart of the city. The massive structure is supposed to be built in the Dravidian styles or Mysore style and was completed in 1956. The building is spread over an area of 11 hectares and is built with granite and porphyry rocks. An interesting fact about the building is that it was designed and built to give the city a clean architectural style.
Location: Sampangi Rama Nagara, Bangalore
Attractions: Architecture, the building is illuminated on holidays and Sundays
Days Open: Everyday
Hours: 9h to 17h
Things to consider: Participation is allowed only with special permission.
4. Bangalore Fort
Built by Kempe Gowda I, Bangalore Fort was a mud fort in 1537. Haider Ali, father of Tipu Sultan and ruler of the state of Mysore, rebuilt it in stone in 1761. The fort has a church, a cemetery and also a school, although the school has now been relocated. Unfortunately, most of the structure was dismantled and ruined by the British who besieged it in 1791. What remain are the Delhi Gate and some bastions.
Location: New Tharagupet, Bangalore
Attractions: Delhi Gate, a 500-year-old Ganapati Shrine
Days Open: Monday to Saturday
Hours: 10h to 18h
Registration fees: 5 INR for Indian nationals, 100 INR per person for foreign nationals
Amenities: Parking
Things to consider: Like Tipu Sultan's summer palace, Bangalore Fort has little interest for children.
5. Lalbagh Botanical Garden
The places to visit in Bangalore include Lalbagh, a botanical garden and you can see many beautiful flowers there and you can even enjoy the flower shows in spring season.
6. Sankey tank
Sankey tank is one of the most beautiful tourist destination. This lake is developed with gardens, gym area and walking path.
7. Ulsoor Lake
Ulsoor lake is on of the biggest lake in Bengaluru. This 126 acre lake has some beautiful islands and offers boating facility too.
8. Madiwala Lake
It is situated in the BTM Layout. It is a home to huge number of migratory birds like spot-billed Pelican.
9. Nagavara Lake
Nagavara Lake is a popular attraction in Bengaluru, situated in outer ring road. Enjoy lot of water sports in Lumbini garden with other activities and can have some food in floating restaurant.
10. Long Drive to Hebbal Lake
Hebbal lake is situated in junction of outer ring road and Bellary Road. This huge lake covers an area of around 150 acres. The main attraction of the Hebbal Lake is wide variety of birds, beautiful landscape and play area.
Once you cross Hebbal, there is a pretty good elevated highway, almost like a free way ideal for night drives. People usually get to the Airport which has plenty options like Cafe Noir, Maiyas, Hatti Kaapi and Puro Gusto. A small trade off is, you have to spend little money on parking your vehicle.
11. Hesaraghatta Lake
Hesaraghatta Lake is a man made fresh water reservoir across the Arkavathy river. It is the best place for short picnic with family and friends.
With an area of 160-acre, Jakkur lake is the home for large number of migratory birds from other countries. Apart from this there are some more lakes like, Lalbhag lake, Yalahanka lake, Kengeri lake etc.
12. Sunrise at Nandi Temple
Around 60 km from Bangalore, Nandi Hills is a go-to spot when you are in need of some solitude and a refreshing start for your day. Nandi Hills is a picnic spot which is a few kilometres from Bangalore and if you go early morning then you can enjoy a beautiful sunrise there. Typically you can start early morning 4 AM and reach there around 5:30 which is when Police will open check-post to drive to top. It’s a mesmerizing experience of Sun rising on top of a cloud bed.
Monday, January 14, 2019
There is no end of tourist places to visit in Bangalore. The Silicon Valley of India, Bangalore, or Bengaluru as it is called today, is a place that every tourist should visit. The city's cosmopolitan culture, combined with its rich heritage and history, makes it an attractive destination for singles, families and groups.
We have compiled a list of museums and best places to visit in Bangalore you should take time to visit during your visit to the state capital of Karnataka.
Where will you learn the history of a place? If you said museums, you're right! Bangalore is a city with a rich past, which your children would like to know. Even if they are not, taking them to these museums may arouse their interest.
Established in 1865 by the former state of Mysore, the Karnataka Government Museum is one of the oldest museums in India. It is the second oldest museum in southern India. The museum has a large collection of coins, artifacts, weapons and weapons, jewelry and paintings from the past. It is also here that the earliest kannada inscription, the Halmidi inscription, is preserved. Children will particularly love the collection of coins used by ancient civilizations that flourished in Mohenjo-Daro, Vijayanagar and Halebid.
Where: Gandhi Nagar, Bangalore
Attractions: Ancient coins and objects
Opening days: Tuesday to Sunday
Opening hours: 10h to 17h
Registration fees: Rs. 10 per adult and Rs. 5 per child
Amenities: Parking, toilets and canteen
Things to consider: A little orientation can make the visit interesting. It will also help your children understand the value of the artifacts and treasures exhibited in the museum.
Airplanes are one of many things that kids love. Young boys and girls will enjoy a visit to the HAL Aerospace Museum. It is the second largest HAL museum in India and has several life-size models of aircraft, copters and more designed and manufactured by the company. There is also an aerodynamic modeling club, and a library. It gives you detailed information on the history of aeronautics in India.
Where: Marathahalli, Bangalore
Attractions: The flight simulator is to try
Opening days: Every day except public holidays
Hours: 9h to 17h
Registration fee: Rs. 30 per person
Amenities: Parking, Washroom, Souvenir Shop
Things to consider: You will need at least two hours for the Hindustan Aeronautics Museum visit and is a must for Indian aviation fanatics.
Chitrakala Parishath is not just for modern art lovers. If your children have any interest in drawing and the arts, take them to this place for inspiration. The gallery has museums dedicated to Nicholas Roeric, a renowned Russian artist, and HK Kejriwal, connoisseur of Indian art. There are also galleries of folk art and international art and galleries dedicated to Indian artists like Srikanta Shastry Kukke and Krishna Reddy.
The Parishath also has a section dedicated to the traditional paintings of Mysore. Locals may also participate in recreational classes that the gallery organizes from time to time.
Where: Kumara Krupa Rd, Bangalore
Attractions: Art Museums and Annual Exhibition, if you are in town at this time.
Opening days: Monday to Saturday
Hours: 10:30 to 19:30
Registration fee: Rs. 50 per person
Amenities: Parking
Things to consider: The place is truly a paradise for art lovers. If you want to expose your children to the world or art, this is the place.
The Janapada Loka or Karnataka Folk Museum is dedicated to folk arts of the village in the state. The place has a museum of artifacts used by the tribes in Karnataka, an auditorium with costumes and masks. There are also live performances with young boys performing folk dances and fights for visitors. The place also has a gift shop where you can buy wooden crafts and toys made in Chennapattana.
Where: 53 km from Bangalore on the Bangalore-Mysore highway
Attractions: Masks, puppets, models and live performances
Opening days: Every day except Tuesdays
Hours: 9h to 17h
Registration fee: Rs. 10
Services: Parking, toilets, restaurants
Things to consider: Getting there can be complicated unless you have your own vehicle or taxi.
The boys will love. The girls will be fascinated by this. You can simply be impressed! The Museum of Motorcycle Legends is a small museum and vintage café, where you can admire bikes dating back to the post-war period. The museum has some of the oldest and heaviest bikes such as the 1924 BSA 250 cc, the 1942 Norton 500cc and the 1962 Cezeta. This place has several bikes and scooters collected by Prabhu, a motorcycle fanatic, for 20 years.
This museum is a great place to relax with a cup of coffee and a sandwich.
Where: Pulikeshi Nagar
Attractions: Old motorcycles, dating from the time of the Second World War.
Closing days: Everyday
Hours: 6am to 11pm
Amenities: Parking, toilets, cafe
Things to consider: Visit When you want to take a break from sightseeing, you can enjoy good food, music and also watch vintage bikes.
The Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium is managed by the Bangalore Association for Science Education. The planetarium has a science park, a sky theater and a showroom where children can see models and performances. Photos of the solar system, planets and other astronomical phenomena. The planetarium hosts several events for children during holidays and weekends.
Where: Sri T. Chowdaiah Road, Bangalore
Attractions: The Sky Theater
Opening Days: Every day except Monday and the second Tuesday of the month
Hours: 12:15 to 16:30
Registration fee: Rs. 35 per adult, children under the age of three are not allowed in the Sky Theater
Facilities: Parking, toilets
Things to consider: If you are in town during an astronomical event, the Taralaya is the best place to experience it.
Unit of the National Council of Science Museums, the Visvesvaraya Industrial and Technological Museum is a place of interest for science buffs in Bangalore. The museum was created in honor of Sir M. Visvesvaraya. He was a prominent engineer who designed the Krishna Raja Sagar Dam and also the flood prevention system in Hyderabad.
The museum also houses artifacts such as the mechanical calculator, the Edison phonograph, a steam wagon and a jet turbine.
Where: Sampangi Rama Nagar, Bangalore
Attractions: Machine Room, 3D Theater, Models of Space Ships and Satellites, Enclave Dinosaur
Days Open: Every day except Ganesh Chathurthi and Deepavali
Hours: 10:30 to 17:30
Registration fee: Rs. 40 per person, free entry for children under 5 years
Amenities: Parking, toilets, food and water, guided tours
Things to consider: Your children do not necessarily want to see all the exhibits. So talk to the guide and see if you can spend more time at exhibitions (machine room, dinosaur exhibits, fun science rooms, etc.) that appeal to kids.
We have compiled a list of museums and best places to visit in Bangalore you should take time to visit during your visit to the state capital of Karnataka.
Where will you learn the history of a place? If you said museums, you're right! Bangalore is a city with a rich past, which your children would like to know. Even if they are not, taking them to these museums may arouse their interest.
1. Government Museum
Established in 1865 by the former state of Mysore, the Karnataka Government Museum is one of the oldest museums in India. It is the second oldest museum in southern India. The museum has a large collection of coins, artifacts, weapons and weapons, jewelry and paintings from the past. It is also here that the earliest kannada inscription, the Halmidi inscription, is preserved. Children will particularly love the collection of coins used by ancient civilizations that flourished in Mohenjo-Daro, Vijayanagar and Halebid.
Where: Gandhi Nagar, Bangalore
Attractions: Ancient coins and objects
Opening days: Tuesday to Sunday
Opening hours: 10h to 17h
Registration fees: Rs. 10 per adult and Rs. 5 per child
Amenities: Parking, toilets and canteen
Things to consider: A little orientation can make the visit interesting. It will also help your children understand the value of the artifacts and treasures exhibited in the museum.
2. HAL Heritage Centre and Aerospace Museum
Airplanes are one of many things that kids love. Young boys and girls will enjoy a visit to the HAL Aerospace Museum. It is the second largest HAL museum in India and has several life-size models of aircraft, copters and more designed and manufactured by the company. There is also an aerodynamic modeling club, and a library. It gives you detailed information on the history of aeronautics in India.
Where: Marathahalli, Bangalore
Attractions: The flight simulator is to try
Opening days: Every day except public holidays
Hours: 9h to 17h
Registration fee: Rs. 30 per person
Amenities: Parking, Washroom, Souvenir Shop
Things to consider: You will need at least two hours for the Hindustan Aeronautics Museum visit and is a must for Indian aviation fanatics.
3. Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath
Chitrakala Parishath is not just for modern art lovers. If your children have any interest in drawing and the arts, take them to this place for inspiration. The gallery has museums dedicated to Nicholas Roeric, a renowned Russian artist, and HK Kejriwal, connoisseur of Indian art. There are also galleries of folk art and international art and galleries dedicated to Indian artists like Srikanta Shastry Kukke and Krishna Reddy.
The Parishath also has a section dedicated to the traditional paintings of Mysore. Locals may also participate in recreational classes that the gallery organizes from time to time.
Where: Kumara Krupa Rd, Bangalore
Attractions: Art Museums and Annual Exhibition, if you are in town at this time.
Opening days: Monday to Saturday
Hours: 10:30 to 19:30
Registration fee: Rs. 50 per person
Amenities: Parking
Things to consider: The place is truly a paradise for art lovers. If you want to expose your children to the world or art, this is the place.
4. Folk Museum or Janapada Loka
The Janapada Loka or Karnataka Folk Museum is dedicated to folk arts of the village in the state. The place has a museum of artifacts used by the tribes in Karnataka, an auditorium with costumes and masks. There are also live performances with young boys performing folk dances and fights for visitors. The place also has a gift shop where you can buy wooden crafts and toys made in Chennapattana.
Where: 53 km from Bangalore on the Bangalore-Mysore highway
Attractions: Masks, puppets, models and live performances
Opening days: Every day except Tuesdays
Hours: 9h to 17h
Registration fee: Rs. 10
Services: Parking, toilets, restaurants
Things to consider: Getting there can be complicated unless you have your own vehicle or taxi.
5. Legends Motorcycle Museum
The boys will love. The girls will be fascinated by this. You can simply be impressed! The Museum of Motorcycle Legends is a small museum and vintage café, where you can admire bikes dating back to the post-war period. The museum has some of the oldest and heaviest bikes such as the 1924 BSA 250 cc, the 1942 Norton 500cc and the 1962 Cezeta. This place has several bikes and scooters collected by Prabhu, a motorcycle fanatic, for 20 years.
This museum is a great place to relax with a cup of coffee and a sandwich.
Where: Pulikeshi Nagar
Attractions: Old motorcycles, dating from the time of the Second World War.
Closing days: Everyday
Hours: 6am to 11pm
Amenities: Parking, toilets, cafe
Things to consider: Visit When you want to take a break from sightseeing, you can enjoy good food, music and also watch vintage bikes.
6. Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium
The Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium is managed by the Bangalore Association for Science Education. The planetarium has a science park, a sky theater and a showroom where children can see models and performances. Photos of the solar system, planets and other astronomical phenomena. The planetarium hosts several events for children during holidays and weekends.
Where: Sri T. Chowdaiah Road, Bangalore
Attractions: The Sky Theater
Opening Days: Every day except Monday and the second Tuesday of the month
Hours: 12:15 to 16:30
Registration fee: Rs. 35 per adult, children under the age of three are not allowed in the Sky Theater
Facilities: Parking, toilets
Things to consider: If you are in town during an astronomical event, the Taralaya is the best place to experience it.
7. Visvesvaraya Industrial and Technological Museum
Unit of the National Council of Science Museums, the Visvesvaraya Industrial and Technological Museum is a place of interest for science buffs in Bangalore. The museum was created in honor of Sir M. Visvesvaraya. He was a prominent engineer who designed the Krishna Raja Sagar Dam and also the flood prevention system in Hyderabad.
The museum also houses artifacts such as the mechanical calculator, the Edison phonograph, a steam wagon and a jet turbine.
Where: Sampangi Rama Nagar, Bangalore
Attractions: Machine Room, 3D Theater, Models of Space Ships and Satellites, Enclave Dinosaur
Days Open: Every day except Ganesh Chathurthi and Deepavali
Hours: 10:30 to 17:30
Registration fee: Rs. 40 per person, free entry for children under 5 years
Amenities: Parking, toilets, food and water, guided tours
Things to consider: Your children do not necessarily want to see all the exhibits. So talk to the guide and see if you can spend more time at exhibitions (machine room, dinosaur exhibits, fun science rooms, etc.) that appeal to kids.
Sunday, January 13, 2019
Have not they stolen your stuff? Have you not lost any documents? Were you not afraid? It has always seemed surprising to me that most of the questions that people asked us after our great trip through Africa had to do with security. Many of them often had to want to know how to take money and documents during a great trip.
The truth is that the world is a much safer place than we think at home, but we still have to take some precautions. I use a combination of means and places to keep money. When making a trip it is always important to have all our documentation in the respective order, to avoid any type of inconvenience. Something very useful in these cases, is to load it in a place that we can have at hand.
I have always had a pouch bag to have documentation on hand and every time they ask me for some document and it does not come out the first time I get nervous. I feel that everyone looks at me badly for making them wait. So I decided to order the URBY Wanderlust passport holder from the numerous options available in their website.
The website is easy to access with different products ranging from wallets for men, ladies wallets, toiletry bag, luggage tags etc.
I received it in excellent condition wrapped in a canvas drawstring pouch in a very elegant black case. For a serial traveller like me this is the perfect portfolio as the large surface allows me to distribute the content in an orderly manner but above all to maintain a thin thickness. Contactless protection is essential. I misplaced my credit card recently in London and it was certainly an important factor that made me opt for this safe wallet.
Having a passport together with cash and cards is essential for me. I often forget the document in the hotel with the separate old pouch bag for having a passport. The pockets of credit cards are abundant and soft and allow a very fast extraction of the content.
This universal leather passport holder from URBY is indispensable for those who travel regularly to get optimal protection for your identity documents. It can easily be used as a wallet because on one side the passport can be kept and on the other side there are pockets for storing cards and cash.
There are six pockets with the big one for the passport and 3 small for credit cards and a medium size pocket for cash and an open section for boarding pass. It is well made, soft to the touch and beautiful to look at in a perfect size that fits comfortably in the back pocket of the pants. The space for cards and for money or any identity card is perfect.
The product is made of excellent material and good a kind of very soft synthetic leather. The synthetic leather material is very resistant and of the highest quality and after use there is not even a sign on the surface. This leather cover is available in a large number of colours, so you can choose a different one for each and every member of your family!
I got it in brown, which is the most neutral colour for anyone in the family to use. It is a very nice and elegant brown. It perfectly fits a passport and have many pockets and slots to keep credit cards, boarding pass, luggage tags, etc. The sewing and the details give the feeling that this organizer will last me for a lot of trips. For the price I have to say that it is excellent.
Of excellent workmanship and beautiful design, it has become the perfect custody for my passport and allows me to have together also the various loyalty cards of the airline companies, keep temporary paper visas and business cards. I am very satisfied with the purchase.
The truth is that the world is a much safer place than we think at home, but we still have to take some precautions. I use a combination of means and places to keep money. When making a trip it is always important to have all our documentation in the respective order, to avoid any type of inconvenience. Something very useful in these cases, is to load it in a place that we can have at hand.
I have always had a pouch bag to have documentation on hand and every time they ask me for some document and it does not come out the first time I get nervous. I feel that everyone looks at me badly for making them wait. So I decided to order the URBY Wanderlust passport holder from the numerous options available in their website.
The website is easy to access with different products ranging from wallets for men, ladies wallets, toiletry bag, luggage tags etc.
I received it in excellent condition wrapped in a canvas drawstring pouch in a very elegant black case. For a serial traveller like me this is the perfect portfolio as the large surface allows me to distribute the content in an orderly manner but above all to maintain a thin thickness. Contactless protection is essential. I misplaced my credit card recently in London and it was certainly an important factor that made me opt for this safe wallet.
Having a passport together with cash and cards is essential for me. I often forget the document in the hotel with the separate old pouch bag for having a passport. The pockets of credit cards are abundant and soft and allow a very fast extraction of the content.
This universal leather passport holder from URBY is indispensable for those who travel regularly to get optimal protection for your identity documents. It can easily be used as a wallet because on one side the passport can be kept and on the other side there are pockets for storing cards and cash.
There are six pockets with the big one for the passport and 3 small for credit cards and a medium size pocket for cash and an open section for boarding pass. It is well made, soft to the touch and beautiful to look at in a perfect size that fits comfortably in the back pocket of the pants. The space for cards and for money or any identity card is perfect.
The product is made of excellent material and good a kind of very soft synthetic leather. The synthetic leather material is very resistant and of the highest quality and after use there is not even a sign on the surface. This leather cover is available in a large number of colours, so you can choose a different one for each and every member of your family!
I got it in brown, which is the most neutral colour for anyone in the family to use. It is a very nice and elegant brown. It perfectly fits a passport and have many pockets and slots to keep credit cards, boarding pass, luggage tags, etc. The sewing and the details give the feeling that this organizer will last me for a lot of trips. For the price I have to say that it is excellent.
Of excellent workmanship and beautiful design, it has become the perfect custody for my passport and allows me to have together also the various loyalty cards of the airline companies, keep temporary paper visas and business cards. I am very satisfied with the purchase.
Saturday, January 12, 2019
Getting ready for a trip almost always requires doing some thorough research, but we tend to mostly focus on finding the right restaurant or the perfect shopping mall. However, once you book an exotic river cruise ship, this routine changes. While traveling to faraway places is always exciting and new, such trips planning takes a lot more time, effort, and thought.
After all, visiting your parents for the weekend can hardly be compared to packing your bags and visiting Laos for a couple of weeks, can it? On the other hand, packing smart is not all that it takes in order to make sure that your trip is peaceful and satisfying! There are lots of things to consider and learn before hitting the airport just yet.
And if your next tour happens to be the Mekong river, you can be sure that you will come fully prepared! You can embark from Luang Prabang, Siem Reap, Phnom Penh or Ho Chi Minh City.
Well, without further ado, lets get into the steps you should take if you want to make sure that your next trip is an adventure of a lifetime!
All big rivers can be somewhat of a challenge when it comes to planning out a trip, due to the fact that they, as a rule, have two seasons (the wet one and the dry one). When it comes to the Mekong river, you will be happy to hear that there are Mekong cruises offered throughout the whole year, so the only thing left to do is to determine which season suits you best.
The dry season begins in November and ends in May, and the wet season lasts from May to October. One thing is certain - both of them have their ups and downs, but if visiting the Mekong river via a cheap cruising tour, you should consider doing so in the wet season, due to the higher water levels!
Speaking of the different seasons, you will want to make sure that you are also prepared when it comes to your clothing. This means that your packing routine is about to change! While you will be fine packing a dinner dress for a meal on the cruise ship, you will also want to make sure that all of the other clothes you are bringing along are dry-fit, light-colored, and loose-fitting.
This way, you will be fully protected from the sun and the mosquitoes. Another important thing to pack is a wide-brimmed hat that covers your shoulders!
However, visiting a river also means that you should be prepared for sudden rain showers, so you should also make sure to pack a raincoat, or buy one on the ship (if it is available).
Visiting a faraway place such as Laos, Cambodia or Vietnam also means that you are coming into a whole new culture and a different lifestyle. It also means that you have to make sure to respect all the people you meet and their customs. Dress appropriately, act accordingly, and you can be sure that you will be welcomed anywhere you go!
Going on an exotic trip like Mekong river cruise also requires getting all the shots you need. If you are visiting the Mekong delta, you will want to receive the inoculations for Hepatitis A and B, malaria, dengue fever, and typhoid.
Also, if you have any health conditions, make sure to stack up on your medication for the duration of your trip. Another thing to keep in mind is that you should bring some medication for upset stomachs. Most travelers tend to have stomach-related issues when readjusting to a new diet, so make sure to avoid having to go through this unpleasant stage!
While indulging in exotic meals sounds attractive to most of us, you should still know what you are getting yourself into. If you are feeling adventurous, you can try some local delicacies such as the deep-fried tarantula, grilled snake-head, peanut worms, or blood pudding!
However, doing some research on the local cuisine can be a life-saver if you have any allergies or other medical conditions. You can never be too safe when it comes to your health, can you?
Empurau are members of the tor tambroides species found throughout Southeast Asia - Thailand's Chao Phraya and the Mekong River - but it is the Empurau in Borneo that’s special and more valued. They sustain themselves with a diet of wild fruit that falls from trees overhanging the jungle rivers in Sarawak (Malaysia Borneo).
The fish's fruitarian diet is what gives the flesh a sweet, delicate flavor that is entirely unique. Wild Empurau Fish commands a premium price bracket and have been known to cost as high as RM1,800.00 per kg. A single one-kilogram (2.2-pound) empurau prepared in a restaurant can cost between US$300 to $500.
The steamed Empurau has a creamy fatty texture - due to the diet of eating Engkabang (Ilipe nut; Madhuca latifolia) - native to the island of Borneo. The fish scales are edible.
Once you are all packed up and ready for the next adventure, you should also know what you can expect once you get to the Mekong. The classic trip par excellence for Vietnam is visiting the north with Hanoi its capital and Halong Bay one of the natural wonders of the world, its center with two World Heritage cities Hoi An and Hue, Sapa ending in the South with Ho Chi Minh and its Mekong Delta.
To end the trip you can pass through Laos to see Luang Prabang, Pak Ou Caves and Kuang Si Falls. While navigating the Mekong River you can see the whole city of Luang Prabang, being one of the jewels of Laos. Luang Prabang was the capital of the kingdom of Laos until the revolution of 1975, when it changed to Vientiane until today.
A very interesting point while traveling Laos is the one at the end of the main street of the city, the Sisavangvong Road, right at the confluence of the River Mekong and Nam Khan. There is a small beach where you have the best views. The beauty of Luang Prabang is not only limited to the artistic but nature also plays an essential role and an example are the waterfalls of Kuang Si, located at 30 kms.
A lot of people don't know this but there are remote island locations in South East Asia which are not surrounded by ocean, they are surrounded by a river. One such place is the 4000 Islands location on the borders of Laos and Cambodia. There are 2 magical islands here, known as Don Det and Don Khone, which are surrounded by the majestic waters of the Mekong River.
There are no sealed roads or four wheeled vehicles on these islands, and it takes a twenty minute boat ride to reach there. Accommodation is inexpensive and the mood is very relaxed. Touring around the islands is done on bicycles and if you go in late October you'll see the massive Khon Phapheng Falls in full flow.
The first word that comes to mind is - versatility! The Southeast Asian region is definitely diverse in every meaning of the word so you can expect the unexpected. Whether you are traveling on a charter cruise or just traveling on a budget, you can be sure that you will get to experience the Mekong in a unique and unforgettable way! Happy journey and stay safe while you travel Mekong!
After all, visiting your parents for the weekend can hardly be compared to packing your bags and visiting Laos for a couple of weeks, can it? On the other hand, packing smart is not all that it takes in order to make sure that your trip is peaceful and satisfying! There are lots of things to consider and learn before hitting the airport just yet.
And if your next tour happens to be the Mekong river, you can be sure that you will come fully prepared! You can embark from Luang Prabang, Siem Reap, Phnom Penh or Ho Chi Minh City.
Well, without further ado, lets get into the steps you should take if you want to make sure that your next trip is an adventure of a lifetime!
1. Best Time For Mekong River Cruise
All big rivers can be somewhat of a challenge when it comes to planning out a trip, due to the fact that they, as a rule, have two seasons (the wet one and the dry one). When it comes to the Mekong river, you will be happy to hear that there are Mekong cruises offered throughout the whole year, so the only thing left to do is to determine which season suits you best.
The dry season begins in November and ends in May, and the wet season lasts from May to October. One thing is certain - both of them have their ups and downs, but if visiting the Mekong river via a cheap cruising tour, you should consider doing so in the wet season, due to the higher water levels!
2. What to Wear to Mekong River Cruise?
Speaking of the different seasons, you will want to make sure that you are also prepared when it comes to your clothing. This means that your packing routine is about to change! While you will be fine packing a dinner dress for a meal on the cruise ship, you will also want to make sure that all of the other clothes you are bringing along are dry-fit, light-colored, and loose-fitting.
This way, you will be fully protected from the sun and the mosquitoes. Another important thing to pack is a wide-brimmed hat that covers your shoulders!
However, visiting a river also means that you should be prepared for sudden rain showers, so you should also make sure to pack a raincoat, or buy one on the ship (if it is available).
3. Mekong Delta Culture
Visiting a faraway place such as Laos, Cambodia or Vietnam also means that you are coming into a whole new culture and a different lifestyle. It also means that you have to make sure to respect all the people you meet and their customs. Dress appropriately, act accordingly, and you can be sure that you will be welcomed anywhere you go!
4. Vaccinations for Laos
Going on an exotic trip like Mekong river cruise also requires getting all the shots you need. If you are visiting the Mekong delta, you will want to receive the inoculations for Hepatitis A and B, malaria, dengue fever, and typhoid.
Also, if you have any health conditions, make sure to stack up on your medication for the duration of your trip. Another thing to keep in mind is that you should bring some medication for upset stomachs. Most travelers tend to have stomach-related issues when readjusting to a new diet, so make sure to avoid having to go through this unpleasant stage!
5. Cuisine of Laos
While indulging in exotic meals sounds attractive to most of us, you should still know what you are getting yourself into. If you are feeling adventurous, you can try some local delicacies such as the deep-fried tarantula, grilled snake-head, peanut worms, or blood pudding!
However, doing some research on the local cuisine can be a life-saver if you have any allergies or other medical conditions. You can never be too safe when it comes to your health, can you?
Empurau are members of the tor tambroides species found throughout Southeast Asia - Thailand's Chao Phraya and the Mekong River - but it is the Empurau in Borneo that’s special and more valued. They sustain themselves with a diet of wild fruit that falls from trees overhanging the jungle rivers in Sarawak (Malaysia Borneo).
The fish's fruitarian diet is what gives the flesh a sweet, delicate flavor that is entirely unique. Wild Empurau Fish commands a premium price bracket and have been known to cost as high as RM1,800.00 per kg. A single one-kilogram (2.2-pound) empurau prepared in a restaurant can cost between US$300 to $500.
The steamed Empurau has a creamy fatty texture - due to the diet of eating Engkabang (Ilipe nut; Madhuca latifolia) - native to the island of Borneo. The fish scales are edible.
6. Places to Visit in Mekong Delta
Once you are all packed up and ready for the next adventure, you should also know what you can expect once you get to the Mekong. The classic trip par excellence for Vietnam is visiting the north with Hanoi its capital and Halong Bay one of the natural wonders of the world, its center with two World Heritage cities Hoi An and Hue, Sapa ending in the South with Ho Chi Minh and its Mekong Delta.
To end the trip you can pass through Laos to see Luang Prabang, Pak Ou Caves and Kuang Si Falls. While navigating the Mekong River you can see the whole city of Luang Prabang, being one of the jewels of Laos. Luang Prabang was the capital of the kingdom of Laos until the revolution of 1975, when it changed to Vientiane until today.
A very interesting point while traveling Laos is the one at the end of the main street of the city, the Sisavangvong Road, right at the confluence of the River Mekong and Nam Khan. There is a small beach where you have the best views. The beauty of Luang Prabang is not only limited to the artistic but nature also plays an essential role and an example are the waterfalls of Kuang Si, located at 30 kms.
A lot of people don't know this but there are remote island locations in South East Asia which are not surrounded by ocean, they are surrounded by a river. One such place is the 4000 Islands location on the borders of Laos and Cambodia. There are 2 magical islands here, known as Don Det and Don Khone, which are surrounded by the majestic waters of the Mekong River.
There are no sealed roads or four wheeled vehicles on these islands, and it takes a twenty minute boat ride to reach there. Accommodation is inexpensive and the mood is very relaxed. Touring around the islands is done on bicycles and if you go in late October you'll see the massive Khon Phapheng Falls in full flow.
The first word that comes to mind is - versatility! The Southeast Asian region is definitely diverse in every meaning of the word so you can expect the unexpected. Whether you are traveling on a charter cruise or just traveling on a budget, you can be sure that you will get to experience the Mekong in a unique and unforgettable way! Happy journey and stay safe while you travel Mekong!
