Finding Culture In A New Place
Culture has become somewhat of a buzzword when it comes to travel.
Everyone throws the word around and I’d be willing to bet a lot of the time when we’re traveling we get so caught up in experiences we don’t think too much with how they relate to history and culture. I think a lot of what we’re exposed to abroad is actually something much more sinister; tourism.
Unless you make a concerted effort to go beyond the tourist realm of a new country, it’s hard to experience what the true culture is actually like. Now, I understand why most people don’t do this, it’s stressful traveling in an unfamiliar country and some places just don’t feel safe to stray from the beaten track.
Certainly, there are many tourist destination that manage to balance their offering with including a true experience of culture but keep in mind it’s a produced experience of culture – they’ve decided what you’re going to see, and it may only be a single chapter in the book.
I think one of the best ways to get an idea of the real heart of a place is to speak to locals. This could be as simple as asking the people working in places, restaurants, bars you visit. Wherever you are is home to them, and they’re an excellent barometer for figuring out what’s going on at any time of the year.
Do your research before you travel, make sure you get some understanding of the history of where you’re going. Look up any native peoples and places or sites of importance to them. Even researching in this simple way will reveal a lot more about where you are visiting, and even if it’s only for a rest holiday you’ll find yourself looking at the beach a little differently.
Traveling With Friends (And How To Stay Friends)
Lots of people travel with their friends when they’re young. Before everyone has families and children to take care of, there’s nothing better than a Friendcation. But how do you make sure that you stay friends?
Traveling can be an extremely stressful time, when people are pushed to their limits and out of their comfort zones. We’ve always said that you don’t fully know someone until you travel with them!
People have their patience and their tolerance tested when they’re abroad and not in their normal environment, and this can place a lot of strain on even the longest serving, and best friendships.
Our first tip would be to spend time apart! Just because you’re traveling together that doesn’t mean you have to spend every waking minute together. Our interests when traveling can be really different. Some people are really into the history side of thing, when some of us find the thought of spending half a day in a gallery completely nauseating. Do the things that you want to, and if that means spending time doing different activities then you’ll have lots to talk about in the evening! Just because you’re sharing the experience of travel, it doesn’t necessarily mean you have to share every experience when traveling.
Have other tips for traveling with friends? We’d love to hear them!
Finding the perfect holiday destination
Planning starts with setting a budget. It is important to set a figure for the trip so that the holiday chosen is within one's reach. No one wants to be stranded in a foreign town! Step two is to identify the kind of holiday one is looking for and the rest will be easy. From Skiing in Europe to trekking in the jungle somewhere in Africa, a superb holiday can be arranged within a matter of hours.
It is important to browse through different sites so as to get the best bargain. There are also various companies on the net which can arrange an entire holiday based on someone's hobbies and needs. If you can dream it, they will surely try to make it happen! From lazing around on a sunny beach to jumping off a cliff with a parachute strapped to your back, they will create holiday packages specific to outlined requests.
The destination will dictate the kind of activities on offer. Safaris will only take place in Africa and white water rafting can only happen on a river. Choose your destination wisely. The time of year will give you the weather. If one wants to bask on a sandy beach, this can only take place during summer or somewhere in the tropics.
The last step is to do some shopping. Shop wisely and just the basics. Spending a chunk of the holiday funds before it even starts is not a wise idea. Some things can be bought during the holiday as well. Shopping in an exotic town can be fun and of course friends at home will be expecting some gifts on your return. Souvenirs will also come in handy to remind you about the wonderful trip.
Finding the perfect spot can be only a few clicks away!
Tips for planning for a perfect vacation
What comes to your mind when you hear the word vacation? For most of us the word vacation sends shivers down our spines because it means an off from the tedious tasks of the office or school. You begin to think of those leisurely places you would love to visit and the things you would want to do, like going for those swimming lessons you have always yearned to attend. Talking of the travel destinations you would love to visit; some you have come across on a holiday destination magazine, watched on TV or perhaps heard from friends and family who recently came from a holiday visit and had an electrifying experience. All in all, before going on vacation, you have to adequately plan yourself to avoid disappointments. Below are four tips that will guide you through your planning.
1. Budget
This is the most important aspect of your planning. Budgeting will help you manage the amount of money that you anticipate to spend during the vacation as you would not like to spend your entire savings. You will have to sit down and draw a plan that will not stretch your financial ability. Whether you are going on vacation alone or with family will also affect how your budget will look like. While drawing your plan, you may look up on the various websites of the places you plan to visit, to get a glimpse of the available facilities such as hotels. You can then compare and choose those that are cheap or even offer discounts. If you are planning to use a flight, you can refer to the various airline websites for the cheapest rates; you can even do your booking online to cut on costs of traveling to their physical location. To draw a budget plan, you can develop a two-column table with the item on the left and the estimated expense on the right.
2. Companionship
Plan and decide whether you want to travel alone or with friends and family. There are two sides of the choice that you will pick; the negative and the positive. For example, when you go on holiday alone, you may tend to feel lonely and bored, while at the same time you may be looking forward to meeting and making new friends. When you choose to travel with friends or family, it will tend to stretch your budgetary allocation but the good about it is that you will have great company with you to enjoy the holiday and have fun.
3. Travel essentials
You may have to create a list of the items that you will need to be checked. These may include: a visa and other travel documents if you are going holidaying out of the country, a suitable travel bag and personal effects. Also, if you are traveling with kids, you can carry some of their favorite toys as well as enough of their extra clothing to avoid unnecessary spending. You should also ensure that the place you want to sojourn caters for children’s needs too.
4. Fun ideas
Before deciding to go on vacation, at the back of your mind you already have some ideas of the kind of activities you would like to engage in. Create a checklist then check whether the site you are going to visit offers room for such activities. This will ready you for the deeds you will most likely engage in, and at the same time save you the disappointments you would likely face once at the site, for the activities you thought would be available but are not. Fun ideas may include skating, hiking, fishing and sunbathing at the beach. You could also intentionally choose to forget your phone to increase the fun while having less to worry about from the numerous phone calls.
These are some of the tips to take you through the essentials for planning a vacation. Following them will help you remember everything you want done while at the same time giving you room to think of other great ideas to spice up your holiday.
Travelling Thailand in the Rainy Season: How to Prepare
Travel to Thailand during the rainy season can be fun and a very productive experience if planned. Before booking a flight for a vacation in Thailand in the months between May and October, it is essential to consider the state of the desired destinations and weather safety. This travel tip is a guide to keep you safe and dry in Thailand in this infamous season of the tourist calendar.
Prepare for Travel Delays
Flight scheduled to travel the various rain friendly destinations of Thailand can easily be interrupted due to unexpected torrential downpours. It is essential to prepare psychologically for delays in flights. Sometimes there are cancellations of trips. Park your favorite snacks and hot drinks to kick the boredom and discouragement at the airstrip.
Get in Touch with Weather Reports
Travel in rainy Thailand can be inconvenient and disastrous when conducted without knowledge of the expected weather patterns. There are instances of scary thunder and bad lighting. Sometimes the weather changes from torrential downpour to warm climate on the same day. Excellent knowledge of the weather for the different parts of the day can assist in clothing and stay safe from destinations that are dangerous during the rains.
Prepare for mosquitos
You may take mosquito tablets before traveling to Thailand in the rainy season. Malaria and other mosquito-related infections are synonymous with the rainy season. Mosquito net or repellants can offer a good night sleep for an enjoyable vacation.
Choose your Means of Transport Wisely
Moving around in vans and private motorbikes can be fun but very uncomfortable because of the unexpected rains sometimes. Muddy and slippery terrains may be dangerous and regrettable to use. Always get advice from travel agents who understand the destinations well.
Protect your Possessions
Items such as cameras and phones should be packed in plastic carriers or between the stuff in a backpack or carrier bag that is waterproof. You may opt to leave items that are not waterproof in the hotel room as well, but that may deny you from capturing some of the best moment of the vacation.
A holiday in Thailand is always enjoyable no matter the time of the year. Prepare well and get the best of every moment.
Destination Guide: Mallorca
When traveling, things can inevitably go out of your control. About a month or so before your trip, make a mental list of the things you wouldn’t like to forget. If you are planning a long vacation with your family, Mallorca is the place to be.
Why Mallorca Islands?
Being the largest and most beautiful island in Spain, Mallorca (Majorca) is a destination site for tourists seeking a long Mediterranean vacation. Currently, Mallorca is the primary attraction site for European vacationers looking forward to enjoying the sand and the sun.
After the sunset, tourists’ heads back to enjoy the most affordable and appealing nightclubs and grills. Whether you look forward to relaxing or party hard, Mallorca travel won’t disappoint. To make the most out of Mallorca, consider visiting between May and September.
Wondering how to get to Mallorca for your extended vacation? Stay calm. There are affordable flights for tourists all over Asia, America, and Europe.
Mallorca’s travel tips
To make your nighttime adventures comfortable and enjoyable, consider visiting when both the days and nights are warm enough (May to September). Here are the top travels you should not miss out.
• Explore the Dragon caves that were formed many years back by the flow of Mediterranean tides and ebb
• Take in and participate in Cala d’Or’s annual Jazz Festival
• Explore the famous village of Valldemossa
• Make trips to the Dragonera and Cabrera islands
Quick travel tips to consider
1. Start your day trips early
At sunrise, you will have the best attractions sites to yourself while avoiding scammers and criminals. You can also take amazing photos while still interacting with the locals.
2. Always be patient
Don’t get annoyed by things out of your control. Did you miss your flight to Mallorca? No need to panic. Stay calm and wait for the next flight. You’ll be getting to Mallorca within no time.
3. Have some extra cash
Always stash some extra dollars for emergency reasons. Don’t be left stranded when ATM’s ran out of money.
4. Prioritize on meeting local people
Nowadays, English is spoken widely more than you think. By combining body language and hand gestures, you can easily communicate with the local people.
Always choose your travel destinations wisely. Make the most out of place by communicating with the local people and taking enough photos. As tourists, we travel to experience different ways of thinking, cultures, and environments. When you get to Mallorca, keep an open mind and feel free to try new foods.
When to Visit Thailand
Thousands of tourists and holidaymakers flock Thailand leisure sites every year. The country has some of the most spectaculars places that offer wonders, education, and relaxation owing to historical features, beautiful beaches, heart throbbing culture, climate and the general landscape of the country that come in a wide variety. Any time of the year is a memorable experience to visitors in Thailand. However, there are times during the year that present the best climatic conditions to expose the best experience preferred by individuals.
Characteristics Climate
Travelling to Thailand is majorly guided by three special seasons; rainy, cool and hot months. The rainy season comes between May and October each, the cool season falls from November to February while hot months occur between March and May.
Rainy Season
Travelling to Thailand in the rainy season offers cheaper visits to the preferred itinerary. Most services cut their prices to about 50 percent of the cost in the peak season.
The rainy season in the Gulf of Thailand is less intense. It falls between October and January to pave the way to an alternative destination in the country between June and October for lovers of the Samui Archipelago. However, it is important to note that the intensity and length of the rainy season are less predictable compared to the other seasons.
Cool Season
If you want to catch a glimpse of Thailand’s beautiful winter flowers and sea mist, get them in the hills and mountains during this breezy season. Any destination in Chiang Mai is at its best during this time of the year. The temperature and visibility suits travelers in the northern and Northeastern Thailand.
Hot Season
Travelers may opt to hit the beaches during this scotching-sun high-temperature season. The Eastern and Southern islands may offer exciting places to keep off the hot days. This season provides some of the best views of night sky and landscape in Thailand.
Depending on the time of the year you are planning your vacation, Thailand does not fail to offer you a place to enjoy yourself despite the probable extreme weathers. Understand the seasons and what they offer to enjoy Thailand any time of the year.
5 Most Happening Kids Party Venues In Adelaide You Would Love to Visit
You might spend a day with some close friends, their families or plan a picnic with the neighbors without much preparation. But, It's always essential to stream down your needs to select the right holiday destination, especially for your kids. Also, when you plan a day out with your kids, it becomes imperative that you plan everything in advance.
If you are from Adelaide, then we have 5 most happening kids’ holiday destinations for you. Your kids will not only love these destinations but will also cherish the sweet memories in future. So, check out the following and choose the one that best suits your purpose.
1.Stratco city Beach, Cnr Pirie and Frome St: Choose this venue if you intend to enjoy your day with kids at the beach. It will cost you $18 per person on weekdays and $20 on weekends.
2.SA museum café, North Tce: Looking for an educational tour for the young folks? Then this is your ultimate choice. It costs around $16 per kid along with cake service, drinks and party food like pizza and nachos.
3.Mercury cinema, 13 Morphett Street: This is a perfect 38-seater cinema hall that you can hire for $300 for 3 hours. If you are looking for a happening place for your kid’s birthday, then this is the perfect venue.
4.Adelaide Chocolate school, 48 Melbourne: Do you want to take your kids to chocolate school? Do you want them to learn some excellent techniques? Make them learn to prepare assorted solid chocolates, chocolate lollipops, and other candies.
5.Adelaide Zoo, Frome road: Zoo is perfect for kids aged from 4 to 14.
You can be a part of the panda picnic party, party animal package and well-catered party option at a price of $29 or above.
Select your package wisely from the full range of available options and make your day worth it.
Destination Review - Myanmar
If your interests lie in traveling to foreign countries, visiting exotic places, interacting with new cultures and outdoor travelling then you’ve probably come across or heard about Myanmar. An exotic destination with many word class attractions guaranteed to leave you in awe whether it’s your first time travelling there or not.
Most of the destinations are spiritual like temples, pagodas and historical sites. There are also beautiful beaches, some of which are seasonal beaches. Some local travel guides like the offer tour packages in which you get to experience the true beauty of Myanmar at sites like;
1. Bagan: A main tourist destination in Myanmar situated on the eastern bank of the Ayeyawaddy River.
2. Mandalay Palace: The last royal palace of the Burmese monarchy constructed between 1857 and 1859.
3. Inle: It is a vast and beautiful lake found in the mountains.
4. Ngapali Beach: Stretching nearly 3 km with soft white sand spotted by coconut palms.
5. Ngwesaung Beach: Stretching almost nearly 11 km long located 48 km west of Pathein, Ayeyawaddy Region.
6. Nabule Beach: a vast and beautiful golden beach found 40 kms north of Dawei City.
7. Shwedagon Pagoda: It’ official name Shwedagon Zedi Daw, is a gilded believed to be more than 2000 years old and which is decorated with jewels and coated in gold.
What is also important to note and most tour guides will emphasize is that you need to stay safe and never compromise on your safety. Some of the activities to watch out for when traveling and some tour guides will explain to you are;
1. Crime: Pickpockets are a major headache as tourists have a high chance of being targeted by pick pocketers in the streets.
2. Begging: There is a begging syndicate using children or sometimes mothers carrying children to solicit travelers and to beg from tourists although being classified as a taboo by tradition.
3. Corruption: To get assistance in case of missing documents or closed offices many tourists are asked to pay bribes to officials but not openly.
4. Driving Conditions: The road infrastructure in the country is very poor and sometimes travelling by car can be very uncomfortable and sometimes very dangerous.
5. Civil conflict: Some areas in Myanmar which are restricted by the government have insurgents who pose a very dangerous risk to tourists.
6. Animals: Myanmar has an abundance of stray cats and dogs roaming its streets. Precaution should be taken so as to avoid contact as much as possible. If bitten you should seek immediate medical assistance.
Myanmar is a paradise worth discovering and exploring provided you take care of yourself, respect your surroundings and respect the local culture. Myanmar will prove to be a magical experience worth reliving.
Choosing the best tent for your hiking adventure
With the holidays drawing near, you might be considering what to do with all the free time that comes along with it. Are you in search of a hobby and want to adventure the great outdoors? Hiking is a pastime activity for most adventurers and choosing the best tent to take with you will determine whether your hike will be successful or not.
We will start from the factors to consider when purchasing it like;
1: What is your budget i.e. how much are you willing to spend on a tent?
2: What amount of weight can you carry?
3: How fast will it take to set up the tent?
4: Design of the tent and how much space that you need?
Capacity of tents is also a main consideration whether you are travelling alone or in a group. Tents are classified with the amount of people it can hold. They vary from one person models to two person models to even four person models.
Most tents are designed to be in use during all seasons, whether you are camping in the summer or in the winter. Tents that can withhold all four seasons are most preferred as weather can tend to be unpredictable sometimes changing from a nice sunny weather to windy and cloudy so you need to find a tent that can be used yearly. Such tents were designed to be used in low temperatures, heavy snow, strong winds and areas with abundant sunlight. They differ from normal tents as they have a durable fabric with less mesh and poles which are more stable and strong.
In conclusion, outdoor activities with your family can be a moment to last a lifetime so preparedness and safety is key and from the words of the wise failing to plan is planning to fail.