Tourism and gambling have always been intertwined, right back to when Ancient China used tiles in a rudimentary game of chance. Fastforward thousands of years, and brick-and-mortar casinos have become some of the main attractions in many countries – even whole destinations dedicated to the experience, like Vegas and Macau.
Though for the casino tourist stuck at home during the pandemic, it’s been impossible to ‘hit the Strip’, or bluff while overlooking Niagara Falls. So like much of the travel world, they’ve turned to virtual experiences!
Virtual slot machines have recently adapted to allow casino tourists to travel the globe, so that during lockdown you can still enjoy your favorite cities, which you otherwise may have been visiting. Here are some travel themed slots to keep you inspired. As always, we urge you to gamble responsibly.
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You’ve been dreaming about reuniting and spending time with friends after being disconnected for so long, and holiday-making with loved ones is finally on the horizon. We’re starting to look beyond lockdowns and restrictions again, so if you haven’t yet considered cruise travel as an option, now is an excellent time to start.
Why? Because it’s a no-fuss, stress-free holiday that allows you to focus on the things that truly matter: quality time spent with your loved ones.
Planning a group cruise doesn’t have to be difficult, even for large groups. There’s a lot less to organise than for your typical road trip, and there are enough onboard activities to keep everyone entertained, while still allowing downtime to relax.
If spending days and nights with friends you’ve dearly missed sounds like something you can really get around now that travel is back on the table, then keep reading about why cruising with friends is the perfect solution for your reunion.
You’ll soon be completely equipped with knowledge on how to organise a group cruise, and your friends will be so grateful. Say ‘so long’ to pandemic-related relationship strain and ‘hello’ to the good times and holiday fun you’ve missed.
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Looking after yourself is one of the most crucial to-dos, especially when you are away from home. But so many of us see travel as an escape, that we tend to let our self care slip.
I’m personally guilty of the ‘calories on vacation don’t count’ mentality, and forgetting to apply sunscreen as I would in my normal day at the beach (if you haven’t seen photos of my sunburn in the Galapagos and Antarctica they’ll make you cringe!).
So to make sure we’re having the best vacation possible, and returning home without needing a self care recorrect, here are four areas of self-care worth your attention when traveling.
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We are set to hit over 8 billion people by 2025, but we have seen a migration away from many of the world’s largest cities lately, somewhat spurred on by a recent eagerness for more personal space.
While many cities throughout China and Europe, as well as big name cities like Detroit, Hong Kong, and Tokyo have seen population declines in recent years, other regions are seeing large spikes in population growth.
While there are many cities experiencing slow growth, others are booming throughout regions like Central Africa and parts of Southern Asia, giving travelers the opportunity to explore cities they may have never heard of.
In fact, 17 of the world’s 20 fastest growing cities are in Africa and it will be interesting to see if this translates into increased tourism for this region.
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Travel is supposed to be about relaxing and getting away from your normal daily stress and anxiety, which makes it quite surprising that recent surveys have shown nearly 90% of people consider travel these days to be stressful.
So is there any hope of escaping stress on your next escape and hopefully enjoying a sense of happiness?
The sad truth is that we only have ourselves to blame for being stressed while traveling, whether it’s trying to tick a long list of experiences off we feel we need to have or not giving ourselves enough flexibility to deal with unforeseen events or circumstances.
Thankfully, there are adjustments you can make to enjoy happier and less stressful travel and it often starts simply with changing your perspective and getting rid of expectations. No matter the destination or your budget, any vacation can be a successful and rewarding experience if you want it to be.
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Considered to be the cultural capital of Pakistan, Lahore is a walled city known for cultural and historic sites, in the province of Punjab (in fact it’s the capital). This is a metropolitan city rich in culture, where you’ll find plenty of traditional shopping, architecture, and Pakistani cuisine, and an energetic local spirit, where locals often flash mob dance in the rain!
Pakistan might be considered an off the beaten path destination, but much of Lahore is incredibly accessible; Urdu might be the national languague, however most signs are bilingual, and locals are typically fluent in English. Getting to Lahore is easy too, with direct international flights, and can be quite affordable with deals frequently sold on dxb to lahore flights when you’re traveling from Dubai.
So, from history, to culture, and Pakistani food, what are some of the specific things to do in Lahore? Plan for 3-4 days so you can fit in everything there is to do!
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International travel may be taking off once again, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you have the budget to book a holiday overseas.
Many of us have seen our incomes take a hit during the pandemic, which probably has you wondering how you can work in some vacation time without racking up too much debt.
While international travel can be expensive, there are many ways you can cut down on costs. Often, it just takes a little more planning, creativity, and sacrifice.
There are dozens of ways you can still manage to enjoy a getaway without having to be stressed about how you’ll pay it off later. Here are my top dozen ways you can travel on a budget post lockdown.
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In the Anglosphere, and the wider world, attitudes towards betting vary a lot. After historically being puritanical, the USA is opening things up, while China retains a hardline opposition to betting (Macau excepted), despite card games having been invented here.
But from dicing in the streets of Greece and Rome, to Baccarat in France, and a horse-betting obsession in Britain, it’s Australians who may just be the world’s best gamblers.
Just as prolific travelers as they are bettors, watch out for the Aussies returning to international casino tourism now that international borders have been announced to reopen.
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Of the dozens of casinos situated along the Vegas Strip, none seem to receive as much attention as the Bellagio. The most expensive hotel ever built when it initially opened, it’s hard to believe a time without its famous dancing fountains.
However, truth is the Bellagio is only slightly above gambling age itself, looking to celebrate its 24 birthday this coming October.
In addition to its famous choreographed water feature, the Bellagio attracts high-end boutique shoppers looking for a bit of Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Prada, or Gucci, and the casino of course also attracts plenty with its 5,600 square-foot BetMGM Sportsbook, and high table limit poker rooms. But despite its worldwide fame, there are many secrets and fun facts about the Bellagio that a lot of Vegas visitors don’t know about.
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I’ve written a lot about how climbing Mt Kilimanjaro changed my life; it pushed me to discover my physical and mental abilities, and transformed my whole perspective on life.
Oh, and I returned home from Kili with a husband (husbands not included in this March 2022 all female tour!).
But as I was climbing the mountain for my own personal development, I didn’t stop to notice that there was not one single female porter or guide. This was 2010, and fastforward 11 years, guiding trekkers to the summit of Kilimanjaro is still a male dominated world; fewer than 1% of the total guides being female.
Glory Thobias founded Tanzania Women Guides Foundation to change this by providing training and showing a career in guiding as a viable option for women. And to support these efforts, Solo Female Travelers is climbing to the top of Kilimanjaro on an all-female guide, porter and trekker team, to celebrate International Women’s Day 2022.
Will you join to climb to the top of Africa this coming March?
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Ever craved a deep muscle massage while traveling? Maybe your muscles are tight from all day exploring Angkor Wat, or your back is killing you from that airline seat you’ve been strapped into for 10 hours.
Massage guns have always been a tool used in fitness; they relieve pain, reduce soreness, and improve performance for both gym junkies and athletes.
Using them improves the circulatory system, central nervous system, and all of the connective tissues in your body: muscles, joints, ligaments, tendons, bones, cartilage, and fascia.
But there’s another activity that puts stress on your body: Travel and outdoor adventure (OK that’s two activities, but for me they go hand in hand!)
And to cut down on the high cost of spa treatments when traveling, a massage gun that you own; that you can pull out at any time and use for unlimited recovery; is a brilliant option.
Portable, light, and in a travel case with 8 hours of battery life, the Ekrin B37 is a fantastic massage gun to take with you for travel, and have on every outdoor adventure.
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Whether it’s booking a simple holiday overseas or planning a move to another country, it can be an extra anxious time if you have a disability. Knowing whether your chosen destination offers things like accessible public transport and attractions, Braille signs and currency, and information around the general legal rights and welfare system is important.
People with disabilities understand the need for accessibility. Moving is already full of uncertainty, and not knowing whether your chosen relocation destination is accessible can only add to the stress.
Thankfully, there are a number of countries that are taking steps to make disabled persons feel more inclusive by implementing ways to help them navigate daily public life.
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There are very few things in this world that can overwhelm your senses like a visit to the frozen frontier; although Antarctica may seem cold and unwelcoming, it’s actually one of the most interesting and strikingly beautiful places on planet Earth.
An expedition to Antarctica was once an arduous journey, reserved for only the most adventurous explorers, though today anyboy can join a cruise and experience the continent in luxury and comfort.
That said, the cost and logistics mean that most people expect to plan the Antarctic cruise only once in their lifetime, so it’s important as a first timer to know what to expect … and perhaps, more importantly, what not to forget!
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Everyone is familiar with the term homeschooling, but how about Worldschooling? The latest buzz word in alternative education. But what exactly is it?
Worldschooling is not just a method of education, but instead is an all-encompassing whole family lifestyle choice. Some people choose to live like this for a few months of the year while they go travelling, others make it a way of life. It’s all about learning from the real world. It is experiencing different cultures, places, people, food, history and societies while travelling and it can be an incredible enriching education.
If you dream of travelling but think it’s not possible until your children are grown and have finished their formal education you might want to think again! But how does Worldschooling work, and can it work for your family? How should you teach your children on while you are on the road?
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Spain is a geographically and culturally diverse country, which allows for a trip full of different adventures. And each region has a significantly different identity to the next.
Blessed with a beautiful Mediterranean climate, sun-kissed beaches, incredible food, and a history that runs from as far back as the Roman Empire, Spain is one of the richest countries in the world for culture, history, and nature.
But there are a total of 17 different regions, each fiercly proud of their own regional culture and heritage. And from mainland Spain to the Balearic Islands, from the cities to the coast, the region you choose to visit will have a big impact on your trip.
To ensure that you get the most out of your trip to Spain, the following are our 5 favorite Spanish regions to tick off your travel bucket list. That’s not to say that the other 12 aren’t just as noteworthy, though these are our favorites:
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You don’t often think of Africa as being a big horse racing destination, but in countries like South Africa, it has been taking place since the late 18th century.
While races like Australia’s Melbourne Cup and England’s Royal Ascot tend to get most of the world’s attention, here are some notable African horse racing destinations and their famous annual races to check out in-between going on safari.
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Seoni is one of India’s smaller districts, but it’s also one of the most beautiful. Set in the State of Madhya Pradesh, the dense jungle, wild animals, and natural wonders of the area were the inspiration for Rudyard Kipling’s famous novel The Jungle Book.
Named after the Seona trees that populate the forest, many of The Jungle Book’s locations can still be visited today. The following are locations in Senoi and greater Madhya Pradesh which bring The Jungle Book to life!
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Miami is one of the most popular cities in the United States, with beaches, gardens, music festivals, art galleries, museums, historic districts, nightclubs and many, many parties to enjoy!
When you’re not partying or spending time on the beach, you can drive for a few kilometers (don’t drink and drive obviously!) and you’ll fill find protected natural areas such as the Everglades National Park.
Florida is defined by its spectacular nature, so while Miami may be best known by its club scene, you’re missing out if you don’t spend some of your days exploring its natural surrounds. And for that the easiest way to get around is car rental.
Car rental is a great idea for Miami, as it opens up so much of the State of Florida beyond the concrete jungle of the city. However there are a number of common problems you may face, so to avoid any drama we’ve listed some vital info here for you.
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You may have heard the old saying “life is about the journey and not the destination”. Well, train travel is regarded by many to be a far more romantic, nostalgic, and sophisticated way to travel, no matter if you’re boarding a commuter train between major cities or opting for a scenic off the beaten path rail journey.
Demand for high-end scenic train journeys is growing in the U.S. Many American’s are looking to travel a bit closer to home in the era of Covid and are looking for a way to avoid the chaos and congestion of airports altogether.
American rail companies boast new state-of-the-art rail cars and are restoring first-class carriage full meal service in a bid to lure eager travelers, especially along the East Coast with its wide array of popular sightseeing cities steeped in American heritage and incredible natural scenery.
Whether you’re looking to book a rail trip from Washington, DC to New York City or want to pass through the Great Smoky Mountains, seeing the East coast of America by train provides a safe, reliable, economical, and comfortable way to travel. Here are five unique East Coast train journeys you should consider.
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If you’re often on the go, odds are that your mind is racing as fast as you are. From navigating the airport to booking hotels, and keeping up with work while you’re traveling, it can be hard to keep your wires uncrossed.
The last thing you want is to miss an important meeting or lose out on a cheap flight because you’re overwhelmed with the logistics of travel.
Thankfully, there are no shortage of solutions in today’s online world. If you feel like your brain has motion sickness, here are seven travel apps to help you stay organized.
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Most travellers to Tasmania are likely to include a visit to the Tasman Peninsula. It is after all where many of the island’s most notable natural wonders, endemic wildlife, coastal walks, and historic sites come together including the island’s number one attraction, Port Arthur.
With so much to do, it’s far better to base yourself here to discover the region than to take continual day trips driving back and forth from Hobart. And, set in Tasmania’s Eaglehawk Neck (which also goes by its dual Aboriginal name Teralina), The Wayfarer’s prime position places it right in the middle of all the Tasman Peninsula has to offer.
This is a luxury beach shack overlooking the water of the famous peninsula, allowing you to experience Tassie beach shack culture – an escape to a private cottage, vacationing like the locals do.
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First it was the election of a certain US president that led Americans to contemplate moving to Canada and now more recently it has been Canada’s better handling of the pandemic.
While Canada may have had a pause on both travel and migration for much of the pandemic, restrictions are now beginning to ease which is allowing people from all around the world the chance to once again relocate to the country.
Canada is on track to welcome the largest number of annual immigrants in its history. Nearly 40,000 permanent residents were admitted into Canada just in July 2021, with the possibility of reaching over 400,000 annual migrants by year’s end.
Canada has long been known for its generous acceptance of migrants, offering up a broad range of visas and a possible pathway to citizenship. The country attracts people from just about every country, transforming the nation into a diverse melting pot of cultures.
If you’ve considered relocating to another country, you may want look into moving to Canada. The following are just some of the many reasons why people worldwide are choosing to take up residence in the Great White North.
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There’s nothing worse than camping in the rain, and it’s definitely not most people’s first choice of adventure. But reality is that sometimes, you’ll head out, pitch your tent, and then unexpectedly, the rains roll in.
Sometimes you can predict this, if you’ve been savvy enough to check the weather. Other times, the prediction may have been for clear skies, and it’s taken everyone by surprise.
It’s important to make sure certain camping gear is waterproof regardless of whether rain is expected, because when you’re well equipped for wet weather, rain won’t kill the mood, and may even add to your adventure.
Our number 1 tip for camping is to always be prepared for wet weather, and you can do so by making sure the gear you have with you is waterproof. These are the essentials.
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Sales of dirt bikes have surged since the pandemic hit. This is one adventure that can be enjoyed anywhere in the world, and kids as young as three are getting in on the action, making it a great activity to enjoy as a family.
With just a few months to go before I give birth to my first baby boy, I’m already worried about what kind of mischief he will get up to; balls in the house, skateboarding accidents, and viral social media challenges like the recent Tik Tok Milk Crate Challenge.
At first, the thought of dirt bikes terrified me, but after reading up I found that they are actually quite safe and a great way to get your kids outside and away from staring at screens.
Like anything, it’s about being prepared rather than preventing your child from experiences. Learning to ride a dirt bike at a young age can set up your child for better success when it comes to driving a vehicle later on, and can be a rather safe activity with the right equipment and teaching your kids the correct safety procedures.
If your child has shown interest in dirt bikes, here are some things I learned which will help get them prepared to ride and kick start their dream of exploring the world on two wheels.
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Travel has become the new currency of status. No longer are Jimmy Choo shoes or a shiny Rolex enough to turn heads among the elite. Today it’s about where you’ve been and what you’ve experienced, whether it’s swimming with whale sharks in the Maldives or conquering Everest.
When you’re ultra wealthy, the world really is your oyster; travel becomes a whole lot less stressful and there is no end to how luxurious your holidays can be.
Whether you’ve just won the lottery, scored a massive inheritance, or earned your fortune through years of hard work and dedication, chances are you’re looking to tap into your bank accounts to enjoy some world travel.
From world-class ski resorts to private beaches, there are countless luxury destinations that cater to the elite, and the rich aren’t booking an economy plane ticket to get there.
From sailing the seas on a superyacht to solely dining at Michelin-starred restaurants, the wealthy know how to splurge on travel. Here are seven ways you can enjoy a luxury vacation like the rich and famous.
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