India is well known for its diversity, and the same is true when it comes to its cities. Each has its own distinct culture, way of life, festivities and even heritage, and each one is completely different from the other.
India has 4,000 cities across the country, so there’s plenty to choose from if you’re after an urban experience. But being that you won’t have time to visit every single one, we’ve shortlisted the most unique for you.
If you’re visiting India for its unique and bustling cities, make sure you check out some of the following. These must visit cities are all cultural treasures!
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When you picture Namibia, what are the first images that come to mind? Beautiful landscapes? Red dunes? Diverse wildlife? Beautiful indigenous tribes?
Surprise! Namibia has all of this and much more. If you haven’t yet visited Namibia, it’s time to feel inspired by these 10 photos that will make you want to jump on a plane!
The energy of this place, combined with the unparalleled abundant wildlife, the beautiful and friendly people and the silence of the desert will give you so many reasons to fall in love with Namibia!
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Rishikesh, a spiritual town located at the foothills of Himalayas, truly represents of the heart and soul of India. And being the country’s epicenter of yoga and meditation retreats, it has earned itself the title of ‘Yoga Capital of the World’.
The town gained worldwide popularity in the 60’s & 70’s with the spreading of transcendental meditation movement, and when The Beatles spent time here on retreat, tourism was definitely helped!
But Rishikesh is not just famous for the peace and tranquility it offers, but also for its range of adventurous adrenaline activities. From white water rafting to bungee jumping, and then back for afternoon yoga, Rishikesh is the perfect place for those seeking both thrill and chill!
Rishikesh is a unique mix of spirituality, yoga, and adventure, so without further ado, here are our top 10 favorite things to do!
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Safety is always a big priority when traveling abroad, and everyone knows the importance of being vigilant and aware of your surroundings; of protecting yourself against tourist scams and threats.
But while most people worry about their vacation being ruined by thieves, or hospital visits, most people don’t think twice about cyber threats.
While it’s obviously important to care about your physical safety, these days you’re actually much more vulnerable to online threats than you are being mugged on the street. Because personal data has become far more valuable than your wallet.
When you consider that the personal data held on just one of your devices includes usernames, passwords, credit card numbers, flight details, logins, etc having this information stolen is quite the nightmare situation.
So without getting too complicated, we’re covering today some of the basics – straightforward, easy steps you should be taking to protect your personal data, every time you travel.
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One of my favorite areas of France is the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region, home to the Bouches-du-Rhône with its medieval villages and castles, ancient Roman monuments and ruins, and giant citadels. Escape to the Mediterranean coast or head inland to romantic vineyards, lavender fields, and olive groves.
Two cities stand out in the region: its capital Marseille, and Aix-en-Provence.
While these two cities are only separated by a 30-minute drive, they are worlds apart, though to experience one without the other would be doing yourself a disservice as despite a long standing rivalry, the two cities complement each other nicely.
So, in encouraging you to visit these two neighboring Top French Cities, let’s dive deeper into how two cities so close together can be so incredibly different, yet equally enticing.
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Florida is well known for its stunning beaches – a vacation State famous for its coastline, which almost touches toes with the Caribbean, people travel from all over the world just for a beach vacation.
With a seemingly endless coastline which stretches out on both sides of the State, there’s plenty to choose from when it comes to Florida beaches; wild ocean beaches to the East which back onto the Atlantic, or gentle Gulf beaches to the West.
Though if you’re looking for destination which has a diverse range of beaches, and balances out the dynamic with lively city beaches, as well as undeveloped, secluded hideaways, look no further than St Pete Beach!
Part of the Tampa Bay area, Clearwater and St Pete Beach offer a huge range of gorgeous beaches. Though when you’re booking St Pete Beach Hotels, don’t get St Petersburg and St Pete Beach confused. One is a city on the mainland, while the latter is a beach town on the barrier island of Long Key.
Sick of reading and ready to get to the beach? Check out our favorites!
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Packing is the one thing that is universal to all travelers, though it isn’t always a skill that comes easily. And, especially if you’re packing for rainy season travel, putting together a bag requires a few more logistics.
You’ll need specific gear, which is often bulkier and heavier to pack, and you’ll also need to ensure you pack in a way which keeps your luggage both safe and dry.
To this end, we’ve put together the following hacks for packing during the rainy season.
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Travel can be exciting, but it can also wreak havoc on your body. And one of the biggest problems related to travel is the loss of sleep.
Long flights, changing time zones, eating on the run and not sleeping in your own comfortable bed can all disrupt your sleeping patterns. But in addition to the sleep you get at night, naps can also help you stay well-rested while traveling.
Even if your flight is a few hours long, taking a nap can help. So the next time you have to take a long flight, use these tips for taking naps on a plane.
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We’ve written a lot about the ins and outs of using a VPN for travel, and why it’s an absolutely essential piece of tech – and that’s because it legit is essential; something every traveler should have, and treat with the same importance as your passport and insurance.
Because that’s exactly what a VPN is – in most cases it’s both a passport, and an insurance; a passport to information and free access to uncensored internet, and insurance against a cyber attack.
If this is the first time you’ve heard of a VPN, or if you’ve heard the acronym but don’t really know what it stands for, this is a Virtual Private Network – a program you run on your devices which allows you to securely and privately connect to the internet.
The perks of using one as a traveler include accessing region-restricted websites, minimizing your risk of being hacked while using public WiFi, and preventing your bank accounts and email from being frozen.
And while they’ve previously been thought of as ‘a nice thing to have’, now it’s more important than ever to have a VPN.
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If you’re into your snowsports, it’s more than likely you’ve considered working a ski season before. After-all, the experience offered during an entire season is very different to your average 1-2 week ski trip.
The seasonal option will allow you to greatly improve your technical skiing or snowboarding over several months while also allowing you to immerse yourself in the local culture of the country you’ve chosen.
And because of these advantages, taking a winter season on a ski instructor internship has become the biggest new winter travel trend, especially among adventure travelers looking to make the most of winter.
Ski instructor internships are available in many resorts across the world, and as the name suggests, this is a paid initiative for skiers.
If this is something you’re interested in, continue reading as we explain what a ski internship is, and give you five reasons why it might be a good fit for you this winter!
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When I first arrived in Kenya, I felt it. It was unlike anywhere I’d traveled before. Smoky skies, a wet heat that sinks into your skin, and the noxious aroma of trash burning all greet you upon arrival.
I’ve both traveled and lived in Sub Saharan Africa and every time I get off the plane it feels like I’m in a different world. And this is especially true if you’re visiting West Africa.
West Africa is incredible, however, it isn’t for everyone. This is the western most region of Africa, which includes 16 countries, from Mauritania, Mali, and Niger, down to Nigeria, and everything to the west.
It doesn’t have a built up tourist infrastructure, outside of cities there often aren’t hotels or hostels, and it’s not easy to get around. So I’ve put together this guide to help you figure out whether traveling to this part of the world is right for you.
My number one advice if you’re planning to visit or live here, is to understand you are embarking on an adventure unlike anything else.
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New Orleans is one of the best places to visit in the United States if you’re looking to eat your way around the country. It’s a hotpot of different cultures with its own unique fusion of cuisines.
If you’re already reading, it’s unlikely you need much convincing to give New Orleans’ foodie hot spots a try, and so we’re just going to dive straight into the best places for eating!
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Famous throughout the world, Japan’s cherry blossoms put on a spectacular show every spring with visitors coming from far and wide to view the incredible sight.
In Japan this season is called “Hanami” which literally translates to “viewing of cherry blossoms” (the flowers themselves are referred to as Sakura). Cherry blossoms play such a significant role in Japanese culture; they are fleeting, short-lived, and cherished for their ephemeral beauty.
The Hanami season begins in March and lasts until May, and whether you’re visiting busy cities like Tokyo or Osaka, or sourcing out hidden parks and temples, pink and white cherry trees will blanket the country from north to south!
But the cherry blossoms are fleeting, and most cities only offer a short window of 2-3 weeks. Tokyo’s cherry tress are predicted to start blooming from March 22 in 2020, with the best viewing from March 29 – April 6.
So, want to learn more about Hanami? We’ve updated our popular guide with dates for 2020, so you have all the info you need for planning a cherry blossoms trip to Japan, and extra fun facts about its significance to Japanese culture.
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It’s very easy to travel to Singapore and fall in love with the country; a place where the contrasts come sharp and fast, this is an energetic, cosmopolitan city, where ancient temples blend seamlessly with modernity, and nature spills out from within the city.
Mosques and temples rise up next to skyscrapers in SG, and the concrete jungle is fused with the literal jungle to create a green sanctuary. The meeting point of Asia, a melting pot of cultures co-exist harmoniously, and a symphony of languages reverberates throughout the streets.
I’ve never known anybody who’s traveled to the island, and not decided they would love to live there permanently. The realization only took 48 hours for me.
Consistently ranked as the top country for expats, the city-state has it together when it comes to being a country; it’s safe, clean, and progressive, with incredible public transport, a high standard of living, and excellent health care and education.
Its melting pot of cultures makes it a rich and fascinating place to be, the weather is perfect year round, and English is widely spoken. There’s reliable internet, high tech infrastructure, and it’s a great base for discovering the rest of Asia. It’s also a crazy rich Asian country!
In my mind, that just leaves one question: How do you get permanent residency?!
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One of America’s most visited cities, New Orleans is well known for its delicious Creole cuisine, ever-present nightlife, and annual Mardi Gras celebration. But dive beneath the noise of the party scene and you’ll discover a wealth of fascinating history!
NOLA was the largest city in the American South throughout the 19th century. Founded all the way back in 1718 by French colonists, it’s history lives on through its numerous historic buildings, many of which can be found in the lovely French Quarter, as well as several large plantation homes can be found just a short drive west of the city centre.
Many of these significant colonial buildings and plantations are open to the public and several have even become unique heritage listed hotels – NOLA is definitely a city for unique accommodation.
Wanting to venture beyond Bourbon Street and dive into the rich history of The Big Easy? I’ve partnered with Hotels.com to share my fav historic attractions in New Orleans!
Visit these places to learn about the many colorful characters and historic events that helped shape this incredible city. Many of these iconic buildings have survived fires, floods, and wars and will no doubt continue to survive!
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2020 is the age of the socially conscious traveler – increased awareness around responsible travel has seen us become more conscious of our environmental and social footprint, and many travelers now acknowledge the importance of traveling with awareness and thought.
And that’s exactly what it means to be a socially conscious traveler – to make ethical decisions where you’re mindful of the impact you have on both the environment and the local community you are visiting abroad.
Ultimately, don’t destroy what you came to enjoy.
#Responsibletravel
The basics of responsible travel apply where-ever you travel – simple things like not littering, leaving places the way you found them, and respecting nature and wildlife. However each destination may have additional specifics to consider.
This post is for those traveling to Europe!
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It’s a common joke – ‘you’ll need a vacation after your vacation’!
And, granted, it’s a difficult trap not to fall into!
When we’re spending thousands of dollars flying to exotic parts of the world, it’s only natural that you’ll want to fit as much into your itinerary as possible, and make the most of every second.
But this does also mean that you return home with post-vacation exhaustion – not to be confused with the post-vacation blues.
That’s not to say that you have to sit on a beach and not take an active vacation – but you don’t want to wear yourself out so thoroughly that you find you can’t function properly once you’re home!
Utilize the following tips for returning home from vacation fully rested!
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When you think of the Caribbean, Jamaica or Cuba might at the top of your mind. However, in the midst of the many stunning islands of this region is a gem that literally stands out from the rest: St.Lucia!
This beautiful mountainous island is well known as the worlds #1 honeymoon destination: its array of luxury hotels with gold sand beaches tucked between green towering hills make St.Lucia appear to be the perfect place for lazy days on the beach and laying in the sun sipping pina coladas.
However, the amazing things to do in St.Lucia go far beyond the beach, and to not partake in anything else here would truly do yourself a disservice.
From 2,619 ft volcanic peaks to warm waterfalls, here are 6 amazing things you can experience in St.Lucia, in addition to enjoying the sand, sun, and sea.
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Placing a bet in Vegas will always be a gamble, but it’s definitely not the most dangerous risk you can take on the Strip (a far bigger gamble could be a shotgun wedding, married by Elvis, with no telling how your life will pan out!!)
While many people migrate to Vegas for the incredible live entertainment, delicious buffets, and adult entertainment, others are dreaming of striking it rich. And the fancy hotels and lights of the Vegas Strip have a magical way of drawing us in!
If you’re hoping to leave Vegas with more money than you arrived with, you’ll need to know what games offer up the best odds. While you may be counting on your lucky charms to give you an edge at winning big, Vegas casinos don’t need to hope for luck – the odds have, and always will, be stacked in their favor!
Casinos aren’t a charity; they’re in business to make a profit. If you aren’t looking to add to their profits, you need to take a moment to learn about “house edge” and why it’s important when it comes to your odds of winning.
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Whether it’s macroons from Paris, or Harem Pants from Bali, there are just some products that are widely unavailable or wildly expensive in your home country. And as a frequent traveler, I’ve been well positioned to pick up goods in other countries.
Yes, it was out of love that I shopped for my sisters in London, would buy my brother the latest American drones, and pick up a Japanese sumo loincloth for my cousin (I don’t ask questions!!). But what if you could connect with people who were willing to pay you for the service?!
Grabr is exactly that; a peer-to-peer marketplace that has exploded since 2016, connecting travelers to shoppers as a way of monetizing the extra space in your luggage!
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Thailand is an exciting and exotic destination, but you do yourself a disservice if you show up unprepared; it’s important to properly plan in advance, for everything from the practical side of what to pack, to preparing for cultural differences.
Thailand is a glorious, mysterious, and wild country, full of things to do, places to visit, and experiences to be had. Traveling this year? Here are a few things you need to know before your plane lands.
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House sitting has become a massive movement in the travel community, and we can totally understand why; from luxury villas in the countryside, to modern lofts amidst skyscrapers, and cottages right by the ocean, it’s an incredible way to travel, and sample local life.
An exchange where you take care of someones property and pets while they’re away, and in return are allowed to stay in their home, house-sitting is basically “borrowing the homeowners lifestyle for a period of time”.
Owners have peace of mind that their home and pets are lovingly cared for, and that pets get to stay in their own home, while pet loving sitters experience life in new places, without having to pay accommodation.
Now a massive movement, it’s super easy to find house sitting opportunities all over the world, of all kinds; it’s a very viable way to travel (some people even do it full time!), and while some house-sits might only last a few days, some can be for weeks, or even months at a time.
Taking care of someone else’s home and pets might seem like a dream come true, but you do need to be a reliable, responsible, and committed sitter. And there are some things that you just shouldn’t do.
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Being a populous city, Phoenix always has something exciting going on; a huge range of special events and festivals throughout the year, which is why I’ve partnered with Hotels.com to bring you a list of my annual favorites, returning in 2020!
This year will see music festivals, big name concerts including Post Malone and Maroon 5, exciting expos, beer and wine festivals, food festivals, professional golf tournaments, special holiday events, and more!
Here are the best 20 events in Phoenix in 2020!
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Seychelles is an archipelago located in the Indian Ocean, made up of 115 islands. It’s an extremely beautiful place, and one of the world’s top honeymoon picks, due to its serene natural environment and those stunningly picturesque beaches.
Picture this: gently swaying palms, pure white powdery sand, and unrealistic blue seas; Seychelles invented the romantic vacation!
After having recently taken my honeymoon on the islands, I’ve put together some important tips you should keep in mind for your trip. This will help you prevent avoidable mistakes so you can maximize your bonding!
Oh, and congratulations!
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Let’s be honest. When you’re visiting Amsterdam, you have to see the Dam Square, Red Light District and Rijksmuseum. But is it also a must to hop on a hop-on hop-off bus to check off all main tourist attractions like the typical tourist?
Even though many tourists still jump on that double decker bus, Amsterdam is a city brimming with local secrets and hidden gems that are off the beaten path. So what better way to explore the real city (and avoid the crowds!) than to go on a walking tour with a local?!
Local Amsterdammers are filled with pride for their city; they know its in and outs, know it’s beautiful nooks and crannies, and know which parts of the city offer incredible experiences without any tour groups or crowds.
But where can you find a local Amsterdammer, willing to take you around?
Hi,hi Guide (www.hihiguide.com) is a platform that connects travelers with locals from all over the world. You get to choose a local you like, who will customize a tour itinerary matching your interests. It’s 100% private and pretty cheap too – you can hire a local from €12,50 per hour!
Visiting Amsterdam? Here are 7 reasons you should take a walking tour with a local Amsterdammer!
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