Although it is known as the land of color and spice, India is not a country that can be so easily defined. It is a land of chaotic charm that has drawn travelers since 5500 BC, offering a culture which is a pandemonic mix of the modern and ancient worlds.
Travelers visit India for a huge range of reasons; to experience spirituality, culture, and history; for nature, medical tourism, and exotic wildlife.
There are so many different faces of India, that forgetting what you have heard from other travelers is often key to broadening your mind and finding the experience you’ve been looking for.
From spiritual voyages, shopping sprees, new business opportunities to great gourmet experiences, each type of person has a different reason to immerse themselves in the Indian adventure.
Here are 7 types of travelers who visit India – a good guide to the types of personalities and interests the country may suit.
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The New York Public Library might be a system of libraries, but its most famous building, the Stephen A. Schwarzman building is one of the city’s finest landmarks.
Built on 42nd Street and Fifth Avenue in the early 20th century, it has truly stood the test of time; the building is a Manhattan icon that fills Instagram feeds and magazines to this day. It’s been showcased in several movies and denotes a feeling of New York that’s impossible to imitate.
Construction was officially completed in 1911, and the city has made extensive efforts to maintain its original appeal. While there have been regular upgrades and renovations, New York Public Library is keen on keeping a sense of the building’s contribution to the city intact.
Here are five interesting facts about the library and why it means so much to New York City and the United States.
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Booking your own travel has never been easier than it is today. While 10 years ago you would know your local travel agent by name, today you can research, compare prices, and book everything from flights, to cruises, and hotels, all super easily without needing any help.
Though there are now so many websites and resources, that people are turning back to their local travel agent, because there’s just too much information to sort through. I mean, when booking hotels, do you book through Booking.com? What about Expedia? Hotels.com? Agoda? Priceline? Tripadvisor? Orbitz? And what about flights? Car rentals? Cruise sites? You would be forgiven for breaking out in hives!
But don’t freak out just yet, because I’m about to tell you about one more site. Travelsites.com is a travelers dream; a free database that lists all of the best travel websites, arranges them by category, and ranks them so that you can easily find everything you need.
I have the site bookmarked as the place to find the best travel-related resources online. You should too! Either jump over to Travelsites.com right now (because it’s pretty self explanatory), or read on for an in depth review.
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Europe is blessed with more than 40 beautiful countries and each one of them is unique in terms of history, landscape, art and culture. Russia and Finland are two such wonderful gems.
While Finland offers some of the most distinct natural phenomenon like the Northern Lights and spectacular fjords, Russia is known for its picturesque vistas, historical cities and some of the world’s best literature and art works.
Both Finland and Russia share a natural border with easy accessibility, which makes it very convenient for travelers wanting to cover both countries in one trip.
If you’re thinking of visiting both Finland and Russia, the following are the main highlights you shouldn’t miss on your first trip.
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Road tripping is an incredible way to quench your thirst for adventure. Kicking back to your favorite tunes, munching on gas station snacks, and leaving all your worries at home as you hit the open road.
As far as road trip scenery goes, North America has a fantastic mix of perfectly sun-kissed beaches, natural landscapes and attractions which constantly sees drivers pulling over to the side of the road.
Byways and highways wind through dramatic scenery here, and connect some of the biggest cultural hubs in the United States, and you have a diverse range of exciting cities, coastal towns, and natural wonders to choose from.
There’s no doubt that the USA is an epic destination for a road trip, but being that there’s so much to cover, we wouldn’t blame you for feeling overwhelmed. So, whether you’re struggling with choosing a route, or just looking for some inspiration, the following is a list of our favorites.
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The river Nile immediately conjures up images of the Pyramids of Giza, and making the distinct journey across the sands of Egypt towards one of the world’s most revered and respected historical landmarks.
But the world’s longest river stretches far beyond Egypt, meandering through Sudan, South Sudan, Ethiopia and Uganda, before finding itself at the beginning of the great Lake Victoria.
This guide will show you that there are plenty of artefacts and architecture to be found beyond the Great Sphinx.
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Plane travel is so common in today’s world that we often assume most people have flown at least once in their life, but this isn’t always the case. And while many people already know the ins and outs of flying, everybody has to fly for the first time at some stage.
Over the years, I have definitely made a lot of beginner flyer mistakes, such as booking the wrong airport, and misspelling my name on an international ticket which resulted in a $300 change fee.
So if you’re flying for the first time it is my hope that I can help you avoid the mistakes I have made, and help you feel like a pro on your very first flight.
Whether you’re afraid of flying or have simply never had the opportunity to travel before, I would love to give you a few tips on what to expect, and how to make your first flight as relaxing and stress-free as possible.
Who knows, maybe you’ll even enjoy it!
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Portugal has been at the center of world tourism for a while now, particularly Algarve, Lisbon, and Porto. And while these destinations are undoubtedly worth visiting, it’s Northern Portugal that largely remains an unknown gem.
Portugal is the perfect destination for a road trip, and the country’s north is one of the most authentic regions, often completely forgotten by international tourists. So this road trip itinerary will take you through undiscovered parts of the country.
You’ll start and finish in Porto, the gateway to (and biggest city in) the north. This itinerary will take you to UNESCO Heritage sites, beaches and the often forgotten interior. You’ll also discover what is arguably the country’s best food!
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One of the most important things when traveling is to make sure you’re aware of the laws of the country we’re traveling to. Every country has their own unique laws, and what might be totally normal in your part of the world could be strictly forbidden somewhere else.
Foreign countries don’t care how law-abiding you are back home. If you violate their laws, they’re likely to penalize you. So it’s incredibly important to read up on the laws of the country you’re traveling to.
For instance, public displays of affection can land you behind bars in Saudi Arabia, and it’s illegal to chew gum in Singapore. Drugs are something you don’t want to touch in any country, and in countries like Malaysia, China, and Iran, some drug crimes could land you with the death penalty.
Being arrested overseas can be very traumatic, distressing and frightening. But if you do find yourself in this situation, the following general advice should help you.
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We’ve all been there. You’ve spent weeks researching and planning the perfect sunny vacation to Florida. You’ve been looking forward to this getaway, and having some much-needed relaxation.
You get on the plane, buzzing with anticipation about all the glorious sunshine you’re going to be able to soak up in Florida. You get off the plane and disaster strikes. No sun. Or even worse – rain!
What do you do now? How do you make the most out of your vacation time in Orlando when the good weather decides to take its own vacation?
Luckily, Orlando’s weather tends to be generally nice throughout most of the year (the one exception being hurricane season which typically peaks between September through November), so you shouldn’t have to worry too much about it.
However, if that’s the only time you can book a vacation, the following tips should keep you and your family occupied even when the forecast is less than perfect.
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Sport is a crucial part of the social fabric in Australia, and if you’re a fan of the spectator atmosphere, you certainly won’t be bored in New South Wales (NSW).
Nowadays, the internet comfortably allow sports fans to watch their favorite games virtually anywhere in the world, but there’s something truly magic about soaking in the atmosphere of an actual event. Physically being there, in the middle of the action, yelling and cheering among fellow Aussies.
The NSW sporting calendar is packed with electrifying events every year, with events like the Sydney to Hobart yacht race, State of Origin Rugby, and championship trials in athletics, tennis and cycling.
While there are many action packed games you can catch throughout the State, here’s a taste of some of the most premiere sports events in NSW you won’t want to miss.
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Would you be surprised to know that 56% of pet-owners transport their dog by car, at least once a month?
Not only do visits to the Vet usually involve transporting Fido in the car, many dog-parents take their beloved four-legged friend on vacation with them, or simply decide to go to the lake for the day.
Whilst many dogs cope well during travel, we have put together 5 of the best tips for training Fido to travel in a car, safely.
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90 miles east of the Spanish city of Valencia lies the Balearic island of Majorca in the Mediterranean Sea. The island has always been a well-known tourist spot among Europeans, though in recent years has also become quite trendy among the broader international scene.
Majorca (also spelled Mallorca), has golden beaches, UNESCO protected sites, history, and a culture all of its own. Though most people who head here plant themselves in one spot, and don’t venture out further than the resort town of Palma.
That’s their loss!
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People have long fell in love with the beauty of cherry blossom season in Japan. These pink and white flowers bloom en masse every spring, enveloping the country in soft magnificence.
The Cherry Blossom Festival, or Hanami, takes place from March to May and during this time, locals come out in full force, staging picnics, meeting for walks, and other outdoor activities beneath the blossoms to appreciate and enjoy their beauty.
But the blooming season varies across Japan, so picking your destination at the right time is an important part of planning. For example, blooming in Kyoto usually happens around April, while Sapporo experiences their blooms around May.
If you’re planning your Japan trip for April, make sure you visit Kyoto to catch the cherry blossom bloom.
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Have you ever wondered how your country stacks up against others in terms of cost of living? Ever wondered if it’s more expensive to order a coffee if you’re in Singapore as opposed to the United States?
While we don’t have a choice over the country we’re born in, these days we often do have control over whether or not we choose to stay.
There are 195 countries in the world today, which presents endless possibilities for those wishing to live overseas. And when it comes to setting up your life in a new country, most nations are very welcoming!
But cost of living is something to consider when you make the choice to move overseas; equally so even if you’re just traveling. People used to paying 78 c for a coffee in Italy, usually get quite the shock when the same coffee is 5 times the cost in the UAE!
If you’re interested in comparing the cost of living around the world, Forex provider IG have put together an infographic comparing 10 countries: Italy, South Africa, Brazil, Spain, USA, Australia, Singapore, Japan, the UK and UAE.
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Living in an RV sounds like a dream, right?
You get to live right in nature, with beautiful scenery (lush mountainscapes, beaches, deserts—you name it!) right outside your window. Not to mention there’s always something fun and new to do!
My fiance Kayla and I lived in an RV for 6 months and we had a blast! But it wasn’t all roses and butterflies. There are pros and cons to living in an RV.
That’s what this post is all about! Let’s dive in.
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Most travelers, particularly those who like to travel like a local, prefer to use public transport when moving from one place to another. It’s cheap, usually reliable, and an easy way to get from A to B.
However, hiring a car on vacation can make a lot of sense, and, after-all, who doesn’t love a good road trip!
The thought of driving in a new country can definitely be overwhelming. But thousands of travelers opt for car rentals on vacations, and having your own vehicle can open up a whole new world of possibilities.
Granted, some destinations are more suited to having a car than others, for instance LA is a city where it really pays to hire a car, where-as if you’re visiting New York you probably won’t need one. But going through this list will help you decide whether your next vacation could benefit from a car rental.
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Orlando is an exciting destination, and with its diverse range of entertainment, this is a place which is ideal for every type of traveler; young singles, baby boomers, foodies, and outdoor adventurous types too.
The city is home to more than a dozen theme parks, that’s true; you’ll find the likes of Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando among the funnest things to do. But once you come down from the coasters there’s also an incredible mix of cultural events, fantastic nature preserves, high-end outlet shopping centers, and fabulous food.
It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of a trip to the theme parks, but we’ve put together a list of things to do once you’re ready to explore Orlando itself.
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There’s no denying that travel can sometimes be frustrating. And especially when it comes to long distance travel, a lot of the time it’s just downright uncomfortable.
The experiences once we get to a new destination always make the journey worthwhile, and as soon as we’re trekking through the Himalayas or snorkelling through Mexican cenotes, we completely forget about having been cramped in economy the day before.
But, for those 15 + hours where you’re very aware of just how awkward a long haul flight is, we recommend the following travel hacks to making yourself more comfortable.
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Often when we travel we end up sitting for hours on planes and buses, though this can result in a bad posture which can cause quite serious problems.
It’s important to maintain proper posture even when we’re traveling, but this isn’t always the easiest, especially when you’re crammed into an economy seat and you’re trying to contort your body to any type of comfortable position.
The most common side effects of bad posture include back pain, neck pain, and spinal problems, and if you have bad posture in your life generally, these issues can become exacerbated when you travel. So one of the easiest ways to reduce the chances of this pain is by frequently using a posture corrector.
If you find you experience back or neck pain when you’re flying, introducing a posture corrector to your everyday life can make your next trip a lot more comfortable. Here are some of the benefits of using posture correctors before you travel.
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You can spot a frequent traveler from miles away. They’re the ones that know how to score an upgrade, always pack a portable phone charger, and somehow manage to appear fresh after a 10 hour flight.
Frequent travelers have an easier time traveling, because their experience means they know which useful gadgets to use. Having the right technology with you can greatly enhance a trip, though with so much technology these days, the trouble is often knowing which gadgets to invest in.
So, if you’re struggling to narrow down your tech list, the following are must-have gadgets that frequent travelers use, along with the travel style that they best suit.
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Backpacking in Nepal is an incredible adventure. From intensely chaotic cities, to medieval architecture, and Himalayan trekking, Nepal might be hard to get to, but you’ll probably find that it’s even harder to leave.
Nepal is well set up for independent travel, and has become a mecca among the backpacking scene. It is a culturally rich country that will absolutely enchant you, though it’s definitely a destination that requires prior planning to ensure your safety and comfort.
The following is a backpacking guide to Nepal, with all of the essential info you need to know when planning your trip.
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Whale watching became a trend in the 1980’s, as a way to try and influence the debate over whaling. Back then the concept of whale watching was written off as a ‘stupid idea’, but nowadays it’s anything but.
In trying to change the social acceptance of whale hunts, a group of fairly savvy conservationists realized that there is nothing more remarkable than seeing a whale in the wild, and saw a world where whales would be more valuable to an economy alive, than hunted.
Ever since then, whale watching has grown into a 2.1 billion dollar industry, and almost every country with a coastline has jumped in on the action.
While it was conservationists who pioneered the whale watching tourism trend, researcher Roger Payne credits only one group for the development of whale watching: the whales themselves.
Described as nature’s best self‐publicists, whale watching is now taken seriously as an economic activity globally. So, do take a look at this list before booking your whale watching holidays.
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We’ve well and truly entered an age of female empowerment, and as far as I’m concerned, I’m dubbing this the year of the wander woman.
Over the past few years women have tipped the scales to become the majority of travelers over men. We’re taking more active adventures, and saying no to sipping cocktails on the beach. And we’re not letting age be a limiting factor (the world is now being taken OVER by amazing traveling grandmas).
Some women are doing it solo, some are traveling with their families, and some are dragging along their husbands (lucky guys!). Some have quit their jobs and sold everything, while others travel while holding down a job and a mortgage.
Women these days who want to travel aren’t letting anyone tell them how it should be done, they’re making their journey their own. But even better, they’re writing about it to inspire the rest of us.
If you’re looking for a great travel memoir to add to your summer reading list, make sure you pick up one of these; brand new titles from kick ass women who haven’t been afraid to follow their dreams.
I’ve been absolutely captivated by their stories!
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In the Indonesian archipelago, between the islands of Sumbawa and Flores, lies Komodo National Park. It’s the only place on Earth you can have a close encounter with a Komodo dragon, a unique lizard species often referred to as the last living dinosaur.
In an effort to conserve this rare creature and its natural habitat, the Komodo National Park is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park consists of three major islands (Komodo, Rinca and Padar) that are home to over 2500 of these impressive and fearsome creatures.
Though Komodo is much more than it’s famous wildlife; the islands also boast some of the world’s best diving and snorkelling spots, and landscapes so dramatic the island was recently named one of the world’s “7 New Wonders of Nature.”
With a new airport in Labuan Bajo, on the neighbouring island of Flores, access to Komodo is now just a boat ride away. Here are just five of the many reasons you’ll want to discover the magic this Indonesian gem has to offer.
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