Regardless of your destination, there are always certain attractions you look forward to when you travel. Whether you seek out restaurants, parks, or museums, there’s always a type of attraction you travel for.
History buffs might travel to walk among the ruins of ancient cities, foodies seek out exotic tastes and flavors, and nature enthusiasts travel for foreign landscapes and time in the great outdoors.
There’s nothing unusual about any of that – all of the above is pretty standard. But what if I told you people dream of spending their holiday in the sewer? Or pay to be locked up behind bars?
The following are 5 places you never would have guessed would be popular tourist attractions.
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Beijing is one of those rare cities that offers something special for every kind of traveller. Browse a never ending supply of world-class museums, sample the finest in authentic Chinese cuisine, marvel at innovative architectural wonders of old and new, and be introduced to the nation’s top artists, musicians, and writers.
The only hardship Beijing presents is finding enough time to experience all the city has to offer. When it comes to such a large city as Beijing, it can be difficult to know where to begin.
To that end, the following are things to do in Beijing for every interest – great ideas for your itinerary no matter what your interests!
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Whether you’re renting a car at home for a day trip, or abroad for a longer journey, the numbers can add up really quick. Especially when you consider the daily cost of the car rental, paying for gas, and any extras you may need like the use of a GPS, baby seat, or exceeding your mileage.
While some destinations have great options for public transportation like buses or trains, others leave you with few options but to rent a car. And what are you to do when you’ve already spent so much on a trip and you don’t want to overwhelm your budget even more?
This guide will share the best tips for saving money when renting a car. There are a surprising amount of discounts out there if you know where to look, as well as tricks for saving when you book.
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Melbourne is Australia’s second most populous city and is filled with just as many attractions. While most tourists will check out the MCG, Eureka Skydeck, Sea Life Aquarium, Queen Victoria Market, and the Royal Botanic Gardens, others may be searching for experiences a bit off the beaten path.
So what do local Melburnians do for fun, while escaping all the tourist hot spots? Here we explore Melbourne’s lesser known gems which will leave you with more unique experiences and feeling like a true local.
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Singapore is a spectacular city; a city of sharp and constant contrasts, which perfectly blends old and new. Temples and mosques sit in the shadow of skyscrapers, luxury condos back onto ancient jungles, and wild monkeys roam nature parks and reserves.
There’s no shortage of things to do or places to see in Singapore, and its central location has made it one of the world’s most popular stopovers. It’s one of those places a lot of international flights pass through.
But take our advice: even if Singapore has landed on your itinerary as a layover, stop and spend a couple of days exploring the island. If you think it’s just another boring metropolis, you’ve got another thing coming to you!
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It continually amazes me that Hobart manages to draw all the attention when it comes to Tasmanian travel. Yes, the city boasts the famous Salamanca Market, but try finding a parking spot on a Saturday morning and navigating around the masses of people.
Launceston on the other hand is a hidden gem located in the state’s north that has only recently begun gaining the attention it deserves. As one of Australia’s oldest cities, Launceston oozes historical charm, but blends it harmoniously with modern style and technology. Even a trip to the local post office becomes a treat.
Bringing history alive is central to Launceton’s identity, and the recent launch of Pepper’s Silo Hotel is a great example of this. A luxury hotel on the banks of the scenic Tamar River, the Mantra Group has converted the Kings Wharf grain silos into a work of accommodation art, while keeping the character and heritage of an iconic 1960’s landmark.
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When it comes to stunning islands, we are fortunate to live on a planet where we’re spoiled for choice. From the Greek Islands to some 7,000 that form the Philippines, paradise islands inhabit all corners of the globe.
And whether you’re satisfying a craving for adventure, or searching for a potent Caribbean rum, there are plenty of options that will make you feel worlds away from the urban craziness you’ve traveled to escape.
The following are 10 of the world’s most stunning tourist islands. Leave us a comment at the end and weigh in on your favorite island experiences around the globe.
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When considering the best time to visit Andaman Islands in India, most travelers choose to avoid the monsoons. The heavy southwest monsoons are usually over by September, so October generally marks the start of tourist season every year.
But what if you wanted to take an off season vacation and visit during June, July and August to actually experience the monsoon? Sure, it will be raining heavily, but these incredible islands actually become more magical during the rainy season.
Picture this: a rain drenched experience amid tropical rainforests and ancient jungles, (because let’s be honest, sunning on the beach has become so terribly cliche!) where you’ll rub shoulders with elephants, and watch glorious flame-and-purple sunsets.
This is the Andaman Islands as you’ve likely never thought to see it: during the magical season that is the monsoon.
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If your first language is English, it can be easy to take advantage of the world dominance of the language. In many countries we can get by okay, and with some accompanying hand gestures generally make ourselves understood.
But if you are travelling for new experiences, sticking with your mother tongue will mean you are missing out on opportunities to learn about and truly appreciate other cultures.
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For such a small country, Costa Rica punches above its weight boasting the world’s highest density of wildlife, and unspoiled nature spanning virgin rainforest, languid beaches, imposing volcanoes and tranquil lakes.
Bordered by Nicaragua and Panama, Costa Rica is home to an amazing range of exotic flora and fauna, and while small in size, the sheer amount on offer here can make it difficult to decide which places to see.
With that in mind, the following are the best places to visit in Costa Rica, where you will discover all the adventure, nature and romance you could ever desire. Make sure these places are on your itinerary!
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They are Russia’s two largest cities and are usually the highlights of any trip to this massive country. Though what was once an arduous land journey between Moscow and Saint Petersburg can now be experienced in less than 4 hours on Russia’s highest speed railway.
Moscow is the capital and most populous city of Russia. There is definitely no shortage of things to do here and it makes a great base for taking day trip excursions to intriguing places beyond the cosmopolitan center.
Saint Petersburg, founded by Peter the Great, is one of Europe’s most beautiful cities and for this reason has become so popular with tourists. It is the cultural capital of Russia and is a sleek modern city steeped in history, and home to one of the largest art museums in the world.
While your instincts may be to book a flight between these two iconic cities, it’s actually faster to travel by the high speed express train known as Sapsan. While the flight itself is only about an hour and a half, once you factor in travel time to and from both airports, checking in, waiting for take-off, and collecting bags, it works out faster by train.
And, the best thing about taking the Sapsan is the convenience of departing and arriving in the heart of both Moscow and Saint Petersburg. Make sure you include these highlight on your itinerary.
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You don’t need to be a local to know that Brisbane is a beautiful place to live. The weather is good, the people are friendly, and the city full of parks and open spaces.
Add to that the variety of entertainment options and places to eat and you can see why the locals love it and visitors flock from all corners of the globe!
You can discover what it’s really like to live in one of the world’s most liveable cities (yes, it’s official!) with our top seven Brisbane local suggestions to make any visitor feel at home.
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They are three of Europe’s most beautiful cities, laid out like the three stars of the Orion’s Belt asterism in the night sky. Their close proximity to each other means you can quite easily enjoy an unforgettable itinerary to explore all three cities without having to set foot on a plane.
Most travelers will tell you that travelling around Europe by train is the best way to truly experience its remarkable countries. Europe’s broad rail network is well developed, extremely convenient, and offers fast reliable transit between most of its most famous cities.
You have a wide range of trains to choose from including high-speed Railjet trains that will help you cut travel time, save money, and cater to your schedule.
Here are some great tips for touring Eastern Europe’s best cities for culture and art, where you will take in three countries that include the iconic riverside cities of Prague, Vienna, and Budapest.
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Traveling on a budget may be easy for some, but to many people this can be quite challenging. But when it comes to Greece, you’ll be pleased to know that you don’t have to resort to wild camping to travel on the cheap. All it requires is some proper planning.
Greece is an incredibly popular tourist destination, though despite this, the country has taken a hit economically, and travel here is incredibly cheap. When compared to other European destinations, it is a bargain and it gives you an array of things to do on a small budget.
If you are looking to visit Greece, here are our favorite frugal tips to get you started.
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We all know the saying “you are what you eat”; the belief that to be healthy and remain in shape you need to eat quality nutritious food. If this is true, then your dream of becoming as fit and strong as a Viking may mean you have to start eating like one!
Of course there is no better way to start eating like a true Viking than to head to Norway. People have long been taking bucket list trips to Norway to see the country’s breathtaking landscapes, but they have recently started travelling for another reason as well.
The new diet craze that is sweeping the world is the Nordic Diet. It is a diet that is not only proving to be quite healthy for us but the environment as well. It is a sustainable diet that takes advantage of seasonal ingredients and requires fewer natural resources with less pollution to produce meals.
The following dishes are some of the “must try” dishes you have to experience on your next Scandinavian adventure.
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For those who aim to see the world but have limited funds, hostels are a lifesaver. These budget accommodations offer a good night’s sleep to those on the go, offering a variety of rooming options at various price points.
London is an expensive city, in which a hostel can make a significant impact on your travel budget. Here’s some expert advice from Safestay London for choosing the hostel of your dreams and avoiding the horror stories that deter so many from this great travel option.
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The UK is one of the top rated destinations by travellers, and for good reason. It is a destination that transports you into a real life fairytale complete with castles, gardens, kings, and princesses.
While most visitors focus their time and attention around the big cities as they take in all the pubs, nightlife, and Royal sights, the UK’s off the beaten path areas are equally enticing. The UK is filled with abundant natural attractions that can easily be explored by renting a car and taking an unforgettable road trip.
A road trip through the UK is by far the best way to experience all the region has to offer especially as it isn’t all that large. You will find wonderful hotels throughout the country in both iconic cities and charming small towns, all of which make great overnight stopping points or bases from which to explore the UK’s greatest natural landscapes.
So get off the London tube and take full control of your next UK holiday by taking a self drive tour of some of the UK’s lesser known treasures. They’re even more impressive than Buckingham or Big Ben!
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Auckland is one of the world’s most unique cities; a bustling cosmopolitan set on a sparkling harbor, surrounded by landscapes that vary from rainforests, thermal springs, sprawling parks and volcanic cones.
This is one of the only places in the world where you can go from skyscrapers to white sand beaches, or combine galleries and museums with hiking through lava fields: Auckland seamlessly blends majestic scenery with the hustle and bustle of city living.
Culturally, Tamaki Makaurau (as it is also called) is the largest Polynesian city in the world, and has become hugely multicultural, which is reflected in the dynamic dining scene and museums that pay homage to a rich Māori heritage.
While many visit Auckland as a gateway to a land of fine wine and Lord of the Rings scenery, this sub-tropical destination has many exciting things to do in it’s own right. So if you’re traveling to New Zealand make sure you plan at least a day or two.
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Our smartphones have become like our own personalized travel agents these days. From finding flights, to accessing real time translations, they have become a one stop shop for everything we need to search for, book, and enjoy our holidays.
Through the use of helpful apps, we can now easily travel all around the world like a pro. Though the usefulness of an app can definitely be regional; for instance what might be a brilliant app for Australia, might not do you any good in Europe.
When travelling through Europe you are faced with a wide variety of transportation options, hotel decisions, languages, currency conversions, etc. As such, knowing what the best apps are to help you with your journey is vital in order to enjoy a flawless travel experience.
The following are our favorite apps for European travel. I guarantee you’ll be well taken care of if you have these seven apps on your phone!
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Video has become the newest trend in the world of travel; photos are still popular of course, but nothing beats a moving visual; something that can truly tell the story of a trip, beyond the 2 dimensional.
Video is a much more creative and engaging way of sharing stories and experiences from your travels, and watching them back is a more effective way of remembering a trip. We’ve all heard the phrase “a picture is worth a 1000 words”, but if you’re shooting at 30 frames per second, every second of video is worth 30,000 words!
Shooting video is fairly straight forward, however when it comes to editing, that part isn’t always so easy. The final product needs to be compatible across various devices, you need to export for the best video quality, but aim for a small file size, and make sure that it tells a vivid story.
To that end, we have summarized the 5 most important video editing tips that every traveler needs to know.
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There’s no denying that Bali makes for a wonderful holiday destination, but with over 18,000 islands, there are plenty of other places to explore in Indonesia, offering unspoiled island scenery and authentic cultural encounters.
Indonesia is also an ideal destination for liveaboard or adventure cruises – places like Komodo or Raja Ampat are best explored on a boat, allowing travelers to seek out the remotest islands and best scuba and snorkeling locations, without having to worry about tourist crowds.
Yet, until recently, planning an Indonesia cruise required a fair bit of forward planning. Many local operators don’t have a website, and there’s no way besides word of mouth to find out who to trust. True, you can always book onsite – but if you’re planning to head off the beaten track, you may be stuck for days waiting for a boat.
But companies like Nowboat.com are solving this. Nowboat is the first all in one seafaring platform, collecting over 900 trusted local operators worldwide and allowing travelers to get in touch with them and book at 0% commission.
Indonesia is one of the top countries featured on the platform, with over 160 yacht charters and adventures available – here we’ve selected for you our five favorite Indonesia cruise adventures, available to book on nowboat.com for this summer!
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So you love being on the water, and always admired others who enjoy getting out on their own and kayaking away. But perhaps you’re worried that you’ll find yourself paddling around in circles for most of your day.
Even if you have never kayaked, there is no need to fret: there are plenty of fabulous spots for kayaking beginners all over the world. And the great news is that kayaking is a great sport for any beginner to learn.
It’s relatively simple to pick up kayaking, and this is a great way to get close to nature, and access remote sightseeing that you wouldn’t usually be able to enjoy on land.
The following are the best kayaking spots around the world for beginners. If you find yourself in one of these destinations, consider renting a kayak!
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I’ve spent the last few months in two minds about whether to go through with this year’s edition of the sexiest female travelers of the year. Sure, every year attracts feedback to some extent that the very idea of this post objectifies women, but in the climate of current campaigns like #Metoo, there is a high likelihood that these voices would intensify.
But ultimately, sexualizing women has never been what this series is about. Despite an admittedly click bait title, this series is about promoting the idea that beauty is a diverse term that describes every size, shape and color; that it doesn’t matter whether you are Caucasian, African, Hispanic, or Asian when it comes to being beautiful.
This series is about highlighting inspiring, confident, and strong women, who re-define the traditional notion of “sexy” through their passion for exploring the world and their adventurous souls.
The incredible women we are highlighting this year are not models; they’re role models. They may not be the most dolled up, but are certainly the most authentic: self sufficient women who challenge, encourage and inspire us to see, do and be more.
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For anyone with a severe case of the travel bug, you likely spend your day-to-day fantasizing about exotic holidays; snorkeling alongside whale sharks in the Maldives, watching the sunset over the African plains, riding a camel through the desert backed by the pyramids of Giza.
But it’s one thing to be inspired to travel to Egypt, and another thing entirely to start planning your own trip. Social media inspires wanderlust, and Instagram feeds our never ending bucket-list, but how did that traveler who you’ve seen on camelback actually get to Egypt?
Which hotels did they stay at, which restaurants did they visit? It’s great that their photos have inspired us, but if only we had access to their whole itinerary. Wouldn’t that make travel planning easy!
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As adventure travellers, Mike and I often find ourselves travelling to off the beaten path destinations. Whether it’s engaging in all day treks in search of wildlife, or biking down the world’s most dangerous road in Bolivia, for some reason we’re drawn to a destination’s less explored places.
Getting off the beaten path has led to some incredibly unique and memorable experiences, but one definite hazard is that once you leave the main tourist route, you do put yourself at a bit of a risk in terms of safety.
It’s often the case that exploring off the beaten path means finding ourselves off the grid, without a means of communicating. But there’s one device that aims to change that, and become the ultimate device for outdoor networking, allowing you to stay in contact with friends and access emergency assistance without needing the internet or a phone signal.
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