We’ve all seen the obnoxious tourists waddling out of Subway in some beautiful, ancestral city. Chances are, if you catch us on the right day, we’ve all been that tourist.
There is, however, a revolution in tourism that is really starting to take off. A whole new way of thinking which prioritizes responsible travel, and considers the impact we have on the communities and environments we visit abroad.
The negative impacts of tourism are usually pretty clear to the traveler feeling particularly perceptive. But ecotourism is the belief that travel should be ultimately beneficial to both the tourist and the host country.
There is a balance we should all try to find while traveling: remain safe but also truly experience the local scene. Make ripples, but not a splash. Take only memories, leave only footprints. The following are four key things to consider for those looking to travel responsibly in 2018.
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Forget your passport, when it comes to travel, appropriate underwear is one of the most essential things. (Don’t actually forget your passport, but I’m sure you get what I meant!)
But traditional cotton underwear isn’t always the best option for travel – they’re slow drying and they absorb moisture meaning cotton isn’t the most comfortable or hygienic thing to wear for extended periods of time.
Underwear might be one of those things you don’t think twice about, but purchasing a pair for the practicalities of travel can make or break a trip. There are plenty of options out there for travel-specific underwear, but when it comes to being specifically designed for women, Knixwear is a Canadian based brand you should know.
The following are seven reasons why Knixwear is the greatest travel underwear you’ll own. But the biggest reason? The amount of confidence you gain from wearing them, for all the reasons below.
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As your ferry approaches the port of Santorini and you watch the island getting closer and closer, it’s easy to believe that you’re sailing into the view of one of Alfred Sislay’s idyllic paintings.
On the southernmost border of the Aegean archipelago, Santorini is not only considered to be one of the most beautiful islands of Greece, but one of the most stunning in the world.
Once you set foot on the island, Santorini will take you on a trip into its past: it’s here you’ll come face to face with the ancient Minoan civilization and the magnificent frescoes it left behind, the grand and fearsome eruption of its volcano and the huge caldera that’s still marveled at by thousands of tourists each year, and of course, its beautiful re-birth as one of the most picturesque places of this Earth.
These are the four top places to visit while you’re there.
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Yes, Munich is home to Oktoberfest, offers tours to Neuschwanstein Castle, has the BMW Museum, and numerous beer gardens, and it’s for these attractions the city is most famously known.
But what if you are looking for something new and exciting to do in Munich. This Bavarian city offers many secret activities and adventures that are sure to add some excitement to your next German holiday, and some will most definitely push you outside of your comfort zone!
So once you’re tired of listening to the sounds of a glockenspiel and are done playing dress-up with lederhosen and dirndls, why not try these adventures on for size. Put down that bratwurst or schnitzel, book a Munich taxi, and head to one of these quirky off the beaten path attractions.
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While there are many careers that will not afford you a care-free lifestyle, or give you the option to work from the comfort of a hammock, in Bali – there are plenty that do (cue the ‘OH. MY. GOSH, no WAY!’)
Check out our list, and maybe quit your job to follow your dreams in 2018!
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Cruising has become one of the biggest trends in travel recently, though have you ever considered going on a canal barge cruise?
Canal barging is a unique form of slow travel popular throughout Europe, especially in France, Italy, Scotland and Ireland. The size of the canal dictates the size of the barge, but the maximum number of guests on board usually ranges from 4-12 passengers.
On board the barge are a handful of crew members who will help make your journey an effortless one, and while the options for barge cruises are vast, a luxury, all-inclusive barge cruise is definitely way to go.
While there are many reasons to take a canal barge cruise, here are the 6 most compelling.
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The Aegean Sea has been characterized by many as the heart of the Mediterranean and has been commonly linked to colorful mythology, tales of pirates and fishermen, and, in recent years, as the hot-spot of cosmopolitan summer party life for island-hoppers.
Among the family of the Aegean islands however, stands one in particular which is perhaps its most precious jewel: Mykonos beams effervescently due west and it’s certainly not shy at showing it.
Being the favourite destination of vacationists worldwide, Mykonos has become synonymous to beautiful, luxurious and vibrant vacations. But Mykonos is so much more than what the eye meets: it’s actually the ideal place where you can lose yourself on its surface and also find it in its depth.
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A trip to Stockholm isn’t complete without a trip to Gamla Stan. The city’s Old Town, and one of the largest and best preserved medieval city centers in Europe, this is after all where Stockholm began, all the way back in 1252.
Made up of 4 islands, Gamla Stan is mainly focused on the largest of the group, historically known as Stadsholmen. Stockholm itself means “log island” and as the legend goes, Swedes looking for a new capital that was safe from armed gangs, had filled a log with gold and sent it adrift. When it landed on what is now Gamla Stan, they knew they had found their new capital city.
Gamla Stan is a living museum filled with beautiful churches, narrow winding cobblestone streets, colourful architecture, the finest restaurants, and accommodation to suit all tastes. This is the real Stockholm, and where every Stockholm adventure should begin.
Consider this your ultimate guide to staying, playing, and eating in Gamla Stan.
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Whoever coined the phrase “Life’s a Beach” most definitely came up with it while relaxing on the glistening white sands of the Dominican Republic. This paradise in the Caribbean is the quintessential post card beach shot that we all yearn to escape to.
The Dominican Republic not only shares its tropical island oasis of Hispaniola with Haiti, but also invites any and all who wish to come and experience its treasures. Your escape from reality begins in Punta Cana which lies at the island’s eastern tip. Here you will find your home away from home, albeit a much more luxurious version with a slightly better view.
Whether your aim is to simply relax away the days in pure bliss or experience adventures from sunrise to sunset, you just can’t go wrong with Punta Cana. All inclusive resorts in Punta Cana offer literally everything under the sun, and the sun itself! It’s no wonder why Punta Cana International is consistently one of the busiest Caribbean airports.
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If you’re anything like me, you get a headache when it comes to understanding the specs of today’s cameras. I try my hardest to watch YouTube tutorials in an effort to become wiser, but end up frustrated and feeling as though I am that single kid in the back of the class that just doesn’t get it.
Yes I want a camera that records good images and video, I am after all a travel blogger who needs to share my experiences with the world. My goal, however, is to inspire others to travel, not to enter photo competitions or create the next Academy Award winning masterpiece.
We’ve all become so programmed to think we need to keep up with the crowd by shelling out hundreds if not thousands of dollars on the latest well known name brand camera equipment. But there comes a stage where you wonder if we really need all these new fancy camera features and if so, does it really have to cost us an arm and a leg to get it?
Personally, I’ve gotten to the stage where I would rather spend more on adventure travel and less on action camera’s.
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If you could only ever explore one region of Japan, Kansai would be a good choice. The cultural heartland of the country, which includes the cities of Osaka, Sakai, Kobe, Nara and Kyoto, no other region offers as much cultural and historic significance into such a compact size.
This has been the cultural center of Japan for centuries, having given birth to traditional Japanese theatre styles, Japanese Buddhism, the tea ceremony, and hosted many Japanese capitols throughout time. It is a patchwork of intense urban life mixed with traditional sites; exciting modern architecture sits next to a diverse legacy of beautiful castles and temples from ancient times.
It is a hub of Japanese experiences in food, religion, and ancient tradition, and is the perfect region to sample Japan’s diversity. No other region of Japan offers as much variety as Kansai.
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Shanghai has long been the gateway to China. Located on the Yangtze River delta, it is known as the city above the sea, the Paris of the East.
It is the largest economic and trade center in China, and one of the country’s biggest cultural centers. Though despite the ancient cultures we find in Beijing and Xi’an, Shanghai is a relatively young city, with a unique fusion of Eastern and Western cultures.
As China’s largest and richest city, Shanghai is a mega-metropolis which oozes an atmosphere on par with New York and Paris in terms of modernity; a bustling international hub with something for everyone.
Whether you’re in Shanghai for architecture, cuisine, history, shopping, or entertainment, this is a town that’s tailored just for you. The following are things to do in Shanghai for every interest – great ideas for your itinerary no matter what you like to do!
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As an avid traveler, if I find myself worrying about something it’s usually something like missing a flight, losing my passport, a hotel not having my reservation, etc. But one thing I’ve never really worried about while travelling is encountering a snake.
Being Australian, I was of course well aware of the sheer number of venomous snakes present throughout my own country. After all, half of the world’s top 10 most venomous snakes are found here. But as a nature enthusiast and avid hiker, my travels have seen me run into snakes in almost every country I’ve been to.
For the traveler who spends time in the outdoors, trying to avoid snakes completely is nearly impossible and in doing so, you would miss out on some truly remarkable places. By protecting yourself against snakebite vs. avoiding snakes, you can enjoy exploring anywhere your wanderlust cares to take you.
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Los Angeles to Dubai for $260? Chicago to London for $208? It feels as though more and more people are cracking the code for finding cheap flights. And it’s difficult to be happy for your friends who got tickets from Miami to Paris for $79, when you’re secretly thinking “I hate you!“.
But what I’ve realized from chatting with travelers recently, is that it’s not necessarily that they know how to find cheap flights. It’s that they know a guy. Because they know a guy, they save hundreds of dollars on flights, and all they have to do is sit back with a cup of tea, email open, and wait for the travel deals to arrive.
But for fear of missing out on really cheap flights, I finally figured out the identity of this guy! His name is Josh, and he created the Cheap Fly Club for anyone who wants free notifications on stupidly cheap flights.
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Regional Victoria is full of stunning sights and the natural beauty of the Hattah-Kulkyne national park is one of the many examples of that.
In the heart of the Australian bush, the outback park is home to a superb freshwater system of creeks and lakes that connects to the Murray River, and within it lives a whole host of beautiful bird, marine and wildlife.
Although don’t make the mistake of assuming Hattah-Kulkyne is only of interest to binocular toting nature lovers, there is plenty to keep everyone occupied!
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Most airlines offer frequent flyer programs which allow their passengers to earn miles when flying. These programs work really well for frequent travelers, who are rewarded with points for every flight they take.
But even if you’re not a frequent flyer, a great way to accrue airline rewards is by applying for frequent flyer credit cards. This type of program is geared towards rewarding card holders with miles that they can use for their future travels, earning miles based on the $$$ you spend.
If you’ve made the decision to apply for a frequent flyer credit card, or are interested in how it works, we’ve put together an overview on how to earn miles based on most airline credit cards.
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One of the most common anxieties is in-flight nervousness. Whether you can’t stop running horrific crash scenarios through your mind or you fear in-flight turbulence, it’s perfectly normal to feel nervous when you’re about to fly on an airplane.
Though air travel is incredibly safe, it’s still hard to combat nervousness, especially on longer flights. Here are some tips for distracting a nervous flyer so you can fly with ease and confidence!
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It may be hard to get to Nepal, but you’ll likely find that it’s even harder to leave.
We only stayed 10 days. But in this time we completely fell in love with this wonderful country.
With two days in Kathmandu before hitting the Himalayan trails, ten days is a very short amount of time. But it’s enough to get an idea of the country, discover Kathmandu, see the beauty of the mountains, meet the people, and discover the Nepalese culture.
If you’re working off a similar time-frame, we highly recommend making time for the following.
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There’s nothing more impressive than standing in the busy streets of New York City, gazing up at the buildings as people move around you.
Except, of course, seeing the city from the water.
Seeing New York City from a boat allows you to skip the traffic, avoid the lines, and see the bigger picture of the incredible New York skyline.
Whether you’re an introvert at heart or just looking for a different perspective, here is what you should see from the water in NYC.
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Millions of travelers around the world already know and love TripAdvisor for its millions of traveler reviews. The platform is a fabulous resource for insights into attractions, restaurants, hotels, and making better decisions when planning a trip.
And a lot of the time, I’ve found that the information on TripAdvisor is often more up to date than a company’s own website. It’s truly become the Google of the travel world. Our ultimate go-to.
It’s no secret that most travelers will eventually end up on TripAdvisor when planning their vacation, but they’ve recently rolled out some pretty incredible features meaning you can book your whole trip too. That’s right – TripAdvisor is now much more than just traveler reviews!
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Situated just off England’s South coast, the Isle of Wight shimmers in the English Channel. Notorious for its unspoilt natural beauty, and less than 2 hours from London via ferry, this has been a popular holiday destination since Victorian times.
With a mild climate, diverse range of outdoor activities and a 57 miles of varied coastline, holidays on the Isle of Wight are pure heaven for those who enjoy nature and wildlife.
Here are out favorite nature themed things to do.
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The women in our group had started calling me shoulders – not necessarily because there was anything spectacular about mine, but because they could see them. Which was a novel concept when we were hiking across a continent covered in ice.
In fact, Antarctica is the coldest, windiest and driest continent on earth, and summer temperatures average just above freezing. So stripping off my carefully planned out layers wasn’t something I expected, or originally had in mind.
But the sun was beating down, and I was ridiculously overdressed. I had even started sweating! So there I was, hiking across a glacier, with bare shoulders, now recommending that every traveler to Antarctica packs sunblock. Because the biggest killer in Antarctica is the reflection off the ice.
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When it comes to choosing a honeymoon destination or a vacation spot for a romantic trip with your loved one, you’re spoiled for choice, with amazing countries all around the world to choose from.
However, it’s well worth putting Costa Rica at the top of your list, since this nation has everything: beautiful beaches and sunsets, top dining spots, a friendly culture, excellent outdoor activities, wildlife spotting, pampering, high-end resorts and much more.
Read on for some things to put on your itinerary if you head to Costa Rica for a romantic trip of a lifetime.
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Fairy tales have captured our hearts and minds since once upon a time, and these imagined lands are often so vivid that they stay with us into adulthood. We dream of escaping to these fantastic, otherworldly settings to escape the bore of daily life.
But the authors who imagine these enchanting lands often draw inspiration from locations in real life. From the mountains of Germany to the plains of sub-Saharan Africa, there are many places around the world which look like they’ve been ripped from the pages of a fairy tale. And that’s because the real world inspired the story.
If you love fairy tales and have a serious case of wanderlust, you can visit these real places that inspired some of the best stories of all time. None of these destinations require a fairy godmother to reach – just a short flight!
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It’s a romantic and wildly adventurous way to travel; to rock up in a new city with no script, and wing it after you arrive. To have the freedom to wander where and when you please, to stay longer in a place that truly intrigues you, or choose to move on when you get bored.
There’s something dangerously thrilling about traveling without a fixed itinerary, and I’ve always fantasized about what it would be like. I envy spontaneous travelers, though OCD means that not having a solid travel plan makes me break out in hives!
But I’ve vowed to to build more spontaneity into our trips for 2018, and pull back from over planning. So if you too are looking to recover some wildness in your trips, the following tips are how to successfully manage travel without a script.
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