The most rewarding travel moments are when you can have an experience that few others achieve.
When it comes to exploring China, visiting popular tourist sites like the Great Wall or eating Peking Duck may satisfy the bucket list, but that makes your experience just like any other tourist.
So when we visited China, we wanted to make our experience unforgettable and uncover the real China that few tourists ever get to see. We decided to teach English in China, and on reflecting back, have the following advice for those looking to achieve an immersive experience.
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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; not only families but young singles, baby boomers, foodies, outdoor adventurous types, luxury shoppers and international visitors 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 (performing arts and museums), fantastic gardens and nature preserves, high-end outlet shopping centers, and fabulous cuisine.
It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of a trip to Orlando, so we’ve put together some quick tips on things you should consider, just in case the adrenaline-pumped fantasy has distracted you!
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Packing for a family holiday doesn’t have to be a chore. With careful planning and preparation you can whiz through the process without any stress or worry, even if you’re a single parent traveling!
Follow these tips and you’ll be fine … use our guide as a holiday checklist for your next family trip.
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When it comes to planning a trip, it’s very rarely easy. What is there to see in the area? What are the cheapest flights? And, if you’re hitting up a number of places in one trip, how do you manage the booking process through so many destinations?
Having a passion for travel is one thing, but a passion for travel planning is an entirely different ball game! You have to be passionate about excel spreadsheets, comparisons, and breaking the record on how many tabs you can have open before your internet decides to crash!
And it’s even more difficult if you’re trying to collaborate and plan a trip with family or friends. Sometimes the planning process is all so overwhelming that you wonder if travel is worth it in the first place.
Though what if planning and booking a trip was genuinely easy to do? We’ll let you in on a secret – it is! For independent travelers who don’t like to use a travel agent, and prefer to set their own itinerary, there’s now an easy way to plan your perfect trip. All of a sudden planning becomes fun, with Relovate.
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One of the biggest challenges when traveling is overcoming barriers to communication, and for someone who frequently travels, it’s highly likely you’ll eventually land in a country where you don’t understand a word.
And this can be quite daunting. I’m sure I’m not the only traveler who’s landed abroad and felt like a mute for being unable to speak the native language. Frankly, it’s embarrassing; so you end up taking some pictures, looking at the scenery, and leaving, without having interacted with anyone.
Though as for learning a new language, the brutal truth is that not many people have the time or energy, or even the mental ability to retain a new language, especially when you’re touring multiple countries and need knowledge of several different dialects.
So if you’re wondering how to overcome barriers of communication, you’e not alone. But you don’t need to worry anymore! There’s a new smart voice translator being released which means you can speak 20 languages in 2 seconds! It’s an incredible device, and may just kill the language barrier for good.
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When you think about Rio de Janeiro, what instantly comes to mind? Did you say beaches?
Your plans will likely include the most famous beaches in Rio, though with a reputation for some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, the city is so much more than Copacabana and Ipanema!
The following are secret beaches in Rio you may not have heard about – these may not be listed in guide books as landmarks or Rio de Janeiro points of interest, but that’s the point of visiting a new city; discovering the local hidden gems!
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As you walk along Hobart’s waterfront, the breeze carries a thousand captivating stories of those who were there before; from convicts, crooks, and captains of industry, Tasmania’s history is made up of a cast of remarkable characters, each with an intriguing story to tell.
Though the best way to immerse yourself in the fascinating world of Tasmanian stories is not at a museum; it’s at the world’s first storytelling hotel.
Nestled on the waterfront of Hobart’s Franklin Wharf, and inspired by the history and colourful characters of Tasmania’s past, MACq 01 is an exciting new luxury hotel, and the perfect base for exploring Hobart and surrounds.
An ultra-exclusive $45 million project, doors have only recently opened on what is Hobart’s hottest new boutique hotel.
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Have you ever visited a city where layers of history, different religions and cultures, modern vibes, and welcoming people mix in a colourful union?
Are you ready to explore the most unexpected sights and activities in the Bulgarian capital? The following are unexpected things to do and see in Sofia.
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It’s rare these days to find a destination where you can go from a downtown setting to literally being lost in the jungle in a matter of hours. But Peru does just that; a country which blends a diverse mixture of cultures, from the high plateaus of the Andes to the jungles surrounding the Amazon. And it’s wildlife is as colorful and vibrant as its cities and culture too.
But for all its diversity, this means attempting to tackle Peru on your own can be daunting. With so much to see and do you run the risk of missing a lot of what the country has to offer should you choose to do it alone.
So to really dive in, and make sure you don’t miss a thing, we recommend booking a tour. And the great thing for anyone wishing to travel this year, is that Luxury Escapes is offering 20% off the tour we chose.
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Ever since same-sex marriage was legalized in the Netherlands in 2001 (props to the Netherlands for always being at the front of progressive change), the legalization of same-sex marriage has snowballed throughout the world.
28 countries (26 with another two pending) now legally recognize the right for same sex couples to marry, so if you’re part of the LGBTQI community, and want to travel, live overseas, or plan a destination wedding, these countries will recognize your right.
More than 760 million people now live in countries where same-sex marriage is legal, and I encourage all travelers to support those countries at the forefront of equality and recognition of human rights. I also have one thing to say to my own country, in a slogan they coined: Australia, where the bloody hell are you?
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Mike and I recently quit our life of full time travel to buy a house and our previously sold stuff. And one of the first things we did was shop for travel prints for the walls. We wanted something to brighten the house up. And I hate bare walls!
While there are 79 pages of incredible travel photography you can buy as a canvas from Wall Art Prints, it only took me a second to decide. The travel print I wanted was staring at me right there on the third line.
I ordered a huge 150 x 100 cm of Magical Manarola, Italy; a town which, despite not having been able to take pictures myself, left a lasting impression on my mind.
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As far as wildlife experiences go, Australia is known for having unusual wildlife, and Australian animals are unlike any found elsewhere in the world!
From kangaroos and koalas, to the platypus and Tasmanian devil, Australia has a huge range of wonderful wildlife and exotic species which provoke a sense of wonder and awe throughout the rest of the world.
But most tourists to Australia head straight for the big cities – and you’re unlikely to find a Kangaroo jumping down Bourke Street, or Penguins at Bondi Beach. So for those who want the chance to experience Australian wildlife, day trips are the best way to see them up close!
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With plant species found nowhere else on earth and numerous endemic subspecies of Australian fauna, Kangaroo Island is truly a magical destination much like the Galapagos. Its isolation from mainland Australia has created an oasis for native wildlife where they are protected from the devastating impacts of foxes and rabbits.
The island has retained over fifty percent of its natural habitat with over a third protected under national parks or reserves. A trip here means getting up close and personal with koalas, kangaroos, echidnas, glossy black cockatoos, seals, and more.
The sheer amount of wildlife you will see is almost unbelievable and in my opinion one of the best places in Australia where you can see such a large variety of iconic Aussie animals living in the wild.
Kangaroo Island’s incredible landscapes and wildlife are just the beginning though. It is an outdoor recreation dream offering horseback riding, sandboarding, caving, kayaking, and quad biking. Add the finest in food and wine along with luxury accommodation and you’ve got the complete package.
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Phuket is a lovely place to take in the best Thailand has to offer however the newly opened MAI HOUSE Patong Hill gives you every excuse to stay in.
High up on the lush tropical hillside overlooking Patong Beach and the sparkling Andaman Sea, the exotic 79-room resort is one of the newest in Phuket, standing out as an oasis of modern Thai culture and chic relaxation.
With spacious rooms for families, couples or individuals, including rooms with private pool access, and private outdoor jacuzzi’s, local character and the historic flavor of Phuket Island intertwines with contemporary 5-star facilities to provide you with a magnificent and personal getaway to another world.
For those seeking a modern luxury experience in the Patong Beach district of Phuket, this is hotel opening you don’t want to miss!
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Sharing a 2,000 km border with Sweden, in the northern European region of Scandinavia, Norway is a beautiful Nordic country, and in recent years rumors have begun to spread of it’s insane natural beauty.
A country defined by epic landscapes which rank among the most stunning in the world, the sheer drama of the fjords is alone worth the effort of coming here.
Rumors of this magical place are spreading like wildfire, though what can a traveler actually do? While 98% of its territory is uninhabited and impossible to live in, for those who choose to travel, there are unlimited possibilities for adventure. The following are our 5 favorite choices.
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Guatemala is a hidden gem among tourists, and a perfect destination for those interested in an authentic cultural immersion experience. While gaping at the expansive landscapes, exploring volcanoes, and becoming entranced by the colorful artisan crafts of the Mayans, volunteering in Guatemala has become another point of interest for those seeking a more fulfilling travel experience.
It is no secret that Guatemala’s government struggles to provide adequate resources to their citizens. Being the biggest country in Central America, with the largest economy, it’s baffling to realize that over half of the people live in poverty. While the tourist industry booms, the common people suffer.
So if you are looking to volunteer abroad, Guatemala is a great place to start. There are projects for every type of personality, skill, and interest, so knowing your options is a great starting point. Check out these top volunteer projects in Guatemala, and make your next trip a reason to get involved.
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The EM District is Bangkok’s newest tourist hotspot with its massive luxury shopping malls and some of the city’s finest cuisine. And a city in itself, once you arrive it’s difficult to find a reason to leave.
Perfectly positioned within walking distance to all the EM District has to offer, and with the peaceful retreat of Queen’s Park in its backyard, when it comes to Bangkok accommodation, you can’t go wrong with the Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park.
Deal Alert: Save up to 67% off your stay at Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park with package deals from Luxury Escapes.
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One of my biggest tips for hearing about cheap flights is to sign up for airline newsletters, as they send deal alerts and information on sales. An issue however with this approach is that the deals are rarely relevant to my location, and between the 50 odd airlines who send me emails, my inbox overflows.
Though after signing up for emails from a newcomer called Next Vacay, I’ve been able to go through my massive list of airline subscriptions and hit unsubscribe.
The subscription economy is booming at the moment, and companies like Netflix, Spotify and Amazon Prime are leaving competitors behind. So the emergence of the subscription model in the travel industry was only a matter of time.
Leading with this idea, NextVacay is an new, online and personalized travel agency that aims to make air travel more affordable. It works off a subscription model of $25 per year and supplies real time sales, deals and error fares (those absurdly cheap flights posted as a mistake by the airline) directly to your inbox, according to your home base airport.
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Traveling to Thailand is one of the most exotic trips you can take, and luckily, it’s a very easy country to experience on a budget. Even first times travelers can easily spend under 100 USD a day, and that includes your hotel, activities and transportation!
There are many ways to save money while traveling in Thailand, but here are 7 tips for the budget traveler to come in under budget.
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Stretching nearly 100 miles along pristine Caribbean coastline on the Yucatan Peninsula, you’ll find Mexico’s premier tourism and resort district, Riviera Maya.
This region takes in exciting destinations from Puerto Morelos to Punta Allen, including the archaeological wonders of Tulum and resort mecca of Playa del Carmen. It is a place of natural beauty mixed with exceptional service all which add up to an incredible getaway.
The area is home to the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, the world’s second largest barrier reef at nearly 600 miles long. It is home to several sea turtle species, crocodiles, manatees, and an incredible variety of fish. But the reef is just one of many reasons why tourists continue to flock here every year.
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What is the first thing that comes to mind whenever you think of India? Obviously, you try to picture its varied and diverse culture. But apart from being a land of multilingual and multi-ethnic communities, India has one more feather in its cap: it’s history.
India is probably the only country to boast of a rich and glorious past that spans for more than a 750 centuries. (Almost since the beginning of time!) So it won’t come as a surprise that the country has no less than a 100 monuments in each of its 29 states. You can do the math to arrive at that total!
To visit every single monument is, of course, an impossible task. But the following 7 structures and sites will offer a glimpse into the historical richness of the land.
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So you’ve planned for the most amazing adventures of a lifetime, enjoying all the most exciting, challenging activities the world has to offer.
I’m talking weeks skiing in the Alps, scaling and clambering up mountains in the northernmost parts of Scotland, hiking through Italy, or a month surfing down in Cornwall. There are some truly amazing experiences to be had out there.
But then that age old maxim rings true. You need a vacation from your vacation. After you return home you’re drained, you’re grubby, your feet have developed huge callouses and blisters.
Overall, you’re really not feeling your most attractive. Sure, there’s the whole warrior-woman, fresh out of the wild aesthetic, but it’s not the fourteenth century, and you’re really not feeling it.
That’s where a trip to the spa can come in handy. Perfect for dealing with those post-adventure blues, and for acclimatising back to normal life, a spa trip can also get you feeling healthy and attractive again.
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A road trip is often the best way to explore if you’re looking to appreciate the diversity of natural scenery you would otherwise miss from a plane. And it’s an especially good idea if you’re one of those travelers who enjoys the freedom and flexibility to travel at your own pace.
With some truly stunning roads throughout the world, your first decision is planning out where you want to drive. And then you should conduct some research on how to stay safe, as every country will have different road rules, environments and landscapes.
Here are our 5 best tips for a safe road trip experience.
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Australia is an enormous and amazingly diverse country. In order to explore the vastness of the continent’s interiors, the best way is to embark on an outback journey and drive those rugged roads.
You can stop along the way for a cool swim, and stay on sprawling outback stations. Though there are many routes to the Australian Outback, many entry points, and many destinations.
You could enter along the rugged coastlines or through the western outback. Just make sure that your 4WD vehicle is in as good condition as you.
With your wheels donning on all season tyres, make sure that your vehicle is safe and sturdy before entering the heart of Australia and driving remotely. The following are 4 ideas on possible routes.
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Paris is one of the world’s most iconic destinations, inspiring travel fantasies and capturing hearts and imaginations all over the world. But with so many highlights it can be a challenge to experience the city like a local would. And with 20 million odd travelers who visit the city every year, I wanted a more authentic experience than your average tourist would.
Short of moving to France (tempting), Cobblestone Paris offers that authentic experience even if you’re just visiting for a weekend; they rent impeccably furnished and conveniently located apartments which allow travelers to experience Paris the way a Parisian would.
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