When it comes to Argentinian food, your first thought may be of succulent steaks accompanied by full-bodied Malbec wines. But what if you’re not one of those steak lovers? Or if red wine is not your go to drink?
Rest reassured, there is more to Argentinian cuisine than beef and Malbec wines!
Read MoreLet’s face it. The possibility of Trump being elected as the next President of United States is getting closer to becoming a reality.
Independents tend to sway the outcome of every major election one way or the other, and most Independents may not vote for Clinton. Though some people truly believe Trump will make America great again (as his campaign message states), and believe him to be the best choice to lead the free world.
But for those looking to exit the country because you can’t imagine living under Trump’s presidency, the following are fantastic options for you.
Read MoreOver the last year we’ve scrambled through sand dunes in Peru, trekked deep into the Amazon, and hiked through some of the most remote island destinations on earth. We’ve wandered through the desert, rappelled down buildings, and trodden on the ruins of ancient Incan civilizations. So we’re fairly well versed in what to look for in a good travel shoe.
Because let’s face it – flights, accommodation and tours might be the holy trinity of travel planning, but finding, buying and breaking in good shoes is equally as important. No-one has ever enjoyed a trip while their feet were blistering and sore.
So we’ve put together a list to guide you when picking your next pair of travel shoes. You shouldn’t compromise on any of the following features. Over the years we’ve come to realize it’s essential to find a shoe which incorporates them all.
Read MoreThere’s nothing better than traveling to an exotic destination with your significant other. And Phuket easily takes out the title of best destination for honeymooners and couples. Branded the ‘pearl of the Andaman’ for its spectacular scenery, stunning tropical sunsets, and warm blue sea, this holiday island has plenty to offer couples, and there are many romantic activities to fill your days.
Ultimately though, it’s the island’s affinity for luxury that makes it stand out as a romantic retreat. Between swanky spa sessions, high end dining, and silky soft white palm-lined beaches, the hospitality in Phuket is outstanding, and couples may just forget to leave.
Whether it’s world class diving in the Andaman Sea, or an exhilarating speedboat to the surrounding islands, the following are 5 ways you can achieve a romantic vacation in Phuket.
Read MoreWinter is a fantastic time of year to travel to Europe, and Europeans believe that winter is truly something to celebrate. During the holiday season they really go all out!
Buildings are lost underneath layers of fairy lights, and ice skating rinks are set up in public areas. Outdoor Christmas markets line main squares in all major cities across Europe, and provide unique shopping opportunities along with a celebratory atmosphere, festive treats and seasonal delicacies you’ll want to write home about!
If you’re planning to be in Europe over Christmas and wondering which markets are the best, you can’t go wrong with any of the following.
Read MoreFlights, accommodation and tours. These may be the holy trinity of travel preparation, but sorting out these parts of your vacation is only the beginning of the trip planning process. If you want to achieve a smooth, headache-free trip (and who doesn’t?), making sure you’re prepared for the weather is another essential task you should have on your list.
The weather is the single factor most likely to positively or negatively affect your trip, though it’s also one of the things most travelers take for granted, and people quite often find themselves caught off guard.
So make sure you’re fully prepared for the weather on your next trip. If you’re not sure where to start, utilize the following tips.
Read MoreReady for a break from the grind or to simply escape from the everyday norm? Why not explore one of the many famous highways America has to offer?
Whether you prefer cruising with the top down with the wind in your hair, or packing as much action as possible into your getaways, any one of the routes below promises to offer a multitude of unforgettable sights and experiences.
Possibilities include stunning natural views, unique museums, exciting recreational activities, intriguing bits of history, and uncommon cuisine.
Read MoreIn recent years, rumors have begun to spread about the existence of a group of nine volcanic islands in the middle of the North Atlantic ocean, about two thirds of the way between Europe and the US. Islands with emerald beaches, dazzling blue lakes, verdant pastures, volcanic caverns, bubbling mud pots, sprawling sunrises and waterfalls cascading deep into ravines (which you can rappel into, by the way).
Basically, if someone grabbed Iceland, moved it 3,000km to the south, and smashed it into nine pieces, you would have the Azores. They share the same volcanic origins and overwhelming landscapes, only this archipelago has subtropical lush vegetation instead of ice.
The Azores Islands are an autonomous region of Portugal. And while only a two-hour flight from Lisbon, this far flung archipelago has been but a blip on the radar of possible destinations, making it Europe’s best kept secret.
Read MoreSituated in the Gulf of Thailand, the beautiful island of Koh Samui it is now one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. Chasing a slice of paradise, travelers are flocking here from all over the world, and due to its broad appeal the island attracts everyone from the budget backpacker to the mega famous Hollywood celebrities.
And while famed for its palm tree edged beaches and crystal clear waters, the list of things to see and do here is both varied and interesting. The island is home to an abundance of natural wonders and man-made attractions, from mummified monks and sacred Buddhist temples, to thundering waterfalls and spectacular dive sites.
There really is something for everyone on this paradise island, and you’ll be hard pressed to fit everything into only a few days. We highly recommend spending a week, though don’t worry, the following activities will keep you busy for at least 7 days!
Read MoreThere’s no doubt that Fiji is one of the most beautiful places in the world. A tropical haven that’s filled with coconut palm trees, sugar white beaches and turquoise blue lagoons.
If this South Pacific archipelago is high on your travel bucket list and you plan on enjoying paradise like the locals do, you’re in luck. Today we speak to International Model and Fiji Airways Ambassador Phillipa Steele (born and raised in Fiji’s Coral Coast) to find out her favourite local spots, including where to stay, play, relax, shop and eat.
Read MoreI’m loving the explosion of glamping in Australia; the availability of luxury accommodation in picturesque natural surrounds. I’m talking tents with real beds, cozy decor, and all of the amenities of home. I’m talking luxury cabins offering secluded wilderness with a hot tub.
From barns and cabins, to tree houses and caves, glamping is a way to connect with your surroundings without having to rough it. And with incomparable access to nature, “glamorous camping” is the newest Australian craze. Tucked inside mountains, scattered along white-sand beaches, unique structures with an amazing backdrop are beginning to pop up everywhere.
Located in the beautiful East Gippsland region of Victoria, one glamping site is particularily worth noting. Situated in lesser known Nungurner is a unique rural homestead; a contemporary vacation cabin nestled on 50 acres of stunning countryside. Just over three hours east of Melbourne, this property provides the perfect setting to retreat, relax and rejuvenate, and is the ideal base for exploring everything East Gippsland has to offer.
Read MoreA pinch of humidity, few spoons of fresh air, and a plate full of scenic views as far as the eye can see is Kerala for you. Between beaches, tea estates, paddy fields, mountains, rubber plantations, pepper, and beautiful backwaters, this Indian state has it all. It’s no wonder they call it God’s country.
And it’s possible to experience it all – to witness each of the stunning landscapes people flock to Kerala to see. You’ll just need to hop on a houseboat.
50 years ago, houseboats in this region were setup to transfer goods from one place to another, as most of the state was not reachable by land. Though in recent decades the secret of Kerala’s beauty has got out, and these historic houseboats have been made accessible to the public as tourism takes hold.
Read MoreRegardless of your destination, there’s something to be said about escaping the city limits for the countryside; ditching the urban sprawl for a destination where the air is cleaner, life is peaceful, and you can find distance from crowded spaces and personal space invading strangers. It’s an opportunity to recharge your batteries, reconnect with nature, and uncover the hidden gems that lie just a short drive from the big smoke.
And this is especially true of Buenos Aires. The most European, most glamorous, most hedonistic city in South America, you don’t have to travel far to swap city life for gaucho culture, and it’s a short one hour drive before high rise hotels give way to estancias (elegant ranches) where travelers have the unique opportunity to experience the countryside.
Estancias are found all over Argentina, though as this would be our first estancia experience we chose to experience the best. A stay at Puesto Viejo Estancia truly encompasses an experience like no other, offering the ideal leisurely countryside break to unwind away from the city. Seamlessly blending historic ranch life with contemporary accommodation, Puesto Viejo Estancia is an idyllic luxury country escape located right on Buenos Aires’ doorstep.
Read MoreWith the travel season quickly getting underway, now is the perfect time to address motion sickness. And while you may not have suffered from it in the past, this is a common condition that affects millions of people, and the reality is that motion sickness can ruin anyone’s trip.
Sometimes referred to as car sickness or sea sickness, motion sickness is a disturbance in your inner ear that is caused by repeated motion. Hiking up the highest peaks or cruising across the ocean can easily be derailed. This not only applies to those heading on a cruise, but could develop if you find yourself traveling in countries with poor road systems or stuck on a horribly crowded buses. Even turbulence from a plane could set you off. And unfortunately, many sufferers don’t do anything to treat it, or treat it with the wrong products and ineffective methods.
But for those of us who live our lives in motion, it’s critical that we know how to prevent and deal with motion sickness should it occur. Because it’s something that is easily treatable, and as such shouldn’t ruin anyone’s trip.
Read MoreIf there’s one thing I’m always on the hunt for, it’s finding a better way to learn a new language.
People learn a language for all different reasons. It’s a great way to get ahead in your professional career, connect with family members, or maybe you met a cute foreign boy. Though my interest lies in speaking with locals while I’m traveling.
Because I hate feeling ashamed that I can’t communicate in another language. We expect tourists visiting English speaking countries to speak English, however 90% of the time don’t reciprocate by making an attempt to speak the local language when traveling through foreign countries ourselves.
Not expecting people to speak to you in English, and making at least an attempt to communicate in the language of the land wherever you go, is a sign of respect for both the locals and their culture. But language learning isn’t for everyone, and surely no-one in the world has mastered over 200 local dialects! So what is a traveler to do?
Read MoreWho hasn’t dreamt of going travelling and escaping off into the sunset for a while? Seeing parts of the world and experiencing different cultures can be costly, but costly doesn’t mean impossible.
Here’s some handy tips for those wanting to escape the 9 to 5 on a budget.
Read MoreOf all the amazing experiences you’ve had abroad, which do you remember the most? Do you remember the hotels and hostels? Do you remember the bars? Could you tell me about the trains you took, the medieval churches, or any of the city parks?
And perhaps you do remember the hotels and hostels. Though when you think about these memories, why do they stick out? What’s the common theme? For me at least, my most memorable moments abroad have always been shared with the people I meet.
Let’s be honest, many of the travelers we meet may only be in our lives for a day. But we appreciate these people for the time we shared together. And some of those we meet do stick with us forever. But even if you don’t stay in touch, the best memories in your lives include each other and that’s a bond which ties you together for life.
The following post is about how to connect with travelers abroad, and why the friends you meet traveling are friends for life.
Read MoreParis is a European shopping mecca, and the buzz and hype that surrounds the shopping experience here is like no other. Beautiful neighborhoods are bursting at the seams with designer fashion stores, and stylish people strutting the streets. It’s safe to say that Paris is a shopper’s dream.
Set up with over five major department stores and 17,500 + shops, the shops in Paris don’t sell clothes. They sell lifestyles. Though for those who can’t afford to shop at flagship stores, the city is still packed with an amazing range of discount and outlet stores.
In the lead up to Paris fashion week, the following is a guide for Paris fashion you can afford. For those fond of fashion who don’t want to spend a fortune, these are the best discount stores and factory outlets. You’ll find top international designer brands at prices discounted from 30 to 80%!
Read MoreHeading off on holidays is one of life’s great joys but it can also be quite the drain on your hip pocket. It’s no secret that the moment we start travelling it doesn’t take long for the funds to start unravelling. Once we’re abroad, logic goes out the window and the wallet can seriously suffer.
In fact, a recent study by Choosi found that fifty percent of Australians surveyed admit they’re careless with cash when on holidays. So how can we enjoy our time away without breaking the bank?
Read on for some top travel tips that’ll keep you in budget.
Read MoreIn 2015 my boyfriend Tyler and I traded our stable jobs in South Lake Tahoe for a couple years of hot spring soaked adventures. We hitchhiked through Cuba and Central America, and cycled 1800 miles along the Pacific Coast.
When we loaded up Baby Beluga, a tiny Mazda pickup truck, we figured we’d be exploring North American national parks in luxury compared to the previous months of stuffing our belongings in a backpack or panniers. Au contraire.
For anyone considering the option of traveling and living out of a truck, I hope these tips will allow you to maximize the good, dwindle the bad, and prepare you for the smelly!
Read MoreTraveling as a couple is a lot different than traveling solo. You may share a house, finances, and day to day life, but when it comes to escaping your daily routines for a vacation, that doesn’t mean it’s going to always be a smooth and romantic ride.
In fact, “it can be a notoriously treacherous experience, fraught with stress, arguments, and differing opinions on hygiene, packing, and how much it’s reasonable to pay for cuddling an orangutan.” – JR Thorpe.
But there is so much magic in traveling as a couple if you can get through the trip without getting on each others nerves. And as Star Alliance are giving away two Round the World tickets, in business class, this month, we’ve put together tips and advice for traveling as a couple.
Read MoreChoosing a hotel is an important part of the planning process for any vacation. Whether you’re looking for the luxury of an upscale hotel or just a comfortable place to crash, there are many factors to consider before you book.
The hotel culture in one destination is not always the same as the next, but even if you’re only traveling domestically, you may notice slight differences in how hotels are run.
When it comes to Seattle, the following are a few things you should know before you book a hotel.
Read MoreThere’s an art to packing hand luggage when you’re heading overseas, especially if you’re a tech friendly traveler who transports a number of electronics and cords. Between your laptop, iPad, camera, phone, chargers, adaptors, and cords for all of the above, most bags aren’t exactly functional for transporting technology.
So when I had the chance to get my hands on the Lance Daypack from ecbc I jumped at the opportunity. I’ve taken it with me on our current Round the World, and honestly, it’s every travelers dream.
As far as hand luggage goes, the ecbc Lance Daypack is a more functional, fashionable and comfortable way of transporting technology and everyday essentials than any other bag I’ve traveled with before. And I’ll go as far as to say it’s the best backpack I’ve ever owned.
A bag which works functionally in the jungles of Cancun and is sleek and elegant enough for a board room, here are 5 reasons you need an ecbc bag too.
Read MoreOne of the America’s 13 colonies, and named after King George II of Great Britain, the state of Georgia is a fabulously diverse destination, featuring marshland and beaches, and bordered in the north by a great mountain range.
Known for its slow moving lifestyle, openness and impeccable manners, Georgia is host to numerous visitors throughout the year from various parts of the world. If you’re considering a Georgia vacation, or find yourself in the region, the following are tips on where you should go.
Read MoreMorocco is one of those dreamy destinations that pull you in with vivid images of colorful souks, exotic culture and a diverse geography.
It has always been high on my list of places to visit, and once I was there it did not disappoint! From the fabulous shopping stalls in a maze of ancient medinas, to the strange sight of goats perched high in trees munching on argon seeds, this is a place which will captivate and amaze, and there is truly so much to see and do.
Though being an experienced traveler doesn’t guarantee a flawless experience every time. Even though we travel to the far corners of the earth alone and return home in one piece, this doesn’t mean we always walk away unscathed. I invite you to hold my hand and join me in a few of my Moroccan mishaps into the Sahara Desert!
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I am Megan Jerrard, professional travel blogger/journalist with a focus on adventure, discovery, immersion and inspiring you to explore!
