Europe is a cyclists dream. There are historic castles and cities to explore, pastoral countryside dotted with small towns, and snow-capped mountains for hiking.
While most people navigate Europe by car or train, the continent is ideally suited for bike touring. You can get just about anywhere in Europe by bike with ease, and it can lead to a much more immersive travel experience.
If you need some motivation to trade out the traditional European trip for a bike tour, we’ve got five reasons why two wheels is the way to go.
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When it comes to casino tourism, the UK might not share the same popularity as the likes of Vegas or Macau, but it does have a very rich gambling history (pun intended), and its gambling industry today is worth £14.5 billion.
Many tourists looking for an exciting evening take in the theater, as well as local bars and nightclubs (London is particular famous for its gin dens), though for gambling fans, there are also many fantastic casinos.
Casino culture in the UK has had a rocky history; it’s come in and out of favor (most notably having been banned by King Henry XII because he believed that it distracted soldiers from their duties), though the industry remains strong today.
And it’s likely to stay that way – besides the sheer amount of tax revenue that gambling generates for the Government, we all know how Queen Elizabeth II loves a good horse race!
If you’re keen on gambling, and consider yourself more James I than Henry VIII, here are a few things to know about casino tourism, and gambling in cities throughout the UK.
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The popularity of Joshua Tree National Park dates back 10,000 years, back when the Pinto Culture were hunter-gatherers within the region. Cattle rustlers and miners would later move into the area before Joshua Tree would eventually go on to become the outdoor recreation mecca it is today.
Joshua Tree’s otherworldly landscape is filled with billion-year-old boulders and crazy looking Joshua trees for which the park is named. It’s now been 25 years since California’s Joshua Tree became a national park, conserving nearly a half million acres of rugged yet beautiful desert wilderness.
The park has been popularized through its appearance in music videos, iconic album covers, and through big name music concerts, though it’s major draw is its offering of outdoor adventure.
Whether you’re into rock climbing, hiking, camping, or spotting wildlife, Joshua Tree definitely delivers! Read about all the things you can do!
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Madrid, the capital of Spain, is one of the most visited cities by tourists in Europe. And thanks to its well preserved architecture and beautiful parks, it’s one of the prettiest capitals in the continent.
The same can be said for Barcelona, a popular city on northeastern Spain’s coast, which also happens to be the capital of Catalonia (worth noting that many Catalans think of themselves as a separate nation from the rest of Spain).
Because of their close proximity, it’s natural for many people to include both Madrid and Barcelona in the same trip, so at some point you’ll be planning your travel between them.
To that effect, here are 5 helpful tips!
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Despite being such a small island in comparison to so many others in Europe, the UK has a diverse selection of cultures and travel opportunities depending on where you choose to visit.
It’s no real surprise that London makes up almost half of all visits to the country, after-all, the city is home to some of the most important and iconic sights and sounds in the realm. However there are many other UK cities also worth visiting!
Here are some of the best UK cities worth visiting outside of the capital of London. You can of course include these before or after a visit to the iconic city.
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Positano is a magical Amalfi Coast destination that attracts thousands of people each year. This Southern Italian paradise is a popular travel destination for obvious reasons; you’re welcomed with postcard perfect views, vivid blue waters, and lush mountains: it’s a beyond picturesque village!
However, despite being such a popular tourist destination, Positano is quite a small village and knowing how to navigate this unique place is a must. There 10 main things you need to know before visiting Positano to prepare you for this coastal beauty.
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Millions of tourists flock to Central Italy every year to experience Florence’s many iconic landmarks and attractions, but it’s the city’s ideal location which may be its most enticing feature.
Situated in the heart of the Tuscany Region, Florence is the perfect base for exploring the many charming towns that surround the city, as well as major Italian cities beyond.
So, once you’ve had your fill of the Cradle of the Renaissance, discovering the Uffizi Gallery, Galleria dell’Accademia, and Florence Cathedral, plan out time for exciting day trips to these unforgettable destinations.
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Among American travelers, there’s a perception that if you want to experience history, you have to go to Europe. Europe is after-all a much older continent than North America, with historic sites that pre-date the existence of the USA by hundreds, if not thousands of years!
But that doesn’t mean American history isn’t worth exploring, and one of the most fascinating periods was the California Gold Rush, when citizens of the world descended on California seeking fortune through mining.
It was the success of Irish miners during those years that gave birth to the phrase ‘the luck of the Irish.’ California is a great destination even if you’re not going there for a history lesson, but if American history is your thing, there’s a whole host of exciting and interesting Gold Rush-related sites for you to partake in.
This is our guide to the best of them.
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India is well known for its diversity, and the same is true when it comes to its cities. Each has its own distinct culture, way of life, festivities and even heritage, and each one is completely different from the other.
India has 4,000 cities across the country, so there’s plenty to choose from if you’re after an urban experience. But being that you won’t have time to visit every single one, we’ve shortlisted the most unique for you.
If you’re visiting India for its unique and bustling cities, make sure you check out some of the following. These must visit cities are all cultural treasures!
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When you picture Namibia, what are the first images that come to mind? Beautiful landscapes? Red dunes? Diverse wildlife? Beautiful indigenous tribes?
Surprise! Namibia has all of this and much more. If you haven’t yet visited Namibia, it’s time to feel inspired by these 10 photos that will make you want to jump on a plane!
The energy of this place, combined with the unparalleled abundant wildlife, the beautiful and friendly people and the silence of the desert will give you so many reasons to fall in love with Namibia!
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Rishikesh, a spiritual town located at the foothills of Himalayas, truly represents of the heart and soul of India. And being the country’s epicenter of yoga and meditation retreats, it has earned itself the title of ‘Yoga Capital of the World’.
The town gained worldwide popularity in the 60’s & 70’s with the spreading of transcendental meditation movement, and when The Beatles spent time here on retreat, tourism was definitely helped!
But Rishikesh is not just famous for the peace and tranquility it offers, but also for its range of adventurous adrenaline activities. From white water rafting to bungee jumping, and then back for afternoon yoga, Rishikesh is the perfect place for those seeking both thrill and chill!
Rishikesh is a unique mix of spirituality, yoga, and adventure, so without further ado, here are our top 10 favorite things to do!
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Ancient traditions fuse with modern-bustle in timeless Japan, and whether you love the great outdoors, busy cities, or traditional, historic sites, Japan has something wonderful to offer.
With so many destinations though, spread out across 6,852 islands, planning your first trip to Japan can be overwhelming in choosing where to go.
Japan holds many incredible treasures, and is one of those countries which calls you back for more. There’s a lot of opportunity here for traveling off the beaten path, but if you’re planning a first trip and want to start out with the classics, the following places offer a great introductory tour.
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Part of French Canada, just north of the US border with Vermont, Montreal is a unique city which mixes Old World European charm with a distinctly modern North American buzz.
An incredible city where centuries-old architecture is still very much alive, you can stroll down cobblestones streets, past heritage churches and 18th century facades, and the next minute be in a bustling metropolis.
Montreal is an energetic, modern city, that is also fiercely proud of its European heritage; it has many faces, and offers a conflicting yet captivating fusion of North American modernism and Old World Europe.
The city goes crazy over a festival, is passionate about its food, and has a proudly European flair despite being a Canadian metropolis. The great news is that you can experience all of this on a budget!
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One of my favorite areas of France is the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region, home to the Bouches-du-Rhône with its medieval villages and castles, ancient Roman monuments and ruins, and giant citadels. Escape to the Mediterranean coast or head inland to romantic vineyards, lavender fields, and olive groves.
Two cities stand out in the region: its capital Marseille, and Aix-en-Provence.
While these two cities are only separated by a 30-minute drive, they are worlds apart, though to experience one without the other would be doing yourself a disservice as despite a long standing rivalry, the two cities complement each other nicely.
So, in encouraging you to visit these two neighboring Top French Cities, let’s dive deeper into how two cities so close together can be so incredibly different, yet equally enticing.
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Florida is well known for its stunning beaches – a vacation State famous for its coastline, which almost touches toes with the Caribbean, people travel from all over the world just for a beach vacation.
With a seemingly endless coastline which stretches out on both sides of the State, there’s plenty to choose from when it comes to Florida beaches; wild ocean beaches to the East which back onto the Atlantic, or gentle Gulf beaches to the West.
Though if you’re looking for destination which has a diverse range of beaches, and balances out the dynamic with lively city beaches, as well as undeveloped, secluded hideaways, look no further than St Pete Beach!
Part of the Tampa Bay area, Clearwater and St Pete Beach offer a huge range of gorgeous beaches. Though when you’re booking St Pete Beach Hotels, don’t get St Petersburg and St Pete Beach confused. One is a city on the mainland, while the latter is a beach town on the barrier island of Long Key.
Sick of reading and ready to get to the beach? Check out our favorites!
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Nothing compares to the peace and quiet felt on the ocean; a sailing holiday offers all the pleasure of experiencing life out on the open water, while the wind gently guides you towards all sorts of exotic locations.
With so many sailing options available, both aspiring and experienced sailors have a wealth of different water-based adventures to choose from, and there are a huge range of incredible destinations that are easy to visit on a sailing holiday.
Wondering which country to visit? Here is a list of our favorite sailing destinations, naturally, with a heavy focus on the Mediterranean! After-all, the Mediterranean does offer some of the most stunning water routes on the planet!
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When I first arrived in Kenya, I felt it. It was unlike anywhere I’d traveled before. Smoky skies, a wet heat that sinks into your skin, and the noxious aroma of trash burning all greet you upon arrival.
I’ve both traveled and lived in Sub Saharan Africa and every time I get off the plane it feels like I’m in a different world. And this is especially true if you’re visiting West Africa.
West Africa is incredible, however, it isn’t for everyone. This is the western most region of Africa, which includes 16 countries, from Mauritania, Mali, and Niger, down to Nigeria, and everything to the west.
It doesn’t have a built up tourist infrastructure, outside of cities there often aren’t hotels or hostels, and it’s not easy to get around. So I’ve put together this guide to help you figure out whether traveling to this part of the world is right for you.
My number one advice if you’re planning to visit or live here, is to understand you are embarking on an adventure unlike anything else.
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New Orleans is one of the best places to visit in the United States if you’re looking to eat your way around the country. It’s a hotpot of different cultures with its own unique fusion of cuisines.
If you’re already reading, it’s unlikely you need much convincing to give New Orleans’ foodie hot spots a try, and so we’re just going to dive straight into the best places for eating!
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Famous throughout the world, Japan’s cherry blossoms put on a spectacular show every spring with visitors coming from far and wide to view the incredible sight.
In Japan this season is called “Hanami” which literally translates to “viewing of cherry blossoms” (the flowers themselves are referred to as Sakura). Cherry blossoms play such a significant role in Japanese culture; they are fleeting, short-lived, and cherished for their ephemeral beauty.
The Hanami season begins in March and lasts until May, and whether you’re visiting busy cities like Tokyo or Osaka, or sourcing out hidden parks and temples, pink and white cherry trees will blanket the country from north to south!
But the cherry blossoms are fleeting, and most cities only offer a short window of 2-3 weeks. Tokyo’s cherry tress are predicted to start blooming from March 22 in 2020, with the best viewing from March 29 – April 6.
So, want to learn more about Hanami? We’ve updated our popular guide with dates for 2020, so you have all the info you need for planning a cherry blossoms trip to Japan, and extra fun facts about its significance to Japanese culture.
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It’s very easy to travel to Singapore and fall in love with the country; a place where the contrasts come sharp and fast, this is an energetic, cosmopolitan city, where ancient temples blend seamlessly with modernity, and nature spills out from within the city.
Mosques and temples rise up next to skyscrapers in SG, and the concrete jungle is fused with the literal jungle to create a green sanctuary. The meeting point of Asia, a melting pot of cultures co-exist harmoniously, and a symphony of languages reverberates throughout the streets.
I’ve never known anybody who’s traveled to the island, and not decided they would love to live there permanently. The realization only took 48 hours for me.
Consistently ranked as the top country for expats, the city-state has it together when it comes to being a country; it’s safe, clean, and progressive, with incredible public transport, a high standard of living, and excellent health care and education.
Its melting pot of cultures makes it a rich and fascinating place to be, the weather is perfect year round, and English is widely spoken. There’s reliable internet, high tech infrastructure, and it’s a great base for discovering the rest of Asia. It’s also a crazy rich Asian country!
In my mind, that just leaves one question: How do you get permanent residency?!
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One of America’s most visited cities, New Orleans is well known for its delicious Creole cuisine, ever-present nightlife, and annual Mardi Gras celebration. But dive beneath the noise of the party scene and you’ll discover a wealth of fascinating history!
NOLA was the largest city in the American South throughout the 19th century. Founded all the way back in 1718 by French colonists, it’s history lives on through its numerous historic buildings, many of which can be found in the lovely French Quarter, as well as several large plantation homes can be found just a short drive west of the city centre.
Many of these significant colonial buildings and plantations are open to the public and several have even become unique heritage listed hotels – NOLA is definitely a city for unique accommodation.
Wanting to venture beyond Bourbon Street and dive into the rich history of The Big Easy? I’ve partnered with Hotels.com to share my fav historic attractions in New Orleans!
Visit these places to learn about the many colorful characters and historic events that helped shape this incredible city. Many of these iconic buildings have survived fires, floods, and wars and will no doubt continue to survive!
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2020 is the age of the socially conscious traveler – increased awareness around responsible travel has seen us become more conscious of our environmental and social footprint, and many travelers now acknowledge the importance of traveling with awareness and thought.
And that’s exactly what it means to be a socially conscious traveler – to make ethical decisions where you’re mindful of the impact you have on both the environment and the local community you are visiting abroad.
Ultimately, don’t destroy what you came to enjoy.
#Responsibletravel
The basics of responsible travel apply where-ever you travel – simple things like not littering, leaving places the way you found them, and respecting nature and wildlife. However each destination may have additional specifics to consider.
This post is for those traveling to Europe!
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From Vegas to Macau, and channeling James Bond in Monte Carlo, casino tourism has become one of the biggest travel trends around the world.
We’re living in the age of the casino tourist now, where, just as travelers head overseas to enjoy architecture, history, or nature, gambling is a very real, and very relevant interest that motivates people to jet off to another country.
While there are many bucket-list worthy casinos, and in fact whole casino cities, Australia is emerging as a surprising hot spot for casino tourists. In fact, Australia’s most popular casinos attract more visitors than the Sydney Opera House!
If you’re heading to Australia to take in the casino scene, the following are things you should know about Aussie gambling culture, regardless of whether you’ve got your poker face on in Hobart, Melbourne, or Sydney.
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When you think of the Caribbean, Jamaica or Cuba might at the top of your mind. However, in the midst of the many stunning islands of this region is a gem that literally stands out from the rest: St.Lucia!
This beautiful mountainous island is well known as the worlds #1 honeymoon destination: its array of luxury hotels with gold sand beaches tucked between green towering hills make St.Lucia appear to be the perfect place for lazy days on the beach and laying in the sun sipping pina coladas.
However, the amazing things to do in St.Lucia go far beyond the beach, and to not partake in anything else here would truly do yourself a disservice.
From 2,619 ft volcanic peaks to warm waterfalls, here are 6 amazing things you can experience in St.Lucia, in addition to enjoying the sand, sun, and sea.
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Placing a bet in Vegas will always be a gamble, but it’s definitely not the most dangerous risk you can take on the Strip (a far bigger gamble could be a shotgun wedding, married by Elvis, with no telling how your life will pan out!!)
While many people migrate to Vegas for the incredible live entertainment, delicious buffets, and adult entertainment, others are dreaming of striking it rich. And the fancy hotels and lights of the Vegas Strip have a magical way of drawing us in!
If you’re hoping to leave Vegas with more money than you arrived with, you’ll need to know what games offer up the best odds. While you may be counting on your lucky charms to give you an edge at winning big, Vegas casinos don’t need to hope for luck – the odds have, and always will, be stacked in their favor!
Casinos aren’t a charity; they’re in business to make a profit. If you aren’t looking to add to their profits, you need to take a moment to learn about “house edge” and why it’s important when it comes to your odds of winning.
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