❝ I’ve been blessed to have had one of the most amazing experiences of my life, gorilla trekking at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
It was a meet and greet experience between us and our closest relative in the jungle. I was with my friends, a group of 5 girls, afraid of the wild jungle but who took the risk for the chance to stand face to face with gorillas in the wild.
We had only walked for an hour or so before we saw it; a baby gorilla swinging freely from tree to tree. We agreed that none of us had ever seen anything so full of life as he had been.
But this was just the beginning. It wasn’t long before we saw another, and then another, with not a care as to our presence in the jungle. Of the warmest sight, a mother gorilla carrying her baby; the epitome of love.” – Chris Amutuhaire
Many of us dream of taking an African safari, but most people don’t realize that there are many more options beyond classic jeep tours in popular countries like Kenya and Tanzania.
There are in fact, some 15+ countries which offer their own unique take on an African safari, though from gorilla trekking to exploring landscapes that include rainforests, volcanoes, savannas, and the River Nile, the following are 5 reasons you should choose Uganda.
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Travelers to Tasmania have the chance to step back in history, and if it’s history that you’re after, there’s no better place to immerse yourself than the small town of Richmond. Built mostly by the hands of early convicts at the start of the 1800’s, the town’s many historic sandstone buildings remain on display to this day.
There has never been a more exciting time to explore Richmond’s fascinating sandstone heritage, and, for the first time in almost a decade, the town’s most exquisite historic estate is now open to the public.
Offering 12 contemporary-styled rooms on a property with many tales to tell, Prospect House Private Hotel has quickly become one of the most unique luxury hotel experiences in the State.
Having been blown away by the uniqueness of the experience, let me introduce you to a little of the history of Richmond and Prospect House, and why you should include both on your next visit to Tasmania.
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Also known as the Big Apple and the City that Never Sleeps, New York City is a prime vacation destination for millions of people every year. But it is also one of the world’s most expensive cities.
With museums, Broadway, Fifth Avenue shopping, and so much more, it’s hard not to spend a fortune when visiting NYC. But, w’ere here to tell you that it is completely possible to have a luxury-style vacation without breaking the bank!
Enjoying the glitz and glamour of New York on a budget starts with planning and a little creativity. Ready to learn more? Keep reading!
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Traveling is a fun and exhilarating activity, however if you’re not prepared for the weather, you might find that you’ve effectively ruined your trip.
The weather is the single factor most likely to positively or negatively affect your travels, though it’s also one of the things most travelers take for granted, and people quite often find themselves caught off guard.
Checking the weather forecast for your destination before you leave is essential to ensuring you are packing appropriate clothes, and you shouldn’t make assumptions as to what you believe the weather is going to be.
I mean it’s always going to be warm in Australia right?
Always check.
If you’re traveling during winter, or to destinations that experience extremely cold weather conditions, make sure you have the following items of clothing with you.
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Heading to Thailand?
This glorious, mysterious, and (at times) ridiculous country is a smorgasbord when it comes to things to do, places to visit, and experiences to be had. Expect a rich depth of culture. Expect a deep history and yes, expect great food!
While the country is relatively small in area, it’s impossible to take advantage of all it has to offer in a short vacation stay. As such, it’s important to narrow down your list!
Regardless of whether you’re visiting Chiang Mai, Bangkok, Koh Samui, or Phuket, the following are some of our favorite experiences to have in Thailand. Apply these to any Thai destination, regardless of where you head!
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Admiring the picturesque mountain views and landscapes atop a ski-lift, feeling the cold winds nipping your skin, experiencing the adrenaline rush to start skiing – there’s nothing more exciting than a day on the slopes.
Quickly outgrowing its exclusivity of being an adventure sport for intrepid mountain junkies, skiing has now become a mainstream activity. Moreover, ski resorts around the world have kept up with the increasing demand, adding resorts, entertainment centers and all sorts of outdoor and indoor recreational activities.
So, if you’re a lover of riding down the mountain slopes and wondering where to go, here is a list of places that are world ranked for both off-piste and on-piste activities.
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Latin America is a HUGE region with many different climates and ecosystems that neighbor each other, so we don’t blame you if you’re feeling overwhelmed by the impossibility of what to pack.
One day you could be sunbathing in Colombia and the next trekking through a rainforest in Peru – with 20 different states and territories, Latin America makes up nearly 13% of the Earth’s total land surface area!
So, how can you pack for such a diverse continent in one backpack? Read on for our top packing tips for your upcoming Latin / South America trip.
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When it comes to most popular countries, Turkey consistently ranks in the top ten most visited every year. Last year saw nearly 50 million tourists alone, many of whom centered their visits around the many treasures of Istanbul.
Though while the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the thousands of stalls that make up the Grand Baazar receive most of the tourist hype, sadly, much of country’s natural landscapes go overlooked.
Straddling Europe and Asia, Turkey boasts one of the world’s most important natural biodiversity hotspots. Rich in flora and fauna, the country is home to bears, wolves, hyenas, and the highest number of threatened European bird species.
So, on your next trip to Turkey, why not go beyond the bustling cities and beautiful coastline to explore its floodplain forests, mountains, crater lakes, rivers, canyons, and waterfalls?
You’ll find important wetlands, dozens of national parks, and a number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Check out these top places to experience Turkey’s diverse landscapes and wildlife.
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Besides family and music, my other great passion in life is travel. I have been blessed to have travelled the world, either with my family or touring with bands, and it has enriched my heart and soul and provided so much fuel for the fire when it comes to writing songs.
So many of my songs are based on stories and experiences borne out of globe-trotting – travel is a constant source of joy and inspiration.
Some of these tales I have shared in the liner notes of my albums, but believe me, that just scratches the surface. There is so much more to tell.
To get things started I am going to talk about a country that is a place of complete intrigue for me – the Land of the Rising Sun.
These are my stories – memories from Japan in the 1960’s, and how this fascinating country inspired my songs.
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So you’ve always wanted to visit Greece, the cradle of Western civilization.
I don’t blame you – the pictures are impressive! The Acropolis in Athens, the picturesque white houses in Santorini, and the mouthwatering Greek cuisine – the idea of wrapping your hands around an authentic, juicy souvlaki.
But Greece is perhaps most famous for its islands. There are more than 200 to choose from, plus thousands of islands and uninhabited islets to explore! So, what’s the best way to experience it all?
There are many ways to island hop, from renting motorboats and sailboats to jet skis and RIBs for shorter trips. But one of the best ways to do this without needing a license is to book a skipper for a yacht charter in Greece.
This is after all a country with a strong boating history, and is one of the world’s leading maritime nations. Many locals who live in Athens for example, rent a boat to visit the small islands of the Saronic Gulf, the likes of Hydra, Spetses and Poros.
A yacht charter is one of the best ways to explore this ancient country, and while you’ll undoubtedly want to experience them all, here are some of the islands you can explore.
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The fear of missing out is real; you spend thousands of dollars to fly half way across the world, plan an exciting itinerary, and then get home to realize that you’ve missed out on some pretty epic attractions.
Sure, it’s easy to plaster on a smile and say ‘oh well!’, and tell yourself that you now have the perfect excuse to plan another trip, but let’s be honest. It’s pretty disappointing.
Information is power, and having as much info as possible is key to planning a really successful trip. But we’re so spammed with ‘top 10 lists’ these days, that it seems almost impossible to get a full idea of things to do, so you can make your own decisions about what you definitely shouldn’t miss. But, if you’re visiting SE Asia, the good news is that you no longer need to rely on those top 10 lists!
Traveolka is the leading online travel agency that specializes solely in travel to SE Asia, and they’ve always been my go to for flights and hotels throughout the region. But they have expanded their wings!
There’s a new section of the site called Traveloka Xperience which is kicking goals in terms of being a one stop shop for finding EVERYTHING there is to do in a destination; attractions, cinemas, events, entertainment, spas & beauty, local transport, food & beverage, and day trips. They’re kicking FOMO in the butt by giving us one place to find out about (and book) everything!
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There are certain monuments that instantly come to mind when you think of a certain country. For the United States, it’s the Statue of Liberty. For France, it’s the Eiffel Tower. And for Italy, it’s the Colosseum.
That’s why, whenever someone travels to Italy, people will instantly assume you’re going to Rome. After Rome, it’s either Venice or Florence, maybe even Naples.
Rome a center of world history; a city filled with areas and artifacts over 2000 years old. Florence was the birthplace of The Renaissance, and Venice, well, Venice is a city quite unlike any other, with its curving canals and gondolas around every corner.
If you’re only going to be in Italy for a week or so, you should definitely head to those cities. Not just because they’re wonderful and unique, but because there have always been rumors of the sites falling into disarray or being purchased by third party companies.
But, if you’re lucky enough to have a bit more time on your hands in Italy, be sure to check out these cities that aren’t usually at the top of tourist destination lists. You might be surprised that they’re just as unique!
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Stretching across northern Ethiopia, with a landscape formed over millions of years, is the UNESCO protected Simien Mountains National Park. It is truly a wonderous place with peaks reaching over 4000 meters, and wild, untamed natural scenery.
Simien National Park is a place unlike any other; jagged mountain peaks, deep valleys and sharp precipices dropping some 1,500 m make this one of the world’s most renowned trekking spots.
And even though tourism isn’t huge, you’re never alone when you’re hiking; the park is home to many globally threatened and exotic species including the Wallia Ibex (a wild mountain goat found nowhere else in the world), Ethiopian Wolves, and Gelada Gibbons.
Thinking of heading on a hiking adventure through Simien Mountains National Park? Let’s take a look at how you should prepare for this epic trip of a lifetime.
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The way to most travelers’ hearts is through their stomachs, and when it comes to Italy, this is one of the world’s most delicious food meccas! But not all Italian food is created equally.
From a mouth watering Florentine steak paired with a fine Chianti wine, to the heavenly bliss that is gelato, Florence offers a wide range of delicious flavors to tempt your taste buds, while providing the ideal base for exploring the greater food bowl that is Tuscany. And if you’re a serious foodie, trust me when I say that you want to spend time in Tuscany!
While Florence is the beating heart of the region, basing yourself here also makes it easy to arrange trips from Florence to Pisa or Florence to Siena to explore the culinary scenes offered by these Tuscan cities.
Hungry? Read on to discover some of the top foods and wines you NEED to try in Florence and greater Tuscany.
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We’ve all heard the saying. “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.” But what exactly do the Romans do?
Most people interpret the phrase to mean seeking out the local experience, but our interpretation is that it means not to leave without having experienced the heart and soul of the city. And while a case can be made for ‘living as a local’, if we’re being really honest, there’s no escaping that Rome is a touristy city.
It’s iconic.
So, in embracing the saying ‘when in Rome’, we have listed some of the biggest attractions in the city; five icons that you can’t return home having missed. These attractions are so central to Rome’s identity that they are often solely attributed as being the beating heart of the city.
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Did you know that over 77 million people visit Indiana each year?
If you’ve ever wondered what there is to do in Indiana, the State is perfect proof that the Midwest is home to much more than farms and tornadoes. The lifestyle here is often slow paced, but that doesn’t mean that it’s lacking in adventure!
Indiana is a fantastic opportunity to discover the heart and soul of America’s Midwest; nature lovers can spend full days paddling down winding rivers, foodies can enjoy homegrown produce from farmer’s markets, and wine connoisseur’s can stumble between award winning vineyards.
Indiana’s bustling cities have world class museums, entertainment, and the whole state revs up for high-energy sporting evens like the Indy 500. And then there’s Amish country for a completely different experience.
Indiana is an incredible State, with a wealth of things to do and places to visit. If you’re wondering why so many tourists visit each year, the following are 5 pretty incredible reasons.
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While Israel may look tiny on a map (the size of New Jersey in fact!), the history-rich Middle Eastern country has myriads of spectacular places to visit.
From ancient religious sites to world-famous cities and stunning beaches, there are enough attractions here to appeal to all interests and all religions, whether you’re Muslim, Jewish, or Christian.
Understandably, capturing all of the Holy Land’s marvels in a single post was never going to be easy, so we’ve narrowed down the list to those places you absolutely shouldn’t miss.
Planning a trip to Israel? Make sure you include the following incredible places in your itinerary; the best places to visit!
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We’re all warned from a very young age that it’s dangerous to talk to strangers. ‘Stranger danger’ is drilled into us throughout our childhood, that we shouldn’t trust, talk, walk, or accept anything from strangers.
But while this is great advice for children, it’s terrible advice for travelers. Especially when visiting a place with as fascinating a humanscape as Kerala.
Odds are that if you’ve traveled, you’ve returned home with incredible stories of having talked to strangers. Stories of the fascinating characters you met, of the locals who invited you into their home, of the remarkable human connections that you’ll never forget.
Because human interactions are some of the best, and most powerful parts of travel. As Anthony Bourdain said:
“To be treated well in places where you don’t expect to be treated well, to find things in common with people you thought previously you had very, very little in common with, that can’t be a bad thing.”
When you’re a traveller, strangers are just friends you haven’t met yet. And this is especially true in Kerala; a melting pot where the most diverse ideologies, faiths and cultures co-exist like no other place on the planet.
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It’s wonderful when you can travel with your dog, without being denied entry in most places. And, if you can’t fathom the thought of a vacation without your best friend, California is an ideal pet-friendly destination.
Many residents of California are already dog lovers themselves, so from hotels that cater to furry guests, to dog friendly beaches, parks, and nature trails, this is the place to be at!
But California is a huge State, so where are the best places to visit with your four legged friend? The following are the most pet friendly places in an already very pet friendly State.
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It’s no secret that Amsterdam is a beautiful city filled with unparalleled arts, culture, and night life. That’s why millions of tourists flock there every year, and ‘over-tourism’ is becoming a hot button issue.
However despite the recent surge in tourism, it’s still possible to experience Amsterdam without the crowds.
The trick to enjoying Amsterdam while avoiding hoards of other tourists is to learn from the locals and seek out their secret spots. So we’ve gathered a list of interesting off-the-beaten-path locations that locals love.
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What do you understand by the term trekking? People often use the words hiking, trekking, and mountain climbing interchangeably, and they’re definitely similar in that you spend time outdoors and walk in nature.
But they’re also very different.
Hiking is the easiest of the three; short 2 – 8 hr adventures where you finish on the same day you started. Mountaineeting on the other hand is challenging, technical, and you climb what is often dangerous terrain at high elevations.
But trekking? Trekking is somewhere inbetween; non technical, multi day hikes where you camp along the way and carry all your food and equipment with you; an exhilarating adventure sport that presents both a physical and mental challenge.
There’s nothing better than exploring the beauty of a place on foot, and trekking is a great way to go further, dig deeper and really immerse yourself in local culture, and remote landscapes that your everyday hiker wouldn’t normally get to.
When it comes to the best treks in the world, Asia is a fabulous region, with a high concentration of incredible, bucket-list worthy treks. So if you’re keen on trekking, check out this list of top treks across Asia, brought you by Sydney Edwards from Route Prints.
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If you’ve battled the elements trying to set up your tent on a rundown campsite but still want to be in the great outdoors, glamping is the answer!
There’s a real explosion of glamping in the US at the moment; luxury tents in picturesque natural surrounds. I’m talking tents with real beds, cozy decor, and all of the amenities of home.
Think sleeping under the stars, hearing the crickets chirping at night, and opening your eyes in the morning to stunning, secluded wilderness.
Once you realize that you can get all of the benefits of camping without any of the headaches, you’ll never go back to primitive camping again! The following are 10 of the best glamping spots across the US.
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There’s nothing like an Aussie summer. You might think it’s all about the sun, beaches and beers, however there is much more Australia can offer in the summer months!
Want to join in the fun? The following are 5 ways to feel like a local Aussie this coming summer!
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Do you ever wonder why medical tourism is suddenly the new black and stealing the spotlight from cultural tourism? Medical tourism is booming, and people from all over the world have started traveling overseas for medical care in another country.
Around 8 million patients each year in fact!
Of those 8 million people who travel for medical treatment, 700,000 alone travel to Turkey; an industry that earned the country a whopping $1.5 billion in 2018.
Turkey is a popular destination among tourists generally, and many European and American-trained doctors have taken up residence here, which appeals to medical tourists from these regions.
It has the most American-accredited hospitals of any other country, and with affordable healthcare, it is estimated that 32% of Turkey’s patients are medical tourists.
So, if you’re thinking of traveling for medical, what are the benefits of specifically choosing Turkey?
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Of the world’s many incredible journeys, sailing from Vietnam to Cambodia featured prominently on my list. And while floating up the Mekong River on a luxury ship might sound leisurely, there was still something truly adventurous about it.
Picture this: you’re aboard an exquisite colonial style wooden ship, sailing up one of the world’s longest rivers. While your final destination will be Cambodia, you know that if you keep following the river north, it’ll lead you all the way to China.
While you board in one of the most cosmopolitan and bustling cities in Asia, the landscape up river quickly changes. The skyscrapers of HCMC change into a countryside dotted by rice paddies, fish farms, and tropical fruit orchards.
Inbetween major ports, daily life comes alive in undeveloped and unexplored parts of the region that you wouldn’t have been able to access by land; remote, seemingly untouched villages, where locals may have never seen a foreign tourist, and rush to shake your hand.
There are many reasons to take a Mekong River Cruise, though today I want to dive into the specific highlights; individual experiences that are so full of magic, they become some of your most cherished moments.
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