Europe is blessed with more than 40 beautiful countries and each one of them is unique in terms of history, landscape, art and culture. Russia and Finland are two such wonderful gems.
While Finland offers some of the most distinct natural phenomenon like the Northern Lights and spectacular fjords, Russia is known for its picturesque vistas, historical cities and some of the world’s best literature and art works.
Both Finland and Russia share a natural border with easy accessibility, which makes it very convenient for travelers wanting to cover both countries in one trip.
If you’re thinking of visiting both Finland and Russia, the following are the main highlights you shouldn’t miss on your first trip.
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Road tripping is an incredible way to quench your thirst for adventure. Kicking back to your favorite tunes, munching on gas station snacks, and leaving all your worries at home as you hit the open road.
As far as road trip scenery goes, North America has a fantastic mix of perfectly sun-kissed beaches, natural landscapes and attractions which constantly sees drivers pulling over to the side of the road.
Byways and highways wind through dramatic scenery here, and connect some of the biggest cultural hubs in the United States, and you have a diverse range of exciting cities, coastal towns, and natural wonders to choose from.
There’s no doubt that the USA is an epic destination for a road trip, but being that there’s so much to cover, we wouldn’t blame you for feeling overwhelmed. So, whether you’re struggling with choosing a route, or just looking for some inspiration, the following is a list of our favorites.
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Flights, 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 to Malaysia (and who doesn’t?), make sure you utilize the following tips.
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The river Nile immediately conjures up images of the Pyramids of Giza, and making the distinct journey across the sands of Egypt towards one of the world’s most revered and respected historical landmarks.
But the world’s longest river stretches far beyond Egypt, meandering through Sudan, South Sudan, Ethiopia and Uganda, before finding itself at the beginning of the great Lake Victoria.
This guide will show you that there are plenty of artefacts and architecture to be found beyond the Great Sphinx.
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Portugal has been at the center of world tourism for a while now, particularly Algarve, Lisbon, and Porto. And while these destinations are undoubtedly worth visiting, it’s Northern Portugal that largely remains an unknown gem.
Portugal is the perfect destination for a road trip, and the country’s north is one of the most authentic regions, often completely forgotten by international tourists. So this road trip itinerary will take you through undiscovered parts of the country.
You’ll start and finish in Porto, the gateway to (and biggest city in) the north. This itinerary will take you to UNESCO Heritage sites, beaches and the often forgotten interior. You’ll also discover what is arguably the country’s best food!
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With the advent of the Internet, the business of betting has experienced tremendous growth, the latest being casino tourism. Though just because online casinos have taken off, doesn’t mean that the land based industry isn’t still thriving.
A staggering number of tourists visit land based casinos, and some destinations like Vegas and Macau are actually known as casino tourism hotspots, where the elite rub shoulders with average men and women who dream of becoming millionaires overnight.
Perhaps the reason that online gambling hasn’t wiped land based casinos off the board is due to the industry’s ability to adapt. Land based casinos these days are much more than a dark, seedy place to gamble, now luxurious resorts and dazzling entertainment complexes.
The following are the best countries around the world for casino tourism. If you are planning on visiting a casino overseas, always make sure you gamble responsibly (and remember those currency conversions!).
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We’ve all been there. You’ve spent weeks researching and planning the perfect sunny vacation to Florida. You’ve been looking forward to this getaway, and having some much-needed relaxation.
You get on the plane, buzzing with anticipation about all the glorious sunshine you’re going to be able to soak up in Florida. You get off the plane and disaster strikes. No sun. Or even worse – rain!
What do you do now? How do you make the most out of your vacation time in Orlando when the good weather decides to take its own vacation?
Luckily, Orlando’s weather tends to be generally nice throughout most of the year (the one exception being hurricane season which typically peaks between September through November), so you shouldn’t have to worry too much about it.
However, if that’s the only time you can book a vacation, the following tips should keep you and your family occupied even when the forecast is less than perfect.
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Sport is a crucial part of the social fabric in Australia, and if you’re a fan of the spectator atmosphere, you certainly won’t be bored in New South Wales (NSW).
Nowadays, the internet comfortably allow sports fans to watch their favorite games virtually anywhere in the world, but there’s something truly magic about soaking in the atmosphere of an actual event. Physically being there, in the middle of the action, yelling and cheering among fellow Aussies.
The NSW sporting calendar is packed with electrifying events every year, with events like the Sydney to Hobart yacht race, State of Origin Rugby, and championship trials in athletics, tennis and cycling.
While there are many action packed games you can catch throughout the State, here’s a taste of some of the most premiere sports events in NSW you won’t want to miss.
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90 miles east of the Spanish city of Valencia lies the Balearic island of Majorca in the Mediterranean Sea. The island has always been a well-known tourist spot among Europeans, though in recent years has also become quite trendy among the broader international scene.
Majorca (also spelled Mallorca), has golden beaches, UNESCO protected sites, history, and a culture all of its own. Though most people who head here plant themselves in one spot, and don’t venture out further than the resort town of Palma.
That’s their loss!
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People have long fell in love with the beauty of cherry blossom season in Japan. These pink and white flowers bloom en masse every spring, enveloping the country in soft magnificence.
The Cherry Blossom Festival, or Hanami, takes place from March to May and during this time, locals come out in full force, staging picnics, meeting for walks, and other outdoor activities beneath the blossoms to appreciate and enjoy their beauty.
But the blooming season varies across Japan, so picking your destination at the right time is an important part of planning. For example, blooming in Kyoto usually happens around April, while Sapporo experiences their blooms around May.
If you’re planning your Japan trip for April, make sure you visit Kyoto to catch the cherry blossom bloom.
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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; young singles, baby boomers, foodies, and outdoor adventurous types 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, fantastic nature preserves, high-end outlet shopping centers, and fabulous food.
It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of a trip to the theme parks, but we’ve put together a list of things to do once you’re ready to explore Orlando itself.
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Backpacking in Nepal is an incredible adventure. From intensely chaotic cities, to medieval architecture, and Himalayan trekking, Nepal might be hard to get to, but you’ll probably find that it’s even harder to leave.
Nepal is well set up for independent travel, and has become a mecca among the backpacking scene. It is a culturally rich country that will absolutely enchant you, though it’s definitely a destination that requires prior planning to ensure your safety and comfort.
The following is a backpacking guide to Nepal, with all of the essential info you need to know when planning your trip.
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When you ask people who live to travel about where they would like to go, the answer is probably anywhere possible. Though most frequent travelers agree that there’s a certain mystery and allure that surrounds the Korean Peninsula.
Occasional vacationers might not have considered South Korea as a destination, but the country has emerged from the ashes of the war as a nation determined to develop into one of the world’s fastest moving and most powerful economies.
It’s full of natural beauty that will make anyone forget that massive cities really dominate the scene. Cities are overtaking the countryside but people haven’t forgotten the importance of community and kindness.
South Korea is a fantastic destination that blends modernity and tradition, and allows both to co-exist without watering one of them down. And that’s exactly what makes South Korea such an excellent travel destination.
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In the Indonesian archipelago, between the islands of Sumbawa and Flores, lies Komodo National Park. It’s the only place on Earth you can have a close encounter with a Komodo dragon, a unique lizard species often referred to as the last living dinosaur.
In an effort to conserve this rare creature and its natural habitat, the Komodo National Park is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park consists of three major islands (Komodo, Rinca and Padar) that are home to over 2500 of these impressive and fearsome creatures.
Though Komodo is much more than it’s famous wildlife; the islands also boast some of the world’s best diving and snorkelling spots, and landscapes so dramatic the island was recently named one of the world’s “7 New Wonders of Nature.”
With a new airport in Labuan Bajo, on the neighbouring island of Flores, access to Komodo is now just a boat ride away. Here are just five of the many reasons you’ll want to discover the magic this Indonesian gem has to offer.
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Frequently awarded the title of the happiest country on Earth, Denmark is an incredible country, bursting at the seams with culinary prowess, Viking history, winter hygge, and culture and sustainability.
While there are many incredible parts of the country to explore, you can’t visit Denmark without first stopping in its capital city. Named by Lonely Planet as the #1 city of 2019 for its innovative design, inviting culture, and revolutionary food scene, Copenhagen is a European traveler’s dream.
Modernist, quirky, and the epitome of Sandinavian cool, you would never guess that this cosmopolitan city was once a sleepy Viking fishing village. Though the one thing that often turns people off is the expense of visiting.
Scandinavia is notoriously expensive, and you can definitely spend money if you’re not careful. But that’s not to say that visiting Copenhagen on a budget isn’t possible, you just have to know how to achieve it.
The following ideas are some of the best ways you can visit Copenhagen cheap.
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LA is one of those iconic destinations that every traveler should experience at least once in their lifetime; a sprawling urban metropolis that is deeply creative, and bursting at the seams with culture, personality, and access to Mother nature.
Whatever draws you to LA, whether it be laying underneath palm trees on a golden coast, the glitz of Hollywood, upmarket bars and boutiques, or lacing up your hiking boots for treks across the rugged mountains, LA truly has something for everyone.
But with such a huge range of experiences, in a city more than ten times the size of Paris, the most difficult part of planning isn’t going to be figuring out what to include on your itinerary; it’s going to be how to maximize your time.
For that reason alone we highly recommend renting a car.
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My first ever trip overseas was to Japan when I was 15. It was a language immersion trip with my High School, and my name was pulled out of a hat for one of the coveted places.
And while this introduction to travel involved many cultural highlights like attendance at a local school, a homestay with a Japanese student, and traveling to Hiroshima to place 1,000 cranes, the one day I was most looking forward to was Tokyo Disneyland.
Fastforward 15 years, and I would find myself traveling back to Tokyo, with the sole purpose of visiting Tokyo DisneySea®. And, in a country where embracing worlds of fantasy is part of the cultural fabric, I discovered the same sense of pure joy and wonder as I had felt at age 15.
Tokyo DisneySea is an incredible theme park inspired by the myths and legends of the sea. And in the lead up to my trip, fellow adults would lose their composure and absolutely gush about how incredible their time at the park had been.
In the fierce debate about the best Disney park in the world, I feel confident awarding the title to Tokyo DisneySea. Here’s why.
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To say that adventure is one of Nepal’s greatest attributes would not at all be an erroneous claim to make! From jungle safaris to climbing the world’s highest peak, this small Himalayan nation boasts one heck of an outdoor playground.
While there are opportunities for all kinds of adventure in Nepal, the trekking routes here are some of the most famous in the world, and those who enjoy epic experiences are spoiled for choice.
Whether you’re after the time-honored trekking routes like Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Base Camp, or relatively unchartered hikes such as Langtang Valley or the Upper Dolpo Trek, there’s no shortage of adventure.
The following are adventurous treks you can take in Nepal.
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Ireland is a country that prides itself on natural beauty and historic sites. It is a country that has long been charming visitors, and has something to offer absolutely everybody.
While Ireland is an easy destination for a self drive holiday, its residents offer their warmest welcome, and are all too eager to share why they believe their country is one of the finest. In fact, so strong is the sense of national pride, that many local Irishmen and women make the choice to be tour guides!
With so much breathtaking scenery, medieval castles, rich culture, and of course, Guinness, yes, you can easily do your own thing, but you may find that by skipping a tour, there are a couple of things you end up missing!
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Even for those of us who aren’t sporty ourselves, or even interested in sports, most of us still have a bucket-list of sporting events we would travel for.
The Olympics typically tops this list, followed by the World Cup, or maybe you’re more interested in hitting up the polo to try and land yourself a prince (Harry might be taken, but there are still many single European royals!)
Often it’s not even about the sport, but rather, being part of something bigger than yourself, and getting caught up in the electrifying atmosphere; staying out late with locals as buildings tremor from street celebrations; losing your voice as you scream alongside 100,000 others in a packed stadium.
Tasmania might not be the obvious choice for sporting capitol of Australia (that title goes to Melbourne), however the small island State does throw some incredibly epic annual events.
With cheap flights from all major Australian cities, the following are 5 more reasons to add Tasmania to your bucket-list (though don’t wait too long, this hidden gem of a State can only remain secret for so long!).
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Many of us dream of taking a safari at least once in our lives. And to travel through exotic landscapes and get up close and personal with majestic wildlife really is the experience of a lifetime.
Most people automatically assume they’ll head to Africa to go on safari, but there is in fact another region of the world so rich in wildlife that it might even put some African countries to shame.
India is a land of chaotic charm, but beyond its history, culture, and chaos lies a world of breathtaking natural wonder, where snow leopards roam icy peaks, tigers are the king of the forest, and elephants trek across vast plains.
With cheap tickets to India from most countries in the world, here are 5 reasons you should take an Indian safari.
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Originally one of the smaller indigenous tribes in the southeastern United States, the Chickasaw tribe were initially a tribal clan of hunters and warriors that first made contact with European explorers in 1540.
The two groups clashed from the very beginning, and over time, the Chickasaw tribe, along with other tribes in the region, were forcibly removed to Indian Territory in Oklahoma, where most still presently live today.
The Chickasaw Nation is now recognized as a Native American nation and makes up one of the Five Civilized Tribes, tracing their original roots from the areas today known as Tennessee, Mississippi, Kentucky, and Alabama.
This area spans over 7,000 miles and 13 counties of Oklahoma, and, for the traveler seeking a rich cultural experience in the United States, Chickasaw Country is a welcoming, warm, and spirited destination.
The following is an introduction to what you can expect traveling in the Chickasaw Nation in Oklahoma.
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My love for Japan is well documented; it’s a timeless country that captures your heart, soul and imagination; a place where ancient traditions come together with futuristic technology and modern culture.
Tokyo is a tourist favorite, but did you know that Japan has a whopping 6,852 islands?!
Most travelers stick to the main island, and take in the classics like Yokohama, Osaka and Kobe. But it’s so easy to travel between islands in Japan, that it’s well worth mixing up your itinerary to explore further out.
One island it would be a shame to miss is Kyushu. This is Japan’s third largest island, though sitting in a sub tropical climate on the southwest end, Kyushu remains a hidden gem.
You might picture ancient temples, neon lights, and dizzying skyscrapers when you think of Tokyo, but Kyushu allows you to discover a side of the country you don’t expect; one of Jurassic looking volcanoes, ultra lush forests, tropical coastlines, and bubbling hot springs.
So, after you’ve experienced everything Tokyo has to offer, let Kyushu show you a different side of Japan. Check out these 6 short videos for a virtual trip to both Tokyo and Kyushu Island.
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When we think back on some of the most exciting, happy and fulfilled periods of our lives, many of them have been when we’ve been vacationing or traveling through foreign lands.
It’s that feeling you get when you’re surrounded by new sights, smells and sensations, and this is often something we choose to memorialize in our minds.
If you’ve chosen to travel to Malaysia, there’s a whole world of new experiences that await. A country packed with dynamic cities for urban adventure, beautiful beaches, ancient rainforests full of exotic wildlife, and a melting pot of Asian cultures, there are many memories you’ll create.
But how to preserve them? The following tips will help to really capture the memories you create, ensuring they keep on giving years after you’ve returned back home.
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It’s safe to say that every visitor to Florence will, at some point, stop by the Duomo. The city’s famous cathedral is one of the most iconic buildings in Italy; a 13th century masterpiece that towers over the city, with a Renaissance dome designed by Filippo Brunelleschi.
This vast Gothic cathedral is the centerpiece of the city, and its pink, white and green marble facade has become synonymous with Florence; as the Colosseum is to Rome, the Duomo is deeply symbolic of the city, and a major part of Florence’s identity.
It’s actually the 4th largest cathedral in the world, and but that may not be the only thing you didn’t know. Despite being one of the most visited sites in the country, the Florence Duomo still manages to keep a few secrets.
In fact, you may be surprised by the things you didn’t know!
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