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What to Pack for a Trip to Latin America
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.
read moreTop Places to Experience Nature and Wildlife in Turkey
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.
read moreHow Japan in the 1960’s Inspired a Songwriter
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.
read moreWhy a Yacht Charter in Greece is the Best Way to Explore This Ancient Country (List of Islands to Explore)
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.
read moreDon’t Miss Out on Fun Things to Do in SE Asia – Use Traveloka Xperience!
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!
read moreHow To Design A World Travel Theme For Your Bedroom
If you’re the type of person who loves to travel, and comes down with a serious case of wanderlust during the time that you’re stuck at home, why not design your bedroom to manifest this passion!
It might seem overwhelming at the outset, but designing a world travel theme for your bedroom can be quite simple and easy to do. No interior design skills required!
read moreNatural Remedies Around the World
Throughout the world, different cultures have their own unique remedies for treating ailments and staying healthy.
It’s easy to believe that the strongest and most effective medicine comes from drugs prescribed by a doctor, but there are a number of natural remedies out there which may be just as effective at relieving your seasonal cold or aching joints.
Scientists are beginning to turn their attention to indigenous peoples around the world to learn about the local natural remedies these populations have used for generations. This knowledge is proving useful for treating many types of sickness, and preventing many others.
Some people may scoff at herbal remedies as silly folklore, but many natural remedies are continually proven by science to be just as effective as manufactured drugs. There are hundreds of thousands of plants around the world, and most, if not all, may be of use to us when it comes to improving our health.
If you’re looking for a more natural approach to healing, check out these fascinating ingredients provided by Mother Nature that many people around the world swear by.
read moreThe Top 4 Off-the-Beaten Path Destinations in Italy
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!
read moreFill up in Florence: Food and Wine You NEED to Try in Tuscany
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.
read moreWhen in Rome … Iconic Attractions You Absolutely Should Not Miss
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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