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Sunday, February 24, 2013

7 Reasons To Spend Your Money Travelling

Reason #7: Culture

Mopeds zoom up and down busy streets beside me. My head jerks back and forth. I'm looking side to side, trying to find a gap in traffic. But it seems like it won't ever come!

Traffic honks loudly, cyclers pedal fiercely, and food stall workers buzz around prepping for yet another busy night. Stand still for one moment and multiple tuk-tuk drivers are there to greet you, offering everything you may need. Move too fast and you'll miss that chance to cross the road in that gap of traffic to get to that restaurant where your newest group of friends has agreed to meet.

That's rush hour in Asia, only to be experienced by standing right in the middle of it. There's no other way to learn about a culture, but to submerge yourself in it. No books, no videos, no media back home will really show you what it's like to be part of another culture. So get out there and be part of one!

"People travel to faraway places to watch, in fascination, the kind of people they ignore at home."
-Dagobert D. Runes

Reason #6: Get Perspective

Getting tired of waiting for the newest fancy gadget to come out? The one everyone wants to be the first to get, even though, within a week, everyone will own it anyways.

Why not put all that in perspective by trying your hand at travelling somewhere different? Away from the comfort of your own vehicle, or the public transportation system you already know inside out. How about somewhere without high speed trains that easily zip you around to anywhere you'd like to go.

Try Thai time for a change. Where afternoon means any time from eight in the morning to a few hours after sunset. Here, buses are never on time, but no one is stressed or phased by it. Nothing other than the traffic seems to be urgent. Bring a deck of cards, and enjoy your hour long wait for dinner. Enjoy a good book and a few naps while waiting indefinitely for a bus that was supposed to have picked you up five hours ago.

In Asia you never know what's going to happen, so relax and live a stress-free life like the locals. Kick back, relax and enjoy it!

"The voyage of discovery lies not in discovering new lands, but in seeing with new eyes."
-Marcel Proust

Reason #5: Eat and Drink!

Ahhh, a world where food means more then a can of Alphaghettis, or a pre-packaged microwavable dinner full of chemicals. Europe has fresher tasting ingredients than North America. In Asia they're even fresher. The land where even I like to have extra vegetables in my stir fried dinner.

How about some pasta? Head down to Florence and see how the Italians really cook it up. Think that Guinness beer tastes good back home, try it fresh on tap at the Guinness factory in Dublin Ireland. Or head back to southeast Asia and get yourself a fresh fruit smoothie, with locally grown fruit!

Food and drink always tastes way better in its country of origin! Find out where your favourite food was first served, then go discover how it really tastes. As well as what other wonderful dishes they might also serve.

Eat your tripple A steak and beef back home, but save the French baguettes for Paris, Pad Thai for Thailand and Couscous for Morocco!

"Eat well, travel often."
-unknown

Reason #4: Adventure

Not getting enough from your weekend outings to visit the mountains? Time to go further than the next town down the road? Do you need to find yourself that new and better camping get-away?

Are you always looking for a bigger adventure? Then a trip around the world is the perfect thing for you! Take to the night markets of Asia, go trekking in Nepal, ride a camel at sunset in the Sahara desert, ski the swiss alps or take a boat to an island in Thailand. You'll always be about to set foot on another adventure, as soon as your finished the one your currently on!

"The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page."
-St. Augustine

Reason #3: Opportunities and Connection

If the most exciting opportunity of your daily life is getting to do that new task at work that only arises once a month, maybe its time for a change.

When you're on the road, great opportunities arise nearly daily. From that awesome day trip spending time hanging out with locals in their own village, to meeting someone new and exciting to travel with for a few days, to the chance to see your favourite band live in a foreign country with a group of new friends, you never know what's going to happen next on the road. Embrace it and make as many connections with others as you can. The rest will work itself out. Drop off your laundry to a local cleaner instead of having to do it yourself, and jump on that opportunity to rent a bike and explore a foreign land by cycle.

"The use of traveling is to regulate imagination by reality, and instead of thinking how things may be, to see them as they are."
-Samuel Johnson

Reason #2: No Frowning Faces

Don't like hopping on that same bus every Monday-Friday morning and being surrounded by hundreds of frowning faces? Are you becoming one of these frowning drones? Sadly, this is common in the Western world, but there's hope!

The rest of the world isn't like this. Take a look at the Khmer locals and they'll always be flashing a smile at each other. Right back at you too. Here, smiles are contagious! You will catch their case of the "smiles" before you have a chance to realize you're no longer frowning.

"A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step."
-Lao Tzu


The #1 Reason to spend your money travelling: No Routine, No Stress, No Worries


Wait, what's that? It's 11:30am Monday morning and I'm still in bed. Something's funny. I'm not sick. I didn't sleep through my alarm. Oh yeah! That's life on vacation. No job to attend every morning, nothing to stress about. No relationships and drama to deal with. Just me, myself and I.

So turn that frown upside down and get out there and enjoy life as a backpacker, stress free!

Backpacking is much cheaper then most people believe. Almost every backpacker destination is cheaper than home, and this will be apparent in your daily budget. Accommodation can be found for as low as one dollar a night. Prices for meals are just as low. Transportation is cheap and great activities normally range from free-$10.

Of course it's easy to splurge on everything, but if you are determined, your budget can be as low as $10 a day in Asia. A more comfortable budget will set you around $25 a day depending where you are. To compare, that means one tank of gas back home equals four days of travel!

Still not convinced? Being a world traveler also looks great on your resume!

The next opportunity you get, take that leave from your job, and go out to explore a world unknown to most Westerners. You'll meet tons of other like-minded Westerners all smiling and having an exceptional time.

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Friday, February 22, 2013

Places to Visit in France


Places to Visit in France
It can be argued that France is the most romantic country in the world, or at least in Europe; what is certain is that it is a beautiful place, filled with history and culture, unsurpassed cuisine and home of the best wines in the world, including the unmistakable champagne from the region of Champagne. In what follows we are going to take a short look at some of the best places to visit in France, because it would be impossible to see all this country has to offer in just one vacation.

We cannot present any places to visit in France before mentioning Paris, the capital, where some of the country's best attractions can be found, including that romantic air tourists are hunting for when they come here. The city is filled with wonderful destinations such as the Eiffel Tower, the Pere-Lachaise cemetery where important authors and personalities are buried, including famous singer Jim Morrison, from The Doors. The Louvre, one of the most impressive art museums in the world, also hosts the legendary Mona Lisa painting, by Leonardo da Vinci. We are now just going to skip ahead otherwise this article could be filled only with information about Paris.

One of the most beautiful and romantic places to visit in France, the Loire Valley seems taken out of a fairytale; this magical natural landscape is considered to be the garden of France, yet there you will not only enjoy the luxurious and impressive vegetation, but the countless chateaus and mansions as well. Mont Saint-Michel is another French landmark that shouldn't be missed, especially the Benedictine abbey reigning over it. Furthermore, if you like to see how people lived hundreds of years ago, you will definitely enjoy taking a stroll through the small medieval village surrounding the abbey.

Places to Visit in France
The sites we mentioned before are situated in the region of Normandy, an attraction in itself that could turn into a standalone holiday if you would like. Nevertheless, let us move on with our places to visit in France. If you prefer the seaside, warm temperatures and a relaxed atmosphere, take your vacation to Cȏte d'Azur; it can be a bit expensive and VIP-oriented, but the landscapes make it worthwhile.

The French are well-known for their eye for beauty and the spectacular, and their infamous queen, Marie Antoinette was no exception, having built one of the most impressive castles, the Versailles. With its lush, symmetrical gardens, its sumptuous chambers and rich tapestries, this testimony of times' past is truly a wonder of the world. France is also famous for its sparkling wine produced in the area of Champagne, so if you are interested in how and where they are made, don't miss sampling it.

There are numerous beautiful places to visit in France because this country has a long and rich history and a unique, special culture that can only be experienced if you visit other places besides Paris, such as the wonderful Versailles palace.
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Places To Visit Around San Francisco International Airport


San Francisco International Airport
San Francisco International Airport is the second busiest airport in the State of California, next to Los Angeles's. The former is hailed the 20th biggest airport across the globe. It has great public amenities, which include public showers, shops, restaurants, and more.

One can expect a lot of people arriving and leaving San Francisco, virtually any time of day. Merchants in the establishments located in and out of the airport typically have customers 24/7. Since there are many travelers, one can expect hotels and taxis to be abundant around the area.

There are also spots to visit around the airport. Even those who have connecting flights can still enjoy a glimpse of the world renowned city without leaving the vicinity. Mission Station and 24th Street are only around 20 minutes away from the airport. This is where the Mission Cultural Center for Latino Arts is located, and visitors can feast their eyes on Chicano, South American, Central American, and Caribbean traditional art pieces.

Along Mission Street is the Cartoon Art Museum. This is the only preservation and cartoon art exhibition in the country where visitors can expect to see them in all forms and sizes. The museum has around 6,000 cartoon art pieces on display.


The area also boasts of top hotels. Visitors need not go farther for a lovely bath and much needed sleep, as hotels like the Hampton Inn, Hilton, Four Points by Sheraton, and Embassy Suites are all located minutes away from the San Francisco international airport.

San Francisco International Airport
Those who are ready to shop can drop by Crocker Galleria Shopping Center in Montgomery Street Station. There are over forty shops, restaurants, and boutiques that await travelers. Chinatown is also located along Bush Street and Grant Avenue, where one can indulge in authentic Chinese cuisine. Colorful shops also line the streets, which is why it is considered one of the city's classic towns.

The Embarcadero waterfront offers great photo opportunities to tourists. It is located just a few minutes from the station. Great photos of the San Francisco Bay and the Bay Bridge areas are the best way to top off a short visit to the city. Tourists do not have to worry about transportation, as there are many SFO cab and car rental services. They can book for the services before they arrive in San Francisco or they can choose to hail a cab to go to nearby tourist spots or hotel.
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Thursday, February 21, 2013

Best Places in the Philippines to Travel for 2013


Best Places Philippines

Why Travel Philippines?

That "it's more fun in the Philippines" is more than just a campaign mantra by the government, it is an authentic depiction of the Philippines reflected by the fact that Filipinos are one of the happiest people in the world. With its rich natural treasures, vibrant culture, scrumptious foods, feisty festivals, value for money and welcoming people across the country, it is without a doubt that the Philippines is one of the best places to visit. In fact, the fun in the Philippines is so irresistible and habit forming that many foreigners have not only chosen to travel but live and stay here for good for which the country was recently named one of the world's top retirement destinations.

10 Best Places in the Philippines to Travel in 2013

1. Palawan - Palawan is the home to the longest subterranean river in the world that lies beneath a limestone karst, the Puerto Princesa Underground River, one of the seven "New Natural Wonders of the World". It also has best diving spot in the world namely the Tubbataha Reef and is a haven for the world's most beautiful resorts such as the Coral Bay, Rio Playa, El Nido and Dos Palmas resorts.

2. Baguio - The "Summer capital of the Philippines, Baguio is popular for its cool climate within this tropical country. It serves as a cool vacation retreat and is famous for its parks such as Burnham Park, Camp John Hay and Botanical Gardens.

3. Bohol - Currently the country's no. 1 tourist destination in the country, Bohol is known for its beautiful beaches as well as diving and snorkeling sites. It is also famous for Chocolate Hills and the tarsier, the world's smallest primate exclusively found in Bohol.

4. Cebu - The Queen City of the South, Cebu is also a top tourist destination in the country which practically has all what the country offers from pristine beaches, adventurous activities, vivacious cultures to first class accommodations.

5. Camarines Sur - The latest addition in the Philippines top tourist destinations with the biggest jump, Camsur is the popular venue for water sports activities such as wakeboarding, summer surfing, Triathlon and Dragon Boat Competition.

6. Tagaytay - The second summer capital of the country, Tagaytay is equally famous for its cool climate and several retreat and vacations spots such as the Tagaytay Highlands, the Picnic Grovea and People's Park in the Sky. It is also where the world famous Taal Volcano can be found.

Best Places Philippines
7. Camiguin - One of the smallest provinces yet richest in natural splendors, Camiguin is one enchanting paradise that has numerous scenic spots in its every nook including the Katibawasan and Tuasan Falls, hot and cold springs and most exquisite lagoon and white islands.

8. Vigan - A travel back to time, Vigan is the home for many historical heritages of the country featuring the 18th century Spanish colonial era.

9. Subic - Formerly the largest US overseas naval base, Subic had been transformed as destination for sea sports like sailing and yachting as well as many outdoor activities.

10. Davao - The largest city in the world, Davao is home to the tallest mountain in the Philippines, Mt. Apo and the home for the largest eagle in the world, the monkey-eating Philippine eagle.
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Unique Attractions of the USVI

When it comes to sightseeing pleasures, the United States Virgin Islands has more in store in addition to pristine beaches and protected bays. The tropical island paradise also has an array of interesting destinations that take the island's natural beauty up a notch to provide you with a one-of-a-kind experience.

Coral World Ocean Park
Ocean Park
Coral World Ocean Park, at Coki Point Beach in St. Thomas, is a unique marine park showcasing the richness of the Caribbean ocean life. Among the wide range of attractions, is a three-story observation tower that is located in the middle of a living and breathing coral reef that is 100 feet offshore. The walk towards the tower is through a foot bridge with a clear view of the colonies of corals, and an array of fishes and other aquatic animals down below.

The tower's top-level offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the surrounding islands and cays. At the middle level is a very huge circular tank filled with deep-sea predators. The tank treats with you a face-to-face encounter with the fearsome creatures that are otherwise only seen in pictures. Among the tank's residents are different specifies of the sharks, moray eels, sting rays, and barracuda. The tower's base is an underwater observatory with a 360-degree glass enclosed viewing area that gives you an idea of the life in and around an active coral reef.

Apart from the Tower, Coral World Ocean Park also features exciting and educational attractions like, the Caribbean Reef Encounter, Marine Gardens, the Turtle Pool, Touch Pool, Sting Rays Pool, Sharks Pool, Iguana Alley and many more.

The Atlantis Submarine and Harbor Cruise

Atlantis Submarine
Atlantis Submarine, a recreational submarine company in St. Thomas, offers the world's first fleets of submarines that cater to tourists and guests. The expedition begins with a 20-minute scenic ride from St. Thomas to Turtle Cove, where guests are transferred to the high-tech Atlantis-15 submarine. The 40- to 50- minute and one-and-a-half-mile underwater adventure features going through a canyon area called Snapper Valley. Marvel at the rich and swarming sea-life like, the brain corals, stag horn and pillar corals, an array of tropical fishes and perhaps catch a glimpse of a shark.

The Caribbean Museum Center for the Arts
Caribbean Museum
The Caribbean Museum Center for the Arts that sits across the beautiful waterfront in Frederiksted, St. Croix, is the only Museum Center in the Virgin Islands. The small museum is home to exciting and almost changing roster of exhibits. Many are cutting-edge multimedia creations that might come as a surprise given its out-of-the-way location.

The United States Virgin Islands is teeming with fun and adventure. With pristine beaches and protected bays, and along with the unique attractions listed above, there so much more that the USVI has in store for you on your Virgin Islands vacation.

Greg Hunt is a wanderer who has the knack for writing. Upon a trip to the Virgin Islands, fell in love with its hum and vibration. He currently resides in St. Thomas and works as a skipper for a St Thomas boat rental company, Pirates Paradise Adventures.
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