Showing posts with label Travel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Travel. Show all posts

Friday, August 29, 2014

Don't Date a Girl Who Travels

Travel - She's the one with the messy, unkempt hair colored by the sun. Her skin is now far from fair like it once was. Not even sun kissed. It's burnt with multiple tan lines, wounds and bites here and there. But for every flaw on her skin, she has an interesting story to tell.
Travel to London

Don't date a girl who travels. She is hard to please. The usual dinner-movie date at the mall will suck the life out of her. Her soul craves for new experiences and adventures. She will be unimpressed with your new car and your expensive watch. She would rather climb a rock or jump out of an airplane than hear you brag about it.
Don't date a girl who travels because she will bug you to book a flight every time there's an airline seat sale. She won't party at Republiq. And she will never pay over $100 for Avicii because she knows that one weekend of clubbing is equivalent to one week somewhere far more exciting.
Chances are, she can't hold a steady job. Or she's probably daydreaming about quitting. She doesn't want to keep working her ass off for someone else's dream. She has her own and is working towards it. She is a freelancer. She makes money from designing, writing, photography or something that requires creativity and imagination. Don't waste her time complaining about your boring job.
Don't date a girl who travels. She might have wasted her college degree and switched careers entirely. She is now a dive instructor or a yoga teacher. She's not sure when the next paycheck is coming. But she doesn't work like a robot all day, she goes out and takes what life has to offer and challenges you to do the same.
Don't date a girl who travels for she has chosen a life of uncertainty. She doesn't have a plan or a permanent address. She goes with the flow and follows her heart. She dances to the beat of her own drum. She doesn't wear a watch. Her days are ruled by the sun and the moon. When the waves are calling, life stops and she will be oblivious to everything else for a moment. But she has learned that the most important thing in life isn't surfing.

Don't date a girl who travels as she tends to speak her mind. She will never try to impress your parents or friends. She knows respect, but isn't afraid to hold a debate about global issues or social responsibility.

She will never need you. She knows how to pitch a tent and screw her own fins without your help. She cooks well and doesn't need you to pay for her meals. She is too independent and wont care whether you travel with her or not. She will forget to check in with you when she arrives at her destination. She's busy living in the present. She talks to strangers. She will meet many interesting, like-minded people from around the world who share her passion and dreams. She will be bored with you.
So never date a girl who travels unless you can keep up with her. And if you unintentionally fall in love with one, don't you dare keep her. Let her go.
Keyword: Travel, Travel Tips, Travel to London, Travel to Singapore, Travel Bag, How to Travel to USA

Saturday, August 23, 2014

YES MUM, THAT’S A BEAUTIFUL FAIRYTALE CASTLE… NOW PLEASE TAKE US TO SPACE MOUNTAIN: DISNEY WORLD HAS IT ALL – SPEED, TERROR AND A MICKEY MOUSE COCKTAIL

The southern drawl blares through the window of our hire car as we pull into the hotel’s parking bay. ‘Have a magical evening, go make some memories,’ the voice says.
Thus far my day has been pretty much magic-free, unless you include the miracle of flight.
But nine daylight hours on a plane stuffed with over-excited kids, admittedly most of them mine, and the joy-free zone that is US immigration fade fast as we enter the lavish lobby of the Grand Floridian, a colonial-style palace of a place with a live orchestra on the balcony playing – what else – Disney show tunes.
Casting a spell: Andrea and husband Gray with the boys in the  Magic Kingdom
Half an hour later, having been shown to a suite of rooms comfortably larger than my first flat, and with our three boys tucked up in bed, we’re sitting down to enjoy a cocktail in the balmy Florida night air.
My daiquiri arrives with huge rounds of lime placed on both sides of my glass, to look like Mickey Mouse ears. If a Disney shaped, rum-based drink seems just a little wrong and putting sophistication and Disney in the same sentence feels weird, this whole holiday is an eye-opener. This is luxury Disney.
To fully appreciate it you need to stow your European cynicism in the room safe with your passport and pop Mr Bluebird on your shoulder for the duration of your stay. Disney doesn’t do irony.
Having a ball: Andrea enjoys a dance  with a Pluto character
The following morning dawns bright and clear, just as Walt intended, and we get our first true idea of the scale of Disney World. It’s built on 43 square miles of Florida swampland. Alongside the four theme parks and two water parks, there are 23 resort hotels and five golf courses.
I blush as I remember telling the very nice woman from Virgin Holidays that we might not need a car as we were mainly planning to stay inside Disney World. Luckily, she knew better.
Having only been to Disneyland Paris, where you can do it all in a day with determination and sensible shoes, I hadn’t realised that despite the monorail and a ferry service, our car would be very useful. The only place to start is the Magic Kingdom.
A stroll down Main Street USA leads to the spiralling towers of Cinderella’s iconic fairytale castle. With three boys, however, I have no chance to indulge my inner fairy princess.
Pen marks on the wall at home had already established that all three sons had now topped the minimum height requirement to access Disney’s white-knuckle rides. So it was straight to Space Mountain where, for the first of many, many times in the following week, I have my spleen pinned against my spine as we hurtle through the cosmos on an indoor rollercoaster.
Then to Splash Mountain which combines a trip around Brer Rabbit’s briar patch with the inevitable watery plummet, all set to the tune of Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah. It becomes a holiday anthem. The longer the list of restrictions and health warnings, the more the boys enjoy the rides.
For space- and speed-mad kids, Epcot proves a hit with its shuttle simulator Mission Space and the boys’ favourite, Test Track. They get to design a car on screen and then ‘test’ it on a ride that breaks through a wall and courses around the outside of the building. Much is made of the queues at theme parks and with good reason.
A two-hour wait in baking heat with tetchy toddlers for a 90-second ride is clearly not how dreams come true. But, as with like many things in life, at Disney World you can pay to avoid pain.
We booked fast passes online for the most popular rides. The only surefire way to skip the queues is to hire a guide. We were offered this indulgence for one day and, I have to admit, it was wonderful.
Don't look now: Andrea and her boys, from left, Jago, Ruari and Finn, snapped in a moment of terror on the Space Mountain ride
We are collected from our hotel by Zoe, an all-American cheerleader of a guide who enchants our sons as she regales us with ‘inside stories’ while we walk straight on to every ride.
It’s questionable if falling down a lift shaft in Twilight Zone Tower Of Terror three times before looping the loop on Aerosmith’s Rock ’n’ Rollercoaster is really a treat worth paying a small fortune for, but despite clear photographic evidence that the boys were terrified, they all promise it was the most fun they’ve ever had.
Zoe also secures front-row tickets for two live shows involving high-speed stunt driving and copious amounts of fire. They probably wouldn’t have made it on to our itinerary if we hadn’t had a guide, yet they turn out to be highlights.
All that and we still have time to wave at Mickey Mouse in the daily parade of Disney characters and floats. We only venture out of Disney for a butter beer with Harry Potter at Universal Studios (for the boys) and a visit to Bloomingdales (for me), as an antidote to all that terror.
Our hotel alone would make a great destination for a family stay. The sprawling resort on the shore of the Seven Seas Lagoon has two vast pool areas, one with a waterslide that would have kept the boys happy all week if we hadn’t had Disney on our doorstep. Every evening they rush back for a swim, marshmallows around a fire pit and a movie on the beach.
Meanwhile we eat excellent seafood at Narcoosee’s waterfront restaurant, which is a great spot from which to watch the firework spectacular across the bay in the Magic Kingdom that lights up Cinderella’s castle at 9pm each night.
The only problem we have is keeping the kids awake late enough to watch it. Now there’s a sentence I never thought I’d write. If you can suspend your disbelief and indulge Walt Disney’s philosophy that adults are just kids grown up, you find that Disney creates a bubble where real-life concerns do seem to disappear. That in itself makes for a magical family holiday.
We revelled in the escapism and did indeed make some great memories. We’ll go back and do it all again before the boys become surly teenagers. I may never get to have tea with the Princesses but I’m pretty sure I have room for another Mickey Mouse-eared cocktail.

Monday, August 4, 2014

Top 3 most beautiful cities should travel in the world

VENICEOnce again the European continent is stacking all the most beautiful and alluring cities in its hands. We would have thought of other cities in the United States or in India but this is not the case. Venice, Paris and Prague still keeps the top rank most beautiful cities from all over the world.

VENICE

Unanimous among tourists in all corners of the earth, Venice was and still remains the most beautiful city in the world. Its being located in the marshy Venetian Lagoon brings a unique charm to the structure of the city. The Lagoon is stretching along the shoreline which brings an artistic touch to the architecture of the city. Venetia Lagoon is making the charm and fame of Venice. Thanks to the Lagoon, city was awarded a being the World Heritage Site in the world. Work-of-art buildings reflecting its history brings it to be known and called the most romantic city. The city has been called in several names such as La Dominante, Serenissima, Queen of the Adriatic, City of Water, City of Masks and City of Canals.   The city is also the center of silk, grain and spice commerce. Art has taken an important place among inhabitants and tourist. During several eras, Venice became wealthy because of the commerce and art prominent there. Symphonic and operatic music lovers can fully enjoy local music.

PARIS

With the monumental square, the Seine and the streets of Montmartre, Paris is attracting tourists and visitors’ eyes. The city is elegant and sophisticated. Walled cathedral cities are giving an historical touch to the Ville of Paris. It is now one of the world’s leading business and cultural centers making tourists’ bliss. The Eiffel Tour combined with Louvre museum and the Arc de Triomphe recall memories and nostalgia. For several years, it has been regarded as an international center for arts, history and painting.  It is from this city that the most glamorous boutiques are ranging. Paris is the international capital of style. Fashionistas travel thousands of miles just for window-shopping. It can be felt by the presence of Haute Couture tailoring boutiques.

PRAGUE

Warm summer brings more fame to the beautifully-preserved historical monuments. Vltava River, Charles Bridge and the stunningly beautiful Old Town Square are forming its beauty. It is the fourteenth-largest city in the European Union. Its being the historical capital of Bohemia attracts thousands of tourists every year. Monuments, buildings and museums architectures are based on Romanesque, Gothic and Renaissance eras styles. That is why alleyways and cobbled streets add a sense of nostalgia when walking on them. Several cultural attractions living up the city such as the Prague Castle, the Jewish Quarter, the Lennon Wall, the Charles Bridges and Pétrin hill. Museum exhibits, cinemas, theatres and galleries are covering streets. Prague still remains the most visited and the most voted beautiful in the world.

7 Best Ways to Have a Fun Summer

7 Best Ways to Have a Fun Summer


There are many easy ways to make your summer fun when you think it’s boring. Whether you’re working, or you’re in summer school, or on summer break, you can still have lots of fun. When the weather is amazing, there are so many interesting things to do to have a fun summer. Here are a few great ideas to try this summer.

Best Ways to Have a Fun Summer


1. Camping

One of the best summer activities to try is definitely camping. Sitting around the campfire with your family or friends, chatting and roasting marshmallows, isn’t it fun? Summer is a perfect time to go camping, especially with kids. Just don’t forget to bring sunscreen, mosquito spray, and warm sleeping bags.

2. Go to the pool

No matter your age, going to the pool with family or friends is an easy ways to have a fun summer. Every summer I enjoy going to the pool, even though I’m not 18 anymore. While I don’t do cannonballs, I still enjoy spending the time by the pool. This summer try to go to the local pool at least twice a week. Consider bringing a cooler full of drinks and healthy snacks and spend the day hanging out with your family and friends.

3. Volunteer

If you are single or you just feel lonely this summer season, volunteering might be right for you. Volunteering can be fun and really rewarding. It’s a great opportunity to help others and make new friends. There are usually lots of volunteer opportunities in the summertime. The humane society often needs extra help and churches need a few volunteers for summer camps as well. Spend a week, month, or even the whole summer volunteering, and you will have one of the best summers ever!

4. Have a backyard BBQ

A backyard BBQ is a wonderful opportunity to get together with your family and friends, relax and have fun on the weekends. If you are on a tight budget, you can ask everyone to bring a dish or drink. This way you will enjoy your BBQ without ruining your budget and wearing yourself out. Having some tasty food and great music is a sure way to have a fantastic BBQ.

5. Plant a garden

One of the best ways to enjoy the warm summer weather is to plant your own garden. For instance, you can plant a vegetable garden. Vegetables taste much better when you grow your own. Gardening is also a wonderful family activity for summer. Most children enjoy planting something and then watching them grow.

6. Take a weekend trip

You don’t have to go on a long vacation to have a fun summer. A short weekend trip will be enough to relax and have a good time. Even if you only stay overnight, you’ll feel like you have a vacation. You’ll have fun without spending lots of money. A short weekend trip is a great option for those who have super busy schedule.

7. Visit local events

There are many local events to visit in the summer, from music festivals and arts festivals to Fourth of July parades and farmer’s markets. Perhaps you think that all local events are boring, but if you want to have fun, you will definitely enjoy any event. You can visit these events with your family and friends, or even alone.
As you can see, it’s possible to make your boring summer fun without going on a two-three week vacation. These are just a few summer activities and there are many other fun activities to try in the summer. What are your favorite summer activities? Share your thoughts please.

10 World’s Most Beautiful National Parks

10 World’s Most Beautiful National Parks

World Most Beautiful National Parks
National parks are naturally beautiful. Most parks were declared parks to preserve the wild beauty that makes them so amazing. While nearly all these protected areas are pretty, a number are simply amazing in their beauty. Take a look at the list of the most beautiful national parks in the world.

1. Snowdonia, Wales

Snowdonia, Wales
As you might suppose from the name, Snowdonia National Park is set on Snowdon Mountain. The mountain is 3560 feet tall and as picturesque as it is peaceful. Lakes and rivers are set amid trees and rocky outcroppings, making it the perfect place to practice photography. Visitors will also find old buildings, including several castles within park borders. The history of the area is full of folk tales and legends and makes it an even more exciting place to visit.
In 1951, the Park was established as the 3rd National Park in Great Britain, after the Peak District and the Lake District. The Park covers 2,140 km2 (827 square miles), and has 60 km (37 miles) of coastline. The natural forests of the Park are of the mixed deciduous type. The Welsh Oak, ash, birch, hazel and mountain-ash are the most common trees. Over 26,000 people live within the Snowdonia National Park, of whom approximately 62% can speak some Welsh. Every year Snowdonia National Park attracts more than 6 million visitors, making it the 3rd most visited National Park in Wales and England. If you are a hiker, Snowdonia National Park is the perfect place to visit.

2. Grand Canyon, the United States

Grand Canyon, the United States
The Colorado River carved out the Grand Canyon over hundreds of years, creating an amazingly complex canyon. Tourists flock to the site every year to admire it or even to hike down and camp in the myriad of channels cut out by the water. The Grand Canyon is one of the Natural Wonders of the World and has also been named a UNESCO World Heritage site. It stretches over more than 1,200,000 acres in Arizona.
One of the best things about the Grand Canyon area is that it has some of the cleanest air in the US. There are about 1,737 famous species of vascular plants, 195 species of lichen, 167 species of fungi and 64 species of moss found in the Park. Grand Canyon has also a dozen endemic plants, which are known only within the boundaries of the Park. However, only 10% of its flora is actually exotic. Apart from casual sightseeing from the South Rim, running, hiking, rafting and helicopter tours are highly popular here. The Grand Canyon 24 hour Ultra Marathon is a 126 km (78-mile) race that takes participants out on the North Rim of Grand Canyon. So, if you are a runner, you shouldn’t miss this event.

3. Kruger National Park, South Africa

Kruger National Park, South Africa
One of the largest national parks in the world, Kruger covers millions of acres of land. It is host to an amazing number of African species, including elephants, giraffes and many other animals. You can check these animals out from viewing towers scattered throughout the park. Apart from the towers, development is nearly nonexistent and the park fends for itself in most ways.
The Park boasts 21 rest camps, 2 private lodge concessions, along with 15 private designated safari lodges. Camping in the Kruger National Park has become more popular with backpackers and tourists since it is cheaper, open to everyone and doesn’t require any special permission to partake. The Kruger National Park offers 9 different trails, including overnight, but you may not find trails in the wilderness areas.

4. Deosai, Pakistan

Deosai, Pakistan
Deosai National Park is best known for its impressive flowers. Every spring, thousands of different types of flowers bloom. They form a living carpet of color that attracts an even larger variety of butterflies. The park is certainly worth seeing in the spring, though it is lovely all year round. Another point of interest would be the park’s incredible plateaus, some of the highest in the world.
In 1993, the Park was established to protect the Himalayan Brown Bear along with its habitat. Though the Government of Pakistan has taken several effective measures during the last decade, the bear is still under great threat. There are also many great and unique animals and birds. The Deosai National Park is a tourist attraction and many tourists who visit Baltistan also go to Deosai.

5. Kakadu National Park, Australia

Kakadu National Park, Australia
The Australian government and the aboriginal people work together to manage the Kakadu National Park. It is a World Heritage site and the amazing views attract tourists year round. One of the most interesting attractions is the aboriginal rock art that can be found in the area. It is also home to a range of animals, including the saltwater crocodile.
The flora of the Kakadu National Park is among the richest in northern Australia with over 1700 plant species, which is a result of the landform, geological and habitat diversity of the Park. The Kakadu National Park is also one of the world’s most weed free national parks. No wonder the Park draws hundreds of thousands of tourists per year.

6. Hortobagy, Hungary

Hortobagy, Hungary
Hortobagy National Park was the first national park in Hungary. It was established as a national park in 1973. In 1999, the Park was elected among the World Heritage sites. Hortobagy is rich with unique folklore and interesting cultural history. It’s an official refuge for wild horses and home to a number of endangered birds. The Park provides habitat for over 342 species of birds and is a bird watcher’s paradise, with plenty of migratory waterfowl, too.

7. Plitvice Lakes, Croatia

Plitvice Lakes, Croatia
If you head into inland Croatia, you will find Plitvice National Park. It is an area of mountainous terrain ideal for hiking and a number of lakes and streams. The unique thing about the water in the park is that most of the lakes and streams contain travertine. This gives the water a clarity seldom found in nature, as well as a very bright blue-green hue.

8. Madain Saley National Historic Park, Saudi Arabia


Madain Saley National Historic Park, Saudi Arabia
Photo: Pedronet
Where many national parks are heavily forested, Madain Saley is almost entirely made up of desert and rock. It is still one of the most beautiful sights you’ll see, however, particularly when you come across one of the amazing oasis scattered throughout the park. An ancient burial ground is also located on the site. It’s estimated that the more than 125 tombs and facades were cut from rock somewhere between 500 BC and 100 AD. They are still in amazing condition and certainly worth a visit if you’re in the area.

9. Sagarmatha National Park, Nepal

Sagarmatha National Park
Nepal has a unique, wild look to it and Sagarmatha is no exception. The park contains a number of Sherpa villages, as well as a few monasteries. Here you will find Mount Everest, as well as its sister mountains, so the national park sees quite a bit of traffic. Several animals make their home here, including mountain goats that balance precariously along seemingly sheer rock cliffs.

10. Iguazu National Park, Argentina and Brazil

Iguazu National Park
The Iguazu National Park runs through Argentina and into Brazil. It protects the subtropical rainforest here, as well as the Iguazu Falls. The falls are actually made up of hundreds of waterfalls around a curved cliff. Visitors to the falls can take a boat to get a closer look or can walk through the various waterfalls by crossing catwalks. The park is home to a wide range of wildlife, including howler monkeys, jaguars, tapirs, and caimans.
Around the world, countries are preserving their most fascinating and historical areas. National parks protect the natural beauty and keep it accessible for future generations. While all parks have something lovely about them, the places on this list are some of the more amazing ones out there. Have you ever visited any of these breathtakingly beautiful parks? Do you know any other park to add to this list?