Category: Travel

You’re in South Africa, a country that offers a landscape that has something for everyone. How you choose to explore the country is up to you. Just know there are many ways to get up close and experience the history, culture, landscape, and oh, yes, the wildlife this country is known for.

1. The Garden Route (Western Cape)

There are plenty of miles to cover in South Africa, and each has its own points of interest and things to do, such as The Garden Route, which covers approximately 124 miles of picturesque landscape.

The route runs from Mossel Bay to Storms River and allows travelers to get off the beaten path, park their rented vehicle, and explore area beaches, lakes, nature reserves, and the Garden Route National Park.

2. Kruger National Park Safari

A sure way to discover and learn about the many species of wildlife inhabiting South Africa is to schedule a safari tour with Kruger National Park for one of their many tours. Led by a knowledgeable guide, who takes visitors through the park and surrounding areas, you’ll experience a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. 

While immersing yourself in the park’s atmosphere with accommodations to suit personal preferences, from tents and treehouses to luxury lodges, you’ll be in the midst of Kruger National Park and all it has to offer. 

3. The Blue Train

Arguably one of South Africa’s jewels in the crown is The Blue Train, which travels approximately 994 miles from Pretoria to Cape Town with a couple of off-train excursions on the itinerary. Overall, the train is the epitome of luxury on rails. 

While on board for the scenic journey, travelers are wined and dined in style while the train winds its way through open farmlands and semi-desert landscape as well as past Table Mountain and the Cape Winelands. 

4. Tour South Africa’s Wine Region

Something travelers new to South Africa may not know is the country is known for its wine regions situated around the cities of Paarl and Stellenbosch. South Africa has been in the wine business since the 17th century. 

To get the most out of visiting the wine regions, book an exclusive guided tour of the Western Cape region and its prominent wineries to have access to and sample some of the country’s most tasteful vineyards.

5. Cruising the Waterways

South Africa has an expansive coastline that allows for plenty of opportunities to get to know the area with a guide boat trip. Travelers who want to sit back, relax, and revel in the beauty of the moment, can book a sunset Champagne cruise out of Cape Town.

Above water, travelers can enjoy watching the sea life with whale-watching and dolphin-watching cruises or watch the antics of the black and white attired penguins at Penguin Island. There are also shoreline cruises that get you up close to crocodiles and hippos.

If you prefer down-under experiences, South Africa is a world hotspot for exploring the shipwrecks, inland caves, assorted underwater inhabitants, and other mysterious features with a scuba adventure.

 

Beijing, China offers centuries of fascinating history and culture that make the city an intriguing stop on anyone’s vacation itinerary. Known for its historical attractions, such as the Forbidden City and The Great Wall of China, there are also hidden gems to explore. Set aside some time to spend in these interesting areas, which will add an extra dash of spirit and an element of surprise to your trip. 

1. 798 Art Zone (Dashanzi Area)

For art enthusiasts who enjoy creativity off the beaten path, a visit to the 798 Art Zone is a cultural experience, where established and upcoming new artists display their work.

The site was the former 50-year-old compound for military factories. Once decommissioned in the 1990s, the zone became a primary gathering place for local artists and other creatives.

Today, the district is a visually exciting place to visit to absorb the many artistic styles, from photos and street art to expressive murals and outdoor sculptures.

Go on your own or take a tour. Either way, you’ll have access to trendy shops and boutiques to explore, and cafes for relaxing while absorbing the Chinese culture that permeates the zone. 

2. Beijing Botanical Garden

From creative art in the zone to the colorful palette of natural art in the garden, the Beijing Botanical Garden is an oasis to explore when you’re looking for a quiet and serene setting to get away from the crowds. Choose the cherry garden, bamboo garden, Chinese rose garden, magnolia garden, and many more to snap a photo or two. 

3. Ancient Observatory (Guguanxiangtai)

Step back to the Ming and Qing dynasties when visiting this ancient observatory. As one of the oldest in the world, the observatory is home to eight expansive astronomical instruments. Take a moment to ponder what it was the ancients who used these instruments were searching for and what they discovered along the way. A mystery, to be sure. The observatory is currently open to the public Sunday through Saturday. 

4. Beijing Underground City

Under Beijing’s city center lies a network of tunnels covering about 33 square miles. The tunnels were ordered by Chairman Mao in 1969 and completed in the 1970s and were designed as a place of refuge in case of an attack by foreign enemies.

There is an underground complex with shops, schools, doctor’s offices, hospitals, movie theaters, factories, amusement areas, and much more. A true “city” only underground. Only a portion of the tunnels is open to the public. 

5. Ritan Park

Ritan is one of Beijing’s oldest parks. Established in 1530 during the Ming dynasty, the park served as home for the Temple of the Sun. The park offers a scenic ornamental landscape filled with a variety of trees, bushes, plants, assorted flowers, and peach blossoms to enjoy a leisurely walk. Within the park are pavilions, altars, murals, and ornate red and green walls. The park is like a picture postcard that has come to life, displaying a cacophony of color, culture, and creativity. 

 

Tokyo, Japan – the city of culture, history, and intrigue. While it maintains a national presence on the world map, there are plenty of hidden gems within the hustle, bustle, and bright lights that permeate the city landscape. As the main city of The Land of the Rising Sun, a visit to some of its unique attractions is sure to spark your imagination. 

1. Shibuya Sky Observatory

If heights don’t bother you, then Shibuya Sky Observatory is the place to go for panoramic views. The 47-story building resides atop the largest skyscraper, so you can be sure the views are uninterrupted and spectacular. The rooftop platform is the largest for viewing that you’ll find in Japan, and to make it extra special, it is fitted with hammocks for visitors who want to relax at night and gaze at the stars. 

The 46th floor features the Sky Gallery for visitors who might get a little off-balance and experience vertigo on the 47th floor. Either way, the views are unforgettable, as Tokyo’s landmarks are visible on clear days, which includes Mt. Fuji.

2. Gotoku-ji Temple

This unusual temple is dedicated to felines. Legend has it a cat beckoned to a feudal lord with his right paw to come to his shelter during a rainstorm. As the lord approached the shelter, lightning struck the exact spot where the man had sat beneath a tree. This is the reason felines are referred to as “fortune” or “beckoning” cats and why you’ll see cat statues, paintings, jewelry, and trinkets displayed in stores and restaurants. 

The belief is that Gotoku-ji is where the lucky kitties originated from. The “cat temple” is open to the public. 

3. Asakusa-jinja

There are many temples and shrines to visit and learn about while visiting Tokyo. The oldest is the five-story Senjo-ji Buddhist temple. Right next door to the temple is the often-overlooked Asakusa-jinja shrine that has been part of the landscape since the 17th century. 

The shrine was constructed in honor of those who founded Senso-ji. The shrine features a large traditional Japanese torii gated entrance and two unusual dog-lion statues standing beneath a red parasol. The couple supposedly represents those couples in happy marriages. 

4. Hamarikyu Gardens

If you’ve been out and about sightseeing and want to take a break and sit amid a wondrous landscape of greenery, ponds, and serene water moving to its own beat beneath bridges, head to Hamarikyu Gardens, where a 300-year-old pine tree stands as a sentinel. 

While experiencing the beauty of the gardens, take a relaxing break at the Nakajima no Ochaya teahouse. The location of the thatched-roof teahouse is unusual, as it resides on a floating platform. 

5. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park

By far, one of the most unique vistas to set your eyes upon is Mount Fuji, standing tall at 12,389 feet. The park offers numerous walking trails that provide views of the mountain. When visiting the park, this is the main attraction. A close second is visiting during the spring when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom. Enjoy the view

 

 

Are you looking forward to your upcoming vacation from work? Do you want to make plans for a special trip? Well, you don’t need to overpay for your next vacation. Keep reading if you want a few tips to avoid overpaying for a vacation this summer!

Avoid Weekend Air Travel

There is no way around the price hike on the weekend when it comes to air travel. Since many travelers book weekend flights, you may find that you are paying a premium to fly on Saturday or Sunday. If you have the option to book your flight on a weekday, then opt for a weekday flight. While the best day of the week may depend on many factors, you want to focus on weekdays to find better prices and deals.

Plan a Month or Three Ahead

It is common knowledge that you want to plan ahead to get the best rates on your vacation, but you may not realize that you also need to avoid planning too far in advance. As a general rule, plan your vacation between one and three months before the event.

Planning three months in advance allows you to keep an eye on flights, hotel rates, and other factors that may impact your costs. You can then book a flight, hotel room, and other travel-related plans when you see a special deal or price. Expect the prices to increase as you get closer to your vacation dates. In most cases, you can expect rates to increase roughly two to three weeks before the date of your trip.

Consider a Non-traditional Vacation Spot

Do you want to avoid overpaying for your vacation without giving up on quality? Consider a non-traditional vacation location. Avoid common vacation hot-spots like Orlando, Florida and opt for a vacation that is a bit off the beaten path, such as Hollywood, Florida. You may find that you are getting much better deals without giving up on your vacation plans. While you may have limitations if you are planning a trip to a theme park or similar place, you have a variety of unexpected gems available if you are looking for a relaxed beach vacation or hiking trip.

Compare Prices on Everything

Comparing prices may seem obvious, but you can easily overlook it when you are excited about your vacation. You can also overlook comparison shopping for some of the smaller expenses. Unfortunately, those small expenses can add up quickly when you do not pay attention.

Take the time to compare the prices on flights, hotels, rental cars, and even restaurants. You may find some unexpected hidden gems with a few minutes of comparison shopping.

Take Advantage of Your Reward Points on Credit Cards

If you have a credit card, then you likely have some type of reward points system or cash-back system. Look into the details of any credit cards you currently carry to see if you qualify for any travel-related points or cash-back. For example, you may have airline miles that cut back on the cost of your plane tickets through certain companies. Alternatively, you may get cash-back on your card for using it at restaurants, certain types of stores, or gasoline. Take advantage of your reward points or cash-back to cut back on the cost of your vacation.

Taking a bit of time to cut back on unnecessary costs while going on a vacation can help you save more than you realize. From comparing the prices of everything to strategically using your credit cards, you can find ways to avoid overspending and still enjoy a break from the daily grind.

Uganda is one of the friendliest and most hospitable countries in the world. Idi Amin is dead and gone, the nation has enjoyed 15 years of peace and a million tourists visit every year. However, a lot of visitors, especially those from outside of Africa, will find some of the customs unfamiliar. It’s possible to insult your hosts without meaning to. Here are five things you should avoid doing when you visit Uganda.

1. Don’t Dress Sloppily

Africans like to dress well. Even though Ugandans often wear second-hand clothing, it’s always properly mended, clean and pressed. It’s considered insulting to wear clothes that don’t meet those criteria.

Women should not wear miniskirts and short shorts. Men are expected to dress modestly as well. Both men and women will be appreciated if they avoid wearing shorts entirely. Dressing well is both respectful and respected.

2. Don’t Be A Know-It-All

When you engage in conversation with a Ugandan, listen. Don’t criticize, and be slow to offer advice. You will learn something. Ugandans resent it when foreigners repeat what they’ve “learned” from their own media, and these statements often don’t reflect the true state of the country.

Tell your own story: where you’re from, what you do. Ugandans are genuinely interested in a two-way conversation. Above all, don’t talk as if you know what’s best for their country.

3. Don’t Take Photos of People without Permission

In particular, avoid what are called exploitative poverty tourism pictures. We see this “poverty porn” in fundraising ads on TV. A lot of Ugandans are poor, but they’re not helpless victims waiting for you to rescue them. They’re smart, resourceful and entrepreneurial.

“Slum tours” have become something of a fad in parts of Africa. It’s incredibly disrespectful to snap photographs that depict people as poor and desperate. Don’t do it. They don’t think of themselves that way.

4. Avoid Public Displays of Affection

Hugging and kissing on the street, even with your spouse, is frowned upon. Sometimes men hold hands, but that’s a sign of friendship, not of romantic attraction. Public conversation about private intimacy is considered in poor taste.

That is changing to some extent. Nowadays you will sometimes see people greeting one another with hugs, particularly in Kampala. However, the bulk of Ugandan society has a conservative attitude toward these things. In fact, any kind of public emotion, particularly anger, is disapproved.

5. Avoid Discussing Ugandan Politics

Uganda is a democracy, but the customs of public political engagement are different from what you may be used to. Not everyone voted for the current president or supports him. When you ask Ugandans what they think about the government, you put them on the spot. In any case, they’re probably not going to tell a non-African what they really think. They’ll be happy to tell you about their families, their work and their own lives, but they’d rather not talk politics with outsiders.

 

 

Are you ready to laze about the beaches of the Costa del Sol, explore Gaudi architecture in Barcelona, or check out the vibrant nightlife of Ibiza? You’ll enjoy yourself in Spain if you avoid doing these five things.

Eating When You Want To

What time do you normally eat? Well, that’s too early for Spain. Lunch usually happens from 2 PM to 4 PM and that’s the main meal of the day, and the only time you can order such stomach-filling specialties as paella. Dinner begins at 9 PM or 10 PM and is usually a light share of tapas among family and friends.

You’ll do better at breakfast from 7 AM to 9 AM, which is usually grab-and-go if the Spaniards eat anything at all. You might as well fill up during the mid-morning snack from 10:30 AM to noon, or the afternoon snack, which happens from 5:30 PM to 7 PM.

Being On Time

Spaniard like to enjoy life. They don’t see the point in running around and trying to get a million things done every day. If you’re going to be someplace anyway, what is the point of rushing to get there? It’s not uncommon for events like tours to start 10 or 15 minutes later than advertised. Being late doesn’t show disrespect or carelessness. It’s just the way things are.

Calling Everybody Spanish

In the US, everybody is American. In France, everyone is French. In Spain, the person you’re talking to can be Basque, Castilian, Valencian, or a member of any of the 17 autonomous regions and 2 autonomous cities. Each of these areas has a strong sense of identity, its own culture, and often, its own language. Knowing who is from where shows respect. For example, those in Barcelona are called Catalans.

Avoid comparing one region with another and talking about regionalism in general. Instead, focus on what makes each area unique.

Speaking English to Everyone

Everyone speaks English in Europe, right? Maybe not in Spain where only about 27 percent of the population knows some English. And most of them live in the large cities, such as Madrid, Barcelona, and Malaga, or tourist resorts like Marbella or Ibiza. In fact, about 60 percent cannot speak, read, or write English at all.

Fortunately, Spanish is the easiest foreign language for English speakers to learn. You probably already know a few of the words, such as hola, gracias, and bueno. Speaking to the locals in their own language is always appreciated and makes them more likely to try to communicate with you.

Shopping in the Afternoon

After a morning of sightseeing, you’re eager to do some shopping in the afternoon. Don’t. Shops in Spain typically shut down from 2 PM to 5 PM. The custom originated from the Spanish siesta, when the locals took refuge from the hottest part of the day by sleeping.

Nowadays, very few are sleeping at those times. Instead, most are relaxing and taking their long lunches, which is why most restaurants and cafes are open in the afternoon. Large department stores and supermarkets may be open in the afternoon but government offices usually close for the day by 2 PM.

The Philippines was once an American colony. But that doesn’t mean that what works in the USA will work in the Pearl of the Orient. So if you want to enjoy the hospitality, food, and weather of the Filipinos, avoid doing the following five things.

Being Confrontational

Filipinos value friendliness, being pleasant, and social harmony. They don’t like confrontation, especially with strangers, and prefer to pretend that things are okay even when they’re not. If you get angry or start shouting, they’re likely to just leave you alone rather than deal with you.

And you’ll probably never know how you offended them in the first place because they prefer being indirect. You probably won’t get a direct “no” to any of your request. But if they start hemming and hawing or saying things like “We’ll see,” that’s as close as you may get to a negative response.

Criticizing the Country, Its People, and Religion

How would you like it if a tourist comes to your city and starts saying bad things about your country? Filipinos would feel the same way. If you criticize the Philippines, you’re like to draw significant ire and be perceived as making comments about things you know nothing about.  

As with most countries, religion is also a sensitive subject. Many Filipinos take pride in being the only Catholic majority country in Southeast Asia and are devout in their religious practice. You’ll receive tolerance for your own religion, and people will also expect you to be tolerant and respectful of theirs, too.

Showing Off Your Valuables

Smartphones, GoPro cameras, laptops, and wallets are all fair game for the pickpockets and snatchers that inhabit Manila and other large areas. So keep them out of sight and you won’t be a target. Avoid using valuable tech, except in well-protected spaces, and don’t walk while you’re talking on your phone. A thief on a motorcycle can easily swing by and grab what you’re holding.

If you’re coming in by plane, avoid putting anything valuable in your checked-in language. Baggage theft is common at Manila Airport. In fact, before leaving the airport, check your bags. You can then deal with any missing items right then and there.

Arriving on Time

There’s real time and Filipino time, particularly when it comes to parties or other social gathering. The latter means that it’s perfectly acceptable for events to start 15 minutes to an hour late. This most likely came during the Spanish colonial period when being late signified someone’s importance in society. It’s best to avoid sticking to hard and fast timetables, especially when meeting people.

Disrespecting Elders

Filipinos recognize and revere the value that elders bring to society because of their experience and wisdom. In fact, honorifics are built into the language to show respect. Treat older people with deference and they’ll consider you a cultured individual who honors Filipino ways.

Do not use first names to address someone older. What is seen as a sign of familiarity and bonding in America is considered rude in the Philippines. Among the titles you can use with older folk, other than their names, are tita (aunt), tito (uncle), lola (grandmother), lolo (grandfather), ate (older sister) and kuya (older brother).

The Chinese can’t wait to share their thousands of years of history, food, art, and customs with foreign visitors like you. But only if you avoid doing these five things on your visit.

Touching Someone

What do you do when you first meet someone? Shake their hand. And, maybe, when you say goodbye, give them a hug or a kiss. But don’t try that in China. Touching strangers is a big no-no, even though most Chinese are fine with walking arm-in-arm with friends and family members. A verbal greeting or farewell, accompanied by a nod or wave of the hand is all you need to establish contact.

Using Chopsticks Incorrectly

Forget about forks, spoons, and knives. The far simpler chopsticks are used to eat most everything. If you don’t know anything about using these highly refined tools, learn from a knowledgeable friend or relative, or by watching tons of YouTube videos on the subject.

One common mistake: holding them too close to the tapered end, which makes morsels harder to pick up. Holding them further toward the top gives you a greater range of motion. And just as you would never stick a knife and fork into a steak so they stand straight up, you should never stick your chopsticks in rice so they’re sticking up.

Accepting Anything Immediately

Yes to the peanuts, no to the shrimp, and how about another glass of wine? It makes sense to immediately accept things you want and say no to things you don’t. Not in China, though. If you take a bit of candy or that gift right away, you’ll be seen as greedy, desperate, or uncouth. Better to refuse at least twice because that’s proper etiquette.

And if you’re the giver, don’t take “no” for an answer. Your guest is only being polite. Ask a few times until he or she says yes.

Drinking the Tap Water

Tap water in China is fine for washing your hands, brushing your teeth, or taking a shower. But don’t try drinking it because it’s not safe. It may have all kinds of bacteria, sediments, and heavy metals. Bottled water is available everywhere. In a pinch, you can always use the kettle in your hotel room to boil the tap water before you drink it.

Getting Angry in Public

Shouting at someone for poor customer service may be what’s done in Brooklyn but it won’t do in Beijing. Unlike in America where you’re number one and have to stand up for yourself, the Chinese value group harmony above individual needs. You should never embarrass anyone, make them uncomfortable, or have them lose face. Getting angry in public only reinforces stereotypes of Westerners being loud, unruly, uncivil, and obnoxious.

If you have a problem, go ahead and scream and shout within the walls of your hotel room where nobody can hear you. And then see if you can talk to the object of your disdain privately, quietly, and politely.

The guidebooks are clear on what to do in tourist Italy: visit the Colosseum in Rome, ride a gondola in Venice, and eat a pizza in Naples. But if you want to get to know the real Italy, try these five strategies.

Take a side street.

Know why all the famous sites of Italy are so crowded? Because that’s where all the tourists go. Then they descend on all the nearby shops and restaurants to pay outrageous prices for trinkets and grub that no self-respecting Italian would ever touch.

But take a side street and you’ll discover places that the locals visit where the food is cheaper and the surroundings more authentic. The cup of espresso that cost €15 on St. Mark’s Square in Venice tastes so much better at €1.50 in some no-name cafe. And you get to drink it standing up like a real Venetian.

Go slow.

If it’s Monday, it must be Milan. Or maybe it’s Matera? How will you really know if you’re hell-bent on seeing the entire country in seven days? More importantly, if you’re just running from site to site for photo ops to post on Instagram, how will you tell the difference among locations?

It’s better to slow down and focus on one location. You’ll start noticing the details and get a better feel of what real life is like for the locals who live there. Who knows, they may even call you by name and invite you in for some wine once they see that you’re a constant presence.

Get on a train.

Know how Italians go from Rome to Milan? They get on a train. If you follow their example, you’ll be rubbing elbows with the natives and seeing the beautiful countryside pass by you. Taking the train is comfortable, inexpensive, and fast. That trip between Rome and Milan? On the high-speed La Frecce, it takes under three hours.

Learn the language.

It’s lovely to say and even more beautiful to sing: the Italian language. And it’s what they speak in the boot-shaped peninsula. Knowing the local dialect will give you insights into how the people of Italy think, feel, and see the world. Plus it shows the person you’re speaking to that you care about his or her culture and country.

There’s no shortage of ways to learn: online courses, smartphone apps, desktop programs, and even live language classes. And your Italian adventure visit begins, not when you set foot in the country, but when you learn how to say buon giorno.

Eat a gelato.

Gelato fills the stomach when you’re hungry and cools the body when it’s hot. This Italian version of ice cream differs by area. In Florence, the mix calls for more eggs. In Southern Italy, there’s more sugar. And flavors vary by area: try pinolata (pine nuts) in Florence, torrone (nougat candy with honey and nuts) in the Amalfi Coast, and gelso (mulberry) in Puglia.

For the most authentic flavors, look for gelato that is house-made (fatto in casa) and has subdued colors. Varieties made from true bananas, for example, are always gray and never bright yellow.

Because of the global economy’s current state, there are a lot of people around the world that are looking for greener pastures, and it makes sense. You want to be able to have financial stability and have a place where you can safely raise a family. With higher quality of life, though, typically comes higher cost of living. What are the most expensive countries in the world? Here are the five that stand out the most.

5. Barbados

The second smallest country in terms of population in the top five, Barbados has around just 287,000 citizens and is situated in the Caribbean Sea. A haven for tourists, Barbados caters more to those that are visiting rather than living there. Though rent is much lower than it is in the US (more than 50 percent less), it still costs around $1,080 for a single person and $4,000 for a family of four to live there before rent.

4. Iceland

The first of the European countries on the list, the beautiful Iceland has a population of just around 370,000 and growing. The total estimated cost without rent for a person in Iceland is about $1,115 while a family of four is about $4,120. So what makes Iceland so expensive? There really isn’t much land on which you can live. The scarce housing and import costs make Iceland a bit more expensive, but with a solid GDP per capita, residents are able to manage.

3. Norway

One of the countries that is seen as a standard for quality of living, Norway has around 5.4 million residents and a very rich history. While it might be cheaper to rent an apartment or house in Norway compared to the United States at nearly 40 percent lower costs, everything else is going to be more expensive. Excluding the rent, Norway’s costs are about $1,100 per person and around $4,000 for a family of four. Norway residents don’t do too badly for themselves, though, with a GDP per capita of $62,183.

2. Switzerland

It won’t surprise many to see Switzerland on the list as the country is known for its financial prowess on a global scale. These days, Switzerland has a population of around 8.5 million people and boasts a GDP per capita in the top 10 worldwide at $66,307. The average cost of living without housing for a single person is around $1,500 per month while a family of four will have to spend around $5,400. Switzerland also boasts one of the highest purchasing power index ratings.

1. Bermuda

A territory comprising over 180 islands, Bermuda sits off the coast of North Carolina, although it’s a British territory. The current population of Bermuda is around 64,000. Choosing to live in Bermuda on your own, you’re likely to pay nearly $2,000 per month, and that’s without any rent payment. A family of four can expect to pay nearly $6,900. Bermuda also has the most expensive groceries in the world, as well as restaurants. The import costs alone are what make things so expensive in Bermuda, but the luxury living due to the banking industry also boosts things greatly.