Get Information about Japan before Travelling to the Country

Japan, the land of rising sun is a unique country where the past meets the present. The country is well balanced combination of old tradition and modern values. If you are planning a trip to Japan then you must be very excited to know the various attributes of the country and various features of the land. If you do not know where to go and how to locate a place it might be troublesome for you as you are a stranger to the country.

Difficulty you might face

Being an outsider you might not know the Japanese language which could turn out to be a barrier in communicating with people. Japanese people are very helpful but how will you ask them or communicate with them if you don’t know the language. And it might add to your trouble f you don’t know where to go and you might end up wasting money and having worst experience.

How you will get help?

Before leaving for the country if visit the blog from Japan once, it will solve all your problems. Many Japanese people love to write blogs and they highlight the special features of their country in their blogs to help the travelers and for those who are interested to know about Japan. Each and every small detail of a place or how you will reach there is given on these blogs. You will also see the images so that you can identify the place.

If you read  these blogs, a small picture of Japanese culture, tradition, life style, food habits, costumes, staple food and festivals will be created and you will not feel stand alone on the land. One of the very big advantages is that you also get to know the prevailing season and which season is best to visit the country and book tickets accordingly.

Japanese Culture and Lifestyle

Japanese people value their customs very much. Where you will see tech developed high rise towers on one hand, centuries old shrines and temples will also be visible to you. They love to wear their traditional dresses on special occasions and festivals and visit temples. The old palaces of the kings are still there for the people to see. The staple food of Japan – rice, miso, sushi, vegetable pickle and noodles are very popular throughout the country. They prefer to sit on land while having meal rather than sitting on table and chair. It is an old Japanese custom to open your shoes outside the house and every Japanese house has a shoe case built outside. Many Japanese offices also follow the tradition. Whenever Japanese greets you by bowing head, you must do the same in return. It is a gesture to show respect. Another good manner includes giving and receiving a thing using both your hands.

When to visit Japan

Visit the blog from Japan once and you will get to know which the best time to visit the country is. Rainy and winter seasons are a strict no-no for making a trip to Japan. Though winter is still better, you won’t be able to enjoy the variety of their food. The best time to visit Japan is during March-April or spring season. During this period the country is in full bloom. Cherry blossom festival is celebrated and people are in festive mood. You will see lots of celebration, enjoy fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables and scenic beauty of the country.

Places to Visit

Tokyo and Osaka are the largest cities and major trade centers in the country. These are the shopping destinations for visitors and you will love to shop around. Some other best travel destinations are: Jigokudani Monkey Park, Hot Spring, Bullet Train, Toshogu Shrine at Nikko, Tokyo tower, Hiroshima memorial tomb, Kyoto, Nara, Mt. Koyasan, and Mt. Fuji. However, to get the details of how to go or which train will take you there visit the blog from Japan once.

About the Author

Hi, I am Pretzal William, aged 25 a travel guide and an avid blogger. I love to write about the places I visit and share them with rest of the world. My article highlights how you will get benefitted if visited the blog from Japan once before you take a trip to the country. For more information about the country you can connect with me on G+.

Feature image Courtesy of bit.ly/1iaSM83

Content image Courtesy of bit.ly/1bRi2av

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Kuwait Travel Tips

Kuwait is not on the mainstream tourist radar and often gets lost in the shuffle in the Arabian Peninsula, most notably thanks to all-stars Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Qatar. But the small, affluent state is absolutely worth a more in-depth look.

Here are a few tips for first-time travellers to Kuwait and its capital, Kuwait City.

Medical care
In the case of an emergency, medical services in Kuwait are typically provided free or for a small charge and, conveniently, on a walk-in basis. The flagship hospital in Kuwait City, and by extension the country, is Al-Amiri Hospital & Casualty on Arabian Gulf Street.

Money and currency exchange
Visitors to Kuwait can conduct traveller’s cheques business at:
Al-Ghanim Travel (2nd fl, Salhiya Commercial Centre)
Al-Muzaini Exchange (Fahad al-Salem Street)
UAE Exchange (Basement, Burgan Bank Building, Fahad al-Salem Street)

Kuwait City is, in some respects, a city of banks. They crop up liberally throughout the capital and taxi drivers and staff at Kuwait resorts generally know where to get the best rates. A few streets that radiate from Safat Square contain ample currency exchange outlets as well. Some offer competitive rates that surpass even the banks.

Think before you ship
Kuwait is a tax haven, with 0% VAT and personal income tax, but Kuwait City can run on the expensive side. A budget of USD 100 per day, minimum and outside of accommodation, is not an uncommon word to the wise from Kuwait expats and locals.
Further to this, many visit Kuwait to shop and take advantage of the state’s free trade/no VAT status. All well and good but bear in mind that transport costs on goods can be prohibitively expensive. Look into it before you go on a spree on bulky items that will definitely not fit in the overhead compartment.

A word on alcohol
Illegal. To serve, manufacture or import.

Crime
Petty and violent rime in Kuwait is generally very low. Foreign nationals may want to give conservative areas like Jahra a wide berth (firearms incidents in the past). Jleeb As Shuyoukh has been the site of migrant worker riots. Other demonstrations took place in Kuwait City as recently as 2012. Stay on the beaten track, avoid mass gatherings should they occur and you’ll be fine.

Road safety
To get behind the wheel in Kuwait is, potentially, a dodgy enterprise. Think The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift (sort of). Kuwaiti drivers often ignore signals completely and pedestrians come across as targets at worst, nuisances at best. As immaculate as the highways are in Kuwait City, accident statistics are grisly and among the worst in the developed world. Be ever vigilant if you do hire a car. If you do have an accident, alert police and stay on the scene.

In light of all this, taxis may be your best bet. Most foreign embassy websites recommend, however, that female visitors in Kuwait book taxis in advance by telephone and avert solo travel after dark.

Local travel
Travellers who seek to enter Iraq and Saudi Arabia from Kuwait must use official border checkpoints and have all necessary paperwork. Landmines and other hazardous devices, vestiges of the Iraq invasion, are still present in parts of the country. For this reason, and countless others, rule out off-road driving as a recreational pursuit.

Recently travelling through the United Arab Emirates, Ben has picked up a wide range of tips for potential travellers to the region. He hopes to make the future travellers journeys as easy as possible.

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The 10 Most Dangerous Animals in The World

Although man is the most evil animal in the world, there is need to know some of most dangerous animals in the world. With over 8.7 million animals on earth, some animal species are very hostile and dangerous than others.

Tiger

Tigers are the largest among the big 4 cats in the world. They are unsocial creatures that do not like existence of any other tiger within their territory. Tigers spend most of their time hunting. This animals usually attack any animal for food including human beings. They also attack other animals such as bear, leopard, and crocodile.

Cape Buffalo

African/ Cape Buffalo

African or cape buffalo are easily confused with domestic ones. In Africa, it has been discovered that cape buffaloes kill more people yearly.  These buffaloes are among the great five game animals in Africa. If you irritate any African buffalo beast, it can follow you and attacks you severely. The best way you can protect yourself is staying away from these animals.

Snakes

Snakes are one of the most frightening animals on earth. Not all snake species attack people. However, some snake species such as Cobra and Taipan, black mamba, Tiger Snake, Viper, and Brown Snake have a very dangerous poison that kills most human beings. Thousands of people in the world die due to different snake bites.

Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes are found in almost all continents except Antarctica. They easily get in contact with any human being. Mosquitoes have killed millions of people since evolution. Whenever mosquitoes sting any person, it can lead to various deadly diseases such as Malaria, Yellow fever and Dengue.

African Elephants

African Elephants

Elephants are often quoted as sociable animals to human beings. They are one of largest beast animals on earth. These animals are able to destroy extensive areas leading to total destruction of property and death of human beings. Other animals usually sense danger any time they come in contact with elephants.

Shark

Sharks are very dangerous marine animals. They are well-known for killing deep sea/ocean divers. They comprise of various subspecies. However, the Great White Shark is considered to be the most dangerous and strong compared to others. They are very speedy when moving in water. Sharks are more than twenty feet long and have over two tones.

Box Jelly Fish

The most hazardous species of box jelly fish exist in the Indian Ocean. A healthy human being can die within two to five minutes after he or she is sting by Sea Wasp Box Jellyfish. Although there are minimal instances of attack, they cause great danger when they sting.

Clostridium Botulinum

This is the most poisonous animal on earth. About four kilograms of these bacteria can kill all human beings on earth. They survive in the soil of all continents.

Polar bear

Polar bear

These animals reside along the Arctic region. They are considered as the cutest but very dangerous animals on earth. Polar bear are the largest living carnivals on earth. When they are hungry, the eat anything the come across.

Blue Ringed Octopus

Blue ringed octopuses survive in large water bodies. They have a very powerful memory. They also contain poison which can kill about 26 people. What makes the matter worse is that their poison does have any known cure.

All these animals can cause great harm if any person is not careful.

Related post:   How The Kengaroo Is Part of Australian Culture And Symbol

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10 Great Free Stuff To Do in Melbourne, Australia

Melbourne is one of the most liveliest and beautiful cities in Australia. It is the cultural hub of the country and there is always so much to do and see in Melbourne, that a day or two often extends a short holiday. Melbourne offers a lot to those tourists too, who are on a budget holiday and want to explore the city for free. In addition to the budget accommodation found there, There are a number of great free things to do in Melbourne such as:

1. Federation Square

Federation Square

Federation Square is located on the route of the free city circle tram. It is a huge space packed with restaurants and bars. However it is also the place to catch all the major sporting events of the world on the huge television set that is mounted at the federation square. It is an experience in itself to watch an adrenalin packed match with crowds that cheer and jeer at each and every victory and defeat. There are a number of museums there, and tourists can visit them and catch a cultural glimpse of the city and the best part of all - the entry to the museums is free!

2. Australian Center for the Moving Image

The Australian Center for the Moving Image is located at the Federation Square and it is a treasure trove of almost everything pertaining to screen-based art. Crowds throng the museum on weekends and it is a delight to learn the evolution of art through the exhibits. The center is open 10 am to 5pm on Monday to Fridays. On the weekend and on public holidays the center is open from 10 am to 6pm.

3. City Circle Tram

It is a cultural lesson in itself to travel by the city circle tram to all the major tourist spots of the city. And that is because the trams are very old and historical plus there is a running commentary that gives details about the places that one is visiting. The city circle tram has an old world charm about it and perhaps the best part about it is that it's totally free!

4. National Gallery of Victoria

The celebrated National Gallery of Victoria is located on the St. Kilda Road and it is the place to go to in case you are an art buff. It houses the works of some of the most famous and biggest artists, of not only Australia but of the world as well.

5. Royal Botanic Gardens

They are one of the best botanical gardens in the world and a trip to them is not to be missed at all.

6. Picnic in Edinburgh Gardens

Edinburg Gardens are beautiful and landscaped with a lot of love. In case you have some time on your hands then do pack a picnic lunch and head there for an awesome time.

7. Go cycling by the Yarra River

Yarra River

Tourists also enjoy to cycle alongside the Yarra River. They not only manage to get their dose of exercise but catch the beautiful scenery of the river also.

8. Watch fireballs by the River in the night

Post 8pm, there are fireworks by the Yarra River and you can catch the exhilarating display for free!

9. Festivals and Street Parties

Melbourne hosts a number of festivals and street parties such as the Moomba, Vietnamese Festival, Northcote Festival etc. They are the place to be if you want some great live music, yummy street food and a great fun-filled atmosphere.

10.Picnic at the Fitzroy Gardens

Fitzroy Gardens are an out of the world experience with their miniature villages, dragons and fairies. If you want to pamper the inner child in you, then just head to the Fitzroy Gardens with a picnic basket and have a whale of a time.

Melbourne is a great city and it is a boon for all the budget travelers who have a beautiful vacation without burning a hole in their pockets!

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Make Your Dreams Possible! 5 Ways To Do It

There is nothing in life that is more satisfying than living a life that you always dream about. As it is usually said, “you can live to be anything and meet all goals you want in life as long as you keep your dreams alive”. No matter how simple this may sound, many people still find it difficult to travel to places they dream about due to poor planning. Well you shouldn't be worried anymore on your failures for you can still travel to all places around the world by implementing the following great ideas. I also recommend reading the post Desperately Want to Travel but Cannot Afford It? This One is for You.

Make a priority list of places to visit.

First of all get a pen and paper and make a bucket list of all great places that you have ever dream to visit. In the end you will have a long list. Narrow down these places in order of priority. Names of places that you consider great should appear on the top while those that you consider least interesting should be at the bottom of the list.

Develop a list of 3 most important things to realize this dream.
Once of have made up your list, the next step is living to see into it by changing your life habits on things that may prevent you from achieving your dream. Examine yourself and come up with a list of three most important things you should change about your life. For example, you can start by thinking positive or pining wall charts of these places to stick this plan deep inside you. Finally, never allow any negative thoughts to change your plan; whenever such happen develop an antidote for it.

Start a saving plan.

The next thing you should do is to come up with a great strategy to save money in order to make this dream a reality. First of all estimate how much you are likely to spend on traveling expenses. Reduce your spending habits and live by the basics. Secondly, come up with creative ideas of making extra cash besides net salary to supplement your travel budget. Try saving as much as possible to get enough money for traveling, always have in mind that the more you save, the more the places you will visit.

Set up dates to go for the visits to make your dream true.

Set a date for each place to visit, those places appearing on the top of your bucket list should come first. However, you should be more realistic when defining these dates which will depend on how much you can save. If you have more sources of income, you can budget for your travel plan closer. Space these dates to allow you more time to save more, however, try as much as possible not to procrastinate but rather be very aggressive to strive hard to meet the set deadlines.

Tell everyone about it

Let your family and close friends know about your dream. As you will later realize, this will keep you on toes to make this dream happen. You can as well ask me, I am ready to help you stick to the plan to realize your dream.

You can go anywhere you want, as long as you have a good plan and stick into it. What you have to do is create a bucket list of must visit places and list three things to make this dream happen. Lastly, develop a saving plan, assign a date for each place, and don't forget to tell your friends about it.

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7 Way to Ensure an Amazing Safari Experience

There are many factor to consider when you travel to Africa. For most individuals, an African safari is a once-in-a lifetime trip. The range of experiences may vary and this depends on many factors including personal preferences and budget. African safari destinations include Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya, South Africa, etc., among others. This article aims to detail seven ways to ensure that you have an amazing safari experience. 

1. Timing the Safari

It is important to time the safari trip so that you make the most out it in terms of watching wildlife or the scenery or taking photographs. If you are keen on watching wildlife in South Africa, it is best recommended to arrange the safari during the winter (between June and September). This is the time when most of the animals come out into the open to graze or drink from waterholes. Summertime (December to February) is when the vegetation is thick and most animals are lost in the shadows.

2. Choosing the Destination

It is important to decide the safari destination well ahead, whether you want to visit Eastern Africa or Southern Africa. The Kruger National Park in South Africa, the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania and the Masai Mara reserve in Kenya, among others, are home to most African animals. These safari parks offer exceptional game viewing facilities that are bound to give you unforgettable memories. You can also choose to visit private game reserves such as Sabi Sand, Samara Game Reserve, etc.

3. Choosing the Right Safari Operator

Right Safari Operator

Hiring the right safari tour operator may be the best way to make it a worthwhile experience. Experienced tour operators provide comprehensive and flexible packages and you can pick from either budgeted trips or luxury trips. The overall cost of the safari depends on factors such as the number of participants, duration of the trip, mode of transport, etc. Many operators also customize the safari tour according to the needs of the traveler. Personalized luxury safari trips are more expensive than group safari packages. Pre-planned group safaris operate on fixed timings and cover specific destinations. It is recommended to choose a package that offers about 8 hours of driving time and 4 hours of camping time in a day.

4. Using a Guide

It is a good idea to use an experienced guide while on a safari tour. Wandering aimlessly on your own may cause you to miss animal sightings. An experienced guide would know to read animal tracks and lead you to them. Guides are usually a part of the safari package when visiting a private reserve. If not, you may have to hire one separately.

5. Looking Out for All Kinds of Animals

All Kinds of Animals

 Though most safari advertisements talk about the big game such as lions, buffaloes, rhinos and the elephants, make a list of all the animals that you would like to see and try to spot them. Zebras, giraffes, warthogs, impalas are all there for you to see and enjoy. This can make the safari tour more interesting and memorable.

6. Accessories are Important

Ensure that you bring along the right type of clothing. Arm yourself with appropriate boots, hats, gloves, sweaters, clothing, cameras and other accessories according to when you travel. Ensure that you carry a pair of binoculars when on the safari. The reserve lodge or accompanying guides do not provide them. It is also a good idea to carry a map or book that provides details about the local culture and habits.

7. Other Activities on Offer

Choose a safari package that has a variety of activities on offer. As an example, some private reserves have camel rides, off-road driving, night drives, bush walks, etc. Some of them offer specialized programs for keeping the children engaged.

As a final note, the safari is most enjoyable when you pick a comfort level that suits you as well as your pocket.

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Which Book Will You Take on Your Next Cruise?

If you are looking to add to the relaxation of a tour of the Caribbean, then how about taking a good book to make the most of every moment? Thomson Cruises have made the selection a little easier by stocking a bookcase of reading material to enhance the flavor of your destination in this interactive InfoGraphic

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5 Tips of How to Choose the Best Travel Insurance

With the reduced insurance rates, it is quite easy and necessary for you to take a travel insurance to provide you with insurance coverage throughout your trips to different destinations. There are many options of travel insurance policies and the choice depends on many factors. Offers such as the annual insurance cover and multi trip insurance have also come up recently. Different travelers will choose

different insurance policies depending on their ages, activities, the luggage they carry with them and the number of family members they intend to travel with if any. The following five tips will help you come up with the best insurance policy:

Consider how often you travel in a year:

If you are a regular traveler, then you can consider using the multi trip policy which covers you for all the trips you make in a year. You will notice that if you are a regular traveler, paying separately for each trip is much expensive than paying for the multi trip policy at once. Contrary to this, for those who travel rarely, paying separately is the best method to use.

Consider buying a multiple cover: 

Multiple Cover

If you have a family; with or without children, buying one cover for the whole family is much cheaper than buying individual insurance covers. The multiple cover policy covers you and your family from all your travel and leisure dangers at a subsidized cost. You can also go to the specifics and get a multiple cover that allows the family members travel independently. This type though is rare to get in any insurance company nowadays.

Compare the prices: 

There are so many insurance companies in your country to choose from. After checking on the quality of service offered in each of them, you can now compare the prices and get the cheapest. It is common to find some prestigious insurance companies which are expensive for nothing. Visit the websites to the available insurance companies and enquire on their pricing. Check on the procedures they have for making claims because some companies will take you through hell before you get your compensation. Examples of good insurance companies which offer the best services include WorldNomads.com and Smartravellers.gov.au.

Consider the activities planned for the trip: 

Activities Planned For The Trip

Some activities such as skating and skiing on rough terrain means more risk of get injuries. If you apply for a regular travel insurance plan, you might end up not getting cover for such injuries. The best thing to do therefore is to take a special insurance cover which protects you for such activities.

Get an extra cover: 

When you are travelling for a long time, you can also take a cover for your home while you are away. Such a cover ensures that you have protected your property for cases of burglary that may happen during the trip. Other additional covers include the bail bond which covers you if you are arrested abroad and sickness cover if you have a pre existing illness.

All these tips are the important considerations you should have a look at before taking your insurance cover. They will ensure you are fully covered.

Please see the travel insurance banner at the homepage for rate reference. 

Related post:           5 Great Ways to Connect with Home While Traveling

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5 Reasons Fall Is the Best Time to Travel

From the time we are kids, we’re conditioned to count down the days until summer. Summer means freedom from responsibilities, vacation time and fun in the sun.

Or maybe you dream of getting away during the winter months, and escaping the snow and ice and visiting someplace warm and sunny — or going the opposite direction and hitting the slopes on your favorite mountain.

While there are numerous benefits to getting away during the winter and summer months, there are just as many drawbacks — most notably the increased crowds and increased rates. When everyone is headed to the most popular destinations at the same time, your long-dreamed-of getaway could turn into a very expensive headache as you stand in yet another line and navigate yet another crowd.

The solution? Travel during the off season, most notably the autumn months. In fact, by some accounts, fall is the best time to travel just about anywhere for several reasons.

Fewer Crowds

For many people, the summer months and school vacation weeks over the holidays and in the later winter and mid-spring are the most convenient times to travel, and for many, this is because the kids are out of school. Even those without kids try to get away during those months — there’s just something about spending a week at the beach during the summer no matter how old you are. But then there’s the problem of crowds. With everyone flocking to the same places at the same time, traffic, lines and long waits are inevitable; for example, wait times to see monuments or major landmarks in some cities can reach up to four hours or longer during the summer months. If you travel in the fall, most of those other travelers will have returned home, shortening the time you have to wait for popular attractions and increasing the chance that you’ll score a room at that great hotel you’ve always wanted to stay at or a table at the hot new restaurant.

Lower Rates

Another benefit of lower crowds? Lower rates travel. The same trip that you would take in the summer could be as much as 50-percent cheaper if you travel in the fall. Because fewer travelers are clamoring for reservations come September, travel providers drop their rates to attract visitors or even offer special perks like free meals or spa treatments to attract visitors. Travelers to major cities who visit on the weekends might find even better deals; for example, Toronto hotels that cater to business travelers often offer special weekend deals to entice travelers to fill the rooms on the weekends (find additional info on deals here). The upshot? More money in your pocket and the same — or better — trip.

Better Weather

Just because the calendar changes to September doesn’t mean that the freezer switch is turned on. In fact, many destinations like Canada and New England have some of the best weather of the year in the fall months. If a beach trip is what you have in mind, most southern beach towns still have warm and sunny weather well into October or even later. If hurricanes are a concern, purchase travel insurance.

Exciting Festivals

In many parts of the world, fall marks the beginning of festival season. From world-renowned events like Munich’s Oktoberfest and Albuquerque’s Balloon Fiesta to more specialized events like Knoxville’s Boomsday fireworks festival, you’ll find celebrations of music, art, food and more around the world in the fall. Serious wine lovers tend to flock to wine producing regions in the fall, when the grapes are harvested and the wine-making process begins, while many regions burst with color as the leaves start to change. All told, fall cannot be beat in terms of celebrations and things to

do.

Easier Logistics

Have you ever tried asking for time off over the Fourth of July, or the week between Christmas and New Year’s? You probably have to do it months in advance, even if your plans aren’t nailed down yet, because others are asking for the same time off. Taking your vacation time in the fall might be an easier sell, as the rest of your office isn’t headed out of town at the same time. If you have kids, getting away after school starts might be a little trickier, but building your trip around long weekends usually means fewer missed days for them.

While there is really no “bad” time to travel, fall certainly has some considerable advantages over other times of the year. If you are thinking about a getaway, consider planning your trip between September and November. You might just find yourself counting the days until September instead of June.

Railroad and autumn leaves image photo credit: Ian Sane / Foter / CC BY

Renaissance festival foxes photo credit: eschipul / Foter / CC BY-SA

About the Author: Louise Vinciguerra might be a fantastic joke teller, but her ability to plan great trips is no joke. She makes her living as a content creator, spending her days on Facebook, Wordpress and Twitter.

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Country Roads Take Me Home – The Beauty of Denver, Colorado

“Country roads, take me home, to the place, I belong…” this popular John Denver song will linger in your ear as you plan your vacation to Denver, Colorado. Though you can stay connected with home as you travel, you'll feel instantly at home in Denver. The rocky mountains of Denver continue to wonder visitors and travellers all over the world because of their natural beauty, majestic sights and the beautiful places and interesting things to do. So if you are looking for a weekend near the Blue Ridge Mountains, hiking near the banks of the Shenandoah River or simply driving down the road to Rocky Mountains, here are some of the beautiful facts about Denver Colorado to keep you company.

1. Scenic Trail Ridge Road 

The most popular attraction in your trip to the Rocky Mountains is the scenic drive to Trail Ridge Road. Ranked as the best and recommended by more visitors that visit the park year after year. From this popular road you will have an unobstructed view of the mountain top as well as the entire valley. The air is crisp and clean but be wary about changing weather conditions that could happen within minutes as you enjoy the heavenly view. 

2. Lovely Lilly Lake

Lilly Lake is possibly the best places in the area where you can commune, have fun and fish. There is a clear trail all the way to the banks of the river and once you get there, the view is exhilarating as you see it in online! The shores of Lilly Lake are perfect for a picnic and day camping activities with the entire family. And though you can find things to do on vacation that may eventually require some financial assistance to afford your travels, pleasures like these are absolutely free. 

3. Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most popular natural places to visit in the US. Aside from 359 miles of hiking trails and 585 campsites, the park is the home to 280 species of birds and about 60 types of mammals that roam freely in the park. Be ready to greet elk, big horn sheep, coyotes, black bears and mule deer. It would help if you visit the park services office or visitor centers (there are 5 visitor centers in the park premises) for orientation on what to do with wildlife. 

4. The Continental Divide and other natural wonders 

A demarcation of the flow of water between the Atlantic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean runs through the park. The highest point in the park is at the top of Longs Peak which is about 14,259 feet. This park is not just one of the most beautiful parks in the country but it is also boasts of a variety of things to do because of its different climates; visitors may hike, snowboard, ski cross country, engage in mountaineering activities and so many more. 

5. Country Road Lyrics 

Yes, John Denver’s popular song Country Road pertains to the natural scenery in Denver, Colorado. This was released as a single in 1971 but continues to inspire people to visit and enjoy the wonders of Rocky Mountain to this day. 

Visiting the Rocky Mountains in Denver is now easy with a variety of hotel accommodations nearby. It is recommended that you book in advance since the park offers activities whole year round to tourists. You can easily find a great hotel in Denver in advance to make your vacation time more uncluttered with last-minute logistics. Booking early will help you take advantage of the best sights and thrills of Rocky Mountain on your next vacation. 

So while you may love San Francisco and other US cities, Denver, Colorado offers you a world, unlike any other, that, without a doubt, you will fall instantly in love with. "Country roads, take me home. To the place, I belong..." Cheers! 

Photo credits: one, two, three, four. 

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5 Great Ways to Connect with Home While Traveling

 

We travel to far and wide places because we want to be disconnect from our hectic life and have totally new experience, see a totally new world. Shutting oneself from the connected world is a very difficult preposition. But still there happens to be those moments where you would want to share an amazing pic that you just took or want to call up home just to say 'I am ok, mom'. So how do you stay connected with your loved ones while exploring, experiencing new worlds? Here are the five ways with wich you can stay connected to your world back home. 

1. Let’s Skype

Skype is one of the most popular communications service worldwide. With an internet connection, you can stay connected using Skype from your laptop. You can text; call and even video call your contacts. These features are available in the standard version, but if you want to group video chat, and an option for unlimited calls to your favorite country, then the premium version - costing $4.99 monthly - suites your needs. 

 2. Wi-Fi calling apps on Android

The data-calling market is crowded with companies selling their products -apps. Some of these apps support only voice calling, while others allow a wide range of options like photo transfer, video call and group chatting. Wifi calling Apps for android like Google Voice, Fring, Tango, etc. are some of the popular apps on the Android platform. Google Voice allows synchronization of my missed calls, voice mails, and text messages with multiple devices, even my contacts across too. Fring's niche is its ability to call other Fring users worldwide free of cost. Moreover the texting and video chats too doesn't cost a cent. Tango is a computer and Android app that allows free international calls and video calls. The Android update includes sending voice messages amongst other feature upgrades.

 

3. International calling plan

Before you embark on your 'voyage', contact your carrier and find the best international calling plan from the country or a regions that you are visiting. Every carrier has affordable and attractive calling plans for international travelers who would want to be in touch with people back home. International airports too have mobile service provider outlets to help you get a plan on the go.

4. Via Facebook 

Facebook is one of the best ways to share your photos, thoughts, experiences, etc with a large group of people. Your friends will be in constant update about your activities and update you back with gossip from home.  Lately, Facebook had added a video conference call feature where one friend can connect with other friends using the camera and mic, just like Skype. I personally found the quality of the video conference of Facebook far better then Skype.

5. The old fashion way - Post Card or letter

Sending a post card with a stamp and some hurriedly written message to your loved ones back home is very nostalgic. The post card tells about the place you have visited, and the stamp and post office mark permanently registers the date and place from where you posted the lovely postcard.

No matter where you travel on the face of this earth you are just a click away from the world that you left behind and set out in search of tranquil holiday. There are various gadgets and gizmos with lots of new features to keep you connected with your world. And where technology fails to reach, there is always the old fashioned post office and the attractive post cards. Happy Traveling!

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How to Use an Unsecured Loan Wisely for Your Travels

The current world involves consumerism with a lot of stress due to long working hours. Thus, a holiday has become an essential part of the individual’s life to keep him/her sane. Whether you opt for an adventure or to attend a beach break, this means a major financial need. In this case, if your overall budget cannot stretch to accommodate your holiday, then you might find that unsecured loans are very useful. This is a loan that is availed and affirmed by the creditworthiness of the borrower. No collateral is needed for you to get one. It is also referred to as a personal loan or signature loan. A high credit rating is all what you need to borrow or to qualify for the unsecured loan. Not the use of property. A personal loan is more preferred for travel because of various reasons.

It can take up to 7 years with a fixed loan repayment.
You can borrow a higher amount of money for and all need to be used wisely during the travel. Unlike bank loans, this will depend on your budget and the circumstances under which you are in. The length of repaying unsecured loan can be as short as one year or as long a 7years. You repay it monthly just like any other loan.

Less paper work is needed to get an unsecured loan
If you need money fast and with less hassle, personal loan takes a short time to be processed. Unlike a bank loan, unsecured loan usually involves much less or no paperwork. In fact you can get a payday advance. It is therefore a convenient and quicker financial solution for tight budget travel.

Overpay your unsecured loan in case you have extra income
Sometimes you can win a jackpot, or a token from a friend. This is always "un-budgeted" for. Therefore instead of wasting such unexpected cash, you should relieve yourself the burden of the unsecured loan. This will give you the freedom you need on your trip. Seek the advice of a consolidation or financial experts. They will assist you in relieving yourself of confusion and stress.

Enjoy good interest rates with unsecured loan for your travels
Even if unsecured personal loan is much riskier on the side of the lender, they do not charge high interest rates. You are assured of fairly competitive interest rates, such as 7.4% APR available on loans. Lower interest rates will help you travel into most prestigious places you have ever dreamed of.

When you opt for an unsecured loan for your vacation, it is crucial to ensure that it is flexible. Always ensure that there no hidden charges for repaying the loan at an earlier date and that there is no increasing of the monthly amount to be paid. However, avoid borrowing more money than you can repay or you need. Remember that as a client, this kind of loan can lead to your bankruptcy. Thus, destroying your credit rating in the future. This in turn will lead to impossibility to borrow more money under whichever circumstance.

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Tips on Discovering Luxurious Dubai

 Dubai is famous for being one of the most luxurious destinations in the world. What's more, it's also among the most varied in terms of attractions, with everything from vast shopping centers and water parks to nature reserves and fine dining on offer. Today, we'll be taking a look at some of the best things to do and see while you're here.

 

Stay in a lavish hotel

Now, being synonymous with luxury, Dubai is somewhere a stay in a lavish hotel is a must. In fact, it's famous for being home to the world's first seven-star hotel, the Burj Al Arab.

You don't have to go up to seven-star standard to experience utter luxury, though. There's a huge array of five-star establishments here that are just about as luxurious as you could imagine - so much so that it's hard to envisage just exactly what else seven-star could give you!

Among the hotels you can book through luxury travel specialists like Sovereign is the One&Only Royal Mirage, which is perched on the ever-popular Jumeirah Beach. A five-star resort, it's nestled in an impressive 65 acres of beautiful gardens, with plenty of sea-facing, Arabian-style rooms and suites that are perfect for really getting into the spirit of the place.

Visit Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary

When thinking of Dubai, high-rise buildings and man-made beaches usually spring to mind - but there's another side to the city. Head to the end of Dubai Creek and you'll reach Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary, which spans around 6.2 sq km.

Created to preserve the local natural ecosystem, it is home to more than 500 species of flora and fauna and in winter more than 20,000 water birds can be spotted here.

Dine out in style

Dubai has as strong a reputation for fine dining as it does for luxury hotels, so you really can't miss treating yourself to a meal out at an upmarket restaurant. One of the interesting things about eating here is that there's such a wide range of choice when it comes to cuisine, with food from all over the world available.

Among the establishments to look out for are those that have just received praise from the Time Out Dubai Restaurant Awards 2013, including Reflets par Pierre Gagnaire, which won the much-coveted Restaurant of the Year. Japanese restaurant TOMO, meanwhile, snapped up Best Newcomer and was applauded for its authenticity.  And if you are a wine lover, this post is a great one.

Hit the shops

Because of the sheer wealth of Dubai and the staggering array of stores its home to, hitting the shops is a must.

It's best to aim for a mixture of shopping centers and traditional souks to get a comprehensive image of the destination's culture.

For the ultimate mall experience, head to Dubai Mall, which is the largest in the world - and is, in fact, also being expanded so it's able to welcome even more visitors than before. There are well over 1,000 stores here, as well as around 160 places to eat and drink. And, just in case that wasn't enough, there's also a cinema, an aquarium and an ice rink - and much else besides!

Deira Gold Souk, meanwhile, gives you a slightly different taste of the city. Here you can see dazzling jewellery; go to Sikkat al-Khail Street to find it.

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The Most Dangerous Countries For Family Travel

There are many countries in the world where most local people and mostly tourists feel completely uncomfortable. These countries have high rates of crimes such as robbery around the streets, murder, terrorism, hostage taking, corruption, among other bad incidents. However, tourists attracted by the local beauty tend not to think about the danger involved in these countries. Currently the majorities of the most dangerous countries are from Africa. Moreover, on the contrary the safest countries are from Europe where everyone is assured of maximum safety. No one should think of visiting these unsafe countries with kids maybe for vacation or any other reason. Keep in mind that contacting other peoples, your embassy, or the authorities is crucial in a case of dangerous situations and having a cell phone handy is a great advise. Also, if you are carrying any android device, you may want to consider great WiFi calling app for android or any other app that offer you cheap or free option.

The following are some of the most dangerous countries for family traveling should consider before thinking of having a vacation there.

Somalia

Somali

Currently, the Somalia is a leading country in Africa in terms of crime. It comprises a gang of pirates who work in the coastal areas with a mission of attacking foreign ships, kidnapping people, as well as demanding huge amounts of money as ransom for their release. In addition to pirates on the coastal waters, most of its clans have been on a war for more than two decades. In short, the list of crimes in Somalia is actually an endless list. Army militants are also not left out in periodical crime incidents where they rob and kidnap kids and adults to ask for ransom from their families. Many of the most wanted terrorists come from Somalia. This country is not safe for family vacations or business trips. Therefore, it is not good to plan a trip to this region with the kids since the situation here is always chaotic. This country is located in the eastern part of Africa. Here are 10 things to consider when visiting Africa.

Pakistan

In this country, hostilities are still going on between the government troops and the rebels from north-west part of it.

Afghanistan

Afghanistan

For many years now, the general situation in Afghanistan has been chaotic with high level of insecurity and crimes all the streets. Even if there are still coalition forces in this country, the danger crime is still smelled all over the streets. Civilians both foreigners and locals are frequently killed and injured by the attacks that are caused by terrorists from "Taliban" movement. No safety is assured in this country by anyone since the situation is continuously deteriorating with the incidents of drug trafficking reported from time to time. It is among the middle-east countries in Africa continent. The country is not safe, particularly with kids because of the high number of drug trafficking incidents.

Jamaica

Besides being a main tourism player, Jamaica has been associated with incidents of murder and crime for several years. The danger of this country starts from the streets Kingston that is its capital city.

Honduras

Honduras is a Central American country with high rates of murder in the whole world. Surprisingly, at least one person is killed at every 74 minutes. In the last five years, murder cases have been dramatically on the rise. Both local and foreign journalists as well as public officials are the most targeted victims of murder. Therefore, safety for people here is not guaranteed to make it unsuitable place for kids or family vacation.

Other countries that are believed to be the most dangerous for family travel are Yemen, Zimbabwe, and Algeria among others. Surprisingly, most of these countries are from Africa continent and most of them were colonized by the European colonies. I strongly advise to do your research before planning and cross info as sometimes some sources will manipulate the information for various reasons.  This would be your responsibility to get the correct information to keep you and your family safe and sound.

If you had been in a dangerous situation while traveling, please share with us your story right here... cheers.

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10 Things to Consider When Visiting Southeast Asia

Southeast Asia has lots of beautiful scenes and cultures. From India to Bangkok you will be sure to get lots of attractive things to see and hence you should highly consider traveling to southeast Asia. When you are traveling to southeast Asia, there are things that you must consider if you are to maximize on your trip. Here are 10 things to consider when visiting Southeast Asia

Budget Travel

1. Budget and currency
When traveling to Southeast Asia, you must ensure that you have the right budget for your trip. You should include things such as accommodation, food and fare. It is advisable to always allow for miscellaneous expenditures since there are lots of beautiful things that you will love to buy when you are in south Asia. You must also make sure that you change your currency to the local currencies. This is easy since there are many places in the cities and near airports where you can change your currency. 

2. Flights

Flights

Are you flying using a direct flight or you are connecting. If you are connecting, which are the countries you will go through and how long will you be in those countries. You must include all this in your plan. The costs of the flights are also very important.

3. Health insurance

When traveling to these countries, you must have health insurance. Trips usually involve going into public places and mixing with people. This makes one prone to tropical diseases. To ensure you can get treated in case you fall sick, get health insurance.

4. Accommodation

Accommodation

So long as your trip is going to take more than a day, you will need to have an accommodation. This should be a secure place where you can rest peacefully. It is advisable to book for a place to stay long before you travel to avoid disappointments and discomforts.

5. Food

Although there are lots of places to eat especially in the cities, you should do checks before you travel and choose where you will be eating. The places you choose should have menus that include foods that you are okay with. Avoid eating lots of new foods as it may give you stomach problems.

6. Why you are traveling

This is very important. If you are traveling for tours and fun, make your schedule to read exactly that. If you are on a business, to do allow your timetable to have lots of tours as it may disorient you. By planning effectively, you will be able to achieve the aim of your travel.

7. Climate and weather

Southeast Asia has a wide variety of climate from very dry areas to very wet areas. There are also extremely cold areas and hot areas. When you are traveling, it is important to know the exact weather and climate of the areas you are traveling to. This will help you know which cloths to carry and what else to bring with you.

8. Peak or off peak

Before you start booking flights, you should first know whether that season is off peak or peak. Traveling during peak means you will pay more for flights and accommodation. Always try and travel during off peaks.

9. On ground travel

How are you going to travel from one place to another. You can decide to hire taxi or use public transport. However, public transport lacks lots of comfort. You can also decide to get a rental car.

10. Papers

Do you have the required papers? Each and every country you will decide to visit will require documents. You must ensure that you have all the necessary papers to avoid being arrested and deported back before you complete your trip.

To enjoy you trip fully, make sure you make all these considerations. It is important to do this long before the time you are suppose to travel.

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