New Orleans is a popular tourist destination year round, and it attracts a wide range of attention for everything from its history and architecture to sports to music and night life to Southern cuisine.
For a destination constantly in the spotlight, there are still a couple of things first-time visitors should know.
Read MoreParis is a European shopping mecca, and the buzz and hype that surrounds the shopping experience here is like no other. Beautiful neighborhoods are bursting at the seams with designer fashion stores, and stylish people strutting the streets. It’s safe to say that Paris is a shopper’s dream.
Set up with over five major department stores and 17,500 + shops, the shops in Paris don’t sell clothes. They sell lifestyles. Though for those who can’t afford to shop at flagship stores, the city is still packed with an amazing range of discount and outlet stores.
In the lead up to Paris fashion week, the following is a guide for Paris fashion you can afford. For those fond of fashion who don’t want to spend a fortune, these are the best discount stores and factory outlets. You’ll find top international designer brands at prices discounted from 30 to 80%!
Read MoreMorocco is one of those dreamy destinations that pull you in with vivid images of colorful souks, exotic culture and a diverse geography.
It has always been high on my list of places to visit, and once I was there it did not disappoint! From the fabulous shopping stalls in a maze of ancient medinas, to the strange sight of goats perched high in trees munching on argon seeds, this is a place which will captivate and amaze, and there is truly so much to see and do.
Though being an experienced traveler doesn’t guarantee a flawless experience every time. Even though we travel to the far corners of the earth alone and return home in one piece, this doesn’t mean we always walk away unscathed. I invite you to hold my hand and join me in a few of my Moroccan mishaps into the Sahara Desert!
Read MoreBusiness or leisure? Why not both? For those lucky enough to travel for business, we suggests turning business trips into mini vacations, or what some call “bleisure” trips.
The cities below are known for their economic prowess as well as their entertainment dexterity, making them perfect for bleisure. With stunning skylines, rich cultural sites, wilderness centers and upbeat night scenes, these cities are the ideal places to blend business with more than just a dash of pleasure.
Read MoreWith its vast collection of idyllic beaches, mysterious caves, majestic mountains, and other natural wonders, the Philippines is a true haven for active vacationers and thrill-seeking adventurers.
Home to some of the most breathtaking vacation spots in the world, there are many reasons to visit the Philippines, though perhaps the most exciting are the truly unforgettable adventures that also offer the most epic adrenaline rush!
Whether you’re into extreme sports like surfing, swimming with whale sharks, or death-defying activities atop the country’s highest points, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for.
Read MoreJapan is a truly unique destination in that each month has something fantastic to offer, and there is genuinely no bad time to go.
Seasons play a huge role in Japanese culture, so visiting at different times of the year will offer different experiences. Many plan their trip around spring to witness the cherry blossoms bloom, though a strong argument could be made that Autumn is the most beautiful time of year! And Kyoto has some of the most stunning fall foliage in the country.
Leaves start changing from mid October and last until mid-December. Hit up the following spots in mid November to see Autumn colors in Kyoto at their best.
Read MoreThere’s a mystery and allure that surrounds the whole Korean Peninsula. South Korea has emerged from the ashes of the war as a country determined to develop into one of the world’s fastest moving and most powerful economies.
It’s full of natural beauty that will make anyone forget that massive cities really dominate the scene. Cities are overtaking the countryside but people haven’t forgotten the importance of community and kindness.
There are so many reasons why you should visit South Korea, because it’s just too wonderful to overlook!
Read MoreAs tropical getaways go, you can’t beat a vacation to Hawaii. As a dream destination with a universal appeal, it’s easy to see why the islands have become synonymous with paradise. From sugary white beaches to Technicolor coral reefs, and a diverse range of hiking trails and volcanoes for the adventurous soul, Hawaii truly has something for everyone.
However, it’s not always as simple as just deciding to vacation in Hawaii. Each of the islands here are truly diverse, offering a whole new set of sights, experiences and attractions, so it’s important to choose the right one.
The following tips will help you choose the right island for your trip. Alternatively, if you have the time, plan on some island hopping and take in a few!
Read MoreOne of the world’s most dazzling natural phenomenons, few travel experiences can top witnessing the Northern Lights. Also known as Aurora Borealis, this is mother nature’s most impressive light show, and something which tops almost every traveler’s bucketlist.
Located in the far-northern latitudes, northern Norway is a popular destination for witnessing the spectacle. “Created by solar winds interacting with charged particles in the earth’s magnetic field, the lights appear as otherworldly streaks of green, red, yellow and purple dancing across the arctic skies.”
The following are the cities and towns in Norway where you have the most chance of seeing the Northern lights. It’s important to note that there is no exact science to catching the Aurora, and that there’s never any guarantee. But occurring predominantly between late September and late March, often close to midnight, here some of your best bets.
Read MoreThe age of the socially conscious traveler is officially here – a recent movement towards responsible travel has seen travelers become more conscious of their environmental and social footprint when heading abroad. People are now realizing the importance of traveling with awareness and thought.
With the idea of being conscious of our impact on both nature and culture, here are 10 easy steps for being a socially conscious traveler in Iceland.
Read MoreWhen planning family trips, it’s best to keep kids busy with activities from crafting and music lessons to hiking and swimming. No one wants to hear, “Mom, I’m bored” while lounging beach side with a cocktail in hand.
Travel is one of the most fun ways for a parent to share the cultures and natural wonders of the world. These destinations are safe for kiddos, catering to the picky eaters, adrenaline junkies, nature lovers, and beach bums too. Not only will kids be welcome, they’ll find programs and excursions designed just for them on each of these global adventures.
Read MoreIf money was no object, where in the world would you go on vacation? Only a select few get to plan their vacation with abandon, not spending one second worrying about their budget.
Here are 5 places we would love to stay if we could afford to, or if someone else was picking up the tab! These are definitely worth the splurge if you’re not worried about your budget abroad.
Read MoreWhen planning a beach vacation, most travelers probably don’t have the UK at the top of their list. And I get it – the water’s cold, and it rains a lot, though during summer the sun does shine, and for those few months out of the year Britain is blessed with perfect weather for the beach.
The UK boasts an incredible coastline with hundreds of stunning beaches to explore, especially when you get to the rugged southwestern tip. Here on this peninsula, Cornwall is home to picturesque harbour villages, soaring white cliffs, and ‘swathes of golden sands that look like something straight from the Med’.
Whether golden or pebbly, bustling or blissfully empty, there are over 300 beaches to discover in Cornwall. The following are some of our favorite picks.
Read MoreClose your eyes, take a deep breath, and follow the amazing scent of aromatic herbs and pine trees. You will no doubt find yourself on the Adriatic coast, in a city that has been named one of Europe’s most interesting historical destinations – the city of Dubrovnik.
Dubrovnik is famous for its distinctive Old Town, encircled with massive stone walls completed in the 16th century. Though it is also famous for the crystal clear waters and endless shimmer of the Adriatic Sea, and many mysterious beaches lie beyond the city walls.
Beaches here are versatile, and there is something to please both sand and party lovers, or those that love the romance of hidden rocky bays. The Croatian coast is one of the main reasons Dubrovnik is among the most prominent tourist destinations in the Mediterranean. Even if you prefer taking a dip in a swimming pool over the sea, the opportunity to plunge into the azure Adriatic may just change your mind.
Read MoreWe spent three weeks exploring the Canadian Rockies. From Banff to Mount Robson, Icefall canyon to the Bugaboos.
We hiked and boated, played disc and checked out the hotsprings. We heli hiked and skied while marveling at everything this incredible country has to offer.
This is the best of Canada in three minutes. I guarantee after watching it you’ll be convinced to jump on a flight!
Read MoreIt’s hard not to notice the Great Mosque on a stroll of Dongguan Street, Xining. And with magnificent islamic architecture that combines together towers, a palace-like prayer hall, and a dazzling green Arabian-style dome, it’s hard not to walk past without being drawn in.
Built on a grand scale combining both Chinese traditional architectural art and Islamic architectural features, this is the biggest mosque in Qinghai Province, and one of the one of the four great mosques in Northwestern China.
A visit to Dongguan Great Mosque Xining offers a fascinating insight into Chinese Muslim culture. This is arguably the most famous Islamic Mosque in China.
Read MoreVisiting a game lodge was high on my priority list during my recent visit to South Africa. In the limited time I had, fifteen days to be precise, my itinerary also included Durban, Cape Town and my arrival destination, Johannesburg.
Kruger National Park seemed fascinating at first, however after a little bit of homework I decided to check on some of the private game lodges which abound all over South Africa. I was initially totally unaware of the public facilities offered within Kruger and the other private game lodges, but on advice of a friend I decided to visit the lesser known Zululand Rhino Reserve.
As it turns out, this was excellent advice, and my six nights spent at the private Zebra Hills safari lodge within the reserve will remain etched in my memory forever.
Read MoreIt was a seemingly endless campaign that was at times very aggressive and bad tempered. Accusations flew between the two sides, there was even a battle of flotillas outside the Houses of Parliament. And, eventually, the unthinkable did happen against all the odds and the UK voted to leave the EU.
In the aftermath of this seismic shift there’s a great deal to be resolved, not least when the country will actually have to leave the EU. Some effects have already been felt although whether these are just temporary blips is a matter of debate. What is more certain is that once the split has occurred there will be many areas of life that will be affected.
A key one will be travel within the EU and there have been certain predictions about precisely how it could be affected.
Read MoreFrom the famed ski slopes of Whistler to the roaring majesty of Niagara Falls, some the world’s greatest travel destinations are just north of the border, in Canada.
With an overload of Canada travel options, which of these destinations are most popular among travelers? Hipmunk analyzed its travel data from 2015 to find out.
Read MoreStaying at a hotel is always exciting and fun. They’re clean, have beautiful facilities, and provide you with a new personal space with endless options for fun. Though the hotel culture in one country is not necessarily the same as the next and if you’re traveling internationally you will notice slight differences in how hotels are run.
When it comes to Australia, the following are a few necessary things you should know about staying in our hotels. These are the most common and most significant things you just must remember while planning your stay.
Read MoreIt was a hot summer afternoon in Ahmedabad, a historic city in Western India. It was the month of May and the temperature had soared well past 40 degrees centigrade. Hot winds blew across the city and singed my bare arms as I looked for an auto rickshaw (a three wheeler moto taxi) to take me to my destination.
I heaved a sigh of relief as one of the ubiquitous green and yellow vehicles slowed down. I sank into the cooler environs of the auto rickshaw, thankful for some respite from the glaring sun, and instructed the driver about my destination. I was headed towards a small village on the outskirts of Ahmedabad, called Adalaj. I had heard about a unique stepwell which was over 500 years old that was located here and wanted to have a look.
I had seen pictures, but pictures never do justice, especially to historic sites. You need to be there in flesh and blood to experience the strange vibrations and aura that one finds in these places. Moreover, I had been fascinated by the legend behind the building of this stepwell and this was one of the prime motivators for heading towards a sleepy village on the outskirts of the Indian city of Ahmedabad.
Read MoreWe’re obsessed with Portugal, and we think that you should be too.
Nestled on the south-western edge of Europe, Portugal has more rugged landscapes, empty beaches, mountainside vineyards, ancient cities, and fairytale castles than you can shake a stick at.
It was awarded the Entrepreneurial Region of the Year just last year. Alongside its relaxed pace of life, relatively low cost of living and great internet connectivity, it’s no surprise then that Portugal is becoming a European hub for Startups, digital nomads, and location independent workers.
Here are cool things to do in Portugal this summer for digital nomads and startups. Take a look at the list below and take your pick!
Read MoreWhen traveling overseas, it’s important to remember that you must obey the laws of the country you are visiting, even if they are different from those you are used to at home. Because when it comes to the law, pleading the ignorant tourist is no defence.
It’s therefore always a good idea to familiarize yourself with the rules and regulations of a destination before you travel. Some countries for instance are particularly sensitive about photographs. Others are incredibly conservative and prohibit public displays of affection. You’ll get arrested for taking naked selfies at Machu Picchu. And failing to flush a public toilet in Singapore could result in a fine.
When it comes to Australia, we have our fair share of laws which you may believe are strange or slightly peculiar. But it could be important to familiarize yourself with them nonetheless! The following are 6 of the odd but strict laws that could get you into serious trouble down under.
Read MoreWhen thinking of religion in India it’s generally Hinduism which comes to mind. But Buddhism is also well practiced here, and there many incredible monasteries to see.
Some are easy to reach while others are remarkably secluded, so remotely located that reaching them is no easy feat. You need to be physically fit to reach the following Indian monasteries, but those willing to travel off the beaten path will reap the rewards. The most secluded monasteries in India are also some of the most spectacular. Set among gorges and steep slopes, they offer splendid isolation from the world in their surroundings.
For those looking for a vacation off the beaten path, we recommend the following secluded monasteries. Many provide good accommodation facilities for tourists. The journey may be rigorous and unassuming but few things can compare to the bliss that manifests once you arrive.
Read MoreNo visit to Australia is complete without a road trip. From coastal journeys and outback adventures, driving is one of the best ways to see this great Southern land.
Driving Australia can be easy on most routes, but you do need to be prepared for the distances. Once you find yourself outside the main cities, much of Australia is very spread out, and towns can be few and far between. So prior planning is essential, especially when it comes to choosing overnight stays to break up the trip.
For those traveling between Melbourne and Adelaide, we recently stayed at Horsham International Hotel which was the perfect overnight stopover for this route.
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I am Megan Jerrard, professional travel blogger/journalist with a focus on adventure, discovery, immersion and inspiring you to explore!
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