Tokyo is a dazzling destination, one popular among travelers for its ability to keep traditional Japanese culture while embracing a passion for everything new. When to visit is a difficult question to answer. Each month has something fantastic to offer, and as seasons play a huge role in Japanese culture, visiting at different times of the year will offer different experiences.
The following are reasons to visit Tokyo during each season. The decision of when to visit is then up to you!
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Rock cut architecture has been a major part of the history and culture of India. From temples and caves to living spaces cut into the hillside, Indian rock cut architecture is more diverse and found in greater abundance than anywhere else in the world.
The practice of creating a structure by carving it out of solid natural rock, there are more than 1,500 structures excavated in India today, and most of them still stand strong. These surviving examples represent the architectural excellence of ancient eras, and the evolution of the populous in India can be studied in amazing detail.
Some of the most spectacular examples of these rock cut temples are listed as follows below.
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When you think of Africa, images of wildlife immediately come to mind. And why not, after all, the vast continent is world famous for its wildlife safaris, and is known as the land of big five – the African elephant, African lion, Black rhinoceros, African leopard and Cape buffalo.
The big five are game animals, and the term refers to the five most difficult animals in Africa to hunt on foot.
Though gone is the day where game hunting is acceptable, and now we load our cameras instead of guns.
The best-known countries for African Safaris are Tanzania, Kenya, Botswana, Namibia and South Africa. Get ready for the best African safari experience at any one of the following parks.
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Kangaroo Island is less than one hour ferry ride from the mainland of South Australia, yet here you’ll feel a million miles away.
The Galapagos Islands of Australia, this is one of the world’s greatest nature based destinations, and with more than one third of the land preserved in conservation parks, the island acts a sanctuary where native Australian animals roam free.
People travel from all over the world to see sea lions basking on unspoiled white beaches, koalas dozing in lofty eucalyptus trees, and bottle-nosed dolphins and fur seals jumping from the sea. Though more than 260 bird species also call Kangaroo Island home, and it is here where you have the unique opportunity to get up close and personal with Australia’s most impressive birds of prey.
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We sped across the ice, 187 feet above Paris. We took in breathtaking views of the city skyline while sipping warm hot chocolate on the ice. We braved the bitter chill to carve out figure eights high above the rooftops of the French capital, illuminated by the twinkling lights of the tower above us.
It was almost as if we were skating on air; but no. We were skating between two immense latticed steel legs. We were skating inside the Eiffel tower!
It was on this day that we realized how little we actually knew about the iconic French landmark we were skating inside. The Eiffel Tower is instantly recognizable across the globe, though do you know anything about it?
Here are 25 fun facts about the Eiffel Tower you probably didn’t know.
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No-one throws a beach party quite like Thailand, and if you’re thinking about heading to Asia and define yourself as “young”, you’ll probably want to plan your trip to coincide with the full moon.
Happening as you guessed it, on the night of each full moon, Thailand’s Full Moon Party is completely off the charts; an all night beach party which sees up to 40,000 people show up each month.
The party begins at dusk and there are more than a few different bars to dance and party at as you make your way along the beach. The beach explodes into a dancing frenzy as different DJ’s play their mix, drunken backpackers cover their bodies in neon paint, and limbo under kerosene soaked ropes.
Inspired by my friend Dan Sellers’ post about “How to Survive a Full Moon Party“, I compiled a similar list of do’s and don’ts from my experiences at this iconic event.
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I had been working as a bellydancer in the Arab world for years, when an opportunity in India popped up in 2014. For three months, I would be based in Delhi, performing in shows at different venues every night.
Sometimes our shows were as far as eight hours’ drive away – unless we were taking a plane. Hungry for a challenge, I took the leap. And I made sure I traveled with a camcorder to document the experience.
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The Gateway to the Scottish Highlands and Islands, Glasgow is a friendly, bustling town full of fascinating landmarks and buildings. Walking the streets allows you to marvel at imposing 19th-century buildings, Victorian and art nouveau architecture, and unique masterpieces of one of the city’s most celebrated sons, the legendary architect and designer Charles Rennie Mackintosh.
Medieval cathedrals mix with modern concert halls, and the city is home to the largest terracotta fountain in the world. (Hint: remember Doulton Fountain). Many of the buildings are quite “distinctive in their appearance, being built of red sandstone, such as both the People’s Palace on Greendyke Street and the Charing Cross Mansions building on Sauchiehall Street.”
But can you pick out some of Glasgow’s top landmarks, from some of the world’s most popular tourist attractions? See if you can beat my score of 10/13.
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Travel to Israel is for many a dream. Eco travelers love the desert, religious pilgrims are drawn to sacred sites on the biblical scene, and for outdoor adventurers there are an abundance of green hills and valleys, multi colored canyons, and the chance to swim in the famous Dead Sea.
Regardless of which destination you choose in Israel, you can rest easy knowing that you can find luxury accommodation where-ever you go. The Dan Hotels is one of the most well-known Israel hotels 5 star, and with 14 properties in popular hubs throughout the country, you can organize all of your accommodation from just one website.
The following are 5 reasons to stay in Dan Hotels on your next trip to Israel.
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In 1931, Airstream began with Wally Byam’s dream: to build a travel trailer that would move like a stream of air, be light enough to be towed by a car, and create first-class accommodations anywhere.
85 years later, when it comes to spotting one on the road, no other travel trailer comes close to the classic, instantly recognizable “silver bullet” look, and after decades of touring the roads and campsites of America (and the world), the Airstream has gone from being an oddity to a true American icon.
For those who have ever wanted to spend a couple of nights in an iconic Airstream travel trailer, a new glamping experience awaits you on Australia’s NSW South Coast. Having come a long way since Wally’s first design, modern Airstream trailers now resemble a luxury home.
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A small village in southern Costa Rica, Uvita holds an important place in the map of tourists and travelers. The small town has grown tremendously over the last couple of years and enjoys a massive arrival of tourists. Once considered remote, today it hustles and bustles with grocery stores, Internet cafe’s, annual music events and a lot more.
Read on to learn more about Uvita and the fun things to do there.
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Regarded as one of the most dynamic cosmopolitan cities in the world, Hong Kong’s charm and allure beckons travellers from all around the world. Beyond the towering sky scrapers and bustling crowds lies stunning natural beauty, incredible cuisine and a rich local culture waiting to be explored.
If you have an upcoming weekend trip planned for Hong Kong, read on to get the lowdown on how to maximise your 48 hours in town, including the best places to stay, eat and play.
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Have you ever wondered what people actually do on an Antarctica tour? Sure, the scenery is awe-inspiring and the weather is cold, but what more does this continent have in store for the intrepid traveller?
Actually, Antarctica is a treasure trove of untapped potential, especially for adventure seekers. Here we take a look at some of the ‘cool’ things to get up to while exploring the south pole.
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There’s nothing better than traveling to an exotic destination with your significant other. The thrilling feeling of adventure combined with butterflies in your stomach guarantees an unforgettable experience, and you will be creating memories that you can cherish for a lifetime.
While planning for a romantic trip, it’s important to think outside the box. Destinations like Paris, Venice, and Bali are all iconic destinations for couples seeking romance, though you need to think about whether you really want to share your memories with thousands of other couples too.
The following are 10 romantic destination ideas for couples to visit this year. Consider traveling here if you are looking for something a little more exotic than Paris and an experience that is truly unique.
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Jakarta is a dynamic city, and one of the world’s greatest megalopolises. At first sight it can appear to be a crowded and confusing city, and it can be difficult to look past the maddening traffic and pollution for which it is known. Many tourists choose to take in other destinations throughout the archipelago instead. Their loss.
Missing out on Jakarta on a visit to Indonesia is a mistake. Underneath what is often perceived as an unappealing facade are plenty of unexpected surprises; an exciting nightlife and vibrant shopping scene, and a melting pot of Indonesian culture and cuisine.
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My first real exposure to Burma (Myanmar) was while watching Anthony Bourdain’s Emmy award-winning ‘Parts Unknown‘. The country was featured in the very first episode of this long running TV series, and I was immediately excited to go. My travel senses were quickly sparked, as was a curiosity about a country that had been isolated from the rest of the world for 60 years. I wanted a first hand experience like Anthony Bourdain.
Luckily I was in Kuala Lumpur at this time, and on visiting the Burmese consulate I received my tourist visa on the same day. Burma is still one of South East Asia’s biggest hidden gems. You can tell that from the number of people applying for a visa.
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Travelling through Europe is a must for anyone looking for a fabulous vacation. It is full of historical sites, lush landscapes, and offers up many exciting kinds of accommodations for explorers.
Here are 5 gems that you must visit this year, including Ireland, Croatia, Italy, Holland and Iceland.
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Flights are one of the most obvious ways to travel between cities in the United States, but that doesn’t mean that they’re the most affordable, comfortable, or even the most memorable. In fact, there are many other methods of transportation for making your way across the USA which you may find more appealing.
Whether you’re not a fan of flights, or want to take in some of America’s world class scenery along your way, the following are alternative ways to get around when exploring the States.
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Myanmar is a country which has been off limits for many years; isolated from the rest of the world due to decades of a brutally oppressive regime. Though following the lifting of Western sanctions, Burma – also known as Myanmar – has become a magnet for tourists. And it’s not hard to see why.
Myanmar is a country full of mythical landscapes and wondrous sights: From golden-gilded Buddhas in Yangon, to a thousand temples scattered across the countryside in Bagan, it is a beautiful and culturally rich country. “You can still drift down the Ayeyarwady (Irrawaddy) River in an old river steamer, stake out a slice of beach on the blissful Bay of Bengal, or trek through pine forests to minority villages scattered across the Shan Hills without jostling with scores of fellow travellers.”
But the big draw is the chance to see a country where the 21st-century world has barely touched. This is the least visited country in South East Asia, which has managed to preserve the look of old Asia. It’s a place where Buddhism is still a way of life.
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From the moment we stepped onto the bus, our tour guide was pelted with questions from my excited fellow travelers. “Where is the gold train?” “Can we see it?” “Have they confirmed yet what it contains?” “Have they actually FOUND it?”
Frankly, I didn’t have a clue what they were talking about, but I soon found out. We were on our way to the majestic 13th century Ksiaz castle in Walbrzych/Lower Silesia, where it is rumored that underground tunnels hide a train laden with 300 tons of gold.
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There’s a famous saying, “when in Rome, do as the Romans do”. And this is always the goal when traveling; to immerse yourself fully in a new culture, and engage in authentic local interactions and experiences.
With the emergence of local experiences marketplaces that are English-language friendly and offer low-cost travel options, seeking local experiences is easier than it ever has been before. There are friendly locals in every city in the world willing to show you around, and invite you into their home.
Withlocals is one such marketplace, a platform connecting travelers with locals through food and experiences. This eliminates the overcrowded tour buses, cliche dining options, and stereotypical activities by instead offering private tours and dining experiences lead by locals themselves.
For those looking to roam Rome like a local, and literally “do as the Romans do”, the following are some fantastic Withlocals offerings for Rome. 7 ideas for authentic, local Italian experiences available for travelers.
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Water is the most crucial condition for life of all kinds. All living organisms need it in order to survive, though there are more than 780 million people worldwide without access to clean drinking water. 345 million of them live in Africa alone. Every 21 seconds, a child dies from a water related sickness.
Instead of turning a blind eye, Charlie Christensen decided it was time to do something about it. On May 18 2015 he freed himself of his job, his apartment, and most of his possessions to begin Walking for Water; a philanthropic pilgrimage, on foot, from Denmark to Tanzania.
This means walking for 18,000 kilometers, through 28 countries, over 2.5 years. It is a journey to inspire the beginning of a movement meant to combine the trends of explorations and self realizing journeys with the noble cause of supplying the world with clean drinking water, wherever needed.
Almost one year in, he will cross the straight to Africa on the 18th of May 2016 to continue his journey.
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While the majority of travelers to Australia head straight for the iconic sites of Melbourne, Sydney and the Great Barrier Reef, this amazing country offers so much more. Occupying the vast eastern corner of Victoria, Gippsland is one area in particular that travelers should explore; a region of spectacular natural landscapes of unparalleled beauty.
With quaint seaside villages, alpine towns and farming communities, unspoiled beaches, ample farm-fresh produce and beautiful lakes, rivers and mountain ranges, we are fortunate to call Gippsland our home. Being such a large area, National Parks are a plenty here, and our days and weekends are spent camping, bush walking, fishing and relaxing on unspoiled beaches along the coast. This is a paradise for those who love nature and the outdoors.
The following are the top 5 National Parks to visit in Gippsland, Australia.
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Sri Lanka is many things. A mesmerizing and magical place, it is a beach lovers paradise kissed by tropical seas, and a haven for budget travelers and foodies with cheap prices, flavourful food and famous teas. There are oodles of heritage, wildlife, and incredible landscapes just waiting to be hiked. There are a huge range of timeless ruins and ancient sites.
Upon leaving New Zealand, I had no idea or expectations about Sri Lanka, only curiosity. Years of war and natural disasters like tsunamis have kept many travelers away. Though the country is quickly moving forward, and I found Sri Lanka’s myriad appeals alluring.
Arriving to a country that had seen so much suffering, I was humbled to see that the people in Sri Lanka were happy, friendly and optimistic about the future. The country is finally seeing peace and recovering from it’s tumultuous past, with a lot to offer those travelers willing to make a trip.
Sri Lanka is a small country, and you can pack a lot into a vacation of 12 to 16 days. The following are my favorite 5 reasons for why you should visit Sri Lanka. Travel now before the rest of the world realizes this unbelievable country has been hiding in plain sight.
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One 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 almost every traveler has at the top of their bucketlist.
Though you may not have to travel as remotely as you think in order to catch a glimpse. While most of the following destinations are close to the Arctic, you can often expect sightings as far south as the United Kingdom, or, if you’re in the southern hemisphere, catch the equally as impressive Southern Lights in Australia instead.
It’s important to note that there is no exact science to seeing the Northern Lights, and that there’s never any guarantee. Though from the northernmost fjords of Norway to the snow-enveloped wilderness of Alaska, here are some of your best bets.
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