by pankaj | Mar 27, 2023 | Vacations & Leisure
The USA is considered an expensive nation. The United States is more expensive for residents and visitors than places in Central America, Eastern Europe, or Southeast Asia. However, there are still affordable ways to have fun in the USA! This list contains affordable destinations to experience the finest local culture, history, and entertainment.
Top 5 Fantastic And Affordable Cities To Visit In The U.S.
- Travel to New Orleans, Louisiana.
This bright, dynamic metropolis is one of the best places to visit in the U.S. It is also reasonably priced for visitors! You can even participate in a labor exchange there to save money on lodging. There are many interesting hostels. New Orleans is a haven for partygoers, musicians, and artists. Beautiful architecture, nightclubs, live music venues, antique shops, and low-cost restaurants serving spicy ethnic cuisine may all be found in this Mississippi River city.
Several locations usually offer free public art exhibitions and musical events on the street. You should also visit Jackson Square and the French Quarter, hubs for cheap entertainment.
- Meet Daytona Beach, Florida.
Daytona Beach in Florida, popular with families and college students, has much to offer for Americans traveling on a low budget. The free beach is the primary attraction here, of course. You may spend hours playing sports in its sand, swimming in the ocean, and soaking up the Florida heat without paying anything.
Daytona Beach offers a variety of affordable international cuisine, free museums, and affordable entertainment alternatives in addition to the beach. There are also free outdoor performances during the summer. As a result, Daytona Beach, Florida, is one of the USA’s most budget-friendly travel locations. Look into Florida volunteer opportunities to save even more money!
- Save some money in Austin, Texas.
Austin, the state capital of Texas, offers various entertaining and inexpensive activities. In one of Austin’s several national parks and gardens, you can go walking, cycling, hiking, running, boating, and kayaking with friends. McKinney Falls State Park, Barton Creek Greenbelt, Lady Bird Lake, Barton Springs, and Mount Bonnell are the best. You may explore every one of these sites for free!
Austin also offers picturesque drives, museums, inexpensive restaurants, and live music venues. Austin is a terrific city to see a concert in if you enjoy country or blues music. Austin even has hostels that cost about $30 per night, which is reasonable for the USA. Volunteering in Dallas, around three hours from Austin, is also fantastic.
- Cheap activities to do in Salt Lake City, Utah.
West of the USA, Salt Lake City is a fantastic spot to travel. While there are many fun things to do in the city, it’s a great place for hiking, camping, skiing, or snowboarding in the adjacent mountains.
The cost of exploring Salt Lake City is low because of economical car rentals, lodging, and volunteer opportunities. Free activities include visiting museums, sightseeing, and relaxing in parks and gardens. Free attractions in the city include Liberty Park, Red Butte Garden, Mormon Temple, Temple Square, and the Utah State Capitol.
- Save money in Boston, Massachusetts.
Boston is one of the most reasonably priced travel locations in the United States, which would surprise many people. But tourists frequently find Boston to be unexpectedly inexpensive. Hotels are pricey, but the capital city of Massachusetts is brimming with history and culture that are usually free.
Boston’s most well-known tourist attraction is the Freedom Trail. Along this walking path, you will see the historical monuments important to the country’s war for independence in the 18th century. Additional free Boston sites include Boston Harbor, Boston Public Library, Harvard Campus, and Boston Common. Go to Quincy Market or the renowned Faneuil Hall for a cheap supper.
by pankaj | Mar 24, 2023 | Vacations & Leisure
Seychelles offers so much and is undoubtedly the most gorgeous island in the world, whether you arrive for a romantic, indulgent honeymoon or a more active trip.
It is a haven for animal lovers. The islands are home to ancient tortoises that predate humans, a wide variety of vibrant marine life, lizards, geckos who want to share your breakfast, and around 190 bird species.
Before you board that plane, consider the following advice and suggestions.
Why Should You Visit?
The natural wonder of these islands resembles a cliche from a travel guide: Everybody should visit a place like this once in their lifetime. Smooth granite boulders hem, the white beaches, and the crystal-clear sea, along with the rich vegetation and the teeming fauna, is something everyone should experience. There are many activities, especially water sports, to keep you entertained if you need a break from lounging on the sun lounge, and the native cuisine is spicy and fresh. The local culture is also fascinating.
Best Time To Visit
With monthly highs of 80 degrees Fahrenheit, the temperature stays mostly the same throughout the year. However, while the winter is considerably colder, the southern hemisphere summer, which lasts from November to January, typically has the most precipitation and humidity. Therefore, visit in the spring or fall, roughly between October and November, or between April and May, for the most pleasant weather and the least rain.
Best Things To Do
- The Vallee De Mai, Praslin Island
One of two Seychelles World Heritage Sites designated by UNESCO, the Vallee de Mai is well-known for its clusters of 4,000 coco-de-mer trees and five other rare palm tree species. The best thing to experience it is to hike one of the three trails—the Cedar Trail, Central Trail, or Circular Trail—either independently or with a local guide who can be employed from the tourist center. It is also a haven for birds like the rare Seychelles bulbul.
- Victoria, Mahe
One of the smallest world capitals, tiny Victoria is home to 26,000 people, more than 25% of Seychelles’ under 100,000 total population. The nation’s capital has a botanical garden and numerous colorful colonial homes. Its only notable object is a diminutive clocktower at a crossroads that is well worth a visit. The Sir Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke Market, the island’s primary market and a daily feast for the senses (closed on Sundays), is also located in Victoria.
- The Aldabra Atoll
One of the world’s largest raised coral atolls, this second UNESCO World Heritage Site comprises four islands. The largest population of giant tortoises may be found there, and if you go underwater, you can see turtles, the equivalent of land mammals. Unfortunately, the atoll lies 750 miles southwest of the main island, which explains some of its natural beauty and the difficulty of visiting. If you want to come, you must do so on a local cruise, sleeping aboard the boat, as there is no hotel, mooring for boats, airstrip, or helipad.
- St Anne Marine National Park (From Mahe)
In this marine park, you can snorkel among the vibrant reef fish, look for turtles, relax on a boat or one of the many sandbanks, and take in the scenery. Mahe offers daily excursions that make for a fantastic day out.
- Copolia Trail, Mahe
This easy walk on the main island rises steadily but manageably to 760 feet above the capital, offering 360-degree views of the entire island and surroundings. Birds and vegetation are all around you, but not many people. A former school for slave children’s ruins, the Mission Lodge, and the gazebo where Queen Elizabeth II enjoyed tea during her visit to Seychelles in 1972 are all close by.
by pankaj | Mar 22, 2023 | Vacations & Leisure
Europe is packed with beautiful phrases that “an embarrassment of riches” could have been coined to describe them. The continent is home to a wide variety of vibrant small cities, stately chateaux, Roman remains, ecclesiastical structures, medieval castles, shimmering lagoons, and secluded beaches, some of which are located close to one another.
It’s easy to find (or seek out) an attractive location, but because there are so many in Europe, narrowing down the list of the most stunning sites can be challenging. So if you’re looking for a location with countless picture opportunities, keep reading for some stunning suggestions.
Top 10 Most Beautiful Places in Europe
- Villa Rufolo, Ravello, Italy
Ravello continues to inspire travel fantasies, music, and art unlike any other of the enticing Amalfi Coast towns to explore, and Villa Rufolo plays a significant part in that. This opulent maritime home hypnotizes guests with its cliff-clinging gardens, a distinctive fusion of architectural styles, and Tyrrhenian Sea views.
- Egremni Beach, Lefkada, Greece
Egremni Beach is a remote paradise with some of the clearest seas on the planet. It is so beautiful because of the contrast between the turquoise water and the stark white sand. Despite being difficult to get to (i.e., requiring a hike down 350 steep stairs), this Ionian idyll’s stunning beauty could only partially keep it off the tourist radar.
- Pena Palace, Sintra, Portugal
Pena Palace, a 19th-century castle perched atop a rocky mountain in the Sintra Mountains, is a popular destination for tourists who come to take pictures of its brightly colored facade and enjoy the expansive vistas. A 200-hectare park nearby has walking routes shaded by exotic trees, lakes, and ponds, giving the impression of a secluded garden.
- Our Lady of the Rocks, Montenegro
Numerous scenic attractions along the route circle the Bay of Kotor. Still, none is more worth stopping to admire than Our Lady of the Rocks, a rock-built artificial island off the coast of Perast that a 17th-century Roman Catholic church dominates.
- Bruges, Belgium
On rare occasions, a location is so stunning that putting your camera down briefly would mean missing a photo opportunity. Bruges fits that description. The picturesque city of West Flanders, Bruges, resembles a scene from a movie thanks to its canals, cobblestone streets, and notable medieval structures, such as the Belfry of Bruges.
- Abbaye Notre-Dame de Senanque, Gordes, France
Provence’s Luberon region is well known for its enticing lavender fields. Outside of Abbaye Notre-Dame de Sénanque, a magnificent example of a Cistercian monastery that offers guided tours of the church and cloisters, rows of this purple plant scent the air and produce a spectacular visual.
- Sao Miguel, Azores
So Miguel, the main volcanic island of the Azores archipelago, an autonomous region of Portugal in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, is known as the “Hawaii of Europe.” It is home to breathtaking beaches and valleys with lush vegetation, dramatic peaks, crater lakes, and surreal steam-emitting fumaroles.
- Keukenhof, Lisse, Netherlands
The 32 hectares of vibrant flower bulbs at Keukenhof, about 30 minutes outside of Amsterdam and regarded as the world’s most beautiful springtime garden, burst into life between late March and mid-May. These flowers include tulips, hyacinths, daffodils, orchids, roses, carnations, irises, and lilies.
- Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia
Travelers are led to numerous picturesque locations, including Croatia’s renowned Plitvice Lakes National Park, searching for the world’s bluest water. Almost a million people visit this natural beauty annually, midway between Zagreb and Zadar. They are awed by its crystal-clear lakes, cascading waterfalls, caverns, and lush forests.
- Lapland, Finland
Lapland, a real-life winter wonderland with snow-covered terrain, is traversed by the Arctic Circle. Yet, beyond the seemingly Elsa-touched surroundings, what makes the sky so beautiful is what’s up there. Visitors to this rocky, remote area of Finland can catch a glimpse of the colorful northern lights between September and March.
by pankaj | Mar 20, 2023 | Vacations & Leisure
It’s still early enough to start planning your summer, as spring is in the air. You’re at the right place if you’re seeking an off-the-beaten-path getaway away from the masses. Here are a few less well-known alternatives to highly-liked summer vacation spots that are well worth a visit before the word spreads further, both within the US and beyond.
- Go to Oregon instead of Hawaii.
Hawaii and Oregon differ in a few rather obvious ways, including that only one is an island with a tropical climate all year round. On the other hand, Oregon has some of the most beautiful landscapes, including the wide Pacific coastline, the temperate rainforest, amazing hiking, lovely farming, and waterfalls. Cannon Beach is a fantastic area to sunbathe on a nice summer day, despite the lack of palm trees and coconuts. While the Road to Hana won’t be there, a drive down the Pacific Coast Highway is decent.
The Oregon Coast – from Astoria to Bandon — is home to state parks, hiking trails galore, a jagged coastline, panoramic sand dunes, and freshly caught seafood. Even whale watching and boating for Dungeness crab are options. In addition, you can hike to secret waterfalls in the Columbia River Gorge and taste hard cider produced at nearby apple and peach orchards. And don’t forget about the Valley of the Giants, a rainforest home to some truly spectacular Douglas-fir and Hemlock trees, and Crater Lake National Park, a sizable volcanic crater surrounded by cliffs.
- Go to Fire Island instead of Cape Cod.
With good reason, Cape Cod is one of the most popular vacation spots in the Northeast. Nevertheless, lodging and vacation homes on the Cape come with heavy price tags to match the busy season. Fire Island is a great substitute if you’re looking for a comparable sense of familiarity, gorgeous beaches, breathtaking summer sunsets, and a cozy, small-town atmosphere. This small barrier island, only 31 miles long, is convenient for weekend getaways or longer vacations because it is close to New York City. Also, there are no vehicles on the leisurely Fire Island; people travel by boat or bicycle.
Cherry Grove is a favorite among LGBT visitors, Kismet is known for its party scene, and hotel-free Saltaire is the place for its tranquil, relaxing ambiance. Ocean Beach is the most vibrant town with seafood restaurants, ice cream parlors, pubs, and shops. Fire Island has accommodations for any kind of traveler, whether they want to stay in a hotel, hit the beaches, keep low and make their meals, or rent a house, lay low, and explore the nearby cities.
- Go to Idaho instead of the Canadian Rockies.
The Canadian Rockies are at their busiest during the summer when tourists throng to admire the breathtaking scenery of Banff National Park, Jasper National Park, and glacier-fed Lake Louise. However, Idaho is a remarkably underestimated outdoor vacation spot in the States. It features landscapes reminiscent of the Rocky Mountains and the Pacific Northwest and plenty of lakes, lava fields, waterfalls, and deserts.
Explore Coeur d’Alene with its forested lake, go hiking in Sun Valley, float down the Middle Fork of the Salmon River, camp in the Sawtooth Mountains, and combine urban conveniences with outdoor adventure in the trendy city of Boise. And be sure to stop at Stanley, a small town in the Sawtooth Valley with a huge personality that serves as a gateway to all the area’s fishing, rafting, and outdoor recreation opportunities.
- Go to Tinos instead of Santorini.
Santorini is the first Greek island that comes to mind when you think about the islands. Although this well-known Aegean vacation spot is undoubtedly stunning, it is overrun with travelers worldwide. Tinos is better if you want a comparable atmosphere, equally beautiful scenery, and few tourists.
While Santorini’s overpriced and crowded restaurants are difficult to obtain a seat at, each of Tinos’ several towns has a welcoming taverna serving straightforward, expertly prepared fish that is caught nearby. Pyrgos and Kardiani are two picture-perfect villages to visit. In addition, there are wineries where you may sample regional Greek wines and gleaming beaches like Livada, Kolimvithra, and Ormos Giannaki.
by pankaj | Mar 16, 2023 | Vacations & Leisure
People now use social media more to decide their next vacation spot, and one major trend is shouting out the finest places to go before they get too popular. Gatekeeping is no longer necessary, and TikTok is letting loose with its recommendations for the top destinations. They come from all over the world, from Saudi Arabia to California, and are sure to make you want to take a vacation.
You may be among the first to discover these places when they initially become well-known, even though they are just as entertaining. So make your decision now.
According to TikTok, here are the eight places you must see before they become too well-known:
- Palawan, Philippines
Palawan is an archipelagic region in the Philippines. Here, you can get your inner Avatar without even trying. Almost crystal-clear blue/green waves are flanked by exhilarating peaks that look almost unreal. Take a boat to the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River to experience an entirely new environment. The island also features a hip town and wonderful white-sand beaches. This location is great for scuba diving if you like it. The dry season is the best time to visit which is from November to May.
- Glass Beach, California
This location is a TikTok and Instagram lover’s paradise near Fort Bragg. It’s a stone beach with sea glass of various colors. Since this area used to be a big rubbish dump in the 1900s, there is a lot of sea glass here. Unfortunately, the ocean has rounded out all the glass and carried it back to shore. Local authorities are working hard to adopt precise regulations to protect the beach. You should visit this amazing location as soon as possible. It’s an excellent location to learn about environmental protection and how to prevent sustainability blunders.
- Zakynthos, Greece
This TikTok shouts summer vacation as soon as possible. Most of the video is devoted to Navagio beach, on the Greek island of Zakynthos, an Ionian. This beach, one of the most well-known features on the island, is only reachable by boat. Due to a boating accident in 1980, there is wreckage on the beach, and the surrounding waters are extraordinarily blue. Before the beach gets too crowded, make your reservations here. Agios Nikolaos, Alykanas, and Tsilivi beaches on the island are excellent choices for tourists seeking a Greek vacation.
- Madeira, Portugal
Four islands off the coast of Africa make up the Madeira group; they belong to Portugal.
They stand out because they are a hiking lover’s heaven. The main island’s volcano, rocky beaches, and numerous steep, rocky cliffs will appeal to anyone who enjoys the outdoors. If you’re visiting, remember to sample the excellent wine as well.
- The Land of Legends Kingdom Hotel, Turkiye
This is the perfect fit if you’re seeking a holiday for a fantastic fairytale. Turkey is a stunning nation with a rich history, culture, and culinary heritage. If you’re in the area, the Land of Legends Kingdom Hotel is a terrific location to check out.
by pankaj | Mar 14, 2023 | Vacations & Leisure
Vietnam has much to offer tourists, from the breathtaking views of Sam Mountain and Ha Long Bay to the man-made artistry of the revered temples and pagodas to the rice terraces and beaches. There is no doubt that traveling in Vietnam on a budget is an experience full of scenic landscapes, bustling cities, and delectable cuisine.
This Vietnam travel guide for a tight budget can assist you in organizing your trip, avoiding frequent pitfalls, and making the most of your time there.
Top 5 Things to See and Do in Vietnam
- Tour the Mekong Delta
The delta often referred to as the Nine Dragon River Delta, is a 60,000 km (37,000 km) long network of interconnecting waterways that straddles three provinces in Vietnam. Since the fourth century BCE, mankind has used it, which is crucial for agriculture. This area is rich in wildlife, with over 1,000 species calling it home. Little villages, pagodas, mangroves, and orchards are throughout the place. Going on a boat or bike excursion is the greatest way to see the region and experience rural Vietnamese culture.
Over a trip to the delta, you will cruise historic temples, shop for fresh fruit and see small boats called “floating markets,” explore the wild and overgrown jungle, and eat great local food. You can spend a few days genuinely getting to know the area away from the bustle of the cities. River day tours begin at about 575,000 VND per person.
- Wander Hanoi
The capital of the former country of Au Lac, now known as Vietnam, was there in the third century BCE. See the various temples and galleries, the history museum, and the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum while exploring the Old Quarter’s winding lanes. The city is packed with old French colonial buildings, historic Vietnamese sites, temples, and other places of worship. Due to its initiatives to advance equality, education, and environmental conservation, it was designated a UNESCO “City for Peace” in 1999. A good starting point for multi-day trips to Ha Long Bay is Hanoi. Embrace the bustling, chaotic nature of the city!
- Explore Ha Long Bay
In the emerald green seas of Ha Long Bay, one of the most well-liked tourist sites in the nation, are more than 3,000 islands. Jade jewels that the dragons spat forth turned into islands that defended the mainland from intruders. The area covers 370,000 acres and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Rich jungles are present on the islands. The hiking on Cat Ba Island is excellent, and many visitors go on a cave tour. Most tours here last three to five days and depart from Hanoi. Please be aware that the harbor can get very crowded!
- Hang out in Hoi An
Historic buildings and cute eateries abound in Hoi An. It was a prosperous port city between the 15th and 19th centuries, and the architecture is remarkably well-preserved (the entire Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site). It’s little and ideal for strolling, shopping for suits (there is a sizable fashion and tailor market), dining, and lounging by the river. A Bang and Cui Dai, two of Vietnam’s most beautiful white sand beaches, are located in Hoi An. If you visit Hoi An, you can participate in activities related to history, culture, gastronomy, nightlife, nature, or shopping. Easily, it was my favorite location in Vietnam.
- Get adventurous in Sapa
The best trekking region in northern Vietnam is here, and many tourists adore it. The hill tribes, rich foliage, lovely hiking trails, and majestic mountains that makeup Sapa are well known. This is the spot to go if you want to enjoy the beauty and outdoor activities Vietnam offers. For the most breathtaking vistas, climb Mount Fansipan, often known as the Roof of Indochina. After that, unwind with a special herbal bath that the Red Dao people enjoy for its therapeutic properties. It’s a great location for camping, hiking, biking, and exploring. Come during the off-season or go on longer walks to areas where the people don’t congregate to avoid the tourists.
