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.
by pankaj | Mar 10, 2023 | Vacations & Leisure
With so many amazing things to visit and do, organizing the ideal Thailand holiday can be overwhelming. Yet you can make your trip to Thailand special with forethought and investigation. Here are some suggestions for organizing the ideal trip to Thailand in 2023.
Top 5 Tips to Plan the Perfect Thailand Vacation 2023
- Pick the right destination.
Choosing which of Thailand’s stunning locations is best for you can be challenging when there are so many to discover. Think about your spending limit, what you wish to do, and the duration of your stay. Do you want to visit the city, the bush, or the beach to unwind? Choose a location based on your interests and needs for a holiday. To further understand what each place offers, do some web research on various locations.
- Book your flights.
To get the greatest discount on flights to Thailand, shop around and make your reservation early. Some of the most well-liked airlines for flights to Thailand are Thai Airways International, Bangkok Airlines, and Thai Smile. These flights typically land at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport or the smaller Don Mueang Airport. To help you save money on your flight, keep an eye out for any special discounts or offers that could be available.
- Book your accommodation.
By making your reservations in advance, you can save money and guarantee a cozy and secure place to stay. There are many different lodging choices, ranging from opulent resorts to affordable hostels. To learn more about each hotel’s amenities, browse reviews of various accommodations online.
Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket are three of Thailand’s most visited cities, and each offers a wide range of lodging options. While luxurious resorts are ideal for those seeking a more pleasant stay, budget-friendly hostels are great for those seeking a more reasonable option. The convenience of home is also made available to guests thanks to the rising popularity of holiday rentals in Thailand. In Thailand, you are certain to discover the right kind of lodging, no matter what it may be.
- Get your visa.
Depending on their nationality and length of stay, visitors from a few countries might need to get a visa before traveling to Thailand. Visitors from a select group of nations, including those in the European Union, the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, can stay in Thailand for up to 30 days without a visa. However, visitors who wish to stay longer must apply for a visa. Visitors can apply for a tourist visa, which can be renewed for an additional 30 days and is good for 60 days.
Tourists must show the required papers and documents to the Thai embassy or consulate in their country of residence to apply for a visa. A valid passport, passport photos, a filled-out visa application form, evidence of sufficient finances, and proof of return travel are normally required. A visa cost will also be incurred. To ensure their visa is accepted and ready in time for their travels, tourists should apply at least one month before their trip.
- Pack appropriately.
Temperatures in Thailand normally range from 65 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit (18 to 32 degrees Celsius) and are hot and muggy. The monsoon season lasts from June through October, marked by hefty downpours and ferocious winds. The weather is milder and fewer rainstorms throughout the winter months (November to February). Warm clothing should be brought because it can get cold in the higher mountainous areas.
Thailand’s dry season lasts from March to May. The weather is more pleasant this time of year, and it rains less frequently. However, it’s crucial to remember that the humidity is higher this time of year, which might be difficult for travelers.
by pankaj | Mar 3, 2023 | Vacations & Leisure
Even though travel should be simple and available to everyone, the world is still dangerous for women. Asian women are considerably more at risk while traveling alone due to the spike in Asian hate crimes. Nonetheless, female-only vacation spots are more well-liked than ever. Overseas Adventure Travel reports that women make up 85% of its solo travelers, and between 2018 and 2019, more than 60,000 American women traveled alone. Keeping this in mind, let’s discuss some of the safest locations for women to go alone, particularly if they are Asian.
Top 5 Safest Places for Women to Travel Alone
- Seoul – South Korea
The capital of South Korea is a good place for women to travel alone because of its superb transportation system and low crime rate. Even if you need help in Seoul, locating English-speaking locals is easy, so you can always ask for assistance. Seoul is a captivating fusion of the old and new, with grand palaces and shrines set against trendy shopping areas and instagrammable cafes.
Get a Discover Seoul Pass to access the city’s top attractions for maximum convenience. The ticket can also get discounts at stores and on buses and trains.
- Tokyo – Japan
Japan is one of the best places for solo female travelers because it has a low crime rate and is simple to navigate. To cut costs on lodging, consider vacation rentals and capsule hotels, which are ideal for solo travelers unable to share expenses.
There is almost too much to see here, so plan and choose the best locations. Tsukiji Market is the best place for foodies in Tokyo to find fresh sushi and sashimi at reasonable rates. The city’s Akihabara neighborhood is perfect for pop culture nerds because it is home to a bewildering selection of anime and video game shops and unusually themed cafes. Finally, Tokyo is one of the finest solo trips for women who want a little bit of everything because of the enormous variety of options.
- Bangkok – Thailand
The capital city of Thailand will undoubtedly provide solo travelers with value for their money with its stunning temples and vibrant culture. One of Southeast Asia’s safest destinations for solo travelers, it’s simple to get around due to various transportation choices like buses, sky trains, subways, taxis, tuk-tuks, and river taxi boats. In addition, Thailand is a famous destination for backpackers, making it a great place to meet new people while traveling.
You can explore magnificent temples like Wat Arun and Wat Phra Kaew in Bangkok and find excellent bargains at weekend markets. Enjoy genuine Thai street food and browse for amazing deals at Chatuchak Market, the biggest weekend market in the world. Let loose in Bangkok’s entertainment hotspots like Khao San Road and Soi Cowboy after the sun goes down.
- Kuala Lumpur – Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur is one of the finest solo trips for women, which needs to be more appreciated. It is simple to get around because English is commonly spoken, and public transportation is well-served in the city. However, when attending mosques and other places of worship, women may need to wear modest attire. Fortunately, there are not many limitations on female travelers traveling alone.
Enjoy the panoramic views from the Petronas Twin Towers while you’re here, or buy ’til you drop in the city’s numerous markets and shopping centers. You can also make day trips from Kuala Lumpur to the breathtaking Batu Caves, a network of limestone caverns home to a spectacular Hindu temple.
- Montreal – Canada
One of the safest locations for a woman to travel alone in Montreal, which has one of the lowest crime rates in Canada. The city has a very walkable bus and metro rail network. So, getting around should be fine for those traveling alone.
The Jean-Talon Market, one of the biggest open-air markets in North America with more than 300 stalls offering fresh produce, flowers, and other items, is one of Montreal’s top attractions.
by pankaj | Mar 1, 2023 | City/State Tour, Destinations, national, Vacations & Leisure
March is already here, which is the best time to travel because many locations are blossoming with spring, and the weather is still decent. However, the greatest time to explore is undoubtedly before spring, when winter has passed and the landscape has become more attractive. Here are some of our top recommendations if you’re looking for wonderful spots to visit in India in the spring.
- Coonor, Tamil Nadu
Coonor is noted for its scenic beauty, good weather, and calm ambiance. You won’t want to leave soon because of its lush green tea plantations and the early mist. However, go to Coonor if you feel like a brief getaway.
- Gangtok, Sikkim
Gangtok, renowned for its monasteries, charming tiny towns, clear lakes, and more, is one of March’s greatest places to visit. Since the snowfall decreases at this time of year, the roads become clear, and you can travel without incident. Nonetheless, keep your woolens close at hand because you never know when you might need them.
- Darjeeling, West Bengal
This location is best visited in March when most visitors are from West Bengal. To avoid the oppressive heat of the lowlands, you can choose to travel to Darjeeling; nevertheless, you could encounter some crowds at this time. Long, winding trekking trails, a monastery, tea plantations, and its most well-known Darjeeling toy railway are just a few of this location’s greatest features.
- Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh
Kasauli is a hill station perfect for anyone looking for a quick break away from the throng. It is situated about 300 miles from Delhi. This area, however remote and well-connected, comes to life now. The climate here also continues to be nice because it is located at a relatively lower elevation in the Himalayas. Kasauli, largely surrounded by cedar and pine trees, owes its ethereal atmosphere to the stunning Victorian structures that the British settlers from long ago built here.
- Kanha National Park, Madhya Pradesh
This national park, located in Madhya Pradesh’s Maikal range in Satpura, is well known for the more than a thousand species of flora and fauna that call it home. One of the greatest months to visit this location is March when the weather is still agreeable. Planning a jungle safari to see tigers during this period is easy because the park’s vegetation dries up.
