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Tag Archive: vacation

  1. 5 Spots to Check Out on Your Guatemala Vacation

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    You closed your eyes, spun the globe on your desk and planted your finger down on Guatemala. Now, you have no choice but to book flights there for your Guatemala Vacation. Or maybe you did something more normal like read a few blogs that said how great it was and let them influence you. However you ended up getting there, the important thing is that you are going to Guatemala and if you’re not already excited, this article should do the trick.

    Guatemala has been gaining popularity as a tourist destination for a while now, attracting backpackers and spiritual wanderers from around the world. If you’re ready to learn what all the fuss is about, make sure to add these five places on to your Guatemala itinerary.

    Antigua

    Undoubtedly the most beautiful city in the entire country, Antigua is an explosion of culture and colour. Colonial architecture in pastel yellows, pinks, and blues lines the streets, while the main plaza boasts a gorgeous cathedral, fountain, and countless street vendors selling shaved ice and other sweet treats. In the distance, beyond the city, you’ll see the smouldering peaks of volcanoes casting shadows over the bustling markets and eclectic museums.

    Tikal

    Guatemala’s most impressive collection of ruins, Tikal is a must-see, regardless of whether or not you’re a history buff. These crumbling temples are surrounded by thick swathes of jungle, filled with birds, monkeys, and all kinds of other animals. From the top of Tikal Temple 4 you can enjoy panoramic views of the entire site. In fact, this view is so breath-taking, George Lucas included it in one of the Star Wars films.

    Semuc Champey

    When it comes to natural beauty, few places on earth can compete with Semuc Champey. Hidden within a forest is a collection of natural pools that cascade down from one to the next. The water is a vibrant turquoise colour that glints in the sun and you can easily spend an entire day splashing around in it. If you want to work up a sweat before you go for a dip, climb to the top of the look out point (the mirador) and admire the pools from an aerial vantage point.

    El Boqueron Canyon

    If you’re the kind of traveller who likes to get off the beaten path and escape the crowds, don’t miss El Boqueron. There are very few guides online about this place as it remains relatively undiscovered. This tranquil canyon is unrivalled in its beauty and offers visitors the opportunity to swim, explore caves, and take boat rides along the Rio Dulce that runs through it. The best part is, you don’t need a guide or tour group to visit the canyon, simply organise for a driver to bring you and pick you up.

    Lake Atitlan

    In contrast with El Boqueron, Lake Atitlan is probably the most popular tourist spot in Guatemala. The vast lake and its surrounding mountains and volcanoes make for some extraordinary photo ops, while the lake itself shimmers endlessly. Take a kayak out onto the water or explore the Mayan villages that flank its shores to make the most of your experience here.

  2. 5 Reasons Why You Should Hire a Car in Iceland

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    Road Trip

    There really are  5 Reasons why you should hire a car in Iceland as it has become such a popular travel destination over the past decade or so. Nicknamed ‘The Land of Ice and Fire’, Iceland is one of the few places left on the planet where nature still dominates the land, unhindered by human behaviour. Many who visit this island nation are utterly awestruck by the natural beauty that flourishes around every corner.

    From Reykjavik, the most common routes are the Golden Circle and the Ring Road. The Golden Circle can be done in under a week, while the whole Ring Road takes a lot longer as it runs along the perimeter of the entire country. It is possible to take public transport along these routes, but having your own vehicle is incomparable. In this article we will look at why hiring a car in Iceland will be the best idea you’ve ever had.

    It Will Save You Valuable Time

    Unless you are a digital nomad or endless traveller, you probably have some kind of time constraint for your vacation. With this in mind, the last thing you want to do is waste your precious time working out public transport maps and trying to schedule your timetable to allow for lengthy bus journeys and potentially long waits for transport. With your own car you are free to set off and come back as and when you want. There really are 5 reasons why you should hire a car in Iceland.

    It Will Save You Money

    Public transport will not take you everywhere you want to go. For some sites you either need your own vehicle or you need to book yourself onto a tour. Needless to say, tours can be really expensive and while they offer the opportunities to see the country with a professional guide and meet new people, your budget might not allow for it. With your own car, you have access to the whole country and you don’t need to waste money on tour groups.

    You Can Take Detours

    The beauty of Iceland is… well… its beauty! Away from the tourist hotspots that everyone visits are dozens of smaller spots that most people have never heard of. The only way to find some of these places is to accidentally stumble across them as you’re driving between destinations. When you have your own car you have complete freedom to follow a curious road or change course to get a better look at a waterfall you spotted in the distance. The freedom is utterly liberating.

    You Can Enjoy a Holiday Playlist at Full Volume

    Songs have the powerful ability of allowing us to conjure up vivid memories. Just a few opening chords are sometimes all it takes to transport you to a very specific time and place and help you relive a cherished moment. Yes, if you’re on a tour you can put your headphones in a listen to your Spotify playlist, but it is not the same as blasting your tunes in your own car and sharing the experience with your fellow passengers.

    It is the Ultimate Adventure

    Things will go wrong while you are driving. You might run out of gas or take a wrong turn, but these mishaps are sometimes just as exciting as the bits that go according to plan. They certainly make good anecdotes at any rate. Striking off on your own is an exhilarating adventure where you get to call the shots. Explore Iceland in your very own car and create a unique experience that you will never forget.

  3. Top 5 Emerging Travel Destinations

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    Italy, Mexico, Australia, Thailand – these are well-know and much-loved travel destinations that most people either intend to visit or have already ticked off their bucket list. There are a handful of countries that have long been hailed as tourism hotspots. We love them now and we will love them in the future. But, right now, it is time for some other countries to take the limelight.

    2018 is the year of the emerging travel destination. Countries that we previously thought were off limits or not interesting enough to be worth visiting are proving that they are just as capable of captivating our hearts and souls as the big-hitters.

    The following list is five of the hottest emerging travel destinations at the moment. You might not have ever considered visiting them before but it is never too late to change that. Read on, be inspired, and rethink your next vacation destination.

    Rwanda

    For a long time Rwanda was synonymous with genocide and, naturally, this put people off wanting to visit. Nowadays, Rwanda has the fastest growing economy in Central Africa and is just finishing off the process of completely reinventing itself. Those who venture to this tiny African nation will be treated to landscapes that defy description. Lush green jungles, teeming with wild gorillas are the main selling point along with the stunning Lake Kivu and buzzing capital, Kigali.

    Bhutan

    Steeped in mystery, Bhutan remains one of the most untouched nations on earth. This is partly due to its extortionate tourist tax ($250 per person per day) and partly due to the fact that it is forbidden to enter the country without an official guide. However, if your bank balance can stomach the hit, you will be in for one of the most incredible experiences of your life. In Bhutan, ancient monasteries hang from the edges of cliffs and prayer flags speckle the landscape. All the while, the Himalayas loom majestically in the background.

    Mongolia

    It is a shame how few visitors Mongolia gets, but for those who do visit, it is a blessing. As one of the least densely populated countries on earth, Mongolia is ideal for people who want to escape the hubbub of the cities and immerse themselves in nature. Camping is permitted anywhere in Mongolia, so those looking for adventure need only grab a tent and some supplies and start walking. There is no shortage of natural beauty to be found here.

    Montenegro

    Europe is pretty well mapped out, but Montenegro seems to have been left in the dark. However, this tiny country towards the East of the continent is finally starting to get the recognition it deserves. Montenegro is a nation of startling natural beauty with verdant forest stretching down to sparkling coastlines. Simply strolling through one of its medieval villages is enough to utterly enchant you.

    Bolivia

    Often overshadowed by neighbouring Peru and Chile, Bolivia has a lot to offer travellers willing to give it a bit of time. Bolivia’s most popular attraction is its Salar de Uyuni, an immense salt flat located in the Altiplano. But, Bolivia is more than just huge stretches of salt. Sucre, Samaipata, La Paz and Isla del Sol are all definite highlights of this small but diverse country. Whether you want nature or city or something in between, there will be something for you in Bolivia.

  4. The best winter vacations

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    Winter is rarely anyone’s favourite season but it doesn’t have to be dreary days and frosty nights for months on end while we wait for summer to come back around. You can’t stop the snow from falling so why not take advantage of it by booking yourself a luxurious winter vacation in one of the world’s top ski resorts? Here are our top destinations for a bit of winter fun.

    Banff, Canada

    Home to three separate resorts that offer thousands of acres of skiing terrain as well as a thriving community packed with bars and restaurants, Banff is perfect for people who want a mix of flawless slopes and evening entertainment. As if that wasn’t enough, Banff is pretty hard to beat when it comes to scenery, so be sure to spend some time marvelling at the beauty of the Rockies in between runs.

    Breckenridge, USA

    An excellent spot for beginners and pros alike, Breckenridge has a huge number of lifts and trails, which cater to all skiing abilities. The resort also has four different parks so if you want to get the adrenaline pumping then you need look no further.

    Sapporo, Japan

    Japan is steadily rising in popularity among powder hounds and Sapporo is among the crème-de-la-crème of Japanese ski resorts. Those who have had the pleasure of skiing here have lauded the resort’s consistent and deep swathes of powder. Also, being one of Japan’s largest cities, there is plenty of fun to be had off-piste so your winter vacation fun doesn’t have to stop when the slopes close.

    Val d’Isère, France

    Val d’Isère is truly a snow-lovers paradise with a multitude of slopes that are neatly linked, making the resort wholly accessible – a must for stress-free skiing. With breath-taking views of the Alps in the background, this French beauty queen offers more than a few photo opportunities so you can take the best of your winter vacation home with you. In the evenings, be sure to make the most of the fine-dining scene and the raucous nightlife.

    Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy

    There’s a lot more to Italy than its fantastic food and staggering art collection. For first-time skiiers and those looking for a more low-key vibe, there are few places on earth that beat Cortina d’Ampezzo. The skiing here is top notch and there are over a hundred runs to keep you occupied throughout the entirety of your winter vacation. When you’ve worn yourself out, settle in for the evening with a glass of vino and a bowl of delicious spaghetti.

  5. Top 10 Things to do in Miami

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    Top 10 Things to do in Miami

    Welcome to Miami – the hip and happening Floridian city of Cubanos, heady nightclubs and stunning beaches. If you are looking for things to do in Miami then look no further, this ultimate guide will give you the ten must-see Miami attractions to make sure that your visit to the sunny city of the south satisfies your every need.

    1. Chill out on South Beach

    The iconic South Beach is the place to begin your Miami adventure. This long strip of glistening white sand is one of Miami’s most beautiful sights and is filled its most exciting flavors. Watch a game of beach volleyball, envy the super-fit as they roller skate along the promenade or simply sunbathe in your best swimsuit.

    2. Eat a Cubano in Little Havana

    Little Havana is the must-visit neighborhood of Miami. A stone’s throw away from South Beach, Little Havana is home to thousands of Cuban migrants who have made Miami their own. Tuck into a juicy Cubano sandwich, take in the smell of Cuban cigars or watch an intense game of dominoes in Maximo Gomez Park.

    3. Dance in a nightclub

    Miami is known for its extravagant nightlife and non-stop party scene. Whether you want to partner up in a salsa club and take in a live band or experience electronic dance music played by world-famous DJs in super-clubs on South Beach, Miami is the place to do it.

    4. See Art Deco architecture

    Miami is the capital of Art Deco and its Art Deco District is ideal for budding photographers and historians alike. These perfectly-preserved 1930s buildings in their wonderful pastel hues lie in the heart of the modern city and provide some real Miami history.

    5. Shop at Bayside Marketplace

    Miami is world-famous for its shopping malls and Bayside Marketplace is a shopper’s paradise. Located on the Miami Waterfront not only can you purchase some incredible souvenirs, the latest fashions and grab a bite to eat here, but you also get some of the most stunning views of the beach and waterfront.

    6. Vizcaya Museum and Gardens

    Step back in time at Miami’s Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, an enormous mansion decorated with priceless exhibits and artifacts. The former home of James Deering, the estate dates back to 1916 and has been an important location for a number of famous events throughout history including a visit by Elizabeth II and the Pope.

    7. Visit the zoo

    Zoo Miami is a unique cageless zoo and the ultimate way to see wild animals in their near-real natural habitats. Ideal for a family day out, the zoo features over 2,000 animals and visitors take a safari track to see them in their open-air environments.

    8. Miami Children’s Museum

    The interactive exhibits on display at the Miami Children’s Museum are state-of-the-art educational and entertainment tools perfect for the whole family. Move seamlessly on a journey of exploration through galleries detailing communication, arts, culture and community.

    9. Dine like a movie star

    For Miami’s best steak and to sit among the ghosts of Hollywood’s greatest stars, including Frank Sinatra and Judy Garland, be sure to book a table at The Forge. Try to time your meal and book a weekly dinner party, which features additional live music and dinner specials.

    10. Take a trip to the Everglades

    The diverse swamp lands of the Everglades are just a short drive from Miami and worth a day trip. Take a guided boat ride through the waters or walk along boardwalks and spot crocodiles, snakes,