Travel

Komodo National Park is the one place that anyone visiting Indonesia should have an experience of. The park is approximately the size of Greater London and is home to the famous Komodo dragon. It also hosts a number of islands.

If the largest lizard in the world is not enough reason to put this overwhelmingly stunning park on your bucket list, then you may want to go for the pink beaches, that manta spots and the surreal sunsets.

Here are six reasons why you need to plan a boat ride to the Komodo Island and get a guided tour around the national park:

1. The Komodo Dragons

What you have read about them or seen on wildlife television shows is nothing compared to a live experience. The Komodo dragon is an ancient looking monitor lizard that is found on only two islands: Komodo and Rinca.

You may get to experience the adrenalin rush associated with facing a dangerous animal up close if you want to. You will have the services of expert guides to ensure that your encounter is without casualties.

A good reason to pay this gigantic lizard a visit is your park fees will help in the conservation of the Komodo dragon which is an endangered species.

2. Experience an Authentic Pink Beach

Your pessimism will be laid to rest with a visit to one of the park’s pink beaches. They actually exist; pink sand and everything. You probably suspect that most of the pictures you see online are the work of excellent photo shopping skills.

A visit to Komodo national Park may show you the real pink beach. Indonesia has a handful of them located in the archipelago. Once you land on one, you will have a practical lesson on how the pink beach comes to be. Small red coral fragments mix with the white sand on the beach and you have your pink beach. Nature is a wonderful thing and can pull amazing surprises such as this one.

3. The Ethereal Sunsets and Sunrises

Since you are not visiting only for these, they can be called additional benefits of travelling to Komodo Island. You will be stunned by the beauty of the sunsets and sunrises so much so that you may want to set your alarm for the dawn just to watch the sunrise.

These are some of the magnificent gifts of nature that many people live for; to simply perceive the unadulterated beauty of nature that we may not experience on a daily basis where we live.

4. Enjoy the Romantic Atmosphere

The Komodo National Park may actually qualify for a honeymoon destination. Sunbathing in the sun on a pink beach with a vision of multitudes of colorful sea life and stunning corals surely creates a picture of the perfect destination for your honeymoon or anniversary with your loved one.

Furthermore, you can also have this experience on your own. Just to have a peaceful time away from human settlement and the constant pinging of electronics and other forms of noise and air pollution is very restful and healing.

5. Snorkeling, Diving and swimming with Tropical Sea Life

The park is home to some of the best sights for diving, snorkeling and swimming with the beautiful fishes, turtles and dolphins. After your rather startling experience with the fierce Komodo dragon, you can have a calming experience in the clear waters with the fish, go snorkeling and diving with friends or simply enjoy some lazy swimming.

Out of the water you can have some fun encounters with birds and deer and get your adrenalin rolling again with the crocodiles. If you are a bird-watching enthusiast, the myriads of bird species should keep you happily occupied.

6. Stunning Landscapes

Komodo National Park gives you a stunning collection of islands of various sizes. Some of the islands have the most amazing peaks, some so tall that the thought of scaling them is simply petrifying. Then you have the pink beaches and the golden sandy ones that shimmer in the water.

For these and many other reasons, a visit to the Komodo National Park is worth dime you spend on the trip.

It is a known fact that many people need some downtime in their lives to function at their best. Nobody particularly enjoys being overworked and not being left enough time to spend with friends or family. In fact, this can even take a toll on your health, making it even more difficult to have a period of time when you are not preoccupied with something else. When you are able to find time to yourself; however, you might not know what you should do. From staying home with your family to going out and exploring the world around you, your choices might seem almost endless. When you feel lost as to what you should do with your free time, you might want to consider taking a cruise.

Cruises are something that can be enjoyable for the entire family or simply with someone special. There are a number of different cruises out there for you to choose from, with some being a long and expansive journey to someplace you have never been to, and other cruises lasting the afternoon and allowing you to come back home to relax. Cruises are one of the best ways that you can spend your free time.

What Types of Cruises Are There?

As you begin to search for a company that offers enjoyable cruises, such as Sydney Tall Ships, you might be curious as to what types of cruises are available. The truth is, there is a cruise for nearly every occasion you can think of. There are cruises that are centred around holidays, as well as cruises that you can take to celebrate a Christmas party. There are also some cruises that are designed to be spent with someone who is special to you, and other cruises that are designed to be an adventure for the whole family. No matter when you begin searching for a cruise, there will always be an enjoyable cruise or two for you to choose from.

For example, there are several cruises that are focused around holidays such as Australia Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Eve, Valentine’s Day, and so on. Choosing to spend your holiday on a cruise can leave you with memories that will last for a long time. In other situations, you might find that a more adventure-focused cruise is best for you and your family. Whether you are looking to experience the life of a pirate or you would rather spend the night learning about what the life of a ship’s captain is, there’s a good chance that you will be able to find an adventurous cruise that will entertain everybody. Even if you are simply looking for a unique way to spend the day with someone special, there are lunch cruises, twilight and sunset cruises, as well as being able to see the lights of the harbour on the water at night, under the stars. Choosing to take a cruise will be an unforgettable experience.

Why Should You Take a Cruise?

Instead of worrying about the gas in your car, or needing to take a flight, choosing to take a cruise is often a much easier process when it comes to travelling elsewhere. In addition to this, taking a cruise also gives you options that you otherwise wouldn’t be able to do, such as seeing the lights of the harbour on the water at night. Choose to take a cruise that will provide you with a unique experience that you, and whoever you bring with you, will never forget.

This actioned packed “One Night Stay with Locals” promises adventure, fun activities and lots of deliciously spicy food (this is Isaan, after all!) The journey takes you up to the northeastern corner of Thailand to Udon Thani province, where you’ll carry on deep into the forest until you reach a mountainside community known as “Baan Kiri Won Kot”.

The friendly locals will be waiting to give you a warm welcome into their homes, as well as show you around the village and provide a ceremony to mark the beginning of your stay. Now, the adventure really starts with a tractor tour of the nearby rice paddies and jungle, before making your way to a nearby waterfall for lunch and perhaps a dip in the refreshing water.

The afternoon provides an opportunity to learn more about the Baan Kiri Won Kot community, and how the locals live and make money off the land and natural resource available to them. For instance, there’s time for a lively fruit picking session at a nearby orchid and you can stop by one of the many shops along the route back to pick up some local souvenirs to take back for your own friends and family.

Before bedding down for the night in your rustic but comfortable homestay accommodation, your hosts will treat you to another ceremony showcasing their unique northeastern Thai culture. You won’t go to bed with an empty stomach, either, as a traditional ‘Palang’-style dinner is served up, including many vibrant Isaan dishes you probably know and love – as well as some you may never have tried before! This style of eating involves sitting in a circle on mats on the floor, which is a great way for you to get to know more about the local villagers and exchange ideas as you tuck into dishes such as grilled chicken, somtam, sticky rice, grilled fish, and dill soup cooked inside bamboo.

After a good night’s rest, make sure you set your alarm clock early, as you don’t want to miss seeing the morning mist rise over the mountains. You’ll be heading up on the tractor to a viewpoint to catch the sunrise and the sea of clouds cover the jungle down below. It’s the perfect way to start the morning while sipping a cup of locally brewed coffee, rounding off this truly Extraordinary Experience in Udon Thani.

To learn more about “One Night Stay with Locals” in Thailand or to book a trip for up to 10 people at a special price, please visit www.1nightstaywithlocals.com or www.facebook.com/AorSorSocial/.

Currency is exchanged for one of various reasons. If you are visiting Melbourne and need to make an exchange, you need to work with a company that provides good rates and is open seven day a week. That way, you can get the money you need when you need it.

Take Advantage of the Exchange Rates Online

You might also want to take advantage of the best exchange rates in Melbourne by going online. This type of exchange is not only convenient but you can also receive a quick quote. If you want to plan a holiday to Australia, going online to review the rates is an excellent way to plan.

Get Rid of the Added Stress

By obtaining a Melbourne foreign exchange online quote, you can relieve a lot of the stress that goes into planning a trip. Visiting an exchange website makes it easy for you to consider all the services that the exchange service provides as well.

Order Your Foreign Cash Now

In fact, you can order your foreign cash right now if you so choose. All you need to do is to input the currency and the country of destination. Usually, a currency exchange site will provide a large listing of currencies and countries. You also are required to enter the foreign value. The rate is entered as well as the AUD, or Australian dollar value.

All You Need to Do Is Press a Button

After these amounts are applied, you only need to do is press a button that places an order for your cash. If you have any enquiries, you can also call a foreign currency exchange broker in Melbourne. Any part of the exchange process can be explained to you over the phone.

Do You Need Travel Insurance?

You can also use the same company to buy travel insurance. This type of insurance is featured for people from over 150 countries. If you are an adventurous traveller, you want to make sure that you have this type of cover. Why not go to the same place online to exchange your cash and purchase travel insurance? It makes planning a trip simpler and more convenient.

Types of Travel Cover

You can obtain travel insurance for the costs of overseas medical care, evacuation, or lost baggage. It also covers a full range of adventure sports activities. If you find that the currency exchange you choose offers travel insurance, you can buy the insurance on the website.

You just need to insert which countries or regions you will be visiting. Along with this information, you need to include your country of residence. Add the start date and end date for the cover. You also need to enter your age before obtaining a price.

Whether you need to exchange money or buy travel insurance or need both services, make sure that you choose a trusted exchange in the Melbourne area.

Older travelers should never feel as if they are restricted in their holiday destinations!

For one thing, they often have that little bit more disposable income, and if they are post-retirement they may have a little extra time to devote to themselves.

More money and more time can add up to seriously good holidays. What’s more, the over 50s are taking more trips than ever, with one recent article citing research that the older generation is now taking 3 city breaks a year – in addition to traditional, longer getaways.

So knowing that, the question stops being about worrying what holidays may be suitable for older travelers – and instead worrying where you’ll find the time to fit it all in!

Brussels, Belgium

There is way more to Brussels than many people assume.

It is bursting with culture, art, and history and if you like your food then you are guaranteed to have a great time in this city!

Everything from the famous sugar flecked Belgian waffles to probably the best mussels and fries you will find anywhere – and that’s before we get onto the beer! Most bars in Brussels have a menu of beer options that runs to pages in length.

The other great thing about Brussels is the sheer ease of getting there! City breaks are great and low cost airlines have brought more of Europe’s fine cities to our attention over the last few years.

Greece

Greece has long been recognized as one of the best holiday destinations in Europe no matter your age.

One of the great things about Greece is that it can offer many individual holiday styles all rolled into one, everything from city breaks to more adventurous holidaying.

On the city breaks front, it’s hard to look past Athens. You are surrounded by history and magnificent architecture lies around every town. The food is simply outstanding – and usually pretty healthy, if that’s what you want – and the city has decent infrastructure that makes getting around relatively easy.

For those who want to get out and about and see the more rugged side of Greece, there are hundreds of unspoilt islands to explore. The weather, the cooling coastal breezes and the magnificent views of islands like Crete all make Greece something of a hiker’s paradise.

Portugal

This country has been making its way onto a host of “Must Visit” lists recently, as it has begun to step out of the shadow of its neighbor Spain.

Whilst much of the latter has seen its holiday destinations adapt to tourists from the rest of Europe, much of Portugal remains something of a hidden gem.

Like Greece, it has outstanding city breaks, Lisbon being the obvious stand out. Beautiful architecture, outstanding weather – provided you like it hot – and some of the best food Europe has to offer. If you like fresh and delicious seafood, then welcome to heaven!

Away from the cities are vast swathes of some of the most impressive coastlines in Europe, dotted with attractive little towns & villages boasting friendly locals, amazing views and even more outstanding – and seriously cheap – food.

The Great Barrier Reef, Australia

Definitely more a dream destination compared to the other holidays mentioned on this list, it would be remiss not to mention the Great Barrier Reef as a destination for the older traveler.

Frankly, if you’ve never seen it before and you have the ability, it’s hard to argue against it. It really is one of the wonders of the world, a truly unique living ecosystem of unparalleled beauty.

Diving – whether fully tanked up or Snorkel style – is not as intimidating as it may appear, and there are a wealth of friendly and well qualified tour guides to take you down to the reef and keep you safe.

So yes, certainly a once in a lifetime trip – but what a holiday it would be!

Studying abroad is a decision that changes the perspective of many because the experiences that are acquired by being in a new environment make every moment a great learning experience, and although most students make this trip alone, doing it with your significant other actually brings some great benefits.

For this reason, if you and your partner are contemplating studying and travelling abroad during the coming year, here are 5 benefits of doing it as a couple.

Savings during the stay

According to Venga Travel, the Danish experts in studierejser or study travel, abroad, one of the most expensive items when making a study trip abroad is accommodation. Some people might think that when two people are traveling, these accommodation expenses will multiply, but it is the opposite; schools usually welcome couples who decide to reserve accommodation, and choosing a shared room is much cheaper than two individual rooms.

Companionship

Adapting to a new culture, environment, and language may take a little time, but being with someone you already know makes this process easier since mutual support can be given during the adaptation phase. Also, when studying English or some other language, you can support each other in homework assignments like essays, presentations, and other tasks. You can even adopt a “no [insert your native language] policy” while on your study trip and thus achieve even greater learning of the foreign language.

Activities and 2×1

Doing academic activities or going out to visit the city with your partner will make this experience even better, you can also enjoy 2×1 discounts in theaters, museums, pubs, restaurants, and elsewhere. In this way, you will continue to save even while enjoying the best of the city where you are staying.

Professional trajectory in the country

In destinations such as New Zealand and Australia, a couple with a needed professional profile can be very well received, because there are many advantages for those who wish to pursue postgraduate studies or master’s degrees. In some cases, your partner will be able to work in their area of specialisation, while you complete your studies or vice versa.

Learning after the trip

After having finished the study trip there is no excuse to forget what you learned in the classes, because having travelled with your partner you can continue practicing the language, or reflect upon other academic material, experiences, and lessons learned during your study trip abroad. In fact, it may even become one of your favorite memories as a couple. One you will still treasure many years later.

It is undeniable that experience of living and studying abroad is invaluable in terms of the skills you will develop, and knowledge you will acquire, and, importantly, such experience in a foreign country is highly valued by potential employers. Studying abroad will do wonders for your resume, professional profile, and future employment prospects.

For the longest time, Myanmar has not opened its doors wide for the rest of the world to see. It was ruled by an autocratic government and tourism was not really encouraged. With the change in administration, Myanmar has become more open. It has increased partnerships with several nations and more tourists have flocked to see its untouched beauty.

If you are planning to visit Myanmar as a solo traveller for the first time, there are important things you need to remember.

Flying to the country

Yangon Airport is the main entry point for trips to Myanmar. It also has the most number of international flights in Myanmar. The Mandalay Airport has also opened, but it currently serves only international flights to and from Bangkok.

Money

Kyat is the local currency used in the country but US dollars are also widely accepted. It is best to have both along with a credit card as a backup option. If you intend to change your money for local currency, make sure that your money is in pristine condition as it is checked carefully. Discolouration and other flaws will decrease the value of the money. They might even be rejected. ATM machines are usually available in certain places but be careful as some of them are always out of service.

Cost

It looks like the cost of living in the country is low, but provide an allowance in your budget. The prices could be higher than expected. Even hotels are relatively more expensive than those in neighbouring countries like Thailand or Vietnam.

Local transportation

You have to spend approximately 1,000 Kyat per kilometre if you are taking a cab. You can also hire private drivers as the cost can be lower and they can also drive longer distances. Fascinating places like the Golden Rock which is over 2 hours away from the capital won’t cost you that much if you are hiring a private driver. Just make sure you learn how to say no if you are asked to go to certain places that you are not interested in visiting anyway.

Proper attire

You need to dress conservatively. Most locals cover their shoulders and legs even with high temperatures. You are highly encouraged to wear appropriate attire especially if you are entering temples and pagodas.

Don’t be afraid to try

From foods to tourist destinations, the country has a lot to offer. You just have to discover them and make the most of your experience. The locals are very friendly and hospitable. They will welcome you with warm greetings and make you feel at home.

You can get some more travelling tips by reading blogs by Varsha Rao. Given her expertise, you will certainly learn a lot.

Image: Pixabay.com

Japan’s marriage of the modern lifestyle and traditional culture makes it a go-to destination for many travelers around the globe. However, its high standards of living make it one of the most expensive destinations in the world. But, don’t worry! There’s a way to travel Japan without doling out too much. Just keep in mind these tips and tricks and you will surely maximize your budget for exploring the land of the rising sun!

If you are a first time traveler, the most important thing that you should remember is the currency. The value of a country’s currency changes to whichever place you are. In Japan, the national currency is Yen. When you exchange your currency to Yen, remember that you will not be getting the same value.

After exchanging your money to Japanese Yen, the next thing that you should remember is budgeting your cash. Set aside the money for your food and accommodation so you will not have to worry about them any longer. A huge chunk of your expenses will go to transportation. It is necessary to plan ahead your itinerary so you will not encounter possible problems.

Transportation in Japan is expensive. The bullet train with its superb comfort and lightyear speed is definitely pricey. But it’s the best way for any traveler to get to explore the entire country. To minimize the cost a little bit, get the Japan Rail Trail Pass. You can use this pass to travel to different cities around Japan.

The passes are valid for 7 days, 14 days, and 21 days, depending on your need. You can buy the passes in Japan. But you may also purchase them online with a discount of up to 20%.

An alternative from bullet trains and trains are buses. But, they are definitely slower. A 2-hour bullet train ride from Osaka to Tokyo can be a 10-hour bus ride. Now, it’s up to you which one to prioritize: your travel time or your budget. If you have very limited time in Japan, it is better to take the bullet train. But if you are staying for a longer time, you may opt to use the bus.

Aside from transportation and adventures, you also need to take into consideration your food. There are a lot of food places in Japan that are pocket-friendly. One of these places is the 100-yen stores. They sell food packages and boxes for 100 yen. Not only that can, you can find toiletries, groceries and other necessities in the store.

If you want to indulge yourself to authentic Japanese sushi, then you must check out the sushi trains. At 100-170 yen per plate, you can enjoy authentic and delicious sushi.

You may also eat in convenient stores like 7-11 so that you can save money for other recreations or adventures.

If you are staying in a hostel, you may opt to cook your food. Just get your groceries and whip up something for yourself. Also, avoid buying fruits in Japan. They are really expensive.

These are just some tips to fully maximize your budget for Japan. Just be fearless and adventurous and everything will go well!