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golicit · 6 years ago

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Top Ten: Paris

April in Paris

Next week, after the holidays are well and truly over, I will be publishing my annual survey of the Top Ten Stories in the World of D&O for 2018. In the meantime, during the holidays, I have been posting a series of alternative Top Ten lists. Yesterday, I posted my list of top ten things to see and do in London. Today, I am publishing my list of the top ten things to see and do in my all-time favorite city, Paris.

I have been to Paris many times and have strong views about the place, as my list below reflects. There are also a number of obvious omissions from the list below, as well. Most first time visitors to the city know they want to see the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, the Musée d’Orsay, Notre Dame, Sacré-Cœur, and the Arc de Triomphe. Every first time visitor to Paris should definitely see all of these sites. Just the same, I have left these top destinations off of my list, to make room for some other destinations that might or might not make their way on to visitors’ itineraries. I have set out my list below. Please also see the additional top ten list below, as well.

10. Place des Voges: An atmospheric square located in the Marais district and built in the early 17th century, this beautiful brick residential development built along harmonious and uniform lines is now a quiet retreat. On a sunny day, it is great just to visit the Place and to stroll around the square or to take in the atmosphere on one of the benches, and then afterwards leave the square by the southern archway and walk down to the Rue Saint-Antoine enjoy one of the many sidewalk cafés along the way.

The statute of Louis XIII in the square at Place des Voges

9. Le Grande Epicerie: The Grand Epicerie is a food emporium adjacent to the famous Le Bon Marché department store. The grocery store has several floors of gourmet foods and beverages. The place is frankly a little bit dazzling but it is a lot of fun just to walk around in and to look around. There are several dining counters in the store where you can sample a wide variety of foods, but the best thing to is select an array of foods to take away, and then to enjoy a picnic meal in the Square Boucicaut, in front of the department store’s main entrance.

8. Fondation Louis Vuitton: The Fondation is one of the newest museums in Paris. The modern art exhibits in the museum change all of the time, but in any event the real reason to visit the museum is to see its dramatic exterior and fascinating interior design. The beautiful building was designed by famous architect Frank Geary. It is also beautifully situated within the Bois de Boulogne. There are a number of terraces within the museum affording views of the park and the city. An interesting place to visit.

7. Buttes Chaumont: In far northeastern Paris, far off of the tourist grid, is the Parc des Buttes Chaumont, a huge park with a manmade lake, a picturesque temple perched on steep hilltop, and a series of wide promenades. The lake was built on the site of a former gypsum quarry. A stone grotto with a waterfall adjoins the lake. For someone interested in seeing a different part of the city, this park is a great place for strolling and on a sunny day for people watching.

6. Village St-Paul: In the middle of the Marais district and just off of Rue Saint-Antoine, behind the St. Paul church, is a quiet, hidden district of narrow streets and alleyways. The area has the feel of a small rural village. It is full of antique shops and of small cafés and restaurants. This quiet area is a very special secret place, only steps away from a busy avenue but entirely off of the tourist grid. Don’t tell anybody else about this place, it will just be our little secret.

The Apse of St-Paul,viewed from within the village

5. Île Saint-Louis: At some point, most visitors to Paris make their way to the Notre Dame Cathedral on the Île de la Cité. Not many visitors cross over the footbridge behind Notre Dame leading to the adjacent island, the Île Saint-Louis. The smaller island is only a few steps away but it might as well be in a different city. By contrast to the busy, tourist-crowded streets around Notre Dame, the streets on Île Saint-Louis are calm and quiet. The island is a great place for a leisurely lunch after touring around Notre Dame, or anytime you want a quiet meal away from the crowd. The residential streets are beautiful and the walkways along the waterside afford great views of the river, of Notre Dame, and of the city nearby.

The Île Saint-Louis in the foreground, with Notre Dame in the background

4. Saint-Germain-des-Prés: Notre Dame is more famous, but the Abbey of Saint-Germain-des-Prés on the Left Bank is older and more atmospheric. There often are concerts in the old church, and if you are willing to attend a service in French, it is a great place to take in a mass on Sunday morning. Across the square from the main entrance to the church is the famous Les Deux Magots café, whose famous patrons have included Simone de Beauvoir, Jean-Paul Sartre, Albert Camus, Pablo Picasso, and James Joyce. After a beverage at the café, stroll around the neighborhood and along the Boulevard Saint-Germain, it is one of the great districts in the city.

3. Canal Saint-Martin: The Canal Saint-Martin is part of the series of canals linking Paris to distant rivers bringing freshwater to the city. The Canal remains a working canal. A series of locks allow barges to make their way down to the Seine River. Walkways line the canal and bridges cross back and forth, affording great viewpoints from which to watch barges make their way through the locks. The Canal is not far from the Marais but just the same it is pretty much completely off of the tourist grid. On a sunny day the Canal is about as special of a place to stroll as there is in all of the city.

2. Rue Mouffetard: The Rue Mouffetard is a very special street away the busier environs of the Latin Quarter. At the northern end of the street at the top of Mont Sainte-Geneviève is the Place de la Contrescarpe, a large quiet square ringed with cafes and brasseries that has something of a small village feel. The Rue Mouffetard itself – which is lined with small shops selling wine, cheese, tea, clothing and books – has rolled downhill toward the south since the Roman era. The area is also now laced with student bars, including one called (I am not making this up) “Student Bar.” A great way to end an afternoon in Paris is to stroll down to the bottom of the Rue Mouffetard and then back up the hill for a cool beverage at a sidewalk café in the Place de la Contrescarpe. (The Place made my list of the ten great places to have a beer.)

Rue Mouffetard, in the early evening

A winter evening in the Place de la Contrascarpe

1. Jardin du Luxembourg: Paris is a great city full of beautiful places to visit, but in the entire city, as far as I am concerned, the most beautiful and the one most worth seeing is the Jardin du Luxembourg. The Jardin made my previously published list of top urban parks – but it is more than that. It is the place that most embodies the spirit of the city. The most essential Parisian spirits inhabit the gardens, where romantic couples slowly promenade and little children sailing their boats in the central fountain shout happily “Regardez, Maman! Regardez!” There is no better place anywhere for a stroll, to enjoy the view, to take in the air, to walk the many others enjoying the atmosphere, to feel fortunate that you have been able to travel to Paris, just to see and walk in the Jardin.

A Picture Gallery: I admit that more than once I have made wise-cracks about people who post pictures of their food on social media. Over time, these kinds of remarks have turned me into a hypocrite, because the fact is that over time I have posted lots of pictures of food in various travel posts. Sometimes, food is an interesting and even an important part of the experience in some travel locations. I have taken lots of pictures of my meals as I have traveled around. Here are some of my favorites below.

Uma feijoada, in São Paulo, Brazil (the traditional black bean and pork stew — in this picture, the beans are in the ceramic bowl).

A traditional meal of Tatties, Neeps, and Haggis ( potatoes, turnips, and haggis), in a pub in Edinburgh

When I travel alone in Germany, I often have trouble with the menu. No matter what I order, I wind up with breaded pork cutlets. In a lunch restaurant in Frankfurt, I decided to ask the waiter what he recommended. He suggested the daily special; I said OK. When it arrived, it was a big sausage on a pile of green mush, with some potatoes. Next time, the pork cutlet.

In fairness, I have had some enjoyable meals in Germany. This tasty (albeit heavy) meal of turkey ham, scalloped potatoes, sausage, and salad was at the Gröninger Privatbrauerei in Hamburg Aldstadt.

There are a lot of great reasons to visit Mumbai, but among the best reasons is the amazing food. Here’s a picture of one of my breakfasts, a serving of Uttapam (a rice batter pancake with a variety of cooked-in ingredients and a number of accompanying relishes and spices).

Smoked salmon and champagne at the Oyster Bar in the Food Hall at Harrod’s in London

A Bibimbap at a small family restaurant in Seoul. (That is, a bowl of warm white rice topped with namul, gochujang, and soy sauce, with a fried egg on top).

At a shabu-shabu restaurant in Tokyo (the name shabu-shabu is onomatopoeic and refers to the sound made when the beef and vegetables are swished back in forth in the pot of boiling water).

An octopus at a fado club in Lisbon. (Yes, I ate the whole thing).

This is a picture taken at a wonderful dinner at my good friend Aruno Rajaratnam’s house in Singapore. The menu included brown basmati rice with ghee and lemongrass; lentils with thavasi, long beans, and broccoli; chicken marinated with ground herbs and spices; prawns cooked with red chilies and tomato chutney; cabbage cooked with turmeric and herbs; and cucumber salad with yogurt spiced dressing.. Many of the herbs and spices were from Aruno’s garden.

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nathanielburgos · 5 years ago

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Travel Update: Latest News On US Travel

Hodophile: According to the Urban dictionary, he is one who loves to travel

This time last year US airports witnessed close to two million travelers. This year Covid-19 got over 82% of Americans to push their travel plans out six months. While 50% have cancelled their trips altogether, more than 45% plan on shortening their travel itinerary.

Today, hodophiles around the world are keeping a keen eye on when they can resume traveling. While the US is one of the most popular international destinations, there are several restrictions in place, both international and domestic. Here, we have the latest on US travel as some borders open while Coronavirus continues its deadly spread.

Related Article: How is the Covid Travel Ban Affecting US Immigration

Who Can Enter the US During Coronavirus Pandemic?

While travelers from some countries have been banned from entering the US per an executive travel ban, travelers from the following countries are permitted to enter the US.

Canada (Air only)

Chile

Iceland

Japan

New Zealand

Australia

South Korea

Which US Airlines Are Resuming Flights

Travelers from most international airports are being directed to certain US airports only. Travelers have to arrange their itinerary and further destinations within the US keeping these specific airports in mind.

According to the State Department’s Level 4 Global “Do Not Travel” advisory, all US travelers are advised to restrict international travel to essential travel only.

May 2020 saw a little over 100,000 travelers and as the demand increases, airlines intend to cover about 20% of their international flight routes after July 8, 2020. The following airlines are cautiously resuming flight schedules outside of the US:

Southwest Airlines

American Airlines

Delta Airlines

United Airlines

What To Expect On Arriving Into the US?

On arrival into the US, travelers should expect some more restrictions.

Mandatory mask and/or shield covering at all times;

Social distancing, both within the airline and in the airport;

Frequent temperature checks;

Certain flights might require an “immunity passport” for those who have already got and recovered from Covid-19 virus;Quarantine measures – 14-day self

Related Article: TSA Announces New Airport Rules

Travel restrictions in US Cities

Travel restrictions on essential travel within the US varies and is subject to each state’s regulation.

The following cities within the US have strict movement restrictions, both for domestic as well as international travelers:

New York

Miami

Hawaii

Travel During Coronavirus

5 Things You Need To Know

Travel Advisory

What Can You Visit In The US During Coronavirus Pandemic?

While most states are very cautious about re-opening tourist attractions, the following are now accessible with some restrictions.

All travelers are advised to contact each location individually before confirming travel plans.

Camping:Larger camp grounds like Yellow Stone & Yosemite are opening up next week to half capacity

Niagara Falls– June 2, Restricted opening

New York Central Park– June 3

Las Vegas Casinos– June 4

Universal Studios Orlando– June 5

Grand Canyon– June 5

Disneyworld – July 11

Times Square– June 12

Disneyland– July 9, 17 & 23

US Travel Bans

US President Signs Executive Order Banning Entry Into The US

While most international borders continue to remain closed, there is a complete travel ban into the US from the following countries, per a executive order passed on March 31, 2020:

BrazilIranChinaBelgiumCzech RepublicAustriaDenmarkEstoniaFinlandGermanyHungaryGreeceItalyLatviaLiechtensteinLithuaniaLuxembourgMaltaNetherlandsNorwayPolandPortugalSlovakiaSpainSwedenSwitzerlandMonacoSan MarinoVatican CityUnited Kingdom

While this travel ban is applicable to most travelers coming into the US, American citizens and green card holders may return to the US on specifically unchartered flights that have been specially arranged for this purpose. All US citizens should contact the closest US embassy to register themselves in order to board these flights back into the US.

Land Travel:

US shares its border with Canada and Mexico. While all international borders remain closed and non-essential land travel is still restricted:

Air travel is still permitted from Canada to US;

Travel from US to Canada is not allowed;

The Mexico border is expected to reopen on June 22, 2020

The Canadian border is expected to reopen on June 21, 2020

Where Can US Travelers Fly out of the US

During Covid-19 US Travelers are permitted to go to –

Antigua,

St. Lucia,

U.S. Virgin Islands in the Caribbean

Iceland in Europe

Stay tuned to this space for the latest updates on travel into the US.

Travel Update: Latest News On US Travel published first on https://ordergcmsnotescanada.tumblr.com/

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bigyack-com · 5 years ago

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ALL Thai Airways Staff on Temporary Leave From 4 April

Thai Airways has announced that all of its staff will be placed on temporary leave from 4 April to 31 May 2020. The airline suspended flights on 1 April and is currently hoping to resume operations on 31 May 2020, though this could change depending on the COVID19 pandemic and the many different global travel restrictions and border closures. All Thai Airways' overseas offices have also been temporarily closed and some of the staff were transferred to Bangkok.

Thai Airways' customers will still be able to contact the airline through the following channels: - For ticketing, contact the Larn Luang office on weekdays, except public holidays, from 08:00 to 17:00. - For reservations, contact the 24/7 contact center on 02 356 1111. - For cargo the 24/7 contact center telephone number is 02 137 4200. According to the airline, the above services are being provided by volunteers who would normally be working as Thai Airways' pilots and cabin crew. Passengers can also try to make changes to their itineraries personally on Thai Airways' website. A statement issued by the airline on 2 April 2020, said, "THAI will resume full services as soon as the situation improves. THAI conveys apologies for any inconvenience that may arise." See latest Travel News, Interviews, Podcasts and other news regarding: Thai Airways, COVID19. Headlines: IATA: This is Aviation's Darkest Hour Accor to Close More Hotels; Cut Costs Airlines in Asia Pacific Need Urgent Financial Support Thai Airways Staff on Temporary Leave From 4 April - 31 May American Airlines Makes Further Changes to Flight Schedule Air Canada to Operate More Repatriation Flights Boeing to Suspend Production in Ridley Township, Pennsylvania Oakwood Opens Third Property in Jakarta, Indonesia Increasing ORs Hint at Early Signs of Recovery for Hotels in China Air Cargo Demand Slumps in February Vietnam Airlines to Operate Just Three Return Flights Per Day Qatar Airways Suspends JFK Flights; Madrid and Barcelona Next Airbus Sites in Germany and Spain Producing 3D Printed Visor Frames EU Waives Airport Slots Use Rule for Summer Season CapitaLand Appoints Kevin Goh as CEO - Lodging Relais & Châteaux Adds First Hotel in Bangkok to Collection Airlines Could Burn Through US$61 Billion of Cash Reserves in Q2 Marriott Warns Millions of Guests About Security Breach Airbnb to Support Hosts During COVID19 Crisis Vietnam Airlines Launches Cargo-Only Flights 774-Room Grand Richmond Convention Hotel in Nonthaburi Closes for Two Months Sindhorn Midtown Bangkok Opens Tower with 49 Serviced Residences Air Canada to Layoff 16,500 Employees; Reduce Q2 Capacity by 85-90% Qatar Airways Launches Belly-Hold Cargo Flights to Six Destinations in China Vietnam Airlines Closes Airport Lounges RevPAR of Hotels in USA Forecast to Drop 50.6% in 2020 Delta Retains Cargo Tender and Acceptance Capabilities at Tokyo-Narita Airbus Pauses Majority of Production in Spain Vietnam Airlines to Reduce Frequency of Domestic Flights WHO Launches COVID19 WhatsApp Service in Arabic, French and Spanish Qatar Airways' FFP Offers 12-Month Tier Extension Etihad Cargo Using Boeing 787-10 Aircraft as Freighters Air Canada Continues COVID19 Repatriation Flights Airbus Flies Over 4 Million More Face Masks to Europe American Airlines Reduces Capacity Further Hilton to Take Over 1,080-Room Hotel on Orchard Road, Singapore AirAsia Suspending Most Flights Across Network Asia Pacific Airlines Carried 17 Million Passengers in February SIA to Issue S$5.3b in New Equity and Raise Up To S$9.7b via MCB Qatar Airways Expands Flights to Australia to Help Get People Home Virgin Atlantic Operates First Ever Cargo-Only Charter IATA Calls for Urgent Financial Relief from European Governments Bombardier Suspends 'All Non-Essential Work' in Canada ANA Partners Skyscanner; Achieves IATA NDC Level 3 COVID19: 75 Million Travel and Tourism Jobs at Immediate Risk Air Cargo Supply Lines Must Remain Open American to Operate Repatriation Flights from Honduras and Brazil Air Canada Launches Cargo Flights to Europe Air New Zealand Ramps Up Cargo Operations AirAsia Updates Rebooking Policy Embraer Helping to Combat COVID19 in Brazil Thai Airways Cancels Flights to Australia, Europe and Regionally Tokyo 2020 to Take Place in 2021 Air Canada Organises Two Extra Flights from Quito, Ecuador Korean Air Execs Take Pay Cut; Airline to Use Passenger Planes for Cargo Aviation: IATA Calls on Governments to Give More Support American Airlines Closes Lounges, Changes In-Flight Service and Seating France's Daily Hotel Occupancy Plummets to Just 3.3% A400M Delivers Critically-Needed Mask Supplies to Spain Air Canada to Operate Six Special Flights to Barcelona, Lima and Quito Bangkok Airways to Close All Airport Lounges UAE to Ban ALL Passenger Flights for Two Weeks Etihad Airways Suspends Transit Travel Through Abu Dhabi Hong Kong's Airport Authority Launches New HK$1 Billion Relief Package Ryan Jette Joins Capella Singapore as Executive Chef Austrian Airlines Extends Flight Suspension to 19 April Singapore Airlines to Ground 138 of 147 Aircraft COVID19: Sabre to Cut Costs by US$200 Million JR Central Opens Overseas Online Reseravtions for Shinkansen Emirates to Suspend Most Passenger Flights United Airlines Makes Further Reductions to International Schedule Airbus to Partially Resume Production in France and Spain IATA Thanks Regulators for Flexibility, Urges Others to Follow Suit American Airlines Extends Change Fee Waivers Through May China Airlines Asks All Passengers to Wear Face Masks Vietnam Airlines to Suspend ALL International Flights Air Astana and FlyArystan to Suspend ALL Flights Thai Airways Offers Rebooking or Voucher Option on Tickets ex-UK Etihad Offers Credit to Travellers Who Wish to Cancel Flights AAPA Calls on Governments to Help Aviation Industry American Airlines to Operate Cargo-Only Flights to Frankfurt, Germany Bangkok Airways Makes Ticket Changes More Flexible Thai Airways and Thai Smile Waive Ticket Change Fee on Domestic Flights in April Qantas to Suspend ALL Scheduled International Flights Until at Least June Marriott Reports COVID19 Impact on Global RevPAR Air Canada to Reduce Int. Network from 101 Airports to 6 Mitsubishi SpaceJet M90 FTV10 Completes Maiden Flight Thai Airways Appoints Chakkrit Parapuntakul as Acting President Delta to Make Significant Capacity Reductions; Park Over Half of Fleet Airlines Disappointed with EC Guidelines on EU261 Singapore Airlines Reduces Capacity; Warns of More Cuts to Come Airbus Pauses Production in France and Spain Banyan Tree Finds Treasure in Myanmar Vietnam Airlines Suspends Flights to France and Malaysia South East Asia Needs to Urgently Scale-Up Fight Against COVID19 Air Cargo Essential to Fight Against COVID19 Pandemic Bangkok Airways Increases COVID19 Screening in Samui, Sukhothai and Trat United Airlines Cuts International Flights by 85% APG Airlines Joins IATA and Receives IOSA Certification Accor Signs 24-Pool Villa Resort in Phuket, Thailand Thai Airways Updates Flexible Fare Rules on Tickets Booked in UK and Ireland Air New Zealand to Reduce Capacity by 85% Finnair to Cut Capacity by 90% Qantas / Jetstar to Cut International Capacity by 90% Cathay Pacific Reports February Traffic; Will Reduce Capacity by 90% Sabre Appoints Otto Gergye as VP/RGM North Asia - Travel Solutions Airline Sales 137 Pillars Appoints Anne Arrowsmith as Corporate GM Oakwood Appoints Lina Abdullah as RGM Hong Kong Welcomed Just 199,000 Visitor Arrivals in February SAS to Halt Most Traffic; Layoff 90% of Workforce HKIA Handled 1.9m Pax and 18,005 Flight Movements in February Singapore Airlines Waives Rebooking Fees American Airlines Suspends All Remaining Flights to Asia EC Needs to Suspend 80-20 Airport Slots Rule Until October Vietnam Airlines to Transport Passengers from Europe to Vietnam Etihad Airways Suspends More Flights Pictures from Miss International Queen 2020 in Pattaya, Thailand IATA Reacts to US Ban on Travellers from Europe Finnair Cancels All Flights to USA and Delhi, India Qatar Airways Offers FFP Tier Status Extension Ansat Helicopters Approved to Carry Neonatal Medical Module American Airlines Outlines Changes to Europe and South America Flights Eric Martel to Return to Bombardier as President and CEO Okura Prestige Bangkok Launches Thai Residents Promotion Finalists from Canada, Italy and UK Selected for Airbus GEDC Diversity Award COVID19: US Bans ALL Travel from Europe Vietnam Airlines to Reduce Flights to Europe WTTC Postpones Global Summit in Cancun, Mexico COVID19: AirAsia Adds Flexibility for Passengers to Change Tickets Stephane Gras Appointed GM of Two Four Seasons Hotels in France Mövenpick Hotel Apartments Downtown Dubai Opens Onsen Spa Akaryn Hotels & Resorts Launches Travel Trade Promotion CAAS Implements New Measures for Business Jets Flying to Singapore COVID19: Thai Airways to Cancel Italy Flights Accor to Take Over Historic Carton House in Ireland Vietnam Airlines to Check Temperature of All Passengers Departing Europe Rosaviatsiya Certifies Emergency Flotation System on Ansat Helicopters Don Mueang and Suvarnabhumi Airports Increase COVID19 Surveillance Etihad Airways to Launch Daily Flights to Vienna, Austria Heathrow Introduces New Charges for Night Time Flights Pictures from Miss International Queen 2020 in Pattaya, Thailand North Wales Tourism - Interview with Jim Jones, CEO Dusit Launches Special Travel Trade Rates COVID19: Cebu Pacific Changes Rebooking Policy Montara Hospitality Unveils Details of Tri Vananda Wellness Project in Phuket Qatar Airways Launches More Flexible Booking Policy for Travellers Thai Airways Causes Confusion with COVID19 Certificate Requirement ACI Reveals World's Best Airports for Customer Experience Marriott Opens First Aloft Hotel in Bali, Indonesia Thai Airways Cancels International Flights in Asia and Europe Bangkok Airways Makes Major Changes to Domestic and Int. Flight Schedules Air Astana Makes Changes to Int. Flight Schedules Finnair to Increase Use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel Airbus to Showcase A220, A350-900 and H145 at Wings India Women's and Men's Rugby Africa Cup 2020 to Take Place at Same Time Pictures from Miss International Queen 2020 in Pattaya, Thailand IATA Updates Analysis of Financial Impact of COVID19 Outbreak Capella Launches New Hotel Brand 15,000 Athletes Expected at Laguna Phuket Marathon 2020 Starlux Airlines Signs Distribution Agreement with Sabre Korean Air Expands Temperature Checks to All Flights Departing Incheon IDeaS Launches RevPlan Singapore Airlines Cargo Renews CEIV Pharma Certification; Expands Network Accor Opens Mövenpick Resort Waverly Phu Quoc Saving the Elephants of Thailand - Interview with John Roberts, GTAEF Aviation: COVID19 Hits January Passenger Demand Aman to Launch New Hotel Brand SITA Looks at How 5G Will Help to Transform Airports COVID19: Finnair Makes Major Changes to Network and Resources Air Cargo Demand Down 3.3% in January British Airways Trials Autonomous Electric Mobility Devices at JFK American Express GBT Appoints Mike Qualantone as Chief Revenue Officer Thai Airways Extends Ticket Change Fee Waiver to More Flights SilkAir to Suspend Hiroshima Flights Indefinitely FlyArystan to Launch 8 Routes from New Karaganda Base Aerobility to Expand Fleet with Former MOD Vigilant T1 Gliders CWT Appoints David Pitts as VP Revenue and Global Supplier Management COVID19: British Airways Launches Book with Confidence Policy Bombardier Offers 4G In-Cabin Wi-Fi as Retrofit on Learjet Aircraft Thai Airways Reports 2019 Operating Results Universal Avionics' ClearVision EFVS with SkyLens HWD Certified by EASA Minor to Operate Clinique La Prairie's First Medical Spa Outside of Europe Royal Thai Navy Wins Elephant Boat Race for Second Year IATA Requests Global Suspension of Slot Rules Due to COVID19 Outbreak Pictures from Elephant Boat Race and Bangkok River Festival 2020 Hilton to Open Garden Inn Hotel at Adventure Parc Snowdonia, North Wales HK7s and Singapore Sevens Rescheduled Sustainable Inspiration from Farmer Gareth Wyn Jones in North Wales Phuket to Host Thailand Travel Mart (TTM+) 2020 in June Thailand: Did Strength of Thai Baht Affect Number of Arrivals from UK in 2019? Seaplanes in Thailand? Interview with Dennis Keller, CBO of Siam Seaplane Future of Airline Distribution and NDC - Interview with Yanik Hoyles, IATA Cambodia Airways Interview with Lucian Hsing, Commercial Director HD Videos and Interviews Podcasts from HD Video Interviews Travel Trade Shows in 2019, 2020 and 2021 High-Res Picture Galleries Travel News Asia - Latest Travel Industry News Read the full article

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dakotahiggins-blog1 · 6 years ago

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If my writing goes south, I know what to do. After 5 years of actively putting together my own itineraries, I think it’s safe to say I’m a pretty good travel (party, event, anything) planner. I get so many emails and DMs stating the following:

Hi Lesley! I have 7-10 days to spend in Argentina. Where should I go?!

Please use this as a guide to plan accordingly. Do you want mountains or city life or waterfalls or wine? SO MUCH is happening down south, so take a peek at all the options below. After living in Argentina for two years and now being a frequent visitor (and wannabe citizen), I’ve put together my favorite itineraries with LATAM Airlines – the only way to get down south!

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Much unlike Europe, South America isn’t too savvy with the rail system, which leaves planes and buses as the main means of transportation. If you do have a shorter time frame in South America, I urge you to A) extend it (you’ll thank yourself later) and B) never, ever take a long bus ride (you’ll curse yourself later).

International Travel

USA –> Buenos Aires

From anywhere in the U.S. and direct from Miami, flying LATAM Airlines to Buenos Aires was so comfortable. Traveling from LAX on the Dreamliner, I did a stopover in Santiago before flying into Ezeiza International Airport (EZE) in Buenos Aires. The food on board was better than a lot of restaurants I’ve been to ON LAND and honestly…I could’ve stayed in the sky hours longer with those lay flat seats and that Mendoza wine. Long-haul flights are my happy place

As far as the city of Buenos Aires goes, please check out my City Guide to Buenos Aires here full of hotels, restaurants, neighborhoods, bars, shopping and days trips. You’ll probably want at least 3 days here.

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Domestic Travel inside Argentina

Ain’t No Mountain High Enough

AEP –> FTE

The best thing about traveling domestically from Buenos Aires? Aeroparque Internacional Jorge Newbery airport is right inside my beloved Palermo neighborhood. It takes approx. 15 minutes or less to arrive at check-in where I get all the feels before boarding a plane south. El Calafate is the gateway to Argentine Patagonia where all the tourists (and twice myself now) have hiked the Perito Moreno glacier. It’s kind of a right of passage when you venture this far and while you’re here… absolutely rent a car and pay a visit to Fitz Roy in El Chalten (~3 hour drive from El Calafate). Where to stay? Look no further than Eolo, a place so nice I’ve stayed twice!

Now that I have you hooked on Argentine Patagonia, feel free to cross into Chilean Patagonia with Quasar Expeditions. My favorite road trip I’ve ever taken was on their curated 9 Day Overland Safari trip in one of their Jeeps. Stop at Tierra Patagonia for your new favorite hotel at the southernmost tip of the world…then you’ll really be in trouble (i.e. want to stay forever). I’m making plans to retire here for sure.

As for timing in Patagonia, this is hard to answer. I would make time for at least 2-3 days in El Calafate and the same amount of time in El Chalten. Crossing into Chile would take up another 4 days at the very minimum on your itinerary…but timing depends on SO much, mostly the kind of traveler you are and if you want to pack it all in. Honestly, I could spend a lifetime here and still have so much to see in a second life. To properly explore this massive region of the world, it takes a precious resource: TIME.

Drink, Drank, Drunk

AEP –> MDZ

Discover the Argentina Malbecs of Mendoza and treat your taste buds to some wine tasting while soaking up the view of the Andes. The first time I stepped foot in this South American wine country and sipped its fine Malbec, I was hooked, not to mention drunk in love with Mendoza. Besides the copious amounts of delectable vinos throughout the various regions, the views of the Andes aren’t too shabby either. After visiting the region five different times and all in different seasons, I’m a self proclaimed wine oenophile and snob. Find out more on what to sip, see and where to sleep You’ll want at least 3 days here to soak it all up!

Definitely Go Chasin’ Waterfalls

AEP –> IGR

You hear them before you see them. Hundreds of thousands of gallons of water per second rushing over one of the world’s most awe-inspiring attractions. Bordering the countries of Argentina, Paraguay and Brazil, the Iguazú Falls are located where the Iguazú River tumbles over the Paraná plateau. I walked along both the Argentina side and Brazilian side. I saw the falls from a boat. Hands down, the coolest perspective is from the air via helicopter!��I stayed at the Sheraton a few years back (or try the brand new Awasi hotel) on the Argentina side or the Belmond Hotel das Cataratas in Brazil. Both are mere feet from the falls. You’ll want 1-2 days here, depending how much you want to revel in all the water!

More –>

LATAM flies to many destinations inside Argentina and may I suggest the following: Salta for more wine (MmmMm Torrontes!), Bariloche (crazy beautiful scenery/hiking and yummy chocolate!), and Ushuaia where you can hang out with the penguins in the world’s southernmost city. If you have another week+ and bank account to spare, I’d hit Antarctica while you’re down there.

I get around a lot…meaning I fly a ton. I’m on an airplane it seems every other week, and I’ve done my fair share of research in the South America airline industry. The best in the game is LATAM Airlines, Latin America’s largest airline holding company based out of Santiago, Chile. Being a member of the oneworld alliance with more than 750 destinations in over 150 countries around the world pretty much puts them at the top of my Bookmark Bar. In my experience, the company excels in offering various flight times and destinations, modern planes, in-flight services/amenities, and the best wine list out there.

The post Where to go in Argentina: Itineraries to Copy/Paste appeared first on The Road Les Traveled.

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Tips & How to travel to Oman in 2019

For most people back home, Oman is an exotic, off the beaten track destination which would never get into their travel plans, and they are particularly surprised when I tell them that Oman is a country that has been receiving tourists for decades.

I mean, Oman was never the type of country filled with random backpackers and casual independent travelers, but Western tour groups were not a rare thing to see, and both the harbors of Muscat and Salalah were daily loaded with cruise ships coming from all over the world.

It was, however, an exclusive country, with very little and really expensive tourism infrastructure; but today, thanks to the gradual internationalization of its neighbor Dubai, Oman is becoming a popular destination, both for expats who wish to escape from the urban jungle of Dubai, and Westerners who wish to explore the most traditional and welcoming Arab country.

This travel guide contains everything you need to know to travel to Oman, including all the practical information, travel tips, top experiences and loads of cultural facts.

If you are interested in Saudi Arabia, read here how to get a visa and travel to Saudi

Here you will find:

Intro: why visit Oman Visa for Oman Best time to visit Oman Travel insurance for Oman Books for traveling to Oman 5 Top experiences in Oman Tours in Oman Is Oman safe 20 Cultural facts about Omanis and Oman Food in Oman Money and budgeting Transportation in Oman How to get in Accommodation Internet More information

Intro: Why visit Oman?

I have visited Oman 7 or 8 times.

The fact is that I lived in Dubai for nearly 3 years, and going to Oman was the classic weekend getaway.

Two years after leaving Dubai and my corporate job, I came back to the region and decided to travel around Oman for a whole month, this time without a car, right before making my way to Saudi Arabia.

I love Oman, I absolutely love it, for many reasons, but mainly because it is a country which, unlike the United Arab Emirates, Qatar or Kuwait, has managed to keep its own character and traditions.

Oman is an oil-rich country, but they don’t need to spend billions building extravagant buildings and nonsensical monuments.

No, they don’t need to because people visit Oman to meet the kind-hearted Omanis, to check out the incredible coastline and the most epic mountains in the Arabian Peninsula, which go as high as 3,028m.

However, I like to travel to Oman because I freaking love experiencing a culture which, despite the modernization of the country, has managed to preserve all its traditions and that is why, today, in Oman you can still attend a livestock market and always share a meal with a local in the traditional way.

Not surprisingly, Oman is getting immensely popular, but the good thing is that the country is big enough, so you can still find loads of off the beaten track places that have remained untouched for centuries.

Welcome to Oman.

Animal auction in Rustaq – I was the only tourist in the entire market

How to get a visa for Oman

Most nationalities can buy an Oman tourist visa on arrival:

30-day visa: 21 rials or 60USD.

10-day visa: 5 rials or 13USD

Multiple-entry visa, valid for 1 year: 50 rials or 130USD.

If possible, try to pay in either Omani Rials or with a credit card, because the price in USD is higher than the actual exchange rate.

You can also buy your Omani visa online through this portal at a discounted price (around 1 rial), which is 2-3USD, for the 30-day visa at least.

What nationalities are eligible for visa on arrival?

European Union, Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Bolivia, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Hong Kong, Iceland, Indonesia, Japan, Lebanon, Liechtenstein, Macau, Macedonia, Malaysia, Moldova, Monaco, New Zealand, Norway, Paraguay, San Marino, Seychelles, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Suriname, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, United States, Uruguay, Vatican City and Venezuela

If you come from any other country, I suggest you check the e-visa portal.

Do you have UAE residence? If you are not in the lucky countries list, but you are living and working in the United Arab Emirates, you may also be able to get a visa on arrival. However, you should check it with your own embassy.

Entry & stamp for Oman – Oman travel blog

Best time to visit Oman

In Oman, there really isn’t a spring or autumn season but the weather just evolves from crazy hot to pleasant. Note that, depending on the year, May and October could still be really, really hot

Summer: May to October Winter: November to April PROS

Pleasant weather in the high mountains

Low-season prices

Monsoon season in Salalah (South Oman)

Pleasant weather across the whole country

Loads of social life, events, etc. (Omanis are in their best mood)

CONS

Unbearable heat across the country

High levels of humidity in the coastal areas

Summer is so hot that you can’t even go to the beach because the level of humidity is just crazy – I found this beach around 2 hours driving north of Salalah

Travel insurance for Oman

Hey, Oman is an adventure destination, a country where you may be camping in the wild, go trekking and do epic road trips, plus their health care system is private.

For this reason, you should get the right insurance and I strongly believe that World Nomads is the best one because:

It covers the largest number of adventure activities

It is the only company that gives an unlimited medical budget

Pretty much any nationality can apply for it

CLICK HERE TO GET YOUR FREE QUOTE FROM WORLD NOMADS

Books for your trip to Oman

Oman Travel Guide by Bradt – The guide to Oman by Bradt is, definitely, the best guidebook about Oman that exists.

CLICK HERE TO CHECK PRICES ON AMAZON

Arabian Peninsula travel guide by Lonely Planet – They also mention UAE and other Gulf countries but if you like collecting the LP or want to combine a few countries, this is also a good option.

CLICK HERE TO CHECK PRICES ON AMAZON

5 Top experiences in Oman

Some travelers may not agree with the below list, basically because most of them are not on the tourist trail, but having visited Oman extensively, getting quite off the beaten track, these are my personal must-try experiences:

Traveling to Dubai? Read my complete 1-week itinerary to UAE for the independent traveler

Experience the khareef season in Salalah

In Oman, there is a place full of green meadows, where it rains, and the locals sell locally-grown coconuts, pineapples, and papayas. This place is called Salalah, in southern Oman, a city that experiences a monsoon season called khareef, which takes place from July to September.

During this season, Salalah becomes beautiful and lush green, attracting visitors from all over the country, as well as Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

Lush green hills of Salalah during the monsoon season – I took this photo in 2014, the first time I visited Oman

Driving the coastal road from Salalah to the Yemeni border

Very few travelers visit this remote part of the country, which is a real shame, because the coast of Dhofar province is home to the most dramatic coastline in Oman, composed of lush green mountains which, at the same time, serve as vertiginous cliffs that directly drop to turquoise-blue waters.

A type of landscape you would never think of in the Arabian Peninsula.

It looks like Hawai, right?

Dhofar coastline, somewhere near the Yemeni border – By the way, this isn’t a drone photo, but it was taken from the top of a cliff

Experiencing the Omani traditional life

What I like about Oman is that, unlike its neighbors from UAE, Qatar, Bahrain or Kuwait, it is a country with a complex, ancient history that managed to keep its traditions.

From livestock markets to artisan shops, actual Bedouins and historical mountain villages, the cultural experience in Oman is just as great as its epic landscapes.

Artisan man, in Nizwa

Camping at one of the many wadis in Oman

Oman is about outdoors and since the country is not known for its nightlife, not even Muscat, both locals and expats tend to spend their weekends outdoors, especially camping in a wadi (valley) over a night barbecue.

If you want to join an Omani group, check the weekly events on Couchsurfing.

If you decide to go alone and go on a weekend, expect kind Omanis to tell you to join them.

One epic wadi, somewhere in Oman

The historical heritage, from ruined cities to epic forts and abandoned villages

Despite being a mostly desert country, Oman has a fair amount of historical places to visit, ranging from well-restored, impressive forts, like the one in Rustaq, Nizwa or Bahla; to absolutely ruined historical cities like the barely visited one in Manah.

Moreover, the mountains of Oman are also filled with abandoned villages that had been inhabited for centuries, but due to their inaccessibility, the Omani Government gave the villagers incentives to move to more accessible towns.

The ruined city of Manah

Manah ruined city

Do you need to join a tour in Oman?

Heads-up.

Oman is a difficult country to move around, basically, because you hardly find public transportation.

Therefore, to travel in Oman, you need to either rent a car or go on a tour.

There is a third, more challenging way: hitchhiking – but we will get into that later.

If you want to go on a tour, I recommend the guys from GetYourGuide, as they offer a large variety of tours for all prices, and you can book them with just one click. These are some of the best tours they offer:

Empty Quarter – Well, like I said in the top 5 experiences, the Empty Quarter is one of the top experiences in Oman, and in any case, you can’t really go on your own, so booking a tour is your best bet. CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

Muscat City Tour – Muscat is full of amazing sites, but it is not very walking-friendly precisely. Joining a tour will definitely prove cheaper than hiring a taxi driver. CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

Jebel Shams – The Grand Canyon of Oman is one of the most epic, natural places in the country, and it is easily visited from Muscat on a day trip. CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

Nizwa Tour – One of the most historically important cities in Oman has a great souq and a beautiful fortress. CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

Musandam – Dolphin watching and the most impressive fjords in the Persian Gulf. CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

CLICK HERE TO SEE ALL TOURS IN OMAN

Taking sunset photos in epic Jebel Shams – Oman travel guide

Is it safe to travel to Oman?

Oman is safe and, perhaps, one of the safest countries I have ever been to, no kidding.

Even the utterly negatively-exaggerated FCO advice says that Oman is trouble-free.

The fact is that Oman is one of those countries where crime is a rare thing to see.

Actually, a good friend of mine from southern Oman told me that since he was born 40 years ago, there is only been one murder in his province (Dhofar), and it was between foreign workers.

How many people have been murdered in your province or city?

There are no pickpockets and nobody will mug you. Oman is very safe and terrorism is unheard of, especially because it has always kept away of all Middle Eastern conflicts.

For a more comprehensive analysis, read: Is Oman safe?

Here you can find all my travel guides to the Middle East

An abandoned village in the middle of an oasis

20 Facts about Omanis and the country of Oman

1 – Oman is an Arab country and Omanis are Arabs – It is one of the 22 countries that comprise the Arab League.

2 – Many Omanis are ethnically from Zanzibar – From the 17th to the 19th century, the Sultanate of Oman was a major maritime force which controlled a large part of East Africa, Zanzibar being one of the most important territories.

When you travel in Oman, you will see a lot of very dark Omanis with strong East African features. Most likely, their ancestors come from Zanzibar but, culturally, they are 100% Omani.

Read my city guide to Muscat!

3 – And then you have the Baluchis – Balochistan is a region spread across Pakistan, Iran, and Afghanistan and, for many years, the Baluch city of Gwadar (in today’s Pakistan) was under Omani rule. Baluchis were known for being fierce warriors and that is why, over the centuries, the Sultanate used them as loyal mercenaries to consolidate Oman’s power.

Today, a large population of Baluchis still remain in Oman (about half a million) and while they are considered 100% Omanis, many of them speak a distinct language which is close to Hindi or Urdu, and they have similarities with their South Asian neighbors.

4 – But there are more groups – From the several Dhofari tribes in southern Oman (which are culturally closer to Yemen) to the Bedouins, Oman is ethnically rich.

An Omani man from a certain Dhofari tribe, somewhere in the remote mountains of Dhofar province

5 – South Asians make up around 45-55% of the total population – By South Asians, I mean people from Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh, especially Bangladesh, most of them being workers with low-qualified jobs.

Bengali man selling fruit in Oman

6 – Arabic is the official language – Omani Arabic is very similar to the one spoken in UAE, Saudi Arabia and the rest of the Gulf countries, with its own similarities, of course. They claim that the Arabic from the Gulf is the closest to Classical Arabic, the Arabic the Quran is written in.

7 – Other languages, however, are also spoken – I personally spent several days in Dhofar province, staying with a guy named Mussab in a small village north of Salalah. Mussab spoke Jabali (Shehri), a language that sounded completely different from Arabic. He said that some old people from remoter villages in his region can’t speak Arabic, only Jabali.

8 – Many educated Omanis speak English – Especially in Muscat but, in smaller cities and rural areas, communicating in English can be a problem sometimes.

9 – Most Omanis are Sunni Muslims – There are small concentrations of Shias in Muscat and along the northern coast, but Sunni Islam is the prevalent religion.

10 – And they are a very conservative society – Islam is the basic pillar for pretty much any Omani, including the young generation. I hung out with Omanis from all ages and social classes and I barely met anyone who didn’t pray 5 times a day. They are strong believers and most of their rules, habits, and laws are based on Islam.

Some old Omanis in the market of Nizwa

11 – Conservative, but tolerant with foreigners – In Oman, there aren’t specific rules dictating how you need to dress, and alcohol is widely available for foreigners. Women don’t need to cover up and, if you want to wear shorts, you just wear them. Omanis understand the cultural differences between themselves and Europeans, so you don’t need to explain anything to them.

A piece of advice for women – When I was traveling in the touristic areas of Oman, I saw quite a few Western women dressing like they would do in a beach destination back home, and that was with very tight and small clothes. There isn’t really a law against that, and Omanis are the kindest people on Earth, so most likely, whatever you wear, they won’t say you anything to you because you are their guest. However, I certainly know that many Omanis get bothered when they see a woman dressing like that, especially in villages. Look, I know that I shouldn’t tell a woman what to do, but just bear in mind that you are in their country and, in order to enjoy their kindness and hospitality, showing your respect for their culture is a great start. You don’t need to cover your head or anything like that, but just try to dress more conservatively, and you will see that Omanis will receive you in open arms. For more information, read: Solo female travel in Oman

12 – Some of the most hospitable people ever – You may think this as a cliché statement, but it’s not. Omanis are in the top 3 of the most hospitable people I have ever met, along with Iranians and Pakistanis.

Over my backpacking journey, I lost count of all the house invitations I got, plus the kindness of the many locals I hitched a ride with, always willing to meet and help you, expecting nothing in return.

With a family of Bedouins, somewhere in Central Oman

13 – You will visit many guest rooms, but nothing beyond that – Omanis are very private. Families don’t really like people entering their houses, especially because it is the only place where their women can roam around freely.

For this reason, all houses tend to have a guest room, which is a living room attached to the main entrance of the house. If you are a man, you won’t be allowed to cross that room but, in that room, you will be treated like a royal guest.

14 – About women – Yes, Oman is a conservative Muslim society and as such, women have fewer rights than men but still, they are much further ahead than Saudi Arabia, especially when it comes to high education and public jobs, and you will hardly see any women wearing the niqab. However, you won’t really see women socializing alone in the street and, as a man, you will hardly talk to any of them.

Read: 9 Misconceptions about traveling as a female in Saudi

Men & women dancing together, in a random festival I attended in Badiyah

15 – Expect to see many pictures from Saddam Hussein – I traveled around Oman always hitchhiking and, during my journey, I got lifts from many people who had Saddam Hussein’s photo hanging from the rear mirror.

One of the few cars I saw with a picture of Sadam

16 – Get used to shopping from the car – Omanis have a strange custom which is that they don’t like to get out of their car when they go to the grocery store or want to take away food. Instead, they stop at the entrance and beep like crazy until a poor Bengali comes out asking for their order. A strange custom which I never managed to get used to.

17 – They even have drive-thru ATMs – When I was at the gas station of Salalah, for the first time in my life, I saw a drive-thru ATM, which was also located right next to a few normal ATMs. The shocking fact was that there were 3-4 cars standing on the line, yet, the normal ATMs were empty, which meant that they preferred waiting to getting out of the car – and it wasn’t due to the heat because it was during winter.

18 – The strangest signboards for shops – ”Fish Marketing”, ”Food Stuff”, or ”Café that offers meals mainly”, among the most classic ones.

Café that offers meals mainly

19 – Sultan Qaboos is the most beloved leader in the world – There isn’t a single Omani who doesn’t love their leader and the reason is that he has made their country great, not only when it comes to giving free stuff to its citizens – like houses – but he introduced a bunch of liberal laws (like freedom of religion) which his dictatorial predecessor didn’t allow.

20 – What you need to know about camels – In Oman there are a lot of camels, but most of them are concentrated in the south, in Dhofar province (the north is more about goats). Dhofar is perhaps, the place with the largest concentration of camels in the world, no kidding. They are absolutely everywhere, like sleeping in the middle of the road and stuff like that. Unfortunately, most of them will end up their days in a butchery.

Tales of Omani hospitality – I wish I had space here to tell you all the stories of hospitality and kindness I had with the tens of Omanis I hung out with. As I told you before, I traveled in Oman completely by hitchhiking, camped in the middle of towns and cities, and did a lot of Couchsurfing. When you are backpacking this way, the local interactions are non-stop and in most cases, Omanis just tried to be overwhelmingly helpful. I got invited to have coffee to countless houses, they took me out for lunch and dinner every other day and, on many occasions, the people I hitched a ride with, always insisted on driving me to my exact location, even if that required them to make a huge detour. For this reason, I strongly recommend you travel in Oman independently, not on a tour.

I love camels

Food and coffee in Oman

Honestly, food isn’t the highlight of any Oman trip, but there are some surprises and interesting facts.

The first thing you need to know is that Omani cuisine is very limited, as it mainly consists of meat or fish with rice, served in ridiculously massive portions.

Camel meat is eaten all across the country but nowhere like in Dhofar province, the place with perhaps, the largest concentration of camels in the world. In Salalah and around, camel meat is eaten very regularly in most restaurants, usually grilled, but you also find camel shawarmas, burgers and stuff like that.

Grilled meat plus a huge amount of rice. This massive Omani meal cost around 7-8USD and it could feed 3 people

Besides rice with its respective portion of protein, you may also find shurbah, a local soup made of oatmeal, tomatoes, and other vegetables.

That’s it pretty much when it comes to Omani food but, one day when I was Sadeh, a coastal village 2 hours north of Salalah, my host wanted me to eat a very special dish from his region.

And what are we gonna eat? – I asked

He didn’t know the name in English, so he Googled it and said: It’s called oysters. My friend catches them.

I thought we would be eating oysters in the same way we eat them back home but instead, he brought a massive dish of oysters without shells, cooked in a spicy sauce, but they still preserved the strong sea taste oysters usually have.

That dish was, definitely, one of the best dishes I ever had traveling, if not the best.

Loads of oysters, cooked in a spicy sauce

On the other hand, due to the big Indian influence, you also find loads and loads of restaurants – even in the smallest villages – serving all kinds of Indian food, ranging from daal to fish curries, and even calamari masala, always very cheap. Daal was usually my everyday breakfast.

Here are some facts about eating when you travel in Oman:

Typically, you will eat on the floor, with a plastic tablecloth

Usually, everything will be served on one single plate, even if you are several people, and you will eat from the same plate.

You eat with your hands, and no plates or forks are provided.

Guests are not supposed to leave any food – That was hard because of the XXL portions

In rural areas, you should eat with your right hand and doing otherwise is considered rude – This rule applies in all Muslim countries but Oman is particularly conservative and, along with Saudi Arabia, it is the only country where, on several occasions, the locals told me I was doing it wrong (I am left-handed).

What you need to know about kahwa

Kahwa is the local coffee from the Arabian Peninsula, consisting of regular coffee with cardamom, served in a traditional pot.

The problem with kahwa is that if you travel in Oman independently and have a lot of local interactions, you will be offered this coffee several times a day, meaning that you will have a shit load of cups, therefore, your heart rate is likely to increase.

When I was hitchhiking in Central Oman, where tourists are rare, one day I had to have more than 25 cups of kahwa – no kidding – as you are supposed to have at least a few when you are offered.

If you are in a house, kahwa will be typically served with dates and if you are lucky, with tajin as well, a kind of sauce in which you dip your dates.

In fancier occasions, they will serve it with halwa, a traditional sticky, jelly-like dessert made of wheat starch, eggs, saffron, cardamom, nuts, and A LOT of sugar. It’s a bomb.

What to do with all the dates – Of course, dates are immensely popular in Oman, especially in the north, and they claim that dates from Nizwa are the very best. Every time I stayed with an Omani from the north, they gifted me with a crazy bag loaded with dates, and they were so heavy. Since I couldn’t finish them all, they were piling up, so every time I hitched a ride with a foreigner, I also gave them dates.

Money & budgeting when you travel in Oman

In Oman, they use the Omani Rial (OR) and, approximately, 1USD = 0.39OR – Yes, it is worth more than 2USD.

Omani Rials are split into baisas (bzs) and 1OR = 1,000bzs

The Omani Rial is a stable currency.

Exchanging money – Given the fact that half of the population are foreigners, money exchange offices abound.

ATMs – Plenty of ATMs everywhere

Credit cards – In local eateries, taxis, small shops, budget hotels etc. you must pay in cash, so always bring plenty of it.

How much does traveling to Oman cost?

All right, Oman is an expensive destination (yeah, really), for two reasons:

There is no public transportation

There aren’t budget hotels

How much you will spend when traveling in Oman is hard to say, as it will depend on several factors.

For example, I have never spent much because, during my first 6 or 7 visits, I always came with my own car and used to camp in the wadis or the beach and, on my last occasion, I was purely hitchhiking and Couchsurfing, so I barely spent 20USD a day.

Local food is actually cheap but, if you rent a car and stay in hotels, costs will add up significantly.

Here are the typical prices of the most basic stuff:

One-month visa – 20OR (52USD)

Welcome package SIM + Data – 3OR (7.80USD) but then you pay 3OR for 1GB

The most budget hotel – 10-12OR (26-31USD)

A plate of daal – 500bzs (1.30USD)

A biryani – 1.5OR (3.90USD)

A big bottle of water – 200bzs (50¢)

A beer – 4OR (10USD)

Short taxi rides within Muscat – 2.50OR (6.50USD)

Bus from Muscat to Salalah – 7OR (18USD)

How to travel in Oman on a super budget:

Do hitchhike (it is fairly easy)

Do Couchsurfing

Only eat in Indian-run restaurants

Go to the mountains and camp outdoors

If you want to know more, read my guide on how to go backpacking in Oman on a super budget

Half Omani Rial, the most curious note

Transportation tips – How to move around Oman

In Muscat

Regular taxi – If you don’t have a car, taxis are the way to go in Muscat. They don’t have taximeters, however, and taxi drivers from Muscat are really annoying because they always try to rip off tourists. I recommend using Careem or Uber.

Bus – There are a few bus lines in Muscat that go all the way to Ruwi from the airport. They cost 500bzs. For more information, read my Muscat City Guide.

Renting a car in Oman

To be very honest, Oman is a country which is best explored by car, as the vast majority of its places are completely inaccessible.

A car will make your life much easier, plus you will be able to find epic camping spots and just have a lot of freedom.

I recommend you find your car via Rental Cars, a search engine that helps you find the best deals, no matter where you are.

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE BEST CAR RENTAL DEALS IN OMAN

Do you need a 4×4 for your trip to Oman?

Before making this decision, you need to think: where are you going to go?

The roads in Oman are generally good and the only 2 places I went where a 4×4 was needed were Jebel Akhdar and the road from Al Hamra to Rustaq via Bald Sayt.

Then, you have the Empty Quarter but, even if you had the best 4×4, it is not recommended to go without an experienced driver – The dunes in the Empty Quarter are a few hundred meters high, and they are shifting sands.

Unless you really want to drive off-road, bear in mind that renting a 4×4 is much more expensive than a regular car, so you really need to assess whether it is worth to pay the extra money for being able to go to Jebel Akhdar and Bald Sayt.

Bus

Traveling in Oman by bus sucks, for 3 reasons:

They just go to the main cities and towns

There are only a few a day

Cities in Oman are not walking-friendly, so when you get to a city by bus, you are screwed again.

Going by bus isn’t a good option for traveling in Oman.

Hitchhiking

The best option for budget backpackers.

Hitchhiking in Oman is super easy. I hitchhiked more than 1400km, from Salalah to Muscat and everything in between, and never had to wait much.

For more information, read my budget backpacking guide in Oman.

Why visit Oman? Camels are often found on the road

How to travel to Oman

Traveling to Oman by air – Today, there are many international connections coming from different European and Asian cities to Muscat. However, flying to Dubai will always be cheaper, so I recommend you check both and then you decide. The southern city of Salalah also has an international airport, with connections from other Arab countries, India, Pakistan, etc.

Traveling to Oman by land – Oman shares a border with UAE, Yemen, and Saudi Arabia.

UAE – Traveling from Dubai to Muscat is a 400km drive. You can come by car but there are also buses from Bur Dubai. Check here for more info.

Saudi – Apparently, the border was recently opened, but there are no buses and it is actually faster going through UAE, which would be a 1,300km drive from Riyadh to Muscat. Read my travel guide to Saudi Arabia.

Yemen – The border is open but it is a very long drive. For more information on visiting Yemen, read this post.

Accommodation tips – Which kind of accommodation do you have?

The first thing you need to know is that in Oman there aren’t hostels or guest houses, only hotels.

Budget Hotels – Only available in big cities and on roads. You pay 25-30USD for a single room but on the bright side, the few I stayed in tended to be clean and have some minimum standards.

Hotel-apartments – In big cities, you can also find hotel-apartments, which are very good value-for-money if you are more than 2 people.

Mid-range hotels – In rural touristic places such as Jebel Shams, Jebel Akhdar, villages like Bald Sayt, etc. there aren’t budget hotels and rates may easily start at 100USD per night.

5-star hotels – The offer of luxury hotels in Oman is very large.

CLICK HERE TO FIND THE LATEST HOTEL DEALS IN OMAN!

Airbnb – Probably, the most budget options but the offer is quite limited outside of the main towns. Remember that, if you create an account through my link, you will get up to 35€ of FREE credit on your next booking.

Couchsurfing – Plenty of profiles but I recommend you send the requests in advance because Omanis tend to take a while to reply.

Internet

Wi-Fi – Wi-Fi usually works great but, unfortunately, it is difficult to find a Wi-Fi network, as the internet is expensive in Oman, so only hotels and Western-style cafés can afford it. So, when you are traveling in rural Oman, getting connected may prove challenging.

Moreover, Wi-Fi networks tend to require a local Omani number in order to connect, so you will have to buy a SIM Card anyways.

SIM Card – SIM Cards in Oman are expensive as well. Omantel is the most popular one. They offer an entry plan which may be enough for short-term stays but then, if you are planning to travel to Oman for several weeks, the price per GB is pricey, like 8-9USD for 1GB worth of data.

More information to add up to this Oman travel guide

Here you can find all my articles and guides to Oman

Traveling to Saudi Arabia? Here you can find all my articles and guides to Saudi Arabia

Are you traveling to Dubai and have little money? Read how to travel in Dubai on a budget

Iran is so close to Oman, are you going there? Remember to check then my tips for visiting Iran

And here all my content to the Middle East

This Oman travel guide contained everything you needed to know for your trip. If you have any additional information, or questions, kindly post it in the comments section

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charllieeldridge · 5 years ago

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Life Update: Travel Plans and What’s Next?

Last year, we were completely exhausted from almost a decade of moving around the world from place to place. Once we both came to the difficult realization that it was time for a base and that being “nomadic” wasn’t for us anymore, we basically just stayed put for almost an entire year!

It was as if the years of hard travel and running an online business while on the road caught up with us. We basically had no desire to pack our bags and go on a trip — which is unheard of.

That was 2018. Fast forward to this year and we’re much more eager to get back on the road — we just needed a little bit of R&R and some downtime, we’re not in our 20’s anymore!

Earlier this year, we spent 2.5 months in Ecuador and Peru, two weeks in Nova Scotia and enjoyed a few staycations here in Grenada.

Ecuador was exactly the trip we were ready for!

After being back from Nova Scotia for almost 8 weeks now, we’re feeling ready to take off again — the travel itch is full-on this year.

︎ Big Travel Announcement:

We’re travelling to Indonesia, the Philippines, and Japan!

While these won’t be new countries for us, we’re visiting islands and towns that we haven’t explored yet. It’ll be a mix of work and pleasure and we’re looking forward to sharing our beach, food, diving and cultural findings with you!

We went live on Facebook announcing this trip. Check it out here (or continue reading below):

Why Asia?

This part of the world is one of our favourites and we find ourselves returning here again and again — either to travel or to put down some temporary roots.

The interesting cultures, the tasty cuisine, and the overall beauty have stolen our hearts over the years. Most of our travels have been spent in Asia (including Central, East, South, West, and Southeast) and in fact, we have just one country left before we’ve seen all of Southeast Asia (Timor-Leste/East Timor).

There’s just something special about this part of the world that keeps us coming back.

The street food in SE Asia is some of the best anywhere!

This time around, we’re heading to the Philippines to attend our friend’s wedding. He’s American, she’s Filipina and we can’t wait to experience a traditional ceremony and celebration!

Plus, other friends of ours will be there as well — this is going to be a fun reunion. We’ve rented a villa right on the beach and will be exploring the island, partaking in wedding shenanigans, and enjoying the company of our friends.

When we were discussing the wedding itinerary and details, we simultaneously received an offer from Lotus Hotels to visit Indonesia and experience their stunning accommodations, which are all PADI 5* dive resorts.

The timing couldn’t have been more perfect and we decided to incorporate Indonesia into our Philippines travels.

A couple of weeks after accepting the offer in Indonesia, we were approached by a PR company in Japan who represents numerous tourism boards there.

She invited us to experience lesser-travelled parts of Japan and share our findings with our audience.

The company wanted us to visit in October/November, which lined up perfectly — everything seemed to fall into place. And, when that happens, we go with it.

We feel so humbled and grateful to be at a level where brands and tourism boards recognize our value and want to work with us. We started blogging for family and friends back in 2011, and since making the conscious decision that we were going to turn travel blogging into our full-time career, it has blossomed into something far bigger than we ever imagined.

And that’s all thanks to you and your support!

Us with the press trip crew in Chicago. Influencers from Mexico, Brazil, Australia and ourselves. Plus the PR reps for the hotel we stayed at.

While press trips aren’t our main income stream or blogging model, when we’re invited on campaigns that suit our ethos and travel style, we happily accept them.

This is a fun way to travel, as we’re either doing something completely unique (like plotting hiking routes in Kyrgyzstan), road tripping around and exploring on our own (like in Argentina and Nova Scotia), or scuba diving in remote locations (as Nick did with the Indonesian tourism board).

Since we take time to vet the offers and consider whether or not they fit with our interests and brand, we’ve had nothing but positive experiences in the past and I’m sure it’ll be the same for our trip with Lotus Hotels and Japan tourism.

First up, Indonesia

In 2009, we backpacked around Indonesia for 2 months, while travelling to the islands of Bali, Gili Trawangan, Lombok, Sumbawa, Java, Flores, Rinca, and Sumatra.

We slept on mattresses on the floor, endured some seriously dodgy accommodations, and actually bargained one particular room down from $3 to $2.50 / night! We took whichever transportation was the cheapest (we even rode on top of a bus), we typically ate street food, and we didn’t care about comforts — we just wanted to stay on the road for as long as possible.

The travel bug and the sense of freedom were overwhelming.

We were on an extreme budget that year abroad. In fact, we travelled Indonesia for around $35 CAD/day, for both of us.

Us in Indonesia during our first trip in 2009!

Our encounters with the people, the natural surroundings, the unique culture, the experiences we had, and the overall adventure of travelling around this part of the world made Indonesia top our list of favourite countries during that year in Asia.

We loved it so much that in 2017 we decided to return to Indonesia to live in Canggu Bali for 3 months.

Here we are, 10 years since our first trip as budget backpackers, revisiting Indonesia in a completely different way — a way that reflects our current lifestyle and 35-year-old selves. It’s very surreal to think back on how far we’ve come and how we’ve evolved since 2009.

While we’re happy we backpacked when we did, our tight budget at the time definitely limited some of the things we wanted to experience, which included scuba diving. This time around, Nick will get his diving fix!

Living in Canggu Bali

Our Upcoming Route in Indonesia

Grenada -> New York -> Taiwan -> Bali -> North Sulawesi -> Raja Ampat -> Bali -> Gili Trawangan -> Bali

After a long, 25-hour travel journey we’ll arrive in Bali — jetlagged I’m sure but ready for the adventure. We’ve booked a nice villa on Airbnb in the beach town of Sanur. Even though we’ve spent lots of time in Bali we’ve never been here, but from what I’ve heard, Sanur has been dubbed as “snore” because it’s quieter than most of South Bali — which is fine by me!

After 3 nights spent chilling out, exploring by scooter and stretching our legs after the long flight, we’ll fly to North Sulawesi to the small island of Gangga. This area is known for having spectacular scuba diving and snorkelling opportunities. We’ve never been to Sulawesi and are excited to see what Gangga Island and the surrounding Bunaken National Marine Park have to offer.

This is where we’ll be staying, Gangga Island Resort and Spa. It looks amazing! (Photo credit: Lotus Hotels)

From North Sulawesi, we move on to our next island paradise, Raja Ampat. This once-secret group of 1500 islands is becoming more popular but is still considered off-track due to the effort it takes to get here. Nothing this good comes easy!

Idyllic islands, palm-fringed shorelines, crystal clear water, and some of the best diving anywhere in the world can all be found in Raja Ampat. The underwater world is teeming with life, which Nick knows first hand because he went on a diving trip here in 2017 during our stay in Canggu. I was so envious of that trip, and now I get a chance to see it with my own eyes.

We’ll be staying at the Papua Paradise Eco Resort for 5 nights in overwater bungalows. This type of accommodation has been a dream of ours for many years, and it’s finally coming true. Watching marine life swim by, and snorkelling right offshore will be pretty incredible.

Overwater bungalows! We’re looking forward to snorkelling right offshore. (Photo Credit: Lotus Hotels)

From the far east of Indonesia, we’re returning to Bali to visit another town that we’ve yet to see, Candidasa. A trip to a nearby village, scuba diving and relaxing by the pool are all on the agenda here. After what I’m sure will be a great 3 nights in Candidasa, we’re taking a boat over to nearby Gili Trawangan.

During 2009, we spent about a week on Gili T and really enjoyed the slow pace of the island. I remember renting bicycles with a plan to ride around the circumference of the island, only to find out that just 1/4 of it was paved, and the rest was sand!

It’ll be interesting to see how Gili Trawangan has changed over the past 10 years. The plan here is to do some scuba diving and snorkelling (of course), indulge in some relaxing spa treatments and explore the island.

The dining and pool area of Villa Almarik on Gili T. (Photo credit: Lotus Hotels)

In total, we’ll be travelling around Indonesia for 20 days and can’t wait!

A Wedding in the Philippines

During our 10 years of travel, we’ve attended numerous weddings abroad. Most of those weddings were for people we didn’t actually know! When we found out our good friend was getting married, we figured it would be held in the Philippines (where he lives), and knew we had to make an effort to get there — especially considering Nick was named best man!

We’re flying into the town of Dumaguete and taking a boat over to the island of Siquijor, which is where the festivities will take place.

The last time we were in the Philippines was back in 2012 when we travelled around the islands of Luzon and Palawan. There are over 7,000 islands in the archipelago and, not surprisingly, we haven’t explored Siquijor in the past.

Known for its interesting witchcraft healers, awesome scuba diving, pristine beaches, and gorgeous waterfalls, we’re very much looking forward to experiencing this island — through the eyes of a local.

Exploring a deserted island in the Philippines back in 2012.

A Quick Trip to Japan

In 2018, we decided to fly from Bali to Tokyo and celebrate Nick’s birthday in Japan. He’s a sushi fiend. Landing in Tokyo and having sushi that day for lunch was probably the best birthday he could’ve dreamed of!

We spent around two weeks travelling to Tokyo, Kyoto, Takayama, and some surrounding villages. I think you could spend years in Japan and continuously learn about the history and culture of this unique destination.

On a walking tour in Kyoto. Tatsuya was a great guide, and friend!

This diverse country has a little something for everyone — mountains, beaches, history, lakes, cities, food, and culture. There are just so many things to do in Japan.

This time around, we’re starting off in Tokyo (sushi!) and heading to the northeast region of the country, Tohoku — which is known as being a hidden traveller’s gem. This part of Japan is filled with hot springs, mountains, villages, crater lakes, and of course, regional food specialities.

From the north, we’re heading south to the Okayama area to explore castles, museums, gardens and shrines, before making our way back to Tokyo where we’ll complete our journey by soaking in an onsen (public bath).

This whirlwind trip will give us a taste of some parts of Japan we’ve never been, and from what I’ve seen and heard, I’m pretty sure we’re going to want to return.

Tohoku region of Japan (image courtesy of Shutterstock).

Returning Home

This trip is all about the islands, and after hopping around 7+ islands in Asia for 2 months, I think we’ll be ready to return to our home base (which is also an island!).

Having a base to return to really makes our travels a lot easier. These days, we don’t have to pack up literally everything we own and bring it with us. Plus, having a home allows us to actually accumulate a few possessions and to get some work done.

Once we return home it’ll be all about catching up with work, visiting with friends, enjoying some downtime and getting ready for our next adventure…which is happening around mid-January!

Have you been to any of the destinations I mentioned in this article? If so, please give us your must-sees, eats and dos in the comments below!

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tripstations · 5 years ago

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10 sacred sites and spiritual journeys in South America

Many of us feel attracted to soul-stirring places that exert something spiritual within us. The original meanings these sites hide shrouded in secrecy and are often buried in time, yet each is a place of mystery and awe.

Many of these destinations are known for their age-old legends, spiritual practices and long-standing ceremonies, while other sacred sites now exist as ruins or natural wonders.

For “believers” and non-believers alike, these destinations offer something undefined, something mystical – or perhaps simply something that moves us deeply.

While hundreds of sacred sites and spiritual destinations can be found throughout South America, we have selected just ten of them that we’ve found particularly compelling.

1. Salt Cathedral of Zipaquira (Colombia)

As the name suggests, the “Salt Cathedral of Zipaquira” is a pretty unusual place and an unmissable stop on any trip to Bogota, Colombia. Located an hour from the Colombian capital and hewn within the tunnels of a 600-foot-deep subterranean rock salt mine is this Roman Catholic church.

This strange and beautiful place of worship is adorned with softly lit crucifixes and cherubic statues throwing reverential shadows against the rough halite walls. Proceeding to the lowest tunnel, the temple opens up to reveal three naves that represent the birth, life and death of Christ. Looking up, you’ll see a basilica dome, while at the front of the temple is an enormous, floor-to-ceiling cross illuminated by purple lights. Looking around, you’ll find the pews jammed with parishioners as a choir breaks into song that reverberates throughout the chamber.

Whether you’re religious or not, it’s an otherworldly spot for contemplation and deep reflection.

2. Indigenous Shaman healing in the Ecuadorian Amazon

It’s known that over a quarter of today’s pharmaceuticals are plant-based, with the majority of these plants being native to the Amazon. In fact, many western scientists have turned to remote indigenous communities and their resident shaman to guide them to plants possessing healing properties.

The role of a shaman has been to perform healings and divination by altering one’s state of consciousness; this is done not only through local medicinal plants, but also through dream sharing, river bathing and other practices. Guided by these shamans, locals and medical tourists alike take part in traditional healing ceremonies and spiritual cleansing.

The unique nature of these shaman healing techniques has become increasingly popular, as travelers from around the world fly to South America and hike through the rainforest for various types of ceremonial and medicinal treatments.

Experience this in the early morning hours of the Ecuadorian Amazon. While you drink a gourd full of Guayusa tea, the community’s shaman will sing soft rhythmic songs to the beat of a two-sided weasel-skin drum. The same shaman will interpret your dreams from the previous night, making recommendations to help you live in greater harmony with the world around.

3. The Ancient City of Tiwanaku (Bolivia)

When we think of spiritually moving South American ruins, what automatically comes to most peoples’ minds is Peru’s Machu Picchu. However, some of the most important pre-Columbian sites in the Americas can be found in Bolivia. Among these is the ancient city of Tiwanaku, which was once the spiritual and political capital of the Tiwanaku Empire. Believed to have existed between 300 BC and 300 AD, this empire dominated the area that straddles the current border between Bolivia and Peru.

Today, Tiwanaku remains as a ceremonial site whose majestic structures remain infused with an ancient spirituality that’s palpable. Visiting the site means witnessing Tiwanaku’s beautifully crafted sculptures and its mysteriously crafted megalithic stone arch known as La Puerta del Sol (“The Gate of the Sun”). What’s more astounding than these few remnants themselves is the mindboggling story behind their construction. Consider the fact that the stones — weighing up to 150 tons — were somehow transported from more than 10 miles away.

NOTE: Most visitors to Lake Titicaca don’t even know Tiwanaku exists, despite the fact it’s located only 12 miles away.

4. Salvador de Bahia’s Candomblé Ceremonies (Brazil)

The city of Salvador da Bahia, located on Brazil’s northeast coast, is revered as the birthplace of the Afro-Brazilian religion known as Candomblé.

This faith, which came to Brazil on the slave ships from West Africa centuries ago, attracts peoples from all over the country — and increasingly travelers from around the world. These faithful followers and the curious alike make pilgrimages to this city of two million seeking the divine guidance, inspiration and protection of their personally adopted saint, called an “orixa.”

And like other cities where African spirits have migrated — Havana, Port-au-Prince, New Orleans — Bahia overflows with a vibrant arts scene of amazing ceremonies, music and dance, as well as great food. All of this culminates with Bahia’s annual Carnaval festivities, which begins in January and spans over a period of six weeks to escalate into a massive, high-decibel street celebration (in fact, many feel that Bahia’s festival is even better than Rio’s more secular Carnaval). The focus of all this is the city’s old quarter, which has recently undergone a multi-million dollar renovation that makes it even more attractive for travelers.

5. Lake Titicaca & Sun Island: Birthplace of Inca Civilization (Bolivia/Peru)

Lake Titicaca was central to the birth of the Inca civilization, as both its founder-king and the sun itself were said to have emerged from these glistening blue waters. Consequently, the lake’s Isla del Sol (“Island of the Sun”) became a vital religious center, attracting pilgrims from across the ancient empire to visit its shrines on this endless lake.

Traveling here, you too will find it hard to believe that this remarkable expanse of shimmering water is indeed a lake and not a vast ocean, as it unfolds towards the horizon in a spectacular display of natural beauty.

Sailing across the expansive lake to Sun Island, discover this sacred site brimming with authentic ancient cultures and spellbinding scenery. Soak up the mythical aura of this true South American icon as you walk along flagstone paths to temple ruins set against a backdrop of picture-perfect snow-capped mountains.

During your time in Lake Titicaca, you’re most likely to stay in Puno, a historic city that is often called the “Folklore Capital of Peru.” This lakeside town is a cultural hub of traditional dancing, music and colorful costumes, with over 300 local dances still proudly practiced today in a variety of Catholic and Inca celebrations throughout the year. All of this provides the perfect start to understanding and appreciating what this culturally-rich area has to offer.

6. Macho Picchu, Sacred Valley & Cusco (Peru)

The Inca have left their mark on Peru in the most awe-inspiring way, with the most remarkable of their legacy being Machu Picchu. To make your way to that wondrous citadel, first wander through the streets of Cusco. Passing its Inca-laid stone foundations, you’ll come upon “Qurikancha” which was once the richest and most ornate temple in the entire Inca Empire, cementing its place in time and history.

Traveling onward, through Sacred Valley, its name alone will conjure up images of ancient civilizations, storybook landscapes and an otherworldly mystique. Once visited, you will find those eager expectations more than met as the valley does indeed live up to its legendary reputation.

Upon reaching your final destination, it will be clear that no trip to Peru would be complete without witnessing the one and only Machu Picchu. This long-standing wonder regularly ranks as the world’s best travel experience. Truly incredible, without comparison or equal, the “Lost City” provides life-long fascination and endless intrigue, remaining as magnetic and awe-inspiring now as it was in its ancient past. Machu Picchu is not only a step back in time and a glimpse into a long-forgotten world, it’s also journey to self-discovery, awakening ancient wisdom and inner power within each of us

7. The churches, convents and cathedrals of Quito (Ecuador)

Visiting the historic district of Quito (Ecuador), you’ll find this colonial center brimming with religious art and sacred architectural treasures. Internationally considered “the best-preserved, least altered historic center in Latin America,” be prepared to discover picturesque colonial-era churches, age-old monasteries, and beautifully restored convents and monasteries.

These experiences include the majestic La Compañía Church, the iconic San Francisco Church & Monastery, and the impressive Cathedral – guardians of a stunning artistic and cultural heritage. Within these sanctuaries, you’ll find altars, pulpits, pillars, and arches adorned head-to-toe in gold leaf, allowing these to shine elements like jewels. Visits to these sacred sites are always humbling experiences that fill travelers with awe.

8. San Agustin (Colombia)

The phrase “must-see” can sometimes be overused; however, if you are even close to this region of southern Colombia, a trip to the monuments of San Agustin Archaeological Park will have to feature on your itinerary.

Here, you’ll find more than 500 statues, sarcophaguses and monoliths dating to pre-Colombian time, some more than 2,500 years old, and all related to death, funerals and burials. Boasting UNESCO “World Heritage Site” designation, these ceremonial sites, burial mounds, crypts, tombs, sacred statues, superb artistic pieces and much, much more cover four separate sites – each an enviable attraction in its own right

On top of this almost incomprehensible array of fantastically well-preserved crypts, monuments and statues, you will find charming rural settlements, natural wonders and an altogether enchanting side to a lesser-visited yet easily accessible region of Colombia.

9. Nazca Lines (Peru)

One of the greatest mysteries on this planet is the Nazca Lines, monumental drawings etched across 500sq km of the Pampa Colorada of southern Peru, in impeccably geometric lines.

These head-scratching geoglyphs cannot be distinguished from the ground, but when soaring in the skies above on a light aircraft their majesty is undeniable – although you won’t believe your eyes. How did these vast etchings come to be? It is not known, though there are many theories to suggest their origins and reasons for being: anything from ceremonial sites for the gods of water, to an astronomical calendar, and even aliens. Contemplate the many theories for yourself as you marvel at the hundreds of geoglyphs from above, making out the famous hummingbird, spider and human figure… or is it a Martian?

10. Easter Island’s Moais (Chile)

While simply walking around Easter Island — itself one of the greatest, most enjoyable and memorable experiences while on this scenic volcanic island — witnessing its legendary Moai statues up close is something to behold. With their poker-face expressions and astounding sizes, these titans constitute one of the world’s most mysterious archaeological pearls.

The giant statues, carved from huge rocks somewhere between 1200 and 1500 A.D. by the hands of the little-known ancient Polynesians, are strewn about the island in the hundreds, all slightly different and few being fully understood.

Many theories have emerged as to the reasons for their various locations, how they were physically transported, and how they were even carved.

For a wide-eyed visitor, though, the best course of action is to simply see and experience these for yourself – as well as any of the other sites presented.

Alfonso Tandazo is President and CEO at Surtrek Tour Operator. Surtrek Tour Operator is a well-established firm, specializing in custom-designed luxury tours in Ecuador, the Galapagos and throughout the rest of South America.

If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.

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curatedglobaltravel · 6 years ago

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9 Extraordinary Trips You Have To Take This Year

Want to make this year the best yet? Start by crossing these adventurous getaways off your bucket list! Get out and explore the world like never before with these 9 incredible destinations.

1. Petra, Jordan

A truly ancient wonder! This monument is nestled into the rose tinted valleys of Jordan. The Jordan Trail, recently created and 372 miles of fascinating history, will guide you to all the gems Jordan has to offer. Take a six day excursion to really experience Jordan’s wilderness from Dana to Petra, and gain rare knowledge of the Nabatean craftsmen, the people that carved this famous red city into stone.

2. Mykonos and Delos UNESCO site, Greece

You will never have seen deep blues as beautiful as the seas surrounding the stunning island of Mykonos! After exploring the ancient city of Athens, hop on a ferry in the crisp morning to watch the sunrise over the Mediterranean and arrive in one of the world’s most talked about Greek islands! Head over during high season for the party of a lifetime at the various Myconian villas, or book yourself into a realm of escapism towards the end of the season at the truly calming Mykonos Blu hotel. The UNESCO site of Delos is just a boat ride away, where you will be able to tread on the same paths as Apollo himself! Settled in the third millennium BC, this tiny island is teaming with ancient artefacts, ruins, and monuments to explore!

3. French Wine Country

Picture this; biking over warm bright green hills, sun glasses on, fresh baguettes rustling in a bag, and fresh, mouth watering wine awaiting your arrival. Now picture you holding a plane ticket to France to visit the French Wine Country. Set yourself up for a four day cycling journey through the world’s most famous wine regions. Take in the romantic sights of French villages and castles as you leisurely glide your way to and from each vineyard, each offering unique experiences, Michelin starred meals, and indulgent wine tastings!

4. Madagascar

Always wanted a safari filled vacation? This could be the perfect way to begin exploring Africa! Miavana is a private island sanctuary and is the perfect base for you to come back to after a day of snorkeling, kayaking, picnicking, and spotting various number of lively animals in their natural habitats. The one and only luxury lodge on this vibrant and colorful island, Nosy Ankao is home to 14 villas, set in the island’s tropical environment.

5. British Columbia, The Inside Passage

The calm waters of Johnstone Straight is the perfect place to watch wildlife. Relax casually in your kayak as you float passed seals, wolves, bears, and many more Canadian animals and birds. This four day trip of exploring one of Canada’s most beautiful parts is aligned with comfortable and cosy glamping sites all along the Inside Passage. These come with the option of having gourmet meals prepared for you. How wonderful!

6. Ayutthaya, Thailand

The ancient city of Ayutthaya, Thailand is hot on the radar with fresh, new hotels, cafés, and wine bars. After investigating the many glistening temples around the city, continue exploring in the playful yet stylish new hotel of Sala Ayutthaya. You’ll love to try out the plunge pools lined with marble, have drinks with river views, and chill out in one of the 26 minimalist styled rooms. Continue quenching your visual pleasures as you gaze upon the fabulous treehouse-like wine bar of Wine Ayutthaya. The clever square lattice façade encloses many spiral staircases that lead up to balconies of varying heights.

7. Lares Route, Machu Picchu

Go from lodge to lodge as you embark on an inspirational journey along the Lares Route. Your destination; Machu Picchu, the world famous ancient citadel. Along the way, learn how the locals use the earth's surface to cook, how to make tapestries, and step along seldom travelled trails. When you arrive, rest up in the comfort of Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel, a hotel decorated with terraced hills and whitewashed adobe casitas.

8. North America’s Best National Parks

Take a 13-day trip and see America’s best National parks. Within two weeks you will have discovered the hidden gems of Montana’s Glacier Park, marvelled at the bubbling geothermal pools at Yellowstone National Park, and trekked the expansive canyons of Zion National Park. There’s so much of nature’s beauty and amazing adventures to be had right on your doorstep! There’s nothing that makes you more proud than visiting your own country’s best kept stunning parks.

9. Lençóis Maranhenses, Brazil

We’ve saved the most outstanding destination for last. You’re senses will run wild as your breath is taken away by the unusual and incredible beauty of Lençóis Maranhenses, just outside the rain-forest in Brasil. Captured by white sands on top of impervious rock, pools and lakes reflecting the deep blue sky create this alien landscape located in Brazil. This is just one of the stops included in the world famous and award winning Route of Emotions itinerary!

Click here now to book your adventure with Curated Global Travel!

#Bucket List

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lawfultruth · 6 years ago

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Top Ten: Paris

April in Paris

The statute of Louis XIII in the square at Place des Voges

The Apse of St-Paul,viewed from within the village

The Île Saint-Louis in the foreground, with Notre Dame in the background

Rue Mouffetard, in the early evening

A winter evening in the Place de la Contrascarpe

Uma feijoada, in São Paulo, Brazil (the traditional black bean and pork stew — in this picture, the beans are in the ceramic bowl).

A traditional meal of Tatties, Neeps, and Haggis ( potatoes, turnips, and haggis), in a pub in Edinburgh

In fairness, I have had some enjoyable meals in Germany. This tasty (albeit heavy) meal of turkey ham, scalloped potatoes, sausage, and salad was at the Gröninger Privatbrauerei in Hamburg Aldstadt.

Smoked salmon and champagne at the Oyster Bar in the Food Hall at Harrod’s in London

A Bibimbap at a small family restaurant in Seoul. (That is, a bowl of warm white rice topped with namul, gochujang, and soy sauce, with a fried egg on top).

At a shabu-shabu restaurant in Tokyo (the name shabu-shabu is onomatopoeic and refers to the sound made when the beef and vegetables are swished back in forth in the pot of boiling water).

An octopus at a fado club in Lisbon. (Yes, I ate the whole thing).

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simonconsultancypage · 6 years ago

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Top Ten: Paris

April in Paris

The statute of Louis XIII in the square at Place des Voges

The Apse of St-Paul,viewed from within the village

The Île Saint-Louis in the foreground, with Notre Dame in the background

Rue Mouffetard, in the early evening

A winter evening in the Place de la Contrascarpe

Uma feijoada, in São Paulo, Brazil (the traditional black bean and pork stew — in this picture, the beans are in the ceramic bowl).

A traditional meal of Tatties, Neeps, and Haggis ( potatoes, turnips, and haggis), in a pub in Edinburgh

In fairness, I have had some enjoyable meals in Germany. This tasty (albeit heavy) meal of turkey ham, scalloped potatoes, sausage, and salad was at the Gröninger Privatbrauerei in Hamburg Aldstadt.

Smoked salmon and champagne at the Oyster Bar in the Food Hall at Harrod’s in London

A Bibimbap at a small family restaurant in Seoul. (That is, a bowl of warm white rice topped with namul, gochujang, and soy sauce, with a fried egg on top).

At a shabu-shabu restaurant in Tokyo (the name shabu-shabu is onomatopoeic and refers to the sound made when the beef and vegetables are swished back in forth in the pot of boiling water).

An octopus at a fado club in Lisbon. (Yes, I ate the whole thing).

The post Top Ten: Paris appeared first on The D&O Diary.

Top Ten: Paris published first on http://simonconsultancypage.tumblr.com/

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joshuamshea84 · 6 years ago

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RTW Update: How Heather is Traveling on a Budget

Posted: 11/12/18 | November 12th, 2018

Last December, Heather won our round the world trip contest and was gifted a trip around the world worth $50 a day! In January, she started backpacking her way through South America on a budget. Today, she’s written a blog post about how she’s been able to stay on budget for the last 36 weeks and the lessons she’s learned as a new traveler!

After over ten months on the road, it’s time to update the community again on my trip! Since the last update, I spent two weeks in Brazil, a month exploring Morocco, and two months in Europe watching the World Cup.

Now, I’m in Tanzania exploring Africa!

After so long on the road, I think it’s time to answer the question that really drove the contest in the first place:

“Is budget travel possible on Matt’s $50 a day recommendations?”

One of the reasons Matt sponsored this trip was because he wanted to show everyone that travel is possible on his suggested budget of $50 a day. He wanted a living case study for the ideas in his book!

After tracking all my expenses — including my flights, travel insurance, and incidentals — I’ve spent $14,450 or $56 a day so far. I’ve not only found sticking to Matt’s budget feasible but not at all demanding (especially with a little creativity).

After Africa, I’ll be flying to Southeast Asia, where I’ll end my trip. I suspect that will lower my overall costs even more!

How I stayed on budget

At the beginning of my trip, I went to the Galápagos Islands, which are not backpacker-budget friendly, so I had some work cut out for me to get back on budget.

I saved on housing costs by Couchsurfing and staying with friends. In Chile, I stayed with friends I met in Colombia. In Paris, I stayed with a friend I met in Brazil. I’ve been overwhelmed by the number of kind people who offer me help, especially with accommodation, as I travel, expecting nothing in return. The travel community is extremely warm and open. It makes friends of strangers.

I’ve been balancing out other expenses by also keeping my transportation costs low. I opted to take the longer, cheaper way to get from A to B. In Brazil and Europe, I used BlaBlaCar to save money. In Morocco and South America, buses were my go-to option — they were cheap and easy. I booked a limited number of flights and tracked prices so I could book them at just the right time if possible.

Food has been the only place I haven’t cut back. I’m a foodie and, as Matt always says, what’s the point in traveling if you don’t eat the local food! In South America, this was usually easy. There were tons of lunch specials around and cheap local food so I was able to eat on a budget. In Europe, it was much harder. Food was by far my biggest expense but I have no regrets. A girl’s got to eat!

Here are my costs broken down by region:

Duration

Total Spent

Average per Day

South America

115 days

$5,215

$45; $32*

Ecuador

14 days

$600

$42

Galápagos

8 days

$1,700

$212

Peru

63 days

$1,800

$28

Chile

7 days

$210

$30

Argentina

4 days

$146

$36

Iguaçu Falls

3 days

$225

$85

Brazil

16 days

$534

$33

Africa

63 days

$3,904

$62

Morocco

22 days

$748

$34

Tanzania

31 days

$3,156

$76

Europe

78 days

$4,757

$60

Portugal & Spain

5 days

$368

$74

France

22 days

$1,650

$61

Germany

7 days

$500

$42

Italy

14 days

$839

$59

France (part 2)

30 days

$1,700

$56

*Total for South America if you exclude the Galápagos

Here’s the breakdown of my spending by category:

Housing: $2,874

Transportation: $2,632

Food: $4,687

Travel insurance: $1,040

Activities: $3,217 (such as tours to Machu Picchu or the Sahara, diving, a safari, shopping, etc.)

However, that’s not to say it’s all been super easy. I’ve made a ton of rookie mistakes. Even though I’ve read countless articles and books on traveling, once you’re on the road, you tend to get caught up in the moment. It’s one thing to read about it, it’s another thing to be there doing it!

And that can lead to a bunch of easily preventable mistakes! For example, some of the “doh” moments I had:

I spent 16 EUR on coffee as I was walking with a friend I met in Rome. It was SO hot and we just wanted to get off our feet before going to the Vatican. Big mistake! We even forgot to ask the prices. Since it was so close to the attraction (something I normally never do), each cappuccino was 8 EUR — and I got two! Oh, man were we pissed.

When I was in Morocco, just before going to the desert, I went to the supermarket to buy three day’s worth of snacks for lunch. I had heard that lunch was not included in your tour price (already ridiculous, at 86 EUR for three days!) and the tour guide, of course, only takes you to expensive lunch places. I did buy a bunch of groceries — 130 dirhams’ worth ($14 USD). But then I ended up eating at the restaurants anyway because I felt too awkward not eating with everyone and too tempted to order a nice chicken tagine instead of eating trail mix.

Looking back, I would have done a self-guided tour of the Sahara. I knew that before I did the tour, but I was lazy and tired, and I wanted to get out of Morocco. Being lazy is a quick way to burn money — and often also a quick way to have a less special experience.

I met some really interesting people in Buenos Aires who invited me to dinner. One of them was a local expat who was eager to show us that Buenos Aires “isn’t all meat anymore.” It was a great place, but that dinner was about 25 USD, which was almost my budget for the whole day! Then we had drinks afterward as well.

My Advice for Others: How to Save Money When You Travel

Backpacking isn’t like vacation travel. When you travel on vacation, you have little time but more money. When you backpack, the opposite is true: you have time, but little money. If you seek too many comforts and conveniences, you’ll blow your budget and have to go home early!

If I were to give advice to others, my main piece of advice would be to take a minute before your trip to think about what expenses you anticipate and what you are willing to spend. (Matt talks a lot about this.) Ask around for the right price for experiences, food, and lodging so that you have the most accurate information. The time you spend researching will help you better budget you money.

On the road, I would suggest doing two things: first is to write down everything and, second, is to forego convenience.

In his book, Matt says, “It’s the people who don’t write down their expenses that go home early.”

Speaking for myself, I can say this is completely true. There were a few days here and there where I would be so caught up in the experiences I was having that I completely forgot to write down my spending. Afterward, when I sat down to recall what I had spent, I realized I was not thinking about these costs and how they fit into my budget. Writing them all down helped me be mindful how much I was spending. It allowed me to make adjustments to my spending as I went. It’s because of that that I haven’t run out of money yet!

Even more important is foregoing convenience. Backpacking isn’t luxury travel. The majority of the time, there isn’t someone to port your luggage, drive you directly to your lodging, or arrange your day trip or tour. But walking when you can, sharing a ride with other travelers, asking for help from a kind stranger, or arranging your own itinerary — all those are free or nearly free.

***Staying on budget has become second nature to me now. It’s not hard once you internalize the strategy and learn to think outside the box. When you do that, you can spend your energy on why you are traveling in the first place: for new experiences and new friends.

I’m ten months into my yearlong trip. Some moments whizzed by. Others felt like they lasted forever. But, overall, it has been everything I hoped it to be – and also unlike anything I expected.

As Heather keeps going with her travels, we’re going to follow along to get more details about her trip, experiences, roadblocks, budgeting, and everything in between! You can follow her journeys on her blog, Confidently Lost, as well as on Instagram. She will also be sharing some of her experiences here!

How to Travel the World on $50 a Day

My New York Times best-selling paperback guide to world travel will teach you how to master the art of travel save money, get off the beaten path, and have a more local, richer travel experiences. It’s the book Heather is basing her travels off her and using as her guidebook around the world. As you can see, it’s working! She’s travel big on a small budget.

If that’s something you want to do too, click here to learn more about the book, how it can help you, and you can start reading it today!

Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner or Momondo. They are my two favorite search engines because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld. If you want to stay elsewhere, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels. I use them all the time.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. I’ve been using World Nomads for ten years. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

World Nomads (for everyone below 70)

Insure My Trip (for those over 70)

Looking for the best companies to save money with? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel! I list all the ones I use to save money when I travel – and I think will help you too!

The post RTW Update: How Heather is Traveling on a Budget appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

from Traveling News https://www.nomadicmatt.com/travel-blogs/heather-budget-rtw/

0 notes

melissagarcia8 · 6 years ago

Text

RTW Update: How Heather is Traveling on a Budget

Posted: 11/12/18 | November 12th, 2018

Now, I’m in Tanzania exploring Africa!

After so long on the road, I think it’s time to answer the question that really drove the contest in the first place:

“Is budget travel possible on Matt’s $50 a day recommendations?”

After Africa, I’ll be flying to Southeast Asia, where I’ll end my trip. I suspect that will lower my overall costs even more!

How I stayed on budget

At the beginning of my trip, I went to the Galápagos Islands, which are not backpacker-budget friendly, so I had some work cut out for me to get back on budget.

Here are my costs broken down by region:

Duration

Total Spent

Average per Day

South America

115 days

$5,215

$45; $32*

Ecuador

14 days

$600

$42

Galápagos

8 days

$1,700

$212

Peru

63 days

$1,800

$28

Chile

7 days

$210

$30

Argentina

4 days

$146

$36

Iguaçu Falls

3 days

$225

$85

Brazil

16 days

$534

$33

Africa

63 days

$3,904

$62

Morocco

22 days

$748

$34

Tanzania

31 days

$3,156

$76

Europe

78 days

$4,757

$60

Portugal & Spain

5 days

$368

$74

France

22 days

$1,650

$61

Germany

7 days

$500

$42

Italy

14 days

$839

$59

France (part 2)

30 days

$1,700

$56

*Total for South America if you exclude the Galápagos

Here’s the breakdown of my spending by category:

Housing: $2,874

Transportation: $2,632

Food: $4,687

Travel insurance: $1,040

Activities: $3,217 (such as tours to Machu Picchu or the Sahara, diving, a safari, shopping, etc.)

And that can lead to a bunch of easily preventable mistakes! For example, some of the “doh” moments I had:

My Advice for Others: How to Save Money When You Travel

On the road, I would suggest doing two things: first is to write down everything and, second, is to forego convenience.

In his book, Matt says, “It’s the people who don’t write down their expenses that go home early.”

I’m ten months into my yearlong trip. Some moments whizzed by. Others felt like they lasted forever. But, overall, it has been everything I hoped it to be – and also unlike anything I expected.

How to Travel the World on $50 a Day

If that’s something you want to do too, click here to learn more about the book, how it can help you, and you can start reading it today!

Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks

World Nomads (for everyone below 70)

Insure My Trip (for those over 70)

The post RTW Update: How Heather is Traveling on a Budget appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

from Traveling News https://www.nomadicmatt.com/travel-blogs/heather-budget-rtw/

0 notes

vidovicart · 6 years ago

Text

RTW Update: How Heather is Traveling on a Budget

Posted: 11/12/18 | November 12th, 2018

Now, I’m in Tanzania exploring Africa!

After so long on the road, I think it’s time to answer the question that really drove the contest in the first place:

“Is budget travel possible on Matt’s $50 a day recommendations?”

After Africa, I’ll be flying to Southeast Asia, where I’ll end my trip. I suspect that will lower my overall costs even more!

How I stayed on budget

At the beginning of my trip, I went to the Galápagos Islands, which are not backpacker-budget friendly, so I had some work cut out for me to get back on budget.

Here are my costs broken down by region:

Duration

Total Spent

Average per Day

South America

115 days

$5,215

$45; $32*

Ecuador

14 days

$600

$42

Galápagos

8 days

$1,700

$212

Peru

63 days

$1,800

$28

Chile

7 days

$210

$30

Argentina

4 days

$146

$36

Iguaçu Falls

3 days

$225

$85

Brazil

16 days

$534

$33

Africa

63 days

$3,904

$62

Morocco

22 days

$748

$34

Tanzania

31 days

$3,156

$76

Europe

78 days

$4,757

$60

Portugal & Spain

5 days

$368

$74

France

22 days

$1,650

$61

Germany

7 days

$500

$42

Italy

14 days

$839

$59

France (part 2)

30 days

$1,700

$56

*Total for South America if you exclude the Galápagos

Here’s the breakdown of my spending by category:

Housing: $2,874

Transportation: $2,632

Food: $4,687

Travel insurance: $1,040

Activities: $3,217 (such as tours to Machu Picchu or the Sahara, diving, a safari, shopping, etc.)

And that can lead to a bunch of easily preventable mistakes! For example, some of the “doh” moments I had:

My Advice for Others: How to Save Money When You Travel

On the road, I would suggest doing two things: first is to write down everything and, second, is to forego convenience.

In his book, Matt says, “It’s the people who don’t write down their expenses that go home early.”

I’m ten months into my yearlong trip. Some moments whizzed by. Others felt like they lasted forever. But, overall, it has been everything I hoped it to be – and also unlike anything I expected.

How to Travel the World on $50 a Day

If that’s something you want to do too, click here to learn more about the book, how it can help you, and you can start reading it today!

Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks

World Nomads (for everyone below 70)

Insure My Trip (for those over 70)

The post RTW Update: How Heather is Traveling on a Budget appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

0 notes