A quick intro to this article. This is a guest post from Cassidy who is now 20 years old and has been featured in a couple of our articles such as: climbing Half Dome and our recent Banff trip. She has become a new member of the family over the past couple of years. Apologies for the photo quality.
In this article, she talks about her experience growing up traveling on a boat with her parents and young siblings and hopes that her family's success story will help others take the leap!
A common debate when considering traveling with young kids; how young is too young? My parents didn’t dwell on this question for too long before deciding to move all of us aboard our homebuilt catamaran with my (then) six-month-old brother. There were eight of us total; I was the eldest child by 7 years, the next was 6 years old, then 5, 3, 1, and the baby. Add my parents and we made eight high-sea explorers, ready to sail south from California.
By the time we had reached Panama, Val gained his sea legs and was comically tipsy on solid ground. He had become vocal and very friendly to anyone who would listen. He was no longer in diapers, no longer nursing, no longer NEEDED naps, yet he didn’t break his desire for fishing lures. He and his older brother were obsessed with fishing and had learned how to troll while underway. They would ask questions about the kinds of fish they caught and, as a family, we would do the research. Within a few weeks, everyone knew where the fish came from, what they ate, if they were any good to eat, and all about their lifecycles. Their curiosities became a great way for everyone to learn more about a big part of our lives on the boat.
I was young during our travels, but the age gap allowed me to experience my siblings’ childhood through a more mature lens. I have seen each of them develop into confident and compassionate young adults. They are well-rounded and talented thanks to their life experiences. Experiences that they would not have had if my parents continued to dwell on whether or not a six-month-old was too young to travel with. But the line isn’t drawn at six months. If you are contemplating an adventure with your family, make it happen. I am not saying it will always be easy (when is anything easy with young kids?), but they will thank you for the life experiences you gave them. I couldn't imagine my life today without those experiences.
In this article, she talks about her experience growing up traveling on a boat with her parents and young siblings and hopes that her family's success story will help others take the leap!
Here is Her Experience Growing up and Traveling with Young Kids on a Sailboat
The youngest – Val – had barely mastered crawling, let alone walking or swimming. He needed his afternoon naps, was still nursing, still wore diapers (a fun product to stock and dispose of properly on a boat and in foreign countries). He was adventurous, quick to take up an opportunity to explore, and he was all too fond of fishing lures. Val took up a lot of our energy, but what six-month-old doesn’t? This is the time in a child’s development where they have gained the freedom of mobility and the curiosities of the world are at their fingertips. What better time is there to introduce more of that world to them?
As for my other siblings, the four of them quickly mastered swimming with ice cream bribes. While Val chased after hermit crabs on the beach, the others would practice diving with snorkel gear along the shore. Competing with each other – who can hold their breath the longest, who can find the biggest shell, who can catch a fish (an unsuccessful endeavor). On occasion, my stepdad would bring out the SCUBA gear and they got even more comfortable in and under the water.
During our time hiking through Costa Rican jungles, I would create wild stories about pirates and talking monkeys. The kids would run around in character and add to the story as they discovered a “magical beetle” climbing a tree or a "secret path leading to buried treasure". Just because they’ve been mobile for years doesn’t make them any less excited than little Val about the world around them. I ask again, what better a time to expand their access to that world?
Our long-term plans involved pinballing through the South Pacific Islands. Sailing to some of the planet’s most remote locations did sound lonely at the time. Being a teenager, I was concerned about how I would make friends or even meet people of any caliber. My siblings as well. Just because the crew all get along, doesn’t mean outside interactions aren’t beneficial. But even in Central America, we interacted with the locals much more than I initially expected. While my parents and I attempted charades to get our minimal Spanish across to the adults of the village, my siblings would seamlessly connect with the local children.
Our long-term plans involved pinballing through the South Pacific Islands. Sailing to some of the planet’s most remote locations did sound lonely at the time. Being a teenager, I was concerned about how I would make friends or even meet people of any caliber. My siblings as well. Just because the crew all get along, doesn’t mean outside interactions aren’t beneficial. But even in Central America, we interacted with the locals much more than I initially expected. While my parents and I attempted charades to get our minimal Spanish across to the adults of the village, my siblings would seamlessly connect with the local children.
They found other ways to communicate despite a lack of shared language. They would be up a tree with four other children within five minutes of landing. My sisters traded toys for woven trinkets and eventually learned how to weave themselves. The boys would go out on treasure hunts or build driftwood rafts. Sometimes, their roles would be reversed and you would find boys with woven baskets and girls with rafts. Either way, the day usually ended with everyone jumping off of the bow of the boat and having a blast!
We later found that within the small boating community there was an even smaller community of family cruisers that we would cross paths with as often as possible. Even though we always found ways to interact with locals wherever we were, it was still nice to have some people we could easily communicate with. We met a lot of like-minded people in the community that led to lifelong friendships despite the long distances. Including my best friend of now 6 years.
I was young during our travels, but the age gap allowed me to experience my siblings’ childhood through a more mature lens. I have seen each of them develop into confident and compassionate young adults. They are well-rounded and talented thanks to their life experiences. Experiences that they would not have had if my parents continued to dwell on whether or not a six-month-old was too young to travel with. But the line isn’t drawn at six months. If you are contemplating an adventure with your family, make it happen. I am not saying it will always be easy (when is anything easy with young kids?), but they will thank you for the life experiences you gave them. I couldn't imagine my life today without those experiences.
I hope you enjoyed this little piece about my time growing up on a boat traveling with young kids! It is my first time writing about my life in this way and I hope it helps more people take the great leap as my parents did. Please feel free to leave a comment below about your experience!
Written by Cassidy
Some of our very best cultural experiences happened while sitting on a rickety plastic chair in some hole in the wall, where all we can do is guess what it is we’re ordering off an incomprehensible menu. Not to mention all the mouthwatering meals that accompanied them along the way.
With that said, here is our list of the Top 5 Incredible Foods to Try in Bangkok:
1. Pad Thai
After traveling all over Thailand for years and eating Pad Thai wherever I could get my hands on it, I can honestly say some of the best I’ve ever found was in Bangkok. You’ll have the best luck walking along and near the famous Khao San road. There are people all throughout the area whipping up delicious Pad Thai constantly. It may be the wild tourist street we’ve all heard about, but it's also where you can find some the best street Pad Thai in the country.
If you want to avoid the chaos try walking around some of the other streets in the area or maybe booking a Bangkok food tour would work better for you.
2.Thai Basil Stir Fry (Phat kaphrao)
You'll have no trouble finding this dish in almost any local restaurant on the side of the road. Thai basil Stir Fry is one of the most incredible foods to try in Bangkok. And a great way to experience it and all the others on this list is to simply go for a walk and stop at the most local restaurants you can find. Or ask some locals where they love to eat. You’ll find that almost anyone would great you with a smile and be happy to point you in the right direction!
3. Thai Papaya Salad (Som Tam Thai)
Due to its popularity, Som Tam Thai can be found all over the city. I quick google search can help you find the most popular places to find it.
4. Mango Sticky Rice (Khao Niao Mamuang)
You can find Mango Sticky Rice all over the city, but some of the best can be found by taking a walk along Sukhumvit Soi 38. You will have no difficulty finding the dish, as mangoes are almost always in season in Thailand. The best time for mangoes, however, is from March to July.
5. Thai Iced Tea (Cha Yen)
Thai Iced Tea can be found pretty much anywhere that serves beverages. As well as various street carts around the city.
On a side note, BUGS!
Thailand is a magical place full of delicious experiences waiting to happen! I hope you enjoyed our list of the top 5 incredible foods to try in Bangkok. Let us know in the comments below what your favorite Thai dish is!
Recording videos that look impressive can be challenging, especially when you’re traveling. You might not be able to fit all the optimal gear in your limited space. Or maybe you don't feel the need to own a super expensive camera. Even with these limiting factors, you can still capture some awesome footage of your next trip!
Here are our top tips for learning how to record great video footage on your next big adventure!
· Make sure the camera doesn’t shake
One of the main problems with photos and footage shot on vacation is very often the camera is shaky. While some camera shake can be corrected in post-production, that isn’t ideal and the video won’t have the same quality regardless.
Be mindful of that fact and try to keep your camera as still and steady as possible while you record videos. It may be a good idea to invest in a portable travel tripod that you can quickly set up and use to keep the camera steady.
· Find the right lighting
In many cases, you may not have the time or opportunity to find the right lighting – but if you do, make it count. The video footage that you record will look far more impressive in soft lighting that has fewer harsh shadows or bright spots.
If possible, try to make it a point to record outdoor footage during the golden hour – i.e. the hour right after dawn or right before sunset. The lighting conditions during that timeframe are especially good, and the footage that you capture will reflect that.
· Decide about the audio – in advance
Before you go on vacation, you have a decision to make: Is it important to you that you record audio along with the video that you shoot? If it isn’t important or you intend to replace the audio track with background music anyway, you have nothing to worry about.
However, if the audio is important – you need to take steps to ensure that you’re able to record good audio. That starts with using a decent external microphone, such as a portable shotgun microphone for general audio, or a lavalier microphone to record commentary.
· Increase the frame rate on your camera
The one setting on your camera that you should try to adjust to capture footage that really looks great is the frame rate. Setting the frame rate at 60 will let you record videos that look smooth and fluid, and you could even consider using slow-motion effects later on.
It should be noted that recording at high frame rates will increase the file size of the videos that you capture, so be sure that you bring spare storage cards, just in case.
· Keep your camera clean
Honestly, you’d be surprised how often video footage of a vacation is ruined just because the camera lens was slightly dirty. To make sure that never happens to you, bring your cleaning kit with you on vacation and make it a point to check and clean your camera regularly.
· Diversify the types of shots that you record
Try to make it a point to capture a wide range of shots. Mix things up by recording some tight shots, medium shots, and long shots – and of different subjects including people, landscape, transportation, sights, and so on.
The diversity of your shots is especially important when you edit and cut together your video. Having more diverse material will let you put together a far more compelling video and tell the story of your vacation much more effectively.
· Do not use the digital zoom on your camera
The digital zoom on your camera should be avoided at all costs. While it will enlarge the subject you’re recording, it will do so at the expense of the video quality. Instead of trying to ‘zoom in’, if you want a close-up shot you should get physically closer.
Or you could just as easily apply a zoom effect in post-production, and for example, could use Movavi Video Editor and follow the steps at https://www.movavi.com/support/how-to/how-to-zoom-in-video.html.
If you follow all the steps listed above, you should notice a marked improvement in the quality of the video footage that you record – and how good they look. It may take a bit of experimentation before you’re able to gauge the lighting perfectly, but that will come in time too.
Here's a range of tactics for avoiding homesickness when you're away from loved ones after the festive season:
Acceptance
First of all, it's quite normal to feel down after the holidays. In fact, New Year blues are part of a cycle, meaning they'll come and go. The first step to overcoming January blues is adopting an acceptance mindset, which means recognizing that things have gone back to normal. Rejecting reality is likely to lead to surges of hope followed by huge disappointments.
Make a Plan
After the high of a holiday, going back to the regular, boring routine is enough to lower anyone's spirits. Revive the excitement of anticipation by planning fun activities such as fun get-togethers with friends, a trip to take place in a few months, or start thinking of what you'll do over Easter. Use an international calling app that makes cheap international calls to include others back home in your plans. Whatever you plan, ensure the activities fit your budget, lifestyle, and will give you a thrill.
Stay Active
Get Your Finances in Order
Part of the New Year blues come from financial stress. We spend a lot of money on trips, food, and all forms of entertainment during the holidays. This leaves a lot of people with holiday debt. After the festivities, it's time to sit down and sort your financial situation. If you still have some money left, use it to settle a bill/debt right away. It's also important to set yourself a budget for the next few months until your finances are back in order.
Get a Grip on Jet Lag
People living abroad tend to travel across multiple time zones to be with loved ones during Christmas. Unfortunately, they may end up experiencing jet lag. The body clock takes time to adjust to the timing of light and darkness at the destination. This disrupted rhythm can cause certain unpleasant symptoms like a headache, poor concentration, tiredness, disorientation, and indigestion. Restoring your regular sleep pattern can help speed up the re-adjustment phase after the holidays.
Reframe the Situation
Whatever emotions you are experiencing, try making your circumstances work in your favor. For instance, think of the extra pounds you gained over Christmas as an incentive to finally start exercising and eating healthy. Some mood-boosting foods to stock up are those containing vitamin B like whole grains and those containing Omega-3 fatty acids such as oily fish. Reframing your situation will make you feel like you are in control of your life and not the other way around.
Be Sociable
Spending time with friends or even colleagues is another great mood-booster. If you just moved to a new country, it's time to perk up your social life. Fortunately, technology has made it possible to meet people from all walks of life. There are several apps for meeting new friends and keeping in touch at Christmas, including Bumble BFF, Friender, WeChat's 'shake' feature, and much more.
Laugh all the time
Laughter releases endorphins which instantly raise your spirits. When the festive season feels long gone and you have nothing exciting to look forward to, find humor in everyday things and avoid taking life too seriously. Lighten the load by making some jokes, reading a funny book, watching funny movies, going to comedy shows, or simply hanging out with friends who make you laugh. Plus, remembering memories of strange and funny moments during the festivities will surely get you giggling.
Stay Connected
Most of the New Year blues are related to having been around many people over the festive season and then suddenly finding yourself surrounded by few people or people you don't know that well. To lift your spirits, try and stay in touch with loved ones throughout the year. Luckily, keeping in touch at Christmas and after the festivities has been made easier and faster with technological advancements.
Those living or traveling abroad can now make cheap international calls with apps such as Whatsapp, Viber, Facebook Messenger, Skype, WeChat, Google Duo, and much more. Although app-to-app chats are free, they require an internet connection. In the event that your loved ones haven't installed an internet connection or the older generation don't own or even know how to operate smartphones, you can use the Yolla app. This international calling app makes cheap calls to mobiles and landlines across the globe.
Hopefully, you won't ever need any of these tips, but here they are if you do. I hope you find them helpful. Please feel free to let us know how you get motivated after all the festivities in the comments!
Here are four of the most appealing sites in the country for you to consider for your upcoming South Africa holidays:
Kruger National Park
There are many rest and campsites as well which are available to the public and require no special permits. These sites are hugely popular among backpackers and travelers on budgets since it provides an affordable way to experience the African wildlands and witness the majestic splendor of all its inhabitants.
Cape Town and Cape Peninsula
Cape Town was also significant during the time of Apartheid, serving as the home (and prison) of many notable leaders of the opposition party, most notable being Nelson Mandela himself. Robben Island, the site of the prison, has a long-standing history and is now open to visitors in the form of a museum. The island has served many purposes, ranging from worship site to leper colony, and has a well-documented record of events. Many of the guides are former prisoners themselves, and they walk visitors through the annals of the island’s many past lives, detailing the island’s (sometimes harrowing) political and historical accounts.
Stellenbosch, Winelands
Known as the “City of Oaks” for its wonderfully wooded streets, Stellenbosch has much to offer in the way of agricultural tours, museums and quaint architecture, and should be near the top of your list for a relaxed, but interactive South African getaway.
Johannesburg
Originally founded in 1886 due to the discovery of local gold deposits, the population skyrocketed to 100,000 over the span of ten years, and it remains the most populated city in all of South Africa. While most travelers choose to stay in Johannesburg for only a few nights, you would be remiss to not visit Johannesburg and experience the wonderful things that the city has to offer.
Bulungula Lodge
The different workshops available span from fishing classes to classic cooking techniques, agriculture workshops to traditional face painting. The main language spoken in Bulungula is Xhosa, and introductory lessons can also be arranged.
Chicago is a bustling cosmopolitan city that is proud of its thriving commercial, industrial and cultural ventures. Its impressive geographical extension sometimes makes it hard for a first time visitor to summarize its several attractions and choose the ones that are definitely worth visiting first. One of the best ways to explore the Windy City at your own pace is to rent a car. If you didn't come in your own car that is. Having your own car is perfect for taking in the whole city. Picking up insurance from a good car rental insurance company is also great to have in the event that anything happens.
Here you’ll find an interesting and varied assortment of things to do and see that everybody will find enjoyable. Whether you like spending time outdoors, at cultural venues or shopping, or whether you are travelling alone, with friends or with your family.
Here you’ll find an interesting and varied assortment of things to do and see that everybody will find enjoyable. Whether you like spending time outdoors, at cultural venues or shopping, or whether you are travelling alone, with friends or with your family.
Art Institute of Chicago
Located in Grant Park, it is one of the city’s most well known cultural institutions and it is definitely one of the must-go places for art lovers. It is the home of more than 300 thousand artworks! You can see classic paintings such as A Sunday on La Grande Jatte by Georges Seurat or explore its ever-growing collection of contemporary works.
Lincoln Park Zoo
Museum of Contemporary Art
The Chicago Museum of Contemporary Art hosts one of the largest collections of works of art from great artists of our time. It is known for surprising visitors with its cutting-edge temporary exhibitions and stunning permanent exhibits. Art welcomes and embraces visitors right from the entrance hall and the front plaza steps, spread about the sculpture garden and in every room. There are free tours offered daily but, of course, you can go through the different areas by yourself.
Ah! You can also try some innovative and tasty flavors at the museum's restaurant and bar!
Adler Planetarium
At Adler Planetarium you can learn about the history of the American space exploration, peek inside the Gemini 12 capsule and visit the Grainger Sky Theater to appreciate immersive films on its 70-foot-diameter dome.
Attractions For Adrenaline Seekers
Adventure lovers, adrenaline seekers or simply those expecting to enjoy impressive and unique views of the city can take advantage of visiting some of the tallest buildings of the Windy City.
The 360 Chicago Observation deck sits atop one of the tallest buildings on Michigan Avenue. It’s an observatory that places you 1000 feet in the air. Guests can lean over the side of the building, see four different states on a clear day and, of course, look down at the busy streets below.
The Observation Deck used to be known as the John Hancock Observatory. Interactive screens help visitors identify the different landmarks that appear. It’s a mechanized room and visitors hold on to handlebars as the top of the room’s windows extend outward tilting you towards North Michigan Avenue down below. You can catch your breath again with a cup of coffee at the bar or as you shop for a souvenir at the gift shop.
If you haven’t had enough adrenaline rushes in Chicago, give your heart another chance to skip a beat at the Ledge and the Skydeck in Willis Tower. The Ledge is a platform that extends beyond the building’s exterior. As it is entirely made of glass (yeah! The floor too), the views will definitely take your breath away. And, it goes without saying, it’s THE place for the most perfect and original selfie you can take in Chicago!
Millennium Park
If this is your first time in Chicago, Millennium Park needs to make it to your bucket list. It’s a great place to spend time outdoors. It’s in the Loop, just north of the Art Institute of Chicago. Tourists and locals gather there to enjoy concerts, festivals, and cutting-edge architecture and art. The Crown Fountain and “The Bean” are its most popular (and most photographed) attractions. The Crown Fountain seems to spit passers-by and the shiny, smooth surface of The Bean reflects the beautiful skyline of the city.
If you like sculptures, don’t miss the Boeing Galleries! It displays contemporary sculptures outdoors!
Millenium Park is open daily from 6 in the morning to 11 at night and it’s free to visit. It can be easily reached on foot, by bike, car or metro.
If you like sculptures, don’t miss the Boeing Galleries! It displays contemporary sculptures outdoors!
Millenium Park is open daily from 6 in the morning to 11 at night and it’s free to visit. It can be easily reached on foot, by bike, car or metro.
Attractions for Nature Lovers
Plant lovers or visitors looking for a close contact with nature will love visiting the giant greenhouse in Garfield Park: the Garfield Park Conservatory. It is the home to over 600 species of plants. Trees in the Palm Room are gigantic and the collection of cacti and succulent in the Desert Room is stunning.
The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, in Lincoln Park, invites you to take a break from the noisy city and connect deeply with nature. There are plenty of hands-on interactive displays on river ecosystems and marshes that will keep children engaged. The stunning Judy Istock Butterfly Haven will have the kids in awe at the thousands of butterflies flying around.
The Field Museum is one of the largest natural history museums in the world and it is the home to over 24 million objects. It’s definitely a fascinating museum that will feed everybody’s interest for nature. Its Neoclassical halls house fossils, precious gemstones and animal and plant specimens. There’s also anthropology specimens from Tibet, Ancient Egypt, Ancient Americas, China and cultures from Africa and the Pacific Islands. But the star of the museum is the 37-meter Titanosaur in the Stanley Field Hall.
Plant lovers or visitors looking for a close contact with nature will love visiting the giant greenhouse in Garfield Park: the Garfield Park Conservatory. It is the home to over 600 species of plants. Trees in the Palm Room are gigantic and the collection of cacti and succulent in the Desert Room is stunning.
The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, in Lincoln Park, invites you to take a break from the noisy city and connect deeply with nature. There are plenty of hands-on interactive displays on river ecosystems and marshes that will keep children engaged. The stunning Judy Istock Butterfly Haven will have the kids in awe at the thousands of butterflies flying around.
The Field Museum is one of the largest natural history museums in the world and it is the home to over 24 million objects. It’s definitely a fascinating museum that will feed everybody’s interest for nature. Its Neoclassical halls house fossils, precious gemstones and animal and plant specimens. There’s also anthropology specimens from Tibet, Ancient Egypt, Ancient Americas, China and cultures from Africa and the Pacific Islands. But the star of the museum is the 37-meter Titanosaur in the Stanley Field Hall.
Chicago Riverwalk
Museum of Science and Industry
Young children, teens, and adults will have a blast at the Museum of Science and Industry. Educational, interactive, engaging and fun exhibitions take visitors through a mirror maze, a simulated tornado, and a WWII-era U-505 German submarine. There’s also an impressive model railroad that depicts the 2,200-mile journey from Seattle to Chicago!
Young children, teens, and adults will have a blast at the Museum of Science and Industry. Educational, interactive, engaging and fun exhibitions take visitors through a mirror maze, a simulated tornado, and a WWII-era U-505 German submarine. There’s also an impressive model railroad that depicts the 2,200-mile journey from Seattle to Chicago!
More Family Attractions in Chicago
Navy Pier is one of them. An impressive Ferris wheel, Chicago Children Museum, an IMAX screen or taking a boat tour are some of the activities you can enjoy there. The Centennial Wheel, with 200 feet high offers 360-degree views of the city from enclosed gondolas!
The Chicago Children Museum surprises children and adults with impressive educational displays that are packed with knowledge and fun. Babies, toddlers, and older children can enjoy their visit and they can become explorers in the era of the dinosaurs, drivers of a fire engine or captains of their own boat!
The Kohl Children’s Museum offers 17 permanent exhibits. You can find it just 30 minutes outside of the Loop and it is definitely worth a visit. The waterworks station, the pet vet center or the Whole Foods Market will keep your children busy for hours.
Cruise Your Way In Chicago
Lake Michigan and the Chicago River invite tourists to see the city and its famous skyline from a totally different point of view. There’s an interesting selection of cruises to cater to all interests: from gentle tours to exciting speedboat rides!
The Classic Lake Tour takes you through a 40-minute sightseeing trip while at the Old Navy Training Center on Navy Pier you can jet off on a speedboat for an exciting Architecture Cruise that starts on the lake and heads as far as the Willis Tower. Similarly, the Chicago River Architecture Cruise has a more calm pace and helps you to view over 40 landmarks!
Lake Michigan and the Chicago River invite tourists to see the city and its famous skyline from a totally different point of view. There’s an interesting selection of cruises to cater to all interests: from gentle tours to exciting speedboat rides!
The Classic Lake Tour takes you through a 40-minute sightseeing trip while at the Old Navy Training Center on Navy Pier you can jet off on a speedboat for an exciting Architecture Cruise that starts on the lake and heads as far as the Willis Tower. Similarly, the Chicago River Architecture Cruise has a more calm pace and helps you to view over 40 landmarks!
Ready For Shopping?
The Magnificent Mile takes up eight blocks of Michigan Avenue and it welcomes visitors with a whole world of shopping, dining, entertainment and stunning architecture. With more than 460 retailers and stores such as Disney, Zara, Rolex, Burberry or Nike you’ll find plenty of different products and brands to choose from.
Chicago is a wonderful city and should be included in anyone's US bucket list. What are your favorite cities in the US?
From romantic honeymoons to family vacations, the Maldives have enough amazing adventures for all kinds of people. In this article, we’re going to talk about some of the best things to do in the Maldives before they sink!
Snorkeling
If you are planning that once in a lifetime romantic vacation you’re most likely looking into one of the many resorts that offer bungalows right on the water. Many of these resorts have their own reefs that you can explore by simply hopping off your deck with a mask and snorkel. There’s nothing cooler than having an entire underwater world right out your front door.
Unfortunately, one thing I think should be added is that these beautiful reefs are dying around the world due to pollution and in a lot of cases, people not knowing the right way to enjoy them without harming them. These magical underwater worlds are disappearing and all we can do is be as cautious and considerate as possible when stepping into the water. Most people don’t know how much damage is done by simply touching a reef. I would suggest doing a little research on the subject before snorkeling. All we can do is try our best to leave such and wonderous place untouched for many others to enjoy.
Check Out the Male' Fish Market
The market is a massive hub for arguably the Country’s most important industry; fishing. Here, the foot traffic peaks in the afternoon as fishermen from the entire country sail right up to the edge of the market and unload the daily catch. Visitors are often treated to quite a show as the skilled fishermen filet and clean the fish to be sold.
There is no set opening and closing times for the market, but you'll find the best selection in the early morning and between 3 and 4 p.m. in the afternoon. If you have the ability to cook, the market is perfect for picking up a fresh filet for dinner. And is a great way to save money on food. If you are unable to cook, don’t worry. There are infinite opportunities for trying local dishes in the Maldives.
Parasailing
Most of the resorts offer many different packages for parasailing, which generally include the boat, sail, and guide. The rates depend on the length of time you stay in the air, which is generally a few minutes.
Surfing
The entire archipelago can be divided into three different surf areas: Male Atolls, Central Atolls, and South Atolls. The main differences between them are about swell size, consistency and most of all in crowd size.
The surfing season in the Maldives depends on the Atolls, but most of the archipelago is good for surfing from April till October, yet March and November are also good and have the best weather.
Spend a Relaxing Day at the Spa
The underwater Spa is definitely in the higher price range, but don’t worry. Many of the resorts in the Maldives offer their own spa on-site and use island-sourced ingredients in their treatments, such as papaya, seaweed, and pineapple. Services range from typical massages and facials to signature options like citrus hydrating body treatments and customized acupuncture and chakra balancing. We all know how amazing it is to be pampered every now and then, but nothing can beat getting a massage in one of the prettiest places on earth.
The Maldives is a wonderful place for everyone in the family to explore. From snorkeling in the peaceful waters to parasailing through the skies or even relaxing with a nice massage there is an experience for everyone in the Maldives. What is your favorite thing about the Maldives?
The United Kingdom has an extensive past filled with history, culture, and art, and is home to some of the most wonderful natural sights in all of Europe. Whether it’s castles, marketplaces, somber landscapes or museums, there’s something there for any type of visitor. In the UK, old traditions are alive and well, and are even actively maintained and honored. Royal traditions and monarchy still have a place in everyday life, and provide a unique and interesting glimpse into the parallels of modern and medieval.
However, the UK isn’t just about the past; lovers of modern day pop culture can still find their fill there. Whether it’s in the music, the literature or the many countercultures that were born there, there’s something to keep even the most eclectic visitor entertained, engaged, and intrigued.
If you plan on visiting the UK, maybe consider some of these sites for your upcoming trip. I promise you won’t regret it. Here are just a few of the coolest things to do on your next trip:
Oxford University
There’s evidence that states that Oxford University dates all the way back to 1096 AD, which actually makes it older than the entire Aztec culture. It’s the second oldest operational university in the world (and the single oldest university within English Academia) and has greatly influenced the entire world of modern-day academia. Many notable figures in human history have graduated from Oxford, including Stephen Hawking, Oscar Wilde, J. R. R. Tolkien, Bill Clinton and Adam Smith.
Though the Oxford University doesn’t have a single, centralized campus, it’s possible to visit the many different college centers throughout Oxford, the Saxon-built town known as the ‘City of Dreaming Spires.’ It’s not hard to see that Oxford is a town heavily invested in education and research.
Hadrian’s Wall
Hadrian’s Wall is the single largest remaining Roman artifact in the world, spanning from the banks of the River Tyne all the way to the Solway Firth on the west. The wall originally marked the border between the Roman Empire and the Northern Britons, and was built in 122 AD as part of the emperor’s attempt to defend the Roman people from ‘barbarians.’ Though it sits in ruins, it’s not hard to imagine what it looked like in its former greatness, and though now there are tourists and visitors where legionnaires and centurions once marched, it’s still easy to see the awe-inspiring power of ancient Rome.
The region is graced with beautiful, rolling green hills and is one of the best places for a walking holiday in the UK.
Museum of London
At over six million objects, the Museum of London is the single largest collection of urban, historical artifacts in the world. Walking through the halls of this magnificent establishment is like taking a journey through time itself, as the museum is curated with chronology in mind. Starting in the prehistoric era with ‘London before London’ and ending in the 80s with an exhibit on Punk culture, the Museum of London will leave you with a better understanding of where we’ve come from, and hopefully of where we’re headed to as well. This is probably the single best site for understanding the history of England’s illustrious jewel of a city, London.
Shakespeare’s Home
For you literature buffs out there, this stop is an absolute must. William Shakespeare’s home is located in Stratford-upon-Avon, a quaint town within the region of Warwickshire. This is the town where Shakespeare was born, and aside from his home, there are many sites relevant to his life and death. His home, the home of his daughter, the cottage of his wife and the school he attended as a child are all within Stratford-upon-Avon. However, the town itself is so incredibly intertwined with the tradition, and cultural outings and experiences can be found all over the place, ranging from Shakespearean walking tours to local theatre productions. The town is exactly as you would expect it to be, and upon arrival, it feels like stepping into a lifesize production of one of Shakespeare’s many masterpieces.
Warwick Castle
And not too far from Stratford-upon-Avon is the Warwick Castle, built in 1068 by William the Conqueror. The Warwick Castle is one of the most recognizable examples of medieval, military construction and is one of the most wondrous castles in all of England. Over the course of history, the castle has changed in ownership many times and has seen many a battle, and thankfully it’s now open as a tourist site, complete with tour guides and informational posts. Medieval armaments and equipments are on display throughout the castle, and the exhibited collection is regarded as second only to that of the Tower of London. Warwick castle (along with a few others in the region) is a must-see for enthusiasts of medieval history and warfare.
Loch Ness
Arguably one of the most well-known sites in all of Scotland, Loch Ness is the largest body of fresh water in all of Great Britain. Attracting thousands upon thousands of tourists a year, it’s most famous for the supposed sightings of the ‘Loch Ness Monster’ (or, Nessie) and serves as a gathering point for those interested in Scottish culture, history and geology alike. Loch Ness is without a doubt one of the most captivating natural scenes in all of the UK, and is definitely a must for lovers of nature and history alike. There are many museums and lighthouses to see, and maybe if you’re lucky you’ll even catch a glimpse of Nessie herself.
Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle, the single most visited tourist attraction in all of Scotland, was built 900 years ago, however, there’s evidence that humans have inhabited the land it stands on since the Iron Age (2nd century AD). Like most castles, it’s served as a military fortress in countless wars and skirmishes, but now it’s mostly a ceremonial site. However, unlike most medieval strongholds, Edinburgh Castle was used up until the First World War, where it was used as a holding center for prisoners of war. Edinburgh Castle holds a special cultural significance to the Scottish people, and is still emblematic to the spirit of Scotland.
Some of the castle houses have since been converted into storerooms and regimental museums, which aim to help tourists understand the intricate history involved with this magical site.
Portobello Road
Portobello Road in West London is a culturally significant location for art, film and local history, and is a wonderful place to spend an afternoon. It is also very easy to get to. Just hop in any Taxi in London. Alternatively, you can take the subway, or "tube" as the locals say.
Home to the largest antique market in all of the UK with nearly a kilometer of market stalls. The merchandise varies from antiques to clothing and fashion, household items and fresh produce. With enough searching, anything can be found here at this bustling, lively center. Portobello Road is a great, hip place for people searching for something a bit more trendy. It’s a fun place to spend days in cafes and bookstores and nights at pubs and theatres.
Portobello Road is also home to the Portobello Film Festival and has been since its start in 1996. It happens annually every August, and features independent, documentary, and animation style films in various locations up and down the road.
The UK is a land rich with history and natural beauty. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and experience the amazing things the UK has to offer. And let us know how your trip went!
However, the UK isn’t just about the past; lovers of modern day pop culture can still find their fill there. Whether it’s in the music, the literature or the many countercultures that were born there, there’s something to keep even the most eclectic visitor entertained, engaged, and intrigued.
If you plan on visiting the UK, maybe consider some of these sites for your upcoming trip. I promise you won’t regret it. Here are just a few of the coolest things to do on your next trip:
Oxford University
Though the Oxford University doesn’t have a single, centralized campus, it’s possible to visit the many different college centers throughout Oxford, the Saxon-built town known as the ‘City of Dreaming Spires.’ It’s not hard to see that Oxford is a town heavily invested in education and research.
Hadrian’s Wall
The region is graced with beautiful, rolling green hills and is one of the best places for a walking holiday in the UK.
Museum of London
Shakespeare’s Home
Warwick Castle
Loch Ness
Edinburgh Castle
Some of the castle houses have since been converted into storerooms and regimental museums, which aim to help tourists understand the intricate history involved with this magical site.
Portobello Road
Home to the largest antique market in all of the UK with nearly a kilometer of market stalls. The merchandise varies from antiques to clothing and fashion, household items and fresh produce. With enough searching, anything can be found here at this bustling, lively center. Portobello Road is a great, hip place for people searching for something a bit more trendy. It’s a fun place to spend days in cafes and bookstores and nights at pubs and theatres.
Portobello Road is also home to the Portobello Film Festival and has been since its start in 1996. It happens annually every August, and features independent, documentary, and animation style films in various locations up and down the road.
The UK is a land rich with history and natural beauty. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and experience the amazing things the UK has to offer. And let us know how your trip went!
This does not detract from the standard of the dining experience, particularly given the range of quality Africa safari packages available online, however, it’s vital that you disclose any dietary requirements to your safari expert well in advance.
This article offers a comprehensive breakdown of what food you can expect from various types of accommodation whilst embarking on your African safari adventure.
Lodges
Africa is home to some incredible chefs – including the best female chef in the world- and their work made all the more impressive by the fact that safari lodges are usually a chartered flight away from any source of ingredients.
However, working under such circumstances does often limit the number of options on the menu, and this becomes more apparent the further into the wilderness you get.
Most lodges offer buffets and platters, as opposed to a la carte dining, and have partnerships with the local community to ensure a constant supply of fresh ingredients - creating vegetable gardens and chicken coops.
Mobile safaris
If you’re on a mobile safari which travels between lodges, you can expect the same high standard of food that you’d typically receive in a lodge.
However, if you are navigating between temporary camps, the chef will be operating out of a portable kitchen with limited appliances, and a limited menu as a result.
Island Escapes
The smaller, more exclusive hotels tend to offer set menus, while the resorts usually offer large buffets bursting with variety. Here, you will typically find home comforts with many traditional European dishes, as well as some more exotic local choices, including an array of seafood options and curries.
City stopovers
Cape Town is arguably Africa’s gourmet capital, so if you’re enjoying a temporary stay here, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Home to some of the World’s 50 Best Restaurants, the city located at the southern tip of the continent boasts a series of fine dining establishments, blending heritage with local quirks - a real treat for the taste buds.
Have you been on a safari? Let us know what you thought of the food down below!