Travel

3 Surprising Ways to Save on The Cost of Your Summer Vacation

Angela Manning Finance, Travel
3 Surprising Ways to Save on The Cost of Your Summer Vacation

Are you dreaming of a summer vacation, but finding yourself feeling worried about the cost? No matter where you’re dreaming of vacationing, there’s no denying that a vacation without proper planning can sometimes cost as much as relocating without the help of Black Tie Moving Cincinnati. Luckily, with just a little bit of extra planning and the use of your creativity, you can plan the perfect summer getaway without breaking the bank! Wondering how to make this happen? Just keep reading! In this blog post, we’ll share 3 surprising ways that you can save money on the cost of your upcoming summer vacation, so that you can make unforgettable memories with your loved ones while sticking within your tight budget. 

1. Find a Vacation Package Deal

One of the easiest and most effective ways to save money on the total cost of your summer vacation is by finding a package deal that bundles the cost of both flights and hotels into one affordable, discounted price. These types of deals are often advertised in the weeks leading up to summer, so keep your eyes peeled for discounts as soon as you can, and you will be surprised by how much you’re able to save!

2. Take Advantage of Discounts

This might sound like a no-brainer for many travelers, but the truth is, taking advantage of tourism discounts often requires a bit of work in advance. No matter where you’re headed, there are a number of ways to get discounts on your summer vacation, so it pays to do a bit of research. Look for discounts at your destination, such as theme park or museum tickets. You can also check out online coupon sites for deals on attractions and activities!

3. Travel During the Offseason

No matter where you’re headed on an upcoming trip, airfare and hotel prices can be a lot cheaper during the offseason, so if you’re flexible with your vacation dates then consider traveling during the spring or fall. This can save you money, and you may even get to enjoy your destination without the crowds and other hassles of traveling during a popular holiday season.

With these 3 simple tips in mind, you can create an amazing summer vacation without going over your budget, whatever your budget may be. We hope this blog post has given you some ideas on how to save money on your upcoming summer getaway. Happy travels!

The Great Smoky Mountains: According to the Locals

Angela Manning Travel , , ,
The Great Smoky Mountains: According to the Locals

Tourists come from all over the world to photograph the old-growth forests and trickling rivers inside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, to get their blood racing on adrenaline-pumping rides at Dollywood, and to treat their kids to a wide variety of family-friendly entertainment at Ripley’s. World-famous attractions like these have put the small mountain towns of Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg on the map. Yet, the region’s lesser-known activities are just as worthwhile! Locals often recommend these non-touristy things to do in the Great Smoky Mountains to give you an authentic experience of the region.

Stay In A Rustic Cabin

A visit to the Smokies would be seriously lacking without staying in a romantic log cabin. You could wake up each morning to magnificent views of the mountains, breakfast next to a freshwater stream, or hot coffee on a private balcony overlooking an enchanting woodland grove!

No matter what your accommodation requirements may be, HearthSide Cabin Rentals will set you up comfortably. Their luxury cabins range from one to twenty-one bedrooms, including pet-friendly options, across Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. You’ll be within a short drive of the attractions and also get to escape to the privacy of a rustic mini-resort, complete with a private pool or pool access, a theater room, fireplace, arcade and table games, hot tubs and more top-of-the-line amenities. Lodging at HearthSide Cabin Rentals for a week is one way to avoid the crowds and get a quintessential Smoky Mountain experience at the same time!

Sample Locally-Made Adult Beverages

As any native to the Great Smoky Mountains area will tell you, you haven’t truly experienced the local culture until you’ve tried some white lightnin’! Tennessee moonshine originated when Scots and Irish immigrants brought their whiskey distilling tradition to Appalachia and then continued to produce shine secretly during the moonlit hours (hence the name), even when alcohol was prohibited.

Today, you can legally taste those same traditional moonshines at Old Forge Distillery. This authentic distillery sources its grains from The Old Mill, the original gristmill of Pigeon Forge built in 1830, and its water from the fresh mountain streams. Old Forge Distillery uses 18th-century distilling techniques to create modern moonshine flavors like Chocolate, French Toast, and Coffee. Stop by their Pigeon Forge location for a tasting of their moonshine, plus bourbon and rye whiskies, cream liqueur, vodka, gin and rum.

Not a fan of hard liquor? Or perhaps you’re looking for something to set the mood? Gatlinburg Wine Cellar is a must for oenophiles and hopeless romantics alike. This eccentric wine producer specializes in locally-made wines in distinct flavors, like Apple Pie, Birthday Cake, Midnight Blackberry & Blueberry, and Strawberry Fields. Most notably, Gatlinburg Wine Cellar is the creator of the award-winning Cotton Candy Wine. Visit their Gatlinburg location next to the national park entrance for a free tasting.

Treat Yourself to the Local Cuisine

Wherever there is locally-made drink, there is always a robust cuisine to match, too. The South is known for its fried chicken and barbeque, to which Tennessean locals are no strangers! You will be greeted like family when you come to Mama’s Farmhouse for dinner. This all-you-can-eat restaurant keeps the freshly-made side dishes coming as you dig into your chosen platter of delicious Southern home-cookin’. Lunch and dinner entrées of their award-winning fried chicken, meatloaf, honey-glazed ham, and country-fried steak will leave you fuller than a stuffed turkey. Plus, you can’t pass up a sampling of their classic Southern sides, like fried okra, mac ‘n’ cheese, green beans, creamed corn, and chicken and dumplings.

When your inner tiger starts to show a hangry attitude, there’s only one place to go to satisfy a carnivore’s deepest desire. Bennett’s Pit Bar-B-Que has been serving some of the best ribs and barbeque in the Smokies for about thirty years. No matter your prey of choice — chicken, pork, or beef — Bennett’s smokes it over hickory wood for up to 14 hours until the juicy, tender meat slips off the bone. You can never go wrong with beef brisket, pulled pork, smoked sausage, pulled chicken, or burnt ends for lunch or dinner. Make sure to order some deep-fried pickle chips, potato skins, and deep-fried deviled eggs for an authentic Southern experience.

Explore Appalachian Arts & Crafts

While it’s true that Smoky Mountain folks have a talent for chowing down on barbeque and sipping on moonshine anytime, their unique artistic talents speaks for themselves as well. See for yourself, and spend an afternoon wandering along the 8-mile loop of shops, studios, and art galleries that make up the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community. This organization of independent artisans keeps traditional Appalachian craftwork alive and thriving. Explore and shop crafts like handmade baskets, candles, glass products, jewelry, fine art, leather products, pottery and ceramics, quilts, woodworking and much more.

In a similar vein, the Great Smokies Flea Market exhibits a spectacular diversity of artisanal products under a 200,000 square-foot heated and air-conditioned roof. It’s worth the trip out to Kodak, TN, to shop for anything and everything you could possibly want, from antiques and jewelry to apparel and beauty products to electronics and home gardening supplies. Aside from the 70% off clearance sale, the best part is the chance to bring your dog to the 43-acre farm and to munch on some free food samples. You’ll always find something new and unique among the hundreds of rotating vendors at the Great Smokies Flea Market.

Only In East Tennessee

The Great Smoky Mountains are some of the oldest mountains in the world, covering Eastern Tennessee and Western North Carolina with sweeping landscapes of layered blue peaks. It’s no wonder the region is a popular vacation destination when the natural beauty is as breathtaking as the local attractions are exciting. When planning your getaway to these picturesque mountains, make sure to incorporate some unusual activities just as much as the popular attractions. After all, only the non-touristy pursuits will give you the kinds of experiences you can only find in this unique Appalachian region of Tennessee!

Top 10 Hill Station Wedding Destinations In India

Angela Manning Travel
Top 10 Hill Station Wedding Destinations In India

A person’s wedding day is one of the most memorable days of their lives without a doubt. Certainly not something you want to mess up.

The process of choosing the right wedding venue in India may seem straightforward, but that is not always the case. In recent years, destination weddings have become increasingly popular.

The only catch is that the cost of destination weddings is too high. However, one can always take out personal loans to cover the expense. Most lenders now offer loans at affordable personal loan  interest rates.

All said and done, a picturesque wedding venue is a gorgeous way to capture the one-of-a-kind moment.

The views from a hill station are the dream backdrop for a wedding, regardless of whether you are in the north or south. So, it’s not surprising that hill station weddings remain popular with couples looking for a peaceful setting and spectacular views.

This article offers a list of the top hill wedding destinations in India that will leave you speechless:

1. Mussoorie

The Mussoorie landscape, which sparked the imagination of one of history’s most known authors, Ruskin Bond, is one of nature’s most beautiful spots. Mountain peaks, green valleys, and crystal-clear rivers make this an ideal place for a wedding

2. Mahabaleshwar

Mahabaleshwar is located in Maharashtra and is a favorite weekend destination for Mumbaiites. An intimate wedding amid high peaks and deep valleys is an unforgettable experience.

3. Rishikesh

The holy shrines and Ganga River in Rishikesh attract thousands of tourists every year. Rishikesh in Uttarakhand is a beautiful place to greet new beginnings because of its total calm and spiritual resonance.

4. Shimla

It is no surprise that the British preferred to spend the summer in Shimla since it is one of India’s prettiest hill stations. Snow-capped mountains and lush pastures would make it hard not to pick it as a wedding destination.

5. Gulmarg

Awe-inspiring mountains such as the Himalayas have the power to leave one speechless, and for those who are awestruck by them, it is the perfect wedding destination. The location, though breathtaking, can blow a huge hole in your budget. You can, however, avail of a personal loan and pay easy EMIs, which can be calculated by using the personal loan EMI calculator on the lender’s website.

6. Jim Corbett

Corbett is renowned for its national park, where you can experience wildlife in its natural habitat. Another little-known fact about the city is that it is among the country’s most popular destination wedding locations.

7. Coorg

While we have many hill station properties in India, few have distinctive characteristics. Coorg is another paradise on earth and an ideal place to celebrate life’s important moments.

8. Ooty

Ooty, a mountain station known for its adventure and lazy vacations, is a top-rated hill station for vacationing. Additionally, many hotels have a rustic Victorian appeal. Choosing a different theme could cost you more, but personal loans can always help cover it.

9. Kodaikanal

Despite some hill stations in India receiving significant visitors, others, like Kodaikanal, are more peaceful and quiet. Although it may not be one of the first few names one thinks of when considering wedding venues, its beauty nonetheless captivates. Several properties across categories are available for couples who wish to tie the knot in a unique location.

10. Nainital

It is a popular destination for tourists, drawing thousands of them every year. Much reverence is placed on serenity in this town, making it preferable for a destination wedding.

Conclusion

Marriage in the mountains is idyllic because there are a variety of natural wonders to take in, from snow-capped peaks to flowing rivers to forests of pine and oak. Thus, the following 10 hill stations are your best bet if you’re planning a destination wedding. Additionally, if managing funds is a concern, you can apply for a personal loan with easy EMIs.

Popular Amusement Parks To Visit If You Love Rides

Angela Manning Travel , , , ,
Popular Amusement Parks To Visit If You Love Rides

Thrilling rides, enticing shows, that feeling like you might be about to vomit: what’s not to enjoy about amusement parks? If you’re hunting for a vacation destination, why not choose to visit a theme park! You’ll get a break from work, the kids will have a blast, and you might be able to win your spouse a prize at a rigged game–if you’re lucky. But with so many different parks to choose from, and many of them are spread out across the country, how do you know which one to pick?

Disneyland

The grandfather of big-time amusement parks, Disneyland has it all: incredible rides, amazing shows, games, and best of all, Mickey Mouse. It contains properties from all your childhood favorites, such as Pixar, Star Wars, Avatar, specific Marvel products, and, of course, Disney. Climb aboard rides like Splash Mountain, The Haunted Mansion, and Pirates of the Caribbean. While Disneyland resides on the west coast, there is also a park located in Orlando, Florida called Disney World, which offers customers just as much fun.

Universal Studios

Another amusement park powerhouse located in Orlando, Universal Studios is where movie magic comes to life. The park contains attractions from popular films and television shows, such as The Simpsons, Harry Potter, Jurassic Park, Marvel, and plenty of older classics, like Men In Black, The Mummy, and Popeye. Coincidental enough, Universal also happens to own another park in California, where Disneyland is residing–those two just can’t keep away from each other.

Six Flags

While it might stand a bit shorter than Disneyland, Six Flags still packs a major punch. They’ve got some of the best roller-coasters in the country, along with water parks that really make a…splash. And while you won’t find any Pixar or Marvel characters roaming about, you might find Bugs Bunny walking around the park. There are several Warner Brothers inspired rides, such as Loony Toons, Scooby-Doo, and many DC Comics attractions, like the Mr. Freeze coaster, a Batman coaster, a Superman free-fall tower, and even a Justice League laser shooter!

Ending Thoughts

If you have a deep love of theme parks and crave the exhilarating rush of wind on your face as you plummet towards the earth, these are among the best in the world. There are many other amazing parks to visit, too, both small and large in size, but all wonderful. Regardless of which park you decide on, you’ll inevitably spend a lot of time walking, so be sure to wear the proper footwear. Failing to wear comfortable shoes can cause blisters and possibly even bunions, in which case you’ll need to visit www.northwestsurgerycenter.com/ for information on how to cure them. If you’ve yet to experience the magical adventures of Harry Potter World or interact with Mickey himself, do yourself a favor: book a vacation to one of these exquisite amusement parks.

Top Tips for Moving to The UK From Abroad?

Angela Manning Travel , , , , , , ,
Top Tips for Moving to The UK From Abroad?

Moving abroad always brings a mixture of emotions. Moving is an exciting, wonderful but nerving and sometimes scary time, which is completely natural. Whenever you make a big life decision like this, there is no better way to feel safer in your move than by being prepared. To give you a helping hand, we’ve put together this article with some top tips to get you ready for your move whilst removing your fears!

Plan Ahead

As soon as you’ve decided to make the move, you can start planning. If you’re a ‘leave it to the last minute’ type of person, then you need to change your ways as this isn’t something you can wing. Seat leasing and planning ahead is definitely the best way to go, get plotting out your route, creating lists of what you’ll need and writing down everything you can think of such as what you need to do and what you need to get sorted as part of the move. In the beginning, just literally listing everything you can possibly think of and then formalise it into more of an order at a later date. You can put things into categories and begin to timeline when need to have things boxed off by. If it’s a route you’ll planning, there are some handy digital maps you can use that plot out the best route and how long it will take you. 

Visiting the Place for a Recce

If possible, it always helps if you visit your new location before you move. What can be good the first time, may not be as good the second so if you can make sure you visit the place multiple times before you make your move to your new home. If you visit at differing times, you’ll get a full picture of the place and get a feel for the people and place, making it easier to adjust in the long run as you’ll have an idea of what to expect.

Build A Network

If you move to the UK it’s crucial that you create a network of friends and work contacts. With mobile technology, you’d be surprised at how easy this can be. Through avenues such as Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn it has never been easier to connect with people from afar that you don’t know. Start by performing a simple search for some local clubs, societies and groups that you want to get involved with when you’re over there. You can even get some events planned before you get there! This will mean that you can hit the ground running when the big day comes.

Get the Important Things Boxed Off 

So after the big news of Brexit, immigration has been a under the spotlight in the country. Therefore, it has never been more important to have your documents in order for when you move across. Make sure you have a valid passport, your visa or EEA family permit if you’re moving with the whole gang and any insurance you’ll need. It is the boring stuff but it is also the most important. If this isn’t your strong suit you can opt to speak to immigration lawyers in London as they’ll be able to provide you with advice suited to your situation – it’s better not to mess this part up so if you’re not the most organised, you should seek help.

Get Strict in The Early Days

Excitement is bound to get you through the early days, but you will need to be disciplined when the honeymoon period wears off. It is at this point you need to get strict. Get a plan together and stick to it. Start contributing to your new life, build that new network and immerse yourself into the community. By doing this you will get support at the toughest part of relocation and enjoy all the benefits it has to offer. Once you have established yourself as a valuable part of the community, you’ll settle in much quicker and you’ll get off to a flying start in your new British location!

Good luck!

How to Prepare Your Car for a Road Trip

Angela Manning Travel , , , , , ,
How to Prepare Your Car for a Road Trip

Going on a road trip can be a rewarding and reinvigorating experience. Before you go, however, there are a number of things you need to do to prepare. Mainly, you need to prep your car for the long and rather grueling trip. If your car is mainly used for driving to and from work or school, then it will require some hefty preparation before hitting the long road. Here are several tips to get your car ready for an awesome road trip:

Get Your Vehicle Checked and Detailed

First of all, you need to take your vehicle to the nearest auto mechanic for a thorough checkup. There are several things to check before you hit the road. Some of these can be handled by car owners, such as checking the engine oil or examining the tire treads for wear and tear. But it’s highly recommended to have a professional mechanic take a good look at your vehicle. Tell the mechanic about your road trip and the terrain you intend to cover. Then the mechanic can examine your car and tell you if it’s ready for a road trip.

You can also get your vehicle detailed at this point, which would involve checking and cleaning the engine—a must before any road trip. You can ask your local mechanic for good car detailing options before you hit the road for weeks.

Lease a Larger Car if Needed

It’s worthwhile to stop and think if that Hyundai accent you are using to get to work every day is actually suited for a road trip across the country or in the mountains. The car you take should be able to accommodate all the people traveling. It should be spacious enough for one driver to nap while the other takes the wheel in turns. The car should be able to tackle the terrain you intend to travel. Considering these option, you might want to rent or lease a bigger vehicle just for the road trip.

For those young, wild and free at heart going on a road trip, be sure to balance out your youthful enthusiasm with temporary car insurance under 21. Better to be safe than sorry!

Change the Tires and Pack a Spare

Ask your auto mechanic to change tires to suit the terrain you plan on traveling on. Tires should be checked for wear and tear, and also for inflation levels. The tires may require deflating for certain types of rough terrain. Before driving off, you must pack a spare tire in the trunk.

Install a GPS Navigation System

Even if you are very good with directions, it’s strongly recommended to install a GPS system in your car before you go on your trip if it already doesn’t have one. You will be traveling on strange and unfamiliar roads, so you will need all the help you can get. When you go off road, keep in mind that some route information will not be available on GPS. So pack a detailed road map for info on those side roads the digital maps don’t show.

When you hit the road, you must pack an emergency toolkit, extra fuel, and a first aid kit in the trunk. Pack more tools than you usually do for everyday transport to make sure you are not stranded in the middle of your road trip.

Why Rent a Car on Your Next Road Trip and Not Drive Yours

Angela Manning Travel , , ,
Why Rent a Car on Your Next Road Trip and Not Drive Yours

Road trips can be fun while traversing the country or even countries and experiencing different climatic conditions and cultures. They bring a big change from the boredom of the daily office life or the familiar home you have known for years. You get to sample different dishes and meet new people who change your view of the world.

As you plan for your next road trip, book hotels, map your routes and destination, and noting must-visit sites and can’t miss events, you have to address one issue: which vehicle will you use, yours or a rental? It is also critical to know who will drive. This article looks at some of the reasons for renting a car on your next road trip and how to save on it.

Reasons to rent a car for your road trip

While renting a car for a road trip seems like a costly option, below are some reasons you may consider it:

  •       To get a fuel-efficient car

If you own a car that is not fuel-efficient, renting one that is fuel-efficient could save you a decent sum of money. You need to consider the rental rates and availability of an economical car. Besides that, rentals offer protection products at a little extra cost that takes care of vehicle damages in case of accidents. You are better off using a rental if you are to take a long road trip since the longer the trip, the higher the chances of accidents.

  •       To avoid wear and tear on your car

Long road trips could take a heavy toll on your car, leading to future repairs at very high costs. Driving about 15-20 hours with few stopovers to cover over 1,000 miles may also make your car break down if it is old. It is no-brainer that to protect your car from wear and tear, renting, especially at good rates, is a better option.

  •       To have the right vehicle

You may own a small car but want to go for a family road trip that may involve some off-road drives. In such cases, getting a reliable, comfortable SUV from a rental, for example at https://milanirentals.com, would be the best option.

  •       To have fun as a gang

Taking a road trip in a convoy of small vehicles slows down the journey and kills the fun. Instead, you can rent a 7-seater SUV or a 12-seater van and drive in turns as you have your fun and move faster. You could also hire an extra driver from the rental at an additional fee so you greatly enjoy the trip.

Tips to save on car rentals

While renting a car for a road trip, you may use the tips below to save some money:

  •       Check several rentals

You need to visit several rentals to compare the rates and even use online resources by visiting big sites to compare prices. Try the small rentals since they sometimes have incredible deals.

  •       Keep away from airport rentals

Due to the high demand from visitors who want convenience and high operating costs among other factors, rentals based in airports tend to be more costly, so avoid them if you can.

  •       Rent on off-peak days

Most business executives travel on Sunday night or Monday morning, and vacationers rent mostly from Thursday to Saturday. Visiting the rental on Wednesday could get you better rates. The idea is to opt for off-peak times to get better deals.

Final thoughts

Renting a car for your road trip is the better option most of the time due to the reasons discussed above. Furthermore, it adds fun and excitement to drive a different car on such an adventure. However, if the rates and other costs are so high and your vehicle is in good shape, you may opt to use it. You may also want to drive the car you are used to or are certain about its condition, which makes sense to use yours.

Here’s How You Can Protect Your Skin on Your Next Vacation

Angela Manning Health, Travel , , , ,
Here’s How You Can Protect Your Skin on Your Next Vacation

Whether you’re headed to a beach or a big city, Jet setting away from home can make you feel mentally and emotionally refreshed. That said, the change in temperature and atmosphere can have some physical effects on your skin.

It’s common for one’s skin to get dry and irritated on vacation. The thing is, vacation is a time for relief and relaxation — and how can you relax when your skin is burnt, dry and itchy?

Fortunately, there are products ranging from accessories to skin care items that can help you physically look as refreshed as you feel when you are travelling. With the help of these beauty items, you’ll be able to keep your skin protected on your vacation:

Facial Oil

There are various reasons why your skin may start to dry out when you are on vacation; a lot of people find that their skin dries on the plane and others find that a different country’s climate can wreak havoc on their complexion.

Of the many quality SK-II skin care products on the market, their most famous has to be their Facial Treatment Oil. With the help of a quality facial oil like this one, you can hydrate and moisturize to keep your skin nourished and protected from dryness.

Stay Hydrated

Drink water — and a lot of it. When you are travelling, it’s easy to forget to drink water because you get swept up in the excitement of being in a new place. Even the plane itself can leave you dehydrated; according to Marie Clare, on an average 10-hour flight, a passenger can lose up to 8% of their body water — that’s 4 litres.

When you are on the plane or walking around in the sun at your destination, it’s important to drink water to keep yourself hydrated and energized.

Slather on the SPF

When on vacation, people are outside a lot more than they usually would be — which is why it’s important to stay protected from the sun’s UV rays.

This means not only lathering on sunscreen all day every day but also making smart choices with your makeup — in other words, use products that have SPF in them. The good news is there are tons of reputable brands like BY TERRY and IT COSMETICS that make products like foundation and powder with SPF.

Wear Sunglasses When Out & About

The skin around your eyes is a lot thinner and more sensitive than other areas of your body, which is why it’s so important to protect your eyes.

The best way to do this? Invest in a pair of good sunglasses and wear them often. This will protect your eyes and your skin from the sun’s strong UV rays. The FDA suggests wearing sunglasses with a UVA/UBV rating of 100 for maximum protection.

Lip Balms

Your lips can dry and get burnt on your trip just like your skin can, which is why it’s important to protect your pout. By TERRY’s Baume De Rose is the perfect example of a lip balm that will tint and plump your nose, while also protecting it with SPF and various moisturizing properties.

With the help of these hydrating, nourishing and protective products, your skin will look as refreshed as you feel during and after vacation.

Top African Nations You Need To See This Year

Angela Manning Travel , , , , , , ,
Top African Nations You Need To See This Year

Source: Gabriel Le Naour on Pixabay

Africa has always been a continent of contrasts. With so many unique countries and different cultures in one area, it’s easy to see why it can be one of the most interesting places to visit for those looking for a bit of a challenge. If you haven’t explored any of Africa before, this handy guide to the top African nations to add to your must visit list will surely help you make some decisions regarding where you really want to visit and the challenges you may face there. It’s the ideal first timers guide to the African continent. 

Egypt

Egypt may have a bit of bad press in the media due to different problems that arise throughout the country, but don’t let that stop you from heading over there. The reality is that almost every incident is isolated, with increased security and crackdowns with regard to any potential issue that comes up. Egypt is one of the most unique places to visit, with the pyramids, Luxor, Aswan and Abu Simbel just waiting to be visited. For great coastal areas, check out Hurghada, Marsa Alam, or Dahab on the Red Sea coast off the Sinai if you want something a bit less resort-based. 

Take a trip into the Western Desert to visit the likes of the Black and White Deserts near Bahariya, but if you a really unique experience, check out the small village of Siwa Oasis, toward the Libyan border. This small town is home to a natural spring that you can swim in which is purported to have been one of Queen Cleopatra’s favourite relaxation places. Additionally, the old village of Siwa, made of mud and built into a hillside, is home to an old Oracle palace which was often frequented by Alexander the Great. Sounds pretty cool, right? 

Morocco

Morocco is another northern Africa nation which is an absolute delight to visit. Morocco, located on the northwestern coast of Africa, just across the Strait of Gibraltar from Spain is a Muslim country that is quite similar to Egypt, but with slightly different influences given its time as both Spanish and French colonies. The Atlas Mountain range is a great place to do some hiking, and you will likely have to traverse it in order to access the Sahara out in towns like Merzouga where you can go on overnight Sahara tours with Berber tribespeople into the dunes and stay in a traditional Berber camp. 

If you’re looking for an interesting experience though, why not consider stopping off in Marrakesh to visit the souks – a maze-like collection of covered shops and cafes that take twists and turns deep into the backstreets of the city, offering up almost anything you could possibly want to get your hands on. As an added bonus, you can stay in riads (guesthouses) within the souks themselves, making for the perfect place to stop off overnight. Try a traditional hammam (steam bath) with various types of scrubs if you want to experience the cleanest skin you will probably ever have. For those looking to experience the real life side to Morocco, head up to Fes to take a tour of the leather dyeing vats. Book yourself a cheap flight to Morocco and get ready for a fantastic experience.

Kenya

Kenya has long been one of the most popular and developed of the African nations, meaning many people who are looking for the ultimate holiday experience often will think of Kenya well in advance as one of their potential stops. Chances are that Nairobi will be your first port of call and while some people may not think that it has much to offer, nothing could be further from the truth. With Nairobi National Park offering fantastic safari options, Kenyan Bomas (traditional tribal homes) on display in the Bomas Tourist Village and other nearby attractions including the Karuna forest, it’s easy to see why staying a night or two in Nairobi is a great idea.

If you’re looking for a great safari nation, Kenya is it. The Maasai Mara National Park in the south towards the border with Tanzania is a perfect area in which to explore the wildlife of the country. For the beach lovers, Mombasa on the coast is one of the most ideal places to head, with a whole variety of beautiful resorts and stretches of white beaches with lots of opportunity for watersports such as kitesurfing, windsurfing, diving and more.

So if you’ve been looking for a challenging but interesting trip, consider one of these awesome African destinations. There are so many to choose from, but these three are some of the best with some of the higher levels of tourist infrastructure in place. So book yourself a trip today – you’re in for the trip of a lifetime!

 

Rides Not To Miss Out On At Universal Studios in 2019

Angela Manning Travel , , ,
Rides Not To Miss Out On At Universal Studios in 2019

Source: Unsplash | Pedro Velasco

If you are heading to Orlando this summer then Universal Studios will no doubt be one of the theme parks which you cannot wait to visit. This theme park is one of the most popular attractions in the USA, second only to the Disney World complex here in Orlando as well. What Universal does so well is its focus on all things relating to the silver screen, and its rides and attractions put you both behind and in front of the camera to live out your movie fantasies. Universal Studios tickets are best bought before you leave to ensure maximum availability and lowest prices, and once you get into the park here are the hottest rides which you need to try.

Hollywood Studio Tour

Rides come and go but this mainstay of the park is still one of the most popular rides which everyone loves. The Hollywood Studios tour takes you on a trip through some live movie sets such as those from Jaws, Psycho and Back to the Future. You’ll see the park through the eyes of the director as the explosive action takes place as you watch on from a tram, which will shake and move as you experience earthquakes, explosions and flash floods on the hour long journey.

Transformers: The Ride 3D

The Transformers movies were box offices smashes and the popularity of this franchise gave way to this amazing ride at Universal Studios. The ride uses a combination of flight simulation tech and 3D graphics to take you an a ride through the Transformers universe. The ride’s graphics and visual experience are outstanding and will convince you that you are right there with these incredible machines, a remarkable experience which you’ll not forget in a hurry.

Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey

Widely considered as the best ride in the park, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey immerses your right into the world of our favorite boy wizard and involves you in the journey of all journeys. The experience begins whilst you are waiting in the queue as you walk through the halls of Hogwarts School. Once you get to the ride itself you will be challenged with saving Harry and his friends as you shoot through their universe on a rollercoaster with some of the best visual graphics which you are likely to find in any park.

The Simpsons Ride

This is a must visit ride for anyone who enjoys the Simpsons and it will take you right into the heart of Springfield, complete with all of your favorite characters. The creators of this ride wanted to design an attraction which would make visitors feel like they were jumping into their TV set and that is exactly what they have achieved. Take a drink at the Drunken Clam, visit Kwik-E-Mart and visit the home of Homer and Marge on this adventure for all ages.

Which ride will you be rushing to see first?