destinations

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!

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.

The Philippines: Swimming, Snorkeling, Diving

Angela Manning Travel , , , , ,
The Philippines: Swimming, Snorkeling, Diving

“And the winner is … Miss Philippines!” Beautiful as the winner of the 2018 Miss Universe Pageant, the Philippines boasts some of the world’s most picturesque beaches in the world. To mention a few, Panglao and Anda in Bohol, Boracay, Moalboal in Cebu, and El Nido in Palawan are some of the country’s most popular destinations for both tourists and locals alike. Coron is host to some of the world’s best lagoons.

Panglao and Anda

Panglao is an island located in Bohol, Philippines. As with many beautiful beaches in the Philippines, Panglao island’s beaches are known for its fine white sugary sand. Panglao Beach, Momo Beach, Alona Beach, and Dumaluan Beach are only a few beaches most frequented by visitors of the island. Panglao Beach is home to Hinagdanan Cave, a cave with a lagoon and stalactites and stalagmites formations.

Anda is also located in Bohol, Philippines. Its location is further north from Panglao. Dubbed “best-kept secret in Bohol,” Anda is growing in popularity. This secret grows larger and it’s hard to not talk about it. Quinale Beach is the most popular of the beaches in Anda. It, too, boasts fine white sand. Aside from this beautiful beach, Anda is also home to caves and swimming holes. One particular swimming hole in Anda is Cabagnow Cave Pool. Since Anda is still establishing itself to be a destination, you may have to send money to the Philippines to make reservations for lodging.

Boracay

Another popular destination in the Philippines is Boracay. Boracay is an island located in Aklan, Philippines. Tourists and locals flock to Boracay time and time again. Beaches like White Beach (Station 1), Bulabog Beach, and Puka Beach are the top beaches visited on the island. White Beach is reminiscent of Miami Beach in Florida. It’s busy and vibrant. You’ll find a plethora of eateries to your heart’s content on this beach. Visitors also have access to convenient stores and banking institutions in this area. The beach itself is great for swimming and socializing.

Bulabog Beach is another beach frequented by visitors of Boracay. Its waters are perfect for kitesurfing or windsurfing. Located on the east side of the island, windy season (November through April) is the optimal time to go surfing on Bulabog Beach. Between White Beach and Bulabog Beach, Bulabog Beach is more geared towards sportier activities. Because of this, visitors aren’t encouraged to frolic in the waters due to surfing activities in the area.

Puka Beach is about a 15 to 20-minute moped ride from White Beach. It is located in the northern tip of the island, making it a great place to get away from crowds. Generally, locals gather here but it is also growing in popularity. You will find Puka Beach to be more preserved by nature than of the two other popular beaches in Boracay. Because of small bits of coral mixed in with the sand on this beach, visitors will find that the sand feels coarser on the feet. None the less, Puka Beach is a great place to relax and take in nature without being overwhelmed by crowds or loud music.

Moalboal

Moalboal is located in Cebu, Philippines. Depending on traffic and road conditions, Moalboal is about a 3-hour drive from Cebu City. Moalboal is known for its white beaches and deep waters. Because of this, many visitors associate Moalboal with swimming, snorkeling, and diving. Moalboal also has its own White Beach along with Pescador Island. These spots are popular among snorkelers and divers. Close by, in the town of Badian, is the famous Kawasan Falls. If you have ever wanted to see (and swim) that real-life waterfall you see on television, Kawasan Falls will have you living that dream.

El Nido and Coron

El Nido is located in Palawan, Philippines. It is known throughout the world for its limestone cliffs, beaches, caves, and lagoons. Both alluring and mysterious, it’s hard to say where to begin your adventure when it comes to El Nido. Visitors can swim in secret beaches or take a pump-boat tour ride to swim in El Nido’s lagoons. Nacpan Beach, Big Lagoon, and Miniloc Island are particularly popular amongst tourists and locals.

Another extremely popular destination in Palawan is also Coron Island. Coron is known for shipwrecks from World War II; specifically, Japanese shipwrecks. Diving is the top activity in Coron Island along with lagoon swimming and caving. Like its sibling, Coron has the world’s best lagoons that will have visitors feeling like a character out of the Pirates of the Caribbean films. Barracuda Lake, Siete Pecados, and Twin Lagoon are only to name a few points of interests to explore in the island.

These are only a few of the Philippines best destinations. Whether visitors are looking for a good time relaxing and frolicking on one of the beaches or looking for an adventure, the Philippines is host to one of the world’s top destinations in the world.

Working spaces in Stockholm

Angela Manning Business, Travel , , , , , ,
Working spaces in Stockholm

The co-working scene in Stockholm is booming right now, and this will only continue to get bigger and better. There is now a variety of options with regards to sharing workspaces whether you are a freelancer, entrepreneur, or if you are looking for a quiet spot to play a round of games on NetBet Slots. They are all different, so your preference will ultimately decide which one is perfect for you.

Whether you are looking for a simple cafe with an internet connection or an elegant office space with extra perks such as balconies, I have put together some of the options you should consider.

Convendum

This is one of the most modern co-working spaces that you will find in the entire city. Based one minute away from the T-Centralen, it is ideal for everyone to get to. There are also other spaces located around the city, but this is my personal preference. There are also options for lockable office and conference rooms if that is what you are looking for. The space is elegant and luxurious, with 24-hour access for members.

As you can imagine, there is a wide range of benefits for using this co-working space, after all, it is priced within the higher end of options. Their main aim is to help your business succeed, and this is achieved by their high-quality service, with full access to the concierge service, cafe, deli, restaurant, wellness facilities and wired and wireless internet all included within the membership and office packages.  Membership prices start at 4,995 kr per month, while private offices start at 11,950 kr per month.

Vasagatan 16,

111 20

Stockholm

Welcome to an all-inclusive office

Café&Co

For me, the essential key in a successful co-working space is the accessibility to a cup of coffee. Cafe & Co delivers on that front, creating a living and creative atmosphere with great co-workers and Stockholm’s best coffee. This space promotes entrepreneurship and encourages visitors from all sectors to mingle and work together. It is indeed a fantastic place to meet new people; it is possibly the best place in the city to network with Cafe & Co full of likeminded people, hence its nickname as ‘the creative hub of Stockholm.’

There are 15 co-working seats, two meeting rooms and of course, a cafe. The prices are very much dependant on how long you are planning to use the space. Prices begin from one hour, which will cost you 50 kr. A full day at the cafe will cost you 300 kr, and a one-month membership costs 2,900 kr.

Kungsbron 23,

111 22

Stockholm

http://www.cafeco.se/en/page/coworking

Openlab

This specific co-working space is one of the few in Stockholm that has a requirement.  You must be aiming to improve society as a small business or entrepreneur. If you meet these guidelines, then you can work in their workspaces, with conference rooms also available to book at a cost. Free coffee is always on hand to help you with your work. Another unique perk of Openlab is their training courses that are aimed at boosting your innovation skills.

Membership prices begin from 2,000 kr per month; this will also guarantee you 24-hour access. Fear not, if you aren’t sure whether you want to become a member you can work in the cafe for the afternoon for free as a trial.

Valhallavägen 79,

114 27

Stockholm

OPENLAB

Reasons To Visit London This Christmas

Angela Manning Travel , , , ,
Reasons To Visit London This Christmas

We’re approaching the time of year when everyone starts to think about one final mini-break before Christmas truly arrives. Those last two or three weeks of December always go past at a frantic pace, with little time to pause or relax, so many of us go away for a long weekend to charge our batteries before it’s too late.

There are plenty of places to go, both in the UK and abroad, but it might not always be wise or desirable to spend money leaving the country when you have the festive season approaching. You’re likely to be spending a lot on gifts and entertainment, so you don’t want to leave yourself short by blowing it all on a trip to Rome, even if that does sound wonderful.

The UK has plenty of destinations to choose from for a few days away. It sometimes feels like ‘the done thing’ is to head to the countryside for a while, and that can be a great choice. The scenery is beautiful, and it never hurts to get back to nature. At this time of year, though, it can be a little too cold and dark. So why not show England’s capital some love instead?

If you already live there, try Birmingham or Manchester instead. See what you can find further North. But if you don’t, then here are a few good reasons to consider London for a pre-Christmas visit.

See Hyde Park Winter Wonderland

If you’ve never been to Hyde Park, you’ll have no appreciation of the scale of us. Trust us when we say it’s a really big place. Every year, Hyde Park turns itself into a Winter Wonderland that would be the envy of any city in the world. The entire park becomes a living, breathing Christmas town full of entertainment and excitement.

There’s far too much going on for us to detail here, but just to give you the headlines there’s a magical ice kingdom, a full sized theme park, a Bavarian market, an ice bar, and a complete Land of Santa. There are ice sculpting workshops. There’s a comedy stage. If you could imagine such a thing, this is the Glastonbury Festival of Christmas. There’s entertainment and activities for adults and children alike, and plenty of it.

Hit The Casinos

Very few people don’t enjoy the thrill of an occasional flutter. Whether your chosen method is bingo, lotteries, roulette or slot machines, there are plenty of casinos to be found in London which should cater to your tastes. Recent years have seen a lot of gambling move online. While there’s no denying the sophistication and variety of Clover Casino’s Games and websites like it, with their range of online slot titles and friendly gaming environment, there’s still a lot to be said for visiting a casino in person every now and then.

London has quite the extensive range of them. Just standing in Leicester Square, you’re within walking distance of Horizons Casino, the Hippodrome Casino, The Rialto and the Empire Casino. With all the lights shining bright in the winter’s dark, it’s like you’ve somehow wandered into the middle of the Las Vegas strip. And who knows, you might even win yourself some extra Christmas spending money!

Walk The Kew Gardens Light Trail

Kew Gardens is a tourist attraction worth seeing all year round. The massive, beautiful botanical gardens hosts displays, lectures and events from all over the world. Guided talks can give you a sense of the history of both the gardens themselves, and the plants and features to be found there. The story of how the gardens were affected by both world wars is particularly emotional, but it’s the Christmas Light Trail you really have to see.

Every December, Christmas arrives at Kew Gardens, and the after-dark festive trail of lights become open for families to walk down. The incredible display features over a million individual bulbs. The woods become glittering canopies, as laser displays skip across the skies. It’s a truly awe inspiring experience which seems to get bigger every year.

Carnaby Christmas Festival

If you’ve never heard of Carnaby Christmas Festival, you’re in for a real treat. Carnaby Street is forever associated with the sixties, where the street, the bars and shops on it and the people who visited it seemed to sum up the entire era happening around them. It’s managed to keep its finger firmly on the cultural zeitgeist since then, and every Christmas it hosts a carnival.

The carnival looks like something that would be more at home in Rio de Janeiro in the peak of summer than London at its coldest. This year, the organisers have ordered in neon coconut trees, giant party poppers and exotic birds to give the street a Caribbean flavour, which should go well with the pop up food and drink stalls that always appear in the street this time of year.

All The Reasons You’d Go Any Other Time

Of course, you might want to avoid Christmas while you’re away. You’re going to have to deal with it when it arrives, so why not delay that for a little while and focus on something else while you’re away? So instead of doing any of these things – except maybe hitting those casinos – why not just do the things you’d do in London at any other time of year?

London doesn’t stop being London just because of the season. You can still visit Big Ben. You can still see the Houses of Parliament. It still has Tate Modern and the Southbank Centre. The Tower of London and the Natural History Museum welcome visitors all year round. You’ll definitely see Christmas decorations if you go to look at Westminster Abbey, but it’ll be so beautiful that you won’t mind. Go and take in the sights and sounds of a real East End market. Go to find out what all the fuss is about in Harrod’s, the world’s most exclusive department store. This is London. There is always something to do. There is always something to see.

If reading this has whetted your appetite, then why delay? Christmas will be here before you know it, and then it’ll be 2019. You deserve a break. Give yourself one!  

5 places to travel solo in 2019

Angela Manning Travel , ,
5 places to travel solo in 2019

There are many reasons you travel solo, one of them being self-indulgence. Solo traveling is an ideal option of travel if you wish to try something new. However, you need extensive planning and a vacation planner to make the perfect trip happen. Here is a list of 5 best places to travel solo in 2019:

1. Italy

Italy has a brilliant transit system that is well-connected to all the major attractions in the country. It is one of the many reasons why Italy deserves a spot in the top solo travel destinations in 2019. The wonderful people of Italy and the delectable, cheap delicacies make the country a revelers’ paradise. Walking through the beautiful cobblestone streets in Italy is like taking a walk down the rich heritage that the country has.

2. Mexico

Budget travel and time restraints are a part of a solo traveler’s journey. Mexico has accommodations and attractions that are perfect for your budget and time schedules. The country is blessed with a diverse kind of natural landscapes. Delicious cuisine, unparallel natural beauty, and rich history are some of the many reasons that make Mexico the best place to visit. Mexico is packed with cool and artistic stuff to do. The people here are equally cool and welcoming.

3. Iceland

Iceland is one of the most beautiful places to visit on Earth and traveling solo is the best way to experience its beauty. One of the best things about traveling in Iceland is that almost all the people there speak English. Adventures like horseback riding and glacier hiking can be easily booked through booking centers that are located on almost every important street in the country. Iceland has both adventurous and luxurious things to do. The Northern Lights in Iceland is one of the most fascinating natural phenomena in the world and should, definitely, be on your bucket list when in Iceland.

4. New Zealand

New Zealand is often deemed as one of the safest countries to travel in the world. The country is a paradise for adventure lovers. The rainforests, glaciers, and southern alps are a perfect setting for adventurous activities like bungee jumping, hiking, and jet boating. New Zealand is also known to have some of the most friendly and accommodating people in the world. This surely gives the country brownie points for being a top solo travel destination.

5. USA

The United States of America is a unique blend of the world’s best cosmo culture and the world’s most diverse national parks. The many state-of-the-art museums and galleries never fail to please the art buffs. The country is full of places to hike and camp. With hippie beaches and party spots, many cities in the United States make up for one of the best delighting cities in the world. The country has a mix of many cultures and ethnicities and hence is a popular destination for international tourism.

Planning a trip to one of these places? Use Triphobo to plan a hassle-free vacation!

Chennai: The Capital of Serenity

Angela Manning Travel , , , , ,
Chennai: The Capital of Serenity

Chennai is the home of delicious Chettinad cuisine and the famous Marina Beach. But apart from these, the city is also a popular hub for gold jewelry and silk sarees. The heritage sites of the city tell a story of a rule and place way different than now. Formerly a fishing village called Madraspatnam, now it is the home of the biggest artificial seaport in India. It is also the home of the Royapuram railway station which is the oldest railway station still operational in India and it is also the first city in India to get free Wi-Fi. So this city has something old, something new, which come together to make something amazing.

You can reach this fascinating city through the Chennai International Airport which welcomes both domestic and international passengers. Thus, it makes the city connected to major hubs across the world. You can easily book Dubai to Chennai flights, Hong Kong to Chennai flights, New Zealand to Chennai flights and more.

While in Chennai, the city offers up a lot of activities which you can indulge in like:

● Visit Santhome’s Church: The stained glass chapel houses a statue of St Thomas in a sitting position. Apart from the church, it also consists of a library, a shop selling prayer material and a museum.

● Admire the Kapaleeshwar Parthasarathy temples: A fine example of Dravidian craftsmanship, the Kapaleeshwar Temple is a specimen of architecture and measures 37 meters high in its Gopuram structure. On the other hand, the Parthasarthy Temple is a historical place in Chennai since it is touted to be the oldest temple in the city.

● Drive on the beach road: From Royapuram or Ennore to Besant Nagar or ECR is the ideal stretch of road to flex your driving muscles and enjoy the wind in your hair.

● Visit St Thomas Mount: Widely known to be the site of St Thomas’ martyrdom in AD 72, the church is located along with the Church of Our Lady of Expectation. The church is believed to house a cross St Thomas carved and a fragment of his finger bone. Ideal for visiting in the evenings, you will be able to enjoy beautiful panoramic views from here.

● Be in awe at the Guindy Park and Snake Park: The only national park that is situated in the middle of a city and houses a rich population if animals, birds, and reptiles. You will be able to see spotted deer, jackals, and tortoise in here. The Snake Park, as the name says is home to pythons and cobras but birds like flycatchers, buzzards, quail, and partridge can also be easily spotted.

● Visit Armenian Church: This 18th-century church is reminiscent of the Armenian community which called the city its home centuries ago. Open from around 9 till noon, the church is a great example of stunning architecture. If you want some peace and quiet to gather your thoughts then the surroundings of the church will offer you to meditate on.

Chennai is a busy but laid-back city where you will be able to enjoy all of its delights in utmost safety and serenity. 

We Bet You Don’t Know About These Hidden Gems in Goa

Angela Manning Travel , , , , , ,
We Bet You Don’t Know About These Hidden Gems in Goa

It is a universally acknowledge truth that a person in possession of a wanderlust soul must be in search of hidden gems to explore. And who wouldn’t want to travel the unexplored lands if they are located in one of India’s most famous tourist destination, Goa!

The name of Goa itself sparks the travel cord in your mind that you cannot help but check what we have in the bucket for you.

Here is an exclusive list of some of the hidden gems in Goa, we bet you don’t know about. Read them fast and don’t forget to open a new tab for Delhi Goa flights booking to not miss on the deals that you catch on the advance booking!

Arvalem Caves

When talking about the hidden places, caves always come in the picture, else it feels incomplete. Goa too has its fair share of ancient caves, and the ones we want to tell you about are the Arvalem Caves. Situated in North Goa, these caves are supposedly known to exist since the 6th century. Due to its mixed form of architecture, it has been associated with various stories. While some say that the caves have a connection to the Pandavas, others argue that these are rather Buddhist caves as there is a huge statue of Buddha inside the cave.

Well, whatever the truth is, one cannot deny the fact that these caves are indeed a marvel of architecture that has a charming and mysterious appeal altogether.

Butterfly Beach

Just like butterflies, this beach is mesmerizing, nestled in Palolem in the south of Goa. Untouched by the throng of tourists, Butterfly beach is adorned with glistening sand, azure water and stunning scenery with fluttering butterflies.

You can come here with your loved one and spend quality time together where nature is at its best. And who knows you can get the thriving opportunity to witness the dance dolphins as well!

Cabo de Rama

An impressive fort located near Agonda Beach, Cabo de Rama is one of the oldest forts in Goa. Just like the Arvalem caves, this fort is also believed to be associated with an ancient Indian Epic, namely, Ramayana. The name of the fort is also derived from the name of Lord Rama. People believe that this place was the home of Lord Rama and his wife Sita when they were on the 14-year exile. Over the centuries, the fort was occupied by various rulers.

Today, this majestic fort stands tall facing the Arabian Sea and exploring this interesting fort is one of the best things in Goa that is unknown to many.

Chorla Ghat

If you are a lover of nature and wish to be around exotic surroundings, then Chorla Ghat is our suggestion to you. It is situated at the intersection of Goa, Maharashtra and Karnataka. Here, you can indulge in adventurous activities and also see the various rare species. Visit this spectacular spot during monsoon, and you will not stop admiring the beauty of this place. So, get done with your Delhi Goa flights booking soon and book the tickets in advance.

Cumbarjua Backwater Canal

You might be thinking that this will be just another boat ride but wait before you judge Cambarjua Canal up to that level for it is not an ordinary boat tour. The boat tour of Cumbarjua Backwater Canal is an adventurous feat for those who wish to spot crocodiles. Yes! You read it right. On a half day boat ride, you will get the chance to wander in the quiet backwaters of the canal where you can witness the large reptiles basking in the sun, exotic birds and peaceful time with nature. Truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience!

Goa is not all about the beaches and these hidden gems successfully break that age-old image. And now that you are aware of this fact, pack your bags and get ready to explore the hidden gems and witness a whole new face of gleaming Goa!

4 Cities to Consider for a Family Vacation

Angela Manning Travel , , , ,
4 Cities to Consider for a Family Vacation

Assignment Content

Family vacations are so rare and precious that you have to make the most of them, which means going places that everyone will enjoy and participating in activities that will please the kids and the parents. Check out the following family-friendly hotspots for your next family getaway. What experiences will you put on your itinerary?

Share New Experiences in Columbus

Image via Flickr by Always Shooting

Columbus, Ohio, is a middle-America town with big-city experiences. It’s a wonderful place to take a family vacation because of the variety of activities waiting for you. At the North Market, the whole family can create their own meal and let their palates run wild. The Center of Science and Industry (COSI), is one of the highest-rated science centers in the country. It offers a wealth of hands-on exhibits that will inspire a love of science in your kids. The Columbus Museum of Art’s Center for Creativity is another place to set your imaginations free as a family.

Look for Columbus hotels in the downtown area. When you travel with the whole family, proximity is everything. Try to situate yourselves close to all the places you want to visit.

Play in the Water at Hampton Beach

Image via Flickr by Gail Frederick

Hampton Beach is one of the hottest vacation spots in New Hampshire. Unlike some boardwalks up and down the coast, it’s family-friendly through and through. Take a tour to Star Island on a Steamship. If the waters of the Atlantic are too chilly, head to Water Country and ride the slides. Let the kids learn how to surf, and then finish the day at the Seacoast Science Center.

Check out Hampton Beach hotels right on the beach for gorgeous views. Opt for a room in the city center to see the skyline from your window. Wherever you stay, you can smell saltwater in the air.

Get Your Museum Fix in Louisville

Louisville, Kentucky, is well-known for horses, bourbon, and bluegrass, only two of which are kid-friendly. Fortunately, the city is home to a wealth of museums as well, including the Kentucky Derby Museum, the Louisville Slugger Museum, and the Muhammad Ali Museum. The Louisville Zoo is another must-see spot, and you just have to book the family for a river cruise on an authentic riverboat. Check out hotels in Louisville in or near downtown so you’re near everything.

Enjoy a Taste of Everything in Jacksonville

In Jacksonville, Florida, there’s something for every vacationer—even the little ones. When you’re not at the beach playing in the water and learning new water sports, get to know the city. Picnic at Big Talbot Island State Park. Beaches Museum & History Park teaches the kids about the railroad. At the Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary, the family can get to know some very big cats. Find hotels in Jacksonville near the things you want to do, be it the beach, the zoo, or downtown with a view of Friendship Fountain.

Embrace the opportunity to make memories with your family. Ask the kids what they want to do, too. What are your most memorable vacations?

4 Things to Do While Visiting Leeds

Angela Manning Travel , , , , ,
4 Things to Do While Visiting Leeds

An incredible city of real historical importance, Leeds is a city that has a little bit of something for everybody. Rich culture and vast history are only a few of the things that make up Leeds as a whole. From visiting the theatres, running in long and challenging marathons, to sipping cocktails in the clouds, there’s a huge amount of things to do while visiting Leeds. This gem in Yorkshire attracts millions of tourists from all around the world, and with a good reason. There’s always something to do, and it’s always great fun.

Shop in the Corn Exchange

A building of special importance, the Grade I-listed Corn Exchange is part retail centre and part food hub. It hosts a splendid community of shops and boutiques that entice visitors away from the bustling and noisy boulevards outside, and it welcomes them with grandeur. It resembles an inner chamber of some giant airship, and sports plenty of quirky shops, bookstores, salons, and lots of different food stores with all sorts of food available.

Explore the Arcades

The architecture in Leeds is a very unique case. It’s a fascinating blend between the old and the new, and the best place to witness that are the arcades. The bazaar-like atmosphere is only enhanced by the sheer number of the many independent shops you will find there – there are practically no chain stores present in the arcades. You can eat cake while perusing clothing stores, and after that try on some vintage jewellery. The arcades are definitely delightful.

Party and dance ‘till the early hours

Leeds is definitely a city that likes to dance. You can freely partake in the fabulous vintage tea dances that pop up around the city all the time, or join classes held at Yorkshire Dance that allow everyone to join the fun whether it’s lyrical jazz or flamenco. If that’s not your style, don’t worry, because Leeds has you covered. The nightlife is astounding, with its many areas coming to life in the late hours. Call Lane has been likened to Manchester’s famous Canal Street, and that’s where a lot of fantastic bars and clubs are located. It’s an entire pedestrianised road filled all sorts of locales, and the best of all; those aren’t the only party venues Leeds has to offer. You’ll definitely find a fun place like no other.

Drink cocktails in the sky

One of the finest things about Leeds is that the city is truly stunning at night. That’s a fact that its many bars and restaurants have come to appreciate, and they offer a fantastic panoramic view across the metropolitan skyline and beyond. A few places like the Angelica and The Alchemist – both of which are located in Trinity shopping centre – offer fantastic views of the already stunning and beautiful city. Located on the top of the shopping centre, you’ll be able to sip delicious alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages that you’ll never forget, on top of a balcony that overlooks the entire city. That’ll definitely be a moment you’ll never forget.