What are your happiest places?

Angie is a coffee-fueled writer, artist-wanna-be, and over-worker who currently resides in a tiny fixer-upper near Salt Lake City with her boyfriend and 70lb rescue pittie. She works full time in Customer Service/Computers, part-time in retail and fashion, goes to school part-time on and off, maintains this and another couple of blogs, as well as volunteers with rescue dogs. In her free time, what little of it there is, she likes to read, play nerd games, craft and create art, and spend time with all of the awesome people in her life.

The Top Places to Travel to and Attractions to See in Africa

July 21, 2017 by Angie Leave a Comment

As one of the most varied, exciting and interesting continents in the world, Africa has something for everyone. From white sandy beaches to thick tropical jungles, you’ll find something that piques your interest. So, when it comes to booking a holiday to Africa, it can be hard to know what to book and where: do you go on safari? Do you have a beach holiday? Do you climb active volcanoes? Well, this list of suggestions will hopefully help you narrow down your options, until you find the most perfect holiday for you. Plus, you can always save the other choices for your next vacation!

What to See in Africa

Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

If you want some of the best views in Africa, then look no further than climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. The highest mountain in the continent – and the highest freestanding mountain in the world – has views and scenery like no other. Traverse the dry Tanzanian landscape, and see it transform into grassy greens, and finally into a year-round snow-capped peak. You’ll need to do some training before climbing the mountain – to get to the top, you can’t just turn up and expect to do it spontaneously. For more information on climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, click here.

Marrakech, Morocco

This vibrant, bustling city shines from its spot north of the Sahara. Under the dry African sun, you’ll be able to do everything from visiting UNESCO World Heritage sites, to watching snake charmers and skilled street performers. All around you, stalls and souqs will tempt you, beguiling you into buying their shimmering wares. From hand-woven carpets to gold trinkets – be prepared to haggle. Watch what you wear in Marrakech: stick to wearing loose, modest clothing to respect the culture and protect you from the burning sun. Also, don’t forget to book tranquil, peaceful accommodation, to give you some respite from the chaotic city center.

The Namib Desert and Skeleton Coast, Namibia

If you can’t guess from its name, the Skeleton Coast is an eerie, ever-changing landscape, with dense fogs and rolling dunes – and littered with the skeletal remains of the ships of early explorers. Plus, you’re bound to spot whale skeletons too, remnants of its old whaling history. So, why visit? Well, it’s beautiful. It’s a pristine strip of coastline, and for that reason, only a certain number of visitors are allowed to access the northern areas of the coast. For something just as magnificent and ancient, take a trip to the Namib Desert. Considered one of the oldest deserts in the world, it’s home to huge numbers of fauna and flora, ensuring you’ll love every minute of any trip.

Masai Mara, Kenya

While you’ll be guaranteed to see amazing animals at any time of the year, most visitors time their trips to the Masai Mara around the annual wildebeest migration. This spectacular event is like nothing else in the world, and worth experiencing. The Mara is home to huge numbers of animals, including the Big Five. In fact, it has some of the largest animal populations out of any reserve in Africa.

Seychelles

The Seychelles is paradise on earth. Bright, vivid colors make up its heavenly landscapes, from the rich greens of its jungles and the bright reds of its birds, to the deep azure blues of the ocean. Made up of 115 islands, the Seychelles is the perfect spot for spotting wildlife, relaxing on the beach, and enjoying the best things in life. From snorkeling to mountaineering, the Seychelles offers everything: whether you want a relaxing beach holiday or an adrenaline-fueled adventure.

Victoria Falls, Zambia (or Zimbabwe)

The Victoria Falls makes up the world’s largest waterfall – and when you hear it, you’ll understand just how enormous it is. It’s not just the waterfall that’s incredible: thanks to the constant rising mist and water spray, an abundance of wildlife has sprung up around it, forming magnificent tropical jungles, and giving a home to many animals. The Falls are easy to explore. You can visit them by boat or by plane – or even swim right up to the edge, thanks to the dead pools at the top.

Cape Verde

If you want to experience paradise, but you don’t want to relinquish your sense of adventure, then Cape Verde is your ideal destination. This island cluster – made from volcanoes – is home to gorgeous red wines, a crystal-clear ocean, and lively music festivals. The craggy peaks and green valleys are perfect for hiking, while the white beaches are ideal for listening to live music and relaxing in the tropical heat.

Gabon

For the chance to see a huge range of amazing animals, head to Gabon. The white sandy beaches and fast-flowing rivers will lead you to incredible discoveries, like gorillas, turtles, chimpanzees, hippos and whales. If you want a holiday steeped in eco-tourism, then Gabon should be your first choice: the country has done vast amounts to protect its beautiful landscape and the creatures that live within it.

The Sahara Desert

Crossing around ten different countries, and taking up a space around the same size as the United States, the Sahara Desert is on many people’s bucket lists. While some of the desert is off limits to tourists, much of it is open to visitors. You can spend countless days there, experiencing hypnotic camel rides, adrenaline-filled four-wheel drive expeditions, and campfires filled with songs, chants and delicious foods. In addition to the cultural spots, you could see the back drop of many Star Wars films.

Lesotho

If you want a holiday filled with action and adventure, then pay a trip to Lesotho. You can choose from activities on land, in the water, or on the snow – as all of Lesotho is 1,300 kilometers above sea-level. From bikers and hikers, to 4×4 drivers and boaters, you can pick almost any activity to try out. Then, once you’re worn out from adrenaline, you can explore the areas wonderful landscape – and even check out some of the old dinosaur prints and remains.

Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

Volcanoes National Park is one of the oldest reserves in Africa, and prides itself on its gorilla conservation efforts. You’ll be able to spend time trekking and tracking gorillas, taking on differing levels of terrain and effort. This is a once in a lifetime experience: getting the chance to get up close and personal with these magnificent animals.

Have you been to Africa?

Staying Organized When Planning the Trip of a Lifetime

May 13, 2017 by Angie Leave a Comment

We all dream of that one vacation, that trip of a lifetime, and finally we’ve saved what we think is enough money and have our tickets in hand, ordered early of course for that discounted price! But as the time draws nearer, we suddenly realize that we’ve not taken the time to plan what to bring, what to leave, and a million other little things we hadn’t thought of when booking our travel and accommodations. The actual key to staying organized when planning that trip is to start early enough to get everything done. However, if you are like the rest of us, you’ve only weeks to do and aren’t nearly ready. What to do? Here is a bit of advice.

First and Foremost Is Your Health

Before you take another step, do a solid inventory of your medications. Bear in mind that many of these prescription drugs you will not be able to get in other countries. Talk to your doctor to ensure that you have enough medication to see you through your trip, which may be lengthy, and then fill those prescriptions prior to embarking on that dream vacation you’ve been yearning for. If your medication is expensive normally, you might want to check out options for discount prescriptions online. Leave yourself enough time to do a thorough search and if at all possible, check out coupons for use at your local pharmacies.

What to Pack and What to Leave

What you bring along with you will be largely dictated by where you are going. If at all possible bring two (or more!) of everything from bathing suits to walking shoes. Do you plan to dine at award-winning bistros or go out for an evening at the opera in London? Formal attire should be carried along first because that is the most expensive to buy on the road. Casual attire is easy to find and affordable almost anywhere you go. Also, keep in mind that you will almost assuredly need to pay for excess baggage, so pack that which you can’t replace on the journey and leave behind the rest.

Seasonal Considerations

Finally, if you are traveling to a tropical paradise in the winter months here at home or to a ski resort at the height of summer where you are now, you might not be prepared for the variation in climates where you are headed. The Internet can be your best friend when it comes to planning a trip because you can get weather conditions in real time for literally every location around the globe. Check to make sure you are bringing the right type of clothing for the climate you will be staying in. It sounds like it should be common sense, but when it comes to taking that trip of a lifetime, all sense seems to fly out the door! Also, we have been seeing weird anomalies in global weather patterns, so stay informed of any ‘out of the ordinary’ temperatures and weather conditions where you will be staying.

What tips for staying organized when traveling do you have?

Again, the key to staying organized on that trip of a lifetime is to start planning well in advance. Learn what you can about the culture and the climate and be prepared for contingencies. Your health is of prime importance so plan well for any medications or medical devices you may need to carry along with you.

Great Places to Visit in the United States

March 14, 2017 by Angie Leave a Comment

The US is so large and has so many different types of vacation on offer that the hardest part is deciding where to go. Take the family to Disneyland? See the nightlife of Miami? Hit the sunny SoCal beaches? There is a whole host of great places to choose from.

Great Places to Visit in the United States

While there’s plenty of fantastic places to see in the USA, there’s a few really great options for your next visit to the United States. Plus, they’re a few of my favorites!

San Francisco: Alcatraz, Golden Gate Bridge, & More

If you want to see some of the most famous landmarks in the world, the US has plenty. You could head to San Francisco to see the Golden Gate Bridge and while you’re there take a boat trip over to Alcatraz. Enjoy the great restaurants and nightlife and the compulsory trip on a streetcar.

Southern California: The Sun, the Sand, & the Tans

Fancy a bit more of a beach vacation? Head down the (rather long) road in LA to the famous Venice Beach or Santa Monica. Alternatively, Laguna Beach is a very popular hangout for the rich and famous. California is covered with fantastic, long beaches that have good pathways to cycle or walk along. Take a trip into central LA to walk down the Hollywood Walk of Fame to see the famous stars along the pavement. If you take an open top bus tour, you will get taken to see some of the most iconic film scenes ever.

New York: Broadway, Buildings, & More

If California doesn’t sound like your cup of tea, then how about a trip to the Big Apple? The city that never sleeps, the unique city of New York? There are loads of exciting things to do in this fantastic city – a trip up the Empire State Building, a boat trip to see the Statue of Liberty, a walk over Brooklyn Bridge at night, go to see a show on Broadway and not forgetting a trip to Central Park!

Utah: Relaxing Among Red Rocks

Maybe that all sounds a bit too hectic for you and you’d rather go somewhere a bit more peaceful and scenic, like the tranquility of Utah? As well as seeing one of nature’s most famous places, you can enjoy the tranquility of Hiking Trails in Zion Canyon, visit a desert oasis and have a go at pretty much any water sport that you can think of.

Las Vegas: Bright Lights Baby

Next head to the bright lights of Sin City – the one and only Las Vegas! Spend time in the amazing hotels with their own casinos, bars, restaurants and even shows. You barely need to leave the hotel to have a full holiday experience in Las Vegas. Some of the greatest musical performers and shows have graced the famous hotels in Vegas.

Florida: Beaches and Amusement Parks

Millions of people travel to the US each year for the theme park experience in Florida. With so many theme parks including Universal Studios, Disney World, Magic Kingdom and a handful of waterparks, you can keep the whole family entertained for weeks. Florida is also a great destination to try out the fantastic golf courses.

A few hours’ drive away is the excitement of Miami Beach, where you can experience one of the world’s most famous beach resorts and some very interesting nightlife!

Where’s your favorite place to visit in the United States?

4 Historical Cities Worth a Visit

February 2, 2017 by Angie Leave a Comment

The world is filled with so many intriguing places, and unfortunately, there isn’t enough time in the world to experience them all. However, there are some destinations you must visit before you stop traveling the world. Here are 5 historic cities that are worth a visit:

Berlin, Germany

You will feel like you are stepping inside a piece of history from the moment you enter Berlin. In the last 100 years, the city has played an integral role in modern history, as it was the capital of Nazi Germany, and Berlin was also divided in two during the Cold War. It is, therefore, an intriguing place to visit when you think and learn about the history behind the modern city that stands today.

Places to See in Berlin

However, Berlin is now known for its vibrant nightlife, which is complemented by its chic restaurants. Tourists can also visit the Berlin Wall’s outdoor memorial and the Brandenburg Gate, which stands as a memorial to the Cold War. Successfully navigate your way across the German capital with the Berlin city guide.

Athens, Greece

Athens is one of the world’s oldest cities and has a recorded history of 3,400 years, and was a prominent city in 1400 BC. It is therefore filled with history and culture, playing an integral role in philosophy, literature, science and the shape of the Western World.

Places to See in Athens

You can, therefore, explore the many museums in the city, offering an intriguing insight into Athens’s extensive history. Despite its ancient history, the Greek capital now offers a busy metropolis providing a range of sophisticated restaurants, chic hotels, and stores. Those looking to explore the history of Athens should visit the city’s famous historic landmarks, such as Acropolis, Temple of Poseidon, Parthenon, and Keramikos.

Beijing, China

The 3,000-year-old Beijing has played an integral role in China’s history, as the city served as the home of the Ming and Qing Dynasties, and it was also the capital during the reign of Chairman Mao throughout the Chinese Communist Revolution. Tourists can now explore the architecture and culture defined by China’s extensive history.

Places to See in Beijing

For example, tourists should certainly visit the Forbidden City, which was created as an imperial palace during the Qing Dynasty. You can take a walk along the expansive Great Wall of China, which offers a unique stroll you are likely to take. Visitors should also not miss the many breath-taking Chinese Temples located across Beijing.

Varanasi, India

India’s Varanasi dates way back to 11th century BC and is therefore regarded as one of the oldest cities in the world. You can trust you will enjoy a culture-filled adventure, as the city offers many temples and is viewed as one of seven holy Hinduism cities.

Places to See in Varanasi

One of the most famous temples is, of course, the Golden Temple, which celebrates the Hindu god Shiva. Many people often visit the banks of the River Ganges to perform funeral rites, as it is thought that people who die here will receive the gift of eternal life.

Which historical cities do you want to see?

The Happiest Places In The World

January 18, 2017 by Angie Leave a Comment

Are you looking for somewhere to visit that will make you feel amazing and lift your spirits to no end? Look no further! In this list, you’ll find the happiest places in the world. You can’t go far wrong by adding these places to your bucket list. Whether you plan on going on a week long holiday or you want to get away for a number of weeks, or an indefinite amount of time, you should consider these locations a must. Take a look and see what you find (bear in mind they are in no particular order).

Sweden

Sweden is the 10th happiest in the world according to Happiness Index. There are museums for those intellectual types who want to learn more about this happy place. There are even food tours and botanical gardens to enjoy.

The Netherlands

The Netherlands has some of the most incredible views you will ever see. There are the canals, and some beautiful buildings and architecture. When visiting in the summer, you’ll be able to see the incredible tulips. The great coffee shops could even be a reason many of the people have a smile on their faces!

New Zealand

New Zealand is one of the most amazing places to visit. You can spot wildlife in Wellington if you want to see some amazing animals. There’s a great coffee culture over here too, along with amazing food.

Costa Rica

Costa Rica is one of the happiest, laid back places in the world. People work hard here but are very happy and friendly. They’ll all smile and acknowledge you when they see you. Some people say that as they have no army, this makes them happy. The place is very peaceful. There’s the sunshine, wildlife, and of course, beautiful scenery. You could even decide to volunteer in Costa Rica, which will be a rewarding experience for both you and the people you help. You could teach English, get involved in construction work, and even help wildlife. There are so many choices.

Denmark

Denmark has received high scores in studies due to its strong social support system, freedom to live how you like, and the low perceived government corruption. There are museums to explore, castles, towns, and bridges.

Australia

Australia has pretty much anything you could want. It has so many watersports, and gorgeous places like Whitehaven beach to practice them on. If you do decide to visit here, you can’t miss the Great Barrier Reef. Their motto is usually ‘Work hard play harder’. They encourage time off when it comes to their employees. The laid back culture and lifestyle are likely what makes them so happy. That, and the fact that it’s very sunny. Many people emigrate here, with good reason too.

What are your happiest places?

Will you be adding these places to your list? Have you visited any of them already? Let us know by leaving a comment and your thoughts below. It would be great to hear from you – come back for more posts soon!

Rock Your Housewarming Party In Sacramento

December 13, 2016 by Angie Leave a Comment

Sacramento, the capital of the state of California, offers a variety of quirky and trendy houses that could tempt you to move in and enjoy the Californian sunny weather. So as you are looking for your dream house under the sun, here are our indispensable tips to prepare a fabulous housewarming party in Sacramento.

#1 There Are Advocados Everywhere: Use Them

California is full of farmers who produces plenty of fresh and delicious products. The farmers markets are amazing there so prepared to be spoiled rotten! There is one specific thing that seems to come in abundance, and this is advocados. You will find them on every restaurant menu and in every recipe, whether it’s a salad, barbecue, sushi, or Mexican delicacy. So to get you to the idea, here’s the home-made guacamole recipe: A fresh, healthy and completely vegan alternative for your housewarming party.

#2 Sacramento Is A Friendly Place

It sounds like its generous climate and agriculture have made the town a place of genuine friendliness. But you will soon find out that you meet in Sacramento people who are genuinely a little kinder and friendlier than anywhere else: This is because Sacramento has succeeding in keeping its small town heart under the big city vibe. It’s hard not to feel welcome in this lovely place. So, take good note of it, and make sure to invite your new neighbors to your housewarming party.

#3 The Emergency Lot For When Things Go Wrong

You never know what could happen: Someone could get drunk and accidentally fall down the stairs, you could lock yourself outside at the end of the day as you wave goodbye to your friends, etc. Don’t worry, it’s part of the little incidents that make your housewarming party memorable! To be on the safe side, make sure to keep the address of the UC Davis Medical Centre which is one of the best hospitals in the country and your local police station – although you don’t need to worry too much about it: Sacramento has among the lowest crime rate in the entire country. Also make sure to have saved the number of a local locksmith, such as locksmith Sacramento for example, to cover all eventualities.

#4 Set The Sacramento Scene

You will discover that many celebrities have graduated from California State University in Sacramento, so why not set little reminders to your guests at the housewarming party? You’ll find Tom Hank, Ann Weldy, Carlos Alazraqui, and even Giselle Fernández, and naturally many more. So you could have Forrest Gump running in the background on the TV to set the ambiance, while you place The Beebo Brinker Chronicles by Ann Weldy on the shelf. What matters, after all, is to give a cheeky wink to the town you live in and help those of your friends who don’t know it yet to discover its cultural jewels.

All in one, have a lovely housewarming party in Sacramento, and don’t forget to prepare yummy drinks to keep your guests’ spirits up!

Have you considered moving to Sacramento?

This post contains an affiliate link. Thank you so much for supporting my blog.

Moving Abroad? Don’t Forget These Important Things!

November 22, 2016 by Angie 1 Comment

Moving to a different country isn’t as scary as it sounds. Sure, there’s probably a lot of paperwork involved and a lot of planning, but it’s an opportunity that doesn’t come around often, and it could transform your life into an exciting adventure full of discovery.

Pack All Your Important Things

This can’t be stressed enough: remember all your belongings! It costs a lot of money and time to send things abroad, and you don’t want to be forgetting your most precious items or most important pieces of gear. Check once, check again, then check one more time. Sometimes, the most important things are the most obvious, such as passports or other identification!

Check Your Documents Are Valid

Travel documents last a long time—long enough for us to forget when they expire! Applying for a visa in another country may take a very long time, so plan ahead and make sure you have the relevant documents and that you understand the application process for the country you plan to move to. Make sure your travel documents have plenty of time left on them—you don’t want them to expire mid-application. If you’re travelling with friends or family, make sure that their documents are also valid. There’s nothing worse than being separated.

Consider Hiring Professional Removalists

Moving house is hard work, but moving to an entirely different country is an even bigger task! If you’re serious about taking some large pieces of furniture or technology with you, then consider speaking to some Interstate Removalists. A lot of removalists will also specialise in moving your belongings abroad, cutting much of the hassle that’s involved in shipping large items to different countries.

Cancel Utilities in Advance

A lot of utility bills are paid in advance for up to 6 months. You don’t want to be paying for half a year’s worth of bills in a home that you aren’t living in. Try your best to plan ahead and cancel any bills so that they end around the time you leave the country.

Pay Any Outstanding Bills

In addition to cancelling utility bills, make sure you’ve paid off any debts, loans, and bills before you leave. Corporations are powerful, and they’ll be able to track you down no matter where you move to. In some cases, you might end up in serious trouble and they may consider you as fleeing the country, which would seriously hurt your chances of living in another country or worse, give you a criminal record. Remember to also inform any tax authorities that you plan to leave the country.

Keep In Touch With Friends and Family

Saying goodbye is tough, but it doesn’t need to be the end of a relationship. Make sure you have an email address or phone number so that your friends and family and stay in touch with you no matter where you decide to move to. Most of the time, your current SIM card won’t work in another country unless you tell your provider that you’re travelling abroad. Instead, you can use social media to keep in touch with others, such as Facebook.

Have you considered moving abroad?

This post contains an affiliate link. Thank you so much for supporting this blog of mine. 🙂

Unusual Vacation Destinations That Are Often Underrated

November 21, 2016 by Angie Leave a Comment

Picking where to go on vacation these days can be so difficult. There are few places on earth that remain unreachable. So the world really is your oyster! The problem is though that after a while you can get bored visiting the same old touristy places. Yes, they can be fun, but they aren’t too adventurous, and when you get to talk about them you find everyone else has been there too.

Happily, there are still a few places left that no everyone has visited yet. So if you have an open mind and a taste for adventure try it out one of the unusual but underrated locations below for your next break.

Unusual Vacation Destinations: South Africa

South Africa is a country that benefits from amazing vistas and warm weather all year round. There is also plenty to do in South Africa, whatever type of holiday you are looking for.

For example, the luxury hotel complexes on the coast are perfect for a romantic getaway or a honeymooning couple. The warm weather makes it perfect to sunbathe or cool off in the pool too.

Vacationing with Wildlife

The coastal region is also a great bet for seeing some of the ocean wildlife that it’s abundant in this location. Most coastal town offer snorkeling and diving experiences, and many have whale watching trip you can attend as well.

Talking of wildlife, the landlocked parts of South Africa are pretty good for this too. One of the most popular pulls of a vacation in this location is the chance to see the big five game animals. These are the rhinos, buffalo, elephants, leopard and the king of the jungle himself the lion. There is also a myriad of other endangered animals that can be viewing on safari in this location like zebra and giraffes.

Take a Tour of the Bush

Most people visiting South Africa take the time to go on an organized tour in the bush. This provides the safety of trained local guides. As well as the greatest chance of seeing these majestic beasts up-close.

Camp in the Bush

Some people choose to camp out overnight at specially constructed bush hotels. These give you the experience of staying close to nature but with the added facilities like catering and a guard to keep the animals from your door. Literally.

Why you should consider South Africa and it’s amazing wildlife for your next big trip…

Visit South Africa

If all this sounds like too much fun to pass up, you can book your break with companies such as Imagine Holidays South Africa over the internet. The all you have to do is pack your bags, and it’s off you go!

Unusual Vacation Destinations: Ukraine

The first thing to consider when booking a holiday to visit the Ukraine is safety. Due to the troubles, there some parts of the Ukraine are no longer safe to travel to including Lugansk and Donetsk. But travel to the main tourist locations is still possible. Although it is always best to check your government’s recommendations for travel before you book and fly.

Vacationing in Rich History

The appeal of the Ukraine is partly due to it’s rich and turbulent history with Russia and other surrounding nations. Because of this, there is a lot of historical sites to visit that you may find interesting such as Lviv’s Old Town and Saint Sophia Cathedral.

Unique Architecture

There is also a glut of stunning Orthodox Catholic churches built in traditional style with turrets and domes. These are a not only beautiful but a testament to the architects and workers that built them without the use of modern technology.

Kiev and Chernobyl

The capital city of Kiev is a must-see for all travelers, as is the site surrounding Chernobyl. Of course, the actual site itself is still off limits, but it is possible to tour the surrounding countryside to get an idea of what happened there.

You will need to follow all the safety instructions that are given to you during the tour. As there are still trace amounts of radiation that can be harmful if you are exposed to them for an extended amount of time.

The Ukraine is full of rich history and beautiful sunbathing. Add it to your list of must-see travel locations!

Sunbathing in Odessa

There is even a beautiful beach to sunbath on in Odessa if you are looking for a more relaxing time after all that exploring. All these things really make the Ukraine a nation of contrasts.

Visit the Ukraine

Before you book your holiday to the Ukraine, check the safety travel information for your country. Then search for your and accommodation on the internet to get the best price.

Unusual Vacation Destinations: Kosovo

When visiting Kosovo, it is worth bearing in mind that their public holidays are not like the rest of the world. In fact, they celebrate Orthodox Christmas on the 7th of January. So bear in mind that many public places will be close if you plan to be there during this time.

Inexpensive Tourist-Free Travel

A big advantage of holidaying in Kosovo is, that as it doesn’t have an established tourist trade, accommodation and food are still cheap. In addition, people are pleased to talk to you about their heritage as they have not yet become jaded with the steady influx of visitors.

Relaxing Sunny Days

When traveling to Kosovo, it’s vital that you check out the capital Pristina. There you can spend a lazy day in Germia Park. Which apart from walks through the woods and foundations to check out, has a massive man-made outdoor swimming pool. This is a huge draw on sunny days. So get there seriously early if you want a good spot.

Culture and Education

If you are feeling the need for something a little more cultural, then you should try the Ethnographic Museum or the National Library. Whether you are into reading or not, the library is always worth a visit due to its unusually modern and domed architecture.

Shopping

There are also the more traditional thing to do in any city like visiting the shopping mall and local bazaars to grab a bargain. Or you could check out the Marble Cave. Which is a beautiful underground cavern hewn from marble rock. It also contains lots beautiful crystal and is a stunning site, not to be missed.

Kosovo hasn’t hit the tourist market yet, so it’s still relatively inexpensive to visit…

Unusual Vacation Destinations: Mongolia

If you are consider visiting Asia for your net trip, but you want something a little more off the beaten track, then why not try a vacation to Mongolia?

Expansive Wilderness

Mongolia is bordered by China and Russia, and it’s well known for its wild open spaces and expanses of wilderness. The traditional culture there is nomadic one and there are some people still living that life on the plains today.

Mongolia may be one of the most fun and unusual travel destinations you need to see…

Monasteries and Monuments

If you are visiting Mongolia, there are few things that you would kick yourself if you missed. The first is visiting the capital city Ulaanbaatar to check out the Genghis Khan monuments. Then there are plenty of religious sites to view like the Gandantegchinlen Monastery and the Choijin Lama Temple Museum.

Landscape & Wildlife

As Mongolia is so well known for its landscape and wildlife, it would be silly not to see some of this on your trip. You can visit one of the many national parks to view yaks and bird of prey. You can even take a camel tour into the Gobi Desert and live like the native nomadic people for a while.

Unusual Vacation Destinations: Cambodia

Cambodia is located in south-east Asia. It is bordered by three countries Vietnam, Laos and Thailand. Probably the most famous thing apart from the food that Cambodia is known for is the temple of Angkor Wat.

This is located in the Northwest of the country. It is a huge temple complex, and it’s actually the largest religious monument in the entire world. It was built in the 12th century as a temple to Vishnu the Hindu responsible for protecting the universe. But it became a Buddhist site of reverence as the counties religious traditions changed over time.

Tour the Temple of Angkor Wat

While you can walk around the temple site on your own, many people choose to go on an organized tour to get the most of the experience. This is because there is such a vast space to cover it can be easy to miss the interesting and usual aspects if you are without a guide. There are plenty of tours that you can book online before you get to Cambodia. Just remember to compare them, so you are getting the best deal for your money.

Monks in Worship

Also, it is still a place of worship for Buddhist monks so being part of a guided tour stops you disturbing them. You will also need to make sure you have dressed appropriately for visiting a religious site. Also if possible get your tuk-tuk drivers to take you from temple to temple on a hot day. This can stop the heat becoming unbearable. Then take a break in on of the air-conditioned resultants in the midday heat to make your visit a little more pleasant.

Adrenaline & the Jungle

If you are a bit of an adrenaline junky, there are also activities that you can do at the Angkor Wat site. These include a zip line trail across the top of the Cambodian jungle. A once in a lifetime experience you will find it hard to beat.

Education & Wildlife

Or if you are looking for something to do other than the Angkor Wat complex, why not visit the Sen Monorom and Elephant Valley Project? There you will get to see the good work they are doing to educate the locals about keeping their animals healthy and happy in a sustainable way. Of course, you get to meet a few cheeky characters too, and watching the elephants feed and bathe is a wonderful experience that will stay with you.

Cambodia has a deep history and isn’t the easiest place to visit, but it’s amazing to see!

Deep History

Of course, Cambodia is also known for the harsh political regime under the Khmer Rouge that reigned there during 1970’s. If you are interested in the history of this, you can visit the Choeung Ek Genocidal Center.

Real Experience

Be warned it is not an easy visit to make. But you will leave understanding the plight of the country in a better way. You will also know that you have visited Cambodia and experienced it as it really is rather than just cherry picking the less difficult parts.

What unusual vacation destinations must you see?

This post contains an affiliate link or two. Thank you so much for supporting my blog.

Working In Italy? Here’s How To Live Like A Local In 5 Easy Steps!

October 20, 2016 by Angie Leave a Comment

There’s no denying that Italy is a country rich with culture, style, history, and fun! It’s also a place that offers a plethora of job opportunities for people. Each year, thousands of individuals temporarily live in Italy for work reasons. They take up a variety of roles on a project by project basis.

Have you ever lived in Italy before? If not, it’s crucial you iron out any cultural differences before you move there. Here’s how to live like a local in five easy steps:

Public Transport Strikes Are Common

It seems that public transport operators always strike about something each week in Italy. The good news is they often warn about those strikes in advance. Make sure you keep up-to-date with the news to avoid issues with commuting.

You Don’t Need to Tip

Believe it or not, tipping is not a typical thing to do in Italy! In many cases, a “service charge” or servizio gets added to a bill. You’ll usually see it listed in restaurant bills, for example.

Don’t Handle Food with Your Bare Hands

Buying fresh produce for your meals? If so, you’ll get some dirty looks if you handle food with your bare hands! Instead, use a pair of gloves (plastic ones are often nearby). Or get the stallholder to handle them for you.

Get Used to Different Meal Times

When do most Italians eat? Breakfast is usually eaten at around 8 am, lunch at 1 pm and dinner at 7 pm.

You Can Use the Internet to Buy Almost Anything

From food to electronics goods, Italians love using the Internet to purchase products. They also take advantage of discount codes. After all; Italians are known for their haggling skills. Have you ever seen someone in Italy pay full price for something?

Infographic By http://www.piucodicisconto.com

Have you been to Italy?

This post contains an affiliate link. Thanks so much for supporting my blog!