Palau: A True Gem for Travellers

Palau is a beautiful nation of islands. It is situated in the southwest of the Philippines in the North Pacific Ocean. Tourism is Palau’s largest industry, and it is one of the wealthiest nations in the pacific.

The country is an archipelago consisting of about 340 coral and a volcanic island. Diving is a famous activity here with truly world-class dive sites. Palau is an enchanting paradise for snorkelers and divers worldwide. Palau is famous for its underwater wonders. This tiny country has lots of activities and attractions to keep travellers happy when not fully submerged.

Let’s explore Palau and find out the best things to do.

Palau Sightseeing:

Koror:

whenever visiting Palau, Koror should not be missed out. This is the most popular island, especially for the tourist. From Koror, you can visit and explore many other destinations.

Kayangel Atoll Belau

Kayangel Atoll Belau is one of the most amazing Palau points of interest. Kayangel offers stunningly beautiful beaches with white sand, seashells, and driftwood. It is a perfect place to sit in the shallow water and enjoy the water with a breathtaking azure color. You can also spend the day here with fishing, snorkeling, and sunbathing.

Bai House:

The city is best known for its traditional Palauan men’s meeting house, a so-called Bai. During the ancient times in the villages meetings were conducted in the Bai. The traditional Bai House is a work of beautiful drawings and a rich history. Only men were allowed to enter the Bai house.

Jellyfish Lake

Jellyfish Lake is a marine lake located in the Eil Malk Island of Palau. This is a unique opportunity that you should not miss when in Palau. It is a real experience when you get a chance to swim among the migrating golden jellyfish. The jellyfish were trapped in the lake because of the sudden rise in the sea levels some twelve thousand years ago. Scuba diving is not allowed in the lake, but tourists can swim alongside the golden-hued jellyfish.

Waterfalls

Head to Ngardmau Falls to see beautiful rainbow shrouded in the mist. The fantastic Ngardmau Falls is located in Babeldaob. It is the largest island in the Republic of Palau. Ngardmau Falls is the largest waterfall in Micronesia. The best way to reach the fall is to trek along a scenic jungle path. Tourists can travel in the monorail to reach the waterfalls. As you follow the downstream you can find beautiful little pools and miniature waterfalls. While hiking you will find historical remains of Japanese colonial times along the trail, such as old locomotive and other parts of an old railway system

Palau Aquarium

Palau Aquarium is a Japanese funded research complex. The aquarium is a part of the Pacific International coral reef centre. This is an outdoor museum where visitors can view marine life through glass sides on ponds. The aquarium has local fish. Some are in the ocean but with a net around them.

Entertainment in Palau: 

Nightlife in Palau has the entertainment to suit everyone’s taste. You can dine in a fine restaurant in Ngerulmud or relax at a coffee shop and then go to a nightclub or you may prefer to go to a theater. The best place to party would be the Taj, Kramer’s Drop off/Neco and Sam’s, all situated in Malakal. For late-night partying, there are always the karaoke bars in Malakal. These places can be fun if you go in groups.

Activities in Palau: 

Flying over the islands: Palau helicopters have a range of scenic flights over the region. They also have a 45 minutes tour over the Rock Islands and the strikingly photogenic seventy islands. These islands cannot be accessed by sea. The only way to have good view is from the sky.

Kayak around Rock Islands: Explore the stunning natural beauty of the Rock Islands by kayak or canoe. Jutting out from the water, the Rock Islands are Palau’s crowning glory. Countless dive and aqua sports centers are offering guided or self-guided kayak tours.

At Palau Eco Theme Park is the longest zip line in the world. It is a great family-friendly opportunity for fun and adventure. It is easily accessible from Cove Resort Palau.

Palau offers a wonderful opportunity to enjoy a host of water sports and activities such as scuba diving, snorkeling, interacting with dolphins and swimming.

Experiencing mud bath in Palau’s Milky Way: bathing in the white limestone mud found on the water floor will make you look ten years younger. The Milky Way lagoon is known to be a natural spa treatment. Local and tourists look forward to applying the white mud from the lagoon all over the body. One can feel relaxed while having a mud bath.

Palau Cuisine: 

Eating out is a pleasure while visiting Palau. However, you need to know the best restaurant and the best cuisine. Local cuisine is typical of the pacific islands and root vegetables such as taro, yams, and pumpkin. Coconut is widely used ingredients for flavoring everything from fish to soups. Some of the specialties are fruit bats soup, broiled fish, tinola soup, pichi-pichi a desert and Halo-halo.s

Regional drinks are Red Rooster (local beer brand) and kava Juice.

Shopping: Koror is a great place to buy storyboards and local handicrafts. There are many shops in Palau selling the usual array of souvenirs and decorative trinkets. Ulekdubs gift shop and Etpison Museum is few of them.

The Best time to visit Palau: there is no real best time to visit Palau since it is great all year-round. To be more precise the best time to visit Palau is between September and May.

The best way to visit Palau is by renting a car since it is relatively cheap.

Connectivity: many establishments offer free WiFi.

Whenever planning to explore Palau in your coming vacations, find out the popular tourist attractions situated in Palau. The natural beauty of this island attracts tourists from across the globe. You will find amazing people and for sure this will be the best holiday of your lifetime.

Luanda: A Truly Picturesque City

Angola’s capital city Luanda is often referred to as the most expensive city in the world for the ex-pats. Luanda is a city located in the South-West of Africa on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean, near the mouth of the Cuangi River. The city is built around the bay and is in the shape of a semi-circle. People in Luanda speak mostly Portuguese.

Luanda was once a place of conflict but has reinvented itself as a peaceful, stable modern city. The city has been restored which was once historically a center for trade, culture, and commerce. Today, you’ll find a luxury beach party scene, fine dining and shopping in a lush, and welcoming.

You will find beautiful architecture to a museum to relaxing beaches Luanda offers numerous diverse attractions and entertainment options. Luanda doesn’t have much relating to museums, cinemas, and a theatre, so eating out is a big pastime. Mostly restaurants in Luanda are filled with ex-pats. Places like Kintal Da Tia Guida attract mainly Angolans and entire families on weekends, creating a boisterous festive atmosphere.

Let’s Take a Look at the Best Things to Do and See In Luanda: 

The Palacio de Ferro (Iron Palace) is a magnificent palace built by world-renowned architect Gustave Eiffel the builder who built the world-famous Eiffel Tower in Paris and the Statue of Liberty in New York. The Iron Palace is a stunning piece of architecture.

Ilha de Luanda (island of Luanda) it’s not an island but a small peninsula, it’s has some good beaches, restaurants, and bars. If you want to enjoy nightlife and party then this place is a must to visit.

Tourist Attraction in the Outskirts of Luanda: 

Miradourous da Lua is a beautiful landscape created by wind and water. This landscape resembles a moon surface. In other words, it is also known as Moon Valley point. Miradouro da Lua was formed by a cliff with sharp pinnacles that have been eroded from the wind and the sea. This gives it a moon-like surface.

Kissama National Park is two hrs distance from the city of Luanda. This National Park is also called as Quissama National Park. The plants in Kissama are very beautiful with huge Baobab trees. Some mammals in the park include the forest buffalo, eland, antelope, waterbuck and bush bucks among others.

Accommodation: one can stay at the thatched chalets on the banks of Cuanza River with self- contained accommodation facilities at Pousada Caua. This lodge also offers activities like fishing, beach walks, river cruises, bird watching adventures, and others.

Kalandula falls is one of the largest waterfalls by volume in Africa. It is a must-visit attraction whilst you are in the capital. Kalandula Falls is a broad horseshoe-shaped waterfall. It is termed as the awesome power of nature. The best views of the falls come from its base.

Outdoor Activities in Luanda: 

In Luanda, there are interesting and beautiful savannahs that will impress wildlife lovers. Jeep safaris are available for travelers where they come across leopards, elephants, lions, giraffes, antelopes, and various kinds of monkeys. Tourists can go walking all over and admire at the majestic trees that have adapted to the hot climate.

Beaches: 

Among all the beaches of Luanda Mussulo, Ile, Belas, and corymbia are popular beaches. There is a small palm island, which amazes visitors by its beauty.

The beach Mussulo is a good place to get away from the city. The water is warm, and it is relaxing. Tourists can enjoy the quad bikes and boating. So there is plenty to do there. It’s great to go with a group of friends or with the family. Shacks and restaurants are lined along the beach as well as a few hotels and resorts. This place is perfect for a day trip or a romantic overnight getaway.

Go Surfing: Cabo Ledo is the world-famous surfing beach in Luanda. It is a great place for surfers who have just begins to surf. The beach is also available with some quaint bungalows. It is also a great place to camp under the starlit nights.

Entertainment in Luanda: 

Best places to meet girls in Luanda and dating guide: this is the most expensive city in Africa and most expensive in the world, at least if you want to enjoy western living standards. The main area for single nightlife is on Ilha De Luanda and along Avenida Murtala Mohamed, Ilha do Cabo and Miramar. All three of these places try to hook up with Luanda girls.

Nightlife: dance the night away at the chic Switch Supper Club which is open on the weekends until 6a.m. Nightlife can be very expensive. Drink some local beers like Cuca or Tigra before you go out to a bar or club if you want to cut down on your cost.

Cuisine: from fine dining to fabulous street food, including mouth-watering fresh seafood dishes, there is a diverse restaurant scene for your taste buds to explore. Loolal Mar sells the best seafood in Luanda. Though the prices are high the tourist enjoys seafood along with an open-air seaside setting.

Shopping: Maianga is the city’s shopping district for locals. Bellas shopping is the country’s first modern mall. It is a great way to escape a hot day. It is a large mall that has eight cinemas, an entertainment area, a food court and over 100 stores. There are also banks and supermarkets within the mall.

Go crafts shopping at the Benfica market selling everything from perfume, ivory, animal skins, colorful pictures to tourist guidebooks and several types of antiques.

When to visit: October to March are the most culturally active months. They include Angola Restaurant week, the Axiluanda Food Festival, Luanda Cocktail Week, Luanda’s anniversary and it’s very own carnival glorious beach weather too.

Climate: Luanda being the seaside capital city of Angola has the perfect climate for a visit at any time of the year.

Luanda being an appealing destination, one must not miss the opportunity to visit this picturesque city.

Types of Travel Trip One Should Go On

“To travel is to live” is a saying. It takes a lot of time planning and efforts in deciding what kind of trip would suit you. There are different types of trips with family, friends, spouse or going solo. To some travellers, “Vacation” means easing out on a tropical beach or staying in an urban hotel. But it’s time to think something different and start planning trips that will help you both unwind and grow as a person.

Below are the types of travel trips that will invoke the wanderlust in you to embark on a trip of a lifetime.

 The Weekend Break Trip:

The Weekend break, everyone wants to take a break but due to a hectic work schedule during the week they can’t make it. There is always a way-out where you can still travel by taking short weekend getaways. For that look for cheap airfare deals, fly out on Friday evening and return on Sunday by making the most of the short time you have. Choose a city you’ve always wanted to go to. A weekend break is one of the easiest ways to escape your day-to-day activities and be on time for your job on Monday. There is another option if you have a caravan, you will always have the option of a cheap holiday. Whenever you get a free weekend you can pack up and drive somewhere to a new place. This is the only way to explore the natural beauty that lies close to your home.

 Multi-Day Trip

A multi-day tour or cruise saves your travel budget. You might have had a dream of going to Antarctica, spending two weeks on a cruise ship, spellbound by towering icebergs or kayaking in protected waters. Cruising through the crystal clear waters and getting exposed to an adventurous way of travelling across different parts of the world is something only a cruise trip can make it happen. One has to experience a cruise trip of a lifetime whether local or international.

 Cycling Trips

Cycling trips are another popular method of transportation and adventure travel. Instead of exploring a destination on foot, travellers prefer to climb aboard a bike instead. One can cover more ground at a faster pace and be connected with the landscape, culture, and people there. Mountain biking offers a similar experience but allows access to more remote, off the beaten path destination while introducing a more challenging aspect to the riding as well.

Solo Trip

Solo trips are on the rise and are the most preferred types of trips nowadays. You can take your own decision on how to go about your solo trips. A solo trip is more of enjoying yourself and finding a deeper connection with travel by travelling safe and on your own. Solo travelling keeps you more stretched out whereas the companion travel won’t. Choose a destination where you feel safe and will be in a comfort zone.

Luxury Trip

Those looking forward to living life king-size, a luxury trip happen to be one of the best types of trips for them. Just think if you are living in a palatial hotel relaxing your nerves through spa therapies, nothing beats the comforts and convenience that a luxury trip wraps you in. Everyone should go on a trip once in their life because having a personal butler is kind of amazing.

Canoeing and kayaking

Canoeing and kayaking trips are another popular trip to experience a destination. Here the traveller gets access to the lakes, rivers, and even oceans. However, travellers should have to be experienced with paddling before taking up these types of journeys, as they should be aware of the nature of the water involved.

Fun Trips

Trips with friends: everyone needs a super fun, memory-making trip with their best friends. When we travel with our friends the memories are never forgotten. When intending going on a trip with your friends you tend to conquer fears together and discovering new perspectives.

Exotic Retreat

Sometimes what you need is an exotic retreat. Select a destination that is away from everything and which allows you to just relax and rejuvenate. These types of trips are also great for newlywed couples where you can just spend the start of your new marriage together.

Clubbing Holiday Trip

Clubbing holiday is the best trip for the younger generation and is best for those that like a certain type of music. If you are a lover of dance/electronic type music then Ibiza is one of the best destinations in the world for these types of trips.

Cultural Tourism

Cultural tourism, if you wish to experience different cultures during your vacation, there are plenty of unique places all over the world. One can meet locals, see amazing art, architecture, try new and different food, and visit places of historical and cultural significance. India is one of them with unique festivals, art dance, music, cuisine, architecture, customs, and belief. From the famous Taj Mahal to the Ganges you can enjoy both its cities and natural wonders.

 Group Tour

A group trip is described as a gang going together to party and be together for a few days or more. Age doesn’t matter. The advantage of a group trip is that you will mix around with a lot of people who share your interests and you will probably make some new friends.


Girls and boys trips: An all-girl or all-boys trips are the types of trips that comprise of ultimate fun, extraordinary idea and cool vacation spots. These trips are not only for bachelors parties but they are also meant for travellers who would like to have some heart-to-heart talks, create inexplicable memories, and just be themselves.

 Beach Trip

An Epic Beach Trip- crystal clear water, soft white sand, giant palm trees, and sunny skies. Everyone needs to experience an epic beach trip. These types of trips refer to a hot destination and will be able to lounge around in the sun all day. To visit these places always head to places closer to the equator, as well as around the Mediterranean in Europe.

These are some of the ideas of different holiday trips that you should consider when you go away and will lead you to be a better traveller and provide some experiences you may never have thought about having.

Antigua and Barbuda: A Beach throughout the Year

Antigua and Barbuda are known for their most ravishing beaches in the world. Antigua proudly proclaims it as “a beach throughout the year”. Barbuda, Antigua’s sleepy sister island, is blessed with some pristine stretches of pink-tinged sand sprinkled with chic resorts, picturesque landscapes, and a wide variety of wildlife. Water sports activities are conducted on both islands like diving, swimming, fishing, sailing, and windsurfing. Antigua and Barbuda is a sun-drenched, aquamarine dream of the country. The land is filled with history and culture making the visitors more aware than just a golden tan.

Certainly, Antigua 300+beaches are stunning but there is still much to excite the traveler on this small Caribbean Island.

ADVENTURE EXPERIENCE AT ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA:

Mt Obama is the highest point on Antigua. It was known as Boggy peak but now has been renamed as Mount Obama in memory of President Obama. The area of hills that Mount Obama is in is transformed into a national park and nature reserve to protect the city. The climb to its summit is a must if you want to experience breathtaking views across the island. The beginners and the experienced hikers can experience this hike. The time taken to climb this mountain is about three hours.

Take a boat to Barbuda the sister island to Antigua. Most visitors spend their time on Antigua, but it is very easy to take a day trip or spend a couple of nights over in Barbuda for an even more intimate Caribbean island experience.

One of the best things to do in Antigua if you want to see the amazing marine life is to go snorkeling. There are many possibilities to snorkel. You can rent snorkel gears and start exploring the beach. You get a little sea scooter that helps you swim faster through the water. You will spot stingray, turtles, etc. Galleon Beach in English Harbor is known for excellent snorkeling, and there is a big chance of spotting sea turtles.

Stingray City Antigua is a shallow pool with a sandy bottom amid a tropical reef, where hundreds of friendly southern stingrays glide through the crystal clear waters waiting to be fed by visitors. This adventure will highlight your vacation and will be an experience to live with you forever.

Nightlife in Antigua and Barbuda

NIGHTLIFE IN ANTIGUA revolves around open-air beachside bars and quaint restaurants scattered around the island. Entertainment hubs in Antigua are located in St. John’s City along stretches of Dickenson Bay, Jolly harbor and English harbor. Sunset cruise, Fetes during the week, Casinos and cinemas allow the visitors a variety of activities to choose from.

Friday evening is dedicated to seafood Friday in Nelson Dockyard. On Sunday evening visitors to Shirley heights lookout point in English Harbour can enjoy steel pan and live band music at the longest-running Sunday party in the Caribbean. It is known as The Shirley heights Sunset Party and BBQ.

Nightlife in Barbuda is very sparse and casual. There are a few bars where you can get a beverage, mingle, and perhaps listen to music. You will hardly get to find a big party going on.

Shopping in Antigua and Barbuda purchasers need only to show their valid departure details to purchase duty-free items from internationally recognized brands. Vendor mall offers a selection of local art and crafts, straw goods, pottery, and jewelry.

Redcliff Quay is a colorful picturesque shopping district. There are several exclusive shops including jewelers, boutiques and craft shops.

The best time for visitors to go to Antigua and Barbuda is from December to April when the weather is at its best.

The best way to move around Antigua is to rent a car. Most hotels and resorts offer car rental services in Antigua. You can easily do it yourself and much cheaper.

SIGHTSEEING IN ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA:

Antigua Rainforest Canopy Tour: Antigua has plenty of pristine, verdant jungle to explore and one of the most exciting ways to experience the natural beauty is to join a Zipline canopy tour. The zip line tours are fun and safe for visitors of any age. The aerial zips give visitors a bird’s eye view of the stunning flora and fauna in Antigua’s rainforest.

Frigate Bird sanctuary, Barbuda is a haven for birders. It is accessible only by boat. The bird sanctuary lies in Barbuda’s northwest lagoon and is one of the largest nesting colonies of frigate birds in the Caribbean. These large sea birds are known for their bright red gullets and one and a half meter wingspan.

Betty’s Hope is an exciting piece of colonial history to be found on the island. Antigua’s first sugar cane plantation stands on this site. The only reaming structure is the two stone windmills. The site is now a national heritage landmark and many aspects of it have been restored, such as the sugar mill towers and sails.

St. John’s, Antigua is the capital city and cruise ship port of Antigua and Barbuda. It is impossible to avoid a visit to Antigua’s capital of St. John’s and it is well worth it. For an overview of the island’s history, discover the island past at the Museum of Antigua and Barbuda, along with the city’s unique Museum of Marine Art. End your day with dinner in one of St. John’s eclectic mix of quirky restaurants and be sure to spend some time exploring the city’s unique shops.

Go for a romantic picnic to one of the best and most romantic places at Half Moon Bay a natural and curve of coral-colored sand that curves for one mile along the southeast coast of the island. Remember to take your snorkel and mask to explore the coral garden that lies just offshore.

Pink Sands Beach at Barbuda’s is one of the biggest draws on the island. This pink sand was formed by the sea by crushing millions of seashells.

The best cuisine served is at the authentic French restaurant Le Bistro Restaurant, family-friendly The Crow Nest and Millers by the bay which has local seafood and reggae.

Where to stay in Antigua:

Antigua is famous for its tourism. There is a wide range of accommodation available on the island catering to everyone’s needs. There are hotels and resorts situated on the eastern coastline where the beaches are best and the water is calm and clear. Few of them are:

Luxury Hotel: Hermitage Bay

Mid-range Hotel in Antigua: Pineapple Beach Club Antigua

Budget Hotel in Antigua: Paige Pond Country Inn

Hostel in Antigua: Caribbean Holiday Apartments.

The Caribbean is loaded with a variety of destinations for travelers to visit but Antigua and Barbuda stand out for many reasons. No matter what type of travel you’ll be doing the country offers a variety of amazing travel experiences for everyone.

DES MOINES Iowa Unexpected Delight

Des Moines is not only the capital of Iowa, but it is also the largest city making it a prime spot for tourists to visit. You can find plenty of great things to do in Des Moines from fairs to museums to parks. There are family-friendly attractions for adults or young adults travelling alone or with a group of friend. Des Moines has taken many steps to develop as a vibrant cultural landscape with sculpture parks, botanical gardens, and a shopping and dining place. Whatever you choose to do on your visit to this friendly city whether it is touring impressive art collection or catching a baseball game under the lights, don’t be surprised if you find yourself wanting to spend a longer time at Des Moines

Tourist travelling to Des Moines has a wealth of activities to enjoy.

Different things to do in Des Moines:

There are plenty of things to do in Des Moines, a truly unique city to visit. Iowa capital has everything- outdoor activities like breathtaking nature, fun, and games to keep you entertained, art, history, and culture to immerse yourself in and to shop to suit any needs.

Blank Park Zoo is home to animals from all over the world from Koalas and kangaroos to penguins and pandas. Get to know creatures from all over the world in the zoo exhibits including the Aquarium, African Broad walk, Australian Adventure and the Caves. The zoo offers animals feeding for ostriches, small birds, and giraffes along with camel rides, a train that opens on the weekends, a gift shop and a cafe.

Downtown Farmer’s Market has been an iconic feature for 40 years.

It has more than 300 artists, crafters, bakers and farmers come from over 58 counties. You’ll find everything from fruit and vegetables to flowers and art.

The flea market is one of the best places to head to if you’re in search of unique items like antiques, collectables, and other goods. There are also beautiful places to find products like clothes, toys, and tools for meagre prices. The collection varies from new to slightly used, and this is a great way to cycle up something making one man’s trash another man’s treasure. Iowa has many amazing flea markets, some of which are open every day, all year long and others that are open for extravagant three days events seasonally. No matter the time you wish to visit, be sure to go home with something you’ll treasure forever.

Smash Park is the perfect place for some food, drinks, and games. Smash Park is the city’s social entertainment and events venue, offering delicious street food and handcrafted cocktails with games including shuffleboard, pickleball, ping pong, and bocce ball. You will definitely won’t be bored.

Great Escape is located minutes from downtown in Pleasant Hill. Great Escape is an excellent place for family fun, offering bowling, cosmic bowling, laser tag, and a game room. Social Eats and Crafts is a full restaurant inside Great Escape, allowing visitors to grab a bite to eat between all the laser tag and bowling.

Adventure Land Park is Iowa’s most prominent attraction with more than 100 rides and attractions. There are so many games like thrill rides, kiddie rides, family rides, and adventure bay is added water-related attractions. Chicken Shack, Main Street Creamery, Dippin Dots ice cream, and petunia Pig are some of the eateries at the park.

Des Moines unexpected delights.

Agro Adventures: Central Iowa is famous for canoeing, climbing, biking, fishing and winter sports. The goal is to make outdoor recreation fun, accessible, and educational. Argo’s home is a Water Park with a canoe day trip on the Raccoon River.

Backspin Golfers can play on the world’s great destination courses, such as Pebble Beach and St. Andrews indoor at Backspin Golf in Ankeny.

Greater Des Moines has various shopping destination with a blend of major national retailers and unique local boutiques. With several options right off the interstate shopping in Des Moines is convenient, affordable, and sure to find something amazing. Enjoy tax-free shopping at Greater Des Moines on first Friday and Saturday in August.

There’s fun for everyone in Downtown Des Moines whether you are a citizen or a visitor. Rock at a music festival or take a jog on the city streets. You can also relish delicious dinner or immerse yourself in the artistic experience.

Local entertainment: In Downtown Des Moines, you can dance to the beat of your drums, with a vibrant live music scene supported by a passionate community. You can find a cultural event from hip-hop to classical performances of opera legacy. Local artist stars and music legends grace the stages of Downtown DSMn to make it one of the most exciting places for music in Greater Des Moines.

Best place to eat: Downtown Des Moines is a city bursting with flavour. Locally owned breweries, wineries, and restaurants are unique to downtown DSM. You can find the perfect pairing for any craving. Strange things in Des Moines: Stick out your tongue at Raccoon River Brewing Company. Des Moines locals are proud of their home breweries such as Raccoon River Brewing Company. But there’s a special drink at this brewery called Confluence Cream Soda that is tasty, but it turns your mouth bright blue.

High Trestle Trail: this outdoors multi-use trail is scenic and well worth a visit. It used to be a railway line. It’s now mostly smooth and flat, perfect for cycling, running or walking. Most visitors head to iconic High Trestle Trail Bridge. As one of the most extensive trail bridges in the world, it’s a must to see. Check out the bridge after sundown. Blue lights shine on the steel frame of the bridge representing the main river channel running below.

Romantic places for couples in Des Moines:

Splash Seafood Bar & Grill: grab a dish at splash seafood bar and Grill. It has fine dining, premiere oysters, crab and lobster, and world-class wine list. It is a perfect night out for many couples. Prairie Meadows Casino, Racetrack and Hotel: catch live horse racing at Prairie Meadows, beautifully renovated Casino, more than 2000 slot machines, meadows event centre, and hotel are all within one property.

Blue moon Dueling Piano Bar: Catch a tune at Blue Moon Dueling Piano Bar and Restaurant, Where piano players dazzle with entertainment and laughter. Enjoy cocktails for an added evening of delight. Check what you’ve been missing and start planning your next trip to Greater Des Moines.
     

The Most Stunning Deserts of the World

Desserts in the world are underrated. They receive a significantly small amount of rainfall. They can be either a hot desert or cold desert. Most deserts are quite barren as the dry living condition is too hot to host most plant and animal life. We shouldn’t disrespect the desert because it is so much more than that.
If we imagine, deserts often conjure up a vision of vast empty areas with no life insight. But this isn’t always the case, despite the harsh condition some are home to diverse animal and plant life. They often carry a rich history that can be traced back to millions of years. The continent of Africa is no exception. One-third of the vast African continent is covered by deserts.

Desserts are harsh places, and we love exploring, photographing and learning more about these mystical places. These regions form when regional climate changes resulting in long-lasting drought conditions. Africa’s deserts are home to some of the most extreme landscape and stark conditions on Earth. From volcanic mountains to sand dunes to chalk rock formations, the desert offers a combination of striking beauty and geological wonder.

Take a look at the favourite deserts across the world. 

Syrian Desert 

Syrian Desert is unique for being a combination of a real desert and a steppe meaning low grassland. It is located in the North of the Arabian Peninsula in Syria. The desert is flat but very rocky. The landscape was formed by lava flows emerging from volcanic activities in the region of Jebel Druze in Syria. This desert covers the parts of Syria, Jordan, Iraq and Saudi Arabia.

White Desert Egypt:

While Egypt‘s most popular tourist attractions are the Great Pyramids of Giza and Luxor’s valley of the kings, the country has much to offer than just those spectacular sites. Its lunar looking White Desert is located to the West of the Nile River and is bordered by Sudan to the South, Libya to the west and the Mediterranean Sea to the north. The white desert is home to a chalky, surreal rock formation that looks like a natural sculpture from another planet. If you visit the White Desert, make sure to head to its northern portion to see the impressive crystal mountain; it is a sizeable sparkling rock entirely made of Quartz crystal. These unique formations were, in fact, formed by sandstorms and wind erosion. The White Desert was formerly an ancient sea bed when it dried up. It left behind sedimentary rock layers formed from dead marine plants and animals. The wind swept away the softer rocks leaving behind, the harder rock of the plateau.

Wander through the Namib Desert:

It is the oldest desert in the world. The Namib is a lovely coastal desert that stretches along the Atlantic coast from Angola to the Western Cape province of South Africa. This rugged barren landscape is home to the highest sand dunes in the world. For a truly remote experience, travellers should plan to stay in the Namib Rand Nature Reserve or in Solitaire, both of which are accessible by road. The best times to visit are at any point between June and September when temperatures are manageable and not too hot.

Sahara Dunes, Morocco:

Is a part of the Sahara Desert. It is most welcoming to visitors, accessible from the northern part of Morocco. Let Berbers guide you on a hike from the town of Zagours or camp in Tazzarine; a destination famous among runners for the yearly Marathon des Sables.

The Namib Desert Namibia:

The beautiful Namib is one of the world’s oldest and driest deserts. Its name means an area where there is nothing in Nama a language spoken by some locals in Namibia. The landscape of this stunning region features the biggest sand dunes on the planet and granite peaks. It is home to an impressive amount of wildlife adapted to the area’s dry climate. It’s possible to visit this incredible place by foot, on horseback or by a helicopter.

Great Karoo South Africa:

The Great Karoo is South Africa‘s vast dry heartland. This semi-arid desert is full of exciting features, attractions, craggy mountains, vibrant wildflower, quaint colonial towns and unique wildlife. Visitors come to see the national parks, attend many small-town festivals, go fossil-hunting and stargaze under the big sky.

Makgadikgadi pan:

It is a massive area of bone dry salt pans in Southern Botswana. It is so quiet that you can hear the blood rushing through your veins. The Kalahari Desert landscape is not very welcoming. It is formed by a giant lake that dried up a million years ago. However, if the winter gets substantial rain, the area sprouts bright green grass. It welcomes wildlife like zebra, wild beast and flamingos.

 

Sahara Desert

Sahara Desert: It is one of the largest hot deserts in the world and is the third-largest desert behind Antartica and the Arctic which are north cold deserts. The name of the desert comes from the Arabic word Sahara which means desert. Winds and the rainfall have shaped the Sahara into a landscape of dunes, valleys, flats and sand seas. Camels are some of the most iconic animals of the Sahara. They are known as “Ship of the desert”. They are well adapted for the hot and arid environment according to the San Diego Zoo. The humps on a camel’s back stores fats which can be used for energy and hydration in between meals.

Black Rock Desert

The Black Rock Desert is found in Nevada. It is a quite famous site of The Burning Man. There is an annual weeklong event showing how the construction of Black Rock city took place. During the festival, all traces of it are removed until the following year. Most of the desert is composed of lava beds and alkali flats.

Mojave Desert

Mojave contains Death Valley which sits at an elevation of 282 feet below sea level, making it the lowest point in North America. The trees delineate the boundaries of the region. Las Vegas, Nevada is the Mojave’s largest city.

Greenland

Greenland is the largest non-continental and coldest desert in the world. It is famous for having the largest national park in the world; the North East Greenland National park.

The Atacama Desert is situated in South America. It is considered the driest and non-polar desert in the world. It is noticed that the Atacama Desert has been described as very similar to the Mars surface.

Do visit the amazing African deserts with unique landscapes that merge natural beauty and impressive geological phenomena.

Kigali Rwanda, The Land of Thousand Hills

Kigali is famous for its lush hillsides, flowering trees, winding boulevards, and bustling streets. It is one of the most attractive capital cities in Africa as well as one of the cleanest and safest cities. Kigali is emerging as a proud city known for its progressive start-ups, energetic art scene, and great dining and coffee.

Kigali offers many interesting places to see and things to do. 

Entrance to the Kigali Genocide Memorial:

No trip to Kigali is complete without spending some quality time at the Kigali Genocide Memorial. The Kigali Genocide Memorial is a final resting place for more than 250000 victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. This is the best place to learn about the worst human tragedy that affected the country and one of the most awful historical times for Africa.

Fly from the sky: 

Skydiving is a popular sport that has been introduced to Kigali. It is the ultimate thrill and not for the faint-hearted. The activity can be done by anybody but needs great mental preparation. Jumping from a small plane to the ground will raise your adrenaline to phenomenal levels. You will need to take a course explaining how to pack your parachute and their safety advice. When you venture out you are not alone, your instructor will be with you all the way.

Kimironko Market: 

The best way to learn about the culture of a country is to visit the local markets. Kimironko Market is a large market where all sorts of items are available. Here you can find handicrafts and souvenirs, colorful baskets, fabric and seamstresses ready to make you a dress, fresh vegetable and fruits and a host of other household items. This market is more spacious allowing you to mingle with the locals as you get to know about their products. So it is better to move along in the market with your guide to help you with translation where necessary.

Climb Mount Kigali for those who love adventure

Climbing Mount Kigali could be just the thing you need. It is not a mountain as such but the highest hill in Kigali reaching 6000 feet. From the top, you can see a view of the entire city of Kigali. It’s gorgeous, there’s a lot of farmlands, coffee, tea, and beans being tented by local farmers, it is so peaceful and quiet. Overall hiking to the top of the mountain is easy because of its gentle slopes. Mount Kigali offers amazing views of the city and with opportunities to take beautiful photos. While on top you can stop for food and beer at the Mera Neza Bar or visit the Fazenda Sengha Horse Ranch for horseback riding.

Go for sauna and massage: 

While in Kigali you will have no shortage of places to go, that offers pedicure, facials or manicure. Healing spa is one of the best spas in Kigali. It offers massages, facials, and a wide range of body treatments, body slimming and toning in an opulent and serene environment. Massage and sauna aren’t reserved for only the high-end hotels but also for the specialized outlets scattered around the city center.

CHILDREN’S OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES IN KIGALI: 

Bambino Super City is a one-stop-shop for kids. At Bambino, there are children’s rides, carousels, restaurants, swimming pools and lots of beautiful spots for a picnic or outdoor walk.

There are weekly events like sports clubs and lessons that can keep your child busy and active week after week.

Dream Team Football Academy, Nyarutarama Tennis club and Fazenda Sengha are some of the clubs.

Are you ready for a night out? There are new ideas for you and your special someone to relax and enjoy a night away. Kigali isn’t exactly known for its party scene. In the last few years, night out in Kigali has grown tremendously. There are several rollicking dance clubs and nightspots if you know where to look. Bars and nightclubs have sprung up all over the city.

Cocktail bars, happy hours and live music can now be found several nights a week and options for going out to have diversified. One of the best Papyrus sits within stumbling distance of Repub Lounge. Papyrus is a restaurant, bakery, and lounge situated upstairs, but in the basement, it’s a sweaty, full volume disco that only really gets going after the clock strikes midnight. When you are tired or need a break, Kigali has some great restaurants and cafes where you can smell some of the local dishes or indulge in a cup of locally grown coffee.

Choma’Dm restaurant and bar in the Nyarutarama neighborhood are one of Kigali’s hippest spots.

Sundowner is popular with expat and intern set. Sundowner is the place to go on Friday or Saturday night to listen to P square and dance until dawn.

Executive Car Wash is located in an actual car wash. This bar serves some of Kigali’s best brochettes alongside a selection of cold beers. It also hosts karaoke nights.

For a romantic time, there are tonnes of unique date opportunities around Kigali.

Go for a couples massage or yoga together: Nothing says I love you more than a relaxing spa date! Surprise your loved one with such an experience this holiday season as Kigali has enough spots for this to cater for all your budget needs.

Enjoy a picnic on one of Kigali’s hills: though Kigali’s public park options are limited, snag some sandwiches from Turambe shop and vanilla éclairs from Baso Patissier before making your way to one of Kigali’s many beautiful hills. Find a quiet spot, lay down a blanket, and enjoy a date in the land of a thousand hills. Travel by taxi, bus or motorcycle to the top of Mt Kigali or pick any of the other surrounding hills at random.

Do a Go Kigali tour: for an in-depth experience of Kigali look no further than Go Kigali tours. These half or full-day tours led by Rwanda guides take visitors through five neighborhoods on an action-packed day of sightseeing, eating and learning about the city. The tour visits markets, milk bars, and local restaurants.Mt. Kigali and more in the course of just a few hours and is a great way to see this beautiful city.

Nyamirambo being Kigali’s colorful neighborhoods is known throughout the city as one of the loudest and interesting areas in town. The neighborhood is historically Muslim and the play host to the famous Gaddafi Mosque as well as a series of fantastic restaurants.

Travelers come from all over to catch a glimpse of the magnificent gorillas, yet there is so much more to see and experience.

With so much to see and do in Kigali, it’s hard to decide where to start when visiting this exciting and vibrant city.

The Don’ts in Maldives

The Maldives is considered as one of the world’s best destinations where dream vacation comes true. The beautiful island of Maldives is considered where magic meets beauty.

The Maldives is a gorgeous getaway to enjoy the sun, sand, and seafood. Though the resorts have has its own identity and lenient rules than the inhabited islands, the nation itself is very conservative.

Your vacation in this piece of paradise will be full of sunbathing, snorkeling, scuba diving, whale shark watching, island hopping, bicycle riding, gorging on delicious food, surfing, and paddleboarding. The Maldives is branded as the “Sunny-side of life” and a place for the sun, sea, and sands these natural factors are the most obvious reasons why it is a popular tourist destination. Maldivians know that foreign visitors follow their customs and different ways of doing things. Therefore, visitors to the Maldives should follow the local customs and practices.

We want to ensure that your holiday goes smoothly without any glitch, hence here’s a simple guide to what not to do in the Maldives to make your trip a memorable one.

Do not take off your tee: it is all about public Local Islands and beaches. This custom certainly sounds absurd to you. It’s an Islamic country there are certain morals and values to uphold. You cannot expect to roam around in a bikini in public places and expect the people there to take it easy. You can do all this in your resort. Nude sunbathing is an absolute no-no in the Maldives.

Don’t buy turtle and black coral since they are endangered not just in the Maldives, but all over the world. While taking a stroll on many atolls in the Maldives, you might come across some shady people who are trying to sell turtle shell and black corals to you. This sale of products have been banned in the Maldives for over two decades, so please don’t partake in this illegal and unethical sale unless you want to face harsh punishments or even jail time.

Don’t bring liquor or alcohol products to the Maldives. The import of alcohol and consumption in the local islands is strictly prohibited. Only permit holders such as resort and safari boats are allowed to import alcohol in the Maldives. However, alcoholic beverages are available for consumption in the tourist resorts.

Sunscreen: the Maldives is known for its serene turquoise waters. But before you dive into the depths of the ocean make sure you apply an adequate amount of good quality sunscreen lotion to avoid getting a dreadful tan that will cause even more excruciating burns and you might have to spend some days of your vacation in your hotel room.

Maldivian island hopping: Tourists are discouraged from visiting Non -resort islands. This is largely in case they want to keep a tight grip on where the tourist dollars are spent and to make sure the Non- resort islands are not corrupted by foreign influences. To visit the Non- resort islands and utter atolls you will need to organize a guide or licensed tour operator to show you around.

Avoid excess display of intimacy in public: the Maldives is considered as a conservative country. Too much display of intimacy on public local places isn’t considered as decent and people might object. Avoid getting into trouble during your short stay there. Let your holiday be a memorable one.

Do not litter the ocean: Marine life and vegetation are an important part of the ecosystem and in the world of rapid climate change the marine habitat has been affected severely. No matter which beaches you visit, please refrain from littering. We have all seen images of seals trapped in plastic sheets, plastic removed out of a whale during autopsy and straws stuck in a poor turtle’s nose. All of these can be hazardous.

Be extra respectful during the holy month of Ramadan. People are likely to be sensitive to anything they perceive during this month. You should take steps to avoid eating, drinking or smoking in the public. Ramadan involves Muslims not eating or drinking from dawn to dusk and it’s rude to ignore these customs.

Use high protection cream: since the Maldives is located so close to the equator, it is possible to get burnt even on a cloudy day. So, you need high factor cream.

Avoid drinking tap water: water undergoes a different process in the Maldives to get rid of all the harmful bacteria and germs. This process is known as reverse osmosis desalination. This process is very successful in eradicating all the germs and bacteria from recycled water. It also gets rid of all the natural minerals in the water that provide several benefits to the human body and ends up not being as nutritious as it should be. It is a better choice to opt for packaged mineral water sold in these stores.

Banned items: the Maldives is a strictly Islamic country. There are specific ban items that you can bring with you to enjoy a hassle-free vacation at the Maldives. Leave at the port items which you have carried and not allowed using like alcohol, tobacco products, and religious texts and enjoy the unplugged holiday.

Don’t wear your shoes while entering a home or mosque. If you are not sure if you should remove your shoes, take a peep at what other people are doing and follow or ask someone.

When meeting someone for the first time, a handshake is common. Accept between men and women of the Muslim faith. Maldivian men may nod or bow to a woman, but if you are unsure, you can extend your hand.

Drug enforcement in the Maldives is strict and you have to pay a heavy penalty. They don’t have the death penalty for drug offenses, but they do have mandatory prison time for anyone caught even with soft drugs. Possession of minor amounts is considered trafficking with a life sentence in prison attached to it.

To make the best out of your trip to the Maldives is to shed off all remains of supremacy from your actions and think as the locals do. To earn respect you should show respect to others too.

Here are a few things to keep in mind to ensure you have a problem-free trip to Maldives.

The Rugged Landscape of Mongolia

In a world mushrooming with soaring sky rises and endless concrete, its unimaginably refreshing to come across a land so rapturously untouched and spectacular as Mongolia cradled by the staggering Altai mountains, vast steppes, sprawling valleys and the clearest and bluest of lakes. This rugged virgin country can very well be considered as an epitome of true wilderness. Mongolia is the perfect adventure destination for the traveller who seeks a glimpse into a different culture.

Mongolia is also said to be a diverse land with many beautiful places to discover from the capital Ulaanbaatar to its sweeping natural wonders. Whether you want to take in some culture or see what Mother Nature has to offer you will find it in any one of these places to visit.

Overall Mongolia is a fascinating country that offers a lot to the explorer in you. One can hire the service of adventure companies that offer visitors a chance to be a part of the Mongolian life which includes travelling on horse backs, sleeping in gers, sharing camel curd with the locals and much more, Mongolian people have a simple, friendly disposition and are wonderful hosts.

Tsagaan Suwarga literally means White Stupa. The towering structure revealing limestone bed rock dating back to the ancient times makes for a truly inspiring sight here. Don’t miss out the splendid views of the desert floor below which transform from white to yellow to pink before turning red.

Gobi Desert is said to be the fifth largest desert in the world. It is known as the land of the Dinosaurs. The Gobi Desert is spread across China and Mongolia .It is a stunning site of Mongolia. Be sure to visit the vast Khongor Sand Dunes.

Terelj National Park is scenic with lovely mountains, spectacular rock formations, beautiful meadows and a river. At the national park there are activities such as horse riding, hiking a Buddhist monastery on a hill, traditional ger stay and visiting the home of nomadic people.

Horse Riding: Mongolians are famous for their horses and riding horses across the expansive, unoccupied Mongolian countryside is a real treat. If you choose to undertake a horseback riding adventure around the country, you’ll probably want to hire a guide. Typically travellers will find that buying a horse and then selling it after their journey is a cheaper option than renting one for the whole time. They can help you out with finding accommodation for the night, especially if you’re looking to stay with families in their yurts during your trip.

Lake Khovsgol: The Dark Blue pearl is how Lake Khovsgol is often described. A gorgeous fresh water lake is frozen for almost half of the year. These deep waters are surrounded by forests of pine trees, verdant meadows and of course an abundance of wildlife such as reindeer, moose, ibex and yaks. In Mongolia gers or yurts are the traditional nomadic style of housing in the country, but plenty of people still live in them. There are tourist ger camps where you can experience a mix between the classic yurt experience and a standard hotel stay. If your trip is going to be based in Ulaanbaatar then check out ger camps in nearby Terelj National park, otherwise head down to the Gobi Desert and stay in the Three Camel Lodge or one of the other ger camps amongst the sand. Nothing is quite like staying in a tent in the middle of the desert.

Experience a festival: if you really want to get immersed in Mongolian culture there’s no better way to do it than to attend one of their festivals of which there are many. One of the best known and largest ones is Naadam festival which is held every year front the 11-13 of July. The three main events of the festivals are archery, horseback, riding and wrestling including traditional dance. One of the best things about the festival is that you will have ample opportunity to try all sorts of different traditional Mongolian foods.

Another incredible festival to experience is the Bayan-Olgii Eagle Festival held every year during late September or early October. If you’re lucky enough you might even have a chance to hold one of the amazing golden eagles yourself which make a pretty cool picture to email your family and friends.

Tsenkher Hot Spa lies just south of Tsetserleg town in the province of Arkhangai and has a very duo origin beneath the earth’s surface. The water that flows here does not mix with the soil since it is hot. The water here has a relatively high mineral content consisting of simple calcium, sodium, sulphur etc. It is due to this very reason of high medicinal value that these springs have become a very popular tourist destination. This water is known to be a remedy for joint pains, nervous system and many other diseases. Some even consider it good for the cure of diabetes and stomach ulcers and also for disabilities of any kind.

Drink Airag: you’re sure to find something special that you wouldn’t find back home. Airag also known as fermented mare’s milk is a drink that you won’t find in most parts of the world. If not interested in Airag there is plenty of other option. Mongolians drink mostly lager beers. The famous beers are Borgio and Altai Gobi.

Skiing in the Altai Mountains of Mongolia may not be the first place that comes to mind when you’re thinking of ski destinations. There is only one real ski resort, a tiny place near Ulaanbaatar. The country is a home to some impressive mountain ranges and clean, untouched lines.

Winter on the steppe: most people opt to visit Mongolia in warmer seasons. The winter months is a beautiful time to see the steppe and Siberian borderlands covered in frost and snow. Winter month is worth a visit as it is a unique experience of its own.

Mongolian Wildlife draws many visitors to Mongolia. In the winter a number of animals can still be spotted, including black vultures, red foxes and jackals, grey wolves, rabbits, reindeer, wild horses and goats. Dog sledding is another winter pastime that provides an exciting vantage for seeing the winter landscape up close.

So next time you are looking for a spot on the map with pristine beauty, crystal clear lakes, tall mountains and undulating grasslands, remember Mongolia. Mongolia although still developing its tourism industry is an amazing place to visit with a ton of different activities that are sure to give you a unique travel itinery.

Mongolia is an incredibly beautiful country. It’s no wonder it’s on many people’s bucket list of travel destinations. Experiences are what make a journey worthwhile.

Top Attractions in Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan is in Canada. Due to bright sunlight it makes it the sunniest province in the country. Saskatchewan is known for its natural beauty and fascinating wilderness. There are many rivers, ponds, artificial and natural lakes including forest and many ecological zones. It is a great place for visitors to experience beautiful green parks with plentiful wildlife, fishing in fresh water, hiking, horse riding and golf. Visitors to Saskatchewan are often looking at the iconic attractions.

Sand castle at Beechy looks like a million kids or so have been having a competition in building sand castle on the banks of Lake Defenbaker. However, according to the locals these unique formations have changed a little. Along the sand castle you’ll find a sunken hill where one side of a grassy hill slides away. There are lots of hiking and photo opportunities at Saskatchewan.

Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park is a must to visit for outdoor lovers. Cliffs, lookout points and forest trails can be explored. Go camping, fishing, and hiking, zip line, canoeing, skiing and even golfing. Visit local restaurants at the Cypress Hills winery. There really is no way to describe everything this place has to offer in a short paragraph, you’ve just going to have to see it for yourself.
Grasslands National park is a slice of extraordinary nature. It’s so unique compared to other parks in Canada .It is a home to some of Canada’s rarest Wildlife. If you really want to experience natural grassland, badlands and prairies, this is an incredible place to explore plus there are tons of bikes, scenic drives and camping options which include spending a night in a trip.

Tour and sightseeing: take a guided tour or sightseeing excursion and heart the Saskatchewan story first hand from operators across the province. During a culinary of distillery tour sip award winning spirits and craft beers or enjoy the creative menus of local restaurants hotspots. Take a cruise and witness scenic shoreline on a riverboat or Yatch. Charter buses take guest for shopping and also them to experience the sights by segway, trolley, horse drawn carriage or on foot.

Pamper yourself with a visit to Manitou Sorings Mineral spa or Temple Gardens .You will also find an enticing choice of day spas all over the province. Massage, reflexology and other specialized treatments are available.

Food and Drink: Saskatchewan’s multicultural heritage shines through variety of restaurants. Many serve meat and potatoes for the European Settlers, while others serve more exotic ethnic cuisine. New crafts brewpubs and wine bars are welcoming customers all over Saskatchewan serving delicious food. Visit SaskDrinks.com to discover a taste of what Saskatchewan has to offer for local beer and spirit.

Qu’Appelle Valley: extending along the Qu’Appelle River is a beautiful steep sided valley, carved out of the gently undulating prairie by glacial waters. It is a rich garden style landscape with eight lakes strung out along the valley from Buffalo Pound in the west to Echo Valley Provincial park near Fort Qu’ Appelle and Round and crooked lake. Further east there are several parks and little townships along this lovely stretch.

Wolseley Swinging Bridge: the Wolseley Swinging Bridge stretches over Fairly Lake, situated in the center of the Town of Wolseley, Saskatchewan. It is an important and famous attraction as the Wolseley that is also known as “Town with Swinging Bridge.” About 50000 tourists and other pedestrians cross this swinging bridge every year. People enjoy fishing and swaying on this Bridge while passing through it.

Battle fords Co-op Aquatic centre: the Battle fords Co-op Aquatic centre is an enjoyable facility equally for both children and adults. Basically it is a famous water amusement park in Saskatchewan that is situated at Carlton’s Trails in North Battle ford. This aquatic center entertains people of every age group with a wave pool, Lazy River and 6 lane Lap pool. There is a snacks bar area in aquatic center where visitors can have some eatable and drink to satisfy their appetite. It is also an area to host different type of parties for families.

Discover the hidden attractions, cool sights and unusual things to do in Saskatchewan.

Portsmouth New Hampshire, a Charming and Historic City

Portsmouth, New Hampshire being the most popular seasonal destination attracts thousands of visitors during the warm weather months. Portsmouth is a charming and historic city of about 22000 people. It makes for a popular day trip from points throughout the region and it ranks as one of the oldest surviving cities in the United States. Portsmouth offers a long list of unique activities to visitors. The city is unique mix of the historic and the modern which you can see on full display. Portsmouth is a beautiful coastal destination with a charming harbour, green urban parks, diverse museums, historic mansions and unique attractions.

Here’s a list of the best attractions and enticements that lure visitors to Portsmouth. 

Cruise to Portsmouth’s scenic offshore islands is a popular option for visitors. You can visit the Isles of Shoals, Pierce Island and more. The Isles of shoals are made up of six small islets that straddle the border of New Hampshire and Maine. Each of the six members of the Isles of shoals also has its own unique story. You can learn more during a guided boat tour. On the other hand Peirce Island is a 27 acre island just off Portsmouth’s south end. Peirce Island is a perfect place to take a stroll or enjoy beautiful views as it features a surprising variation of landforms including meadows, tide pools, cliffs and salt marshes.

Make a splash at water country: when summer days heat up in Portsmouth, treat your munchkins to a splashtastic day at water country largest water park. An enormous 700000 gallon wave pool is just the start. Whether you prefer the lazy pleasure of floating along Adventure River or the adrenaline rush of slides and rides like Thunder Falls and Wild Canyon. The cool fun is unlimited with your all day ticket.

The music hall, Portsmouth New Hampshire is nearly 1000 seat venue. It is considered to be the oldest theatre in New Hampshire and the 14th oldest theatre in America. For nearly five generation the Music hall has been graced with performances by many notable characters, including multiple Tony, Grammy and Pulitzer Prize winners. Spend an evening with a legend, catch a touring musical theatre production and watch provoking films.

Prescott Park is a gorgeous attraction providing a free and accessible public park to residents and visitors. It stretches along the river from State Street to Mechanic Street. Prescott Park is perfect for a picnic visit. The formal garden showcase fountains, tree lines, walkways, a flower wall and a rose garden. In the summer months the park is a home to the Prescott Art festivals as series of outdoor musical performances plays.

Night life at Portsmouth is more accurately described as “Pub Life”. Step out to award winning restaurants, enjoy entertainment on stage and onscreen and live music every night of the year. One can find poetry readings in pubs, literary events and micro talks, night time shopping at boutiques and galleries. Taste craft beers, wine sampling and intriguing cocktail at late night spots.

Some of the best top Portsmouth Bars and clubs are: 

Press Room Bar, Federal Cigar Bar, Thirsty Moose Tap House and oar house, Birdseye Lounge and Village square Restaurant.

Have Breakfast any time: Portsmouth is such a foodie town you’ll struggle to decide where to spend your dining dollars meal after meal. Many of the city’s beloved breakfast destinations serve their a.m. specialities all day. You can have breakfast at The Friendly Toast, Popovers on the Square and The Roundabout Diner. Anytime is a good time for Pulveriser Pumpkin cakes.

Evening sunset and light Cruises: As a relaxing end to a busy day or to begin a night on the town, come aboard the Heritage for a jaunt around the Harbour. Relax with your favourite cocktail and enjoy the night-time sights of the Seacoast. Get yourself in to the beauty of a sunset or into viewing the spectacular lights of the city.

Romantic things to do for couples in Portsmouth: feeling loved and on the lookout for something nice to do with your significant other than on Valentine’s Day” or just thinking about doing something nice with the person you love in the coming weeks?

Fret not we’ve put together a list of romantic things for couples. 

Ice skating: for something classically romantic but a bit different from your usual dinner, why not take your significant out for ice skating? Planet ice in Gosport offers different deals so you can share the night with the people you love.

Walk in the Rose garden: Serene, quiet right next to the seafront and home to over 40 varieties of rose, a pretty perfect spot to take your other half this Valentine’s Day.

Get a break: Why not treat yourselves to a really posh getaway at Florence House Hotel in Portsmouth. They also offer a range of spa treatments in your room using Neals Yard and OPI products.

Last but not the least plan a picnic. If the weather permits there are loads of great places to take a blanket and some tasty nibbles. The seafront, Canoe Lake, top of the hill near South sea Castle and Portsmouth Hill are some of the picnic spots.

Enjoy a massage as a couple: Treat yourself and your partner to this unique special treat. Portsmouth skin and beauty offer a couple massages where you can chill and chat whilst the therapist works on you both side by side.

Indoor Attractions: Portsmouth city has a wealth of activities for darker days and when the wet weather sets in. There’s a wealth of tourist attractions, museums, shopping centres and eateries to keep you occupied whilst sheltering from the rain.

Take cover and shoot up some friends at Action Stations.

Shop under cover at Gun wharf quays Designer Outlet

Visit the Blue Reef Aquarium

Get lost inside the award winning Mary Rose Museum

More rain free shopping at Casvades Shopping Centre

Take the family swimming at the Mountbatten Centre

Watch the rain clouds roll in over the Solent from South sea Beach cafe.

Visit the Clarence Pier Amusements where the games arcade area is fully covered and is the perfect hideaway when the rain starts to fall.

The shopping Downtown Portsmouth is lined with cute boutiques and shops. Walk down Congress Street and circle around the many side streets for a variety of art, antiques, clothing, local goodies, book, fine jewellery and more. Market Square is situated in the centre of Downtown and is the start of many local walking tours. Visit the galleries, browse the old fashioned shops and explore one of the many 17th century buildings. Tugboat Alley is known for a local tradition, with nautical themed gifts and collectible for all ages, The Book and bar is located in the Old custom House which offers a relaxing and no media atmosphere with a wide selection of used books and small cafe. The best part about shopping in Portsmouth” is no sales tax.

Portsmouth offers a long list of unique activities to visitors. So do visit this country.

Trabzon Turkey’s Classic Black Sea City

INTRODUCTION

Trabzon is a Turkish city. It is located on the Black Sea Coast of Northeast Turkey. Formerly it was known as Trebizond. It used to be an important trade centre on the historic silk route. Today Trabzon is the largest port of the Black Sea and has a rich collection of cultural treasures. Its favourable weather, getaways to four beautiful lakes- Uzungol, Cakirgol, Sera and Haldizen and plenty of scenic beauty make it a true paradise. It is also a home to the stunning Sumela Monastery. Trabzon is known as the coolest destinations of Turkey.

FUN AND ENTERTAINING PLACES IN TRABZON:

The city of Trabzon will not disappoint you when it comes to entertainment. Be it the vibrant shopping streets, bustling nightlife or creative theatres you will find different fun and entertainment options in Trabzon.

Here is the extensive list of all entertainment places in Trabzon that are bound to make your vacation a memorable one.

The hidden gem and ecclesiastical art at Sumela Monastery: this monastery is perched on a scenic cliff overlooking the Altindere Valley. It is dedicated to Virgin Mary. The complex has been damaged and restored several times throughout its long history, but you can still admire its impressive frescoes, ornamentation and exceptional architecture. The main features of the church and monastery are the Rock Church, Chapels, Kitchens, Students Rooms, a guesthouse, a library, sacred spring revered by the Eastern Orthodox Christians.

To the far east of the Sumela Monastery is the Camburnu coast, where migrating birds rest amidst the golden pine trees. It is a lovely area for those who would like to have a short break for photographing the wavy sea. The list is easily reachable from Trabzon via bus or taxi. One can join one of the organized tours that take you there from the city. To get to the monastery itself you have to do a bit of hiking, so be sure to have appropriate footwear.

Uzungol is a woody surrounding, a picturesque lake set in a valley, remind visitors of Switzerland’s alpine regions. The location is idyllic with several hotels. Check into one of 2000 available rooms if you wish to hike the surrounding mountains. The lake is one of the longest in the area and is deep enough to take dip. There are also little chateaus and places to see and stay around the area. There’s nothing quite spending the night in this scenic spot and watching the sun come up over the lake.

One of the Symbols of Trabzon is the Uzungol Nature Park located 95 km from the city. The park has a rich flora and stunning wildlife with outstanding natural beauty. There are accommodation facilities, picnic area and trekking routes for visitors.

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES IN TRABZON

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES IN TRABZON is a mix of adventure spirits and some laid back vibes amidst scenic beauty. Trabzon comes with an ideal terrain and atmosphere to spend active holidays and make plenty of unforgettable memories.

So explore the wilderness of Trabzon and spend some time in the lap of nature with these exciting outdoor activities Trabzon has to offer.

Altindere Vadisi National Park Trabzon: this is the most popular park in the Black Sea Region which lies on the western part of Trabzon. Besides the rich range of flora and fauna the Sumela Monastery is an important attraction that is a part of this park. The main species of flora are the Eastern spruce Tree, Fir Trees, Scotch pine, chestnut, Oak, Lime tree, willow, black pine, Caucasian honey suckle, forest rose and others. The fauna mainly includes deer, roe deer, wild goats, wild boar, bear, wolves, jackals, foxes and lynx. April to October is the best time to visit for trekking and a visit to the monastery.

LEISURE ACTIVITIES IN TRABZON: 

All year round leisure activities in Trabzon provide a wide range of option for every age group. Trabzon is loaded with lavish shopping area, resorts, restaurants and spas that ensure that your trip to Trabzon is hassle free. Trabzon packs an incredible amount of diversity in the luxury activities it offers from a convincing landscape and outdoor to some world class stays option and facilities. So be it a family vacation, a friend’s reunion or a solo trip to feed your wanderlust .These activities in Trabzon are a must try for a leisurely vacation.

Let’s explore our list of recreational and leisure places in Trabzon: 

 

Forum Trabzon: this is a very big shopping mall with a number of shops and a couple of restaurants too. The people are very friendly and it is a very important landmark in the city. The Degermendere Valley in which it is situated is one of the most beautiful parts of the city.

There are many shopping streets in the east of Ataturk Alani. One of them is the Russian Bazaar called Avrupali pazari in Turkish, meaning “The European Market”. Russian traders mainly own the shops in these markets and you get whatever you wish for right from pirated tapes, leather products to pretty Russian dolls.

Besides natural wonders Trabzon dazzles the visitors with a cuisine of considerable charm in the city restaurants with many local dishes of great flavour found nowhere else in the world. The Sumela Sark Sofrasi serves mouth-watering Turkish food .So make a point to visit this place. Livera restaurants, Ibrahim Liman Restaurant, T Nargle, Efulim restaurant and Roksalana Restaurant are good food joints and definitely worth a try. Several watering holes like the Lobby and 2 Vitamin Bars are available in Trabzon to take care of your wining requirements.

HOW TO GET THERE: the best way to reach Trabzon is via a bus and most cities have regular bus services taking you to Trabzon. Another option is you can travel by sea. The journey starts from Istanbul via Sinop and Samsun. By air the route is from Tbilisi and Istanbul.

Trabzon is a coastal city. The cuisine is mainly based on fish dishes. Eating out is relatively cheap although alcohol is not widely served.

Trabzon might not be the first place on your list to visit with your valuable vacation time. You should give the place another look. Some of the prettiest scenery in the region can be seen here.

Trabzon is a wonderful destinations of Turkey that offer plenty of scenic hikes, adventure activities, famed Turkish hospitality, a glimpse into history, traditions and culture and plenty of relaxation.

So why not escape to Trabzon in turkey for a contrasting and diverse Turkish holiday.

SWANAGE- The Seaside Town in England

Swanage is nestled on the south coast in the shadow of Bournemouth and Weymouth. It is not the most obvious place for a break. But there’s more to this little seaside town that meets the eye .It’s surrounded by spectacular coast and there are loads to see and do. Enjoy the outdoor activities, arts, shopping or even if you’d just like to sit on the beach and chill. There’s sure to be something down there for everyone.

On Dorset’s isle of Purbeck Swanage is a seaside town that have people of all ages under its spell. Swanage is an east facing bay on a very sheltered part of the South England Coast.

Shopping: Swanage is not all beaches and cliffs. It has a great selection of shops perfect for a rainy day or an afternoon’s retail therapy. You can shop for ethnic clothing, locally made jewellery or second-hand records. You can take your own sweet time browsing independent stores and boutiques.

Looking to soak up on a fabulous sandy beach or enjoy an invigorating swim with a fantastic view.

The Swanage beach is one of the main attractions of the town and backed by a promenade lined with amusements and attractions. You can hire a deck chair, sun bed, pedalo and kayak or enjoy a drink or ice-cream. You can also hire a beach hut. You won’t need to take all your gear down to the beach each day. The Stud land beach offers views of Old harry rocks and the isles of Wight. To escape the crowd venture into the heathland nature reserve behind the beach. In summer the weather forms a purple haze and you might be lucky enough to spot one of our six British reptiles.

Brown Sea Island is a beautiful island with wonderful views, history and wildlife including rare red squirrel and birds and is also the birthplace of Scouting and Guiding.

The Jurassic Coast is a 95 mile stretch of outstanding geology in between Dorset and east Devon which is now designed as a world Heritage Site.

Brenscombe Outdoor Centre: Outdoor activity centre specialising in adventure activities located in spectacular surroundings is close to Corfe Castle and Poole harbour. Activities include High ropes course, power boating, kayaking, climbing, mountain biking and so much more to please.

Put lake Adventure Farm is mainly for kids under 10 years. It’s a real working farm with animals, tractor rides, outdoor play equipment, pedal Go-karts, picnic area, trampolines, birds, a pet centre, tearooms and much more. It has a broad range of animals, large and small which can be bottle fed and even held in your own hands. After playing with the animals visit the indoor soft play area that features slides, ball pits, tunnels and much more .It is also a perfect room for children’s parties.

Steam Railway: One of Swanage’s best known tourist attractions is the award winning Swanage railway. The steam railway operates between Norden Park and ride through Corfe castle, Harman’s Cross and Swanage. Steam trains runs every day between April and October and there are services operating most weekends during the remainder of the year. The railway holds a number of special events through the year including steam and Diesel gales, a classic transport Rally and the tradional Santa specials during December.

The festival Isle: Looking for a place which offers a variety of music, sport, food and activity events throughout the year? Swanage and the Isle of Purbeck is the place to come to with regular festivals and lots of family friendly activities. Swanage alone has over 30 festivals each year. So there will always be an event to entertain.

Swanage Folk festival is an annual family celebration. Folk festival includes traditional dancing and music to crafts and workshops. This year it was held over the weekend of 11-13 September. The whole town gets involved with this popular festival and there are Morris Dance displays and jamming sessions on the streets as well as a packed programme of concerts from some of the top names in the folk music world.

The Swanage Fish Festival in June celebrates food, fun and all things fishy with free children’s activities.You are sure to be able to try some of the freshest seafood around while enjoying the seaside location.

Swanage coastal park is perfect for a campsite to explore seaside locations as well as the famous Jurassic coast. The hillside located on the park just above the town itself means that the pitches here offer stunning views over the Bay as well as across the Purbeck Hills. Guest has direct access onto a series of fantastic coastal walking paths which mark the starting point of the Jurassic Coast.

The Burlington Health Spa and Fitness Club is located on the ground floor of the Grand Hotel with stunning views across Swanage Bay and full leisure facilities including heated indoor plunge pool, Jacuzzi, sauna and a gymnasium with extensive weight room and aerobic machine for the fitness enthusiast.

Day out with the kids: dive into an underwater at Weymouth Sea Life Adventure Park. You’re sure to learn loads about Sea Life’s environmental efforts with fellow Ranger, Tyler the Turtle. Then finally wade your way to the Caribbean Cove and hop aboard the Galleon or see how many slides you can tackle in the splash zone.

Enjoy a meal in one of the many restaurants and cafes or have a drink in one of the local pubs or bars or shop in one of the business offering local food in the isle of Purbeck.

Monkey world is another top class day out. Monkey World is near Wool Dorset. It is an ape rescue centre that allows you to see the monkeys and learn about the fantastic work they do.

Where to stay in Swanage: Swanage does not have a vast collection of accommodation. Classic bed along with breakfast, apartments, cottages and guesthouses run by locals are in the mid range budget. Those looking for an experience may want to opt for a yurt at the nearby campsite.

So here’s why swanage should exist on your list of places to visit.