Travel Clever

Experiencing the Gap Year Travel

b-travel — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 10:27:08 +0000

Education does not just come from the classroom. More often than not, people also learn when they try to travel to different place and try out new things. It’s also possible to learn through experience since actually doing the things they want to learn will provide real-world experience and not just the theories that are often taught in classroom.

Because experience and travel are well known ways for young people to learn more about life, more and more individuals are opting to go on the “Gap Year”. This is a year for the young adults where they rest and travel to a different country. It’s an opportunity for the kids to learn something different and appreciate the culture, tradition and history of other nations.

Preparation for a year long vacation often takes time and parents are often aware of the setting. The kids who are interested in going on vacation for a year often work part-time or during weekends. A percentage of the money they earn goes to their savings for their vacation. This is also another learning opportunity since kids work hard for something they really want to do.

The most popular destination for the Gap Year is Europe. Kids who often go to Europe for a year learn a lot of things and not just visiting some of the most impressive structures in the world. Some kids even learn a new language in just one year because they were able to practice in the real world.

The Gap Year is increasingly popular to young adults and more parents are supporting this decision. Aside from the much needed rest from the classroom setting, the Gap Year could be a real learning experience for the young adults.

Top 5 Places to Drink in Dubai and Not Get Arrested

b-travel — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 11:03:59 +0000

Dubai is part of a Muslim state that adheres to strict laws of no alcoholic drinks. But it’s also one of the most progressive parts of the Middle East as it’s practically the world’s shopping center with massive malls and interesting party places. Although the laws of alcohol consumptions are strictly enforced, it’s not enforced in some clubs.

The following are places where you can drink alcohol and have fun without thinking about the authorities:

Chameleon Club

Well known in Dubai for the interesting neon lights and mix of club and house music, it’s a destination that requires a little bit of planning because it could get packed during weekends. Drinks are a bit expensive so make sure to bring some extra cash if you want to visit this club.

Trader Vic’s

The best thing about Trader Vic’s is that you don’t have to be really hip to enjoy the place. It features nightly Cuban music which is a welcome change in Dubai. The place has been open since the 90s which is very impressive for a bar in this city.

Barasti

Although Chameleon Club can easily pack during weekends, Barasti still stands as the leader when it comes to attracting people at the bar. It literally started as a shack that slowly evolved into an amazing bar where everyone can just chill and enjoy the city.

Club Africana

If you’re looking for a themed bar, this is your best bet to see something different during yout holidays in Dubai. Featuring club music with an African mix, it’s a place where you can hear and see something different.

Churchil

Churchil is one of the best places in Dubai if you want to drink beer with your friends. It’s affordable and you can also enjoy a great meal at the bar. The lack of the letter “L” is actually done on purpose.

Top Food at 100,000 Feet

b-travel — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 10:18:50 +0000

People don’t usually like airline food because it is often cold and can be quite bland. While some airlines still serve relatively bad food, some companies have improved their service to ensure their travelers have an exceptional journey. This is especially true in business class for international travel as travelers tend to expect the best.

Keeping Everything Fresh and Hot

When it comes to fresh and hot meals, Cathay Pacific is considered the leader. With toasters and rice cookers on board, travelers are assured that their meals are hot and easily enjoyable. A large selection of fruits and wines perfectly complements every meal.

From Business to Economy

Although most airlines serve their best meals to business class travelers, there are airline companies that ensure everyone on board enjoys a top standard of food. Singapore Airlines is known for serving the best meals for all class of traveler. They employ international chefs and wine tasters to ensure that they provide only top food and drink. It has even been mentioned that Chef Gordon Ramsey at one point during his career was part of Singapore Airlines.

Wide Variety of Choices

One of the most popular airlines in the world when it comes to variety is Turkish Airlines. Mediterranean meals are always expected from the airline but passengers can also request very specific meals such as Hindu food especially on their flights to and from India.

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Top 3 Family Skiing locations

b-travel — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 12:16:07 +0000

A skiing vacation for the entire family is a highly recommended activity for the holidays. Kids will learn to appreciate the weather as they enjoy different types of activities in the snow. Parents will also love the variety of winter-related activities as well as much needed rest for their busy life.

But not every skiing destination is ideal for the family. Fortunately, there are some amazing destinations every family should consider if they are thinking of enjoying their holidays.

Morillon, Grand Massif, France

You don’t get the reward “Famille Plus” without doing anything with your facilities. This beautiful village is merely 25 minutes from Geneva is a kid-friendly destination. Their main attraction is the “Village des Enfants” which was specifically built for kids from six months to 10 years old. The village comes with a variety of entertainment as well as kid friendly slopes to help them learn skiing.

Adelboden, Bernese Oberland, Switzerland

The beautiful Switzerland is also making sure some of their resorts are family friendly and the village of Adelboden is quickly becoming the village to beat in the country when it comes to impressive family-friendly facilities. Aside from the attractive landscapes and snow capped mountains fit for every age, most hotels in Adelboden feature additional entertainment for the family such as gaming consoles and movies.

Smugglers’ Notch, Vermont, USA

One of the most popular family friendly ski destinations in North America boasts of a very expensive child care centre, ski lessons for kids and a dedicated baby-sitter for families with toddlers. The ski resort features a variety of hills fit for every level and it culminates in the “Black Hole” which is only open for experts.

Top 3 Most Dangerous Activities in Sydney, Australia

b-travel — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 14:59:43 +0000

A Sydney vacation is one of the most relaxing trips and inspiring holiday trips you are likely to have. It’s a city with all the modern amenities with unique natural wonders because of its relative isolation for centuries. Tourists often visit the country to experience their wildlife while others opt to stay in the beautiful city of Sydney to enjoy the nightlife, the nearby beaches or simply to enjoy the business center.

But even though most of the popular activities in Sydney are relatively safe, there are some activities that you should avoid at all cost because of their dangers.

Walking Alone at Night in King’s Cross

The King’s Cross is one of the most popular districts in Sydney but it’s also one of the most dangerous at night especially when you walk alone. Many experienced travelers advise against walking at night in this district as most of them have seen the districts’ violence.

Enjoying the Beach in the Middle of the Day

Sydney can be really cold during the winter season and very hot during the summer season. No amount of sun block can protect your body from the dangerous heat of the sun. Better stay in the shade or at least wait until the sun sets to enjoy the water.

Aside from the searing heat of the sun, it’s always recommended to swim at a beach with lifeguards. To the unfamiliar, the beach of Sydney looks very attractive but it can be dangerous because of the unknown rips underwater. Australia is also known for the dangerous jellyfish so you should always be on a lookout for potential danger.

Top Activities to Enjoy in Madagascar

b-travel — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 09:37:46 +0000

One of the top tourist destinations in Africa, Madagascar has always amazed their tourists because of their impressive diverse wildlife on land and in water. Combined with continuously improving amenities for tourists, Madagascar has become an ideal destination for those who want to be closer to nature.

But aside from the impressive amenities from hotels in Madagascar, there are activities highly recommended for each tourist. These activities are related to nature and they reveal the real beauty and uniqueness of Madagascar.

Mitsinjo Forest

Mitsinjo Forest ranks among the top destinations in Madagascar not because of what you will see during the day. When the sun sets, Mitsinjo Forest becomes the stage of lemurs that prefers to roam the night than during the day. There’s an artificial island in the middle of the lake considered as the habitat of the lemurs. Another popular attraction of the forest is the frogs’ chorus that can only be heard during nighttime.

Lac Alaotra

Lac Alaotra or Lake Alaotra is another tourist attraction in Madagascar. Aside from the fact that it’s the largest lake in the area, it’s also the home of wide variety of animals. Animals such as the Alaotra Gentle Lemur, Meller’s Duck, Madagascar Pochard and Alaotra Grebe call the lake their home. It’s also one of the best places to experience canoeing.

Parc National de Ranomafana

At first glance, Parc National de Ranomafana is a beautiful park where you can simply enjoy the nature’s beauty at Madagascar. However, tourists can explore the park not only to appreciate its beauty but also to experience its health benefits. Tourists can also enjoy a relaxing hot tub that easily relaxes the muscles and remove stress.

Top Yoga Exercise Tips when Flying

b-travel — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 10:53:41 +0000

A four-hour flight can be very challenging, even if you’re staying in business or first class. You could read, watch television or listen to music while in the air but it can get boring sometimes. It’s even possible to experience back and neck pains after the flight because you have to stay in a single position for nearly four hours.

But there’s actually a way to prevent flight-related muscle and joint pains. There are yoga exercises that you can do while on flight. Think of it as your in-flight exercise program to stay in shape and prevent different types of pains.

Neck Rolls

The simplest yoga exercises are sometimes the best while in flight. A good example is neck rolls, where you simply move your head in the circular motion. Neck rolls can prevent neck-related pains as well as the shoulder ache. To do this exercise, just make sure that your ears almost touch the shoulders.

Padadhirasana

Padadhirasana is a very simple breathing exercise that can be done while sitting. The trick is to simply sit straight. Make sure that your back is straight without touching the backrest. Place your hands in a cross position in your chest and slowly inhale and exhale. This will allow your body to distribute the oxygen evenly.

Sukhasana

This is the most popular yoga position and is also known as the “lotus position”. Simply cross your legs, place your hands on top of your lap and sit up straight. This is also another type of breathing exercise that can help you relax your body and prevent any type of muscle pain.

Travel Tips to See the Northern Lights

b-travel — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 09:47:21 +0000

The northern lights or the aurora borealis is an amazing phenomenon in the sky that has attracted millions of travelers every year to places where it can be observed. As the name suggests, the northern lights can be seen in the northernmost places in the world especially in high altitude locations. This is the reason why they are best observed in the Arctic or Antarctic regions.

Accessing the northernmost region of the world can be very expensive and time consuming. Fortunately, there are places where travelers can observe the northern lights in all its glory without the extensive travel time.

Alaska and Canada

The best way to see the northern lights in North America is in the northern regions of Alaska or by taking a holiday to Canada. Fairbanks in Alaska as well as Hudson Bay and Whitehorse in Canada are the top destinations for catching a glimpse of the lights.

The best times of the year to observe northern lights in these places are between March and September. During these months, the earth’s solar activity is at its optimal capacity.

Other Places to Observe Northern Lights

Aside from Alaska and Canada, there are other accessible places to consider. Northern Scandinavia and the small town of Kiruna in Sweden are some of the best places to visit outside North America. While it could be a bit challenging for first time visitors, there are tour groups that specialize in arranging vacation packages for tourists interested in seeing the spectacle.

The Cheapest Luxury Hotels in North Cyprus

b-travel — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 09:15:58 +0000

Northern Cyprus offers a relaxing weekend with its beautiful beaches with access to some of the most historical structures in the island. Complementing the beautiful natural and historical attractions are the luxury hotels featuring competitive pricing with world class amenities.

The Colony 5 Star Hotel

It’s very understandable why tourists love to stay in The Colony – easy access to practically everything in Kyrenia with world class amenities. The hotel is ideal for business, family and also for couples who wanted to enjoy the best of Northern Cyprus with modern convenience. A user on Tripadvisor recently quoted the hotel as “everything you would expect from a good 5 star!”, also stating that “The rooms are perfect”.

Oscar Club Resort

The resort is well known to experienced travelers as a place where you can really rest for your vacation. Located in the eastern side of Kyrenia, Oscar Club Resort gives you easy access to the bustling city center and beaches without the usual noises. Adding to the serenity of the hotel is the modern amenities including sauna and spa services. On tripadvisor many users have praised the hotel stating “Our family Villa room was outstanding” and “Fantastic place mainly due to the staff”.

Bellapais Monastery Village

Named after the nearby Abbey, the resort is well known to tourists for its family friendly atmosphere and amazing swimming pool. The village is located two miles from the city center of Kyrenia which contributes to its serene and quiet setting. Tourists often visit the Bellapais Monastery Village to enjoy the picturesque view of the Kyrenia. Tripadvisor users again had some great remarks about the hotel stating, “Great place to stay, well managed” and “The staff went beyond the call of duty”.

Acapulco Resort

Acapulco Resort is located in Catalkoy – a small village six kilometers from Kyrenia. The resort is well known for its mile long beachfront property with indoor and outdoor pools. The resort is often used for large conventions but also caters to tourists and families for quick vacation.

Top 3 Rainforests in the World

b-travel — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 09:32:51 +0000

Visiting a rainforest is an exhilarating adventure experience especially for first time nature explorers. The beauty of nature is at its peak in the rainforest because of the amazing combination of flora, fauna and wildlife. Staying a day or two in a rainforest is always a must for adventure travelers because it allows them to get closer to nature.

Although one of the biggest concerns in nature is the quick decline of rainforests, there are still rainforests that are constantly under protection for future generation. If you’re looking to visit a great rainforests, consider these destinations:

Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve

This beautiful wildlife reserve in Ecuador is a very popular rainforest in South America. Featuring 13 lagoons in a 250,000 acre-rainforest, guests are guided to various impressive spots in the preserve. Guests can visit the lagoons or learn more about different types of orchids found in the rainforest. Finding a large anaconda in a tree is very common in the preserve.

Mount Kinabalu National Park

If you’re looking for a rainforest well known for their flora and fauna, visit the Mount Kinabalu National Park in Malaysia. With more than 4,500 species of plants, you should find something truly unique and beautiful in this lush rainforest. Complementing the beauty of the flora and fauna are the 290 species of butterflies.

Daintree Rainforest

One of the best rainforests in the world features the most extensive collection of different types of animals. Located in Australia, the Daintree rainforest is also a reef system featuring more than 12,000 species of insects. The extensive collection of animals found in the rainforest extends to the different types of bats, frogs, marsupials and birds.