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Africa, Culture, Lifestyle, Safari,

Ultimate Guide On Planning Serengeti National Park Trip

by March 13, 2020

Brown and White Leopard on Tree Roots

Where To Go And How To Get To Serengeti

Getting to Serengeti National Park can be tricky because people are confused about where Serengeti is located.  Serengeti National Park is located in Tanzania. So when you arrange or make your travel plans make sure your destination is Tanzania, not Kenya. Yes, you can get through Kenya but you will be paying more and you will need a visa for both Kenya and Tanzania, which have different laws and regulations and also different fees. If you are using a travel agency or any services make sure they are from Tanzania and also are professional and legit.

Depend on where you are coming from; make sure your port of entry in Tanzania is Kilimanjaro International Airport -Moshi/Arusha (KIA).  Kilimanjaro International Airport is close to Serengeti compared to Mwalimu Julius International Airport(Dar-es-Salaam) or any other airports.    You can arrange ground transportation(vehicle) from KIA to the park. Another option is taking a flight from KIA to Seronera Airstrip or Kirawira Airstrip, there are daily flights from KIA to the park.

If you decide to rent a car and drive by yourself a four-wheel drive, a land cruiser vehicle is recommended. The roads are not in good condition, the distance from Arusha to Serengeti is 325km(202 miles) and will take roughly 8hrs to get there, will be more hours from KIA.  But we will advise hiring a driver will be a good idea and will make things easier. Another option is to take a flight from KIA to one of several airstrips inside the park.

Accommodations

The most popular accommodations in Serengeti Park are various safari camps and lodges.  These accommodations come from luxury to basic ones. Some luxury camps or lodges usually come with a chef, flush toilet internet. Also there are some camps which come with a bathroom and kitchen but need to be shared with other people.  More info about accommodation is available here.       

Food and Drinks

There are a few restaurants near and between Serengeti National Park. The problem is they are a little bit far. But you don’t have to worry about that because most camps, lodges and safari operators are providing food and drinks for their guests.  For instance, Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge provides buffet-style meals with a traditional safari theme. It’s a great opportunity to experience Tanzanian foods. Also at the Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti,   which has three dining venues. First, an outdoor patio with pizza and  Tanzanian-inspired tapas, then there’s a

buffet section with various African and international dishes.   Third, is Boma Grill restaurant. This has a nice set of guests sitting around an open-air fire pit as they are saving African dishes and watching the Masai perform a traditional dance. 

If you want to dine in different experiences many lodges around the park offer bush dining experiences, where diners can enjoy a private meal in the wild.

Serengeti Serena Safari and  Four Season Safari Lodge are expensive. It is something to do for an experience if you can.   There are other safari lodges operators that cover all meals and tours. Keep in mind that some of them charge an additional fee for soft drinks and alcoholic beverages. Another option for those travelers who on a budget, they can purchase food at one of the park’s convenience stores to prepare at a campsite. There is a variety of food available in these convenience stores such as raw meat for grilling, snacks, and drinks.

Green and Blue Peacock in Forest

Things to do In Serengeti

There are a lot of things to do  to in Serengeti National Park such as;

Balloon Safari

This can be an evocative and romantic way to experience safari especially for honeymooners.  These Balloon safaris regularly take off from designated sites that’s in the Seronera area where the disturbance to animals is kept to a minimum. The safari vehicle drops you off at the take-off site and picks you up from your landing site. Balloon safari begins around 6 am and lasts for  1-2hours,  you will be able to see the magnificent wildlife below over several square miles of the park. The Balloon safari will end with a champagne breakfast in the bush.

Camping Safaris- In the Serengeti  National Park there are different ways of camping;   Budgeting camping, Fly camping, Luxury camping, and Lightweight camping. 

 

Budget camping

It requires traveling with all your camping gear, this includes a guide and possibly a cook in your vehicle with you. Once you get to camp everyone helps cook and set up. This is  good for budget travellers and also fun. You are going to use extra time in organizing your camp or cooking your food. So when choosing this option make sure you plan your things well otherwise you will spend more time in your camp when you could be out on game drives. Budget camping  uses the less expensive shared or public campsites, but exclusive camps’, or campsites with shower and toilet facilities outside the parks, can also be booked and used. Beds are usually mattresses on the floor of a small tent.

Fly camping

It  requires setting up small, temporary camps for a night under the stars, where there’s no trees or bushes.  Fly camps are the ideal end to a day’s walking safari or game drive, with many unexpected comforts .You get  a canvas washbasin with hot water, fresh towels, hurricane lamps and delicious food cooked on the fire. At night, the sensation of sleeping in light or just under a mosquito net, as the moon shines down and the noises of the African night begin, is the highlight of any safari holiday.

Luxury camping

The name itself explains what to expect . This luxury camping  offer feather pillows, soft towels, gin and tonic on the rocks and four-course gourmet meals in a candlelit dining tent .  The tents are roomy and comfortable, with a veranda in front and a bathroom with hot-water shower, washbasin and toilet directly behind the tent. The luxury tents have a bedside table, gas or solar lamps, chairs and a wardrobe for your clothing. A deep freeze will supply your drinks with ice and keep specialty food items fresh. Laundry is done daily. A large staff will ensure that your meals are gourmet and all your needs in the camp are met. 

Lightweight Luxury camping

Like the luxury camps, tents will have metal or wood-frame beds, standing headroom, a veranda, and small in-suite toilets and hot showers. Unlike luxury camping the tents will be smaller and  the traditional ‘A’ shape with a central ridge pole. Full staff are available and meals will be three-course affairs served by a waiter in a lantern-lit mess tent, or on a table under the stars. There  is wine, beer, and soda on ice in camp. Lightweight camps like this can be moved overnight and offer an amazing degree of comfort while maintaining the flexibility of a lighter camp.

Wildlife Safaris

Zebras on Zebra

The most important wildlife safari in Serengeti National Park  is Game drive.There are several types of Game Drives which are able to choose the types and durations of the game drives you go on. For the  group safari, the types and durations are usually predefined and fixed. For safaris that make you fly to the game park or reserve, the game drives are normally set and controlled by the lodge or camp you are staying at.

Game drives can be long, hot, dusty and bumpy  on the side note ladies don’t forget your sports bra is very recommended, but it’s a very fun experience.  Below are types  of Game Drive are:

Early Morning Game Drive

The  Early Morning Game Drive starts around 6 am and normally finishes by 8:30 am. Before living around 5:30 am  camps or lodges they will provide some little light refreshment such as tea, coffee and cookies etc. available from around 5:30 am. The breakfast will be provided  after the game drive.

Morning Game Drive

A Morning Game Drive usually starts after breakfast at around 7:30 am and finishes in time for lunch at around 12:30.

Late Morning Game Drive

A Late Morning Game Drive usually starts between 10 and 11 am, returning for lunch at around 12:30.

Afternoon Game Drive

An Afternoon Game Drive usually starts around 4 pm, returning before dark between 6 pm and 6:30 pm.

En-Route Game Drive

An En-Route Game Drive usually takes place in the morning or late afternoon , like its name states ,it  performs en-route to a lodge or camp etc. The duration of the en-route game drive can vary depending upon the trip. It  can even be just a short drive from the lodge or camp to the park exit etc.

All Day Game Drive

An All Day Game Drive lasts all day like its name suggests.  Lunch is provided, this game drive normally starts after breakfast  around 7:30 am and returns before dark between 6 pm and 6:30 pm. They usually   cover large parts of the park and goes long distance

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Culture, Lifestyle, Travel, Travel Adventures,

Traveling On a Budget – How To See and Enjoy Barcelona Without Breaking The Bank

by February 20, 2020

What to do in Barcelona on a budget?

Sometimes we want to go to places we really love but we always think if we can afford, how expensive it is, and then we end up changing our mind and not going. The truth is you can make your dreams come true by visiting the place you love if you plan to do it on a budget.

Barcelona is one of my favorite cities located on the coast of northeastern Spain. Barcelona is one of the world’s leading tourists and culture centers. There are a lot of things to do in  Barcelona from sightseeing to entertainment. Barcelona has a lot of unique architecture, city parks, museums, and churches.  You can do all this and more on a budget and here are some tips to do it.

 

The  best time to  visit Barcelona

If you are on a budget the best time to visit Barcelona is between September-December. This time is good because the tourist season slows down and hotel rates are getting cheaper compared to   June-August. You don’t have to worry about the temperature they will still be in the high to low 70s. You can still go to the beach in early fall, but mid-October temperatures can be in the low 50s. If you don’t mind wearing coats/jackets and not being at the beach  January-April will be good for you. It’s a very low season due to weather of low 40s to 30s, everything is cheap from flight fare, etc. The temperature is rising up around March-April.

Aerial Photo of People Gathering in City

Accommodation

There is a lot of accommodation in Barcelona if you want to score some hotel deals you can search on the website like Hotwire, Priceline, etc. The good thing about hotwire if you know specific dates or estimates you can put an alert the will alert you if there is a price drop so you can book your hotel when you are ready for that price. Priceline also has good deals. They give you the option of express deals and bid your price you might be like and find amazing deals. Another option is Airbnb, this is a good option, on my trip to Barcelona I found out it was cheaper than hotels. I think it depends on the city, some cities are more expensive than hotels. For instance, when searching for accommodation in Rome, Airbnb was more expensive than hotels. In my opinion, Airbnb is good if you are not alone because you might book a house/room in an excluded neighborhood in a foreign country that can be scary.

 

Things to do in Barcelona

There’s a lot of things to do in this magnificent city of  Barcelona. You can enjoy a lot of things such as sightseeing, museums, city parks, restaurants, wine tasting, cooking classes and many more. Since you are on a budget you can take advantage of free stuff. Yes in Barcelona there are some places where you can visit for free.  But the best places you can do while you are in Barcelona are; first my favorite place La Sagrada Familia (Church of Sacred Family) this is the major attraction in Barcelona. A large unfinished Roman Catholic Basilica, construction started in 1882. If you like architecture you will enjoy the experience. The entrance fee for the basic tour is  20 euros or US$ 21.67. The basic tour does not include a tour guide. But there are different prices which are higher, for instance, you want a guided tour, going to the towers, going to the Gaudi Museum, etc.   Another option you can take a quick peek from outside for free. The church usually enforces the dress code and some ground rules entering Sagrada Familia. You can check them here so you can get well prepared.   

People on Market

If you are a foodie or you just wondering where to eat in  Barcelona you can go to Mercat de la Boqueria(Boqueria Market). The famous market in Barcelona you can get a variety of foods, drinks, desserts, fruits, etc at very good prices and you don’t have to break your wallet. You can check more about this famous market here and get some inside scoop and decide for yourself. The amazing part about the Boqueria market is connected to another tourist attraction Las Ramblas.  La Ramblas is a  famous street in central  Barcelona. This is a tree-lined pedestrian street, it stretches for 1.2 km (0.75 mi). It’s also close to another tourist attraction  Barri Gòtic ( Gothic Quarter). There is a lot of tourists attraction such as live performances, artists that will draw your portrait or caricature, whatever you want it. 

There is also human statue art (street performance)if you don’t pay attention you will think you are posing with the statue of Galileo or  Christopher Columbus, but there is Christopher Columbus monument nearby. There are a lot of museums, a restaurant, etc. One thing to notice about this place, since there’s a lot of tourists sometimes prices tend to be higher than in other places. You can go there for the experience and taking pictures but you can dine in some local places or non-tourists places where food is the same or better at cheaper prices. I found out when traveling in different places non-tourist places are the best when you are on a budget.   You can get food, souvenir, etc for three times cheaper compared to tourist places. One thing I make for sure is to visit all these places and also hit the locals.

People on Park Passing Concrete Gate

 

Getting around  Barcelona.

Now you are in Barcelona, you’ll have to get around the city. There are several ways to get around the city of Barcelona by car, taxi, metro, and bus. The best I will recommend and it’s cheaper is Metro. You can buy a metro ticket for a single trip or depends on your duration of stay. There are several tickets, first is the T-Casual ticket, this will give you 10  trips on the metro, FGC. The T-Casual ticket costs  11.35 euros (US$12.29). It’s good for all the main city center routes and the airport. With a T-Casual ticket, you will save  12.35 euros (US$13.37) because if you buy a single metro ticket it costs 2.40 euros (US$2.60) per trip.

 

The second ticket option which I think has more benefit is the Barcelona Card. This is the official tourist pass of Barcelona. It can help you to save money because not only you can use it unlimited on the metro and other public transportation but also can be used to enter into  Barcelona´s best museums.   You can also get many deals and discounts on visits, tours, entertainment, shopping, dining, and nightlife. The Barcelona Card is available in different packages; there is a 72hrs package that costs   46 euros(US$49.81). A 96 hours package that costs 56 euros(US$60.64) and a 120 hours package that costs 61 euros (US$ 66.05). You can buy this package online. You can get more about the Barcelona card and its benefits here.

 

Now you know what to do when you want to visit  Barcelona, first the right time to visit, the time when accommodation and flights will be cheaper.  Second is things to do when you are in the city, there are a lot of things to do even if you are on a tight budget. Third, the best way to get around in Barcelona is through public transportation. There are several ways you can save in Barcelona by using public transportation.

 

 

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Culture, Lifestyle, Travel, Travel Adventures,

When To Decide Between Beach Holidays and City Holidays

by February 16, 2020

When do we decide between city or beach vacations?

At some point, everyone feels like they need to go on vacation. The fact is not everyone can plan or go on vacation due to time, money, responsibilities, and life in general.

When people plan on taking a vacation,  the main factors that they consider are where they want to go, and what they want to do.

Do they want to relieve some stress, or do they want to experience different environments and do different activities in their daily life? From there one can decide the best place to go according to what they want to do.

The two types of vacation places people most consider to go are city vacation and beach vacation. 

 

These two major vacation places have some differences between them.  Most people would choose one over another, we will take a close look at what kinds of activities one can do while vacationing in these two different places. One thing I can say they are both good places for vacation but it all depends on your interest and what you want to do.

 

People Walking on Street Near Buildings

City vacationing

City vacation has numerous things to do and places to see. If you want to enjoy the city vacationing, being open-minded will be a good idea and it will really help.

Because One of the main opportunities of city vacationing is that you will have the opportunity to fully immerse yourself in the culture of the city or place of which you are visiting.

In cities, you will able to experience local culture, historic and non-historic architecture, art galleries,  local restaurants, etc.

In some cities, you can also have an opportunity to get amazing city tours and learn more about the city’s history, culture, interesting facts and some myths or urban legends.

For instance, if you take your vacation in New Orleans there are different tours available such as Ghost tour, Cemetary tours, Food walking tour, Katrina recovery tour and many more. With a little bit of research before you go on your vacation, you can explore a lot of ideas on what to do in your chosen city.

 

People Standing Near Flock of Birds

Beach vacationing

While beach vacations can be a great way to relax, and chill they can not be done any time of the year like city vacation.

This means taking beach vacation can depend on season, most of the time can be done in summer, late spring and some late fall. designed.

Usually, beach vacations specifically cater to tourists, The beach has a relaxing, laid back atmosphere. There are many activities to do while you are on a beach vacation, activities such as water skiing, deep-sea fishing, sailing, diving, and much more.

Another great thing about a beach vacation is seafood. If you like seafood you have tons of selection of the freshest seafood money can buy.  Most of the time you will be spending around the beaches, most of the activities will be around water, visiting restaurants and if you like nightlife maybe you can hoop in the bar/pub, live band, and some night club.

Some beaches have actives or events that you can attend. For instance, if you go to Myrtle Beach they are tons of events and activities such as Myrtle Beach Jeep Jam, NASCAR race experience, Horry County Fair, Atlantic Beach  Bikefest and many more.

 

Green Trees Near Seashore Under Blue Sky

 

I prefer a city vacation because you are more likely to do a lot of activities all you need is time and be well prepared. The city vacation is ideal for anyone who likes to learn and explore different cultures, for people who like to see life from a different perspective.

There is a lot of interaction with the locals. Unlike the beach vacation most people you going to meet will be the tourists and also most beaches are kind of excluded a little bit far from other areas.

Man and Woman Walks on Dock

 

There are advantages of city vacations they are affordable because there’s a lot of options on where to stay, where to eat and there is always public transportation which makes it easier to explore the city. In another hand, the beach vacation can be somehow expensive because most of the hotels and other accommodations around the area are expensive.

You can always decide where you want your destination to be. Whether it is a city vacation or beach vacation there are several things you have to consider.

Those things are time, budget and what you want to do or what you want to get out of it. Of course, most of the time vacation’s purpose is to take a break from work and our busy exhausting routines, if that’s what you think, then you would think of a place where you can relax and just enjoy the view and whatever else there is to do.

 

 

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Business, Fashion, Lifestyle, Travel,

Traveling with a checked-in suitcase vs traveling with a carry-on suitcase.

by February 9, 2020

Whether you have a  short or long trip most of the time we all thinking want we want to carry on our trip in terms of luggage. Sometimes a piece of luggage can determine how much we can carry or the number of things we want to bring on our trip can determine what piece of luggage will be a perfect fit.  To me what plays a major role in determining what type of luggage I will carry on my trip is transportation. What I will carry for a road trip will be different from what I will carry on a flight. I will carry more on a road trip or a large suitcase compare to what I will carry on a flight.

Most of the time we have only two options on what to carry which is carry-on luggage or checked-in luggage in some cases both when catch a flight. These two option comes with pros and cons.

What Are The Pros and Cons of the Checked-in suitcase?

1. You can carry almost everything

The good thing about the checked-in suitcase, you can carry almost everything, plus things you think might need for some pop-up event, or jacket/coat for unexpected weather change, etc.  

2. Hard to go over the weight restrictions

Do you want to pack that perfume or lotion you like but it’s over 100mls?  Do you want to carry that bottle of wine you got on the wine tour you attend in Spain? Then a checked-in suitcase can be the best option for you.  With a checked-in suitcase, you can pack a lot of stuff as long you are not going over the weight restrictions.

Checked-in suitcase

 

Samsonite luggage

 

However, most have some restrictions on the checked-in suitcase. For instance, airlines such as Emirates, KLM, Swissair do allow two checked-in luggage for free but they have to be 5olbs (23kg) or less. If it’s over that weight limit there is a fee that starts from $150 and up. These fees also apply to any extra suitcase.

A checked-in suitcase is better when you have layover or transit, you will not have to retrieve your luggage until you get into your final destination. You will be able to walk freely when waiting for your next flight and avoid spending more money to pay for airport storage because you can’t walk around with your suitcase especially when you have the longest layover.  There is a high possibility of your suitcase to arrive safely.

  1. Restrictions on the checked-in suitcase

With a checked-in suitcase, there are also some cons such as checking in your suitcase at the airport, this can be stressful especially when you are in a hurry and there is a long line.   When you arrive at your destination you will have to go to retrieve your suitcase in some cases depends on how busy the airport is can take no less than 30 minutes. A checked-in suitcase can be stressful when you are relying on public transportation such as subways, buses, etc. Also, it’s uncomfortable if your destination has tiny rooms like some hotels in New York City or Europe they can fill up space. 

 

What Are The Pros and Cons of the Carry-on suitcase?

1. Carry-on luggage is better for short trips and if you don’t want to carry too many things.

They are faster and easier to move around. In some cases, carrying a carry-on suitcase it will help to avoid extra fees. Carry-on suitcase its perfect when you rely on public transportation such as subways, buses, etc.

checked-in suitcase

Kenneth cole carry-on

  1. Limited space

With a carry-on suitcase, you will not be able to carry extra things such as souvenirs you bought on your trip. It can be stressful when you have the longest layovers that mean you have to guide and walk around with your suitcase. Carrying a carry-on suitcase limits you on what to pack. Will not be able to pack emergency outfits, coat/jackets.

As we can see both checked-in suitcases and carry-suitcase has pro and cons.  It’s hard to pick a side which is better it all depends on what you need and what is comfortable for you. Here is what I think, the checked-in suitcase can be perfect for a vacation or honeymoon. And the carry-on suitcase can be perfect for short weekend gateway and business travel.

 

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Business, Lifestyle, Travel,

9 Most Perfect Valentine Gift Ideas For Travelers

by February 2, 2020

couple holding balloons kissing in the middle of the street

Are you wondering what can be a perfect valentine gift for your loved one who happened to be a traveler? Most people find it hard to pick a gift for someone who likes to travel. It doesn’t matter what type of traveling they do, but there some essential things they will always need or they will prefer to have on their trips. Here are some ideas for what you can buy for your loved ones and what’s good about this list it can be either for him or her.

 

1:World Map Wood Phone Case.

This World Map High-quality uniquely engraved wooden phone case will protect your phone from damages. Made with a state-of-the-art laser machine that produces sharp detailed images. You can easily use the buttons on the side of the phone, also there is raised lip to protect your front glass screen.  The case comes with 9H Glass Protector to make your case a total protective case along with being unique. 

  • It made with  100% Natural Real Cherrywood front, which is the finest wood that makes these cases look great.
  • Engraved with state-of-the-art latest USA technology, are relatively slim and lightweight, and a totally protective strong case.
  • Rubber bumper TPU that travels around the entire case protecting your phone should it be dropped.
  • The raised lip protecting the front glass screen and our case includes a Strong 9H protective screen cover.
  • This is good for travelers because keeps your phone safe and also the world map decor is even better because it can bring some kind of joy to a traveler.

To buy : amazon.com

 

2:  3-in-1 International Travel Adapter Wireless Charger Power Bank.

 This is a very essential product especially traveling overseas.  It’s a multipurpose supercharger with QI wireless charger, a portable phone charger, and a travel charger all of this integrated into one that can be used in over 150 countries. It offers a quick, reliable, one-stop solution to all the charging needs for all your devices anytime, anywhere. 

 The good thing about this product is that, it can charge your smartphones, smartwatch, tablets, cameras, headphones, Kindle, iPad, Go Pro, PS console and much more. It can also charge 3 devices at the same time and it’s compatible with all platforms like Apple iOS, Samsung Android and Windows.

It has a universal adapter which comes  4 removable wall plugs compatible with USA, UK, EU, AU, and other countries worldwide with the highest standard of safety plus durability.  The portable power bank is small and compact so you can slip it into the pocket to charge your typical smartphone anytime on the go. It features a convenient numerical led so you know how much % power you have on hand. It is ideal for travel, vacations, emergency, camping, hunting, etc.

To buy: amazon

 

3:SkyGenius 10 x 50 Powerful Binoculars for Adults.

These are  Professional Powerful Binoculars designed with 10X power magnification, 50mm large objective lens and 367ft/1000yds large field of view good for fast-moving subject, are ideal for bird watching, hunting, driving, sports events even stargazing. It has a weak light vision with quality optics design of aspherical lenses and multi-layer coating guarantee excellent light transmission and well improves image brightness, contrast, and quality. It can be used at night, but not in complete darkness. Suitable for concerts, opera, sightseeing, and astronomical viewing.

They are very durable, solid and anti-slip grip. Built with odorless rubber armor for shock-resistance and Anti-slip grip, making it not only in the decent appearance of more wear-resistant and moisture-proof but also perfect for outdoor activities such as climbing, hiking, traveling, watching wildlife and scenery.

It has a corrective optical coating which is good for color fidelity and minimizes distortion and also makes it very easy to focus. The Diopter System on it is adjusting the imbalance vision of both eyes. The smooth and large center focus knob makes it simple to operate and easy to focus. These binoculars are adaptable to a tripod that means you can use a tripod if you tired holding them.

The eyecups are adjustable, the rubber covered eyepiece can be twisted up and down for different people adjusting a proper eye relief. They are good for eyeglass wearers because they can adjust eye relief through rising eye cups and feel more comfortable.

To buy:  amazon

 

4:Canon PowerShot SX730 (Silver) Digital Camera with 32GB SD Memory Card + Accessory Bundle.

 

This is a very good camera because of its specs and size especially when you travel and don’t need to carry many heavy pieces of stuff. This Canon digital camera has  20.3MP 1/2.3″ CMOS Sensor, DIGIC 6 Image Processor, 40x Zoom Lens, 24-960mm (35mm Equiv.), 3.0″ 922k-Dot 180° Tilting LCD, Full HD 1080p Video Recording at 60 fps, Intelligent IS Image Stabilization, Built-In Wi-Fi with NFC and Bluetooth

It has 32GB Ultra Class 10 SDHC Memory Card which is twice as fast as ordinary SDHC Cards. This function allowing you to take pictures and transfer files quickly. Also comes with an extra battery, AC/DC Car Travel Charger

It also comes with a deluxe camera case with Sleek design, Sturdy construction, Removable shoulder strap, Webbed side & back pocket + Flexible Spider Tripod provides flexibility and grip ability, allowing to stabilize your digital camera on almost any surface. USB SD Card Reader with maximum performance. Backward compatible with USB 2.0 hosts + 5pc Starter Cleaning Kit with Lens Cleaning Solution, Cleaning Cloth, Small Tripod, 2 Screen Protectors, Memory Card Wallet, 5 Buds + Lens Blower Brush.

 

5:TOZO T6 True Wireless Earbuds Bluetooth Headphones Touch Control with Wireless Charging Case.

These wireless earbuds Bluetooth headphones have the most advanced Bluetooth 5. 0 technology. TOZO T6 Support HSP, HFP, A2DP, AVRCP. It provides an in-call stereo sound. It also owns fast and stable transmission without tangling.

 TOZO T6 Offers a Truly Natural, Authentic Sound and Powerful Bass Performance with 6mm Large Size Speaker Driver. It’s easy to pair them up,  just pick up 2 headsets from the charging box they will connect each other automatically just make sure the Bluetooth is on.

 Nano-coating makes Earbuds and charging case to be waterproof for  1 meter deep for 30 minutes. It is suitable for sports to prevent water or even unexpected rain.  Ideal for sweating it out at the gym. Even Wash the earbuds and base.

  TOZO T6 wireless earbuds can last for over 6 hours’ playtime from a single charge and 24 extra hours in the compact charging case. Charging case support wireless charging. Providing a convenient charging way with no strings attached. There can be also charged on the go.

To buy: amazon 

 

6:Refillable Leather Journal Travelers Notebook.

 

This is a very nice journal for travelers. It has a  compact, and more portable design, these leather journals are made for keeping you organized wherever life takes you. Use it for daily reminders, as a personal diary, as a quick sketchbook, and more

The rich, genuine leather is soft, thick, and creates a naturally distressed look the more you use it. This gives it a unique feel and exclusive look that’s sure to add warmth and style to both men’s and women’s lives

It comes with 96 double-sided sheets of paper, a Kraft folder, and a zipper pouch. They also come standard with a pen and pen holder, as well as a binder clip, for quick convenience. The journal features 4 elastics on the spine for quick accessory access, as well as the ability to add 8 inserts to suit your specific personal needs. Great for creative people who need room to grow, for travelers who like to document their experience in different places, also might be useful for bloggers.  The good thing about journal it can be an all-purpose as a journal, diary, and scheduler for modern, on-the-go lifestyles, these notebooks is very useful for busy travelers, serious business professionals, and parents who just need a little space to stay organized.

To buy: amazon

 

7: Leather Journal for Women – Beautiful Handmade Genuine Leather Bound Notebook with Embossed Heart Cover.

This vintage handcrafted journal is made from 100% soft, hardwearing water buffalo leather. With rustic charm, as well as that gorgeous leather smell, the antique-looking style gives it an old-world feel to help inspire your writing. This will be perfect gift writers and can also be used to draw and sketch to your content on the 120 off-white blank unlined sheets. 

It comes with a  Fountain -Pen friendly paper that won’t bleed- through. The 125gsm paper takes pen or heavy pencil beautifully and is thick enough to prevent any bleed through.  Unfortunately, these journals are not refillable. It can be easily carried because it fits in most purses, backpacks, and totes. The strap keeps your personal planner closed which makes it perfect for writers, travelers and journalers traveling on the go.

To buy: amazon

 

8:Tile Pro (2020) – 2 Pack.

 

This new Tile Pro is the most powerful Bluetooth tracker; is good for those who value high performance, durability, and strong design. You can ring your things using your smartphone so when you misplace these things within 400 ft Bluetooth range, Tile Pro will help you to find them. It’s very helpful when you misplaced your cellphone, all you need to do is simply double press the Tile button on your Tile to make your phone ring, even when it’s on silent.

 You will need to download the Tile app, which will help you to see where you left your phone, etc on the map.  This because it remembers when and where you left something behind.  Another incredible thing if you lose your Tile, you can use Community Find. With the Tile community finds you can anonymously recruit the entire Tile community to help you find it; The Tile app running on their phones will send location updates to your app, letting only you know where your Tile Pro is.

To buy: amazon

 

9:BUBM Cable Organizer Bag 3pcs Electronics Travel Organizer.

This 3 set organizer has 3 different sizes to provide great organization options for packing things and keep all of your electronics accessories together. Especially designed for travel. It has enough space for cables, external drivers, chargers, batteries, flash drive, basic first aid items, CF cards, game cards, passport, mobile phones, personal toiletries.  It also has Mesh pockets for iPad or iPad Mini or tablets.

The Padded interior and detachable dividers offer excellent protection for your gadgets. The detachable padded dividers make it easier to customize the space to sort and organize your things such as makeup, toiletries, and electronics. There is zipper closure to ensure your item securely. This organizer is made of durable and waterproof heavy-duty PVC material, scratch-resistant.

To buy:  amazon

 

 

 

 

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Culture, Lifestyle, Travel, Travel Adventures,

Travel Tips to European Countries: Spain

by January 31, 2020

Spain is famous worldwide for its flamenco dancers and bullfights and the architecture style. Cave paintings, renaissance cathedrals, Moorish palaces prove the diversity of the country. Spring, fall and early summer are very pleasant here, though summers are hot.   Spain’s capital and largest city are Madrid.

Culture

Spanish is the regional language of Spain. English is spoken there. Over a period of time, Spanish people have become modern in order to gel with the changing times and are no longer conservative. But that hasn’t changed the values, traditions, manners, and customs of the locals. People here have two surnames(last names). The first surname/last name can be used to refer to the person. To greet someone, a handshake will do the job. It’s normal to take a small gift along when visiting someone’s house. Dinner is generally taken very late at the night most restaurants in Spain open late for dinner. People wear casual but not too casual compared to the U.S. most of the time. Men are expected to wear jackets at some restaurants. Swimsuits should be confined to the pools and beaches. Recently a ban has been applied to smoking in public places.

 

Shopping

Shops open quite early in the morning and stay open late in the evening. In the afternoon, they are closed for lunch or siesta. Porcelain and leather goods are famous and they will be good gifts for friends and family members back home. Bills are to be paid along with the service charges, so tipping is a matter of gratitude.

 

Electricity

Voltage is 220 volts and the frequency is 50 Hz

Transportation

IBERIA airline is the national airline of Spain. Many other low-cost airlines offer services in the country such as Air Europa, Wamos Air, Vueling Airlines, and Binter Canarias. There are nearly thirty international airports in Spain, out of which Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Alicante, and Malaga are famous. Duty-free shops, restaurants, banks, car hire, and tourism information are available at the airports. There is also railway transportation between Spain cities and nearby countries or Europe in general. Cities that you can get metro/rail system are Alicante, Barcelona, Bilbao, Granada, Madrid, Malaga, Murcia, Palma, Parla, Santa Cruz, Seville, Valencia, Velez Malaga, Vitoria-Gasteiz, and Zaragoza. Underground service also works to transport passengers to their destinations. Buses are available every 15 minutes and trains are available every 20 minutes. Bus fare and schedule and operations depend on the city you are. Taxis are available throughout the day. There is a good network of roads connecting Spain north to south. Toll booths are installed in some parts of the country. Carrying a few Euros will help smooth sailing at the toll booths. If driving one’s private car, it would be better if the travel insurance covers medical costs too. Carrying a medical kit can prove to be of some help.

Duty-Free Items

  1. 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos 50 cigars or 250g tobacco (300 cigarettes, 150 cigarillos, 70 cigars and 400g of tobacco for EU nationals)
  2. 1litre of spirits if exceeding 22 percent volume or 2 liters of alcoholic beverage not exceeding 22 percent volume and 2 liters of wine (1.5 liters exceeding 22 percent and 3 liters of up to 22 percent and 5 liters of wine for EU nationals)
  3. 250ml eau de toilette and 50g of perfume
  4. 500g of coffee or 200g of coffee extract (1000g of coffee and 4000g of coffee extract for EU nationals)
  5. 100g of tea or 40g of tea extract
  6. Gifts up to the value of approximately €37.26. (the U.S $ 41.58).

Places to Visit in Spain.

1: Barcelona.

Brown Painted Infrastructure Beside Trees

Barcelona is my favorite city in  Spain. There are a lot of things to do and a lot to experience in this magnificent city. You can do a lot of things from sightseeing to cooking classes. My  must-see /visit or do while you are in Barca(as I like to call it, and yes I’m a soccer fan) are;

  • La Sagrada Familia
  • Park Guell
  • Las Ramblas
  • Camp Nou Stadium(again soccer fan)
  • La Boqueria (Boqueria Market)

There is a lot to do, and for beach lovers, there are tons and tons of beaches in Barcelona.

 

2:Madrid

People Gathering Near Plaza

Madrid is the largest and capital city of Spain.  If you like the sound of Spanish guitar, the swish of flamenco this is your place to be. A lot of food, dancing and partying all day and all night in this beautiful city. My pick for must-do/see or visit while in  Madrid are ;

  • Prado Museum
  • Plaza Mayor
  • The Palacio Real
  • El Rastro flea market
  • Puerta del Sol

There is a lot to do in this city, you can hop on bus tours which they provide a lot of activities to do from wine tasting to cooking classes.

 

3: Valencia.

Reflection of Cityscape in Sea at Night

If you like to be outdoor or on the beaches, Valencia is your place.  You can visit the beach with golden sand and have a  very wonderful view of the Mediterranean.  My pick for Valencia are :

  • Mercado Central
  • Plaza Ayuntamiento
  • City of Art and Science
  • Valencia beaches

There are tons of things to see and do in Valencia. In general, Spain is a very beautiful country there are a lot of places to visit such as Seville, Granada, Ibiza, San Sebastian, Canary Islands, etc.

 

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Lifestyle, Travel, Travel Adventures,

3 Adventure Travel Safety Tips

by January 1, 2020

3 Adventure Travel Safety Tips

Thousands of people throughout the world today are considering adventure travel for several good reasons. Most of them want to simply discover the hidden secrets of a certain place, while others want to experience a new taste of culture and beliefs. They want to meet new people, learn a new language, or simply see the exotic flora and fauna of a certain place. There are others also who engage in adventure travel to discover themselves, their capabilities, and their limitations.

Although the reasons for considering adventure travel are good, we can deny the fact that tours and trips to mountains, rainforests, rivers, and even on-air are dangerous to some extent. Yes, they are exciting, but they can be dangerous as you have no control as to what will happen while on travel. Because of such fact, some sorts of safety preparations must be considered before the traveler departs from home. Doing some kind of homework before you leave can be a great move to take as it can help lessen the chances of mishaps to occur.

So when considering adventure travel with your peers, make sure that you are prepared enough for whatever is involved. Know the destination, the guides, and what you are about to do. Most of all, make sure that you know yourself.

 

Consider the Safety of Your Trip

When choosing adventure travel, one of the most important things that every traveler can to do to avoid dangers along the way is to research the destination and the trip. Know the level of your adventure, whether it is extreme or unusual, and think about the possible dangers associated with this kind of activity. Also, consider the tour guides but don’t think that because you have a tour guide, you’re safe. Well, that doesn’t apply all the time. Having a guide doesn’t eliminate the risk.

Understand that there several unexpected situations that your guides can’t control, no matter how powerful and strong they are don’t easily think that because you will be part of a group, you will be safe. Again, that’s not always true. So the best thing you can do now is to carefully research the company you will be dealing with, including their tour guides. Make sure that the company is responsible enough to handle every adventure. If you are not planning to use a tour guide or company make sure you do your research and be careful with your surroundings.

 

Know What to Do and What to Expect from Your Travel

Adventure travel is very demanding investment. So before you leave, be sure to know what to expect and what to do on your trip. You can ask about the foods and accommodations, the gender, age and interests of your fellow adventurers. Also, assess your skills. Also, make sure that you are physically and mentally ready for your adventure travel.

 

Know Yourself

Knowing oneself is by far the best thing that every person can do when considering adventure travel. So ask yourself if the activity you are considering is what you want. Also know your condition, whether you are fit enough or unfit for the adventure travel. Well, the best way to know your condition is to get medical advice from your doctor. Simply find out if adventure travel is best for you or not. If not, then look for an alternative, something that your health can tolerate.

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Lifestyle, Travel, Travel Adventures,

How to Plan for Adventure Travel Tours

by December 30, 2019

Planning is the first major step to take when considering adventure travel tours. Its importance basically lies in the fact that the way you plan determines the outcome of your experience. So if you plan your adventure travel tours properly and ahead of time, the result would be great and truly memorable. So, how to plan properly for adventure travel tours?

There are a lot of basic ideas to note when planning for your adventure travel tours. A few steps are mentioned below. If you want to know how you can obtain an ultimate adventure experience, then take note of the following:

 

Know what you want

Deciding on adventure travel tours can be one of the biggest decisions you can ever make in your whole life. So it is better to be sure and certain as to what you want or desire for your adventure travel tours. The key here is to know your desires. Ask yourself some questions. Think about your dreams, and how to make them happen. You might think of visiting Aspen and engage in its world-class skiing, or you might just want to stand in a line for a couple of hours just to see the Mona Lisa in Paris. The idea of a cruise to the Caribbean might also appeal to you, or you might want to whale watch in Maui, Hawaii or sightseeing in Barcelona. Indeed there are a lot of options available for your adventure travel tours and what you really desire is what will basically determine the outcome of your adventure. So simply know what you want and base your decision on that.

 

Do a Research

Photo of a Woman Thinking

If a trip to the Caribbean is the fulfillment of your dream, then there’s a possibility that you’ve been thinking about the place for a long time. Well, now is the right time to make it happen. But before you go for your adventure travel tours, try to do research about your trip first. This will surely prepare you and give you ideas ahead of time of what adventure travel tours can offer. Ask for recommendations, read magazines and books, or go online and ask the Chamber of Commerce of the place you are considering. Those basically are the right moves to take.

 

Think About the Budget

Black Calculator Near Ballpoint Pen on White Printed Paper

Your adventure travel tours can be expensive. So, before you engage in one, make sure that your pocket is big enough for the money challenge. Budget your adventure travel tours in advance and balance everything that is involved. Don’t forget to include travel insurance, gasoline costs, auto repairs, and other possible expenses to your budget.

 

Avoid Over Planning

Over planning means doing things that are not included in your original plan. Well, for some, this just imposes additional efforts and additional budget, which may ruin your entire adventure travel tours. So, before you go for your adventure travel tours, think about some possible extra activities that you might encounter in the way, like having a drinking spree with a couple you just met.

 

Enjoy and Relax

Person Laying On Sand

Adventure travel tours are designed for people to enjoy. So once you are on your way to an adventurous undertaking, then just enjoy the moment. Don’t pressure yourself. Do what you can only do and have a good time.

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Business, Lifestyle, Travel, Uncategorized,

Your First Business Trip

by December 20, 2019

The odd thing about business travel is to some extent, it is a mixture of what you know the very strange. The business you are going out to do you know how to do. Whether discussing a new business project, developing a software product or attending a seminar or conference, the business part of your business trip is probably not the hardest.

But if you are new to business travel, some aspects to it are very different from travel for leisure and ways to prepare for the trip that will make or break whether it goes well or you come home frustrated in your efforts. Just like any business venture, the keyword for success in this venture is preparation. Above all, have your business program well organized and ready to use when you get there. If you are giving a presentation, have it finished, the PowerPoint slides prepared and tested and all of your equipment ready to go when you set out. The sheer fact that you are prepared for the work you are going to this new city to do will relieve your tension tremendously. But preparation doesn’t stop just in planning for a successful business effort. Do your homework about the place you are going and how you will handle the trip once you get there. Here are some key things you should think well in advance to assure your trip goes well.

 

  • Your flight. As soon as you know your destination, book that flight. The earlier you nail that down, the more you know you will have a flight and that your choice of seats is assured. This can make business travel by air much less stressful.

 

  • Driving in a new town. If you are going to drive to a new town, be sure you have maps and know how to negotiate the roads. It’s a whole different world to drive in Boston compared to driving in Kansas City or Beijing to  Milwaukee. If you can avoid driving, make sure your ground transportation is arranged ahead of time. In some cities is better to use a taxi or public transportation.

 

  • Book your hotel well in advance to assure you will have a room when you get there. Only in situations where you are not sure where you will end up should you put this off. The last thing you want would be to need a room at 11 p.m. and everything in town is booked up.

 

  • Extraordinary needs. If you have medicines or other needs that are going to require special planning, get out ahead of that too. If there are business needs you will require upon your arrival, you can ship things ahead for yourself so that equipment is waiting in your destination office when you arrive.

 

  • Dealing with security. Remember that homeland security at airports is tight and the rules change from time to time. You can usually find the current restrictions and ways the airlines will allow you to travel on the internet. By knowing this in advance, you can avoid a lot of heartaches when you get to the airport.

 

  • You don’t want to have wads of cash with you when you travel but think ahead about how much cash and other monetary needs you should have. Travel with plenty of credit at your disposal. Emergencies on the road can be defrayed with good credit or you can find yourself in a real jam without it. If you are traveling overseas, become familiar with the monetary system you will be using there.

 

  • Things you take for granted. Little things mean a lot. If you have creature comforts you need in the hotel room, think about them and pack such things so you can feel as at home as possible. Something as small as your favorite pillow or a scented candle to relax you can make all the difference in your ability to rest and be ready for business the next day.

 

By doing plenty of good planning, you can assure yourself that you have what you need on the trip and nothing more. This will become more natural as you travel more. But take the time to prepare well and prepare early so as you venture forth on this big adventure, you know you have covered every base before you left home.

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Lifestyle, Travel,

Travel tips to European Countries: Norway

by December 14, 2019

Norway, a Nordic country lying on the western portion of the Scandinavian Peninsula is located in Northern Europe. It also borders Sweden, Finland, Denmark, and Russia. Norway is an outstandingly beautiful country with a long coastline, snowy mountains, and breathtaking fjords. Oslo is the capital of Norway and also the largest city. The other largest cities are Bergen and Trondheim. Norway is bestowed with lots of natural beauty encompassing wild forests, historic towns, and beautiful fishing villages. The country is very hospitable to tourists and people are very friendly too. Many tourists are attracted by the famous midnight sun of the Arctic and northern lights in Northern Norway. All three big cities of Norway offer different experiences to visitors. Norway is a place to be for nature lovers and for cultural enthusiasts. Norway is truly one of the greatest tourist destinations in Europe.

 

Population & Languages  

The population of Norway is only 4.6 million and the official languages being spoken are Bokmal Norwegian and Nynorsk Norwegian. Other languages that are also spoken in Norway include Sámi and Finnish.   Electricity   The voltage is 230 V and the frequency is 50 Hz. The types of plugs used are Round pin attachment plug and “Schuko” plug and receptacle with side grounding contacts.

 

Geographic Location

It is a Nordic country lying on the western portion of the Scandinavian Peninsula and located in Northern Europe. It also borders Sweden, Finland, Denmark, and Russia. About two-third area of Norway is mountains, has around fifty thousand small islands along its coast. It also has one of the longest coastlines in the world.

Climate  

The climate of Norway can be termed as Temperate with hot summers and cold overcast winters. The highlands of interior Norway have an arctic-like climate with snow, severe wind chill and frost. Most of the rain is along with the coastal areas and comes down in winter quite heavily and frequently. Winters are mild too along with the coastal areas.

 

Local Customs  

Like any other country, Norway has its own customs too. It is customary not to drink until the host makes a toast. It is customary for guests to offer gifts to the host of a meal. Smoking is prohibited in most public areas. Casual dress is acceptable for everyday wear. Tipping taxi drivers is not customary. Tipping up to five percent is customary for service in restaurants. Porters at railway stations and airports charge per piece, while porters at hotels generally charge around NOK5-10 depending on the number of pieces of luggage.   The Norwegian currency is Kroner, most stores and restaurants do not accept Euro.

 

Attractions

Oslo – Old medieval buildings, churches, modern architecture, museums. Oslo Opera House, the Norwegian Folk Museum, art galleries, Vigeland Park, and Akershus Fortress.

Bergen – Numerous museums, galleries, aquarium, medieval age buildings, cable car to the top of Bergen’s hills and boat trips to fjords.

Fjordland – Geirangerfjorden is known for tiny S-shaped fjord, Sognefjord – the longest and the deepest fjord, beautiful villages such as Balestrand and Flam, old stave churches, Nærøyfjord – Narrowest branch of the Sognefjord and Plateau of Jostedalsbreen glacier   Tromsø – Arctic cathedral, Polaria, and Tromsø Museum

Aurora Borealis

Travel  

By Air – Many airlines operate to Norway like Braathens SAFE (BU) and SAS Scandinavian Airlines (SK), a Scandinavian airline, Air France, British Airways, Finnair, Iceland Air, KLM, Lufthansa, Northwest Airlines, Norwegian Air Shuttle, Ryan air, and Swiss Airlines. Oslo International Airport (OSL) (Gardermoen) (website: www.osl.no) is the biggest airport in Norway which is located 30 miles north of Oslo.

Sea –The important passenger ports are Bergen, Kristiansand, Larvik, Oslo, and Stavanger. The main sea routes from the UK, operated by Fjord Line and DFDS Seaways respectively, are from Newcastle to Bergen and to Kristiansand.

By Rail – The country is part of the extensive network of trains connecting the European cities. If you are coming from the UK, the connections are from London via Dover/Ostend (via Denmark, Germany, The Netherlands, and Sweden) or Harwich/Hook of Holland, or from Newcastle to Bergen via Stavanger. It is also connected to Sweden through two routes, with daytime and overnight trains from Copenhagen, Malmö, and Stockholm.

Duty-Free Items

  1. 200 cigarettes or 250g of tobacco products and 200 leaves of cigarette paper for EU countries.
  2. 400 cigarettes or 500g of tobacco products and 200 leaves of cigarette paper for Non-EU countries.
  3. 1liter of spirits and 1liter of wine or 2liter of wine and 2liter of beer for EU countries. 4. 1liter of spirits and 1liter of wine or 2liter of wine and 2liter of beer for Non-EU countries.
  4. 50g perfume or 500 ml eau de toilette
  5. Gifts, Food, fruits, medications and flowers for the personal use of value up to 3,500 kroner

 

Prohibited Items  

Un-canned goods, meat or dairy products, Narcotics, firearms, ammunition, weapons, eggs, plants, endangered species, fireworks and alcoholic beverages that contain more than sixty percent alcohol.

 

 

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