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So you’ve arranged your overseas hiking trip, you got your itinerary, booked your accommodation you are excited and ready to go right?

Well, before you leave, there are still a lot of things to check, and one of those is the valuables you packed. Most professional adventure hikers often pay great attention to the things they brought on the trip.

This consideration perhaps stems from the fact that the things you have in hand can affect the outcome of your adventure trip.

For instance, the absence of a very important document will determine not only the degree of your excitement but more on the way you prepare.

It will even determine how ready you are for the trip and in turn, will show how successful your trip is. Since you are considering the overseas adventure the more that you need to pay attention to your personal possessions.

So what’s the solution for this? Simple! Learn how to pack your things properly and here are some packing tips:

Limit Your Luggage

It’s very necessary to limit your luggage as much as possible. Note that you will be traveling overseas and attending to your valuables all the time will not be an easy task.

So before you leave from home for your overseas adventure, try to limit your luggage to one-two medium-sized pieces. Use a medium-sized suitcase or a backpack for convenience.

Also, combine containers if possible, but make sure that things you packed will be useful for your overseas adventure trip.

Finally, make sure that you pack light. It is important to keep in mind that on your trip, you will need to keep an eye and carry your luggage at different times.

So to make everything easy for you, make sure that you can carry your valuables if certain situations call for it.

What to Bring

One very important thing that every overseas adventure traveler should not miss is the passport. Passport is required, so check it and make sure that you have it.

Also, bring shoes that are sturdy enough to carry possible foot challenges you might encounter. Experts often suggest heavy-duty walking shoes or light-weight hiking shoes for walkers.

For those who love to cycle, you should bring good trail running shoes and cycling shoes, but make sure that you are comfortable with it.

Pack the clothes you need. Note that you will be spending days and nights on your overseas trip so don’t forget to bring a wind jacket, sweatshirt, or a cotton sweater as you might be spending nights outdoors.

Also bring lightweight and fast-drying clothes as although you hope you for great weather, certain periods of the month don’t always cooperate.

There are some places out there that run the chance of cooler weather and even occasional shower, so be ready for that.

You can also pack other miscellaneous items such as safety gear, like helmets for cyclists, first aid kit, a camera, a small pocket knife, flashlight, sunglasses, reading, and writing materials, portable chargers for your electronic gadgets and other valuable items.

Don’t forget, one more important thing to fully enjoy your overseas adventure trip is to leave your worries at home.

Culture, Gateway, Lifestyle, Travel, Travel Adventures, Uncategorized, Vacation,

The Best Train Rides Around the World

by travzdlaJune 13, 2020

Have you been thinking about the best train vacations lately?

See, when making a traveling arrangement, we often use flights or cars. We usually jump on the internet and look for flight deals or check if we can rent a car and drive to our destination and sometimes we check if we can catch a bus. But there is one type of transportation that we don’t pay attention to, which is trains!

There are many people who have not to catch a train due to different reasons. Some people think the train takes too long to get to its destination.

Some people live where there are no railway stations. One thing I know for sure is, taking a trip by train is a great way to get an intimate view of a place.

Railways usually pass where roads cannot pass. Trains can take you over bridges, along the base of the mountains, or next to the ocean without being distracted with traffic jams, etc.

Are you wondering what are the best train rides in the world? There are a lot of them, but depending on your liking you might find one is better than the other one.

All in all, many of the train trips will provide you with breathtaking views, scenery, and cultural landmarks. After doing some little research, we were able to find the best train rides in the world.

Some of these rides can take a day and some can take more than two days. But one thing is certain, you will enjoy the ride.

1. The Trans-Siberian Railway

The Trans-Siberian railway is the world’s longest train ride at 6,850 miles. Its route starts from Moscow, the capital of Russia to the city of Vladivostok, a Russian city that borders China and North Korea.

In other words, we can say the route starts from the western end of Russia to its eastern coast. This is a fascinating trip that will make you cross 2 continents and 8 timezones.

Trans-Siberian route crosses over the Ural Mountains and through the Siberian forest. This eight days trip takes you to different landmarks including the magnificent 3227-foot-long bridge that crosses the River Ob at Novosibirsk, the Kremlin Fortress in Kazan, and the breathtaking blue waters of Lake Baikal. Lake Baikal is the world’s largest freshwater lake by volume.

2. TranzAlpine Train – New Zealand

TranzAlpine is one of the world’s great train journeys for scenery. The train operates on the South Island of New Zealand and gives you the most dramatic landscape.

This train trip is 139 miles one-way and takes almost five hours. There are 16 tunnels and four viaducts, with the Staircase Viaduct being 75 246 ft high. The trip starts in Christchurch and ends in Greymouth.

The TranzAlpine travels northwest through the fertile fields of the Canterbury Plains alongside the Waimakariri River. Then it goes up into the mountains, where it crosses the mighty Staircase Viaduct.

While on the trip you will be able to see the snow-capped mountains of Arthur’s Pass National Park and pass through the west coast’s subtropical rainforests.

When you reach Greymouth which is the destination, you will be able to explore this historic former gold mining town.

3. Glacier Express Train – Switzerland

The Glacier Express train connects railway stations of the two major mountain resorts of Zermatt and St. Moritz via Andermatt in the central Swiss Alps.

The term “express” does not mean it’s a high-speed train, actually, the Glacier Express is known as the slowest express train in the world. A trip with the Glacier is the most relaxing way to enjoy the stunning scenery of the Swiss Alps.

Starting from Zermatt, this day-long trip covers a staggering 91 tunnels and 291 bridges as it rolls past southern Switzerland’s alpine meadows, pristine mountain lakes, and picture-perfect hamlets.

While on this trip you will reach Oberalp Pass, the highest point on the ride at 6706 feet. Also, you can see the famous Landwasser Viaduct, a magnificent six-arch structure standing 200 feet and plunging into a tunnel cut straight into the mountainside.

4.Rovos Rail’s Namibia Safari Train – South Africa

The Rovos rail’s Namibia safari is a train ride to die for. This luxury train safari starts at the Capital Park Station in Pretoria and travels via the historically interesting town of Kimberley, the home to the Big Hole and the site of one of the World’s greatest diamond rushes.

The trip takes 9 days and it is 2112 miles long. In this trip, you will be able to see the open lands of South Africa’s Highveld, to the cool Atlantic Ocean in Namibia. You will come across the arid yet starkly beautiful Northern Cape and on to the border post of Ariamsvlei, which takes you into Namibia.

Enjoy an excursion to the famed Fish River Canyon the second only in size to the Grand Canyon. The train then continues to the north, through the edge of the Kalahari, to Namibia’s capital, Windhoek. Here you get the chance to go on a short tour of this small, yet charming city, with its German colonial history.

5.The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express -Italy

The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is a privately-run train. The train has a 24 hours long trip from Venice, Italy to London, UK. The trip passes through other European cities such as Paris, France, and Verona, Italy, and runs roughly once a week from March to November.

While on this trip you will enjoy the wonderful and amazing scenery of Italy, This journey on Venice Simplon-Orient Express travels north from Verona, up through Lichtenstein, Austria, Germany, France and then to England.

During the day the scenery is spectacular, passing through valleys dotted with chalets leading to the soaring mountains of the breath-taking Italian Dolomites, going through the Brenner Pass, and then the Austrian valleys again dotted with chalets against the amazing mountain back-drop.

6. The Flåm Railway – Norway

The Flåm Railway is one of the most beautiful train rides in the world, one of the leading tourist attractions in Norway and one of Europe’s steepest rail routes.

The train runs from the end of Aurlandsfjord, a tributary of the Sognefjord, up to the high mountains at Myrdal station. The trip shows the finest aspects of the stunning scenery of Western Norway.

This is an hour-long trip, the railway rises 2831 feet from its starting point in the tiny village of Flåm in the Sognefjord.

While you are on this trip you will pass by deep ravines, cascading waterfalls, and towering peaks to the mountaintop station of Myrdal.

The Flåm Railway is gorgeous in the summertime but it’s magical during wintertime when a blanket of snow turns the trip into a winter wonderland.

7. Golden Eagle Danube Express – Central Europe and Transylvania

The Golden Eagle Danube starts from Istanbul, Turkey to Prague, Czech Republic. It’s an epic 2000 mile which takes a 14-day long.

With this trip you will cross an incredible eight countries, the Golden Eagle Danube Express is the best way to see Europe in style and includes stops in some of the continent’s most beautiful cities.

The train starts in Istanbul and travels north via the Carpathian Mountains and into Transylvania, past Bran Castle also known as ‘Dracula’s Castle’. Continues travels through Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, and Poland before arriving in beautiful Prague.

8.The Ghan – Australia

The Ghan trip starts from Adelaide to Darwin a total distance of almost 1851 miles. The trip takes 54 hours and has a four-hour stopover in Alice Springs.

The Ghan offers travelers the opportunity to experience the vast landscape in pure luxury, it passes directly through Australia’s fiery red center.

In this trip, you will see the tropical coast of the Northern Territory via the red-hued rocks of the MacDonnell Ranges and onto the fertile plains of South Australia.

A trip on The Ghan also features off-train excursions, including a leisurely boat tour of Nitmiluk Gorge and a trip to the quirky desert town of Alice Springs.

9. Rocky Mountaineer’s First Passage to the West – Canada

If you want adventure in the Canadian Rockies this train will give you just that. This trip takes you to stunning mountain towns with stays in Banff and Lake Louise.

The train trips start in Vancouver and end in Banff, covering the beautiful scenery of southern British Columbia. The Rocky Mountaineer’s First Passage to the West is one of the most scenic train rides in the world.

While on the trip you will be able to see breathtaking sights such as the wild waters of Fraser Canyon’s Hell’s Gate and steep tracks running alongside the Thompson River on top of that enjoying the comfort of luxurious carriages.

You will stay overnight in the lakeside city of Kamloops before they rise over the stunning, snow-capped peaks of the Canadian Rockies and arrive at beautiful Banff.

10. West Highland Line, Glasgow to Mallaig – Scotland

The West Highland Line starts from Glasgow to Fort William, the largest town in the West Highlands of Scotland, and onwards to Mallaig, a tiny fishing port and terminal for the ferry to Armadale on the Isle of Skye.

This train is an excellent way to experience the country’s wild, western coast. The West Highland line takes you through Scotland’s most diverse scenery.

The urban landscape quickly succumbs to verdant glens and tranquil lochs once the train leaves Glasgow. The train will pass through the remote wilderness of Rannoch Moor before skirting the towering Ben Nevis and touching down in Fort William.

If you are a Harry Potter fan you will like this trip more because while you are on, it switches direction and moves westward, and passes along the Glenfinnan Viaduct that featured in the Harry Potter film series. Then after that, it will arrive in Mallaig.

11. Belmond Hiram Bingham – Peru

Belmond Hiram Bingham is a luxury train operating day return trip from Cuzco to Machu Picchu, Peru. The train travels through some of Peru’s most romantic scenery and ends at the amazing Machu Picchu and is a once-in-a-lifetime luxury train trip.

The Belmond Hiram Bingham crosses over the Sacred Valley of the Incas, a stunning valley formed by the winding Urubamba River. It also passes through the tiny village of Ollantaytambo.

The best part of this trip it’s where it ends, Machu Picchu. Machu Picchu is a famous landmark, an ancient Inca citadel and UNESCO World Heritage Site set high in the Andes Mountains.

Beaches, Culture, Gateway, Lifestyle, Travel, Travel Adventures, Vacation,

15 Secluded Beaches In The U.S

by travzdlaJune 1, 2020

Have you been searching for secluded beaches near me lately?

For more than two months people have been on stay home orders. During this time most businesses were close except essential businesses and some people are working from home. Recently many states and countries have lifted the stay hame order and some businesses starting to operate as usual.

As we all know summer is almost here and one of the things people like to do is to go to the beach. Most beaches are open too, we saw a crowded beach in Daytona during the memorial weekend, for some people it was scary because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

So what can you do if you want to take a little beach vacation but you still want to practice social distancing? Luckily, there are many secret beaches to be found in the U.S, places that you might never hear about it or you don’t even know exists. These beaches are affordable and do not require staying at an exclusive private resort etc.

Some of these destinations may not be easy to reach, but gives you a peaceful and pristine beach experience, far from the crowds. Here are some best-secluded and quiet beaches in the U.S

Carova Beach, North Carolina

Carova Beach is the northernmost Outer Banks community and is only accessible by the unpaved beach. You will not find paved roads, you will drive mostly in sand dunes which will give you a wonderful experience.

A four-wheel-drive vehicle is highly recommended when visiting Carova beach. Carova beach requires a parking permit from the Friday before Memorial Day until Labor Day.

Covert Park Beach, Michigan

Covert Park Beach located farther north of lake Michigan shorelines. The beach has placid waters and an undisturbed sandy strip. There is a campground at the park which adds value to the area. A parking permit is required for visitors.

Cumberland Island Beach, Georgia

You will need to catch a ferry to get to this Georgia’s largest and southernmost barrier island. You can enjoy your day rest on the sand dunes watching wild horses roaming or explore old Spanish mission ruins and 19th-century homes. Or, just relax by the surf. It’s a paradise for a beachgoer who just wants to connect with nature.

Duck Beach, North Carolina

This North Carolina gem can be found in the Outer Banks between Currituck Sound and the Atlantic Ocean. An unspoiled beach destination, Duck offers adventure and relaxation. Visitors will find clean waters and beaches, maritime forests, wetlands, and dunescapes.

Dry Tortugas, Florida

Dry Tortugas National Park is actually one of the country’s least-visited national parks. One can argue maybe because its difficult to get there.

The Dry Tortugas beach is only accessible by boat or plane. Its magnificent pristine, blue waters, and white sands it’s all worth the hustle of getting there.

There is a lot to enjoy when you get there such as its picturesque blue waters, superlative coral reefs, and marine life, the vast assortment of birdlife that frequents the area. It’s also the home of magnificent Fort Jefferson.

Dyer Prince Beach, Massachusetts

This beach with hidden pathways in Eastham shores small with calm waters, but tidal flats stretch out quite far during low tide.

Dyer Prince is perfect for quality time with family and friends or when you need a break from a busy life and you just want to strategize yourself.

When you are looking for secluded, uncrowded beaches Dyer Prince Beach is your best-hidden beach. Parking is limited but I’m sure there are some alternatives.

Fort Morgan Beach, Alabama

Fort Morgan is a relaxing getaway to a beautiful beach on the Gulf Coast. It’s a very secluded and charming best beach vacations surrounded by the Fort Morgan stone fortress on Alabama’s Gulf Coast.

It has a peaceful environment, which is void of commercial property and beach rentals, serves up a view of the Sand Island Lighthouse and ships cruising over to Mobile.

Lovers Key State Park, Florida

If you are in search of secluded beaches in Florida this secluded barrier islands were once reachable only by boat. According to local stories this beach was so isolated that only lovers made the effort to seek out the hideaway.

Today the island strip is more easily accessible, but it still retains a secret feel and has become a popular romantic destination for spectacular, beachside weddings and frequently hosts picturesque gulf-side weddings.

There are a lot of things to do in Lovers Key State Park, such as kayaking, explore the canals and lagoons.

You may also see the calm, turquoise waters broken by a dolphin’s dorsal fin or by the strike of an osprey’s talons.

Montaña de Oro State Park, California

The park features secluded sandy beaches, coastal plains, streams, canyons, and hills, including 1,347-foot Valencia Peak. Good for nature lovers, they will enjoy the solitude and freedom found along the park’s trails.

There are also mountain biking and equestrian trails. The best-known beach is Spooner’s Cove, across from the campground.

There’s wildlife in the park that includes black-tailed deer and the black oystercatcher. The park also includes primitive and equestrian campsites.

It’s a nice place when you want to leave crowds and noise behind, and enjoy the quiet coastal trails that lead down to the water.

Point Sal State Beach, California

Located in the northwestern part of Santa Barbara County, near the city of Guadalupe it’s one of the state’s most beautiful beaches, and one of the most scenic and least-visited.

The Point Sal includes about 80 acres and just over 1½ miles of ocean frontage. The Point Sal views will take your breath away. Lion Rock, located offshore, is an important bird-roosting site and is also used by sea lions and other marine mammals.

There are some activities that can be done while you are there such as fishing, beachcombing, hiking, nature study, photography, picnicking, and sunbathing.

Swimming is not recommended due to extremely dangerous rip currents, occasional shark sightings, and the absence of Lifeguard service.

Roque Bluffs Beach, Maine

This is one of the most secluded beaches in the U.S. It Is not well known by many people that’s why it offers you a private utopia to watch the sunrise. It’s a perfect gateway from a busy life.

You can enjoy chilly water laps on the shores of Roque Bluffs, a half-mile stretch that shoulders Englishman Bay. There is a lot to do while you are there such as bird watching, enjoy interesting sightings at all seasons.

Bald eagles frequent the area year-round and many migrant species stopovers during spring and fall. Also, you can be kayaking to explore both Englishman Bay and Simpson Pond.

The Simpson pond is stocked so anglers you can fish for brook trout in the spring and brown trout through much of the summer.

Rockport Beach, Texas

This small-town of Rockport, Texas might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of beaches but you might change your mind when you get tome to explore Rockport beach.

Rockport beach is the first Blue Wave Beach in Texas, it offers a healthy, safe, and clean environment and a lot to do activities.

It offers clean play areas for the kids and a saltwater lagoon for swimming. There are several neighboring piers that offer fishing opportunities.

Salt Creek Beach, California

The popular beach park located in Dana Point, California, it features amenities such as a half-court basketball court, beach volleyball, and offers opportunities for surfing, swimming, and fishing.

Overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the beach serves up brag-worthy views, and the sandy strip is large enough space not to worry about sharing elbow space.

Sandbridge Beach, Virginia

Sandbridge Beach is a short drive south of the Oceanfront District, It is a secluded beach hideaway of pristine sand dunes and dancing sea oats.

It is a relaxing and peaceful community where you can truly slow down and unwind on your vacation. You can enjoy the view of the Atlantic which never fails to entertain.

Also, it is a good place for outdoor lovers, they can enjoy kayaking, hiking, fishing and many more.

Sunset Beach, North Carolina

Located in the southern-most Brunswick Islands beach, its the best place when you want to gateway from the crowd. Sunset Beach was recently included on National Geographic’s list of 21 Best Beaches In The World, It has beautiful nature and offers amazing breathtaking views.

While there you can also enjoy the stunning Bird Island Reserve, which features pristine sandy white beaches, high natural dunes, and tidal creeks.

You can take uninterrupted evening walks by boardwalks or biking and surfing in the waters. If you are not into those kinds of activities you can collect shells while reconnecting with the natural world and enjoying nature.

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