California is truly a camper’s paradise. With its mesmerizing desert landscapes, magnificent forests, beautiful sandy beaches, and much more, there’s something for everyone’s taste. Apart from numerous designated campsites, wild camping is also widely permitted.
Whether you want to stay a night, a week, or even longer, you’re sure to find a perfect camping spot to pitch your tent or park your RV.
Of course, primitive camping means (almost) no amenities, such as hot water, electricity, toilets, and similar, so it’s not everyone’s cup of tea. However, those who are into it will enjoy California’s lush nature.
While many of us go wild camping to escape society’s restraints and limitations, there are still some rules you need to follow when primitive camping in California. There are not many of them, and they ensure that the camping areas remain clean and safe.
The “Leave No Trace” rule should be a universal one, no matter where you set up camp. It includes some guiding principles anyone staying outdoors should follow in order to preserve the environment and not cause any damage.
For example, you should always bring your trash with you, bury your excrement, and not pollute streams or lakes with soap. Moreover, you should leave everything you find where you find it, such as rocks, plants, and other things. It may seem irrelevant, but if everyone did it, it could easily disrupt the ecosystem of the area.
If you want to camp inside a national or state park, you might be required to obtain a permit. While you’re free to camp where you want, sometimes, permits are necessary to avoid overcrowding, pollution, and the creation of permanent campsites where there shouldn’t be any.
Also, you will probably need to have a fire permit for starting a campfire on any public land. Since California is susceptible to wildfires, it has strict rules when it comes to campfires, especially during the summer. Do your research and be a responsible camper who takes care of the environment and doesn’t burn the forests.
Interestingly enough, you can RV camp in Walmart’s parking lots, but can you do it in the wild? There are no laws against boondocking, but it’s not permitted everywhere. Most federally managed public lands are open for boondocking, except for national parks.
However, when it comes to California State Parks, most of them forbid the practice of free RV camping. City and county parks are off-limits too. If you’re planning a wild RV adventure, it’s best to check in advance and not risk breaking the rules.
It must feel great to make an impulsive decision to take some time off work and disappear into the wilderness. However, bear in mind that this is not something you should be doing during peak season. Some places are so popular that it’s best to make a reservation months in advance.
This holds true for both national and state parks, and it’s best to have this in mind if you want to visit a particularly popular place, such as Yosemite, for example. An alternative is to go for some less popular spots.
Luckily, California has many free campsites, so you won’t have any problems finding one. You can always go to the nearest forest, beach, or park, but if you’d like to widen your horizons, there are plenty of tools to help you find the perfect primitive spot for a weekend getaway in nature.
There are many websites that can help you find the perfect place to pitch your tent, and it’s best to start your search with the official ones. For example, if you want to check out all the national parks and federally managed areas, you may take a look at the U.S. Forest Service site.
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) allows you to select the location and the type of activity you want to do there (camping), and see what your options are when it comes to public lands. Of course, you can also check out California State Parks and their guidelines for campers on the official website.
There are other great resources online that can help you narrow down your search. For example, one of the popular sites that can help you is CampsitePhotos. You can search for campgrounds across California and view photos of them before you settle on a place.
Another option is Hipcamp, which allows you to explore your options and provides detailed information about them.
You can also simply search the web and read other campers’ blogs and experiences for inspiration.
When you go camping depends on what you want from your camping experience. If you want ideal weather, you may go camping in the summer months. However, July through August is also the peak camping season in California, so it can get crowded.
If you want to avoid the crowds but still enjoy nice weather, you could go in the spring or late fall. Since California usually has mild weather, these months will also be filled with warm and dry days.
If you want to go camping in the winter months, it’s best to choose Southern California, especially the coast and deserts.
As we’ve said, California is famous for its mild weather, but there are such occurrences as June Gloom and Gray May. No matter what the weather forecast says, it’s always best to wear layered clothes, so that you can adjust to any conditions. You don’t want to find yourself freezing outside because you didn’t expect adverse weather.
Apart from appropriate clothes, you’ll need a sturdy tent, a sleeping bag with an adequate temperature rating, water, food, some kitchen essentials, and anything else you might find useful you can find out more at the high above website. What’s more, mosquitos can be quite a nuisance everywhere in California, even the remotest deserts, so bring your favorite repellent.
You can have a look at this checklist for more ideas.
Your bachelorette party is an event that you’ll never forget. Go all out and arrange those beautiful bouquets you’ve always wanted, because it’s time to splurge on this event. It’s the last time you’ll ever be single—it’s an end of an era, so to speak.
It might be a little mind-boggling for you to figure out what to do on this special occasion. From waking up to a special organic flowers delivery to going all out and partying, the options are endless. To help you choose, let’s look at some of the most popular bachelorette party ideas to do in Atlanta.
If you’re into the music scene, then you chose a great destination. Atlanta is a spot where R&B, hip hop, and even country music thrive. You can catch a concert or go clubbing with up-and-coming DJs since there are many of them. Check out these upcoming events in Atlanta.
Indulge in craft beers, southern fare, and cocktails galore in downtown Atlanta. If you enjoy a beautiful view, try Nikolai’s Roof, a 4.5-star restaurant that has clean white decorations with chandeliers and some awesome three-course meals.
If you’re in the mood for some foreign food, Silom Thai and Sushi Bar is also a great pick. There are so many amazing restaurants in Atlanta that you can’t really go wrong.
Why not extend your bachelorette day into a full bachelorette week? You’ll find that it’s the best idea you’ve ever had, especially since there are some pretty unique attractions to visit in Atlanta.
Go explore the botanical gardens, art museums, the Centennial Olympic Park, and the stunning Georgia Aquarium.
Since this is a great occasion to enjoy an alcoholic beverage, why not join a wine tour? Atlanta’s Pop the Cork Wine Tours have incredibly high ratings on Yelp; they work for those rankings too, since they’ll transport you from one lovely vineyard to another awesome cellar, all the while being informative, making jokes, and pouring you wine. What’s better than that?
If you’re overwhelmed because there are just too many places you’d like to visit, try out a party bus. This can be a lot of fun, especially if you’re planning on having a drink or two.
The driver will call an hour before pick-up time to confirm the arrangements and will be your chauffeur from there. While the bus is moving, you can continue your partying.
Why not show the world your talent at a karaoke bar? The drinks will still be rolling and you can even let loose a little at Impulse Karaoke. They’ll even have a hookah lounge for those who are in the mood.
If you’re thinking of an easy-going night and you’re not in the mood for too much drinking, screaming, and dancing, then I’ve got a fun alternative for you. There will still be singing, but it won’t be you performing.
Visit an arts center; there’s performance art, painting, and you can even sip a drink elegantly while having a sophisticated time with your friends.
Afterward, you can keep your art as a souvenir to remind you of the awesome bachelorette party you had. These parties don’t have to be wild to be crazy fun.
Your bachelorette weekend deserves a fabulous place to stay! There are a wide range of hotels in Atlanta to suit your style and budget. Here are a few ideas:
• Luxury Retreat: For a truly indulgent stay, consider hotels in the Buckhead area. The St. Regis Atlanta or the Waldorf Astoria Atlanta Buckhead offer top-notch amenities and an elegant atmosphere.
• Trendy Vibes: If you want to be close to the nightlife and restaurant scene, check out Midtown hotels like The Georgian Terrace or the W Atlanta - Midtown.
• Budget-Friendly Fun: For a more affordable option, consider boutique hotels in neighborhoods like Virginia-Highland or the artsy Cabbagetown.
Tip: When choosing your hotel, consider how you'll be getting around. If you want to walk to restaurants and attractions, a central location might be best. For a more laid-back experience, hotels slightly further out might offer good value.
There are many activities to do in Atlanta. It all depends on what the bachelorette wants—it’s her day after all. Hollywood has created the perception that everybody gets out of hand at bachelorette parties, but it doesn’t have to be that way. You can have a bachelorette party with flower arrangements and plenty of class.
If you are planning to marry and still haven’t decided where and when to celebrate your wedding ceremony, we suggest planning it in Cancun in spring. Don’t hesitate to contact wedding planning professionals at ParadiseWeddings.com for more.
If nothing in Atlanta intrigues you, then maybe you should get a venue and plan your customized bachelorette party. If you have the money for it, why shouldn’t you? Don’t forget the main idea of bachelorette parties is that it should be a fun, easy, and relaxed night out with your besties.
So take the pressure of performing or hosting off your shoulders, because that’s not what it’s about. Be spontaneous and enjoy every second.
If you ever watched the television show M.A.S.H, you will remember that Seoul, Korea was a popular weekend getaway spot for the doctors and nurses in the popular anti-war diatribe. If you take the show too seriously, you might think that Seoul is simply full of gentlemen cheating soldiers out of their money and young ladies earning their living the old fashion way. There are actually many things for tourists to do in Seoul nowadays, and it is one of the safer places a person can go on vacation.
Seoul is very technologically advanced, and its streets are well patrolled by police. It is the third-largest economy in Asia and the largest city in the country. As pretty and well cared for as the country of Korea is, there are some things of which you should be aware when you visit.
South Korea is known for having a high rate of natural disasters. They have earthquakes often, but most of them are not very dangerous. You may want to avoid visiting the country during the month of August and September as it is tsunami and typhoon season in Southeast Asia.
Although the roads were once considered quite dangerous in South Korea, things have gotten better in recent years. It is still considered a rather dangerous place to drive. It is probably best to take taxis or Ubers when you visit. Seoul is known for having very fast drivers. Although the speed limits are similar to those in America, many drivers have a disregard for the law, and traffic can get awfully fast.
It is natural for an American who goes abroad to worry about such crimes as kidnapping and terrorism. South Korea is an ally of the United States, and the risk of either one of these things happening is very low. However, you will want to stay away from the North and South Korean border when you visit the country. There have been many deaths and disappearances in this area.
The city of Seoul sees quite a few tourists every year, and hence, it can draw a lot of pickpockets. It is a good idea not to carry too much cash and to keep important things like credit cards and any identification that you have in a money belt that you wear underneath your clothing. The risk of being mugged is actually very low in South Korea.
There are also a lot of scams in Seoul. You may be invited to a tea house to help a Korean girl learn English, only to find that the tea house has exorbitant prices. Some restaurants have separate menus for tourists.
You must be fully vaccinated from Covid in order to travel abroad. As any Business travel professional will tell you, you should see social distance when you are thereby staying at least six feet away from other travelers, and you must regularly wash your hands.
South Korea is a beautiful country with many diverse things to see. The town of Seoul is filled with opulent palaces alongside modern-day buildings and nightclubs. Visiting the Land of the Morning Calm is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Taking the right precautions will ensure that you have a truly fabulous experience when you are there.
Asia is a vast continent with 48 countries and a population of 4.56 billion people, the most populous on the planet. Its varied destinations range from the deserts of Saudi Arabia to the futuristic cities of Korea and Japan, to emerging economic giants India and China. You could spend a lifetime visiting and getting to know this extraordinary part of the globe!
Of course, though, ahead of visiting Asia’s top attractions, sampling its weirdest foods, and becoming familiar with its diverse cultures, you need to organize the practical aspects of your journey. This includes your transport, accommodation, and, in many cases, your travel visa. With this in mind, find below 10 top tips to acquire your entry pass to the different countries of Asia. These will make crossing the border on your trip much easier.
The first step regarding your travel visa is to check whether you need one! Depending on your nationality, you’ll be eligible to enter more or fewer countries in Asia without a travel pass.
For example, according to the latest global passport rankings, citizens of the UK can enter 131 countries worldwide visa-free, Australians 128 countries, Canadians 109 countries, Americans 105 countries, while Indian citizens can visit 54 countries without a travel pass.
Notably, even if you’re visa-exempt for the country you’re visiting, there will still be conditions to keep in mind. Among other things, these could include how long you’ll be eligible to visit, whether you can extend your stay, and how long your passport must be valid.
These terms differ across Asia. For example, the Philippines allows citizens of 157 countries to enter visa-free, in most cases for 30 days. Yet citizens of Brazil and Israel can enter for 59 days, while nationals of Hong Kong and Macau can only remain for 14 days. So this is worth confirming before you go!
Once you’ve confirmed whether you need a visa, if you do, the next step is to see what sorts your destination country offers. Generally, there are three main kinds in Asia these days, namely the eVisa, VoA, and traditional embassy visa. Here’s a brief guide to each type:
Generally speaking, if you can acquire an eVisa, it’s a quicker and easier option than the other two, for example with a website like Byevisa.com.
When you’ve confirmed that you’re eligible for a visa and what sort there is, the next step is to check that you fulfill its application requirements. Here’s a list of the most common things you’ll be asked for when applying for a visa:
Usually, your destination country’s embassy or website will tell you roughly how long it will take for your visa application to be processed. The timeframe can vary from virtually instantaneous to several weeks, depending on where in Asia you’re going. As such, check up on the estimated visa processing times well in advance to ensure your travel dates coincide.
Each Asian country’s travel visa offers different visit conditions. For instance, you may be permitted to enter the country once and stay for up to 30 days. On the other hand, you could be allowed to enter and exit your destination country as often as you like during your visa’s validity timeframe and stay for up to three months or more.
What’s more, some countries even offer a variety of visit visas to match different travelers’ preferences. India, for example, offers three travel permits online: (1) a 30-day Double Entry visa, (2) a 1-year Multiple Entry visa, and (3) a 5-year Multiple Entry visa, in which case you could thoroughly explore this vast South Asian country!
It’s important to note that a visa’s total validity period and how long you can stay in your destination country can often differ. For example, Turkey’s eVisa is valid for 180 days from the date of issue, yet it allows you to visit for either 30 or 60 days depending on the one you choose. So, why is there this distinction? Well, it’s to give you time to enter the country, then stay for the fullest period available.
If you’ve obtained an e-Visa, you’ll typically receive a confirmation email once your application has been approved. From there, though, whether you need to print the travel pass to take with you on your trip differs between destinations. Some countries link your visa approval to your passport electronically, while other countries still want you to show a paper copy.
Depending on your destination, you could be required to keep your visa, or a copy, with you while you’re out and about. This is in case you’re asked to show your travel permit by the authorities. If you are, then it’s worth photocopying your travel document and storing at least one copy in your accommodation as a backup, and to have with you for your return journey home.
It’s worth finding out if you can extend your visa when you get to your destination. You may want to do this if, once you’re there, you’re having such a great time that you decide to stay longer! Fortunately, depending on what country you’re visiting, this could be possible. For example, Oman’s 30-day visit visa can be extended by another 30 days.
To conclude, you now have a clear overview of how to apply for your travel visa for your trip to Asia, as well as the factors to have front of mind. Whether you’re backpacking in Vietnam, road-tripping across India, or exploring China’s many palaces and museums, this guidance will stand you in good stead to make obtaining your travel documents as simple as possible.
A holiday in Queanbeyan is all about relaxation. That’s why tourists come to this little NSW town – to get a respite from their quick-paced big city life and get a breath of fresh air in a small city where there’s no need to rush and the locals always have the time to stop for a little chat and give visitors some pointers as to what they should go and see.
Here are a few examples of fabulous little places in and around Queanbeyan.
If you want to hear a few stories about the city of Queanbeyan, drop by the Queanbeyan Museum, right in the city center. Hear the tale of Timothy Beard, the city’s founder, who was an ex-convict turned inn-keeper. At the museum, you’ll find an impressive collection of artifacts from the past two centuries. You’ll see what houses used to look like, everyday objects, and even an iron lung, the grandfather of modern ventilators.
If you’re looking for a thrill and a bit of local history, book a Moonlight Mystery Tour. We won’t spoil it for you, just know you’ll get to see some scary things, but no, there won’t be any ghosts. The best part is that such a tour always ends with a fabulous dinner at one of the best restaurants in Queanbeyan. These tours always take place after sunset for a memorable experience and since there’s going to be dinner afterward, you’ll be up until midnight. At that hour, you won’t be able to catch a bus back to your hotel, so your best option is to order a Queanbeyan cabs taxi to get back.
If you want to spend a pleasant day out in the open, visit Queen Elizabeth Park, where you can walk along the riverbank, ride your bike, or stop and have something to eat. The park is filled with centennial trees and legend has it that the willows on the riverbank started from cuttings taken from Napoleon’s graveside. The little ones will have a blast exploring the park’s playgrounds.
Who says you cannot find cultural events in a small town? When you arrive in Queanbeyan, make sure to check out the schedule of the Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre. Throughout the year, the center offers musicals, theatre performances, or dance shows.
This is one of the most important tourist attractions in the area. It’s not far from Queanbeyan and you can follow the 6.5 km walking trail. Just be warned that the trail might not be suitable for small children as some drops are pretty steep. However, it is well worth the effort as you’ll be amazed by the scenic view of the gorge. If you want, you can bring some food with you and have a picnic by the waterfall, and a quick rest to give you enough energy for the hike back to town.
Puerto Rico is best known for the colonial charm of Old San Juan and the stunning beaches and coral reefs that surround the island. But Puerto Rico also boasts a rich, verdant interior with some quite exceptional trails that make it an excellent destination for a hiking vacation as well.
Puerto Rico is a remarkably diverse ecosystem that offers an extraordinary variety of hikes, trails, and treks. From the only tropical rainforest in the US to the stunning coastal paths, the national forests and state parks of the US protectorate make it a wonderful choice for hikers.
Best of all, Puerto Rico is incredibly convenient. Short-haul flights from the mainland US are cheap and quick, and you can take a cruise to Puerto Rico from several ports in Florida and along the East Coast. So if you are considering a hiking vacation in Puerto Rico, here are some of the best trails to try.
Packed with wildlife, beautiful plant species, and stunning birds, the El Yunque Rainforest is a fairly spectacular sight. There are a number of trails to suit every level of hiker here, with the El Yunque Trail being one of the most popular. A relatively short two-and-a-half-mile walk, the 1,500 meters of ascent means it is nevertheless a decent undertaking. Jaw-droppingly beautiful views of Culebra and Vieques greet anyone who makes it to the top.
Hugging the coast around the gorgeous Guanica State Forest, the Vereda Meseta Trail offers a combo of beautiful sea views and shaded forest trails. It is also a little further away from the more popular areas of the island, so there’s a touch of the wild about this adventure. Best of all, the trail winds its way around Playa Tamarindo, the region’s best beach, which makes the perfect spot to cool off and relax after a tough hike.
Hit hard by Hurricane Maria, the Charco Azul Trail deep in the Carite State Forest is back up and running. Highlights along this excellent route include a 15-meter deep swimming hole and the Cerro la Santa, the highest peak in Carite.
Guajataca Forest boasts over 27 miles of trails, including the renowned Interpretive Trail. There is also a trail that leads to the Cueva del Viento (Cave of the Wind) which is a fascinating underground world to explore and adds an extra touch of intrigue to a day’s hiking!
The pandemic is hopefully on its last legs and people are looking forward to a return to their normal lives, especially young people. In Western countries, many people in their 20s or 30s take a sabbatical year to explore the world and find their goals in life. When it comes to exploring, Australia is high on everybody’s list as it’s a magnificent continent, full of natural wonders and mystery. If you’re dreaming of the day when you’ll be free to travel to Australia, here’s all you need to know if you’re planning to also earn a living while you explore the country.
Young foreigners wishing to visit Australia and work their way around the country must apply for a Working Holiday Visa. There are two types – 462 and 417. The first type, Visa 462, allows you to stay and work in Australia for up to one year. The 417 Visa also grants a stay of one year, but you can also apply to renew it for another year. If you’re certain you won’t be staying for more than a year, apply for the former, but keep in mind you might fall in love with this country, in which case it’s safe to have a 417 Visa which can be extended.
Under Australian law, foreign citizens aged 18 – 30 are eligible for a Working Holiday Visa. For French, Canadian, and Irish citizens the upper age limit is 35.
If you are specifically looking for a comprehensive migrating from USA to Australia guide, be sure to explore additional resources to aid your transition.
Keep in mind that getting your visa might take a few months, so apply for one well in advance of your planned departure. Besides a passport, you must be prepared to submit a background check and it better be a clean one.
Australian authorities take this issue seriously and you will be asked to present a background check from your country of origin to prove you won’t be a danger to the local population in any way. If you’ve lived in another country for a period longer than 12 months, you will also be required to present your criminal record from that country. It might be that you’ve lived in Australia when you were younger, in which case you’ll have to get another police check.
As far as Australia is concerned, you can get a national police certificate online using a character check agency like the Australian National Character Check.
Even if you’re planning to work while you travel, you cannot enter Australia totally broke, as you won’t be able to find a job as soon as you land. According to the law, you need to prove to immigration authorities that you have access to a minimum of $5,000 AUD (between $3,000 and $4,000). As proof, you can present a bank statement or a card credit with a limit of more than $5,000 AUD.
When coming to Australia, many immigrants find jobs that are easy to get into and bring in funds quickly. An example can be driving a taxi in Queanbeyan, driving for Uber, or working as a delivery driver.
Also, you should have a booked flight for your return journey.
You should use the first few days on Australian soil to find a place to say and start behaving like a native. That means opening a bank account (most useful when you’re going to get paid for your work) and getting a local phone card. Then you can start browsing online employment offers for backpackers like you.
Let the Australian dream begin!
Being home to nearly 7000 islands, the Philippines is certainly one of those underrated destinations of Southeast Asia as opposed to the other ones. However, if you’re a first-timer to this beautiful place, you’re sure to be rewarded with views of endless stretches of white sandy beaches, emerald-colored volcanoes, crystal clear waters and impressive and mighty mountains.
The Philippines is a rather easy travel destination as per Southeast Asian standards. The country has a ‘don’t-worry-be-happy’ vibe about itself and this is extremely endearing to the first-time visitors. Before booking a trip, it is necessary to verify the Philippines visa conditions that you need to enter the place. So, if you’re ready with your visa, here are a few bloopers to avoid ensuring a smooth and happy trip.
Did someone tell you back at home that you’ll be robbed and kidnapped if you dared to visit the Philippines alone? You got scared and you booked yourself a luxurious resort but didn’t dare to venture out for the entire trip! Or even worse, you didn’t go on the trip at all! This is a big blunder! The Philippines is infamous for being a dangerous place but it is actually as safe a place as any other Southeast Asian destination. Once you reach there, you’ll be glad that you didn’t buy into your fear and worries.
Can you imagine what would happen if you showed up and then spent the next 10 days battling storms and rains? The vacation which you thought would be a memorable one will turn out to be a nightmare! A misconception among the tourists is that the Philippines is a country that shares the same weather. However, it is not simple as that! The Philippines has 4 different climate zones. So, you should research the regional forecasts before choosing your destination.
What is the first rule to follow while traveling to the Philippines? You have to assume that things will go astray. The schedules of buses and boats are extremely unreliable and may change at any moment without any prior notice. Bad weather can spoil even the best-laid plans! So, you need to remain as flexible as possible so that you may immediately go somewhere else when your trip doesn’t go the way you wanted. Bus and boat tickets are almost readily available.
When you’re visiting the Philippines for the first time, you should know that karaoke is a national pastime in the Philippines. You too may find yourself singing one fine day and you shouldn’t worry if you sound like a chicken! People in the Philippines are never judgmental as long as singing is concerned and they’ll respect your effort. Similarly, seasoned karaoke professionals shouldn’t dismiss the skills of the novices.
Just as in the majority of the Asian countries, talking loudly and showing frustration causes ‘face loss’ among both parties and this can be taken wrongly. The Philippines is one of the cheapest destinations in the world as opposed to the US and Europe. Thinking too much about whether you’ve paid a few pesos more or less is not worth it. So, when a taxi driver asks for an extra $1-$2, instead of raising your voice and protesting, keep your cool, and pay up.
So, the Philippines is a country that has it all, from pristine coral reefs to volcanoes to underground rivers, lush green jungles, mammoth caves, and some of the most mesmerizing waterfalls in the world. You can easily snorkel around the WWII wrecks, walk deep within the limestone caves, or camp in the jungle. Just make sure you don’t commit the above-listed blunders and spoil your trip!
We are probably all dreaming of a holiday in the sun right now while we’re stuck at home in quarantine. Who wouldn’t want a break from it all on the beautiful islands of Hawaii. Here are some of the best ways to stay fit and experience all the best parts of Hawaii.
There is no better way to connect with the spirit of Hawaii and the ocean than riding a wave off of the shore of Kona. According to learntosurfkona.com, surfing is an art form that has been passed through generations of Hawaiians who have developed a unique bond with the ocean. Learning how to surf also requires you to face some fears and have a lot of courage, so it’s a thrilling activity for adventure seekers and anyone who loves an adrenaline rush. There is no way to explain in words the feeling of riding a wave; you have to actually experience it for yourself. So go out there and give it a try!
Surfing is a lot of fun but in order to learn you need to work with a teaching professional. As you plan your trip, be sure to schedule your lesson well in advance so you get the date and time that you will be on the island.
Another option for people who love the water is to go snorkeling. Unlike scuba diving, which requires certification, snorkeling is on the surface of the water. You can still get a glimpse of the world underwater without needing an air tank or extra gear.
Hiking, sauntering, walking… Whatever you choose to call it, there are many state and national parks in Hawaii that have rare views. Hawaii boasts of many incredible National Parks that have sights unseen anywhere else in the world including Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.
It’s a rare opportunity to see the ocean from above the ocean itself. But every now and then it’s good to take time off of land to explore from above the water. Paddleboarding is different from surfing and kayaking, even though all of them are watersports. Like surfing, you use a board but in a completely different way, without your hands and by standing on it. It’s very likely that you will fall in your first time, but that’s part of the fun! Powering yourself with a paddle, it’s not only great exercise but lots of fun for individuals and groups.
Some of the best outdoor adventures start by gently stepping onto a kayak and rowing out. Kayaking is a lot more stable than paddleboarding and great for either a solo adventure or in a double with someone else, The chances of falling over are a lot less, so it’s a more dry activity, but remember that anytime you’re on the water there is a chance you will get wet. Like paddleboarding, many kayak rental shops offer tours with a guide, so you can call ahead to schedule a kayak session.
Always check the website or call ahead of any business you want to visit during your stay to ensure that you get a reservation. Surf shops and outdoor recreation companies can be busy, and if you don’t reserve a spot then you might find yourself missing out on a guided tour or session with an instructor. You can also save time by filling out waivers and paying before you arrive so you can get outside faster!
There’s no way around it – Indonesia is just a stunning place. If you’re considering a vacation once things loosen up in the world, it should absolutely be on your list of places to visit. And it doesn’t matter if you’re going to cruise Indonesia, or you’ll just land in Bali and take it slowly, but there are a few places you absolutely must go to.
And we’re not saying you should limit yourself to these places only – Indonesia has over 17,000 islands, and you couldn’t possibly see everything there is to see in one visit. But you can certainly consider these places as one of the must-visit spots in Indonesia, recommended by almost any traveler who has visited the Indonesian archipelago.
You probably saw this coming, but a visit to Indonesia without heading to Bali just doesn’t work. It’s not only the place to go to in Indonesia, but it’s also one of the world’s most popular travel destinations. Of course, this means that most of the year, it’s absolutely crowded in terms of tourists, but that shouldn’t be too much of a problem.
The best thing about Bali is the variety of things you can see and experience. Yes, you’ll get to see those sandy beaches that are surrounded by palm trees everywhere you look, but that’s far from everything. You’ll also get to visit volcanoes and massive terraces of green rice. And don’t get us started on the culture – Balinese Hinduism is an experience in and of itself. And you can find it all around you.
For travelers who want a more upscale vacation, Exotic Voyages highlights some of the luxurious resorts you can find in Bali.
Oh, and here’s a friendly tip – if you’re visiting Bali, the best way to go around the island is on two wheels, so you should consider renting a scooter.
Known by many as the turtle capital of the world, the Gili Islands are another one of those places in Indonesia where you just have a massive variety of things to do. There are three islands in total, Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air, and each of them is different from the others and has something specific to offer.
To begin with, Gili Trawangan is probably the best developed out of the three. You can find a mix of parties that go on day and night, and laid-back beaches where you can relax and sip a cocktail. There is certainly something for everyone. Gili Meno is the exact opposite. It’s the least developed of the three islands, which means you don’t get nearly as many tourists, making it perfect if you appreciate a bit of privacy. Honeymoons, anyone? And of course, you have Gili Air, which is somewhere in the middle between the two. It’s the island you want to go to if you’re a fan of more engaging activities like kitesurfing or SUP yoga, and it also has a variety of authentic villages you can visit.
Yes, Indonesia is best known for islands, but it’s not all just islands. Mount Bromo is a volcano that’s usually surrounded by smoke and will get you one of the most colorful skies you can enjoy. This is why watching the sunrise from Java Island is one of the most popular things you can do in Indonesia, and it’s certainly an unforgettable experience you should try. To add to this, it’s not just the volcano you can visit – there’s a vast desert, as well as surrounding hills and mountains, flower fields and waterfall, and most of it can be explored in not more than a day or two.
It’s Indonesia’s largest island, and Sumatra is a true paradise for adventurers, or just about anyone who’s interested in rainforests and endangered species. It’s also one of the two places in the world where you can see wild orangutans, too.
Now, most of the tourism in Sumatra is actually centered around the largest volcanic lake in the world, Lake Toba. You can swim in the lake, you can lounge around it, and you can also enjoy the island of Pulau Samosir, which is now home to indigenous tribes with their own authentic culture.
Last but not least, the island of Sulawesi comes with a unique twisted shape, making it quite different from anything else you might see. And yes, getting there might be a bit difficult, but you’ll be rewarded with authentic culture and the pleasure of one of the world’s most beautiful islands. You can dive at the Togean Islands, and the water visibility is just phenomenal. Make sure you’re careful with the sharks and saltwater crocodiles, though.
If you want to stay off the mainstream track and avoid what everyone else is doing, Sulawesi is just perfect. And yes, the troubles of getting there are well worth it.
