The Benefits Of Having A Passport | Did You Know These

BY  Ankita Sep 15, 2023

When you think of the ideal spring destination, what springs to mind? For most, it’s rolling tree-lined vistas exploding with cherry blossoms; temperate weather that’s neither too hot nor too cold; a lively atmosphere, reinvigorated after a long winter; moments of serenity before the onslaught of summer tourists, etc. It can be challenging to find all of those platonic ideals in one place, especially if you stick to the beaten path. However, if you wander away from the major tourist cities (your Parises, Tokyos, and New York, e.g.), you can find compelling cities that come to life in spring. As a bonus, these underrated cities are often less expensive than their famous counterparts–and cheaper in the shoulder season of spring. ČeskýKrumlov, Czechia Prague is beautiful, no doubt. Unfortunately, it’s the first and last place tourists often visit in Czechia (formerly the Czech Republic). If you’re willing to take a two-hour train from Prague (roughly $20), you can land yourself in ČeskýKrumlov, a UNESCO-recognized Gothic city in the heart of South Bohemia. This is literally where the term Bohemian originated. The city brims with artistic energy, pristinely aged architecture, as well as nightlife. And in spring, the trees along the Vltava River bloomin magnificent abundance. Plus, if you’re a beer connoisseur, you’ll find some of the oldest European breweries at your doorstep. Vancouver, Canada Seattle and Portland dominate the narrative around the Pacific Northwest. But if you cross the 49th parallel into Canada, you’ll find arguably the crowning jewel of the PNW: Vancouver. Vancouver is a city of extremes. On the one end, it’s a cosmopolitan metro on the move, complete with bumping bars, swanky restaurants, and posh shopping districts. On the other end, Vancouver is humbled by its natural surroundings – cornered by a long Pacific coastline and towering snow-capped mountains. Outdoor activities are plentiful in Vancouver; the city features an embarrassment of day hikes, suspension bridges, beaches, as well as ski trips. Vancouver’s spring weather is notoriously unpredictable, so just be sure to pack travel clothes from Unbound Merino, which are versatile enough to withstand hot, cold, dry, and rainy weather. Kanazawa, Japan Kanazawa is everything you love about Tokyo or Kyoto, scaled down to a streamlined 400,000-person package. It has the spring rows of cherry blossoms. It boasts old Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples. There are world-class dining experiences as well as futuristic amenities. Best of all, Kanazawa is home to perfectly preserved Edo-era districts. It makes you feel like you boarded a time machine to get there. It’s no wonder Culture Trip named it one of the most underrated cities in Japan. Phoenix, USA Phoenix is underrated any time of year. The city’s desert aesthetic, top-notch Southwest food and packed calendar of events and festivals make it a true standout among American cities. But perhaps the perfect time to visit is spring. Phoenix’s spring temperature is still manageable – not the sweltering highs it experiences in August. Prices are reasonable across the accommodation landscape. And best of all, Arizona is host to MLB’s spring training – which means cheap baseball tickets. This spring, don’t listen to the hype. Check out these four underrated spring cities for a refreshing dose of blossoms, great food, nightlife, as well as activities. Read Also: 6 Best Destinations For A Safari In Kenya Preparing For Spring ATV Riding: 5 Helpful Tips Planning A Trip To Ginnie Springs In Florida? All That You Need To Know!

BY  Arnab Aug 22, 2023

Huka Lodge stands against an idyllic landscape of majestic rivers, mountain vistas, lush wilderness, and crystal clear lakes - the setting for 20 Junior Lodge Suites and two Owner Cottages on its 17-acre park-like grounds. Inside the main lodge, subtle touches of tartan and crackling fireplaces may transport you back to Scotland. And indeed, Her Royal Highness Queen Elizabeth II has visited four times! Huka Fall Hotels in New Zealand Are Going Luxury Huka Fall hotels in New Zealand provide an ideal combination of luxury accommodations and style, situated in breathtaking settings with plenty of activities such as golfing and kayaking available at each property. This Lodge has long been considered an iconic New Zealand retreat since it first opened its doors in the 1920s. Now enjoyed by some of the world's most discerning travelers and boasting an unrivaled riverside location, Huka Lodge is the best accommodation in Taupo and provides unmatched hospitality and attentiveness that rivals that of the Waikato River itself. Within 17 acres of exquisitely manicured grounds, Huka offers 25 suites - 18 Junior Lodge Suites, one Lodge Suite, as well as two exclusive cottages: Owner's Cottage (featuring four suites) and Alan Pye Cottage (2 suites). Rooms boast modern architecture and feature luxurious amenities such as flat-screen TVs with DVD/CD players and minibars; some also have private outdoor pools. Suites boast spaciousness with luxurious touches, including king-size beds, separate sitting areas, luxury toiletries, and full kitchens - not forgetting their stunning exterior views of London Bridge! Apart from a full-service spa, this property also features an array of activities both on and off-property. Guests can indulge in watersports on stunning Lake Taupo or take an aerial tour over Tongariro National Park's volcanoes on a helicopter tour. Relaxation options such as yoga and massage services are also offered on-site for complete enjoyment. What To Expect Huka Lodge provides guests with a wealth of indoor and outdoor dining venues, from its wine cellar and library through the Jetty Pavilion, Orchard Room, and Orchard Terrace, as well as table d'hote dining or a la carte service, including its selection of New Zealand wines, beers, and champagne/cocktails. Originating as a fishing lodge on New Zealand's Waikato River near cascading Huka Falls, this property has since grown into one of New Zealand's premier luxury boutique hotels. Consistently rated among the world's best, the hotel now provides adventure-rich culinary and relaxing retreats alike - complete with helicopter flights that transport guests directly into wilderness areas rich in trout-rich waters; four-wheel drive vehicles may be hired for off-roading expeditions to more distant spots; while golf, spa treatments, and skiing (in winter). The hotel's 25 suites and two exclusive cottages spread out across 17 acres, each boasting private space and stunning vistas. Each boasts a casual yet luxurious style. Their muted tones recall traditional New Zealand homes while remaining thoroughly modern. Suites feature LCD televisions with DVD players as well as kitchens equipped with refrigerators. Room service, free Wi-Fi access, and in-room massage services are also in place. Pet-friendly hotels like this one welcome animals, too, offering free shuttle service around town as well as an on-site fitness center and outdoor swimming pool to use during their stay. Other amenities available to guests include a tennis court, volleyball court, games room, wine cellar, and lounge bar services. From Better to Best Staying at this stunning boutique property nestled against the wail-thundering Waikato River is truly unforgettable and regularly ranks as one of the world's premier hotels - it is easy to see why. Twenty-seven luxurious suites and cottages, exquisitely furnished with antiques and historical artwork, behold doors that open onto stunning views. There are private pools as well as pavilions for enjoying outdoor living in this part of New Zealand. Suites feature deep tubs with luxurious towels, heated floors, and comfortable lounge areas designed to relax. Take in breathtaking views across manicured gardens and the river while reading. Or watch your favorite film on one of the amazing screens. Huka Lodge stands out from the competition thanks to its outstanding service and attention to detail. For example, magically appearing magazines or treats you request before you even mention them. The staff seems to anticipate your needs before you say it out loud. This is an unparalleled level of customer care that Huka Lodge prides itself on. The food here is equally impressive. British head chef Paul Forget provides menus inspired by seasonal produce sourced locally. He has past stints at Gidleigh Park and three Michelin-starred Bernard Loiseau en Bourgogne under his belt. Guests have an offering of over 20 romantic dining locations indoors and outdoors throughout the property. It ranges from wine cellars to jetty pavilions. No matter when or where guests decide to dine, they are sure to find an intimate spot perfect for romance! This Huka Falls hotel is an ideal option for guests who like activities such as kayaking, golfing, and horseback riding. It is conveniently located within miles of Huka Prawn Park and Taupo DeBretts Hot Springs Water Park. It provides easy access to everything this region has to offer. The location also allows easy access. Among its features are a pool, free parking, and a spa center. There's also dining at an on-site restaurant and lounge bar. Wrapping Up These Huka Falls luxury accommodation has long been one of New Zealand's luxury lodges. It hosts visitors from across the globe and boasts beautiful gardens along the Waikato River. There is also the scenic Lake Taupo in Central North Island. Offering over 20 romantic indoor and outdoor private dining venues. Virginia Fisher designed the interiors of the main lodge to offer a luxurious atmosphere that complements its magnificent natural setting. Each luxurious suite boasts king beds, fireplaces, and luxurious suite bathrooms. It is complete with deep baths and premium spa amenities for an opulent stay. The resort's expansive grounds invite a range of leisurely pursuits, such as tennis and croquet. Strolling through its gardens is an aesthetically pleasing journey awash with vibrant flower borders and peaceful water features. Additionally, there are two relaxing pools perfect for unwinding after an active day! Anglers will appreciate nearby lakes and rivers popular for exceptional trout fly-fishing opportunities. Read Also: Here Are The 25+ Best Hotels In Mexico City That You Must Visit! This Is The Best Time To Visit Iceland & These Are The Things You Should Do! Top Hotels With Jacuzzi In Room In Las Vegas – Travel Guide

BY  Arnab Mar 17, 2023

Holidays are all about spending quality time together. Many families today prefer to take a break where they can escape from their work routine and unwind and relax. One of the best ways to break your routine is to get rid of the technology and escape into the real world where nature surrounds you. Hence, heading for a safari or wildlife trip sounds like the best plan you can come up with. However, if you are planning to head out into the wild you need to focus on how you can optimize your wildlife travel the right way. This is essential because when you are heading for a safari trip you want to be prepared and ready. Today, you can find many places and destinations that can provide you with the right safaris and wildlife trips. If you are unsure about how to plan a wildlife trip Naturetrek can help you design and personalize holidays as per your requirements and preferences. Here Are Nine Ideas On How To Make The Most Of Your Wildlife Travel While wildlife travel and tours can provide you with a much-needed break you need to know certain things that can help you optimize your trip. 1. Know What You Want The term wildlife trip today can mean a lot of things. Hence, you will have to be more specific about what you want and expect when you reach the destination. Different people have different ways to explore nature and animals. If you are interested in wildlife animals you would want to look for national parks and locations where you can find more animals. Similarly, if you are an avid bird watcher you want to look for places that attract different species of birds. Also, those interested in marine life can look for spots that attract more marine wildlife. Knowing what you want makes your job of finding the best locations easier. 2. Choose the Right Location Once you have clarity on what you want you need to make a list of destinations and places that can offer you the best wildlife travel experiences. For instance, if you are interested in bird species in Asia you can look for nature holidays in Nepal for birdwatching. This would ensure that you can cover the region and the type of wildlife experiences you want. 3. Pack the Right Clothing When you are headed for a wildlife or safari trip you need to be clear about the clothes you pack. The most important thing is that you pack according to the weather because you want to be comfortable in whatever you wear. Bright colour clothes are not advisable for wildlife tours and therefore you need to pack clothes that have an earthy colour tone. Also, you need to know that certain countries do not allow camouflage print so make sure you know what to pack for your safari trip. 4. Travel Light Even when you are done packing your clothing you need to focus on how you can travel light. Try not to carry perfumes along with you on a wildlife tour because animals are sensitive to smell and strong deodorants and perfumes can put them off. Also, when you are packing you would want to pack in the right shoes and other electronic equipment like your camera and chargers to help you make the most of your travel. Additionally, you need to know that some of the national parks and game reserves are accessible only by small aircraft which might not accommodate large travel bags. Hence, smaller bags would be a convenient way to board such flights. 5. Take Expert Advice If you have never been on a wildlife tour before you need to gather more information from experts and professionals. This is essential because you want to optimize the time you have. You can talk to friends who have already been on a wildlife trip before and they can share their insights and recommendations. Similarly, you can talk to local tour operators who would share their experience and expertise with you to help you be prepared for the tour. Also, you would want to know more about the seasons before you make an itinerary for your trip. 6. Plan Your Trip When you have limited time to cover more places and local attractions you must plan your wildlife trip. This would allow you to have a clear idea of how you want to optimize the time you have. If you are hiring experts who can tailor the trip you don’t have to worry much because they have the experience and expertise to create an itinerary for you. Also, you can choose from the list of itineraries they already have. This would allow you to make the most of the time you have. If you have plenty of time at hand, you can look for a few days where you can relax and unwind. 7. Skip the Technology While some safari accommodations provide internet connectivity, and power to charge your devices, you should skip the technology altogether. This is critical because you want to experience and enjoy the nature that surrounds you. Appreciate the untouched natural beauty before you and immerse yourself in the surroundings and local flora and fauna to help you discover the local geography and history as well. 8. Respect Nature While you are heading for your wildlife trip you also have to respect Mother Nature. Hence, you need to focus on certain parameters that are important as you head out in the wild with your local guide. Being silent is important when you are going for a jeep safari or nightlife safari because you would drive away animals if you make noise. Hence, talk quietly in lower tones to prevent any distress to animals and wildlife. Also, don’t litter when you are travelling in natural spaces. Hence, avoid carrying plastic bags or disposing of them in wildlife spaces. Also, try and avoid using camera flashes and rely on other photography techniques to capture good wildlife shots. Keep a minimum distance from wild animals and do not feed them. If you are in a vehicle, do not step out of the vehicle unless instructed by your local guide. 9. Be Open Wildlife travel tours would also include you exploring the local villages and interacting with the local villagers and tribal people. This is a great way to learn more about how they survive and go about their daily lives in the jungle. However, they might have a different culture and traditions which would be alien to you. Hence, you must be open to what they have to say and show and share. Try and learn about them and you can also buy their local products which would help the local tourism industry. Read Also: Main Reasons To Travel As A Student Popular Travel Destinations For Students How To Be A Sensible Smoker When Traveling