BY Riyanka RoyJun 1, 2021

When I initially started traveling, it was merely to explore new places and learn about things beyond the box. I started feeling that stagnation can never provide what my soul was seeking. With an attitude of using travel experiences as a mode of inner transformation, I had a chance to explore an intimate relationship with myself. And even before I could realize what magical spells traveling has cast on my life, I knew that I was addicted to it (in a good way!) and traveling was actually helping me to be a better person. Before I dig deeper into this, I would like to take the opportunity and make it clear that there’s a difference between ‘Self Love’ and ‘Narcissism’ (however, it’s a very thin line and one has to be really mindful to understand this).  To put it simply, ‘Self Love’ is related to one’s own well-being, consciousness, and happiness, while ‘Narcissism’ is an excessive or erotic interest in oneself and one’s physical appearance. While the former is usually content with oneself, the latter would need others' approval for fueling those feelings of obsession! Getting back to where I began – my journeys, over the years, helped me to look at myself a tad bit differently. I realized the fact that when we fall in love with ourselves, we tend to accept ourselves just for who we are, unconditionally. Here’s how stepping out of my comfort zone and traveling across the globe helped me to fall in love with myself and look at life, differently: Traveling helped me realize that my ‘weaknesses’ were only a part of my imagination. We all have certain assumptions about ourselves, and we tend to think that we are ‘bad’ at certain things, without even putting much effort into trying/doing/improving. It was the same for me as well. Being very particular about everything, I often thought that I’ve acute OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) and that I can’t share my stuff with strangers, or live in a messy environment! Gladly, it all turned out to be a myth – when I didn’t have to think twice before lending my bottle of water to a fellow trekker, during a high altitude Himalayan Trek, or when I had to spend nights at an underprivileged Children’s Home in the outskirts of Nairobi, where I went to volunteer for the little ones. I realized that the constraints were all in my mind, and I didn’t need a second to break free from it when the situation arose. It made me feel more confident about myself, and I knew that I can actually adjust with anyone, anywhere! Traveling helped me to realize that I can be my best company! In today’s date, when we are so obsessed with the internet and keep connecting with others over the virtual world, have you ever thought how beautiful it would be to take a break and connect to yourself? We often seek love and appreciation from others, which seems like a source of happiness. But how often do we appreciate ourselves – for trying something new, or maybe for doing something we thought we never could? I’ve been no different – for I also gave a lot of importance to what others would say about my deeds – till the point when I realized that it doesn’t really matter if I’m happy with myself. As I started to explore the world by myself, there were often times when I would find myself away from the network, amidst solitude – and that’s when I realized that I actually love being by myself! I could read for hours, or listen to music, or just sit by the window watching the clouds float –  thinking how blessed I’m to have seen the sunset in different parts of the world. Traveling taught me to declutter my mind and trust others. While growing up, we are often taught not to trust and refuse any edibles offered by strangers as well as not to take anything from people we don’t know, etc. Such things often clutter our mind with suspicion, and we would look at anyone with a tinge of mistrust, thinking that the person might harm us in some way or the other. It was only when I started traveling, that I got to realize how stupid these things were! During most of my journeys, I’ve blindly trusted the local transport drivers, taking me to places and suggesting areas worth exploring. While I was in Bhutan for a month where I was mostly hitchhiking, I got into random people’s cars, who at times took a detour to drop me off! There were times when I would be hungry, and a fellow traveler on a bus or a train would offer me something that I would gladly eat. It helped me to learn that the world isn’t as bad as we think it to be while sitting at home! Eventually, it was these bits and pieces of kindness I received on the roads, that reminded me of the beauty of life, helped me to declutter my mind, and taught me to trust strangers. Traveling taught me valuable lessons about minimalist living, compassion, and gratitude. In our otherwise regular life, we tend to think that a lot of things are needed (which we term as ‘necessities’), and often, we end up buying stuff that we probably would never use! Our love for material possessions takes control over the mind, and we keep spending in order to accumulate things. Even I used to be a shopaholic at some point in time and would pick up anything that caught my attention. But when I started to travel, I realized that only a limited amount can be packed in the rucksack, and when I’m on the roads, I barely need those things that I’ve shopped and filled my cupboards with! The endless journeys taught me the charm of minimalistic living, and now, I pack as little as I think I would need. Also, we often forget to be grateful for all that we have and take things for granted. As I traveled to different places, met several people, and got to know about their lives – I figured out that not all are born lucky, and I was in a much better place than many out there. This realization helped me to be more compassionate and humble than I ever was, and I learned to value things more than what I previously did. I realized that I come alive when I wander. There have been difficult days (especially now that the pandemic has brought uncertainties into our lives), and I realized that I felt most alive when I was traveling. Read Also: 5 Reasons To Consider Solo Travel 5 Backpacking Tips For An Unforgettable Euro-Trip Travel Advice For Different Countries Around The World 10 Travel Tips For Singles At This Valentine’s Day

BY Ariana SmithOct 21, 2021

There are few parts of the world as diverse as Europe. From the waterways of Venice to the 100 spires of Prague, there are so many places for you and your other half to explore. There are couples city breaks ideal for every couple; including the party couples and the history buff couples. That being said, there are five cities that we think are particularly worth a visit for romantic couples, so if you and your significant other are looking for an amorous break in Europe, keep reading. Here Are The Top 5 Romantic European City Breaks: 1. Verona: When it comes to romantic couples, Romeo and Juliet take the top spot, and naturally, that makes the city of fair Verona a romantic must-see, but there’s more to it than just that balcony. There are countless lover’s lanes, an abundance of piazza’s, plenty of architectural bridges, and, the star of the show, the amphitheater. There’s so much to see and do away from the huge crowds at Juliet’s balcony, including plenty of independent cafés dotting the many piazza’s, lots of which supply the regional wine. 2. Paris: This wouldn’t be a list of romantic European city breaks without featuring Paris. The city of love certainly lives up to its reputation, but it’s not all just about the Eiffel Tower. A huge part of the romance comes from the beautiful architecture which is limited to just six stories. This means the views of the Eiffel Tower are never obscured, but also that you’re never overshadowed by a huge skyscraper, adding to the comforting sunrise and sunset glows. Away from the architecture, Parisians are known for being very flirtatious and passionate lovers, and this is exuded in the way they conduct themselves. This could be why when in Paris, you can’t help but fall even more in love with your partner. 3. London: The River Thames at night is a sight to behold, especially when you consider it was the backdrop to a Bridget Jones’s Diary scene. London is slightly different from other cities in Europe in the sense that it’s not traditionally associated with romance, but there’s something about the variety of things to do in London that makes it a lover’s paradise. Whether it’s a trip to the West End for the theatre-loving couple, or if it’s a Jack the Ripper tour for the true-crime fanatics, London has something for everyone. 4. Krakow: Christmas is a magical time of the year, especially for those who are lucky enough to be in love, so what better time to cement your devotion to each other than with a trip to the cozy Christmas markets of Krakow? You’ll need to wrap up warm and stick together to preserve heat as the temperature drops, but what could be more poignant than sharing a cup of mulled wine whilst huddling against the person you love the most at the best time of the year? 5. Stockholm: The jewel in the Baltic Sea archipelago, Stockholm is one of the most stunning locations in the world. The 14 islands are connected via over 50 bridges, each one leading to a different activity that you can enjoy with your love. Whether your partner is an ABBA superfan or a 17th-century ship enthusiast, there’s an activity to bring every couple closer together. If you visit during a particularly clear time of the year, you might even be able to share a kiss under the northern lights provided the conditions are just right! These are just five of the most romantic city breaks in Europe, but there are many more places of interest waiting to be discovered. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Where should couples go in Europe? The top 4 places that a couple can visit for a romantic vacation are Venice- Italy Paris- France  Sintra- Portugal Santorini- Greece   Which is the most romantic place in Europe? Dubrovnik- Croatia, ideal for island hopping. Madrid- Spain, ideal for rooftop drinking  Viena- Austria, ideal for a wintery break Dublin- Ireland, ideal for revelry What is the cheapest city break in Europe? Sofia- Bulgaria  Funchal- Portugal Riga- Latvia Bucharest- Romania  Read Also: 5 European Destinations Negatively Impacted By ‘Over-Tourism 5 Backpacking Tips For An Unforgettable Euro-Trip Unmissable Attractions In Surabaya Pripyat Visit Or The Soviet Union Through Our Eyes

BY SumonaDec 3, 2021

Arizona, known for its beautiful landscape and breathtaking rock formation, offers plenty of outdoor adventures. The southwestern US state is best known for the Grand Canyon, a mile-long chasm carved by the Colorado River. A green area is full of mountains and wild green lands. From every aspect, Arizona is the best place for outdoor activities and hiking.  The state has so much to offer to explore natural landscapes. People from all over the country come to Arizona to explore the scenic beauty and participate in the thriving culture and outdoor activities. 6 Exciting Outdoor Activities In Arizona Arizona has hundreds of long stretchy green land. For any outdoor activities, you will get hundreds of options. But the difference is there you will get many outdoor activities options while in the middle of nature. Here is a list of the six types of different exciting outdoor activities in Arizona. 1. Go On Hiking:  One of the most popular outdoor activities in the state is hiking. There are various places in Arizona where you can go for a hike. Beneath the majestic Grand Canyon, there are multiple waterfalls.  One of the most incredible spots with blue-green water-body is found near the five waterfalls of Havasu Canyon, three thousand feet below the Great Grand Canyon.  2. Visiting Hot Spring:  Do you like relaxing in nature? Then, you would most certainly enjoy the Verde Hot spring. It is one of the few local spots that is not crowded by visitors all the time. However, those who know about the place do not miss the opportunity to visit the spring. You’ll have a lot of fun while reaching up to the spring; the fossil-creaked unpaved road runs through the forest, making the journey to the Verde Hot Spring truly a one-of-a-kind outdoor activities adventure.  3. Golfing: They say golfing is a rich man’s game, and rightly so. The pleasures one gets after a good game of golf is undeniable. Numerous Arizona golf courses throughout the States attract golfers from all over the country.  For example, We-ko-pa Golf Club, Troon North Golf Club, TPC Scottsdale, Wigwam Golf Club are some golf courses in the country.  4. Whitewater Rafting:  Are you an adrenaline junkie and crave that rush from outdoor activities and sports? If yes, you will most definitely enjoy rafting on the Colorado River. Some people may passively watch the waterfall to experience the beauty of the river. But if you truly want to feel nature in all its glory, be sure to raft in the middle of the river and take in the beauty. While rafting on the riverbed, you can see Crystal and Lava Falls, two aggressive waterfalls in Colorado.  5. Riding On A Hot Air Balloon:  If you want to look over the natural landscape of Arizona, you may try rising above (literally) with a hot air balloon. Various touring service spots offer hot air balloon rides all over Arizona.  Flying on a hot air balloon over the desert area in Phoenix is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to enjoy fulfilling outdoor activities. Be sure to make the best of the outdoor sport by taking a binocular with you on the hot air balloon.  6. Mountain Biking:  You may want to explore nature by taking your bike and riding into the wilderness at times. You can explore the mountains, or go along the riverbed, or you may visit the desert area and explore what nature has to offer.  Before you go on riding bikes over the rocky, hilly area, be sure to wear protective gear before going out for any outdoor activities. Conclusion: The outdoor activities make your days fun-filled and exciting. But if you are new in the field, you must have to follow the security rules. For example, these activities are all required to wear specific security gear. So keep yourself protected because there is a chance of accidents every time. Read Also: 10 Best Things To Do In Prague 10 Best Things To Do In Barcelona (Spain) 10 Best Things To Do In Dublin (Ireland)