From Himalayan Peaks to Cultural Experiences: The Ultimate Guide to Everest Base Camp and Manaslu Circuit Trek

BY  Abdul Aziz Nov 14, 2021

Shanghai is one of the best cities to visit in China for tourism. It has everything to offer a tourist. It’s safe, modern, and cultural with its own heritage, which is everything a traveler can hope for. China doesn’t really have the best image when seen from the western media, so many people prefer to go to Tokyo in Japan. Tokyo is also a great city that every tourist should visit at least once in his life, but you would regret ignoring Shanghai. You should go to Tokyo and then book a trip for visiting Shanghai. It is never a bad idea to get to know about your destination before you visit it. This ensures you have a smooth trip without any problems or embarrassing situations. This article is for all excursionists who want to see Shanghai. You are Watched Every Moment China is a developed country that is a candidate to become the superpower of the world. This is why it has to be very careful with its security. China deals with all its matters inside the country without letting anything out. They welcome all tourists and pay special attention to their security. The purpose of the security is to ensure they are safe in the country and the country is safe from them. While you won’t find any people following you around, you will see cameras everywhere. From stations to traffic lights, you will cameras monitoring your every move. Private Transportation is Cheap Most travelers tend to avoid private transportation such as Taxis because they are supposed to be very expensive. However, you don’t need to worry about that in Shanghai. Taxis are quite cheap and easily affordable for its residents as well as guests. You can travel around 50km within the city within $20. This will help you save a lot of time and ensure your experience remains comfortable. However, you will have to watch out for drivers who will deliberately charge you more because they think you don’t know the actual fares. Don’t Forget to Experience Subway While you have the luxury of traveling by Taxi for cheap, you should not ignore the Shanghai subway. It’s a mode of public transport so it’s obviously way cheaper. Since you are there to explore the culture and Chinese lifestyle, you should get mixed in the crowd. Travel around in the subway when you have spare time to kill. However, it is recommended to take a taxi if you have a big bag of luggage with you. It will be difficult to move around in the crowded subway with luggage. See the Modern Form of China Shanghai is one of the most progressive cities in China. You will get to see modern China that is driven by technology. There is everything most people would not expect from China. For example, they are very concerned about the environment. This is why you will not find any motorbikes that run on fuel. Most motorbikes are environment-friendly and run on electricity. To promote these electric bikes, the government offered subsidies on them and made it very expensive to get a fuel-powered bike. Find the Best Restaurants in Malls While food quality in the malls is usually not as great compared to restaurants outside in most countries, the situation is a little different in Shanghai. You will find all types of food of the best quality in malls. When you go to malls for shopping, make sure you don’t anything before it. Do your shopping while enjoying different types of traditional cuisines. Even if you are in the mood of shopping, you should head to nearby malls for food. There you will see many stalls with a variety of local food options. They will be a bit expensive compared to outside stalls, but the quality and experience are worth it. Definitely Visit Shanghai’s People’s Park You will see a lot of colors in public parks in Shanghai. It is recommended that you must visit parks on the weekends to truly experience local culture. You will see people playing games, dancing to Chinese music, and flying kites. Another interesting thing you will find is matchmaking activities. Parents of single adults visit parks on the weekends to exchange details of their children with each other to find a suitable partner. These parents sit there with a poster next to them that has details of their children. These details include their age, looks, weight, height, and income. Xiaolongbao for All the Foodies Even the most open-minded foodies are very skeptical of Chinese food. It’s not that their food is unhygienic, but the things they choose to cook. You should know that it’s not as bad as you might have heard. The stories of eating dogs have been quite exaggerated. While it’s not illegal, it’s also not an everyday practice. I suggest you keep an open mind and at least try one of the best foods Shanghai has to offer. You should look for a local delicacy called Xiaolongbao. They are like dumplings but filled with meat and soup from the inside. You bite into it to suck out the soup and then start eating. Watch When Crossing the Road Just because the traffic light is green, it doesn’t mean you are safe to cross the road in Shanghai. It’s best you look around every time before stepping on the road. Many motorcycle riders don’t follow the law and break the traffic light. You might not even see one coming because electric bikes don’t make noise. No Social Media Works There China doesn’t let anyone blackmail or control them. Due to this and many other reasons, none of the big social media websites work there. This means no Facebook, Whatsapp, Twitter, or even Gmail. You will have to use a good VPN to access these platforms. However, you will have to install that VPN before you enter China because it would be impossible to download with the restrictions. The internet is not very fast there, so your browsing will become even slower with a VPN. If you want to catch up with your Instagram or Twitter profiles, there is a simple solution. You can go for the best vpn for chrome to access sites and social media platforms that have been blocked by the Chinese government. They will not be able to identify your IP and you will get a great browsing experience. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Q1: What do I need to know before visiting Shanghai?  A: There are 7 things you need to know before visiting Shanghai Shanghai isa city of contrast. To visit there you don’t need a visa. There is no tipping. Food is amazingly good. Do not expect english. Tap water is safe to drink. Roaming around is easier than you expect. Q2: What should I avoid in Shanghai? A: things to avoid in Shanghai Avoid bringing your credit cards or big notes. Carry toilet papers. Avoid eating at a cheap place. Do not expect that everyone will understand your English language.  Q3: Is Shanghai a safe tourist spot? A: China is the safest destination to visit and Shanghai is the safest city to visit in the world.  Q4: What are the other names of Shanghai? A: Shanghai is also known as shencheng (city of Shen). The city has various names in English such as “paris of the east”, “pearl of the orient” , “ the whore of asia” etc. Read Also: Rejection Of China Tourist Visa In Atlanta – Some Possible Reasons

BY  Subham Feb 9, 2022

As parents, you naturally want to make the most of the time you spend with your kids. After all, they won't stay young forever. Every opportunity you have to go on family trips should be taken advantage of. Thankfully, there are various activities, hobbies, and interests you can try with your family. You can go to the beach, plan a weekend hike, or book an out-of-country trip. If your family likes going on adventures and thrills, a ski trip will fit the bill. It's an excellent way to enjoy the winter season while also bonding over ski boards, sleds, and other outdoor pursuits you can do in the mountains. Just thinking about all the wonderful times you'll have is already making you all giddy and excited. However, don't forget that, like other vacations you have as a family, a courageous ski trip will require a great deal of planning and preparation. First-timers like you may find the planning stage pretty intimidating. Don't let that get in the way of piecing together a fantastic trip that every member of your family will enjoy. First Order Of Business: Choosing A Ski Resort Being new to skiing is tricky because you don't have the slightest idea of where to go or how the trip will go. Your best bet is to rely on your research skills, starting with the resort where you'll be skiing and staying. Since you'll be with your family, it's crucial that you pick a spot that suits everyone's needs and preferences. You can begin your search by identifying the different ski spots in the country or where you plan to go. You can ask your friends who've been on a ski trip before, or you can also browse the internet to get an idea of the best ski locations. Be sure to check out the best ski slopes in the US that suit first-timers like you. Look into the amenities, rates, and other related information you need to know. Smaller ski resorts may be ideal if you don't consider yourselves seasoned skiers. Such areas are relatively less crowded and have lower rates and fees. Once you've narrowed down your choices, it'll be easier to decide on a final pick. You can ask your family about their opinion or even vote on a resort to ensure you'll go with the majority's choice. Scheduling Your Trip After picking a ski location and resort, another decision you need to make is when you'll be scheduling the trip. Before anything else, you need to check with the family first about their availability. Some may need to file for a leave from work, while others need to consider their school calendar before going on a vacation. If you're after lower accommodation rates and airfares, you might want to consider avoiding holidays and school breaks. However, if the budget isn't an issue, you can plan your trip according to your preference or based on your family's availability. Up Next: Packing Your Stuff When you've pinned down your desired destination and ski resort, you should also go ahead and book your accommodation, plane tickets, and other fees you need to pay for. That way, you no longer need to worry about forgetting anything. Once you've secured those aspects, you can start packing your luggage. You may assume that since you've been on countless family trips before, you're already a pro at packing everything you need. However, don't forget that you're going skiing, and that requires a different set of items that you need to prepare and fit into your bags. To give you an idea, here are some tips you could use when packing for your first family ski trip: Prepare or shop for enough winter clothes for every member of the family. Dressing in layers is the best way to go if you want to stay warm throughout your trip. Aside from clothes, think of headwear, footwear, and other accessories such as gloves, scarves, neck gaiters, underwear, and socks. For extra cold weather, a balacava may also come in useful. This will protect your ears and cheeks, which can both suffer from frostbite if left uncovered. In addition, consider investing in thermal layers to keep your body protected against the elements. You could also check out these heated gloves for women and men for an added boost of warmth. Bring enough food and water that'll last at least until you've reached your destination. If you have babies or toddlers on formula feeding, make sure you pack all their essentials too. Ensure there's enough space for all your ski gear and accessories, including snowboards, ski gloves and goggles, and helmets. If you plan on renting your gear, make it a point to reserve it early on. There should also be a separate bag where you'll put your essential belongings, such as passports, plane tickets, IDs, wallets, and credit cards. Creating An Itinerary You may be going on a family ski trip, but that doesn't mean all you'll be doing in the mountains is skiing. Of course, you need to take breaks and alternate other activities for a well-spent holiday with your family. That's why choosing a family-friendly destination is important. You can create your own itinerary based on the activities and amenities that the resort has. For example, kids and young adults can enjoy snowmobiling, skating, dog sledding, ice climbing, and snowshoeing. They can do those in the morning before skiing or after lunch when they're fully rested. Plan the activities based on the number of days you'll be spending at the resort. Of course, you also need to consider the kids' interests and what they find exciting. On the flip side, adults can go on food and wine tours or try cross-country skiing. Don't forget to include relaxing activities such as spa treatments and other fitness or wellness features available in the area. At night, you can swim in hot tubs, enjoy a bonfire, or gather around the fireplace with hot cocoa mugs in your hands. Final Words Deciding to go on your first-ever family ski trip is one thing, but planning and preparing for it is another. You might find the process tricky, which is normal. You're not alone in such a predicament. But as they say, there's always a first time for everything. Don't worry, though, because you can surely make it through the planning and execution if you arm yourself with enough tricks and intelligent moves. You don't have to wait for another year or a few more months before you can experience the holiday of a lifetime. With the tips mentioned above, you can have a fun, memorable, and worth-all-the-fuss skiing adventure. Read Also: 7 Key Points To Remember While Planning Your Honeymoon Trip Spinnaker Resorts & How Do You Get Out Of A Spinnaker Timeshare How To Turn Your Tulum Trip Into An Unforgettable Adventure Best Sailing Holiday Locations For Enjoying Wildlife And Adventure Most Exciting Places To Visit In Bulgaria In 2022

BY  Abdul Aziz Nov 18, 2023

Minnesota is one beautiful Upper Midwestern state that never fails to amaze. It has diverse landscapes ranging from forests, prairies, and lakes. In fact, the state is often referred to as the "Land of 10,000 Lakes" due to its numerous lakes. The state is also a land of cultural significance, home to diverse communities and a deep-rooted artistic vibe. Did you know Minneapolis has the second-highest number of theater companies behind only New York City? Speaking of progressive culture, Minnesota is one of the states that made medical marijuana available to residents in the early 2010s. You had access so long as you qualified for a medical marijuana card in Minnesota. Basically, you'll find different aspects of Minnesota quite pleasing. And if you're looking for an escape from life's hustles, you'll love these top X spots for a perfect weekend getaway in Minnesota. 1. The Twin Cities If you love going on a city-exploration rampage to get the most out of your visit, you'll appreciate the sprawling Twin Cities. The metropolitan area of Minneapolis–Saint Paul, two of the state's largest cities, is home to more than half the state population. These are bustling modern cities with numerous attractions, from entertainment sites to world-class dining spots. Galleries, museums, and theaters provide a look into the state's art and culture. Some of the spots to visit for cultural exploration include the Minnesota State Capitol in St. Paul, the Walker Art Center, and the state's oldest art museum, the Minnesota Museum of American Art. 2. Red Wing Small-town charm doesn't get any better than Red Wing in Goodhue County, a town on the Mississippi River. Red Wing offers abundance when it comes to outdoor adventure, art exhibits, and shopping and dining experiences. While in town, relax on the docks on a quiet evening and watch the sunset as boats and yachts bob endlessly on the water. Most of all, explore the town's scenic trails and finish your adventure with the majestic Barn Bluff, which offers epic views of the town. 3. Grand Marais The northern lakeside town of Grand Marais is one of Minnesota's most magical places to spend your weekend getaway. Grand Marais is a tiny postcard-perfect waterfront town that packs a punch. It has no shortage of attractions, from the shores of Lake Superior to the mountainous interior. On your first day, the best places to explore are Artist's Point and Grand Marais Lighthouse. These are picturesque spots on the shores of Lake Superior that capture the beauty of the Great Lake. The lighthouse sits way off onto the lake, making the walk on the breakwater long and exciting. Away from the shores, you can take on the Pincushion Mountain Trail System, perfect for hiking and biking. If you're an avid hiker, you can't miss the opportunity to take on the much longer Gunflint Trail, teeming with scenic lookouts. 4. Detroit Lakes Detroit Lakes, a city northeast of Minneapolis, is where you escape for an action-packed weekend. Tourism is the city's bread and butter, which means you can expect plenty of fun. Go skiing in winter, surfing on the lakes in summer, and mountain biking in the city's extensive wilderness. With hundreds of lakes calling Detroit Lakes home, you will have endless shorelines to explore. And when you're exhausted, partake in the city's festivities because it holds plenty of events and festivals every year. 5. Rochester If you're looking for a big and vibrant city besides Minneapolis and St. Paul, head to Rochester in the southeast portion of the state. Rochester boasts many exciting attractions, from thousands of park acres and miles of paved trails to charming dining spots and a lively art scene. Visit the beautiful waterfront downtown, where the Rochester Art Center and the renowned Mayo Civic Center are located. If you visit anywhere between June and August, you'll love the outdoor market and live entertainment occurring weekly in downtown Rochester. You'll find the scene unforgettable, from the food to the music. Final Thoughts You won't regret spending your weekend getaway in Minnesota because there are just too many unique places to explore. The diverse range of experiences offers something for everyone regardless of what you're into. Whether you like outdoor adventures or urban excursions, there's something for you. Read Also: Planning A Beach Holiday In 2023? Here Are 5 Things To Buy In Advance 7 Creative Truck Cap Camping Ideas To Use In Jungle Adventures 6 Outdoor Activities You Can Have In Arizona