4 Amazing Mini Golf Venues In The UK

BY  Abdul Aziz Jun 16, 2023

For travel enthusiasts seeking an extraordinary adventure that combines ancient traditions, futuristic cities and a tantalizing gastronomic journey, look no further than Japan - a captivating country that seamlessly blends past and present. From the vibrant streets of Tokyo to the tranquil temples of Kyoto and the breathtaking natural wonders in between, Japan offers an incomparable immersive experience. This article explores compelling trip ideas and assesses the top cities to visit in Japan that must be seen to be believed. 1. Explore Tokyo's Vibrant Cityscape It is natural to begin your journey in Tokyo, the capital city of Japan. This dynamic metropolis offers a blend of tradition and futuristic technology. Take a stroll in the historic Asakusa district, where you can visit the iconic Senso-ji Temple – one of the most ancient Buddhist temples in Tokyo. Moreover, marvel at intricate architecture and experience the bustling atmosphere of Nakamise Shopping Street, lined with traditional shops and food stalls. Next, enjoy Shinjuku’s neon lights and vibrant atmosphere, known for its entertainment and shopping districts. Lastly, experience cutting-edge technology and bustling energy in Akihabara, the center of Japan’s “Otaku” culture and immerse yourself in anime, manga, and gaming. Perhaps this may even inspire you to find out about onee-chan wa game o suruto hito ga kawaru onee-chan, or another manga series that catches your eye, once you return home. 2. Immerse Yourself In Kyoto's Rich History Travel back in time by visiting Kyoto, the cultural heart of Japan. This city is home to numerous temples, shrines and traditional gardens. Explore the magnificent Kinkaku-ji (known as the Golden Pavilion) adorned with gold leaves reflecting on a tranquil pond. Discover the peaceful Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, a mesmerizing forest with towering bamboo stalks that create an enchanting atmosphere. For an authentic cultural experience, participate in a traditional tea ceremony. Next, don a kimono and stroll through the historic streets of Gion, known for its geisha culture, and catch a glimpse of these traditional entertainers. Lastly, ensure to visit Fushimi Inari Taisha, famous for its thousands of vibrant red torii gates that lead to a stunning view of Kyoto from the mountaintop. Consider Kyoto Tours for a seamless extension of your adventure, offering a contrast but equally captivating experience in the bustling metropolis. 3. Experience Natural Beauty In Hokkaido Japan's northernmost island, Hokkaido, is a must for nature lovers. Renowned for its natural beauty and diverse wildlife, Hokkaido offers a plethora of outdoor activities. Visit the picturesque town of Biei, famous for its rolling hills and colorful flower fields. Moreover, explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of Shiretoko National Park. This pure forest is home to brown bears, eagles, and seals. Consider unwinding in the natural hot springs of Noboribetsu or hiking in scenic Daisetsuzan National Park, with stunning alpine scenery and beautiful views from the summit of Mount Asahidake. If you visit in winter, Hokkaido is renowned for its superlative skiing and snowboarding resorts. 4. Meditate On The History Of Hiroshima Pay tribute to history and visit Hiroshima, a city that emerged from tragic events in World War II. The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum serve as reminders of the atomic bomb that devastated the city in 1945. Take a moment to contemplate the ruins of war and comprehend the significance of peace. Afterward, explore the nearby Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island - famous for its iconic floating torii gate and beautiful scenery. Lastly, take a calming walk along the picturesque streets of the island. 5. Indulge In Japanese Cuisine No trip to Japan is complete without indulging in its unique cuisine - Japanese food is renowned for its freshness, variety, and meticulous preparation. Indulge in sushi, a culinary art form showcasing the finest fish cuts and expertly seasoned rice. Alternatively, order a comforting bowl of steaming ramen, a beloved Japanese noodle dish with flavorful broth and toppings, and savor crispy tempura, where delicate seafood and vegetables are lightly battered and perfectly fried. It is recommended to try yakitori (grilled skewered chicken) at a traditional Izakaya (Japanese pub). Moreover, venture into lively food markets (such as Tsukiji Fish Market in Tokyo or Nishiki Market in Kyoto) to sample fresh seafood, street snacks, and local delicacies. Experience the art of traditional kaiseki dining, where each dish is meticulously prepared with seasonal delights to blend flavors. 6. Attend Festivals And Cultural Events Immerse yourself in Japan's vibrant culture by attending traditional festivals and events. If you visit during the cherry blossom season (sakura) in spring, the cherry blossom will be in full bloom. You can join hanami parties in parks throughout the country. Experience the excitement of summer festivals (such as Gion Matsuri in Kyoto or the Nebuta Matsuri in Aomori). It features colorful floats, traditional performances, and fireworks. During winter, catch the Sapporo Snow Festival. Here, you can marvel at magnificent ice sculptures and enjoy winter sports in the snowy wonderland. Throughout the year, various cultural events and festivities take place. They take you deeper into the traditions and customs of Japan. You May Also Like: 10 Best Things To Do In Prague 10 Amazing Things To Do In Medellin Top 10 Affordable Hostels In Los Angeles – California

BY  Abdul Aziz Mar 31, 2021

Cruise some of the world’s most beautiful waters on a Seychelles yacht charter. A luxurious crewed yacht in Seychelles offers the perfect opportunity to explore paradisiacal islands lapped by some of the bluest waters on earth at your own pace. Seychelles is made up of 115 coral and granite island gems in the Indian Ocean. Here you'll find picture-postcard beaches, vibrant coral reefs teeming with colorful marine life, mountainous rainforests home to spectacular nature reserves, superb fishing grounds, delicious Creole cuisine, and barefoot elegance coupled with relaxed island charm. If you’re considering a Seychelles yacht charter, then keep on reading. Here we explore some of the top things to see and do while on a luxurious yacht in Seychelles. Seychelles Yacht Charter-  Mahe Island: No Seychelles yacht charter would be complete without exploring the island of Mahe, home to the Seychelles small capital Victoria. It is here you can get a real taste of Seychelles’ culture and history. A must-visit is the lush botanical gardens, a wonderful 15-acre retreat that boasts both endemic and exotic plants collected by French botanist Rivalt Dupont, who laid out the park in 1901. The various gardens of the park include a Chinese garden, rainforest, and spice garden. Don’t forget to look out for the park’s resident Aldabra giant tortoises. Other attractions of note in Victoria include the National Museum of History and St Paul’s Anglican Cathedral. Mahe is also a fabulous place to feast on traditional Creole cuisine at locally run restaurants and food stalls.  Curieuse Island:  Curieuse Island is a national park and best known for its resident giant Aldabra tortoises, one of the few places on earth where they roam freely. More than 300 of these slow-moving creatures call the island home and are protected by a dedicated group of rangers. The island is also home to unspoiled mangrove forests, picture-postcard beaches, and rare coco de Mer palm trees, a giant prehistoric tree that boasts the world’s largest speed. For diving enthusiasts, head to the eastern coast of Curieuse and dive Coral Garden, a popular dive spot bursting with marine life – a Seychelles yacht charter must!  Praslin Island:  This exquisite island is considered one of the most beautiful destinations on earth, making it a must-visit during a Seychelles yacht charter. Praslin Island is best known for its palm-fringed beaches dotted with large granite boulders, while its jungle-covered interior is home to the Praslin National Park. Here you’ll find the breath-taking palm forest, Valle de Mai Nature Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to endemic rare flora and fauna. The island is peppered with quaint seaside villages and luxury resorts, including the Constance Lemuria Resort, which features an 18-hole championship golf course and a luxe full-service spa. Make sure you leave time to visit one of the island’s most famous beaches, Anse Lazio beach, which features powder-white sand fringed by lush tropical foliage. Soak up the sun on this dreamy beach during a Seychelles yacht charter, or make the most of your yacht’s tenders and toys on the surrounding azure blue waters. Farquhar Atoll:  Enjoy spectacular fishing grounds at Farquhar Atoll, the Seychelles most southerly chain of islands. This remote atoll offers a dreamy Seychelles yacht charter escape and is ideal for fishing enthusiasts. The Farquhar Atoll offers diverse fishery, including countless flats, surf zones, and channels. Reel in tropical fish such as triggerfish, bonefish, hump head parrotfish, and blue-water game species, including yellowfin tuna, barracuda, grouper, and wahoo. After, retreat to the luxurious surroundings of your Seychelles yacht charter and have your private chef prepare your fresh catch of the day. There can be no question for paradise seekers that a Seychelles yacht charter offers the perfect luxury escape. And with so many yachts for charter to choose from, you are guaranteed to find your ideal vessel, whether you fancy cruising this paradisiacal destination aboard an elegant sailboat or a superyacht. On a Seychelles yacht charter, paradise awaits. Read Also: Top Ten Southern Africa Off-The-Beaten-Path Adventures Planning A Hunting Trip To Africa – Here’s What You Should Know Top 12 Amazing Sahara Desert Animals You Need To See

BY  Abdul Aziz May 2, 2023

If you are looking for a destination for your next vacation, chances are you came across Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Nestled at the foothill of the Great Smokies, Gatlinburg is a bustling town, continuously gaining a reputation as an ideal vacation destination. It offers breathtaking views of the mountains along with tons of outdoor activities and a rich culture full of history. However, before packing your bags, you must book accommodations first. Gatlinburg welcomes millions of visitors each year from all around the world, sometimes making it challenging for families to find suitable accommodations that cater to their needs. If you want to avoid this mistake or are looking to save some extra bucks, it is wise to book lodgings beforehand. This guide will share some tips on how to find the perfect place for your stay. Book The Best Lodgings For A Vacation In Gatlinburg: Things On Your Checklist Gatlinburg has the potential to become a case study for capitalizing on its proximity to The Great Smoky Mountains National Park and beautiful landscape.  However, tourism development in Gatlinburg has been a continuous effort for 20 years. This consistent effort even showed in Forbes Magazine naming it one of the prettiest towns in America in 2012.   Under the leadership of Cindy Cameron Ogle, the City Manager, Gatlinburg has experienced this metamorphosis. Further, the Airbnb Market Data for 2023 in Gatlinburg shows a huge demand for short-term and long-term accommodations (temporary) in this part of the world.  The vacation rental company had 1,797 active listings in Gatlinburg as of 12th September 2024. Further, in 2023, Airbnb enjoyed an average occupancy rate of 66%. Also, the median rate of daily occupancy was $235.  So, being a hotspot for Tennessee tourism, Gatlinburg has many excellent accommodation options. However, you need to consider the following factors to optimize your experience.  1- Be Clear About What You Want: Whether planning a solo trip or visiting Gatlinburg with family, the first step is to decide what you are looking for from your accommodation. Even though Gatlinburg is a small town, it offers a wide range of accommodation options, from luxurious hotels and cabins to camping underneath the clear night sky. Note down what you will need from your accommodation and research different options. For example, a one-bedroom cabin is an ideal option if you are visiting Gatlinburg solo. On the other hand, if it is a family trip, consider booking a cabin with multiple bedrooms and basic amenities like a kitchen. It will come in handy, especially if you decide to stay on the outskirts. Many cabins also come with additional perks, like an indoor pool. It is an excellent, fun activity if you have kids. They can enjoy the warm, crystal-clear water while you plan for the day. By choosing Gatlinburg cabins with an indoor pool, you can also swim whenever you want without worrying about privacy or sunburn. 2- Location Is The Key For Booking Lodgings On A Vacation In Gatlinburg: Location is the deciding factor that can make or break your vacation experience. The primary purpose of the vacation is to unwind while exploring a new city and culture. You cannot do that if your location does not give you access to popular tourist spots. Choose a place that will put you in proximity to significant attraction spots and also allow you to enjoy the awe-inspiring scenery that Gatlinburg has to offer. Similarly, if the purpose of your location is pure relaxation, staying at a place located in a crowded area will ruin the vacation for you. In that case, you need to book a place that gives you access to mountains or hiking trails. Gatlinburg offers numerous challenging hiking trails, thanks to The Great Smoky National Park. If you are traveling by plane, you should also factor it in. Do not choose a place far from the airport or inconvenient to commute. Most cab services charge extra if your accommodation is located at a distance from the airport. You will also have to pay for public transport. You can avoid paying those additional chargers. 3- Research Different Options: Once you have decided on the type and location of the accommodation, it's time to go into research mode. Many credible websites, such as Airbnb and Booking, provide several options based on availability or your needs. Research the options by answering the following questions: How long are you going to stay? How many rooms will you require? Will you need cooking facilities? Do you have any special conditions? Do you need wifi, a pool, or any other additional perk? Can the place give access to public transport? Researching beforehand can save you from many mistakes. It can also help you plan your budget accordingly. For instance, booking a three-bedroom condo is a waste of money if traveling solo. Similarly, a one-bedroom cabin may not be sufficient for a family of 4. Take into consideration every option and choose the one that suits your needs. 4- Reviews Can Be Helpful: See what other people are saying about the place by reading online reviews. These reviews give insight into what other tourist experience about the accommodation. The reviews can be invaluable because they present the facts about the accommodation in question. When deciding between two or more accommodations, this information can be helpful because you can usually tell immediately how much the reviewer enjoyed the accommodations. You can also explore travel blogs for detailed reviews and ratings. The place with higher ratings usually indicates credibility. 5- Consider The Timing Of Your Visit: Since Gatlinburg attracts millions of tourists, the timing of your visit can matter the most. Gatlinburg is nestled between the mountains, and its pleasant weather during summer attracts millions of visitors. Most lodges are fully booked during summer, making it difficult to book accommodation. Many people also experience long queues for a table at the restaurant. And in a jam-packed season, it can be difficult for families to enjoy outdoor activities or explore the city to a full extent. 6- Book Early: If you do choose to visit Gatlinburg during summer, it is wise to book early. Imagine a family vacation is due, and you have taken some days off from work. Everything is in order except booking a place to stay. You go to the website only to realize that your ideal hotel or cabin is sold out for the days you want to visit. Therefore, always book early. Do not wait till the last minute. Booking early gives you peace of mind that your ideal place is waiting for you, and you can also save money because the price usually goes up during the busy season. Things To See On A Vacation In Gatlinburg On A Budget: A Quick Rundown Gatlinburg is one of the most budget-friendly travel destinations in the USA. Further, it is a great destination for family holidays.  September to October is the best time to visit Gatlinburg, and in case you have plans to visit the city this fall, you can explore the following places.  1. Great Smoky Mountains National Park Great Smoky Mountains National Park stands between the borders of Tennessee and North Carolina. You can cherish the beauty of the Smoky Mountains here and encounter the most fascinating wildlife. Furthermore, it is a great place to learn about the Southern Appalachian culture.  2. Anakeesta Anakeesta, a theme park in Gatlinburg, is a great spot for family vacations. Enjoy mountain coasters and zipline tours here and behold the beauty of the Smoky Mountains.  3. Gatlinburg Space Needle https://www.instagram.com/spaceneedletn/p/Cu5ba8BRyfr/ Gatlinburg Space Needle is an observation deck. You can get the best views of the Smoky Mountains and Gatlinburg downtown from a 400 feet height from Gatlinburg Space Needle.  Along with these places, you can also stop by the Moonshine Mountain Coaster, Gatlinburg SkyPark, Mysterious Mansion, etc.    Final Thoughts: Taking a vacation is an excellent way to take a step back from the hustle and bustle of the daily routine and recharge your battery. But most people find it overwhelming when it comes to booking. When planning for a vacation, the last thing you want to worry about is booking a place to stay during your vacation. Many people are stressed out when they plan for accommodation, but you don't need to worry about that. Follow the strategies discussed to avoid mistakes. The key is to identify your priorities and act accordingly. Read Also: Tips For Vacationing In Gatlinburg Great Vacation Ideas For Adventurers 4 Fun Trip Ideas To Plan For This Year