Paradise Islands: Discovering Italy’s Hidden Gems

BY  Arnab Sep 15, 2023

Whether you’re a travel buff or a film buff. Or both! The famous “James Bond Island” in the south of Thailand is surely on your bucket list. Its natural beauty, location, and connection to the iconic hero of numerous top-notch spy thrillers make it a “must-visit” destination for anyone with a sense of adventure to match 007’s himself. And here’s a great way for the more adventurous sightseer to experience Ko Tapu (to give it its “Sunday” name) in the stunning Phang Nga Bay, where you will be thrilled to discover that it looks as wonderful in “real life” as it does on the silver screen. Getting There The locally based John ‘Caveman’ Gray and his Sea Canoe Company offer daily morning or afternoon tours from their base in nearby Phuket. These trips are designed to suit your requirements, whether you’re an early riser or prefer going out later in the day. They will collect you – and drop you off afterward – at your hotel or from the airport. It couldn’t be easier. And with nearly 25 years of experience, you know you’re in good hands on a James Bond island tour from Phuket. What To Expect All tours are led by highly experienced, expert guides, who will be with you every step (or paddle) of the way, to ensure you get the most from your excursion. The personal touch is important to John and his knowledgeable, well-trained team. You will also be kitted out in the latest state-of-the-art safety gear and get your very own top-of-the-range canoe. The early trip includes breakfast and a light buffet lunch, while the later outing offers a delicious Thai dinner. Now doesn’t that sound enticing?! It’s Not Just About The Canoes Once you have arrived at your destination, you have the option to explore further – maybe check out the wonderful, natural caves – or laze on the golden Thai beach and have a dip in the beautiful clear blue ocean. The choice is yours. Or you could act out all your Roger Moore-inspired fantasies by recreating your favorite scene from ‘The Man with the Golden Gun’. If you’ve chosen the later jaunt, you can sit back and admire the gorgeous sunset. And all this while being kind to the planet thanks to John’s commitment to caring for the environment. It really is a lovely part of the world. It's Affordable, Too The cost of the package depends on what time of day you wish to venture out. The early start is priced at THB32,000, while the afternoon and evening tours come in at THB44,750. The cost includes entrance fees to the national park and insurance. What are you waiting for? Sign up today for the experience of a lifetime with the company that proudly boasts “We don’t do anything normal!” as its motto and guarantees you the trip of a lifetime in one of the most beautiful places on Earth. Click here for tourism info on Thailand. Read Also: 5 Unmissable Ibiza Boat Parties In 2023 Explore The Beauty Of The Mountains Of Kenya! Witness The Beauty Of Chilko Lake In British Columbia – Travel Guide

BY  Abdul Aziz Nov 24, 2021

If you’re planning a vacation to the city of Seattle in the coming months or years, it helps to do some research before you go on some of the best sites to see in the city and tips for a stress-free, fun trip.  Here are some things to consider as you start getting excited about exploring this West-coast locale.  Best Times And Seasons Of Year To Visit Seattle Seattle is a fabulous city to visit at any time of the year but is particularly lovely from June to October, the driest months.  Summer:  Summer in Seattle isn’t too hot due to the breeze that comes in off the Puget Sound, making this an excellent option for trips to the city. However, fall is crisp yet cozy and gives you a chance to see the trees around the city change color.  If you’re keen to head to this part of the United States when some top events are on, June delivers the Seattle International Film Festival and July the Seattle International Beerfest.  April: However, April is one of the best months for key happenings since this time of year is when you can enjoy the popular Seattle Cherry Blossom Festival and the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival.  Beyond that, you might also be interested in getting to Seattle in November if you’re a runner since this is when the Seattle running marathon competition typically takes place.  How To Get Around? If you want freedom of travel and plan to check out some of the excellent day trips on offer from Seattle, you might like to hire a car for your time in and around the city. You’ll find some handy options if you search online for “car rental Seattle airport” or “rent a car in Seattle,” etc.  If you only need four wheels occasionally during your trip, you can get a taxi service through Seattle Yellow Cab and other companies or choose the Seattle Royal Town Car for fancier rides. Plus, Uber and Lyft both service the city and surroundings - perfect if you're wanting to explore what Washington Wine has to offer, as an example of something you might want to do during your trip! Other modes of transport abound, too. For example, train-wise, the Link light rail runs through the city's downtown and out to the airport, plus the Seattle Center Monorail that connects some of the big attractions in town.  It runs from the Space Needle at Seattle Center to Westlake Center, which sits about three blocks from the Pike Place Market. Also, you can take the Sounder commuter train if you need to go outside the city limits or hop on one of the three lines running on the Seattle streetcar that move through the city. Buses such as the King County Metro will take you around Seattle and surrounding regions too, or you might like to stay more active by picking up a bike. They’re easy to find around Seattle, and you can even hire some electric ones to help you navigate the city’s hills.  3 Must-Visit Locations in Seattle Seattle has no shortage of interesting and fun places to visit while you’re in town. For example, spend some time wandering the famous Pike Place Market, a farmers’ market, food hall, and shopping spot all in one.  Pick up some supplies for your stay and some gifts to take home, plus enjoy lunch while you’re there and take in the spectacle supplied by the friendly vendors.  1. Space Needle All visitors to Seattle should head to the Space Needle at least once, too. This 600-plus foot tall iconic landmark that dominates the city’s skyline opened in the early 1960s and has futuristic design appeal.  Head up to the saucer-shaped observation deck to view Seattle and its surroundings from afar, and you might also enjoy a drink in The Loupe Lounge that’s set up on the world’s first and only revolving glass floor. 2. Chihuly Garden And Art Museum  If you’re an art lover, you can’t go past Chihuly Garden and Glass, conveniently located right next door to the Space Needle within the Seattle Center. Here you can view a sculpture garden and art exhibition that demonstrates the remarkable work of world-renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly.  Plus, it’s worth checking out the Olympic Sculpture Park to see an excellent outdoor display of modern and contemporary sculpture in a space that extends all the way to the shores of Puget Sound. The Park is operated by the Seattle Art Museum, which is also worth spending time at.  3. Museum Of Pop Culture And Gum Wall Some other attractions to put on your must-see list include the Museum of Pop Culture, Fremont Vintage Mall, the famous Gum Wall (a long brick wall covered with used chewing gum in the alleyway under Pike Place Market), and the Museum of Flight.  Conclusion: Seattle also boasts excellent shopping, quality dining establishments, and top bars and live entertainment venues. You’re sure to have a wonderful time in this fascinating city and make memories that last a lifetime.  Read Also: 5 Best Places To Visit In North America’s Pacific Northwest What To Look For When Purchasing A Beach Tent For Vacation FAQ About Staying Safe With Holiday Royal Vacation Club Should You Book A Hotel Or An Apartment For Your Vacation?

BY  Ankita Nov 22, 2023

Traveling is one of the most exciting and enriching experiences that life has to offer.  And if you want to make the most out of your journey, you'll need a trusty travel map by your side.  However, these maps are more than just tools to help you get from point A to point B. They're a treasure trove of insights, recommendations, and hidden gems that can take your adventure to the next level.  With a good travel map, you'll discover new places, uncover local secrets, and experience the world in ways you never thought possible.  Plus, studies have shown that using a travel map can positively impact your mood, attention, and memory. This makes your journey even more enjoyable and memorable.  So, whether you are a seasoned traveler or a curious explorer, don't forget to pack a travel map on your next adventure. It could be the key to unlocking the trip of a lifetime!  Why Use Maps For Your Travel Plans? Given below are some of the most important ways a map can enhance your travel experiences— 1. Discovering The Untrodden Paths When traveling to new places, a map can be a valuable tool in helping you discover untrodden paths.  It provides you with a visual representation of the area. This allows you to see all the different routes and paths that may not be as well-known or popular among tourists.  Furthermore, a map can veer off the beaten path. It helps you explore hidden gems that may not be mentioned in guidebooks or travel websites.  This can lead to unique and memorable experiences beyond typical tourist attractions.  Therefore, whether it's stumbling upon a quaint local café or finding a secluded beach, using a map can help. You can find these hidden treasures and create unforgettable travel memories. 2. Learning And Discovering Fascinating Topography When traveling, maps are essential for comprehending the topography and terrain. Travelers are able to plan journeys, explore places of interest, and enjoy the distinctive geography of each destination, thanks to their visual depictions of terrain and features.  Moreover, maps are also helpful for navigation. They let travelers know where they are and how to get to places of interest or attractions. Maps by Muir Way show both natural and man-made characteristics, including relief, flora, water bodies, farmed land, communities, and transportation systems.  Therefore, when traveling in rugged areas, they help you recognize and debate geographic formations.  They help travelers recognize landforms and note important details like length or changes in elevation.  Moreover, it is also a great way to introduce children to landforms, as maps help identify each one and review any relevant features. 3. Learning About Landmarks And Their History Historical maps are essential documents that offer valuable insights into the evolution of territories, landscapes, and civilizations throughout history.  They play a vital role in helping historians understand the spatial context of significant historical events such as battles, migrations, and trade routes.  For instance, by examining a historical map of ancient Rome, we can observe the expansion of the Roman Empire, including its conquests and territories.  This map provides historians with invaluable information about the empire's spatial reach and how its borders changed over time, which in turn can help us understand the political and economic dynamics of the period.  Moreover, historical maps can reveal the interconnectivity of different civilizations and cultures.  Another example is the Silk Road's vast network of trading routes connecting Asia, Europe, and Africa in ancient times. This map reveals crucial insights into the economic, cultural, and technological developments on this route. Therefore, historical maps are powerful tools for comprehending the complexities of the past and the significance of geography in shaping historical events. 4. Finding Amenities And Services Nearby Maps help travelers find amenities and services nearby by providing a visual representation of the surrounding area.  Through the use of symbols and icons, maps can indicate the locations of various amenities such as restaurants, hotels, hospitals, gas stations, and more.  This allows travelers to easily identify and locate the services they need while exploring an unfamiliar place.  Additionally, maps often include important details such as addresses, phone numbers, and reviews. Therefore, they assist travelers in making informed decisions about where to go for their specific needs. 5. Planning A Unique Itinerary Maps help travelers plan a unique itinerary by providing them with a visual representation of their destination and the surrounding areas.  By studying the map, travelers can identify interesting landmarks, attractions, and hidden gems that may not be mentioned in guidebooks or travel websites.  For example, a traveler planning a trip to Paris can use a map to locate famous landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre Museum. However, they can also discover lesser-known spots like charming cafes or local markets that contribute to a more unique experience.  Additionally, maps can help travelers plan efficient routes and transportation options, ensuring they make the most of their time exploring a new destination.  Therefore, you can create a personalized itinerary that includes off-the-beaten-path experiences and avoids tourist traps.  In addition, maps also help travelers understand the geographical layout of a place, enabling them to plan efficient routes and make the most of their time during their trip. 6. Learning About The Borders And Politics Maps aid travelers in understanding borders and politics by visually representing countries, states, and regions, and their boundaries. Moreover, you can find key political features like capital cities, major cities, and landmarks.  This helps you comprehend the political divisions and relationships between different areas. Maps enhance your understanding of the political landscape they are exploring.  When using a map of Europe, travelers can easily see where countries begin and end. This helps them understand the complex political relationships within the European Union. By having this information, travelers can better navigate and plan their journey. They can also see the capital cities of each country.  Therefore, maps serve as a valuable tool. They help travelers navigate through unfamiliar territories while gaining knowledge about the borders and politics of the places they visit. Get A Map For Your Next Trip! Therefore, having a map can be incredibly helpful when navigating unfamiliar places. The map visually shows you the area and helps you plan your route and explore different attractions.   Don't miss out on the opportunity to make your next trip even more enjoyable and organized by getting a map!  Read Also: Discovering Missouri’s Hidden Gems Top 5 Best Tourist Places In Coimbatore – Travel Guide On The Go: Packing Essentials For Your Next Adventure