3 Irresistible Reasons You Should Try A Walking Safari

BY  Sibashree Jan 16, 2025

Renting a perfect yacht for your charter is a thrilling opportunity to enjoy luxury, freedom, and adventure. Travel on the surface of the blue ocean is unlike anything you want to experience during the holidays. The different amenities available on the board give you an experience unlike anything else. You can charter an airplane for a fun and joyful ride. But there’s something else when it’s a yacht.  However, selecting the ideal yacht can seem overwhelming, with so many options available.  Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or a first-time renter, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you choose the perfect yacht for your trip.  1. Define Your Vacation Style Think about the type of experience you want. Are you looking for a romantic escape, a family-friendly adventure, or a lively party with friends? Your vacation style will guide you in selecting the right type of yacht.  Sailing Yachts: Ideal for those who love the authentic experience of navigating with sails. Motor Yachts: Perfect for luxury, speed, and comfort. Catamarans: Spacious and stable, great for families or groups. Gulets: Traditional wooden vessels, perfect for laid-back cruising with a touch of charm. At 12 Knots Yacht Rentals, you’ll find a variety of yachts tailored to your preferences. Choosing the best yacht for your vacation depends on your cruising style and how you want to sail. The type of luxury experience you want depends on your desire and the experience you are looking for. You’ll choose the perfect yacht for your charter depending on that. So, first, set your expectations and the above parameters should help you identify what you are looking for in the yacht.  2. Consider Your Group Size How many people will join you? Yachts come in different sizes, from intimate vessels for two to spacious yachts that can accommodate large groups. Ensure there’s enough room for everyone to sleep, dine, and relax comfortably. There are different sizes of yachts, and each size has a capacity to accommodate a specific number of people.  Get a small yacht, and you can have 4 to 12 people onboard. Now, if you want a grand and luxury wedding on a yacht, you’ll need from 100 to 300 people. That’s when you need a large yacht. Also the need for safety guides and features also change with the number of people you want to have onboard for the charter.  3. Choose the Right Destination The destination often influences the type of yacht you should choose. For example: In the Caribbean, a catamaran might be ideal for shallow waters and island hopping. For the Mediterranean, a motor yacht provides the speed and style needed to explore glamorous coastal towns. A luxury yacht in the Maldives ensures you travel comfortably across atolls. So, choosing the right destination for a yacht charter is also an integral part of finding what works for you. Think of the location you want to visit on your yacht and choose accordingly.  Visit 12 Knots to explore available yachts by destination.  4. Decide on Crew vs. Bareboat Crewed Yachts: Perfect for a hands-off, luxurious experience. The crew handles everything from navigation to meals, leaving you free to relax. Bareboat Charters: Great for experienced sailors who want full control of the yacht. You’ll need the appropriate certifications to rent these. If you want the experience of charting a yacht, it’s great to go for a bareboat charter. If you are a skilled sailor and have significant experience handling a yacht in the ocean, nothing is stopping you from getting a bareboat charter. You must have the necessary certifications and licenses for charting bareboat yachts. So, keep your personal safety and legal procedures in mind when deciding between a crew or a bareboat charter.  5. Set a Budget Yacht rentals often have significant differences in pricing depending on the size, type, and location. Keep in mind additional costs, such as fuel, docking fees, and provisioning. Many charters offer transparent pricing, making it easier to stick to your budget.  But, typically, in the budgeting part, the key areas of consideration come down to the charting fees and the APA (Advance Provisioning Allowance).  The advance provisioning allowance for the additional expenses such as drinks, food, delivery, re-delivery fees, and the average cost for smaller yachts.  Depending on your requirement for a luxury yacht charter, you’ll have to spend a specific amount. A small yacht chartering will cost you $10,000 per week. On the other hand, a large sized luxury yacht will cost $150,000 per week. So, set your budget depending on whatever type of experience you are looking for.  6. Check the Amenities Think about the facilities you’ll need: Spacious cabins and bathrooms Air conditioning Onboard kitchen or chef Wi-Fi and entertainment systems Equipment for water sports like snorkeling, paddle boarding, or jet skiing Explore yachts on 12 Knots to compare amenities and find your ideal match. 7. Understand the Season Different destinations have peak seasons. For example, the Mediterranean is best in summer, while the Caribbean shines in winter. Booking in advance ensures you get the yacht you want at the best price. 8. Read Reviews and Consult Experts Look for reviews from past renters and seek advice from yacht rental professionals. At 12 Knots, their experienced team is ready to help you make the best choice for your trip. Several listing websites online allow you to comparent types of yachts and luxury riding experiences.  You can compare prices, features amenities on those websites before making a decision. In addition, different clients also leave their own reviews and testimonials about specific rentals. You can check those before making a decision.  Conclusion  Renting a yacht is a fantastic way to elevate your vacation, but the key to an unforgettable experience is choosing the right yacht. You can ensure a seamless and enjoyable trip by considering your vacation style, destination, group size, and budget. You can take the advice we have given in this article to make your selection a worthwhile one. On the other hand, if you are a travel enthusiast, read other articles we have on our website.  Ready to start planning? Explore the best yachts for your dream destination at 12 Knots Yacht Rentals and embark on the adventure of a lifetime! Also read Why Include Whale Watching In Your LA Itinerary. Traveling On A Budget: Tips For Affordable Adventures. From Cocktails To Kickflips: Must-Try Activities In San Diego.

BY  Barsha Mar 11, 2022

When the last two years forced me and the rest of the world to stay home, my favorite pastime was looking up the best travel sites online. The moment things turned a little normal and restrictions were lifted, I packed my bags and tools the help of these sites made as many as four trips in a time span of four months. It’s 2022, and I already have my travel plans for the year sorted, thanks to these terrific sites. It was surprising when people started asking me questions related to travel. One of the most common questions was, ‘what are the best travel sites?’ So I decided to answer the question with a list featuring the top 10 best travel sites in 2022. Scroll down to find out which can help you the best! Best Travel Sites In 2025: So, here are the top 10 travel sites that you can check while travelling anywhere in 2025. 1. Expedia If you are planning a long trip with a lot of people, your best option is Expedia. Expedia is one of the best travel sites of all time and is also pretty well-known. People love their wide range of bundle alternatives and the customization feature for meeting the requirements of every vacation type. Pros: Extensive alternatives for every type of vacation. Updated deals. Easy user-interface. Cons: At times, competing sites might have better offers or deals. 2. Priceline One of the best travel sites known for its sheer accuracy even during last-minute deals, Priceline has several sources all over the internet. However, the site became famous when Canadian actor William Shatner started promoting it in the late 90s. So, if you were wondering what are the best last-minute travel sites, then Priceline is definitely one. Pros: Very well-known, which means the brand is trusted by customers. Updated and user-friendly website. Prioritizes accuracy, especially when it comes to booking data. Cons: At times, competing sites might have better offers or deals. 3. Booking.com A number of people might find it annoying that I am mentioning Booking.com on this list. But let’s face it! The site has lucrative deals, and I simply couldn’t ignore it, but then again, they have a horrible customer support team. So if you prioritize crazy deals over poor customer service then you can totally check this one out. Pros: An underrated site that allows you to book places all over the world. Users can book as well as list properties for rent. Better reviews from users compared to Tripadvisor. Cons: Terrible customer support. 4. Kayak There was a time when Kayak used to be legendary. Those were the days when Kayak gained popularity after offering crazy deals to users that other competing sites could never match. However, the popularity was short-lived because once competition arrived, Kayak was reduced to just another great site.  Pros: A solid search engine with accurate information. Competitive price structures for busy times during the travel schedules. Has maintained the consistency of being a good travel site. Cons: The website has zero mobile-friendliness, especially if you are still using older versions of Android or iOS services. You could still make do with the mobile app, though. You May Also Like To Read This: Most Exciting Places To Visit In Bulgaria In 2022 5. Airbnb When Airbnb had just appeared on the scene in 2008, people couldn’t quite relate to the idea, and the company was under a debt of 40,000 dollars. However, the brand got itself out of all the problems and made a name. Presently, it is known as one of the best travel sites, with listings in 34,000 cities and 190 countries across the globe. Pros: Users can book as well as list properties for rent. The concept of a unique experience is unique in reality. Simple to use and comprehend. Cons: During busy travel schedules of the year or even during weekends, it is difficult to get a booking on your preferred dates. Also, property owners are not always honest about describing their properties. So inaccurate information is present in several areas. 6. Hotwire If you were asking around what are the best last-minute travel sites, then Hotwire is another alternative other than Priceline. If you are an adventurous explorer, you will love Hotwire. The site allows you to buy hotel rooms at dirt cheap rates, but the catch is you won't know where you will be staying before the booking is made. Pros: Dirt cheap rates for hotel rooms. Crazy vacation packages are always available. Cons: You might have to compromise on quality just to pay less money. Read More: Few Excellent Ways To Get Discount On Hotel Booking 7. Vrbo Vrbo is pretty similar to Airbnb. It is also a vacation rental, but it is far cheaper than Aribb. This is because Vrbo charges costumes way lesser than Airbnb in terms of service fees. Industry experts have often compared pricing between the same property listed on the two sites before arriving at this conclusion. Pros: Cheaper than other vacation rentals like Airbnb. The concept of a unique experience is unique in reality. Cons: During busy travel schedules of the year or even during weekends, it is difficult to get a booking on your preferred dates. 8. Agoda Agoda is one of the best travel sites for people with impromptu and low-budget plans. The app allows users to find rooms in more than 200 locations depending on which city they are staying in. Users love it because it saves time and even lets you compare places side by side. Pros: User-friendly and always have plenty of alternatives to choose from in terms of hotel rooms. Deals are cheaper than both Booking.com and Airbnb. Quick bookings and even faster check-ins. Cons: Poor customer support. Additional fees are charged in specific locations. Refund-related issues crop us often. 9. Southwest You might love them or hate them, but you can definitely not ignore Southwest. So if you are wondering what are the best travel sites for flights, then you have come to the right place because Southwest is one of the best travel sites for people who prefer traveling on flights. Pros: Very cost-effective with the lowest price being honored by the brand. Trustworthy and adheres to timings. Two pieces of checked bags are given for free, accompanied by a companion pass. Cons: Southwest tickets do not come with meal provisions. The brand also does not believe in confirming seats. With no partnerships in the airline industry, Southwest has only those Boeing 737 airplanes. 10. AA.com One of the biggest competitions to Southwest and the last name on my list, AA.com, is very similar to its competition. Moreover, AA.com managed to make it to the list of best travel sites solely depending on the plethora of positive reviews on its site. After all, customer reviews are the backbone of the hospitality industry. Pros: Cheap, punctual flights. Great customer reviews especially highlighting the ‘comfort’ aspect. People have also highlighted other elements like ‘value for money’ and security. Cons: There are several customer reviews indicating that there were no provisions for water on some flights. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Q1. Which Travel Website Is Best? The best travel sites in 2022 are as follows, Expedia.com Priceline.com Hotwire.com Kayak.com, and CheapTickets.com Q2. What Is The Number 1 Vacation Spot In The World? The Great Barrier Reef is the number one vacation spot in the world, closely followed by Plitvice Lakes in Croatia and the Taj Mahal in India. These are all results depending on the popularity of the locations with travelers.   Q3. Where Is The World's Most Beautiful Place? The most beautiful places in the world are as follows, Milford Sound in New Zealand, Santorini in Greece,  Isle of Skye in Scotland,  Huashan in China, and  Prague in the Czech Republic Conclusions: Now that you know all about the best travel sites in 2022, all you need to do is pack those bags and leave. Because if you don’t leave now, then you are stuck in front of your desktop till you are 60 one day and it’s time to retire. After all, let’s be realistic. Yes, at 60, you will have enough time but will you be able to jump off a cliff by the sea just for the fun of it? Then what are you waiting for? Put those travel plans into action today! Read Also: Reasons To Book Cottages For Your Honeymoon! Dharamshala’s Snow Story: A Guide To Visit During Winters 7 Key Points To Remember While Planning Your Honeymoon Trip

BY  Sibashree Sep 8, 2025

Santo Domingo, “The Capital” of the Dominican Republic, harbors the most happening Caribbean city life along with architecture that goes back centuries.  Further, with the whiff of cigars, the art galleries, and the most happening gastronomic scene, Santo Domingo offers the most vibrant experience.  However, in this Tour and Travel Blog, we will discuss the Zona Colonial or the Colonial City of Santo Domingo, its unique attractions, and the things to do in Santo Domingo.  The Key Areas Covered Are:What Is Santo Domingo Most Famous For? What Are The Unique Things To Do In Santo Domingo? My Ultimate Bucket List1. Visiting The Ozama Fortress2. Exploring The Colon Park3. Visiting Columbus Lighthouse4. Exploring The Ladies Street5. Feeling The Connection At Our Lady Of The Incarnation6. A Session With History At The Cathedral MuseumA Food Tour: Where To Eat In Santo Domingo?Is It Worth Visiting Santo Domingo?Things To Do In Santo Domingo: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) What Is Santo Domingo Most Famous For?  Santo Domingo is most famous for its Colonial City of Santo Domingo. It was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1990.  Christopher Columbus arrived here in 1492, and after that, it became the “site of the first cathedral, hospital, customs house and university in the Americas.”  It was established as a colonial town in 1498, and it is called the “First permanent establishment of the New World.”  Moreover, the Dominican Republic got its capital, Santo Domingo de Guzmán, from the Colonial City of Santo Domingo.  Also, with its Plaza Mayor and the unique grid pattern, it became the benchmark of new American cities. The establishments, which have especially served as the model, are: Palace of the Viceroy Real Audiencia (Royal Court of Justice) Chancery  Cathedral Moreover, Santo Domingo is the place where Leyes de Indias, or the first laws of the West Indies, were first proclaimed.  In addition, the social fabric, traditional architecture, and the symbolic value of the architecture and the Colonial City of Santo Domingo are well-preserved even today, standing the test of time.  What Are The Unique Things To Do In Santo Domingo? My Ultimate Bucket List Visiting Santo Domingo has now become easier than ever with direct flight connectivity to Las Americas International Airport (SDQ) in Santo Domingo from CDMX or Ciudad de México.  So, there will not be annoying stopovers, and the journey will be more comfortable. Nevertheless, once you reach the first city of the New World, you can explore the following iconic landmarks.  1. Visiting The Ozama Fortress A Spanish architecture built under the guidance of Fray Nicolás de Ovando, the Ozama Fortress has a quintessential medieval vibe.  Many people refer to this as the “Walled Fortress,” as it is, of course, the “first permanent military structure in America.”  The 21-meter central tower of the fortress stands tall, while the canons facing the Ozama River, which were used to drive the pirates away, are still inside the fortress.  2. Exploring The Colon Park Parque Colón or the Plaza de Mayor is the epicenter of the Colonial City of Santo Domingo. It has an impressive statue of Columbus in the middle, and it is surrounded by the iconic architecture of the Colonial City, such as the Cathedral of Santo Domingo and the Cathedral Museum. Every corner of this place is Insta-worthy.  3. Visiting Columbus Lighthouse El Faro a Colón or the Columbus Lighthouse is a 37-meters high architecture, honoring Christopher Columbus, the man who discovered America.  The cross-shape of this lighthouse refers to America’s Christianization.  John Paul II inaugurated this structure in 1992, and today it is a museum and a popular venue for conferences and temporary exhibitions.  4. Exploring The Ladies Street Las Damas Street or Ladies Street has the distinction of being the “first street of the colonial city.” The government of Nicolás de Ovando built this street.  It got its name as ladies used to walk here, and today, the street has notable locations such as the Trampolín Museum, House of Hernán Cortés, and the Cocoa Museum.  5. Feeling The Connection At Our Lady Of The Incarnation The Minor Basilica of Santa María de la Encarnación, or the Primate Cathedral of America, Our Lady Of The Incarnation Cathedral, impresses with its unique Gothic architecture.  Inside the church, you will find Pagan, Christian, and Apostolic details.  6. A Session With History At The Cathedral Museum The Cathedral Museum celebrates the history of the First Cathedral of America through exhibits and objects related to the cathedral.  This museum has candelabras, paintings, and many other exhibits dating from the 16th to the 19th century. The museum also has a souvenir shop for collectibles.  A Food Tour: Where To Eat In Santo Domingo? View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ajualä (@ajualard) Santo Domingo has many cafes and eateries, especially around the Plaza Mayor. However, if you are looking for a fine dining experience, you can try the following places.  Places to Eat in Santo DomingoAddress and Contact DetailsSpecialtyMorisoñandoAddress: Las Américas Int'l Airport, Route 66, Cargo CityPhone: +1 829-659-5555 / Dominican Cuisines such as Travesía Callejera and Lambi. AjualäAddress: Calle Andrés Julio Aybar 13, Santo DomingoTelephone: +1 829-545-7503• Creole Duck• Kingfish Eyes• White Fish with Wild MushroomsLarimarAddress: Torre Altri Tempi , Av. Roberto Pastoriza 412, Santo DomingoTelephone: +1 849-449-1394• Shrimp Rice and Crab• “Black Truffle Cream with Mushroom Threads” Is It Worth Visiting Santo Domingo? Yes, Santo Domingo is worth visiting. There is something astonishing about how the city, with its colonial past in its heart, grows as one of the vibrant epicenters of Caribbean life.  Today, the Colonial City of Santo Domingo stands as the guardian angel, who watches over the city and adds wind beneath its wings to have modern infrastructure developments, the swankiest mall, restaurants, and hotels.  So, for anyone interested in the Colonial past or the history of America, Santo Domingo is a must-visit. Things To Do In Santo Domingo: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Here are the frequently asked questions and answers about things to do in Santo Domingo.  1. Do They Speak English In Santo Domingo? Yes, many people in Santo Domingo, especially in tourist areas, speak English. However, Spanish is the official language of the Dominican Republic.  2. Is It Safe To Walk Around Santo Domingo At Night? While Santo Domingo is not dangerous at night, there have been instances of crime against tourists at night. So, stick to exploring areas such as Zona Colonial and use apps such as Cabify and Uber for a safe ride.  3. Can You Drink The Water In Santo Domingo?  The Santo Domingo Tourism has confirmed that you cannot drink tap water in Santo Domingo. You have to drink water from packaged bottles available at local shops, hotels, and restaurants.  4. Can You Wear Shorts In Santo Domingo? The Dominican Republic Tourism says that you should wear shorts at the beach. However, for casual strolling across the city or visiting its important landmarks, you must wear regular casual daytime wear. Also, Dominicans love to dress up, and especially in the evening, you will notice everyone decked up in nice outfits.  5. Does Santo Domingo Have A Nightlife? Yes, Santo Domingo has a vibrant nightlife. The Zona Colonial, with its old heart, is the epicenter of all nighttime fun. Furthermore, you will find upscale clubs in Avenida Venezuela, and Maleco is the place where you can catch stunning live performances.  6. What Is The Best Time To Visit Santo Domingo? December to April is the best time to visit Santo Domingo. Lower humidity, less rainfall, and moderate temperatures make these months ideal for tourists.  Read Also: Unique Things To Do In Montreal: Things You Must Not Miss In Canada’s Cultural Capital Unique Things To Do In Tuscany: What Is A Must-See In Tuscany? Valladolid Mexico: Exploring The City That Was Built In 1543