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5 Things You Need to Know Before Visiting Netherlands

Netherlands is a wonderful country in northwestern Europe that is famous for its tulips, windmills, and flat landscape of canals. Even so, this country remains to be a hidden treasure waiting to be discovered by more tourists around the globe.

Unlike the western countries, Netherlands has seemed to preserve its natural beauty away from pollution caused by traffic and smoking factories. So if you are planning to visit this city, you have made the right choice. However, before you head off to your trip to the lowlands, here are some things you should know.

  1.   There is no need for you to worry about the language barrier.   English is the second language in Netherlands, so expect most Dutch to be fluent in the English language. Don’t be afraid to ask for directions and approach locals to take a picture of you. But if you really want to learn Dutch, the good news is that it has been labelled as the easiest language for native speakers.
  2.   Book in advance. The best time to visit Netherlands is between June and August when the weather is in average. However, take note that this is also a peak season. So make sure that you book your hotel in advance for a smooth-going vacation.
  3.   Coffee shops are different from cafes. If you want to relax and drink a hot latte while watching the sunset or other tourist roam around the city, you go to the café. However, if you want something unique and probably a little wild, you go to the coffee shop. Coffee shops in Netherlands do not just offer coffee and relaxation spots where you can chit-chat with friends. As far as their laws are concerned, cannabis is legal in Netherlands. And you might find some has brownies or muffins with some cannabis ingredients in them. Don’t be silly though. Make sure to take extra precaution when you try something you have never tried before.
  4.   Rent a bike and lock it twice if you during your stopover. The best way to tour around Netherlands is to ride a bike.  Just make sure you double-lock it as you leave behind to walk into some tourist spots.

5.   Don’t forget to take a picture of the great Amsterdam sign. The Amsterdam sign is very iconic and any trip to the Netherlands is not complete without it. Thereafter, you can take a trip to nearby cities and villages like Volendam, Utrecht, Maastricht, or Giethoorn.

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Five Reasons Why You Should Visit Petra, Jordan

Petra in Jordan has become an increasingly popular tourist destination. When you say Petra a lot of people only think of the façade of the Treasury built into the orange canyon walls, since it’s what you see most often on social media. There is actually so much more to see and enjoy in Petra. This article will cover all the essential things you need to know about visiting Petra.

The Rock Formations

The entryway to this ancient site, which is also called a “Rose City”, is with an extremely narrow one-kilometer angelic chasm called the Siq. It is no question that your cam will remain right in your face as soon as you step into the entrance. You will be quite disappointed to find, nevertheless, that your pictures will certainly never ever catch the unearthly exquisiteness of these rock developments.

The Ancient Ruins

Originally constructed as a mausoleum as well as crypt at the beginning of the 1st-century ADVERTISEMENT, it is now the driving force of tourism in this lost city. Hellenistic and Greek-inspired architecture enthusiasts will certainly have a banquet with the Roman burial places, ancient homes, amphitheaters, temples, obelisks, and that much check out paganism altars located in the city. You possibly would not also as soon as you’ve laid your eyes on the cryptic burial places as well as grand holy places.

The Hundreds-of-Steps Climbs

Sitting on top of a serrated mountain is one more beautiful temple called The Abbey. Its 800-step trail will defeat every Stairmaster understood to the guy– yet the cardio run is worth it. Can you picture that these courses have existed because of 400 B.C.? Think of how many individuals have walked those stairways that belong to once-thriving trading and also funding the city.

The Cliff Sights

The city of Petra is surrounded by a variety of cliffs that site visitors can easily climb up to. It is best to bring reputable hiking boots if you intend to visit as a lot of strolling has to be done. When there is a great deal of climbing, there needs to be a lot of drinking as well– of water, that is. It is much better to value the stealthily calm sight of the Arabian landscape while you’re moisturized.

The Desert

Prepare on your own for an amazing experience when you avail of the “Petra Evening Show” where you will reach explore the city after dark as well as with the aid of 1,500 lighted candles. The event runs every Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday and the entry cost is 17 JD just.

Underground

Excavators reported that only 15% of the ancient has been found– the large majority are still left untouched underground. Just recently, a substantial monolith was found concealing underneath what is currently declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. The monument is two times as vast as an Olympic-sized pool and excavation are on its method.

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Vacation to Moscow and St. Petersburg

Now that you are ready to visit Moscow, we advise you hold on and go through this packing guide as there could be some essentials that you probably forgot to pack or you just didn’t think you’ll need it. So, just carefully go through this packing list before leaving for Moscow so you don’t have troubles when you get there:

  • Scarf

It’s really important to travel with layers, especially when you are visiting somewhere like Moscow. A scarf will come in handy, especially for women who plan to visit religious monuments. This isn’t obligatory but it is advised and religiously appreciated.

  • Umbrella

The weather in Moscow and even Russia generally are unpredictable. Even if you’ll be going there in the summer, we urge you to still go with your umbrella.

  • Power converter

A power converter is really easy to notice, still, most people always seem to forget theirs. So, put your power converter in your bag as you are reading this.

  • Sanitizers

If you’ll be using the train most of the time, you should pack a small bottle of hand sanitizer and Lysol. This will be useful if you need to use the train toilets.

  • Souvenirs

Russians love to get souvenirs. It’s usually nice to bring some with you regardless of how little they are, especially if you’ll be staying with a host or if you’ll be around Russians most of the time. Key chains, mugs, t-shirts etc. will be appreciated.

  • Money belt

If you have huge plans to see various tourist attractions in Moscow, you have to ensure you have your money kept in a secured place. No! Not your pocket, we recommend a money belt or a fanny pack. We want you to have something that will sit close to your body. Now, your other job is to keep an eye on your property.

  • Visa

Be sure you have your visa with you before traveling, and make sure it is valid on the day you’ll be traveling. You should always have your visa with you everywhere you go, just in case of unexpected police checks.

 

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A Vacation to Iceland

Iceland is no doubt, a popular tourist destination in entire Europe. A home to glaciers and volcanoes, Iceland is loaded with stunning waterfalls, geysers, wildlife, beautiful landscapes, hot springs and much more! In short, it’s probably one of the most beautiful places on the earth. The best time to visit this beautiful country is from June to August. So, If you are planning a solo trip, or a family trip to Iceland but not sure where to go and what places are the best to visit during your trip to Iceland, read our post to check out what are the incredible places to visit and what to pack for your trip in Iceland for an unforgettable vacation experience.

What to Pack for Iceland trip-

  •    Windproof Jacket
  •    Lightweight woolen clothes
  •    Gloves
  •    Scarves
  •    Woolen socks
  •    Lip Balm
  •    Bathing Suit
  •    Waterproof Shoes
  •    Sunglasses

Let us have a look at the best places to visit in Iceland-

Reykjavik– One of the most visited tourist destinations in Iceland, the Reykjavik is a blend of encounters to offer to travelers. The famous Blue Lagoon Geothermal spa of Iceland, located in a lava field in the Reykjanes cape located at this place. To explore the natural wonders and a vigorous nightlife, a visit to this place is a must. Travelers can enjoy the water massages at this place.

Skaftafell– If you love to visit natural wonders such as mountains, Glaciers, rivers and the Svartifoss waterfall, this is a right place for you. A national park with stunning scenery, the Skaftafell is a standoffish region in Iceland. This place is likewise trendy among visitor as it is a standout amongst the most imperative campgrounds in Iceland. There are a lot of hiking trails in the National park that you shouldn’t miss.

Jokulsarlon– Located in Southeast Iceland, a worth visiting place in Iceland because of its breathtaking beauty. The Jokulsarlon which is also a glacier lagoon is a must visit the site in Iceland. The turquoise blue waters which are spotted with ice sheets create a distinctive and exciting view. During Summer travelers can enjoy the boat ride here.

Vik Village– A stopover to the Vik village is a must, and the small town located in the southernmost part of Iceland. This small village is enclosed by the beautiful black sand beach and mountains which are an eye-catching creation of the natural world. A visit to the famous Vik church and the black sand beach is a must.

Skogar– One of the most popular and top-rated tourist destinations in Iceland is Skogar. This place offers some of the best perspectives of waterfalls and spectacular scenery. If you are an art lover, a visit to the famous for its open-air folk museum in the Skog+ar village is a must during your trip to Iceland to explore some of the handpicked pieces of fine art. For camping and hiking activities, Skogar is also a famous site for tourist who loves to blend with nature.

Iceland is an amazing destination, and wherever you decide to go there, you’ll surely love it. Try to pack appropriately, as the climate in Iceland can be notoriously variable! Hope this list of 5 places to must visit will help you plan the perfect trip through Iceland, you have always dreamed about!

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Sightseeing in Nova Scotia

The famous Nova Scotia province is the second smallest one in Canada, a beautiful peninsula situated on the Canadian mainland’s eastern edge. The beautiful long coastline is lined with lots of fishing harbors, beautiful sandy beaches, and lush islands. Being located in maritime latitudes, it has a pleasantly breezy if rather damp climate. Summer in Nova Scotia is bright and sunny, but weather conditions often cause fog here, with snowfall in winter.  We were traveling throughout the northeast recently, from Main and Vermont, up into Canada and over to Nova Scotia.  We met up with some ‘snowbirds’ from Arizona and stayed a few days in Nova Scotia with them doing some fishing and leisurely boating and had a great time.  Halifax is the capital and largest city of Nova Scotia.  Here are some other great places to visit:

1 Cabot Trail

This 300-kilometer long scenic drive rings around the northwest coast of the island and Cape Breton Highlands National Park. It is an amazing route along the sea, where the highest mountains of Nova Scotia meet the vast Gulf of St. Lawrence. Cliffs, beaches, viewpoints, and a zigzag road give countless photography spots. You can also find a lot of unique small communities and attractions along the route. Autumn is the best time to drive down the Cabot Trail given the region’s unrealistic fall colors.

2 Peggy’s Cove

Located nearly 43 kilometers southwest from Halifax, the beautiful fishing village of Peggy’s Cove has a historic feel and sits amidst the fog of Atlantic Coast. The much-photographed lighthouse marks an ironic point. It should definitely be on your list of places to visit if you are there for a short time (1-2 days).

  1. Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site

This historical history museum is famous around the world for the way it recreates mid-18th-century life with its over forty historic buildings, costumed guides, and working establishments. It is a living history museum with a cast of soldiers, servants, fishermen, maids, and merchants who go about daily life. A defensive wall surrounds this beautiful town, and the Frédéric Gate stands on the waterfront, providing better access to ships.

Our trip to Halifax and Nova Scotia in general was a blast!

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Visiting the Philippines

The Philippines is one of the world’s most exotic holiday destinations and home to some of the most beautiful beaches. It is also quite easy to visit multiple times because of its more than 7,000 islands. On the other hand, there is one very tough decision that you have to make as a traveler – which island to visit first? The Philippines is broadly divided into the three big major island groups named Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, which represent different parts of the country. The scenery in each one of these can vary from mountainous and tropical to metropolitan.

Here’s our list of places you shouldn’t miss on your trip, to make it easier for you to plan your tour –

  1. Boracay

The Boracay Island is the beach capital of the Philippines and home to over 12 beaches. This heavenly island in the west Visayas region is perfect for you if you are looking to simply relax under the sun or engage in some water activities. The White Beach, located on the island’s west coast, is one of the most visited beaches in the country.  The Puka Shell Beach is located on the island’s tip and is a must-visit spot for shell collectors. The Cagban Beach is a quiet place with several caves nearby that are rumored to house treasure chests. The Diniwid Beach is a tiny beach located north of White Beach, that offers the best view of the island.

  1. Bohol

The Bohol island in the Visayas region is one of the country’s biggest attractions in terms of natural beauty. The Chocolate Hills in Carmen is a major attraction, and also UNESCO-protected site. It is basically a collection of more than 1,200 geological formations that change their color to brown during the dry season, making a landscape similar to one of chocolate candy kisses. This island also has a family-owned sanctuary for the tiny Tarsier primate, famous for its big engaging eyes. You can also take a walk through the sanctuary grounds and take a closer look at this small nocturnal mammal for a negligible fee.

  1. Cebu

The Cebu island, located in the central Visayas region, is home to the best diving and snorkeling areas in the Philippines. If you like underwater sports, Cebu should definitely be on your list of places to visit in the Philippines. You can get up-close to the huge whale sharks, coral reefs, and sea turtles here, and witness some of the best underwater flora and fauna you may have ever seen. The famous sea caves near Cebu and their unrealistic scenery attracts photographers and water activity enthusiasts from around the world every year. The Sudlon National Park, that takes an hour to reach from Cebu City, is one of Philippines best places for hiking.

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Travel & Tours

Best Travel Destinations in Chicago

Chicago is considered as one of the biggest tourist attractions. It is famous for world class museums and miles of beaches. As Chicago is really a big city to it can be difficult for a tourist to know what are the places worth visiting. We went with some friends to celebrate being in business together for 10 years.  We are co-owners of a Mesa Tow Truck Company.  There are many places worth visiting, some are listed below:

  • Millennium Park

Millennium Park is the hub of Chicago’s front yard. It is popular for its proximity to the loop, famous public art and free live concerts. It is wonderful to have a dinner on the lawn of the Millennium Park during a free live concert at the outdoor venue.

  • Wrigley Field

It is place where no one can feel bored or unhappy. It is a legendry Stadium and the main attraction of this place is baseball. But even if there is not a season of baseball there is plenty of activities for enjoyment. People can explore the park, they can visit friendly confines, they can eat and drink different food stalls and shops.

  • Lincoln Park Zoo

Lincoln Park zoo has animals from all over the world. It has a variety of mammals, reptiles, birds, in fact it has something for every animal lover at this place. Moreover, there are always new additions, that means the addition of baby animals to the zoo that attracts the large number of visitors. The park has some 1200 animals. The zoo also organizes special events throughout the year for their visitors

  • The Field Museum

The Field Museum is the massive natural history museum. It is one of the most beloved institutions of the city of Chicago. It has more than 350,000 square feet of exhibitions to explore and several days could be spend in exploring the thousands of artifacts displayed at the museum. Visitors can get a closer look at dinosaur skeleton or they can get a peek at ancient Egyptian mummies. A general admission ticket can get you access to the most famous exhibitions of the field museum. But upgraded ticket can allow you to watch a 3D movie on a land of dinosaurs.

  • Shedd Aquarium

One of the biggest aquatic attraction of Chicago is “Shedd Aquarium”. General admission ticket can get you only visit the permanent exhibits. But with an additional fee, visitors can get an extra ordinary experience package that involves beluga or penguin encounter and shark feeding. The aquarium has frogs, snakes and piranhas from Amazon. Moray eels, turtles and rays from Caribbean. Mesmerizing jellies, predator sharks and adorable penguins. The animal encounter allows visitors to meet real animals and learn about their population.

  • Chicago Cultural Centre

Chicago Cultural Centre exhibits a free classical live concert being performed and an art exhibition. There is no fee for admission in the Centre, almost everything in this building is free and open for public. This Centre provides and access for tourists and local citizens to experience beautiful architecture and an amazing art without spending a money.