There is something quite magical about waking up with the sun while island hopping across the Caribbean. Cruising into Saint Barths for our first ever view of this renowned playground for celebrities and tycoons was no exception… CONTINUE READING >>
There is something quite magical about waking up with the sun while island hopping across the Caribbean. Cruising into Saint Barths for our first ever view of this renowned playground for celebrities and tycoons was no exception.
Perhaps Columbus felt the same when he first sailed here in 1493 and named the island St. Barthélemy, after his brother Bartoloméo.
The port at the main town and capital, Gustavia, is pretty little so there was not enough room for even a smaller expedition sized ship such as Viking Octantis to dock.
That meant we would stay in the harbor and take the tender boats in to shore. On the bright side, that gave us a chance to get a close up look at some of the yachts of the rich and famous that are always abundant here.
In keeping with our good ole Gypsynester motto “the plan is no plans,” we had very little idea of what to expect as we came ashore. Our rough outline was to find a scooter to rent and then go off half cocked and barnstorm as much of the island as we possibly could in one day.
After a brief walk through the town and poking our heads into a few of the incredibly high-end shops, we found our rental place. With some instructions under our belts, and a giant deposit charged to our credit card (about $2,000 or basically the value of the scooter) in lieu of insurance, we were off.
Right from the start we instantly realized that by far the biggest challenge for this bonkers adventure would be the incredibly steep hills.
Turns out that there is almost no flat ground on this little isle so even leaving the rental place to get back to the main road became quite an undertaking.
After a few minutes we got more comfortable with riding and settled in for some exploration. From town we headed to the east end of the island for a look at the salt ponds and some superb scenic overlooks.
The salt pond, known as Grande Saline, was a source of salt for use and trade going all the way back to the native Arawak and Taíno people, who named the island Ouanalao, meaning Land of Salt. The salt was commercially produced until 1972, but now it simply covers the ground in a bright white layer as the water evaporates.
Leaving the salt behind we crested a ridge and an amazing panorama of Grand Fond spread out before us. This huge bay opens out to the south with practically perfect views of the Caribbean.
After stopping to take it all in for a few minutes, we followed the road down and along the beach before climbing back up and crossing over to the north side of the island.
This brought us to the neighborhood of Lorient and since we were beginning to get a little hungry we stopped off to pick up a very simple, traditional French picnic at a local market. With our bread, cheese, fruit, and of course a spot of wine we were ready for St. Barth’s most popular and wildly entertaining beach, Saint-Jean.
The reason for that, other than the fact that is is an absolutely gorgeous beach, is that one of the wildest airstrips ever ends right at the sand. The Gustaf III Airport is well known, especially among pilots, as one of the world’s most dangerous.
Landing aircraft must drop down just a few feet above a small gap in the hills at Col de la Tourmente and then smash the brakes to stop on this less than a half mile of runway. If they over shoot, they end up in the ocean.
That’s why a special certificate is required for pilots to be allowed to use the airport. But for beach goers like us, it was a gas watching the planes come and go with so little room for error. We sat for quite some time leisurely snacking on our lunch and checking out the show until it was time to go and turn in our scooter.
Once we returned our trusty steed I noticed that I had blisters on both thumbs from squeezing the brakes so hard. Yup, those were some steep hills!
From the incredible wines to the pristine beaches and all the yummy meals you’ll have along the way, the Tamar Valley has something for everyone… CONTINUE READING >>
There’s a lot you can do in the Tamar Valley. In fact, you’ll be spoiled for choice when you visit this place. The natural beauty of this area is stunning. If you prefer the great outdoors far away from dry land, the Tamar Valley’s three rivers create a host of cool escapades you can enjoy.
Discover what you can explore when you come for your next adventure.
1. Try Tamar Valley Wines
If you like wine, the Tamar Valley is the best place to visit. The Tamar Valley region boasts the cleanest and most carbon-friendly category of wines.
Many internationally recognized and award-winning cellars and wineries are right here waiting for you. If you consider yourself a connoisseur of wines, you can’t miss out on this opportunity to visit a top spot for vino.
2. Visit the Lavender House
We all know perfumes smell good, but have you watched how they are manufactured? If not, you can visit the Lavender House and observe the manufacturing process through the glass. You’ll feel the aroma and see the over 70 different lavender species used in making perfumes.
In the end, you’ll get an opportunity to sample the perfumes and their additional products, including:
Body-care products
Toiletries
Natural remedies
Soaps
3. Enjoy the Tamar Valley Outdoors
Why should you drive when you can bike or walk around the Tamar Valley and enjoy what nature offers? For example, the Island Wetlands of Tamar are teeming with islands and bird life, and you can spend a whole day watching them. With so many walks to enjoy here, you’ll never want to go back to your hotel room.
4. Fishing in the Valley
The valley has the longest navigable estuary in Australia, making it an excellent spot for fishing in the country. If you’re a fishing enthusiast, you may have just found your paradise.
Depending on the season, you can hook into Australian salmon, mackerel, tailor, or kingfish. The estuary is also home to other fish species like whiting, flathead, and big snapper.
5. Food
We raved about the islands’ wines, but if you’re not pairing them with the local food, you’re missing out.
The Tamar Valley has over 60 food operators, including farm producers, wholesalers, and gourmet outlets. Many resale shops in this valley offer all types of food you can think of. To make life more comfortable, you’ll find cellar doors, restaurants, hotels, cafes, and bakeries, all offering the best products of Tamar.
If you like combining food and wine, you can visit the many joints in the Tamar Valley that sell both.
6. Tamar Beaches
Tasmania is home to some of the most gorgeous beaches you’ll see in your lifetime, and they’re not to be missed.
These beaches have all the features you might want for your day out by the water. For example, the pebble-styled Gravelly Beach in Tamar Valley has water closets, picnic areas, shops, and even fishing pontoons.
And with its cooler beaches, you won’t feel like you’re burning to a crisp!
See the Tamar Valley for Yourself!
The above list is by no means exhaustive. There are many other things you can enjoy in the Tamar Valley, and they’re just waiting for you. Once you make your first trip, you’ll feel like visiting the valley over and over again because the first visit will never be enough.
From the incredible wines to the pristine beaches and all the yummy meals you’ll have along the way, the Tamar Valley has something for everyone. So whether you go for the incredible fishing or just the lovely strolls in nature, you’ll find something you can’t ever forget.
We are happy to present this collaborative post to offer valuable information to our readers.
Philly is truly the birthplace of our republic, this is where both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were deliberated and approved.
We felt it all around us, inch for inch this must be the most historic ground in America…. CONTINUE READING >>
Veronica shows off the lesser known uncracked side of the Liberty Bell!
We popped up out of the 5th Street Subway Station and found ourselves right in the heart of history, directly in front of Independence Hall.
Truly the birthplace of our republic, this is where both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were deliberated and approved.
We felt it all around us, inch for inch this must be the most historic ground in America.
Built in 1753 to house the colonial legislature of Pennsylvania, the hall became the meeting place for the Second Continental Congress in 1775, then the site of the Constitutional Convention in 1787.
Prior to the ratification of the Constitution there was no official United States capital (or capitol, for that matter) but Philadelphia, and this building, certainly served the purpose.
Not everyone was on board with that idea, so debate to decide a permanent site carried on.
Congress finally settled on Washington, DC, but while the new city was being built Philly, once again, served as the capital city. This time officially.
For those few years the building right next to Independence Hall, Congress Hall, housed the government, with the House of Representatives meeting on the main floor, and the Senate upstairs.
This was also the site of two presidential inaugurations, George Washington for his second term, and John Adams.
As we made our way to the building on the other side of Independence Hall, the Old City Hall, it hit us that we were truly walking in the footprints of the founding fathers.
No doubt many of our democracy designing dads made this same trip when the city hall housed the Supreme Court during Philadelphia’s time as the capital city. As part of the Independence National Historical Park, the Park Service has completely restored the interior of the old hall.
May it please the court, we found the jury box, witness stand, and judicial bench guilty of looking just as they would have when statesman, patriot, and first Chief Justice of the United States John Jay called the court to order in 1791.
Let Freedom Ring!
Directly across from the Independence Hall Complex is The Liberty Bell Center.
While waiting in line to see the bell we pondered just how some things become so iconic. It did toll from the tower of Independence Hall, but actually played a very small part in history.
In fact, the story of it ringing out the news of declaring independence on July 4, 1776 is most likely false, since the declaration wasn’t read in public until July 8. Yet the bell has captured the hearts of Americans for over one hundred and fifty years.
The bell did ring out many special occasions through the years, and sustained a nasty crack at some point along the way, but much of its celebrity seems to stem from an 1847 story in the Saturday Review by George Lippard.
He penned a legend about an aged bellman waiting by the bell on July 4, 1776, and a young boy who appeared with instructions to ring the bell proclaiming the declaration.
Within a few years, the fable had been accepted as fact, and soon began to appear in textbooks.
But what is history without a good tale or two?
With this fame the bell became an icon, and toured the country after the Civil War. All the travel, and souvenir hunters picking at it, made the prominent crack worse, so the National Park Service took control in 1948, and finally placed it in The Liberty Bell Center in 2003.
That brings up another legend, how did the bell get cracked? Truth is no one seems to know for sure, but we don’t feel like the symbolism of the bell is diminished one bit. Let freedom ring!
In front of The Liberty Bell Center we came upon a relatively new discovery, The President’s House, which opened in 2010.
While it was known that a house where Presidents Washington and Adams had lived stood on this site until 1832, it wasn’t until 2000, while excavating for the new Liberty Bell Center, that the foundation was uncovered.
When it was revealed that the exposed ruins were part of the slave quarters, a door was opened for discussion of a topic that had been long avoided, the fact that many of our founding fathers were slave holders.
The memorial, President’s House: Freedom and Slavery in the Making of a New Nation, addresses the subject like this:
If we are to understand how a nation founded on the principle that “all men are created equal” could also somehow embrace and justify slavery, we must examine the context and effect of this contradiction on the lives of Americans of every race and condition.
Eating Like a Patriot
With that food for thought filling our heads, we were ready for a repast.
To indulge that notion, and to get fully immersed in the colonial spirit, we headed to an interesting addition to the Independence National Historical Park, the nearby City Tavern.
The original structure was partially destroyed by a fire, perhaps of suspicious origin according to our server, in 1834 and then demolished in 1854.
But a perfect replica of the historic building was built and re-opened in 1976 for the United States Bicentennial.
As the seeds of the revolution were sprouting, the City Tavern was certainly at the center of it all.
John Adams called it “the most genteel tavern in America” while visiting Philadelphia for the First Continental Congress, Paul Revere rode here to proclaim the news that the British had closed the port of Boston, and Thomas Jefferson kept an open tab while writing the Declaration of Independence.
Being a tavern we felt a tankard of ale was in order, how opportune that the City Tavern has Ales of The Revolution on tap.
These are brewed with the very recipes used by George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Benjamin Franklin. We choose Jefferson’s 1774 Tavern Ale, and Franklin’s Poor Richard’s Tavern Spruce.
Move over Sam Adams, it seems many a founding father knew a thing or two about beer. As Franklin said, it proves God loves us and wants us to be happy. Cheers!
We were excited to sample truly typical colonial fare, and with owner and executive chef Walter Staib using many authentic 18th-century recipes, including Martha Washington’s Turkey Pot Pie, we were not disappointed.
The menu also mentioned an intriguing story about Benjamin Franklin. It seems that he introduced tofu to North America in a 1770 letter to his friend, the renowned botanist John Bartram, so we ordered that too.
It is hard to imagine that the colonists ate this well, but if the portraits of Ben Franklin accurately portray his paunch, we have reason to believe they did.
Speaking of old Ben, there are plenty of tributes to Mr. Franklin throughout Philly, and we intended to see most all of them the next day. So we formed a plan that was all about the Benjamins.
Our initiation into all things Ben began at Franklin Court.
This was not only where Franklin lived, but also where he worked. He owned all of the buildings surrounding the courtyard, one of which served as a post office, and another as his print shop.
Both are still operating, the post office in its official capacity, and the print shop as a reproduction run by the National Park Service.
Ben walked here: David does his best Franklin impression.
The house where Franklin lived from 1763 until his death in 1790 stood in the center of the courtyard, but has been gone for two hundred years.
A steel frame “ghost house” showing the location was built for the bicentennial in 1976. Beneath that outline we found several viewing portals where remnants of the Franklin home can be seen below ground level.
The site was excavated beginning in 1953, and continuing up to just before the bicentennial celebrations.
Viewing stands over the excavations were installed that show foundations, walls, and even one of Franklin’s privy pits.
We had no idea that we would be getting so personal with one of the founding fathers!
When we entered the print shop a ranger was printing up a copy of The Declaration of Independence as a demonstration for a group of school kids.
Eavesdropping on the field trip was almost like having our own tour guide. The entire process, including the press and type setting, is just as it would have been when Franklin was printing newspapers here in revolutionary times.
Mr. Franklin realized that the sharing of information would be essential if our fledgling country was to unite, so he began mailing newspapers throughout the colonies to keep everyone on the same page, so to speak.
Perhaps that is why he opened a post office next door.
The B. Free Franklin Post Office looks much like it would have when Franklin used it as the first Postmaster General in 1775.
The clerks were happy to explain the history to us, and included the fun fact that this is the only post office in the United States that does not fly the stars and stripes.
Sounds strange, but it is in recognition of the fact that it was opened under British colonial rule, so the United States didn’t have a flag yet.
Betsy’s Place
Speaking of flags, the Betsy Ross house was just up the street and, even though this particular site is of dubious historic value at best, we felt we should see it.
We hate to be bursters of bubbles, but not only is the legend of Betsy sewing the first flag most likely false, there is also serious doubt as to whether she ever even lived in this house.
A very nice local gentleman tipped us off to something nearby that is a little less famous, but a lot more authentic, that sounded right up our alley… Elfreth’s Alley.
Named after Jeremiah Elfreth, a colonial blacksmith, this is considered the nation’s oldest residential street, and it has been amazingly preserved.
A rare surviving glimpse into life on a 18th-century working-class street. What a great tip!
Carpenters’ Hall
Perusing our map we discovered that we had missed Carpenters’ Hall, so we backtracked a bit to see it.
In a way this could be called America’s first capitol building, since the First Continental Congress met in the hall in September and October of 1774.
Later it served as a hospital for both British and American troops during the Revolutionary War, and as home to Benjamin Franklin’s Library Company, The American Philosophical Society, and the First and Second Banks of the United States.
Ben Franklin’s Final Resting Place
Our final stop was Benjamin Franklin’s grave. Though he was originally from Boston, Franklin had such impact on Philadelphia that it is very fitting for his final resting place to be in The City of Brotherly Love.
He is laid to rest next to his common-law wife of forty-four years, Deborah, in the Christ Church Burial Ground. We thought it was odd that the tomb was covered with pennies, but learned they are from a Philadelphia tradition that is supposed to bring the penny-tosser good luck.
We certainly felt like we had plenty of good fortune during our adventures in Philly – even without tossing a penny.
Retirement can be an excellent opportunity for traveling and having new experiences! Using these tips as a checklist can set you up for success and help you get the most out of your trip… CONTINUE READING >>
You’ve finally made it to retirement and are ready to travel! But how do you prepare? Like most people, you want to travel efficiently to ensure you can enjoy your trips to the fullest. It can be overwhelming knowing where to start when planning for travel. So, here is a traveling checklist for your Golden Years!
1. Health Insurance
Before traveling, it can be a good idea to check how your health insurance will cover you if needed. Although you may not need to utilize your insurance, it’s good to be prepared just in case, especially if you’ll be traveling out of state or internationally.
Like many people in retirement, you’ll likely have Medicare insurance. In this case, you’ll want to know what kind of plans you have. With Medicare, the type of plan you have determines how you are covered throughout and outside of the U.S. That’s why, to prepare for Medicare, you should carefully select your plan if you expect to travel frequently.
2. Safety Kit
Having a safety kit prepared for emergencies can also be beneficial. This is especially true if you plan to go hiking or engage in other strenuous activities. There are a variety of items you can keep in your kit. You may consider including band-aids, gauze, water, flashlights, batteries, extra cash, and more.
Another essential item you may consider bringing in your kit is medications, if you take any. It’s unlikely you will need extra, but it’s at least a good idea to restock your medications if needed.
3. Senior Discounts
A great benefit of being an older adult is you are likely to qualify for more discounts. Many stores, restaurants, and other businesses offer additional savings for those in their 50s and 60s and above. This includes certain airlines, so be sure to take advantage of these discounts. It’s always a good feeling to save money!
To find discounts, start with a simple Google search. Many articles outline the different potential discounts available to older adults. Just be sure to verify these savings with the specific businesses directly. Some policies may only apply to certain locations or have particular requirements that need to be met.
4. Create an Itinerary
Although not necessary for everyone, having a general plan about what you’d like to do on your trip can be helpful. Once you have picked a destination, consider researching what attractions or activities you’re interested in doing. Then you can create a timeline for each day of the trip, including times and costs.
Having all your travel materials organized and available in one place can also be helpful. For example, you can gather all your flight information like arrivals and departures and gate information. Also, if you’re traveling with others like a spouse or family and friends, be sure to include them on your itinerary plan.
5. Housing Preparation
One last thing to consider is your housing situation. If you own a home and will be traveling quite a bit, you might think about whether you need someone to housesit for you. For example, if you have pets that need to be taken care of, you’ll want someone to check on them. You may also have plants or need someone to check your mail.
For longer trips, you may think of any electronics that need to be unplugged and lights that you should turn off.
Final Thoughts
Retirement can be an excellent opportunity for traveling and having new experiences! Using these tips as a checklist can set you up for success and help you get the most out of your trip.
We are happy to present this collaborative post to offer valuable information to our readers.
If you include these 6 essentials when preparing for your vacation, you’ll be all set for your travels… CONTINUE READING >>
When people go on vacation there’s often a lot of planning required beforehand. This includes everything from booking the flights and accommodation to doing the packing. If you leave this to the last minute you might forget something important. So if you’re getting ready for your next vacation, make sure you pack these 6 essentials!
1. Documentation
Without your flight tickets and passport, you won’t be able to get on the plane. If a visa is required and you don’t bring one, you won’t be allowed to enter the country. Pack your accommodation paperwork, as well as any documentation for day trips and excursions. If you’re planning on renting a vehicle, bring your driver’s license.
If you’re traveling outside of the country, it’s important to have all the necessary vaccinations. You should therefore bring along your vaccination certificate. In terms of travel insurance, bring along the relevant paperwork. Finally, if anyone in your party requires prescription medication, include the documentation in case there’s an issue while you’re away.
2. A Suitcase Or Bag
It’s important to have a good quality suitcase because it’ll last longer, protect your belongings and keep them organized. Choose a size that’s appropriate for the type of trip you’re taking. If you’re going on a long vacation, you’ll need a larger version.
Duffle bags are typically used for sports or travel, and they’re often made from durable materials like canvas or nylon. They usually have one large compartment and several smaller pockets. If you need a duffle bag for travel there are websites discussing the best ones for digital nomads, photographers, international travel, and weekends. You can find bags designed for men and women, that are ideal for adventure or for people on a budget.
3. Weather Protection
It’s wise to research the climate of your destination, and also check the local weather reports before you travel. If you’re headed somewhere sunny, pack sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, and light clothing. If you’re traveling to a cold climate, remember to bring heavier clothing, a scarf, and gloves.
No matter what the climate is like, always bring a raincoat or umbrella just in case. Some countries that are warm during the day can be cold at night (or vice versa), so come prepared.
4. A First Aid Kit
It’s important to have a first aid kit with you in case of any minor injuries or illnesses. Here are a few essential items to consider:
Bandages: Elbow and knee bandages are great for scrapes and cuts. You can also get larger ones for bigger wounds.
Antiseptic cream or ointment: This will help clean and protect cuts and scrapes from infection.
Pain relief medication: For headaches, muscle aches, or pain from injuries.
Allergy medication: If you or anyone in your party has allergies, it’s important to have medication on hand in case of a reaction.
Tweezers: For splinters or other small objects that may have gotten lodged in the skin.
Scissors: Useful for cutting bandages or tape.
You’ll also want to tailor your kit to any specific needs your party might have. For instance, if visiting somewhere with a different climate, a no wonder nasal spray can act as a daily shield against harmful elements.
If anyone has diabetes, include some form of sugar in case their blood sugar levels drop. If you’re traveling with young children, include some child-friendly pain relievers and antiseptics. And don’t forget to pack the prescription medication we discussed earlier.
5. Snacks And Drinks
Bring these along to keep you feeling satisfied and hydrated while on your trip. This will help you save money and maintain your energy levels throughout the day. It’s also a great way of keeping children occupied during long journeys. Some examples include:
granola bars
carrots and celery sticks
trail mix
water bottle
Gatorade or Powerade
These are just a few examples, but you can bring whatever you think will sustain you. And don’t forget to pack some cups or utensils if you need them.
6. Entertainment
No matter where you’re going or how long you’ll be gone, you should always bring some form of entertainment. Books, magazines, and portable gaming devices are all great options.
This will help keep you occupied during downtimes, like when you’re on a plane or in the car. As with snacks and drinks, these things can keep your children content and occupied.
If you include these 6 essentials when preparing for your vacation, you’ll be all set for your travels. Then you can sit back and look forward to the experience, and the memories you’ll acquire. Don’t forget to pack a camera as well, so you can look back on your holiday for many years to come.
By following these tips, you can make the most of your time in the region and have an amazing experience… CONTINUE READING >>
If you’re looking for an amazing and exotic travel destination, look no further than Asia. This vast continent offers something for everyone, from the beaches of Thailand to the majestic temples of Japan. However, traveling in Asia can be a bit different than in other parts of the world. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your time in Asia.
Pack light
One of the best things about traveling in Asia is that you can often find great deals on clothes, souvenirs, and other items. However, this also means that you don’t need to pack as much stuff with you. It’s best to travel light so that you can take advantage of these amazing deals. However, there may be instances wherein you may need to take a few items with you.
For instance, if you’re planning to go to Singapore to shop, you may want to bring an extra suitcase to store all your new purchases. In this case, the seasoned providers ofstorage in Singaporesuggest that you keep your valuables in a storage facility, so you can have more space for your things while you’re out shopping or exploring other parts of the country. Rest assured that this will ensure the safety of your belongings while you’re away.
Research your destination
Before you travel to any new place, it’s always a good idea to do some research. This is especially true for Asia, as there can be vast cultural differences from one country to the next. For instance, in Thailand, it’s considered rude to point with your feet. In China, you should never stick chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice. To avoid any potential mishaps, take some time to learn about the customs and culture of your destination before you travel. This will help ensure that you have a respectful and enjoyable trip. More often than not, locals are more than happy to help travelers who show an interest in their culture. Keep in mind that being respectful of their local customs includes everything from the way you dress to the way you behave. When in doubt, always err on the side of caution.
Plan your trip in advance
While it’s great to be spontaneous when traveling, it’s often best to plan your trip when traveling in Asia. This is because there can be a lot to see and do, and it’s easy to get overwhelmed. By planning your trip, you can make sure that you hit all the highlights of your chosen destination. This will help you make the most of your time in Asia and ensure that you have an amazing and memorable experience.
Some of the things that you need to plan to include your accommodation, transportation, and activities. For instance, if you’re planning to go to Thailand, you may want to consider staying in a beach resort so that you can take advantage of the beautiful beaches. If you’re planning to go to Japan, you may want to consider using the bullet train so that you can easily get around the country. And if you’re planning to go to China, you may want to consider visiting the Great Wall or the Terracotta Warriors.
Be prepared for the heat
Another thing to keep in mind when traveling in Asia is the climate. In many parts of Asia, it can be quite hot and humid, especially during the summer months. Be sure to pack light, loose-fitting clothing that will help you stay cool. And don’t forget to pack your sunscreen. As much as possible, you should also avoid being out in the sun during the hottest hours of the day. If you do need to, be sure to stay hydrated and take breaks in the shade whenever possible. For many people who aren’t used to the heat, traveling in Asia can be a bit of an adjustment. But once you get acclimated, you’ll be able to enjoy all that the region has to offer.
Learn some key phrases
Since English is not widely spoken in Asia, it’s a good idea to learn some key phrases in the local language. This will help you get by when traveling. For instance, in Thailand, “sawadee” is used as a greeting. In China, “ni hao” is used to say hello. And in Japan, “arigato” is used to say thank you. You don’t have to be fluent in the local language, but it’s always helpful to know a few key phrases. Fortunately, there are many resources available to help you learn the basics and make sure that you’re prepared for your trip. By learning some basic phrases, you’ll be able to communicate with locals and make your trip much more enjoyable.
Don’t be afraid to haggle
Haggling is a way of life in many parts of Asia, so don’t be afraid to bargain for better prices on souvenirs, clothes, and other items. This may not be a common practice where you come from, but in Asia, it’s perfectly normal. The truth is, many shopkeepers expect it. When haggling, always be respectful and never try to insult the seller. The goal is not to lowball them, but simply to get the best price possible. For example, in Thailand, you can try saying “mai bpen raak” to get a lower price. This means “not expensive.” With a little practice, you’ll be a pro in no time.
Make copies of important documents
Finally, make sure to make copies of your passport, visa, driver’s license, and other important documents before you travel. Keep these copies in a separate place from the originals. That way, if you lose any of them while traveling, you’ll have a backup. It’s also a good idea to leave copies of these documents with someone at home so that they can assist you if needed. By taking this precaution, you can rest assured, knowing that you won’t be stranded if something happens to your documents while traveling.
These are just a few tips to help you effectively travel in Asia. By following these tips, you can make the most of your time in the region and have an amazing experience. With a little bit of preparation, you can have an unforgettable trip.
When we’re looking for a great place to make a getaway, we try to pick one with a huge variety of options and attractions. Mexico’s Playa del Carmen on the Riviera Maya certainly fits that description perfectly… CONTINUE READING >>
When we’re looking for a great place to make a getaway, we try to pick one with a huge variety of options and attractions. Everything from fantastic beaches, to historic ruins, to hidden treasures, to incredible food choices. Mexico’s Playa del Carmen on the Riviera Maya certainly fits that description perfectly.
We also want to stay somewhere that’s inviting, comfortable, and in a location that makes it easy to enjoy all of the above. The Playa del Carmen Beach Hotel certainly meets all of those desires.
First of all, we can simply walk right out on to the beautiful private beach from our room. There’s no driving, busses, or cabs to catch, just take a few steps and it’s Caribbean sand and sun fun time!
That very same beach can also be incorporated into some once in a lifetime experiences such as a romantic gourmet dinner at a candlelit table. Who wouldn’t love dining under the moon and stars while being serenaded by the rhythm of the waves?
Or how about an amazing seaside spa treatment featuring organic treatments inspired by Mexican elements and ancient traditions? Now that’s what we call a day at the beach!
But sometimes we don’t really feel like getting sand in our toes, yet we still want to enjoy the water and the sun. That’s when the spectacular rooftop adults only pool is unbeatable. Perfectly warmed water awaits while overlooking the exquisite crystal blue sea below.
While we could easily spend several days enjoying all of the amenities of the Playa del Carmen Beach Hotel, we also love to explore. Lucky for us there are a ton of exciting and interesting places to visit nearby.
It just wouldn’t seem right to come all he way down here and not take the short ferry ride across to Cozumel. It takes less than an hour and makes any day into a Caribbean island getaway.
We also love history and ancient ruins, so the quick trip just a few miles down the coast to the excavated Mayan ruins at Tulum was definitely on our list.
Tulum is the Mayan word for fence or wall, and the city dates back around eight hundred years. Back then it served as a sacred site as well as a sea port for the Mayans, who were known to trade up and down the coast.
An even closer encounter and an unforgettable adventure is the absolutely awe inspiring Rio Secreto. Wading / walking / floating through this underground river is without a doubt one of the coolest experiences we have ever had.
The colors and formations are unbelievable, but oddly enough, the highlight for both of us was when the entire group turned off all of our lights and just stood very still in the complete darkness.
As modern people we almost never encounter actual, total darkness. It is so unusual that we, and almost everyone with us, found it to be somewhat unsettling. I have to say, it felt good to turn the lights back on.
With all of this exploring, we were bound to get hungry. Good thing that Playa del Carmen Beach Hotel has several outstanding options when it comes to dining. If outdoor casual is the order of the day then the MVNGATA Rooftop should be at the top of the menu. It is perfect for lunch or a sunset dinner.
For breakfast or a quick bite MVNGATA Beach Club and MVNGATA Kitchen are perfect choices. The Beach Club serves seafood and snacks right on the sand while MVNGATA Kitchen features Contemporary Mexican fare.
But if it’s an Italian Restaurant in Playa del Carmen that you’re looking for, nothing beats Tramonti. The intimate atmosphere makes this restaurant feel like a personalized dining experience. Still, the food is the star of the show.
Chef Omar Martínez creates classic Italian cuisine that runs from the traditional pizzas and pastas, to innovative dishes incorporating fresh seafood right out of the water. And, of course, desserts that are to die for.
OK, not literally. We most certainly want to stay alive to enjoy every bit of Playa del Carmen that we can.
Right from the start we instantly realized that by far the biggest challenge for this bonkers adventure would be the incredibly steep hills.
When we entered the print shop a ranger was printing up a copy of The Declaration of Independence as a demonstration for a group of school kids.
The B. Free Franklin Post Office looks much like it would have when Franklin used it as the first Postmaster General in 1775.
