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7 Hacks And Tricks To Travel Like A Local

Traveling like a local is never easy, especially in another country, but no matter where you visit, there are always a few hacks and tricks that can help you ditch the tourist bubble and travel like a local… CONTINUE READING >> 

The desire to travel like a local has increased exponentially in recent years. In the U.S alone, over 89 million Americans opt to travel like a local when visiting most cities. Seeing your destination from a local’s eyes offers numerous benefits and perks, including:

• Avoid tourist crowds
• See the best spots at the perfect time
• No feeling like an outsider
• Easy to make friends
• Economy and environment-friendly
• Cost-effective
• More fun

Despite offering great benefits and perks, traveling like a local is never easy, especially in another country. But no matter where you visit, there are always a few hacks and tricks that can help you ditch the tourist bubble and travel like a local.

Avoid Bus Tours

Most people use bus tours when visiting a new city or country. Although these tour guides can be knowledgeable and you’ll probably learn a lot, you will miss out on handling transactions and even talking to locals.

Generally, package tours handle itineraries, meals, tickets and even your stops. This form of arrangement can be nice if you’re terrified, but not if you want to really know a place and its people.

All-inclusive resorts also have this setback. So, if never leaving your hotel or interacting with people who are not part of the tour group is not your thing, then start by arranging your airport transfer with a local taxi.

Stay In A House

Staying in a hotel means you’re in an area will a higher concentration of tourists. You’re more likely to bump into other tourists, and that’s not a great way to feel like a local.

The better alternative is to go with a rental instead of a hotel. In any case, rentals tend to be cheaper than hotels, and you still get all the amenities you would get at a hotel. In addition, you will be contribution to the benefits of adventure tourism.

Use Public Transportation

Taking a bus through a scenic part of your preferred destination can be amazing. It’s also a pocket-friendly way to get from one place to another and enjoy magnificent views without getting on a campy tour bus. You also get to feel for the locals of that place.

Learn The Local Language

No one really expects you to master the local language, but being able to speak a few words like hello, goodbye and thank you in the local lingo can make a huge difference.

Keep in mind that the more language you learn, the greater the insight you get into the culture and tradition as more people will like to talk to you. That terrible pronunciation you’re so afraid about will break the ice and get a laugh.

Learn The Local Customs

You don’t want to be that person who innocently offends the locals. So spend some time to learn a few cultural dos and don’ts of your preferred destination. A few things like pointing a finger at people or wearing a headscarf can offend people in some countries.

Every destination is home to a myriad of customs, traditions,and cultures, so do your homework before visiting to avoid making a social faux pas.

Ask For Directions

It can be very tempting to rely on Google Maps or your smartphone to find your way in a new place. But sometimes it is more fun to write down the address and ask for directions. It might be budget friendly, but you’ll be able to interact with locals.

There is also a very high chance that you’ll learn more about the place before you get there if you ask. Don’t let the language barrier prevent you from interacting with locals. Basic gestures and a smile is all it takes to start a conversation.

Local Cafes And Restaurants

In most places and destinations, there are plenty of tourist traps. These are areas where restaurants and cafes charge tourist exorbitant prices. You rarely find locals there.

You can easily avoid these places if you’re keen. During your visit, venture beyond the areas with many tourists and find other cafes that locals love. You can even hire a private guide to take you around.

Most people travel to experience and see new places. Sadly, apart from the small talks and gestures with locals, it is nearly impossible to get in touch with anyone personally. Honestly, if you want to meet people while traveling, and learn more about your destination, you must be ready to learn, be open and talk. After all, it is the locals that make each place feel special.

We are happy to present this collaborative post to offer valuable information to our readers.

Travelling To Countries With Strict Traditions

Some countries, particularly those in the Middle East and Africa are known for their strict traditions and modesty. If you fail to understand their way of living you may find yourself in trouble and we do not want that to happen… CONTINUE READING >> 

When you decide to travel abroad you really need to have in mind the special traditions and customs of the country. Some countries, particularly those in the Middle East and Africa are known for their strict traditions and modesty. If you fail to understand their way of living, you may find yourself in trouble and trust me, you do not want such a thing to happen. So, what exactly should you have in mind before traveling to those countries?

Dress code

Both men and women should follow a specific dress code when they travel in the Middle East. You should not wear shorts, short tops or see-through dresses and you should not let your arms and legs bare. It is also, important that women carry with them a headscarf and wear it, particularly when they visit a holy shrine or a Mosque. For single women who wish to travel alone, wearing a ring that looks like a wedding band can save them from undesired attention.

Legal system

The legal system in the Middle Eastern countries is a lot different than the European or the American one. Suspects can be held without the slightest notice and legal representation is not immediately allowed. It has also, been observed that even a National Embassy of another country may not be notified if a foreigner is arrested. For this reason, try and stay out of trouble and avoid getting yourself involved in any kind of dispute with the locals. Although the legal system is strict enough, you should always have in mind the chance that something unforeseen like robbery may take place. For this reason, have an exact plan of the places you are going to visit. If you are traveling by plane, for example, with the emirates airline, be sure that you know from beforehand the exact place of the airport and how you are going to move from there to your house, hostel or hotel.

Trading

The Middle Eastern countries are known for their persisting trading. If you come across any persistent souvenir hawker, try and stay calm. Do not get angry or raise your voice to them. It is preferable that you just say politely but still firmly that you are not interested. Generally talking, learning some basic Arabic words is a good solution, as it will make you seem polite and respectful of their culture.

Photographs

Make sure that you keep any expensive phones and cameras in cases and away from curious eyes. Although street crime in those countries is usually lower than in more developed countries, due to their stricter rules, it is still preferable to avoid provoking your luck. Moreover, you should be careful about taking photographs of monuments, statues or people. The rules are quite authoritative and you may find yourself in trouble if you don’t pay attention to the special signs that may forbid you from taking photos.

Traveling to countries with strict traditions is not something forbidding or really dangerous. You just have to be a bit careful and know from beforehand the special way of living, as well as the customs of the locals. That will save you from getting involved in nasty situations and it will enable you to spend a quiet and without unforeseen circumstances trip.

We are happy to present this collaborative post to offer valuable information to our readers.

Instant Pot Comparison: How It Compares Against Other Cookers

Instant Pots aren’t only the available cookers in the market. To help you decide which kitchen option works best for you, here’s how Instant Pot is different from other cookers… CONTINUE READING >> 

As technology continues to upgrade these days, a lot of people have been talking about Instant Pots and how they change the way people handle their kitchen tasks. It also appears that everyone in the family has this well-branded electric pressure cooker hanging out on their kitchen counters, and has been utilizing them for a variety of purposes. However, Instant Pots aren’t only the available cookers in the market. To help you decide which kitchen option works best for you, here’s how Instant Pot is different from other cookers.

Instant Pot Defined

When we talk about Instant Pot, it’s a programmed electric pressure cooker that consolidates the preparation and cooking processes in one device. As they’re technically known as multi-cookers, they perform many functions depending on the model you choose. These programmed functions may include:

• Pressure cooking
• Rice cooking
• Steaming
• Slow cooking
• Sauteing or browning
• Warming
• Yogurt making

If you want to learn more about Instant Pots and their respective item models, you can check the Instapots website for more information.

The Different Features of an Instant Pot

With the advent of Instant Pots in the cooking industry, it feels like it’s an easy-to-use tool for both chefs and non-chefs. You just have to throw all the ingredients in, cover it, and press the “start” button. To know how an Instant Pot is different from other cookers in the market, let’s understand its various features. Check them out:

1. Design
The design remains to be an essential feature for any kitchen tool. After all, you want a product that doesn’t only function well but can improve the aesthetic value of your kitchen. That said, an Instant Pot is designed for perfect cooking. Available in different sizes, its interior is made of a stainless-steel material that makes it classy inside and out. Unlike other power cookers, an Instant Pot is built with some extra decorations. Its lid is composed of a pressure valve and a food blockage seal on the interior, which are ideal for cooking.

2. Usage
Similar to other cookers, particularly a power pressure cooker, an Instant Pot can be used with a timer available. When you press the button, it beeps. When you preheat it, it also beeps. By having this kind of feature, you can really pay attention to what you’re cooking. If you want to change the button, you have to cancel the first one and press the other function you like.

3. Cooking time
With an Instant Pot, the cooking time differs from the type of food you’re cooking. However, what’s good with this kitchen tool is the time it gives to heat the pot, which is more or less 5 to 10 minutes. Once it gets preheated, the cooking time is very fast such that you can cook a frozen chicken for approximately 10 minutes. As far as cooking time is concerned, an Instant Pot may have the same function with other cookers.

4. Versatility
As mentioned, an Instant Pot has a multicooker function such that you can cook a dozen meals, such as steaming veggies and browning several kinds of meats. For instance, you can make soups, porridge, stews, and other slow cooking dishes. With its multiple functions, you can cook some stress-free camping recipes easily. Unlike other cookers, cooking with an Instant Pot means you can bake cakes and make yogurts. Although it has a baking function, it’s only limited to making cakes.

5. Cost
Unlike other cookers that are way cheaper, an Instant Pot is undoubtedly expensive because of its durability. The materials used are durable, and the features are built with a sturdy design, making it worth every money you spend.

6. Canning function
Another difference between an Instant Pot and other cookers is the canning function. Other cookers such as a power pressure cooker have a canning function while the Instant Pot doesn’t.

7. Warranty
An Instant Pot provides you with longer warranty compared to other available cookers in the market.

Conclusion

Regardless of what kitchen tool you choose, you should do market research first to find the best cooker that works for you. Make sure to identify which functions you’re looking for before making any purchase. If you think an Instant Pot is the perfect cooker that meets your budget line and needs, keep all the information above in mind to make your buying decision much easier.

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Have the Night of Your Life – How to Decide What to Do

There is something so fulfilling about a successful night out, whether with friends or family. Here are some things you can ponder over before going out that can actually help you decide what to do in order to have a great night… CONTINUE READING >> 

There is something so fulfilling about a successful night out, whether with friends or family. You get the chance to laugh with the people you care about the most, take stupid photos you’ll cherish for years as well as truly be one with the present. Many people usually claim their twenties and early thirties to be the time they went out the most and generally enjoyed their lives. A large part of that is usually due to college and the experiences it breeds as well as not having much responsibility in your life in general just yet. Anyway, as you grow older you notice that fantastic nights usually have a couple of things in common.

There are some things you can ponder over before going out that can actually help you decide what to do in order to have a great night.

1. Safety

Older people might understand this one the most. Anyway, we put safety at the top of the list because putting yourself in uncomfortable situations or feeling unsafe has the ability to ruin a night completely. In fact, it’s usually advised to avoid going anywhere alone at night as much as you can. If the location is a place you think you won’t feel safe then you might want to avoid it altogether. Putting yourself in a situation you’re not comfortable with will keep you on edge and will not allow you the chance to enjoy the outing. Picking a place that is safe should always be a top priority if you want to have a great night.

2. Changing expectations

Probably not the advice you were expecting, yes? When a night out is hyped up too much it almost always isn’t as fantastic as what you might have built it up to be. Just let things unfold naturally without talking it up too much. When you create expectations your mind automatically starts stressing about meeting those said expectations. This will normally stop you having the fun you should’ve been having if things unfolded naturally.

3. Planning your attack of the night

Planning in advance on how you’re going to attack your night out is a great way to ensure everything runs smoothly when the time finally arrives. If you’re in Columbia, the Nomadic Hustle’s guide can direct you on the spots you should give priority to and try first so you don’t get confused and waste time during the night itself. Planning your attack this way will also make it easier to decide which places you want to try out well in advance.

4. How flexible are you willing to be

The nights that don’t happen to go as planned are often times the best nights out for many people. Loosening up a bit and being open to allowing the night, in general, to take you wherever and however it is going to go is a good way of ensuring a fun time, as weird as that may sound. Consider letting yourself free a little bit and you may just end up having the time of your life. If you can consider agreeing to the unexpected opportunities and letting yourself move with the flow you’ll find yourself picking the right places just like that. Your energy will end up directing you and telling you where to go.

Time is what stands at the center of everyone’s life. You can’t ever feel like you’ve had enough of it. Now, knowing this, how can you not reward yourself a great night out once in a while? Life is simply just too short. If you still got it, then you should try to live it hard whenever you can. Don’t waste the limited night outs you have by ruining them with things that can be avoided. You can control the situation and ensure fun times.

We are happy to present this collaborative post to offer valuable information to our readers.

The Advantages Of Using A Car Rental Service When Visiting Queenstown

The adventure capital of New Zealand is Queenstown. It’s a popular tourist attraction because of its abundant natural beauty and plenty of must-visit attractions… CONTINUE READING >> 

The adventure capital of New Zealand is Queenstown. It’s a popular tourist attraction because of its abundant natural beauty and plenty of must-visit attractions. When you’re visiting Queenstown, it’s practical to use a car rental service, like MatesRates Car Hire, so that you can explore the place with little money spent on transportation, letting you enjoy a more fun and exciting experience.

In this post, you’ll earn the advantages of using a car rental service in Queenstown.

 Enjoy Your Holidays With Utmost Convenience

The best way to travel within Queenstown is by renting a car. Because you’re not restricted with transportation schedules or prompt time frames, you feel more comfortable exploring Queenstown and what this place has in store for you. You can enjoy your holidays without worrying about taxi prices, bus stops, or tight schedules.

Here are some of the famous tourist attractions in Queenstown you can visit with a car rental service:

• Gardens: It’s located at the heart of the town. Drive and stop by Queenstown Gardens and feel the tranquility of the beautiful gardens where you can relax, stroll, or play golf.
• Fallen Soldiers Memorial: Locals enjoy spending some time, most especially during the summer, in this place. You can even catch some local events, such as open night fireworks during the Winter Festival at Marine Parade.
• Valley: It’s a nearby winery in Queenstown, with perched vineyards up the rugged mountains near Kawarau Gorge.
• Lake Wanaka: It’s the fourth largest lake in New Zealand, covering 192 square kilometers or 74.1 square miles and 300 meters or 980 feet deep. Also, you’ll find Wanaka, a charming town you might want to explore, which is just an hour’s drive from Queenstown using a car rental service. You can try hiking or mountain climbing.

 More Affordable Option Than Public Commute

As compared to riding a taxi, you can save more renting a car in Queenstown. With many car rental services being offered, you’ll find lots of car rental companies offering affordable rates. You’ll enjoy the freedom of driving a car while visiting the area. However, you need to choose a car rental service that provides excellent services.

Here are the things you need to consider when hiring a car rental service in Queenstown:

• Number of passengers: If you’re traveling alone, then you can hire whatever type of car that best suits your taste. However, when you’re visiting with your family or friends, you have to consider the number of people who will join you in your trip, so you can choose a more spacious car to accommodate all of you and your luggage.
• Terms and Conditions: Before you sign anything, make sure to determine all guidelines or policies concerning renting a car, such as a start and an end date of car rent, insurance, liability, and other charges that will be imposed, aside from the upfront rental fee.
• Other Services: Aside from renting a car, you might want to hire your driver so you can fully enjoy your trip.

 More Comfortable, Fun, and Exciting Trip

You’ll find car rental offices nearby airport terminals, or you can book online for a smoother transaction. Usually, free shuttles are available to connect car rental offices to the airport. While buses are cheap, it’s uncomfortable because bus stops are generally far from the hotel.

Here are the things that make renting a car more fun and exciting when visiting Queenstown:

• Visit remote places, restaurants with lovely views, or hidden trails, which is impossible to do when you’re in a bus or taxi. Many places are inaccessible by bus, so it’s better to rent a car.
• Enjoy the scenery, like visiting the Mount Aspiring National Park in the Southern Alps with diversified ecosystems, remote wilderness, stunning river valleys, and high mountain ranges.
• If you want to visit cinematic places, visit the Glenorchy, which is a small settlement found on the northern end of Lake Wakatipu. It was famous for shooting the trilogy of The Lord of the Rings.

 Get to Your Destination Sooner

Buses and taxis usually take more extended driving hours because of intended driving areas for public utility vehicles. But with car rentals, you can reach your destination sooner because of shorter trips. Of course, it reduces the risk of road accidents because you’ll get off the road sooner.

Here are some tips when renting a car in Queenstown:

• Check online reviews if your prospective car rental company is trustworthy and reputable.
• Ask for the availability of driving maps so you can take more accessible routes to your desired destinations.
• Get the emergency contact number of the car rental company, the police, and the appropriate agencies, so you can contact someone if ever you need help or during emergencies.

 Conclusion

Car rental is your best option when visiting Queenstown, New Zealand. It is more convenient, comfortable, dependable, reliable, flexible, safe, and affordable. Get to enjoy your trip to the fullest, exploring the natural beauty of the place and discovering the authentic local cuisines, and the rich culture and tradition of local people.

Adventure Seekers Need to Visit These Places in Cebu

Cebu is a province in the Philippines and it is one of the hottest but obscure vacation destinations. In fact, nothing can prepare you for the wonders that await… CONTINUE READING >> 

Cebu is a province in the Philippines and it is one of the hottest but obscure vacation destinations. There are many mind-blowing attractions in the city. In fact, nothing can prepare you for the wonders that await tourists in the city. Check out some of the tourist attractions in Cebu and see why it should be your next vacation destination.

You can get to Cebu either by ferry or by air. While there are numerous local flights from different parts of Philippines of Cebu, there are direct international flights from China, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, Japan, and many other countries. You may need to use cebu itinerary by southpolecentralhotel.com to plan how to get there and also plan your itinerary. This is necessary for adventure seekers who are interested in visiting numerous tourist attractions within a short period. Without further ado, here are some of the attractions in Cebu.

Swim along with whales

You must have seen whales multiple times, but have you been close to them before? You probably have not swum along with a whale before? That is one of the activities in Cebu. Oslob is a location in Cebu where you get to watch whales from a close distance and swim with them. The experience is simply awesome. Just make sure you keep your distance and also follow the guidelines. Oslob is located at the southern part of Cebu.

Visit the 10,000 Roses Café

Have you ever seen up to 10,000 roses together in one location? May be not. Surrounding the café are up to 10,000 artificial white roses. While people go to the café for food and drinks, they usually forget about their hunger or thirst immediately they hit the café. The mesmerizing beauty of thousands of white roses will make you forget what brought you to the café.

If you think the surrounding is magnificent, wait till you see it in the night. Each of the roses has an LED light which are turned on in the night. The view is a rare sight to behold. You will never forgive yourself if you forget to go with your camera.

Fly high and enjoy aerial views of Cebu

Take your acrophobia head on with this activity. You get strapped to an object that will fly you high in the sky and you will have aerial views of several structures in Cebu. What will really blow you away is being tilted by 55 degrees in the sky. It will get you screaming in ecstasy.

Climb up to Osmena Peak

If you are a mountain climbing enthusiast, Cebu has something for you also. You will definitely love to get to Osmena Peak. The mountain is located in the Southern Cebu and it takes about an hour to get to the peak that is about 1 kilometer above sea level.

Trekking to the top is not the only pleasure that awaits you there. You will also enjoy the amazing views of seeing the sea far away and that of jagged hills. Most importantly, you don’t have to be an experienced mountain climber to enjoy this peak. It is beginner-friendly.

Your kids will love the Jumalon Butterfly Sanctuary

This sanctuary houses about 55 species of butterfly and a lush botanical garden. In addition, you will also get to see the museum with the oldest butterfly collections in the whole of the Philippines. The sanctuary also has a gallery of beautiful artworks. The sanctuary is named after its founder – Prof. J.N. Jumalon.

It is important to mention the fact that Cebu has many more attractions apart from the ones listed above. In fact, it will take you several weeks to visit all the attractions in the city. That is why you need to get your itinerary planned so that you can visit as many attractions as possible within a few days.

We are happy to present this collaborative post to offer valuable information to our readers.

Travel Guide to India- All you need to know

Traveling to India might seem a bit daunting to some but if you plan to pay a visit to the country, you’ll definitely gain an incredible experience. Since the country is so massive and every city, state, and even the district has something different and unique… CONTINUE READING >> 

If someone asks me to describe India, I would pick up a few adjectives that can sum up the real meaning of the country. Diversified, colossal, rich culture (that varies after every few km), spiritual, overwhelming, and crazy, these are some of the words that beautifully defines India and what you’re going to witness once there. Traveling to India might seem a bit daunting to some but if you plan to pay a visit to the country, you’ll definitely gain an incredible experience. Since the country is so massive and every city, state, and even the district has something different and unique for, a trip to India can be a tough task. But if you’re already clear with your choices, there’s nothing you can’t do on your trip to India. Thus, I am going to help you out with everything to make your trip to India safe and sound.

Best Time to Visit India

If you’re planning to be on a trip to India, your first concern should be when to come to India or which is the best season to be a guest of India. Well, actually there’s no specific best season to visit India, but yes, some specific places to visit during their respective best seasons. Since India has a very distinctive pattern of weather and concept of the season, you can’t really decide that this time would be the perfect one to explore the country. Well, October to March is generally considered the peak season to visit India but that doesn’t mean you can’t be there during off-seasons. It’s just that you need to think of a different place.

How long you can stay?

Well, if you’re from India itself then you simply need to check out the best places to visit in India, when to visit, or best places to stay etc. But for the tourists who are coming from all around to visit the county should get a tourist visa of at least 6-months. It’s not that you cannot stay longer but no type of visa allows you to stay here for more than 180 days. Thus, you need to go back to your country and then visit India again.

Talking about the number of days you should spend to explore the county in the best way possible. You should take out at least 10-12 weeks, if possible. India has to proffer you with a lot, from the Himalayas to the deserts, busy cities, beaches, jungles, and many more. To be honest, it would take anyone more than a year to travel through all these amazing places, but unfortunately, you have to make some tough choices.

Don’t fret, if you have a few couples of months, shortlist your preferences and what attracts you the most. Make it those places for sure and explore them in the best way possible.

What to pack when traveling to India?

Oh lord, all these stuff are important for me, what should I take and what should I leave? This is one of the constant things that run in the mind while packing. Let me tell you that packing for India is no headache, even if you forget something, you can have here in the country. Still, there are a few things you really need to get to make your trip to India much easier. So, to make it very basic and easy for you here’s what you should pack for your trip to India. First, figure out what regions you’re going to explore in India, is it desert, city, mountain, beach, forests, or ghats.

Now, you can pack your valuables accordingly, for example, if you’re going on a trek, take a nice backpack, comfortable shoes, and proper clothing. You can take loose fitting clothes and a good pair of slippers if visiting the beach is your plan. Don’t forget to keep your essentials that include your travel insurance, visa, and a new SIM as soon as you reach there.

Things to do in India

India is actually the country painted with different colors of diversity and rich culture, and this is for sure that you can’t see everything in a single trip. Thus, here comes the tough part where you need to jot down your choices. Take some time and ponder upon what you like the most, which places can give your eternal happiness, and most importantly how much time do you have? After you write down thing, planning for the can become much easier. To help you out, I have scribbled down the possible itineraries you can choose from.

The Classics: If you’re short on time and want to explore the best of the places in India, try the popular ‘Golden Triangle’ that covers the country’s top three destinations i.e. Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur. This is one of the routes that can be covered easily in a week if you have no issues traveling every 2-3 days. Get started with Delhi, have tempting food at Purani Dilli (Chandni Chowk), visit Red Fort and Humayun’s Tomb. Then you can move to Agra and appreciate one of the 7 Wonders of World, Taj Mahal along with Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri. After this, you can move towards Jaipur and let your soul get lost in the beautiful Pink City and the fort of Amber. Don’t miss to go shopping because these places provide you with the best quality things at a quite affordable price. P.S: Learn a few bargaining skills already.

Holy Sites: If religious sites or temples is what that attracts you the most. If you love to hear about the mythological stories behind different temples, India is one place that allows you to explore a number of temples. Go anywhere and you’ll definitely find some very famous temples out there.

When in India, do visit the Golden Temple at Amritsar, or witness the amazing carved edifices of Khajuraho, Konark’s Sun Temple is another beautiful temple you need to have a look at, or maybe amazing Jain Temples in Rajasthan and Gujarat built with milk-white marble. If you’re heading towards the South, one thing is definitely sure that the temples there will leave you spellbound, some of the best one are basara temple, chilkur balaji etc . Make you way to Madurai, Hampi, Tiruvannamalai, and Tiruchirapalli. Besides this, your should even visit Mumbai’s Ajanta and Ellora caves, and Elephanta Island.

Mughal Magic: If there’s anyone who loves admiring the Islamic architecture make sure you add Delhi in your list, which is home to many forts, mosques, and other historical places. If you have enough time left, you can make Agra your next destination and witness the best Mughal glory at Fatehpur Sikri and the symbol of love, Taj Mahal. One can even move to Jaisalmer and enjoy the Arabian Nights desert fortress.

Wildlife: India is home to numerous National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries where you see the best wildlife. Head towards the national parks of Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh and spot the fearless tigers. Other sanctuaries in India include Little Rann and Sasan Gir of Gujarat, Wayand in Kerala, and amazing birdlife at Bharatpur, Rajasthan. India puts many wildlife conversation efforts to conserve its species. There’s one other option that is not exactly wildlife but definitely something very exciting i.e. camel treks through the deserts of Bikaner in Rajasthan or Jaisalmer.

Mountainous Life: The Northern part of India is definitely the ideal place for those who want an adrenaline rush and wish to indulge in some kind of adventurous activities. You can start with Shimla, one of the best and classic hill stations in India. If you want to be a part of trekking, skiing, and white-water rafting, Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh can be a perfect choice. Manali is yet another great option for trekking and keep in mind that months after monsoon i.e. September/ October are considered the best months to go on a trek. If you’re visiting somewhere between mid-June to mid-September, you can make your way to Leh in Ladakh that offers you with some breathtaking hiking trails. Rishikesh is also one of the places that can be considered for rafting and trekking, which is also home to sacred mountain temples.

Beaches and Waterways: Do you want to witness India’s most wonderful beaches? Book your tickets for the southern part. You can even make your way to Mumbai and have some exotic food at the Chowpatties. If Goa is the place you want to explore, make sure add some of the beaches like Palolem, Vagator, Arambol, Baga in your list. You can even explore some black sand beaches in Kerala namely Kovalam and Varkala. The place is even known for its famous backwaters where you can hire a houseboat and gain an amazing experience. Srinagar in Kashmir is yet another place that is also called as ‘Heaven on Earth’ where you can quite a similar experience in Dal Lake.

Spiritual India: When in India try not to miss the see the spiritual side of the country. Move to the pilgrimage towns of India like Varanasi, Ajmer, and Pushkar in Rajasthan, or maybe Amritsar in Punjab. You can move to Delhi suburbs or the ashrams of Rishikesh if yoga and meditation classes are what you’re looking for. Also, if you wish to come across the Buddhist culture, make your way to Tibetian-Buddhist centers in Leh-Ladakh or McLeod Ganj.

We are happy to present this collaborative post to offer valuable information to our readers.

Tips for Preparing for the MCAT

Becoming a doctor is one of the noblest things in life because you will be literally touching people’s lives on a daily basis. Passing the MCAT exam and getting an above average score is one of the hoops you will have to jump before getting accepted into medical school…. CONTINUE READING >> 

Becoming a doctor is one of the noblest things in life because you will be literally touching people’s lives on a daily basis. It is therefore no surprise that becoming a doctor is extremely difficult and only a chosen few are able to jump all the hoops. Passing the MCAT exam and getting an above average score is one of the hoops you will have to jump before getting accepted into medical school. It is an extremely difficult test that contains 230 multiple questions in five areas, and it takes 7.5 hours. Below are 5 tips to help you come out on top of one of the most difficult exams in life:

1. Have a study plan.

The MCAT test is not one of those things you just want to be spontaneous with. You have to be intentional in how much time you want to prepare and what exactly you will be doing. Some of the best scoring students take at least 3 months to focus on MCAT prep alone. In the course of those 3 or 4 months, you have to take between 5 to 8 hours a day to study and go through preparation materials. Write down your study plan so you know exactly what you are doing every day without wasting time.

2. Take weekly diagnostic tests.

There is so much material out there that you need to go through before sitting for the test and that can be intimidating. A better way to do things is to work backwards by using test questions to get answers. Though it’s important to go through reading material, take at least one diagnostic test first to measure where you are and what you need to work on.

3. Get used to full-length exams.

One of the most intimidating things about the MCAT is the 7.5 hours of sitting down doing a test. The only way to overcome this is to get used to it through practice. Build your mental and physical stamina by doing a full-length, timed test once a month. Try looking for an MCAT tutor who can help you take regular practice tests and review your answers so you can best utilize your study time.

4. Complete all the MCAT course and do regular reviews.

It’s very important to ensure you have gone through the entire course. More importantly though is to go back and review everything you have done in the past weeks or months so that you don’t forget any of the material. To avoid boredom, you can study a few subjects in a day or get an MCAT tutor who will help you make the course easier.

5. Take ample breaks.

The last thing you want is exhaustion and overload because of studying all day every day. Even though preparing for the test should be your priority, take time every day to have fun, hangout with friends and just relax and heal your mind. You should also take the day before the test off to give your mind time to process everything.

The MCAT test is not for the faint-hearted. However, with enough work, practice and taking time to teach someone else what you have learnt, you can ace that test like the doctor that you are. Be sure to do what works for you and always take care of your health.

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