The GypsyNesters

The historic city of Hoi An is Vietnam’s most delightful and charming city. Located along the coast of the central region, this beautiful city is influenced by the combination of Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese, and even French heritage and architecture due to its trading port back in the 15^th – 18^th century. Nowadays, many people flock to this UNESCO-heritage town to soak up the rich culture, delicious food, and truly unique experiences. We take you on an exploration guide of the stunning city of Hoi An.

How to get there

Hoi An doesn’t have an airport or a train station; the only way to get there is by car or taxi. From the neighboring city of Da Nang, you can actually either fly to its airport or take a train from whichever Vietnamese city you’re currently into Da Nang and rent a car or taxi from there. It should cost you around $15 for the 30-kilometer ride.

Where to stay

There are a ton of great hotels you can book in Hoi An, from budget-friendly hotels to 5-star ones. Decide on the type of hotel you need – whether it’s for a luxury or if you’re sticking to a budget. If you need recommendations, see a list of some of the best hotels to stay in here and you can make a decision on the most suitable hotel according to your budget and travel purpose. The majority of inns and hotels are actually a walking distance from the Old Town. If you opt to stay further, then you’ll be just a scooter-ride away. However, riding a scooter is at limited times because most traffic in Hoi An is on foot or bicycle.

Where to go

One of the greatest places to visit is definitely Old Town. It’s easy to get around on foot as it doesn’t have much traffic like other major cities. The ancient town is home to fascinating architecture and historical buildings like Tan Ky House, which was built two centuries ago, or the Phung Hung House with gorgeous lanterns. Visit Hoi An’s main symbol, the Japanese Covered Bridge as well as the Chinese Assembly Halls, the Phac Hat Pagoda, or the Quan Cong Temple to soak up some holy culture. Hoi An is also famous for its arts and crafts, silk, and textiles; take a stroll through the Silk Village or to the Museum of Trading Ceramics. You can even attend a workshop or two to learn skills from the masters. Be sure to visit their liveliest street at night and during the day; The Riverside is where the traditional meets the modern with an endless variety of restaurants, local markets that are bustling at night, or chill as you watch boats cruising by.

What to eat

Hoi An is the ideal place to try some of the best Vietnamese delicacies that are blended with Japanese, Chinese, and Portuguese cuisines as well. Back in the day, traders and merchants brought their home country’s flavors into Hoi An, and so, this fusion cuisine was created. You can indulge in bottomless fresh noodle bowls, fresh seafood, shrimp or pork-filled dumplings, or the famous Com Ga, a dish of delicious Vietnamese rice and chicken. You’ll also find some of the best street food, be sure to try Banh Xeo, which literally means ‘sizzling pancakes,’ it’s served with seafood or pork.

The best time to visit Hoi An is away from monsoon season as the Old Town tends to flood. You can visit during the dry months which are February through July. But for the best weather, consider March or April. Rent a bicycle to ride around the town, or even if you’re heading to the beach as it’s very popular there. Hoi An has everything for any kind of traveler; it has culture, shopping, great food, a fun nightlife, and a chance to relax in a simple but exquisite town. Be sure to take in everything that it has to offer for a trip of a lifetime!

Japan is a beautiful place, and interestingly enough, many people don’t realize it’s a series of islands. The four largest islands, including Honshu, Hokkaido, Shikoku, and Kyushu, form a long, narrow shape — offering a vast amount of coastline wherein the Pacific Ocean is on the east and the Sea of Japan is on the west. For those who are looking to vacation in the area, it’s hard to avoid the beach. In fact, over 3,000 small islands can be found surrounding the mainland. Here are the best white sand beaches to visit:

Katsurahama Beach

Katsurahama Beach is a scenic destination wherein swimming is prohibited due to the strong currents. However, it’s a beautiful place to visit with many attractions located nearby. A famous statue, Sakamoto Ryoma, is a popular attraction near the beach with the Sakamoto Ryoma Memorial Museum above the beach on a hill. You can get to this beach via a one-way trip from JR Kochi Station for 690 yen. It’s a short 30-minute ride that’s well worth your time.

Odaiba Beach

Odaiba Beach is a man-made beach that offers access to many shopping malls and attractions. It’s the only beach available in the Toyko area, so if you’re headed to Toyko, keep it in mind. The 800-meter long beach forbids any sort of bathing or fishing as the water quality is quite low, but it’s a great place to spend some time relaxing or playing a game of beach volleyball. You can catch the Yurikamome train from Shimbashi Station to get there.

Tokimeki Beach

Tokimeki Beach is an expansive beach with beautiful green pines, white sand, clear water, and lovely sunsets. It’s located in Tannowa, Sennan District, but it’s one of many great beaches in the area. Throughout the months of March to June, it’s filled with people who are digging for clams. Tokimeki Beach is just 1 to 1.5 hour away from Namba Station which is one of the best districts to stay in Osaka for tourists.

Shirahama Beach

Shirahama Beach, a well-known surf destination, is an 800-meter long beach wherein visitors come to lay out on the sand, enjoy the sun, and of course, spend some time surfing the waves. It’s approximately five kilometers east of Izukyu-Shimoda Station — making it easy to find transportation to and from the beach. There are many shops and convenience stores along the road, which means visitors have absolutely no trouble renting beach gear, picking up souvenirs or buying some food.

Yonaha Maehama Beach

Yonaha Maehama Beach, a gorgeous 7-kilometer stretch of shoreline, is commonly referred to as one of the most beautiful beaches throughout Japan. This beach has white sand and water that appears almost emerald green. It’s found in the Miyoki Island roughly 400 miles from Okinawa on the mainland. It’s accessible via taxi or car. If you’re in the area and you’re able to visit, you won’t be disappointed.

Kondoi Beach

Kondoi Beach is located on a small island known as Taketomijima — approximately 6km away from Ishigakijima and a short ferry ride from the coastline of Japan. It’s very popular for having a fantastic diving and snorkeling environment. Those who truly appreciate nature will enjoy this beach as it’s a quiet, tranquil area that features emerald green water with bright white sands. It’s safe for children, and when the tide is high, you’re able to enjoy a swim. You can get there within an hour if you take a high-speed ferry.

Nishi No Hama Beach

Nishi No Hama Beach, located on Hateruma Island, is another beautiful beach that’s calm and quiet. In fact, it’s one of the least crowded beaches throughout Japan. Once you visit, you’ll wonder why it’s not packed all the time. It’s said to have soft, fine sand – allowing you to take off your sandals and enjoy a stroll. Although the water can be quite shallow, it’s a great spot for snorkeling.

Miho Beach

Miho Beach, located in Shizuoka, is one of the most beautiful white sand beaches due to its view of Mt. Fuji. Upon arrival, you can’t help but notice the incredible mountain views that are breathtaking. Although the sand isn’t super fine, it’s still a great place to walk around and enjoy the scenery. Aside from the mountain views, you’ll enjoy spectacularly large pine trees. It’s a great place for cycling and swimming.

There’s nothing better than spending the day soaking up the sun at a beautiful white sand beach. If you’re looking for a beautiful white sand beach in Japan, choose the one from our list above that’s closest to the area you’re visiting and enjoying a relaxing day at one of the best white sand beaches around!

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Skiing is by far, one of the most interesting sports/activities you could ever do. It’s fun, exciting, and pretty scary. It’s also not something you would usually do, like playing soccer with your friends. Skiing is this rarity of an experience that you could only experience when you’re fortunate enough to be in a place that offers this luxury service. Yet, it also can be lethal, to yourself and to others, if not practiced safely. Just like a car, a ski or a snowmobile can be a tool to harm people, and it needs to be used responsibly as much as you would your own vehicle. That means you can’t be using drugs or alcohol while skiing, any more than you would on a highway or a state road.

Why it is dangerous

Would you drive your car under the influence of marijuana? You probably can, but if you do get caught, you’ll be subject to the state laws of DUI and will probably suffer a severe penalty. Many people think marijuana is a harmless drug, but it can impair your judgment and affect your senses, making it dangerous to drive under the influence. Since you can’t drive a car using it, the same applies to a ski. Unless you’re pretty rich and have your very own ski resort, you’re sharing one with other people looking to have a good time. That means that skiing under the influence of drugs puts not only you in danger, but also all those around you.

Why lawyers warn against it

You’ll find that most lawyers vehemently warn against doing that, and for a good reason. State laws can inflict severe punishment in those cases, and in some states, it’s worse than others. You have a state like Colorado, one of the few that has laws against DUI in snowmobiles and skis, and as the article at https://tranilaw.com shows, you’re going to need a lawyer to get out of this one. This is why top Denver criminal defense lawyers say you shouldn’t ski under the influence of marijuana, because Colorado DUI laws apply to any sort of vehicle that can accelerate at high speeds. So that includes snowmobiles and skis.

If you do get charged with DUI in Colorado, you’ll need a pretty good legal defense team. Anything from fines and community service for some jail time may apply as punishment, so it’s definitely not something to be taken lightly. If an accident or injury occurred due to you are driving under the influence of drugs, you could rest assured some jail time is incurred if indicted.

Safety first

Does anyone even drive anything under the influence of drugs? You may ask yourself that question, but there are plenty of cases and accidents where that happens. People do drugs for fun or for whatever reason, but you need to remember a few things before doing marijuana and then driving anything really. It’s not going to be just your life that you’re reckless with. It’s also the lives of anyone unfortunate enough to be in your path while you’re in that state. And you’d never be able to live with yourself if you do harm someone. So, do yourself a favor and avoid driving under the influence of anything.

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Hiking is one of the activities where you can get close to nature and get healthy at the same time. However, taking that walk close with nature doesn’t make it an excuse to leave or forget important things that we need to bring along on a hike. Hiking also needs planning and preparation before undergoing that big trip. What are the important things that we shouldn’t forget to bring with us on hike? Read on to find out.

Water Container

It is very important to stay hydrated during your hike. If you start your hike early in the day, there’s a chance that you will get exposed to the sun for the rest of the day until you find sufficient vegetation cover. By then, you will have felt thirsty and tired and it is where the water bottles come in handy. So never leave home without it.

Backpack

A backpack can always come in handy in long walks like trail hiking. A recent article from the Great Big Trail website emphasized the importance of carrying the things you need while also maintaining mobility and freedom to move your arms while you walk. Durability and reliability are key qualities to look for in a backpack. Choose the type that is lightweight, has a waterproof exterior and sufficient storage space. This can ensure that you get to bring more important hiking gear along with you.

Food and Food Container

Food is the fuel that gets you going on your hike. Before embarking on a hike, have a big meal and stuff up on calories for the big walk. You’ll need all the energy reserves ready for the rest of the day. Still, it’s a good idea to bring easy-to-prepare and ready-to-eat food just in case you need it. To do so, you’ll need a container to separate it from other items in your bag and avoid contamination. Use a durable, reusable and food-friendly storage bag for your trail mix, which could include energy bars, beef jerky, cranberries, peanuts, almonds or any other mix you prefer to bring along with you.

First Aid Kit

Safety is one of the basic concerns when it comes to hiking. Injuries are common when it comes to hiking, so at least be prepared and have the training to handle such injuries. You may get some cuts, scrapes or rashes along the way, so be prepared with bandages, gauzes, antiseptics and other basic medicines and materials you’ll need to handle manageable hiking emergencies.

Utility Knife

Bring with you a handy utility knife. It can be used for food preparation, fuel gathering for fire, trail marking, self defense and so much more. A Swiss Army knife or any utility knife can be useful for situations that you may not anticipate.

Pocket Blanket

You can never tell if your hiking trip can turn into a camping trip once you reach the wilderness. Having something to sit or lie down on while taking a rest and enjoying the fantastic scenery is something you should carry with you on a hike. I specifically chose this type of blanket because of its great storability and portability. Imagine storing a blanket into a size that could fit your pocket! Another important plus factor of this blanket is its durability, it is waterproof and comfortable. You should always have this stuffed in your pocket or backpack during hikes.

There can be a lot of never-leave-home-without-it items you can think of when it comes to hiking. The list can change depending on your hiking experience and the trails you usually take. The bottom line for hikes is enjoyment and safety. So before embarking on a hike, make sure to let someone know where you’re going and when you’ll be probably returning. While you’re on a hike, take in as much as you can of what nature offers you and enjoy every moment of your hike.

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While Spain is famous for its culture and eclectic nightlife, there is more to be said about its beautiful scenery that draws in thousands of tourists every year. There’s so much beauty in Spain, and it’s true that it has something to offer every kind of traveller.

If you’ve visited all of the typical destinations in the country, or you’re just set on taking the less-beaten path of hiking trails over the busier cities, then look no further. Spain is a great choice for those looking for an enriching and exciting hiking and trekking trip.

Although it’s probably not in the top 10 things a first-time traveller should do in Spain, this vibrant country has amazing mountain ranges, challenging landscapes, and well-marked trails that are worth visiting.

The great thing about this is that this country has so much to offer, that you’ll definitely find a trail that will be perfect for you. Whether you’re an experienced hiker, just someone who wants to try a new hobby, or simply want something away from their busy normal life, there’s a little bit of something here for everyone.

We’ve rounded up some of the best trails in Spain, and all you have to do after is book that trip!

1. Camino de Santiago

This legendary walking route is probably top of mind for Spanish trails, and it’s deserving of all the hype. The Camino de Santiago walk is a series of pilgrim routes that have been around since ancient times.  It begins in various places along the French border, before ultimately leading down to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia.

This trail stretches on for miles and miles, and can take you weeks to accomplish the entire trip. However, it isn’t just for expert trekkers, and it doesn’t sound as long and dreary in reality. This place has actually been designed to accommodate travellers along the way, so you’ll undoubtedly encounter stops along the way when you need to sit for a while, or even sleep overnight!

Camino de Santiago is a historical path that is definitely worth visiting. It’s great for your physical health and mental health as well! Walking along the beautiful scenery of this place will help give you peace of mind and keep you away from the stress of daily life.

2. Picos de Europa

If we’re talking about the best of the best, then Spain’s oldest national park definitely has to have a place on our list. The Picos de Europa National Park is home to some of the most exquisite vistas that feature lush valleys and limestone peaks.

Picos de Europa is definitely bursting with life and nature, along with rich wildlife that will make you want to stay in that sanctuary forever. Compared to Camino de Santiago’s lengthy trail, the Picos de Europa trail only extends for 12 km. It is of moderate difficulty, and you won’t encounter much trouble since it is mostly flat.

3. Sierra Nevada Trail

The Sierra Nevada Trail is definitely something you should consider if you’re looking to explore levels of difficulty for hiking. It has various and abundant trails that range from the easiest to the hardest.

Located in Andalucia, the Sierra Nevada trail can be conquered all in a day. This is the perfect trail for challenging yourself, and enjoying the beautiful scenery at the same time.

4. Caminito del Rey

The King’s Little Path is often called world’s most dangerous walkway. This may not be true anymore, since renovations have definitely made things safer, but it is no doubt still one of the scariest as it clings to the cliffs along the Gorge of the Gaitanes.

Both the Caminito and the Sierra Nevada Trail can be easily reached by staying in a hotel near Ronda.

Spain is home to some of the most beautiful trails and scenery in the world. Just take your pick from our suggestions above and get ready to be blown away!

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