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Beyond the Classroom: Alternative Careers for Teachers

There are unlimited opportunities for teachers owing to their outstanding qualifications. You can become the expert… CONTINUE READING >> 

Anyone who has been in the teaching profession for long will tell you that the enthusiasm you feel at the beginning soon fizzles out. Teaching is not the rosy profession many people take it for and it is no wonder most teachers now look for alternative opportunities. The long working hours, lack of autonomy, frustration from policymakers, poor pay are just a few of the reasons that can push you to the wall. Luckily, here are unlimited opportunities for teachers owing to their outstanding qualifications. You can become the expert who writes a thesis for master’s students, become a tutor, corporate trainer, human resource professional, content writer, school administrator, life coach among other careers.

This article explores these and other alternative careers you should consider as a teacher. Read on.

The Advantages of Teaching Skills in Other Careers

Teaching is an opportunity to change minds and mold the character of the future generation. In addition to your training, there are other invaluable skills you attain in the profession including communication skills, persistence, patience, creativity, empathy, curiosity to learn and an open-minded view. These skills come in handy when looking for alternative careers.

Top Alternative Careers for Teachers

1. Professional Writing

In the digital world of today, there’s a high demand for writers in many areas. The demand of high quality content is high and as a teacher, you have unique knowledge in your subject areas which you can use to join this profession. Some of the popular writing fields include content writing, technical writing, and copy writing, research paper writing among others.

Website owners require the best content for their target readers while college students pay top dollar for the best quality academic papers. Blogs require writers and with your excellent writing skills and expertise, you can create a name for yourself in the freelance writing world.

2. Counseling

Teachers undergo the best training in college to handle the toughest situations in life. If you want to move away from teaching but still work with kids, you should consider pursuing a school counselor career, and this career guide for school counseling can show you how to go about doing that. However, if you want to move away from working with kids altogether, but still enjoy helping people, a counseling career is a great option as you can get satisfaction from motivating people to make the right choices in life and overcome difficulties.

3. Corporate Training

You can use your transferable teaching and leadership skills in the corporate world and still make a difference in other people’s lives.  With your training and experience, you can help employees develop crucial skills required in their jobs. These include business writing, sales skills, negotiation skills, communication skills and digital marketing among others. Many companies also hire teachers to help develop corporate training and development programs.

4. School Administration

If you want to move out the classroom but stay close to the school environment, you can choose to go into administration. As a teacher, you have critical skills required in administration including leadership, communication skills, and interpersonal skills among others. If you take further training in administration, you will have a head start when looking for school administration jobs. It is an opportunity to make a difference without the hassle of classroom teaching.

5. Human Resource Management

Most of the skills required for teaching come in handy in human resource management. Some of the best HR practitioners are teachers and they leverage their training in psychology to understand employees and provide the best working environment.

As a HR professional, you have to inspire your staff to perform better and this is something you already know to do well as a teacher. With your interpersonal skills, you will find it easy to work with your staff to boost productivity and improve working relations.

6. Publishing

With the experience gained in teaching combined with your training in a specific subject, it is possible to join the publishing world and enjoy success. You can write and publish textbooks in your subject area and other classroom resource texts. There’s a high demand for quality teaching and learning materials and you can team up with other teachers to deliver the best content.

7. Social Work

Most teachers face frustration in the classroom because they can’t make the change they desire. This is one problem with teaching as any decision you make has to get approval from the higher office. However, you can make real change working out of the classroom as a social worker or youth worker.

This is an opportunity to make real change in society. It is an opportunity to put your skills to work and inspire good behavior.  Working with the youth is a fulfilling experience and it allows you to utilize skills you learnt in college, and those attained on the job.

A career in social work can be a tremendously rewarding option for somebody who truly wants to make a difference in the lives of those in need. With a range of focus areas and a variety of environments in which to operate, whether it’s a child who is ready for preschool, a young person in need of the support of a mentor, a teen without a safe place to call home, you can follow a career path that suits your interests and preferred way of working. Social work courses prepare you for such a journey. These give you a chance to learn how to offer assistance to those dealing with a range of factors impacting their lives, such as income, illness, homelessness, abuse and more.

8. Career Guidance/ Counseling

Career guidance and counseling is another great alternative career choice of teachers. With your exposure and experience, you are in a good position to advise the young one on career opportunities.

9. Financial Advisor

Math and business teachers can look beyond the classroom to become financial advisors. Most people want to have an expert by their side when making big financial decisions and with your background in business teaching, you can interpret numbers and help your clients make the best decisions.

10. Research Work

Teachers have a lot of experience in research and their training also covers a broad range of research work. You can utilize these skills to carve a niche for yourself as a researcher for businesses, the government and non-governmental organizations. There is high demand for researchers as data becomes the most important asset in the modern world.

Of course, there are other alternative opportunities for teachers out of the classroom. If you want to continue your professional growth in a new career, consider available opportunities as a writer on mypaperwriter.com.

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

How To Select The Best Dinner Cruise In Dubai Marina?

Are you looking for something that you both can remember for lifetime? So, if you are in Dubai, one of the best options to do it is through the dinner cruise… CONTINUE READING >> 

Are you planning to propose your girl in a special way? Getting down onto the knees, hiding a ring in her drink, and all are now old stuff and may not create that much of a scenario. Are you looking for something that you both can remember for lifetime? So, if you are in Dubai, one of the best options to do it is through the dinner cruise.

What Is This All About?

Are you getting anxious about knowing more about the dinner cruise? Well, if you are in Dubai, you must know about the new residential district Dubai Marina that has come up. The man made canal that segregates the two land forms is the water body on which the cruises float.

It has all come from the traditional concept of the dhows in Gulf. In ancient times, the dhows were used by the Gulf people for trade. These dhows were huge and were made up of timber and coconut ropes. The man made vessels were huge in size and used to take days to get completed.

Later on soon, there are improvement in the style in which these dhows were made and materials such as metal items also started being introduced in the making. Also, the huge sizes of the dhows were minimized and now there are such dhows of not only different sizes but also different types.

Along with the trade, soon these dhows were being used in the transportation purpose also. So, after a few number of years, it took to here where these dhows are now used as dinner cruise too. You will find dhow cruises of various types and various sizes at Dubai Marina and you can actually enjoy some great moment out there.

Though an experience to spend on the dinner cruise in Dubai Marina is already a great thing but you need to be sure that you are selecting the right option to have a great time. You just need to know the right factors that you need to check out in the dinner cruise so that you do not have to regret about your selection. It is quite an easy process today to search to get the bookings done in the dinner cruises online. But before you confirm your bookings, you should also check out the factors so that you can get into the right cruise with your family, friends or that special one.

The Cruises

There are so many different cruises that are being used for the dinner cruise purpose. The concept is also known as the floating restaurant and hence you can enjoy dinner on the vessel under the sky viewing the city lights. The experience will be a great one or a mediocre one highly depends on the type of cruise that you will be boarding. Hence, you should have a look at the fleet of cruises that the company has. You can check the cruises online on their website and then decide whether you wish to go for it or not.

Dinner Menu

The main thing that you will be doing on the dinner cruise is the food.  It is all about the dinner and so there is nothing wrong in expecting a great dinner to be laid out there. Normally, the dinner cruises offer buffet dinner and caters to a wide range of options. If you are looking for a great option, you can go for Alexandra Dhow Cruise and enjoy a dinner through which you can explore various cuisines.

The dinner offered by the cruise is a combination of many international cuisine items. The menu starts with various starters and is continued through main course of various cuisines such as India, Gulf, Italian, American, and so on. The dessert table is a delightful place to go for as it contains the best of pastries, cakes, and fruit salads. If you are on a proper cruise, you will see that they have taken special care for their guests and hence small details are taken care of such as maintaining an equal proportion of both vegetarian as well as the non-vegetarian dishes in the menu of the dinner.

The Entertainment

Though having dinner on the vessel with your special one is altogether a special feeling but having an entertainment factor makes it even special. Maximum of the dhow cruises are offering entertainment options with the dinner. You just need to check out the various options that the dinner cruise is offering for the entertainment. If you will come across the best options, you will have entertainment options such as live vocalists or live dance show on board. These artists are mainly known to perform the local art forms and if you are a tourist, it is going to be a lifetime experience for you to view such a show.

The Reviews

Today whenever you buy something, somewhere or the other you wish to check out the reviews about the thing. So, there is no harm is checking out the reviews here. If you are searching about a particular dinner cruise, you should search reviews about it at the best places such as Google Reviews where you can get honest reviews from the real customers.

You can check out the star ratings for the dhow cruises and should also try to read through some of the reviews that have been posted by the real customers who have already enjoyed the experience of the cruise. Going through the reviews, you will be able to understand exactly whether you will have a great time or not. It not only offers you a brief picture of the cruise but also offers you a confidence in choosing the right one for you. It also makes easy for you to select the right one amidst so many options available down there.

Other Details

After you have got a trust on the show cruise that you are selecting, there are also other things that you need to check out so that you can be finally sure about your bookings. You need to check out the official site to know the charges per person and the timings of the cruise. You can get the bookings done online itself if you are okay with the charges and the timing. There are also options for people to get a private cruise or a yacht. You need to check this also whether the cruise service provider is offering you with a private yacht service or not.

Checking through these small details is very much important so that you do not have the difficulty in getting the bookings and also you do not regret later on.

The Customer Service

Though the website will provide you with all the facilities of getting the booking done online, but still somewhere or the other a question remains when there is no manual response included. You should check out such a site that has a great customer service. There are various options such as the Alexandra Dhow Cruise that has names of the executives mentioned on the website with their contact details. In case, if you have any kind of confusion of trouble, you can contact them quite easily and can clear all your doubts and can get the bookings confirmed for your pleasure trip.

Having a special time spent is something that everyone craves for. The dinner cruise in Dubai Marina offers you the perfect option for you to have some special moment reserved for you. Away from the city rush, it offers you a moment of delight and privacy to yourself with an international dinner served with a bit of entertainment. The four hours journey is going to make a special mark on your life so that you can cherish the memories throughout your lifetime about how you had enjoyed with your special people around.

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

Soothing the Soul: Why Making Art is Good for Us

Art is always surrounding us, and it’s good for your health! Here are some of the top reasons you should be participating in art, and the numerous benefits it can bring… CONTINUE READING >> 

As a subject art is something which generates a great deal of discussion and debate. There are numerous conflicting opinions over what is ‘right,’ as well as debates over what constitutes art. At school, some of us are put off because we are told our artistic efforts are not good enough, and unfortunately, this means that many adults are turned away from art because they believe they are no good at it, it is boring, or they do not understand it in the right way.

This is a devastating attitude, and the truth is that we are all capable of creating great art. Whether you doodle as a hobby, participate in a summer art camp, enter exhibitions as an amateur painter, or appreciate a beautiful painting, art is something which is always surrounding us. As a bonus, it’s good for your health! Here are some of the top reasons you should be participating in art, and the numerous benefits it can bring.

It helps to develop and work the whole brain

Creating art is far more than the hand making marks on a piece of paper or canvas. It is an activity which helps to increase attention span and strengthen our focus as we concentrate on the different aspects over an extended period. It is also brilliant for developing and strengthening hand-eye coordination, and developing finesse and fine motor skills, as well as building physical strength in the hand. It requires interacting with the world using different tools and mediums and offers a workout for the creative side of the brain.

It dares us to be brave

A blank piece of paper is always a daunting prospect, and many people struggle to get started. Art challenges us to take that fear and channel it into creating. We are forced to explore our imagination and creativity, to dive deep within and explore hidden parts of ourselves, and to take risks with our work accepting that they may not turn out exactly as planned. In the act of creating art, we are forced to confront and explore the notion of what we consider art, and enjoy the process of making it as well as the result.

It allows us to express ourselves

There is a good reason why art therapy is so celebrated and lauded—art is an ideal way to express ourselves when words just aren’t enough. While going through the process of creating an artwork, you may be shocked at what you feel and experience, and this may lead the piece to develop unexpectedly. If you struggle or feel frustrated while working, it is worth taking the time to explore this; why do you think that way? What does this tell you about your attitude to art? How does this affect the end product?

The journey of art can take us to places we never expected, and act as a therapeutic exercise. This is a subject which is about far more than mere marks on a page.

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

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Want to Optimize Your Retirement Travel? Here’s How

Retirement is the best time to start traveling and exploring the world to make up for the time you spent working and meeting deadlines. Most retirees have a fixed budget so it’s good to save… CONTINUE READING >> 

Retirement is the best time to start traveling and exploring the world to make up for the time you spent working and meeting deadlines.

Most retirees have a fixed budget while traveling so it’s good to save enough to avoid over- spending or taking out unnecessary poor credit loans, which end up becoming a burden later in retirement.

It is advisable to start traveling soon after retiring, when you’re still in good health, with a lot of energy and morale. It also prevents you from spending your traveling savings on other unplanned events.

Ways to Optimize Retirement Travel:

• Slow travel

Slow travel is convenient for retirees because you spend more time traveling and less of your savings. You also tend to spend more time at planned destinations, which means you get friendlier rates. Most hotels in tourist destinations will give you better rates if you are staying longer.

• Recreational vehicles

Driving yourself around different destinations is another great option to save you money. You get the chance to visit national parks and see other beautiful places your destination has to offer at your leisure, while still making significant savings.

Drive-yourself options come in different packages with different levels of comfort. You have the advantage of choosing which level of comfort you prefer.

You also save on meals by cooking in your own kitchen instead of going to a restaurant. Save the money you would have otherwise spent on room and board by parking and sleeping in the recreational vehicle.

An RV has the added convenience of carrying any amount of luggage you need at no additional costs. Bring your own entertainment so you don’t get bored and save.

If you don’t travel by RV, consider bringing your own tents and camping gear as an alternative for sleeping in the car.

• Extended city visits

Nowadays, it is easy to book long stays or vacations at any destination of your choice. Most retirees tend to book cottages rather than hotels, where you get significant discounts, especially in the outskirts of a big city.

Do your research before making any commitments to find out what amenities are offered by the place you choose.

• Train travel

Train travel is another comfortable option that will cost you less than flying. You get to explore the route’s fascinating sights at no extra cost.

When opting for train travel, consider factors such as hygiene and sleeping arrangements if you have special needs. It is advisable to carry your own snacks to avoid spending on expensive options sold onboard.

• Round-the-world flights

This is another way you can explore the world. Having a full itinerary planned out is much cheaper compared to planning on your way. It allows better budgeting because you can predict when each portion of the trip starts and ends. Round-the-world excursions allow you to optimize retirement travel costs by minimizing the costs of day-to-day travel.

• Retirement cruises

These are great choices when you want to save on everyday living expenses while traveling.  Once you’ve chosen the destinations you’d like to visit and the cruise package, the rest is taken care of, including meals and round-the-clock age-appropriate activities.

On the cruise, you visit more than one destination with stops at different ports, making significant savings on overall travel costs. An added advantage is the opportunity to meet and interact with people of the same age from all over the world. If you are a retiree looking for adventures on the sea, then think about a retirement cruise.

• Travel rewards

These are points and miles you earn from credit cards, bonuses, regular spending, frequent flying, and vacationing. Most retirees earn these rewards while still in the workforce accumulating points to use for their retirement travel.

Financial advisors recommend paying off your credit cards and other debts to benefit from the rewards and avoid high penalties from accrued interest and late payment fees.

• Skip the rental car

Consider booking accommodations near where it’s easier to use public transport like the locals do. In larger cities, you can book hotels a walking or cycling distance from places of interest.

While using public transportation, you may be afraid of getting lost, but technology has made it easier for travelers of all ages. Use Google maps or check online for directions. Most tourist destinations listed online will have directions and a contact you can use to ask in case you lose your way.

Bonus Tips to optimize retirement travel on a budget

For most people, traveling means cutting back on luxuries and extra expenses to afford a vacation. You might have to forego that new car to go on a trip to Hawaii. It also means you have to forego expensive clothing, among other things, even reducing the number of times you go out to eat.

If you are a retiree with modest means, but still want to experience the joys of travel in your golden years, here’s a list of ways to optimize retirement travel on a budget.

 Early Planning

If you have specific destinations in mind, planning early might help you get better deals. Early bookings come with significant discounts and perks. It also helps if you start saving before retirement so you have a good amount to spend on travel.

Shop for discounts

Shop for discounts and cheap travel options. Some airlines have special packages for retirees traveling on a budget. You have to be careful with these, as some come with extra costs.

Look for value-added accommodation

When shopping for your board, search for cheap motels and hotels that offer free breakfast or free transportation to and from the airport.

Save on food

For some retirees, trying exotic cuisine is a big part of traveling, but eating out can dent your travel budget. Look for grocery stores and purchase supplies to pack your own snacks and picnic baskets whenever possible; it’s healthier too.

Another way to cut on food costs is by splitting meals and ordering appetizers. You can also shop for your own drinks to keep the costs even lower.

House sitting/house swapping

With retirement, comes a certain expectation of comfort, since your couch surfing is well behind you. Consider house-swapping. There are lots of sites that facilitate safe and simple swapping for seniors.

Take flattering pictures and list your property to show it and choose from the available options to swap. The fee charged on these sites is low compared to paying for hotel rooms.

House-sitting is also a great option for those who don’t own property. If you have pet allergies, look for homes without pets, as taking care of them is often part of the package. Similar to house swapping sites, house-sitting sites charge a membership fee. You might also have to prove your dependability and ability to care for a home.

Use Bargains and Benefits

While most retirees may not feel or look like seniors, sometimes it is good to use this to your advantage. You can get senior discounts in most tourist destinations, so do not be afraid to ask if it saves you some money. A small discount here and there adds up to significant savings.

 Financial advisors warn against unnecessary withdrawals in order to save on money and avoid impulse spending.

It’s even better to stash your vacation money in a different account and access this only when you need it. A clever trick is to make use of consistent paychecks withdrawals at regular intervals while traveling in retirement, which helps you avoid overspending.

Traveling can be difficult, but with these tips, you can optimize your retirement travel. Happy retirement traveling!

Tips for Sighting-in your bow

Something that separates the amateur target-shooter from the professional is the ability to accurately sight in a bow… CONTINUE READING >> 

To take up archery, all you need is a sense of adventure. To bring it to the next level and become a pro takes serious skill. Something that separates the amateur target-shooter from the professional is the ability to accurately sight in a bow.

A sight is a device using pin(s) or other marks as a reference point for shooting your arrow, giving you an extra edge in hitting that bullseye., Sighting-in is just a term for adjusting your sight so that it helps you land your target.

I’ve written these steps for multi-pin bow sights used with compound bows, but they can be applied to any type.

First Things First

Make sure that your bow is tuned and your sight is properly installed. You want to do that before jumping into anything else. You also want to make sure that all adjustable features are brought to mid-point.

Try to be in the same posture, location, and position every time you adjust and shoot your arrow. It’s important that your anchor point is constant throughout to make sure that that your arrow quiver is at hand so you get the most of your sight.

Starting Shot

We recommend starting off with a large target that can be seen at least forty yards away.

For a multi-pin sight, the first adjustment you’ll be making is with the first (top) pin, usually designated for a distance of10-20 yards.

Set up and mark the distance between you and your target. Since the bow is not properly sighted yet, the first shot should be relatively close to the target (around 10 yards). If you’re just starting out, you might need multiple shots to get a better picture of where you’re venturing off.

Two things to keep in mind is how far right or left you land, as well as how high or low.

One method you can use is as follows:

Windage – The windage scale determines how far left or right your pin will be sighted-in. It should be adjusted first, before elevation. One tip for determining the correct windage is to put a large piece of tape vertically across your target. See which side most of your arrows land.

Of course, if your arrows end up landing on both sides of the line, you will first need to practice your form and make sure that your bow is tuned. Before moving on, your arrows should at least land on the same side of the tape.

It is necessary to adjust your pin in the direction of error. (Note: this is the complete opposite of adjusting a snipper). In other words, if your starting arrow(s) are too far to the left, it is important to move your pin to the LEFT. This is called “chasing the error.”

Elevation– After the windage has been properly set up, the next step is to determine the correct elevation. The sight box can be adjusted to move the sight up and down. Most models come with micro-adjustable wheels that will allow you to do this with ease, but others will require screws.

This time, place a piece of tape horizontally across your target. Aim directly at the line and see where your arrows land. If they are too far up, you would move your sight UP. If it is too low, you move it DOWN.

Only slight adjustments should be made if you are already close to the target. Slight changes can make huge differences as to where your arrow lands.

Setting additional pins

Each pin must be sighted-in individually. Meanwhile, you are pretty much done for a one-pin sight. The convenience in this is that you’ll never choose the wrong pin when you make your aim.

You’ll also get a clearer, more straight-forward picture, making it easier to concentrate on your aim. On the other hand, multi-pin sights allow you to have a pin for multiple distances without needing to adjust every time.

Here are some things to keep in mind.

 1. Use the first pin to gauge the placement of your second and subsequent pins.

Step back an additional 10 yards. Use the first pin as a reference and see how far off from the center your arrows land. Change the windage and elevation accordingly. If your aim is good, you should see that your second group will land quite close to the first. You’ll just need to make slight adjustments to the sight box to land right at the center. If you have any axes on your sight-box, it is important to adjust them here before moving further.

 2. The second pin should be the anchor of your sight and remain where it is.

Once you have placed the second (30 yard) pin at the right location, you want to keep it there and leave it alone. During the rest of your sighting-in routine, refrain from touch the sight housing or this pin in particular. Focus only on the pins below. If you don’t, you might also screw up the one above.

 3. After setting the second pin, move all other pins without moving the sight box.

With the 40 yard pin and further, you can sight-in just as you did with the first. However, since the second pin is set in place, all you want to do now is move the pin itself. In most cases, the distance between 30 and 40 yard pins should be greater than between 20 and 30 yard pins.

 4. Re-test.

It’s a good idea to move back to the 10 yard mark and shoot your arrow again. This is to make sure that you’ve not moved the top pin by accident and are ready to go.

Sight Axes (If You Have Them)

Certain bows used by competitors also come with adjustable sight axes. This can give you maximum accuracy that is not found with other sights. Axes usually come with sights used for targeting and 3-D shooting, usually as a set of three.

1.    The first axis allows you to spin your sight around a horizontal line (top to bottom).
2.   The second axis allows you to spin your sight clockwise and counterclockwise.
3.    The third axis helps to stabilize your bow, allowing to to be vertically aligned for any shot position. It is most useful if you are shooting uphill or downhill.

The steps above may seem like a lot but once you get the hang of it, they will become second nature. You will fly by them and work your aim like a pro. The steps are also much simpler if you are just using a one-pin bow sight. All you need to do is locate the one pin on your sight based on the distance you are shooting.

The convenience in this is that you’ll never choose the wrong pin when you make your aim. You’ll also get a clearer sight picture that is straightforward. in fact, both amateurs and professional archers have said that single-pin sights make it a lot easier to concentrate their aim.

On the other hand, multi-pin sights give you the advantage of being able to place a pin for various distances without further adjustments. They can also serve as rangefinders for hunting purposes.

It may take a while to practice sighting your bow, but with the proper step-by-step approach, you will master it for good.

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

5 Must-see Top Attractions in Romania

There are hidden gems of Europe that are worth visiting and Romania is one of them. With many hidden natural wonders and sights, Romania is one of the best places to visit if you are planning a trip… CONTINUE READING >> 

When you are thinking about a vacation in Europe, popular countries like Italy, France, Greece and Spain are the first to come to mind. But there are other hidden gems of Europe that are worth visiting and Romania is one of them.

Romania is one of the countries with the most diverse biogeography in Europe. From the 2,500m high Carpathian Mountains covered in snow until late Spring, to the Danube Delta which is Europe’s largest wetland area and the Black Sea where you can to relax on fine sand beaches, Romania has it all. There are many hidden natural wonders and sights that make Romania one of the best places to visit if you are planning a trip to a lesser-known destination so here’s a couple of suggestions on what not to miss:

The famous region of Transylvania

Transylvania is mostly known for being home of Dracula, but this region in central Romania offers much more than that and tourists that chose to visit it are in for a big treat. Bound by the Carpathian Mountains in the South, West and East, the region of Transylvania offers many attractions and places to visit. Set up base in the cities of Cluj-Napoca, Sibiu or Brasov and start planning your trip. And don’t miss the chance to go on tours in Transylvania countryside where traditional and authentic Romanian village life is well preserved to see what a simple, far from civilization life looks like.

Turda Salt Mine

This mine turned musem and amusement park is included in the top 10 must-see underground places in the world and is one of the oldest salt mines in the world. The first salt exploitation was started 2,000 years ago by the Romans and since then the mine has had many uses throughout history, including a bomb shelter in WWII. Measuring about 400 feet in depth, Turda Salt Mine has been transformed into a breathtaking underground theme park. There’s minigolf, bowling, a Ferris Wheel and even a lake where you can practice your rowing skills. And did you know that breathing salty air is good for your lungs?

Hoia-Baciu Forest

If you’re looking for an adventure that will send shivers down your spine, the Hoia-Baciu Forest near Cluj-Napoca is the place for you. Locals consider the forest to be haunted as it got its name from a shepherd that once entered with 200 sheep and never returned. In the 1960s a UFO was sighted and photographed above it and this added more even more hype – or terror, to the forest’s reputation. Nevertheless, the forest is a popular choice for travelers and daring campers in search of adventure and mysticism. The forest presents some very peculiar vegetation with trees growing in spirals or bending in unnatural ways and a large circle-shaped area where nothing but grass seems to grow.

Transalpina Road

Though not as famous as Transfagarasan Road, Transalpina Road was built during the reign of King Carol II and is also known as King’s Road. Located between Sebes and Novaci, after a steep climb during which your car’s strength will be tested, you emerge on a road going over plateaus and mountain crests at 2,200m altitude. Surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, the road has many twists and turns and is a must-do for any passionate driver. Due to heavy snowfalls in the area, the road is closed during Winter so the best time to visit is during Summer or Fall. Some people even go camping in the area as Parang Mountains are among the wildest and beautiful in Romania. When planning your drive on Translapina Road start early in the morning so you have enough time for stops to admire the views, but also at local guesthouses serving delicious traditional Romanian food.

Retezat National Park

Speaking of camping and mountains, Retezat National Park in South-Western Romania is a popular choice for traveler interested in hiking in Romania. Reaching a maximum altitude of 2,509m at Peleaga peak, the park is one of the top destinations for hikers thanks to its impressive landscape of untouched nature and challenging trails. It is also home to one of the last pristine forests in Europe with 130 rare species of plants, 120 species of birds and 55 species of mammals. The Park is also known as the “Blue Eyed Land” thanks to the 80 glacial lakes it hosts, including the deepest one in Romania Zanoaga (95.1 feet) and the largest Bucura (21.8 acres). That’s why the 3 lakes hiking trail is the most popular!

Mud Volcanoes

First discovered in 1867 in an attempted search for petroleum, this peculiar natural attraction is about 2h away from Bucharest and is protected by law since 1924. The Mud Volcanoes are both a geological and botanical reservation due to the rare plants found in the area. The explanation behind the phenomenon is quite simple actually: gas coming from 30.000 meters underground goes through a layer of clay and then water, thus forming mud that is pushed to the surface almost constantly. In time small cones resembling the shape of a volcano were formed and now the ‘volcanoes’ are almost always active. Due to heavy deforestation in the area, the place looks out of this world, similar to the surface of the Moon – which makes it one of the most photographed areas in Romania.

Danube Delta

After passing through ten countries and four capitals, the Danube River finally reaches the Black Sea in Romania forming the largest and best-preserved delta in Europe. Rated 3rd of the top 300 natural reservation in the world due to its ecological importance and biodiversity, the Danube Delta is home to more than 300 species of birds and a paradise for ornithologists around the world. Only around 15.000 people live in the area thus preserving its wilderness, with accommodation and transport being usually provided by locals with boats that can navigate the canals. The Danube Delta is also the home of Romania’s largest aquarium hosted by the Danube Delta Eco-Tourism Museum Center. A rare finding for this part of the world are also the ancient forests found on the small islands of the delta, where subtropical vegetation grows among sand dunes surrounded by white lilies. Letea Forest is the most popular and you shouldn’t miss it!

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How to Travel Between Scandinavian Countries

The region is known for Viking adventures, breath-taking natural beauty, modern cities packed with history, well defined Scandinavian culture and style… CONTINUE READING >> 

Scandinavia is a geographical and historical region covering a large part of Northern Europe. Extending from above the Arctic Circle to the North and Baltic Seas, Scandinavia includes the following countries: Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Iceland

The region is known for Viking adventures, breath-taking natural beauty, modern cities packed with history, well defined Scandinavian culture and style. Scandinavian capitals are popular with tourists all year round with nearly every Scandinavian city offering something unique and attractive.

Best places to visit in Scandinavia

Although Scandinavian countries are often seen as one similar region, they are all uniquely special.

The common thing about all of them are happy, cultured people, knowing foreign languages and sincerely welcoming you to their country, ready to introduce their fascinating cultures. However, the main reason you should be visiting Scandinavia is the breathtaking dramatic landscapes and natural wonders you will hardly find elsewhere in the world.

So if you’re thinking of heading to the region, what should be the places to visit in Scandinavia on the top of your list?

The Preikestolen or Pulpit Rock. It is one of nature’s unique rock formations and is the most famous viewpoint in Norway included in probably all Scandinavia travel packages.

The Atlantic Road, Norway should be at the top of your list of amazing highways if you look for exciting drives. The curved Atlantic Road takes you through an archipelago of islands on the western coast of Norway.

Ice Hotel in the town of Jukkasjärvi in northern Sweden is a unique and very special experience.

Lofoten Islands, Norway offer landscapes which look as if they could only have been created by the most imaginative of game designers.

Geirangerfjord, Norway is the most spectacular Norwegian fjord featured in every Scandinavia travel guide. With cliffs on both sides and several awe-inspiring waterfalls, Geirangerfjord is very beautiful and offers some of the most exciting hiking trails in the world.

Where to go in Scandinavia to get the most of the region?

If you have a limited time for traveling it is an important question. Planning a trip on your own is an exciting experience but time-consuming and requires a lot of knowledge. A better option is to rely on Scandinavia travel packages designed by professionals offering the best places to visit in Scandinavia.

How to choose a tour to Scandinavia

Scandinavia is a popular destination, and there are numerous tours to choose from. Any guided group Scandinavian countries tour is a perfect way to explore several countries at once in an affordable yet comfortable way. Even relatively cheap Scandinavian tours offer to explore the region in style. If you choose a guided tour according to your wishes and interests, you can travel with a bit of luxury and relaxation. Although it is not a bad idea to travel on your own visiting the main points of interest you want to see; the Northern Lights hunt trip has to be trusted to the experienced professionals. You can find a huge supply of Scandinavia Northern Lights tours offering this experience but be wise and choose the tour provider who has a reliable reputation to be sure you will be taken to the best destinations for witnessing this fantastic natural phenomenon.

How to Save Money on Travel

Often the primary obstacle that stops us from a trip to Scandinavia is the cost.

Scandinavia can be expensive if you are not careful about how you spend your money. A trip to these countries can be pricier than to other areas of Europe, but if you know a few things how to save money not compromising on your comfort and experiences, you can have a perfect Scandinavian vacation without draining your family’s savings.

First of all, you should know when the cheapest time to go to Scandinavia is.

If you want to save on your trip to Scandinavia whether traveling on your own or purchasing a tour package, “shoulder-season” is your option. Late May, early June, and September can be pleasantly warm, especially in the south, but less touristy and therefore,  hotels may be lower priced,  airlines will have better deals, train and bus tickets between cities have lower rates and the sightseeing tickets are often discounted.

Book ahead and be flexible with flights. The smartest time to book your trip is a few months in advance. If your dates can be flexible, that will make a huge difference in booking a tour package, renting a car, booking hotels and your flights.

Want to explore Scandinavia and get the best bang for your buck? An off season group tour is the best the way to go.

Get ready. Scandinavia is waiting for you!

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