The GypsyNesters

Hajj is one of the most sacred experiences in a Muslim’s life. Most people wait their whole lives for this one chance at seeing the house of Allah with their own eyes, to pray standing right in front of it; and when they finally get the chance it is like a dream come true for them. The sheer emotional value of the experience of the first Hajj performers is so immense that it cannot be ignored, and it is very easy for things to go wrong when you are in a new place for the first time. Therefore, it is important that first-time Hajj performers do their research thoroughly and go prepared with all the information they would need to make the trip fruitful and avoid any discomfort; after all, you would not want anything to distract you from your prayers on such a holy journey.

To aid first-timers, we have compiled a list of four hotels which would provide you with the most comfort and peace of mind while you undertake one of the most important religious rituals in Islam. Let’s have a look:

1. Shaza Hotel, Makkah

Shaza is an intimate chain of family hotels across the Middle East. Shaza Makkah is a luxurious hotel which allows guests to enjoy their trip without worrying about the nitty-gritties. It prides itself on its luxurious services which put its guests at ease. The staying quarters are luxurious and comfortable and there is a range of rooms and suites to choose from with varying degrees of services included, the in-house restaurants offer delicacies of regions the world over, and the spa, pool and other recreational services make for a relaxing time. The hotel also offers its guests with a Morafik service (personal attendant) and a Mustachar (guide) is at your service to help you plan your Hajj trip down to the last detail. From airport transfer services to indulgent rooms, fine-dining, spa and guide services, Shaza has it all for first-time Hajj performers to pray in utter peace and leave the rest to Shaza.

2. Movenpick Hotel and Residences, Hajar Tower, Makkah

Movenpick Hotel is a five-star hotel located directly in the heart of the Haram court, facing the King Abdul Aziz Gate as part of the prestigious Abraj-al-Bait complex. Movenpick is an obvious choice for pilgrims, especially first-timers, not only because of its sheer proximity and closeness to the Haram itself but also for its excellent treatment of its guests. It offers an array of luxurious rooms to choose from, each with either a complete or a partial view of the Haram and/or the Kaaba to keep prayers even more soulful. The hotel offers airport transfer services for the guests to bring them to and from the hotel, and there are a number of in-house restaurants to cater to every kind of food craving. It is truly a five-star experience for first-time pilgrims.

3. Makkah Clock Royal Tower (A Fairmont Hotel)

The Clock Tower is one of the most famous symbols of the city. Overlooking the Haram at 76 floors tall, it is the focal point of the Abraj-al-Bait complex. It is the most visible hotel in proximity to the Haram and this is its most interesting point. With an incredible 1650 suites and residences, the hotel boasts 56 elevators to allow ease of access from the rooms to the city beyond. The Clock Royal Tower combines luxury with unrivalled views of the Haram, the Kaaba and the city of Makkah to create a truly life-changing experience. If you are a first-time Hajj pilgrim, you will never forget your trip with the Makkah Clock Royal Tower.

4. InterContinental Dar Al Tawhid

Located what seems like just a few steps away from the Haram, The InterCon Dar Al Tawhid is another feather in the city’s hat of providing comfortable and indulgent accommodation to pilgrims. With a private entrance from the hotel directly into the Haram, guests are sure not to lose time in the journey to and from the mosque and can utilize their time better in prayers. With a choice of rooms between classic, executive or suite, first-time pilgrims have a choice of comfort to spend their time and devote themselves to prayers.

Hajj is a sacred ritual which requires utmost devotion and dedication. A good accommodation is an important step in making the journey comfortable.

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

Travel is often called the medicine for the soul. Solo travel, however, takes the experience to a whole new level. The thought of traveling alone can be quite scary. But once you embark on your first solo trip, the journey becomes an exhilarating experience that you will remember for the rest of your life. One of the main reasons solo travel is quite popular is that you get to discover and explore new places all by yourself. Most first-time solo travelers end up going on a string of solo adventures across the world. The magic of going on a solo escapade is what turns a first-time solo traveler into a solo adventurer. If you’re still weighing the pros and cons of traveling alone, here are some attractive advantages of traveling solo that might persuade you to finally book that ticket.

You meet interesting people:

People who travel alone tend to be more social than when they travel in a group. Since there are many solo travelers, you can connect with them over social media and build up your own support system. When you’re away from your usual social circle, you would have to interact more with locals and other travelers during your trip. This leads to many wonderful moments, interesting conversations, new friendships, and a wholesome travel experience.

You get to know yourself:

Getting in touch with your inner self is easier said than done. However, traveling to a new place on your own can help you achieve that. It helps you to slow down, remove the distractions, feel the world and yourself while reflecting on the important aspects of your life. It’s said that moments like these are some of the most magnificent and beautiful ones to experience.

You face less pressure to do more:

This is something we can all relate with. During any travel, there will always be times when you just want to put your head down and have a good nap. Especially when you travel to other countries, your companions might push for a hectic itinerary that’ll leave very little time for rest. When you travel solo, you have the luxury to take your time and pace your activities however you like. So, whether you feel to go on a day-long stroll or spend the whole day in your hotel room, the choice is entirely up to you.

You can do whatever you want:

Group travel entails a lot of compromises as there’s a constant worry of spoiling your travel partner’s itinerary. On the other hand, traveling solo would give you the ability to do whatever you want. Whether it’s spending the whole day in a museum, on a bar crawl, or even reading a book, you don’t have to give up on your plans.

You can get out of your comfort zone:

Challenging yourself helps you stay sharp and tests your abilities to overcome problems. When you go on a solo trip, you are pushed to figure things out by yourself. After all, you can explore the world and its beauty only if you put yourself out there.

Stepping out of your comfort zone refines your attitude to life and enables you to grow as an individual. If you feel uncomfortable in a new city, consider taking all-inclusive tour packages for your destination like Columbia tours or even tour packages for specific tourist spots you’d like to visit.

You get to learn a lot:

Travel teaches us important life lessons like gratitude, humility, and humanity. When you go on a solo trip, you’re much more receptive to new landscapes, languages, cuisines, and cultures. It also offers perspective on your life and teaches you to accept difficult situations and adapt yourself accordingly.

You can significantly reduce costs:

Budget issues often lead to rifts between travel partners and can seriously strain relationships. By traveling solo, you can completely avoid the possibility of arguments, double bookings or buying unwanted souvenirs due to peer pressure.

Along with getting to decide where to stay and eat, you can also make spontaneous cost-effective changes to your agenda without having to provide explanations. Alternatively, you also have the flexibility to save money and spend it all on that particularly expensive activity on your bucket list – no questions asked.

You get more confidence in your abilities:

Finding yourself in an unfamiliar situation has a unique way of bringing out more confidence. It’s an empowering feeling to realize that you don’t need anyone else to survive in a different city. Traveling alone inspires a wonderful sense of independence and confidence as you need to do everything by yourself. It also gives you peace of mind as the wrong travel partner can wreak havoc on your vacation plans.

You get to have your “me time”:

We all deserve that much-needed break from our daily life to relax, recharge and rejuvenate ourselves. Solo travel lets you focus on yourself and lets you prioritize your needs. Along with providing a new experience, solo travel has the power to transform you from within and enhance your sense of self. Basically, indulging in some self-care and just being with yourself allows you to lead a happier life.

It’s good for your mental health:

Scientific studies prove that travel is good for your mental health. It reduces stress, enhances your situational awareness, and boosts your satisfaction. It expands your horizons and stimulates your creative juices. Traveling alone also makes you mentally prepared for any challenge and emotionally resilient to any adverse outcomes.

Solo travel helps you reinvent your personality and adjusts your attitude to life. It teaches you to celebrate different cultures and appreciate the nuances of life. Solo travel disrupts your daily life – it opens your horizons and lets you experience the wonders of the world. It’s also good for your physical, mental, and emotional health. So, book your ticket and go on a whirlwind solo adventure to experience all the benefits that traveling solo has to offer.

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

San Francisco is one of the top West Coast destinations with over 25 million people visiting each year. If you only have a limited amount of time to see the Golden city, there are a lot of things to know to make the most of your trip. With prices on the rise, more people are shortening their trips to San Francisco to keep within their budget.

Before you head off on your next trip, read through these tips for mastering your single day trip to San Francisco. You want to see the best sights without wasting time between attractions. This city is a bit challenging to get around, so you might want to consider alternative forms of transportation. Let’s start exploring!  Embarking on a road trip from LA to San Francisco can be fun here are the stops to look forward to!

Consider a Tour

First, because San Francisco is so spread out, it might be worth doing a tour. This gives you the ability to cover more ground without wasting a lot of time. One great way to see the city is by bike. San Francisco is known for its mild weather all year long, so you can’t go wrong with exploring by bike.

There are a lot of bikeable places in San Francisco. Consider bike tours of the Golden Gate Bridge or around the hills of San Francisco by electric bike. You can go with a guide or a self-guided tour, depending on your needs. Visit blazingsaddles.com for more information on the best bike tours. You can even book a combo tour with Alcatraz, bike rental, and a bus tour. It really will let you see it all.

Use the Cable Cars

If you want to explore most of the city by foot, you definitely can. Driving will quickly burn up your patience since there’s a lot of traffic and it can take forever to find a parking space. Instead, use the cable cars. These are famous icons of the city, so consider it part of the authentic experience.

Learn about the different cable car routes before you leave so you can make the most of your trips through the city. You can pay every time you board, but this will add up quickly. Instead, look into buying a Muni Passport to save money.

Recommended Itinerary

While it’s recommended you choose some form of a tour at least for half the day, here is a recommended list of things to do in an order that makes sense by location. It’s all about optimizing the time you have and seeing the best of the city. You’ll need to make peace with the fact that it’s impossible to see everything. That being said, you can still take in the experience of the city no matter what you prioritize seeing.

Start Your Day

You should start your day with a ride along the Golden Gate Bridge. This is best in the morning, but try to avoid rush hour if possible. The morning is also when you should ride down Lombard Street, also known as the “crookedest” street. It’s best to see in the morning.

Union Square

Next, head to Union Square. The is the tourist center of the city and it’s where you’ll find a lot of the San Francisco classics, including great shopping and dining. You can park directly beneath Union Square or in the city garage at Fifth and Mission Streets. From Union Square, you can grab a cable car from Powell and Market Streets.

Chinatown and the Bay

You can’t go to San Francisco without seeing Chinatown and the San Francisco Bay. Take a cable car from the Union Square district to California Street. You can then walk a few blocks towards the Bay, and you’ll quickly be in Chinatown. This is a great place to explore and take photos.

Walk through Chinatown towards North Beach. Here is where you can enjoy some of San Francisco’s coffee culture and boutique shops. Follow Stockton to Pier 39. You can also take the trolley from Market Street. Once you’re in Pier 39, follow the waterfront to Fisherman’s Wharf. When you’re done exploring, grab another trolley back to Union Square.

Enjoy San Francisco

San Francisco is a gorgeous city to explore. No matter how much time you have, make the most of your day with the tips above. There’s so much to see, do, and eat in this seaside city. If you want to learn while you explore, don’t skip out on doing a tour of the city whether it’s by bike or by bus. Now you’re ready to enjoy San Francisco!

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

Lido di Jesolo is a vibrant and exciting part of Italy. Home to the wonderful Hotel Orient & Pacific, some beautiful beaches and glorious weather there’s a lot on offer here. But what are the best things to do in the area? Read on for more information:

Visit Aqualandia

You simply cannot visit Lido di Jesolo without spending a day at Aqualandia. This Caribbean-style island is considered to be one of the best water parks in Italy. Complete with 8 differently-themed areas, water slides, a bungee jumping tower and more, you won’t run out of things to do. Please note that during the summer months there will be some pretty long queues before you get into Aqualandia and once you’re there, but the wait is completely worth it.

See the Sand Nativity

The Sand Nativity is a beautiful sand sculpture that has to be seen to be believed. Complete with many different sculptures that showcase some of the local artist’s talents, you may find it hard to imagine that every sculpture is made from sand. Located in the centre of Lido di Jesolo, the sculptures do change from time to time but they are absolutely worth visiting. From dinosaurs to giant dragonflies, biblical scenes to Egyptian sculptures,  the Sand Nativity will take your breath away. Bring your camera with you and get snap-happy while you marvel at the sculptures that seem just too complex to be created from something as simple as sand.

The Wheel of Venice

Located at Piazza Brescia 11, the Wheel of Venice is an impressive Ferris wheel that ensures you can enjoy stunning views of Lido di Jesolo and the surrounding areas. At the time of writing, entrance to the Wheel cost €10, and everyone has the opportunity to enjoy approximately 10 minutes on the Wheel.

Step into one of the red carriages and travel up to the top of the Ferris wheel slowly but surely. Gaze out over at the beautiful blue sea and try to spot your hotel from the top of the wheel. Operating when the weather is good, the Wheel of Venice is a must-visit attraction for those who aren’t afraid of heights and wish to see Lido di Jesolo from a whole new perspective.

Dine out at Gelateria Alma

Situated at Via Bafile 197, Gelateria Alma is one of the best places to buy some delicious ice cream. The ice creams here are nothing short of divine, and the friendly staff will help you choose from the wide selection of flavours and sizes. Brightly coloured and with so much to choose from, this is an eatery that you’ll want to visit more than once! Choose a cone or a tub of ice cream and all the toppings you can imagine and enjoy a tasty ice cream that’s been prepared somewhere very special.

With so much on offer in Lido di Jesolo it can be hard to know where to begin. However, we think the above 4 destinations are the best in the area and need to be added to your ‘Places to visit’ list when you’re on vacation in Lido di Jesolo.

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

The season of loving, giving, and resolutions is quickly approaching. Are you looking for the perfect location to spend it in? Well, lo and behold. We’ve got an awesome list for you! Just because Christmas and New Year is all about family, it doesn’t mean that you have to stay at home. There’s no better way to celebrate the holidays than in a foreign and whimsical destination.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Not a fan of cold weather? Aching to spend the holidays in a tropical destination? Then, Rio de Janeiro is perfect for you! Christmas, in particular, is absolutely joyous. You will see beautifully decorated Christmas trees everywhere and feel the widespread and genuine good vibes of the locals. During Christmas Eve, you can experience the Midnight Mass or Misa do Galo in a church. After that, feast your eyes (and stomach) on a grand and traditional Brazilian dinner! I recommend heading to the Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon, where you will be able to see the world’s tallest floating Christmas tree.

Just like every other place during New Year, Rio has its own fireworks display. But since this destination is renowned for its lively atmosphere and festivals, expect to see something spectacular during New Year’s Eve. So what are you waiting for? Come on over to Rio, make new friends, and celebrate with your entire family!

Dubai, UAE

Yet another sunny destination, Dubai will not disappoint you this holiday season. It is certainly the essence of lush and festive. During Christmas, you will be able to have the usual Santa and reindeer experience, plus fake snow and ornamental lights. But if you want to make the most of your stay here, you simply must visit the Winterland Festive Village at Atlantis, The Palm. It hosts an annual brunch that serves a grand feast with plenty of treats. And of course, who can forget about the three-day Dubai Christmas Festival? You will experience a combination of music and singing, as well as Christmas markets, where you can shop ‘til you drop!

Then during New Year’s Eve, you have many options to choose from. Witness the jaw-dropping fireworks display at Atlantis or board one of Amwaj Al Bahar’s luxury yachts for an even more fantastic view. Dine in style in the famous Burj Al Arab or marvel at the entire city below by going all the way to the 122^nd floor of the tallest building in the world, Burj Khalifa. For a truly unique experience, you can always head to the desert and have a Bedouin-style celebration.

The Swiss Alps, Switzerland

Now, let’s head on over to a destination that is the epitome of a winter wonderland. There’s no better place to have a white Christmas in Europe than the Swiss Alps! There are plenty of luxury resorts for you to choose from, in locations such as St. Moritz and Zermatt. Once you’re done deciding which place to stay in, you can enjoy the thrill of skiing or snow-shoeing in the area. Not only that, but there are also fun Christmas activities like sleigh rides.

Whether you prefer to party your socks off or just revel in the amazing fireworks display before your eyes, a New Year’s celebration in the Swiss Alps is definitely something you shouldn’t miss. And if you’re up for it, the best time to go skiing would be during New Year’s Day itself. The slopes are most likely going to be empty, so I encourage you to make the most of this experience.

Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Iceland

Welcome to a gorgeous destination that will never fail to impress, Snæfellsnes Peninsula! With its pristine natural landscapes, Snæfellsnes Peninsula is certainly the place to be. And if there is anything in Iceland that will make your holiday season experience truly unforgettable, it’s witnessing the Northern Lights. Just imagine chasing this natural wonder during Christmas, whether you’re with your family or friends. Not only that, but you can also explore the Vatnshellir Cave, the Skarðsvík White Sand Beach, Kirkjufell Mountain, and many more!

If you’d rather see the Northern Lights during New Year’s Day, this is also more than possible. On New Year’s Eve, you will be able to experience the wild party scene of Iceland and the unique New Year Bonfire. There are only certain areas where the bonfire is lit though, so you may have to rent a car and drive to the assigned places. Don’t miss out on this magical experience, gathered around a warm bonfire, surrounded by awesome people, and at the same time, marvel at the elaborate fireworks display just above you!

Hokkaido, Japan

Everyone talks about Japan and how beautiful it is during cherry blossom season. But have you ever wondered what it would be like to visit during winter? Then, come on over and enjoy the serene vibes this destination will most certainly offer. Hokkaido, in particular, is a hotspot for those seeking some peace and quiet. It is also said to be the best place to ski and snowboard on Earth! You can spend most of your time during Christmas here on the slopes, if you’re into staying fit and active. If not, you can always marvel at the expansive and incredible natural landscapes Hokkaido has. Plus, Hokkaido is renowned for its natural hot springs, so dip in and relax to the fullest!

New Year, on the other hand, is quite unique here. You will be able to see many locals visiting shrines or temples at midnight. And your visit to Hokkaido will not be complete without getting a glimpse of the beautiful Blue Pond in the quaint town of Biei. This artificial lake has astoundingly blue waters, said to be aluminum hydroxide, and dry, slim trees that perfectly exude an enigmatic aura.

Visiting Japan don’t miss out on delicious dishes. The country’s food is notoriously nutritious and packed with flavor, making for a unique cuisine that continues to develop over time.

Final thoughts

So, what do you think? Would you rather spend your holidays somewhere sunny and vibrant or crisp and magical? Would you rather pick a destination where you can fully rest and relax or a place where you can stay fit and active? Whatever you choose, I guarantee that you will be able to make memories that will last a lifetime. After all, we’re only going to be living in this world for a short while, we might as well make it a fun and incredible ride.

Author’s bio:

Nina Tambal

Recently bitten by the wanderlust bug, Nina’s dream is to explore the world for what it truly is while spreading her love for food, the environment, and all animals.

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