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Smart Traveling

Almost everyone loves to travel. If you, too, have caught the travel bug, then it’s time to start looking at trips. Whether you’re fresh out of college and wanting to see the world, or a long-time professional who desperately needs a break, travel provides of one the most valuable experiences life can offer… CONTINUE READING >> 

Almost everyone loves to travel. If you, too, have caught the travel bug, then it’s time to start looking at trips. Whether you’re fresh out of college and wanting to see the world, or a long-time professional who desperately needs a break, travel provides of one the most valuable experiences life can offer: adventure. Rather than spending your time and money on knick-knacks or streaming services, take time to actually live the life you’ve got. Travel to the other side of your country, or to the other side of the world. No matter where you go, you’ll make memories to last a lifetime.

The idea of traveling is great, and just about everyone would travel if they could. The problem is–traveling is expensive. If you travel smart, however, you can save hundreds of dollars, and trips you thought weren’t affordable might be in reach after all. Without further ado, check out this list of tricks for saving travel money.

Airfare

The biggest cost in just about any trip, airfare can cost double, or even triple, the rest of your traveling expenses. While tickets to some countries is a lot cheaper than others, a trip across a major ocean will probably cost you at least a thousand dollars. If you can get cheap tickets, on the other hand, you’ve halved your traveling expensive, and the trip starts looking a lot more affordable. When trying to find cheap tickets online, be sure to keep signing out of your internet browser. Websites will track your history, and once they know you’re looking, they’ll jack airfare prices up. Another trick for buying cheaper tickets is to change your country on Google. If your browser knows you live in an affluent country like the US, they’ll try to charge you more for tickets. Last but not least, try to buy tickets on Sunday, since that’s currently the best day of the week to look for airfare. 

Transportation

Getting to and fro on your trip can also be expensive. You might have no choice but to rent a car, but renting a vehicle while on vacation can be stressful and costly. Rather than being tied down to a rented vehicle, try to take advantage of subways, taxis, and good old fashioned walking. You can get from the airport to your accommodations with car service, such as Car service to JFK in New York, that will provide you with options for getting picked up and dropped off by a reliable transportation service.

Accommodation

One of the best ways to save money while traveling is to get creative with your accommodations. Hotels can be incredibly costly, and rather than spending hundreds on a room during your stay, try staying at a hostel or VRBO instead. Much cheaper, and often more personal, hostels and VRBOs can save you hundreds on your overnight accommodations.

Travel Insurance

While it might initially appear as nothing more than an added expense, travel insurance is a worthwhile investment, especially if you’re going on a long trip. Perhaps you don’t need to buy flight insurance on a puddle-jumper from Chicago to Indianapolis, but you will definitely want to buy it for that $1400 flight to Sydney. And if you’re going to be spending a lot of time abroad, it is essential to have travel insurance to cover any emergency medical costs, flight cancellations, or other issues. If you break your arm while backpacking through Europe, it will be much easier–and affordable–to simply use your insurer’s claims management software than it would be to try to figure it all out on your own from scratch.

Whether you travel near, or travel far, a great trip is a lot more affordable than you might think. Employ some of these suggestions for success, and you’re sure to have an easier time saving money on vacations.

Software to manage insurance claims – reference to business travel? Traveling smart?

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The Ballard Inn, a California Hinterland Hideaway

This is the Santa Ynez Valley, a wondrous land of mountains and valleys, vineyards, miniature livestock, exotic birds, old west storefronts, and even some windmills to tilt at…

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A big thank you to the Ballard Inn & The Gathering Table and Select Registry hotels for providing this adventure, as always, all opinions are our own.

Say California and images of sun drenched seashores spring to mind. We think of surfers catching a wave while the Beach Boys blast in the background.

Nothing wrong with that, but just two hours up the coast highway, and a short turn inland, we came upon an unexpected surprise, a horse of a different color so to speak. Or size to be more accurate.

This is the Santa Ynez Valley, a wondrous land of mountains and valleys, vineyards, miniature livestock, exotic birds, old west storefronts, and even some windmills to tilt at.

Located right in the middle of it all, we found a perfect lodge to base our operations, rest and rejuvenate, and sup on sustenance to gather strength for our explorations, the Ballard Inn & The Gathering Table.

The award-winning bed and breakfast, along with gourmet cuisine, made for a practically perfect weekend getaway.

After a drive through the town of Ballard, and a quick stop at its historic schoolhouse that has been in continuous service since 1883, we arrived just in time for the complimentary wine and cheese cocktail hour that happens every afternoon.

This is wine country after all, but we soon discovered so much more. Our first stop the next morning was just a stone’s throw away from the inn at the Seein’ Spots Farm.

This rescue farm provides a home to a menagerie of goats, sheep, pigs, turkeys, ducks, chickens, geese, and tortoises that have been injured or abandoned.

While these guys are all hunky-dory, it’s the miniature donkeys that are the stars of Seein’ Spots. They are specially bred to be precise mini versions of the burros we are used to seeing.

The fuzzy little fellahs (shall we call them burritos?) wander freely among the other animals and we were allowed to walk right up to them. Veronica grabbed one of the many brushes provided and proceeded to make some new friends.

There is one resident of the farm not allowed to hang out with the rest, Zeeyore the Zonkey. No matter that he looked almost as cool as his name, by all accounts when zebras breed with donkeys the resulting offspring tend to pick up much of the zebra’s ornery nature. That’s why we were only introduced to with a stout fence between us.

Just in case we hadn’t had our fill of itty-bitty animals, we found another farm featuring diminutive duplicates of large equine originals less than a mile away. Maybe there is something in the water here in the hinterlands

Quicksilver Miniature Horse Ranch is more of a real working ranch though, since their one and only goal is to sell these little horses. And they are horses, don’t call them ponies. Great care is taken to produce anatomically correct replicas of their full-sized cousins.

Another thing in the water around here is the ability to turn it into wine, so we could hardly spend the day without a stop at one of the local vineyards. The nearby town of Los Olivos has plenty to choose from and we popped in to the Stolpman Vineyard’s tasting room for a sip or two.

After sampling several we selected a bottle of their silky Syrah, Para Maria, which has as an added bonus we really liked. The proceeds from this particular wine go into a profit sharing program that is divided among all of the vineyard’s crew.

From Los Olivos, we drove a short stretch up the road to Los Alamos for a look at an amazing antique outlet. Along with wine, antiques are definitely big in this area, and The Depot Antique Mall is the biggest.

Housed in the last remaining station of the old Pacific Coast Railway, the sheer volume of historic memorabilia was staggering. We weren’t in the market for anything, but this was like visiting a museum of kitschy Americana.

On our way back to Ballard, we made one more quick stop at the town of Santa Ynez and felt like we had stepped back in time. The main street looks like an old West cow town right down to the horseshoes embedded in the crosswalks.

We had to hurry back for our reservation at The Gathering Table because there was no way we were going to miss this dinner. Chef Budi Kazali creatively blends Asian and French influences using locally sourced produce, seafood, and meats to deliver outstanding dishes as small plates meant to be shared.

That is right up our alley; we can’t help but share even when the plates aren’t intended to be, so we ordered several. For a starter we chose the Kabocha Squash Soup, which certainly hit the spot on an evening that had a bit of a chill in the air.

Additional dishes arrived leasurly as we dined on Pork Belly with Napa Cabbage Fondue, Wild Mushroom Risotto, Seared Spanish Octopus with squid ink, Pork & Shrimp Shumai, and a finally of salted caramel topped with crème fresh.

Everything was beyond our expectations, truly gourmet dishes served in a rustic farmhouse kitchen setting made for an evening to remember.

We awoke to another gorgeous California morning and thought, Gee, this would be a good day to see some ostriches. Lucky for us OstrichLand USA was right up the road in the incredibly quaint Danish style village of Solvang.

Even though we had visited Solvang before (see that adventure here), we couldn’t help but pause for a few well-placed windmill shots before pulling up to the bird land.

Hidden behind high wooden fences (no free viewing of the big birds) we found more ostriches and emus than we ever could have imagined. They roam the range like cattle but, just like those little doggies, they come a’runnin’ when it’s supper time.

Feeding these colossal flightless feathered fowl is the main event, and they know it. We bought a pan of giant bird chow and immediately drew a crowd. A tight grip was required to maintain control while they greedily pecked and grabbed every last pellet.

We laughed the entire time at these bird brains because their goofy heads flopping around on those spindly necks was hilarious in a three stooges sort of way. Goes to show that weird notion or not, this was a good idea.

Before leaving the Santa Ynez Valley we had one more site to see, one that contributed greatly to the history of the region, Mission Santa Inés.

For over two hundred years it has served as a spiritual center for the community, but originally provided government and protection as well while Spain spread its influence northward from Mexico. The missions were used as a way of claiming territory, so were a combination of fortress, courthouse, and church.

Santa Inés is one of twenty-one such outposts established between 1769 and 1833 in what is now California, along with scores more throughout the Southwest, and we could say that we are on a mission to see as many as possible.

Wait, is that a mission impossible?

David & Veronica, GypsyNester.com

Things You Should Do In Dubai

Dubai is a city which you should visit at least once in your lifetime.Here are a few things you should do and see while in Dubai, the tourist’s paradise…

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Dubai is a city which you should visit at least once in your lifetime. However, most people believe that you need to visit the city many times to totally explore and enjoy the sights of Dubai. Given below are a few things you should do and see while in Dubai, the tourist’s paradise.

Burj Khalifa:  

The tallest tower in the world, Burj Khalifa is one of the reasons many people visit the city. Just viewing the stunning imagery from the 124th level observation deck is enough for many. You can view the building from everywhere in Dubai but you get to see the magnificence only when you visit it up close and personal. The Dubai Fountain is at the base of the Burj Khalifa and is a major tourist attraction. The choreographed fountain is the largest in the world with water reaching as high as 150 metres. The evening fountains are usually crowded as people come here to watch the amazing water display.

The Dubai Mall:

One of the largest shopping malls in the world, you need more than a day to completely see it. There is so much to do at the Dubai Mall, not just shops and restaurants; it also includes an ice rink, a waterfall, a theme park, the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo.

The Gold Souk:

Just like Antwerp is famous for diamonds, Dubai is famous for its gold. If you think that the Gold Souk only sells gold, you are mistaken, you can buy diamonds with platinum and silver jewelry too. You need not worry about getting cheated as the Government of Dubai keeps a tight control on the Souk but you do need to do some prior research to get the best deal here. In fact, it is estimated that more than 20% of the world’s gold passes through the Gold Souk.

Palm Jumeirah:

It is an engineering marvel. Palm Jumeirah is among the largest artificial islands in the world. It is shaped like a palm tree and consists of some of the world’s best hotels too. It is a major tourist attraction.

Dubai Creek:

Dubai is not just modern architecture and malls, the Dubai Creek is the heart of the city where the first tribes settled. All the souks are here and this is also where the Dubai Museum is located. At the salt water estuary a ride on the abra is a must for all tourists.

Dubai Marina:

Dubai Marina is a man made marvel. Tourists love to wander along the Dubai Marina Walk and enjoy the sights. The Dubai Marina Yacht Club is also the place where you can go if you love sailing.

Desert Safari:

A trip to Dubai without going for a desert safari is not a trip at all. A desert safari experience completes a trip to Dubai. The sand dunes, the trip to the safari on a land cruiser are all part of the experience. A camel ride in the desert is an experience to remember. Learn about the Bedouin culture and also enjoy wonderful Arabian food here.

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Why Everyone Needs to Visit China At Least Once

China is a wonderful country, one that deserves a visit at least once in a lifetime. Very few countries will boast of the wide variety of experiences…

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China is a wonderful country, one that deserves a visit at least once in a lifetime. Very few countries will boast of the wide variety of experiences you find in the Middle Kingdom. Whether you are an adventurer, a historian or you are traveling to China to do business; you will find it entirely different from any other country you have ever visited in the world.

This is not just mere hearsay, but it is an incredible place, with lots of attractions, cultures, and experiences that will never be explained, unless you take your China travel visa and head over to the country to discover for yourself. Here are some of our reasons why we believe that everyone should make a trip to China at least one in their lifetimes-:

Breathtaking Landscapes

China happens to be one of the largest countries in the world, and as such, its landscapes are incredibly diverse. It is the country where you are bound to find any scenery you have ever imagined. From the deserts in the northwest to the seashores in the southeast, the lush tropics of Xishuangbanna to the freezing beauty of Harbin, from the fertile plains to the magnificent mountain ranges, the country is dotted with all manner of beautiful landscapes. While still at the landscapes, you must never miss visiting Hainan which is a real tropical paradise of the Orient. If you like, you can call it as Eastern Hawaii, and it is such a beautiful place to visit.

Chinese are wonderful people

You will agree with me that however beautiful a place may be, if its people are not equally “beautiful,” then there will be nothing attractive in visiting that place. But when you come to China, you will find some of the most amazing people in the world, and this could be a reason enough to get a China travel visa and visit the place to experience the warmth of the Chinese.

There are so many people in the country, and they love visitors so much. Every place you go, they will want to stop so that they can just have a few minutes chatting with you. They also love taking photos with visitors, and they will be more than willing to share with you stories about their culture and rich diversity. It is not so many countries in the world that you will find warm, gentle and receptive people ready to interact with you on your first meeting.

The Chinese Culture is the richest in the world

If you want to experience a heaven of culture, then you have every reason to get you’re a China travel visa and plan a visit to the Orient as soon as possible. You will be surprised to know that the Chinese culture is the richest in the world and has been influencing lots of cultures not just in the neighboring countries, but also in other countries located thousands of miles away. Some of the highlights of their rich culture and which you ought to experience in include-:

• The language – the Chinese language supersedes any other language in the world regarding complexity and originality. The language influence is heavily present in countries like Vietnam, Korea, and Japan.

•  Their taichi and kungfu supersedes Thai boxing and karate

• They have more than 550 ethnic minorities

• They celebrate an endless number of festivals throughout the year. These are fantastic avenues to experience the core of the Chinese cultures, with certain practices that date back to centuries ago

• The country has a history of over 4,000 years, implying that their culture is equally as rich.

Chinese Food is incredible

If you love traveling for food, then here is another reason why you need to visit China. Chinese food is just incredible. Whether you are looking for amazing street foods or you desire to have the perfect fine dining experience in the world, you will be very pleased with what China has in store for you. This is the country with the best noodles and rice in the world.

Their culinary skills in food handling and preparations are also worth mentioning, with some of their methodologies dating back to thousands of years ago. And one thing you will like about the Chinese food is that it is very diverse across the entire country. For instance, if you go to the North, you will find a cradle of noodles while if you move to the south, you will find some of the best rice dishes in the world. They also have quality and delicious seafood you will find to be highly enriching.

Rich History

Very few places in the world have the kind of vast history you will find in China. The Terracotta Warrior and the Great Walls are some of the well-known attractions in the country. Then there is also the Temple of Heaven and the Forbidden City which you must never miss when you are in Beijing. In addition to soaking into the Chinese history, you will also find impressive architectural feats in China, and you only have to look at the Great Wall of China to see how advanced and rich China was from many years ago.

Modern Wonders

In China, you will find some of the most modern cities in the world. There is a perfect display of skills and technological advancement with will blow up your mind. From the buildings to the trains, parks, and infrastructure, you will be more than delighted to have visited China. To get a feel for the country’s advancement in technology and infrastructure, a visit to Shanghai, which happens to be the epitome of modern-day China, is highly recommended.

Amazing markets and wonderful products

No travel experience will ever be complete without sampling the markets and products in your destination. With regards to China, this alone is a reason enough to get your China travel visa just to go and experience how amazing the Chinese markets and products are. This is the place to find exquisite tea sets, fine silks, expensive aged tea, elaborately curved jade, distinct handcrafted arts and much more. China is a shopper’s paradise, and you can shop till you drop dead.

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Popular Activities to Do in Maui

The Hawaiian island of Maui is an exciting, beautiful and relaxing place to spend time in. This piece of paradise in the mid-Pacific offers a wide range of activities for all types of visitors… CONTINUE READING >> 

The Hawaiian island of Maui is an exciting, beautiful and relaxing place to spend time in. This piece of paradise in the mid-Pacific offers a wide range of activities for all types of visitors so there is never a shortage of things to do in Maui.

Some prefer more adventurous pursuits, while others book their Hawaii vacations purely to relax. These are some of the most popular reasons so many people visit the island of Maui.

Snorkeling and Scuba Diving

The real magic of Maui is hidden beneath the sea that surrounds the island. The stunning reefs and a wide variety of tropical sea life make the coastline of Maui one of the most exciting places to snorkel and dive in the world. There are diving sites to suit all levels. A range of local snorkeling and scuba diving schools offer a range of lessons for beginners, as well as more experienced individuals. The most popular places to carry out these underwater activities include Molokini Crater, South Maui, and West Maui.

Relaxing in Maui

Maui is the perfect place for those with an adventurous spirit. However, it’s also the perfect place to relax and take things easy. With a wide range of stunning beaches to choose from, you have plenty of options in this regard. Its most popular beaches include Makena Beach State Park, Ka’anapali Beach, Baldwin Beach, Wai’anapanapa and Honolua Bay. All of these beaches provide the natural settings for those who just want to get away from it all and enjoy the great weather and natural beauty Maui has to offer.

Maui also has plenty of man-made facilities designed for those who want to relax and take it easy. It’s luxury resorts give you the opportunity to get spa treatments in Maui that are second to none. Each Maui spa provides a range of spa treatments and areas where you can pamper yourself in exotic surroundings.

Boat Trips and Whale Watching

A wide range of boat trips are available around the coastline of Maui. These boat trips vary from large boat charters to small paddle boats. Boat trips give you a unique opportunity to see the amazing coastal views and natural beauty around Maui’s coastline.

Whale watching is one of the most popular activities in this location, with Pacific Northwest humpback whales visiting the waters around Maui every year. A range of sunset and cocktail cruises are also available for those who want to see the sun go down at sea in the coastal areas around Maui.

Surfing

When Hawaii is mentioned, most people associate these islands with surfing. Maui is not one of the main surfing islands but it does have some good locations for surfing such as Oahu’s North Shore. Lessons are also available for individuals who want to learn to surf in an exotic location.

When it comes to a vacation in an exotic island, Maui has it all. Its adventure activities are suitable for more energetic visitors but it’s also the perfect place to relax and get away from it all. This combination makes it the ideal destination for a wide range of visitors.

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Springtime in the Smokies

Great Smoky Mountains National Park attracts nearly twice as many annual visitors as any other park. There must be some darn good reasons all of those people are coming, so we did a little exploring and discovered plenty… CONTINUE READING >> 

How about a fun trivia question?

What is the most visited National Park in America?

We would have guessed Yellowstone or Yosemite, or even the Grand Canyon, but it is the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Believe it or not, it attracts nearly twice as many annual visitors as any other park.

There must be some darn good reasons all of those people are coming, so we did a little exploring and discovered plenty. We also found that spring is the perfect season to take in the explosion of wildflowers and greenery while the colorful slopes and foggy valleys burst back to life.

Any good exploration needs a base camp and Gatlinburg, Tennessee, the gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, is the perfect place to start.

This classic mountain village has stunning views at almost every turn or, for a full panorama, the top of the Space Needle can’t be beat. From its over four hundred feet high outdoor observation level the entire town spreads out in every direction beneath the alpine backdrop.

If that’s not quite high enough, there’s no better spot to check out the spectacle of colors than from the top of Clingmans Dome, the highest peak in the Smokies, as well as the highest point in the state of Tennessee, and on the Appalachian Trail.

No need to bring the climbing gear either, since Clingmans Dome Road opens up April 1st and it is only a half mile hike from the high parking area to the 6,643 foot summit, where another even more spectacular observation tower awaits.

From up here the park’s name is no mystery. The namesake haze settles into the low-lying hollows (known as hollers in these parts) and looks for all the world like smoke.

Down below, saying goodbye to winter also ushers in the return of festivals and celebrations to the mountains.

The Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community gets back into full swing with their Easter Craft Show at the end of March, but the historic 8-mile loop Arts & Crafts Trail is open year ‘round. Local artisans have been whittling, painting, sewing, weaving, and carving original works in this neck of the woods for centuries, long before the trail was officially established back in 1937.

Nowadays guest craftspeople from all around the country join in sharing skills and ideas and giving folks a chance to take home a handmade heirloom.

April kicks off with the Annual Smoky Mountain Trout Tournament, the biggest trout tournament in the Smokies. Adults and kids can try their luck whether they’ve lived in these hills for generations or they’re a city slicker just passing through. Either way the fish tales are always flying about all of the whoppers that just barely got away.

Conceivably, some of those more cosmopolitan urbanites would rather indulge in a bit of the fruit of the vine. Perfect timing again, since the middle of the month brings Gatlinburg Wine Weekend featuring the Gatlinburg Wine Tour and the Gatlinburg Smoky Mountain Wine Fest.

The award-winning Tennessee wines offer something for everyone from connoisseurs to critics, life-long aficionados or rank amateurs. Luckily, we fit in there somewhere along that scale.

As April draws to a close, the Gatlinburg area blossoms with the Great Smoky Mountain Association’s Annual Wildflower Pilgrimage. For nearly seventy years many of the nation’s leading botanical experts and Appalachian wildlife authorities have been meeting here to provide demonstrations and lectures, along with instructional walks and guided hiking tours.

Scenic beauty may always be these mountains’ main attraction, but the music of this region most certainly gives it a run for its money and no one epitomizes that style better than Dolly Parton. In 1985 she took over Silver Dollar City Tennessee, renamed it Dollywood, and quickly turned it into the nation’s premier music oriented theme park.

The park opens in the middle of March and this is a great time of year to beat the crowds before the summer rush. April brings the Spring Mix Festival featuring a wide variety of musical genres from country to gospel to Classic Rock and R&B, with some of our favorites such as The Drifters, Firefall, Crystal Gayle, Amy Grant, the Atlanta Rhythm Section, and the Marshall Tucker Band performing.

So maybe we under estimated when we said we found plenty of reasons. With so much to pack into every day, we were sure glad find Piddlin.com, and that daylight savings time had returned.

That just might be the best thing about spring.

David & Veronica, GypsyNester.com

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9 Reasons Why Jamaica Should be on Travel To-Do List for 2018

Jamaica has everything a person could possibly want from a travel destination, beautiful beaches, gorgeous natural surroundings, a fascinating culture, good food, and great music… CONTINUE READING >> 

Jamaica is a tropical island nation in the Caribbean and one of the most desirable vacation spots in 2018. This country has everything a person could possibly want from a travel destination. It’s got everything from beautiful beaches, gorgeous natural surroundings, a fascinating culture, good food, and great music. There are countless reasons why you should visit this country, and we’re going to look at a few of them today. Here are nine reasons why Jamaica should be on your travel to-do list in 2018.

Luxury Villas: Easily the best way to vacation in Jamaica is to rent a luxury villa. These villas are like an attraction in themselves. There are a number of Jamaica villa rentals with chefs, spas, pools, and breathtaking views. In this way, you’re never too far away from Jamaica’s beaches or golf courses, and you always have a comfortable place to sleep at the end of the day. It’s a wonderful way to relax after having your Jamaican adventures.

Gorgeous Beaches: Of course, one of Jamaica’s greatest attractions are its miles of sandy beaches. This island nation contains some of the most beautiful beaches in the whole world. As one might expect, there are many to choose from. Whether it’s the tropical beauty of Seven Mile Beach or the clear waters of Silver Sands, Jamaica has everything a person could possibly want. If you’re a beach lover, then this is reason enough to visit this amazing country.

Tropical Weather: For those of you who are tired of cold weather, a visit to the Caribbean is just what you need. Jamaica features warm weather all year round with an average temperature of 81 degrees. If that sounds just a bit too warm for you, try staying in the Blue Mountains where the temperature is a bit cooler. Either way, you’ll find its tropical climate to be a great way to take a break from the winter months.

Delicious Cuisine: Those of you who love good food won’t be disappointed by Jamaica. Jamaica has a wonderful tradition of cuisine that’s influenced by a mixing of different cultures throughout its history. The result is a wide variety of delicious meals to choose from. Be sure to try the ackee and saltfish while you’re there, which is Jamaica’s national dish. This meal consists of fresh fish served with ackee, a local fruit that’s native to Jamaica. Also, make sure you try the jerk chicken during your stay.

Water Sports: As you might expect from a country surrounded by ocean, Jamaica has plenty to offer for someone interested in water sports. The country is a popular spot among snorkelers and scuba divers. There’s also plenty of fun to be had for those who love to surf. The waters are clear and the tides are great if you’re looking to catch some waves. Many places are also beginner friendly, making this a great time to take surfing lessons if you never tried it before. This is a great opportunity to try something new while you’re on vacation.

Incredible Music: For such a small country, Jamaica has one of the most influential musical traditions in the world. If you love ska and reggae, why not visit the place where they were born? There are live reggae shows happening almost every night, and street dances are a popular way to have fun and enjoy music. And of course, you can’t forget that Jamaica was the birthplace of Bob Marley. For those looking to learn more about this legendary musician, consider visiting the Bob Marley Museum during your stay.

Natural Beauty: You know about the beaches, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg. From green jungles to blue skies, this country is truly a nature lover’s dream come true. There are a number of hiking opportunities at your disposal, along with caves and waterfalls you can check out. Or you can explore the beautiful Blue Mountains. This is Jamaica’s longest mountain range and has more than a few hiking trails you can take. That’s not even considering the number of zoos and gardens available. Jamaica is perfect for those looking for an outdoors vacation.

Beautiful Golf Courses: Jamaica is among the best countries in the world when it comes to golfing. The country’s natural beauty lends itself to an amazing golfing experience. In fact, Manchester Club happens to be the oldest golf course in the Caribbean. Of course, Montego Bay contains a number of high-quality courses, including the legendary White Witch. Or if you’re looking for something more casual, you might check out Negril Hills, which is only a few miles away from Seven Miles Beach. The capital city of Kingston also has a number of great courses such as Country Club and Caymanas Golf.

The Rich Culture: One of the best reasons to visit Jamaica is to experience its culture firsthand. The country has a truly unique culture that’s unlike anything else in the world. This is partially influenced by Rastafarianism. As a result, the locals are some of the most friendly people you’ll ever meet. They’re used to seeing tourists in their country and always have a welcoming attitude toward visitors. Jamaica also has a very interesting history. Consider taking a tour and learning more about it while you’re there.

As you can tell, there are a number of great reasons to visit Jamaica this year. It truly has something for everyone. So what are you waiting for? Start booking your vacation today!

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