The Best Traveling Activities

 

                                                     The best traveling activities

As you travel around the world, specific activities suddenly become your new way of life rather than useless axioms most people aspire to try out, but somehow only a few get to do it.

When it’s just you and your traveling backpack a long way from home, live in the moment, enjoy your freedom, and try out things you would consider ridiculously overwhelming in “normal setting.”

From indoor to outdoor activities, this post presents to you the best traveling activities every traveler should try out at least once in their lifetime.

1.          Wilderness Backpacking

Wilderness backpacking is the grand traveling adventure. Even more, this traveling activity happens to be the most liberal as it allows you to view gorgeous landscapes from a new and unique perception.

As long as you do not mind exerting some physical effort from time to time, wilderness backpacking could be the best way to get away from your troubles and enjoy earth’s beautiful topography along the way.

2.          Skydiving

What better way to spend your excursions than transits from the highest point of earth with the help of gravity? Good news is skydiving is not tied to any specific location, making it the best choice if you would like to view a place from a bird’s view.

As long as you can keep your eyes open and not pray or curse 90 percent of the time, then I guarantee you’ll fall in love with skydiving.

If you are a blowhard, like me, then you could bring a footage home with you and show it off to your parents and friends.

Here is a fun fact about skydiving: Skydiving builds upper body strength (used when controlling the parachute) and lower body muscle groups (used for landing). Interesting, right?

3.          Swimming

Swimming is one of the most enjoyable and readily available traveling activities. Most hotels nowadays feature inbuilt swimming pools to entertain their guests and keep them engaged. Even though swimming is not free from hazards, it is an activity enjoyed by individuals of all ages.

In case swimming is your no one traveling activity, kindly ask yourselves the following questions prior to setting out for your journey.

•         Is the season friendly for swimming in your destination?

•         In case a beach is not an option in your destination, how much will it cost you to rent a hotel with an indoor pool?

•         How much free time do you have set aside for swimming?

Kindly note; swimming poses numerous hazards so make sure you know how to swim if you plan on engaging in the activity.

4.          Cliff Jumping

If you plan on cliff jumping, try and make it the highest one in the world. Besides being the least complicated extreme sport, cliff jumping gets to award you a thrilling dose of adrenaline, unlike any other activity.

That being said, cliff jumping is not for the easily scared. In case you are a beginner looking forward to getting over the fear of heights, Cliff jumping is for you, but make sure you learn how to do it right without getting hurt in the process.

5.          Rock climbing

Rock climbing is usually considered reckless, dangerous, and irresponsible by non-climbers (and for a good reason) but rock-climbing is one of the most amusing ways to push one’s physical and mental abilities.

Even more, your love for rock climbing could be the perfect motivation to visit attractive nations with mesmerizing rock formations.

5 Best Winter Vacations

 

5 Best Winter Vacations

Most people think the only appropriate season to explore the world is summer, and in case you are one of these “unfortunate” people then I’d like to change your mind with this blog post.

If you are the type that appreciatively looks forward to every December vacation, then you can affirm that winter is one of the best times to explore the different topographies of Mother Nature.

Furthermore, who doesn’t love winter vacations? I mean, I do not like gloomy, overcast, or rainy weather either, but I love winter seasons.

So, regardless of your travel preferences and what you are looking for (may it be a snowy retreat at in Colorado, a week sightseeing southern Spain, a sweater weather dual to Austin, or a perfect family cruise in the Caribbean), there is an ideal winter destination for you to bask this coming December.

1.          Tallinn, Estonia

Tallinn city is the perfect winter destination for a short city break. During winter, the town turns magical with snow-covered streets and rooftops. This view integrated with the fact Tallinn city is naturally attractive due to its ancient walls, stunning old buildings, medieval towers, and cobbled streets makes the whole town downright stunning and the best winter destination on this list.

2.          Belize

Despite being a small, centrally placed American nation (approximately the same size as Massachusetts), only few winter vacation on this list can match Belize’s mesmerizing natural attractions. The barrier reef torques and coral hues match the spectacular Mayan ruins dispersed across Belize’s forests.

Belize spent decades hidden beneath Mexican vicinities’ shadows (Tulum, Cancun, and Cozumel) but today, this nation invites visitors from all around the world with its scuba diving heavens, Mayan ruins, and thatch-ceiled vintage lodges.

Even better, hundreds of tiny islands known as atolls and cays face off to Belize’s sun-drenched coastline. These islands lure tourists with their astonishing cerulean waters and palm trees. Try out Belize this winter and get to experience its unraveling charms.

3.          The Florida Keys

If cost is a golden factor, but then again you’re searching for a perfect winter vacation destination, then The Florida Keys could be the destination you are looking for. This string of tropical islands offers an array of economical winter vacations; all at an affordable price.

Key West, for instance, is well known for its beautiful sunsets, beaches, art galleries, and watersports. Keys on the northern side (e.g., Islamorada and Marathon), on the other hand, are well known for their affordable resorts and hotels.

4.          Oman

In case you would like to escape the snow a little bit but still make it home for the holidays, I suggest you visit the deserts of Oman. Here, you can explore magnificent canyons of Al Hajar Mountains and cruise through the dunes of Wahiba Sands. A brief, 3-week’s visit to the deserts of Oman can never leave you disappointed.

5.          Paris

Despite being a prominent tourist destination throughout summer, Paris holds an unsung secret close to its chest. During winter, Paris transforms into the most elegant city in all of Europe making it a must-see for every traveler this coming winter.

Have you ever asked yourself how it would feel like to ascend the Eiffel tower or line up to enter Musee du Louvre during winter? I suggest you visit and find out.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How to Avoid High Currency Exchange Fees

 

How to Avoid High Currency Exchange Fees

If you travel repeatedly then you probably engage in currency conversion a lot; and every time you do, your bank tries to rip you off as much cash as they can in the process. Even worse, currency exchange rip-offs at airport currency booths can cost travelers more than 400 dollars for every 1,200 dollars they exchange.

If you are not careful enough, you might pay fees and interests that cancel out your savings. Here are numerous ideas to help you evade unreasonably high exchange rates.

1.           Research on the different types of foreign ATM fees

Most ATMs usually charge fees. And in most cases, these fees vary if you are not a member of the respective bank. To ensure you avoid unnecessary hidden fees, research and find out every foreign bank linked with your local bank.

However, also note that some banks charge fees and interests to every user.

2.           Exchange currencies before leaving for your excursion

If you are yet to pack your bags, spare some time and hunt for the best exchange rates. Here are numerous recommended spots you can exchange currency. I have arranged them from the least to most expensive.

•         Check with your bank or credit union

•         Order cash via an online currency converter

•         Use airport currency booths, stores, and kiosks (Last resort)

I recommend Banks and credit card unions because they offer the best exchange rates and won’t charge irrational fees to exchange currency.

In case you are out of options, but would still like to exchange currency prior to leaving for your trip, try out airport kiosks and stores. However, kindly note that their exchange rates are generally low, and fees are high and numerous. Avoid this option at all cost.

3.           Find out if your destination is “cards” friendly

Research and find out whether your final destination is credit or debit cards friendly. In case it is, avoid currency exchange fees with “no foreign transaction fee” debit and credit cards.

Plan and apply for one of these cards before leaving for your trip and consequently use them instead of cash wherever possible. Kindly avoid using your “no foreign transaction fee” cards on foreign ATMs because you’ll be charged huge interests and fees faster than you can say Banana.

If your predetermined destination is not card friendly and only operates more in cash, refer to advice no 2 and exchange currencies before leaving for your trip.

4.           Find and use a reliable currency exchange company

If you are exchanging $5,000 to $100,000, avoid huge fees and only incur approximately 0.5% interest by choosing and using any of the following currency exchange firms:

•         TransferWise

•         OFX

•         CurrencyFair

•         Xe.com

This is how these companies operate;

•         You transfer (either through wire transfer or ACH in the United States) your funds to one of their bank accounts, and they direct or wire transfer the same amount to your account, but in an exchanged currency.

Usually, this implies you’ll need a bank account with two distinct currencies. To simplify this, open a bank account with various currencies.

 

10 Things to Know Before You Go to Punta Cana

 

10 Things to Know Before You Go to Punta Cana

From white sand beaches, ‘floofy’ umbrella drinks, swaying palm trees, and sweltering sun rays--Punta Cana has everything you might need to achieve ultimate relaxation-vacation mode. In any case, prior to jetting off to Punta Cana, here is a list of things you should know about the destination.

 

1.       Airport transfer fees

Every visitor passing through the Punta Cana International Airport is required to pay a fee amounting to ten dollars before reaching the immigration checkpoint. To ensure this isn’t a nuisance upon arrival, make sure to stop at an ATM before leaving for the destination and have everything in order (US dollars are accepted.)

 

2.       Nudity is a big, bold NO

Needless to say, it is important to respect the culture and customs of every location you visit. Not only will this practice save you a lot of trouble but also greatly improve your vacation experience. That said, the Dominican Republic is majorly a Catholic nation and being nude or topless in public is against the law.

 

3.       American dollars are accepted all over

Unless you’re contemplating traveling to an out of the way or non-touristy region, you  definitely don’t need to pay hefty charges to convert American dollars into Dominican pesos. Luckily for you, most, if not all, individuals accept US dollars as payment for just about anything, as well as tips.

Speaking of tips.

 

4.       Tipping

As a general rule, wages in developing countries are pretty low, meaning tips go a long way. Consider tipping up to 20% of your total bill, unless the service was terrible. Tipping is a way of showing appreciation and also helps to make sure you’ll be well taken care of during your visit.

 

5.       Most resorts in the region are all-inclusive

According to reports, 90 percent of all resorts in Punta Cana are all inclusive. This implies that voyagers prepay all packages including, but not limited to, alcohol, food, room rates, and loads of entertainment. There is nothing more relieving than leaving your wallet in your room before going out for a meal or drink.

 

6.       You can safely drink the water

Regardless of what you might have heard or read in the past, a majority of hotels and resorts in Punta Cana serve filtered ice and water, which is 100 percent safe to drink.

 

7.       Taxis are expensive

Hiring a taxi in Punta Cana is expensive unless you’re accompanied by friends with whom you will split the bill. The airport is approximately 30 minutes away from the resorts, so arranging airport transportation with your hotel, possibly through a shuttle service, is the cheapest and smartest option.

 

8.       It’s a traveler’s destination

The Dominican Republic has gone above and beyond to make Punta Cana an enticing tourist attraction. This means there are tremendous opportunities to explore exciting wilderness spots and intriguing locales designed for tourists from all around the world the enjoy.

 

9.       Always book your airport transportation beforehand

Going back to point 7 regarding taxis, the airport experience can be incredibly daunting if you’ve never gone through the process before. This at times stressful travel experience can be made worse by the added pressure of a large concentration of transportation services vying for your attention immediately after your departure from the airport.

It is advisable to avoid these taxis at all costs because they’re simply too expensive. The best way to avoid them is by pre-booking your airport transportation in advance!

 

10.   Souvenirs

What better way to remember a beautiful trip than bringing home a nice souvenir? Seashell necklaces, palm tree magnets, Mama Juana, and coffee are all Dominican Specialties you can bring home with you. For those not familiar with Mama Juana, I highly suggest getting familiar! Mama Juana is an alcoholic beverage consisting of an amalgamation of honey, wine, and rum and is guaranteed to contribute to a fun and memorable vacation!