It all started July 1. I left for India for two weeks. It was my first real trip that I didn’t plan and it was my second time to Asia. But this time I was in the real Asia. (Well from my perspective) My first stop was Delhi, a busy city filled with endless amounts of history and lots of culture shock. But the highlight was seeing the Taj Mahal in Agra! Wow!! Even though it was plus 45 C and my body was draining in sweat, I still couldn’t believe I was seeing it with my own eyes! It was one of those things on the top bucket travel lists, so you can only imagine my excitment. I finally checked it off!!

The next part of my India trip was volunteering in the Northern regions. As for explaining how I felt, learned, and experienced, well that will have to be another few articles. But for now please see my photos below.

Why not hire a car in Alicante for a couple of days and head along the coast? Beat the crowds going north to Benidorm, and set the sat-nav for some of the smaller towns to the south. And if you’ve wondered what’s going on under that sapphire sea, how about a boat trip to an island where the marine life is close enough to touch? Take time out on Tabarca, and a step into Spain’s past.

Spot some starfish!

Tabarca Island is just a short hop from the mainland, but it can seem like a world away from the busy resorts. You can catch a ferry from Alicante, but by far the best option is a twenty-minute drive to Santa Pola, where you can choose how you travel to this little magical isle. The fastest route is by water taxi, but for a crossing that’s part of the whole experience, a glass-bottomed catamaran trip takes around half an hour. You’ll want time for wandering, so try to catch an early departure – it’s wise to check the website for seasonal changes to times.

Park up at Santa Pola’s harbour, and buy your ticket for a morning trip. The last return journey is early evening, and you won’t want to rush back. It’s a bit choppy on the journey, but when you’re watching fish swim by, or marvelling at coloured corals, you’ll be landing on the quayside before you’ve noticed the swell. La Tabarca is a marine reserve, so you could spot sea urchins or starfish, and the water’s so clear that you can see the ocean floor!

Walk off that long lunch

Some of those submarine creatures might well end up on your plate if you eat at the island’s port. It can be a bit pricy, but you’re paying for flavour and freshness, along with a harbourside seat where you can watch the catch come in. Take a little time choosing and you can find a fair-priced menú del día, or you could pack up a picnic and find your own little cove. If your budget runs to a restaurant, try the local caldero, a hearty two-course rice dish full of flavours from the sea.

If you’re not really captivated by crustaceans, whether they’re swimming about or served up with a sauce, there’s more to the island than marine life and seafood specials. There’s an unspoilt old-world charm to Isla Tabarca that’s a real contrast with brash Benidorm-style bustle. It’s a little like the Med in microcosm. You can take a walk right around the island and it never feels like a route-march. You’re on sandy paths, not scaling a peak. And around each curve of the coast-walk, there are new discoveries, from the wilder east side to the little unspoilt town.

Peace, or a pedalo?

If you’re seeking seclusion, head east towards the lighthouse, or you could stop in the town’s plaza to see the old baroque church. If you just want sheltered beaches, choose horseshoe-shaped Cova de Birros, or stick to the main Playa if you want a bit more to do. If you’re travelling with teens, they might want to try snorkelling or a pedalo. Toddlers will be happy with ice cream and a paddle in a rock pool, or you could tell them tales of the pirates that once used Tabarca as a place to hide.

Some visitors fall in love with the island, and return to the tourist towns with a hint of sadness. And some long for some shopping and a buzzing seafront bar. If Tabarca didn’t entrance you, there’s still Santa Pola. You’ll have seen its modern marina as you started your trip. So you might want to linger for the evening before you head home, or make a note to come back for a rummage at its Monday market. The allure of this coast is that there’s something to please everyone – pick up a map, pile in the car, and find your very own bit of bliss.

An easy way to cut costs is to find free entertainment. There’s plenty to see and do in this country that won’t cost you a dime, so put away your purse and enjoy tourism without the price tag! Here are a few free activities in Bali.

The Beaches

You can’t leave Bali without hitting the beaches, of course, and they won’t cost you anything except a little sunburn. Swim, surf and scuba in the water; go treasure-hunting or paragliding over the sand; join volleyball games and fireside parties for a good time with friends. The shorelines are clean and the waters are cool and blue, so you won’t want to miss Bali’s beaches.

The Markets

They’re best enjoyed with a few rupiahs in your pocket, but the street markets of Bali are still an adventure even if you’re just window shopping. You can find everything from food to clothes to souvenirs among their busy stalls and crowds, and many vendors will be happy to let you try/feel/sample their wares in hopes of an eventual sell. And if you do see something you can’t live without? Bartering is an accepted and even expected practice.

The Gardens

The Bedugul Botanical Garden is a treasure of the land, offering more than 2000 floral species native to not just Bali, but all of Indonesia. Tirta Gangga takes beauty even further with their famous “water gardens,” a set-up that must be seen to be believed. If you’re at all interested in flowers, botany or just exploring beautiful things, make sure to check out some of Bali’s gardens.

The Dancers

With roots in Hinduism, Balinese dance is a long-standing tradition with much religious and cultural significance for its performers. It’s also a lot of fun to watch! From elaborate theater productions to expressive sidewalk shows, it’s an authentic taste of Bali culture and one you won’t want to miss. Courageous travelers can even try their luck at a lesson or two!

The Heights

Ever climbed a mountain? Hiked to the top of a volcano? The various peaks and cliffs of Bali’s mountains are a great way to see the country from a bird’s eye view. From the dizzying steps of Mt. Agung to the dense craters of Batur, there’s a trek for every skill and adventure level. Just don’t forget your camera, because you’ll definitely want to capture all the animals, waterfalls and sunsets you’ll see along the way.

The Ruins

It may be a tropical paradise, but deep in the heart of Bali you can also find crumbling landmarks and ancient ruins that speak of the country’s long and complicated history. For example, the Tirta Empul Temple is a national monument built around a sparkling spring, and the Gunung Kawi are ancient tombs carved into cliffs dating all the way back to the 11th century. These kinds of historic sites are a great way to kill an afternoon without going broke, and you’ll learn something new about Indonesian culture, too.

The Festivals

Before you book your flight to Bali, it’s worth checking the calendar and seeing if your travel dates intersect with any local holidays. Why? Because the Balinese people know how to celebrate! From the Galungan Festival to the Bali Spirit Festival, taking your Bali vacation in the right month can mean arriving just in time for fireworks and parades. It’s a cross-cultural experience you’ll never forget, and best of all, the festivities are entirely free!

1 – Learning More About Yourself

The challenge of travelling by yourself, or with a few other people, is one that will boost your confidence and give you a set of experiences that can be used in other situations – everything from budgeting to time management, and being able to think quickly in difficult situations, is tested by a gap year adventure.

2 – Seeing New Cultures

You can enjoy learning more about new cultures, and can broaden your perspective by immersing yourself in a country for an extended period of time; doing so might inspire you to return in the future, or even look for work in that country.

3 – Affordability

For gap year travellers, the initial savings used for a flight or a long train journey can be offset by the low cost of moving within individual countries, as well as the cheapness of day to day living in Asia and other parts of the world.

4 – Charity Opportunities

It’s possible to make your gap year travelling more productive by helping out a charity, or by spending a period of time working in a school; projects might include helping to set up buildings in Africa, or teaching in Asia.

5 – Meeting New People

As well as meeting new people in particular destinations, gap year travel can allow you to make long term friendships with fellow backpackers, many of whom may accompany you to different hostels and new countries.

6 – Flexibility

While some people just want to take a gap year to get away from things, you can still keep in touch by using Facebook and Skype when you’re travelling; having the flexibility to change your travel plans online is also important, and especially if you need to extend your insurance or come home early.

7 – Freedom

One of the main benefits to travelling on your gap year involves having little to no pressure on your time; other than meeting flights or connecting up with different hotels, you can afford to be flexible with your time, and can take detours to see new places.

8 – You Don’t Have to be Young

A gap year doesn’t necessarily have to be for people just leaving school – you can take a gap year from work, or after university – sometimes it’s better to wait until you have more money saved, or a secure job to return to.

9 – Employability

Demonstrating that you’ve spent time on a gap year, and that you’ve built up useful skills, can help to make your CV stand out; make sure, though, that you explain how your experiences were productive.

10 – Financial Options

It’s possible to take a gap year without spending a huge amount of money, and without getting into lots of debt; saving during your exams, or borrowing money for flights, can be set against the low cost of living and careful budgeting when you are travelling.

Author Bio: Liam Ohm writes about travel, If visiting london he recommends www.theatreticketsdirect.co.uk for the latest theatre tickets. In his spare time he enjoys reading, travelling and networking.

So today I went over some of my older posts and decided that many of them aren’t fun or interesting compared to what I write about today. Maybe because over the last year I have encountered so many fellow bloggers who have shared their thoughts and knowledge about how to write/ keep up a good and interesting blog. Their wisdom has not only taught me to write more exciting blogs, but also to reach to our freelancers and encourage them to write a variety of travel topics.

Sitting down every few days to write an article about traveling is not only a routine, but also something that I truly enjoy. Mind you, I was never a perfect writer, but writing about something you are passionate about makes it much more easier. It really just flows into something you could never imagine and than suddenly appears in front of thousands of others. It’s kind of exhilarating to know that many other individuals who share the same similar passion see your thoughts through an interesting read. Now as the three-year mark approaches, I have officially become a real blogger. As many of my close friends laugh at the thought of me going home to blog, they all seem to realize that so many others share the same excitement. Because really blogging is all about writing an outburst of thoughts and interests that you personally enjoy telling others about.

It’s easy too. Most people don’t realize how easy it is to start a blog. There are only a few quick steps and this is how  I got started. 1. Getting familiar with Wordpress. 2. Learning how to connect with fellow travel bloggers. 3. Writing a few articles a week. 4. Requesting bloggers to mention my blog or share my link. 5. Set up an online Payroll account for my freelance writers. 6. Encourage my writers to write a variety of travel topics (in particular : where they are travelling to) . 7. Research daily travelling news 8. Talk about my blog on Facebook and Twitter 9. Talk about my blog while traveling/leaving my business card at hostels or even tourist sights. 10. Read other travel blogs. It’s very easy and I encourage any writer or person who is passionate about travel, to take a moment and just write.

Accommodation

Never stay in a hotel, unless you really have to. It’s really just against the whole backpacking method. Why backpack and stay in expenses hotels, when you can save so much more money on other things and meet other backpackers? Hostels aren’t only cheap; they are safe, and fun. Another way to save money in staying at a hostel and staying in a dorm, not a single room. Single rooms are generally more costly.

Avoid luxurious tours

Many new backpackers start off with an expensive tour. Now they can be a great idea if you choose the correct tour such as Gap Adventures. But traveling to exotic countries with so many resources to travel independently, it really is just a waste of money. Yes, you might feel more comfortable, safe, and with no worries, but really you don’t meet as many backpackers who share the same love for traveling as you do.

Bargain

Every country is different with cultures and traditions and there are many approaches in how to achieve the correct price on an item. First figure out and understand how the pricing works in the country. Next always think of the best price in your head and never assume that there is a flat rate. Play with the price a little, make a judgment, and feel confident about the price your are offering.

Activities

From going to a museum to sky-diving. Find out the cheapest route to purchasing the tickets. Use your student card, passport, or even try to pass as a local. Every method in trying to save a dime is always what backpackers are looking for.

Airfares

Airfares aren’t always cheap and there is always a large gap in prices. Make sure you do your research, look online, go to a travel agent, book ahead, and even try booking in the middle of the night. I find most of the time the prices go down 20-30% due to it being in the middle of the night.

Now these are only a few quick tips in how to save money. Once you start backpacking often you realize there are small ways in how to save a penny here and there. Trust me you will get the hang of finding routes to save money.

Money

Traveling with cash is easy and easy to lose. Think about your options, like consider using an international bank. There are a few banks that you can use without paying lots withdrawal fees. Also, consider your safety. Using international banking is the safest and easiest way to keep track of your funds.

Travelling solo offers a liberty unobtainable when accompanied by friends, such as the time I entered a hostel in Utrecht, Netherlands and found that it was staffed by guests who, like me, weren’t in a hurry to be anywhere.    I ended up working there for a month, and it was one of the best experiences of my life, one that would have been cut short if I had friends in tow, impatient to get to the next city.  You can use fromatob.co.uk to find out when to catch the next train.

Starting on the journey alone doesn’t necessarily mean being alone.   On the contrary, I found myself in a far wider variety of situations and conversations than I ever imagined.   Most hostels are  great places to get to know people in a similar situation to you, and it can be great fun to go out and explore the town with your new friends.   But if you don’t meet anyone in the hostel, go out by yourself, sit at a bar, and see if you can start a conversation with a friendly local.   An individual attempting to immerse himself in the culture is much more likely to be welcomed than a large group that simply wants to down the local booze and talk to each other.

Even when I was travelling by myself, I often wasn’t.   In New Zealand, I often encountered people in hostels and at campsites who were heading the same way as me, and in exchange for paying a share of the fuel costs, I could catch a lift with them.    If at some point, I wanted to stay and they wanted to move on, then we would say our goodbyes and I would move onto the next group of new friends.

It’s not always easy travelling solo.  It can be lonely, and it can be tiring.  But every day is a new experience and you are always in charge of where you want to go next.

Yes, vacation means rest too. But that doesn’t mean that you should be a couch potato. It is still best to flex some muscles and to release some endorphins.

You think that it’s impossible to have a vacation and to continue your active lifestyle. Well, I’m going to prove you wrong. I’ll list down 5 vacations that will keep you active.

Are you ready? Then, get set. Go!

1. Swimming: Swimming pools are great. But if you want to be more adventurous, why don’t you swim in a lake. Of course, you should make sure that it’s safe. With swimming, one can improve his endurance and cardiovascular system. It is also advisable if you wish to strengthen your lungs. So for people who are suffering asthma, I would recommend this activity. You don’t know how to swim? That should be easy. A lot of swimming schools are available nationwide. Why don’t you enroll in one? 

2. Kayaking: Are you conscious about your weight? Are you watching your calories? If you answered yes on both question, then it is apparent that you try this fun sport, kayaking.  I would also say that kayaking can be a stress reliever. Just by watching your boat dance with the water can really make you feel more relaxed. 

3. Hiking: By hiking, you can lower the risk of heart disease, breast cancer and stroke among many others. And on the average, you can lose 370 calories per hour. Isn’t that great? If you want to trim down and to be with nature, this is a must activity. 

4. Rock Climbing: If you want a more extreme activity, this might do you good. If you are not ready for the real thing, you can start with indoor rock climbing facilities. People who would like to have firmer muscles should try this out. It’s like having an all in one exercise. Now, that’s a treat!

5. Sky Diving: It’s not just about physical health. Mentally speaking, this is a great activity. Imagine yourself fly like a bird. That is so refreshing, don’t you think? The adrenalin will pump intensely; you’ll forget all your problems. 

Perhaps, you are now excited to try one of the options above. It’s time that you leave your desk jobs first. Merge vacation and active lifestyle. Believe me, you will defy the saying ‘you can’t have the best of both worlds’.

And you know how can you make your vacation more fun? Try to invite your loved ones. Being with your loved ones during vacations is priceless. Make memories together. Oh, and before I forget, always have your camera with you. Take the best shots and inspire more people with the vacation activities that will keep them fit.

So, are you packing your bags now? Have fun! Janie is a freelance writer and content contributor to the Accessrx blog.

 Corfu

photo credit: tripadvisor.com

Corfu is one of the far northern islands of all the Greek Islands, which is why many people may wonder if they’re in Italy or even Croatia. The mix of cultures on this Island is clearly defined. Corfu is a wonderful destination for hikers for there are thousands of trails across the island. The landscape is a natural beauty, which is why this island is also known as the Green Island. All you will see is turquoise coves and pine-covered hills in any direction that you turn. On the southwest side of the island, there are two amazing beaches to see, the Agio Giordos and the Agio Georgios. Rolling mountainsides surround each side of these beaches, giving it a paradise look.

A few places worth seeing in Corfu include Pontikonisi, known as the trademark of Corfu. It’s a little island that was built in the 13^th century and only a church lives on it. It’s also used as a small fishing port. Another highly recommended site to see is the Byzantine Collection of Corfu. It’s the main gateway into Corfu’s Palaio Frourio, better known as the old fort. It dates back to 1550, and is located on the northern face of the Fortress.

Mykonos

photo credit: best-beaches.com

One of the smaller islands, Mykonos is one of the top destinations to see out of the Greek Islands. Since its small it can be easily explored. Mykonos is known as the beach paradise island, since there are tones of wonderful beaches to explore. The top few beaches are Platis Yialos, one of the most popular beaches and great for its variety of daily activities, such water-skiing, diving, pedal boating and more. There is also Ornos, Psarou, and Agios Stefanos. Even though this island is small, there are over 800 churches to visit on this islands, but you would never guess. A few other wonderful things to do on this island are jeep safaris, shopping, go karting, and explore the famous windmill museum.

Santorini

photo credit: photographersantorini.com

Santorini is not only the most fascinating destination but also the most talked about island of Greece. It’s the beauty of this island, that holds volcanic landscape, grey and red beaches, dazzling white and blue houses, stunning sunsets, and wonderful nightlife. Many people call this island the magical, fairly tale island. A few places to see in Santorini are Fira, the capital of Santorini. It was built on the edge of the west side of the island’s cliff. Many of the homes that lay on this cliff include a panoramic sea view. But to really catch the best sunset is to visit the town of Oia. It’s a place to stroll along the shopping sites and find a table at a café to enjoy the beautiful view of the sea and the mountains.

photo credit: blog.foreignpolicy.com

1. Tuvalu: The smallest country in the world, Tuvalu is an island in the South Pacific, and if the sea level rose just a bit, it would probably disappear. Even though it is a British Commonwealth country, citizens still speak their own language. The country uses the Australian dollar, but it’s easy to use travel checks here. If you want a tropical island vacation without the hassle of other tourists as well as the ability to say you’ve been to the world’s smallest country, Tuvalu is a great destination for you.

2. Sao Tome and Principe: This developing Portuguese nation is off of Central Africa’s western coast. The official language is Portuguese, and according to the US Department of State, not many Sao Tomeans speak English. The islands have some tourist facilities, but they get only a few tourists each year. The location is great for quiet beaches and some good scuba diving.

3. Bhutan: Although nearby Nepal is similar to Bhutan and offers similar attractions, getting into this country can be tough, due to the daily minimum spending requirements for tourists. If you want a visa to get into Bhutan, the official government tourism website says that you must spend at least $200 per day in January, February, June, July, August, and December and at least $250 per day in all other months. The fee includes all taxes, accommodations, meals, internal transport, camping equipment if you want to explore the wilderness, and a Butanese tour guide. The entire country is kind of like its own exclusive resort.

4. Mauritania: Mauritania sees much less tourist traffic than other West African countries, but it invites adventurous travelers with its wild landscapes, including gorgeous coasts, the most amazing dunes on the planet, and beautiful canyons. If you want a place to enjoy beautiful beaches without worrying about other travelers, Mauritania’s protected national seashore is most certainly the place to be.

5. Moldova: According to the US Department of State, Moldova has plenty of amenities in the capital, Chisinau, but less in the outlying areas, where things like credit card machines haven’t made it big yet. The main reason many tourists visit Moldova is the wine industry, which offers a huge variety of winery tours. The beautiful pastoral land around the wineries and cities are worth visiting, as well, and many of the smaller villages, though they don’t offer the best tourist accommodations, feature authentic food and welcoming locals.

6. Estonia: This is the smallest of the Baltic countries, and it attracts adventurous tourists with beautiful little villages and natural attractions like marshlands, forests, and coasts. There are plenty of historic things to see in Estonia, as well as lots of places to enjoy local foods and good company. Estonia is becoming more popular among well-versed European travelers, but it’s still not the most touristy nation in the Baltic.

7. Saba: This small country under the control of the Netherlands is located in the Caribbean. Though it doesn’t have the white sand beaches of some other Caribbean islands, it does offer gorgeous views of dramatic, rocky beaches, as well as some of the best scuba diving in the Caribbean. Saba also has some great inland attractions, including a giant volcano. If you want the Caribbean without the overdone resorts, this is a great location option.

By: Daniela Baker from CreditDonkey