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A guide to New York: What to See, Eat and Drink

nyc guide

First of all, let’s get one thing out of the way: it takes a lifetime (but even then, preferably two) to experience all that NYC has to offer from every possible standpoint. It’s a metropolis of multiculturalism and its incredibly vivid nightlife constantly offers new and exciting experiences that range from mellow jazz evenings with a glass of Scotch to a mingling cocktail-laden gallery opening in the artistic hub downtown.

The city that never sleeps truly has everything a wanderer could dream of experiencing, so prepare yourself for an unforgettable adventure and make sure you visit some of the listed spots – they will dazzle your senses and tease your palate, and most importantly, they’ll make you fall in love with the city of New York!

Don’t skip Central Park

Central park

Of course it’s a cliché, and of course it’s on the list, because not a single trip to NYC can go without heading to this iconic patch of greenery – and a massive patch at that! However, instead of being a typical tourist eager to stand in line for the next Shakespeare in the Park, go be and do what locals do and explore the park without looking at the map.

There are so many breathtaking paths, the perfect sit-down spots around the lake, and interesting people walking by that you will be able to spend hours just walking and taking memorable photos. Don’t try not to, it’s literally impossible to put the camera away.

Head to the Met

Yes, it’s yet another New York-esque escapade that it’s silly to think you can go to the city and back home without everyone asking: have you seen the Met? It’s because this world-renowned museum has earned a reputation of excellence for a multitude of impressive reasons. Even the least artsy people who have entered have found something to admire in a heartbeat.

Even if you’re an art newbie, and still eager to understand what all the fuss is about, you can get acquainted with the collections beforehand and look for them as soon as you enter. For instance, some of their most prized artwork include Van Gogh’s self-portrait, the Temple of Dendur from Egypt, all the way to sculptures by Jean-Baptiste Carpeaux.

Enjoy the nightlife

Newyork nightlife

Since your time is precious and limited, you ought to spend some of it mingling with other New Yorkers and enjoying the finest inventions of their night-life – cocktails! The city is a famous hotspot of clubs, galleries, and bars, where you’ll not just meet the most incredible characters, but you’ll inevitably taste some of their staple sips such as the Cosmo, all of them with an authentic twist.

You’ll encounter parties and relaxed get-togethers where many a fine mixologist in NYC turns an otherwise ordinary atmosphere into a spectacle of tastes with their ingenious use of cocktail ingredients paired with delicious canapés. All it takes is to do some digging, talk to people and book your seat for an impeccable evening out in the style of people who have invented the notion of nightlife.

Find a decent brunch spot

Brunch spot

Foodies love New York, and as soon as you stumble upon one of their eateries, you’ll share their enthusiasm instantly. Why brunch, you may ask? Because it pairs the best of breakfast and lunch, comes in a wide range of options, and you’ll be filled with energy to keep exploring the city after your hearty meal. Another plus is that brunches are often less pricey than dinners in their elegant restaurants!

Mediterranean lovers will appreciate the love for food so clearly expressed at the Sparrow Tavern, where celebs as well as mere mortals gladly enter for a batch of potato fries, or a classic pancake meal. The Sullivan Street Bakery will be a perfect pick for lovers of fine pastry, while the slightly classier spots such as Upland offer both the simple, yet delicious meals, alongside fancier options including their famous smoked salmon pizza.

Shop NYC-style

Riddled with vintage boutique stores, little shops that specialize in trinkets, as well as haute couture malls, NYC is the shopping mecca of the East Coast. It only makes sense that you’ll come across a store such as Story precisely in NYC, as this quirky shop has theme-based cycles which shift every four to six weeks – much like the editorial of the magazine.

Aside from the typical brand stores, it’s best to spend some time in markets where artisans gather to show some of their most authentic work, from jewelry, other accessories, all the way to items you can use in your home décor. One such “tradition” is Artists & Fleas which has three different locations across the city, and you should prep your wallet, because you’re bound to find something unique every single time!




Sydney Wandering: What to do When you’re in the Land Down Under

Sydney places

Heading to Sydney on your next travel adventure? Read below for our tips on where to eat, play and get around in one of the world’s most liveable cities and certainly one o the most popular destinations for Australia tours.

If planning a road trip to the Blue Mountains, you’ll be pleased to know it’s only an hour drive from the heart of Sydney. This makes it a good day trip option. You might want to head into the National Park or to Echo Point to find some great walking trails. Leura is a great heritage town to stop for lunch, shopping and the rather epic Toy and Railway Museum. If you’d prefer to take in the lush scenery, hiring a Sydney bus and driver takes the hassle out or renting your own car or being stuck on a group tour.

Staying around the urban centre, Sydney is famous for cultural attractions. Take in a show at the world renowned Sydney Opera house, or time your visit to attend one of the many outdoor concerts or live performances that are held in warmer months. Of course, you’ll also need to take in the Sydney Harbour Bridge which can be climbed with specialist gear and a booking will take around 3.5 hours. If you prefer an experience with less altitude, grab a ferry ticket and see the harbour by sea.

For eclectic and delicious dining options, Newtown’s many eateries cater to all tastes. You’ll find classic pubs, cocktail bars, delis, and restaurants serving various Asian, European and modern Australian options. If you’re not from Australia, know that many Sydneysiders take brunch very seriously. So make time to head out for breakfast on an empty stomach and enjoy the first meal of the day in style, many places offer all day ‘breakfast’ so you can also have a sleep in.

If you love an Australian soap opera, consider attending the official Home and Away tour. Not only do you get to see various famous filming locations from the long running series, but you’ll also get a nice beach break as you check out Palm Beach which is home to the show. This is another day trip option as it only takes an hour to get to Palm Beach from Sydney.

For lovers of Australian wine, the Hunter Valley is another great location to visit. At a two hour drive, you may wish to do a day trip or stay for a long weekend, eating and drinking at an array of award winning vineyards. For a luxury option, you should consider treating yourself to a helicopter tour, or perhaps hiring a horse-drawn carriage. In the Hunter Valley you’ll find the acclaimed Tyrrell’s Vineyard known for their iconic Semillon, as well as Audrey Wilkinson, McGuigan Wines and Brokenwood Cellar. These days there is also a thriving brewery and distillery scene. Try microbrewery the Hunter Beer Co, Matilda Bay or IronBark Hill Brewhouse for all your handcrafted beer needs. Finally, Hunter Distillery is another award-winning producer of all things spirits, including chocolate vodka, liqueurs and schnapps.




How Proactively Planning a Trip Can Make Vacations Easier

Travel tips

With summer right around the corner and the kids excitedly counting down the days till break, you know what that means: it’s time to go on a family vacation! But before diving straight into the fun, we should make preparations for our trip ahead of time to ensure that there’s absolutely nothing to worry about when we’re sitting back and relaxing.

This is how proactively planning a trip can make vacations easier:

  1. Time doesn’t get wasted

While you may feel tempted to mostly “wing it” during vacation, creating an itinerary is a more efficient route to take since it will help you follow a schedule that enables you to check off every destination or activity on the family bucket list. Subsequently, on an itinerary, you can include alternative plans in case the first one doesn’t work out. As long as you have a solid plan for every day of your vacation, there’s no harm in taking spontaneous adventures here and there!

  1. Overspending won’t be an issue

Overspending on vacation is more common than you think. According to a survey from Experian in 2015, it was found that 68% of people overspend when traveling. Therefore, to avoid becoming a part of this statistic and putting a hole in your wallet, establish a budget and plan expenses ahead of time. The reason why people tend to overspend is mainly due to the fact that being on vacation makes one feel more inclined to “treat’ themselves or others and rationalize instantly gratifying purchases. While yes, we do deserve to treat ourselves and the kids, it should be done within reason. It should also be done smartly, using various saving options. For example, you can use a VPN to find better deals online by checking the prices of different items across multiple regions.

  1. You will always know exactly where your belongings are

Since you’re traveling with the family, there are a lot of items that need to be kept track of and packed. In order to avoid the panic of losing something or leaving it behind, create a list of everyone’s belongings before the trip and pack accordingly to it before leaving both the house and lodging accommodation. You never want to find yourself in the position wondering where a misplaced item is, such as a passport or event ticket, the moment it’s needed. There are even cheap and easy household solutions to make packaging and organizing a breeze!

  1. There’s less likelihood of running into trouble

Unexpected situations such as losing luggage, getting injured, or having a flight get cancelled happen all the time. By taking precaution to prepare yourself for these events, you are actually able to save both money and your sanity. In fact, the best course of action that can be taken is to invest in traveler’s insurance. It acts as a financial safety net that can reimburse you for the aforementioned circumstances. Moreover, if you’re traveling by your own mode of transportation, such as a car, take your vehicle to a service center to reduce the risks of experiencing any technical or safety issues down the road.

In conclusion, make sure you take steps to proactively plan a trip beforehand, so your vacation is filled with memories that are unforgettable in a good way. The only thing you should do on vacation is have fun with your family, not stress out!




5 Secrets on How to Write a Good Travel Essay

Travel writing

We all love to travel. We enjoy making some travel notes. Even with this background, it is safe to say that writing a travel essay in high-school or college is still a challenging task. We’ve prepared some tips on how to write a good travel essay.

Add Emotions!

Like a non-traveling author, you do a preliminary research. What can you do, unlike a non-traveling author? Add to the texts juice! Impressions, experiences, comparisons, analogies. All that comes to mind when you wander along new places. Gloomy walls of a ruined church. The cold of the cave reaching to the bone, into which you descended without a jacket. Your shock from the received fine for improper parking, equal to your weekly budget for vacation. Milky pink sunsets over the coast. The night falling on the islands in a few minutes: just was light, and now you are already in the dark go home from the beach… All this will add additional information to the essays, and most importantly, it will add emotions. But they need to be recorded. Emotions evaporate quickly. Tomorrow you will not remember half.

Be Objective and Even Negative Sometimes

At this moment we are ready to sympathize with the authors of the guidebooks. Anyway, they should be tolerant and maximally positive, describing each city. Well, they can not take and write: “This is a dirty port city.  There is an unbearable stale fishy smell in the streets. Garbage is taken out irregularly, so the streets look untidy.” They can not, because it will not be very ethical.  But you can do it! You were there, you saw, you know!

Write an Essay Like Your Would Write a Useful Article

Make a list of reliable sources about the places of interest. More often the most truthful and relevant information can be found on the state and municipal official websites of the institutions you need.

You should base your essay on a unique experience that goes beyond the guides. For example, there are a lot of hedgehogs in the water, and you can not go into the water without slippers. When entering the park, buy more water: the nearest stall will be after 3 hours of walking. Climbing the hill, grab a veil, wine and cheese: this is the best place for dinner with a view. Such information, unique and useful, should be in the text, but in a more “academic”, descriptive way. This increases the value for the client and the semantic uniqueness of the text.

Pay attention to the emotions experienced during the journey. Did you feel like you were the hero of one of the films filmed here? Were you fascinated by the pink sunsets? Did you get astonished from the cod of cicadas? Make sure that these emotions are transmitted so that they can not simply be added to any other description of the city. “The narrow streets,” “delicious food,” “beautiful sunset” — this is not the case.

Stay Historically and Grammatically Correct

Any travel text, of course, is full of geographical names — starting from the name of the country and ending with the names of streets and squares in the cities described. So, it’s best to check the spelling of these words according to the modern, officially approved (it is important!) Dictionary of geographical names. If necessary,  refresh in memory the historical events that affected the change of specific titles. After all, sometimes authors, having incorrectly written this or that geographical name, make not just spelling, but also political, and sometimes even worldview errors. And one more critical point. Once you have checked how the name is spelled, please make sure that it is used throughout the text. DO NOT write once Costa del Sol, once – Costa del Sol, twice – Costa del Sol and again – Costa del Sol. Such an outrage makes professors regret that they are not inquisitors.

Proofread. Twice

We know it is boring advice, but you would be astonished to know how many students fail with their travel essay due to some omissions and pitiful mistakes. It is one of the reasons why a lot of students address essay writing services for help similar to SmartWritingService.com. Use online grammar and spelling checkers and read your essay aloud to detect too complicated and long sentences. Submit on time! Good luck!



How to Keep your Kids Occupied During the Summer

Kids lesson

We all know that a bored child is a mischievous child. I know this not only because I’m a mother, but I also remember my parents tell myself and my siblings off for causing mischief.

When school is out for summer, you’ll often find parents over the globe looking for things that will keep their kids occupied. The good news is there are plenty of activities that could help to prevent your children from getting bored, you just have to know what they are. This article explores what you can do throughout the summer to keep your little ones occupied.

Send your Children to Summer Camp

Many parents and carers tend to send their children to summer camp. Not only does summer camp keep your kids busy and entertained, but it can also be a great place for them to learn new skills. Of course, if you cannot afford summer camp or you simply don’t want to send your children away every summer, there are other options.

Enjoy a Vacation Together

If you would like to offer your child the best vacation ever, then I can wholeheartedly recommend going on a family trip to Universal Studios. When I took my children there a few years ago they simply loved every moment of it. However, there are many other destinations that you may want to consider visiting. For example, going camping with your children is a lot of fun, as is hiring an RV and making your way across the country.

Wherever you decide to go, make sure you plan to let your kids have fun. Take them somewhere exciting for the day such as a theme park, take them fishing, walk around museums and art galleries, and make sure they have a great time.

Visit Family Together

During the summer you are likely to find yourself with a lot of free time on your hands. This is when travelling across the country and visiting family can help. Why not book a two-week vacation to see your relatives so your kids can play with their cousins? Explore the local area while you’re visiting family, and enjoy a few activities together.

Take your Children to the Park

Unless you have a park that’s on your doorstep, you may want to think about taking your children to the park. Spend at least a few hours there two to three times a week and let them blow off steam. Kids tend to love spending time at the park, it lets them run riot for a few hours, and they can have a lot of fun with their friends.

As you can see, you can keep your kids occupied during the summer, meaning you won’t have to put up with arguments, mischievousness, and upset children. Make sure you and your kids plan to have a lot of fun this summer so you can all have a great time, no matter where you are or what you’re doing.




The Latest Collection of Extraordinary yet Affordable Paddleboards

Affordable paddleboards

Individuals of every age group like to have the maximum fun and like to enhance their lifestyle in various aspects.  They have decided to exercise and follow an appropriate diet plan on a regular basis. If they have a crush on paddle boarding, then they can explore the most advanced designs of inexpensive paddle boards right now. They will get an overview of how to successfully compare the world-class yet reasonable prices of stand up paddleboards available for sale in online stores.

Attractive paddleboards

Qualified designers and manufacturers of paddleboards worldwide in recent times have a dedication to providing the best yet reasonable prices of paddleboards. They pay attention to ever-increasing requirements of customers and trends in the market.  You can directly make contact with the number one shop where a list of paddleboards is available in different categories. You will get the absolute assistance and fulfil wishes on the easiest method to narrow down loads of paddleboards without difficulty in any aspect.

Crystal clear specifications as well as images of paddleboards from renowned brands these days give you the absolute assistance required for fulfilling paddleboard shopping requirements on the whole.  You can get in touch with specialists in the most modern paddleboards on online and gain knowledge of advanced aspects of inexpensive paddleboards from reputable brands on the market.

Buy and use the best paddleboard

Buy best paddle boards

All users of the best paddleboards in our time get more than expected enjoyment. They take pleasure in the paddle boarding activities and enhance everything related to their entertainment. They make certain that buying a brand new paddleboard is a good investment in fun, exercise as well as lifestyle. They spend their leisure time as enjoyable as possible due to the world-class paddle board and enhanced paddleboarding activities. They recommend the first-class yet reasonable price of the paddleboard to their kith and kin.

There are loads of designs and sizes of paddleboards available for sale in the reputable shop on online. You have to find out and purchase one of the most appropriate paddleboards recommended by satisfied users all through the nation after you have ensured about the following things.

  • Paddleboarding expertise and expectations
  • Budget
  • Paddle board types
  • Paddle board sizes
  • Storage space
  • Durability
  • User-friendliness
  • Pros and cons
  • Reviews and recommendations

Types of paddle boards

Paddleboards type

Different types of paddle boards are available for sale and recommended by experts in this sector. The main categories of paddle boards on the market in our time are as follows.

  • Surfing boards
  • Touring boards
  • Inflatable boards
  • Racing boards

As a beginner to the paddle board, you require the complete assistance from experts in this industry and gain knowledge of how to be successful in your approach to buy an appropriate paddle board. The entire specifications of paddle boards and real images of these products enhance the level of convenience of everyone to directly choose and purchase one of the most outstanding paddleboards.

Concentrate on the size

The size is one of the main things to bear in mind while comparing the most outstanding brands of paddleboards. You have to take note of the exact size of the paddle board before deciding on the paddleboard shopping. The size of the paddleboard of any brand is given in volume. A paddle board with wide, thick and long features does not fail to have the highest possible volume.

Experts in the paddleboard design nowadays make sure that the big paddleboard has a less responsive nature than a small paddleboard. If you are a beginner o he paddleboarding, then you can buy and use a high volume paddleboard. You will get an instant assistance and enhance everything associated with the safe paddleboarding.

Cost

Paddle cost

You may have a reasonable financial plan for the best paddleboard shopping at this time. You can directly get in touch with the specialized paddleboard shop on online and begin a step to narrow down the latest list of paddleboards as comprehensive as possible. You will get the most expected assistance and take advantage of the easiest method to purchase a reasonable price of the paddleboard. You will be satisfied with an inexpensive yet the most outstanding nature of the paddleboard.

Storage space

Every potential buyer of the paddle board has to consider the storage space. They have to make a clear plan to store the paddleboard when they do not use it.  They have to ensure that whether a paddleboard can be accommodated inside the car or require a rental trailer for transportation.  You may get confused with storage space feature of paddleboards available on the market in recent times. You can directly make contact with a specialized customer support team and clarify overall doubtful issues. You will get the absolute guidance as soon as possible. You will realize expectations on the easiest method to choose and purchase a high quality paddle board devoid of compromising your requirements.

The most suggested paddleboards

Suggested boards

Out of the ordinary features of inexpensive paddleboards from well-known brands in recent times make every user happier than ever. All listeners to the most suggested list of paddleboards nowadays can make an informed decision and purchase a suitable paddleboard based on overall paddle boarding expectations. You can focus on and compare popular the following paddleboards subsequent to a complete analysis of a variety of important things.

  • ISLE Cruiser soft top stand-up paddle board
  • Gold coast ANIMA stand-up paddle board
  • Sun Dolphin Seaquest
  • CBC Hydra Classic Foam stand-up paddle board
  • Ten Toes Weekender Inflatable stand-up paddle board

It is the correct time to become skilled at the main features of paddleboards and double-check how to successfully fulfil overall expectations on the paddleboard shopping. You will get the most outstanding guidance and make your wishes on the stress-free method to own one of the best paddleboards.  Satisfied and smart users of the world-class paddleboards in recent times take note of every significant feature. They compare these paddleboards and recommend the most exceptional paddleboards to their friends and beginners to the paddleboard shopping.

Our friends at Globo Surf have some great guides and tips on how to choose an inflatable SUP.




10 Common Travel Money Mistakes – and How to Avoid Them

Traveler mistakes

The more frequently you travel, the more likely you are to seek out travel money hacks and ways to save money. However, when looking to save money while traveling, it is important to know the mistakes that can add to the cost of your holiday.

Here are 10 common travel money mistakes and how to avoid them.

1. Failing to Inform Your Bank of Your Travel Plans

If you forget to notify your bank of your travel plans, you risk having your cards frozen for fraudulent charges. Having a card declined is not only inconveniencing but can be costly to resolve. Therefore, make it a point to notify your bank or card provider of your travel plans.

2. Not Taking Out Travel Insurance

Make sure you buy travel insurance when traveling abroad. The coverage will protect you against financial losses incurred following unexpected events such as theft, loss of baggage and belongings, illness, injury, holiday cancellation and travel delays. If you’re a frequent traveller, consider investing in an annual plan instead of paying per trip.

There are numerous travel insurance comparison tools that can help you find the right coverage for your trip. Some popular tools worth trying out include Squaremouth and InsureMyTrip to name a few.

3. Paying in Home Currency – Rather Than the Local Currency

While paying in sterling or pounds may seem simple, it is often expensive. Retailers charge a conversion fee for foreign currency transactions meaning you’ll be paying more for whatever you’re buying. You’re also likely going to get the worst exchange rate.

If you’re given the option to pay in local currency or your country’s currency, always choose to pay in local currency.

4. Exchanging Money at The Airport

A common mistake tourists make when travelling is buying currency at the airport. Currency exchange booths at airports have less competitive rates and may also charge a fee for the service. The best way to get value for money and have more control over the rates you get is to plan ahead. You can also exchange currency at a high street bureau or a bureau de change that’s away from tourist hotspots. Currency exchange comparison sites like Comparecurrency.com allow you to get the best deal before you leave for your holiday.

5. Carrying Travellers Cheques

Travellers cheques were once a preferred way to foreign currency. This is because they could be refunded if lost or stolen, were safe – they required the holder’s signature to be used and convenient – were accepted by most retailers around the world.

Today, travellers cheques are only accepted by a few banks around the world meaning you’ll have a hard time cashing out the money. A great alternative to a travellers cheque is to carry a debit card, credit card, travel cards or pre-paid currency card.

6. Eating near Tourist Attractions

Cafes and restaurants around popular tourist hotspots are often expensive and have low quality food. To avoid eating at tourist traps, spend some time before your trip finding out where the locals eat and drink. You can also ask your hotel concierge for recommendations.

7. Using a Taxi or Rental Car to Get Around

Before you rent a car or flag down a cab, explore the different options for getting around the city. Many cities offer different modes of public transport including buses, trains, and trams. Another option for getting around the city is carpooling with other tourists to your destination.

Using public transport or carpooling services will help you save money on transportation costs when compared to using a rental car or taxi.

8. Using your Regular Credit or Debit Card for Spending

Credit and debit cards are a safe, convenient and flexible way to pay abroad. However, if you’re not careful they may prove expensive. Most cards charge a foreign transaction fee ranging from 2% to 3% and a transaction fee ranging from £1 – £1.5 each time you use your card overseas.

The simplest way to avoid these charges it to use cash when possible. If you prefer using a card, consider getting yourself a card designed for overseas spending.

9. Keeping All Your Money in One Place

When you withdraw money, don’t keep it in one place. Split it up and keep a set amount in your backpack, money belt, or on your person. Some hotels have safes where you can hide some of the cash.

10. Not Researching Your Destination’s Tipping Policy

While it’s customary to tip your waiter or waitress between 10-15% of the bill in the UK, that’s not the case in most countries. Different countries have different policies. For instance, the service charge in the United States and Canada is 15-20% while that in Asian countries is 10-16%.

Be sure to research the tipping policy of your destination so you don’t end up tipping more.

Avoiding these travel money mistakes will help you save some money while enjoying your vacation overseas.




5 Fun Activities to Try in Auckland During its Coldest Season

Auckland fun activity

Discover Auckland and enjoy an ultimate travel experience. As one major city of New Zealand, this vibrant region offers plenty of awe-inspiring tourist spots for everyone. You can never go wrong spending your vacation with your loved ones in this beautiful city.

Whether you are visiting during summer, winter, spring, or fall, you can still have a lot of activities to do. In fact, the weather here is always comfortable and you get to enjoy every minute of your stay. From hiking trails with https://newzealandtrails.com/ to the gorgeous beaches, New Zealand has a little of everything. If you happen to go to Auckland during its coldest season, then here are a few of the best things you can do to make the most of your escapade:

Experience outdoor skating at Aotea Square Ice Rink

Up for an exciting activity? Check out Aotea Square Ice Rink and try its outdoor ice skating! This winter wonderland spot is perfect for families and friends. You will certainly have fun skating around the rink. And if it is your first time to try it, expect a lot of falling. But everything will be worth it as you learn the proper way to skate.

Have a relaxing day at Waiheke Island

Take a short trip to Waiheke Island and delight in its natural beauty, outstanding restaurants and wineries, as well as thriving arts scene. You will be seeing a lovely mix of breathtaking views and pristine beaches here, so it is really an ideal place to relax even for a while. Not to mention, it is only a 35-minute ferry ride from Auckland, thus, you can access it easily.

Pamper yourself at Waihera Thermal Resort

Just a quick drive to north of Auckland, you can reach Waihera Thermal Resort. Since you are visiting the city during its coldest season, then it is best to heat your body up. This is a nice place to loosen up in its 22 naturally hot mineral pools, both indoor and outdoor. You can also get pampered at its steam and sauna rooms and wellness spa.

Ski at Snowplanet

In case you don’t have much time to drive away for hours to get to the nearest skiing center in Auckland, try the alternative. New Zealand’s first and only indoor skiing area, Snowplanet, is the ultimate spot to enjoy skiing. It is just 20 minutes away from the city center, so it is very accessible. Everyone will surely have fun skiing in this enclosed recreational center!

Get lost around remarkable museums

Spend a day at any museums in Auckland and get to learn something about the city and the country. You can check out Voyager New Zealand Maritime Museum, Auckland Museum, and Museum of Transport & Technology to have an idea about the heritage, culture, and  history of Auckland. After all, nothing beats learning new information from time to time.

Auckland has a lot to offer to visitors of any ages at any season, even its the coldest one. Winter can be a good time also to look for a property to purchase because the market is low and you can find interesting opportunities. Be sure to try out these things mentioned above when traveling to this lively city. It never disappoints anyone, so you will definitely have a fantastic time. Additionally, you may compare rental rates in Auckland here if you wish to rent a car when exploring the city.




What you should do and should not do When Lost in the Woods

Lost in the wood

The wild is a strange place. A lot can happen in the wilderness. From facing a conniving predator to losing control of your equine friend, a lot has happened to some of the most experienced campers, hikers, and riders in the wild. How you emerge from the experience depends on your preparation and knowledge.

What should you NEVER do when you lose your horse in the wilderness?

We have seen some of the most seasoned trail riders lose track of their horses after a rustle set them off. Before heading out into the outback always remember that horses are very trustworthy, but they have a natural fear of predatory actions. Sometimes, a rustle of leaves or a slight movement in the undergrowth in a predator’s area is enough to get them running. When a horse is scared, it can easily throw the rider off. If that happens, do not start waving your hands, yelling at the poor thing or chase the horse. They usually do not take it as friendly behavior when they are under threat.

What should you do when alone in the wilds?

Instead, you should start looking for ways to signal to your companions or the nearest ranger’s office.

  • When you have high powered torches, shining it above your head can act as a strong signal. Always test your torch batteries before carrying them with you for camping or outback rides.
  • Since you will have some time to prepare for your next ride, you should also keep a sharp whistle with you. Inside the quietness of forests, your whistle will be easily audible for long distances and the sound will help the rescue parties locate you faster.
  • You can find a moderate clearing and light a fire. It will keep you warm, keep the wild animals away and the volume of smoke rising straight up can act as a strong signal to indicate your exact location.

You should always kindle hope

It is very important that you do not wander off after your horse. Multiple Kentucky Derby Packages show that our equine friends tend to return to their shed from a known terrain. When and if they do, the keepers will notice your absence. This is why it is of utmost importance that you share your plans with the horse keepers or the resort manager and your companions. In case you do not turn up to a pre-planned event or your horse does not show up, they will know where to start looking.

But, you should always prepare for the worst!

You must always prepare for the worst, even when you have the brightest ray of hope. This means locating fresh water if you are running low, building a makeshift shelter or looking for a tree that can shelter you for the night and arranging for firewood that can see you through till the next morning. Taking note of your resources and all contingencies will help you stay safe even when you are lost in the wilderness.

Author Bio: Mandy Bular is a freelance content writer. She has written many good and informative articles on different categories such as technology, health, fashion, education, career, travel etc. She is a featured author at various authoritative blogs in the health and fitness industry and currently associated as a blogger with https://www.tvg.com/




7 Best Places to Visit in Africa With Children

Family trip to africa

Africa can be best described as ‘raw’. A place where you are deeply engulfed in nature and everything can be found in its originality. A place where tedious and monotonous everyday lifestyle fades away as you involve with nature. Such a place is great to show to your children. In Africa, they can enjoy watching animals and visiting villages observing how animals and humans live together in harmony. The African continent is not limited to just that; you can visit plenty of natural, urban and rural destinations that are family-friendly and safe.

However, keep in mind that travelling through Africa with your children onboard is sometimes challenging. Make sure to pick your bags according to the situation. We all know that travelling with children can often make it difficult to “pack light”, but if you choose the right bag then the rest will come much more easily. For trips with transfers, I recommend avoiding wheeled luggage: lugging around your kids and a wheeled suitcase on rough roads is not something you’ll remember with a smile. Opt then for a duffel bag, like those found  in this selection on Worldtraveler.com, or even a backpack.

  1. Namibia

Does the thought of sand dunes excite you? Then Namibia is the place for your next vacation. Take a trekking journey over the sand dunes or an exhilarating hot air balloon ride over the desert. Ancient rock carvings can also be found at Twyfelfontein in north-western Namibiawhich are over 6,000 years old. When all the aridity tires you and your children, head over to the Waterberg Plateau or Etosha National Park to discover colorful bird species. There are plenty of accommodation options in Namibia offering the perfect family experience, delicious cuisines, breathtaking views, and excellent services.

  1. Mozambique

Situated in Eastern Africa, Mozambique offers some of the most beautiful beaches along with interesting natural and wildlife reserves. If your family is looking for a great urban experience, the capital city of Maputo has some great restaurants to enjoy the local cuisine and shopping districts to explore cultural clothes. The Bazaruto Archipelago is a must-see site in Mozambique. The white sand beaches and water activities such as diving and snorkeling combine to make your family vacation memorable.

  1. Kenya

Kenya is a hot destination for tourists, and why shouldn’t it be? The country has a mix of urban, rural and wildlife vacation options. A trip to Maasai, a tribe best known for their unique customs and clothes, of southern Kenya can prove to be an exciting experience for your kids. Children can learn valuable lessons and use them in their daily lives. Apart from that, a safari trip in Kenya is something you should not miss. Observing wildlife closely in an unadulterated environment can prove to be thrilling as well as informative. There are plenty of tour guides in Kenya offering their services at competitive rates for families.The service usually includesa detailed tour of the wilderness, especially the Mara River.

  1. South Africa

The urban city of Cape Town should be in your itinerary if your family yearns to enjoy a sunny day out on the beach. The Kruger National Park is a famous destination that attracts thousands of tourists annually. The Park is a great place to see animals in their natural habitat free from cages. Being one of Africa’s largest game reserves, the Kruger National Park hosts a wide range of colorful birds as well as the Big 5 (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino). Look to stay in the Lion Sands Game Reserve, as the resort offers special activities as well as menus for children, plus a night out under the stars in a tree house.

  1. Botswana

This landlocked country is known for the famous Kalahari Desert as well as for abundant marshes and swamps. Botswana has the largest Elephant population of the world and hence it is a very popular safari destination and great for some family fun. Although the land safari is exciting, the river safari is an entirely different yet exhilarating experience to watch river mammals and reptiles such as crocodiles, hippos etc. Try to find a place in luxury resorts and camps to make the most of the trip.

  1. Uganda

Enjoy an hour of fun with your fellow mammals, gorillas in the dense forests of Uganda. Children are accustomed to seeing gorillas in cages but in Uganda they get to see them in their natural habitat climbing trees, thumping their chests and eating their unique delicacies. Other than gorillas, you can take your family on a cruise or a canoeing trip if they are a little older. The pearl of Africa also has mountains to trek and climb. The Nkuringo Gorilla Camp is an eminent place to enjoy walking safaris and the local cuisine.

  1. Tanzania

Tanzania is a country riddled with wildlife, so South African safaris are an integral part of tourism. Sounds similar to some other destinations on this list, right? Well, not exactly. While Tanzania has beautiful Serengeti plains and Ngorongoro Crater, it also has Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain peak. The tour guides will take you and your family on a week-long trekking trip on Mount Kilimanjaro, where you can enjoy the stories told by the guides while relishing some mouth-watering local food. If this is not enough to persuade you, watch a few National Geographic documentaries of the region and you will immediately be sold.

While these may seem a lot of destinations, they are just a glimpse of the beautiful African continent. It isa place your kids will love and make valuable memories.