travel advice

All the travel how-tos, where-tos, must-dos, packing suggestions and more.

Exploring the Heart of Burgos: From Cathedrals to Scenic Lookouts — Our Perfect Family Stopover
Welcome to the tale of our beautiful road trip to Portugal. Check my previous stories for our adventures and beautiful places we visited.
By Gabriela Trofin-Tatár2 years ago in Wander
Cruising the Waves of Excitement - Explore the Port Stephens Experience!
Picking the right place for a family or friends' vacation is super important to have an awesome time and make the most out of your trip! It takes a lot of work to plan a vacation, so it's really important to choose a spot that has everything you want, like cool things to do, good weather, beautiful scenery, and all the stuff you like. And when it comes to breathtaking landscapes, thrilling adventures, and serene relaxation, Port Stephens stands out as a top destination. So if you are thinking, and thinking a lot - then here's presenting all the relevant reasons for you to book a Port Stephens cruise today!
By olivia williams2 years ago in Wander
The Soul of Small-Town Iowa: A Closer Look at Orange City's Hotel Culture
Nestled in the heart of Iowa lies Orange City, a charming small town with a rich tapestry of history, culture, and hospitality. Despite its modest size, Orange City boasts a vibrant hotel culture that serves as a reflection of the town's unique identity and soul. In this article, we delve into the essence of Orange City's hotel scene, exploring how it embodies the warmth, charm, and community spirit that define this quintessential Midwestern gem.
By Dutch Inn & Suites2 years ago in Wander
Berlin Dreams: A Transformative Youth Trip to the Heart of Europe
“To me, Berlin is as much a conceit as a reality. Why? Because the city is forever in the process of becoming, never being, and so lives more powerfully in the imagination.” — Rory MacLean
By Gabriela Trofin-Tatár2 years ago in Wander
Biarritz, France: our first stop at the Atlantic Ocean
Cherries and sandwiches on the beach From Carcassonne to Burgos, before crossing the Pyrenees, we decided to stop at the Atlantic Ocean for a quick lunch. We chose Biarritz (France) on a whim and were very happy with the experience.
By Gabriela Trofin-Tatár2 years ago in Wander
Carcassonne — A Medieval Fortress in the heart of Southern France
Welcome to the tale of our beautiful road trip to Portugal. You can check all the previous stories in my profile. This story is about one of the most amazing medieval cities in Europe.
By Gabriela Trofin-Tatár2 years ago in Wander
How to Be a Better Tourist Than I Was in Quebec City
Learn military time, because stopping in the middle of the road to read parking signs is frowned upon, and people will honk when you have to take time to subtract by 12.
By Deidre Lynn Thompson2 years ago in Wander
5 Things I Wish I Knew Before Moving To Rural Colombia
I knew I wanted to live in Colombia from the moment I set foot in Colombia 3 years ago. So, three years later, I, as a single female traveler, moved to rural Colombia.
By sara burdick2 years ago in Wander
Embracing Sustainable Development: A Journey Towards Harmony with Nature
In the heart of a bustling city, amidst towering skyscrapers and bustling streets, there lived a young girl named Maya. From a tender age, Maya felt a deep connection with nature, finding solace and inspiration in the beauty of the world around her. However, as she grew older, she witnessed the rapid urbanization and environmental degradation unfolding before her eyes, prompting her to embark on a journey of discovery and transformation.Maya's journey began with a simple question: How can we create a world where humanity thrives in harmony with nature? This question ignited her passion for sustainable development, leading her to immerse herself in studies and research on environmental conservation, renewable energy, and social equity.Driven by her newfound purpose, Maya ventured into remote villages and marginalized communities, where she witnessed firsthand the devastating impacts of poverty, inequality, and environmental degradation. Yet, amidst the challenges, she also encountered resilience, ingenuity, and hope. Inspired by the spirit of grassroots innovation and community empowerment, Maya resolved to dedicate her life to promoting sustainable development solutions that prioritize people and planet.Armed with knowledge and determination, Maya embarked on a mission to effect change, starting with her own community. She engaged local leaders, businesses, and citizens in conversations about sustainable living, advocating for green initiatives such as waste reduction, energy efficiency, and urban gardening. Through education and awareness-raising campaigns, Maya inspired others to embrace eco-friendly practices and adopt a more mindful approach to consumption and waste management.As Maya's influence grew, so did her aspirations. She recognized the interconnectedness of global issues such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and social injustice, and the urgent need for collective action. Drawing inspiration from diverse cultures and perspectives, Maya sought to build bridges across borders and mobilize international support for sustainable development goals.Through her involvement in grassroots movements and civil society organizations, Maya became a vocal advocate for environmental justice and human rights, amplifying the voices of marginalized communities and calling for transformative policies that prioritize people and planet over profit. She participated in global conferences, summits, and negotiations, working alongside policymakers, scientists, and activists to shape international agreements and frameworks for sustainable development.Despite facing skepticism, resistance, and setbacks along the way, Maya remained steadfast in her commitment to creating a more just and sustainable world. She understood that change would not happen overnight, but she refused to be deterred by the magnitude of the challenges ahead. With each small victory and incremental progress, Maya drew strength and inspiration to continue her journey, fueled by a vision of a brighter, greener future for generations to come.Years passed, and Maya's efforts bore fruit as sustainable practices became increasingly mainstream and integrated into policy and planning at local, national, and global levels. Renewable energy sources supplanted fossil fuels, green spaces flourished in urban landscapes, and communities thrived in harmony with nature, guided by principles of equity, resilience, and reciprocity.As Maya reflected on her life's work, she realized that sustainable development was not just a destination but a continuous journey of learning, adaptation, and renewal. It was about embracing complexity, uncertainty, and diversity, and finding beauty and strength in the interconnectedness of all life forms. Through her passion, perseverance, and love for the planet, Maya had helped pave the way for a more sustainable future, leaving a legacy of hope and inspiration for generations to come.
By Eric anexis 2 years ago in Wander
Is it worth buying trip insurance?
In an age where travel uncertainties seem to be the new norm, I often wonder if buying insurance for my vacation is worth it. As someone who writes about travel fairly often, I have had circumstances when I couldn't go, yet everything had been paid for in advance. Thankfully, I have a long term travel insurance policy, but what about the person who goes on vacation once or twice a year?
By Champagne Living2 years ago in Wander
Vietnam tourism part 2 : Na Hang - Tuyen Quang
The meandering road that stretches over 100km along the mountainside connects Tuyen Quang city to Na Hang district like a delicate silk ribbon. After a 2-hour drive on the winding road, A Hang town, a small town neighboring Son Cuoc, suddenly becomes captivating. Amidst the vast mountains, forests, and rivers, the gentle streets lining the Gam River resemble colorful brocade under the early sunlight. At the town's edge lies a large lake nestled beneath rocky mountains, resembling a watercolor painting. Referred to in the Tay Na Hang language as "thang," meaning the last field, this land is the ancestral home to 12 ethnic groups who have coexisted here for generations. Despite the challenging conditions in Tuy Cuoc, the residents remain united with a shared aspiration to overcome poverty and underdevelopment. Throughout history, people have believed that areas where multiple water streams converge signify prosperity. The meeting point of the Gam River and Nang River, flanked by majestic mountain ranges, paints a charming landscape. This ecological region exudes a pristine allure, with legendary tales surrounding each land and village. The rich cultural tapestry of the ethnic groups promises a delightful experience to all visitors, even those who only visit once. This convergence harmonizes the waters and serves as a magnet for tourists to explore Na Hang, featuring distinctive attractions like the mountain-perched Lam Binh restaurant within a National Scenic Spot. The Na Hang ecological lake, part of the Lam Binh nature reserve, spans 8,000 hectares bordering Bac Me district and Ba Be province in Bac Kan province. Home to numerous captivating tourist spots such as Bac Tang mountain and Bac Ta Temple, linked to the history of General Truong Van Vuong Tran Nhat Duat. The area also houses the destroyed Tran Dynasty's two dragon caves and a thousand-year-old tourist complex. These sites within the special National Scenic Spot preserve Na Hang's natural essence, offering an unforgettable experience to tourists visiting the over 43,000-hectare Lam Binh natural reserve. Hailed by the World Nature Conservation Organization for its diverse ecosystem, the Na Hang Lam Binh nature reserve boasts over 70 mammal species, 63 bird species, 35 reptile species, 25 amphibian species, and over 500 insect species. Visitors can encounter thousand-year-old gnat trees and red-book-listed snub-nosed monkeys, showcasing the area's biological richness. Tuyen Quang and Bac Kan provinces collaborate on scientific documentation and nature conservation, with the Ba Be Na Hang Trinh unit recognized as a World Natural Heritage. These protected zones, with buffer and core areas, facilitate connectivity for the Ba Be Lake tourist route. Na Hang's touristic allure extends to its natural wonders, like the Rash waterfall, or Thac Mo, resembling a strip of white silk from a distance. Rising five stories high, the tower now stands with two submerged floors due to flooding from the Tuyen Quang hydroelectric plant. The forest above Thac Mo echoes with gecko calls, enhancing its wild charm. Visitors immersing themselves in this heavenly space encounter the cool cascades and ancient forests at Thac Mo, a prominent tourist destination within the Na Hang ecological tour. As night falls, tourists delight in simple yet flavorful dishes like grilled field carp, wild vegetables, and sticky rice, reflecting the local culinary traditions. The must-have dried buffalo meat dish complements the soothing melodies amidst the 1,200m altitude setting, surrounded by majestic hills. Exploring Hong Thai unveils the refreshing air and breathtaking views of the ancient Xa Tuyet tea hills, spanning over 300 hectares of tea plantations like Tuyet Phuc, Van Tien, and Kim Tuyen. Hong Thai's specialty produce, including Le Peach plums, adds to the region's charm. Na Hang's rich cultural tapestry, encompassing 12 ethnic groups, converges in Hong Thai commune, showcasing the Dao Tien people's cultural space, terraced fields, and melodious tunes that captivate returning tourists. Con Vot commune offers rich village landscapes and delectable duck specialties, while Thuong Nong commune invites relaxation amidst Tay people's ancient villages, savoring green rice made from yellow flower sticky rice. Phiem Cung boasts a natural expanse of over 180 hectares, with vast plantations, including precious woods like gnat dinh lat, and a primeval forest area of over 145 hectares, offering a refreshing atmosphere.
By Minh Tuấn2 years ago in Wander
Vietnam tourism part 1 : Hà Giang
Hà Giang boasts a rugged and majestic beauty, along with unique cultural characteristics of various ethnic minority communities. It is currently one of the hottest tourist destinations in the Northeast region, attracting a large number of visitors from both domestic and foreign countries. Travelers should consider visiting this area, as showcased in today's video by the Travel Blog. Explore the extreme North of Vietnam, Ha Giang, and embark on an adventurous journey to conquer its alluring destinations. Throughout this video, the travel blog will also share travel ideas for independent trips to Ha Giang in 2023, covering the following topics: Where is Ha Giang located, how to travel from Hanoi to Ha Giang, choosing the best transportation for a trip to Ha Giang, tips for booking accommodation in Ha Giang, attractive tourist spots in Ha Giang, and dining experiences while traveling. Ha Giang is situated in the Northeast region of Vietnam, particularly bordering China to the North. To the East, it borders Cao Bang, Tuyen Quang, and Yen Bai provinces, while it borders Lao Cai province to the South and the city center of Ha Giang is approximately 300 km northwest of the capital Hanoi. This area is renowned for its majestic natural beauty, winding mountain passes, and the emotionally moving spectacle of ethnic minority children performing flower dances that have sparked social media buzz for quite some time. Traveling from Hanoi to Ha Giang is convenient from Northern provinces, with regular passenger buses heading directly to Ha Giang, ranging from sleeper buses to high-end Limousines. Based on my personal experience and that of independent travelers, taking an overnight bus to Ha Giang is recommended, allowing for rest on the journey and starting your exploration upon arrival. For those in Central and Southern regions, the most convenient way to travel to Ha Giang is by booking a flight to Noi Bai Airport in Hanoi. From there, you can catch a connecting bus to Ha Giang, as there are many shuttle services available directly from Noi Bai Airport, eliminating the need to worry about luggage handling and transfers. Additionally, if you wish to stay overnight in Hanoi, you can also catch a bus from major bus stations in the city such as My Dinh, Luong Yen, Nghia, or Gia Lam, with buses to Ha Giang departing almost every hour. The ticket prices for buses from Hanoi to Ha Giang range from 180,000 to 300,000 Vietnamese Dong per trip. Visit Ha Giang during this period. When is the best time? Ha Giang is a year-round attractive destination for tourists, offering unique and impressive experiences in each season. In the spring, particularly from May, the weather in Ha Giang is comfortable as the region transitions into the spring season. Cherry blossoms and apricot flowers bloom abundantly, enhancing the festive atmosphere of the New Year celebrations. The summer months from May to July are hot and dry in Ha Giang due to its high altitude, with temperatures sometimes exceeding 30 degrees Celsius. However, this period marks the start of watering the terraced fields, creating a mesmerizing view under the shimmering golden lights, captivating nature lovers. Autumn from August to October is when Ha Giang becomes especially enchanting, with lush green terraced fields gradually turning into vibrant golden shades. It's also the most pleasant time to visit Ha Giang, as the weather is not as intense as in summer, yet still warm. Embrace the winter winds from November to January when Ha Giang experiences cold temperatures due to its highland location. During this time, the blooming buckwheat fields add a romantic and impressive touch to the majestic beauty of Ha Giang. In conclusion, based on my independent travel experiences in Ha Giang, the ideal time for exploration is...
By Minh Tuấn2 years ago in Wander