Cruise Planning travel blog

If you’ve never been on a cruise, now is the time to get on it and plan one! Cruises aren’t like your traditional holidays, they are so much better. Here’s some help when planning it!

Choose the destination

You’ll be given a plethora of choices in terms of destinations as there are plenty of cruises all around the world! Also remember, when it comes to a cruise, there is not just one destination, there’s always more than one involved, so pick carefully. For those interested in a Mekong River cruise, consider the ones provided by Mekong Kingdoms, and you won’t be disappointed!

Choose the accommodation

Before making your final decisions, you need to give some thought to the type of accommodation you prefer. You may also need to take into account who is accompanying you and thereafter pick a type of accommodation that best suits you and your travel partner/s.

Find the right cruise

With the number of cruises available, you might find yourself extremely confused as to which you’re supposed to pick. The best thing to do would be to research on the cruise and the stops it will make and check if it lines with your interests and likes.

 

Hike to the highest mountain on Tioman

Mount Kajang, locally known as Gunung Kajang, is the highest mountain peak in the whole of Tioman Island. An extinct volcano, the very top of the mountain lies in between the clouds. Here’s a bit more information for you!

Overview


The mountain towers over 1038 meters high and are not only the highest mountain in just Tioman but the highest in the whole of Malaysia’s East Coast. An extinct volcano, this mountain is not easy to get to as it is extremely remote. Regarded as the mountain that stood still, most of the land in the mountains is untouched and yet to be discovered. In fact, most of the mountain is so untraveled that most of the time it’s best that expeditions are carried out with a qualified ranger.

The mountain

Biologists have constantly been fascinated by Gunung Kajang for decades, the reason being its volcanic past and evolutionary isolation of the island. The history of this volcano has also had a big impact on Tioman’s native flora and fauna. There are also plenty of species of plants and animals on Tioman that you’ll catch a glimpse of as you scale the mountain.

Preparing

Remember, as this mountain is extremely difficult to hike it is best to go with someone experienced. If you’re staying at Berjaya Tioman Resort or any other Tioman resort, make sure you ask them more information before you get started! You can never be too ready!

 

Mystery Manila for brave hearts!

The commotion that never seems to end, the streets crammed to the last inch don’t paint a nice picture. But that’s where the secret to having a fun holiday lies.

Intramuros: the oldest part of the city

The contrast between the oldest part of the city and the region around it is profound. The way the houses line the streets give you the feeling that you are in a European city. You can journey the city on foot or by a horse-drawn carriage.

Visit Ayala Museum

Located in close proximity to Berjaya Makati Hotel, the museum encapsulates the city’s history. The museum was established in 1974 and displays a collection of valued items pertaining to the country’s maritime and colonial history.

Culinary Fare

For a bit of upscale dining, you can pop into one of the hotels in Makati. But other than that, if you want to grab something cheap, the streets of Manila are brimming with local specialities.

Bonifacio Global City

Other than what you see in museums, Manila is known for street art. If you go to Bonifacio Global City, you can see buildings painted with massive murals.

 

The Rising Trend of Co-Living Spaces

The trend of co-living spaces has been quickly embraced by young people and millennials across countries as it is the answer to a lot of problems. Here’s a breakdown for you to understand this concept.

Co Living Concept
Co Living Concept | Image Credit : Pos arch, POS architekten, CO-living JAspern, Foto © Markus Kaiser, CC BY-SA 4.0

What is co-living?

Simply put, co-living is the trend of living with several other people in one space. This is thought to encourage people to interact and work together. Most of the time, co-living residents have their very own room but have to share common spaces such as living spaces and the kitchen – almost like they are a big family. Several that opt for a shared living space, such as the ones offered by lyf Corporate are open to the concept of sharing and collaboration.

Co-working and co-living

Don’t get the two of these wrong, they are similar but not entirely the same concept. Many co-living establishments will double as a co-working space, but not vice versa. Both environments, however, allow you to meet a lot of like-minded people and form relationships.

Why is it so popular?

The rise of this concept comes from a number of different factors, such as enjoying living with others and sharing similar interests. There are co-living spaces in the United States, Singapore and other multiple locations around the world.

Fritzjames Stephen is a travel writer, who writes content based on the myriad of experiences and indulgences that the world has to offer travellers across all walks of life. Google+

Wildlife Hotspots in Sri Lanka

If you love witnessing wildlife in their natural habitat then Sri Lanka is the destination for you. Here are some key places where wildlife abounds.

Yala and Wilpattu
There’s nothing quite as thrilling as spotting an elusive Sri Lankan leopard on a safari at the Yala or Wilpattu national parks. These majestic predators are not the only wild inhabitants you may see; be on the lookout for Sri Lankan elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles, deer, monkeys and a wide range of bird species too.

Sinharaja Forest Reserve
A Biosphere Reserve, this forest sanctuary is a premier spot for bird watching. If you stay at a Sinharaja eco lodge Sri Lanka has to offer, you can easily see many of these birds. The Rainforest Ecolodge, Sinharaja is one such option from where you can head off on birdwatching excursions to spot endemic species like the Sri Lanka Blue Magpie, Sri Lanka Wood Pigeon and Sri Lankan junglefowl.

Minneriya and Udawalawe
At Minneriya National Park you can witness The Gathering (June to September) featuring hundreds of elephants, while the Udawalawe National Park is home to a sizeable elephant population too. On safaris at these parks, one also see a diverse array of other species including toque macaques, mugger crocodiles, deer and if you’re lucky, a leopard or two.

Mirissa and Trincomalee
Located on the south and east coasts respectively, Mirissa and Trincomalee are two of the best spots for whale watching in Sri Lanka. Apart from seeing species like blue whales and humpback whales, you can glimpse playful dolphins too!

 

 

Mekong River Cruise experience

Around great rivers, civilizations and cultures have evolved for centuries and this is the same story with Mekong River too. A cruise across this river is, of course, a very nice experience, and there are certain things you should know before planning this voyage.

Why it’s special?
A Mekong River cruise experience is possible with a trusted party the likes of Mekong Kingdoms, with whom you get the best options, excitement and most importantly the knowledge. The expedition is special because it gives you knowledge of a rich heritage and traditions enriched by over 2000 years of human history.

Best time to visit
There is generally a tropical climate in Cambodia and Vietnam. Thus, temperatures are warm year-round which makes it fine to go there any period of the year. Cruises also run year-round leaving you nothing to worry about the best times.

Highlights
During a Mekong River cruise, there are many things one can explore, and culture is one of the main. You can also embrace the unique landscapes of the river basin during the cruise and even meet some guides and local community who would talk to you with smiles on their faces.

Your cruise options
Choose your luxury Mekong River cruise according to your specific requirements. For those who have time, the 07-night cruises can give you more experiences and exposures so this would be the ideal choice. However, there are also 3 and 4-night options available for these cruises as well.

Kuang Si Falls

The Kuang Si falls is a must-visit if you are nature lover who is holidaying at or are passing through Luang Prabang.

Image credit-Benh LIEU SONGKuang Si Waterfalls Luang Prabang Wikimedia CommonsCC BY-SA 3.0

About Kuang Si falls

The waterfalls from a height of about 200 feet and a trail beginning at the shallow bottom pools take you right to the top of the Kuang Si Falls. The colour of the water is a beautiful aqua blue and makes for a great photo backdrop too.

Why you must visit Kuang Si falls

This gorgeous work of nature is a favourite side quest for the travellers in Luang Prabang and if you want to have a bit of nature time in your trip, add this to your list.

Getting there

Being about 30 kilometres away from the south of Luang Prabang hotels, this waterfall will take about two hours to get to if you leave from Avani+ Luang Prabang, for instance.

Entrance

You will be charged a fee of 20,000 kips to gain access to the falls, but it is definitely worth the cash since the trails and paths are so clean and amazingly maintained by the people of Luang Prabang. Most of the pools here can be swum in except one or two, which are holy.

Roland Lefevre is a travel writer who specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe.Google+

Before you plan your trip to Whistler

Whistler is an incredible city, which used to be an exclusive one season resort town. But today, the town is an all-season destination loved by honeymooners, families as well as adventure lovers. Here are some facts you should know when planning your long-awaited trip to Whistler.

Whistler| Img via Pxhere

Know where to stay

If you visit Whistler with your friends or family, our advice is to find a good Whistler ski resort. The place you choose for your night stays is important because a comfortable stay can make you forget all the troubles you had to face during daytime adventures.

Picture all your activities well in advance

Keep in mind that there are also activities that can be done off the mountain. If you stay at a resort the likes of Pan Pacific Whistler Village Centre, then you are lucky because there are chances for you to experience the lifestyles of the local community.

Identify the best places to eat from

At Function Junction, you will find a handful of great bakeries and cafes, and the prices here are very reasonable. There are also some top-class restaurants in this town where you will have to spend a little more, but the food is guaranteed to be tasty.

Know what adventures you can take

If you love adventures, the Ziptrek tour is a must-try for you! You may also try a biking adventure with your whole family! Why not even try your hand at riding an electric bike for a change?

 

 

 

Intrigued by history, art and food, Lavinia Woolf is a writer who is passionate about the extraordinary and writes of the exhilarating and enchanting. Google+

Backpacking through Adelaide

Adelaide isn’t considered when planning a vacation to Australia as people wrongly assume there is nothing to see there but churches and provincial life.

Adelaide does not have any vast natural wonders or man-made wonders that are as iconic as the Sydney Harbour bridge or Uluru, but if you are planning to backpack in Australia, Adelaide is the place to be.

Backpacking Tips

Just because you are backpacking you don’t have to sleep out in the boonies. You could save up on the other things and not spend a lot of time looking for places to stay in Melbourne. If you are looking for a central location stay at a hotel like Avani Adelaide Residences.

Go Cheap When You Can

Go cheap when you can and carry the minimal with you when you are travelling to make the most of a backpacking trip in Adelaide. This doesn’t mean you need to spend the whole holiday on a budget. You could get a work visa instead of a holiday visa when you visit and that would enable you to work during your holiday and earn as you spend.

You could also shop from bargain shops, drink during happy hours and do a little research into what sort of offers are available for the duration of your stay in the city.

 

Roland Lefevre is a travel writer who specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe. Google+

Explore the Highest Peak in Langkawi: Gunung Raya

Found in the northern coast of the country, Langkawi is home to the tallest peak in the area, the Gunung Raya.

Tu7uhGUNUNG RAYA PANORAMACC BY 3.0

About Langkawi

Once you are done chilling at one of the Langkawi resorts the likes of Berjaya Langkawi Resort and are ready for some adventure, you can keep aside a day and get yourself to the Gunung Raya. Being about 880 metres above the sea level, the highest point of this mountain will give you a mind-boggling view.

The hike

Many people tend to go on the hike by themselves, but if you want to know about the things you pass and the plants you see, you might want to get yourself a guide to walk with you. The hiking trails are marked pretty clearly and don’t need much help with.

During the climb

During the climb, you will spot many wild monkeys who will try to grab your stuff. Also, carry insect repellent since you will see insects here that you have not ever heard of or seen before in your life!

Once you get to the top

After you climb about 4200 stairs and more, you will reach the top and be rewarded with the greatest view of them all. Misty hills, the ocean and endless skies await.

 

Auburn Silver is a travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world. Google+