Amazing facts you didn’t know about Namibia – An excellent choice for your upcoming holiday

Did you know that ‘Namib’ in Namibia means ‘vast place’? There are many more things you don’t know about this beautiful destination- Namibia.

The oldest desert in the world is here

During your holiday spent at one of the hotels in Namibia the likes of Avani Windhoek Hotel & Casino, do not forget to visit the Namib Desert. It’s over 80 million years old and thus, it’s considered the oldest desert in the world.

It’s a THE place to spot cheetahs

Head to the Etosha National Park during your days spent in Namibia. Among the many animals you spot, cheetahs will surely be your favourite. They roam freely and you may explore how fast they are during your safari.

Ken BlumCheetah Namibia (139333461)CC BY-SA 3.0

Conservation is real here

Did you know that 40% of Namibia is conserved? Environmental protection is in their constitution, and they seriously are committed to protecting the wildlife they are blessed with.

Namibia was not Namibia 3 decades ago

This country became Namibia only in 1990. Ever before that, it was known to the world as South West Africa. This country was under South Africa since the era of the First World War.

Mobile Camping Adventure

There’s a myriad of camping adventures that you can be a part of – and some of them offer facilities that let you experience a comfortable and luxurious stay. One such instance is the modern mobile camping adventures offered by Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara.

Overview

These new mobile camping adventures will let you wander through the diverse landscape of Southern Oman’s Dhofar. It is indeed one of the best Oman attractions.

What to Expect

While the sun continues to shine, one may look forward to exploring the endless deserts, craggy mountains, and long stretches of empty yet beautiful beaches. And by night, you can expect to relax under star-studded skies, while immersing in complete luxury.

Image Credit: Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara

Adventures

If you choose to venture away from the comforts of your luxury tent, you will find yourself gliding along with dolphins with marine experts, discovering intriguing historical sites with archaeologists, and even pointing out the marvels of the night sky with astronomers.

Guidance

You will be traversing to all kinds of sites in the luxury of a 4×4 while being accompanied by the members of the Mahrah tribe.

The Ultimate Bucket List to Do in Sunshine Coast, Queensland

For those who are lucky enough to have a bit of extra time at hand, Sunshine Coast is nothing short of splendid and dreamy things to do. It’s an absolutely fantastic destination to explore while enjoying unbelievable Sunshine Coast hotel deals.

Climbing Mount Ngungun

Located approximately within a 36-minute driving distance from Oaks Seaforth Resort via M1 are the Glasshouse Mountains. Also known as Mount Ngungun, this site boasts ten volcanic plugs that are scattered across Hinterland’s landscape, adding a bit of adventure for your visit here.

Image via www.piqsels.com

Explore Eumundi Markets

These markets have got everything that you’d ever need. Held on Wednesdays and Saturdays, one can look forward to purchasing jewellery, fresh local produce, artwork, plants, and so much more!

Surf at Alex Heads

A spectacular spot for surfing on Sunshine Coast is down at Alexandra Headlands. It is often bustling with people from all walks of life as the place offers surfing opportunities for all levels including complete amateurs.

Watch the Sunset at Maroochydore River

Sit along the stretch of quaint fishing houses that fringe the Maroochydore River and watch as the sun goes down its horizon. It’s a surprisingly tranquil setting and the sundown will have you immersed in a completely surreal atmosphere.

The oldest & most highly revered temple in North Thailand – A place once the Lord Buddha visited

Constructed in the mid-15th century, this old temple, Wat Phra That Si Chom Thong is popular among all travellers who visit Chiang Mai. It houses one of the sacred Buddha Relics as well.

IudexvivorumWat Phra That Si Chom Thong – 2017-07-08 (002)CC0 1.0

The Viharas

The temple has two viharas. The larger one out of these two is a two-storied building and this houses the Buddha Relic. This relic is said to be the sacred skull of the Lord Buddha.

The Ku

The Ku is also known as the Buddha Throne. It’s where hundreds of Buddha statues and images are kept for public display. The smaller vihara also houses many Buddha images.

It’s a great place to engage in meditation

The temple also conducts meditation classes. Even if you are a foreigner, you have the opportunity to learn meditation as they instruct in English as well. You can either choose the Samatha meditation practices or the Vipassana approach.

Getting to the Wat Phra That Si Chom Thong

If you are from a hotel in Khon Kaen the likes of Avani Khon Kaen Hotel & Convention Centre, you can simply take a bus and reach this temple. A private taxi would also do, but make sure you agree on the price before you start your ride.

Tangalle; The Perfect Beach – Mesmerising Sunsets and More

Beige sands, blue waters and palm trees fringing the shores, seems like the perfect beach dream. Except it isn’t really a dream in Sri Lanka. Ever heard of Tangalle beach? Here are a few facts about the attraction.

About Tangalle

This was once a fishing village and guess you could say it still is. The main income for families in the area come from fishing and selling the fresh catch of the day. The village was torn apart when the tsunami hit in 2004 but has managed to get back on its feet again.

Sunsets

Head to the beach around 5:45 pm/6 pm, sit on the soft sand with your loved one and gaze at the horizon. This is when the sun begins to bow down to the ocean and the magic show of colours in the sky are simply amazing.

Image Credit: Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas

Eat at a beachside restaurant

The beach is peppered with a few restaurants here and there. So, if you happen to work up and appetite while tanning on the beach, head over to one of them and enjoy authentic Sri Lankan dishes.

Places to stay

Since the destination is a popular place among tourists, there are many Tangalle hotels to choose from. Hotels like the property by Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas, offer an amazing experience.

Dolphin Watching in Oman – For the marine life enthusiasts

Oman isn’t all about the dry sea of golden sand, but is also about the very very wet sea with turquoise waters that happen to be super clear as well! The weather warms the water, making it just the right temperature that dolphins love, so you’ll be seeing a lot of them around here.

Bandar Al Khayran

This location is just 20 km away from Muscat and isn’t your typical beach. In fact, its more of a river valley. You’ll find all sorts of rock formations and islands here and the best part is that is you swim far enough; you’ll be able to observe dolphins in their natural habitat.

Dhofar Beaches

This beach is located towards the southern region of Oman and is famous for diving, snorkelling and other water sports. Dolphins are abundant here and you are sure not to miss out on a glance at them.

Vilphy Pulickan from Sohar, Oman, The unique beach (48779396443), CC BY 2.0

Bandar Khayran Reserve

If you are already lodged at a hotel in Muscat the likes of Al Falaj Hotel, all you have to do is take a 40-minute boat ride to this reserve. It is yet another spot that is ideal for diving and snorkelling and of course, you will spot the dolphins on their merry way when the sun is high above.

Things to know

Dolphin watching is one of the best things to do in Muscat, but make sure you visit on a bright sunny day as the creatures aren’t too fond of rain clouds. October and May would be the best time to visit for this activity.

Explore the Chu Chi Tunnels

A day at the Cu Chi Tunnels is considered one of the best things you could do during your stay at a hotel Hanoi has to offer such as Pan Pacific Hanoi. Combined with a visit to the nearby War Remnants Museum, it also makes for a great learning experience.

Overview

Chu Chi Tunnel Entrance|Image by Lars Curfs (Grashoofd) via Wikimedia Commons,CC BY-SA 3.0 NL

The Cu Chi tunnel network spans across an extensive network of underground tunnels, running as far as toward the Cambodian border. It was built over two decades and its construction was commissioned in 1948. The tunnels were originally intended to pass communication between villages and help the locals evade French soldiers.

Tunnels to Visit

At present, only two sets of tunnels can be visited by the public – Ben Dinh and Ben Duoc sections. The former served as Cu Chi District Party Committee’s base while the latter also served as headquarters.

Getting Around

There are several options when it comes to getting to these tunnels from Saigon – motorbike, speedboat, car, or bus are several of them.

Things to Do

As you enter the caves, you will be shown a video detailing the lives of the Viet Cong and locals who lived nearby during the war. After that, you can see the exhibits, take photos, explore traps, and even shoot a gun!

Best Places to Picnic in Melbourne

As the demand for al fresco dining increases, picnics have become fashionable again! Here are some of the all-time favourite local spots for a picnic.

Royal Botanic Gardens

Nestled on the outskirts of the city on approximately 100-acre land is the popular Royal Botanic Gardens. Throw your blanket next to a historic building – or, even better, on the banks of the Yarra River.

Neil Parley, Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne – panoramio (4)CC BY 3.0

St Kilda Botanical Gardens

Located within an 11-minute drive from properties like WRAP on Southbank via State Route 3 is St. Kilda Botanical Gardens. These gardens have charming lawns overlooking an ornamental pond. You could even have some fun on their massive chessboard after eating.

Lysterfield Park

Home to a gorgeous lake with striking views, Lysterfield Park is a splendid location for a picnic – there are a plethora of places to settle cosily with your basket of treats.

Werribee Park Formal Garden

During your stay at one of the Melbourne CBD hotels, you could head down to Werribee Park Formal Garden. Here, you could easily find a place to comfortably have your picnic thanks to its well-maintained grounds and shaded spots.

The Ultimate Ski Guide

Skiing is no easy walk in the park. But for those who with a craving for adventure, mastering this sport shouldn’t be much of a challenge. Here’s what you should know before you try your hand at skiing during your stay at a Whistler hotel.

Learn the Rules

Look out for the figures on trail markers! Particularly in North America, you will find that a green circle marks an easy trail for first-timers whereas a black diamond with an exclamation mark would mark a trail that should only be attempted by highly-skilled skiers.

Know the Basics

A practical skiing lesson might be the best way of familiarizing yourself with skiing basics. Some properties in Canada, for instance, Pan Pacific Whistler Mountainside, offers lessons that will help you master the basics.

Test out the Bunny Slope

A bunny hill includes ski lifts – a carpet lift or rope tow would help you discover skiing with its support mechanisms.

Hold Yourself Correctly

Skiing in Whistler|Image by Scott Hughes via Flickr

If you lean too far behind, you’ll note how it becomes increasingly difficult for you when it comes to taking a turn, making you lose control. Keep your knees bent as needed and your hands in front to maintain balance.

Namibia’s Skeleton Coast: Explore the ‘End of the Earth’

One of the loneliest stretches of shorelines in Africa, Skeleton Coast is one of the few untouched wilderness regions in Nambia. If you think you can stomach its evocative atmosphere, it is indeed a must-visit area during a holiday spent at one of the hotels in Namibia the likes of Avani Windhoek Hotel & Casino.

Location

Skeleton Coast can be found on the distant northwestern portion of Namibia. It is part of the northern Namib Desert and most of it is protected by the eponymous national park.

Image by juls26 from Pixabay

Meaning Behind Name

Skeleton Coast most likely received its name due to the number of whale and human skeletons as well as the remains of ships that could be found scattered along its shoreline.

Attractions

Swakopmund is the southern gateway to the Skeleton Coast. It lies toward the south of the National West Coast Tourist Recreation Area that runs northward toward the Ugab River Mouth starting from the Swakop River.

Sand Dunes

Wherever you go on the Skeleton Coast, you’ll be met with sand dunes – an integral part of this region’s landscape.