Information Blog Regarding Travel & Destinations

The Philippines is known for its diverse cultures and very hospitable people. Aside from that, it is also home to the world’s most scenic tourist destinations. But what will surprise you is that many of the beautiful destinations would usually require tourists to go the off-beaten path and dangerous roads before reaching them. Do you want to know more about them? Read through this blog and know the five most dangerous roads in the Philippines.

Old Zigzag Road, Atimonan, Quezon Province

The Old ZigZag, locally known as “Bitukang Manon” or Chicken Intestine is known for its notoriously steep and sharp curves. A lot of motorists wouldn’t dare drive through it but since it is the only road that leads to the adjacent province and town in Quezon City, drivers and commuters don’t have any choice.

Tourists who want to visit places in Quezon Province may also need to pass through this road. However, although the road can be very nauseous and dangerous, many people still enjoy the thrill and the lush greeneries surrounding it.

Halsema Highway, Mountain Province

  Many of you may have heard of this road, especially if you’ve been to the Mountain Province. For those who are still planning to go to Baguio and all the way up to Atok in Benguet, you need to get yourself ready with this road. The Halsema Highway is one of the most hazardous roads in the Philippines with steep elevation. It is approximately 7, 400 feet above sea level and was featured by List25 in 2013 at No. 9 in the 25 Most Dangerous Roads in the World.

Nevertheless, many tourists would still traverse this dangerous path  to see the Rice Terraces or visit Whang-Od, the 100-year old traditional tattoo artist. This is why every photo taken from this road is definitely worth-keeping. It will remind you of your best and worst feeling ever.

 Kennon Road, Baguio City, Benguet

Tourists who want to experience strawberry-picking in Baguio and a lot more activities need to go through one hell of a ride first through the Kennon Road. It has a very steep elevation and sharp curves that will turn your intestines upside down.  The area is prone to landslides and almost every year, many people fall victim to the land suddenly caving above them when raining. This is why it is not advisable to travel to this area when the weather is not good.

However, while the road is dangerous itself, it also offers many wonders that entertain tourists through their journey. These include the view of the mountains, lust vegetation and the pine trees. If you are riding a private car, you can stop by and take a picture of The Lion’s Head, which is a popular landmark of Kennon Road.

Wonderful, exasperating, daunting, and fantastic – name it! India is all of these words. If you are planning to visit this country, well you have made a great decision this year.

The only question is: are you ready?  A trip to India can be amazing but without any preparation, you might get into some unexpected disappointments. So to make your vacation as smooth-going as it can be, we have compiled some travel tips for you especially if this your first time to visit India.

1.       Keep your cool but be vigilant

 As much as it has wonderful spots, India is often tagged as the place with many touts and scams. So when you come here, do not make it too obvious that you are a first-timer. Stay calm and follow the directions. Research before taking some rides and make sure you have a map with you. Know some of the common terms and greetings in India. Above all, don’t be too judgmental. The people in India are really cool.

2.       Slow down and make every moment count

If you are booking a trip to India with an agency or availing some package tours, you can be time-bound.  Many tourists in a tour package try to cram too much to cover a lot of highlights in just one day. What they don’t know is that they are missing an important element of a great vacation – that is to just enjoy and relax.  If you want the luxury of time, we suggest that you shortlist the places that you want to visit. Concentrate on fewer places rather than trying to tick off as many places as you can.

3.       Avoid the crowd

Delhi is one of the most crowded in India. But there are many other places where you can spend a quiet vacation. Some of the off-beat vacation places in India are the Mawlynnong in Meghalaya where you can enjoy an eco-friendly tour or the Halebid in Kamataka, which is one of the ancient temple towns in Sount India.

4.       Keep your stomach healthy

The foods in India are definitely mouth-watering not to mention the garam masala and chicken biryani. However, it is also important to take extra precautions. India has a somewhat notorious reputation for the so-called Delhi belly or upset stomach. You don’t want to get ill while you are on your vacation. So steer clear from unfamiliar food. Don’t drink tap water and make sure you wash the fruit before eating.

5.       Pick a perfect route

Again, if you think the place is too crowded, don’t take risks. You’d rather be visiting other places with less crowds and enjoy every moment of your vacation than rushing with the crowds. Take note that India is a tropical country which means that the weather is quite hot. It can be quite annoying to be in the middle of the crowd with everyone sweating.

Norway has actually made its method into the bucket list of each passionate vacationers around the globe. From beautiful hills, remarkable fjords and a lot of churches and lighthouses, there are plenty of areas to visit in Norway for that perfect journey with friends, family members, and also couples. Above everything else, it is the dream of many to behold the impressive Northern Lights when in their lifetime.

National Opera & Ballet

The well-known Concert hall is created in a way that it tricks people into thinking it is increasing from the water. It arranges its programs on 3 extravagantly designed stages– The Key Home, The Second House, as well as the Studio. Its magnificent windows give pedestrians a glimpse of the fancy insides, making it among the top Norway tourist attractions.

Tusenfryd Amusement Park

It is among the leading Norway attractions and also the most well-known theme park worldwide. It is home to more than 30 destinations such as SpeedMonster, SuperSplash, ThunderCoaster, as well as SpaceShot. Throughout summertime, you can additionally take pleasure in the theme park called BadeFryd, which has a pool, a river for swimming as well as an interesting waterslide.

Akershus Citadel

This is a terrific addition to any Norway sightseeing excursion, especially for the history lovers. This structure was built in 1299 under the orders of King Hakon the Fifth and also prevented the city from numerous sieges throughout the years. Norway excursions normally include an assisted trip of this fortress that also plays host to wonderful several shows as well as ceremonies!

Tromso University Museum

This museum shows numerous fascinating truths regarding the locals remaining in Norway, the Sami. Tromso College Museum additionally shows one of the most popular Norway sights, the Northern Lights. It is just one of those interesting places to visit in Norway that must be on everybody’s listing.

Science Center

This houses the greatest Norwegian planetarium as well as provides visitors an opportunity to consider the North brighten and also close. Vacationers also have the option to check out global sensations on numerous topics connected to the environment, environment, and also energy. It features prominently in all lists of Norway places to visit.

Tromsø Arctic-Alpine Botanic Garden

This garden houses a distinct collection of the plants of North Norway and is one of the most fascinating areas to visit in Norway. The flowering period starts in May and continues until October. The most interesting views below are purple saxifrage and also yellow pillow plants, pasque flowers, and a selection of blooming bulbs.

Places To Visit In Bergen

One of the busiest ports in Norway, Bergen is covered by a series of hills called the 7 Hills. It is the country’s social center hosting prominent occasions like the yearly Bergen International Event, Nattjazz Event, as well as Bergenfest.

Norwegian Top Foods:

• Lefse
• Kumla 
• Lutefisk 
• Whale Steak
• Pickled Herring
• Krumkake
• Fårikål

We have compiled a detailed list of the best travel destinations in Europe and we are sure you can’t wait to see them as you are planning to take a trip to some of the most interesting cities in Europe.

Wroclaw, Poland

Currently, Wroclaw tops the list of people’s favourite destination in Europe. This beautiful and amazing city, called the “Polish Venice” has canals surrounding it and it is dotted with over 120 bridges linking 12 superb islands.

The incredible charm of Wroclaw can seduce you, the Market Square “Rynek”, the Salt Market Square, the Flower Market, the two Town Halls, the beautiful University, the covered Market, the botanical garden and the gorgeous architecture of the Centennial Hall.

For aficionados of a good lunch, you can have breakfast at Piwinica Swidnicka- this is the oldest restaurant in the world. Take a stroll around Ostrow Tumski, the oldest area of the city and watch as you fall under the spell of the almighty Wroclaw.

Bilbao, Spain

Pictures or words can’t do justice if you are trying to describe the atmosphere here; you have to feel it yourself. Bilbao is evolutive, ever-changing and it’s open to anyone who wants to visit; unlike some other European cities, families with children and grandchildren love to visit; they enjoy the joy and sweetness the evening brings as they walk through the alleys of Casco Viejo, the historic center of Bilbao.

Like Porto and Bordeaux, Bilbao is linked to the river and the sea. The gastronomy there is amazing, same as the wines.

Make the most of your vacation in Bilbao and take your time to discover the main museums in the city such as the Guggenheim or The Bilbao Fine Arts Museum, and its lovely landscapes like the Rioja Wine Region.

Colmar, France

This is arguably the most romantic and most charming destination in Europe. You can’t afford to miss the cuisine, the architecture, nice hotels, and so on. Colmar is just too perfect for both young and old.

In Colmar, there is the Toy Museum; the Unterlinden Museum displaying excellent works of art from the 12th to16th century. Here is a fun fact- remember the Statue of Liberty? The creator was born in Colmar!

Planning to travel to China? The 4th largest country in the world, China is filled with fantastic usual landscapes, history and cultures, as well as plentiful attractions for travelers. There are too many popular cities and natural sites to explore, a lot of travelers visit the China number of  times to have all those interesting places visited. If you are not sure where to travel, and what things to do in China, to help you make the most out of your trip to China, here’s our list of the must-see tourist attractions to visit in China.

The Great Wall of China – Who doesn’t love to visit the Great Wall of China. Located in Beijing, every single brick of The Great Wall of China may tell you a story. A must-see tourist attraction is no doubt one of the ancient world’s most amazing feats of engineering. The wall was built around the 5th century BC, stretches over 5,500 miles, making it the longest man-made wall ever built. The best way to appreciate the view of the Great Wall of China is to stand on its walls and look intently in wonder as it winds over China’s serene mountains like a magnificent edge sponsored mythical beast.

The Potala Palace – If you love to see the best Tibetan architecture than the Potala Palace is a right place for you! The Potala Palace is a former home of the Dalai Lamas, and the political-religious seat of Tibet. Open to both pilgrims and visitors, this palace is comprised of over 13 stories and two main palaces, but a limited number of visitors allowed to visit the palace a day, so we advise you to make your booking online or to avoid the last minute rush make sure to arrive early at the ticket counter to purchase the tickets.

The Forbidden City – One of the Beijing’s most famous tourist attraction is the Forbidden City, it is the place where China’s emperors held court for 500 years from the 15th century until 1911. While the Chinese supposed that the sovereign was the Son of Heaven, according to them the Forbidden City was exactly at the center of the Universe. Since 1987, it has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the huge complex consists of more than 1,000 buildings and over 8,000 chambers, a large number of tourists visit this city daily.

The Li River– The soul of Guilin, the Li river from Guilin to Yangshuo offers the stunning river highlights make it as one of top water wonders in the world. The visitors can see beautiful landscapes, rolling hills, steep cliffs, caves and forest on both sides of the river. The knowledgeable guides will share interesting stories about a variety of riverside attractions with traveler during the river trip. Visitors also get an opportunity to make a glance at the way of life of various towns, matured over 500 years, situated at the bank of Li waterway.

The Temple of Heaven – Located in the center of Beijing, the Temple of Heaven is one of the most popular holy places in China. This well-known temple is popular for its unique architectural design, makes it another world heritage of the country. Built in the period of 1406-1420 by the Yongle emperor, to devotion, heaven annually to get a good harvest. A visit to the Temple of heaven is must, to learn about the importance of each wall and pillars of this temple.

If you are looking for the top 5 must-see tourist attractions in China, I think we have got you enclosed. So what are you waiting for? Pack your bag and head to China to have the most memorable vacation experience ever!

France can spoil many families with its amazing mix of cultural sights, entertainments, and activities; some are free, some are paid for. So, if you wish to enjoy vacationing en famille, then you have to plan ahead.  

MUSEUMS AND MONUMENTS

Most museums in Paris organize creative workshops for kids, parents and for just one person (if you are riding solo). These ateliers are themes; they require booking, costs €5 to €20 per child, lasts one and half to two hours. Most of these workshops are always on weekends, every day during school holidays and every Wednesday afternoon because French kids don’t have school on Wednesday afternoon. Most workshops cater for kids of a range of seven to fourteen years old, though it’s different at the Louvre and Musee d’Orsay; they start at four and five years respectively.

ENTERTAINMENT

Puppet shows alfresco, children’s films at cinemas and children’s theatres, illuminated monuments at night, street buskers, music festivals, etc. just ask the tourist officer and he’ll definitely let you know what’s up.

WHEN TO GO

If you are planning a vacation anywhere, you have to consider the season and the things you intend to see or do. As a teen, you can always travel all year round because there’ll definitely be something to do irrespective of the season, but for parents with toddlers or younger kids; it’s best to go in the dry, warm days and early summer.

ACCOMMODATION

Serviced apartments with washing machine and kitchen appliances are suitable for families. Parents with just a child will hardly have a problem finding accommodation, most average hotels have baby cots, and they gladly put a baby’s cot in the double rooms at a cheap extra cost. Several in our group, from Arizona celebrating the 5 year anniversary of our company (MesaTowingServices.com), had baby strollers and baby seats for our bikes and we had a blast with our families.  

WHAT TO PACK

• Mask, flippers, and snorkel
• French phrasebook
• Water bottle
• Pocket camera
• Binoculars

My oh, my! There are over one thousand and one ways to experience an overwhelming vacation in Scotland, and we don’t even know where to begin. Is it the train rides through the magnificent landscapes? Sightseeing the castles? Spending an afternoon in a museum or a gallery? Munro bagging? and discovering the secrets to whiskey distillation? We could go on and on with things you can do, but then we understand you have to pack your bags for the vacation or maybe relax before the trip.

Scottish Attractions

We won’t want to boast, but if we are talking places to visit; Scotland has so many mighty options, and you might even want to experience all these places.

Deep Sea World: come up close with one of the places with the largest collection of sharks at the world’s largest underwater tunnels at Deep Sea World which is Scotland’s National Aquarium. This is a home to hundreds of captivating underwater creatures like seahorses, stingrays, seals and giant sand tiger sharks.

Blair Drummond Safari and Adventure Park: you can visit one of the top attractions in Scotland for an amazing family day out. You can come here to see giraffes, elephant, lions, tigers and you can take a boat ride down to Chimp Island if you want.

National War Museum: within the four corners of Edinburgh Castle, you’ll discover the impact war had in the history of Scotland as well as her reputation abroad. You can relive the moments of the dark days of the WW by witnessing it personally.

In addition to these, you can also visit the Riverside Museum, Arbroath Abbey, Stirling Castle, The Helix, National Museum of Scotland and so much more!

FESTIVALS AND EVENTS

When Scots are not busy dancing to the exciting music and drums or sampling delicious cuisines, then they are celebrating their culture and heritage, participating in adrenaline-pumping sports or wearing elaborate costumes while dancing around the streets. Some of the events and festivals include- Highland games, Hogmanay and New Year, Edinburgh summer festivals and music festivals.

SCOTTISH FOOD AND DRINKS

Have you ever heard Scotland is the number one country with the best food in the world? If, you haven’t, then remember you heard it here first, and you can thank us later when you get back from your vacation. Let’s start from the Aberdeen Angus beef, Arbroath Smokies, Stornoway Black Pudding, shellfish and Shetland salmon to Scottish ales, whiskey, scones, haggies, not to forget the popular shortbread. If you are foodie, welcome to paradise!

From wild adventures to mysterious places Alaska offers numerous destinations to visit and be awestruck. The glaciers, mountain loves, etc are so beautiful in Alaska that you’ll never want to leave the city. Alaska offers fancy restaurants and museums for every taste and like. Alaska is the best place to visit for fancy people.

Here are the top three things to do while you’re in Alaska.

• The White Pass and Yukon Route railway.

If and only if you want to gaze at the beautiful scenery of nature from the sky then this train route is must for you. This rail route joins the Yukon with the Skagway. The train boards with the passenger who travel through the train just to gulp the beauty of nature. The train has wide windows and display decks. The wide-open windows offer a better view of the scenery. The train passes waterfalls, glaciers and dense forests.

• Kroschel film wildlife center.

Situated just 28 miles from Haines, Alaska, the Kroschel wildlife center is a place where the filmmakers and naturalists together take care of abandoned or even orphaned wild animals such as chimps and others. The animals roam freely in the center hence it is not a zoo. You can encounter multiple species of animals such as grizzly bears, foxes, wolves, lynx, moose, reindeer, owls, and others. The center spreads in a large area of 600 yards with Alaskan and Canadian animals.

• Watch whales.

Whales are too common to notice in the Juneau. Juneau is surrounded by dense green forests and white glaciers which makes the view magnanimous. On the way to the whale watching point, you’ll encounter bears and other Alaskan species of animals. The whale watching takes around 5 hours including the traveling. The white glaciers and blue water make it very beautiful. You’ll be taken in a ship in the mid of glaciers for a better view of the whales. Once the whales are in sight the captain stops and you can gaze at the whales.

Try to stop in Juneau and see the state capital, too.   Alaska is a wonder that all should experience.

Lahore is the Heart of Pakistan. It is the capital of Punjab province. It is a very old city and hence it is rich in culture, history and heritage. It is full of historical sites, priceless artifacts, shopping malls, landscapes, skyscrapers and many kinds of restaurants.  Some of the top visiting points of Lahore are not only worth seeing, they also give knowledge about history and culture.

• Badshahi Mosque

Badshahi mosque also known as Imperial Mosque was constructed in 1674 by Aurangzeb, the Mughal emperor. It is the second largest mosque in Pakistan and the 5th largest in the world.it is a masterpiece of Mughal architecture. The amazing thing is that the whole building is made up of red stones. It depicts rich architect, peace and religion.

• Shalimar Gardens

For nature loves Shalimar Gardens is a perfect place to visit as it gives break from the hustle and bustle of this city. Shah Jahan, the Mughal emperor built this garden in 1641. This huge and beautiful garden spans 80 acres. There are three terraces in the middle of the garden, namely Hayat Baksh, Faiz Baksh and Farah Baksh. Fountains are made up of white marble and there are also many buildings in the garden.

• Minar e Pakistan

Minar e Pakistan is a monument which represents the ideology of Pakistan perfectly. The minaret is standing in Iqbal Park. The design of the minaret is a blend of Mughal and modern architecture. Minar e Pakistan was built in 1960, in the memory of Pakistan resolution on 23rd March, 1940. People of Pakistan have special patriotic feelings attached with Minar e Pakistan. Splendid views can be seen from the Iqbal Park.

• Wagah Border

Wagah border is a border mark between Pakistan and India which joins Lahore, Pakistan and Amritsar, India. A trip to Lahore without visiting the Wagah border is a great loss. Wagah border is famous for its “Wagah border flag ceremony”. The ceremony starts with a parade and ends with the lowering of the flags on both side. The ceremony increases the heartbeats of peoples on both side as they love their countries. It’s a tourist hub to witness the patriotic feelings.

• Lahore Fort (Shahi Qila)

This magnificent compound and wonderful Mughal structure was built by Mahmood of Ghazni in 11th century. Palace of Mirrors (Shees Mehal) is the most visited palace in Lahore Fort. In the past, it was a defensive point for Lahore. Lahore fort houses many gardens, fountains, palaces and many great pieces of art. The fort has two gates namely, Alamgiri gate and Masjidi gate. It is a great attraction for history and art lovers.

• Anarkali Bazaar

Anarkali bazaar is the oldest bazaar in South Asia. It gives best shopping experience to its visitors. It is named after a slave girl, Anarkali. It is a place where someone can find garments, jewelry, cultural items, footwear, and etc.

• Food Street and M M Alam Road

Lahore is a city that is well known for its food. M M Alam road stars from Main Bazar and end at Firdous bazar. This road is full of eating point. Food street also offers delicious and tasty foods.