Archive for May, 2009

May
28

Top 5 Most Fun Roller Coasters All Along the USA

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Have you ever felt like escaping as fast as possible from the routine of your daily life? Has the idea of a non-conformist vacation already crossed your mind? If it has, there are many ways in which you can spice up a little bit your every-day existence. Many people seek for a vacation at the seaside, picturing themselves with a golden tan on the beach or at the mountains breathing the fresh air and skiing or snowboarding. But what’s the recipe for a more thrilling and crazy vacation? People who have been in an amusement park and have ridden a roller coaster just for one time, claim it is the best way to get your heart pumping and feel more alive than ever.

Nevertheless, there are voices asserting that roller coasters are dangerous. However, studies showed that it is more likely to fall off your bed than to get hurt when riding a roller coaster. Now, assuming you are willing to take a chance and enjoy the ultimate ride that roller coasters can provide you with or you’re just curious about the experience itself, let’s move on top listing the five most fun roller coasters all along the United States.

Kingda Ka, New Jersey

On the top of the list dominates the tallest and the fastest roller coaster in the whole world: the ferocious Kingda Ka. Situated in New Jersey, at Six Flags Great Adventure, this monster train can reach 128 miles per hour in just 3.5 seconds. A ride with this particular roller coaster lasts no more than 28 seconds, but it’s more than enough to feel the adrenaline rush. It is a crazy ride that has it all: the passenger will climb an extremely tall tower, than will twist 90 degrees and finally he will turn over a 270 degree spiral. Before turning back to the station, the train makes a U-turn.

Top Thrill Dragster, Ohio

If you want a roller coaster journey with a thrill, it’s the hydraulically-launched Top Thrill Dragster that you have to choose. This strata coaster provides the riders with an integral circuit up to 499 feet height. It was built for the most daring riders and consists of thrilling drops, overwhelming speed and tall vertical loops. It must be stated that there are strict rules regarding the position of the passenger. Moreover, they are requested to wear the seatbelt and to put on their lapbar in order to be one hundred percent secured.

Son of Beast, Ohio

The second roller coaster to overarch the horizon of Ohio is the Son of Beast. As its symbolical denomination states, a ride with this roller coaster can turn into one of the most wild and soul-stirring experiences that a passenger can ever live. Due to the fact that it is the tallest and the fastest wooden roller coaster worldwide, the Sun of Beast offers the riders a rough, out-of-control journey, best teamed with a fearless passenger.

Millenium Force, Ohio

Another worthy mentioned roller coaster is Millenium Force, located in the heart of the amusement park Cedar Point in Ohio. Regardless of the fact that it has been outranked by its successor Top Thrill Dragster, both in height and speed, this steel roller coaster will definitely throw your hands up and will make you scream as loud as you can.

Ghost Rider, California

Since this wooden roller coaster in the Buena Park gives the riders the optimal combination of delirious airtime, smooth or thrilling drops, instinctive hands up, we included it on our top 5. It might not be the tallest or the fastest roller coaster, but it conquered the riders’ hearts by simply bringing on a fun experience.

All in all, regardless of the roller coaster you choose, make sure you are ready to face your own fear and to enjoy the ride. Once you put your seatbelt on, there’s no turning back. Stop thinking about the harmful side of the journey and live the high speed moment. It is said that once you discovered the pleasure provided by roller coasters you will always jump back in line for more and more… Hence, have a fun journey!

May
28

Greece: Travel Planner

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As children, we all used to enjoy fairy tales and myths which all related extensively the power of the main characters and other magical beings. Nowadays, as time passed by, legends seem more far away, in a distant place, not very reachable. Nevertheless, in spite of our coming of age, there’s one place on Earth where myths and goddesses are very much alive and still in the limelight… like in Greece. Here, at the southernmost part of Europe, you witness a crossroads of cultures and civilisations, a land of beauty and living arts.

Greece shares its remarkable landscapes with the Greek Islands that represent one fifth of the country’s area and are thought to be a destination that most tourists seek for. Hence, any trip to Greece should be shaped as a delicious periplus through beauty and wonders.

Athens

Your journey should absolutely remain under the patronage and protection of Athens, the goddess of disciplined war and wisdom - the inspiration of the city’s name. Thus, the line of your trip is to be drawn from the city of Athens. It is the cradle of arts and cultures, being considered a living source of the Western civilisation. Athens is widely referred to as the house of Plato, Socrates and Aristotle; thus, you would be standing here in middle of an ancient civilisation, feeling the grandeur of a remarkable history. Moreover, if you really wish to understand and feel the sense of splendour, you will head towards the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the king of the Olympian gods.

Another important landmark in Athens is the Syntagma Square, located in the heart of the city, close to the Greek Parliament. This square is crowded with history-soaked buildings and statues. Further on, the Athens Trilogy is not to be neglected, as it is a spring of wisdom and education due to its important institutions such as: the University of Athens, the National Library and the Athens Academy. Once in Athens, you shouldn’t miss the Acropolis dotted by the Parthenon (the temple dedicated to Athena) and a wide range of time-honoured statues.

Rhodes

The island’s celebrity is due both to the ancient monument - the Colossus of Rhodes - and to its medieval Old Town that was listed as a World’s Heritage Site. Nowadays, Rhodes is a spectacular tourist destination which impresses through the medieval panorama of the city and its outskirts, as the island hosts white-and-blue villages and summer resorts such as: Paradisi, Trianta, Faliraki, Lindos, Kremasti, Haraki.

The Ionian Islands

If you are anxious to breathe the air of Corfu, Ithaca or Paxos, you should definitely move to the west cost of Greece and enjoy the white powdery beaches wrapped in the verdant, bright landscapes. Furthermore, in order to get a spicier image of these islands, you may want to visit Kerkyra and its crowded harbour surrounded by the leafy, spectacular landscape which covers the ruins of once-towering castles.

Cyclades Islands

This group of islands will certainly satisfy all kinds of visitors, offering both dynamic, refreshing holidays and quiet and relaxing ones. Each island has its own particular characteristics, making it absolutely unique. Still, there are several common features: fine architecture, cramped cobblestone streets, absorbing historical sites, rum seaside and sandy, warm beaches. While the Milos Island is renowned for its sand dunes-loaded beaches enclosing the clear sea, the Mykons Island is famous for its exciting nightlife with parties that last until dawn; thus, when you feel like meeting a celebrity you should visit this part of the country.

The golden beaches and the breathtaking landscapes of the Paros and Santorini Islands really make your heart beat faster and your pupils dilate more. Moreover, while vacationing on these islands, you will be surprised by the fact that many traditional features are still well conserved, even though the new and modern life has penetrated the tissue of history.

Crete

Located in the south of the Aegean Sea, Crete is a destination that many tourists lust after. You will surely take joy here due to the island’s wide range of offers: mountainous scenery, crystal water with sandy beaches, white, blue-spotted villages, tasty Greek salad adorned with black and green pulpy olives. There might be other exotic beaches in the Greece, but this one takes the cake. :D

A voyage to Greece turns into an exploration of feelings and senses, a collage of cultures and arts that delights the eyes of the viewer who, walking through the olive groves, roams from the historical past to the flossy present.

May
26

China: Travel Planner

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China is on the road to the first position when it comes to tourism. Over the last few decades, the tourism has flourished in this Asian country mainly because for 25 years in a row the Chinese customs had been closed. Only previously selected visitors were allowed to see the hidden beauty of the People’s Republic of China. Nowadays, many people crave for a tour in this country due to the unique and dazzling mixture of civilization, architecture and natural scenery. In the entire world there is nothing comparable to the landmarks of China. For example, the fame of the Great Wall of China has made the tour of the world. It is without any doubt China’s most impressive symbol. Moreover, it gives the tourists a hint regarding the Chinese’s character: they are not only well-organized, hard-hearted and skilful, but also hard-working.

The Great Wall of China

Coming back to the aforementioned landmark, the Great Wall of China is actually a defensive structure made of stone and earth and built up in the 5th century BC, in the northern part of the country, as a strategic solution to the Xiongnu frequent attacks. Yet, because of massive destruction, until the 16th century, this enormous building was often rebuilt. Nowadays, the Wall extends over 6400 km and many writers and astronauts claim it can be spotted from the outer space with the naked eye, under propitious weather. If you want to be the witness of many centuries of history, sacrifices and hard work, visit this architectural marvel. We recommend you the area in the Wall which stretches over Beijing because it has been recently renovated.

The Forbidden City

Another notable tourist draw in China is the Forbidden City, located in the heart of the capital Beijing. This towering palace is worldly renowned for its traditional Chinese architecture and it was the imperial residence for many centuries. Being regarded as the largest palace in the world, this building was furnished with many towers and gates. Moreover, it comprises squares of various dimensions. The palace was meant to emphasize the grandeur of the imperial house and reproduces many religious motives and traditional Chinese beliefs. If you’re an art consumer you should definitely stop by the Palace Museum, hosted by the Forbidden City complex and discover the spectacular and enormous collection of art works and crafts. There is a tremendous array of paintings, books and documents which have an outstanding artistic value. Furthermore, it is here that are gathered numerous porcelain, ceramic and bronze items which belonged to the Chinese dynasties. The City is surrounded by beautiful and refreshing gardens and parks which pinpoint the Chinese predilection towards the art of gardening. It is a proven fact that a promenade in the multicoloured gardens such as Beihai or Houhai, it’s the best solution when you want to escape the crowded, frenzied town.

Beijing

The capital of China itself offers the tourists endless cultural opportunities. Neither Shanghai nor Honk Kong stand up to the cultural prestige and beauty of Beijing. You should check out the Beijing Opera, the Great Hall of the People (currently the Parliament), the Summer Palace and the Old Summer Palace. However, Beijing is a frenetic, prosperous city and it features a number of interesting modern buildings and streets as well. For example, the Twin Towers, the Beijing Financial Street are dominating Beijing’s skyline. A tour in the capital is awe-inspiring. If you want to bring back home a fancy gift for your better half, go to the shops aligned on the Wangfujing Street. It is also the right place to taste a cup of the famous Chinese tea. You have the possibility to choose from a huge variety: green, black, white, black, flower tea, yellow, pressed, quick. In order to enjoy as many flavors as possible it’s better to take a sip of all the varieties. Nevertheless, one cannot leave China without having tasted their specific rice garnished with pork and soy sauces. The delicious seafood will make your mouth water.

Terracotta Army

The terracotta figures embodying horses and warriors that fought under the command of Qin Shi Huang, the first Chinese Emperor, represent another famously beautiful touristic spot. This masterpiece was found in 1974 in the suburbs of Xi’an, Shaanxi. Due to the fact that the figures are human-like both in size and overall look, they give the visitors the impression they are surrounded by the Emperor’s soldiers themselves. The Army is worth seeing mainly for the striking reaction it creates.

The Mountain Resort

One of the most strident characteristics of the Chinese civilization is its confessed predilection towards the art of gardening. The meticulously adorned gardens are a peaceful oasis for the Chinese and the tourists alike and also an alternative to the impressive succession of skyscrapers in the largest cities of the country. In spite its name, The Mountain Resort is registered as being the biggest imperial garden on the globe. It is no wonder that it took almost 89 years for it to be finished. When planning a trip to this enormous complex, make sure you have enough time to get a glimpse of the temples and palaces rising here. For a long lasting impression, focus your visit on the well-known sights named after the Chinese Emperors.

Hainan Island

Finally, in order to whet your touristic appetite, we present you briefly another touristic hotspot: the Hainan Island. The sandy, hot beaches together with the azure sea and the coquettish parade of wooden sun umbrellas and palms have recently fueled a touristic boom in this island. So pack up your bathing suit and buy a one-way ticket to Hainan! The sun here is sure to leave you walking away with a golden tanned body. Go for a stroll along the sand and enjoy the sunny rays or swim in the warm sea.

Regardless of the destination you chose when in China, make sure you book the tickets and the hotel rooms well in advance because the modes of transportation as well as the resort hotels might get crowded especially during holiday periods. All in all, China’s unique blend of old-world charm and innovation will leave you breathless.

May
25

The Philippines: Travel Planner

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Nowadays, millions of tourists from all the corners of the world choose as a holiday destination the exotic Philippines. Still, what pushes this Asian country on the first place in the top of the travelers’ preferences? What are this country’s secret weapons? Some of the foreign tourists who have already visited this country claim it’s the eclectic scenery, the greenery and the elegant seaside resorts that make the difference. Others, dreamier, assert the sun rises and sets down in seven thousand different, yet colourful ways every day, referring to the number of islands the Philippines is composed of. Our explanation is simple! The Philippines has it all: starting with sensational beaches, continuing with Mount Apo and the Chocolate Hills and ending with the frenetic metropolis scattered all over the archipelago.

Manila

The vibrant capital city of the country, Manila is a touristic hotspot. It provides the tourists with a wide range of attractions. Firstly, the center of the capital is crowded with churches and museums and the tourists may get around these places in a horse-drawn carriage.

Secondly, the immense Rizal Park has an historical importance: Dr. José Rizal, a national hero was killed here. Hence, if you’re fond of history, you have at least one reason to visit the park. Moreover, this Park hosts a number of Chinese and Japanese gardens, the National Museum of the Filipino People, and The National Library of the Philippines. For those of you who are interested in the species of orchids and butterflies that this country was endowed with, visit the exhibitions held at the Orchidarium and Butterfly Pavilion. The capital houses also the Malacanan Palace, the impressive residence of the President of the Philippines. The traveler craving for recreational spots has various possibilities in Manila: Mehan Garden, Paco Park and Botanical Garden. Nevertheless, Manila showcases a conglomeration of skyscraper, piercing the azure sky and creating unique views over the capital. In the sector of Ermita, the tourists can enjoy their spare time by devouring a rich portion of Ginataang manok (chicken in coconut milk) or a tasty longganisa (sausage) in a fancy restaurant. In order to have a nonconformist, unforgettable night out, choose a bar or a discotheque in this particular sector.

Boracay

However, most of the tourists go for a vacation in one of the many seaside resorts in the Philippines.  The most popular beach and probably the most expensive one is Boracay. This beach boasts of nearly white sand, diamond-clear water and top-rated deluxe hotels. Thus, many celebrities stop by.

This spot is also the perfect destination if you want to enjoy fiestas and in general, an unconventional night life. Moreover, both the refreshing cocktails and the light seafood will be a treat to your taste buds. The best thing about Philippines is that if you stop being interested in your destination place, you can go island hopping as there are many to choose from! As for daily activities, you have plenty of possibilities. You can go boating around the island and then scuba diving, you can swim and tan your skin or you can simply go for a walk and leave your footprints in the sand. And let’s not leave the spas out, shall we? The massages are the top choice for the tourists seeking for relaxation.

It is said that the Filipinos are very hospitable and jolly. Hence, make Boracay your next holiday destination.

Cebu

If you to happen to be in the Philippines, you cannot miss Cebu by no means. It is a tropical island that meets the tastes of all tourists. As beautiful as it is welcoming, this tropical island is the home of many luxurious hotels, casinos, shopping markets and parks. The center of the Cebu City is dotted by the old Basilica of Santo Niño, whereas in the Pier Area rises the popular defensive building Fuerza de San Pedro. However, if the expeditions around the world have always captivated you, visit Magellan’s Cross, host by a chapel on the Magallanes Street. Cebu is a laidback destination famous for its festivals, too. For example, the Mantawi Festival is a joyful parade with locals leading the way, playing the drums and dancing and tourists being invited to join the festival as well. It is no wonder that afterward-parties last until dawn.

Malapascua Island

In spite of being quite small, this island is a paradise. Given the fact that man has come upon it recently, it’s not that populous. Hence, it becomes a perfect destination for those of you who want to escape the crowded places. Moreover, the rocky white plateaus, the golden sand together with the pink coral gardens are the pledge of a successful holiday. Nevertheless, most of the tourists choose Malapascua mainly for Monad Shoal, a subaquatic plateau where sharks and colourful fish can be regularly spotted.

This is only a little slice of the Philippines’ unique ambiance. It is exactly for this reason that the country is referred to as the place where everybody sports a smile! Both the maintained landscape and the friendly people make it an excellent getaway.

May
24

Norway: Travel Planner

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Is Norway on your touristic agenda? It’s high time you plan a tour in the Scandinavian country where Vikings used to rule many centuries ago. Make the most of it by following our travelling guide. We provide you with the finest destinations in the country, highly situated on each tourist’s radar. You should definitely start by spending a few days in the capital city of the country, Oslo.

Oslo

As vibrant as it is expensive, Oslo is surrounded by inspiring forested hills. The center of the city contains much interest for the tourists gathering from all over the world. There are several historical buildings that are worth seeing. If you like to admire the architectural Norwegian works, take a stroll in the town and you’ll be surprised by your findings. If you haven’t paid for a guided tour of the city, ask for guidelines from the locals in order to arrive at The Royal Palace, at the Oslo cathedral and at the Akershus festning and at the Stortinget. Whereas you can enter the Royal Palace and admire also what hides behind its towering walls, restoration works have been initiated at the Oslo Cathedral.  A colorful, lovely garden surrounds the Palace and you are also allowed to take a walk there. If you’re seeking for recreational activities, the Kirkeristen market in the center of the down is dotted with refined restaurants and cafes. As regards the Stortinget, the palace housing the Parliament, tourists can tour it without paying any entrance fee. Do visit the Akershus festning fortress and castle if you are keen on history and military strategies, taking into account it features to theme-related museums. Oslo might not harbor a myriad of old-looking buildings, but pulsates through its wooden houses, modern jewels such as the Opera House and unspoiled landscapes nearby. In addition, you could never get bored here. You can go swimming or in a trip to the one of the Oslo-fjord islands.

As Norway boasts of many snow-covered mountains, the best ski resorts are located here. Both the landscape and the slopes are delightful. In addition, the second highest ski jump in the world, Holmenkollen was also built on the Norwegian territory. In the ski jump tower you are rewarded with a spectacular view of the capital city. If you want to step in the shoes of the ski jumpers, try the simulation device at the base of the ski jump.

As well as visiting the main attractions of the capital city, the tourists can also go on shopping and dine on some fresh sea-food.

The Bryggen, Bergen

Once you left Oslo, you should take into account stopping by Bergen. The city houses several valuable hanseatic wharfs also known under the name of Bryggen. The old wooden houses, built typically in a Norwegian style and beautifully coloured seem taken out from a novel. While formerly they were the place where the goods were stored, nowadays they harbor gift shops and specific restaurants. The Bryggen museum shouldn’t be left out since it features six authentic houses which survived the fire in 1995.

Kristian Sand Zoo and Amusement Park

If you are travelling with your children, they will give you thumbs up if you choose to drop by the next touristic attraction. Located a few kilometers near the Kristiansand city, the Kristian Sand Zoo is one of the largest in the country. Among the wild animals that you can spot, there are some fierce ones: lions, wolves and tigers. This trip is not only recreational but educative as well.

Viking Ship Museum

You should also include in your travelling itinerary, the Viking Ship Museum rising at Bygdøy, Oslo. The ships you will see are exactly like the ones designed in the cartoons and movies starring Vikings. The items displayed are stale, some of them reaching back AD 900. Apart of being authentic, they are interesting to be admired.

Norway differs a lot from other European countries. The buzzing cities like Oslo and … contrast with the spectacular landscapes. Both the waterfalls and the fjord (valleys) overshadow the human-made landmarks of Norway.

May
22

Egypt: Travel Planner

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You have probably seen many pictures of the Pyramids.  Provided some of your friends have been there, they surely came back all smiles and incredibly charmed with what they’ve experienced. Egypt is largely different of other European destinations. In spite of being practically a dessert, the country is loaded both with a unique culture and touristic attractions. Even the Egyptians’ behavior and culture is not at all similar to the one the Europeans or the Americans display. You might or might not like this change of pace and I’ve literally seen people being enthralled or appaled by the haggle-based workarounds one needs to undertake on many occasions all throughout a trip to Egypt. Just don’t be shocked or surprised if someone wants to offer you some camels in exchange of your girlfriend ;)

Cairo and the Gyza Pyramids

It goes without saying the Pyramids and the visible ruins of the ancient Egyptian civilization are the magnets to attract millions of tourists every year. The Giza Pyramids are the symbol of Egypt and the place where three pharaohs and their relatives were buried.  Still, the capital city Cairo has much more to offer. Do pay a visit to the Egyptian Museum in the heart of the town and admire the artifacts. You can also shop nearby at the Khan al-Khalili market. Extremely populous and vibrating, Cairo is also home to modern architecture. If you’re curious to see hoe a mosque looks like, go to Ibn Tulun, the oldest in the city. Moreover, don’t forget to fake your shoes off. Otherwise, you will end up offending their beliefs. If you’re a woman, cover both your head and your body. When you’re tired, linger over a cup of hibiscus tea on a terrace. If you’re starving, the numerous outdoor shops offer many culinary options, at different prices.

Luxor

Luxor is as renowned as Cairo. The city is dotted with monumental temples and ancient tombs of the royalty. Still, the modern period had an impact over the city which became recently hustling. Some of the most impressive temples are: the Luxor Temple and the Temple of Karnak. Once you are on this side of the city, take advantage of this chance and dine in a fancy restaurant. The Valley of Kings is located very close to the city. This archeological site, harbouring the toms of the Egyptian pharaoh has made the tour of the world and is worth-seeing. When in this part of the country, taste the beef or if you dare the pigeon meet, typically cooked.

Alexandria

The metropolitan area of Alexandria is a well-known touristic destination due to the diversity of the cultural attractions it harbours. Firstly, pay a visit to the Citadel of Quait Bey and you’ll be overwhelmed by the view over both the city and the Mediterranean Sea. The city features many other ancient ruinbs and buildings. Start by visiting the Roman catacombs, the result of a blend between the Egyptian and the Roman iconography. The Roman theatre is a fascinating masterpiece surviving the passage of many centuries. When in Alexandria you may also go at the Montazah Beach for a refreshing swimming. Practicing various water sports is also possible. The seafood served in the Alexandrian restaurants is the most delicious in the country.

Aswan

If you plan to spend a lot of time in Egypt, include in your itinerary the city of Aswan. There are some attractions here you shouldn’t leave out from your trip. Both the Unfinished Obelisk and the Tombs of the Nobles are visible icons of the ancient Egyptian civilization. After you had a glimpse of the sights you were interested in, you can turn back in Luxor as daily cruises are organized from one destination to the other.

May
18

Karan’s Guesthouse and Indian Hospitality

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Once you landed on Karan’s Guesthouse and after skimming through the blog’s posts, you’ll feel like an old history book had just opened its yellow pages and you’re about to find out all this fascinating legends that hide behind the foundation of a temple, the unsuspected bustle that brings about the hosting of an art gallery or simply interesting things an eager-to-know traveler should be aware of when setting his foot on the unique Indian district of Rajasthan.

To be more precise, when it comes to his articles, the blog’s author puts into practice this magic receipt that smites you right on the spot: he covers the interesting, useful information about a particular sight with a story aura. Not only will you be captivated by the post, but you’ll want more and more. And luckily, the blog comprises a big roster of destinations a traveler shouldn’t miss when in the district of Rajasthan with their corresponding tale. Absorbing, amusing or simple events from the every-day life in the Indian society find their particular place in Karan’s Guesthouse, as well as an album with beautiful pictures of Indian sights, published for you to satisfy your curiosity.

And provided you’re starved after all this reading, the blogger posted all this mouth-watering, traditional and personal receipts that you can turn into a home-cooked meal. Check out this yummy post for example.

After leaving Karan’s lively guesthouse, you’ll be perfectly in tune with the journeys presented in her articles. And I guess that’s the true goal of every travelling site, isn’t it?

May
18

Bapworld.com - Travelling With Style

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When I start getting attached to a themed, niche blog (in my case the niche is usually traveling) I always like it when the authors bring out those small personal elements into play, making you feel part of their adventures. In this regard, travel writers have a very similar mission to that of actors who have to play their role to the best of their abilities, sucking you into the character and stirring up positive or negative emotions from their viewers.

It’s one of the reasons I love blogs that combine travel experiences with personal insights, a combination that lets you connect better with the person you’re reading about and it’s this same reason that got me hooked on www.bapworld.com, the work of Kat Calvin.

Kat develops her blog on both travel and personal subjects, often tying them into a single knot, which makes the author-reader bond a lot stronger and it’s this type of bond that can make each of her travel stories read so nicely. True, if you’re just looking for travel posts with dozens of exotic pictures and ongoing adventures around the World, bapworld might not be an exact match for what you’re looking for. But if you’re like me and enjoy reading about and knowing the people behind the blogs as well, then Kat’s bapworld is truly an interesting read.

May
18

Lifecruiser and Why We Love Viking Pirates

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I wouldn’t dare preach about how to become a great travel blogger, but it seems to me that most of the guys and gals that reached the stars in this field have an unquestionably unique identity and personal branding that helps them stand out of the crowd. Sure, great content, updated frequently and some community building effort might give you a boost, but without the unique element, there’s a chance people will forget about you quickly. I remember the first time I stumbled upon lifecruiser.com I immediately got that “hey, that’s new!” feeling and following the authoring Swedish couple throughout their posts definitely strengthened that feeling.

First off, let’s start with the fact that you don’t get as many Swedish travel blogs out there, written in English, so this is a novelty in itself and you’ll soon see why I’m considering this as one of lifecruiser’s unique strong points. I don’t know if you’ve noticed this, but if you follow an experienced travel blogger for long enough, there’s a chance some of his or her posts will seem mechanic, almost defeating the natural purpose of the theme he’s covering and that is, to me, a bit annoying since it’s sucking the adventure element out of whatever exotic trip they’re pulling.

Well with lifecruiser, not once have I had that feeling; I don’t know if it’s the genuinely passionate writing style of Mr. and Mrs. Lifecruiser, or their photo talent, but the important thing is that the feeling of uniqueness and passion is still there after over 3 years of travel writing and that’s no small feat. The few, sporadic non-native English errors in their writing also do the articles a lot of good, giving them a natural coating and distinguishing the couple from the rest of the Europe cruisin’ flock.

Last but not least, one of the first things that made me remember lifecruiser’s blog was its colorful design. The sunset theme of the blog seems so fitting to the theme of their articles, as they’re sailing away for yet another great adventure around the World.

Oh and check out their articles archive…if that’s not passion for travel writing, I don’t know what is.

May
18

The World Would be a Sadder Place if You Should Ever Log Off

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Working in the travel world you meet, talk to and read about dozens of people sharing the same interest for adventure and, I’m pretty sure you’ve seen this happen to someone you know, in a lot of cases their adventuring dreams end up in shambles, overshadowed by daily life issues and budget problems. It’s no small feat leaving everything behind and going round the World and few have the courage to take on this challenge but Jill and Danny of ishouldlogoff.com seem to be the perfect example for the type.

Still, despite their statement of being “just an average 20 something couple looking to explore the World”, Jill and Danny are quite a distinctive spot on the traveling radar, as they’re not simple camera-wielding vacationers, but people that get involved in the communities they visit, helping out, teaching and learning at the same time.

The last e-mail Danny sent me was from his trip in Guatemala and after reading their last post, about visiting two volcanoes in 24 hours, I got this picturesque image of the type of adventure they must be experiencing down there, an imaged fed by the awesome pictures the couple took on location. Tell me Danny, if you guys are the average 20 something travelers, how come you’re a few yards away from a stream of hot lava in one of the pictures? :) That doesn’t seem like something the average traveler would have the guts to do.

In any case, I highly encourage you guys to follow Danny and Jill’s adventure, I’m sure they’ll end up on your must-read list pretty soon as they offer a unique traveler’s point of view and I’m positive they’ll have some surprises for us in their future exotic trips.