Vietnam is a country filled with natural beauty. From its rice terrace fields to amazing limestone formations in the north, the country boasts incredible diversity. Vietnam is home to Buddhist pagodas, floating markets, world wonders, and bustling cities such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. In short, Vietnam has everything for the discerning traveler, including some of the best cuisine I have experienced. Here are top ten things to do when in Vietnam.
Plan your upcoming travel to Ha Long Bay in Vietnam to witness a magical floating world. Comprised of more than 1600 limestone pillars making up hollow caves, and several small floating islands across the emerald waters, it is not surprising to hear that Ha Long Bay is one of the seven natural wonders of the world. This UNESCO World Heritage Site attracts millions of tourists from around the world each year. Be sure not miss this gem of Southeast Asia.
Though Vietnam will undoubtedly dazzle visitors at any time of the year with its delicious culinary specialties, luscious green landscapes, and cultural experiences, the country experiences huge regional and seasonal differences. The country’s narrow, snaking shape, which expands over 600 miles from the Red River in the north and the South China Sea at its south end, splits Vietnam into three separate climates: 1) a humid subtropical climate to the north; 2) a monsoon climate in areas closest to the South China Sea; and 2) a tropical savanna climate to the south. So, while Northern Vietnam experiences distinct winter and summer seasons, Southern Vietnam divides its year by its rainy and dry seasons.
So, the best time to travel to Vietnam depends largely on your destination! Continue reading below to find out the optimal time to visit each region of Vietnam!
The cuisine in Lisbon centers around seafood, which comes as no surprise as the capital city sits at the mouth of the Tagus River and the Atlantic Ocean! This city is also well-known for its delectable cheese and wine, and, of course, the famous pasteis de nata – the egg custard tarts. Let’s take a look at some of the popular dishes to eat and what to drink while in Portugal!
Spain, a welcoming country full of vibrant history, is home to over 44 million people. As with every culture, the Spanish have their own cultural values and norms that dictate their behavior and ways of life. So, a little pre-trip research always goes a long way Here are some things to know about Spain's culture and etiquette before your next trip!
When deciding to take a city-break, what is your top criteria for finding the perfect destination? Is it history? Architecture? Nightlife? Whatever your preferences, Spain has an abundance of choices for an unforgettable trip.
The great civilization of the Ancient Maya serves as one of the most well-known indigenous cultures of the Americas. Dating all the way back to 2600 B.C., the Maya inhabited prominent areas throughout Central America, including Guatemala, Honduras, and Belize, and constructed thousands of impressive cities and ceremonial sites throughout the region. Yet, though this ancient civiliation populated a vast region, the Mexican state of Quintana Roo on the Yucatan Peninsula held special significance to the Maya. Between the 4th and 10th centuries, this region was considered the ‘gateway to the Mayan world,’ and, today, the Yucatan Peninsula remains peppered with the ruins of Maya’s spectacular metropolises. If you are planning to travel to the Yucatan, these awe-inspiring sites are absolute must-sees. Prepare yourself to take a step back in time and enter in to the ancient world by exploring these top five Mayan ruins of the Yucatan!
Whether you’re headed for a gap year or a truly special romantic getaway, Southeast Asia ticks a lot of boxes. In recent years, this region has rocketed to the top of traveller’s bucket lists; so here’s our top ten most instagrammable spots in Southeast Asia to inspire you! If this doesn’t spark the wanderlust in you, I don’t know what will!
An age-old question when it comes to traveling is “Should I go on a guided tour” vs. “Should I travel self-guided.” I have traveled both on guided tours and self-guided and I can honestly say there are pros and cons to each style. Personal preference, budget, and destination all can play a role in the decision process, so let’s take a look at when you would choose one type of travel over the other.
When you think of idyllic beach destinations, if you’re like most “Africa” probably isn’t the first thing to come to mind. But in recent years Zanzibar has been heralded as the ‘new Caribbean’, and with pristine white sand beaches stretching into the turquoise Indian Ocean, it is easy to see why it’s climbing to the top of the honeymoon goers lists.
Always wanted to wake up to the mighty roar of a lion? Get transported into The Lion King? Kenya is the most popular safari destination in all of Africa. This beautiful country in the East of Africa is filled with 61 Kenya National Parks and National Reserves, covering 8% of the land. The difference between a park and a reserve is that parks only allow tourism and research while reserves allow for human activities such as firewood collection or fishing under specific regulated conditions.
Located on the southernmost tip of the African continent, South Africa is full of diversity. From the powdery beaches that touch two different oceans to the dramatic landscapes that play host to some of the most iconic African wildlife, this nation offers visitors a plethora of activities. South Africa, is a multiethnic society with a myriad of rich cultures, languages, and religions. Offering a variety of cultural immersion experiences and culinary traditions, as well as some of the world’s best safaris, South Africa is limitless in both adventure and beauty. Keep reading below for a list of 9 of the best things to do in South Africa!
Japan is often referred to as the “land of the rising sun” and is best known for its efficient transportation system, especially the famous bullet trains. Japan is an interesting country to visit because of the combination of the old and the new that you will find as you travel through this place. So is Japan a good destination for a solo traveler? If you’re traveling to Japan alone for the first time, here are 15 tips you need to know.
Throughout the hustle and bustle of Tokyo, Japan, the world’s largest and most populated metropolis has plenty of food options to offer. While Tokyo offers a ton to see and do, most can agree that the main attractions are the restaurants and the main activity is eating as much as you can. Here are some of the top restaurants in Tokyo.
Packing is one of the necessary evils of traveling, and it can be a stressful process to try to think through every single item that we may need in a foreign country, especially one that’s as far away as Japan. Where do we even start to pack for a Japanese getaway? Luckily, there are several resources that we can use to make packing easy and painless! Read below to find an important list of packing essentials for your Japan vacation!
You are planning to climb mount Kilimanjaro and you don't know which is the best route? Acanela Expedition will explain the differences between the routes and help you decide which is the best for you. As the popularity of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro continues to increase, potential climbers are often uncertain as to which route to take. There are seven major routes used to climb Kilimanjaro. Each route has its own advantages and disadvantages. When selecting the route, make sure it is the appropriate route for your desires, physical ability, altitude and comfort level.
Did you know Cuba is the largest island in the Caribbean? Discovered by Christopher Colombus in 1492, Cuba is known for its amazing live music and dance scene. Cuba is also known for its world-renowned cigars, 1905s Cadillacs, and its powdery, white beaches. Your visit to Cuba will likely begin with the capital city, Havana. So let’s take a look at some of the best neighborhoods and hotels to stay in while visiting Havana.
