Archive for the ‘Travel & Leisure’ Category

Things to Remember in Iceland

Things to Remember in Iceland

It may have a really troubled economy nowadays, but Iceland continues to draw curiosity.  Beyond the “ice” and Björk, Iceland has a lot to offer for travelers from around the world.The land is literally not made of iceDespite the name, only 10% of Iceland is covered with glaciers.  First-time visitors would be surprised how mild its climate is, not to mention its many geothermal springs where tourists come and bathe.Take a dip in the Blue LagoonAmong the country’s “hot spots,” the Blue Lagoon (l…

Church-Hopping at Vladimir

Church-Hopping at Vladimir

Beyond the hustle and bustle of its very chaotic capital, Russia boasts of old towns that still retain its distinct medieval architecture.  These cities, known among locals as the Golden Ring because of its proximity with one another, also preserve its later buildings erected from the 16th to 20th centuries.One of the most visited cities in the Golden Ring is Vladimir, located in the central part of the Eastern European Plain and sitting on a steep hill beside the Klyazma River.  Travelers are d…

Scenes in Downtown Bergen

Scenes in Downtown Bergen

Since its foundation in 1070 AD, Bergen has evolved into one of Norway’s most important cities.  This country’s second largest capital even became the administrative capital during the early 1200, so it is not surprising why Bergen has been a commercial and tourist hotspot for many European travelers.Bergen has a number of attractions, but even the locals would tell you that in order to get into the “real feel of Bergen,” one has to go beyond the typical sights and simply stroll along downtown. …

Going to Boracay Island

Going to Boracay Island

Avid travelers have been advised never to miss Boracay Island, a tiny piece of paradise located in Central Philippines that has been known for its low and quiet tides that are ideal for swimming, powder-white sand, and an amazing variety of amenities and entertainment.  Getting there, however, provides a challenge even for seasoned adventurers. Aside from the usual “by air” method, there are many ways to get into Boracay Island.  Here are some of the options.By air and seaThe main port of entry …

Where to Go in Boracay Island

Where to Go in Boracay Island

Even though Boracay Island in Central Philippines is a small stretch of land, it has a myriad of possibilities. You can have your piece of quiet paradise or enjoy the pulsating rhythms until the wee hours. Here are some of the recommended areas and venues when coming to Boracay. White BeachThis stretch of powdery white sand is where most tourists go. Not only it has a vast sand area where you can never run out of space to lay your towel and sunbathe yourself, it is also the island’s commercial a…

Dili, East Timor Travel Guide

Dili, East Timor Travel Guide

In one of the tiniest countries in Asia, its capital city is rising from the ashes by inviting weary travelers to take a dive deep into their majestic coral reefs.  Coming to the charming seaside city of Dili in East Timor, you may still see the ruins left by past conflicts when the former Portuguese colony declared independence from Indonesia in 2002. Squeezed along the narrow plains between the Timor Island and Ombai Strait, Dili was a backwater even during colonial times, being in a remote co…

New Buffalo, Michigan: Gateway to the Great Lakes

New Buffalo, Michigan: Gateway to the Great Lakes

At the southwestern tip of the State of Michigan and about 90 minutes from Chicago, town welcomes its visitors with open arms.  New Buffalo, Michigan, is the first stop of travelers coming from Indiana and other adjacent areas. Located at the mouth of the Galien River over at Michigan’s west coast, New Buffalo has become a sudden travel destination with its lakeside beaches, beautiful countryside scenery, and a casino to boot.  You could also witness spectacular summertime sunsets similar to the…

Pahoa, Hawaii: Land of Paradise

Pahoa, Hawaii: Land of Paradise

The Paradise State of Hawaii has been a top travel destination in the United States, but there are much more about the islands than just beaches and swanky hotels.  Travelers wishing to discover more of Hawaii may want to venture to the Big Island and visit Pahoa village, where the past remains untouched. It is unknown how long the indigenous Hawaiians settled in the area, but the archeological findings have suggested that Pahoa has a long history of habitation.  Since then, Pahoa has been a rug…

Bainbridge Island, Washington: Where Living is Almost Perfect

Bainbridge Island, Washington:  Where Living is Almost Perfect

A 35-minute ferry ride from Seattle takes you to an island stated on CNN and Money Magazine back in 2005 as the second-best place to live in the United States. Located on an arm of land within the Puget Sound, Bainbridge Island has become a getaway for people want to spend the afternoon kayaking and taking a hike, or spend the evening creating healthy discussion in a local bar. The island is also once a commune for artists during the 1970s and 1980s, wherein poets and musicians used to converge …

Svalbard, Norway: The World’s Northernmost Tourist Haven

Svalbard, Norway:  The World’s Northernmost Tourist Haven

If you are one of those rare travelers who are willing to go to the edges of the earth just to discover places that few tourists have dared to trek, consider traveling north…way north.  At the northernmost tip of Europe is a collection of islands (technically) governed by Norway where one can experience life in the Arctic. Svalbard is one of the most spectacular places imaginable, having a bit of access from the North Pole as well as vast icebergs and floes that choke the seas.  Despite the ba…