Travel is a luxury that most wish they could do more of. It is an escape from everyday life. Travelling is a great way to see new things, step outside of your comfort zone, and do things you normally wouldn’t do. It’s about fun and excitement, rest and relaxation. As awesome as getting away may sound, it doesn’t happen often for most. Since taking a trip requires money, most end up pushing off their dreams to travel more. If money has held you back from vacationing more often, these tips will come in handy.
Vacation Locally
You don’t have to go far to feel like you’re on vacation. Often, people are unaware of the many things to see and do right in their hometown. So, book a hotel room nearby and search for some tourist attractions in your area. Sometimes a weekend stay in a nice hotel can be just what you need to feel replenished. Look up free or affordable things to do in the area. Depending on what time of year you decide to plan a staycation, you may be able to find a lot of outdoor activities, festivals, and events offered to the community that you can take part in.
Buy Timeshare
If traveling more is your goal, but you’re on a budget, a timeshare may be ideal. You’d essentially purchase or rent a suite at a resort which can be used during set times throughout the year. Some companies, like Welk Timeshare, offer various in-network resort locations to choose from. Therefore, when you want to go on vacation, the room has already been paid for. With resort destinations, a lot of the attractions are all-inclusive or on-site allowing you to save even more money. If you really want to increase your savings, consider splitting the cost of a timeshare with friends or family then split the allotted vacation time so everyone can enjoy a vacation without the high cost.
Travel in Groups
When funds are tight, paying for a vacation on your own may be out of the question. However, if you have some friend or family members you don’t mind traveling with, then you can reduce the cost of the trip. Not only are group discounts more common for travel, but splitting the bill two or three ways is a lot better than footing it all yourself.
Crash on a Couch
Do you have friends and family members who live in other parts of the country or world? If so, take advantage of this by planning a vacation in the area they live. Ask beforehand to crash on their couch to save money on hotel accommodations. If you don’t know anyone you can crash with, you might also consider looking into vacation rentals as many people open their homes to tourists as a way to make extra money. Renting a room at someone’s beach house could cost a lot less than paying for a hotel.
Always Look for Deals
Tourism is how many states and countries make a living. Therefore, they are always offering deals and discounts to attract newcomers. If you really want to travel more, just make sure that you keep an eye out for any good deals. Anything that will cut the cost of your trip will suffice. Whether you find cheap eats in London to reduce the cost of eating out or affordable hotel rooms in Australia, every penny helps reduce yours out-of-pocket costs.
Getting away is something everyone should do more. While you may have thought that traveling more on a shoestring budget was impossible, there are solutions out there. Whether you plan a few staycations, purchase a timeshare, crash on the couch, or just look for deals at a destination you’re interested in traveling to, you’ll save a lot of money while exploring more of the world around you.
Jane Donovan is a copywriter and blogger from the deep south! She grew up taking vacations to the Gulf of Mexico and the lakes of Georgia before growing up, leaving her hometown for college, and studying aboard in Madrid, Spain! Jane majored in English and start working in journalism and copywriting just after college since 2005!
Game of Thrones indisputably has some of the most picturesque scenes ever captured in an American television series (or for that matter any tv show across the world).
Many have surely felt like visiting the Seven Kingdoms only for the stunning scenery on several occasions.
So here we discover these precious locations from GoT that you can visit too!
1. Spain: Spain is a place that one cannot overlook while discussing Game of Thrones locations. San Juan de Gaztelugatxe in Bermeo, Basque Country is a place that features the famous stone bridge. Numerous places in Seville have played a huge role in the filming of the show. Extremadura is also a place that has become a popular tourist spot for all the beautiful reasons. (By the way, don’t forget to check out our collection of Game Of Thrones T-Shirts)
Getting to Spain from India: The best time to travel to Spain is said to be the autumn season. The main airports in Spain are in Barcelona and Madrid, where you can land from the major cities in India like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Bangalore. To visit nearby places or your favorite GoT location, you can travel by public and private transport systems.
2. Iceland: Want to visit the home of the White Walkers? Iceland is the place that was the abode of the dead. But it will make you feel as alive as ever. Iceland was first featured in Game of Thrones in Season 2 and we cannot get enough of the place ever since.
Getting to Iceland from India: You can travel to Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland by frequent flights from Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Chennai. North Iceland is a must-visit for the GoT fan in you! By the way, a fun fact here – did you know the mighty Gregor Clegane aka “The Mountain” (Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson) from Game Of Thrones is also from Reykjavik Iceland?
3. Croatia: These places in mystical Croatia should definitely feature on your GoT itinerary: St. Dominika Street, Bokar Fortress, Lokrum Island, Lovrijenac Fortress, and Diocletian’s Palace. The King’s Landing is the place that earned Croatia the name of the Land of the Iron Throne.
Getting to Croatia from India: Flights operate from India to Zagreb, the capital of Croatia from major Indian cities. You can travel to other places from Zagreb using public or private transport. Enjoy the Mediterranean climate best in summer. If you indeed decide to go to Croatia (especially Zagreb), then I must recommend going to the Upper Town (aka Gornji Grad). I was there on a family trip around last year’s Christmas, and we had an amazing time. The people are super nice and Indians are generally respected and welcomed. Above is an image we took, while we were there.
Through this article, my intention was to give you a little insight into how even we common folks can touch and feel the very places, Game Of Thrones was shot at, and maybe come a slight bit close to the awesome-st show in the history of mankind. So, these were the three dazzling places that will captivate you to no end, whether you are a Game of Thrones fan or not. They say that travel is the best way to discover yourself. So, do not forget to add these stunning places to your bucket list, for who knows, you may find the power of royal connections doing wonders for your soul!
Neha Rajan – A Media Studies professional, working with popular Merchandise Brand – We The Chic. She has a passion for writing on just about anything. Books and her dog Leo are her best companions. She loves the natural world and her affection for animals led her to veganism. A pacifist, lover of mysticism with absolute faith in the Universe, she hopes to conquer her own little world with words, dreams and compassion.
Singapore is just a tiny red dot on the world map. However, this city-state is an ultra-modern country with world-class amenities, making it one of the best holiday destinations. Moreover, it is clean and almost 100% crime-free. While the city is full of skyscrapers and luxurious buildings, Singapore has been able to preserve its cultural essence with places like Little India and Chinatown. Moreover, you do not have to spend your entire holiday inside the concrete jungle. On the other hand, Singapore has some of best zoos, parks and open-air activities that anyone would enjoy. With a variety of places and activities available in Singapore, it is one of the best places to go on a family holiday.
Singapore Zoo
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One of the major attractions that interest adults and children alike is the Singapore Zoo. The Singapore Zoo is not the traditional zoo but has open exhibits with moats, hidden barriers and glass separating the animals from the visitors. This rainforest zoo is home to 315 species of animals and has the largest colony of orangutans. Apart from orangutans, you would get to see African lion, white tiger, cheetah, wolverine, polar bear, white rhinoceros, large flying fox, leopard, mountain lion and several other wild animals in this zoo. Moreover, the zoo also hosts some interesting shows like Breakfast with an Orangutan, Elephants at Work and Play, Splash Safari, Animal Friends and Rainforest Fights Back.
Night Safari
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Just adjacent to the Singapore Zoo is the Singapore Night Safari which is the first nocturnal zoo not just in the city-state but also in the entire world. The Night Safari has seven geographical zones which can be explored by tram or by foot using one of the 4 walking trails. The Indian Subcontinent, Himalayan Foothills, Asian Riverine Forest, Burmese Hillside, Nepalese River Valley and equatorial Africa are some of the exhibits you would find here, while the Fishing Cat, Wallaby, Leopard trail, east Lodge Trail are the trails that you can follow if you want to explore the place on foot. The lighting here resembles actual moonlight (slightly brighter) to give the nocturnal animals a setting same as their natural environment. Apart from viewing Asian elephants, Indian rhinoceros, and other such wild animals, you would also get to enjoy some great shows like Thumbuakar Show and Creatures of the Night Show.
River Safari
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Right in between the Singapore Zoo and Night Safari is located the River Safari which is a river-themed zoo as well as an aquarium. The place offers riverboat rides and freshwater attractions that attract thousands of people here every year. During your tour on the River Safari, you get to see 10 different ecosystems including Mississippi, River Nile, Yangtze River, Tundra, and Amazon. The park has around 5000 animals amongst 300 species some of which are West Indian manatees, red pandas, squirrel monkeys, giant otters, Chinese alligators, paddlefish, golden pheasants, Mekong freshwater stingrays, electric eels, etc. While all this interesting, the major highlight of this park is the Amazon River quest which is a boat ride on the Amazon River where you would get to see more than 30 wildlife species including red and black howler monkeys, golden-headed lion tamarins, capybaras, collared peccaries, giant anteaters, jaguars, etc.
Jurong Bird Park
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Jurong Bird Park is an open aviary that is home to more than 5000 birds amongst 380 bird species. The park covers 49 acres of area and is divided into different exhibits as per geography. You would have a great time looking at African Waterfall Aviary, Dinosaur Descendants, Lory Loft, Wings of Asia, Pelican Cove, Penguin Coast and World of Darkness. While visiting these exhibits are fun, you should also not miss the interesting shows that are available here. High Flyers Show is a show where you can enjoy a performance by talented birds, and Kings of the Skies Show give you the opportunity to watch eagles, falcons, hawks and other birds of prey put up a great show. Another interesting show is having lunch with the parrots. The Jurong Bird Park is a great place to visit if you are looking for things to do in Singapore with family, especially for kids.
Gardens by the Bay
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Right in the middle of the sprawling city of Singapore lies a green haven called the Gardens by the Bay. Located right next to the Marina Reservoir, this park has three waterfront gardens, namely Bay East Garden, Bay South Garden and Bay Central Garden. The landscape design of this park is awe-inspiring combing garden artistry and tropical horticulture quite beautifully. There are two conservatories in the park which are Flower Dome and Cloud Forest. Another highlight of this park is the Supertree Grove where you would find huge tree-like structures which work as environmental engineers. The best time to visit this park is in the evening when the supertrees glow with lights and music. The park also has a Children’s Garden and other horticultural themed gardens.
Merlion Park
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Your visit to Singapore would not be complete without a visit to Merlion Park which is home to the idol of Singapore’s mascot, the Merlion which has the head of a lion and body of fish. The Merlion Park is a landmark of Singapore and has two statues of the Merlion. The bigger statue is 8.6 meters in height and spouts water from its mouth while the shorter one is 2 meters tall. The park is near the Marina Bay area and hence gives you the opportunity to admire the marvellous skyline of the place. On the other hand, you can take a tour on the Singapore River and explore places like Clarke Quay.
If you are looking for pure fun and entertainment after a lot of sightseeing, Sentosa Island is a place you must definitely visit. The place is a separate island away from mainland Singapore and has a beach, two golf courses, several luxurious hotels, water parks, a Merlion statue and a fort too. With so many attractions and resorts, you can possibly spend your entire holiday in Sentosa. However, you should not miss the attractions in Singapore and hence plan to spend at least a few days on this amazing island. Some of the attractions that you should not miss when in Sentosa Island are Tiger Sky Tower, Butterfly Park and the Insect Kingdom, The Wings of Time, Fort Siloso, Sentosa 4D Adventureland, Madame Tussauds, MegaZip Adventure Park, iFly Singapore, Wave House, Sentosa Nature Discovery and the Skyline Luge & Skyride. Universal Studios Singapore is also one of the major highlights of Sentosa Island.
Singapore Flyer
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If you want to see the whole of Singapore and maybe catch a glimpse of the neighbouring countries of Malaysia and Indonesia, you must go on a ride of the Singapore Flyer. Consisting of 28 capsules, each with a capacity of holding 28 passengers, the Singapore Flyer is one giant Ferris wheel that would give you a 360o bird’s eye view of the entire city. You can take a look at all the iconic landmarks of the city including Raffles Place, Empress Place, Merlion Park, Singapore River, etc. during your journey on the Ferris wheel. The Singapore Flyer is also available for premium sky ding and champagne flight if you want to make the evening even more special.
Chinatown
Little India and Chinatown
If you want to take a break from the glitz and glamour of Singapore and explore the culture and heritage of the place, Chinatown is the place you must visit. There are temples to visit, museums to explore and plenty of shopping to be done from the various old shops that line the street. Some of the major attractions of the place are Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, Sri Mariamman Temple, Red Dot Design Museum, Thian Hock Keng Temple, Hong Lim Park, Singapore City Gallery, Singapore Coin and Notes Museum, etc. You must also save some energy to explore Chinatown Street Market where you can shop and eat to your heart’s content.
Little India
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Just across Chinatown is another ethnic district of Singapore called Little India. Little India is where Indian immigrants lived during the period of colonization. Today, this area is one of the most vibrant and bustling parts of the city. This place preserves and reflects the Indian culture beautifully the temples, shops, and restaurants. Little India is a great place for shopping. The Mustafa Centre is a 24 hours mall and sells everything from clothes to electronics. You must also check out Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, Tekka Centre, and Jothi Store & Flower Shop when in this part of the city. Apart from this, Little India also has several restaurants that serve delicious North Indian and South Indian delicacies.
Singapore Botanic Gardens
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The Singapore Botanic Gardens is a tropical garden which is 158 years old and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, making it one of the places to visit in sightseeing. The park has a three-core concept which includes the Tanglin Core, Central Core, and Bukit Timah Core, each of which offers something unique and interesting to see. The garden has added a fourth score to it recently, the Tyersall-Gallop which includes a tour of the rainforest that exists inside the park. Another thing that you should not miss here is the National Orchid Garden which is home to more than 1000 orchids of different colours as well as hybrids. The place is a great place to have a stroll when you want to get away from the crowd and noise of the city.
Marina Bay Sands Sky Park
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The Marina Bay Sands Resort is one of the iconic structures of Singapore. The hotel comprises of three tall buildings and a wooden decked area on top which is the Sky Park. Sky Park has an observation deck which gives you a 360o view of the entire city. Apart from this, the place has a museum, an event space, a retail space where you can shop for the world’s most popular brands, theatres and several cafes and restaurants. However, the highlight of the place is the infinity pool. However, you cannot take a dip in the pool if you are not a guest at the Marina Bay Sands Hotel. Nevertheless, do not miss the chance to take a look at this amazing pool that gives an amazing view of the city.
Orchard Road
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No holiday can be complete without shopping. If you love shopping, you must head to Orchard Road which is not just Singapore but also Asia’s most famous shopping street. It is a haven for shopping lovers as you would find street shops, speciality stores as well as boutiques at this place. You can buy everything from fast fashion and ethnic wares to designer labels at this place. There are also several eateries, restaurants, and cafes where you can have delicious meals and hang out leisurely. As it is one of the happening places in the city, you should not miss visiting Orchard Road even if shopping is not something you enjoy.
Although a part of Sentosa Island, Universal Studios does need a special mention. This theme park is something you should visit if you love movies and Hollywood. The park has several theme zones which include Hollywood, New York, Far Far Away, Sci-Fi City, The Lost World, Madagascar and Ancient Egypt. Not only can you visit the locations of your favourite movies but can also meet your favourite movie characters. Apart from this, the numerous thrilling rides and roller coasters would definitely hook you to this place.
Clarke Quay
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If you want to explore and enjoy Singapore’s nightlife, Clarke Quay is the place you must visit. This historical site is along the Singapore River and has some great restaurants, cafes, pubs, and nightclubs of the city. The place is also great for those who are seeking adventure. The G-MAX Reverse Bungee is a place for those who would like to fly, while the GX-5 Extreme Swing gives you the opportunity for free fall 40 meters in the air. If you want to visit this place with your children, it would be best to do so in the day. However, it is during the night-time that the place lits up with different colours and lights. If you want to have a relaxing evening on Clarke Quay, go for one of the Singapore River Cruises.
The city-state of Singapore offers tons of things to locals, residents, and tourists. It is not just beautiful but has several attractions that would keep you interested and busy throughout your holiday.
Akshay Koranne is a travel blogger who loves to travel across the world and shares the experience through travel blogs and articles. Apart from traveling and blogging, he likes playing Chess and Cricket.
The Northern Lights are widely considered among the most captivating beautiful sights in the world, and Iceland is one of the best places to go to see the light show.
Best Time to visit–
Visit between September and March, when winter descends and the open plains outside the cities are plunged into darkness by night. Even by day, you can expect only about five hours of daylight. And do keep in mind that the nights are particularly cold during the cloudless days of winter, so bring plenty of warm layers.
aurora northern lights borealis night phenomenon Image credit- pixabay
Aurora Borealis
The phenomenon known as Aurora Borealis is best experienced during winter time as they are generated in the upper atmosphere when bombarded by electronically charged particles from the sun. They form what is known as ‘auroral belts’ around the geomagnetic poles and occur high above the Earth’s surface, at altitudes between 100-250km, where the atmosphere is extremely thin.
If you plan to experience this phenomenon yourself then
