Are you an adventurous soul looking for some excitement in your life? Try backpacking through parts of the world and brag about it to the world! There are many destinations for first-time backpackers that provide a wide and varied travel experience to the traveler. So pack up your bags (make it light) and head outdoors.

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Destinations for First-Time Backpackers

• Mexico
• Vietnam
• Australia
• India

Mexico

The number one destination for backpackers would be Mexico as it provides an ultimate and exciting adventure filled holiday. It is a cheap and budget-friendly holiday destination. Food is very delicious and would be to the taste of most of the travelers. It is very delicious, and we have all tasted it in one form or another. Food is cheap and filling at the same time. Accommodations in hotels are very budget-friendly. Backpacking is a great way to see this country with its stunning beaches, grand at historical places and adventurous sites.

Vietnam

Vietnam is another option for backpackers for youth and first-time backpackers. It is one of the stunning and verdant areas which are very pleasing to the eye. The endless fields of rice paddy and simple lifestyles of people are soothing to the frazzled traveler. It is best to backpack as you will be in direct contact with the people. The food is varied, and surprisingly there is something for everyone. So head to the capital, Hanoi, and enjoy all that it has to offer. Take time to explore the mountains and revel in the simple nature and beauty of this place.

Look at Best Places to Visit in Hanoi, Vietnam

Australia

Australia is often called outback because of its vast stretches of forested area and wild open spaces. It is beautiful and untouched for most parts. There are a lot of dangerous animals and snakes in the outback, so be cautious as a first timer. It is good to travel in a group as the stretches are big and deserted and you might feel lonely by yourself. Visit all the cities like Melbourne and Sydney if the outdoors becomes too lonesome. It is a vibrant and colorful community with great food in stunning restaurants and pubs. Include a trip to the wine country of Adelaide and sample their fare.

Look at 10 Best Things to Do in Australia

India

India is a vibrant and colorful country, and for the most part it is accessible by train, and local travel is very easy. Try to backpack across the country as it offers everything you can possibly want. Great food and cheap stays are a highlight. There are so many cultural and historically significant places to visit in India. It is possible to live on all kinds of budgets in India. Right from outrageously priced fancy restaurants to simple hostels, everything is available to the backpacker.

So pack your essential things and head off into the great unknown territory. You will find adventure and beauty that is not possible through conventional travelling, where everything is contrived, and sometimes you end up disappointed. In backpacking, you will be challenged and drawn out of your comfort zone to live it up!

Lack of time and low budgets sure does make a dent one’s vacation plans, beyond doubts. Well, that doesn’t mean that you cannot have a good time because you ain’t travelling far! Fondly known as “staycation” by coupla enthusiasts, we would also like to call it playing tourist in your own city. Well, here are  coupla tactics on how to go about them’.

Sketch it out – like what would you like to do? Where would you like to go? What kinda cuisine would you prefer? Jot them down and try doing them one by one. Grab a brochure from one of the local motels and jot down a few attractions that catches your eye; like some of the archetypical stuff a tourist ends up doing, something you generally don’t pay attention to. Check out with the lady behind the desk as to what she would recommend for tourists wanting to spend a day in your city and also make sure you check out if there is any package or discounts for residents/locals (trust me, you’d be surprised at what you hear)

Explore new horizons – though technically you are a resident of your city all your life, there most definitely has to be places that you would have missed or left unexplored. You’d surprised to see the same things that you once saw as a kid that seem totally and extremely different as an adult. Explore areas that you have avoided all your life.

Asking a friend to take you around as a tourist wouldn’t be a bad idea too. What is special for him/her could possibly be a total alien place for you.

Revolutionize Explore new areas week on week, for eg if you have one neighborhood in mind this week, go up the mountains, if any nearby, the following week. Try a lake or a beach or a waterfront or a famous national park that you had been wanting to explore all your life. With more variety mounting the list, the less bored you are likely to get with it all.

Experiment stuff – Now being a tourist isn’t always about exploring the city, it would also mean changing the way on how to look at things. Try fun stuff like kayaking if there are waterways in your city, or zip-lining of mountains wouldn’t be a bad idea (there has to be mountains in almost all parts of the world, well if not nearby) or how about some new pastime that you discovered while traveling abroad, how about revisiting it again, at the comforts of your own home?

Clicking some cheesy pics wouldn’t be a bad idea too – Try posing in front of a well known statue that you’ve ignored all your life, a view of the downtown, a signboard of your city welcoming you. Embrace the cheesiness of the city by freezing some moments in front of em’.

Exploring new food (one of my favorite) Try grabbing an absolutely new dish that they swear they are best at, immerse in its glory or greasiness and as you grab a bite from some unvisited place also do look around; you never know you might unravel some cool history about that place as you munch on your new found food with some cool photos and history waiting to be discovered.

Finally, if none of the above appeases you and you are still hungry for more adventure or surprises try exploring nearby areas or towns that has been pending for long now. How about parks, or a hike maybe or a yoga retreat? Go on, make it special and check-in to a hotel turning it into a weekend getaway kind.

So for those of you all that miss traveling, but unable to do so owing to other commitments, playing a tourist in one’s own city would be your best bet. Along with getting a tourist experience even as you fulfill your day to day chores, there is no significant spending required in terms of travel/stay and yet adds some oomph to your otherwise dull day-to-day routine. Plus, it is sheer and absolute fun!

Tourists leave their hearts high on a hill, where lil cable cars welcome you with open hands offering you a ride to the stars. The city of San Francisco, in northern California, that lies on the tip of a peninsula is bordered by the San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean. Renowned for its mountainous landscape, constant fog, iconic Golden Gate Bridge, vivid Victorian houses, cable cars and the notorious former prison, Alcatraz Island, sitting right on the bay, the city sure is a place where many reluctant tourists end their vacation leaving their heart behind. The Trans america pyramid is the Financial District’s most eminent skyscraper. The aforementioned Golden Gate Bridge, though not the tallest, largest or longest bridge in the world, still is the most celebrated one. Well, in contrast to its sister, the Bay Bridge (connecting the East Bay and San Francisco), it is open to cyclists and pedestrians. And of course, it is toll-free. Nevertheless, if you plan on driving into the city, don’t be surprised to be charged with a hefty 6-dollar toll. Now such a majestic structure doesn’t come for free right?

The morning fog might get a bit chilly but then who cares, California is a dream-come-true for many to be bothered about such petty things. With its very own unique mythical aura, it attracts thousands from neighboring states and people all over the world.

Artsy – would be more an appropriate a phrase to describe San Francisco that has from the early 60s with its hippy culture loves all things creative and usually different. It is there right in the air, the prominent vibe of the city that enthuses one to be a free spirit always venturing into something unique.

Foggy, that would be best work to describe SFO’s weather as one would be welcomed by the fog almost every morning. Check out the San Francisco Burritos that are bigger than the usual ones. Your next stop would be the Silicon Valley, the land of the young, brainy and triumphant. Well, maybe if luck would have it, you might be the next Zuckerberg. So imagine you fell in love with the place and choose to be there for some time, then Oakland is the place that you gotta head to as SFO can turn out to be a very costly affair, especially the rent. But it Oakland the cost of living is relatively cheap and yet you still feel like being a part of SFO, especially with it being just 15 minutes away on BART.

Yet another attraction in San Francisco for free would be the Lombard Street that prides itself of being the world’s most crooked street. People drive down this street for fun and why not, it is one of its kind now, aint? Wannbe famous, trying dwelling in the crooked section of the Lombard Street with tourists taking pictures from every nook and corner of the street, you might almost get a celebrity feeling with paparazzi right outside your doorstep 24×7!

Next comes the Fisherman’s Wharf which is every tourist’s dream and the most visited too. By the docks of Pier 39 one gets to see a flock of Sea Lions eternally playing, swimming and love grabbing attention of people. Many a street performers take advantage of the site in trying to perform and earning that extra buck. Well, yeah watching is free, but they sure do expect gratuities. Beware of the Bush Man though! Nooo not President Bush, just a homeless man hoping to make that extra buck by jolting people in his shrub bush costume. Then there are the museums, some incredible ones, but the cost might be a bit too high, that is something that you gotta watch out. Again parks and beaches sketch the bay and is indeed a beauty of it. Any nature lover will be fascinated by it. And last but not least is the strange weather of SFO, that is mostly microclimatic. Well, think of it this way, while it gets too cold in one place, trying going someplace else in the city where the climate is quite the contrary. Solves the issue, ain’t it?

Östergötland and Södermanland in Sweden: In Östergötland and Södermanland you can ice skate in the summer and winter. People even go for moonlight skating tours here. The ice is crystal clear in the cold months and placid in summer. There are professional guides and tour operators during all seasons and they will guide you to skate on the strongest ice and even customize the distances for you.

The Rideau Canal, Ottawa, Canada: This natural ice skating destination is famous not only for skating, but also for other winter sports, like ice hockey and ice walking. It runs through the centre of downtown Ottawa. During winter, the running water thickens into the world’s largest ice skating rink — the Rideau Canal Skateway, which is 7.8 km long and is floodlit at night. This is one of the most scenic ice skating destinations from where you can see the entire city, its landmark buildings and nature’s bounty.

Keystone Lake, Colorado, USA: The 5-acre Keystone Lake is a destination for families. It is known for skating as well as skiing. Here you will find the cleanest snow. The view is also amazing with snow-topped mountains and forested slopes. The place is famous for its gorgeous mountain view (plus plenty of room for hockey games). It is also a great shopping destination as it has several shops, restaurants, hotels and spas surrounding the place.

Lake Placid: It is famous for its winter resort — the Lake Placid Club, which has played host to two Winter Olympics. The lake freezes in the winter, and soon it becomes the hot spot for skating and hockey.

Lake Morey, Vermont: When temperatures drop and the lake freezes, skiers flock the place. The place is also known for snowshoeing.

Canyon Ferry Lake, Montana: This man-made reservoir near Helena is a favourite with natural ice skating fans since the weather is not too rough. The lake becomes a smooth sheet of black ice and it is great for iceboating, too.

Anchorage, Alaska: This is a place where you will find plenty of snow. The most popular place in Anchorage, Alaska, for skating is the frozen Westchester Lagoon. The place is well kept. The ice is smooth and clean as it is mopped every day. Even the thickness of ice is tested regularly.

Stockholm, Sweden: During the chilliest Stockholm winters, the city’s waterways freezes, and people start flocking for ice skating. An added advantage of this natural ice skating destination is that the brackish ice’s salt is less dangerous as it doesn’t crack very easily.

Kenai Lake, Alaska, USA: What makes this lake special is its depth. It has many skating locations, but Kenai is the most favourite.

Lac de Joux, Switzerland: Lake Joux is not very deep, and for the very same reason it freezes quickly. It is surrounded by unspoilt countryside and is a world of its own with a rugged charm.

Lake Lyndon, Canterbury, New Zealand: It is a glacial lake, which typically freezes every few years. It is a place where you can take your kids for fishing. It is nestled in New Zealand’s Southern Alps, and is yet another popular natural ice skating destination.

Queensland is a celebrated natural holiday destination in the world. Queensland has the most exotic tropical islands off its coast along the great barrier in the northern part.  It offers something for everybody from sun kissed beaches to natural rain forests and wonders like Great Barrier Reef etc. A holiday in Queensland should be on every traveler’s bucket list. The Great Barrier Reef is a world heritage protected

When it comes to tropical getaways there are few places that can beat Queensland’s attractions. There are several natural tropical islands, several of them accessible only by flights, which offer perfect holiday spots to discerning tourists

Hamilton islands are worthy of mention as a main island among 74 islands which are  most awe inspiring and jaw dropping beautiful  natural tropical island in Queensland. Whitehaven beach is a glorious spot to enjoy lovely sunset and sunrises, and a range of activities including golfing and diving, even night clubbing!

Fitzroy islands are one of those places where no amount of descriptions captures the pure natural beauty present. You can just relax and be at peace with yourself. Time slows down in these beautiful surroundings where you can trek through secret garden and the rainforest and come to the lighthouse and summit trail. Snorkeling is a delight in this place in peaceful surroundings.

Dunk Island is mostly a national park protected for its flora and fauna. Amazing rainforests are here home to exotic species of birds and butterflies including the celebrated Ulysses butterfly. There are a range of reptiles also that are rare and protected species. So the abundance of wildlife alone is worth making this trip for. There are jets skis and catamaran services locally available so you can be as active or laidback as you want to be.

Whitsunday islands are one of the most sought after destinations in the tropical islands of Queensland. It is extremely budget friendly place with the natural attractions present in all of queen’s lands tropical islands. A must visit island which offers easy connectivity to other islands from here.

If you are looking for a romantic getaway, look no further than Brampton islands. It is an Idyllic island which offers sunny beaches coral gardens, nature walking trails etc for your enjoyment. You can decide on the level of activity you want to take up. There are so much panoramic and simply stunning views all over the place that you may just lose yourself in the lap of nature.

Moreton Island is a sand island which is ranked third in the world. It is beautiful untouched and mostly protected by Natural Park. It has a lovely warm weather even in winter! Well connected by ferry, you can make this beautiful place home for a few days in your travel schedule.

Only a few islands are covered in this as there are simply too many islands and attractions. You will keep going back to the tropical islands of Queensland to relax and enjoy your holidays.

Kenroku-en in Kanazawa, Koraku-en in Okayama and Kairaku-en in Mito are the Three Great Gardens of Japan (nihon tien). These are the three most famous gardens in Japan. The gardens symbolize the setsugekka which means snow, moon and flowers. These gardens are traditional gardens built for the purpose of expressing and symbolizing native rituals and beliefs and moulding landscapes to an idealized form. The gardens were created for the relaxation and recreation of the upper class.

Look at the Best cities to visit this year

Nowadays, due to modernization, the concept of the gardens has changed and it is appreciated as an art by all people. The basic idea of the gardens has its roots in China as the concept was established by missionaries from Asian mainland. It was after that the Japanese Imperial court modified the ideas to suit their own style. Emperors and nobles were the first to establish Japanese gardens.

Three Great Gardens of Japan

• Kenroku-en (Kanazawa)
• Kairaku-en (Mito)
• Koraku-en (Okayama)

Kenroku-en (Kanazawa)

Kenroku-en is Japan located in Kanazawa in the Ishikawa prefecture. Maeda Tsunanori in the year 1676 began the work of its construction and it was developed over a period of two centuries. The garden is well known for its mixture of conflicting elements of spaciousness and seclusion. The garden is constructed on the basis of the theme unbroken space, so that it allows a person to see a good portion of the garden from anywhere on the grounds.

The person who enjoys solitude can also find many nooks in the garden. The Kaikei Pagoda is one of the popular attractions on the island in the centre of Hisago-ike Pond. Kanazawa catle park has got free admission for people but Kenroku-en Garden charges three hundred yen for three adults, which is equivalent to three US dollars. One can reach the garden in ten mins from Kanazawa station by taxi.

Kairaku-en (Mito)

Kairaku-en is located in Mito in Ibaraki Prefecture. The lord of the Mito clan, Tokugawa Nariaki, ruled the region at that time and constructed the park in 1842. He constructed this garden with the thought of sharing its flowers with the royals. Tokugawa Ieyasu, a descendant of the shogun, made this garden public in 1841. The best time to visit Kairaku-en is during plum blossom season as it is renowned for its plum trees.

During this time, one can see over a hundred varieties of plum trees, each with its own different shade of red, pink, and white. The park also has the reputed Kobuntei, a place where all the intellectuals were entertained from all over the country. This garden has free admission but to enter Kobuntei one has to pay hundred and ninety yen, which is equivalent to two US dollars. The garden can be reached in twenty mins by bus from Mito Station.

Koraku-en (Okayama)

Koraku-en, the last one of the three great gardens of Japan, is located in Okayama Prefecture. The feudal lord of Okayama, Ikeda Tsunamasa, constructed this garden in 1700. This was built as a place for entertaining significant guests and also as a retreat for feudal lords. The place is known for its colours all year round. One can see plum and cherry blossoming in spring, in summer irises and lotuses, in fall maple trees with fiery red leaves, and a place of white in winter.

They charge four hundred yen for adults which is equivalent to 4 US dollars, and one hundred and forty yen for children, which is about 1.40 US dollars. The garden can be reached in ten minutes by taxi from JR Okayama Station.

The Persian Gulf coast in the northern coast of the UAE will be the world’s most glamorous place from January 2016 to February 2016 as the Dubai Shopping Festival celebrates its 21^st anniversary. Fashion fanatics and shopping enthusiasts around the world are eagerly looking forward to explore this extravagant gala. This shopper’s paradise is getting ready and it is on its full fledge to entertain hungry shoppers and travellers of all ages groups.

This month long festivity has so much to offer with 50 grand malls around Dubai and several traditional Arabian souks selling exotic items along the twisted passageways. These souks are the exact places where you can bargain on your favourite products before hitting the mega malls. Grab your best pieces of gold jewellery at the Gold souk at incredible prices. Take a stroll along the souk Al Bahar to experience the air filled with the scent of fresh spices.

This luxurious event is not limited just to shopping alone, but it has no bounds when it comes to sheer entertainment and fun. Lively music shows and concerts by renowned international artists, Fashion shows hosted by international brands, fun-filled indoor and outdoor sports and an array of gastronomic treats are all here at DSF 2016 to make each and every moment very special for you and your family.

The good news is that DSF is not all about satisfying the upper end travellers, it also about offering a memorable trip to an average traveller with a limited budget. If budget is your problem, DSF offers just the right solution for you. This treasure trove is full of surprises to satisfy your fashion needs. You can delve your hands into the genuine international luxury brands available at huge discounts from 50% and above. This is your one and only chance to do duty free shopping on a variety of designer clothes and accessories, footwear, jewellery, carpets, spices, perfumes and handicrafts. To top it all, they have new rewards and contests held every day. This is your turn to try your hand at the Infiniti Mega Raffle 2016 to win AED 500,000 worth of prizes every day.

If you are looking forward to have a fabulous beginning in the upcoming year, then DSF is where you should be. Start your life in style and boost your senses right here with all the luxury that you truly deserve. Shop the Dubai way to enjoy a unique shopping like nowhere else. DSF 2016 promises a fabulous shopping experience to every traveller. So grab your tickets to experience life at Dubai Shopping Festival 2016.

Kids are hard to please members in the family. They are very selective about what they eat, what they watch and where they want to go. They hang out only with their ideal pals who share their likes and dislikes and attitudes. They are smart and informative so much that we can learn a lot from them. With these implicit qualities we have to be extra careful in crafting the best holiday travel to treat their senses. To help you in doing so, here are a few very interesting places around the world that are not only interesting to you but also to your toddler or teenager.

African safari:

The Zambia African Safari takes the centre stage when it comes to an adventurous safari in the wild Africa. This is the apt safari experience for your kids to be awe-inspired with a complete Africa experience. The highlight of this expedition is the top-notch animal view. The best part of the trip includes the 300 ft Victoria Falls, tiger fishing, canoeing, and rafting in the Zambezi River and bungee jumping. The Livingstone Island at the brink of the waterfall is the perfect place to gaze at the rainbow and swim towards the infinity pool. The South Luangwa National Park offers a three-day walking safari that gives you a chance to spot exotic creatures and a pride of lions. The Puku Ridge overlooking the wetlands gives you a chance to spot the elephants, giraffes, wildebeests, impalas, leopards, rhinos and hippos. What more could fascinate your kids than this safari filled with shrills and thrills.

The Grand Canyon:

The Grand Canyon, Bryce and the Zion National Parks are the best grounds for an adventure of the American Southwest. This is a wonderful opportunity for the kids and teens to go on an all-hike and all-bike tour through the high-desert landscape. The north rim camping site is an amazing camping site right at the Grand Canyon. Kids can ride mules while the adults can enjoy a windy hike down the Kaibab Trail. The Bryce Canyon is the next stop for another interesting hike from a maze of arches and pinnacles. Teens can enjoy a biking trail through the blue spruce, Douglas fir forests to rainbow point which is the highest lookout at Bryce Canyon.

The Galapagos Islands:

The ultimate kid-friendly destination like no other is the Galapagos Islands. This wonder world has clear sandy beaches where the exploration starts for your kids. They can sit and wait while curious sea lions provide company. Kids can spend all day on the waters or on beaches without getting tired. As part of their adventure, they can venture into the waters, snorkeling along with the 306 species of fish. They will be amazed at the glance of sea turtles nest. Kids get a chance to play with the marine iguanas or paddle in the water alongside white-tipped reef sharks. The beaches are bordered with the beautiful moss-draped highlands that can be explored on an interesting hike trail. These highlands are the living grounds to the giant tortoises that roam freely and do not hesitate to say hello to the kids.

Great Alaska:

The Glacier Bay at Alaska is your ultimate chance to sneak out from your regular boredom and enter into the bay of dreams. Unlike the Alaskan Cruises that offer you only a bit of Alaska, you can choose to go aboard your own base camp and come face to face with sea lions, minke whales, humpback whales, pods of orca and otters, up-close and up-front. Small boat expeditions are available for kids to venture out to explore the beauty of hidden inlets, coves and calving glaciers. Kayaking and running skiffs to the shore gives you the time to track bears, walkout onto a glacier and pick wild strawberries. Back in the bay, explore the moss-draped forests and wildflower meadows and listen to the amazing underwater whale calls with a hydrophone and enjoy a meal of fresh Dungeness crab for dinner along with kids.

A vacation sounds great. It is exciting the moment we even think about it. But too much excitement takes you off-road from seeing the real picture. Of course, a jolly good travel uplifts you physically and mentally but you must never forget that it could come with a few unpleasant surprises too. So it is very important that you prepare yourself to encounter those culprits that tend to ruin your holiday mood. Here are some simple tips that will be of vital help for you to have a safe, healthy and happy travel.

Get vaccinated:

Discuss with your doctor to find out if you have to be vaccinated specifically for any disease that could possibly harm you in the place where you visit. This absolutely depends on the country you visit. By getting the proper vaccination, you can stay safe even in a place where hygiene and healthcare are major issues. Your safety measure will keep you safe from disease causing germs, insects like mosquitoes and other harmful elements.

 Keep your first aid kit handy:

Give priority to your first aid kit while packing your luggage. You may have to deal with a lot of issues like nausea, headache, jetlag, cramps and so on. So make sure to include a liquid hand sanitizer, a couple of Avomine tablets to deal air-sickness and other prescribed drugs to treat stomach problems. Also include some bandages and Neosporin to treat wounds and cuts.

Stay dehydrated:

Drink plenty of water throughout your journey. This will keep you calm and relaxed during long flights. This will also help you take frequent trips to the toilet which helps you to move around. This way you can have a little exercise. Avoid alcoholic drinks on the plane as those drinks might deprive your sleep.

Pack your sunscreen:

Don’t ever forget to pack a good sunscreen lotion in your luggage. It is very important to protect yourself from the harsh sun and heat. Especially, if you are on a beach vacation, using a branded sunscreen lotion is a must.

Change positions:

Staying in the same position during long flights will hurt your legs. This could cause muscle pain and blood clots. As a result you will find difficulty in walking normally. So keep changing your position often. Walk down the aisle at regular intervals to keep the blood flow normal.

Eat light:

Don’t get excited and try all of the local food available. Look for hygienic eat-outs. Particularly, if you have food allergies, stay away from those meals that you suspect of containing such ingredients.

Beware of bugs:

Bug bites are annoying. They could ruin your entire vacation and also after that. When you check-in to a hotel, make sure you don’t let the bed bugs bite. Place your luggage somewhere in an open shelf. Don’t place it on the ground or on the floor. Check the beddings, if you find bugs, inform the authorities to clean the room or ask for another room. When you return home after the vacation, be sure to clean your entire luggage thoroughly so that you will not spread those bugs in your house.

These are some of the useful tips that will help you prepare for a healthy travel.