9 Places to Visit in 2016

A new year is coming and with it comes a new set of holidays to prepare for—which means you have brand new opportunities to travel!

Now, do you know where to set foot next? Well, if you have no idea, you can take a cue from travel experts to know which places are the best to visit in 2016!

1. East Africa

According to Lonely Planet, East Africa is the continent’s heart of tourism because it has a lot to offer. Uganda, Tanzania, and Kenya are all part of East Africa, which is the place to be if you want to be one with nature!

While there, spend time with the amazing gorillas, check out the scenic Mount Kilimanjaro, see the animals at Serengeti National Park, and take photos of the picturesque pink flamingos at Lake Nakuru! With lots of adventures waiting for you to enjoy, you’ll surely love your vacation!

2. Australia

With a tourism campaign that goes Our Country Is Waiting for You, Australia promises to bring enjoyment, comfort, and a taste of culture to visitors. The great thing about Australia is that it has the perfect mix of wildlife, nature, and contemporary elements that make it unique. In 2016, a genuine aboriginal experience awaits those who would visit.

While in Australia, don’t forget to visit the world-famous Sydney Opera House, Bondi Beach, and the majestic Great Barrier Reef!

3. Brazil

With a glorious swerve made by the Atlantic Seaboard, Brazil surely is on top of 2016 Places to See lists!
A visit to Brazil, specifically in Rio Grande do Norte, would allow you to see picturesque beaches with non-stop sandy shores, and get to sample products—aside from food—made from sea salt!

Local culture also has a lot to offer as you’ll be treated to woven palm mats, cassava fries, and clay figurines. Just don’t forget to bring some home!

4. Mexico

Mexico has always been a prime destination, especially during Spring Break season, but in 2016, weather is said to be good in the country, especially in Cancun during the month of April—which is spring and summer in most countries.

The breeze of the ocean will surely make you feel like it’s a summer to remember, perfect to have some fun at the bars and restaurants by the Caribbean! Don’t forget to see the snowbirds, too!

5. Bermuda

Forget the myths about that infamous triangle! Bermuda is one of 2016’s top destinations because it brims with personality and history, with ties to the Native American era!

Filled with pink and white sand beaches, a rich sea life, and with roads that are safe to traverse, this is one destination that should be on top of your list. Make Horseshoe Bay and Spanish Point your priorities.

6. Vietnam

Rich in history, this Asian jewel is one of the most beautiful places in the world, and it proves worthy to be one of the top destinations for 2016!

What’s great about Vietnam is that you can see a lot without breaking the bank. Research shows that you only need around $20 each day for lodging, food, and sightseeing!

Start from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh, and don’t forget to visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Cu Chi Tunnels, and the Vietnam Museum.

7. Bosnia and Herzegovina

One of those countries you probably didn’t think of traveling to before, Bosnia and Herzegovina is one of Europe’s most affordable destinations, and its beauty is definitely worth the effort!
You’ll be able to see majestic places such as Stari Most, Kravice, and Vrelo Bosne—and get to eat amazing food and travel around town without burning a hole in your pocket, too!

8. Nepal

Nepal was in a state of devastation early this year because of the big earthquake that happened. However, that did not shatter the allure of the place, and in 2016, you can help Nepal’s rehabilitation by paying it a visit.
Check out some of the most sacred sites in the country such as Durbar Square and Swayambhunath Temple, and experience the magic that Nepal is famous for.

9. Maine

Finally, there’s Maine!

You see, 2016 is the 100th anniversary of the Acadia National Park, which means there would be lots of festivities, craft beer, and sizzling food prepared by the locals.

Aside from the National Park, you should also check out the Portland Head Light and Casco Bay to make the trip much more memorable and fun!

So, what do you think? Start saving now and visit all the destinations in this list in 2016!

Image sources:

http://www.best-beaches.com/
http://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/
http://www.globalpost.com/
http://shutupandtakemethere.com/
http://nepalphysio.org.np/

12 Easy Steps for Planning Your Next Trip

image source:bondibeauty.com.au

Vacations are fun, but sometimes, planning a trip can be tricky. However, it doesn’t have to be such a hassle! With the help of this article, you’ll learn 12 easy and fail-safe steps that will help you plan your next trip without having a hard time.

1. Know where you want to go – First, you have to decide on your destination. Would you be going to the beach? Or do you prefer to visit some uncharted territory? Would you be in the same continent, or would you be going to another? By asking yourself these questions, you’ll be able to narrow down your choices.

2. Decide on the length of your trip – You also have to decide how long the trip is going to be. This way, you can prepare not just for the trip but also the people who’ll take care of what you’ll be leaving behind for the duration of your trip.

3. Research on how much you will need – Now that you know where you want to go, and how long you’ll be gone, it’s time to research on how much the trip is going to cost. This includes not just the airfare, but also where you’ll be staying, dining, and everything else in your itinerary.

4. Book your flight on a Tuesday or Wednesday midnight – By doing so, you get great seats at the most affordable prices. There are also websites that offer discounted fare rates so take advantage of them. These sites include:

Vayama
Skyscanner
Matrix ITA
Momondo
Google Flights

5. Book affordable accommodations – Again, it’s not just the flight that you need to plan for. You should also figure out where you’ll be staying. Take note that you don’t have to stay in 5-star hotels just for the trip to run smoothly. There are many other places you can stay in, and these sites would help you find an affordable place to stay:

Expedia.com
Booking.com
Hotels.com
Agoda.com

6. File for leave early – You have to make sure that you file for leave from work early, especially if you want the trip to be during the holidays. If you want to take a vacation during the Christmas season, file for leave as early as May or June to be sure.

7. Automate your bills – Set up online payments and paperless bills, or get the services of Earth Class Mail that can scan your emails for you while you’re gone. This way, you won’t have to worry about your bills while you’re away.

8. Get a travel rewards credit card – It would be nice if you can sign up for travel rewards account so you can rack up points to get free or discounted hotel stays and flights. Just sign up for one or two; signing up for more may only lead to confusion.

9. Check the validity of your passport – Make sure that your passport is valid for at least 6 months just before your trip to be sure. It would be such a hassle to know that your passport is about to expire when you’re about to embark on a trip.

10. Figure out which VISA you need – Some countries need different types of VISAs so make sure that you research about where you’re going to know which type of VISA is needed, if ever.

11. Pack light – You don’t need to bring everything on your trip. As they say, pack light and your trip would be easy and manageable. Some of the things you should pack include:

1 pair of jeans
1 dress shirt
1 bathing suit
6 t-shirts
Underwear
1 towel

You can edit the list based on where you’re going and how long you’re going to stay.

12. And of course, don’t forget to save up – You may not be able to afford your trip without cutting down on your expenses. Months or even a year before your trip, you should start cutting down on expenses. Simple ways of doing so include getting rid of cable, cooking your own meals, or making your own coffee—and of course, it would also help to have your own travel savings account where you can deposit money for your trip.

Keep these tips in mind and your trip will be hassle-free!