32.2 C
Manila
Thursday, March 26, 2026
AdvertisementKlook Discount Code: TWOBUDGETKLOOK
Home Blog Page 23

The Two Best Reasons to Travel to New Zealand This Winter

By
Jerny - Two Budget Travelers
-

Winter in the US is summertime in New Zealand. If you have never been, and want a place to escape the cold, cloudy days; the extended, gelid nights; the endless stream of illnesses; and the ice-covered roads; then New Zealand is just the place for you! It is the complete opposite this time of year.

But why go to New Zealand? What is it about the country that sets it apart from other regions of the world?

The short answer is this: it has everything. Travel to New Zealand

the-two-best-reasons-to-travel-to-new-zealand-this-winter

This land, far in the South Pacific, has the most amazing adventures that can be found on the planet. The sights in New Zealand are so majestic and varying, there are few areas on Earth that combine so many natural features into two small islands. Rarely will you find a local population as hospitable as the Kiwis.

So pack your swim shorts and hiking boots but bring your winter coat as well (you’ll find out why later). You will need it all for this adventure. Below, you will discover some of the reasons you should take a vacation to the two islands of New Zealand.

Summer Fun in the Sun

You can experience summer a second time around by taking a trip to New Zealand in the wintertime (confusing, isn’t it?). Travel to this paradise to swim and surf along the beaches. The country’s west coast (of both islands) are the better locations for surfing because of the westerly winds blowing in from that direction, stirring up the waves. Travel to New Zealand

the-two-best-reasons-to-travel-to-new-zealand-this-winter

For warmer surfing, seek out the beaches of the North Island, it is closer to the equator and the warmer ocean currents. If you don’t mind a little bit cooler water, surf along the South Island’s coast is arguably the best there is. Regardless of which beach you choose, you will find ideal surfing conditions anywhere you go.

With an average summertime temperature of 85°, New Zealand is one of the best places to explore the natural world. There are a number of trails for you to hike along and see the majesty of this land. If you have children, then you will want to stick to the short walks. These are short treks, most lasting no more than two or three hours, depending on the pace you take.

the-two-best-reasons-to-travel-to-new-zealand-this-winter

If you are up for a long journey, taking anywhere from three to five days (yes, days), then the Great Walks are for you. During these multi-day hikes, you will travel through ancient rainforests, along pristine lakes, active volcanoes, and white sandy beaches. You will adventure over mountains, through rivers (yes, through them), and a long rope bridges. All manner of wildlife will be on display as you trek through their natural habitats.

Summer in New Zealand is also the time to explore the cities of this amazing country. Not only will you get to experience local shopping (US dollars go a little further than the NZ dollar, so you can buy more), native dishes, and Kiwi nightlife, the cities are packed full of history and culture. Maori performances are conducted in various places throughout the season, demonstrating the successful blending of the Polynesian culture with the colonial English way of life. Travel to New Zealand

 Winter in the Wrong Time of Year

Although it is summer in New Zealand while the US is freezing, the small country is not without its own touch of winter. Glaciers unlike any others in the world slowly trace a path across the mountainous landscape toward the sea. Here, in the deep ravines of the West Coast, these remnants of the Ice Age continue their own journeys.

the-two-best-reasons-to-travel-to-new-zealand-this-winter

Exploring these astounding natural features is why you brought your coats. The temperatures around the glaciers are far below the national average, allowing for the glaciers to continue their cycle of melting and renewal. The snow-covered surface of the Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers are adventures unto themselves. You can hike across the tops to see the surrounding ravine and mountains, or you can do a bit of ice climbing to see where the glaciers actually begin.

the-two-best-reasons-to-travel-to-new-zealand-this-winterIt is the passages and tunnels inside the glaciers that make them truly spectacular. As the glacier melts and refreezes, openings appear in the ice. Walking and squeezing through them is a tremendous experience that cannot be ignored.

 

You can kayak down the rivers kept chilled by the frigid waters melting off the glacier. You can hike along the base of the glaciers. To view the glaciers from this level will give you an appreciation for their enormity and a renewed sense of amazement for the natural world.

Blog about New Zealand Travel to New Zealand

Now you know why you should take a trip to New Zealand in the winter, while the country is in the midst of summer. Make sure you blog about your amazing adventures crawling through the various glow worm caves or rafting down the rapids down the Upper Grey River.

If you post about your travels, you will be preserving your journey for your future self. You will be able to relive the wonder and excitement you felt when you first took your trip to New Zealand. You will be able to lock into words the emotions you felt each and every day of your vacation.

the-two-best-reasons-to-travel-to-new-zealand-this-winter

Since you will be writing your blog for others to read, not just yourself, you will want to include pictures to emphasize your journey. Naturally, you would want to include any pictures you took of the site or activity you are discussing. At times though you may find you need some additional imagery. Use some free stock nature photos to enhance your posts. Travel to New Zealand

Blogging about your winter vacation to summer New Zealand is not only a great way to chronicle your journey, but it will inspire you to make a return trip to the two islands. There is so much to do, so many different adventures to dive into, that one trip alone cannot fit them all in. Rereading your own blog may cause you to go back next winter.

 

WHAT TO READ NEXT

8 Packing Tips for First-time Travelers
Tips to Keeping Safe During Your Next Mexico Vacation
How to Have an Amazing Road Trip Around Eastern Australia
How to Find Time for Traveling as a Student

Ad

Best Interior Design Inspiration for Minimalists

By
Jane - Two Budget Travelers
-

When a minimalistic style is talked of, terms like simplicity, monochromatic synchronization, and decluttered spaces are bound to jump in. “Less is more” is the philosophy followed by minimalists, which have proved quite appealing in terms of décor. 

There’s something so aesthetically pleasing about the form, structure, and functionality of a minimal setting that more interior designers are inching towards it. The sheer symmetry is more than enough to create a classic appeal.

With more people interested in it, interior designers have come up with a plethora of deconstructed, geometric yet simplistic décor ideas and items. Explore the best of these pieces in the following section. 

Best Interior Design Inspiration for Minimalists

Create a Monochromatic Color Scheme 

The first things you gawk at when you enter any room are the colors gliding on the walls and the hues of the furniture as well as its covers. 

So, simplifying the color scheme of the structures around you becomes an integral part of the interior of any home. 

If you choose your wall paint as subtle grey, then make sure your furniture is coated with a platinum shade of grey, and items like the cushion covers can be silver for a pop of color. Eliminate any extra colors in your room to bring the focal point to the symmetry of tints.  

Invest in Scandinavian Storage Items 

Minimalists believe in functionality over everything, so this is the idyllic décor addition for them. 

Opt for storage items, like small laundry baskets with intricate detailing, to organize your laundry in. Moreover, antique corners can be installed on the walls or on the ground to place your collectibles on.

Moreover, you can invest in shoe racks and bookshelves of sorts, which can hide all the clutter inside it, while giving your room a stylish tone. 

Storage pieces like these keep all the clutter locked up in closed spaces to give a clean and crisp outlook to the room. 

Use Light as Décor

While you install huge glass windows to let in the natural light to play on your aesthetic setting, don’t forget about artificial light. 

Sleek and long lamps can give your room undue character without much clutter while introducing a playful element. 

Since everything should have a purpose for a minimalist, ditch the old-school tube lights and bulbs for your dining room and look up light fixtures. 

Go for polished light fixtures that hang down from the ceiling that will throw light where it’s needed and accentuate the architecture of your dining table. 

Hang Up Art Installations 

Nothing gives a room some depth like a piece of modern art hanging on the wall. Install a super-sized art piece that covers a whole wall that will also do away with any need to further clutter the wall by decorating it too much. 

Choose a masterpiece with eye-popping and contrasting colors if the color scheme of your room is that of warm muted tones. 

This will give your minimalistic room an element of surprise and make it a fun wall. 

Get Some Solid Window Treatments 

Pair sophisticated curtains with neutral tints with your larger-than-life windows. Make sure the curtains are dramatically long, as it’ll create an illusion of a larger room. 

Invest in semi-sheer curtains to let natural light play with the reflective surfaces in the room. This will bounce-back light onto the architectural wonders in the room as well as keep it cozy. 

Multifarious Textiles and Fabrics 

Best Interior Design Inspiration for Minimalists

Other than going for trending textiles that’ll fade out soon enough, go for the classics. Get concrete tiles installed in the bathroom, which will give it both simplicity as well as texture. 

Similarly, use classic wood to construct closets and kitchen cabinets so that nothing goes out of style and blends well. 

For accessories, your rooms, use natural fabrics and textiles that are both minimalistic and attention-grabbing. Opt for jute cushion covers for your sofa or couch as well as plant glass vases in the corner of the room. 

The Bottom Line

Minimalism is all about functionality and design intersectin,g while maintaining a decluttered living space. Toy around with elements of natural or artificial light, forms of furniture and the materials as well as fabrics being induced in the room. 

Concentrate on quality instead of quantity when introducing design elements, and make sure to create more empty spaces to emphasize the architectural prowess of the structures. 

Ad

Free WiFi Hotspots In The Philippines – How To Find Them

By
Jerny - Two Budget Travelers
-

Looking for a free WiFi hotspot that you can take advantage of? Whether you want to play an online game, check out your social media account, stream online music, or download large files to your mobile, it’s no denying that connecting to WiFi is essential.

Fortunately, here in the Philippines, you’ll never run out of free WiFi hotspots to find and connect with. Whether you’re at the mall, at a café, or anywhere else, you are sure to find yourself only a few clicks away from the internet.

Below, we have rounded up three of the most effective ways you can find free WiFi hotspots in the Philippines. Depending on which one appeals to you the most, you are free to follow any of these options. Excited to know each of them? Check them out!

Free WiFi Hotspots

Option #1: Be A Hotspot-Savvy

There are actually many free WiFi hotspots distributed across the country. However, not everyone is informed about which particular areas in which they can obtain free internet access. Because of this, many free WiFi hotspots are left undetected and untouched.

Knowing this, it’s best to be aware of the most common places that offer free internet access to anyone. From malls and bus stations to libraries and parks to even public squares, there is a lengthy list of locations you could check.

To do so, simply go to a place that you think is most likely to have free WiFi. Once you’re there, navigate to the setting on your phone. From there, look for the WiFi option, turn it on, and see whether your mobile device can detect open WiFi networks.

To make the challenge easier, when visiting cafes and libraries, WiFi signs can be seen in various places of the establishments. On the other hand, if you’re outdoors, try to look for possible free WiFi signs on posts, billboards, and public stations.

While connected to the internet, you could also grab the opportunity to search for a possible list of locations in the Philippines that offer Free WiFi hotspots.

Try to remember the names of the locations or keep the list in your mobile device, so that you can rely on it whenever you’re out from home and need instant access to the internet.

Option #2: Visit Starbucks, McDonald’s, Or The Apple Store.

If you find yourself in need of quick internet access, visiting the nearest Starbucks branch or McDonald’s will provide you the connection you are looking for.

However, on the downside, you might find yourself pressured on having to buy something from these establishments before you can enjoy their free WiFi hotspots.

The best bet, probably, is turning to the Apple Store. Unlike the other two, there is no pressure to buying anything. You can just stay there, relax, enjoy the air-conditioning, and connect to the open network available inside the store.

Option #3: Use A Free Hotspot Detection App

Of course, if you want to ditch the hit-and-miss pattern, you could simply rely on available mobile applications that specialize in detecting free WiFi hotspots.

Perhaps, among the best choices, is Instabridge. This app is free for both iOS and Android. You could also use WeFi Pro, but it is only available for Androids.

Through the said apps, you can get automatically connect your mobile devices with nearby networks and take advantage of free internet access right there and then.

Free WiFi Hotspots

The Bottom Line

Ready to enjoy internet access wherever, whenever? From being able to post the content you want to watching online videos to connecting with your friends via messaging platforms, there are a ton of perks that come with being connected to the internet.

Through the help of these three methods, you are sure to find the right free WiFi hotspot that is sure to bring you’re the freedom, fun, and flexibility you want while killing some time.

Ad

What is there to do in San Antonio, Texas?

By
Jerny - Two Budget Travelers
-

  • Visit theme parks

San Antonio is stocked full of fun locations to visit, and among these are several theme parks. Everyone loves theme parks, making them suitable sites for a tour either alone or with the family.
The most famous theme parks are Six Flags Fiesta Texas and SeaWorld San Antonio.
At Six Flags Fiesta, you get a traditional theme park, filled with the usual theme park rides like Ferris wheels and water parks. The theme park is massive, with distinct themed areas for entertainment.

Photo by NeONBRAND on Unsplash

Visit there to satisfy your craving for water parks, bumper car rides, and a great roller coaster. The theme park also has several eateries and shopping spots, which will give you a fulfilling visit for you and your family. SeaWorld San Antonio is another famed theme park, unique since it also dabbles as an aquarium.
Here, you can experience a similar thrill as at other theme parks will roller coasters and pools while getting an additional experience of getting a close-up look at marine life, including dolphins, polar bears, killer whales, and penguins.
Additionally, SeaWorld also has a child-centred zone where children can meet Sesame Street characters and ride on mini roller coasters.

  • Visit museums and historical landmarks.

San Antonio hosts numerous museums and historical landmarks.

Photo by Cesira Alvarado on Unsplash

The region boasts a diverse cultural history from early indigenous Americans to German migrants. The area has had a plethora of inhabitants who have enhanced the cultures in the region. These unique cultures have also created numerous and unique historical sites that seek to maintain the rich history of San Antonio.
Among the historic landmarks is The Alamo, the most popular and visited landmark in Texas. Another important historic site is the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The museums include the San Antonio Museum of Art, the Witte Museum, the Buckhorn Saloon and Museum, and the Texas Ranger Museum. Visiting any of these locations is easily among the 38 Best & Fun Things To Do in San Antonio.
These sites will help you get a holistic understanding of Texan culture and history, in addition to viewing collections of ancient artifacts from around the world. A trip here would be both fun and enlightening.

  • The San Antonio RiverWalk

The San Antonio Riverwalk is arguably the most iconic area to visit when in San Antonio.
The site, also known as el Paseo del Rio, is a must-visit when in Texas. The area is surrounded by numerous shops, eateries, and iconic locations, making it a hotspot for tourists. Further, the Riverwalk connects visitors to several other major attractions in San Antonio, like parks and Museums.
You can also spend the day cruising down the San Antonio River, which is a fulfilling experience. The presence of an array of eye-catching views and locations makes the San Antonio RiverWalk an essential bucket list site when visiting the area.
Most amazingly, unlike other places mentioned earlier, the River Walk is free; you do not have to pay anything to access the iconic location.
 

Ad

7 Countries With The Best Healthcare Systems

By
Jerny - Two Budget Travelers
-

Healthcare systems are one of the most important aspects of any country. This is why a huge chunk of many countries’ national budgets go to building a reliable and strong healthcare system.

Such programs involve taking care of public health, as well as private medical services. From catering to your everyday concerns to addressing more serious ones, a well-oiled system handles residents’ health needs.

Along with security and safety, as well as economic standards, medical services are an essential matter for citizens and immigrants alike. Read on to know which nations have the most effective healthcare systems.

Best Healthcare System

Which Countries Have The Best Healthcare Systems

The Legatum Prosperity Index assessed 2019 data to determine the countries that are the most prosperous in terms of effective policies. For the Legatum Institute, prosperity is composed of financial, political, judicial, wellbeing and character of a nation.

This list includes countries that have the highest scores in the health aspect. Ready to know if your country made it to the cut? Let’s dive right in.

  • Japan

According to the Index, Japan was given the highest rank in terms of health policies. With a score of 86.25, this country has its own universal insurance program – the Statutory Health Insurance System (SHIS).

With 47 prefectures in total, Japanese laws mandate that national and local governments promote top-notch medical care to their people. In fact, the leadership of the prefectures implement such rules and create healthcare programs using local and national budgets.

  • Switzerland

Switzerland comes in as second in terms of health rankings with a score of 84.16. With the help of the federal, cantonal, and municipal governments, the country made a decentralized system to ensure proper medical care of its residents.

On the cantonal level, governments work to provide licenses, hospital services and even funds for healthcare. Meanwhile, the federal government enforces mandatory health insurance.

  • South Korea

Next, tied up with Switzerland, South Korea has a score of 84.16. It is known for providing the same quality of care for both Korean nationals and non-residents. The country is known worldwide for its universal healthcare standards and access.

People admire the nation for its immediate and effective addressing of pandemics. In fact, it has a rank of 9th in the list of countries that are most ready for a global pandemic.

  • Norway

Garnering an overall score of 83.96 in prosperity scores, Norway is the most prosperous among all countries. However, it only comes in fourth when it comes to health-related scores, with a score of 83.37.

The country’s laws seek to provide equal access to medical services for all. Municipalities are in charge of primary health and social care, with the national government being responsible for creating policies and providing funds.

  • Hong Kong

With a score of 83.10, Hong Kong is known for having an affordable and strong public healthcare system. Citizens, permanent residents, and even non-permanent residents can access medical services with just a valid visa and an identification document.

The great thing about the Hong Kong healthcare system is that you do not need to pay contributions to access public health insurance. Instead, the territory’s government offers such services for nearly $0.

  • Iceland

The Legatum Index gave Iceland a score of 82.82 in terms of health-related policies. This country does not have a private healthcare system. Instead, the state handles all health services. In addition, funds come from the national government, as well.

The state obtains funds for medical systems through taxes paid by citizens and residents. This covers treatments, prescriptions, emergencies, and much more. Immigrants can also have access to coverage by signing up for it.

  • Denmark

Another country that is recognized for its preparedness for a global pandemic, is Denmark. this country has a score of 82.76 in the Legatum Institute’s health criteria. Its system is deemed as one of the most effective.

In fact, this country is known for having the shortest length of hospital stays than all other nations in the European Union. In addition, offers free public healthcare for citizens and residents alike.

healthcare systems

The Bottom Line

Excellent healthcare policies are indicative of the value given by these nations to their people. Therefore, the citizens of these countries are in good hands. So, did your country make it to the top 7?

Ad

Locked Out from Enjoying Casinos in Your Country? Visit the Philippines

By
Jerny - Two Budget Travelers
-

There is no doubt that the Covid-19 pandemic has changed the lives of almost every person on the planet. Even if you were fortunate to now have lost your job, you likely are forced to shelter into your home. At the very least, you are finding that the activities that you love to do are no longer available to you.
For those who love to go to the casino, you could turn to online casino sites to pass the time. There are great websites out there but staying at home in your living room playing a game is not a really fun time, especially if you have been sheltered in for six months. You want time to enjoy yourself.
This can take away from your opportunity to get out and enjoy yourself, but you do not have to let it be that way. Instead, you could take a little trip to the Philippines and enjoy the beautiful sites and accommodations the country has to offer. Even if you cannot visit the casinos, you can go out and see the beauty of the islands and then enjoy some of the top online casinos, checked by Simon Rose, and confirmed to be a great place to enjoy great games from the luxury of your hotel rooms.

The Philippines During a Pandemic

aquaria-water-park-in-calatagan-one-of-the-best-beachfront-resorts-in-batangas
There is no doubt that the Philippines is one of the most beautiful places to visit on earth. With incredible history, culture, and natural wonders, the multiple island nation is one of the most beautiful places on earth.
Unfortunately, even the most beautiful places on earth have not been immune from Covid-19. The virus has cost the lives of millions of people and has left tens of millions of people out of work.
Not all countries have been left unscathed, but not all countries have been challenged either. The Philippines were expected to be one of the hardest-hit countries in Southeast Asia, but that has not been the case. With just over 106 million residents, the island nation has just 209,544 cases of the virus and only 3,300 have died. Most than 55% have recovered. Those numbers are far fewer than what was anticipated and have shown that the response of the government may have been just what the doctor ordered.

Great Places in the Philippines

tierra-cuta-a-private-rest-house-in-alitagtag-batangas
Photo by Ann Reyes

A lot of the public gathering places have been closed for months, which included casinos. They have been scheduled to reopen on at least four occasions, but each time the date was moved back. Therefore, you are not going to be able to visit the casinos.
However, that does not mean you cannot get out and enjoy the sites and sounds of the beautiful nation. Whether you decide to go to Manila or to stay in other cities in the Philippines there are great places to see. The Philippines have amazing beaches, incredible temples and historical sites, and some of the most amazing food you will ever taste. The vast majority of this is available to you, but still have in mind that the hospitality industry was severely impacted by the unexpected events in 2020.
The National Museum is spectacular with historical artifacts, sculptures, and paintings. Mt. Pulag National Park is absolutely beautiful and provides you with a view that will leave your breathless. The White Beach, as well as other beaches, are pristine and there are many great activities for you to enjoy. Whether by yourself or enjoying a romantic getaway, there are things you will see that you will enjoy thinking about for the rest of your life.

Play Online for Fun

After you have spent a great day out, you can return to your room or sit on the patio of a café and enjoy some of the incredible online casino action that is available. The casinos in the Philippines may be closed, but they offer online options that allow you to play roulette, blackjack, poker, slots, or any other of your favorite games.
The best part about these online options is that you do not need to be in the capital city or in any major city to enjoy these online casinos. They are available anywhere in or around the islands. In fact, the reach is so extensive that many in mainland China choose to play on online casinos from the Philippines.
All these online casinos offer welcome bonuses and other types of bonuses that make it worth joining to play. With great theme games, live dealer options, and multiple variations of poker available, there are plenty of things to like about these online options.
You may not be at the casino, but you will get the full casino experience. You will not feel like a moment of your time in the Philippines was wasted.

Great Places to Stay

While the casinos may be closed, there are many hotels and resorts that are still open for business. You can enjoy luxury accommodations, including incredible places to eat.
Still open are such incredible resorts as:

  • Okada Manila
  • Solaire Resort & Casino
  • Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino
  • Resorts World Manila

Okada Manila – This luxury hotel has 993 incredibly furnished rooms that offer amazing views of either the Manila Bay or the Fountain. This is a beautiful hotel and you will enjoy every moment of your stay there.


Solaire Resort and Casino-Manila – While the casino is closed, the resort is open. Many of the five-start accommodations and activities are still available, allowing you to play golf, take in Broadway shows, or use the gun range. This is just the tip of the iceberg on what you can do here.


Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino – Located 30 minutes from Mactan International Airport, you are also close to many of the great tourist attractions sin Cebu City. Plus, this is located right on the waterfront, so the views and water activities available are spectacular.


Resorts World Manila – This is a place that is considered one of the top 10 places in Manila to visit, even if you do not stay there! There are great activities, restaurants, and shows to enjoy. A great place for sure.

Get Out and Enjoy!

You can stay at home and shelter in for a few more weeks…or months. Or you can get out and enjoy one of the most beautiful countries on the planet and still play your favorite casino-style games. It really is not a hard decision to make.

Ad

How To Travel The World Using Air Miles – 5 Essential Tips

By
Jerny - Two Budget Travelers
-

Airfares can prove to be quite an expensive affair! But with the help of air miles, the sky-high cost can be cut down significantly and you can enjoy more money to spend during your vacation.
While ‘Air Miles’ is an inscrutable yet extremely lucrative currency that can massively aid your travel, it may seem like an uphill task to understand its working mechanism and reap the benefits.
However, with our insider tips, you can save a ton of money on traveling. Just sit back, relax and enter our world of air miles hacks to get the most out of your next trip!

1. Use frequent flyer programs

When it comes to the aviation industry, your loyalty to the airline can help you get innumerable perks. Depending upon the distance you cover and the class you book you can even get a free ticket to some destinations.
For instance, if you are frequently traveling with British Airways, then your air miles get credited to the British Airways Executive Club as a frequent flyer. Once you have enough miles you can redeem them and enjoy British Airways flights using the credited air miles.

2. Use credit cards

Signing up for a credit card that is associated with your frequent flyer program can help you travel the world using air miles. After a while, you can switch to Amex Rewards Gold which helps you convert travel points into air miles. Alternately, you can also rely on British Airways American Express and Virgin Atlantic Reward Mastercard.
However, it definitely takes some planning and strategy for using the points as air miles. The majority of airlines offer reward flights on a limited basis. So, keep an eye on the flights that you want to opt for and plan it all up in advance.

3. Buy air miles at a discount

You might encounter times when you are short of just a few thousand air miles to grab the reward you want. For instance, there might be situations when say you have 30,000 air miles but for a particular flight, you need at least 35,000 air miles.
In this kind of scenario, you can plan to buy those deficit air miles whenever you come across some discount offers. That way, you can also plan for your future trip and considerably save a whopping airfare.

4. Credit card bonus

If you are fortunate to have a premium credit card there are significant chances of you getting crazy deals for a retainer of slightly more than $4000 and a fee of say $100. Moreover, you can also get excellent air miles deals on some top of the tier cards provided you qualify and make the most of them.

5. Thoughtfully redeem the air miles

If you have air miles collected within a group of airlines, then instead of just a single airline, you can use them to choose an airline from an array of many domestic and international flights. In case you have MileagePlus miles then you can take flights of Lufthansa, Swiss, AirCanada to avail the miles.
So, you should meticulously check the flights and instead of spending those hard-earned air miles on domestic flights, you can plan an international trip.

Bonus Tip

A combination of the aforementioned tips would definitely work for you. And it’s only a matter of time before you work your way through the air miles management as if it is a cakewalk!

Ad

Top 5 Places to Visit in Italy

By
Jerny - Two Budget Travelers
-

Italy ranks high on most travelers’ bucket lists. This country accommodates all tastes in travel. So, whatever your taste in travel, you’ll satisfy it in Italy.
From history, art, food, music, architecture, and stunning scenery to culture and sacred sites. Italy is a once exotic and familiar country that only the most curmudgeon could fail to enjoy.
Below is a list of places to consider visiting in Italy.

Rome

claudio-hirschberger-HI5c2A-LOqs-unsplash
Photo by Claudio Hirschberger on Unsplash

Also known as the city of the stars. Rome enjoys a mythic beginning. Reportedly said to be founded by Romulus and Remus twin brothers who were nursed by a she-wolf and fathered by a god of war. It is the capital city of Italy.

READ: Best Places to visit in Vancouver and Singapore 

It is a standard stop for vacation itineraries. The city is known to be a cultural and historic powerhouse. It is a city that combines the intimacy and human scale of a village with the cultural draws of a historical, art- laden European metropolis.

Florence

ali-nuredini-X35Ivset6-Y-unsplash
Photo by Ali Nuredini on Unsplash

Florence is one of Europe’s great art cities. With frescoes by Giotto and Ghirlandaio, there are so many exquisite art and architecture within its ancient wall that it is easy to become overwhelmed. Besides, there is more to Florence than just monuments. It’s bursting with quirky shops and quality crafts.
It’s a living city with a cultural life that matches opera, classical music, and contemporary art. You can take luxury Italian tours and yacht charters to help you see Florence better.

Venice

top-5-places-to-visit-in-italy
Photo by Marco Secchi on Unsplash

Venice is a tourist hub and a unique city built on a lagoon surrounded by the Adriatic Sea. There are days when the visitors are more than the locals. Despite this, Venice never loses its capacity to excite.

READ: The Best Rail Routes Across Italy For Adventurous Souls

When in the station, you are greeted by a glittering canal with the dome of San Simeon beyond remains heart-stopping. Also, during the peak visitor periods, you are never more than a bridge away from quiet squares, churches, and concealing Madonnas. Venice is a crowded city, but it is worth visiting.

Milan

top-5-places-to-visit-in-italy
Photo by Benjamin Voros on Unsplash

Milan in Italy is a fashion and design capital located in the north-western region of Lombardy near the alps. It has a cosmopolitan outlook, great food and drink outlets, and many hotel suits favoring all budgets. Nearly destroyed from massive bombing, the city is not much of a historical place.

READ: Incredible India – a Place Where Love Blossoms

Still, it has modern skyscrapers with state-of-the-art interior designs. It has reconstructed the ruins and is now among the wealthiest cities in Europe.

Tuscany

top-5-places-to-visit-in-italy
Photo by Łukasz Czechowicz on Unsplash

Tuscany has images of beautiful rolling hills, olive groves, and cypress trees. The many attractions of Tuscany include tasting wine in Chianti and just relaxing in hill towns.
Elba, the largest in Tuscan islands, offers great beaches while Pisa is famously known for the leaning tower

READ: 7 Tips For A Post-Lockdown London Trip

Conclusion

It is no secret that Italy is one of the world’s most traveled countries. The city offers a magnificently rich array of sumptuous natural scenery and numerous opportunities to get into nature. Most of its towns have luxury Italian tours and yacht charters to help visitors move around cheaply and efficiently. Italy has so much to see and do that it would take forever to explore.

Ad

Tamaraw Beach Resort, Puerto Galera

By
Jerny - Two Budget Travelers
-

Tamaraw Beach Resort, Puerto Galera |
Budget Itinerary, Travel Guide & Tips

Contributed by: Veronica Joy Pugal

Tamaraw Beach Resort, Puerto Galera - https://twobudgettravelers.com
Photo by Veronica Joy Pugal

Best place to go in Puerto Galera

• Beach front resort
• relaxing place
• not crowded
• near the popular White Beach (just take hike from rocky hills to get you there)
• very accommodating staff
• clean rooms
• Instagrammable
• lovely sunset
🚩 FREE Shuttle to send you back and forth to the Port

Tamaraw Beach Resort, Puerto Galera - https://twobudgettravelers.com
Photo by Veronica Joy Pugal

Estimated BUDGET PER PERSON

500 pesos one-way Transportation (Bus and Boat and fees)
Accom (for as low as 2,300 for 2pax with Breakfast !)
Note: Di sila mahigpit sa food and drinks you can bring so pwede kana makatipid kung magdadala ka
Masarap din food sa resto nila ranging 150 up sa rice meals

How to get there?

1. From Manila, ride JAM Liner Bus (LRT Buendia) to Batangas Pier [P168.00]
2. Buy tickets and ride a ferry from Batangas Pier to Puerto Galera
3. Drop off at Muelle. Resort will pick you up at Muelle.

Tamaraw Beach Resort, Puerto Galera - https://twobudgettravelers.com
Photo by Veronica Joy Pugal

Sample Itinerary to Tamaraw Beach Resort:
ETD 6:00 AM *2hours travel time
ETA 8:00 AM Batangas Port (Buy Boat Tickets+Terminal Fee) [ P300.00 ] to MUELLE * 1hour and 15mins travel time
ETD 9:00 AM: Batangas Port
10:30 AM: ETA Muelle
*Tamaraw Beach Resort shuttle will fetch you at Muelle Port
Tamaraw Beach Resort – Check In Time
FYI : They will even allow you to check-in early for free.

Check rates or Book Tamaraw Beach Resort:

via Agoda | via Booking


Tamaraw Beach Resort, Puerto Galera - https://twobudgettravelers.com

 

TripAdvisor Reviews for Tamaraw Beach Resort:

Gemayel Salinas:
“Tamaraw beach resort offers the ideal middle ground being affordable without sacrificing comfortable stay and enjoyable beach experience.
True enough, the resort had seen better days but the rooms are still decent. Hot and cold water, toilet with bidet, LCD TV with cable, and more importantly, clean and good rooms.
We had 4 rooms during our stay and we could not find fault other than that it is an “aging” resort.
The pool was okay and a nice option to have if you get tired of the pebbled, secluded beach.
Breakfast was exceptional for the room rate. Unli-coffee and powdered juice refills! And food was okay and filling.
Resort also offers the cheapest snorkelling package in the entire White Beach area. PHP250/head vs PHP300/head.
They also provide free shuttle service for pick up and drop off if you are arriving /leaving at the resort. Just inform them ahead of time.
If there’s any area for improvement, that will be the responsiveness of the resort on the reservation/inquiries. Almost gave up on Tamaraw after getting no response via email or SMS. Ended up booking via Agoda instead.”

John Christian Soler:
“This beach resort is secluded from the hustle and bustle of the White Beach in Puerto Galera. This resort is best for family outings in Puerto Galera where you can just escape and just relax and chill! The resort is also very budget-friendly and you get the value for what you pay for 🙂
Pros:
-Beach front is amazing and peaceful, not too crowded so you can play beach sports
-Infinity pool is deep(around 5-6 ft) which is perfectly aligned with the eye level view and I super enjoyed watching the sunset in it
-Complimentary breakfast is just ok (Not many selections, not buffet but is good enough to get you going)
-Price (The price of this hotel is not too expensive and is just about ok if you want to just have a vacation with a decent room)
-The food at the restaurant serves good food as well at a reasonable price
-The views from the 3rd floor across the resort is awesome
-Lots of amenities like videoke room, function rooms, gym, court, pool
Cons:
-The pool doesn’t have any lights at night but it’s swimmable until 10pm
-Not enough beach beds along the beach
-In the apartment units, there’s only 1 floor mat at the stairs which can be prone to accidents if you’re not careful since the stairs are always slippery
-The rooms are just decent, if you’re looking for a “stellar” room, you’re not gonna find it here. You just get what you pay for
Overall this is an “Ok” hotel, which I recommend for those who want to explore Puerto Galera on a budget. Do not expect too much, but I believe you’re gonna get more than what you pay for. I rated this very good because I think it’s performing really well among other hotels that costs the same. I would recommend this resort and to go on snorkeling because the corals in the nearby island are so very awesome! :)”

WHAT YOU SHOULD READ NEXT

TALIPANAN BEACH: A Hidden Paradise in Puerto Galera
Playa La Caleta: Bataan’s Hidden Treasure
Learn to Dive & Help a Child with SCUBA for Change
Potipot Island DIY Travel Guide 2018 | Budget Itinerary & Tips 



Booking.com

 

Ad

10 Best Places in India For a Peaceful Holiday

By
Jerny - Two Budget Travelers
-

India has a number of places with such exquisite natural beauty that it completely takes your breath away. Quite a few of these places have been explored and on their way to popularity. With the already popular holiday destinations bustling with the crowd, there is a growing demand for quite holiday destinations. Here is a list of the most amazing places in India to visit.

1. Islands of Andaman

10-best-places-in-india-for-a-peaceful-holiday
Photo by donvikro, CC0 1.0
There are a number of islands in the Indian Archipelago that are still un-spoilt by tourist activities. Havelock Island, Neil Island, Little Andaman are some of the most popular holiday getaways.

2. Diu Island

10-best-places-in-india-for-a-peaceful-holiday
Photo by Rashmi.parab, CC BY-SA 3.0
This is a fishing town in the located off the coast of Gujarat. Diu is among those names selected to become a smart city. In Old Diu, you can find Portuguese architecture, namely, the baroque style churches and the Portuguese. The town covers an area of 38 kilometers and is at sea level.  Other popular tourist destinations include the lighthouse and beaches such as the Nagoa beach and so on.

3. Nagar Haveli

10-best-places-in-india-for-a-peaceful-holiday
Photo by Sharada Prasad CS, CC BY 2.0
Sitting snug between Maharashtra and Gujarat, is Nagar Haveli the larger part of the union territory of Dadra and Nager Haveli. The capital Silvassa is an industrial city. The river Daman Ganga flows through the area producing some of the most picturesque tourist attractions.

Best Places in India

4. Munnar, Kerala

10-best-places-in-india-for-a-peaceful-holiday
Photo by byjesdxb, CC0 1.0
A quaint little hill station that is simple and striking. The mist laden green carpet of tea plantations is just enough to keep the eager traveler spellbound. If you looking for a quite calm place with lots of greenery around then this should be your ideal choice. Apart from the soothing greenery the place also offers a range of places to visit such as the Eravikulam National Park, Anamudi Peak, the scenic Hydro-electric plant, Chinnakal, Anayirangal dam and Top Station.

5. Lambasingi

10-best-places-in-india-for-a-peaceful-holiday
Photo by Abhishek SingerVerma, CC BY-SA 4.0
Referred to as the ‘Kashmir of Andhra Pradesh’, this is a unique place in the subcontinent prides itself as the only place that has snowfall in South India. It is situated in the Chintapali district of Andhra Pradesh. A place filled with lush green vegetations, Lambasingi grows a wide variety of fruits and vegetables due to its climatic conditions. Best Places in India

6. Cheerapunji

10-best-places-in-india-for-a-peaceful-holiday
Photo by jidanchaomian, CC BY-SA 2.0
Popularly known as one of the wettest pplaceson planet earth, Cheerapunji is located on the East Khasi Hills about 2 hours drive of the state capital of Shillong. Cheerapunji is also home to some of the most spectacular living root bridges.  Interestingly these are roots hand-made by the local ethnic groups that live in and around the area. They are used for transportation by the locals. Other attractions include Nohkalikal Falls and the Seven Sisters Falls (also known as Nohsngithiang Falls or Mawsmai Falls).

7. Pamban Island

10-best-places-in-india-for-a-peaceful-holiday
Photo by Sunciti _ Sundaram’s Images, CC BY-SA 2.0
Pamban Island also known as Rameshwaram Island in Tamilnadu is a picture-perfect coastal destination. On the south-eastern tip of the island is situated the ‘ghost town’ of Dhanushkodi. A 2-kilometer Pamban bridge connects the Rameshwaram to mainland India. Best Places in India

8. Ravangla

10-best-places-in-india-for-a-peaceful-holiday
Photo by Soumya Kundu, CC BY 2.0
Perched at a height of 7000 ft this town is situated on the southern part of Sikkim. The town is well connected by state highway to the capital city and to other districts in the state. Those visiting Ravangla may also include Pelling and Gangtok in their itinerary. One can view the highest Himalayan peak in the country and few other peaks from this vantage point.

9. Chikmangalur

10-best-places-in-india-for-a-peaceful-holiday
Photo by prashantby, CC BY 2.0
A small little town situated in the Deccan Plateau, Chikmangalur is also popularly called the coffee town. It is said that coffee plantation in India first began in this district. Tourist destinations include Kudremukh National Park, Badra Wildlife Sanctuary, Manikyadhara and Hebbe Waterfalls. Also hill stations like Kemmanagudi and Kudremukh are located in this region. The river Tungabhadra has its source from the mountains of Chikmangulur.

10. Khajjiar Best Places in India

10-best-places-in-india-for-a-peaceful-holiday
Photo by Srinivasan G, CC BY-SA 2.0
At 6,5000 feet above sea level, Khajjiar is a breathtakingly lush green place situated on the Dhauladhar ranges of Western Himalayas. About an hour’s drive from Dalhousie, a popular hill station, Khajjiar is called as the ‘mini Switzerland’ of India. Best Places in India
As tourism flourishes and the number of travelers increases by the day, new places emerge from their hideouts. The above is not exhaustive and hence look out for more in the coming days.

WHAT TO READ NEXT

Walk through the 7 man-made wonders of India
Incredible India – a Place Where Love Blossoms
Top Things to Do and Places to Visit In Karnataka, India
Best Beaches in the World According to Travel Bloggers | Page 8

Ad
1...222324...86Page 23 of 86