Dreaming of the day you finally get to see new sights again? While this may not happen anytime soon due to the virus pandemic, you can certainly dream – and plan – your way to future family vacations even while you are in quarantine.
Although a pandemic might not exactly be the best time or place to start planning for a family vacation, it certainly serves as a welcome distraction. Apart from being a fun family bonding time, it also provides everyone with something positive to look forward to in the future.
If you are gearing up for a family vacation after quarantine, using an app to plan your vacation is all you need to jumpstart the excitement. Download and take a look at what the apps below have to offer, and you can finally lay your numerous notes and spreadsheets to rest.
Check Out These 3 App to Plan Vacations Today
Planning a trip isn’t easy, especially when you have a lot of factors to consider. To help you out, make sure to take a look at these mobile applications below.
Visit a City
Two of the most common dilemmas faced by travelers is knowing how long they need to stay at each destination and how to plan their visit by successfully grouping the nearby attractions to maximize their time.
Thanks to the Visit a City app, you can now rest easy as it provides you with guides on how to best spend the number of days you’ll be in the city or country. To use it, you only need to provide the number of days you plan to spend and it will give you a number of travel options to choose from.
Depending on what you want to see, you can easily choose from the best attractions, one that’s geared for the family, a packed itinerary, and an easy-going one. By putting together guides in your designated time frame, Visit a City allows you to maximize your vacation.
This app is a great way to jumpstart your plans as this gives you a rough estimate on how much time you need to spend in a place before even booking a flight, thereby saving you money later on. Plus, you can also book tours via this mobile application. Visit a City is available for iOS and Android users.
Hopper
Available for download on both iOS and Android for free, Hopper is your best friend when it comes to scouring the web for the best prices on airfare and hotel accommodations.
What makes this app unique is that it advises you to either book your trip or wait to book at a later time – for a favorable price.
In the event it tells you to wait, it allows you to create a price watch to keep tabs on prices with your device. It will send you a notification telling you when you should book. All you need to do is type in your destination and it shows you the cheapest and most expensive dates to travel.
TripIt
Are you a fan of the seamless consolidation of everything in your itinerary? TripIt may be the one for you. This app to plan vacations allows you to organize all your trip details and itineraries – all in one nifty place. This is available for download for free on both Apple and Android devices.
To make this application work, users are required to send confirmation emails and itinerary details to plans@trip.com. Then, TripIt itself will be responsible for making a master file for each trip which can be used even while you’re offline.
Besides the free feature, users have the option to upgrade to a TripIt Pro premium subscription for $49 per year. This allows you to track your flights and related notifications real-time, as well as keep you up-to-date on the miles and rewards points you have earned.
In addition, you can access and share your itineraries with other people in your family, allowing them to be in-the-know about your upcoming family vacation.
The Bottom Line
Planning a trip with your family after the virus pandemic dies down? You can check out these apps while in quarantine so you can make your upcoming family vacation one worth looking forward to. Who knows, you might just come out more prepared than ever before.
While regular boat trips take as much as 3 to 4 hours from Manila, a seaplane can get you to that paradise in just about 35 mins! Let AirTrav fly you to Puerto Galera and enjoy scenic views from above with all the time in your hands!
What is AirTrav Philippines?
“AirTrav Corporation is a Filipino company that owns and operates air charter services in the Philippines. AirTrav PH has its very own Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC) from the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines and also holds a non-scheduled domestic carrier certificate from the Civil Aeronautics Board. The company currently operates out of our very own hangar located in the Manila International Airport in Pasay City.” -Airtrav Philippines
AirTrav Philippines is the newest addition in the seaplane and helicopter chartered flights from Manila. It caters three (3) main destinations as of this writing particularly Clark, Puerto Galera, and Coron. It’s also in talks with flights from Manila to Boracay so you’ll definitely be having the best time of your life and save so much time for your much-awaited vacation. AirTrav is also partnered with Fridays Puerto Galera to give you that paradise experience you have been longing for so long. You may visit Fridays Puerto Galera website to see an overview of what experience you could get and how much it would cost you.
AirTrav Seaplane Flying Experience from Manila to Puerto Galera
If you have never been to Puerto Galera before, I highly recommend taking a seaplane from Manila to Puerto Galera via AirTrav. It’s completely a superb flying experience and you’d never want to take that option to ride a boat just to get to the paradise.
Imagine this, a boat ride will take about 1 hour and a half from Batangas Port, not mentioning the travel time it will take you from Manila to Batangas Pier. Whereas AirTrav can get you to Puerto Galera directly from Manila to Puerto Galera in just 35 mins! That’s almost 5x faster than a regular car ride + boat ride to a prime paradise destination near Manila. You are definitely paying for more convenience, comfort, and safety. AirTrav Philippines
Getting to the Port
AirTrav PH boarding area and take-off site are located at Realship Yachts in Manila Bay, beside the CCP Complex. You may use Google Maps or Waze to get there easily.
Boarding is not that complex similar to an airport. AirTrav has a simple boarding lounge for passengers with comfortable seats and chairs. Upon arrival, you will be required to fill out a log-in form and that’s it. If everyone is already in the lounge and passengers are complete for departure, everyone is ready to go.
Flying to Puerto Galera with AirTrav Seaplane
Upon reaching the boarding area, we were also greeted by the pilot himself, Captain Josh, together with his two other co-pilots, Capt. Julie, and Captain Ray. We were escorted to the seaplane itself. Luckily, we’re the only passengers that day and the weather was quite awesome too. It looked like as if we rented the whole plane for ourselves! AirTrav Philippines
Manila to Puerto Galera flights takes about a whole 40 to 45 minutes including take-off and landing which is about 5 minutes each from take-off at Manila and landing to Fridays Puerto Galera.
The seaplane can only take about 8 passengers per flight and each seat is a window seat. Every passenger has the chance to see what is below them, how small everything is from above, and how beautiful the scenery is from up above. You also could even see how the pilots operate the seaplane.
From up above, you’d be able to see the bird’s eye view of Metro Manila, Alabang, Cavite, Tagaytay, Batangas, and of course, the island paradise of Puerto Galera. The cars, the buildings, everything looks so small. Those skyscraper buildings in Makati are just like buildings on a plate design from an architect. It’s amazing and exciting all at the same time.
You’d also be able to compare how the waters from Manila Bay totally differs from the waters in Batangas and Mindoro. Whilst we noticed that the color of Manila Bay is almost turning from green to brown, it’s entirely different to the navy blue and light blue hues of the bays in Batangas and Puerto Galera. What has Manila Bay turned into?
Nevertheless, getting to Puerto Galera has never been this fast and convenient. Thanks to AirTrav Philippines! AirTrav Philippines
Arriving at Fridays Puerto Galera
Fridays Puerto Galera is an eco-friendly and a luxury resort in one of the private islands in Puerto Galera, Boquete Island that is.
After about 35 mins of flying from Manila, we have arrived and landed safely in Boquete Island via AirTrav seaplane. The flying was smooth and landing was not that rugged so it was a complete and perfect experience. AirTrav Philippines
We then checked in and had our lunch and enjoyed the facilities and amenities they have.
What I liked the most about Fridays Puerto Galera is how hands-on the General Manager is to their operations looking over the staffs and guests personally. We even had a complimentary evening cocktail in the resort together with the other in-house guests.
That day, however, was a bit inconvenient for some guests because of a broken pipe in the mountains. The water supply was cut for a whole day but it was fixed by the next morning. The resort compensated for the loss of water supply thru the water containers provided by them.
Read this for the full review of the resort.
Puerto Galera to Manila via AirTrav Seaplane
Of course, when you took a seaplane from Manila to Puerto Galera, it is also great if you take the same from Puerto Galera back to Manila.
At 11 am the next day, we took off from Fridays Puerto Galera resort heading back to Manila. Procedures are pretty much the same. After 5 minutes or so, we’re already up in the air. The scenery from above is just amazing as it was from Manila but this time, you’d see more beauty of nature first than the buildings.
This is the best time to look at the other scenes you think you missed from the first flight you had and to recollect or identify the locations from up above, just like a bird.
Flying back was rather jumpy probably because of the clouds forming in the air that will soon be transformed into a rainfall.
Jane was pretty much excited and scared on the way back to Manila as the gravity is like pulling us down. If you have experienced Anchor’s Away from Enchanted Kingdom, it’s a little similar to that especially when the ship is from mid-air going down. Few hours after our flight, rainfall came. So we’re also glad that we didn’t get to experience flying while it’s raining, I bet that is scarier.
Flying is all about peace of mind and saving time. If you want to get into the paradise within a short span of time, AirTrav seaplane is the best option for you. There’s nothing to be scared of. If you love flying, this one’s definitely for you! AirTrav Philippines
“The company’s pilots undergo factory training in directly at Robinson’s manufacturing facility, making our flight crew one of the bests in the industry. Aside from this, our aircraft and pilots are insured by the country’s premier insurance firm, Pioneer Insurance and Surety Corporation for its airframe, passengers, cargo, and crew.” -AirTrav PH website
The statement above is true. Flying on a seaplane is much safer compared to an airplane plus AirTrav’s pilots are well-trained and will surely keep you safe when in-flight.
So if you’re one looking for the ultimate convenience, safety, and comfort, then check out AirTrav Philippines’ website and book your flight to paradise! PS: Special thanks to AirTrav Philippines for flying us to Fridays Puerto Galera!
AirTrav Philippines
Head Office: 268-A AYSN Building, N. Domingo St.,
San Juan City, Metro Manila, Philippines Email:sales@airtrav.ph Manila Sales Office: +63 927 382 8883 Website:https://airtrav.ph
To book and know their rates, visit their website.
Want to upgrade your staycation? Dreaming of having your own infinity pool or Jacuzzi? How about a house party on the island of Boracay? Then worry no more! Villa Caipirinha is an essential choice for you!
Situated at Diniwid Hills in Boracay, Villa Caipirinha is your privately-owned holiday home ready for all your ultimate vacation needs! Beachfront is just 10-mins away and you need not worry about the transportation and food, having the villa for your own means you also get to own their services including transportation vehicle from the villa to the beach or vice versa and a full-time chef and staff to assist you with your requests.
Villa Caipirinha, whose name was derived from a cocktail drink – Caipirinha, is a three floors private villa with 7 bedrooms including the Master’s Bedroom alone on the 3rd floor with an overlooking view of the island in its bed and bathroom side. Every room was wonderfully designed giving lively and cozy feel in every part. Each room has its own bath, wash, and comfort area, which makes living in the villa even more comfortable. All rooms have their own television set and soon, cable channels will also be available.
The third floor consists of only the Master’s Bedroom. Large enough to have its own entertainment system, a king-size double mattress bed, a balcony overlooking the beach and sunrise in the dawn, a wardrobe whose size is half the bedroom area itself, a comfort room that’s large enough for two people with the bath area overseeing the view of the beach, having its own waterfall system where you can adjust the water temperature for a hot or cold shower conferring to your fancy.
The second floor comprises of 5 bedrooms. The first two rooms after the stairs have its own queen size bed perfect for couples. The third and fourth room are more applicable for groups, having two queen size beds in each room. The fifth room is more for a business type, it has its own office area and table, perfect for people whose life and the job is behind their laptops. Each and every room has its own in-room bathroom and comfort room, a wardrobe cabinet, and a balcony overlooking sunrise. But still, the bathroom for the Master’s Bedroom is more special.
The ground floor, ah! The greatest place in this villa after the bedrooms! What to see on the lowest floor?
Upon entry, you’d immediately be bedazzled by the interiors and its design. The powerful cuts in the area were really well-detailed and you’d know it’s not just a simple architecture. I’m sure you’d immediately notice the pool area. It’s an infinity pool that’s overlooking the Boracay community, the beach, and the sunrise. Since Villa Caipirinha is situated in Diniwid Hills which is an elevated part of the island, you’d be overwhelmed by the welcoming views of the environment, the beautiful beach, and its other offerings.
Beside the pool is the Jacuzzi which water pressure offers a light hydro-massage and which water temperatures can rise up to 40 degrees, perfect for your hot spring fanciness. You may bring your drinks and experience an awesome evening with your friends talking about everything and anything.
After being in awe of the views from the poolside, it’s time we get to tour what’s on the ground floor before the pool and the Jacuzzi area.
A complete entertainment system is waiting for you in the living room area. With a full-blast speaker readily available for your party system needs or if you just simply wanted a cool tune music to ease the troubles on your mind. This speaker is extended up to the poolside for a full of fun and or relaxing experience in the villa. There also is a screen projector, suited for your presentations and moment-sharing demonstrations, or if you simply wanted to enjoy a movie in a cinema-like arrangement. The living room area also consists of truly relaxing and comfy sofa and pillows ready to take you to sleep or simply just to hang around.
The kitchen area is a delight to the eyes of those who love to cook and if you love kitchen designing, this one’s a good idea for you. Though a full-time chef and staff are readily available, you may also opt to cook delicacies yourself. The dining area is a welcoming treat to your eyes too.
In the ground floor, a play area is also available where a billiards table is situated. You can play here with your friends and other bros and enjoy the day or night not having to worry about anything. You simply just get to enjoy your stay in the villa.
Did I mention a house party? Yes! Villa Caipirinha is an essential choice for you if you want to throw a private pool house party of your own!
Thanks to
TravelBook.ph
Juanderlust
StopSleepGo
Kimstore
Caipirinha Villa
Need more information about how to book this villa?
Send me a message!
It’s the infirmity that even the most abled traveler can suffer from. I remember going on a trip to a remote place, I slept and woke up suddenly feeling everything’s in motion. I knew I was suffering from this thing called “motion sickness”.
Motion sickness can ruin the holiday vibe. imagine puking for how many times because your world is moving even when you’re static, but it can be addressed in time for the travel season.
You can ensure a winning travel experience when you keep motion sickness at bay. “This is why Taisho Pharmaceuticals, makers of Bonamine, believe that Bonamine should be an essential part of every traveler’s journey,” said Tito Tolentino, Country Head and Regional Director for SEA Commercial Operations of Taisho Pharmaceuticals Phils., Inc.
Vomiting, headaches, sweating, dizziness, and similar bouts caused by motion sickness can dampen, even cancel travel plans. It can strike while you are on a long road trip, on a plane, or in a cruise. Bonamine should be taken 1 hour before a trip to address motion sickness “for a comfortable, worry-free and fun-filled experience,” added Tolentino.
To make it a truly rewarding travel experience, Bonamine has rolled out their latest promo for all backpackers, byaheros, and turistas.
With Bonamine Travel and Win Promo, travelers get a chance to WIN A TRIP TO HONGKONG FOR FOUR (4).
Winning is easy as 1 – 2 – 3!
1. Just capture your best moments through a selfie or groufie. Make sure to include a Bonamine Promo pack in your poses.
2. Share your Bonamine enjoy-ang-biyahe experience. Don’t forget to include #Bonamine and #Travelandwin promo hashtags in your posts.
NOTE: Promo period is from March 1 to July 31, 2018.
Winners will be announced on the Bonamine Facebook Page.
Whether you’re chasing summertime with friends or just voyaging a destination with your family or special someone, you can travel and win with Bonamine!
For more details about the promo, visit the BonaminePH Facebook page.
One important thing about booking an accommodation is to check its location. Will it be close to the top attractions? to the parks? to the monuments? and or a ride away to many top places? We don’t want to book and stay at a hotel that’s far away from the places we want to go, all we want is convenience. This is what Sparkle Hotel made our experience of, convenience.
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Sparkle Hotel is so convenient that we only walked less than a minute to get to Taipei 101, Taipei’s highest tower. This hotel s located just in front of Taipei 101 and a few attractions and must-visit places like Taipei World Trade Center, Taipei Xinyi Sports Center, Sanzhangli Park, Jingping Park, It’s location is also a few blocks away from Xiangshan Park, Elephant Mountain, Zhongshan Park, Guangfu Market, and National Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall.
Sparkle Hotel Review & Experience
Since Sparkle Hotel is just in front of Taipei 101, we didn’t have a hard time looking for it. We were also quite early for check-in so we opted to visit Taipei 101 to claim our Taipei 101 Observatory Tickets with National Palace Museum tickets at the fifth level and left our bags at the front desk.
If you get quite confused where the entrance to the hotel is, it’s in front of the MRT Taipei 101 Station Exit 5 and it’s below MQ Social Bar and Grill. They even have an elevator for guests to use especially if you have huge pieces of luggage with you.
Check-In Experience
Check-in was swift. The front desk will greet you with delight, and as non-Chinese speaker guests, we didn’t have a rough time understanding their words so it was quick and easy. We handed over our passports and they checked their system if there was a booking for us. They told us that we will be staying in their Vogue O2 room. After confirmation, we asked if we could leave our baggage to which they are okay with.
The hotel lobby and lounge are nice and neat. It has space for a bit of relaxation after a full day with self-service coffee and snacks, also with a mini library that serves as a division to the dining hall. One noticeable trait of Sparkle Hotel are the metal bubbles displayed on the walls which when struck with light, makes a spark. The hotel lives up to its name and I personally like it.
Speaking of the outside, they have a fountain and mini garden which is really capturing big attention when you go down to the hotel entrance, especially at night. Just see how enticing the display was based on the photos below.
Vogue O2 Room
After getting back from our National Palace Tour (booked via KKday), we were escorted to our room, the Vogue O2 room. They also gave us a welcome treat, a box of Pineapple Cake from Sugar and Spice.
Seeing how the room’s aesthetics were, we were struck by delight. There was no room introduction from the attendant but there was no need for that. Sparkle Hotel says that this is a room with a taste of vogue, almost a minimalist interior design with a vertical garden outdoor fronting the bed which brings a quiet and laid back corner.
The design, especially the bathroom and the wash area was quite similar to the first hotel we stayed in at Ximending. From the bathroom door to the famous Japanese toilet, it looks as if there’s only one person who designed the hotels. Above all, it’s still pleasing.
The Room We Loved
I love how the room and every piece of item in it were placed. Especially that when upon entry, a neat wash area can be found and across that area was the shower, bathtub, and toilet room. A water heater is readily available with complimentary bottles of water, a drawer where you can find the other kitchen and hygiene amenities, and most of all, the Italian SPA set and bath salt brand called Oliva del Mediterraneo. The slippers, the glasses, and the toothbrushes have contrasting colors to distinguish which item is which.
[hoops name=”InArticle”]A workplace desk was placed on the overhead of the bed that I find cute and conventional. It has a mini lamp and it’s where the telephone and room controls are placed.
Fronting the uber comfortable bed and sheets is the 39″ TV, night lamp, a photograph canvass of Taipei 101 on New Year’s fireworks and the outdoor vertical garden that’s truly relaxing. The design of the room especially when seeing the outdoor garden doesn’t feel like you are living in the city. It gives you an impression that greens are still better seen when you wake up than the streets of the city. It also relaxes your mind and eyes from the busyness of the world and everyday life.
Noticeable enough are the metal beads placed on one side of the wall, it’s what the Sparkle Hotel is iconic for. These huge beads are surprisingly clean and not dusty. They also are clear and shiny that you can take a picture of your whole room from it due to its shape. They look like getting cleaned every day as the shine doesn’t fade away.
Features of the Vogue O2 room:
Panasonic 39″ LED TV
Hair Dryer
Cable/Satellite TV Channels
Washlet
Bathtub
Air Conditioning
IDD service
Complimentary High-Speed Internet Access
Safety Box
Shower Room
Bathrobes
Working Desk
Iron and Ironing Board (by request)
Slippers
Mineral Water
Glass screen with a vertical garden view
Hot and Cold shower
Sparkle Hotel Amenities and Facilities
Self-Service Laundry
Sparkle Hotel is one of the few hotels that offers free self-service laundry that is located at the end of the hall.
Outdoor Vertical Garden
The greens that you from the inside of your room. We didn’t opt to explore this area but there is a staff that maintains the garden’s natural beauty. Free Hot and Cold Water
A water dispenser is near the laundry self-service area that serves you hot and cold water. You don’t need to buy water everytime from stores as they already provide it here. Meeting Hall
If you need to conduct a meeting, a Meeting Hall is also available.
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Buffet Breakfast at Sparkle Hotel
Don’t be confused about their breakfast area, it’s not within the hotel premises but above them.
Breakfasts are served at MQ Social Bar and Grill, just above the hotel. We actually got confused about the directions because we first thought that the breakfast is being served right next to the front desk, but we were wrong. We have to ask another staff which he gladly showed the way.
The MQ Social serves western breakfast, meaning there only are a few choices for food but in a buffet style. On our two days breakfast servings, we had the same choices for food every day, nonetheless, it was good. We just wished that the menu isn’t the same every day.
The staffs were also dining in MQ Social so we wondered if they have been eating the same thing every single day.
MQ Social was a quiet bar and grill at daytime where you can just sit back and sip your drink without anyone bothering you. You can even play a cartridge game at one or two of their tables quietly, but boy they do transform when it’s night. They are also offering games with prizes for their patronizers. There was a Beer Pong tournament notice on our table and I think that was fun!
Why we love Sparkle Hotel
Overall, our stay at Sparkle Hotel was pleasant and productive as it is located nearby the MRT Taipei 101 Station and a short distance away from other famous spots. The room was neat, and beautifully made and the outdoor garden really adds up to a charming kind of view. It’s was really relaxing and it gives some kind of comfort.
The staff are all courteous and easy to talk to, they are also willing to give out answers as long as they could understand you.
They’ve also given us a huge favor. We left our huge bags after check-out as we will be heading to Wulai district for a night. We really don’t want to bring all our stuff for an overnight stay outside Taipei so this was a huge plus factor to us. Not only they are all courteous but trust-worthy as well. I will definitely be back to thank this hotel for the service they made us experience.
Sparkle Hotel
ADDRESSB1, No. 16, Sec 5, Xin Yi Rd, Xin Yi District, 11049 Taipei PHONE+886 2 2723-0999 FAX+886 2 2758-8680 E-MAILrsvn@sparklehotel.com.tw
Tourist Attraction Near Sparkle Hotel Taipei – National Dr. Sun TYat-Sen Memorial Hall
Tourist Attractions Near Sparkle Hotel
1. Taipei 101 – formerly known as the Taipei World Financial Center, is a supertall skyscraper in Xinyi District, Taipei. Its name was derived from the 101 floors of the building.
To gain access to the Taipei 101 Observatory Tower, you need Observatory Tickets. You can avail at their counter or thru online which are preferred because most of the tickets are discounted. Avail it here. 2. National Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall – also known as “National ‘Father of the Nation’ Memorial Hall”. The main entrance to the hall contains a statue of Sun Yat-sen. Every hour, there is a formal changing of the guards, which is a popular tourist attraction. 3. Zhongshan Park – located within the grounds of Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall. 4. Xiangshan Park – a huge recreational park that also serves as a path to the hiking trail going to Elephant Mountain. 5. Elephant Mountain – The best picturesque place to see the Taipei City is from the Elephant Mountain. The excellent time to hike the mountain is during the late afternoon, this way you can catch the sunset as well as a daytime view and stunning nighttime view of the city. Our experience to be posted soon. 6. Taipei World Trade Center – make sure to stop in here if there’s an event going on to score cheap and quality goods.
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Get to adventure and see for yourself the following: Jiufen Old Street, Yehliu Geopark, Shifen Old Street, Shifen Lantern, Shifen Waterfalls. Our comprehensive review on this day tour package from KKday to be posted soon. Book here.
This is the tour I’d really like to experience but due to the lack of time, we weren’t able to do this. I wish we could go back soon and experience the Northeast Coast of Taiwan. I’d like you to avail this for a different Taiwan experience. Book here.
Get to see the popular spots of Taipei with KKday sightseeing bus tour. A cheap and easy way to enjoy the whole city and see the famous and latest attractions in town. Our comprehensive review and experience to be posted soon. Book here.
We availed of this for a hassle-free experience. It comes with tickets to the National Palace Museumand entrance tickets to Taipei 101 Observation Deck. See Taipei’s history and the whole city in a bird’s eye view. Our comprehensive review and experience to be posted soon. Book here.
A different experience in Taipei. You should really try this as the east coast is more scenic. Book here.
Stay connected while in Taiwan
We availed the 5 Days Unlimited Data SIM Card for Taiwan via the Pinoy Traveler’s Unlimited Sim Card. Read our review and why we love this particular product sold in the Philippines. As a digital nomad, being connected all the time is my number one priority. REVIEW and HOW TO AVAIL. Alternatively, you may opt to choose a WiFi device rental via Klook or KKday.
From snowy mountain peaks and frozen lakes to grass-covered cliffs and coastal towns, Canada is a land of diversity, perfect for awe-inspiring explorations. Whether it’s your first time in Canada or your hundredth, this magical country will always surprise you with its hidden beauties. For a quick travel time to your preferred destination, you can also book a shuttle service by Jayride from the airport to these best tourist spots:
Big Muddy Valley Photo credit: Tourism Saskatchewan / Douglas E. Walker
For a change of landscape, you should visit the Big Muddy Badlands of Saskatchewan, nestled in the north of Montana. The gorgeous landscape of hilly grassland, mystical caves, and exciting cliffs will make you feel as if you were in a western movie.
Right in the middle of the desert panorama awaits you the majestic, 70-meter-high Castle Butte with a unique outlaw flair. The entire region brims with the shreds of evidence of early civilization, such as ceremonial circles, stone effigies and buffalo jumps. You can also spot wildlife roaming free, including buffalos and bird species, so get ready for an exceptional outdoor adventure.
2. Churchill, Manitoba
Churchill, Manitoba Photo by: Sridhar Chilimuri
Known as the “bear capital of the world”, the lovely town of Churchill is where you can come face to face with proud and beautiful polar bears, especially during the bear season from mid-October to November. You might want to join a polar bear tour and admire them from a safe horizon. Churchill is nestled on the shores of Hudson Bay and during colder months, its surrounding landscape gains a magical appeal. However, polar bears aren’t the only citizens of Churchill. Best Tourist Spots to Visit in Canada
This enchanting town will also provide you with an opportunity to cherish beluga whales who will gladly welcome you into their waters. You can prep up, dive in and go for a swim with belugas, paddle in a kayak right above them, or simply observe them from a beach as they descend through the deep sea.
3. Algonquin Provincial Park, Ontario
As a home to various wildlife, exciting water pursuits, and distinct cultural values, Algonquin Provincial Park is the first of its kind in Ontario and one of the most popular parks in Canada.
While there, you may have an opportunity to see some of the representatives of the park’s over 40 mammal, 30 reptile, and amphibian species, as well as more than 130 bird species. As for the most popular activities, you can fancy from a range of exciting options, including canoeing, snowmobiling, dog sledding, camping, and backpacking. Algonquin Park is certainly a charming destination for nature lovers, offering something to everyone. Best Tourist Spots to Visit in Canada
What was once a hippy haven now is an eco-town of Tofino. This is one of the most sought-after destinations for water sports adventures, offering world-class waves to its guests. Whether you want to try to tame Canadian waves with your surfboard or explore the region by a tour boat, you’ll be fascinated by the town’s exciting activities and stunning beaches. We recommend you check Globo Surf for some outdoor sports guides and reviews when you go to this place.
Towards a true exploration of the region’s beauties, you should hop on a boat to Ahousat and visit its Hot Springs that are deemed to have a therapeutic effect. A trip through the forests and marshes will enable you to soak in the encompassing scenery.
5. Lake Louise, Banff National Park, Alberta
The enchanting vista of greenish-blue glacier lake against the towering Rocky Mountains is simply awe-inspiring. Nestled in the heart of the Rockies and the Banff National Park, Lake Louise is a picture-perfect setting for wintertime charms. Best Tourist Spots to Visit in Canada
From sleigh rides and mountain hikes to lake ice skating and gondola sightseeing, your exploration of Lake Louise and the surrounding natural magnificence of the Rocky Mountains will truly be an out-of-this-world experience.
6. Lunenburg, Nova Scotia
If you’re a wanderer who enjoys modern comforts but still desires to reconnect with nature, the historic town of Lunenburg is where you can have it both. Its waterfront scene on the Fairhaven Peninsula opens it up to the wonders of the Atlantic, while its vigorous culture represents a unique mixture of its coastal tradition and the charms of wilderness. In Lunenburg, you can gallivant along its lovely streets, visit the local museums and galleries and soak in its genuine atmosphere.
As for a Canadian nature-inspired adventure, you should visit Indian Falls, a nearby reserve, where you can go hiking, admire the views from a look-out or simply unwind over a picnic. Another great spot that you shouldn’t miss is LaHave River Trail where you can hike, run, cycle, ski or just go for a carefree stroll. Best Tourist Spots to Visit in Canada
Recommended Activities from KKDay to Try in Canada
Traveling can be a rewarding stress-buster if you’re planning to get away from your mundane daily grind, either as a part of a group or all on your own. As solo travel is on the rise, travel has become all about spontaneity and freedom to explore the destinations at your own pace. For this reason, the number of women with an undying love for travel is rapidly accelerating.
If you have a woman in your life with a zest for exploring new places and you always find it difficult figuring out what to give her, fret no more, we’ve got your back. Quit sending gift cards every year and start giving her something to remember.
Here we’ve master-crafted a one-stop solution to your quest in finding the best gifts for the woman who is always raving about her next dream trip. Read on to discover 7 awesome gifts for women who travel!
1. Forget Pins on the Map, Now There’s a Scratch Map
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She can get rid of pinning down the places that she’s been to on the world map. The Scratch Map is a far cooler way to map out where she’s already set foot. Covered in a gold foil layer, she can scratch off the layer to reveal colorful countries as she continues unraveling the beauty of new destinations.
That’s not all! They also make the perfect bedroom wall art to show off all her adventures around the world.
2. The Famous Adventure Camera – GoPro Hero 8
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From snowboarding to scuba diving to skydiving, there is nothing better than a Go Pro to capture all the brilliant moments that she experiences. The latest version of GoPro Hero 8 has recently made its appearance, which can make a magnificent gift for the female travel enthusiast in your life.
You can also make a combo gift of the Hero8 with its protective housing, which will double the happiness for sure!
3. Make Things Simple with the World Travel Adapter
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Adapters have always been an issue for travel enthusiasts in today’s tech-savvy world. But if she has a universal power adapter, she won’t have to worry anymore.
Designed to work in more than 150 countries, she can travel to almost anywhere around the globe, and convert the plug by just sliding a single switch. Also with dual USB Ports and USB Max: 2100mA 5V 2.1A, this adapter is compatible with most of the gadgets.
4. Help Her Carry More in This Carry-On Luggage
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The art of suitcase packing is usually more difficult to master for women because of the truckload of things women like to carry, even if it’s a one-day trip.
The TravelPro Maxlite 5suitcase is super light, making it easier to carry all the things she needs whilst looking stylish. The bag weighs less than 6 pounds and features the best quality spinning wheels. And to top everything off, it also comes with a lifetime warranty.
5. The Inevitable Silk Scarf
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If she doesn’t already travel with a silk scarf, she’ll thank you when she has one. A cute, vibrant scarf will not only keep her warm in the plane, but it will also allow her to cover up when visiting religious and cultural sites, and add a bit of pizazz to a simple outfit.
If you’re unsure about what type of scarf to buy, go for a silk pashmina wrap. They are so versatile she can wear it around her neck, as a headscarf or, if it’s big enough, as a sarong too.
6. A Comfy Little Hammock
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Practically every woman in this world wouldn’t mind spending some quality time swinging in a Hammock with their favorite book.
Being heavy-duty, lightweight, and portable this Hammock is super easy to set-up and can be carried around in her bag. Moreover, this multi-functional gear is space-saving and entails a lot of health benefits such as improving sleep quality.
7. A Must-Gift Idea: Global SIM Card Sticker
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If she loves heading-off on one vacation after another, gifting her a SIM sticker would be a thoughtful and practical idea which she will definitely appreciate. This will free her of the hassle to change her SIM card every time she hits the road.
With Global SIM stickers it becomes a piece of cake to activate data by attaching her existing SIM card.
8. Gift Her Purified Water with Steripen Water Purifier
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Having access to clean drinking water when on the go is not always possible. And often the traveling woman in your life may be left with no choice but to quench herr thirst by drinking lake or tap water.
To tackle this unhygienic situation you can gift her the Steripen Water Purifier which uses UV light to filter water in just a few seconds. In fact, it only takes 90 seconds for Steripen Water Purifier to purify 1-litre water.
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Booking Period: 13-19 November 2017 Travel Period: 7 May 2018- 31 January 2019
The 5 Most Unexpected and Astonishing Landscapes to See in 2019
The world has so much to offer for those struck with wanderlust. As such, it can be hard to decide which place to visit first. In most cases, common tourist destinations are known for a single landmark that overshadows many of the hidden gems of a country. Other areas are overlooked completely so that only the select few get to enjoy the scenery.
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2019, the end of an era, is the ideal time to visit some of those astonishing vistas and make incredible memories to carry into 2020 and beyond. Here are five unexpected and astonishing landscapes to see in 2019.
The Hawaiian Islands
Travelers often forget that Hawaii is made up of a series of islands. Beyond the beaches and ideal surfing, the environment is a treasure trove of natural beauty and cultural wisdom. Avid travelers should start their trip by renting an amazing accommodation on Big Island and getting the best of this tourist hotspot before venturing off the grid.
Molokai, the fifth largest Hawaiian island offers a tropical paradise and pristine beaches, guarded by 2000-foot high cliffs watching over the shore. Central Molokai is remote and isolated, offering an unforgettable experience in the natural surroundings. Kauai is known as the “Garden Isle” due to its lush greenery. It’s said to be home to the most astonishing landscapes in the South Pacific region.
Namibia
Namibia is a country in the southern region of the African continent. It’s incredible landscape somehow simultaneously conveys barrenness and the persistence of life. Sossusvlei is a sea of sand, with mountainous dunes contrasting with the turquoise sky. Watch the sunset turn this vast desert into a sea of gold. Nearby Deadvlei, a white clay pan, offers quite a different view of the area.
Namibia is a coastal country, and visiting the Skeleton Coast is a once in a lifetime experience that will stay with you for a lifetime. Named for the thousands of shipwrecks dotting the coastline, the skeleton coast is as eerie as it is beautiful. This incredible expanse of beach is not for swimming and lounging in the sun, but rather reflecting on the power of the ocean as it crashes against the desert dunes.
Turkey
Perhaps one of the most underrated travel destinations, Turkey is an amazing country with a rich history and stunning landscapes. Many refrain from visiting Turkey due to safety concerns, though federal travel bodies have indicated that the country is mostly safe as long as precautions are taken not to travel too close to the Syrian and Iraq borders.
The views at Cappadocia are nothing short of magical. Sip Turkish coffee as you watch hundreds of hot air balloons venture over the rocky expanse of land or get the view from the top for an unforgettable experience. Pamukkale is home to an otherworldly cascade of thermal pools, overflowing from the terrace to terrace, where many travelers go to explore. In the Antique Pool hot spring, you can swim over ancient Roman columns.
The Netherlands
The Netherlands is commonly referred to around the world as Holland, a misnomer which actually refers to a specific region within the greater Kingdom of the Netherlands. But is a rose by any other name not still a rose? In this case, it’s a tulip.
The tulip fields in the Netherlands are one of the most captivating landscapes in the world. During the months of March to May, the fields showcase straight rows of color-coded tulips, creating an astounding patchwork quilt of life. While Amsterdam often gets the majority of tourist attention, The Netherlands also has other incredible sights to behold, like the windmills of Kinderdijk.
Greece
Greece is another destination that’s overshadowed by one main attraction. While Santorini is breathtaking and certainly worth visiting, the hidden gems scattered across the Grecian islands hold so much more. Crete boasts incredible beaches, hidden caverns, and complex architectural and even mythological wonders that are guaranteed to seduce the eye and the mind. Like its name, Meteora offers an ethereal, almost alien landscape. Zakynthos, Mykonos, Delphi– each island offers something amazing. The challenging part is seeing it all on a limited itinerary.
It’s both the geographical and cultural diversity of planet Earth that make it such an astonishing place to live. Add these five destinations to the top of your travel bucket list for 2019 and beyond.
Having a strong Internet connection is important for just about everything we do. From ordering food to conducting banking activities to even working, there’s no denying that having reliable internet service is essential, wherever you might be.
With this service being a necessity, it’s only right that you ensure that you get the best connection and speed from your internet provider. After all, you are paying them for it, right? One way to properly measure internet speed is by using your mobile device.
Thanks to its convenience and accessibility, you can easily conduct a speed test from your trusty device. Whether you’re experiencing intermittent connections or lagging on your mobile games, it’s possible to gauge just how fast your internet speed is.
Using A Speed Test App
The best way to test internet speed on mobile is via a speed test application.
One of the best applications that have been tried and tested by many experts and individuals alike is the Speedtest by Ookla app. As a matter of fact, this is considered the gold standard for many.
Using this program is easy. For smartphone and mobile users, you’ll be happy to know that the Okla Speed Test app is available for download on both the Google Play Store and the iTunes App Store. Meanwhile, you may also access the website.
To help you use the app and successfully conduct a speed test using your mobile device, here’s what you should do.
Download And Install The App
For faster use and convenience, you may want to download the software on your phone. To do this, simply head to the Google Play Store if you are an Android user or to the iTunes App Store if you’re an Apple user. Key in the name of the app and press ‘Install.’
Launch And Set It Up
Once you have downloaded the app, all you need to do is launch and set up the program. To do this, you need to open the app and pick the right location, this should be the place where you are conducting the testing.
After this, you also need to check if the application is showing you the right internet provider whose services you are contracting. Proceed with choosing the server you wish to utilize for your tests.
Bear in mind that the app normally relies on the server nearest you to show the available capacity of your connection. However, you have the option to change your server as you see fit to ascertain how your internet service works in different locations.
Use The App And Wait For The Results
After checking the necessary options, such as the internet name and server, you may now click on ‘Go’ to proceed. After a few seconds, you will get a result detailing both the upload and download speeds that you are currently experiencing. An accompanying graph can also be seen on the screen.
A rule of thumb would be the higher the number, the better your internet connection is. For Pings, however, the lower, the better. This indicates the latency or period of inactivity you experience, which you may sometimes refer to as ‘lags.’
Best Practices When Testing Internet Speed On Mobile
To help you get accurate results when testing, below are some practices you should be mindful of.
Pause All Internet-Consuming Activities
The last thing you want to do is sabotage your test. To yield accurate speed tests, you should ensure that the only app or program running is the Ookla Speedtest software.
Pause all other applications that may consume data from your bandwidth or data allocation so you can measure it right.
Do The Test More Than Once
If in doubt, don’t hesitate to conduct tests and measurements more than once. Since internet speeds tend to vary during different parts of the day, testing more than once is a good idea.
On a mobile or smartphone device, your data or internet speed relies on a number of factors, including the signal in your area and the number of people using the connection. Move around to see where the connection speeds up and where it tends to become slower.
Conclusion
With these tips and with the help of a reliable speed test application, you can test your internet speed on your mobile device without any hassle. By using Speedtest by Ookla, you can put your concerns to rest and reach out to your service provider as needed.