Travel

Bangkok’s popularity as a tourist destination has led to many parts of the city becoming more gentrified in order to appeal to the millions of foreigners that come to visit the city every year. Still, you can find areas where traditional Thai culture manages to thrive – a grittier, more authentic side to the city that hasn’t yet managed to be overrun by commercialism and polish. These areas may be off the beaten path, but you’ll come to find that they’re as lively and beautiful as the attractions typically recommended by the guidebooks. Below are some of our top picks:

Pak Klong Talad

Bangkok’s preeminent source for all kinds of flowers, plants and other flora is Pak Klong Talad, or simply Bangkok Flower Market. Like many of the top attractions in Bangkok, it comes alive after midnight, and is most active between the pre-dawn hours of 3 and 4 AM, though the market is open 24 hours. Rows of colorful, fragrant flowers make up the façade of many stalls, spilling right into the walkways. Vendors sell both local Thai flowers as well as imported flowers at rock-bottom prices, usually in bundles of 50 or 100 blooms in each pack. Many stalls also offer custom flower arrangements, bouquets, cone-shaped flower offerings called baisri that consist of chrysanthemum flowers, banana leaves and pandan leaves, and phuang malai garlands used as religious offerings, gifts, and souvenirs. You can also find a wide selection of fresh fruits and vegetables here, as well as incense and candles, fake flowers, and other flower-related paraphernalia.

King Rama IX Park

Conveniently located in Bangkok’s Prawet District, Suan Luang Rama IX or King Rama IX Park is 200 acres of welcome green and open space in a city that could really use some decongesting. It features many botanical gardens that are lovely places for a leisurely walk if you happen to be checked into any of the hotels near Suvarnabhumi Airport. The park also has a beautiful lake where you can enjoy a scenic swan boat ride, vast patches of grass perfect for late afternoon picnics, and a grand pavilion that contains art and photo exhibits that honor the king the park was named for.

Papaya Studio

Papaya Studio is a multi-functional space that serves as a vintage store, photo studio and museum all in one. It’s impossible to define with a single word, but it truly reflects the eccentric personality of its owner and founder, Supoj Siripornlertkul, also known as Mr. Tong. He’s a reclusive character who tends to avoid the spotlight, only adding to the mystique and charm of his three-storey space crammed full of thousands of vintage items and antiques. “Organized chaos” is the best way to describe Mr. Tong’s arrangement of his collection – items are typically grouped by category or item, style, function, or era. Vintage Vespas, pinball machines, life-size figures of comic book characters, Victorian-style furniture, old sound systems, and musical instruments are some of the items you can find here. To call it a “store” is to use the word loosely – there are no price tags on any of the items and Mr. Tong might refuse your offer if he can’t bear to part with that piece of his collection. It’s a popular space for taking photographs, but even if you aren’t interested in that, walking around from room to room just discovering various curiosities is still an incredibly visceral experience. Find it on Lat Phrao Road.

Amulet Market

Buddhism and Hinduism feature largely in Thai culture, and there’s an air of something arcane and magical in Bangkok’s Amulet Market, located near Tha Phra Chan Pier. Many Thais believe that wearing an amulet can ward off ill fortune and evil, bring good luck or improve one’s health, protect your harvest, or even get you a girlfriend. At the Amulet Market, thousands of these charms are available for sale, and men come in droves armed with magnifying glasses to sift through the piles in the hopes of finding something of real value. Many sellers will claim that their wares have been made or were blessed by a respected monk in order to assure you of their efficacy, regardless of whether the statement is true or not. It’s more of a one-of-a-kind experience for non-believers, and even if you aren’t looking for a magical boost to get more dates, it’s a great spot to people watch and glimpse a bit of the gritty aspects of daily life in the city.

Scala Cinema

Housed in a meticulously preserved late Modernist building at the Siam Square shopping area, the Scala was opened in 1969 and has stood the test of time, still open today as the last standalone single-screen cinema in Thailand. People come here for the Art Deco interiors – likewise beautifully intact – and stay for the screenings. It shows a variety of independent and foreign films that typically get passed over by the more modern cineplexes in Bangkok and offer a uniquely retro viewing experience. With a seating capacity of 1000, it has been the site for many events and film festivals. Tourists tend to miss this spot completely, but it’s worth a look, even if it’s just to admire the stunning architecture.

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We’re in the midst of the summer, experiencing a European heatwave, and there’s a bank holiday on the horizon – what more can we ask for? A guide to London’s highlights in August, that’s what! With August being the last bank holiday of the year, it’s important to make it a good one. There’s no better place to enjoy the sun than in London, so we’ve compiled the ultimate guide to the capital’s Bank Holiday offerings.

From Notting Hill Carnival, to new theatre shows, to outdoor cinema, pick an attraction, get yourself booked into a Dorsett Hotel, City of London, and make the most of your weekend.

Notting Hill Carnival

Europe’s largest street festival, the Notting Hill Carnival, takes over west London over the August Bank Holiday weekend. Join more than one million people for a huge Caribbean party, with the colourful floats and parades guaranteed to entertain all the family. The 2019 Notting Hill Carnival kicks off at 6am on Sunday the 25^th August, ending at 10pm on Monday the 26^th. Celebrate with the costume-clad Caribbeans as they move to traditional calypso, rumba, meringue, reggae, and zouk music.

Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens

Transport yourself back to the 19^th century this Bank Holiday, as on the 24^th of August Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens are exhibiting ‘We are the Fair – Discovering Victorian Vauxhall’. This free day out will feature distinctly Victorian fun and games, with performances from tightrope walkers, stilt walkers, and strong men. Perfect for a family day out that’s a little more traditional.

Green Rooms Market

Head for Peckham on Sunday the 25^th to get your green fingers on pots and plants. At the Green Rooms botanical market, you’ll come across succulents, cacti, terrariums, and 3D printed pots, provided by the highly experienced independent sellers. They give talks on houseplants, and run terrarium and plant hanger making workshops. Even the kids can enjoy horticultural craft activities with child-friendly workshops on offer.

Covent Garden Cool Down

The Bank Holiday is shaping up to be a scorcher, so cool off in Covent Garden’s Piazza. From August 22^nd, they’re hosting a four-day ice cream festival. The traditional ice cream flavours on offer are plentiful, but there are also some fruitier concoctions – fruit and vegetable mixes which take their inspiration from the Piazza’s heritage. They’re even offering alcoholic frozen cocktails – the perfect way to unwind in the sun this August.

Morden Park House

On Monday the 26^th of August, Morden Park House’s outdoor cinema pays homage to the 1990s by offering an eclectic set of films for the Bank Holiday weekend. At 11am you can enjoy the children’s cult classic, Jumanji, with a 1pm showing of Clueless appealing to a teenage audience. At 3pm, the family can all laugh and cry at Baz Lurhmann’s Romeo and Juliet. On the evening, things take a more adult turn, with 90s classics Pretty Woman and Pulp Fiction still delighting audiences even as they approach their third decade.

To read more on topics like this, check out the travel category.

In this high and fast life it’s hard to keep in touch with your family. Such being the case, weekend retreats become a necessity to keep in touch. As you’re planning a tour to enjoy with your family and family friends, why not give the city of Los Angeles a try?

Not only is the city a prime location to enjoy yourselves, it also offers attractions for all ages to enjoy.

Here are some tips to smoothen the planning bit out, so that you can enjoy the city without much worry.

How to travel?

How many people do you have accompanying you? Are there going to be any complex routes you’re taking? Finding out the maps of the destinations you’d have to visit is essential for figuring out which vehicles to book ahead when you’re visiting L.A. rent a charter bus which would be of great help if you’re unfamiliar with the area.

Book ahead, talk routes with your driver and figure out how you want to explore the area. Once, you’ve got this bit of logistics figured out, also plan some alternative routes, because, the city of Los Angeles can get busy, and getting stuck in a traffic snarl is as irritating during vacations as it is during normal days.

How to get there?

Getting to the city of dreams is a pretty easy deal now-a-days. Just check-in into a flight and get yourself to the airport. Book your bus up ahead and get yourself to the hotel, and you can travel from there. You might even try an instate bus to reach to your destination, however, when it comes to L.A. the heat and the weather of the neighboring roads are notorious, so, be careful when you plan a tour like that.

When to go?

Summers can get quite summery down in Los Angeles, and you might not want to be stuck roaming the streets in the middle of the day. The rainy season might sound pitch-perfect, but it also obscures the sun, and makes you wish for a better way to travel. The best times to visit Los Angeles are in the fall and spring months. Winter is the peak time for performances and everything that L.A. is known for and grabs a lot of eyeballs too.

Want to know if you’re walking into an area that might not be best suited for you and your friends? Consider getting a weather app that can give you real-time updates about the way things are going on the other side of town.

Where to stay?

Pretty much all the big centers around town have great hotels where you can lounge at and have fun. First, of course, you have to choose the place where you want to stay at

Sunset Tower Hotel:

The likes of Clark Gable and Greta Garbo have graced this hotel since it opened way back in 1931. Relax in the famous strip, enjoy the excellent cuisine and meet and greet the 21st-century stars who call this place home often.

Hotel Bel-Air:

Imagine warm fireplaces complimented by a large indoor lake. Hotel Bel-Air takes a piece of nature and places it firmly inside L.A. The swan lake where swans play for most of the day is a great attraction; however, nothing beats lounging near the pool and checking out the light breeze through the bougainvillea bushes.

The Beverly Hills Hotel:

Not the most economic option in this list by a long mile, this has been a favorite of the stars from old times. Elizabeth Taylor had 6 of her honeymoons here, and the notoriety is only complimented by the extravaganza that this hotel will bring into your life.

InterContinental:

A 70th-floor hotel complimented by the tallest open-air bar in America, InterContinental is a modern hotel that is sure to blow you away. Rest yourself in the nook of luxury and enjoy a drink as you see the L.A. skyline in a very unique way.

The Rose Hotel:

A mainstay for artists and fashion designers, The Rose Hotel is a small establishment with ocean views and a warm staff. The selling point is the wonderful atmosphere they project, very modern and very minimalist.

Where to go?

Now, Los Angeles has a lot of places to go to. It has been the home of Hollywood and many performance art centers for years. A city where dreams are made and broken would always have spaces where you’ll find its and bits of history that have shaped the country. So, depending on your preferences, here are some destinations, you might want to check out.

For cultural enthusiasts

Hollywood Sign:

One of the best places to connect with the American idea of culture. The Hollywood sign has endured through some of the worst eras of history and it holds scars. Enjoy the site and enjoy how L.A. looks from around here. Find out the history of the times Hollywood sign and how many times it has been defaced.

The Hollywood Walk of Fame:

The place where every celebrity in America wants to make an impression. Walking down the streets is a journey through film history and the changes that have been a part and parcel of it from the start.

Santa Monica Pier

The Giant Ferris Wheel marks out only two places in the world famously. One is, of course, London (with the London Eye), the other one is Los Angeles’ Santa Monica Pier. Enjoy the rides and the games held year round, and remember to check out the number of movies that have been filmed here.

B. For Sports Fans

Staples Center:

The stadium has played host to a flurry of events over the years and is also the home of the famous Lakers, and many other professional teams. Check out one of the shows that are going on, or just visit the stadium and give it a chance to wow you.

Dodger’s Stadium:

The Dodgers are part of the American myth more than most American teams and they hold up the distinction with this stadium. The home of the Dodgers ever since, they moved from Brooklyn, this is one visit you won’t want to miss.

Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum:

Home to the USC Trojans, this is the largest football stadium in the PAC-12 conference. With the Olympic Gateway and some of the best games being played here through the year, this is a place you should get to.

C. For Art and Music

J. Paul Getty Museum:

Interested in art from the Baroque period? Want to see impressionists masters? J. Paul Getty Museum has it all and more. One of the most prestigious museums in all of America with an ever-growing collection, the Getty Museum is a must-visit for any art enthusiast.

Dolby Theatre:

The Kodak Theatre has been home to some of the best stories ever told. Whether you’re looking for a musical performance you’d carry together or a play, the Dolby Theatre is the place you’ll enjoy.

LACMA:

Los Angeles County Museum of Art holds over 10000 unique pieces of art which makes it one of the compelling visits you’ll have, Check out the masterpieces from almost all eras of art and enjoy the specific areas that make the museum so famous.

Griffith Observatory:

The famous observatory owes its creation to griffith J,. Griffith, and it’s still a free place to enter and enjoy stars from. Check out the wonderful L.A. horizon and look at the beautiful celestial bodies that are usually hidden from the Los Angeles sky.

L.A. Arts District:

Los Angeles boasts of street art scene like no other place. Whether it’s the Santa Monica boardwalk and the performers there, or the Venice Beach Boardwalk and the beautiful performances it bursts into. However, L.A. Arts District takes the cake, enjoy the wonderful climate and engage in conversation with the wonderful graffiti art that decorates each part of the streets here.

Cooling down

Los Angeles features some of the best Nightclubs to cool down and relax in. If you’re feeling down, just walk towards the Cuban part of town and join the locals for a pint and a session of storytelling. Once, you’re down, walk straight up to the beachfront and enjoy a quiet reflection before the travel starts again. Los Angeles can be very tiring for people not used to its climate, so remember to always carry some water with you, wherever you go.

 

At last, your hotly anticipated family occasion to Brussels is shutting in, and you should be altogether amped up for making the most out of it. Tickets booked, sacks pressed, and you are good to go to visit this brilliant city.

Since you are good to go in the wake of booking your family visit bundle, you will need to know as much as you can about the excellent Brussels. In this post, we have referenced the best attractions and things that you can do or see out there, while on your family occasions.

Moving in and Around Brussels

A large portion of the vacation destinations are genuinely near each other, so in the event that you can discover inns or lodging close to any of the attractions, at that point you need not stress, as you can visit these by foot.

The most widely recognized methods of transportation here are:

Transports and cable cars

Neighborhood trains and metros

Metered taxis

Bicycles

Vehicle Rentals

In the event that you are languid to walk or drive without anyone else’s input, at that point taking a cable car or a transport would be an incredible thought. The transport and cable car stops are set apart with white or red signs, and furthermore have individual course numbers and goals set apart on the vehicles. In the event that you need to go to the fundamental city, at that point the blue or brilliant yellow cable cars are what you have to board.

Tickets and passage are relatively modest and you can buy a JUMP ticket from STIB or buy the Brussels Cards that accompany different offers and limits on them. The metros accompany 6 lines and the metro station passages are set apart by “M” in blue and white with station names underneath them.

You can even contract metered taxis that have the official yellow and blue Brussels taxi signs on them. On the off chance that you adore driving, at that point you can even contract a vehicle or bicycle, and take as much time as is needed investigating the rich and social legacy of this grand city.

Prevalent Tourist Attractions and Spots in Brussels

While planning things to do in brussels, you will be astonished with the assortment of vacation destinations and things to find in Brussels. First goal that you should need to visit is the Grand Place. This is a standout amongst the most staggering town squares in the entire of Europe. This square gloats of unpredictable and wonderful engineering of structures that goes back to the seventeenth century. The towers are roughly 96 meters in stature, and they have a statue of Saint Michael killing an evil spirit.

Atomium is an oxygen particle model that gloats of nine steel circles. Every circle houses display lobbies and cafés that are associated with cylinders to all the eight vertices in the middle.

In the event that you are a major foodie, at that point you unquestionably would need to visit Musée du Cacao et du Chocolat, which is a little exhibition hall inside the Grand Place that takes you through the historical backdrop of chocolate, and the procedure associated with the generation of these great delights.

Parks and Museums to Visit

In the event that you have children with you on your get-away, at that point they may truly be captivated after observing the Natural Science Museum that is situated close to the European Parliament. This historical center has the biggest displays of dinosaurs alongside their extraordinary whale and shell accumulations.

Another significant fascination is the Parc de Bruxelles, which is a city park that is arranged in the focal point of Brussels. This park is specked with old style statues and furthermore offers a perspective on Palais Royal and the Palais de la Nation.

End

The best time to make a trip to Brussels would be November to January, as the atmosphere is very wonderful. You could never get exhausted investigating this city and you’d be astounded to perceive what this city brings to the table to its sightseers.

We give a great deal of data to enable you to investigate Europe, and make the most out of your occasions. In the event that you wish to find out about things to find in Brussels, it would be ideal if you don’t hesitate to visit our sightseeing blog today.

 

Booking a quality hotel room usually costs a lot. Since these rooms are extraordinary, and you are also getting the chance to use some facilities for free, you will not mind paying the price. Some hotels have a swimming pool, fitness gym and spa. It is a sweet escape from your routine. Apart from the essential services offered, you can maximise your stay in a hotel by doing these things.

Check the minibar

Most people ignore the minibar because the price is way too high. However, you need to look at the list first before you decide. Some items are the same price as the items in regular stores, or even cheaper. Since you can grab them right away, it is okay if you decide to purchase the items from the minibar.

Be a nice guest

When you book a hotel room during the off-season, several rooms do not have occupants. If you are a lovely guest, you might have a chance to get upgraded to a different room from the one you reserved. It could be way more spacious and with more amenities. Apart from the opportunity to get an upgrade, you might also receive freebies. The point is that it always pays to be a nice person.

Let the hotel know that you are celebrating something

You can offer a hint to the hotel staff during your reservation or upon arrival that you are celebrating something. Some hotels might give you a free cake or a bottle of champagne to help you celebrate. You can also get a voucher that you can use in the hotel spa or dine in the hotel restaurant for free.

Go to the buffet room late

Usually, hotels offer a buffet breakfast so that you will feel that you are getting the most of your payment. The secret is to go there late. For instance, if they tell you that the buffet will open at 6 am and end at 10 am, you can go there around 9:30am. At that time, there are not a lot of people left. You can take whatever dish you want. If the hotel does not have enough food left, they might give you a discounted lunch or dinner if you accept.

Be productive

Some people feel guilty when travelling, especially if they still have pending tasks. You can do both if you decide to stay in a hotel. Bring your laptop and continue working while you are in your bathrobe. You can even keep writing emails while getting a massage. You can have a productive break and come back to work feeling satisfied.

Always research the hotels

Before you finalise your reservation, you need to read reviews about the hotels. You might get ideas on when to book and which hotels offer lots of freebies. Some hotels are also celebrating milestones like anniversaries and are willing to give something more for guests who book on a specific date.

You can check out hotels near Oxfordshire now if you are travelling in the area.

To read more on topics like this, check out the travel category.

After leaving the Grand Canyon, the next stop of the Tour of Trek America’s “Western Wonder”. That will be Las Vegas. The truth is that I didn’t expect much from this city and maybe for that reason I was surprised.

How to get around Las Vegas

Unlike Los Angeles, it’s very easy to get around the city. Almost everything you can visit is on the main road called The Strip. Then there is the Downtown neighborhood, where we will live, which is at the end of the main artery. For around $ 8 you can buy a “Transit Pass” card that allows you to go up and down as much as you need on a bus that operates every 14-20 minutes 24 hours a day (SDX – The Strip & Downtown Express).

On the other hand, you should know that you can enter all of The Strip’s casino hotels even if you don’t live in them and that most of them are communicated by a small free train (so you don’t have to walk outside like it’s so hot to be Las Vegas in the desert). There are also walkways along the road, which allow you to cross easily from one side to the other.

What to see in Las Vegas: My essence

Contrary to what looked like the two nights we spent in Las Vegas, they flew with me. Even though you are not interested in getting married or playing in a casino, this city is an authentic amusement park that will amaze you every time.

Freemont road

The walk in Downtown is the historic center of the city, where everything was born in 1930 when it was decided to legalize gambling in the state of Nevada. With the sightseeing I made, we lived on Fremont Street and it was a pretty experience at night.

Bellagio and the Emperor’s Palace

Who doesn’t know the two most famous casinos in the world? Don’t forget to go to Bellagio, because at night it offers the most impressive water and light shows in a spectacular environment. As for the interior of this 4 diamond hotel, just like Caesar’s Palace, everything is glamorous and elegant. There are many spacious halls with fresh flowers that are reminiscent of the Garden of Eden. Both of them were impressed with their luxury. If you’re a fan of chef Gordon Ramsay, be sure to visit the last restaurant, Hell’s Kitchen.

Don’t stop playing something at the casino!

If you don’t dare to sit on one of the big table games, don’t stop at least playing slots. Most games are worth $ 0.25 and that is still fun. In all casinos, you will find a machine to change bills in coins. To turn money into chips, you have to go to the counter. But if you don’t like crowds while playing, you should try www.onlinecasinodeutschland.com.de.

Enjoy one of the thousands of shows in the city

There are many free shows in different casinos but if you want to see Le Cirque du Soleil, Celine Dion, Britney Spears, etc. In Las Vegas, you will find shows for all tastes … And for all budgets! Visit one of Tix4tonight’s points of sale and, as on Broadway, if you aren’t open to possibilities, you can buy tickets with discounts up to 50% for a show. We paid only $ 50 for a free buffet dinner and a Michael Jackson show at the Stratosphere. No need to damage Las Vegas!

Your boat needs to be taken care of even when it is not being used. Improper storage of your vessel could result in damage to your vessel. This damage can be from rodents to weather, depending on your location and the condition your boat was left in. Consider these tips when you need to store a vessel, whether large or small, as they can help protect your property from off-season damage.

Clean out the boat

Your boat should be free of debris and trash when you put it into storage. Keeping the boat clean is imperative to making sure there is no chance of damage to your vessel. This damage could be caused by rust due to standing water, vermin due to trash, and other problems associated with improper boat care.

Weather-proof your vessel

Any exposed metal pieces should be covered with plastic or a tarp. If you are storing your boat inside a public storage New Orleans facility, the facility will be able to protect your boat from weather damage. However, if it is being left outside proper precautions should be taken. Make sure there are no areas where water could leak into the boat. The tarp or covering should be secure enough to withstand wind and heavy rain. You should not allow rust of any kind to develop on your vehicle, spray exposed metal parts with an anti-corrosion spray.

Test your equipment

Your electronic components should be tested on a regular basis. This prevents accidents from happenings once you get back on the water. The oil in your boat should be changed at least twice a year, while lower compartments should be cleaned of any oil that has leaked into them. Bearings should be greased so that they do not stick together while the boat is not in use.

Run it at least once a month

Your vessel should never be left standing for long periods of time. This could cause issues with the way it runs. It also lets oil drain back into the pan instead of remaining in the components of the engine. This causes problems when the boat is restarted, potentially causing your engine to function less efficiently. Visit your boat regularly and maintain its upkeep during the off-season.

Do not store it in your driveway

There are several reasons not to store your boat in the driveway. Boats take up several car spaces, keeping you from getting in and out of your home comfortably. They can also be an eyesore to neighbors or against the codes set by your local Homeowner’s Association. It is also less efficient to store them in driveways, as they do not get the protection they need from weather and other sources of damage.

Store your boat in the safest way possible, saving you from fixing boat damage that accumulated during the off-season. With these 5 tips, you can get back on the water as soon as you desire without worrying about anything going wrong.

To read more on topics like this, check out the travel category.

If you have had it with the United States, you may be thinking about packing up to another beautiful and exciting country where people speak English…like Australia!

The climate, the landscape and the people are all draws to head down under. There are over 90,000 U.S-born individuals living in Australia. Why not join them?

However,  life down under may be quite different from what you are accustomed to. Check out some highlights of a day in the life of an American living in Australia. They may help you decide whether you want to take the leap or not!

1. Vegemite Breakfast

Aussies love to smear this black, sticky, salty stuff on their toast at breakfast. Americans, on the other hands, have been known to say it smells like an old bar. This makes sense because it’s made from brewers’ yeast.

In Australia, they use Vegemite on everything from pasta to brownies. It actually has a lot of vitamins and can be very good for you. But, it is definitely one of those things which you will have to get used to if you move to Australia.

2. Check Your Income Stream

If you plan on moving to Australia, you need to have money. A lot.

Prices are about 60% higher than the USA.

It’s also hard to get a work permit to gain employment in Australia if you are not a citizen. You may have better luck as an entrepreneur, running your own business remotely.

With so much business now conducted online, you may be able to run any kind of enterprise from anywhere on the planet.  Many expats have found a way to live anywhere they want and make enough money to fund the lifestyle of their dreams — so long as they have an attractive and functional website.

3. Hit the Beach

Australia is famous for its beaches. You can enjoy the beach to sunbathe, swim, surf or scuba even if you are living in a big city like Sydney. You can also explore remote and pristine coastal areas like the private islands along the Great Barrier Reef.

Be careful. Australian beaches may present several risks you may not encounter at home.  You may get carried away by a riptide, shark or dingo. You may be bitten by a poisonous jellyfish or spider.

It’s a good thing that the Australian healthcare system is so good. You can even get a home doctor to make a house call if you get sick or injured by one of the continent’s many dangers.

4. Make Sure You Can Stay Longer

If you are an American living in Australia, you must have a visa. If you are married to an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen, you can travel to and live in Australia.

Youths between ages 18-31 can work and study there for one year with a special visa.  You can get a Higher Education visa if you have been accepted by an Australian university.

Other options include a Temporary Work visa if you are sponsored by an Aussie business or an Investor Retirement visa if you meet certain income requirements.

5. Plan An Adventure

One of the best reasons for living in Australia is to see this amazing region. Plan to travel to Uluru in the Outback, the Great Barrier Reef or to New Zealand. You are a plane ride away from the South Pacific islands and parts of Asia.

Take advantage of your location on the other side of the planet and explore everywhere you can.

6. Go Out with Your Mates

Although Americans may find it hard at first to make friends, eventually you will find the Aussies to be a jovial bunch who are hapy to share a lager with you at the neighborhood pub.

Get out and meet people and enjoy the cultural differences. You may learn a lot!

An American Living in Australia: Fish out of Water?

As an American living in Australia, you may be confronted with many strange and wondrous experiences that are very different from your home country. But if you wanted the same old life, you would have stayed home! If you enjoy a wild and rugged country with the ever-present possibility of adventure,  think about relocating down under.

For more guidance on getting the most out of life at home and abroad, check out our site.

Are your vacations getting boring? Sure, lying on a beach or renting an idyllic country home is relaxing. But if you have a hankering for something more exciting for your next trip, why not look into a spooky destination?

Take your love of haunted houses and escape rooms to the next level. Travel to some of the scariest places around the globe for an unforgettable, eerie vacation. Whether you spend the night at an abandoned asylum or take a walk through a haunted village, you and your traveling companions are sure to get a fright.

If you love spooky or crazy stories, keep reading. We’ll discover ten scary places to travel around the world… if you dare. Let’s get started!

1. Island of the Dolls, Mexico

Have you ever encountered an old doll and felt like its eyes were following you as you moved? Now, imagine having that feeling hundreds of times in a row.

You may just experience this sensation at the Isla de las Munecas, or the “Island of the Dolls,” in Xochimilco, Mexico. Legend has it that a young girl tragically passed away on the island many years ago. Since then, people have been placing dolls around the location of her death in her honor.

While the intention is nice, the outcome is downright creepy. Hundreds of old dolls fill the island, making it a super scary travel destination to explore.

2. Aokigahara Forest, Japan

The Aokigahara Forest is a gorgeous, dense forest near Mount Fuji that hides a disturbing truth. Known as Japan’s “suicide forest”, these woods have been the site of countless tragic suicides over the years. It seems to be a common spot because of its heavily wooded nature, which provides privacy for those who wish to end their lives.

If you do choose to visit this creepy and beautiful place, please show respect for those who have passed. Take heed from Youtuber Logan Paul, who posted a distasteful and disrespectful video from the Aokigahara Forest.

3. Death Road, Bolivia

As its name suggests, this thin, winding road is an extremely dangerous destination. It connects northern Bolivia with the capital city along very steep cliff faces.

It’s mostly a one-way path, making Yungas Road the site of hundreds of deaths every year. Would you dare to travel on Bolivia’s Death Road?

4. Paris Catacombs, France

Have you been dying to visit Paris and get your dose of creepy at the same time? If so, the Paris Catacombs are the perfect destination for you.

These ossuaries are the final resting place of millions of people. Feeling skeptical? You’ll believe it when you see their skulls, which decorate the walls!

Curious about how to skip the line for a tour? See more here.

5. Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum, West Virginia

Are you into scary abandoned places? This psychiatric hospital, formerly known as the Weston State Hospital, originally existed as a place of hope and wellness for mentally ill patients. However, this vision disintegrated due to overcrowding, botched lobotomies, and inhumane treatment of the patients.

Although the asylum shut down in 1994, it’s currently open for ghost tours. Who knows, you just might hear the sounds of the tortured souls who still roam the halls.

6. Snake Island, Brazil

Not only is this Brazilian island filled with thousands upon thousands of snakes, but it also has one rare breed whose venom can disintegrate human flesh. If snakes didn’t already terrify you, melting flesh certainly will!

7. Hoia Baciu Forest, Romania

Much like the Aokigahara Forest in Japan, this wooded area of Romania is both beautiful and scary. The Hoia Baciu Forest is home to many paranormal phenomena, like witches, ghosts, and a clearing in the woods where nothing grows (and where there have been multiple UFO sightings).

If you’re brave enough to visit, beware. Electronic devices seem to lose reception or power in the forest.

8. Love Scary Places? Check out Pluckley, England

Known as the most haunted place in England, Pluckley is the home of between twelve and sixteen ghosts. These ghosts are the spirits of locals who met sad endings. One woman is said to have burned to death alone, another took his own life while his wife and children slept nearby.

Pluckley is the perfect place for a trip because it’s not only haunted but also a charming place to stay. So, if you’re looking for a cute vacation destination where you may also have a ghost sighting or two, Pluckley’s the place for you.

9. Villisca Ax Murder House, Iowa

Have you ever wanted to visit a truly scary haunted house? Ditch the carnival rides, because we have a real-life version that will give you nightmares.

The Villisca ax murder house is one of the best haunted attractions the USA has to offer. It’s the scene of a gruesome crime where eight people (six of whom were children) were slain in their beds in 1912.

The murder weapon? You guessed it: an ax. And the killer was never discovered.

If you dare, you can sleep in this home overnight with a few friends. Although, we doubt you’ll get much sleep.

10. Gansbaai, South Africa

If you have a fear of sharks, Gansbaai will feel like one of the scariest places on earth to you. It has a dense population of the famously terrifying great white sharks and an even more terrifying opportunity to get up close and personal with them.

Brave tourists can sign up to go shark diving, which means hanging out in the open waters in a metal cage. The cage sounds secure… until a great white shark swims right up to you!

Don’t Get Scared

Spice up your next holiday by visiting one of the destinations above. From haunted and abandoned buildings to creepy forests, there are scary places all over the world.

Just remember to be respectful at any destination you choose. Whether you’re there to see some frightening wildlife or in the hopes of running into a ghost or UFO, it’s important to respect all creatures, living or dead.

Want to know more about what we do here at Augustines? Send us an email and let’s chat!

Seychelles is one of those islands that not many people know for the historical side of it. With the kind of beauty that the place beholds, it is futile to visit the place and not visit the amazing historical sites that the islands are known for. Majority of these spots in there are not that hyped by can give you a quick tour of the amazing French colonial influence that the place has had in the past. If you are planning on visiting the place, make sure to get the flight tickets booked from Seychelles from Dubai or anywhere around the world for the cheapest and best deals.

In this article, we are going to be discussing the best historical sites in Seychelles that you possibly didn’t even know of.

The Bicentennial Monument

Located in the capital city of Seychelles, Victoria, The Bicentennial Monument is located exactly on Mahe Island. It is located at the junction of the 5^th of June Avenue and the Avenue of Liberation. It is known as the monument with three wings representing how it looks. The monument was erected back in the year 1978 to commemorate the 200^th anniversary of the capital city of Seychelles. It is a significant representation of the inhabitants of various ethnicities from around Asia, Africa and more.

The Bel Air Cemetery

The Bel Air Cemetery is possibly the most historic place in the island of Seychelles which dates back to decades when people used this place to bury the dead. This place is home to the burial of a number of famous personalities who have resided in Seychelles like French Corsair Jean-François Hodoul and Pierre Louis Poiret.

Domaine de Val des Près Craft Village

This is one of the most amazing tourist spots in Seychelles that is known for the display of art and culture that the locals have. It serves as an exhibition site for the Creole arts, architecture and crafts. The main site of attraction here is the Gran Kaz, which is a colonial house that was built back in 1870. If you want to get a taste of the authentic cuisine of the area, visit the Vye Marmite restaurant to get your fair share of the tasty Creole dishes. You can even take back some local souvenirs from the place to gift to your friends and family.

Union Estate

Next in the list of historic places is the Union Estate. It is located in the La Digue Island and has a traditional coconut firm in there. With time, the place has been converted into an amusement park where you can simply indulge in riding horses, watching giant turtles and even see the entire process of how the coconut oil is extracted.

Seychelles is more than just being an archipelago for the beaches and islands, the place holds a rich history as well that dates back way in time. If you want to indulge in some of the best kind of knowledge about the initial days of when and how the island took shape, it is mandatory that you visit this place and visit the historical sites there.