The best way to visit China - Avoid Shanghai and Beijing

By Jonny Blair


Here's the truth about China and how you should visit the world's most populous country. Here's my simple tip: AVOID Shanghai and Beijing. Once you have escaped the realms of those two, then China suddenly becomes more real, more authentic and more rewarding. To be honest, visiting Shanghai and Beijing isn't really visiting China. I'll give you you a rundown on how to really travel in China...and remember almost everywhere in China is "off the beaten track" for the non-Chinese.

First up, by China I mean for the most part mainland China. I don't include Macau, Hong Kong or Taiwan in that. I also respect Tibetan freedom and don't include Tibet as part of China. These are what I class as 4 Chinese countries, but not part of China. So as well as avoiding Beijing and Shanghai, you need to avoid those 4 places too in order to really see China. Rather than bore with the reasons why, I'm just going to tell you that I've been to China 10 times and the worst two places I have been so far have been Shanghai and Beijing. And by a long way. Beijing and Shanghai are almost on a par with Hong Kong and Singapore as being global cities these days, therefore their Chinese-ness is being phased out (there are loads of foreigners living in those two cities!). They won't stop to notice though as the money flows in...

Until you have sat down in an unknown village, eaten food that you don't even know what it is, stranded miles from any city you have even heard of and with no foreign writing in sight, or any foreigners, then you really haven't yet experienced China!

Get yourself off the beaten track in order to see the real China. Here are a few things you will do that proves you have really seen China:

1. No-one is sight speaks a word of English, some of them only speak a local dialect which isn't even Chinese Mandarin!

2. You cannot understand the bus timetable and end up in the wrong village.

3. You see more chickens than cars in the village you are in.

4. There is absolutely no internet anywhere, nor computers, nor mobile phones!

5. You don't see any other language than Chinese written anywhere!

6. You eat food without ever knowing (or wanting to know) what is in it!

If you've ticked those 6, then congratulations you have seen the real China! If you haven't, please grab a bit of what you're missing, you will love China. China is the world's largest country by population and the travel possibilities are completely and utterly endless. China surprises me on every visit. It actually astounds me that in the list of the world's leading travel bloggers, loads of them either haven't been to China, or have only been to Beijing, the Great Wall or Shanghai. Get out and see China - it's an amazing place.




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Six Hot Tips To Save Money Next Vacation!

By Chrissy Richards


Traveling can at times be a massive hassle, especially if you don't have a lot of money. This article is going to demonstrate how to cut back on your expenses in order that you can have more cash to splash on activities. Whenever it's possible, you must try to go by automobile rather than traveling by plane.

If you are going somewhere that is simply a few hundred miles away that can help to save you a ton. While you'd be answerable for the cost of keeping your car crammed with gas, you wouldn't have to pay for an airline ticket, checked luggage or a rental automobile.

If you're traveling all alone the savings might not be too much, but if you are going on a family trip this may save hundreds or potentially even thousands of bucks. If you're going on an international trip you should generally be sure to get hold of the proper currency before you even leave home.

Trying to get cash exchanged while you are in another country may end up costing you quite a lot more. Go to your bank to get the proper currency since banks are given better exchange rates. It's also good to take your Visa card if your bank has branches and/or affiliates abroad, since this may cut down on exchange fees that are normally charged to cards.

Most folks prefer to go in the morning or afternoon, so you might save a good sum of money by traveling during the night. Most hotels are extremely accommodating to folks that fly wierd hours, so you could have no problem speaking to someone about preparing a check-in time that is convenient to your flight schedule.

Booking hotel rooms in major towns costs a lot , and that is something that can be easily evaded. You can book a room in a neighboring city and the cost should be much lower.

For example, a hotel bedroom in the town of Boston is pretty pricey, but staying in the close by city of Saugus is rather a bit cheaper. When you're making travel plans, you should attempt to book everything as a package instead of doing things separately. Most of the time you are able to save at least 20-30% on the price of go by doing it that way.

There are even one or two places that you can travel to where the prices are all-inclusive, which implies you won't have to pay extra for anything. There are several sites online that permit you to place a bid on hostels, flights and vacation packages. If your bid is accepted, you will be able to go on vacation for a load less money than you would have paid.

There is enough anxiousness related to traveling that you shouldn't have to contribute to it by stressing about your cash or lack thereof. Follow these 6 helpful pointers in order that you can get the best deal for your money when you go on your next holiday.




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Antarctica on the cheap!

By Jonny Blair


This post has been a while in coming believe me and I'm about to reveal the cheapest way for a traveller or a backpacker to get to Antarctica without working on a ship or working in Antarctica. This is how to book a cheap trip to Antarctica as a traveller and backpacker. You can do it, and you SHOULD do it. Antarctica is the best place I have been so far. []

My story is that I worked endlessly on broccoli farms in Tasmania saving the pennies to book my trip. While this is a great idea and you feel like you have deserved the trip, ultimately it's not the cheapest. You can book trips in advance from around $5,000 Australian Dollars. But read on to find how to book a really cheap trip to Antarctica...

How can you get to Antarctica for cheap?

OK this is for travelers only, NOT workers or scientists. We know boat staff, captains, expedition staff, waitresses and scientists all go to Antarctica with work all the time, but here's how to do it as a backpacker.

My advice - do NOT book anything in advance!

If you really want to make sure you get to Antarctica for cheap you have to wait. Do not book anything in advance - the price will be a lot higher as the travel companies need to make the money early on. Then in a last minute rush they need to sell the empty beds so they bring down the price - it's only natural for them to do that. If you happen to book it in advance I'd estimate the bare minimum you could get it for is about $4,000 US. So hold off, Yes the first step is don't book anything!

How to get your cheap Antarctica trip booked

Step two would be to head to the city of Ushuaia in Argentina. It sits on the island of Tierra Del Fuego and is the southernmost city in the world. After a bit of sightseeing, head to the many travel agents in the city centre and check for cheap last minutes deals. There will be lots of offers and you will be surprised at how cheap you can pick one up for and leave the next day.

If you book yourself on a boat to leave to Antarctica the next day you will get it for as cheap as $3,000 US Dollars! How's that for a saving!!

This is how it works:

Most of the boats heading to the cold continent are not full - the empty beds need filled up and the company would rather get some money last minute for them than have them float away empty and that's how you do it. That's how and why you can easily book a cheap trip to Antarctica.

So what are you waiting for? Head to Ushuaia in Argentina and walk around, get your deal and suddenly you are on your way to the most amazing continent on the planet. Antarctica is an absolutely wonderful place to visit and you will have such a great time on this once in a lifetime trip.

So I've sold Antarctica to you!! Now all you need to do is head to Ushuaia in Argentina and book your trip on the spot for the next day. It's not just the quality terrain, landscape and beauty of the white continent...the amount of awesome travellers you meet on board the ship is phenomenal. We even had a massive "cabin party" in our cabin bedroom on the last night! And I met my girlfriend in Antarctica. If I have to go to the bottom of the world to meet the girl for me, it must be a special place. (A story for another day on Don't Stop Living).

You must make sure you take the correct warm clothes and supplies with you on this epic trip. You're going to be able to say you have stepped into Antarctica. It is a sensational place. Happy travelling!




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Overnight Stay Advice For Learning To Be Safe

By Brian Bishop


Places to stay Strategies for Safely

Before going for your holiday or business journey, it's typically vital to secure your own hostels beforehand, as in the majority of key cities around the world accommodations books upright. Here are a pair circumstances to consider before you go: Continually organize previously. This enables you to receive the best fee likely, and be sure that you will not likely wind up your location with no lodging.

While booking, find all the info regarding the home as is achievable. Make sure each one of the facilities you want have a tendency to be incorporated, and pay attention to when nearly any activities consider location that might clash using your requirements. For instance, any type of enormous conferences in the resort that could sway your programs?

Remember that if you're journeying after a vacation period of time, most resorts cash tighter termination policies as well as no-show guiding principles. When traveling through perfect periods, it is usually way better to always be sure of your ideas prior to making a preparing. Question upfront for that sort of room you want; one with a look at, the terrace, and lots of sun rays? Using this strategy you'll be categorical never to finish up being bound to the tiniest area in the house. Furthermore, do you need a non-smoking room or perhaps do you want a space having a tub and more? Are you able to call for organisation facilities? Customarily request a confirmation in the room you have picked as well as the cited price. Remember to be on the lookout to your hotel's termination coverage. When creating the reservation with a charge card, know that if you do not stick to the hotel's coverage and wish to stop, your minute card could most likely be billed a payment.

If you are looking to stay with a certain resort to have an extended duration, chat about the top rate achievable while using motel sales staff. You can usually improve prices than typical "corporate" charges. If you are planning doing work in your present hotel, request a room from the resort swimming place; otherwise, you can be coping with every one of the pool noises.

In case you have a substantiated reservation nonetheless the motel provides overbooked, you should request a completely free long distance mobile call to tell your working environment or family members, free travel with a regional similar hotel, with the 1st night time during this neighborhood similar lodge. You could also need free of charge update certificates with weekend discount vouchers.

Some rudimentary safety provisions used your own accommodation could incredibly raise the likelihood that your particular up coming journey will most likely be without event. Read awfully carefully the following and make up a note of these recommendations just before the next trip.

Find every one of the fire leaves, lifts and general public telephones. Always maintain the threshold closed and also closed if you are in the room. In no way available your house with no learning that is at the back of the entrance way. Contact the front cubical to approve unexpected scheduled delivery, place service, or perhaps place repairs. Position your entire valuable items in the hotel safe and sound and obtain an itemized invoice with the intention you retailer. Be certain you concur that the resort's insurance coverage will handle your own items if taken. Desert the tally or even radio upon when you are out from the room. Do not squeeze "require maid service" sign up you. It may indication you're out of the room. If you drop or perhaps lose your own crucial, alert top desk right away. Avoid using by yourself inside elevators using visitors. Ask for the resort desk to have an escort as well as ride any time there are many folks in the particular lift. Make sure that your living space has a deadbolt, a series, as well as a standard entrance lock. Be certain to use every one of them when it is bedtime.




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Having Fun At Some Of The Theme Parks in NYC

By Frank Smith


New York caters to every strata of life, offering grandiose landscapes in the Hudson Valley and hustle in the Big Apple. With 47 million travellers annually, New York has something for everyone. While the list of attractions is long, visitors will want to leave time for some journey with their families. Below are examples of the top Amusement Parks in New York, all within a day's drive to the city.

Coney Island

Located in Brooklyn, NY, minutes from central New York, Coney Island represents the center of American entertainment. Offering the Coney Island Tattoo and Motorcycle Festival as well as numerous side shows, visitors will be exposed to "innovative exhibitions and performances". Coney Island is known as "America's Playground." Come join the fun at one of the finest Amusement Parks in New York.

Enchanted Forest Water Safari

As amongst the biggest Water theme parks in New York, Enchanted Forest Water Safari features more than 50 rides and attractions in the high season. According to a NY City hotel guide, nestled into the center of the Adirondack State Park in Old Forge, NY, 300 miles from NY Town, this entertainment park has 32 wet rides, excellent food, storybook characters, and a family circus show. Families will enjoy the range of journey and relaxation offered at one of the best New York water parks.

Darien Lake Theme Park Resort

Found in Darien Center, NY, roughly 6 hours from the city, Darien Lake Theme Park Resort is a one stop journey, offering accommodations, a theme park and water park. The theme park has a spread of rides, including kids ' rides, family rides, water rides and thrill rides. Additionally, the water park boasts of slides and rides and relaxing cabana rentals.

The Great New York State Fair

Complete along with concessions and exhibitors, The Great New York State Fair, held each Fall, is the ideal family stop. Entertainment has included top name performers such as Lady Antebellum and Sugarland. The Fair holds multiple competitions through its time of operation. For visitors to New York in the fall, The State Fair, found in Syracuse, NY, less than 250 miles from The Big Apple Town, is a must-see.

If you're visiting the Big Apple and hunting for some of the best Amusement Parks in New York or the best of New York water parks, take a little short trip to one of these great theme parks in NY.




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Tips On Organizing A South America Adventure

By Lyndon Zerna


A South America adventure is the first choice of numerous travelers. This should not come as a surprise to anyone, considering everything this mesmerizing continent has to offer. For centuries, vacationers have considered South America a Paradise in the tropics, where they can participate in many different activities that are both exciting and relaxing.

Trips of this kind can be booked online or arrangements can be made through a local travel agent. However, vacationers should review multiple options before finalizing their plans. Due to the fact that there are so many available destinations on this interesting and mesmerizing continent, travelers are wise to consider at least a handful of options before making reservations.

Visitors have various formats available when planning such a trip. For instance, they can participate in a group tour and see multiple locations while on their vacation. A resort getaway is also an option that many vacationers prefer. Some individuals read online reviews to get ideas when planning such an adventure.

Travelers are usually always happy with what they discover in South America, regardless of the kind of vacation they decide to take. Whether a person is seeking relaxation, sightseeing opportunities, great shopping, or stimulating nightlife, he or she will be delighted with the options in this colorful part of the world. Those of feel overwhelmed when deciding on a location for their getaway should consider the locations below:

Coroico, Bolivia is an option worth considering for anyone who is planning a sojourn in South America, but cannot decide on a destination. This city is well known for its pristine, white beaches, delicious food, and spectacular scenery. It is also a great starting point from which one can explore the natural wonders found in the country such as Guanabara Bay.

Anyone who has visited this beautiful continent would agree that Columbia is one of its most appealing regions. With most of the landscape preserved in its natural condition, it is a nature lovers paradise. There is also a vast array of historical landmarks, such as coffee plantations, churches, and dwellings that date back to the 1800s. Anyone who enjoys nature and history will have a terrific time in Columbia.

Another great tourist destination is the city of Santiago. There is a virtually unlimited number of choices regarding entertainment venues and shopping opportunities in this area of the world. Various items can be found that are tax-free if the visitor can provide a visa or a receipt for an airline ticket. There are also numerous nightclubs where guests can dance until dawn.

Caracas, which is located in Venezuela, is favored among numerous adventure enthusiasts. It boasts a spectacular, urban skyline; however, it is surrounded by unspoiled landscapes and lush, tropical plants. Local people are warm and friendly, and typically enjoy conversing with vacationers who are interested in learning about different cultures and societies.

Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires, and Cartegena are also great alternatives for an enjoyable South America adventure. Those planning to travel to this timeless and beautiful part of the world will find that they have a virtually limitless number of choices. Regardless of one's gender or age, vacations of this type are sure to offer an exciting and memorable experience.




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Expect The Best When Booking A Peru Luxury Travel Package

By Rae Patricio


For many years South America has offered fantastic traveling experiences but they did not focus on Peru luxury travel. Hotels and travel agencies did not accommodate the more refined traveler and the conditions in hotels left a bit to be desired. This is no longer the case and there are now quite a few places that will leave even the finest visitor surprised.

There are hotels that offer a true jungle experience. One will normally have to venture a little deeper into the Amazon to reach these luxury destination, but once there you can expect all your needs to be catered to. These hotels offer guests fine food, clean bedding, mosquito nets as well as other relaxing amenities.

Some lodges offer large rooms with a super king sized bed. Guests can expect clean crisp sheets, hypoallergenic pillows, mosquito nets, a shower with 2 basins, one for you and another for your partner. For those brave enough a rinse off outdoors, you will get to enjoy the many birds serenading you as you enjoy the cool, relaxing water tricking down your body.

Another luxury offered to the guests in Peru is the locomotive experience. This train is equipped with the latest trends and is very luxurious. It takes a long three hour trip along the most beautiful scenery in the region. On the train you can expect to be entertained by dancers and you will also be met with a champagne reception. The fine cuisine served will send your taste-buds into a frenzy.

You could also find yourself dining in one of the rarest archaeological sites in the land. Here there will be more luxury than you could imagine available in such a country. You will find yourself overlooking the most beautiful landscapes South America has to offer.

Nowadays when traveling to the Amazon you will find yourself eating novoandina food. One will find that this cuisine is unique to Peru and it is a fact that chefs are walking away with top culinary awards. If you are wanting to give your taste-buds something to scream about then do not miss the opportunity to give this food a try.

One can now find 5 star restaurants at fine archaeological sites where you can dine in style. Here you can expect to enjoy a scrumptious dinner while drinking some local wine as the sun sets. One will have to reserve a place though as this location is very popular and is only open until the early evening.

If you are looking for a truly amazing Peru luxury travel packages, make sure it includes a trip on a river boat. Here you will once again be met with ancient mystery as you travel from what is believed to be the origin of the Amazon River. These river boats have all the amenities of a 5 star hotel and will definitely be the highlight of your vacation.




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