Tips for Off-Roading on Your Road Trip Travels

Travel

There’s a certain appeal to off-roading. For one thing, it’s one of the best ways to explore the wilderness and see parts of a region that you wouldn’t be able to see from the road. Plus you get to test your driving skills in a new and challenging environment.

However, off-roading can also be dangerous, and it’s important to be prepared before you head out. Here are some tips for off-roading on your road trip.

Make Sure Your Car Can Handle It

You may think your car is the best in the world, but even if it’s served you well, that doesn’t mean it can handle off-roading. In fact, most cars aren’t made for off-roading and can sustain serious damage if you take them out on the trails.

So, it’s wise to do some research on whether or not whatever car you choose to drive on the trip can handle the terrain. 

First, check the owner’s manual. Odds are, it will give you some insight into whether or not your car can go off-road. Look for features like all-wheel drive or four-wheel drive, which are typically indicative of a car that can handle more challenging terrain. Newer models of the Ford Bronco, for instance, come with great off-roading capabilities.

If you’re still unsure, there are several websites and forums dedicated to off-roading where you can ask people for advice. 

Walk the Route First

A surprising number of people try to off-road without scouting the route first. 

This is a bad call for different reasons. First, you could end up getting lost. Second, you may not realize how challenging the terrain is until it’s too late. And third, if there are any obstacles in your way, you won’t know how to get around them.

The last thing you want is to get stuck in the middle of nowhere with no way out. 

So, before you even think about taking your car off-road, take a walk or hike the route first. That way, you’ll know exactly what you’re getting into and can plan accordingly. For example, you may discover that there’s a huge rock in your way that you’ll need to find a way around.

Don’t Do it Alone

Solo travel can be very liberating but trying to off-road by yourself is a recipe for disaster. If something goes wrong, you won’t have anyone there to help you. 

At the very least, you should have someone else with you in the car. But ideally, you should have a group of people with you so that everyone can pitch in if things go sideways.

It’s also a good idea to let someone back home know where you’re going and when you expect to be back. That way, if something does happen and you don’t return when you said you would, someone will know to come looking for you.

Off-roading can be a great way to see the country better. However, it’s important to be prepared before you head out. Make sure your car can handle it, walk the route first, don’t do it alone, and be prepared for the worst. By following these tips, you can ensure that your off-roading adventure is a safe and enjoyable one.

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TOP 6 THINGS TO DO IN AUSTRALIA

Travel

Australia is a very wide country and records put it as the 6th largest country in the world. In travel vocabulary, this translates to a myriad of places to visit and things to do. Australia is strategically placed in a natural habitat with tropical rainforests, deserts, and mountain ranges. The variety of landscapes and climates is part of the reasons that make Australia a loveable destination. It is not known for a particular indoor or outdoor activity, but for diverse activities.

With diversity comes the age-old problem of indecision. If you are like the majority of people that suffer from indecision, you are in luck. Recommendations always make decision-making less intense but we are at your service at online casinos and with the list below.

Luxury Train Across Australia

The rail trip is one of the favourite things to do in Australia. It is referred to as the greatest rail journey because it gives a tour around some parts of Australia and covers about 2979-kilometer. The unique thing about this travel experience is that you get to visit all the cities between Darwin and Adelaide (or vice versa) and soak in the beauty of the mountains, desert sands and Katherine and Alice Springs, a popular stopover. If you suffer from indecision because you want to visit more places and you have budget or time restrictions, then this is for you.

Drive the Great Ocean Road

From train trips to road trips and everything in between. The great ocean road is famous for the aesthetic rock formation of the 12 Apostles, kangaroos on Anglesea Golf Course, picturesque scenery of waterfalls, surf spots and forests. One can also enjoy whale sightings from Warrnambool. The road trip is a rewarding 3 hours that will leave you longing for more but you can consider absorbing the trip piecemeal by extending the trip for 2 days.

Swim with Unique Marine Life

One of the most daring and unforgettable things you can try in Australia is swimming with marine animals. You are allowed to snorkel with turtles, sea lions and so many species of whales, with the aid of an operator. This adventure is one of those “face your fears” moments that make you believe you can survive anything.

Melbourne Laneways

What’s a vacation without long strolls, window shopping, coffee corner shops, visiting real money online casinos australia, bars, and restaurants? The laneway in the heart of the city brings your adventure alive, keeping your head busy from turning left to right.

The Harbour Bridge

There is something magnificent about the bird’s-eye view if you are not scared of heights. Sydney is the place and Harbour Bridge is the spot! From that vantage point, you get to relish amazing architectural edifices like Opera House, the modern skyline of the city and colorful streaks of waterbodies.

The Three Sisters

Australia has a vast mountain range scattered around and a trip to the Blue Mountains is a must. You get to see the unusual formation of rooks believed to represent three sisters in Australian folklore. There is also the Echo Point Lookout that gives you a spectacular view of the 3 sisters.

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Javier Burillo – Reasons to Shop At Markets in Mexico

Shopping Travel

One of my favorite things about living in Mexico, and something which you will find in just about every city and town that you go to here, is shopping in markets. In some cases this will be a permanent market such as you will find throughout Mexico City, in others it will be markets that pop-up once a week, on certain streets and at certain times.

Regardless of what kind of market you end up in however, there are some very compelling reasons as to why you should make sure that you shop in this way, for all of your needs.

Supporting Independent

The single biggest reason for shopping in a market is to make sure that you are supporting the locals who are running their stalls as their only source of income. If you go to the grocery store then all you are doing is taking money out of the pockets of local vendors in favor of the larger corporations. In most cases you will find that the products and the food which is sold in the markets come from the same place as the grocery store get theirs, making it nonsensical to go with the big store.

Haggling

The markets here are run in the same way that they always have been, and that means that haggling is something which you are pretty much expected to do. Make sure that you get the very best price for your goods when you are in the market, and try your hand at negotiating prices. Not only is this something which helps you to get a better price, it is also something which adds a bit of fun to your shopping trip.

Everything You Need

When I first got to Mexico I figured the markets were all about fruit and vegetables, and little else. My friend and chef Javier Burillo however was able to show me that there was in fact more, much more about these markets. In truth no matter what it is that you are looking for you will find it in these markets. This goes for every food that you can imagine, as well as household items and even clothes and accessories. The market truly is the perfect place for all of your needs.

Closer

There are markets literally everywhere and that means that you don’t have to travel very far at all before you are inside a place where you can get everything that you need. Traditionally speaking grocery stores are placed much further outside of the center of things, which means that you have a trek on your hands to get there. Make your life easier by simply heading to a market and grabbing everything that you need for you daily life.

You won’t have to look far at all for a market in Mexico and they are by far and away the best option when it comes to buying your goods and food items.

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Javier Burillo – Some Tacos To Try in Mexico City

Travel

Everyone loves tacos of course, but there is probably a wider range of fillings than most people are aware of. Thus range is very much on display down in Mexico City, probably more than anywhere else that I have been fortunate enough to travel to. Not all tacos are for everyone, in fact there are many in the city which are created using some parts of the animal which many aren’t keen on, think brains and intestines for example.

Beyond these exotic fillings there are some true delicious options to choose from in the city, and here are my top picks.

Tacos Al Pastor

Many aren’t aware of the impact which middle eastern travelers had on the country of Mexico, and tacos al pastor are arguably one of the things which they left behind, which is most loved. This is usually pork meat which is heavily marinated in herbs and spices. The meat is stacked onto a long pole and then cooked on a spit. This is one of the most prevalent and low cost tacos available in the city and it is served with the usual salsa, lime and cilantro, with the addition of a slice of pineapple.

Barbacoa

I took a trip up to the state of Miguel Hidalgo with my friend Javier Burillo last year, and was introduced to some traditional barbacoa. This is slow cooked mutton which is traditionally cooked in an earth oven. Throughout the city you’ll find this served on weekends, and whilst they don’t cook it in the same way, the taste is equally as delicious. The meat is soft and succulent and rich with flavor. Make sure that you get the soup which is served alongside the taco, a beautiful mixture of the juices and fat which come from the cooking of the meat.

White Fish

Most people usually go crazy for meat-filled tacos but we shouldn’t overlook just how tasty fish tacos can be. This is especially true for white fish, which is usually marlin or tilapia. The fish blends really well with the mixture of spices and the freshness of the lime, and offers something different from the usual meat-based taco.

Tongue

For those of you who do wish to be a little bit adventurous, beef tongue is a delicious and rich flavor which combines perfectly in a taco. The best advice which I can give you is that should you go for a tongue taco, make sure that you eat it right away whilst it is hot. If you wait until you get home then the tongue will cool down and become tough, which is not the texture that you should be getting here. You will find this on taco stands throughout the city, and you cannot miss that enormous tongue being cooked on the hotplate.

These are just a few of my favorite picks for tacos in Mexico City, which one will you look to try first?

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The Arlo Hotel Guide to Exploring the Chrysler Building

Travel

The Empire State Building might lay claim to the most recognizable New York City skyscraper, but the Chrysler Building (also known for its cameo in Sex and the City opening credits, is a more than worthy contender for the crown. This masterpiece of Art Deco design was completed in 1930 and enjoyed an 11-month reign as the tallest building in the world. Today, it’s the 11th-tallest building in Manhattan, and the tallest brick building that’s built on a steel frame. Placed on the National Register of Historic places as a National Historic Landmark in 1976, the building is consistently ranked as a favorite by NYC locals and architects for its modernist and timeless design.

There are several notable architectural features of the Chrysler Building, with the most visible being the massive spire. It’s constructed with stainless steel plates arranged in a sunburst pattern and is today one of the most recognizable NYC skyline landmarks. The building was designed by architect William Van Alen for Walter P. Chrysler, during a period of competition to construct the tallest skyscraper in New York City and the world. More than 391,000 thousand rivets and approximately 3.8 million bricks were required to complete the building, and the iconic spire was finished in four different sections that required complex hoisting and riveting procedures. Some notable features of the building’s exterior include stainless steel gargoyles, eagles, and replicas of 1929 Chrysler automobile radiator caps.

There’s no public observation deck in the Chrysler Building, but there is an opportunity for amazing views by booking a dentist appointment. A dentist’s office has long occupied the highest habitable floor of the building, and patients experience some gorgeous views as they get their cavities filled or teeth cleaned. The underappreciated lobby is a stunning example of Art Deco style that uses Italian travertine and slabs of granite from Africa to give the space a striking look and feel that’s finished with the massive mural named “Transport and Human Endeavor.”

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3 Tips for an Ideal Travel Scenario

Travel

If traveling is something you enjoy doing, are you getting enough out of each experience?

Don’t be that individual who does not have as much fun as they should because travel has become a hassle.

By being an educated consumer, you can get the most out of your travel time each time you leave the home.

What Should You Look for in a Getaway?

In coming up with the most practical and enjoyable getaways to spend time away from home, here are some tips:

1. Make sure finances are not going to be an issue – The last thing you want for a getaway is to fret over what it will cost you. With that in mind, do your best to have your finances in check before you leave home. That means you do a good job of planning the getaway ahead of time. Get a rough idea of what the time away will cost you. If you need airlines, hotels, car rentals and more, factor them into the equation. By doing a good job with the finances, you have less to worry about before you get to your destination. Also be sure to look for any deals that could come your way. As an example, if a visit to Disney is in order, you can go online ahead of time. Scope out Disney World tickets to see where money can be saved. Also look at how best to get those tickets in your hands. When fun things are waiting for you, do your best to save money ahead of time to make it more enjoyable.

2. Leave the work and stress behind – One of the reasons people like to travel is to get away from the everyday grind. That said make sure you leave the work behind when you are gone. The last thing you should be doing is making deadlines, hopping on a laptop and taking work calls while away. Do your best before you leave on a getaway to get as much work done as possible. That will give you the opportunity to kick back and relax when away. If you are taking young children with you on the getaway, it is even more important for you to focus on having fun. If for no other reason, you want the children to be happy.

3. Create some great memories – Last, do your best to create some great memories when on a getaway. While it is fine to go back to some familiar haunts or those not far from where you live, there is an entire world out there. As such, do your best to enjoy it as often as possible. If you have others to travel with, even better more times than not. A partner, family and even friends can make a trip all that more enjoyable. That said there is nothing wrong with doing some solo trips too. In the end, decide what makes you the happiest.

When a getaway is on your mind, do your best to plan it out.

From there, sit back and enjoy all the fun that can be right around the corner to make your life more enjoyable.

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6 Epic Road Trip Routes in New England

Travel

Few places are home to such jaw-dropping beauty as that which is found in New England in the northeastern United States. Many people have commented that the region practically seems to have been made for road trips. By car, you have the chance to hit up numerous states in one day, pass through charming traditional villages and towns and take in some incredible natural sights from the backroads.

New England is the closest place in the mainland United States to Europe, and the region has indeed been popular among Europeans as a popular road trip destination. All you need is an air ticket, a rented car and permission to enter the country through the ESTA visa waiver scheme and you are ready to set off! If you would like more info on how to apply for the scheme, take a look at this helpful ESTA guide to see whether you qualify.

Once you have everything organized, it is time to put together a road trip itinerary. With so many great routes to choose from, we thought that we would provide you with a few of our personal favourites. Buckle up and enjoy the ride!

  1. Old King’s Highway, Massachusetts

Heading out along the Old King’s Highway from Cape Cod bay will take you on a winding route through some of America’s most historic small towns and villages. This region of Massachusetts was among the first to be settled by Europeans, and the history of their way of living is still there for all to see. Passing through villages hundreds of years old, such as Barnstaple, Bourne, Brewster, Sandwich, Yarmouth, Dennis and Orleans, you will come across buildings that bear the unmistakable hallmarks of European architectural style.

  1. Route 100, Vermont

Known colloquially as Scenic Route 100, this road is the tiny state of Vermont’s longest highway. It meanders through the verdant Green Mountains as well as through some charmingly typical Vermont villages. The route, which traverses the state from north to south, affords road-trippers with the chance to take part in a wide range of recreational activities, as well as a plethora of excellent accommodation and gastronomic options.

  1. Mount Desert Island Loop Road, Maine

The best way to see the magnificent Arcadia National Park is from behind the wheel. Fortunately, this is made possible by a road known as the Mount Desert Island Loop Road. The trip is only 21 miles long, but it will take you past some of the most scenic landscape that you will find anywhere. Think lush pine forests, crystalline lakes and soaring mountain peaks.

  1. Mohawk Trail, Massachusetts

Starting at Williamstown and traversing some of the most stunning landscape in Berkshire county, this road trip is not to be missed when in Massachusetts. As you move east along Route 2, you will follow in the footsteps of a trail that was used by many a pilgrim and pioneer as they made their way west to colonize new lands. The road itself was one of America’s first paved highways, sticking close to the Cold River and winding its way quite dramatically up and down through the valley.

  1. Housatonic River Valley, Connecticut

Cutting through Connecticut’s heavily wooden north-western corner, the Housatonic River Valley Scenic Route offers the best of New England in any season. In spring and summer the abundance of verdant foliage makes for a spectacular drive. The same can be said when the leaves start to redden in fall when a quick hike up Cobble Mountain will confer an idyllic autumnal sensation on all who come.

  1. Route 102, Rhode Island

Stretching from North Smithfield past the attractive towns of Burrillville, Glocester and Scituate, this route is the best way to see Rhode Island in our opinion. Embracing the best of small-town America, the route then passes through the forest and on to Foster and before moving on to end in the incredibly picturesque town of Wickford. The route is a healthy 44 miles long, and it is a great choice no matter what time of the year.

The road trips above are some of the best ways to take in the real heart and soul of beautiful New England. If you rent a car, they are simple and easy to follow and offer a cost-effective way of getting a feel for a part of America that has long been lauded for its shape-shifting magnificence as the colors change profoundly with the passing of the seasons.

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Top 5 Glamping Must-Haves

Shopping Travel

If you want to immerse yourself in the beauty of nature without sacrificing comfort and luxury, then glamping is an activity you would not want to miss. The way people travel has changed over the years. Gone are the days when structured, one-size-fits-all vacations are the norm. It is not enough to just witness nature’s beauty – travellers now want to live in it. And with glamping, you can do so in utmost comfort and style.

Just like any other camping trip, there are a number of things you need to bring with you for a successful glamping trip.

  1. Air Bed – True glampers do not use sleeping bags. A queen-sized air mattress or air bed is a sure way to sleep comfortably. Make sure that you also bring your favorite pillows and blankets.

 

  1. Teepee or Safari Tents – If the holiday park you will stay in does not offer the use of yurt or safari tents, you can bring your own. Safari tents are larger than the average camping tents and they are better insulated against the cold.

 

  1. Inflatable hot tub – There is nothing else that spells luxury than relaxing in an inflatable hot tub while enjoying the beauty of your surroundings. Just make sure though that you set up the spa on an even surface, and near a water source.

 

  1. Complete camp kitchen – True lamping does not mean eating burnt meals cooked over campfires. You can enjoy hot, well-made glamping meals by bringing along a portable electric stove. This also works if you are staying in campgrounds where bonfires are not allowed or if you are camping during the dry, summer season.

 

  1. Portable power source – In order to enjoy creature comforts, you need electricity. This can come from portable power sources such as camping generators or solar panels. These types of gear can power air compressors to inflate your hot tub and air bed; power your electric stove, electric fans or heaters; power water heaters for showering; and keeping campsite lights on at night.

Enjoying nature can be taken one level higher in the comfort scale. And with these 5 must haves with you, there is no denying you would have the best glamping experience with friends or family.

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A cultural tour of the US

Travel

If you’re keen to see more of the diverse cultures of America, where should you begin? There’s a huge variety of ways that you could approach this rich and complex country, but these five cities are a great place to start your journey of discovery.

New York City

There’s no better place to begin a tour like this than in the Big Apple, where every different aspect of the American experience has, at some time or other, made its mark. From Carnegie Hall to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, there’s an endless supply of fascinating things to see. You could take in a Broadway show such as Head Over Heels, the latest work from producer Louise Gund; watch a Shakespeare play in Central Park; or explore the city’s fantastically creative comedy clubs. With the New York City Opera, the Metropolitan opera, the New York Philharmonic and the New York City Ballet all based in the city, there’s no end of pleasure for music lovers, and the city also has strong rock, rap, jazz and blues scenes. Culinary culture is also something special here, with a greater variety of delicacies available than anywhere else in the country.

Chicago

The Windy City is a place where working class culture collides with high art to produce something unique and unfailingly charismatic. It has the second most prolific supply of art galleries in any US city, and its Museum Campus, in Grant Park, makes it easy to explore its collected treasures – you could also use its excellent planetarium to get a glimpse of something rather further afield. Elsewhere, the National Museum of Mexican Art and the National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture offer distinctive perspectives on our world, and if you want to experience artistic expression in a more immersive way, there are five major theatrical venues to tempt you: the Nederlander Theatre, CIBC Theatre, the Auditorium Building at Roosevelt University, the Cadillac Palace Theatre and the Broadway Playhouse. If you like music and you can time your tour right, then it’s well worth being there for Lollapalooza or the Pitchfork Music Festival.

New Orleans

In all the world, there’s nowhere quite like New Orleans. Its distinctive blend of French, Spanish and wider American influences is discernible in everything from its rich cuisine to its vibrant music and its party spirit. Mardi Gras is, of course, the big cultural event of the year, but there’s never a shortage of interesting things to see and do. A steamboat cruise is the ideal way to take in its gorgeous architecture. There are natural wonders to explore at the Audubon Nature Institute, and its myriad jazz and blues clubs offer endless delights. Music and ballet are on offer at the Marigny Opera House, and you can take in plays at the Orpheum Theater or the Saenger Theatre. Leave a little time free to explore the city’s antique shops and take a tour of its remarkable cemeteries with their elegant raised tombs.

Los Angeles

You’ll find something very different out on the West Coast, where wave after wave of settlers have found ways to make something out of nothing, resulting in an intriguing collection of architectural styles and crafts. Today, it’s a haven for contemporary art and, of course, cinema, with Hollywood making its mark on everything. It has a thriving theater-going culture – check out the beautiful Pasadena Playhouse or the Pacific Resident Theater with its mixture of classic and experimental productions. There’s also a wonderful collection of galleries there, including the Los Angeles County Museum of Art and the Getty Center, and you’ll find lots to discover on Gallery Row. Additionally, the Los Angeles Music Center is considered to be one of the country’s most important locations for the performing arts.

Honolulu

Honolulu may be rather out of the way, but that’s what makes it so interesting. Hawaiian culture has developed along its own path and has something all of its own to contribute to American life. The Waikīkī Shell is a fantastic place to enjoy outdoor music in all genres, including local work, and the Hawai’i Theatre puts on plays that will give you a real insight into the experience of life on the islands. The Honolulu Museum of Art brings together Western and Asian traditions, tending to focus on the past. Various island tours are available that can give you the chance to learn the stories – both historical and mythological – associated with its dramatic natural landscape.

These cities are just the tip of the iceberg where US culture is concerned, but visiting them will give you a taste of what’s out there and are a good grounding from which to go exploring further afield. If you live your life right, then this is a journey that will never really end.

 

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Top 4 Friendliest Cities in Florida

Freedom Channel Shopping Travel

No matter your chosen Florida destination, the beaches, sunshine, and ample attractions ensure that everyone in your family has an adventure of a lifetime. The state isn’t one of the top tourist destinations in the United States year after year for nothin’! However, choose one of the friendliest cities in the state and your trip becomes an even more unforgettable adventure. Which cities qualify as the friendliest in Florida? The four on the list below are visitors’ top picks for friendliest cities.

1- Jupiter

You won’t need a spaceship to visit the out-of-this-world city known as Jupiter, Florida. The small town has the heart of a big city, but with the warmth, relaxation, and friendliness that out-of-towners crave. Jupiter is a coastal town filled with a myriad of outdoor activities for all ages to enjoy. Parks and beaches are two popular activities. Getting around is easy when you’re in Jupiter and it’s usually on the less expensive list of Florida visitor locations.

2- Sarasota

Sarasota has everything a visitor could possibly want for a near-perfect getaway. Scrumptious dining suitable to every palette, beaches and gorgeous coastline, perfect weather, and many attractions ensures that your vacation is an adventure you’ll never forget. Sarasota is a great family destination, but there’s also a ton of college-age students in town most any time of the year. It seems that people in Sarasota have never met a stranger. Whether you need directions or recommendations for a place to eat, you’ll appreciate the friendliness that Sarasota offers.

3- Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale is one of Florida’s more expensive regions, but it’s easily accessible and has plenty of attractions for visitors. There are also fewer people scattered about the city than in some of the other areas. Fewer crowds and more enjoyment are benefits you’ll appreciate. Shopping is a favorite activity for visitors to Fort Lauderdale, but golf is also in full swing! Fort Lauderdale has amazing beaches like most other cities in Florida and plenty of fun activities to choose from for your vacation. People are fun and friendly and leaving with a few new friends is more than likely how you’ll depart.

4- The Villages

Do you love golf? Looking for a relaxing, friendly vacation spot that is less crowded than more popular destinations? The Villages has you covered. In fact, many people who visit The Villages find themselves on the telephone with long distance movers to The Villages, making plans to relocate, after their visit. Along with the best golf course in The Villages Florida for every skill level, The Villages is home to many social venues and attractions to fill your time. People in The Villages maintain a close-knit relationship and welcome visitors with open arms.

Millions of people visit Florida every year. While many of those people come for attractions such as Disneyworld, Six Flags and Everglades National Park, the state offers so much more than meets the eye when you look beyond the hype. The four cities on the list above represent just a handful of the state’s friendliest places to visit. When you travel to Florida, choose one of these destinations and secure an amazing adventure that you won’t soon forget.

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