Thailand has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world and you should definitely visit them if you have time to explore this wonderful country. If you’re planning your trip or already know where to go, here are 5 of the top beaches in Thailand that you simply can’t miss! 1) Koh Tao With its gentle waves and sandy shores, Koh Tao is the perfect place to relax and soak up the sun. The island is also home to a variety of marine life, making it a popular spot for snorkeling and diving. On the other hand, if you're looking for nightlife there are plenty of bars around town. If you want an island with an active nightlife scene that won't break the bank, then this is your place. Koh Tao has the right balance for those seeking both.  2) Koh Samui Koh Samui is an island off the east coast of Thailand and is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the country. From the white sand beaches of Chaweng and Lamai to the secluded bays of Bophut and Maenam, there is a beach for everyone on Koh Samui.  If you're looking for a little more adventure while you're exploring this gem of an island, check out the James Bond Island Tour where you can see where 007 was filmed or go on a guided tour through Taling Ngam National Park with its lush rainforest and mountain views. 3) Pattaya Situated on the east coast of the Gulf of Thailand, Pattaya is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. The city is renowned for its beaches, which are some of the best in Thailand. With crystal clear water and soft white sand, Pattaya is a paradise for beach lovers. Most visitors head to Pattaya's Jomtien Beach where they can enjoy an evening drink at any of the numerous seaside bars and restaurants that line the shoreline.  After dark, tourists can catch a glimpse of the famous nightlife scene or continue to enjoy the evening meals and drinks at the nearby bars. 4) Phuket Phuket is Thailand’s largest island and one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. The island is home to many beautiful beaches, including Patong, Karon, and Kata. If you’re looking for a place to relax and capture amazing beach photos, Phuket is the perfect spot.  There are great hotels with beautiful pools and spas if you want to stay on the island for your entire vacation. The best time to visit Phuket is during their rainy season from May-October as this provides more comfortable temperatures than their hot season from November-April. 5) Krabi Krabi is a province on the west coast of southern Thailand. It's known for its dramatic landscape, with towering limestone cliffs, dense mangrove forests and more than 150 offshore islands. Some of the most popular beaches in Krabi are Railay Beach, Ao Nang Beach and Tubkaak Beach.  These beaches offer some of the best snorkeling and diving sites in Southeast Asia. The water here is crystal clear, making it one of the best places to go swimming or scuba diving. Whatever way you enjoy spending a day at the beach, you can do that in Thailand. Don’t forget your sunscreen and towels!

It’s bound to happen, in the midst of all the traveling, adventure, and good times you’ll find yourself in possession of the most wondrous of things – free time.   “What is the point of traveling if you don’t fill every second?” some naysayers would ask, and they do have a point. After all, your goal is to experience newness all around you! Without scheduling every moment you may feel anxious that you will miss out on something. You will find this is simply not true. As time and travel wears on you will find yourself longing for those moments in between excitement to recover, reflect, and perhaps even wander a bit. Recovery and Reset There are several problems with trying to “do it all” on a trip, but first and foremost is the lack of recovery time. During any journey undoubtedly something will not go perfectly as planned. In these situations even minor things can quickly feel stressful or overwhelming if you do not allow yourself a moment here and there to find your own personal level.   By building this extra free time into your schedule you will be able to absorb issues that may push you off balance that might otherwise not bother you. A good example would be supplies. If you find yourself running out of essentials, this extra time will allow you a quick visit to the store to make your purchase instead of trying to “tough it out” rather than face the prospect of slowing down your travel companions.   Another common use of your recovery time is to simply reflect on the events. Keeping a travel journal is a good way to accomplish this goal, but don’t feel limited by this suggestion. Reviewing photos, organizing your travel gear, and even taking a refreshing nap are all ways that will raise your explorer spirits! As you travel you might discover aches and pains arising and those golden opportunities to relax are the perfect time to let your body, mind, and soul come together and heal will refresh and rejuvenate you for the remainder of your journey.   Taking time for recovery and relaxation each day allows you to better enjoy the entire trip because your mind, body, and soul will be ready to fully take in all the new sights and sounds throughout the rest of your journey. Off the beaten path Every journey you take will constantly be beset by the same thought, “What is around the next corner?” and free moments in your day’s plans will allow you to do just that  – find out exactly what is around the next bend. While it is wise to keep in communication with your guide during your travels, you will have opportunities to enrich your travels by following your own trail.   Those side treks are often where we make the most memories, the heady feeling of forging your way ensures that your brain records every moment in high definition, each decision reflected upon, and each discovery lovingly stored away for later reminiscing.   Now, before you seek out your fortunes on the side paths there are some basic guidelines that should always be followed:   Communicate with your guide and travel companions on your intended direction of travel! If something were to happen, plans were to change, or you accidentally miss a deadline it’s important that they would first know where to look. Your guide will also be able to advise you on what locations would best align with your interests.   Take a map. In this age of technology we often shirk analog methods of augmenting our abilities, but the tried and true method of wayfinding using a map is hard to beat. An experienced traveler knows that there is a big difference between being off the beaten path, and being actually lost. Our goal here is to wander, not generate a panic.   Set a time for your return. It is easy to get caught up in the adrenaline rush of self-dependence and lose track of time. By making a decision as to when your return shall take place and adhering to it you decrease the risk of getting lost in an unfamiliar place, freeing you up to enjoy this new experience!   Ultimately your free time will do nothing but add to your overall experience. Whether you choose to take a relaxing nap, enjoy a cup of afternoon tea with your new travel friends, or wander around your new location, a free moment well enjoyed in travel is never wasted at all!

Tegalalang Rice Terrace is definitely one of the most iconic tourist attractions in Bali and has become part of what most people think of when they think of visiting Bali, Indonesia. However, many people are surprised to find out that there are many different ways to visit Tegalalang Rice Terrace and that there are many different factors you should take into consideration when deciding how you should visit Tegalalang Rice Terrace to get the most out of your experience. Before we get into the other tips, here's an important one: stay on the main path. The main path winds through miles of rice terraces that date back hundreds of years and is lined with traditional Indonesian homes. You’ll have a much better view when sticking close to this route than if you wander off into one of the side trails. Here are five ways to visit Tegalalang Rice Terrace to get the most out of your trip. 1) Go Early In The Morning One way to get the most out of your trip is to go early in the morning. The air will be cool, there won't be too many tourists, and you'll still have enough time before lunch. Bring a hat, water, snacks and your camera!  You can also rent an umbrella at the entrance for 20,000 IDR (less than $2) or bring your own.    2) Avoid Weekends And Holidays Tegalalang is a popular tourist destination, but it can be quite crowded, especially on weekends and holidays. To avoid the crowds, try visiting during weekdays or early mornings. And if you really want to avoid crowds altogether, stay away from holidays as well!   3) Bring cash No ATMs are available, so you’ll need cash in your wallet for any purchases you may need to make. Don’t forget some small bills if you want a snack or a drink from one of the vendor stalls! There are also plenty of vendors selling souvenirs.  If you have time, it might be fun to pick up something with which to remember this experience.     4) Dress Comfortably It is a long journey up to Tegalalang, so dress comfortably. You will be walking on uneven ground and you may end up sitting down for a while. Wear shoes that are easy to walk in and clothes that you don't mind getting dirty. Bring sunscreen because there is little shade along the way, and always stay hydrated by bringing water or coconut juice with you.   5) Hire A Guide If you want to get the most out of your visit, hire a guide. Hiring a guide can help you learn about rice terraces and Balinese culture in an informative way. They will also be able to answer any questions that you might have about the area.  When choosing a guide, make sure they are qualified by asking for their license or certification. You can find qualified guides at local travel agencies or through word of mouth. We are proud to have experienced guides to take our travelers on a tour of Tegalalang. Call us at 1-888-345-7480 to book your trip to Bali and tell us that you'd like to add on the optional tour of Tegalalang!

Thailand has long been known as one of the most romantic destinations in the world. With soft sandy beaches, warm tropical waters, and the exotic beauty of Thailand’s islands, it’s easy to understand why this country continues to be such an attractive location for couples on romantic getaways. Here are ten of the best romantic things you can do in Thailand on your next vacation! Take A Private Longtail Boat Ride In Phang Nga Bay This is one of the most popular romantic things to do while in Thailand. A private longtail boat ride with your partner gives you the chances to see the beautiful scenery up close. It’s a great chance to relax and spend quality time together. There are also many islands, caves and forests that can be visited on a boat trip which will allow you to explore different parts of Phang Nga Bay. Visit The Phi Phi Islands Phi Phi Islands are a great place to visit while on vacation. Not only are they beautiful, but they also offer some of the best snorkeling in the world. You can rent a kayak and see all sorts of aquatic life or you can just relax on the beach with your loved one.    Go Snorkeling Or Scuba Diving One of the best ways to explore the water world is by snorkeling or scuba diving. You’ll be able to see amazing sea life and sights you wouldn’t see from on land like coral reefs, shipwrecks, underwater caves, and more. The best place for this would be Koh Tao since it is a smaller island that has great conditions for snorkeling and diving. Soak Up The Sun On Railay Beach Thailand offers many romantic things to do with your significant other. One of the most popular destinations is Railay Beach, which has been voted as one of the top ten beaches in the world. It's not just for sunbathing and swimming though, you can also go kayaking, snorkeling, hiking, camping and so much more! Take A Cooking Class One of the most romantic things to do while in Thailand is to take a cooking class. There are so many different cultures, cuisines and food choices that there's no way you won't find something that suits your fancy. Plus, there's nothing more intimate than getting close over a stove and cooking together. Get Massages A massage is a great way to relax, and Thailand has some of the best massages in the world. Whether you're looking for an intense Thai massage or something more relaxing like a foot massage, you can find it here. Rent A Bike And Explore Grab a bike and explore the beautiful city of Bangkok. Ride through the colorful neighborhoods and watch locals go about their lives. Gaze at the temples and other historic sites that are scattered throughout the city. If you're feeling adventurous, take your bike onto one of Bangkok's many canals where you can enjoy a peaceful ride while admiring all of the lush greenery along the way. Visit An Elephant Sanctuary One of the most romantic things to do while in Thailand is visiting an elephant sanctuary. Elephants are very intelligent creatures and each one has a unique personality. It's amazing how they can be so playful while also being gentle and caring with the other elephants. The staff will provide you with bananas, peanuts, and sugar cane for the elephants which they love and really enjoy it when visitors come and spend time with them. Have Lunch On The Beach If you're looking for a romantic place to eat with your significant other, take a break from city life and head to the beach. You can enjoy fresh seafood while listening to the sound of waves crashing on the shore. The restaurant is open on either side, so you'll have an unobstructed view of the ocean.  Go Kayaking Thailand is one of the most visited and amazing countries in the world with many things to see and do. One of the most romantic things to do would be kayaking through a mangrove forest. Not only will you be able to explore the beautiful mangroves, but you will also get an up-close look at some beautiful wildlife. Thailand is a great choice for a romantic getaway! 

Are you looking for the perfect place to take your next vacation? Consider Spain! From the beautiful beaches of the Costa del Sol to the vibrant culture of Madrid and Barcelona, there is something for everyone in this vibrant country. Here are five reasons why Spain should be your next travel destination. 1) The Food When it comes to food, Spain is hard to beat. From the classic dishes of paella and tapas to a wide variety of regional specialties, Spain has something to offer everyone. Spanish cuisine varies from region to region with different ingredients in each area. For example, an authentic Galician meal will have lots of seafood while a typical Castilian dish might contain more meats or game. In the north near France there are some similarities in cuisine with that country which share borders with Spain. There are many ways you can experience Spanish food including traditional restaurants known as Casa de Comidas where you can sample local foods or modern restaurants like San Sebastian's famous Michelin-starred Martin Berasategui restaurant where international chefs prepare contemporary versions of traditional dishes.   2) The Weather Whether it’s winter, spring, summer, or fall, the country is known for its mild climate and beautiful sunshine. Spain is located in the Mediterranean, which means the summers are hot and the winters are mild. This makes it an ideal location to visit year-round. Additionally, the area is known for its 300 days of sunshine a year, making it a great spot to soak up some rays during your travels.    3) The Culture When it comes to vibrant culture, Spain is definitely one of the top contenders. The country has a rich history and a diverse population that is reflected in its museums, architecture, cuisine and art. Explore Barcelona’s La Sagrada Familia cathedral or Madrid’s Plaza Mayor. You can find plenty of art in Valencia or Granada while Sevilla will charm you with its flamenco shows and Cordoba will make you want to explore the stunning Alhambra Palace. Take a walking tour of Seville’s Barrio Santa Cruz to see where Miguel de Cervantes lived or visit Toledo for medieval streets, Gothic churches and landmarks like El Greco’s View of Toledo.   4) The People The Spanish people are known for their friendly hospitality and genuine curiosity about other cultures, making it the perfect destination for visitors from all walks of life. From the locals in small towns to the bustling city centers, you’ll find that everyone is eager to share their culture with you. Whether you’re looking for a relaxed afternoon of conversation at a café or an energetic night out on the town, you can be sure that the people of Spain will make you feel right at home. With vibrant personalities, great food, and an unbeatable sense of community, it’s no wonder why so many visitors keep coming back to this amazing country year after year.   5) The Scenery From the breathtaking beaches of the Costa del Sol to the lush green meadows of the interior, Spain offers visitors a wide range of stunning landscapes to explore. Whether you want to take a dip in the crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean or explore the mountains of the Pyrenees, there's something for everyone in Spain. The architecture of Spain is also incredibly impressive. From ancient castles and churches to modern skyscrapers, there are many interesting structures to admire. Visiting the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona or the Alcázar in Seville will give you an appreciation for the architectural wonders of Spain. No visit to Spain is complete without visiting some of its iconic cities. Barcelona, Madrid, Seville, Valencia and Granada are some of the most vibrant cities in Europe with plenty to offer visitors.    With so much to offer, it's easy to see why Spain should be your next travel destination.

If you’re taking an intercontinental flight, it’s important to be prepared for the long journey ahead. The last thing you want to do when you’re just a few hours away from your destination is to get bored and lose your focus. Here are seven ways to keep yourself entertained throughout your flight so that you can arrive feeling relaxed and refreshed rather than exhausted and cranky.   1) Watch An Entertaining Movie Passengers are often faced with the challenge of finding something interesting to watch as they take off and land. Watching an entertaining movie is one way of keeping yourself entertained during the time you're sitting in your seat. Most flights have free in-flight movies available. But if you want to make sure you have your favorite movies then you'll want to download your movies to your phone, tablet, or laptop beforehand unless you're going to pay for WiFi on the flight. If you prefer music or audiobooks then be sure to have those downloaded!    2) Play In-Flight Games A lot of flights offer in-flight entertainment these days, but if you're not lucky enough to be flying with an airline who does, then it's time for some old-school fun. There are plenty of ways to keep yourself entertained on a long flight if you're willing to get creative.  From games like card games and word games to arts and crafts, there are tons of things that can pass the time. Or you could use the opportunity as a perfect chance to catch up on your reading list! Crossword puzzles and word searches can pass the time too.    3) Snack On Healthy Foods The key to staying healthy while traveling is finding snacks that are both filling and nutritious. High-protein and high-fiber bars are a good choice, as are bananas and apples. The best part about these snacks is that you can take them with you on the plane (or in your carry-on) without having to worry about the hassle of going through security. Choose water and tea over soda and alcoholic beverages. Staying hydrated will help prevent muscle aches and headaches.    4) Write A Journal Writing in a journal is a great way to keep yourself entertained and make your journey more memorable. Keeping a journal can help you process thoughts, feelings, and ideas about the things that have about traveling and where you're going. It’s also a good way for you to take note of important events or things you want to remember in the future.  And don't worry if writing doesn't come naturally to you, there are many types of journals with different formats which will give you inspiration and encouragement. Journals with prompts are great to help you get the creative energy flowing.    5) Meditate You can also use meditation to stay calm and focused. If you're new to meditating, try starting with just a five minute guided meditation. If you don't have a preferred fitness app then you can look up a guided meditation on YouTube. Trouble sleeping on flights? Try a longer sleep mediation. You'd be surprised how quickly you'll fall asleep or at least be able to relax a bit more. Music is great for calming your nerves and blocking out the noise of other people talking or babies crying. There are mediations that use music instead of an instructor guiding you. With a long flight, you'll have plenty of time to find out which type of mediation works best for you.    6) Sleep Early One of the best ways to stay entertained on a long flight is to get plenty of rest. Sleeping at least four hours before your flight will ensure you don't feel groggy during the trip. It may sound simple, but by getting enough sleep before your flight you can avoid some of the common pitfalls that come with in-flight boredom and discomfort. A study by National Sleep Foundation found that one of the main factors preventing people from sleeping well on a plane is being seated next to someone who snores or has an annoying habit like clicking their pen incessantly. A great way to deal with this type of situation is to switch seats if possible or consider bringing noise cancelling headphones for peace and quiet.   7) Get Up And Move Around The cabin is pressurized, so you don't need to worry about pressure changes affecting your ears or sinuses. Instead of sitting in one spot for the entire flight, get up and stretch your legs once an hour or so. That's good for circulation and helps reduce stiffness. If you're sitting by the window, look outside every now and then for a change of scenery (even if it's just clouds).  Or focus on something inside the plane that moves around: curtains, tarmac lights, floorboards. If possible, upgrade to a more spacious section of the flight. Being able to stretch your legs and have personal space makes a big difference.    We hope these tips help you have a more enjoyable flight. Safe travels!  

Israel’s rich history, diverse landscape, and vibrant culture have been drawing tourists from all over the world for many years now. Perhaps you are curious about how Israel compares to other Mediterranean countries or what you can do there that you can’t do anywhere else in the world? If so, read on! Here are five reasons why you need to vacation in Israel at least once in your lifetime. The Food Is Incredible Israel is a melting pot of cultures, religions, and ethnicities. This means that the country has a wide variety of cuisines, but the Israeli cuisine is by far some of the best. One dish that you can find just about anywhere is Hummus. Chickpeas are mashed and blended with lemon juice, tahini sauce, garlic and salt. It's a great dip for pita bread. Another classic dish is Falafel. It consists of deep-fried balls or patties made from ground chickpeas and/or fava beans (depending on who makes it) which have been spiced with cumin, coriander, paprika, garlic, onion and other spices. Shawarma is another popular dish that most tourists visit Israel to try out. Bring your appetite! The History Is Fascinating Present day Israel has been inhabited continuously since the Bronze Age and its rich history can be seen everywhere you go. The country is home to some of the most fascinating archeological sites in the world including Jerusalem, Megiddo, Hazor, Tel Beersheba, Masada and more. The vibrant culture is a great way to experience new things with fresh eyes. In addition there are hundreds of ancient synagogues which are still used today - an incredible site to see! The Landscape Is Varied And Beautiful Israel's diverse landscape is one of the many reasons why it should be on your bucket list. From the Dead Sea, which is the lowest point on Earth and home to some of the world's best spas, to Jerusalem and its world-famous sites like Masada, Tel Aviv and more, you're sure to find something that appeals to you.  Additionally, there are over 10 different climate zones for you to explore, meaning there will always be something for every kind of traveler.  The People Are Warm And Welcoming Israel has a lot of people that live there and they are all really welcoming.  For example, when you first meet someone, it is common for them to extend their hand for a handshake as well as an introduction and exchange of names. Israelis also have great senses of humor, so don't be surprised if you find yourself laughing the whole time! There's Something For Everyone Whether you are looking for a relaxing beach vacation or a cultural immersion, there's something for everyone. With so much history and natural beauty, this is the place to be.  If you want to get your fill of different cultures, then Israel has it all! There are many different areas within Israel that offer vastly different experiences. Whether it's Tel Aviv with its high-rise buildings and hipster vibe, the Dead Sea where visitors can float effortlessly on top of water that feels like they're floating on air (seriously), or Jerusalem with its serene atmosphere and holy sites - there is truly something for every type of traveler.    With so many reasons to visit Israel, what are you waiting for? Book your trip ASAP and enjoy all the country has to offer. Don’t forget your camera!                

Whether you’re on vacation with your family or your significant other, you’ll want to capture the memories of the amazing trip you’re on. To do this, use these 9 tips for taking incredible travel photos!  1) Choose an Interesting Spot Choose an interesting spot or object for the foreground of the photo. Something that gives a sense of place or provides some context about where you are in that moment. Take a look at your trip's itinerary ahead of time and look up some of the sights you'll see.  2) Find the Perfect Time of Day The time of day that you choose to take your pictures will have a huge impact on the mood and feel of your photos. Try to find a time that captures the light in a way that is flattering, while also being true to the location.  If it's sunrise or sunset, these are obviously perfect times as well. If it's a cloudy day and there are no shadows from sunlight on any of your subjects then it's likely not going to be very aesthetically pleasing, however, this could make for an interesting photo. Give it a try! 3) Use the Right Lense There are so many different types of lenses out there, but the ones you should have with you on your next trip are a wide-angle and a telephoto. If you're only using your cell phone then explore the various settings. Many phones are able to replicate the lenses of a digital camera.  4) Get Down Low or Up High Get down low to capture a new perspective. Get up high to see the bigger picture. Look for symmetry in your surroundings. Photograph people to show how they interact with their environment. Get close-up shots of details that can tell a story, like clothes or items on a table. 5) Experiment with Camera Modes Experiment with your camera's different modes. Most cameras have at least three: auto, program mode, and manual. Auto is the simplest and easiest for beginners to use. Program mode allows you to choose your aperture, shutter speed, ISO (sensitivity), and white balance settings. Manual mode lets you control all these settings yourself while also giving you the option of using a tripod or setting a timer. Experiment with different combinations and see what works best for you! 6) Be Patient and Wait for the Perfect Moment The first tip for taking great travel pictures is to be patient and wait for the perfect moment. There are so many beautiful scenes out there, but if you wait for the perfect one it will make your photos that much more impactful. This is especially true with landscapes, since they change over time and light. 7) Include People in Your Photos It's important to remember to include people in your photos. Otherwise, all you have is a bunch of beautiful scenery with no one in it. Unless you're intentionally trying to show the emptiness of humanity or something, there should always be people in your photos. 8) Look for Contrasting Colors To take a great travel photo, you want to find colors that contrast well. This could be something as simple as a blue sky and green leaves, or something more drastic like the red-orange of the sun setting on a snow-covered mountain range. When you focus on contrasting colors, your photo will pop off the page and make people feel like they're there with you. 9) Take Pictures of What Interests You Most While visiting a new place, be sure to take pictures of what interests you most. This can be anything from a famous landmark to the food on your plate. The more unique and personal your shots are, the better! When you look back on your trip, you'll want to remember your experience and not just what famous landmarks you were able to capture.