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!