Balanced News
Two decades ago the idea of getting dressed up in ghoulish costumes, decorating your home with jack-o-lanterns and going door-to-door asking for candy was thought of as a bizzare western custom in Japan. Not anymore.
This weekend, the streets of Tokyo were packed with people in costume and shopfronts were adorned with witches and pumpkins – Halloween fever has hit Japan. [Read more…]
Even in this age of widespread information, there are still many myths about cruising that keep many people from experiencing its wonders. Today, we set the records straight by debunking the top cruise myths.
There was a time when cruising was exorbitant, but that’s no longer the case today. In fact, cruises have become quite cheap. At Cruises.com.au alone, you can look for a staggering number of options worth below $500 with some going as low as $260, which is way cheaper than the iPad you’re going gaga over. [Read more…]
Country hoppers or travelers who visit different countries usually ride a plane from one destination to the next due to distance. When we are talking about transferring from one country to another, the use of a car may not readily come to mind. This is especially so when we are thinking of crossing bodies of water and large tracts of land.
Country hopping by land can also happen by riding buses and trains although these options do not provide as much freedom as bringing a car. Exploring a whole continent made up of different countries can be done with the right planning, attitude, and knowledge. If a traveler wants to do this exploration in its purest sense, meaning that no other forms of transportation will be used aside from a car, then it is necessary to make sure that the car is no less than in top condition. A visit to MyNRMA .com.au can quickly put one’s mind to rest with regards to the condition of the car.
Traveling by car all through-out may not be the easiest option but it is the option that provides the most opportunity for personal exploration. Travelers set their own schedule for visiting a place without being pressured with time constraints associated with arranged tours. They have the complete freedom of deciding when to stop and when to proceed.
There are of course disadvantages to country hopping by car including the possibility of car breakdown so it highly advisable to have the car checked within reasonable intervals while on the trip. There is no other time where one needs to be assured of a car’s top condition than during a long trip and country hopping is certainly a very long one with several stops. Travelers should always be mindful of their gas as being stranded in nowhere land with no gas is not an experience anybody would like to have in their travel memories.
Before embarking on the most exciting country hopping adventure of your life, travelers should make sure to complete documentary requirements needed in entering a foreign country.
Image: pelicanparts.com
We have all heard about the volcano that erupted in Iceland and how air travel all over Europe has been affected. You might have had a personal experience, or you might know someone who suffered. It certainly has cost a lot of people (and businesses) considerable amounts, but Iceland is not taking it sitting down.
In fact, the government is taking this chance to highlight all the other things that their country has to offer visitors. The volcanic eruption has placed the country’s geothermal assets into the forefront. After all, the very same geological reasons for the eruption make Iceland the foremost destination for hot springs!
Indeed, the government has offered all stranded travelers free access to the eight hot pools of the capital, Reykjavik. The temperatures in these pool range from 29 degrees Celsius to 42 degrees Celsius (84 to 108 Fahrenheit). The pools are known for their relaxing and healing properties and are frequented by both locals and visitors alike. Iceland has one of the highest concentrations of these kinds of pools in the world, thanks to its geological resources.
The response of the people has been encouraging, as the government’s offer has not been ignored. In fact, the government says that there are so many people taking them up on their offer that the pools have been full!
The eruption took place (is taking place, rather) under the Eyjafjallajokull glacier and countless airports in Europe have been affected by the ash. Some airports have resumed their operations while others are still at a halt.
