Wanderlust Tips Team, Author at WANDERLUST TIPS • Page 165 of 195

10 Hottest places for 2017 adventures

It is the perfect time to plan your 2017 adventures. 10 below hottest destinations will stun you in your new year trips.

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Wine, walks, and wonders of Chile

The fantastically long and narrow country of Chile is one of the most remote in South America. But a new direct British Airways flight to Santiago changes all that.

It is easier than ever to experience the moon-like landscapes of the Atacama Desert, sip some of the world’s best wines at vineyards, hike in the Andes or explore the fjords, glaciers, and penguin-filled islands of Patagonia.

When to go: Now. Chile’s seasons are the reverse of ours, so Santiago basks in temperatures of around 30°C in January and February, with warm weather until April.

Canada’s 150th birthday bash

Its rich heritage may go back much further, but Canada only became a united country in 1867. Cue huge celebrations this year as it marks its 150th birthday.

If you’ve always wanted to experience the country’s diverse landscape, entry to all national parks, historic sites and marine conservation areas will be free in 2017.

You will also find a year of events and some very special Canada Day celebrations on July 1. Visit canada.pch.gc.ca for more information.

When to go: It’s reliably warm in July and August across the country and you can easily coincide with Canada Day.

Alternative Spanish break

A medieval treat in northern Catalonia, Girona is much overshadowed by neighboring Barcelona. But this year sees new Jet2 flights from Belfast, East Midlands, and Edinburgh.

Explore the Old Quarter of Gothic and Romanesque buildings that are perched next to the Onyar and Ter rivers and crowned with a hilltop castle. If you’re looking for beaches, the Costa Brava is only an hour away.

When to go: It’s balmy from May to October. July and August are hottest, with highs of 29°C

Soak up Russia’s rich history

In 2017, Russia will mark 100 years since the Bolshevik Revolution, which overthrew the Tsars and ushered in new world order.

The unrest began in March 1917 in St Petersburg, and Moscow was reinstated as the capital city just a year later.

Take in both cities to compare imperial opulence and canals of the former, with the stark Soviet buildings and the preserved leader of the latter.

When to go: June and July see long days of warm, sunny weather and plenty of cultural events. August is warm, but slightly quieter.

See the sparkle of New Orleans

This March, British Airways launches the first direct flights from London.

Make it your chance to discover parties on Bourbon Street, see the amazing recovery after Hurricane Katrina, experience the music scene, and explore its history.

When to go: The weather is warm, but comfortable from February to May. Mardi Gras is on February 28 this year and the world-renowned Jazz Fest starts on April 28.

Explore the sleek style of Denmark

Why have one celebration when you can have two? This year sees the Danish city of Aarhus become the European Capital of Culture and the European Region of Gastronomy.

It is also easy to explore, has a beautiful setting on the Jutland Peninsula, and has won a slew of architecture awards for its modern design.

When to go: June and September are pleasant. Expect 22°C in July and August.

Contemporary Cape Town

South Africa’s most beautiful city is about to become the home of Africa’s largest contemporary arts museum.

The Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa opens in September on the Victoria and Alfred waterfront.

Looking for a place to stay? Luxury 28-room hotel The Silo opens in March above the new museum, with waterfront and Table Mountain views as well as a rooftop infinity bar and pool.

When to go: Cape Town is pleasant all year round, but the warmest months are from December to March, with an average temperature of 26°C.

Golden shores of the Caribbean

Turks and Caicos are famed for its beautiful Long Bay beach, often voted among the best in the world.

The Shore Club is the first resort on the famous stretch of sand. A beautiful colonial building with 106 suites and six villas, its setting is ideal for relaxation. Active types can try everything from snorkeling to exploring the island by bike — all included in the price.

When to go: The peak season is from December to March, with dry weather and warm temperatures of 27°C.

Persian perfection

The Foreign Office has relaxed its travel advice to Iran thanks to thawing diplomatic relations.

Take a tour to experience Esfahan, with its feast of Islamic architecture, graceful bridges and beautiful mosques, and the beautifully preserved Achaemenid ruins of Persepolis.

Add in the medieval grandeur and Persian culture of Shiraz and you have the ingredients for a holiday like no other.

When to go: The high season is from March to May. September and October are also pleasant and often cheaper.

The toast of Yorkshire

The UK’s City of Culture for 2017 is much-maligned Hull.

It kicked off a year of events last week by telling the city’s story on its streets. On February 22-25, every corner of Hull will host award-winning shows in the Back To our event.

The port has inspired centuries of poets and incited the English Civil War when it closed its gates to Charles 1 in 1642.

Explore the beautiful buildings of the old town, stroll by the restored marina and visit the amazing aquarium Deep.

When to go: Time your visit with one of the events this year, visit Hull 2017 for details.

Daily Mail | Wanderlust Tips | Cinet

Couple searching for a nanny to travel the world with them

The Utah-based family who posted a video on their facebook page attracted more thang 7,4 million views when they offer USD1,200-1,500 a month and all-paid trip around the world in one year for a nanny.

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Derek and M’Kenzie Tillotson, parents to Porter, Beckett and baby Wren were stunned when their video goes viral so quickly and the couple have got so many submissions that they close the that they announced they would cutting it on January 8.

“We’re looking for someone who will love our kids as much as we do, even when they’re acting like this,” Mrs Tillotson quips, revealing clips of the adorable young children screeching and running riot.

Mrs Tillotson, who turned 30 in December, explains on the family blog, Five Take Flight: “I am a planner, Derek is spontaneous, so our itinerary is somewhere in the middle.”

But the general route will take them from New York to Iceland in July, followed by a grand tour of Europe, then a Christmas pit-stop back in Utah, before going on to Hawaii, the Pacific, and Asia until next June.

Included in the proposal will be a plane ticket to and from the nanny’s home country so they can spend Christmas with their own loved ones.

The bubbly couple are seeking an applicant who has some sort of background in education, to assist in homeschooling the children.

Discussing the day-to-day responsibilities during the trip, they explain: ‘You will have one to two days off each week, depending on our travel schedule, to explore and have your own adventures.

“Both Derek and I will be working, usually from home, so we will be there to chip in as we can. But we will rely on you primarily to do the homeschooling. Schooling will be five days a week for a few hours, preferably after breakfast. This way, the rest of the day is free for us to go out and explore.”

They also express: “You’ll be an honorary member of the family and will be treated with respect and be able to voice your opinion.”

Explaining how they are able to facilitate their great adventure, the couple explain on their blog that shortly after getting married, they launched a product distribution business.

“Over the years, our business has expanded into 20 countries, giving us friends and roots all over the world,” they state.

Despite a flood of interest and overwhelming praise for their plans, some have taken to their Facebook page to criticize the deal on offer.

“The proposed salary is around 70% LESS than the usual rate for a travel nanny,” one Facebook user wrote. “And with no health insurance!”

“If you’re a child-care worker interested in travel, protect yourself from this kind of unethical and illegal work, and go through an agency who protects both the employer and employee.”

Another chipped in: “USD1200-1500 a month? For cooking, cleaning, and homeschooling their children? Psh. That’s not a good deal. I realize you get to travel the world but that is not good pay for all they are asking you to do.”

However, Mrs Tillotson calmly responded: “They’re not expected to do all the cooking and cleaning. But we’re looking for someone to “pitch in” in general as we’re living in the same space. Our nanny will get 2 days off a week and obviously time to themselves daily. Not looking for a Cinderella!”

The majority of comments were bursting with positivity, with parents around the world expressing their admiration, and thousands of potential candidates desperate to apply.

“It’s amazing what you’re doing,” one wrote. “I hope one day I’m lucky enough to pack up and travel the world with my family.”

Daily Mail | Wanderlust Tips

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The world’s most exotic places by Lucy McGuire

The lifestyle and travel journalist Lucy McGuire has picked the best exotic places to visit around the world. Let’s take a look at the stunning spots and figgure out what place has already been in your bucket list.

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Maui, Hawaii – heaven of heaven

With a legendary surf scene and golden crescent beaches that span more than 120 miles, there are attractions everywhere you turn in Hawaii. Maui, known as “the Valley Isle”, is a favourite for its misty peaks, gorgeous sunsets and bamboo forests. Sink into the award-winning sands of Kaanapali or marvel at the crimson red sands of Kaihalulu – it’s like no other beach in the world.

Puerto Rico – the most exotic island in the Caribbean

With a tropical climate, secluded palm-fringed beaches and topography as varied as a patchwork quilt, Puerto Rico is arguably the most exotic island in the Caribbean. Spot tree frogs in the serpentine jungle of El Yunque, take a night-time bathe in the bioluminescent Mosquito Bay and explore its abundance of beautiful golden sands.

Fuerteventura, Canary Islands – the most interesting island in the Canaries

Fuerteventura might just be the most interesting island in the Canaries, thanks to its deserted beaches, crystal-clear water and hippy vibe. Steady trade winds make it prime territory for watersports, or if you’re looking for an all-over tan, join the naturists who flock here for its famed nudist beaches.

Colombia – to be embraced by untouched nature

Azure water, swaying hammocks and hidden beaches can all be found in Colombia – a country that until recently has escaped the tourist trail. Hike through Tayrona National Park, an eco-traveller’s dream destination – it’s the perfect place to pretend you live in a beach hut, feast on exotic fruits and explore impossibly beautiful lagoons.

Vis, Croatia – the gem in the Adriatic

The secret’s out; the Croatian island of Vis has some serious pulling power amongst island hoppers, and it’s all thanks to its dramatic cliffs and exotic beaches. This gem in the Adriatic is a short boat ride away from the Croatian town of Split, yet its secluded coves would look right at home in the tropics. Take a boat to Stiniva, a hidden beach that’s often pipped as the best in Europe.

French Polynesia

French Polynesia is a place where emerald lagoons sparkle and the exotic scents of vanilla, coconuts and Tiare Tahiti flowers fill the air. You won’t be able to cover all five archipelagos (a total of 118 islands), so head to Maupiti: “the untouched island”. Its beaches are whiter-than-white, it’s sprinkled with mystical caves and Mount Te’urafa’atiu offers breathtaking views.

The Yucatán, Mexico

This southeast corner of Mexico which separates the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea has all the ingredients for an exotic holiday. Explore Tulum’s wide beaches, cool off in unique limestone cenotes and swim with whale sharks off Isla Holbox. The Mesoamerican reef – the world’s second longest – boasts a wealth of marine life.

Koh Rong Samloem, Cambodia

This paradise island off Cambodia’s southern coast is one of the Gulf of Thailand’s most exotic spots. It’s starkly different to the tourist town of Sihanoukville (where you take the ferry from), as you’ll find no traffic and very little development, bar a few rustic beach huts. Go night swimming amongst bioluminescent plankton off M’Pei Bay, take a rainforest hike or sip a coconut in a hammock on Saracen Bay.

Whitsunday Islands, Australia’s iconic destination

The brilliant white and blue hues of the Whitsunday Islands have become an iconic destination for travellers exploring Australia’s exotic coast. Located off coastal Queensland, it’s home to the World Heritage listed Great Barrier Reef – a dream for serious divers. With hiking trails and secluded beaches, it’s just as beautiful above the water. Visit between July and September to catch a glimpse of the migrating humpback whales.

Fiji – nature-blessed country

A country blessed with gorges, mangrove forests, waterfalls and natural pools, Fiji is the jewel of the South Pacific. There are over 300 islands in the archipelago and its 200 protected marine parks offer some of the world’s best soft coral diving. It’s also where five different turtle species, spinner dolphins and the rare Fiji crested iguana all call home.

Madagascar – otherworldly land

Home to otherworldly landscapes and one of the Earth’s most unique eco-systems, few places match the Eden-like quality of Madagascar. Explore Tsingy forests, a series of vertical limestone rocks dubbed the “Forest of Knives”, or explore Masoala National Park where 2 percent of the Earth’s plant and animal species thrive.

Wanderlust Tips

Mark Zuckerberg to challenge himself to travel 50 US states in 2017

As stated on his Facebook page, Mark Zuckerberg is taking on a challenge to travel more in 2017. He he planned to visit all 50 US states this year and meet people who live there. He said he has already spent a significant amount of time in many states, so the challenge will be to visit the remaining 30.

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“Every year I take on a personal challenge to learn new things and grow outside of my work. In recent years, I’ve run 365 miles, built a simple AI for my home, read 25 books and learned Mandarin,” he wrote on his page.

A part of his journey will be road trips with his wife Priscilla visits to Facebook offices around the country, university stops, meeting with scientists and teachers and some stops that will be just for fun.

The post attracted thousands of comments, including suggestions about where the businessman should visit, including Montana, Fort Lauderdale and Nebraska, which might be more unusual stops for a Silicon Valley entrepreneur.

Mark Zuckerberg now makes his New Year’s resolutions an annual, publicised event. In previous years he has run 365 miles, built an AI system, learned Mandarin and read 25 books. He says he picked these travel goals due to the “challenging” nature of 2016, calling it a “turning point in history”. The result, he hopes, will help him lead Facebook to make a more positive impact on the future.

The public announcement has led to some speculation in the media that Zuckerberg might be planning for a political run, comparing the tour to one which a potential presidential candidate may undertake. “We need to find a way to change the game so it works for everyone”, Zuckerberg said in his online statement.

Lonely Planet | Wanderlust Tips

Khin Myat Myat Naing: Adventures give me inspiration that makes me who I am

Born and grown from Myanmar, the country with rich cultural, historical and religious heritages, Khin Myat Myat Naing (Chilli) has been fostering an passion to bring the charm and beauty to people all around the world. And she starts her journeys of travelling and blogging.

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About me and my passion for travel

My name is Khin Myat Myat Naing or Chilli from Myanmar. I’ve been blogging since 2008. In 2014 after the sudden boom of mobiles and Facebook in Myanmar, I refreshed my blog with the launch of “Go with Me”, writing reviews of Myanmar restaurants, hotels, beauty salons, bookshops, hospitals and clinics. With the immediate success of Go With Me, I started a new career in digital marketing in 2015. By October 2015, My Khayee Page was established promising to deliver travel inspiration around Myanmar and other Asean countries.

2017 plan

My mission for 2017 is to travel to more than 20 destinations across Myanmar with my backpack. It is really difficult to find out information in Myanmar and I would love to share my experience with all backpackers around the world. It will be the story of a female traveller who travels Myanmar to promote responsible travelling in Myanmar. And for abroad to the Philippines, Japan, Korea, Nepal, and Indonesia.

2016 trips

I went to Singapore, Vietnam (Da Nang, Hanoi, Halong Bay), Cambodia, Thailand (Kanchanaburi, Chiang Mai, Bangkok), and went on other local trips.

Travelling style

I am an adventurer and a backpacker. I love off-the-beaten-track, trekking and exploring. Adventures give me inspiration that make me who I am and why I do things differently. I have great motivation to travel knowing that so many people in this world don’t have the opportunities that I have. My adventures put me in challenging situations that make me realise the world is so much bigger than your perspective on it. I also love to learn about history and culture.

Travel luggage

Sunglasses, medicine, sunblock, cosmetics, UV-protector-coat, clothes that are light weight. Flip-flops and sneakers, travel documents

Tech gadget

Go-pro, a must for all backpackers.

Memorable moment

I joined a motorbike off-road tour in Kalaw, which is located in Southern Shan State. You have to agree with me, no matter how much you love your family and friends, there are some moments you get tired and bored with everyday routines. Then you need an escape in the way you never did before. That was the reason I chose the motorbike adventure trip in Kalaw. When you are on a bus or a van, you are confined to a little space, almost like in a cage looking outside.

It is different being on a motorbike, you are right there, in the middle of it all. You become part of the whole picture; you are not only passing by. It was an unforgettable experience. And the Kalaw mountain view made my journey amazing.

Hong Nhung | Wanderlust Tips

Abang Fadli bin Abang Alibasah: I prefer places where you can do many activities

The Malaysia-based travel blogger comes from Borneo Island – a rich cultural spot in East Malaysia. His endless trips with joys and experience has inspired the Wanderlust Tips Magazine’s readers in December issue.

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