wanderlust-tips-the-giant-of-the-skies

Mriya: The Giant of the skies

The Ukrainian cargo jet named “Mriya” is such a thing. Developed in the 1980s to carry the Soviet version of the space shuttle on its back, today Mriya takes flight on a rare delivery mission across three continents.

When this big boy defied gravity before it touched down at Vaclav Havel Airport in the Czech Republic, many curious people in Plague waited to watch it with their own eyes.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | The Giant of the skies

Lately, Mriya has been making deliveries once — maybe twice — a year.

If you need to fly something big – like gargantuan oil industry equipment or a giant electric generator – this is the plane you want. The An-225 holds world aviation records for flying heavy payloads. It set one in 2004 when it flew a 247-ton piece of oil pipeline machinery to Uzbekistan.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | The Giant of the skies

From its pickup location in Prague, Mriya has scheduled stops in Turkmenistan, India, and Malaysia before arriving this weekend at its final destination in Perth — on Australia’s west coast. Then it’s back to home base in Kiev, where planners will chalk up another “mission accomplished” for the biggest plane in the world.

 CNN | Wanderlust Tips

wanderlust-tips-caribean-the-seduction-of-nature

Caribean: The seduction of nature

(#wanderlusttips) Being known as the the world’s fastest growing tourism market, the sun-drenched Caribean own many tourist attractions to lure people who want to escape the general global disquietude.

The below-mentioned isles are 2016’s “it” destinations, and where many will want to be next time they swap their desk for the beach.

For all-to-yourself beaches – Tobago

Secluded shores, unspoiled and untamed beaches can be found here in Tobago, the 25-mile-long sister island of Trinidad. They are still unencumbered by crowds.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Caribean: The seduction of nature

At Englishman’s Bay, visitors will have a half-mile of palm-lined sand to themselves, and at Pirate’s Bay a 157-step descent leads to crystal-clear waters many don’t know are there.

Jemma’s Seaview Kitchen, built into a tree on the beach in Speyside, serves up homegrown favorites like king fish and callaloo.

For adventure – Curaçao

Curacao offers up some of the Caribbean’s best below-the-sea exploits to ones who want to go from the water’s edge to its depths.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Caribean: The seduction of nature

Non-divers can get close with the Dutch island’s coral reefs and the colorful inhabitants 500-feet below shore by bubble-like mini submarine. With regular clothes, you can dive under the sea even at night for more exciting feelings on cute submersible, called Curasub.

For swimming and sunning – Barbados

The island’s Crane Beach of Barbados Island has regularly been ranked among the 10 best beaches in the world. Then if it does not suit you, there are still 59 more beautiful beaches to choose. There is flying fish which has been long become the national symbol of Barbados.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Caribean: The seduction of nature

The restaurant Cuz’s Fish Stand in Bridgetown will grand you a chance to try it in a sandwich in an unassuming beach shack.

For going beyond the beach: Belize’s jungle

Belize is more than beaches, it’s got mountains and jungles and waterfalls too.

Up in the Maya Mountains at the edge of the island’s Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, there’s a 16-cabana ecotourism gem, Gaia Riverlodge, that peeks over a waterfall and a river that powers it.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Caribean: The seduction of nature

Inside, indigenous Belizean hardwood adorns private, thatched-roof rooms where names like “Sun” and “Cascade” sub for numbers and the chef makes staples like fish serre with organic ingredients from Gaia’s garden.

Beyond the lodge, at Barton Creek Caves, visitors can kayak into an archaeological wonder where ancient Maya called on rain gods as early as 200 A.D.

For being at one with nature: Suriname

Suriname is on an upswing as a tourist destination, meaning going now puts travelers ahead of the influx and makes for a dialed-back break.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Caribean: The seduction of nature

There’s hopping a mini plane to plunge into the interior of virgin rainforest, or scaling the Voltzberg dome accompanied by eight species of monkeys for panoramic tropical vistas. Otherwise they can look for giant leatherback turtles at Galibi Nature Reserve.

For colonial relics: Cuba

You are possible to have the most memorable trip of your life without any plan in Cuba where the town’s Spanish Colonial architecture has remained startlingly unchanged since the 19th-century sugar boom, with its pastel hues and ornate ironwork.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Caribean: The seduction of nature

Easier travel restrictions allow visitors stroll the storied cobblestone streets of Trinidad on the island’s southern coast.

When night falls, the salsa rhythms heat up at Casa de la Musica, a live music street dance under the stars.

For private grottos: Haiti

The island’s best lure is Bassins Bleu near Jacmel in southern Haiti. As with most gems, the hidden Haitian trio of blue water basins can be tricky to find, but once travelers have hiked the hike, dropped a straw into a refreshing hacked-open coconut and descended the rope to get to the pools, they might have the grotto all to themselves.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Caribean: The seduction of nature

Adventurers have been known to jump from the waterfalls that fill the pools, but Bassins Bleu has a daily visitor limit to protect its perfection, so it’s best to plan ahead.

CNN | Wanderlust Tips

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Eastin Grand Hotel Saigon offers attractive promotion package

Eastin Grand Hotel Saigon offers attractive promotion package

(#wanderlusttips) A wide range of promotions has been offered by Eastin Grand Hotel Saigon – a classy five-star hotel located at Nguyen Van Troi Street, Phu Nhuan District, Ho Chi Minh City.

[rpi]

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Eastin Grand Hotel Saigon offers attractive promotion package

Accordingly, guests will enjoy 10% discount for any booking made from now till December 31, 2016 and stay during the period. 5% extra more is offered for any early booking which is made 21 days in advance in the same period of time. Besides, guests book more than 3 consecutive nights will get many other preferences such as free airport round trips and a voucher of 1-hour spa treatment. A child at the age of 16 or under who shares their parents’ room will receive a complimentary extra bed and breakfast. Otherwise, any additional person will be charged at VND 460,000. Especially, the hotel offers flexible rates for day use rooms before 9PM with the rate at VND 1,380,000/06hours use and VND 1,725,000/ 09hours use. Various promotion program, high-end facilities and services of Eastin Grand Hotel Saigon will promise any guest a comfortable time of staying.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Vietnam travel tips: Exploring Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park

Vietnam travel tips: Exploring Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park

World Heritage Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, with its karst mountains, underground rivers, historic sites, extensive caves and unspoilt jungle, is packed with opportunities to hike, bike, paddle or simply relax in one of Vietnam’s most spectacular and interesting regions.

[rpi]

The national park is famously home to Hang Son Doong, discovered in the early 1990s and confirmed as the biggest cave on the planet only in 2009. In recent years the cave has become one of the hottest tickets in travel for in-the-know adventurers. Negotiating its 5km-long cavern is superbly exciting, but guided tours are limited and beyond the budget of many. Luckily there are many other activities – both below and above ground – to occupy travellers in the Phong Nha-Ke Bang area.

Biking the Bong Lai Valley

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Vietnam travel tips: Exploring Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park

Grab a quirky hand-drawn map from either the Phong Nha Farmstay (phong-nha-cave.com) or the Easy Tiger hostel (easytigerhostel.com), and spend a day exploring the Bong Lai Valley. Meandering tracks and back roads made for mountain bikes weave through local villages and along sleepy rivers, passing by an ever-expanding array of laidback attractions. Lunch on grilled chicken with peanut sauce at the Pub with Cold Beer, or spend a relaxing afternoon in a rustic riverside shelter at the Wild Boar Eco-Farm.

Meeting the challenge of Hang Toi

Kick off a visit to Hang Toi (Dark Cave) with a soaring zip line flight above a forest-shaded river, before a brief but bracing swim into the mouth of the cave. Natural light soon fades as visitors are led further into the cavern, through narrow passageways filled with a mini-ocean of gluggy mud, before soaking and swimming in the underground waters of Thuy Tien lake. Upon exiting the cave, it’s a short and very scenic kayak paddle back to the Dark Cave’s main jetty.

Delving into the area’s war history

Arrange a tour with the Phong Nha Farmstay to explore the region’s wartime history, either in a restored US Army jeep or in the sidecar of Soviet-era Ural motorbike. Tours negotiate winding roads past roaring rapids and sheer cliff faces around rugged Highway 20, and sections of the famed Ho Chi Minh Trail, which was vital to the Vietnamese war effort. You can also visit poignant Hang Tam Co (Eight Lady Cave), now a memorial to eight Vietnamese pioneer soldiers who perished in 1972 after a US bombing raid sealed the entrance to the cave.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Vietnam travel tips: Exploring Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park

Hiking the jungle above the caves

Join a jungle hike with one of the region’s excellent local trekking guides. Hai’s Eco Conservation Tour involves a day exploring the jungle and a visit to Phong Nha’s Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre. You’ll find the friendly Hai at his relaxed Bamboo Cafe in the town of Son Trach most evenings. Another trekking option is with Dzung of Jungle Boss Trekking, who runs a one-day tour around the Ho Chi Minh Trail, also visiting the remote Abandoned Valley area of the national park.

Relaxing by the river

After active days underground or trudging through the jungle, a more relaxed pursuit is to spend a few hours at the Nuoc Mooc Ecotrail. A series of linked walkways and bamboo bridges winds through a forested limestone labyrinth of pristine pools and turquoise springs. Kayaking is available on a small lake, and there’s a rustic rope bridge – a bit of a thrill after a lazy lunch in one of Nuoc Mooc’s open-air gazebos.

Touring Hang Tu Lan

One-night/two-day tours of the wider Tu Lan Cave system commence with a full-day hike through rustic countryside, before a campsite with hammocks is set up adjacent to the beautiful cave Hang Ken. Day two includes exploration of Tu Lan, and the challenging combination of trekking and swimming through the Kim and Hung Ton caves. For the even more adventurous, there is a longer and more challenging two-night/three-day tour option.

Camping underground in Hang En

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Vietnam travel tips: Exploring Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park

Located close to renowned Hang Son Doong, Hang En is currently regarded as the third-largest cave on the planet. One-night/two-day tours give travellers the opportunity to camp at a spectacular riverside location within the cave, and visit the remote ethnic minority village of Ban Doong. Fossils up to 300 million years old have been found in the cave, but present-day wildlife includes thousands of swifts, which dart amid the diffuse shafts of sunlight projecting into Hang En’s giant cavern.

Being one of the first to explore Hang Va

Discovered in 2012, and only opened to visitors in 2015, Hang Va is the newest underground adventure in the Phong Nha region. Leading caving outfit Oxalis runs two-day/one-night adventures that include travelling along an underground river in the nearby Hang Nuoc Nut cave. After overnighting at a jungle camp near Hang Va’s entrance, visitors explore the cave’s spectacular partially submerged stalagmite field. Bring a sense of adventure – ropes and harnesses are used extensively during this experience.

Make it happen

Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park abuts the village of Son Trach, about 50km from Dong Hoi, in Vietnam’s north-central region. Regular local buses link the two towns. Hotels can also organise lifts in private cars from Dong Hoi. Son Trach has an ATM, and a growing range of accommodation and eating options.

Access to the park is quite tightly controlled (the park is still riddled with unexploded ordnance). Officially you are not allowed to hike here without a licensed tour operator. You can travel independently (by motorbike or car) on the Ho Chi Minh Highway or Hwy 20, both of which cut through the park.

Lonely Planet

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Chicago Skyline aerial cable car

Chicago Skyline aerial cable car

Architecture firms Davis Brody Bond and Marks Barfield Architects have teamed up to design the ‘Chicago Skyline‘, an aerial cable car attraction linking Navy Pier, the Chicago Lakefront, the Riverwalk running alongside the Chicago River, and downtown Chicago.

[rpi]

The Chicago Skyline is a sophisticated, environmentally friendly aerial cable car that will be a unique urban experience. Marks Barfield Architects, designers of the hugely successful London Eye, and Davis Brody Bond have designed state-of-the-art, custom-designed passenger pods or ‘gondolas’, that will enable visitors to appreciate the city’s lakefront, skyline and world-class architecture in a completely new way.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Chicago Skyline aerial cable car

In the tradition of the early Loop, the City Beautiful movement, and generations of Chicago skyscrapers, the Skyline blends modern engineering with deeply rooted architectural values. The Skyline was inspired by practical need, in this case connecting the cultural and recreational nucleus of Navy Pier with downtown transportation nodes. As it skirts and energizes the newly developed Riverwalk, its design brings a quiet sense of unity and animation to Chicago’s populated urban core.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Chicago Skyline aerial cable car

The design shares many similarities with the pill-like capsules surrounding the London Eye, which was also designed by Marks Barfield Architects. This year-round attraction will operate into the evening hours, offering a unique experience and magnificent views.

“The Chicago Skyline could do for Chicago what the London Eye has done for London, and become a very identifiable landmark within the city, driving tourism and prosperity,” says David Marks, Director at Marks Barfield Architects. “Its design touches the ground lightly and with an environmentally sensitive and delicate presence – like jewels in a necklace – energizing the city’s Riverwalk, and attracting the eyes of the world.”

Wanderlust Tips

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Norway through the lens of Matti Haapoja

Norway through the lens of Matti Haapoja

Traveler based in Cananada – Matti Haapoja has an amazing road trip in Norway with his wife and friend and he has firmed some pretty cool footage about beautiful landscapes on the Panasonic GH4, GoPro Hero 4 and Phantom 2 quadcopter. The quality of the video and the beauty of the country will blow your mind. Here we go:

 

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Frederic Boulin appointed General Manager of Park Hyatt Saigon

Frederic Boulin appointed General Manager of Park Hyatt Saigon

Park Hyatt Saigon is pleased to announce that Frederic Boulin has been appointed General Manager of the hotel effective February 2016.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Frederic Boulin appointed General Manager of Park Hyatt Saigon

Mr. Boulin, a French native, brings to the newly renovated Park Hyatt Saigon more than 20 years of hotel management experience in the luxury segment across five continents in flagship properties.

A graduate of Hotel and Business Administration from the Switzerland – Glion Institute of Higher Education, Mr. Frederic Boulin was selected as a Corporate Trainee by Hyatt International in 1990 and later joined Hyatt Regency Acapulco. Mr. Boulin held Food and Beverage positions in Venezuela, Argentina, Cambodia, Guatemala and Greece. In 2002, Mr. Boulin held the Executive Assistant Manager at Grand Hyatt Seoul and the Resident Manager position at Grand Hyatt Sao Paulo before holding his first position as General Manager at Hyatt Regency La Manga in Spain, followed by Grand Hyatt Cairo in Egypt.

Prior to joining Park Hyatt Saigon, Mr. Frederic Boulin was General Manager of Park Hyatt Seoul since 2011. Under his leadership, Park Hyatt Seoul won a number of prestigious recognitions, including Condé Nast Traveler’s Gold List in 2012, ‘Top 10 Hotels in Japan and South Korea’ by Condé Nast Traveler’s Reader’s Choice Awards in 2013 and ‘Top 500 World’s Best List’ by Travel + Leisure in 2013.

“I am thrilled to settle down in the vibrant and dynamic Ho Chi Minh City and explore the opportunities the city presents today. Together with an amazing team, we will continue to create unique handcrafted guest experiences, build an extraordinary reputation and position Park Hyatt Saigon at the top of the Southeast Asian market,” said Frederic Boulin.


About Park Hyatt Saigon

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Frederic Boulin appointed General Manager of Park Hyatt Saigon

Park Hyatt Saigon enjoys a prime location on the city’s most famous square, overlooking Saigon Opera House and within walking distance of the most popular cultural and historical attractions. The elegant, French colonial-style hotel houses 245 guestrooms and suites, redefining urban luxury with its sophisticated design, handcrafted details and modern-day comforts. World-class bars and restaurants include Opera, offering authentic Italian cuisine; Square One, serving both Vietnamese and Western dishes; Park Lounge, specialising in afternoon tea; and 2 Lam Son, one of the city’s top nightlife destinations.

Residential-style meeting venues at Park Hyatt Saigon—the first of their kind in the city—include the Pool House with a private barbecue area and the Guest House featuring a show kitchen. For the ultimate in relaxation and rejuvenation, tranquil Xuan Spa offers wellness treatments inspired by traditional Vietnamese beauty rituals and ingredients, as well as a well-equipped fitness centre and elegant outdoor pool. The dedicated team at Park Hyatt Saigon provides warm, discreet and dignified service to those seeking relaxed, personalised luxury. For more information or reservations, visit parkhyattsaigon.com.

About Park Hyatt—Park Hyatt hotels provide discerning, affluent business and leisure guests with elegant and luxurious accommodation and offers them highly attentive personal service in an intimate environment. Located in the world’s premier destinations, each Park Hyatt hotel is custom designed to combine sophistication with a distinctive regional character. Park Hyatt hotels feature well-appointed guestrooms, unique meeting and event spaces, critically acclaimed art, food and beverage programmes, and signature restaurants showcasing award-winning chefs.

Wanderlust Tips

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Shade trees for children

Shade trees for children

Novotel Nha Trang celebrates Planet 21’s 4th birthday this April. To commemorate this event the hotel is presenting the “Shade Trees for Children” project, which raises cash to purchase trees for planting at the Phuoc Dong pre-school.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Shade trees for children

Hotel’s guest donated by purchasing paper “leaves” to stick on our paper tree in the ground floor lobby. After one week, Novotel Nha Trang collected VND3,660,000 from the paper tree. This morning, 21 April, the hotel added VND1,340,000 from Planet 21 fund and planted 30 shade trees and 32 decorative trees for the children at Phuoc Dong pre-school.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Shade trees for children

The event was supported by the school’s teachers and 27 volunteers from Novotel Nha Trang.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Shade trees for children

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Shade trees for children

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Shade trees for children

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Shade trees for children

Wanderlust Tips

paradise-vietnam-a-new-line-of-cruise-ships

Paradise Vietnam introduces a new line of 4-star cruise ships

Paradise Vietnam, the market leader in Halong Bay luxury cruises, introduces its newest line of cruise ships – La Vela Cruises – offering more choices to customers of the Bay’s premium cruise company.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Paradise Vietnam introduces a new line of 4-star cruise ships

Always at the forefront of service quality and product design in Halong Bay, Paradise Vietnam is proud to introduce its newest line of cruise ships, La Vela Cruises, which will be launched on April 1st, 2016. The leading 5-star Halong Bay cruise company ensures that their unrivalled levels of quality and service will now be extended in this recent venture.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Paradise Vietnam introduces a new line of 4-star cruise ships

“We are extremely excited to be launching La Vela Cruises as part of the Paradise Vietnam family,” explains Nguyen Cao Son, Chief Operations Officer of Paradise Vietnam. “Just as with our other cruise ships, we will ensure that there is an internationally trained cruise manager on each ship, and the La Vela ships will also have their own private pontoon for ease of access.”

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Paradise Vietnam introduces a new line of 4-star cruise ships

The La Vela Cruises fleet consists of just two: The La Vela Classic and the La Vela Premium. The La Vela Classic holds 28 cabins – 26 deluxe cabins and just 2 suites – whereas the La Vela Premium holds only 21 cabins – 13 premium cabins and 8 balcony cabins. Unusual for Halong Bay cruise ships, there are also options for connecting cabins for family travellers.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Paradise Vietnam introduces a new line of 4-star cruise ships

Both La Vela Cruise ships are steel boats that reflect the roaring 20s in their sophisticated Art Deco design, and thus are in contrast to Paradise Vietnam’s traditionally designed Indochina wooden cruise ships. Expansive sundecks that come fully furnished with sunbeds are an extra highlight of both cruise ships.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Paradise Vietnam introduces a new line of 4-star cruise ships

“We have always maintained a 5-star experience on the Paradise Vietnam cruises and the La Vela Cruise ships are no different, but here we are offering a 4-star price,” says Edgar Cayanan, General Manager of Paradise Vietnam. “This means that the famous Paradise Vietnam guarantee of a quality Halong Bay experience can now be enjoyed by even more people.”

The La Vela Cruise ships are open for bookings now and offer 1-day, 2-day and 3-day cruises, as well as themed cruises for special occasions, all of which will reflect the high standards set by Paradise Vietnam.

Wanderlust Tips

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Paradise Vietnam was awarded for excellent contribution to social welfare

Paradise Vietnam was awarded for excellent contribution to social welfare

With continuous effort in social community programs for the last year, Paradise Vietnam is honored to be among the 60 corporations receiving the award for significant accomplishment in social security, operated by Vietnam’s Ministry of Planning and Investment for the fourth time, with the theme: Enterprises for the for the poor.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Paradise Vietnam was awarded for excellent contribution to social welfare

Hanoi, Vietnam (March 11th, 2016), at the “Enterprises with great achievement in social security declaration ceremony” hosted by the Economics and Forecast Magazine (Ministry of Planning and Investment), Paradise Vietnam received pubic tributes together with over 59 other organizations.

This is an annual celebration held by the Ministry of Planning and Investment, with the purpose of raising public awareness and encouraging businesses into social activities. The event also aims at enhancing consumers and suppliers’ perceptions about the organizations that have excellent performance in social security, transforming Vietnam into a reputable and attracting trading environment which positively contributes to export, tourism and helps drawing more foreign investments.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Paradise Vietnam was awarded for excellent contribution to social welfare

In recent years, Paradise Vietnam has contributed many financial funds for social welfare activities in not only Quang Ninh Province, but also all around Vietnam. Furthermore, the company has provided thousands of jobs for local employees, increasing their income and living standard.

Mr. Dao Trong Tuyen, CEO of Paradise Vietnam shared, “This award is not the achievement of a single person but the result of a joint effort of the whole group. Social security is and will always remain one of our most important concerns and motivations for sustainable development of the group in the future”.

Wanderlust Tips