Wanderlust Tips Team, Author at WANDERLUST TIPS • Page 83 of 195

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Where to celebrate the festival of colours around the world

Where to celebrate Holi around the world

Originated in India, Holi has explored in popularity and spread throughout the world. If you are not in India during the Holi festival, then check out these 7 best places to enjoy this colourful celebration from all over the world.

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CELEBRATING HOLI IN MAURITIUS

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Where to celebrate Holi around the world

Mauritius is a small island nation east of Madagascar in the Indian Ocean and it is home to a large Hindu presence. One of the best ways to experience the multi-cultural, multi-ethnic country of Mauritius is to embrace one of their magical festivals, Holi. The Festival of Colours not only celebrates the arrival of spring and the triumph of good over evil, but it is also an occasion for Hindus of all ages from around Mauritius to come together and indulge in the festivities by folk singing, dancing and throwing handfuls of coloured powder and water on each other. This year, Mauritius will celebrate Holi from March 29.

HOLI IN GUYANA

Sitting hidden on the northern coast of South America, Guyana is an ideal place to celebrate the Holi festival of Colours which boasts a fascinating mix of Afro-Caribbean, Indian, Asian and native cultures. In Guyana, this celebration is called Phagwah because it was originally celebrated during the month of Phagun, the twelfth month of the Hindu calendar. Guyanese celebrates by throwing dye in the form of water and powder, along with processions, traditional songs called chowtals and foods like gulab jamun, gulgula and pholourie. This year, Guyana will celebrate the Holi festival on March 28.

HOLI IN NEPAL

If you want to experience one of Nepal’s most lively and colourful festivals, the spring festival of Holi, known as Phagu Purnima, is a fantastic option. The Holi festival intrigues visitors with lots of colours and picturesque traditions. Unlike India’s festival, Phagu Purnima is celebrated with the erection of the chir, a wooden pole decorated with colourful strings of cloth, in a public space one week prior to the start of the festival. In Kathmandu, the capital and largest city, Durbar Square and the streets of Thamel are the best places where participants throw powdered dyes and water balloons at each other, dance, pray and exchange food during the festival. In 2021, Holi will be celebrated on March 28 and 29.

TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

There is a significant presence of the Indian diaspora on the Caribbean island. In Trinidad and Tobago, Holi, popularly known as Phagwa, is one of the country’s most important celebrations. Dating back to 1854, the festival is observed with much splendour and enthusiasm. Like everywhere else, Hindus in Trinidad ring in spring with a festival of colours, folk songs, dance and a variety of special Holi dishes. The community members take advantage of this festival as an opportunity to rid themselves of all types of enmity and animosity.

BERLIN, GERMANY

The Holi Festival of Colours has made its way to Berlin, Germany. As a celebration of summer, people colour each other with dry powder. This year, the Holi Festival of Colours will take place on August 28 from midday to 10pm. You will see huge crowds descending upon the Zentraler Festplatz in Berlin for the most lively colourful festival in the country. DJs, bands and musicians from India and all over the world will be performing live on stage. You can spend more on colour packages and VIP experiences and tickets cost approximately $22.

RIVERSIDE, CALIFORNIA, USA

Located in the southern part of California, Riverside is famous for the Holi Festival of Colours. This Californian take on Holi combines the festival’s traditional and spiritual elements with more modern features that make participants feel like they are at one big party. Taking place at Riverside’s Martha McLean Park, the festival intrigues huge crowds with amazing activities, for instance, live music, yoga, traditional dancing, Indian cuisine and the throwing of colours.

SPANISH FORK, UTAH, USA

Just outside the city of Spanish Fork, Utah, USA, approximately 70,000 people regularly attend the Festival of Colours, which was started by the local Hare Krishna temple in 1989. There are two days of lively, colour-filled activities, including interactive dance, bands, yoga classes and cuisine. People of all different ages are seen dancing, singing and throwing environmentally-friendly colours on each other. The celebration of Holi 2021 takes place at the Sri Sri Radha Krishna Temple on Saturday, September 25 from 10am to 5pm and Sunday, September 26 from 11am to 4pm. Colours, dust masks and bandanas will be available for sale.

Wanderlust Tips

The most unusual gardens in Europe to explore this summer

Europe has plenty of conventionally gorgeous gardens, but there are others with weird designs and fascinating histories. If you are taking a visit to Europe this summer, make sure you check out one of these unusual gardens.

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QUINTA DA REGALEIRA, SINTRA, PORTUGAL, EUROPE

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | The most unusual gardens in Europe to explore this summer

When travelling to Lisbon, Portugal, Sintra’s Pena Palace might be the obvious choice for tourists, but nearby Quinta da Regaleira offers quirkier views with fewer crowds. Customised between 1898 and 1912 by businessman António Augusto Carvalho Monteiro and his architect Luigi Manini, this sprawling property is considered the stranger-than-fiction landscaped garden in Europe, inspired by Renaissance art, Gothic architecture and Greek mythology. There are grottoes, caves, secret tunnels and fountains. The most dramatic is the Initiatic Well, a tower heading into the Earth, complete with a spiral staircase, used for masonic ceremonies.

UNIVERSITY OF WARSAW LIBRARY ROOF GARDEN, WARSAW, POLAND

Covering 17,000 square metres at the University of Warsaw Library, the roof garden is the perfect destination to visit this summer in Europe. The library’s outer walls are covered in trailing plants and vines. As the bright colours of spring blooms give way to lush greenery, the garden becomes the ideal place to relax, including two distinct areas, each with a stream, joined by a fountain and walkways lined with climbing plants. Throughout the garden, windows and panels give glimpses of the library beneath, reminding you are on top of a building, not a ground-level oasis. After its launch of 15 years, the roof garden remains popular with locals, tourists and students in this green city.

KYLEMORE ABBEY VICTORIAN WALLED GARDEN, CONNEMARA, IRELAND

Whether you are basking in the sun on the lawns or exploring the cooler leafy retreats, this stunning garden has something for you to appreciate. Revered as a masterpiece of landscape gardening in Europe, this garden was one of the last walled gardens to be built during the Victorian period in Ireland. Discover the magic of the beautiful garden with 21 heated glasshouses and a 60-foot banana house. Uniquely, only plants and vegetables which grew in Victorian times are grown in the garden today. There are also walks signposted around the main gardens with details about each of the highlights.

HORTILLONAGES, AMIENS, FRANCE, EUROPE

Just a few minutes’ walk from Amiens Cathedral, the floating gardens of Amiens, known as Hortillonages, have been cultivated since the Middle Ages. Located in the Somme, an area forever associated with World War I, the floating gardens might bring mental respite for battlefield visitors with some time to spare. They spread across 300 hectares of marshland, linked by water channels. There are roughly 1,000 individual gardens, most used as weekend retreats or for gardening projects and only seven gardeners earn their living here.

EDEN PROJECT, CORNWALL, UK

Opened in 2001 in a former quarry, the Eden Project consists of several gardens: some outdoor and others arranged inside giant biomes with microclimates. Whether you are strolling down through the exotic, tropical ‘cloud bridge’, spying a giant bee sculpture or passing a rubber-tapping exhibit, there is a strong conservation message amidst the Instagram-worthy views. As a family-friendly garden in Europe, it is home to a stunning variety of activities such as tasing rum-infused baobab smoothies, discovering the plant extracts used in painkillers and many others.

ORVYDAS GARDEN, SALANTAI, LITHUANIA

One of the most unusual gardens in Europe is the Orvydas Garden in Salantai, Lithuania which became a symbol of defiance against the regime. Living under Soviet rule, young Vilius Orvydas knew religious symbolism, including tombstones and roadside shrine statues, was banned. However, his stonemason father, Kazys Orvydas, saved and hid the illegal artefacts on their land while Vilius sculpted huge new pieces in stone, metal or wood, using discarded stone, Soviet missile debris and fallen trees. He then added pathways and water features among them. Today, the garden remains an important reminder of historical oppression and becomes a popular attraction in Lithuania.

Wanderlust Tips

The top breweries in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Philadelphia is home to a stunning array of breweries and styles, ranging from classic lagers to the most cutting-edge crafted flavors. Check out our list of the six best breweries to kick off a beer tasting tour of this fantastic city.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | The best places to see stars in Asia

The best places to go stargazing in Asia

If you want to plan a trip to one of the best stargazing spots in Asia, here is the list of destinations that offer incredible views of the night sky and little light pollution and allow you to have a once-in-a-lifetime astronomical experience.

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YEONGYANG ECOLOGICAL PARK, SOUTH KOREA

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | The best places to go stargazing in Asia

Designated Asia’s first International Dark Sky Park in 2015, South Korea’s Yeongyang Firefly Eco Park is an ideal destination for stargazing enthusiasts. Located in the Wangpi River Basin Ecological Landscape Protected Zone in eastern South Korea, about a five-hour drive southeast from Seoul, this dark-sky park has minimal light pollution and crystal-clear skies thanks to a small population. Apart from the star-studded sky, this park protects the millions of glowing fireflies, who require darkness to communicate with each other.

STARGAZING IN THE HEHUAN MOUNTAIN, TAIWAN

The dark skies and less air pollution make Hehuan Mountain on the best stargazing list. Located in Taroko National Park, about two hours by car from Taichung International Airport, this International Dark Sky Park intrigues a large number of stargazers from far and wide. During your stargazing time in Hehuan Mountain, you can not only see very unique star alignments but also go camping in several campgrounds such as Heliu campground (at the Lüshui Trail entrance) and Lushui campground near the Lushui Geological Exhibition Hall.

HATERUMA ISLAND STARRY SKY OBSERVATORY TOWER, JAPAN

Built on the most southerly inhabited island in Japan, the Hateruma Island Starry Sky Observatory Tower is known as a very good place to view the starry night sky. Approximately 15 minutes by car from Hateruma Port, this observatory is home to a 200-millimetre refracting telescope which allows you to see 84 constellations during peak new-moon periods, from late April to mid-June, including the Southern Cross. Iriomote Ishigaki National Park, Japan’s first International Dark Sky Park, located on the nearby Iriomote Island, is also an impressive stop for you to have the ultimate cosmos experience.

GREAT WALL, CHINA – A DREAM FOR STARGAZING ENTHUSIASTS

If you want to be blown away by nighttime sky spectacles, Great Wall is your ideal destination. Opened to the public day and night, the old stretch of Gubeikou has some of the most surreal stargazing in China. With small crowds, few nearby residents and low light pollution, this section of the wall gives stargazers incredible views of glittering constellations. For the ultimate cosmos experience, many local tour operators like Great Wall Hiking and the Great Wall Inn offer an array of activities such as hiking or camping.

GOBI DESERT, MONGOLIA

Nothing compares to a night under the stars, especially on Asia’s largest desert, the Gobi Desert in Mongolia. With its crystal-clear skies and high elevation of over 5000ft above sea level, the Gobi Desert offers exceptional views of the Milky Way, along with the blanket of shimmering stars. Your stargazing trip to Mongolia would not complete without staying at Three Camel Lodge, a National Geographic Unique Lodge of the World. So pack your bags, escape the city light and experience this magic.

TIGER LEAPING GORGE, CHINA

Located about 37 miles north of Lijiang, Yunnan, China, at the tail end of the Himalayas, Tiger Leaping Gorge is one of Asia’s best spots for mountain stargazing. There is an 11-mile mountain-ringed trail, which takes travellers up rugged switchbacks and rocky descents overlooking the Yangtze River en route. Visiting Tiger Leaping Gorge, you should spend a couple of days trekking and then exploring the dazzling night sky at one of several budget-friendly accommodations like Tiger Leaping Gorge Guesthouse.

GO STARGAZING IN LAN HA BAY, VIETNAM

Looking for another great stargazing spot in Asia? Lan Ha Bay in Vietnam is a must to add to your bucket list. Aside from widely known for its spectacular seascapes and peaceful ambience, this destination is particularly ideal for stargazing in Vietnam. Small-boat cruises take travellers through Ha Long Bay and out into calm, clear Lan Ha Bay for two tranquil, star-filled nights. You can also take buses or ferries jet to get to bungalows in the jungles of Cat Ba Island, where they can stargaze in near solitude before dozing off to the rhythm of the waves.

Wanderlust Tips

The most expensive shopping streets in the world

Shopping is one of the best ways to explore the culture and lifestyle of your destination. If you own a piece of luxury, make sure to visit some of the most expensive shopping streets around the world.

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CAUSEWAY BAY, HONG KONG, CHINA

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | The most expensive shopping streets in the world

Causeway Bay, commonly called Tung Lo Wan by locals, is known as one of the most popular shopping, dining and entertainment destinations in Hong Kong. Situated on the north shore of Hong Kong Island, the street is jam-packed with restaurants, shopping hotspots and luxury fashion retailers such as Fendi, Gucci, Hermès, Calvin Klein, BVLGARI and Dior. Located in the eastern part of Causeway Bay, the largest park in Hong Kong, Victoria Park, is also a great site to enjoy the lantern festival every year and watch the beautiful moon at Mid-Autumn Festival.

UPPER 5TH AVENUE, NEW YORK, USA

One of the most expensive shopping streets in the world and the main artery of New York City’s shopping scene, Upper 5th Avenue is a part of the Fifth Avenue in Manhattan that intrigues lots of shopaholics with an array of luxury department stores, designer boutiques and spectacular window displays, especially around Chrismas. The retail street is just a short stroll away from the iconic Times Square and Central Park and is also home to the 24-hour flagship Apple Store.

BOND STREET, LONDON, UK

Located in the heart of historic Mayfair in the West of End of London, Bond Street has been a fashionable shopping street since the 18^th century. Today, this luxury retail street is revered throughout the world for its incredible wealth of elegant stores, luxury goods, fine jewellery and designer fashion. Here, you will find luxury brands, for instance, Chanel, Dior, Ralph Lauren, Asprey, BVLGARI, Burberry, Dolce & Gabbana, Louis Vuitton and many others.

AVENUE DES CHAMPS ELYSÉES, PARIS, FRANCE

The most beautiful avenue in Paris, Avenue des Champs-Élysées is a paradise for shopping enthusiasts. Located in the 8^th arrondissement of Paris, the place intrigues nearly 300,000 visitors each day with its magnificent monuments and expensive shopping experiences. One of the most expensive shopping streets in the world, Champs Elysees is home to legendary perfume maker Guerlain, high-end American jewellery brand Tiffany & Co and the very popular French department store Monoprix.

VIA MONTENAPOLEONE, MILAN, ITALY

Known as Milan’s most exclusive shopping street, Via Montenapoleone reflects its reputation as the ‘fashion capital’ of the world. This upscale shopping street is famous for its plethora of international fashion brands and exceptional Italian design. There are numerous refined boutiques and the flagship stores of the world’s leading brands such as Gucci, Versace and Valentino.

GINZA, TOKYO, JAPAN

If you want to visit one of the most expensive shopping streets in Asia, Ginza, Tokyo’s most popular shopping, dining and entertainment district, should be added to your bucket list. The 1km-long stretch of Chuo-Dori is filled with boutiques, art galleries, restaurants, night clubs and cafes that attract thousands of tourists from far and wide. Alongside luxury stores such as Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Gucci and BVLGARI, this massive area hosts numerous high street retailers such as Uniqlo, H&M, Zara, GU, GAP and many others.

PITT STREET MALL, SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA

Situated in the heart of the Sydney Central Business District, Pitt Street Mall is the busiest and most cosmopolitan shopping area in Australia. It accommodates over 600 stores, including retail centres Myer, David Jones, Glasshouse, Sydney Arcade, Westfield Sydney, Mid City Shopping Centre and The Strand Arcade. What’s more, this retail strip is just a short stroll to Darling Harbour, Hyde Park and vibrant Chinatown.

BAHNHOFSTRASSE, ZURICH, SWITZERLAND

Considered one of the most beautiful shopping streets in Europe, Bahnhofstrasse in Zurich is a dream for shopping enthusiasts. Here, you will find luxury brands, department stores, perfumeries, watch shops and some of the best Swiss delicacies. In summer, you can stroll along the Lake Zurich or enjoy mulled wine or hot chocolate at every corner in winter.

Wanderlust Tips

Where to see the most stunning spring flowers around the world

In the springtime, there are so many destinations across the globe that show off their best floral varieties. Check out these 8 charming spring places for your first best trip in the new year.

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SKAGIT VALLEY, WASHINGTON, USA

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Where to see the most stunning spring flowers around the world

If you are travelling to Washington, USA, in April, then not to be missed to visit Skagit Valley. Every April, Skagit Valley boasts a splendid beauty with long rows of rainbow-hued tulips in bloom. What’s more, the annual Skagit Valley Tulip Festival, one of the largest Tulip Festivals in North America, is designed as a driving tour, to make it as easy as possible to view the scattered tulips throughout the valley. This festival intrigues a large number of visitors every year with a whole host of fun activities including photo competitions, barbecues and even helicopter rides that allow you to appreciate the flowers from above.

KEUKENHOF GARDENS, LISSE, HOLLAND – THE BEST SPRING FLOWER VIEWING SPOT

When it comes to the land of tulips, Holland is a must on the bucket list. In spring, you will see the brightly coloured flowers pop up in clusters all over the region, but the place where you will find the most is in the Keukenhof Gardens in Lisse, Holland, just a short bus journey away from Amsterdam. Dating back to the 15^th century, the garden attracts up to millions of visitors from far and wide, making it one of the most popular spring gardens in the world. Visit the Keukenhof Gardens from mid-March to mid-May for the best views.

PANJIN RED BEACH, CHINA

Located in the Liaohe River Delta, about 30km southwest of Panjin City in China, Red Beach in Panjin is one of the biggest wetlands in the world, covered by a rare red-coloured form of the plant called Sueda. Opening from May to October every year, Panjin Red Beach allows visitors to admire the brightly red carpet from above by walking across the artfully-arranged wooden bridges. Red Beach is also home to an abundance of rare species of birds such as the red crane and Saunders’s gull.

MOUNT FUJI, JAPAN

Aside from cherry blossoms, Japan is home to another pretty-in-pink spring bloom: Shibazakura. Considered the most famous Shibazakura viewing spot for multiple centuries, Mount Fuji looks gorgeous with millions of pink moss phloxes dotting this picturesque mountain and creating an impressive display. No spring trip to Mount Fuji is complete without attending the Fuji Shibazakura Festival which is held from mid-April to early-June each year and enjoying local food and drinks.

JEJU ISLAND, SOUTH KOREA – A DREAM FOR SPRING FLOWER ENTHUSIASTS

One of the most beautiful locations in South Korea, Jeju Island boasts the start of springtime with its famed spring flowers and is a dream for flower enthusiasts. It is the perfect place to experience gorgeous views of blooming bright yellow rapeseed, canola flowers and cherry blossoms that are sprawling up the slopes of Halla Mountain and Sanbangsan Mountain. Visit between late March and early April, you will be able to feast your eyes on the gorgeous scenery of spring flowers in full bloom.

ANTELOPE VALLEY, CALIFORNIA, USA

Each spring, the Antelope Valley in California ignites in a carpet of wild poppies, making it great for admiring beautiful florals. The Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve boasts the dream-like landscape of wild poppies infused with the imposing mountains in the background. Visit the scenic Antelope Valley between late March and early April to see the best view of the flowers in the area and stroll along over 12 kilometres of winding trails. Make sure to check the weather forecast before heading out as the poppies open up in the heat and curl up when it is cold.

UMBRIA, ITALY – THE STUNNING SPRING LOCATION

A dream for outdoor enthusiasts, the Piani di Castelluccio plain, Umbria, Italy is also world-renowned for its dense vineyards, lush green hills and wildflower meadows, attracting huge throngs of visitors from around the world. Take a stroll amongst the endless collection of meadows that burst with colour in the spring and you can spot avalanche poppies and undulating mountains in an impressive display. Visit Umbria from early May to late June, walk along the hiking trails and snap photos of the expansive views of the florals.

CARDIFF, WALES, UK

Cardiff, the capital of Wales, earns its name when this spot comes alive with yellow daffodils – the national flower of Wales. Known as one of the first flowers to be seen in spring, the yellow daffodils remain a firm British favourite. The best time for you to admire the most enchanting view of the flowers is between late February and early April when you can soak up these floral beauties across Cardiff or on the grassy hill outside Cardiff Castle.

Wanderlust Tips

The best food in Andalusia that will make you adore Spanish cuisine

One of the largest states in Spain, Andalusia is a treasure trove of delicious delights, producing some of the best fresh and preserved food in the world. To get the most out of enjoying the yummy Andalucian food, check out these 7 dishes inspired by their distinct flavours and traditional cooking techniques.

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JAMÓN IBÉRICO – THE PRIDE OF SPANISH CUISINE IN ANDALUSIA

Jamón Ibérian means Iberian ham in Spanish that is made from black Iberian pigs and is one of the 4 aces of global gastronomy along with caviar, foie gras and truffles. Like a lot of foods, there are different grades of Jamón Ibérico, depending on the animals’ origin and their diet. Jamón Ibérico consists of wafer-thin slices of cured ham served with sprinkles of virgin olive oil and breadsticks on the side. While you can use it in dishes, it is best enjoyed simply on its own or preferably with a glass of sherry. This exquisite treat is commonly reserved for the most special occasions in Andalusia.

SALMOREJO

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | The best food in Andalusia that will make you adore Spanish cuisine

Originating from the southern city of Cordoba, Andalusia where summer temperatures break 100°F very often, salmorejo is a hearty cold soup, making it one of the most popular dishes in Andalusia. It is a cold, velvety tomato soup made with breadcrumbs and olive oil. In Spain, salmorejo is typically served with diced Jamón Ibérico and sliced boiled eggs and is a typical starter for every meal. If you are looking for a refreshing treat to cool down on a scorching day in Andalusia, salmorejo is truly the perfect option.

MIGAS – A TRADITIONAL STAPLE IN ANDALUSIA

No list of traditional Andalusian dishes is complete without migas. Known as the best street food in Spain, migas is made with a base of breadcrumbs that is fried and scrambled with vegetables and meat. There are many different variations of the dish to be found across the region such as migas with jamón, chorizo, sausage, peppers, onion and seafood. It is best prepared over an open fire or hot coals, giving it a distinctive smoky flavour. Additionally, this dish often appears on tapas menus and is served with salty sardines.

FLAMENQUINES

If you are wondering about tasty street food in Andalusia, Spain, flamenquines may end your search. Flamenquines are roulades made with pork loin, jamón, goat cheese and vegetables. The slices of ham and the chunks of cheese are rolled in thinly sliced fillets of pork before being covered in breadcrumbs and deep-fried until golden brown. In Andalusia, the dish is typically served with French fries and mayonnaise or garlic sauce and makes for an exceptional light meal.

CHURROS CON CHOCOLATE

One of the most hedonistic pleasures of travelling through Andalusia in Spain is sampling churros con chocolate. Churros are long sticks of thick, deep-fried dough that are served with a bowl of hot chocolate sauce. If you are in Andalusia, make sure to start off your day with a box of fresh churros and then walk around the beautiful streets, you will see locals enjoying a cup of coffee along with some churros con chocolate for breakfast.

COLA DE TORO – THE BEST FOOD IN ANDALUSIA

Found in the tapas bars and restaurants of Seville, the capital of Andalusia, cola de toro is a true staple in Andalusian cuisine. It is very tasty and simple to prepare. The chunks of the bull tail are slow-cooked for several hours in a magnificent stew of red wine, vegetables, olive oil and spices and served in a delicious thick sauce with a side of potato wedges. With its unique flavour and gelatinous texture, cola de toro has all of the qualities of an impressive culinary speciality in Seville.

TORTILLA DE PATATAS

If you are craving a slice of Spanish omelette, you should try tortilla de patatas, also called tortilla Española. This tasty appetizer is basically a quiche with soft potatoes as the base that is perfectly enriched with goat cheese, chorizo, ham and vegetables. Tortilla de patatas can be eaten at any time of the day, from breakfast to dinner. There is nothing more wonderful than enjoying a delicious piece of tortilla de patatas while strolling around Andalusia.

Wanderlust Tips

How to be more eco-friendly when you travel

Moving around has given us all the opportunity to see the world, but mass tourism can create problems for communities, cultures, wildlife and nature. So how can we keep travelling in a way to better preserve our planet? Here are some easy tips to make a positive impact on your destination and keep travel eco-friendly.

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PICK AN ECO-FRIENDLY ACCOMMODATION

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Eco-friendly travel tips for you to use on a trip

It is easy for hotels to claim eco-credibility by washing towels less frequently, using organic cotton beddings or installing LED light bulbs. Also, many hotels are now involved in eco-friendly travel programs or donate a percentage of their profits towards environmental practices. Seek advice from reviews and via the company’s website to find out if a tour service is practising in a responsible way.

CHANGE THE WAY YOU TRAVEL

The aeroplane has opened up the world, making it easier for us to travel to places. Nonetheless, they use a lot of fuel, so they have extremely high carbon emissions. There are ways of doing this better by choosing airlines that are working to improve their eco-credentials. Once at your destination, using public transport and embracing slow travel will help you engage more while keeping your carbon footprint down.

RETHINK YOUR PACKING

Packing lightly and thoughtfully is a small, yet effective way of helping with eco-friendly travel. Try to halve what is in your bag by carefully thinking about what you are packing. When you limit yourself to certain eco-conscious products, packing actually gets easier. If you need new items for your trip, choose basics that will last forever. Bear in mind that the more you pack, the more fuel planes, trains and cars will need.

EAT A LITTLE LESS MEAT

Eating less meat is never a bad idea that we can do to ensure the future of our planet and eco-friendly travel. Meat has proven to be one of the biggest causes of climate change, so decreasing meat intake has a huge positive change. Avoid buffets that generate large amounts of food waste and eat as locally and seasonally as possible. Additionally, there are numerous incredible plant-based cafes and restaurants pop-up around the world that create delicious food and drinks.

SAY ‘NO’ TO SINGLE-USE PLASTICS AND CHEMICALS

It is estimated that there are 300 million tonnes of plastic that are globally produced every year – half of which is single-use. Therefore, be respectful of the environment by declining straws, coffee stirrers, bags and cutlery made of the material. Furthermore, one of the possibly best ways to reduce your carbon imprint while travelling is by replacing your sunscreen. Regular sunscreens contain many harmful chemicals which are killing ocean corals and affect the home of our beautiful marine life. Make sure you have reef-safe and plastic-free alternatives to make your trip an eco-friendly travel experience.

SHOP LOCALLY

When you are travelling, make sure you are not perpetuating any negative cycles. Head to locally-owned restaurants, lodges, hotels and buy plastic-free handicrafts directly from local artists instead of gifts made from endangered animals. You can also shop at fresh produce markets and do not forget your own reusable carry bag. Especially, it also benefits the local economy.

Wanderlust Tips

Mrs Coco: The cutest cafe in Las Vegas you won’t want to miss

Aside from the pink cafe of Peggy Porschen in London, coffee lovers now have one more thing to add to their bucket list: Mrs Coco, an adorable pink cafe that is surrounded by flowers. If you are looking for a lovely place in Lake Las Vegas to spend a special occasion, then you definitely check out this pretty cafe.

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Located in Lake Las Vegas, a residential community and premier resort destination in Henderson, Nevada, known for its majestic palm trees, shimmering lake waters, and sunny skies, about 17 miles from the Las Vegas Strip, Mrs. Coco exudes intimacy and provides a great refuge from the chaos of the strip while adding a range of inviting new spaces and experiences. This cafe has everything you can dream of and is a great place to sit with friends for an enjoyable lunch, to spend some romantic time with your beloved, and to have a nice breakfast with your kids on a cozy weekend.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | Mrs Coco: The cutest cafe in Las Vegas you won’t want to miss

Best-known for its Instagrammable facade, floral interiors, pastel pink decor and photogenic food and drinks, Mrs Coco intrigues a large number of Instagrammers and photographers from far and wide. The utterly unique concept embodies its pretty and feminine spirit through every corner where cakes become a living art and flowers always bloom. At Mrs Coco, everything is beautifully presented and looks so delicious when being served in pastel cups to match the pastel pink concept. The cake slices look like they have come straight out of a glossy magazine shoot.

As Lake Las Vegas’ latest culinary experience, Mrs Cocos’ pretty-in-pink cafe has become increasingly popular thanks to a surge in visitors from Instagram, all looking for a pretty cake and a drink that matches their outfit or posing for photographs with the floral installations. There is nothing more wonderful than enjoying morning coffee and freshly baked pastries on the terrace or an elegant slice of cake paired with pink champagne for an afternoon treat.

If you have a chronic sweet tooth, Mrs. Coco’s fine menu can also satisfy your carving, from healthy food to good desserts, to wines and cocktails, soups, salads, toasts, and more. Whether it is a customer grabbing a coffee and an indulgent treat or friends or families celebrating a special occasion, Mrs. Coco can create a memorable experience for each customer. The place can get particularly busy, so make sure you make a reservation at least 2 days in advance to make the most of your experience at Mrs. Coco.

Mrs. Coco truly brings an emphasis on food and art in Lake Las Vegas, making it a welcoming alternative to the shininess and sensory overload of the strip. Spring is around the corner, it is time to take a visit to this pretty-in-pink cafe, and then you can also find yourself taking part in water sports from Lake Las Vegas such as kayaking, wakeboarding, or tubing.

Location: 20 Via Bel Canto #150, Henderson, Nevada 89011, USA
Opening hours: Monday to Friday: 9 am – 3 pm, Saturday: 8 am – 3 pm, Sunday: 9 am – 3 pm
Website: https://mrscocolv.com

Wanderlust Tips

MSC Cruises introduces the first-ever robotic bartender at sea

As one of the world’s first robotic bartenders, Rob – the newest bartender of MSC Cruises provides passengers with an immersive bar and entertainment experience on the high seas.

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Taking inspiration from the spaceship of the future, Virtuosa’s bar, called the MSC Starship Club will be anchored by Rob, the first-ever robotic bartender on the high seas. The latest robot bartender of MSC Cruises is able to speak 8 languages, including English, Italian, Spanish, French, German, Brazilian, Portuguese, Chinese and Japanese. Rob is also capable of different facial expressions to give him a human-like appearance and some actual human bartenders will be on hand to assist as well.

Wanderlust Tips Magazine | MSC Cruises introduces the first-ever robotic bartender at sea

When it comes to serving spirits, the robot can handle an incredible variety of operations such as pouring liquids including spirits, juices and syrups whilst engaging the guests with his voice and human-like expressions. What’s more, he can build drinks, shake glasses and garnish beverages that will make you feel out of this world. Aside from the drink-serving robot, the bar and entertainment area features futuristic elements such as 3D holograms, an immersive digital art wall and a 12-seat infinity digital interactive table. If you want to have your favourite cocktail mixed by Rob and enjoy a futuristic bar experience, join the MSC Starship Club which will be exclusively available on the Virtuosa from April 16^th 2021.

Rob joins the ranks of other bartending robots from around the world, like Rosé the Robot, who delivers wine to people’s rooms at the Hotel Trio in Healdsburg, California, USA. According to the MSC Cruises, the MSC Virtuosa, one of the line’s newest ships, will first sail cruises in the Mediterranean before heading to Northern Europe for the summer of 2021. MSC Cruises was one of the first companies to relaunch with a stretch of long itineraries planned for the Caribbean, Mediterranean and Europe.

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