If you are planning a trip to Myanmar, you will definitely want to visit Lake Inle. The culture and beauty surrounding this lake is something that has to be experienced in person.

Lake Inle is located in a serene valley with a calm atmosphere. There are tiny islands floating in the lake along with many stilted villages standing tall. The locals use handmade canoes to travel to and from the islands. As you can guess, there isn’t much modernization here – as the people still live the way their elders have for many years. Their lifestyle is very simple yet effective.  They use tools hand made from materials found from the nearby hillsides.

There are a few must see destinations located around Lake Inle. If you travel along the western shore, you will come across a path that leads to the Inn Thein Pagoda. Hundreds of farmers still make a living using traditional farming methods in this area. At the northern part of the lake, there is the small town of Nyaung Shwe. From here, you can take a boat trip to view some of the surrounding floating gardens or simply relax in the natural ambiance of the lake.

One particularly mesmerizing sight near Lake Inle is Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda. There are five sacred Buddah statues located here, although they may not look like a traditional Buddah. These statues have had layers of gold leaf applied to them for many years. These layers began in the 12th century as gifts from believers.

Lake Inle in Myanmar is a destination that provides a calming mix of culture, history and ambiance. Anyone looking for a trip filled with self-discovery will love their time in Myanmar.

Rudyard Kipling once wrote that Myanmar was unlike any other place in the world. It’s easy to see why. As one of the most diverse countries in the world, Myanmar is home to the Kachin, Kayah, Kayin, Chin, Mon, Shan, Rakine and Bamar peoples. The attractions of the country are every bit as diverse as its people. Visitors can choose to lounge at beaches, explore caves, take in fine art or visit the golden Shwedagon Pagoda. It might not be one of the more popular tourist destinations, but Myanmar is definitely one of the most fascinating.

When traveling to Myanmar, there are a few sites that you want to be sure to visit. One of the most notable is the Shwedagon Pagoda. This is the world’s largest and oldest golden monument and is awe inspiring. After the Shwedagon Pagoda, be sure to wander through the Bogyoke Aung San Market and browse its 2000 shops. Here you will find handcrafted souvenirs and hospitable locals. If you are interested in soaking up some sun, be sure to visit Ngapali Beach. This quiet beach is lined with palm trees and faces the turquoise waters of the Bay of Bengal.  You can find a pleasant mix of modern and traditional life in Ngapali.

After all of this traveling, you are sure to be hungry. You’re in for a treat as there are many interesting restaurants in Myanmar. Stop by Monsoon in Yangon, where you can find delicious multicultural cuisine which blends Burmese dishes with flavors from Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos.  Other great places to eat are Yakiniku Japanese Barbeque and Maw Shwe Li Restaurant. The diversity of the cuisine in Myanmar mimics the diversity of its people.

Book a Myanmar Luxury Tour Today.

Namibia is a unique destination where you can see both the beauty of a desert and the culture of a bustling city. There are a few places you need to visit on your trip to Namibia. Reference this list to get a feel for where you want to go and what you want to see:

1. Windhoek

Windhoek is both the capital of Namibia and its largest city. The city is perched over 5,000 feet high at the Khomas Highlands. This location offers some very unique views depending on where you are in the city. There is a lot of European influence in the city because of German colonization in 1885.  You will want to sample some of the local food and tour a few of the castles.

2. Sossusvlei Dunes

Once you are done exploring Windhoek, you will want to travel to the Namib Desert where you will find the Sossusvlei Dunes. This gorgeous desert is home to numerous wild creatures like springbok and jackals. Aside from the animal life, the Soussusvlei Dunes are well known for their amazing red sand dunes. These dunes are the tallest in the world and will amaze you!

3. Damaraland

A visit to Damaraland is like taking a step into the past. Due to the thousands of thousand year old engravings and paintings, it has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Along with the rich history, you will also find animals such as elephants and black rhinoceros.

4. Etosha National Park

If you are looking for a safari adventure, this national park is the place to be! Established in 1907, the Etosha National Park stretches 85,000 square miles and is home to giraffes, zebras, elephants and lions.

5. Skeleton Coast

This inhospitable place is strikingly beautiful. The unique mix of landscapes has to be seen to be believed. There are dunes, canyons, open plains and a few freshwater springs. It is also possible to see some interesting animals here such as hyena, gemsbok and elephants.

The twin islands of New Zealand are jam packed with fantastic destinations. It is impossible to get the full experience in one trip. If you were to visit New Zealand a thousand times, you are sure to have a thousand unique experiences. What should you see? What should you do? These top three destinations have something for everyone to enjoy and are sure to have you planning your next trip before you even leave!

Waitomo Caves

If you are looking for an experience that you can’t get anywhere else, travel to the Waitomo Caves in the Waikato Region. These caves have been changing and evolving for over 30 million years! A trip through the caves will allow you to see stalactites, stalagmites and other cave critters. However, there is one particular critter that will amaze you. The Waitomo Caves are home to a species of worm named Arachnocampa luminosa which actually glow! Thousands of these blue glowworms create a light show that can only be seen in these caves.

Auckland

A trip to Auckland provides you with the opportunity to experience a mix of contemporary amenities, natural beauty and vibrant Polynesian culture. Here you can wander through art galleries, taste wine from famous New Zealand vineyards, and enjoy active nightlife. Auckland is the perfect place to enjoy the cosmopolitan life as well as experience the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape. Due to the abundance of activities available for travelers, Auckland should be on your New Zealand must-see list.

Otago Peninsula

If you travel to the South Island’s Otago Peninsula, you will find a paradise set in the middle of an urban environment. Along with lush pastures, sandy beaches and volcanoes, you will get to meet some of New Zealand’s most famous residents. Yellow-eyed penguins, blue penguins, albatross, sea lions, fur seals and other creatures can all be seen. Once you get your fill of nature, return to the city to enjoy art, wine, culture and dining. The Otago Peninsula is the perfect example of how man and nature can live together in harmony.

 

Of all the words you could use to describe New Zealand, “unique” probably describes it best. This is one destination that will create multiple memories that will last a lifetime.

While many travelers are hesitant to journey to the Middle East, there is one destination that is exceptionally unique and very safe. The beautiful kingdom of Jordan is a premiere destination for anyone who believes a vacation should have a little bit of adventure. From horseback riding to swimming in the waters of Aqaba, you will find that Jordan is a very pleasant place to visit.

The Dead Sea and Aqaba are two very special places in Jordan. The Dead Sea is at the lowest elevation on earth, and the water that drains into it from the River Jordan and other bodies of water evaporates. As a result, large salt crystals that are rich with minerals are left behind. For many years, these salt crystals have been used for both medical and agricultural purposes. The Dead Sea is a very beautiful place as it is surrounded by mountain peaks and Jerusalem’s hills. It is said to have been home to Sodom and Gomorrah.

Aqaba is world renowned for its lovely beaches. This region is loved by Jordanians, as they account for approximately two-thirds of its visitors. The natural beauty of Aqaba extends past the water’s edge, as it’s a diver’s paradise. There are breathtaking reefs and array of colorful fish. Aqaba is about more than just fun in the sun, it is also the site of what is believed to be the world’s oldest church. You can also find the Arab Revolt Plaza, Momlouk Fort/Aqaba Castle, the Aqaba Archeological Museum, Marine Park and the Marine Science Station here as well.

One other place you may want to visit is Salt, the ancient city of Gilead. This city has been very important to Jordan’s economy because of its trading route and fertile fields. Currently, it’s a city that retains its economic importance yet still has the charm of a modest village. Here you will find a beautiful countryside, sandstone buildings, sweeping flights of stairs and donkeys. There are also a few quaint coffee houses, so you will definitely want to stop in and enjoy a local brew.

While staying in Jordan, there is no shortage of amazing places to visit. It is a remarkable country and offers a traveling experience like no other.

The Dead Sea is an extraordinary body of water nestled between Israel and Jordan and is a sea like no other. Located nearly 1,400 feet below sea level, the Dead Sea has an interesting mix of salt and minerals. It is actually approximately eight times more salty than the ocean.  These properties combined give the Dead Sea some unique characteristics which make it a place you must take a swim. Before you go, here are a few things to keep in mind:

  • Dead Sea Mud – Mud from the Dead Sea has been said to have very beneficial properties. Rubbing it on your skin will leave it exfoliated and feeling clean. When covering your skin, be sure to avoid your eyes and mouth as Dead Sea mud can cause irritation to those areas. Once you have rubbed the mud on your skin, rinse it off and you will find that your skin has a very fresh, soft feeling to it.
  • Swimming – Because of the high salt content of the Dead Sea, you cant actually “swim” in it; you float. Your body will naturally float on top of the water, which can be very relaxing. Keep in mind that because of the salt content, the water may cause irritation to your eyes. Try to avoid getting any in them. Also, you might also notice a stinging sensation on any cuts you have on your skin. This is also from the salt.
  • Attire – The Dead Sea can be rough on clothing, so don’t wear your best swimsuit.  The salts and minerals in water can damage swimwear. Also, be sure to bring sandals. The beach is very rocky and can become very hot during the summer.

A dip in the Dead Sea is a very unique experience and is sure to be a lasting memory. This world famous body of water is known worldwide for its healing powers, so you might return home from your trip looking extra vibrant and refreshed!

Africa is the perfect place to watch a beautiful sunrise over a land that seems to be unchanged for thousands of years. If being in the middle of the wildness that the African outdoors offers is appealing to you, then you will definitely want to visit Ngorongoro Crater.

Ngorongoro Crater is the world’s largest intact collapsed volcano or caldera. Due to the amount of life that surrounds the caldera, it is referred to Africa’s Eden. While visiting is welcome, the only people who are allowed to live on these lands are an indigenous tribe, the Masai. If you wish to spend some time in the land of the Masai, you will want to look into one of the fantastic lodges nearby. The Ngorongoro Crater Lodge provides very cozy accommodations located very close to all of the excitement.

If you are interested in an African safari, the Ngorongoro Crater is where you want to be. The area around the crater is some of the richest feeding grounds in all of Africa. There is a very diverse mass of animals that thrive here. You will likely see elephants, lions, black rhinoceros, cape buffalo and leopards triumphantly roaming the landscape. No matter what time of year that you visit, it’s extremely likely to see one of these majestic animals.

There is so much to do and see that you will want to plan your itinerary beforehand. There truly are no bad decisions, as everything that the Ngoronoro Crater has to offer is absolutely astonishing.

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