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Top 8 Hiking Trails in Africa in 2020

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Traveling to Africa should be a priority. That is for every enthusiastic explorer. The continent has beautiful sceneries. It is an ideal trekking destination. The terrain varies a lot. There are semi-desert jeep tracks. You will find soaring mountains. Besides, paths meander through the thriving rain forests. Volcanoes and coastal regions are plenty. There are gorges and canyons too.

Importance of Africa and Places

It is the second-largest continent in the world. Africa has a rich geography. The history is exciting. The flora and fauna is inspiring. Besides, the equator passes through the middle of the continent. Due to that, you find plenty of time to visit most of the places. It is an excellent trekking. The continent is a great escape for winter. Follow this website, for more information on other hiking trails, destinations, and hiking tips.

Below are the eight best hiking trails in Africa:

  • Mount Kilimanjaro
  • Fish River Canyon
  • Mount Kenya
  • Simien Mountains
  • Ruwenzori Mountains
  • Bylade River Canyon
  • Mount Mulanje
  • Atlas Mountains

1. Mount Kilimanjaro

Img source: departures.com

It is a snow-covered dormant volcano. It is located on the northeastern side of Tanzania. The highest point is 5895 meters. The mountain is so huge that you won’t see it while at the bottom. The best time for trekking is between July and October.

No need for special equipment to climb. However, you need to be physically fit. Besides, be aware of the effect of high altitudes. There are several routes to reach the summit. The shortest will take you around four nights.

2. Fish River Canyon

Img source: deepsouthresources.com

It is the largest canyon in Africa with a 160 km stretch. It’s a dramatic canyon with valleys. They cut through the feature. It allows you to trek through a foundation laid millions of years back. It is the second-largest in the world. It is only beaten by The Grand Canyon in the United States. Some exciting features include the Ai-Ais natural hot springs. It is ideal for enjoyment of the healing

waters. They are present on the southern end of the canyon. You can take your trail between May and September. The rest of the year experience high temperatures.

3. Mount Kenya

Img source: malindikenya.net

It is the tallest mountain in Kenya. It ranks second in Africa. It attracts skilled climbers from all over the world. In addition, it is a challenging technical climb. Therefore, it requires expert guides and equipment. The mountain has three peaks.

You will find Lenana, Nelion, and Batian. Hikers can reach the Lenana which is at 4985m high. Nelion is the second highest summit at 5188m. The tallest peak is Batian at 5199m. However, for the two, you need to be a technical mountain climber. The best time to climb is generally between July and October. You can use 30 technical trails to reach the mountain. In all these, you will enjoy animal encounters. You come across spectacular granite peaks. The track passes through thick forests.

4. Simien Mountains

Img source: wikipedia

The mountains are present in the northern part of Ethiopia. It is a habitat for some wild species. You will see the Walia ibex. It is is a rare animal found nowhere else in the world. Besides, there are mountain goats. The cliff climbing species oversaw the rise of the range to a national park level. It offers an enjoyable trek for you. It does not matter about your fitness. Inexperienced hikers are okay for the walk too.

You will come across coarse mountain peaks. There are thrilling cliffs going up to 1000m deep. You will also come across the Jinbar waterfall. The 533m high feature dries up to a trickle during the dry periods. You can trek the simian mountains any time throughout the year. However, every season has its experience.

5. Ruwenzori Mountains

Img source: ugandatourismcenter.com

The mountain is located in Uganda. It is near the border with Congo. The Ruwenzori Mountains National Park will give you a stunning view of high glaciers. It is a safe environment. The trail is easily accessible. It’s thus among the best treks you will come across.

You will come across a beautiful valley with lakes snow-capped peaks. You will come across diverse vegetative zones. That makes your walk more enjoyable. You can take your excursion at any time of the year. However, the best times are January and February. Besides, July to September is also suitable.

6. Bylade River Canyon

Img source: tripsavvy.com

Bylade River Canyon is the largest canyon in the world. It has vast green vegetation. That makes it one of the coolest natural wonder of the continent. It is 25 kilometers long. The depth is 750m. Besides, the highest summit is 1944m long.

Bylade River Canyon is a section of the Drakensberg escarpment. Three Rondavels are notable features of the canyon. Those are round glass-topped peaks resembling the traditional houses of the locals. A famous mark is God’s window. It is likened with God’s view of the Garden of Eden.

7. Mount Mulanje

Img source: roamtodiscover.com

The mountain is located in Malawi. It is locally known as the ‘island in the sky’. That is due to how it rises abruptly from a plain. There are several gorges containing rivers. As you trek along them, you will view spectacular waterfalls. Besides, you will walk across a forest with large cedar trees. The best time to trek is from April to August. During this time, the region is dry. On the other hand, the temperatures moderate.

8. Atlas Mountains

Img source: matadornetwork.com

It is a range of mountains. They stretch for 2500 kilometers. The mountains are present in Tunisia, Morocco, and Algeria. Toubkal is the highest peak. It is found in Morocco. The second and third highest summits are found in the same country too.

It is the country where the most luxuriant vegetation lies. Suitable times for trekking are between April and September. You can use mount Toubkal trail. Besides, you can also walk through Ait Bouguemez or Jebel Sarhro treks.

Conclusion

The features along the Bylade River Canyon of South Africa will keep coming into mind days after your trek. You now know the most exciting hiking trails in Africa. It’s your time to pick the best for you and enjoy the excursion.

Buying House in Italy as Investments: Short Term Rental Opportunities

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An old saying goes, “You are as rich as you travel.” Many people, especially those passionate travelers, will attest to this. With each new journey, a person develops, expands his horizons by getting to know a new culture and peoples. Also, everyone needs to change the environment from time to time and relax, not thinking about every day’s work and routine.

People choose different destinations. While some enjoy touring the world’s famous metropolises, others find pleasure in touring rural areas or less developed countries. Nevertheless, this country meets the criteria of even the most discerning. Of course, this is about Italy. From world-famous ski resorts, through incredibly beautiful beaches, to Rome and Venice, this country will satisfy the senses of everyone who visits it. Italian cities exude art and amazing architecture. Also, Milan is known as one of the capitals of high fashion, so we don’t have to explain why women love this city and this country.

Image source: unsplash.com

What we can say with certainty is that this is a country where you will certainly not be bored. For the more romantic, there is Verona where the house of Julia is located. There is no person who hasn’t heard of Romeo and Juliet, and by coming to this place, you’ll feel like you’re at the center of the story itself. You can continue a romantic weekend with a loved one by gondola ride through Venice. For art lovers, Rome, but also other cities have a lot to offer, because that is where many museums and galleries are located. We have already mentioned many beaches you should visit. This country is also known for its wines, so it is inevitable to visit Tuscany. Italy offers you much more, but to experience it, you have to visit this country.

Many tourists opt for hotel accommodation, but very often this does not prove to be the best solution. Why? While hotels offer full service, accommodation, food, and room cleaning, sometimes lunch or dinner is just what can “spoil” your plans. We have already listed a few places that every tourist should visit when they come to this country. However, for all this to arrive, it may happen that you will not arrive for lunch at the hotel at the planned time. This will also lead to additional costs, as you will have to order elsewhere if you want to go outside where you are staying, or to go back to the hotel not to miss the dinner.

Image source: unsplash.com

For real travelers, eager to visit as much as possible, the right solution is to rent private accommodation. This will not hinder your adventures, and on the other hand, you will not have to worry about cleaning and changing the bedding. You can prepare your food, and when you are already in Italy, you should not miss Italian cuisine and try some of the specialties. Staying in a rented house will make the time spent here more beautiful, you will feel relaxed, like at home.

For those who are thinking of buying a house in Italy, this could be a reason that will prevail to do so. In addition to always having a place where you can go on vacation and enjoy with family and friends, this will also be a great source of income, because when you are not there, you can rent it. With this, you are constantly gaining.

Before you realize this idea, it is important to think about the target group, whether you want your guests to be more family people who will enjoy nature with their children or young people who would rather go crazy and enjoy the nightlife and city tours. This will help you to decide what location to choose.

Image source: unsplash.com

As for the conditions you must meet to buy a property and start this business, you can find out more by clicking on Accountingbolla.com. Here you can find answers about taxes and your responsibilities to the country and much other useful information for starting a business. What we can say is that you, as a host, will have to meet some conditions: you will have to provide a check-in service, prepare a contract for the guest to sign, provide a cleaning lady who will clean the house and change the bed linen, and issue a service bill rentals.

Such kind of business is required as a business activity, and in case you want to provide extra service, you are required to operate as a business, which allows you to provide extra services, writing off costs associated with the portal fee, and also allows you access to public grants and loans. All those who stay longer than 30 days are automatically considered permanent residents, and as long-term tenants, they meet the conditions for schooling, voting, health care, and zone parking, while temporary tenants – tourists, cannot ask any of these benefits. In that case, taxes and utilities are the responsibility of the landlord.

To characterize your house as a furnished holiday let, it has to be available to tourists and not to be rented to family and friends, or to the long-term tenants.

Image source: unsplash.com

Also, if you do not file your taxes, it will cost you 250 € – 1024 €. One more interesting thing is if you rented via an internet portal, you are not obliged to pay taxes, but you are wrong if you think you can cheat the system. Every time, after somebody rents a flat via the internet portal, it automatically sends a recap return to the tax office.

You are probably wondering if foreign nationals can buy property in Italy. The answer is yes, but only if there is an international agreement between Italy and the country of origin of the potential buyer. Also, if the foreigner is an EU citizen and the agreement that allows mutually requested activities between Italy and foreigner’s country exist, you can buy a property.

Study all the necessary information well, and combine the pleasant with the useful!

Off-Roading for Beginners: Things You Should Know

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Believe it or not, getting behind the wheel of an off-road vehicle is an actual nightmare. Here are our tips about off-roading for beginners: things you should know.

The Principles of The Off-roading Guide

If you drive an off-road car, you need reliable and performing the heavy-duty 4×4 tires. Off-road driving can be fun, but can also be dangerous in rough terrain and less than ideal weather. That’s why we come up with the guide about off-roading for beginners: things you should know.

Figure 1. Off-Roading for Beginners: Things You Should Know

Off-road driving differs from all others. That’s why we recommend that you should learn the basic techniques of all-wheel drive or contact a school specialized in 4×4 driving, to avoid finding yourself stuck in risky situations.

Sand Driving Guide

Image source: unsplash.com

Driving long distances on sand can be tricky for those who are unprepared or inexperienced. If instead of doing in the right way, it is a satisfying experience that allows you to reach places with a breathtaking view.

Figure 2. Sand Driving

The secret of sand driving is maintaining a constant speed to make the tires roll on the sand surface instead of sinking. On the most beautiful sand, it is essential to find the right balance between speed and acceleration to avoid falling.

In the event of sudden acceleration, the wheel’s rapid rotation can move the sand and dig a hole. You should avoid violent or sudden movements, and extreme steering as the vehicle may become unresponsive. Conversely, you may skid like on a wet road.

We recommend that you take a good pressure gauge and reduce the tire pressure by about 0.3 bar (5psi) from time to time until you reach the sand’s optimal footprint.

Otherwise, we do not recommend reducing the pressure below 1.4 bar (20psi). By lowering the tire pressure, you increase the tire’s footprint on the sand, which is the contact area between the vehicle and the ground.

In addition, to have the best sand driving experience, you need to buy your car a set of dedicated sand tires, which you can check at Talkcarswell.com  and choose some of the best tires for your trip.

Sand driving tips:

  • Maintaining a constant speed is essential on the sand
  • Use a good pressure gauge, don’t change the pressure roughly
  • Deflate the tires 0.3 bar (5psi) at a time to increase the tire’s footprint on the sand to optimal traction
  • Be gentle when speeding up, steering and braking
  • If the wheels spin, decrease the pressure on the accelerator to allow the tires to slow down and regain traction.
  • Keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you.

Driving on Hills and Steep Ground

Image source: unsplash.com

Driving uphill and on steep terrain is one of the most dangerous activities to do with an off-roading vehicle. Fascinating because it offers adventures and adrenaline rushes, but also dangerous because it exposes you to a high risk of rolling.

Figure 3. Driving on Hills and Steep Ground

Driving tips uphill and on steep terrain:

  • Drive straight to the top so that the vehicle’s weight is evenly distributed, and the tires have equal traction.
  • Use the highest gear the vehicle can handle when driving uphill. If the speed is too low, the wheels will spin, while if it is too high, you will not have enough power.
  • Always prepare an escape plan in case of failure.

What to do if you can’t complete the climb? Don’t worry if you cannot climb on the first try. It happens to everyone, from beginners to experienced drivers. However, if you don’t make it to the top, it’s essential to know how to descend safely. It doesn’t seem complicated, but it can prove to be an insidious undertaking.

Crossing Steep Roads

Image source: unsplash.com

According to experts, this is by far the most challenging off-road driving experience. Our first recommendation is straightforward, which is to avoid it at all costs. However, if you cross a very steep road, try to proceed as slowly as possible.

Figure 4. Crossing Steep Roads

  • Tire pressure – Ensure the tires are well inflated (pressure values ​​for driving on the road). If they are not, they risk beading from the rim
  • Engage the first with reduced gears without differential lock
  • Cross the sloping road at minimum speed. And if you feel the vehicle skid, immediately steer in the climb’s direction.

Attention: Do you remember that your off-roading vehicle has a center of gravity? Driving perpendicular to the rise significantly increases the chances of losing traction. If you lose traction, you will slide sideways, and it may tip over. So avoid driving perpendicular to a hill.

Driving on Muddy and Astounded Soils

Image source: unsplash.com

If you take it right, you’ll have more fun behind the wheel of your off-roading vehicle. But take it the wrong way, and you’ll find yourself muddy up to your neck.

Figure 5. Driving on Muddy and Astounded Soils

Remember, using the right mud tires is essential in this circumstance. The idea is to use the vehicle’s weight to push the wheels through the mud until they grip the solid ground below.

There is no optimal pressure because different terrains require different strains. However, remember that if the pressure is too low, the vehicle’s weight will disperse more at the expense of traction.

But if the pressure is too high, you won’t get the grip you need to get out of the mud. It is advisable not to go below 1.4 bar (20psi) and not to exceed 20 km/h of speed.

Driving tips on mud:

  • Make sure you have a winch available in case your vehicle gets stuck
  • Before leaving, examine the road and check the depth of the dirt. If the ruts are more profound than the space under the axles, the vehicle will lock up.
  • Tackle mud in 4WD mode and low gear, gaining enough speed to prepare for sudden deceleration when you come into contact with water and mud
  • Maintain a constant speed and, if possible, stay on the shallowest points of the ground
  • If you get stuck, drive the vehicle forwards and backward, alternating between first and reverse, or spin the wheels free to clear mud from the treads and regain traction.
  • If in doubt, back off and get out of the mud before it’s too late.

How to overcome rocks and other obstacles?

This activity is crawling and must be approached with extreme calm. When trying to overcome obstacles such as rocks or logs, you must use a low gear and four-wheel-drive (Low mode).

It is letting the vehicle advance by applying the minimum pressure on the accelerator. It is impossible to climb abruptly on a rock. Therefore, it is necessary to perform some maneuvers to reach the highest point of the foundation and slowly slide over it.

Final Words

Education and common sense dictate that you always leave the path in the best condition. Observing the signs and staying on the track and any recreational areas is a good idea.

Taking the utmost care to protect the beauty and tranquillity of the area. And if the ground looks very fragile, it is okay to take another path.

That is all our advice about off-roading for beginners: things you should know. Have any questions, please comment on it below!

The Beach vs. Pool: Where’s The Best Place To Be?

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This situation has probably happened to you: You went on vacation, and you saw a large number of people who spend their time at the hotel pool instead of on the beach. You don’t understand why? Well, everything has its reasons. Some people prefer a sandy beach while some are more fond of the pool. We will try to understand the reasons for both. The beach vs. pool – where’s the best place to be? Try to answer that after reading this text.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Beaches and Pools

Source: pexels.com

Long sandy beaches and the sparkling sea are the dreams of every person who thinks of spending his vacation far away from the city noise. Cocktails on deck chairs, daily parties – it’s all nice, but somehow always after returning from the beach, we usually end up at one of the pools in the hotel complex. After each swim in the sea, we immediately run under the shower. We wash off the sand and salt – and only then slowly lie down on one of the deck chairs and enjoy the sun. The pool is a little different. You often find yourself in a situation where on the way to the beach -you first jump into the pool and then get carried away, that in the end, you often do not reach the beach.

Most hotel complexes have made an effort to build a large number of pools of various shapes and sizes. Not to neglect their content and interesting programs. We assume that because of such things people often forget, and do not even go to the beach – but fill their day with activities at the pool. We can use the pools day and night because you will admit – nothing is more beautiful than a night swim under the moon and various lamps around and in the pool.

What Can We Expect From Going To The Beach, And What When We Go To The Pool

Do you want to rest, drink cocktails, and go out under a parasol for a long time? You could hardly wait to replace the city streets with white sandy beaches – and swim in the warm sea. However, with most people, it usually lasts only for a few days – and then we start to look for a change and new adventures. In the beginning, it is staying next to one of the pools that organize various programs or parties – and later it is going on excursions. Most people often decide to go to an aqua park or some of the places where there is a chance to swim in the pool with dolphins, seals, etc. However, most aqua parks offer you fun in pools of various shapes and sizes where you can expect the unexpected.

Swimming Pools in Aqua Parks: A Swimming Paradise

Source: pexels.com

Aqua Parks are truly a paradise for all pool lovers. The designers made an effort to make a large selection of pools with different facilities. Some parks are not even possible to visit in only one day. Although we love going to the beach and swimming in the sea – the facilities in the pools like those in the aqua parks will always attract our attention, regardless of whether we are younger or older. All the benefits of swimming in the sea, the pools have managed to replace. Today in the pools we have the opportunity to swim in the waves, surf, or water ski. We also have pools with rapids, canals, slides – and even saltwater pools. Overall, swimming pools are the main attraction of all aqua parks and they are something you should try if you haven’t already.

You Can Use The Pools All Year Round

The huge advantage of the pool over the beach and the sea – is that we can use them all year round. There are outdoor and indoor pools, so according to CapitalCountryPools – regardless of the season we can enjoy them. Beaches and the sea are reserved for summer. We often decide to spend our free time and vacations not only at sea – but also in spas. We can visit them throughout the year because nature and spa pools are great not only for health but also for relaxation and good rest. In such pools, you can be treated with healing water, but also enjoy swimming under jets, whirlpools, or a jacuzzi. All these pools have their purpose for both medicinal and relaxation purposes.

Beach Or Private Pool

Source: pexels.com

We must say that both options have their advantages. There is no better feeling than lying on the sand by the sea while the waves are lapping you. Not to mention the romantic evening walks on the beach. Many great loves began thanks to these beautiful landscapes. Swimming in the sea or ocean is the most beautiful thing, and sports fans can enjoy things like surfing, diving, or exploring the underwater world.

Yet having a private pool in the house is almost a breath of luxury. Just imagine that you can enjoy the pool every day, sip your favorite drink, and throw yourself into the water whenever you want. Of course, we must point out that owning a swimming pool costs – not only the construction but also further maintenance, while you do not need to go to the sea. However, the better option depends solely on you and your preferences and desires.

Conclusion

We tried to show you the differences between the beach and the pool in some way. As you can see for yourself, there is a difference and a reason to opt for both suggestions. Still, some advantages speak in favor of the pools. Namely, you can use the pools all year round, you can own them (if you are lucky and have proper conditions for it), you can choose those with salt or freshwater –  and enjoy them even during the winter if they are covered. On the other hand, the advantage of the sea and the beach is in the nature that surrounds you. You can enjoy the sea, the lovely nature, and beautiful sandy beaches – as well as the fact that you do not have to pay for this kind of pleasure with continuous maintenance as required by the pool.

Mexico’s Most Dangerous Roads & Highways 2020

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Mexico is a beautiful country that is connected and intertwined with thousands of different roads. Of course, many of them are up to standards and safe, but some of them are very dangerous and you should avoid them at all costs.

Right now, the safest method of transportation around the world is with airplanes. Most people do not believe this, but it is a simple fact and it is true. Well, airplanes are the safest method, driving motorcycles is the most dangerous one. After motorcycles, cars are the second most dangerous. This shows us just how many times exactly we put ourselves in danger almost every day. Society is based on being a part of the traffic in these modern days which makes it normal for most of us.

However, this does not mean that we should give up entirely on driving on the ground. We have to accept the responsibility of these machines that way well over a ton and the dangers of traffic. Once we finally accept this fact, this information, only then we can start progressing to a safer society. This is very important, especially if we want our children to live in a better world.

In this article, I want to focus on the dangerous roads and highways in Mexico, especially this year. Mexico is not exactly a unique case of all the countries around the world, but I do find their roads quite interesting which is the reason why I decided to pick Mexico.

Coatzacoalcos – Villahermosa

Source:cdn.impacto.mx

Closer to the northern border and Guatemala is a highway that stretches for about 100 miles or 166 km. That does not sound like a lot because it is not a lot, objectively. Unfortunately, for some reason, this is a place where a lot of accidents happen. Just a few years ago, more than 200 accidents were reported between the port city Coatzacoalcos and Villahermosa. Both of these cities are quite major and big which means the path connecting these two is well-made.

We are talking about a freeway and not about some random dirt road. There is no exact reason why there are so many accidents here, but I can assume that the reason is that the distance between the two cities is very short. Since the distance is so short, people are probably trying to reach the city in the quickest way possible. This usually means going over the speed limit. Most people are probably driving well over 100 mph to reach Coatzacoalcos or Villahermosa in under an hour.

Keep in mind, this is just an assumption and it may not be true. But, we cannot ignore the fact that more than 20 people have lost their lives here in just one year.

Queretaro-Leon

Source:flickr.com

Another short route, but a very dangerous one. This one is between the city known as Santiago de Queretaro and Leon. The distance between these two is under 200 km or a hundred and 25 miles. Again, it does not seem like a lot because it is not. But, unfortunately, for some places, even 50 km is too much.

Wherever you are headed to in Mexico, you will probably end up driving down this route that connects these two cities. Because if you want to get to Mexico City which is the capital, you will have to pass right next to Queretaro.

While most of the time the path will be fine and the cement will be marked properly, you will end up on a certain part of the road that will be a bit underdeveloped. This is the place where most of the accidents happen because it has been left unmarked and it is probably still in development after a couple of decades.

The reason behind this is the fact that the entire Bajio area started advancing too fast for its own good. The connections between most cities in this area were still not made while the volume of traffic is constantly increasing. More and more vehicles are driving to this area, making it a very dangerous place to be during peak traffic.

If you ever plan on driving through here, I would recommend being extra careful when passing through the valley and you should also probably get some insurance. If you click here, you can see that getting the insurance policies for a vehicle for Mexican roads is not that complicated.

Espinazo del Diablo or The Devil’s Backbone

Source:travelreport.mx

Just by reading the name of this world, I think you can realize that it can be both very dangerous and very scary even for the best drivers. This one is a mountain road and of course, every path for vehicles in the mountains are more dangerous than others. Sharp turns, big drop-offs, and other problems make the drive a little bit more uncomfortable. But, the Espinazo del Diablo is more than just uncomfortable.

I would not recommend going here and trying to drive through this location, so I suggest you open up Google maps or any other map application and see for yourself. Assuming as much as you can and you will be amazed by the fact of just how sharp turns on this world are. What makes things even more interesting is the fact that vehicles are often met with a lot of rain. There also is not any kind of railing on the signs which means even one slightest mistake could lead to death. Combine that with the fact that you will be 1500 m above sea level, it really is a dangerous place and probably the most dangerous road in the entire country.

Since this road goes through/over a mountain, drivers are very frequently met with all kinds of animals from the wilderness. They can jump out in front of the vehicle at any time. The risk is simply too big to go anywhere near this path. Only the bravest or the most stubborn ones are willing to drive through the spine of the devil.

Keep in mind, Mexico is still a great country and most of its roads are in pristine shape. You should not let these three examples give you an idea of how the country treats its people and its visitors.

How to Spend your Holiday in Canada?

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Canada is one of the most amazing countries in the entire world that is located in the northern part of North America and it is ranked second as the largest country on the entire planet. This massive piece of land is full of all kinds of natural beauties, wonders, and different cultures from every continent. This is why so many people choose to go on a trip on this beautiful land, especially during the holidays. Canada truly looked best during the winter season. The snowy mountains, the snowy series, and the entire atmosphere is just amazing during these times.

However, as I already said, Canada is a huge piece of land. Deciding where you want to spend your holiday here can be quite difficult. There are so many different options, understand if you are having a hard time picking the right one. But, I am sure that wherever you decide to go, you will have a great time.

But, to help you stop stressing, I am going to tell you about the best places you should visit in Canada, especially during the holidays.

Toronto

Source:airtransat.com

For the people that want to experience a city rich with the Christmas spirit, I think the most obvious option is always Toronto. This huge metropolis is full of massive skyscrapers enriched with beautiful restaurants, unique decorations, and everything else that will make your holidays even better than you expected.

Personally, I find Toronto very attractive, so this might be a biased opinion, but you cannot deny the fact that it truly is a beautiful and magical place, especially during the winter. Once it starts snowing and the streets get filled with snow and the rooftops are also stacking snow, everything seems like out of a movie.

To add even more to that Christmas spirit, I am sure that you will enjoy the annual Santa Claus parade that occurs at the Nathan Phillips Square. Keep in mind, this event is held on the third Sunday of every November, so make sure you do not miss it. This is a tradition of over 100 years and it is an amazing spectacle. If you truly love the idea of Santa Claus and you believe in the Christmas spirit, I recommend being right there in front of the City Hall on November 15 in 2020.

Ottawa

Source:travelchannel.com

If there is a city in Canada that is more impressive than Toronto, it has to be Ottawa and nothing else. Obviously, this is the capital city of the country and for good reason. It is filled with all kinds of historic buildings that are still in use and you can visit them at any time.

I believe that the most interesting building you can visit is Parliament Hill or more commonly referred to as The Hill. It has Gothic revival architecture which is very historically important for Canada. It was built in the 19 century, but it had to be renovated in 2002. But, after the renovations, it is always a wonderful sight even in the winter season. So, if you find yourself roaming on the streets of Ottawa, I recommend checking out the Parliament Hill.

But, I guess that you are looking for something that is more into the holiday spirit. Well, I think you will be glad to know that there are Christmas carols throughout the entire holiday season. Make sure you do not miss out on these because they can be a truly amazing and rare experience. This tradition can also be found at Parliament Hill too. Two birds, one stone.

Keep in mind, if you do want to see the Christmas carols this year, you must make sure that you have your visa ready on time. Because, if you do not, you will not be able to get into Canada and you will not be able to get to Ottawa either. Fortunately, these days, you can fill an application for an electronic visa in just a couple of minutes according to this website. Once you submit your application, you will probably get your response in just a couple of days.

Niagara Falls

Source:newyorkbyrail.com

If you’re not the type of person that really enjoys architecture, huge skyscrapers, and Christmas carols, I can imagine that you will be a bit bored in Ottawa and Toronto. But, worry not, because these two cities are not your only two options once you get into this country.

So, if you want to enjoy the natural beauty of this land, I recommend checking out the Niagara Falls. These three giant waterfalls are one of the most amazing things most of us have seen in our lives. Their vertical drop is more than 160 feet or 50 m. Any day at Niagara Falls is an amazing day. Even if it rains, if it snows or if it is sunny, you will have the time of your life.

But, if you want a truly exciting experience, I would recommend going to the waterfalls on August 1 this year. Here, you will be able to witness something amazing. 1 August is referred to as Canada Day in this country and Niagara Falls celebrated in the most unique fashion. All kinds of fireworks are fired, special lighting is used to make all kinds of forms and shapes on the waterfalls and you will even be able to see the Canadian Maple leaf on the falls.

Vancouver

Source:tourismvancouver.com

If you want to return to celebrating Christmas, New Year’s Eve, and Santa Claus, I must recommend going to Vancouver. The best day to visit Vic Gruber has to be December 14 when the Carol Ships Shoreline Celebrations starts. The celebration is sometimes referred to as the Parade of Lights. You get to see all kinds of ships and boats equipped with giant some systems to play carols and music. They will also be equipped with tons of lights to light up the Panorama Park.

Wherever you decide to go, whether it is Vancouver, the Niagara Falls or Toronto, I am sure that you will have a great holiday.

What an American Needs to Know When Traveling to Canada

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People often confuse Canada to be a state in the northern part of America. For those people, let us tell you, Canada is an entire country that shares its borders with America.

One of the main reasons behind these misconceptions is that Canada’s culture often resonates with that of America. Then again, Canada is a hub of tourist spots and beautiful places you need to visit. You can get to know more about the visa application process to Canada at visa-canada.info.

If you are an American and are planning to visit Canada for the first time, follow this article to know the basic things you need to know before you set out on your expedition.

1. You need a passport

Source:citynews1130.com

Back in the day, the Americans did not need to have a passport to travel to Canada. The relations between the two countries have been amazing since the very beginning, and hence neither visa nor passport was needed. However, with some unwanted incidents in the U.S., the government changed the traveling laws.

Now, all U.S. citizens must necessarily possess a passport to travel here, and they will also have to deal with the immigrations and customs upon arriving in the country.

You will also be needed to explain why you visit the country, whether you are there as a tourist or a businessman. This is something everyone needs to answer.

After they find your answers to be satisfactory, you will be allowed to collect your bag, and after showing your custom forms, you are allowed to leave.

2. The U.S. Dollar is strong right now

The American Dollar has a higher value than the Canadian Dollar. 1 USD translates to 1.26 CAD, or in other words, 1 CAD translates to 0.77 USD. That means that you will get an instant discount of at least twenty percent wherever you shop from.

3. You can find extinct stores here

Canada has a hoard of stores like the Old Navy, Bombay, etc. All these brands have gone out of business and have become extinct for the rest of the world. However, these stores continue to hold their existence in this country.

Also, Winners and HomeSense is the Canadian version of the famous store Marshalls and HomeGoods.

During your trip to this country, you can buy a variety of attractive items here like beautiful Canadian paintings, delicious food, fine wine, whiskey, sculptures, and textiles. Some of the popular Canadian shoppable items include blankets in Hudson’s Bay, prints by Canadian artists in Quebec, British Columbian jade products, handmade carpets in Nova Scotia, and more.

If you are fond of wine, then Niagara is the best place to buy it from. Apart from this, you can also visit the Niagara Waterfall. Quebec is a great destination for maple syrup and maple sugar.

4. They use the metric system

While almost the rest of the world measures distances in miles, Canada measures distance in kilometers and meters. The centimeter is used for snow forecasts. Also, the temperature is measured in Celsius.

5. Paying the bill at a restaurant is different

The words used in this country are much different than the ones used in America. However, both of them have the same meaning. For example, in Canada, the check is known as the bill. So, if the cashier hands you out your “bill,” do not get confused, that’s just your regular check. Generally, the waiter brings the bill to your table, and you can pay via your credit cards. And by different, I mean better. First of all, it is the bill and not the check. Swipe your credit card, add a small tip, and then get your printed receipt with a ‘paid’ mark. The entire process is smooth with the chance of any fraudulent activities

6. The term Canada means village

Source:sgtalk.org

The country of Canada derives its name from the word Kanata, which means the village. Whereas, in terms of area, this country is so huge that countries like France, Japan, Italy, Cambodia, Germany, Cameroon, South Korea, England, and Uruguay can coexist.

Credit for locating the country goes to the French and the British who discovered it during the 15th century. Its history tells us that the British defeated the French after seven years of war. During 1949, Canada was constituted by Quebec, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland, and Labrador. All of them were recognized as British provinces.

But in 1982, the control of the British Parliament was removed from Canada, and the influence of Aboriginal, British, French culture and recent immigration customs led to the emergence of Canadian art, culture, and traditions.

7. The Apology Act

Source:wikiwand.com

An ‘Apology Act‘ has been made in Canada. If someone hurts someone or hurts them, they can go to the courtroom and give written apologies and damages. The assumption here is that ‘free the mind, don’t live in any guilt.’

8. Customs and Traditions

Canada follows its customs with great courtesy. Clothing is worn according to the weather in Canada. Apart from this, all rules of general etiquette in Canada are followed within the scope of the law.

People here are extremely polite, and they do not even switch on their smartphones in movie theaters. They tip the barber, bellboy, taxi driver, etc. fifteen to twenty percent of their billed amounts.

9. Nightlife in Canada

Source:dailyhive.com

Do not forget to enjoy Canadian nightlife. Dance clubs, pubs, or casinos in Canada will make your night colorful. You can enjoy the nightlife in major Canadian cities such as Toronto, Montreal, Johns, Vancouver, Ottawa St, and Halifax.

The nightlife in Canada is colorful, which is the perfect destination for all-night parties, dancing, etc. There are fun places like spectacular theaters, pub-crawling or club-hopping, etc.

Final Words:

Canada is a hub of culture and traditions. People here are super friendly and with so many tourist places to visit, you should consider visiting Canada. And once you have made your decision, know these facts about the country before travelling there.

Best WordPress Themes for Travel Blogs

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Traveling is the activity the majority of people from all over the world simply adore. There is nothing quite like touring our wonderful planet and experiencing new places and traditions while meeting people vastly different from you. The popular saying goes, “If traveling were free, you would never see me again,” and it perfectly describes what it does to both the avid travelers and seasonal trip-takers.

Sadly, it is not free, so those who cannot afford frequent traveling, which is the majority of the world’s population, turn to the Internet. They do this for more reasons than one, but ultimately it all comes down to either experiencing something (or somewhere) virtually or gaining knowledge on where to travel next. For the latter, travel blogs are the absolute best thing available.

There are numerous successful travel blogs out there. If you are interested in sharing the experiences from your travels and wish to start a travel blog, you will need the right tools. By the end of this article, you will know everything there is to know about the best WordPress themes you can use for your future travel blog. Choosing the right one will bring you over the top and set you aside from the competition, resulting in more readers and maybe even a sponsorship or two.

Source:vesti.rs

To find out even more about the topic of travel blogging, WordPress themes, visit cudesign.co.uk, the leading WordPress design agency that can help you build the best travel website you possibly can.

Best WordPress Travel Blog Themes

On the following list, you will find nine of the best WordPress themes to use with your future travel blog.

  1. Astra

Source:shoutmeloud.com

This is a very lightweight theme for multiple purposes, not limited to travel. You can easily create your own designs from the included templates. The theme is equipped with a full-screen header background image, as well as review sections and featured tours sections. Adventurers and even travel agencies use this theme, apart from travel bloggers.

  1. Divi

Source:elegantthemes.com

This is arguably the most popular theme available, and a lot of different blogs use it. It is a great page builder and offers beautiful visuals and effects that will increase the number of people visiting your blog. There are different ready-to-use templates and layouts if you, but if customization is what you like, there are also numerous options for that too.

  1. Neve

Source:coralnodes.com

Neve is quite a modern theme for WordPress that comes with dozens of pre-made and ready demo examples of websites. Templates of travel blogs are also there to help you with inspiration and design choices. The home page uses parallax effects and your readers will just love it. Things like this are great for a strong first impression. Furthermore, the home screen has multiple sections for your different areas of interest, like travelogues, photographs, stories, and whatever else you want. The theme is rather easy to use and very well optimized for SEO.

  1. OceanWP

Source:wordpress.org

In case you want something that looks and feels premium but it is still free like the rest of these themes, OceanWP is your best bet. This WordPress theme has its own plugins that are equipped with premium features. Your travel website will seem very professional and sleek thanks to this amazing theme. The home page template is just beautiful. Other features include WooCommerce support, page builder integrations, and more.

  1. Ultra

Source:wordpress.org

Ultra is a typical nifty all-purpose theme that has everything you need for an optimal travel blog website. It already has several ready demo websites available, and an importer that can load up the templates and let you further change it. Drag and drop builders, a fan-favorite, are also present, making everything a breeze. Like the remainder of these themes, there is no coding necessary.

  1. Zermatt

Source:Zermatt

Zermatt is a beautiful theme made with traveling in mind. The home page has a transparent menu and a weather widget, which can be used in limitless ways and make gorgeous combinations. There are more widget areas all over, as well as useful sliders, galleries, and templates. This theme is great for beginners and those among you who do not want anything remotely complicated.

  1. The Traveler

Source:themeforest.net

As the name suggests, this WordPress theme is for traveling blogs, agencies, and websites, and hardly anything else. The homepage it has is designed to resemble a classic magazine layout with places for stories, photos, and articles. The grid can be used in various ways to make some truly professional-looking travel blog. The background image is full screen, there is an Instagram feed option, social media integration, and many custom widgets.

  1. Tropicana

Source:wordpress.org

The catchy name suggests that the general design of this theme is meant for tropical summer destinations, and it could be said that it really is. The stylish theme is perhaps the best choice for nomads, adventurers, and explorers who mostly visit tropical destinations. Tropicana will offer great help and attract a wide readership to your page. Plugins work seamlessly and the theme offers templates, galleries, pages, and more.

  1. Zoom

Source:wpzoom.com

Not everyone wants or needs a theme with tons of add-ons and a home page with multiple widgets and other kinds of plugins. If you are a fan of clean interfaces and spacious open home screens, Zoom is the right theme for your blog. The theme comes with a single layout column that has a big header image. In case you want to make use of other elements and expand your content volume, you can use galleries, grid layouts, and widgets, all with the option of dragging and dropping. There is also a custom theme options panel.

Takeaways and Conclusion

There you have it fellow travelers and explorers, the absolute best WordPress themes for your future travel blog. Among these, you will surely find the right one for your wishes and dreams, the perfect theme to go with how you picture your content on a webpage. All that is left is for you to do is work hard and make your dream come true, helping thousands of people decide where to go next by reading your experiences, stories, and recommendations.

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