5 Paradises That Are Currently Open for Travel

Traveling to foreign countries and especially to all-inclusive resorts is one of the greatest pleasures of life. Unfortunately, it is something that people have been missing out on since worldwide travel restrictions took place nearly two years ago due to COVID-19.

Fortunately, the world is beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel, as several hot spots are now reopening their borders to delight travelers with breathtaking natural attractions. Thanks to easing restrictions in some parts of the world, a well-deserved vacation that everyone needs is possible again.

If you’re looking for a paradise where you can take a much-needed break, then dust off your passport, pack your bags, and choose from this list of stunning getaways that offer outstanding natural beauty, pristine beaches, and more.

Tulum

Tulum is one of the most famous parts of the Mexican Caribbean, and it’s just a couple of hours from Cancun International Airport.

Tulum has been trending for many years now in the international jet-setting world. It offers white sandy beaches, turquoise-colored waters, and luxury boutique hotels. And unlike Cancun, Tulum has focused heavily on maintaining a low-key, natural ambiance. You won’t find towering hotel buildings and massive shopping malls there.

Aside from offering stunning views and gorgeous beaches, you can also find a range of archeological sightseeing adventures. Tulum has several Mayan archeological sites close by and beautiful cenotes (freshwater sinkholes) in the middle of the rainforest. Here, you can cool down with a swim after a day of sightseeing under the hot Mexican sun.

Curaçao

This breathtaking island is perhaps one of the best places that you can find in the Southern Caribbean Sea. Although small in size, it offers an impressive array of natural beauty and fun activities. And it’s open to tourists! You will need a negative PCR COVID-19 test from an accredited laboratory taken 48 hours before departure. After that is taken care of, you will be free to relax, whether you choose to explore the island or enjoy one of the all-inclusive resorts in Curaçao.

Far away from the busy Mexican beaches that attract young social media personalities by the millions, Curaçao attracts more selective tourists looking for luxury, beauty, and a less crowded environment. Plus, it’s a low-risk COVID-19 region, which means that you’ll be safer and can enjoy yourself with peace of mind.

With its vibrant culture and atmosphere, Curaçao is the perfect getaway for those seeking adventure, relaxation, nature, and luxury. Many people enjoy snorkeling in the warm ocean water while admiring the expansive underwater ecosystems. Others spend their time exploring the picturesque towns that are every inch what you would expect from a Caribbean getaway with bright colors and exquisite cuisine.

Suppose you have a real taste for quality. In that case, you can find perfect Curaçao resorts with all the upscale and luxury amenities to make your vacation the perfect getaway.

Hawaii

What would this list be if it didn’t mention the famous beaches of Hawaii?

Hawaii has long been known as a top destination for ocean lovers. Whether you enjoy a peaceful swim in pristine waters or giant, adrenaline-inducing waves to jump on with a surfboard, Hawaii has a beach for every purpose.

If you want to look further afield than the pristine beaches, Hawaii provides visitors with tours of the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. If you are interested in heights, there are also hiking trips to the top of Haleakala National Park, where you can take in a view from over 10,000 feet high. Visitors can also visit the Pearl Harbor National Memorial and the aviation museum.

To enter, you’ll need a COVID vaccination card and a negative COVID-19 NAAT or antigen test result.

Thailand

This beautiful country with Hollywood-famous beaches has recently relaxed its entry restrictions, opening its borders to vaccinated travelers. However, you will need proof of travel health insurance and a mandatory negative COVID-19 PCR test.

Thailand is known for its wide variety of tropical beaches and breathtaking landscapes, making it a trendy spot for tourists for many decades. Explore ancient Khmer castles and ruins, go island hopping along some of the most beautiful coastal areas in the world, visit UNESCO-listed parks, or stop in at any of the local markets to try the food before experiencing the vibrant nightlife.

The Maldives

If you feel like heading to the Indian Ocean, you will find a small archipelago nation called the Republic of the Maldives, more commonly known as the Maldives.

Famed for its picture-perfect landscapes, the Maldives have been known to have dream-like beaches that stun visitors.

White sandy beaches, crystal-clear water, lush vegetation, and colorful aquatic biodiversity make this the perfect holiday location for anyone who wants to relax.

The Maldives opened its borders for travelers in July 2020, although some restrictions may apply to visitors from certain countries. For most travelers, you will need to have a negative COVID PCR test before arrival into the country, taken no longer than 96 hours before departure.

COVID-19 shocked the world and caused most countries to shut their borders, putting a pause on international tourism. After more than 2 years of pandemic lockdowns and canceled travel plans, it seems that the world can now see the light at the end of the tunnel. 

As more countries open back up, the best thing you can do is pack your bags, choose your favorite destination, get any required COVID testing done, and soak up the sights in one of the best places in the world.

Campervanning in Europe: All You Need to Know

Campervanning in Europe: All You Need to Know

We have had a campervan for almost a year. And have traveled from one end of Europe to the other and visited many countries. We have been to 11 countries, including three national parks, mountains, and beaches, as well as two music festivals.

We made some rookie mistakes on our first trip as we had very little knowledge. We had a lot of fun with our foolishness and learned how to travel Europe in a campervan like professionals. In the beginning, I couldn't find much information online about how to travel Europe in a campervan because the majority of websites were focused on traveling in one and not living in it.

Before we get into the details of how to travel Europe in a campervan, we want to talk about a few things that will help you decide if van life is right for you.

Why should you consider traveling Europe by campervan?

You probably know what a typical Euro Trip for a first-timer looks like. You will see a little of Paris, Amsterdam, and Venice. Also, you'll find out about London, Rome, Venice, and London. Berlin, Vienna, and Zurich. Budapest is all accessible by train and bus. These are the most expensive European destinations. Train travel is also rather expensive in Europe, particularly in Western Europe.

If you are already on this page, I am sure that you are looking for something new. Perhaps you are looking for places to visit in Europe that aren't easy to reach by train or bus.

 Camper trailer travels around Europe is a great way to explore the continent. There are no hidden costs or connections, as well as schedules and travel times. This makes it possible to make your schedule flexible, which opens up a whole new world of possibilities.

Because of its easy border crossing, Europe is one of the most popular continents for road trips. You can drive from Belgium to Germany, France, Luxembourg, or the Netherlands in a matter of 2-4 hours. There are no checkpoints, so you won't even know you've crossed any borders.

The following points sum up why camping in Europe is so great.

• Transport by public transport is expensive

• It is super easy to cross the border

• Flexible itinerary

• Access to small towns, natural sites, and other offbeat areas

Camper van vs. Normal Van vs. Caravan

These terms are often used interchangeably, but they don't always mean the same thing. Although we all know what a van looks like, let me explain what a camper van looks like.

Campervans are vans that are specifically designed for camping and have a sleeping area inside. A van can be converted into a campervan. A campervan should have a place to sleep and a place to cook. Some campervans have inside toilets.

 The caravan has all the same inside, or more, but is not a campervan. A caravan is a wagon that you attach to your car and drive. Without a car to tow it, you can't drive a caravan.

Which type of van do you need?

A small pop-up camper is the best option for couples who love adventure and are on a tight budget. You will be able to use smaller lanes because you have a smaller vehicle. A smaller van will also be cheaper to park, camp, and toll.

If you have more than one child, it is a good idea to buy a larger campervan. This will give you the comfort and space you need. These are the RVs (Recreational Vehicles) you'll see in American movies. They can be further divided into three classes:Class A Motorhome, Class B Motorhome, and Class C Motorhome. The latter looks more like a large bus than a truck. The most common campers you will see on European roads are the Class C Motorhomes.

Enjoy your retirement with your partner while driving around Europe. Get all the comforts that you want. A spacious campervan with a comfortable bed, kitchen and sitting area is a good choice.

Renting vs. Buying a Van in Europe

Do you want to buy a campervan for the purpose of touring Europe? Or should you rent one? It all depends on several factors.

You will rent a campervan if you are only visiting Europe for a few days or a few more months. Renting can be expensive if you plan to rent the van for a longer time, such as six months or one year. If this is the case, renting can be more cost-effective. This car rental search engine will help you find vans for rent.

It's not as simple as renting a campervan. These are the things you need to think about before you decide whether to rent or buy a campervan.

• You must first have enough money. You won't find a cheap campervan, and you should expect to pay between ten and fifteen thousand euros for one.

• A van purchase comes with paperwork.

• The third reason is that buying is sensible, as long you are certain you will use it enough and can return it when you are done.

• Fourth, the cost of buying a home comes with insurance and repair costs. Keep that in mind.

Renting a van is a great way to get to know VanLife if you are a complete novice. You will get an idea of what type of van you need.

 These are the very important steps to know before setting off to a journey across Europe.

 And as a final here are some destinations that you might want to visit

 Germany

Germany's highways offer free access, but the majority of the public toilets on the roads are not. The toilets at Sanifair and Seaways will be very clean and cost between 50-70 cents. There are plenty of parking spots and rest stops along the highway. These spots are usually good places to park your van for the night.

Be aware of traffic signs and rules when driving in Germany. For an alcohol or drug test, you can stop at any number of random locations.

Belgium

Except for Liefkenshoektunnel, Antwerp's main road, Belgium is completely toll-free. Most signs are in the local language. Did you know that 60% of Belgium is Dutch, and 40% French? You will see road signs in French or Dutch, but not often both.

The Netherlands

The roads in the Netherlands are excellent, but there is often congestion near beaches like Zandvoort. Always give priority to cyclists when driving through towns or cities with smaller roads. Look for signs that say "P+R" (Park and Ride). This will help you find affordable parking close to cities. This is where you can park your vehicle and take public transportation to get into the city. If you plan to include a busy city such as Amsterdam, this is the place you should park your van and use public transport to get into Amsterdam.

France

France is the most expensive country to travel through. You can find good rest stops along the highway that offers free toilets. France is one of few countries that has a tiny WC for toddlers. It was so cute and thoughtful.

You will be issued an entry ticket at the toll booth when you enter the highway. This will be presented at the exit toll stations and you will need to pay. You will be charged the longest distance if you lose your entry ticket. Make sure you keep it safe.

Top 5 Awesome Activities you can do in the Florida Keys

Are you a fan of dolphins, or do you have a special interest in kayaking? Well, perhaps the idea of seaplanes drives you crazy! Whatever makes you happy, you are going to find it at Florida's southernmost sunny point known as the Florida Keys. It is a small tropical island with arrays of unique activities. For this reason, many people refer to it as paradise. Here are some of the activities that you might be interested in when you visit the Florida keys. Please continue reading to learn more.

1. Deep-Sea Fishing

   The island has bright blue waters, which makes it ideal for fishing activities. You will find varieties of sea life such as sailfish, snappers, sharks, and marlin. Such creatures are found in the deep seas, and therefore, this activity requires a lot of patience. You use baits like coral reefs that attract the little fish. Big fish feed on little fish, and therefore, you will have a large variety to catch. Thus, you will enjoy a lot together with other fishers as you wait for hungry fish to run into your bait.

2. Kayaking

   Adventurers use a Key West sunset cruise to glide in southwest waters in style to find a spot for kayaking. You will move from deep sea to shallow sea life; as you do this, ensure that you pass by Gieger key, located just 15 minutes to Key West downtown. You can use a Key West sunset cruise to time your kayaking adventure to ensure that you visit key places such as Man Rock. At this point, you will enjoy the sight of the setting sun into the gulf.

3. Dolphin Watching

   Do you want to have a close look at the most friendly underwater creature? At Florida Keys, you will have a close look at high sea creatures such as bottlenose dolphins. They are also known as playful creatures as they flock to their natural habitat playfully in a pattern enjoyable to watch. They do acrobatics, spy-hop and breath in an entertaining manner. There is no way you can get bored watching dolphins.

4. Parasailing Activities

   This is one of the popular sporting activities in Key West. Can you visit Key West and pass on to try out this activity? While parasailing, you will catch a glimpse of the Key West coastline and have a panoramic view of the Gulf of Mexico. You will experience a complete adventure as you participate in the ocean top flying. Some of the popular parasailing activities that you can try include spectacular solo flights and dry take-offs. These activities allow you to catch thrilling birds eye views that you cannot experience anywhere else.

5. Inner Tubing Activity

   Imagine floating in unfamiliar waters. This is one of the activities that you cannot afford to miss out at Key West Florida. You will feel a thrill in tubing that will never disappoint you. You can then head over to Rainbow River, where you will enjoy the splashes of colors. Also, Ichetucknee River is known as a home for the inner tubing site, and therefore you will enjoy it a lot. You cannot miss such an adventure!
   

There are myriads of thrilling activities to do at Florida keys. It is the home of amusements! Visit it anytime, and you will not regret it.

Top 5 Summer Destinations You Must Visit

If all the world's a stage, then the subplot of traveling in 2021 has just been riddled with dramatic twists and turns. It seems only yesterday that we were having cocktails at a rooftop bar in Singapore or taking in a mask-free whiff of saffron & sandalwood somewhere in Morocco. At no other time has any wayfarer worth their passport and weekend bag ever wished so badly for an uneventful chapter than today: just a little over a year since global travel restrictions were imposed, right before another summer possibly spent at home.

Fortunately, a few countries have gone without incident long enough to open up their borders and, among them, top summer destinations that are remedies to those most deprived of their wanderlust. What stories will these places tell as the landscape of the New Normal unfolds in these times? Well, choose your own adventure from among these travel tales.

• The Untouched Archipelago of Azores, Portugal

How about a month-long tour of this volcanic group of islands off the peninsula to enjoy its green pastures and white sand beaches, and even see some whales?

These nine islands a few hours’ away from Lisbon feature Portugal’s first capital, Angra do Heroísmo, on Terceira. Its 15th-century streets and palaces are preserved as a UNESCO World Heritage Center, flanked by natural pools made of rock and sea below and what remains of a volcano named Monte Brazil above. And yet, this dreamy vision isn’t even the prime destination of the small archipelago that’s been reported to attain herd immunity in the midst of global pandemic.

Tourists visit the largest island, São Miguel, for a boutique hotel experience in a bustling creative coastal town that offers lakes and hot springs just a few miles inland. Small restaurants serve Azorean seafood such as a barnacle called cracas and their local lobster called cavaco, while a bounty of bananas, coffee, pineapples, and oranges abound across the land. If you chance upon a wine-tasting of the whites coming out of the Pico, which is a UNESCO Wine Region, the particular microclimates of the island may reveal its long history in wine-making.

• A Pristine Passage to The Maldives

Take a seaplane to the Arif Atoll, a group of 30 islands in the Indian Ocean, and get away to paradise. 

Surrounded by stretches of glistening ocean, thriving coral reefs, and dreamlike luxurious villas, The Maldives’ Arif Atoll offers a blissful beach destination that seems unperturbed by the outside world. Indeed, that mindset of total escape can be achieved within a few days, what more a couple of weeks, on this sanctuary. For a good part of the year, the weather permits an all-day soak in calm waters that can be spent snorkeling, scuba diving, canoeing, windsurfing, or handline fishing on a traditional Maldivian vessel. Or, simply lounge in the opulence of a stilted suite; perhaps even an underwater hotel room.

A vacation to one of The Maldives’ 1,000 islands and atolls is a complete resort experience in that guests can remain on the property for the entirety of the stay. With a predominantly Muslim population in the country, The Maldives’ local islands prohibit alcohol consumption, public displays of affection, and clothing that violates their standards of modesty. These activities are limited to the accommodation premises of the visitors, but compliance and respect for the religion and custom would benefit tourists that are looking to immerse in rich native life. Day visits to an inhabited island offer a glimpse into how handicrafts are made, the inhabitants setting off to go fishing, and the daily grind of small restaurants, local households, and merchants. 

• 100 Caribbean Nights

Live slowly across these islands, each offering a distinct experience of nature and connection.

Book a one-way open ticket into the Caribbean Sea and explore unhurriedly through the beautiful island nations. From the jungles of Belize, which boasts the second largest barrier reef in the world, to the flamingo oases of Aruba, a summer destination of endless white coasts, unearth Maya temples, and tropical living awaits.

Technically, the Caribbean encompasses 700 islands that are made up of about 30 nations, sovereign or otherwise affiliated with countries in Central America, Europe, and the United States. Overlapping culture, geography, and tradition create the pulse of this territory, which can be experienced in the art, music, history, and cuisine of the different islands. Prepare to immerse in hikes, swims, wines, and maybe some dancing.

• From Island to Island in Greece

Take your pick from island cities to historic towns surrounded by beaches on the Aegean Sea.

What better destination to travel to ease your mind during a health crisis than the island birthplace of the Ancient Greek healer Hippocrates? The father of medicine, according to legend, taught his first students under a tree in Kos, which still stands today. The Asklepion, a structure built by these Hippocratic pupil-disciples, is over 2,000 years old.

After you’ve had a dose of history, treat yourself to the plethora of self-care activities from an idyllic trip to the Greek islands. Kefalos opens up for beachside lounging, ideal for sunbathing and leisurely swims in the sea. Take part in local skincare practices that involve lathering yogurt and honey unto the body, while also decompressing through a deep tissue massage.

• Culture and Cuisine in Croatia

With panoramic views of turquoise waters to see while enjoying local fanfare, places such as the Konavle region are best kept secret.

Travel isn’t limited to planes and boats. Get on the right side of the road — literally — and explore the Adriatic Coast by car when you’re in Croatia. This mindful approach to travel can change the nature of the trip through an appreciation of the language, the sights along the way, and even the demeanor of other drivers. It’s an enlightening and refreshing way to experience a place when you’re traveling, perfect for the exploration of Old Town and its medieval structures.

This also gives you a number of chances to stop by a tavern where you can clink your glass to rakija, a local fruit spirit often drunk before a meal in Croatia. Of course, don’t drink and drive — especially in a foreign country — but it’s nothing a culinary feast of local delicacy couldn’t handle. A generous mouthful of the boškarin, which is Istrian oxen that can be served as a carpaccio, or the crni rižot, also known as black risotto, gives a visitor a taste of the historic significance of his destination.

"Another increasingly popular way for LGBT+ travelers to explore the Croatian Islands is on gay sailing trips. Discovering the local food, culture, and natural beauty while island hopping with other LGBT travelers sounds like such a special experience.

No matter where end up going remember to bring along a trendy pair of sunglasses to keep you cool and safe while outside. I recommend picking up a pair at Diff Sunglasses. Over the last 6 years they have provided over 2 million people with the gift of sight through eye exams, surgeries, glasses, and medicine. Take a look at their Sunglasses here.