Be Enticed with Bali, Indonesia’s Island Paradise

The lush paradise of Bali is the most famous destination in Indonesia and here are the reasons why. And friendly reminder, download the Bali Travel Guide with Offline City Street Map beforehand so you can have an easier time exploring the island.

The Weather

Bali is heaven for people who love the sun. The island is located just eight degrees south of the equator which grants it the perfect tropical weather. The island enjoys an average of 12 to 13 hours of sunlight each day which makes it the ideal place for surfing, sunbathing, beach sports, and all other outdoor activities.

The Beaches

Bali is home to a variety of spellbindingly gorgeous beaches, and each one has its own distinct charm. The south side of the island is known for its sandy beaches, especially those in the Bukit peninsula that are hidden between limestone cliffs. The north side, on the other hand, is known for its remote beaches with calm waters that are perfect for soaking with the whole family.

The Temples

There are numerous complexes of mystical temples spread throughout the island of Bali, from the highest peaks to the lowest seashores. These temples are ancient and serve as a window to Bali’s rich and intriguing past. Even more impressive is that these temples are still fully functional today and many of them are still being used for various events and festivities.

Value for Money

Bali is one of the cheapest world-class destinations you can visit. Indonesia has continuously been plagued by inflation. It only takes one glance at the exchange rate to get a grasp of much devaluation the Indonesian rupiah (IDR), the Indonesian national currency, has suffered. Today, your 1 dollar can be exchanged for about 12,000 IRD. Yes, for a little over $83 you can be a millionaire in Indonesia. This pretty much means you can afford anything during your visit, from luxury lodging, to the best food, to the biggest shopping spree of your life. You can even go to the local street markets to utilize your haggling skills and get great stuff at insanely low prices.

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5 reasons to visit Helsinki, the Compact Capital and Largest City of Finland. Find out!

Helsinki makes for a great destination any day of the year. Here are but some of the reasons why you really need to check this fantastic city out. Download the Helsinki Travel Guide and Offline City Map before you get there.

1.      Design Overload

Finland is well known the world over for its modern design heritage and you can see this showcased everywhere in Helsinki. Marimekko, Iittala, Artek, Arabia, and other world-renowned brands have become so ingrained in daily life in the city that you can’t avoid them even if you tried.

2.      Urban Nature

Helsinki is a highly modern city and yet it has managed to stick close to nature. Numerous green squares are still perfectly maintained and if they aren’t enough for you, the shoreline, parks, and forests are just a few minutes away. You can easily go back and forth between modern civilization and nature anytime you want.

3.      Sea All Around

Helsinki is part of an archipelago of around 300 islands. The city itself has a shoreline that stretches for more than a hundred kilometers. You can see water in every direction. Almost every kind of maritime attraction in existence can be found in or near the city which is why tourism is at its peak during summer. If there is a water sport or activity you want to try, odds are extremely high that you can do so in Helsinki.

4.      Innovative Food Culture

The city of Helsinki is surrounded by ocean which grants it easy access to a wide variety of fresh seafood while several nearby forests make for quick sources of fruits and herbs. There are also several nearby farms that supply fresh meat. All these fresh ingredients are the main reason why the city has several Michelin-starred restaurants. Helsinki is definitely the best place to savor authentic Finnish cuisine.

5.      Urban Saunas

Helsinki is home to both traditional saunas and state of the art modern saunas, and a significant portion of them are available to the public for free. Saunas are an important part of Finnish culture. Make sure you indulge on them.

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Lyon, the Gastronomic Capital of France

Lyon is one of the emerging destinations in France. It offers numerous attractions several times more affordable than those in Paris. Here are some of the reasons why you should go to Lyon instead of the more popular French cities. Download the Lyon Travel Guide and Offline City Map to help you prepare for your visit.

No Hassle

Lyon is not a busy city and not many tourists visit it either. Visiting it will make you feel as if everything the city has to offer is exclusively for you. There are no waiting lines on attractions, getting a cab is fast, there is no traffic, etc. You can also just walk from one part of the city to another if you want to soak in the view and feel of locale. If you want a hassle-free vacation in France, this city is exactly what you are looking for.

Affordable

The cost of living in Lyon is nearly 40% cheaper compared to the cost of living in Paris. Everything in Lyon is cheaper than in most French cities, especially the rent. If you want a long vacation in France without burning all your savings then this is the place to go.

Delicious

Lyon is the gastronomical capital of France for a reason. It offers the finest and most varied cuisine in the country. If you want to taste as many authentic French dishes and food items as possible, this is the place to be. The city is located in an area where the finest ingredients in the region pass through. The city also lies between two of the largest wine producing regions in France. To top it all off, there are 17 restaurants in Lyon that hold Michelin stars.

Historic

Lyon’s Old City is one of the largest intact Renaissance districts in Europe while Vieux Lyon (Old Lyon) is the second largest intact Renaissance neighborhood in Europe. Old Lyon is also a UNESCO World Heritage site. Other notable Gothic and Renaissance buildings and structures can be found all around the city.

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Beijing, China’s Political, Economic, and Cultural center

Beijing was one of the world's great ancient capitals and today it is home to some of the finest remnants of China's imperial past. It is also known as a city of reinvention, undergoing several major changes to keep up with modern times without losing its identity. Below are some amazing reasons to go to Beijing. Beijing is a massive city so make sure you have the Beijing Travel Guide and Offline City Map & Metro.

Palaces of the Emperors

Beijing has been around for almost 3 millennia and it has been witness to three powerful dynasties that reigned over China. It’s been home to 34 emperors many of which ordered the construction of their own palaces, vacation houses, and other structures to serve as their legacy. Many such cultural sites from the Summer Palace to the Ming Tombs remain in good condition and serve as reminders of China’s rich culture and history.

Old Beijing

Most of Beijing has been modernized but remnants of the Old Beijing still exist the most popular of which is the world famous Peking Opera. Another must-see is the Hutong and Quadrangle. Also scattered all across the city are temples and traditional teahouses. Comparing the New Beijing with the Old Beijing will definitely deepen your understanding the effects of modernization.

Magnificent Sites

There are numerous world famous attractions in Beijing with many of them included in various must-see destinations lists. As a matter of fact, the humongous city has too many locations worthy of your time exploring them all in one visit is practically impossible. To name a few:

·         The Forbidden City – home to the Imperial Palace Complex which is one of the most popular and best preserved ancient sites in the world.

·         Tiananmen Square - the largest city square in the world.

·         The Great Wall – a World Heritage Site and also one of the Eight Wonders of the World.

4.      Traditional Cuisine

Beijing is the hub of China. Not only is it the best place to taste authentic Chinese food, it is also where you can find a wide variety of foreign cuisines and all kinds of exotic flavors. The city was home to royalty and many of the famous local dishes were once served as part of imperial cuisine.

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San Diego, an Emerging Travel Bargain

Most of California has still not fully recovered from the recent economic downturn it has endured. Many Californian cities have turned to tourism to bolster their financial position and San Diego is one of them. Take advantage of really cheap air fares, discounted hotel stays, affordable shopping, more affordable luxury spas, and more. So bring your sunscreen, download the San Diego Travel Guide and Offline City Street Map, and get ready to go to a city with one of the most reliable track records when it comes to sunshine and favorable temperatures. If you aren’t convinced yet, below are a few reasons that might change your mind.

San Diego Safari Park

The Sand Diego Safari Park looks like it’s been sliced off of Africa. It is a 1,800 acre preserve that houses more than 3,500 animals from almost 300 species. Observe wildlife in their natural habitat from herbivores such as red-fronted gazelles to predators such as Sumatran tigers. If you are going with your family, this is the perfect place to teach kids about nature.

Rancho La Puerta

Some historians claim this 70 year-old spa as the first fitness spa in the world. Despite being considered by many as the best spa in California, not many know about it mainly due to its location which is on the other side of the border near the town of Tecate. It is definitely a hidden gem worth checking out. Because it does not get that many visitors, its prices remain low and there are no queues.

Border Fields State Park

The Border Fields State Park is home to the most beloved beach in California. However, it is also the hardest park to access. The park is close to the border and once you’re at the beach, crossing to the other side is super easy. So you’ll have to do a lot of work to get the gates to open. Once you get in, however, it’s like you’ve just arrived in paradise. In most Saturdays, there are barely any people in it. It’s like having your own private beach.

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