Guest Post, United States

5 Best Snorkelling Spots in the US Virgin Islands

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The US Virgin Islands is home to some of the best snorkelling spots in the Caribbean. The abundant sea life and natural scenic beauty will keep you in awe for days.

If you’re looking to escape the tourist hot spots then head over to St. John island. For those who want to be in the centre of the action, St. Thomas is the place to be. St. Croix on the other hand offers you a laid-back atmosphere with loads of charm.

Be sure you include your underwater camera as part of your essential travel tech items when packing. You won’t want to miss a chance to capture some of the most picturesque sites on offer. Let’s have a look at the Virgin Islands’ top snorkelling spots for your next vacation.

 

Buck Island, St. Croix

Buck Island is Virgin Island’s only underwater national monument. It is located a few miles off the island of St. Croix. You can get there by either private or public boat.

For first-time snorkelers, this island is perfect as it offers shallow waters great for beginners. Some of the sea life you’re guaranteed to spot here are elkhorn coral, and hundreds of different varieties of fish. Bird enthusiasts can watch out for the brown pelicans and other local and migratory species of birds.

Buck Island is home to hawksbill sea turtles which can safely nest on the island’s coral sand beaches. 

Other activities on the island include diving, hiking one of the scenic trails, or sunbathing on the amazing white sand beach.

 

Coki Point Beach, St. Thomas

Located on the north side of St. Thomas, Coki Point Beach is known for its spectacular all-year-round snorkelling. This is a popular beach with crowds sometimes turning it into a party spot. If you don’t mind the action then Coki Beach has much to offer.

There’s a dive centre where you can rent snorkelling gear and plenty of vendors renting out beach chairs and umbrellas. It’s an awesome location for families to enjoy. Other amenities include a restaurant, bar, and taxi stand.

The snorkelling here caters to all age groups with plenty of shallow reefs. You can spot parrotfish, crabs, and other vibrantly coloured tropical fish.

 

Cow and Calf Rocks, St. Thomas

Rent a boat in St. Thomas and head off to Cow and Calf Rocks on the south side of the island, for a day of adventure. Spot the 2 large rocks that break the water surface and give this dive site its famous name. These rocks are often mistaken by drunken sailors to look like 2 whales, a cow, and her calf.

These rocks feature caves, canyons, and tunnels which make it one of the most interesting locations to explore. The site is 40 feet deep and has brilliant visibility. Here you can spot lobsters, elkhorn coral, and eagle rays.

Cow Rock is one of the most famous dive sites on St. Thomas. It’s part of a nationally protected park, which allows for a rich variety of marine life. 

 

Watermelon Cay, St. John

Watermelon Cay can be found in Leinster Bay on the north shore of St. John. A mere 25-minute taxi drive from Cruz Bay will get you to your own piece of paradise. Its secluded location ensures that the beach is never too crowded.

You will need to take a mile-long trail to get to Watermelon, so you can stay in shape while traveling.

Watermelon Cay is home to large cushion sea stars, so mind where you step. These calm and clear waters are host to a wide range of fish including barracuda, angelfish, and trumpetfish. You may even spot a green sea turtle enjoying a meal on the seagrass beds.

It’s a good idea to bring along your water shoes as the beach is quite rocky and has a lot of sea urchins. 

 

Maho Bay Beach, St. John

The iconic coconut palm-fringed beach of Maho awaits travellers to this gorgeous destination. Located on the north shore of St. Johns, the turquoise waters of Maho are shallow and calm, perfect for snorkelling.

Here you can spot much diverse marine life depending on which side of the bay you snorkel. On the east side, you can find all types of coral and schools of fish. On the western shoreline, you can spot nurse sharks, mustard corals, and Damsel fish. 

There are beach rentals available across the road as well as a beach bar. Another point of interest located on the west ridge of the beach is the America Hill Great House Ruin. The 19th-century ruins can be reached via the Cinnamon Trail and is definitely worth the visit if you’re up for exploring. Not to mention the view from the top which is simply breath-taking.

Australia, Australia and the Pacific, Guest Post

Eight Things to Consider When Planning an Aussie Getaway

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Borders are finally opening around the country and around the world – and we can get back to doing what we love again: getting away on a holiday! A lot of us have been itching to go somewhere for two long years, and now is the best time to plan. But where should you go? How will you get there? How are you going to pay for it all? In this extensive blog post, we give you seven tips for planning your next holiday getaway.

Deciding where to go!

The first step in how to plan your next holiday getaway is deciding where you want to go. If you’re looking for an adventure in Australia, this means picking a general region – the Mid-North Coast of New South Wales, Far North Queensland, Barossa Valley in South Australia – and so on. Some regions in NSW are prime destinations for weekend escapes, as we’ve shown here. Think of a few regions you’d like to visit and add them to a short list.

 

Looking for off-beat destinations

If you’re looking for adventure (and we can bet our bottom dollars that you are), looking for off-beat destinations should also be on your list. You can set up a base in a larger city and use it for day trips or overnighters to some of Australia’s best camping spots such as Daintree National Park in Queensland or Barmah Lakes in Victoria. There’s heaps out there – you just have to do a bit of research!

Setting your budget

An extended holiday can cost a bit of money – especially if you’re planning to purchase a new recreational vehicle or caravan as an investment in future holidays. Even extended trips can be a real drain on your finances. You should set a budget that takes travel, accommodation, food, activities, and a bit of spending money into account. Need help setting your budget? Our friends at Trip In A Van has handbooks and cheatsheets you can buy here.

 

Get your finances sorted

To help you navigate the costs, you can take out a personal loan. One way to find out how much you can afford is to use a personal loan repayments calculator.

To use one, you need to know the amount you intend to borrow, the interest rate, and the loan term. This will give you an approximate repayment figure – usually monthly or fortnightly. You can use this to determine your overall budget.

One tip you should heed is to look for comparison rates during your loan search. Comparison rates are interest rates plus most major compulsory fees added in, shown as one percentage per annum (per year.) These rates will usually have the phrase “comparison rate” written somewhere underneath. Comparing “bare” interest rates with comparison rates isn’t “apples to apples” – so keep that in mind.

 

When is the best time to visit?

The next tip is researching when is the best time to visit your chosen destination. Will you freeze your buns off in Victoria’s High Country if you go around June? Or swelter in Nimituk during the wet season in the Northern Territory? Make sure you do a bit of research about the weather – though sacrificing a bit of comfort for cheaper travel or accommodation isn’t altogether a bad thing!

 

How are you getting there?

Unless you’ve already made your mind up about caravanning or taking an RV, you need to figure out how you’ll get there. Will you take a plane for most of the journey and hire a car or 4WD? Will you take a plane and have a car you own shipped there? Is taking a relaxing train to your destination an option? Make sure you figure out what’s within your budget and what’s most practical for your destination.

 

Caravan parks, powered sites, or off the grid?

The next thing you need to plan is accommodation. Where you’re going to stay is a crucial element to any holiday getaway. Are you going to hitch your caravan to a powered site? Will you just go camping most of the time? With so many options such as hotels and AirBnB or Stayz for homestays or lodging now available, planning ahead not only beats anyone else to the punch, but could net you a bit of a bargain. Some homestay hosts offer discounts for extended stays – so why not make the most of it?

 

Plan (or don’t plan) your activities

We know you love adventure – but you may want a bit of a relax too! That’s all fine – but remember to plan your activities in advance so you aren’t left wanting when you find out something’s full up, booked out – or worse – closed for the season. Though you might be wary of border closures and other hang ups (and we don’t blame you) make sure there’s refunds for cancellations just in case you aren’t able to make it for whatever reason. You can also take out travel insurance for domestic trips – for lost or stolen luggage, travel delays, and rental vehicle excess.

Your next holiday getaway need not go awry – a bit of foresight and planning can go a long way in making your next trip memorable, affordable, and fun!

Tanzania

How to get a Tanzanian eVisa

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eVisa Requirements for Tanzania—What You Need to Know

Over the years, I’ve become something of a Tanzania expert. Not only have I travelled there several times, but I’ve also called the country home on two separate occasions. On top of that, I sell dozens of safaris to Tanzania each and every year in my role as a safari expert.

Tanzania is unquestionably one of my favourite countries in the world, and I’ve expounded its virtues previously in my 17 Reasons to Visit Tanzania post.

But if you’ve already been convinced to visit, you’ll need to get your hands on a visa. The easiest way? Getting a Tanzanian eVisa.

Image Credit: Hendrik Cornelissen, Pexels

What is a Tanzanian eVisa

The Tanzania e-visa is a PDF-formatted electronic document as a part of Tanzania entry requirements. When it was launched in 2018, it was the most popular visa category for Tanzania and Zanzibar tourism. This is because of the reasonable fees and the straightforward application process that is completed online. Travelers will no longer need to bring their passports to the Tanzanian embassy or consulate because the eVisa is delivered to you virtually.

An eVisa also saves you the hassle of waiting in a long, sweaty line to get a visa on arrival. Never fun!

Tanzania accepts eVisa applications from over 150 different countries. In order to visit Tanzania and Zanzibar, the holder of this online eVisa must first be accepted by the Tanzanian government.

For most eligible citizens, a Tanzania tourist eVisa is issued as a single–entry visa for a stay up to 30 days, with a total validity of 90 days from the date of arrival.

Online multiple-entry Tanzania visas are only available to citizens of the United States, allowing for numerous 90-day stays throughout the course of every 180 days. As of the date of entry, the validity of the eVisa for US citizens is one year.

eVisa applications can be completed in a few minutes with only basic information. Upon completion, the applicant will receive an email including a link to download their approved online visa. After that, they must print a copy of the Approved Visa Grant Notice as well as the Visa Application Notification letter.

In order to enter Tanzania, travellers must produce these documents, along with a completed Tanzania Entry Arrival declaration form and the passport used to apply for the visa, to Tanzanian immigration officials at specific points of entry.

What are the Visa requirements for Tanzania?

The first step in applying for a Tanzania eVisa is to find out if you qualify for one.

The following is a list of the common requirements for a eVisa Tanzania:

  •       Completed and accurate application form
  •       a copy of your passport 
  •       A digital copy of the passport
  •       Proof of visa fee payment

Some other essential requirements to follow:

  •       Your passport is required to be valid for at least another six months when you arrive.
  •       Your passport has at least one blank page.
  •       You already have a return or transit flight ticket to another country.
  •       You already have at least one overnight address in Tanzania.
  •       You are landing in Tanzania at one of the airports listed below:
  1. Julius Nyerere International Airport (JNIA) in Dar es Salaam
  2. Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA) in Moshi/Arusha
  3. Mwanza International Airport (MWZ/HTMW) at Lake Victoria
  4. Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (NZN/AAKIA) in Zanzibar City (Stone Town)
  5. Namanga border crossing – at Kenya
  6. Tunduma border crossing – at Zambia

How can I apply for Tanzania eVisa?

First, open the digital application form and enter your travel plans, contact information, and passport information. You can also include other travellers in the form to submit a group application. After paying the fees, each traveller must submit a passport scan, a recent passport photo (max six months old, no teeth visible), and a flight ticket for the return or transit trip.

What to do in Tanzania?

Due to its many world-class wildlife sighting possibilities, Tanzania is recognized as an ideal safari destination. With a plethora of Africa’s best and largest parks and some of the most diverse and unusual scenery in the world, Tanzania is a safari enthusiast’s dream. Tanzania’s diverse landscapes, which include everything from grasslands to woods, rock formations to mountain peaks, make it an ideal destination for sightseeing and photography.

In addition, these diverse ecosystems provide optimal circumstances for one of the most vital parts of a fantastic safari—African wildlife.

A safari wouldn’t be complete without a glimpse of some of the “Big Five” or the opportunity to view some lesser-known but still intriguing species. In this respect, Tanzania has proven to be a pleasant surprise. With the Great Wildebeest Migration passing through Tanzania every year, the country is home to tens of millions of animals. Wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle endure the rushing Mara River, which is teeming with crocodiles, to make the voyage even more challenging.

However, the great migration isn’t the only thing worth seeing in Tanzania. Predators aren’t far away when there are herds of grazing animals. Lions, cheetahs, leopards, and hunting dogs are just some of the animals you’ll see in Tanzania.

Guest Post, India
A dog rests its head on Candolim Beach, Goa during the sunset

What Are the Best Beaches in Panaji, Goa?

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What Are the Best Beaches in Panaji, Goa?

Panaji is the capital of Goa, although it is also known as Panjim in the local dialect. It is the largest urban area of this coastal state and the administrative seat as well. Due to its beautiful beaches and vibrant nightlife, it is a hugely popular tourist destination not only amongst Indians, but with tourists from across the world. 

Tourists wanting to visit Panaji/Panjim can buy air tickets online from Go Air and they can also check Go Air flight status online from their mobiles.

While Panaji is home to plenty of tourist attractions, including the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, Goa Science Centre, Adil Shah’s Palace, Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church, Don Bosco Oratory, Mahalaxmi Temple, and Kala Academy, it is the beaches that bring people from across the world to Goa. With that in mind, we’ve highlighted a few of Panaji’s best beaches below. 

The Best Beaches in Panaji

Ozran Beach

An extension of Vagator Beach, Ozran Beach is located at a distance of 8 Km from Mapusa and 22 Km from Panjim.

The beach is perhaps best known for the sponge-like appearance of its rocky shore, with seawater rushing out of the pores of the rocks. Littered with palm trees and visually stunning, Ozran Beach is a popular picnic spot for local families and tourists alike. With many vendors set up along the beach selling food and beach essentials at cheap prices, it’s a lively spot and great for families.

Dona Paula Beach

Nicknamed “Lover’s Paradise”, Dona Paula Beach is named for the daughter of a Portuguese viceroy who fell in love with a local fisherman and ended her love when her father forbade their romance.

Located only 7km from Panjim, Dona Paula Beach is located at the point where the Mandovi River and Zuari River pour into the Arabian Sea, and boasts a beach that appears silver in the setting sun.

Many food joints and small shops selling local handicrafts are found along this beach.

miramar-beach-goa
Image Resource: unsplash.com

Miramar Beach

Formerly known as Gasper Dias Beach, Miramar Beach is located on an estuary of Mandovi River as it flows out into the Arabian sea close to Panaji city.

Since it is in the urban area, many local people flock here for morning or evening walks, as well as to practice fitness activities. This beach is also popular for birdwatching, as a variety of bird-life call the nearby estuary home. It is also a favourite sunset viewpoint of tourists.

Aguada Fort is located nearby as well, giving tourists an opportunity to view the statue of Late Dayanand Bandodkar, the first chief minister of independent Goa.

A dog rests its head on Candolim Beach, Goa during the sunset
Image Resource: unsplash.com

Candolim Beach

Counted among the longest beaches in Goa, Candolim Beach starts from the aforementioned Aguada Fort and runs to Chapora Beach. The nearby Candolim-Calangute Road is one of the busiest streets in this state, and is lined with shops, hotels, and restaurants. This beach is very popular among water sports lovers, who want to enjoy parasailing, water skiing, and banana boat riding.

People can also relax here, of course, and foodies can find a treasure trove of local cuisines in the numerous beach shacks found all along Candolim Beach.

The famous Goa nightlife is also very enjoyable on this beach, as people can go straight from the beach to enjoying the many bars, nightclubs, and restaurants in the area.

A kayak waits before the calm waters of Palolem Beachm, Goa
Image Resource: unsplash.com

Palolem Beach

Palolem Beach is in the Canacona  area of southern Goa, and is very popular among foreign tourists, who flock here during the winter months to admire the picturesque natural landscape of this place.

The northern end of this beach is perfect for swimmers, due to the calmer nature of the sea here. Tourists enjoy paragliding and they can ride kayaks, water scooters, and paddle boats as well. There are also plenty of cafes, restaurants, bars, nightclubs, tattoo studios, and shops along this beach where people can experience the vibrant nightlife of Goa.

Tourists can reach this Palolem Beach by bus or rental car, as it is within 1 – 2 hours of Panaji.

A sunset on Butterfly Beach, Goa
Image Resource: unsplash.com

Butterfly Beach

This beach is located to the north of Palolem Beach in South Goa. It is not a crowded beach and thus, it is the perfect place for those who prefer a serene environment. Its name is justified by the presence of numerous colourful butterflies flying all over this beach. It is also nicknamed Honeymoon Beach, as new couples wanting to spend quality time together can do so in this secluded place.

There is a dense forest adjacent to this beach where tourists can go trekking. Different marine creatures, like sea urchins, sea cucumbers, goldfish, and redfish, can be seen on the beach during the low tide of the sea.

Hansa Beach

Tourists can visit this beach in Marmagao, only 3 Km away from Vasco city in South Goa. This beautiful beach is kept spotlessly clean by the Indian Navy. Therefore, only naval staff and their families and friends are allowed to visit this beach. However, tourists may seek permission for visiting this place from the INS Hansa Naval Base, which is adjacent to the Naval Aviation Museum in Goa.

China, Shanghai

The Best Tourist Attractions in Shanghai

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The Best of Shanghai

When I was living in Nanjing, a weekend away in Shanghai was a rare treat.

“You headed to Shangers this weekend?” my mates would ask over beers at Talking 2.

“Oh yeah,” I’d reply over a glass of frothy Tiger or Tsingtao Gold, “I need a change of scene”.

While Nanjing is a modern city with plenty of amenities, there was just something special about a weekend away in Shanghai. Whether I was going clubbing with Byron & Hogg, over-indulging in delicious food with whoever I was dating at the time, or just taking my camera and doing some tourism – Shanghai was always a blast.

While it often gets compared to Beijing with its wealth of historic sites, there is still plenty to see and do while in Shanghai.

And, like many other major Chinese cities, Shanghai is part of the 72-hour visa on arrival program (although I wouldn’t advise using this with the current COVID restrictions). For a longer visit, you’ll need to make a Chinese visa application through a service like Visa Express.

Without further ado, here are a few of my favourite spots to visit when exploring Shanghai.

Seven Places to Visit in Shanghai

From its roots as little more than a small fishing village, Shanghai has fast developed into a cosmopolitan metropolis famed across the world for its fantastic shopping, dining, and night life.

Beyond the malls, restaurants, and bars, there is a wealth of things to be done in Shanghai.

The China Art Palace is a work of art in and of itself.

The China Art Museum

The China Art Museum is, for example, a work of art all of its own.  Its unusual shape evokes both China’s ancient heritage and modern art, and taking a photo in front of the museum is a favorite activity of many travelers. 

One of the most important collections of art in all of Asia, the China Art Palace has 27 exhibition halls home to a colossal collection of oil paintings, prints, sculptures, and examples of Chinese calligraphy. Visitors can expect to find not only a wealth of Chinese art, but also touring exhibitions from around the world.

With more than 1,400 works of art within the China Art Museum, you would need 5-hours to see them all, and that’s assuming you saw 4 every minute you were there!

Entrance to the museum is free, but booking at least 48-hours ahead of your visit is essential to ensure yourself of a place. The popular Riverside Scene at Qingming Festival in Exhibition Hall 5 does attract a 20 RMB entrance fee, however.

Propaganda Poster Art Centre

If you’re not a huge connoisseur of art (like myself), you might appreciate this smaller, more specific museum. Hidden in an otherwise unremarkable corner of Shanghai, the Propaganda Museum is chock full of fascinating examples of propaganda from China’s past.

Examples of anti-American sentiment, pro-Communist rhetoric, pro-Russian propaganda, and more can be seen in the dimly lit rooms of this house-sized museum. It’s absolutely fascinating.

shanghai natural history museum from above
A visit to the Shanghai Natural History Museum is a must if you’re traveling with kids.

Shanghai Natural History Museum

If you’re traveling with kids, the Shanghai Natural History Museum is a fantastic way to keep them entertained between all of the less stimulating cultural stuff. Having traveled around South Korea and China with my then nine-year-old brother, I know how hard it is to get kids excited about ancient sites and stuffy museums!

With everything from fossils dating back to the Mesozoic era to full size animatronic representations of dinosaurs to live insects to a truly impressive selection of taxidermy, the museum is a great activity on a rainy day, even if you aren’t traveling with kids.

My ex and I spent the better part of one rainy October day exploring its halls, and it’s well worth the time.

Jin Mao Tower Shanghai
Jin Mao Tower is Shanghai’s 3rd tallest building.

Jin Mao Tower

Jin Mao Tower is also one of the popular modern attractions in the city. One of the tallest skyscrapers in Shanghai and the 31st tallest building in the world, Jin Mao Tower is visible from all parts of the city.

While many simply stop by to photograph its distinctive architecture, those with a little more time on their hands can venture up to the 88th floor to wander amongst the clouds on the Jin Mao Tower Skywalk. You’ll pay around $60 USD for the privilege, but its an unparalleled view of the city.

Wander the Bund & The French Concession

Amidst the glittering skyscrapers and apartment buildings that dominate the Shanghai skyline, the French Concession and the Bund stand out as slices from a different time when Shanghai was occupied by foreign powers.

The upscale Bund is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike to walk along the river and photograph the distinctive European architecture, while a great many fantastic restaurants, bars, and hotels can be found for those willing to pay the premium.

For those on a tighter budget, the greener French Concession is no less charming. Packed full of quaint boutiques and trendy coffee shops, the French Concession is a popular spot with expats who want to feel like they’re in China while still having comforts from home.

Pearl Tower and Shanghai city skyline
The Pearl stands out as Shanghai’s most recognisable landmark.

Oriental Pearl Tower

The Oriental Pearl Tower is unquestionably Shanghai’s most recognisable building. It stands out in the skyline like something out of science fiction, making it one of the most photographed sites in not just Shanghai, but China.

Home to a radio and television broadcaster, the Pearl itself is not a place I’d recommend visiting up close, but it’s well worth trekking to find the perfect angle from which to photograph its War of the Worlds-esque architecture.

Yuyuan Gardens

For those looking for an escape from the hustle and bustle of a city of 25 million souls, Yuyuan Gardens is something of an oasis at the heart of the city.

(Although it’s still going to be crowded)

The Chinese tradition of carefully groomed gardens is world-renowned, and Yuyuan Garden is a fantastic example of the Ming Dynasty tradition. Divided into six sections (known as the Suzhou Style) the gardens are full of beautiful rockeries, gracefully curving bridges, meticulously trimmed hedges, tranquil ponds, and stately pavilions.

There is also a bustling market for those looking for a souvenir and a snack, with the popular ‘Zigzag Bridge’ located here as well.

I’ve visited Yuyuan Gardens several times now, even doing a tea ceremony with my ex-girlfriend there on her first day in the country. It’s a lovely spot.

People's Square and Shanghai skyline
People’s Square is a welcome splash of green in the bustling city.

People’s Square

People’s Square is another great place to get away from the noise of the city. Public spaces in China are a great glimpse into local culture, with everybody from children to their great grandparents gathering to play, read, socialize, practise Tai Chi, sing, and more.

Honestly, people watching in parks and squares in China is one of my favourite things to do in the world. Hell, if you’re lucky, you might even get invited to play a little 毽子 – Chinese hacky sack! 

There are also many restaurants and coffee shops in the area, offering both Western and Chinese cuisine.

Eat Xiao Long Bao

You can visit Shanghai without trying one of its famous soup dumplings. While Georgia’s kinkhali have since captured my heart, a good Shanghainese soup dumpling is a thing of beauty.

The most popular location to get one of these savoury delights is at the aforementioned Yuyuan Gardens, but you’ll be facing long lines and a steep price for the privilege.

Almost Landing has a fantastic article highlighting their favourite Xiao Long Bao spots in the city, so I’ll let them guide your tastebuds on this one!

There is so much to see and do in Shanghai, and while my favourite way to spend a weekend there was bar hopping and eating all of the things, I did my fair share of tourism when I lived in Nanjing from 2012 – 2016.

What are your favourite things to do in Shanghai?