Japan’s popular tourist destinations

June 29, 2018 by Leave a Comment

Japan is amongst the most famous islands that we know of across the continent of Asia. This island has a lot of places to visit given the beauty that resides within it. Japan is made up of shrines, palaces, national parks so on and so forth. Thus, the list goes on for the tourist attractions in all of Japan.

Not only this but Japan is made up of Skyscrapers especially when we speak of its capital city Tokyo. Not only this, Japan is one of those places in Asia wherein the culture that they follow has not become an impediment for their growth rather it is something that has allowed them to grow at a faster rate than ever before.

Now that you have become acquainted with the attractions that lie inside this beautiful nation, I am sure you would be more than excited to visit it. However, it becomes very difficult to sort which places to visit as tourists because you wouldn’t want to waste the time you had decided to spend on leisure for nothing. Thus, we have curated a list of places that you can visit when you take a trip to Japan. We assure you that these places would be interesting for everyone – even for people with differing tastes.

  1. Itsukushima-jinja (Hiroshima): This should be a place that you decide to visit while you are in Japan because of the beauty that lies within its view and there are shrine grounds around it. However, Its large torii gate lies on the shore which looks beyond amazing and when the tide is high – the gate appears to be floating and that increases the amount of intrigue within the viewer. Another reason to visit it is that it has been awarded the UNESCO World Heritage Site tag which clearly implies the fact that there must be something worth noting about this place.
  2. Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum (Hiroshima): Without forgetting the fact that Japan underwent a nuclear weapon attack back at the time of World War II, the nation has built two peace memorial in the places wherein the nuclear weapon was used. The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, located in Hiroshima, has been made to remember the victims of the atomic bomb as well as is aimed to preserve International Peace.
  3. Shinjuku Gyoen (Tokyo): Time to time we are in need of a place which can help us escape from the chaos that we are a part of in this busy world that we reside in. There is no way that you can deny this fact. Okay, so to escape from the chaos, the natives do not have to go too far from the busy city area that they reside in. The calmest place in the entire city with three different fashions of gardens. A must visit place.
  4. Kyoto: Kyoto as a city is one of the most amazing places that is located in Japan because of the serenity that it withholds within itself. The city has remained in this beautiful manner ever since the imperial times and has not been affected by the World War II. A number of tourists visit here just to enjoy its architecture as well as the nature filled streets.
  5. Robot Restaurant (Tokyo): Now that you have finally made up your mind in order to visit Japan, you might be in need of food. You know you would be catered by the Japanese cuisine which is something a lot of people cherish and savour. There is no trip that is complete unless you do not feed yourself. Thus, you can find yourself at the Robot Restaurant which is situated in Tokyo. The robots aren’t going to serve you with the food rather are going to entertain in their own little ways.
  6. Nara Park (Nara): This is a place that remains mandatory for all of you to visit. The park is home to the Todai-ji temple as well as a giant Buddha. The most pleasurable thing around this park is that it is also home to a number of deer which are going to walk around freely like the visitors themselves.
  7. Nakano (Tokyo): Nakano is amongst the most visited places in the vicinity of Tokyo because of the numerous things the tourists can do when they are at this place. You can visit the Broadway and the Sun Mall Street in front of it, for instance, which is a paradise for the people who are interested in comics, electronics and gadgets. You are going to fetch yourself amazing watch if you are a fan of watches because there are a number of shops that you can visit in order to do the same.
  8. Osaka Castle: During the 1500s, this fortress was amongst the most beautiful and important sites ever known to the Japanese. However, thereafter it has been destroyed and rebuilt several times – it still remains a reflection of its original self. This place remains one of the places to go-to while you are in Japan because of the intricacies which your eye would not want to miss while you are Japan.

Have a beautiful and fun-filled stay in Japan.

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Electronic Travel Authorization in USA and Canada

June 28, 2018 by Leave a Comment

Amid security concerns majorly relating to terrorism, the Canadian government formulated a project known as border security plan in 2011 to curb the menace. This development leads to the engineering of an effective method known as electronic travel authorization. The idea was first conceptualized and executed by the United States of America naming it Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).

In 2015 August the Canadian government fully enacted the Electronic Travel authorization program it a requirement before visiting the country either on business, tourism through air or sea. In both countries the document allows you to move freely in the country for a specified period. The application for visa USA and visa Canada can be completed online before the designated day of travel. The process is pretty straightforward, below is the overview of what applying for e-visa USA and Canada visa in both USA and Canada entail

Online application of visa

In the event, one seeks to travel to either the USA or Canada using the Canada ETA Travel, he/she has to first log into the device USA andevisa Canada websites to perform the application process. To complete the process one thing is paramount, and that’s a passport. The details required for the visa include passport number, date of issue and expiry, year of birth, a city of birth. Apart from that one is also necessary to state his employment status, marital status, and purpose of visit. Generally, personal information is of great interest.

This part is compassionate, and one should not avail wrong or crude details. Such attempts lead to automatic disqualification. In the case of the USA, one is qualified for application is if only he/she has a valid passport from countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program. Dual citizenship holders in Canada is an exemption from applying for evisa when entering the country. Some reasons are well stipulated and are used to determine whether one has an exception from using evisa document as a rite of passage into Canada. Immediately after filling the required form it’s submitted for processing. In the process of application, one must have a credit or debit card to pay for the service and also a valid email address for communication purpose once validation is over.

Validation period

In the event, an interested party submits the application he/she has to wait for some time before the request is approved. For instance, for the case of USA when one applies for evisa, the results come after 72 hours or less. The validation results depend solely depends on the track record of the individual applying for the evisa. A criminal record is a minus since and is intolerable. The individuals applying for evisa should have an ethical code of conduct. It is advisable to the evisa application early since some applications take long for review and a verdict on then paused. Regarding time made to be approved evisa is more efficient than the traditional visa application that would take months before one gets feedback of his/her fate. Upon approval, the journey can be made to your desired country. The individual will be required to produce the document when encountered with any difficulties. Temporally accommodation will be granted to the individual and a permit issued depending on the reason as to why he/she has traveled to the country. It could be for tour or visiting, education, work or any other issue.  

Exemptions

In the case of Canada, several considerations need to be made for one to be exempted from obtaining an ETA. The following exemption from obtaining Canadian evisa- members of the royal family household including the king, queen, and the extended royal family. Others include

  •    Canadian visa holders
  •    Diplomatic acceptance holders
  •    Flight crew members
  •    Members of the armed forces from a particular designated state
  •    Dual citizens and permanent residents of Canada
  •     USA citizens and nationals
  •    Citizens of France who reside in Saint Pierre and Miquelon and access Canada directly from this territory
  •    Inspection crew or cabin safety crew

Immediately after arriving in Canada the respective travel documents are scrutinized then stamped by the officials. The number of days one is permitted to stay in the country is a maximum total of 60 days, but one can apply for an extension 30 day before the expiry of the first e-visa document. Individuals making the trip to Canada must be in good health and also be able to convince immigration officials that they can take care of themselves during their stay.

Visa Waiver Program

A program initiated by the United States government. The arrangement allows citizens of individual countries to travel to the States for business, tourism or when in transit for up to 90 days. Counties certified to take part in this ordeal are regarded as highly developed states who meet the following conditions

  •    Safety and security related issue
  •    Travel document should uphold integrity meaning should not be faulty
  •    Human rights and humanitarian concerns
  •    Socio-economic conditions
  •    Immigration concerns
  •    Border management regarding systems put in place

The final situation is that anyone one willing to apply for the VWP must be a genuine citizen of the counties permitted by the USA secretary of homeland security. In total 38 counties are allowed to enter the United States of America under the VWP program. The countries include Australia, Netherlands, Chile, Lithuania, Belgium, Finland, Malta, Spain, Slovenia, Luxembourg and many others. However, visa waiver program in-permit able to individuals who had earlier traveled to Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somali, Sudan, Syria and Yemen after the year 2011 in November. One’s VWP can be terminated if one turns out to be a safety liability. Safety here takes into account the welfare of United States citizens, health and security of the as a whole country. Another factor is the history of previous violation of VWP program. A perfect case was that of Argentina in 2002.   In conclusion, the e-visa and Eta-Canada have been of great impact to many travelers around the countries as it is quick and efficient.

 

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5 Tips To Make Keto Diet Easy When Traveling

June 25, 2018 by Leave a Comment

Traveling while being on keto diet is prone to many problems like difficulty to maintain ketosis. This is because of the fact that people don’t have proper knowledge about what to do in order to stay in ketosis. This article focuses on letting you know some of the important yet simple tips that can make your travel easy and keto-friendly at the same time. So, without any further ado, let’s get started.

  • Pack some homemade keto friendly snacks: Keeping some homemade snacks along with you while you are traveling can help to make your travel experience a lot easier. You can pack some keto friendly snacks which you can munch whenever you feel like without having to worry about the problem of getting out of ketosis. At the same time, these snacks are helpful in avoiding packaged food. You can include pickles, olives, avocado, seeds and nuts according to whatever suits you the most. While packing these snacks, make sure to keep them in a manner that they don’t get spoiled so that you can consume them for a long time.
  • Take keto supplements along with you: Keto supplements can be easily packed and taken along, thus being perfect travel companions for your health. You can contact your dietician regarding the various supplements you can take while being on ketosis and take them accordingly. Before taking a keto supplement, getting an idea of consumer review is important and you can read this review from KetoVale.com. The major advantage of using these supplements is that you don’t have to worry about the shortage of nutritional intake required by the body. This is because these keto supplements are manufactured so as to provide the required nutrients
  • Keep yourself hydrated: Staying healthy while being on ketosis is highly dependent on the hydration level of the body. Travelling time is prone to dehydration problems, which is why you need to keep yourself hydrated during this time. Keep some fresh juices of fruits and vegetables while keeping in mind that they should be keto friendly ones. Keep the water bottle handy and make sure to drink sufficient amount of water at regular intervals. Another important thing to keep in mind is to avoid carbonated drinks while travelling and they can lead to dehydration issues.
  • Research grocery stores in your destination area: Before you reach the destination, it is suggested to make a list of the grocery stores that can help you stock your keto diet items. If you are staying in a hotel, contact the staff and see if your purchased items could be delivered before you arrive. By making the grocery shopping beforehand, you will be able to maintain the required stock during the days of your stay. This can help you avoid the trouble of not being able to maintain ketosis because of your travel extravaganza.

 

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Take the Kids on a Beach Getaway Without the Stress

June 22, 2018 by Leave a Comment

Summer is now officially in session and that only means one thing – time to head to the shore. If you and your family plan on heading to one of the US coasts to catch the waves, build sandcastles and explore the area, the season is perfect for it. If you’re going to survive the next few days at the beach with your kids, however, it’s probably important that you plan ahead. 

Here are some pointers to plan the perfect family getaway.

Choose a Kid-Friendly Destination

There are beaches all up and down the east and west coast. Each of them provides a different experience. There are some that are more laid back and simplistic with nothing more than the sand and the ocean while others are more family-oriented with boardwalks, rides, arcades, and other activities. The more you have to keep them busy, the less time they have to be bored. Another factor to consider when thinking about which beach you’ll be visiting is travel distance. Whether you’re going on a road trip or taking a plane, the longer the travel is the more agitated your children will become which could make for a miserable few hours.

Look for Homey Accommodations

Instead of opting for the hotel that may not have enough space for your active children or large family, you can look for something that feels more like home. If you were going to South Carolina, you might check out Hilton Head Rentals and get a 3 bedroom 2 bathroom vacation rental for the week. This would give everyone a place to rest, eat, use the restroom, and watch television or play games.

Pack Entertainment

When packing for your family beach vacation you should remember to pack some entertainment for the kids. You won’t spend all of your time outside and when you decide to go back to the rental for the evening, your kids may still be wired from the day’s events. Having backups like board games, gaming consoles, movies, and toys can keep them occupied and help keep the peace.

Check Out the Food

There’s nothing worse than going to a restaurant and your picky toddlers don’t like anything on the menu. Even if you intend to splurge on some of the finer cuisines, you should check nearby restaurants to make sure that there are food items that your children can enjoy. You can look for common favorites like burgers, pizza, and chicken fingers. Most restaurants have those options, but it’s good to check anyway.

Visit Popular Attractions During Off-Peak Hours

When you’re visiting the beach or other tourist attractions with your kids, crowds can really complicate things. Your children aren’t able to enjoy themselves as much. Not to mention sand being kicked up in your face every few minutes. If you want to feel as if you have the beach to yourself, head down to the shore before opening hours or after the lifeguards have left for the day. The same goes for tourist attractions. Going early in the morning or just a few hours before the place closes will result in fewer crowds and can sometimes save you money.

Don’t Forget Safety

The beach can be a lot of fun, but it can also turn dangerous fairly quickly. Make sure that you remember to practice safety while on vacation. Kids are known to run off and heaven forbid they get injured, stung, or swept away in the currents. A few things you can do to keep your kids safe on the beach is to pack a first aid kit. You can also have younger children wear lifejackets just in case they end up slipping into the water. Lastly, talk to your kids about the importance of staying together and where you can see them. Set boundaries and pay attention to the lifeguards for any warnings.

Heading to the beach with the kids can be a ton of fun if you plan it right. When traveling with small kids there’s so much you want to avoid, from temper tantrums and sibling rivalries to boredom or them getting hurt. The tips above can help to minimize a lot of these stresses so that you can enjoy your time at the shore with your family.

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Best Foods to Try on Your Scandinavia Trip

June 21, 2018 by Leave a Comment

Recently, Scandinavian cuisine has started gaining popularity quite rapidly and this can be easily explained by the unprecedented interest to the countries of the European North. Moreover, gourmets from all over the world are at times simply bored from the habitual restaurants of Italian or French cuisine and desire to taste something new. Despite their simplicity, Nordic foods are really diverse and won’t leave anyone indifferent. But how do you choose among the plethora of Scandinavian dishes and what are the must-tries you can’t miss during your Scandinavia trip?

 

Scandinavian basics

 

Scandinavian cuisine includes traditional recipes of Finland, Sweden, Norway and Denmark which all have a lot in common. The main principles that Scandinavians are fiercely proud of and obsessed about is eco-friendliness and a healthy lifestyle, that’s why the cuisine recognizes only fresh natural products. Thus it’s fair to say that the cuisine wouldn’t be Scandinavian, if environmental concerns weren’t the top priority. As a rule, the dishes are cooked from locally produced ingredients which reduce the carbon emissions of the region and meet the requirements of organic food with no pesticides and other chemical fertilizers.

 

The basis of Scandinavian cuisine consists of fish and various seafood as well as meats. What is more, the chefs actively use all possible gifts of nature: wild herbs, berries, vegetables, beans and mushrooms.

 

Lutefisk and other sea creatures

 

A notable place in the diet of the peoples of Scandinavia is occupied by fish and seafood. Fish is a basic product in a number of salads, first and second dishes, and even pies, so if you are a fish fan, Scandinavia will fully satisfy your gastronomic demands.

 

Swedes boast their local ‘surströmming’ which is a type of fermented Baltic Sea herring. Your trip to Norway or Denmark won’t be complete without savouring some smoked salmon, a popular Scandinavian delicacy. You also just can’t miss another Norwegian specialty, ‘fiskepudding’, made from fresh white fish and served with mushroom sauce, delicate and spongy fish pudding will be a perfect addition to any dinner.

 

When in Finland, try some of the tasty fish pies, ‘kalakukko’, especially common in the east of the country. Cooked of local small fish and baked inside a dark rye bread, this dish is made by the best traditions of the national Finnish cuisine.

 

For those who want to try something more zesty and extraordinary, Scandinavians invented ‘lutefisk’. It is a dried stockfish (normally cod or ling), brined in lye, then soaked and steamed until it flakes. Traditionally, ‘lutefisk’ is served with boiled potatoes or mashed green peas.

 

Meat delicacies

 

Considering the climatic conditions, Scandinavian food has to be substantial and nutritious. In regards to meat, Nordic countries have a wide range of options for meat lovers. Creative Swedes came up with the idea to mix meat with something non-conventional and the exotic mixture of flavours eventually turned into their hallmark national cuisine. Famous Swedish meatballs are served with gravy, boiled potatoes and… cranberry jam, which is, by the way, extremely delicious. While in Finland, you can also try juicy and tender cutlets ‘Kottbullar’, prepared from mutton, beef and veal.

 

Apart from the usual beef and pork, which are widely used in local recipes, Scandinavians have more in store to surprise you. If you’re adventurous enough, you are welcome to taste such rare meats as deer, elk, bear and horse.

 

The king of Scandinavian kitchen

 

Nowadays, sandwiches have become widespread and won the national love among Scandinavians. For instance, in Denmark, a sandwich is called “the king of the kitchen” due to its popularity and simplicity of cooking. There are up to 700 kinds of sandwiches, starting from a simple slice of bread smeared with butter and ending with multi-storey sophisticated sandwiches with the number of ingredients exceeding 10!

 

A Scandinavian sandwich, or ‘smørrebrød’, is a result of a creative approach and years of experiments. So once you start trying them, it’s important not to lose count. One of the most famous Danish sandwiches, ‘Hans Christian Andersen’s favorite open-faced sandwich’ is a perfect mix of several layers of bacon, tomatoes, liver pate and a white radish, separated by slices of bread. Other sandwich ingredients can include seafood, meats, lettuce, asparagus, eggs, different sauces and so on. Thus, all you need is to select some to your taste and arrange a substantial degustation in one of the cozy restaurants.

 

‘Fika’ time

 

Working Scandinavians, Swedes in particular, have a lovely ritual to have 10-15 minute breaks accompanied with pastries, cookies or pies during their workday. This tradition is called ‘fika’ and it’s starting to spread worldwide. But what are the best ‘fika’ choices?

 

The region’s variety of pastries is something you can definitely fall in love with. In Denmark and Norway, you won’t be able to resist the temptation to try ‘kransekake’. This Scandinavian cake takes the form of a steep-sloped cone with white icing and is hard to the touch, but soft and chewy.

 

Any Swedish ‘fika’ just can’t do without ‘lussekatt’, a traditional sweet bun flavoured with saffron and cinnamon. Another dessert, called ‘mazarin’, is a pastry with almond. In addition, Sweet teeth can also enjoy ‘semla’ or a plain bread bun, Danish ‘kringle’, and the small cylindrical pastry covered with green marzipan ‘punsch-roll’.

 

To sum up, Scandinavia is a true gastronomic paradise for those who want their food to be both healthy and delicious. That’s why while planning your journey to this magnificent region, put some restaurants in your travel list in order to not only enjoy the views, but the tastes as well.

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Underwater Adventures at the Downtown Houston Aquarium with CityPASS

June 14, 2018 by Leave a Comment

Home to over 200 species of aquatic life, the Downtown Houston Aquarium is an impressive & entertaining place to visit with the entire family. You can truly spend an entire day watching the adventures of your favorite sea creatures under 500,000 gallons of wonderment, dining within a full service restaurant and enjoying a variety of amusement rides to thrill kids of all ages. Grab your Houston CityPASS and save 49% off your visit to the aquarium and four other top attractions in the city at just $59 for adults and $49 for kids.



As you make your way through the Louisiana swamp you’ll spy gators, snapping turtles, crayfish, bullfrogs and more that will make you feel like you’re really exploring the bayou. Within the Shipwreck exhibit you’ll view a colorfully diverse array of coral, tangs, groupers and moray eels.

 

 Aside from the red bellied piranhas and venomous freshwater stingrays they featured in the Rain forest exhibit, we were all happily surprised by the handful of other inhabitants to view, like the emerald tree boa, vibrant birds and tree frogs.

If you’ve ever found yourself curious about the day to day travels of a shark, OCEARCH‘s global shark tracker enables scientists, explorers and even families at home to follow the tagged sharks in real time.

Discovering that the Downtown Houston aquarium has 4 majestic white tigers named Nero, Marina, Coral and Reef in the Maharajah’s Temple was an unexpected surprise. Coral had just awaken from a nap but we were told she’s normally quite the feisty firecracker. The state of the art exhibit is temperature regulated with multi-level areas for the tigers to climb, a large pool for water play and is one of 230 exhibits that have been accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).

Hands down, the stunning restaurant was definitely a feature of the Downtown Houston Aquarium that stood out to me.It felt like a scene from the Little Mermaid with twinkling fish shaped, light fixtures above us. While dining you can take in the mesmerizing views of the beautiful sea creatures swimming by, so why not take a few pictures with family and friends.The sting rays and eels were not shy for the camera at all so snapping pics are a great way to pass the time before your meals arrive.

I’m all for trying new things, so feeding the sting rays at the reef was a must do! Now please keep in mind that this experience is not included with your CityPASS but it’s totally still worth the additional $5.99 for the value pass which includes the entry and the food. If you’ve never done this before it’s really fun, I didn’t realize their mouths were beneath them and when you place your hand below to feed them it’s pretty interesting how they suck up the tiny fish like a vacuum. If they aren’t too grossed out by the idea, kids will get such a kick out of this.

 

Afterwards we headed back outdoors to check out their 5 amusement park rides. Guests can ride aboard the C.P Huntington train through the Shark Voyage a 200,000 gallon tank filled with a variety of sharks that you can get up close and personal with from every angle. If you’re a fan of being up in the air then take a spin 100 ft. up in the Diving Bell Ferris Wheel or drop 65 feet from the Lighthouse Dive all while catching spectacular views of Downtown Houston. Visitors will also have a good time riding on the back of a dolphin or alligator of the Aquatic Carousel or bounce around on the Frog Hopper. Additional pricing ranges from $3.99 to $5.99 per ride.

Spending the day at the Downtown Houston Aquarium is guaranteed to be a good time for all and with your Houston CityPASS you’ll get the most bang for your buck! 
What would you want to check out first?
 
Downtown Houston Aquarium // 410 Bagby St @ Memorial Dr. Houston, TX 77002
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Take Volunteering to a Whole New Level with VolunteerWorld.com

June 11, 2018 by Leave a Comment

Whether you are a philanthropist, an adventurer or simply a vacation seeking wanderluster, eager to explore the world and make your travels more meaningful, volunteering abroad is the best solution to make your journey most impactful.

Volunteering ignites a self-satisfying spirit of putting your one cent in a cause greater than oneself, while also dishing out a bonus ride in exploring new cultures, communities and ecosystems.

VolunteerWorld.com is the largest volunteer abroad comparison platform worldwide. We know saving the world from the evil forces of social and political injustice and utter ignorance of one’s environment can be quite intimidating, so here are the best 5 countries to volunteer in 2018 to help you spark some inspiration.

South Africa

South Africa is the most economically and commercially developed countries of Africa that offers a variety of beautiful natural landscapes and interaction with a number of ethnic communities with histories worth learning. Even with much advancement, it struggles with the dilemmas of HIV/AIDS, wildlife preservation and underprivileged communities.

Volunteer abroad in South Africa to conserve endangered species by signing up for wildlife sanctuary programs or help cater children in orphanage care, or programs regarding teaching, health care and sports.

India

Home to a blend of indigenous languages, religions and cultures, India provides a refreshing culture shock you don’t want to miss. An extensive history stored in its impressive architecture and diversity engraved in its ecosystem, it is one of the best places to travel and volunteer abroad.

With its economy constantly upgrading and society evolving, combating poverty, illiteracy and social taboos has created volunteering opportunities left and right.

Choose from a variety of programs relating orphanage work, healthcare programs, teaching and women empowerment.

Australia

Australia is a sunny beautiful nation with a number attractions that can never bore you. From the diving paradise of the Great Barrier Reef to the diverse landscapes in the Outback and the bustling cities of Sydney and Melbourne, various volunteering opportunities awaits outdoor travel enthusiasts in this country.

Find programs at VolunteerWorld regarding environment, wildlife and sea life conservation or explore projects for community development as well.

Thailand

One of the most popular, aesthetic and economical places to travel and volunteer in SouthEast Asia is Thailand. Famous for its cheap eats and exotic tropical beaches, ancient temples, palaces and ruins, this country open opportunities to a wide variety of activities.

Volunteer abroad in Thailand to help the victims of human trafficking, rescue elephants to wildlife sanctuaries or work in projects regarding child development, nursing and medical.

Peru

Peru is renown for the citadel of Machu Picchu, one of the 7 wonders of the world. Home to a large indigenous population who suffered from centuries long oppression, Peru is now building up by a number of social reform volunteer programs.

Opportunities awaits in the Land of Incas for people willing to work for community development, education and health care in underserved rural communities.

If you have the resilient adventurous spirit to hike up the Andes Mountain or surf  beaches or volunteer in the Amazon for environmental conservation then the variety alone makes Peru the best place to volunteer abroad.

These are just 5 countries out of 195 countries of the world with people, animals and nature struggling to set its course straight, but no worries, as Shams of Tabriz sums it beautifully, East, west, south, or north makes little difference. No matter what your destination, just be sure to make every journey a journey within. If you travel within, you’ll travel the whole wide world and beyond.

Explore VoluteerWorld.com and find the best package of exotic tourism and exciting volunteer package that matches your dream and passion for This year now.

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Taste Of Houston Food Tour: 4 Must Try Montrose Restaurants

June 11, 2018 by 1 Comment
Ranked as one of America’s top three most ethnically diverse cities, Houston is well known for its variety of award winning culinary experiences. On a recent trip to Houston, courtesy of CityPASS & Visit Houston I had the chance to experience the array of restaurants and multi-cultural dishes that make the city a must visit destination. Just make sure you bring your appetite and walking shoes to work off all those good eats because there’s no shortage of places to dine at in between checking out the family friendly sites like the Houston Zoo, Space Center or the museum district with your CityPASS in hand.

 

Staying downtown at the Marriott Marquis Houston was the perfect location because everywhere we ventured off to eat was either in walking distance, or no more than a twenty to thirty minute drive away. After unpacking and taking in the view of the hotel’s larger than life, Texas shaped lazy river, our group headed out on a Taste of Houston Tour through the neighborhood of Montrose with our knowledgeable guide Lisa. When visiting a city for the first time, I’d highly recommend signing up for a food tour like this because not only were we able to try out some of the most popular  and innovative dishes, we learned a lot about the history and culture of the city over the years.

Montrose reminded me in many ways of hanging out in New York City, with a mix of flavorful places to eat & drink, shops, art galleries and more – there’s something to do that will appeal to everyone your traveling with.

 
Did you know that Tex-Orleans cuisine was a thing? I had no idea until we made our first stop at BB’s Cajun Cafe, where menu offerings include: crawfish, boudin balls, gumbo and 15 varieties of Po’boys. Inspired by his grandmother {Maw Maw}, Brooks Bassler founded BB’s in 2007 and a unique blend of Southern Louisiana style cooking fused with a Texas twist was created. If you’re planning to try the Crawfish, don’t let those juicy little suckers intimidate you! Tie on a bib, slap on some gloves {if you really want to avoid getting those sauces and spices all over} and prepare to dig in. Also note that the only dessert on the menu is Maw-Maw’s bread pudding and trust me, that’s ok. It’s light, sweet, addictive and you may not want to share.
 

 

If you’re looking for an eatery with an authentic Tex-Mex menu and a vintage feel, then the El Real Tex-Mex Cafe is this perfect place to dine out at. With a towering Marquee to welcome guests, it was pretty cool to see how they revamped this 1930’s theater into a family friendly restaurant that showcases old school movies. It’s such a charming space with vibrant & colorful walls, strung lights, and displayed old menus, photographs & paraphernalia that take patrons on a trip down memory lane.
 

I may never look at a crunchy shell taco the same after trying out their perfectly fried puffy tacos for the first time. If you’ve never had one, believe me you’ve been missing out! The three cheese enchiladas were delicious, the chili con carne sauce was so dang flavorful I was pretty tempted to lick my plate clean!
 

 

 

 
Traditional Mexican food is taken up a notch at Hugo’s where you’ll indulge in such refined cuisine {all made from scratch} you could only expect from Hugo Ortega, former dishwasher – now a 2017 James Beard award winning chef. Housed in a beautifully restored, Latin inspired building that’s reminiscent of old Mexico, guests can indulge in ceviche, made from the freshest seafood brought straight from the docks daily and the most decadent desserts. We literally swooned when the Churros Rellenos con Dulce de Leche, Mexican hot chocolate and house-made chocolate ice cream made it’s way to our tables. You’ll be happy you stopped by any day of the week but If you’re visiting on the weekend, their infamous Sunday Brunch is highly recommended. 

 

 

 

Hanging in central Houston instantly got way cooler once Goodnight Charlie’s opened. With honky tonk partying and wine on tap, this venue that pays homage to legendary cattle rancher Charles Goodnight, makes for a fun way to end the night or kick off any weekend! We were all stuffed after our earlier tour visits but sipped on cocktails while taking in the breeze while swaying on their outdoor swings with clever holders for drinks. With live performances Thursday – Saturday of Zydeco, Bluegrass and country music and tortillas made in house you’ll enjoy hanging here because of it’s laid back atmosphere that resonates with the true spirit of Texas.
 
Make sure to sign up for the Taste of Houston Food Tour hosted by Food Tour Corp if ever in Houston because it provides such a great look into Texas’s 4th largest cities rich history and culture while experiencing their evolving culinary scene. 

 

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