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If you’re trying to be a more informed traveler, you probably have heard of eco or sustainable travel. However, the secret to being a more conscientious and sustainable tourist isn’t an easy, “one-size fits” solution. There is a lot of varying information floating around the internet about ecotourism. This could lead the average traveler to get discouraged about their options. Maybe you’re wondering how you can truly make a difference without breaking the bank on a ritzy “Eco Resort”? As a full-time traveler, budget tourist, and sustainability expert I feel you. Even though I have a degree in Sustainability and minored in Tourism Studies, I know just how overwhelming this amalgamation of information can be. That’s why I’m going to lay an easy solution right at your feet. Literally! I love the idea of Walkable Cities as a tourism destination for environmentally-minded tourists from all walks of life (see what I did there?). Guest Blogger: Brittany Merriman, Bon Voyage Brittany Disclosure: Our site contains Affiliate Links. Clicking an Affiliate Link and purchasing something we recommend, won't cost you anything extra - it probably will save you some bucks. It will though give us a small commission which will help this site remain a free resource for travelers to explore our world together. Why Choose a Walkable City? Pick a Reason! In terms of Urban Planning, cities that are easily walkable have a myriad of benefits. Walkable cities encourage residents to live healthier, more active lives. This understandably leads to happier citizens who tend to be longer-lived. Pretty obviously, a city is defined as “walkable” if it encourages residents to walk or ride bikes rather than drive to their destinations. How an urban planning department can achieve this might not be as obvious. One way cities achieve this is by planting trees and creating more green spaces (think: parks). Studies have shown that even looking at trees can improve our mental and physical health. That means that Walkable Cities are naturally placed tourists (and residents!) will find more relaxing, more beautiful, and easier to breathe in. Additionally, a “Walkable” city utilizes public transportation and/or bike lanes in clever, holistic ways. If large areas of a city are not easily accessible via public transportation or sidewalks tourists and residents will find it more difficult to explore. Tourism dollars will be stuck in one part of a community, instead of permeating throughout the area. This will naturally lead to some neighborhoods being more “run down” than others. The most obvious benefit to Walkable Cities, however, is the ability to budget your travel expenses. How much money did you spend on your last vacation other than renting a car or paying for an Uber? In cities where biking, public transport, and walking are the norm, tourists can feel safer saving their money and exploring the cheap way: by foot. Imagine visiting a new place and being able to enjoy the sights, tastes, and activities that the city has to offer without having to drive 40 minutes to each new destination. Imagine strolling from your hotel or Airbnb to a city park, museum, or eatery. Imagine saving hundreds of dollars on a car rental, and using that money to learn a new activity or experience a new cultural attraction. Sounds romantic and inspiring, right? For those who cannot, or do not want to walk, these cities still have you covered! Not only are Walkable Cities easier to traverse on foot, but they tend to have great public transportation and ADA-accessible sidewalks throughout the city. This means that you don’t have to wear down the soles of your shoes just to avoid taking a cab. Top 3 Walkable Cities in the USA for Eco-friendly Sightseeing Cities with a “Walkability Score” of over 70 are considered “very walkable”. That is, most errands can be accomplished on foot. The closer the cities score to 100, the more walkable the city is considered to be here are the Top 3 most walkable cities in the USA. Solo pianist in Central Park in Manhattan, New York 1. Eco-friendly New York City Walks Rated the “Most Walkable” city in America, New York shouldn’t be a surprise. It is not uncommon for Big Apple youths to never bother to even get a driver's license. There is a reason for that: almost everything in New York can be accomplished on foot. Although many places in New York are walkable, neighborhoods like Little Italy, Bowery, and the Flatiron District have walk scores of 100. The highest possible. While in NYC, why not take a walking food tour and explore the city's famous foods on foot (and by mouth)? Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge and get an iconic shot of the skyline. Take a Manhattan street art tour, and stroll through The High Line Park - the opportunities here are honestly endless! Explore New York (Affiliate Link from CJ) Hillwalking in San Francisco, USA will reward you with amazing San Fran city views - and it's good for your health and the environment too! 2. San Francisco Eco-friendly Activities and Walking Tours San Francisco trails behind New York City by only a point, making this city incredibly walkable overall. Visitors to SanFran’s Chinatown and Tenderloin districts will find walking easy to accomplish, with each district having a score of 100. The Downtown Union Square district follows at a close third with a score of 99. Fun suggestions for tourists include making your way around China Town to sample authentic cuisine. Stroll down Jackson Street for a taste of quaint, old-world charm. Get your beatnik fix on Columbus Avenue or hike up the stairs at Lombard Street aka “Crookedest Street in the World”. Get the most out of your San Francisco Walk (Affiliate Link from CJ) 3. Eco-friendly Neighbourhood Walking in Boston, Massachusetts Boston is home to not only Harvard and MIT, but also a plethora of history. Visitors to this bustling city will be impressed with its walkable neighborhoods. Unlike NYC and San Francisco, the neighborhood in Boston has a perfect walkability score. However, several neighborhoods score in the high 90s, making Boston still easily traversable without wheels. Visitors wanting an eco-friendly walking experience should check out Beacon Hill, North End, and Bay Village for an on-foot experience. Adventurers on foot will be delighted with Bostons Beacon Hill and North End Districts. Take to Boston's oldest commercial center, Maverick Square, or go a bit more modern at Downtown Crossing. Of course, history buffs of all ages won’t be disappointed in any Boston neighborhood. Author and Guest Blogger Brittany Merriman of Bon Voyage Brittany is a globetrotting sustainability nerd eager to bring the joys of living an ethical and eco-friendly lifestyle to women everywhere. She has been a full-time nomadic adventurer for over four years. Her hobbies include long walks up mountain slopes, longer ski runs down mountain slopes, and drinking wine pretty much anywhere. Visit Bon Voyage Brittany and follow her on Instagram.

On the shores of the Pacific Ocean, surrounded by mountains, Vancouver has the perfect balance of nature and a modern city. Along with its unparalleled nature and ethnically diverse population, it is a paradise for nature and wellness. Guest Blogger: Suk & Sangy, Urge to XPLORE Disclosure: Our site contains Affiliate Links. As Amazon Associate, we also earn from qualifying purchases. Clicking an Affiliate Link and purchasing something we recommend, won't cost you anything extra - it probably will save you some bucks. It will though give us a small commission which will help this site remain a free resource for travelers to explore our world together. On the shores of the Pacific Ocean, surrounded by mountains, Vancouver has the perfect balance of nature and modern city. Along with its unparalleled nature and ethnically diverse population, it is a paradise for nature and wellness. The forests, oceans, and rivers make it one of the best destinations for hiking, swimming, and surfing in North America. Its unique skyline of high-rise buildings against the backdrop of gorgeous mountains, parks, public spaces, and sustainable public transit systems are the reason why it consistently ranks as one of the most livable cities worldwide. Vancouver was the cynosure of all eyes when it hosted the 2010 Winter Olympics. Start your day early at the downtown waterfront to see the Olympic Cauldron where the flame was lit during the games. There is a boardwalk along the waterfront offering breathtaking views of the mountains across the harbor. Along with cafes and restaurants, there is a seaplane airport as well. Walk to Canada Place – an iconic landmark along with the cruise terminal. Home to the Vancouver Convention Center and the World Trade Center, there is Flyover Canada – a Virtual Flight Simulator hovering over some of Canada’s most spectacular sights coast to coast. Most tours in Vancouver originate from the downtown waterfront. You can take a tour bus from here to visit two of Vancouver’s most popular attractions – Grouse Mountain and Capilano Suspension Bridge. The Grouse Mountain also called the Peak of Vancouver is one of the mountain peaks of the North Shore mountains of the Pacific Ranges. At its peaks it is the site of an Alpine Ski Resort with many activities like lumberjack shows, Eco walks, Paragliding, Ziplines, Theatre, and features a refuge for Grizzly Bears. There are several dining options and a chalet as well. To get to the top, hop on to the Skyride – an aerial tramway system that takes visitors to the Alpine Station situated right next to a chalet in just 8 minutes. It's worth taking the ride up dangling above the Douglas firs that blanket the mountains, for the sweeping views of the cityscape below, the surrounding peaks, the Pacific Ocean, the inlets, the bays, and the nearby islands. There are chair lifts that take you to The Cut a slope with the most famous vantage point of Vancouver. To even get higher take the elevator to the viewPOD at the Eye of the Wind – a large wind turbine with a suspended viewing deck right below the hub of its massive blades. Needless to mention the views from there are jaw-dropping. The next stop is at the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park – the center of attraction here is a swinging suspension bridge over the Capilano River in a stunning location. It is a thrilling experience to cross this 137 m long bridge at a height of 70 m. On the other side of the bridge is the Treetops adventure which is a series of suspended walkways attached to the old trees that take you to the mid-level of the rainforests. There are guided walking tours that introduce you to the west coast ecosystem, the flora and fauna, and the history of the area. Not for the faint-hearted, there is also the Cliffwalk - a granite precipice along the River on a series of narrow cantilevered bridges, stairs, and platforms through rainforest vegetation. Head to the beautiful Stanley Park – right next to the downtown which is one of the world's largest urban parks. A heavily forested 1000 -acre park, that is home to over half a million trees that are over 100 years old and 300 feet high. Inside the park is the Vancouver Aquarium with much marine wildlife from the surrounding areas and from across the globe including sea lions, otters, and penguins. This huge park has the longest uninterrupted seafront walkway offering sweeping views of pristine nature. The recreational walkway snakes around the Sea Wall surrounded by the English Bay and the Burrard Inlet. At Brockton Point, there is a collection of nine Totem Poles that commemorates the history and the culture of the indigenous people of the land. At the other end park is the Lions Gate Bridge which connects the downtown to the Northern and Western parts. Just next to the city center is Vancouver’s historic neighborhood of Gastown. It is a vibrant and trendy neighborhood with shopping, dining, cobbled streets, and beautifully restored old buildings. This is also where you will find the famous Steam Clock - one of the few working steam clocks in the world. The clock shoots steam from its five whistles and it gives off a toot from each whistle every half an hour. Not far from the Steam Clock is Chinatown. Vancouver has one of the largest Chinese diasporas in North America. It is said you get some of the best Chinese food here on the continent and certainly in Canada. There are many restaurants here that also serve other East Asian cuisines as well. Apart from the food, there are plenty of shops selling souvenirs and crafts made by the diaspora. Right on the edge of Chinatown is Dr. Sun Yet-Sen Chinese Garden. An oasis of tranquility, this garden uses rare trees and rocks, and the principles of balance and harmony. You can learn the symbolism behind the placement of each plant, rock, and path. To get a 360-degree view of Metro Vancouver and beyond take the glass elevator to the Lookout – the UFO-shaped observation deck which is the distinctive feature of the downtown skyline. Another sight of interest in Vancouver is the Science World with a geodesic dome featuring interactive exhibits, displays, and a 3D cinema theatre. In suburban Vancouver, the main attractions are the Queen Elizabeth Park that houses a conservatory, the VanDusen Botanical Gardens which is close by, and of course the Sea to Sky Gondola in Squamish. Vancouver is known for its wellness inspired by the nature that surrounds it. Take the little Aquabus and go to Granville Islands to spend an afternoon. Just over the bridge from the city center, it is a peninsula rather than an island and home to a vast public market that has just about anything you could want, fresh produce, cheeses, butcher shops, fresh baked goods, fresh seafood, and wine. It has a thriving artist’s community that sells handmade products and a famous brewery. The market’s food court is filled with delicious local eats and treats. Its location next to False Creek makes it a picturesque spot. Being on the shores of the Pacific Ocean, Vancouver has many beaches to choose from. English Bay is also called Sunset Beach. It's famous with the locals for viewing sunsets and it is also home to the Polar Bear Swim that attracts swimmers from the world over who take the plunge in the icy water during winter. The one other popular beach is the Kitsilano Beach or the Kits beach as the locals call it. Sunset views are also amazing from here. There is volleyball and the Kits Pool – the only saltwater pool in Vancouver and the longest one in the world. Best Place to Stay Yaletown, Gastown, and Granville Street are in the downtown core and are good neighborhoods to stay if you want to explore everything that Metro Vancouver has to offer. Not only you will be near to most of the attractions, but you will also have plenty of options for food and dining be it Pubs, Bars, Cafes or Restaurants. Most of the chain and luxury hotels are located in the Coal Harbor / Waterfront area and these are expensive. For nature and adventures lovers, North Vancouver will work best being closer to the mountains and hiking trails. West-end along the English Bay is best suited for people looking for outdoor activities like sailing and kayaking. Transportation Most of the attractions in Metro Vancouver are covered by Transit. TransLink is the regional transportation authority that operates the public transit system made up of a network of buses, the SkyTrain, Ferries, and the Sea Bus, as well as a commuter train service. You can buy day passes or a Compass Card which is accepted in all transits. Best Time to visit Vancouver is an all-season destination. Summer months June to August are best with plenty of sunshine. It's warmer but also the peak season. March – April is good with milder weather and busy because of Spring and Cherry Blossoms. September till mid of October are best if you want to see the fall colors, however, the weather can be a bit unpredictable with bouts of rain. Winters are milder in Vancouver compared to the rest of Canada, so December to February are the best if you are looking for skiing and winter sports. Recommended Itinerary A 3-day itinerary is a must; the 4th day will give will enough time to see attractions outside of Metro Vancouver. It is the gateway to many attractions like the Ski resort town of Whistler, the wine region of Okanagan Valley, the Vancouver Islands, or the Rocky Mountains. Many of the cruise lines to Alaska originate from Vancouver. So, even two weeks can also fall short if you want to cover most parts of this beautiful region. Guest Bloggers Suk & Sangy are a couple living in Toronto Canada with a nomadic soul. They have been traveling the world together for many years now and have been to many places across 5 continents. As the pandemic put a restriction on their travel plans, they decided to spend their time sharing their past travel experiences through their blog – Urge to XPLORE. Also, follow them on their Instagram!

Originally posted in our Collab Blog Post #Staycation: Responsible and Safe Travels during a Pandemic; this contribution from Cait Kontalis still is inspiring finding things to do during a Pandemic with safe travels and nearby destinations to visit. Guest Blogger: Cait Kontalis, USA Disclosure: Our site contains Affiliate Links. As an Amazon Associate, we also earn from qualifying purchases. Clicking an Affiliate Link and purchasing something we recommend, won't cost you anything extra - it probably will save you some bucks. It will though give us a small commission which will help this site remaining a free resource for travelers to explore our world together. Sitting at O’Hare International Airport in Chicago, one of the world busiest airports, just 40 minutes before boarding, and the rows of empty chairs are an unusual sight. They seem to serve as grave markers of souls once continent-hopping. I love to sit in airports. Time standstills here. Everyone is a stranger, but today you share the same mission of air travel.' The “benefits” of flying during COVID-19 is that hardly anyone is. Security takes minutes if not seconds. Lines for lunch couldn’t be shorter. The chance to have no one sitting next to you on the flight is high. Yet something is missing. The excitement of our interconnected world has slowed. As restrictions have eased in Chicago, a fake sense of normalcy has popped up in our day-to-day lives. Patio seating, bars are open, people gathering at the park. The airport doesn’t lie like that though. The adrenaline and nervous sweats of making your flight are but a memory, and fighting for a seat at your crowded gate is a thing of the past. Sitting at the airport now feels like sitting in a hospital. Beeps and buzzes you don’t recognize are no longer background noise but your source of entertainment. Conversations are muted, and everyone takes precautions to make sure six seats away is enough. You can’t escape COVID-19 in an airport because our world is trapped in an airport. Photo Credit: Nate Benz 5 Free Things to Do in Chicago We can all search for “free things to do in Chicago” and get the Lincoln Park Zoo, Garfield Park Conservatory, etc. Here I highlight some smaller gems, beloved by locals on a typical day! Chess Pavilion The Chess Pavilion is a hidden gem in Old Town. Located near North Avenue beach, this concrete pavilion overlooks Lake Michigan and a jaw-dropping view of the skyline. Come bring a chessboard, and sit with a leg on each side of these great cement blocks, with a black and whiteboard in-between. You’ll likely encounter some chess pros who will invite themselves to the bleachers of your game. Oz Park Oz Park brings the magic of The Wizard of Oz to Chicago. Complete with a Yellowbrick road, statues of the characters, and an “Emerald Garden”, this delightful park is a great place to pack a lunch, enjoy a Chicago summer, and reminisce on some childhood memories. Hollywood Beach Located in Chicago’s Northside Edgewater neighborhood, this beach stands out for its cleanliness. Away from the tourists, you feel like you’ve left the city for a bit and you’re on the coast. Filled with great views and beach shacks for snacks, Hollywood Beach is a great weekend “getaway” from the hustle and bustle of the concrete jungle. Also known as Osterman Beach Walk The 606 Trail This 2.7-mile elevated trail once was the Bloomingdale train lane and has since been converted to a haven for runners, walkers, bicyclists, and art admirers alike. Stroll this east-west trail on Chicago’s northwest side while enjoying art installations, local views of the city, and truly getting to “be with the locals”. Take A Brewery Tour Chicago is home to some of the best brews around. Many breweries offer free tours that come with a tasting at the end. My personal favorite is Lagunitas. Walk through their trippy Charlie and The Chocolate Factory-esque entrance, and see beers swinging past you on conveyor belts. It’s truly a grown-up candy factory. Find Cheap Accommodation in Chicago Malibu Beach L.A. Area Short Day Trip: Malibu Those dreamy beaches and Malibu vibes we all hear about in songs couldn’t be more true. We drove just north of Point Dume and found the empty beach pictured above. Can you believe this photo was taken in January? We had the most amazing day away from the crowds, swimming in the Pacific, enjoying hummus and some good beer. While the smooth, golden beaches of Santa Monica and Huntington are wonderful — the drive to find a beach off the beaten path was 100% worth it. This day still stands as one of my favorite beach days ever. Drive time from L.A. City Center to Malibu: approx. 1 hour L.A. Area Short Day Trip: The Getty Center We saw Diane Keaton here! That sentence alone should be enough to check out this place. If it's good enough for Diane — then it's good enough for you! And if you don’t know who Diane Keaton is…go educate yourself immediately with Annie Hall. This incredible garden and art center floats above Los Angeles, with stunning sunset views. Even if you “aren’t an art person”, you can’t help but let your jaw drop for an open-mouthed “wow” while strolling around the grounds. Since it's larger and slightly less touristy than the Observatory, I’d recommend making a half-day trip out of the Getty Center. You may even have a celebrity sighting! Drive time from L.A. City Center to The Getty Center: approx 25 min Find Cheap Accommodation in Los Angeles Joshua Tree National Park A brief day trip from Los Angeles, Joshua Tree is a boulderer's paradise. Gigantic boulders surround Joshua Tree-filled paths and seem to be a grown-up's playground. Climb from rock to rock, or stroll on accessible boardwalks. Whatever you choose, the raw Californian nature is a must-see when in L.A. or Palm Springs. Joshua Tree National Park is a great day trip for all sorts of people. If you’re someone who likes to simply drive around, the views are awesome. If you like to get out and go on a leisurely stroll, there are plenty of boardwalk trails available. If you’re like me and my pals, you can easily “off-road” to some back-country trails and climb all over some boulders! Joshua Tree in many ways is like a giant playground for grown-ups. Lots to play with, lots to look at, and many places to avoid the crowds! If you are able, try camping here, There are some nice campsites — and the stars and moon views are out of this world. You’ll be reminded of just how small you are when you stand in Joshua Tree. Drive time from L.A. City Center to Joshua Tree National Park: approx 2.5 hours Jenny Lake at Grand Teton National Park And while we already talk about the Western U.S. National Parks, here's an additional 4 you definitely should visit, and perfect destinations for your #staycation! Grand Teton, WY Often overlooked by its Yellowstone cousin to the north, Grand Tetons should not be missed. Although smaller than Yellowstone, its lands are packed with wildlife and rugged western mountains. Grab your backpack (and plenty of water) and head up to Cascade Canyon, past Inspiration Point, and you will likely see moose, bear, deer, and other wildlife. Arches, UT Natures Utah Utopia, Arches, is like walking in daydreams of the Wild West. Incredible colors and rock formations stretch miles in every direction. Utah’s SouthWestern sun is strong, so be sure to bring plenty of water and sunscreen before venturing too far from your vehicle. Rocky Mountain National Park, CO Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most visited National Parks in the U.S., and for good reason. Its gigantic mountains make anyone feel as if you’ve left earth. Lush forests and deep blue lakes are home to bears, wolves, elk, moose, and more. Step inside this Bob Ross-Esque park; Rocky Mountain is truly a nature lover's dream. Grand Canyon, AZ Truly unlike anywhere else in the world, humans have been inhabiting the area since the Ice Age. Condors fly overhead, reminding you how dangerous Mother Nature is when you challenge her. The Grand Canyon allows you to choose your own adventure. Enjoy the views from up top, and take a stroll around the rim. Maybe even walk out on the glass walkway. Or, if you’re an experienced hiker, diligently prepare for an overnight journey down into the canyon, to see the Colorado River up close and personal. Guest Blogger Cait Kontalis from the self-named Travel Blog is a Greek-American Travel Blogger based in Chicago, Illinois. The most important thing in her life is to travel. Her motto is: "I firmly believe that the more people travel, the better global citizens we will become"! We agree 110% with that! Visit Cait Kontalis and follow her on Instagram!

Dubai is a city of innovation that shines like a jewel in the desert. With record-breaking architecture, world-class malls, al fresco dining areas, cerulean canals, indoor ski resorts, and even man-made islands, it's clear that Dubai is a city firmly in charge of writing its own narrative. Its bold and daring developments despite the history of a small fishing village are jaw-dropping. The fact that the luxurious and suave city still embraces its heritage makes travelers fall for its charm even more. If you are planning to discover such a fascinating destination for your next vacation, this ultimate Dubai travel guide will save you from all delays and hassles. Guest Blogger: Neha Singh, Dubai Wikia Disclosure: Our site contains Affiliate Links. Clicking an Affiliate Link and purchasing something we recommend, won't cost you anything extra. It will though give us a small commission which will help this site remain a free resource for travelers to explore our world together. Table of Content: "Dubai Essentials Travel Guide" Which are the Best Sightseeing, Activities, and Tours Exploring Dubai? Skydive above Palm Jumeirah Take a winter break at Ski Dubai Zipline across Dubai Marina Swim with sharks at Dubai Aquarium Cruise along the Marina/ Creek Book a Desert Safari Dubai Visit the Souks Visit Burj Khalifa Visit Burj Al Arab Dubai Mall Dubai Fountain Atlantis The Palm Bastakiya Quarter Jumeirah Public Beach IMG Worlds of Adventure Dubai Miracle Garden Restaurants and Eating Out in Dubai Best Time to Travel and Visit Dubai Best Ways for Transports in Dubai Things to Think About Before Visiting Dubai Travel Plan Your Next Trip to Dubai Which are the Best Sightseeing, Activities, and Tours Exploring Dubai? 1. Skydive above Palm Jumeirah Skydiving has become one of the most sought-after adventure sports. Indulge in this breathtaking adventure and enjoy the pristine views. Experience a hair-raising free-fall at the iconic artificial island Plam Jumeirah or over the expansive Arabian desert. The instructors guide you throughout the aerial journey including a demonstration. 2. Take a winter break at Ski Dubai Supported by great facilities and seasoned trainers, skiing in the snow at Ski Dubai is a fun polar activity. It is unbelievable to find this winter wonderland in the middle of a desert. This is the Middle East's first indoor ski resort, where you can snowboard, take a chairlift ride, play games in a snow cavern, and even build your own snowman. You can also meet the penguins, watch their shows, and warm your heart with a hot cup of chocolate. 3. Zipline across Dubai Marina The adventure level has gone up a notch in Dubai with one of the steepest and fastest ziplines around the globe. Located in Dubai Marina, XLine is 1km in length and up to 170m in height. Hang and hold on tight to slide across the most picturesque view at an average speed of 80km/h. 4. Swim with sharks at Dubai Aquarium 140 species of thousands of magnificent aquatic animals, a 10-million liter tank, a 48-meter-long walk-through tunnel, and 40 different display tanks, the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo is a sight to behold. It is an awe-inspiring destination that lets you explore the underwater world. You can dive with sharks, feed them, do cage snorkeling, and meet the most powerful reptile. 5. Cruise along the Marina/ Creek Skip the ordinary way of traveling, and hop on the dhow converted cruise. Similar to the gondola rides of Venice, this is an embellished and well-maintained cruise for the guests to savor a delicious meal with the view of the posh Marina or the ecstatic Old Dubai. Admire the live entertainment shows and the city's modern skyline in an uninterrupted 2-hour cruise. 6. Book a Desert Safari Dubai Whisk away from the glittering skyline to the untamed desert where you can still ride the camels, enjoy belly dancing, and smoke the shisha like good old Bedouin days. The evening in desert safari is well spent with the camp-style arrangements, a wealth of adventure activities, a mouth-watering Arabic buffet, culturally-inspired activities, and unmatchable hospitability. 7. Visit the Souks To uncover the other side of Dubai, drive to the souks, which is a buzzing and vibrant marketplace. In the maze of walkways, you can find gold, spice, textile, and perfume souks. There are quality gold pieces of jewelry available at cheap rates. Shop the mounds of herbs, the aroma of perfumes, handmade fabrics, and the best souvenirs to reminisce memories back home. 8. Visit Burj Khalifa The world's tallest building, Burj Khalifa rises at a whopping 828 meters and boasts 160 stories. It is home to the highest observation deck from where you can immerse yourself in the sweeping panoramic views of the city. There are high-powered telescopes, exhibits, lounges, and restaurants. 9. Visit Burj Al Arab A manifestation of innovation, a resemblance to the sail shape, and an icon of Arabian luxury, Burj Al Arab is the first seven-star hotel in the world. It features interiors in gold, an infinity pool terrace, a man-made beach, the tallest grand atrium, Michelin-starred chefs, a spectacular spa, and wonderful service. 10. Dubai Mall A one-stop destination for shopping, entertainment, and leisure, Dubai Mall assorts the biggest brands from around the globe. During DSF it has blockbuster discounts and sales for shopping maniacs. Besides fashion and furnishing, it has plenty of other places to see in Dubai- VR Park, Dubai Dino, Ice Rink, Reel Cinemas, Hysteria, and Dubai Aquarium. 11. Dubai Fountain The world's largest choreographed fountain system, Dubai Fountain is a spectacle of light, music, and water. Situated on 30-acre Burj Lake, the fountain performs a range of songs with the use of over 6,600 WET Superlights and hundreds of color projectors. 12. Atlantis The Palm At the end of the Palm Jumeirah, alongside the calm turquoise waters of the Arabian Gulf, sits the rose-hued Atlantis resort. Whether you want to stay in the deluxe suites, dine on menus from Gordon Ramsay, or play in the biggest aquarium — this is a perfect getaway. 13. Bastakiya Quarter Dubai travel guide is incomplete without the Old Dubai. With a history stretching back to the 19th century, Bastakiya Quarter is the oldest neighborhood in the emirate. Today it consists of art galleries, cafes, and boutique hotels behind those brown wooden doors and lattices, to help you understand more about Emirati culture. 14. Jumeirah Public Beach The surfing beach in Dubai, Jumeirah is perfect to lounge in recliners overlooking the view of the sunset with a backdrop of Burj Al Arab. The white sandy strip and blue water offer great water sports opportunities for the visitors accompanied by all facilities. 15. IMG Worlds of Adventure It is a themed, air-conditioned, indoor amusement park that spans an area of 1.5 million sq. ft. Perfect for all age groups, this park is divided into five zones. Dedicated to Cartoon and Marvel characters, the rides are fun-filled and spine-chilling. There is a Haunted Hotel and Lost Dinosaur Valley that are designed to take you to otherworldly reality. 16. Dubai Miracle Garden Amidst the lofty skyscrapers, Dubai Miracle Garden is an extraordinary wonder made of over 50 million natural flowers. It is a space full of colors and scents. The floral renditions like Lost Paradise, Mickey Mouse, Floral Clock, Floral Castle, and other attractions such as Trampoline, Lake Park, and Butterfly garden offer a pleasant stroll. Restaurants and Eating Out in Dubai Dubai is proud of its exquisite dining and how the best chefs prepare dishes from all cultures in the kitchen of first-class restaurants. Whether you look for French cuisine paired with panoramic views or want to gobble seafood cooked by award-winning chefs, Dubai is the place to be. From street food to continental, some top restaurants are Nobu Dubai, BB Social Dining, Buddha Bar, Zheng He's, Pierchic, Chuan, and Bab Al Shams. And if quirkiness is all you seek, Dinner in the Sky is rated as one of the most unusual restaurants in the world. Best Time to Travel and Visit Dubai Dubai is hot, no matter what time of the year you will visit. However, during the winter months from November to March, the climate becomes pleasant and balmy. This is the crowd-puller season which sees the city in its high-spirited and dynamic state. July and August are the hottest months with an average high of 36C — when you aren't able to enjoy any outdoor activities like desert safari. Best Ways for Transports in Dubai Dubai is a metropolitan city. It is well-connected with networks of public transportation like buses and metros. You can buy the passes and explore the emirate and its popular neighborhoods under the budget. For privacy and little more convenience, you can choose the metered taxis which are yet another ubiquitous mode of transportation. Things to Think About Before Visiting Dubai Ramadan month is the quietest time of the year when most shops and activities are shut down. Restaurants are closed to respect Muslims that are fasting. Dubai is a city intertwined with Islamic traditions. So, follow the customs and abide by the rules. Do not wear revealing, short and transparent clothes. Public Display of Affection is strictly prohibited. Consumption of alcohol in open areas and malls can lead to hefty fines. Do not be openly vocal about the government, as it could be taken from a negative perspective. Book desert safari Dubai in advance to avoid hassle and wear light, cotton clothes for the excursion. Dubai has you spoilt with its choices of entertainment, food, and shopping. Everything is larger than life in Dubai. From loads of adventure to culinary and retail therapy, this Dubai guide will help you squeeze in the maximum fun out of the city. Pack your bags, carry essentials, and follow the rules and no one can stop you from having the best holiday of your life. Travel Plan Your Next Trip to Dubai This is a Food and Travel Guide to Dubai and Guide to the Essential Attractions in Dubai. To start planning your travel to Dubai, check out these helpful Travel Tips and Travel Resources: Always start your Travel Planning by using a Trusted VPN Service like NordVPN to avoid Algorithms interfering with your multiple searches for the best price. It will save you a lot of money in your overall Travel Budget. Check out Expedia for flights, stays, and car hire at your destination. Find Hotels, Accommodations, and Rentals at Booking. iVisa has the latest Travel recommendations and hassle-free online Visa applications. Make sure you always Travel Safely and Awesome with Travel Insurance for Travelers from Safety Wing. Create Travel Memories on your destination. Get Your Guide and find Tour Guides, Activities, and things to do in Dubai. Guest Blogger Neha Singh is a postgraduate in Mass Communications and a keen writer. She is passionate about traveling to new places, reading fiction, and learning new things, and loves being a nature trekker. She is frequently published on Dubai Wikia.

Straddling the Bosphorus a narrow strait between the Black Sea and the Marmara Sea, Istanbul is a transcontinental city that bridges Asia and Europe both physically and culturally. Formerly known as Byzantium and Constantinople, it was the capital of Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman empires for over 1500 years. Guest Bloggers: Suk & Sangy, Urge to XPLORE Disclosure: Our site contains Affiliate Links. Clicking an Affiliate Link and purchasing something we recommend, won't cost you anything extra - it probably will save you some bucks. It will though give us a small commission which will help this site remaining a free resource for travelers to explore our world together. Istanbul is Turkey’s cultural hub and one of the world’s most fascinating places. Located on both sides of Bosphorus – a narrow strait connecting the Black Sea and Sea of Marmara, it is the only city spread across two continents with the old historic part in Europe and the modern part in Asia. Its strategic location between the Black Sea and the Mediterranean Sea and on the historic Silk Route attracted settlers for many centuries. With its enchanting natural beauty, it is a melting pot of diverse cultures, religions, and empires. One of the most fascinating aspects of Istanbul is the blend of modern and traditional – be it the magnificent monuments, palaces, museums, mosques, churches, bazaars, hammams, or the sites of natural beauty. One of the first things you notice in Istanbul’s is its countless minarets and the crystal blue waters of Bosphorus. While the Bosphorus divides the city into two parts East (Asia) and West (Europe), the western part is further divided by the estuary of the Golden Horn (Haliç). The Golden horn is a 7 km long deep drowned canal which is also one of the best and picturesque natural harbors in the world. Situated across the Horn is Galata the vibrant part of Istanbul’s European side. Beyoğlu neighborhood in Galata has many of the old city’s nightlife venues and restaurants along with Istiklal Caddesi – Istanbul’s most famous avenue. To experience Istanbul’s magical vibe, take a walk on the Galata Bridge that spans the Golden Horn. The bridge carries a constant flow of people crossing to and from Beyoğlu and filled with anglers trying their luck for a big catch from the waters below. Underneath the bridge, there are many restaurants and cafes where you can savor authentic Turkish street food all day and night. Go grab some fish and beer while watching the ferries making their way to the docks. Walk over to the other side and climb up the Galata Tower (Galata Kulesi). It is one of the oldest towers in Istanbul that provides a panoramic view of the old town and sweeping views of the Bosphorus along with the two continents. Most of the sights are in the old city are on the peninsula between the Horn and the Sea. The original city a UNESCO world heritage site is 23 square km has seven hills and in its slopes are many of the landmarks built over 2500 years. Head to Sultanahmet district the heart of the old Istanbul that has many of the historical sites. This is where you will find the Iconic Ayasofya (Hagia Sophia) and the 6 minaret Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmet Camii) along with the lavish Topkapi Palace. Among the other sites of historical importance is the Byzantine Hippodrome - the heart of Constantinople’s political, social, and sporting life when it was the capital of Byzantine Empire and the Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Saray) – the largest and the grandest of cisterns all that provided filtered water to all nearby buildings in the ancient times. One of the most prominent landmarks and the symbol of Istanbul’s history of being the melting pot of religion and culture is undoubtedly Hagia Sofia. Officially the Great Holy Mosque of Ayasofya and formerly the Church of Hagia Sophia – it used to be the largest church until St Peter’s Basilica was constructed in Rome 1000 years later. It is grand inside and outside with its innovative architecture, rich history, and religious significance making it the most visited site in the whole of Turkey. The array of domes, towering minarets, the grand marble columns, and the beautiful mosaics make it one of the wonders of the world’s architecture history. Just a few minute's strolls will take you to the equally impressive Blue Mosque. With its six minarets and cascading domes, this magnificent mosque is a fine example of Ottoman architecture. The blue tiles add distinction to the grandeur of its interiors making it one of the most visited mosques in the world. Close by is the Topkapi Palace & Museum home to the Ottoman Sultans for over four centuries. The palace with its sprawling courts and harems, opulent pavilions, and jewel-filled treasury, provides a glimpse into their fascinating lives. Its strategic location has ensured Istanbul remains a center of trade and exchange along the Silk Route for many centuries. As the passage for merchants, travelers, artists, and craftsmen from East and West who docked at the city's harbors the Grand Bazaar (Kapalı Çarşı) was a vital component of the city's history and identity. It is one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, with 61 covered streets and over 4,000 shops selling carpets, lamps, pottery, and everything you can possibly imagine. You can spend an entire day here sipping apple tea that is offered at almost every shop you step inside. The Egyptian (Spice) Bazaar (Mısır Çarşısı), at the southern end of the Galata Bridge near the ferry docks, is the place for Spices, lokum (Turkish Delight) dried fruits, cheeses, sausages, jams, nuts, and seeds. Filled with the fragrance of the exotic East you will also find handicrafts, jewelry, and souvenirs. One of the must-do activities in Istanbul is the Bosphorus cruise. In fact, we would recommend that you do this on the very first day of your visit. There are many cruises to choose from - Bosphorus Dinner Cruise, Bosphorus Sunset Cruise, Istanbul Lunch Cruise, Bosphorus, and Black Sea Cruise. The shortest one is about two hours long and gives you a glimpse of the rich cultural history, the strategic location, and the timeless natural beauty. Brimming with stunning architecture in the forms of palaces, forts, royal residences, and houses. In just a few minutes into the cruise, you will notice the Dolmabahçe Mosque – an ornamented mosque constructed in baroque style with two minarets. Right adjacent to it is the Dolmabahçe Palace – the largest in Turkey constructed in neo-baroque style in the 19th century and was the residence of the Sultans during the last days of the Ottoman empire. The Bohemian crystal chandelier in its main ballroom is the world’s largest with 750 lamps. Further along the coast is the Çırağan Palace, the last palace built for the royal family. It is now one of Istanbul’s most exclusive hotels, the five-star Çırağan Palace Kempinski. You will also pass by Beylerbeyi Palace and the Küçüksu Palace. The Küçüksu Pavilion is an ornate nine-room Ottoman imperial hunting lodge. Rumeli Castle is a medieval fortress located on a series of hills on the European banks of the Bosphorus. The fortress dating back to the 15th century is now an open-air museum. And then you pass under the Bosphorus bridge the first of the three transcontinental bridges spanning the Bosphorus connecting Europe and Asia. Officially it is known as the 15 July Martyrs Bridge and unofficially as the First Bridge. The Haydarpasa Train Station is Turkey’s largest and most magnificent railway station. Built in the early 20th century the station is a major intercity, regional, and commuter rail hub as well as the busiest railway station in Turkey. Haydarpaşa, along with Sirkeci station on the other side of the Bosphorus, are Istanbul's two intercity and commuter railway terminals. On the way back you will come across the Maiden’s Tower. It stands right in the middle of the Bosphorus at its southern entrance. Built over a small islet this medieval tower has been converted into a café and restaurant with many private boats taking you there for panoramic views. Some day-long cruises take to the Prince’s Islands a cluster of nine islands in the Sea of Marmara. However, you can still visit the islands on your own by taking one of the regular ferries that run every few hours from both sides of the Bosphorus. The Islands officially called Adalar ("Islands in Turkish"), are an archipelago off the coast of Istanbul. The islands are car-free and known for their horse-drawn carriages. Many local people in Istanbul own or rent their summer houses, or just go there at the weekends for swimming in the tiny beaches and for picnicking. Best Place to Stay Sultanahmet area is certainly on top of the list for most first-time visitors. All the landmarks that are worth seeing are within walking distance. The area has a lot of Cafes. Restaurants and Boutique-hotels. The Bazaar district around Grand Bazaar is the place to be if you like shopping along with sightseeing (you are not too far away from the sights). For nightlife stay in the Galata area which has a distinct feel and flair of a modern city with old-world charm. Beyoğlu neighborhood is one of the liveliest with the popular pedestrianized Istiklal Caddesi (Independence Avenue). If you are on a tight budget then the Karaköy neighborhood near the golden horn is a good choice with nice cafes, outdoor terraces, and tiny shops. Taksim area has most of the chain luxury hotels and high-end shopping. Transportation Istanbul’s public transportation comprising of trams, buses, metro, taxis, and boats are safe and reasonable to get around the city. In the old part of the city, it is the trams. You will need a magnetic card (Istanbul Kart) to use public transport. Best Time to visit Istanbul has a moderate climate throughout the year. The peak season is the summer months of July and August. However, April – May, and September – October are best times with lesser crowd and the weather is usually good. Currency The Turkish Lira is the official currency of Turkey. TL is the symbol. Euros are also accepted in certain places. Foreign currencies can be exchanged at the banks and at the airport. Recommended Itinerary A 4-day itinerary is a must; Istanbul is also a foodie’s paradise and there are cruises that are day-long, so a 5-day itinerary is recommended. Authors and Food Travel Writers Suk & Sangy are a couple living in Toronto Canada with a nomadic soul. They have been traveling the world together for many years now and have been to many places across 5 continents. As the pandemic put a restriction on their travel plans, they decided to spend their time sharing their past travel experiences through their blog – Urge to XPLORE. Also, follow them on their Instagram.

When it comes to traveling, one of the most delightful things to enjoy in a place that isn’t home has to be the food. At least for me, that’s one of the best parts of any trip, experiencing the culture via your taste buds. Anyone else that is a self-proclaimed travel addict will argue that food is essential to the travel experience. Eating captivates all your senses. Foremost of all is our sense of seeing that triggers our appetites. Guest Blogger: Yone Liau, Flavour Journey Disclosure: Our site contains Affiliate Links. Clicking an Affiliate Link and purchasing something we recommend, won't cost you anything extra - it probably will save you some bucks. It will though give us a small commission which will help this site remain a free resource for travelers to explore our world together. It’s no surprise that hashtags such as #cameraeatsfirst are popular. After all, we seldom will find people that don’t take a quick snap of their meal before really chowing down right? Yet, it can also be frustrating when you snap your plate and feel dismayed when it doesn’t capture what you are seeing. The phone camera and actual cameras are tools for you to master. A Complete Guide to Aesthetic Photography Fret no more! Here are some tips for better food travel aesthetic photography. Some that I've picked up from my travels and others from food photography itself. Hopefully, these can help you up-level your food capture game. Table of Content: "10 tips for better Food Travel Aesthetic Photography" Where’s the best light seat? Understand your light Please - Avoid flash photography Learn your manual settings What’s your hero angle? It’s not about the camera, it’s the story you want to share Better composition Take Photos often and with Purpose Editing with consistency is key Invest in a good camera lens 1: Where’s the best light seat? At restaurants or cafes, I always try to scout a seat by a window or where natural light works best. Food always looks most flattering with natural light, the idea is to highlight the meal and the area you are in. Same thing if you are shooting outdoors at a market, look for that soft light instead of harsh light. 2: Understand your light Ever had your own shadow getting in the way of your photo? Easy solve, move around! Change your position and see how the light will react, tilt to an angle even. Just like doing crazy Yoga-Esque positions for outdoor photos, and the same goes for food. As in the case where you are sitting by the window, but standing between the window and your food... You will be casting a big shadow over it. 3: Please - Avoid flash photography I’m not going to rant about this but think about whether would you take a selfie of yourself on your epic trip with the flash on. No, because you wouldn’t look flattering right? Then why would you do it for your meal? It creates hard shadows and it makes the food appear static. 4: Learn your manual settings If you aren’t shooting with a phone and have a camera, get out of the comfort zone known as Auto mode. If you want to figure out how to get out of Auto, try learning more about the exposure triangle. Your ISO, shutter speed and aperture will be your best friends to help you craft the image you see in your mind. 5: What’s your hero angle? Food photography has 3 popular camera angles. The most popular for social media is the overhead (also called flat lay). The other two are straight on and 45-degree angles. When taking pictures of your meal, try shooting these 3 different angles and see which one you like best. 6: It’s not about the camera, it’s the story you want to share Enjoy the process, when it comes to food what is it that you love about it? Is it the setting you are in? A particular dish? Or is it even watching people making food? What is the mood you want to convey? 7: Better composition If you haven’t turned on the grid on your phone/camera screen - do so now. Beyond that, explore and play with how you want the image to look overall. Venture beyond just capturing the main subject in the middle. Do you want to zoom in or get a wide angle? Think about giving it some breathing space (also known as negative space). Or look for naturally occurring patterns or layers where you are. With food travel photography you don’t have to worry about pairing props but using what you have. Be it your scarf, someone’s hands, or someone pouring a drink in the background. 8: Take Photos often and with Purpose Do you not feel super confident about your photography? One of the things that impact my photography to this day is shooting often. Try to practice every day. This will train your intuition and instincts into reacting faster. This not only will improve your ability to read a potential image you see in your mind’s eye but also gets you more comfortable with using your camera/phone swiftly. Go on photo walks even, give yourself a prompt and set off. 9: Editing with consistency is key If I can land an image and not have to worry about editing that is a delight to me. It’s no secret with other photographers offer presets or just all the filters on offer by countless image editing apps what a difference it can make. Don’t go too adventurous with trying different ones each time but see which ones you gravitate to and like best. Sometimes the image just won’t turn out as you’d like and editing the image can really make it go from “meh” to “WOW”. Personally, I use Lightroom for editing. 10: Invest in a good camera lens For those that aren’t shooting on their phone. Often people are too concerned about getting the best camera for photos. But the real game-changer is good glass. You won’t be surprised to find that a nice lens will almost cost more than the camera body itself. The nifty fifty 50mm is a good lens to start with and won’t break your budget. Like any of the tips? Used them? Please DO tag me @flavourjourney so I can check out your food travel shot! If you have questions go ahead and comment below in this post or drop me a DM on my Instagram. Guest Blogger Yone Liau from Flavour Journey is a Food Photographer, Food Stylist, and Foodie Blogger from Taipei, Taiwan. Discover more about Taiwan and other places on the Flavour Journey Site or follow Flavour Journey on Instagram!

Mexico City offers a unique combination of modern city life, historic public places. museums, colonial architecture, vibrant neighborhoods, parks, restaurants, and the remains of several cultures make it a must-visit urban destination. Guest Blogger: Suk & Sangy, Urge to XPLORE Disclosure: Our site contains Affiliate Links. Clicking an Affiliate Link and purchasing something we recommend, won't cost you anything extra - it probably will save you some bucks. It will though give us a small commission which will help this site remain a free resource for travelers to explore our world together. Mexico City or Ciudad de Mexico CDMX as the locals call it is a sprawling metropolis with grand public parks, boulevards, innovative public architecture, museums, and chic shopping districts making it an amazing urban destination. It has one of the largest plazas in the Americas, a huge public park twice the size of New York’s Central Park, most museums after Paris, and tens of thousands of restaurants. While it is undoubtedly one of the most exciting food cities, its art scene both folk and modern is equally interesting. But the best thing about this city is affordability be it food or attractions. Start your day early at the Centro Historico commonly referred to as Zócalo the largest plaza in the whole of Latin America. It is the vibrant historic center of the city that is always bustling with people. This is truly the heart and soul of the city with colonial architecture, murals in art deco buildings, museums, and taquerias. Prior to the colonial period, this was the ceremonial center of the Aztecs. Officially known as Plaza de la Constitución, it is surrounded by the Palacio Nacional, Catedral Metropolitana, City Hall, and Government buildings. Catedral Metropolitana is the one of oldest and the largest in Latin America. Built over the ruins of the Aztec Temple its construction spanned over three centuries and the architecture is an amalgamation of different styles that prevailed during those times. The interiors are stunningly beautiful with ornate décor, grand altars, towering ceilings, and gold coatings. One can also climb the stairs to the bell towers as part of a tour for sweeping views of the Zocalo. Visit the Templo Mayor that Aztecs considered the center of the universe You can spend almost an entire day in and around Zocalo walking down the narrow alleys and cobblestone streets to gaze at the many art deco buildings like the Tile house, or take a tour of the Palacio Nacional which has huge colorful murals by Diego Rivera. To the western side of Centro Historico is the Palacio de Bellas Artes or the Palace of Fine Arts. Often called the Art Cathedral of Mexico City, it hosts notable events in music, dance, theatre, opera, and literature and as well as exhibitions of painting, sculpture, and photography. Next to this beautiful building is the city’s oldest urban park called the Alameda Central. The area which used to be an Aztec marketplace is now a green garden with paved paths, fountains, and statues. Inside the park is the. Benito Juárez Monument commemorating the Mexican president and statesman Benito Juárez. Close to the Palace in Mexico City’s iconic skyscraper Mirador Torre Latino. There are museums and telescopes on the upper floors with an observation deck on its top floor that offers panoramic views of the city. The area around Alameda Central Park has many museums, shopping centers, and restaurants. Once you walk down the other end of the park from the Palace of Fine Arts you will reach Avenida Paseo de la Reforma. It is wide avenue 15km long that runs diagonally across the center of the city. Modeled after great European boulevards, it is lined up with modern skyscrapers on either side with roundabouts that houses some of city’s prominent landmarks like Monumento a la Revolución and Monumento a la Independencia..The Revoloution monument was built to commemorate the Mexican Revolution contains tombs of the revolution hereos. An elevator takes you to the top of the monument. The Independence monument also known El Ángel is a victory column and one of the most recognizable landmarks in city. Walking down the avenue will take you to Bosque de Chapultepec one of the largest ecological park in the in the western hemisphere. Centered on a rock formation called Chapultepec Hill, it has a zoo, a botanical garden, a recreational lake and many museums. Of the many museums in the city, our favorite picks are Museo Soumaya and Museo de Frida Kahlo. Located in the upscale Polanco neighborhood , the Soumaya museum named after the late wife of Mexican billionaire Carlos Slim is a shining example of futuristic architecture inside and outside. This free to enter museum is all of 6 stories high with spectacular interiors boasting of an extensive collection of artefacts and art work by old and modern European masters such as Rodin, Dali amongst others. The museum of Frida Kahlo is located in the bohemian neighborhood Coyoacán. Coyoacán also known as La Casa Azul meaning the Blue House because of the Cobalt blue walls, it is a historic house and art museum dedicated to the life and work of Mexican artist Frida Kahlo. As one of the oldest colonial neighborhoods Coyoacan with it’s cobblestoned streets and colonial architecture provides a glimpse of the bygone era. It has a historic center, the Jardín Centenario park, the Mercado de Coyoacan and the Mercado Artesanal. You get to savor some of the best taco in Coyoacan market and the Artesan / Craft market has some of best apparel, souviniers and handicrafts. The are numerous sidewalk cafes, laid back ice cream parlors pubs and restaurants along the tree-lined avenue. Around Mexico City Be it Pyramids, Canals, Volcanoes, or Colonial Towns, there are many attractions outside the city that can be covered in half-day or full-day tours. On the southern fringes of the city is Xochimilco famous for its floating gardens and canals. It is the last remnants of a vast water transport system built by the Aztecs. It is a festive atmosphere on weekends with colorful boats taking visitors on a cruise while passing by food vendors, artisans stalls, and bands. You can also visit the awe-inspiring Aztec pyramids at Teotihuacan, which is about an hour away from Mexico City. Teotihuacán has two famous pyramids known as the Temple of the Sun and the Temple of the Moon. Both Canals and the Pyramids can be covered in half-day tours. The one tour we recommend is a full-day tour of Puebla & Cholula. Just a couple of hours' drive from the city, Puebla & Cholula are like the colonial cousins of Mexico City. On the way, you also get to see the famous volcanic peaks of Popocatépetl and Iztaccihuatl. Puebla is known for its culinary history, colonial architecture, and pottery. As you approach the city center, you see the dome-shaped roofs of churches and buildings, suggesting Spanish and Moor influences that arrived centuries ago. The Renaissance-era Puebla Cathedral has the tallest bell towers in the whole of Mexico and overlooks the central square of this picturesque city. Adjacent to the cathedral, you’ll find the Casa de la Cultura which takes up a whole block and hosts, among other things, the oldest library in the Americas. RELATED POST: Is Mexico Safe to Hike and Backpack? Downtown Puebla is small but consists of hundreds of civil and religious monuments behind extraordinary facades, gardens, and balconies which have been steadily added to the landscape over the years. Cholula’s claim to fame is that it’s home to the world’s largest pyramid. Pyramid Tepanapa. It’s the world’s largest pyramid by volume; bigger than the Great Pyramid in Egypt. There is a Church at the top of the hill at Cholula. The hill is actually the top part of the pyramid. The views from the top are outstanding with the volcanos in the back. Downtown Cholula is dotted with colonial-era churches, shops selling traditional artifacts, and restaurants serving local cuisine. Best Place to Stay Like any big city, Mexico City has many neighborhoods that cater to every type of traveler. Often for most travelers, areas around Centro Historico is the preferred one due to the proximity to the major attractions. Then you have the upscale and modern neighborhoods Polanco and Santa Fe with high-end dining and shopping. The twin neighborhood of Condesa and Roma are a blend of urban and bohemian with its eclectic bars, exquisite restaurants, and boutiques this is perfect for young and independent travelers. Our recommendation is for a colonial neighborhood of Coyoacán to get the feel of true Mexican culture. Best Time to Visit Mexico City is generally pleasant throughout the year due to its elevation (almost 7400 feet above sea level). The spring (March to May) and Fall ( September to November) are the best times are the best time when the weather is fairly dry and pleasant. Summer months are wet whereas Winter temperatures can drop to freezing at night. Transportation The best way to get around is Uber which is very cheap, and taxis are also available everywhere. The Metro system is very extensive and as a matter of fact, its network is the second largest in North America after NYC. Most of the tourist attractions are easily accessible by metro trains with fares as low as a quarter. Currency Mexico’s official currency is the Mexican Peso MXN. It is represented by the “$” symbol Recommended Itinerary A 3 - 4-day itinerary can cover most of the sights within the city but not all of them. Keep a day for a day tour outside the city. Keep in mind it’s also a foodie paradise and you will end up spending most of the evening trying out the amazing food everywhere you go. Guest Bloggers Suk & Sangy are a couple living in Toronto Canada with a nomadic soul. They have been traveling the world together for many years now and have been to many places across 5 continents. As the pandemic put a restriction on their travel plans, they decided to spend their time sharing their past travel experiences through their blog – Urge to XPLORE. Also, follow them on their Instagram!

We have added a new featured page on Food and Travel Guides; Welcome to our Travel Store! Find unique Travel Products in our own design, like Travel Accessories, and Travel Apparel. We will add more soon! In the Travel Store you also can find our recommended Flight Tickets Meta Search Sites, the Best Sites for booking a Hotel, Resort, or Accommodation, how you can find the right Travel Insurance for your trip's needs, Tours and Activities, Transportation, and much, much more! Be sure to bookmark the Travel Store page - or sign up to our Newsletter, Staying updated when we add new Travel Products and Resources. The banner above is made with Canva - a free tool to create stunning stuff! Travel Hacks: How to Save 40% or more on Travel and Accommodation We would lie if we would write "we have booked a lot of travel lately". You all know why. But what we know is how our travel planning looked like before the Corona outbreak, and how our number one Travel Hack we used during the last years has saved us money. We decided to sit down and go through all the transactions we had that were related to airline tickets, accommodation, transportation during our travels, round trips, tours, and activities in 2019 - and compared them to the full prices. The average savings was approx 40%! Join our Travel Store Affiliate Program We're happy to offer you to become an exclusive Affiliate Partner with Food and Travel Guides, and our Travel Store. ​ Share your personal affiliate link, product links, or use our visuals found in the dashboard on your site, blog, in newsletters, or on any of your Social Media Channels to earn a 10% commission each time someone buys unique products from our Travel Store. Start earning a passive income today! Team at Food and Travel Guides

We just got fantastic news from Feedspot that we're listed on their "Top 30 Food Travel Blogs and Websites to follow in 2020" "Feedspot has a team of over 25 experts whose goal is to rank blogs, podcasts and youtube channels in several niche categories. Our expert editorial team reviews and adds them to a relevant category list. Ranking is based on relevancy, blog post frequency (freshness), social metrics, domain authority, traffic and many other parameters" We landed on an honourable 13th place among other great Food Travel Blogs like "The Travel Bite", "Migrationology" and "Girl Eat World". Even more great news: WIX Reads decided to feature us with our Yellowstone, Angkor Wat and Staycation posts in the Travel section. Dont have the WIX App yet? Get it here and do remember to join us using the Invitation Code: CEJYOS in the App under My Account/ Join with Invitation Code So lets celebrate! All your reads, likes and shares are highly appriciated. Thank you all for being supportive and do leave feedback in comments below. Safe Travels - Stay Awesome Team at Food and Travel Guides #top30foodtravelblogstofollowin2020 #travelblogs #feedspot #rankblogs #foodandtravelguides

Is sustainable living possible as a Traveller? How can you choose a more eco-friendly and sustainable travel alternative for your journeys? How can sustainable travel help climate change? This Guide will give you environment-friendly travel tips and travel ideas for reducing your carbon footprint, ways to plan your Eco-friendly holiday and find sustainable vacation destinations. We will give hands-on hacks on how to live a more sustainable lifestyle with examples of eco-friendly travel products and services you can choose from in everyday life. Forget about comparing eco-friendly vs sustainable. We do believe embracing a sustainable lifestyle, choosing ecological and eco-friendly products, traveling with a sustainable mindset, and doing whatever we can to leave an as small ecological - and carbon footprint as possible is 100% necessary. Because we all need to change. We need to decrease our waste, use green alternative resources of energy to stop emissions and take strong actions right now if we're going to be able to leave the world in the hands of the next generation with a good conscience - and hopefully in a better shape as we once inherited it. Is Eco-friendly and Sustainable Living combined with Travels with Zero Waste Utopia? Probably. But it's always better to do "something" compared ,to doing "nothing". With our "An Ultimate Guide to Eco-friendly and Sustainable Travel Lifestyle" we want to inspire you and show how you easy can take your first steps towards global sustainability with a brighter future for all our children. Stay Aware - Walk a New Path Team at Food and Travel Guides Disclosure: Our site contains Affiliate Links. Clicking an Affiliate Link and purchasing something we recommend, won't cost you anything extra. It will though give us a small commission which will help this site The teamremain a free resource for travelers to explore our world together. How can I live a more sustainable way of life? When starting to write on our guide to Eco-friendly and Sustainable Travel, we decided early on to involve and ask some of our new Food Travel blogging friends on Perlu about tips on the topic, making this Guide a Collab Guest Blog Post. And it turned out to be not only a guide to choosing an overall sustainable Lifestyle as a Traveller but also as a Human Being. Table of Content:" An Ultimate Guide to Eco-friendly and Sustainable Travel Lifestyle" How can I live a more sustainable way of life? Wake Up Call: Starting a Sustainable Mindset while Travelling (interview with Guest Blogger Alexis from "The Soul Traveler Diaries") What is the Definition of Sustainable Living? What is the meaning of a Sustainable Lifestyle? What is an Ecological Footprint? What is Urban Sustainable Living? Is Global Sustainability important? 5 Apps helping you to be Eco, Sustainable and reduce your Carbon footprint Mindful eating is a choice for Sustainability What does Eco-friendly Travel mean? Can Flights be Eco-friendly? What are Eco-travel and Eco-tourism? What are Eco-friendly Activities and Tours at your Destination? Get inspired for Eco-travel with these Epic Walkable Cities (Eco-friendly Travel tips from Guest Blogger Brittany Merriman of "Bon Voyage Brittany") What are Eco-friendly Products for Travel? Our Recommended Eco-friendly Travel Products on Amazon Our Quick and Easy Checklist to Start Living Sustainable Learn more about Sustainable Living! "David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet" WANT TO JOIN THIS COLLABORATION POST? This post will be updated if we have a good reason for adding a Guest blogger' story, tips, and views on Eco-friendly and Sustainable Travel. Is it you? One of the bloggers we connected with was Alexis Canella from the Travel Blog "The Soul Traveler Diaries", and it became an interview that works well as an inspirational introduction on how to change towards an eco-responsible and sustainable mindset, sprung from an awakening while she was on one of her Travels around the world. Wake Up Call: Starting a Sustainable Mindset while Travelling Hi Lexi! When and why did you get an interest in eco-friendly and sustainable travel and living? I grew up with travel as a huge value in my life. We did numerous family road trips around the United States and a few international trips growing up. I even traveled with language immersion programs in high school and studied abroad atof university. However, within the last three years, I decided to pursue my passion for travel and work towards traveling full time. In these past three years, I have become more and more attentive to the places I visit and what I see. In November 2017, I was traveling by local taxi with a fellow traveler to Mount Popa, Myanmar. All along the road, in the ditches, and on the road you would find mounds and mounds of trash. Most of it was plastic or paper piled on top by rotting fruit and cigarette butts. And over the years, I continued to see these mounds of trash in every country I visited, regardless of the country’s wealth or waste management systems. I have also seen so much pollution. Light pollution, smog. You name it, I’ve seen it. From Delhi to Bangkok to London to Los Angeles. I’ve watched news stories on oil spills. And I’ve watched the CO2 and greenhouse gas numbers climb. It disgusted me how poorly we treat this planet, and that included myself. Do we guess those travel experiences became a kind of eye-opener? Yes, as a passionate traveler, I did not think it was fair of me to continue traveling the world without taking my ecological footprint into account. So what did you do to reduce your ecological footprint? At the beginning of 2018, I started cutting down on my waste and watching my plastic consumption. I tried to eat more local as well, especially when I travel. And I would drink from the tap or use a water filter. I even went through a lot of my possessions and clothing and donated almost 50% of everything I owned to a Goodwill or Salvation Army. In July 2019, I made a huge decision and became a pescatarian. I knew that I wanted to travel more in the coming years and felt that removing meat from my diet would be a big way to help me reduce my footprint. I only eat sustainably farmed or caught fish. And I am happy to say that I have cut myself down to only eating fish once a week to keep up with my omega-3s. Since then, I have also moved to almost completely plastic-free toiletries and hygiene products. If I have to purchase a product that has a plastic or paper packaging, I find ways to repurpose or reuse it. My yogurt containers are used as storage for my leftover food. That's an easy and great tip! Can you give us your best tips on how easy can be eco-friendly while traveling or choosing sustainability in daily life? As an almost full-time traveler and ex-pat living abroad, I have picked up quite of few tricks and tips to reduce my plastic consumption and travel more sustainably. Here are my best tips to help you be a more eco-friendly traveler: When you purchase yogurt or ice cream containers at the grocery store, reuse the empty containers as "Tupperware" for your food leftovers. If you are like me and LOVE your street food (I live in Asia and street food is amazing!), bring your empty containers and have the street vendor package your food in that container instead of using a Styrofoam box or plastic bags. Bring foldable reusable bags with you on your travels. They take up very little space and are great for day trips and going shopping at the local market or grocery store Buy local and organic if you can. You can always find fresh local markets that pop up or have a permanent place wherever you are exploring. Take advantage of them. They support local farmers and businesses, and most of the produce and products are made in that country. This cuts down on packaging and transportation. Don’t forget to bring your reusable bags here too! Use a water filter or purifier and stop purchasing bottled water. Filters and purifiers last an extremely long time and are one of the best ways to still get clean water even in countries where clean drinking water is not accessible. Invest in reusable, non-plastic cutlery (unless it’s recycled plastic). I prefer to use metal or bamboo cutlery and straws for my travels and they take up no space. I am a huge advocate for reducing my ecological footprint, especially as a traveler. a few Travel items that I always pack on my adventures to help reduce my carbon footprint: - A Klean Kanteen reusable water bottle with a SteriPEN water purifier - Katadyn for safe and clean water filtration - Bees wrap for sustainable food storage. Ditch the plastic wrap! - Collapsible reusable bags for day trips and grocery shopping while traveling, and they are also great to use when living at home too! - Lush Cosmetics’ naked, vegan, fair-trade, and eco-friendly toiletries - Bamboo cutlery and straws. I even have a boba straw for when I crave my boba teas! I have traveled to over 50 countries across 7 continents, and I can say with confidence that you can travel anywhere in the world while still reducing your carbon footprint. However, some places make it a lot easier than others for you to do so. That's a good question to round up! Can you mention a top 3 destinations to visit; or places to live, that you would say are more conscious about sustainable urban living? Here are the top three destinations that I have found to be the most environmentally conscious and help travelers to reduce their impact as well; Copenhagen in Denmark, Amsterdam in the Netherlands, and Cape Town in South Africa. Author and Guest Blogger Alexis Canella (or Lexi for short) is the creator of The Soul Traveler Diaries, a resource for travelers who are looking for ways to affordably travel the world and are seeking opportunities to live and work abroad. Lexi has traveled to over 50 countries across 7 continents and has circumnavigated the globe in Here areour months by ship. She's currently living as an ex-pat in Jakarta, Indonesia teaching English. Find all adventures, travel advice, travel guides, and ways to work and live abroad on her Instagram and Twitter. What is the Definition of Sustainable Living? Sustainable living describes "a choice of lifestyle that attempts to reduce an individual's or society's use of the Earth's natural resources, and one's resources". Effective use of land combined with wildlife protection is truly essential to living sustainably. Creating new habitats and restoring biodiversity is vital for our arexistence as well. Where did all the Bee's go, right? We have diverged ourselves from Earth's biodiversity and look where that got us. What is the meaning of a Sustainable Lifestyle? The principle of a sustainable lifestyle is that; in a sense, we're all Custodians of the Living Earth. It's strong full confidence laid in our hands; which we have inherited from generations before us, with the power to destroy or nurture the Earth's resources for the next generations to come. In that mission, the most obvious thing should be to ensure an environment for all living creatures to flourish. With great power comes great responsibility... Instead, we have managed to sharply reduce that option for future generations during the last century, with our unsustainable lifestyle. Just in years, we have shaken the natural balance it took Mother Earth millions of years to create. Our Ecological Footprint has created a devastating overshoot Beesuse of the Earth's resources. What is an Ecological Footprint? It's of method; promoted by the Global Footprint Network, "to measure human demand on natural capital, i.e. the quantity of nature it takes to support people or an economy". Earth's Overshoot Day fell on August the 22nd of this year. Sounds depressing? Let's do something about it. On their site, you can Calculate Your Ecological Footprint and find helpful tips to take action and push that date forward so there's hope. We hope that this short test could work as an eye-opener as well. Start to reduce your Ecological and Carbon Footprint with simple and easy steps. You find a short checklist at the end of this post with small but important challenges you can take toward Global Sustainability. What is Sustainable Urban Living? Sustainable urban living is a practice that includes several aims and the use of renewable resources. For instance, when building houses, working towards an efficient clean and green energy consumption, the use of public transport and other eco-friendly options of transportation, sustainable water usage, accessible resources and services for waste recycling, and the process of extracting and reusing useful substances found in our waste. These are all examples of Urban Sustainability we need to embrace. Is Global Sustainability important? Have you ever thought "Does it matter if I live sustainably when the rest of the world doesn't?" It wouldn't matter if you were alone, true. The good news is that you're not alone in wanting a change. "Global sustainability defines the conditions under which humans and nature, societies and the biosphere, the world, and the Earth can co-exist in ways that enable productive harmony, stability and resilience to support present and future generations". With a Sustainable mindset as a traveler; concerning local culture on-site, your open-minded will to pass forward knowledge about sustainability will contribute to the important progress of all people's involvement in environmentally friendly activities. Travelling and practice sustainability practicing your destinations might even establish a new culture of environmental awareness into existence. We think that's why both Travel and Global Sustainability are important... 5 Apps helping you to be Eco, Sustainable and inreduce your Carbon footprint It can be hard to know where to start your journey towards sustainability and make the right choices for a greener world. Thankfully, there's an App for everything these days, and here are our Top 5 Apps for Sustainable Eco-living and Travelling. Eevie App Your Climate Guide to a Sustainable Life Zero Waste App Meet your new Travel Companion to find resources for your Zero WasteLifestyle Sustainable Life App is a free mobile app created to connect eco-conscious consumers with sustainable businesses and brands worldwide. JouleBug App is an easy way to make your everyday habits more sustainable. Discover how you and your friends can use resources—without using them up. Wayaj is an App that lets you find Earth Friendly Travel, Accommodation, and Activities easily! And these are just a few of the many Apps we like. There's plenty to find and download on the App Store or Get on Google Play. Mindful eating is a choice for Sustainability The choice is yours and it's easy to make. What could be better than eating what's perfectly ripe and in season for the moment, right? So ditch the asparagus if you can't get it from a local Farmers Market. It will reward you with two things; you'll experience how real asparagus should taste like, you are supporting a local farmer and it will reduce your ecological and carbon footprint by choosing regional ingredients before imported ones. Ohh? That was three? You probably can think of three advantages more? See how easy this is? Growing your .ood may be a little more difficult but you'll find plenty of resources to learn how to online and there's a satisfaction reward in growing your food - topped with a better taste and economy too. Check out How to Grow Your Own Food. Is eating meat sustainable? Of course, it is but not in the way we do it now. Eat more plant-based food; maybe skipping the animal protein for a day or two in the week, could do a huge difference. And vegetables are sexy food! ;) On our Travels, eating with sustainability in mind is way harder. Especially as we love to experience a new food culture through Streetfood. Plastic disposables, plastic bags - they are everywhere. Especially where they're not supposed to be. Be a smart tourist and bring your container and cutlery to the eatery! But what about Travel? How can you Travel Eco-friendly and Sustainable at all? Can Flights be Eco-friendly? The first thing that pops up in our heads thinking about Travel is flying, and Aviation is, without a doubt, one of the most environmentally destructive ways of transportation there is. So, can it become more eco-friendly? The aviation industry emits 74,000 times more carbon dioxide than the training industry for instance. That's a huge number. Or Aviation is responsible for 2-3 percent of CO₂ emissions globally. Now, even if it doesn't look like it - that's a huge number as well. However, there are some good examples that Aviation starting to take its climate impact seriously. Airbus is developing three concept aircraft with their ZEROe project, which will be the first commercial, zero-emission aircraft to be in service by 2035. If someone doesn't beat them on the finishing line, that is...not likely...at all, but anyway... You could say there's a trend in decarbonizing flying. While Airbus is working with hydrogen (which is extremely interesting) instead of conventional jet fuel, Lufthansa's project is to make jet fuel from "concentrated sunlight" and they already use SAF; Sustainable Aviation Fuel to lower the Carbon Emission by 80%. Lufthansa has also launched Compensaid; a service for Mindful Travel. "The CO₂ calculator provided by the climate protection organization, myclimate, helps you to calculate your journey’s carbon footprint. The result is based on the fuel consumption of the Lufthansa fleet. With Compensaid, you can then offset the emissions your flight has caused immediately afterward"! So if going on that long flight, be prepared to plant a bunch of trees if you want to offset what your travel has caused in emissions. Electric Aviation Group has revealed its plans to launch the first 70-plus seater Hybrid Electric Regional Aircraft - or HERA for short - by 2028. The HERA will reduce 75% of each passenger CO₂ emission/ per km along with a reduction of NOx emissions by 90%! We hope for development in their project so they can stick to that plan because the flying electric choice will also reduce 65% of the "noise emission"! What are Eco-friendly Travel and Eco-tourism? The definition of Eco-friendly traveling according to The International Ecotourism Society is shortly doing “responsible travels to natural areas that conserve the environment, sustains the well-being and involves interpretation and education”. With that in mind; it's not only important to choose how to get to a destination, but it's also even more important to choose stays that are eco-friendly or outspokenly conscious about the environment, we need to choose how we move and commute on our location and doing eco-friendly activities. Eco-tourism and Sustainable Tourism are what our next Guest Blogger Francois and Alexandra from the Travel Blog VireVolte experienced in Costa Rica. Here's their story! Sustainable Tourism and Nature Preservation in Costa Rica In 2020, we were lucky enough to travel 3 weeks in Costa Rica and to come back to France just a few days before the lockdown. On our final days in Costa Rica, we went to Corcovado National Park, in the Osa Peninsula. Costa Rica is a country we have a lot to learn from in terms of Sustainable tourism and nature preservation (the country will be Carbon neutral in 2021!). Each national park is very well preserved, due to many rules: entries are limited, incoming and outgoing waste checked, paths marked and monitored, and the locals are very aware of the protection of nature. And that is why it is working so well because people care! In the Osa Peninsula, we have found some people who do not only care but who are doing their best every day for the country and the fauna and the flora of the peninsula: the people working at Luna Lodge, an eco-lodge, in the middle of the rainforest. No, you are not dreaming. The Luna Lodge is an amazing place, where nature is celebrated and preserved in every possible way. The people working at the lodge are coming from local communities, the hotel purchases everything they can from small businesses nearby, the hotel is 100% self-sufficient energetically and produces clean energy, using solar energy for water heating, for instance. Guests are informed, made aware, and invited to care for nature as well, by sorting waste, saving energy, using their water bottles, and not disturbing the nature of the wildlife. Single-use plastic is excluded from the hotel, and the Luna Lodge quantifies and compensates any Greenhouses Gases they are not able to limit. Lana, the owner of the Lodge, is also a Yoga teacher, and she will teach you how to reconnect with nature, listen to yourself but also the rainforest, and take good care of it. What a relief to see that yes, it is possible for the hospitality industry to shake things up and to provide an amazing and sustainable experience, in the middle of the rainforest, he most astonishing experience! Alexandra and François, from VireVolte, are traveling the world while working remotely. They are very fond of nature, treks, drone photography, and food! On Virevolte they talk about their favorite destinations, detail each of the itineraries, and give advice for digital nomads working remotely as they do! Follow them on Twitter! What are Eco-friendly Activities and Tours at your Destination? Being a responsible tourist means that we respect the culture and society of the destinations we travel to but naturally also how we behave and what we do. To a very high degree, that also includes the activity and tours we take to discover a new country. Support local attractions, taking a City Sightseeing Bus Tour, renting a bike, or maybe one of the best eco-friendly tours you can do; taking a walking tour in a group or by yourself are only a few of all examples of eco-friendly activities and eco-traveling. And City Walks is something our next Guest Bloggers love! Get inspired for Eco-travel with these Epic Walkable Cities Eco-friendly Travel tips from Guest Blogger Brittany Merriman of Bon Voyage Brittany If you’re trying to be a more informed traveler, you probably have heard of eco or sustainable travel. However, the secret to being a more conscientious and sustainable tourist isn’t an easy, “one-size-fits-all” solution. There is a lot of varying information floating around the internet about ecotourism. This could lead the average traveler to get discouraged about their options. Maybe you’re wondering how you can truly make a difference without breaking the bank on a rluxurious“Eco Resort”? As a full-time traveler, budget tourist, and sustainability expert I feel you. Even though I have a degree in Sustainability and minored in Tourism Studies, I know just how overwhelming this amalgamation of information can be. That’s why I’m going to lay an easy solution right at your feet. Literally! I love the idea of Walkable Cities as a tourism destination for environmentally-minded tourists from all walks of life (see what I did there?). Why Choose a Walkable City? Pick a Reason! In terms of Urban Planning, easily walkable cities have a myriad of benefits. Walkable cities encourage residents to live healthier, more active lives. This understandably leads to happier citizens who tend to be longer-lived. Pretty obviously, a city is defined as “walkable” if it encourages residents to walk or ride bikes rather than drive to their destinations. How an urban planning department can achieve this might not be as obvious. One way cities achieve this is by planting trees and creating more green spaces (think: parks). Studies have shown that even looking at trees can improve our mental and physical health. That means that Walkable Cities are naturally placed tourists (and residents!) will find more relaxing, more beautiful, and easier to breathe in. Additionally, a “Walkable” city utilizes public transportation and/or bike lanes in clever, holistic ways. If large areas of a city are not easily accessible via public transportation or sidewalks tourists and residents will find it more difficult to explore. Tourism dollars will be stuck in one part of a community, instead of permeating throughout the area. This will naturally lead to some neighborhoods being more “run down” than others. The most obvious benefit to Walkable Cities, however, is the ability to budget your travel expenses. How much money did you spend on your last vacation other than renting a car or paying for an Uber? In cities where biking, public transport, and walking are the norm, tourists can feel safer saving their money and exploring the cheap way: by foot. Imagine visiting a new place and being able to enjoy the sights, tastes, and activities that the city has to offer without having to drive 40 minutes to each new destination. Imagine strolling from your hotel or Airbnb to a city park, museum, or eatery. Imagine saving hundreds of dollars on a car rental, and using that money to learn a new activity or experience a new cultural attraction. Sounds romantic and inspiring, right? For those who cannot, or do not want to walk, these cities still have you covered! Not only are Walkable Cities easier to traverse on foot, but they tend to have great public transportation and ADA-accessible sidewalks throughout the city. This means that you don’t have to wear down the soles of your shoes just to avoid taking a cab. Top 3 Walkable Cities in the USA for Eco-friendly Sightseeing Cities with a “Walkability Score” of over 70 are considered “very walkable”. That is, most errands can be accomplished on foot. The closer the cities score is to 100, the more walkable the city is considered to be, and here are the Top 3 most walkable cities in the USA. Solo pianist in Central Park the city's Manhattan, New York 1. Eco-friendly New York City Walks Rated the “Most Walkable” city in America, New York shouldn’t be a surprise. It is not uncommon for Big Apple youths to never bother to even get a driver's license. There is a reason for that: almost everything in New York can be accomplished on foot. Although many places in New York are walkable, neighborhoods like Little Italy, Bowery, and the Flatiron District have walk scores of 100. The highest score possible. While in NYC, why not take a walking food tour and explore the city's famous foods by foot (and by mouth!)? Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge and get an iconic shot of the skyline. Take a Manhattan street art tour, and stroll through The High Line Park - the opportunities here are honestly endless! Hillwalking in San Francisco, USA will reward you with amazing San Fran city views - and it's good for your health and the environment too! 2. San Francisco Eco-friendly Activities and Walking Tours San Francisco trails behind New York City by only a point, making this city incredibly walkable overall. Visitors to SanFran’s Chinatown and Tenderloin districts will find walking easy to accomplish, with each district having a score of 100. The Downtown-Union Square district follows at a close third with a score of 99. Fun suggestions for tourists include making your way around China Town to sample authentic cuisine. Stroll down Jackson Street for a taste of quaint, old-world charm. Get your beatnik fix on Columbus Avenue or hike up the stairs at Lombard Street aka “Crookedest Street in the World”. 3. Eco-friendly Neighbourhood Walking in Boston, Massachusetts Boston is home to not only Harvard and MIT, but also a plethora of history. Visitors to this bustling city will be impressed with its walkable neighborhoods. Unlike NYC and San Francisco, the neighborhood in Boston has a perfect walkability score. However, several neighborhoods score in the high 90s, making Boston still easily traversable without wheels. Visitors wanting an eco-friendly walking experience should check out Beacon Hill, North End, and Bay Village for an on-foot experience. Adventurers on foot will be delighted with Bostons Beacon Hill and North End Districts. Take to Bostons' oldest commercial center, Maverick Square, or go a bit more modern at Downtown Crossing. Of course, history buffs of all ages won’t be disappointed in any Boston neighborhood. Author and Guest Blogger Brittany Merriman of Bon Voyage Brittany is a globetrotting sustainability nerd eager to bring the joys of living an ethical and eco-friendly lifestyle to women everywhere. She has been a full-time nomadic adventurer for over four years. Her hobbies include long walks up mountain slopes, longer ski runs down mountain slopes, and drinking wine pretty much anywhere. Visit Bon Voyage Brittany and follow her on Instagram. What are Eco-friendly Products for Travel? There are several criteria to label products as "Eco-friendly" but using our common sense; your travel products should be made from recycled or reusable, durable materials that do not harm the environment and conserve resources like water and energy with a big extra plus if being fully biodegradable. When defining an Eco-material it should enhance improvement of the environment through the whole life cycle while maintaining its performance. Our Team agreed that cotton and bamboo are such materials to have a closer look at when searching for eco-friendly Travel Products. Our Recommended Eco-friendly Travel Products on Amazon Teabloom All-Beverage Travel Tumbler with a large capacity; 17 oz / 500 ml. Insulated Thermos Mug made from Eco-Friendly Bamboo with a hot and cold tea infuser, cold-brew coffee or to make fruit-infused water. Using the Naturalist every day instead of a disposable cup can save up to 23 lbs of trash/ year and 88 lbs C02 emissions. The Naturalist on Amazon Set with 4 uniquely and individually engraved Bamboo Toothbrushes, a bamboo travel case and a vegan, eco-friendly dental floss made from charcoal and bamboo fiber is perfect for your new sustainable lifestyle. Zero Waste set: 100% compostable and recyclable. Perfect as a gift for the environmentally aware traveler. Bootrybe on Amazon Reusable Bamboo Cutlery set; 2-Pack Bamboo Utensils Set with 2 bonus Bamboo Toothbrushes, 100% Organic Bamboo Straw, Spoon, Fork, Knife, Teaspoon, Chopsticks, Brush and Storage Bags - all in Bamboo and fully Biodegradable. The perfect Travel set for daily use when hiking, camping, road trips - or at home. Greenzla on Amazon ecofreaco Organic Cotton Mesh reusable produce bags are perfect to pack in your travel bag and use at destinations when shopping. The double-stitched mesh Eco Bags leave Zero Waste is washable, and Eco-friendly Shopping & Storage Solutions besides being durable. So durable that ecofreaco leaves a Lifetime Warranty on their product! ecofreaco on Amazon Still, want to look good while traveling; of course using your eco-friendly, cruelty-free, vegan make-up? ECOLIFE has reusable Makeup Remover Pads. The scrub pads are made of Bamboo and are perfect for cleaning off tenacious products and exfoliating the skin. The softer cotton rounds are great for removing makeup regularly and for areas like the eyes. Sustainable and Zero Waste! ECOLIFE on Amazon Bali Boo lets you bring biodegradable straws on your journeys! 12 Eco friendly 8 Inch straws made from reusable bamboo. The USA alone uses 500 million plastic straws per day! Take one important step to Zero Waste and ditch the straw or go for reusable ones! Unlike plastic straws, bamboo products are 100% biodegradable and an easy way to cut down on waste and pollution. Bali Boo on Amazon DO YOU HAVE TIPS ON ECO-FRIENDLY AND SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTS? We would love to add them here. Send us a mail: team@foodandtravelguides.com Our Quick and Easy Checklist to Start Living Sustainable Re-Use and Recycle This is a simple mindset to make an impact with very small daily life changes. Reusing your coffee cup, teacup, or water bottle, shop with your reusable bags, avoid any plastic packaging, and refuse single-use straws are all easy transitions to an aware choice of sustainable living. Avoid any landfill waste and recycle what you can at home. Energy-Aware Be aware of your Energy consumption; Electric and Water. Choose clean and green energy from Sustainable Resources, switch off your lights, and turn off the tap. Mindful Eating Support your local farmer and choose regionally food, eat what's in season and avoid imported greens, eat less meat and more plant-based food, eat more organic and avoid unnecessary food waste - i.e eat what can be eaten of a plant (often more than you might think) and store leftovers in reusable containers. Compost any organic waste. Grow your own greens. Buy Sustainably labeled goods, fashion, and products Needless to say, the trend with sustainable, ecological, organic, fairtrade, or any other environmental driven label for that sake, have become big business. The US Sustainability Market alone is predicted to break $150 billion in sales by 2021. We hope it reaches $200 billion. As long as there are working supervisory organizations which ensure that rules and objectives are met, those kinds of labels do good for the environment. Shop goods from Brands you trust and know have a verified eco-labeling. Learn more about Sustainable Living! If you read this far - we're very happy you did! That must mean something, right? Thank you for your concern about our environment! We want to round up this Guide with a tip of a documentary which happens to be a treat if you want to learn something fundamental about Sustainable Living. It all starts with the Bees. No, not Bee Gees. (Well, may-bee!) "David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet" Sir David Attenborough's life is truly extraordinary. Few humans have had the same privilege to experienced Nature's Biodiversity so thoroughly up-close and consistently like Mr. Attenborough through the years. Well, actually a whole Lifetime. The documentary "David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet" is his testimony. And a real eye-opener. If there's just one documentary you should watch this year: This is the One! And maybe "My Octopus Teacher" which is amazing (Bonus Tip)! ”We can’t cut down rainforests forever – and anything that we can’t do forever is; by definition, unsustainable” ”Our imprint is now truly global. Our impact is now truly profound. Our blind assault on the planet has finally come to alter the very fundamentals of the living world.” ”We are facing; nothing less than a collapse of the living world. No one wants this to happen. None of us can afford for it to happen.” ”So what do we do? It’s quite straightforward. It’s been staring us in the face all along. To restore stability to our Planet, we must restore its bio-diversity. The very thing that we’ve removed. It’s the only way out of these crises we have created. We must ”re-wild” the world!” From the Netflix documentary "A Life on Our Planet" and the wise words of Sir David Attenborough on sustainable living. Check out Earthshot Prize that David Attenborough started with Prince William; a "Nobel Prize for Environmentalism". Annually (starting 2021 in London), and in the next ten years, there will be five, one million-pound prize awarded, to winners providing at least 50 solutions to our world’s greatest environmental problems by 2030. RELATED POST: #staycation: Responsible and Safe Travels during a Pandemic #eco #sustainable #ecofriendly #sustainability #environment #sustainableliving #ecotravel #ecotourism #ecological #greenenergy #globalsustainability #sustainableurbanliving #ecofriendlyactivities #ecofriendlytravel #ecofriendlytravelproducts #ecofriendlytours #biodiversity #ecoresponsible

Australia is a favorite destination among visitors for many reasons. Beautiful nature of Australia attracts them absolutely. Among the beautiful places, Sydney might hold the crown. Sydney is with the best day trip destination not just in Australia but in the world. However, all of the destinations are not within a walking distance of Sydney. The places available for a visit are within a maximum of a three-hour drive from there. So, buckle up and get ready for your “Sydney day tours”. This shortlist explains the enchanting view of the Blue Mountains. Then about fresh foods and wonderful restaurants in Hunter Valley. Finally, it unfolds beaches and fishing off Port Stephens. Guest Blogger: Rakkitha Kumarage, Sydney Day Tours Blue Mountains Day trip from Sydney This little Grand Canyon is the most visited landmark in Sydney, Australia. It is only 100 km away towards the west of Sydney which takes about one and half hour drive from Sydney. Even locals come to these 664,000 acres of wilderness with uninterrupted forests. About 140 km is covered with waterfalls, rock paintings, and hiking trails. The best way to get there is by car through M4 Motorway. If you need to get mixed with the local life of Australia, arrange a train from Sydney to Blackheath or Katoomba. The grand option is contacting a travel agent to find hidden gems that a normal traveler rarely stumbles on. So, it is always wise to contact a travel agent to have the true full experience of ‘Blue Mountains Tours’. Get ready to: Visit Three Sisters. This ancient rock formation surrounded by Aboriginal legends nearby Katoomba is the main natural attraction of the Blue Mountains. Bird lovers can watch lyrebirds in bright summer days. Cable car, railway, walkway, and cableway ride gives visitors an unforgettable experience there Visit Jenolan Caves and Walk more than 850 steps to see one of the most beautiful cave systems in the world Start a bit challenging bushwalk from the Leura picnic area to experience the undisputed wonder Hunter Valley Day trip from Sydney This valley of fertility keeps food lovers attracted. It is 230 km away towards the north of Sydney. It would be a three-hour drive from Sydney. It is among the oldest wine regions in Australia. The effective way to get to Hunter Valley is by driving by taking the M1 Pacific Motorway to Cessnock. You can visit there through public transport too. It would be a waste of time as there aren't any direct ways to get there from Sydney. Therefore, contacting a travel agent would be ideal. It will save your time, effort, and money. After all, you will need a guide to having the full experience of ‘Hunter Valley wine tours’ as drinking and driving are still prohibited even there. A booked tour will not just for saving you from that police ticket. It will also get you to the best restaurants and scenery you will never be able to find alone. Get ready to: Explore over 150 boutique wineries and taste your favorite wine Taste various cheese products in handmade cheese shops Have a bite of wonder that would melt in your mouth from best ever chocolate shops Satisfy your taste buds in Hunter Valley restaurants overlooking vineyards Visit Hunter Gardens and relax in the beauty of nature Enjoy the best way of experiencing the elegance of Hunter Valley through a balloon ride Port Stephens day trip from Sydney The "Dolphin Capital" of Australia attracts adventure seekers visiting Australia. It is 200 km away towards the north of Sydney. It would be two- and a half-hour drive from Sydney. Port Stephens is twice in size than that of Sydney harbor. But glamorous as it is. The best way to get there is by car taking M1 Motorway from the city. Or use Port Stephens express bus from the Central Station. Traveling via bus would be an overnight trip. If you are planning to book a tour, know that it will worth the extra bucks you spend. Don’t get tired of driving alone and save your energy for the adrenaline-filled activities there. So, the best option is to book ‘Port Stephens tours’ for an uninterrupted experience. Get ready to: Be with Moon shadow cruises for dolphin watching. There will be three cruises depart each day and they are a 1 and half-hour duration. Don't hesitate to book that seat of yours as soon as you went there The Offer 4WD adventure activities like beach dune tours and Sygna Shipwreck tours. Involve in Sandboarding safaris. So, make sure to be with your sandboard Go through the true wonder of Port Stephens in Tomaree Head Hike Visit Murray which is the oldest winery in the area. It offers visitors a wonderful crafty experience. And wine tasting. Don’t forget to visit the Brewery restaurant All these three are waiting to offer their support & other services, getting you to your favorite day tour when visiting Sydney in Australia. Guest Blogger Rakkitha Kumarage is a private tour guide based in Sydney that does all of the above tours besides blogging about Sydney Day-Trips at Sydney Top Tours. Blue Mountains, Hunter Valley wine tours, and Port Stephens are his favorite Sydney Day Tour Destinations and Top three picks if wanting to experience more on your Sydney Trip. Sydney Top Tours for day-trips when visit Australia. These tourist destinations around Sydney is perfect for a day tour from Sydney; leaving the busy city and will show you the magnificent nature of Australia, experience Australian Food and Wine, encounter Dolphins and much more to enrich your Australia and Sydney Itinerary. #sydney #sydneytoptours #daytrips #visitaustralia #touristdestinations #destinationsaroundsydney #daytourfromsydney #natureofaustralia #australian #australianfood #australianfoodandwine #sydneyitinerary

With the iconic Table Mountain at its heart and the two oceans at its feet, Cape Town is located at the tip of the African Continent. It is South Africa’s legislative capital and one of most beautiful places on earth with an amalgamation of cultures, cuisine, and landscapes. Guest Bloggers: Suk & Sangy, Urge to XPLORE Disclosure: Our site contains Affiliate Links. Clicking an Affiliate Link and purchasing something we recommend, won't cost you anything extra - it probably will save you some bucks. It will though give us a small commission which will help this site remaining a free resource for travelers to explore our world together. Cape Town is located at the south western tip of the African continent and it is South Africa’s legislative capital. Not just its rugged landscape and the iconic natural landmarks – Table Mountain, Signal Hill and the Twelve Apostles, Cape town’s beauty also lies in its timelessly beautiful beaches, vineyards and the unique flora and fauna dotting its coastlines. Often called the “Mother City”, its complex colonial history has created an a truly magnificent diversity. Famed for centuries as the Tavern of the Seas, Cape Town today is a cosmopolitan and vibrant city in a beautiful setting – part of it in the slopes of the Table Mountain and other parts lie in the flats below stretching southwards towards False Bay. Head to Victoria & Alfred Waterfront located at the foot of Signal Hill and on the shores of the gorgeous Table Bay. This is Cape Town’s tourist magnet - a place where people gather to eat, drink, shop, party while admiring the breathtaking views of Table Mountain and blue waters of the Table Bay. The city’s rich history and thriving culture is at full display here. The place is packed with attractions and activities, you can spend an entire day here and end with a stunning view of the sunset. Start your Victoria & Alfred Waterfront experience with a walking tour. The waterfront is part of the harbor dating back to 17th century is dotted with many landmarks that shaped the history of Cape Town – Clock Tower, Port Captain’s Office, the Pumphouse, Robinson dry docks and also a Swing bridge. There is also a public square called the Nobel Square that has sculptures of South Africa’s four Nobel Peace prize winners. The Two Oceans Aquarium displays the incredible diversity of Atlantic and Indian Oceans including an African Penguin enclosure. A large warehouse next to the aquarium – Watershed houses 100s of vendors selling in the best of South Africa’s art and crafts. Victoria Wharf is one of the most popular shopping destinations in the continent. The are countless restaurants, cafes, and pubs in the waterfront but for best food options head over to the Food Market. The market features vendors selling street food from around the world including Sushi, Thai, Malay, and Mexican cuisines. From Ferries Wheel to Cruises, Shopping or Dining this place has it all to spend an entire day. There are number of cruises that you can take – harbor cruise, the sunset cruise, or a boat ride to Robben Island where Nelson Mandela spent 18 years in confinement. The most amazing attraction in Cape Town is undoubtedly the flat-topped Table Mountain. It provides a breath-taking backdrop to the city and is visible from every part of it. Getting to the top of the mountain is a must-do activity. Take the gondola to the top to get sweeping views of the Cape Peninsula and the Atlantic Ocean far and wide. From the top you get panoramic views of the breathtaking beauty of entire city. Best times are early morning or late afternoon. Be prepared to spend at least a couple of hours since there are much more than just the views down below from every angle. The plateau on the top is almost 3 Kms long with Devil's Peak to the east and by Lion's Head to the west. At times there are thick fog cover and it moves from one side to the other in just few minutes. From coast to coast Cape Town’s pristine beaches with its soft white sand and majestic blue waters are of timeless beauty through out the year. The spectacular backdrop of the Cape Mountains makes the beaches the most scenic in the world. Closer to the city center and situated in one the most affluent neighborhood Clifton Beach is the local’s favorite. Comprising of four beaches separated by giant boulders, each of the beaches has its own personality from laid back to trendy. Just down the road is the curving crescent of Camps’ Bay. With the Twelve Apostles in the backdrop this is perhaps the best of all. About 20 kms down south on the way to Hout Bay is the Llandudno. Its rocky coastline has a piece of soft cove that can be reached through a narrow winding road through a hillside neighborhood. Further away from the city is Blouberg – the stretch consists of Dolphin Beach, Small and Big Beach. These are best known for being quiet and good for wind related sports like kitesurfing. Further down in the Western Cape on a slightly warmer sea is the Boulders Beach and Muizenberg. Boulders Beach is just beyond picturesque Simon’s Town and home to a colony of African Penguins that are endangered. The penguins walking past the boulders are a highly entertaining sight. Muizenberg with its warmer waters and Victorian bath houses is the place to go to learn surfing. To see all these beaches drive down to the Chapman’s Peak from Camps Bay - the 9 km coastal road on the Cape Peninsula is one of the most scenic coastal drives in the world. Stretching from Hout Bay to Noordhoek with 114 bends between the sea and the cliffs leading to Chapman’s Peak. At about 500 feet elevation it offers some breathtaking views of the Ocean and the mountains. Further down is Cape Point the end of Cape Peninsula and part of Table Mountain National Park. Cape Point is about 50 kms south of Cape Town, the drive can take almost half a day as you stop by to see many of the attractions like the Penguins at the Boulders Beach, Seal Island at Hout Bay, Kirstenbosch Gardens and the UNESCO world heritage site – Cape of Good Hope. The southwestern tip of the African Continent that used to be the stopping point for trading ships sailing between Europe and Asia before Suez Canal was built. Although many believe that the Cape of Good Hope is the southern tip of the African Continent and dividing line between the Atlantic and India Oceans – the distinction goes to Cape Aghulas, which is much further down towards east. Cape Point is one of the end points of the Cape Peninsula and a must visit for its rugged landscape and the diverse wild life. Cape Point is one of the end points of the Cape Peninsula and a must visit for its rugged landscape and the diverse wild life. A funicular named Flying Dutchman takes you to lighthouse at Cape Point. You can even walk up there in about 100 stairs. Once at the top you get to see the Tip of the Continent and vast expanse of the Ocean with nothing in between up to Antarctica. On the way back stop at the Stellenbosch - a small town surrounded by the vineyards of Cape Winelands with its oak-shaded streets lined with cafes, boutiques, and art galleries.` While in the city, do visit Bo kaap one of the oldest residential areas on Cape Town. Perhaps the most photographed area of the City for its brightly painted houses and quaint cobbled streets. Then there is the Castle of Good Hope a 17th century fort built by the Dutch East India Company. For the cosmopolitan and the urban vibe visit Green Point a popular leisure district an extension of Sea Point that’s has a Promenade There are jogging trails, a lighthouse, and a biodiversity garden planted with indigenous flora. The park is also home to Cape Town Stadium, built for 2010 soccer world cup. Cafes, Bars, Italian restaurants, burger joints, steakhouses, and fish eateries line Main Road. Best Places to Stay City Bowl area which includes the V&A waterfront is perhaps the best but also the most expensive. This is where you are close to everything that Cape Town has to offer and normally all tours and excursions starts from here. Then you have Woodstock and De Waterkant that are trendy and affordable. Sea point -its promenade stretches for several kilometers lined with many restaurants serving global cuisines. Our personal favorite is Green Point which is an upmarket neighbor of Sea Point. It is steps away from the V&A waterfront and close to the stunning beaches in the Atlantic seaboard. Transportation Cape Town has a Metrorail Transit System and a commuter bus service as well. The MyCiti bus is a quick and easy way to get around the city and surrounds. There are plenty of City Sightseeing tour buses which are perhaps the best way to see City and its surroundings. Uber and Taxis are also there. A car is the best for sights away from the city. Best Time to visit Peak Summer from December to February is the best times to visit Cape Town. Late April to early June also provides some clear weather for hiking. For whale watching and to see migratory birds it is between July to September. Currency The Rand is the official currency of South Africa. ZA is the symbol. Foreign currencies can be exchanged at the banks and at the airport. Recommended Itinerary A 5-day itinerary is a must; if you love adventure and keen to explore further and do some whale watching keep a day extra for it. Authors and Food Travel Writers Suk & Sangy are a couple living in Toronto Canada with a nomadic soul. They have been travelling the world together for many years now and been to many places across 5 continents. As the pandemic put a restriction on their travel plans, they decided to spend their time sharing their past travel experiences through their blog – Urge to XPLORE. Also follow them on their Instagram. Destination South Africa and Cape Town and the surrounding areas. Find things to see, activities to do, where to eat and places to stay when visiting "the Mother City" of South Africa; Cape Town. Find Travel Tips to inspire in this Cape Town Itinerary to help you plan your trip to South Africa easy. #southafrica #capetown #destinationsouthafrica #southafricaandcapetown #thingstosee #activitiestodo #wheretoeat #placestostay #themothercity #cityofsouthafrica #traveltips #capetownitinerary #inspire #planyourtrip #triptosouthafrica