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Palm Springs, California Travel Guide

Palm Springs is a desert oasis that lies at the Coachella valley western edge in California. It is just about 2 hours from Los Angeles and it has been an escape from the dizzying pace of showbiz for Hollywood A-listers. With many spa retreats, hotels, and golf course, it is no wonder it is a favorite for the rich and famous. Politicians, musicians, and actors are glorified here as their names have been embedded into the city’s walk of stars. Here are the top must-see attractions in Palm Springs, California.

Living Desert Zoo and Gardens

The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens is specifically dedicated to species from the arid environment, so it houses different hardy creatures from across the world. You will get to see the Desert Bighorn sheep as it traverse the Rocky Mountain slopes. These animals are one of the favorites here as they are native to the region. As well as Mother Nature, you will also be delighted by the miniature model train on display.

Sunnylands Centre and Gardens

Not only is Palm Springs a Hollywood stars playground, but it is also committed to activating change. At Sunnylands Centre and Gardens, both global and national issues are discussed at the on-site conference center by world leaders. After business talks, VIPs sometimes stroll through the gardens or indulge in a game of golf.

Indian Canyons

Visit the Indian Canyons to delve deeper into Palm Springs history. You can admire the fan palms fed by mountain streams and have been prolific all through the rocky gorges. The fruits here once provided a source of income for the early inhabitants of this area. They also wove the leaves into sandals, baskets, and huts. The fan palms also served as a home to the local wildlife such as insects, small rodents, and birds all live under the shady skirts.

Moorten Botanical Garden and Cactarium

The Moorten Botanical Garden and Cactarium is home to more than 3,000 species of furry, spiky, and prickly desert plants. If you are lucky, you can catch a glimpse of a feathered critter too.

Mt. San Jacinto

You can take the aerial tramway to the peak of Mt. San Jacinto. Take in the view of one the world’s oat sublime spectacle and kick back with a cocktail. Hike on the 50 miles of tracks if you are feeling energetic. Don’t forget to bring a coat with you as these hiking trails are sometimes greeted with a dusting of snow.

Palm Springs Art Museum

Visit the Palm Springs Art Museum once you have got your feet planted on the ground again. It is home to many natural wonders, and it is a fertile ground for creative expression. Explore the exhibits that this city continues to inspire.

For a long time, Palm Springs has been a sanctuary in the midst of a barren desert of dust and rock. From the Agua Caliente Band that was first enticed by the abundance of natural resources here to the Hollywood stars and now travelers from all over the globe, Palm Springs has served as a sun-soaked escape with spellbinding scenery, peaceful seclusion, and a unique story.

Travel

How to Meet People When you Travel Solo

For many people traveling solo is not an option because they get bored and they are scared of being alone. For others, they enjoy traveling solo because of the freedom it brings. I think a lot of the reluctance to travel solo stems from the fact that people are afraid of being alone but here’s the thing traveling solo does not mean that you have to travel alone. This article will give you some tips on how to meet people when you travel solo.

Join a Walking Tour
It is a kind of tradition whenever I travel on my own I always like to scout out free walking tours in the city I’m in and do it the first day I get there. The best thing about doing a walking tour is not only that you’ll have the opportunity to meet other travelers and be surrounded by other people but also that you get to know the town and you get to know your surroundings right away.

Stay in a Hostel
If you are willing to step out of your comfort zone, staying in a hostel is not only a fantastic way to save money but also a great way to meet people particularly if you were traveling on your own. Why? Well, the whole hostel culture is a kind of built around this aspect of the community. You’ll often find that hostels have common rooms where all travelers can congregate. It’s a great way to put yourself out there because in my experience people who are staying in hostels are genuinely very keen on meeting others. Hostels also almost always run events like pub night and quiz night so they are a really great way not only to meet people but to engage in fun activities. If you choose to stay in a hotel, you can always pop by one of the hostels in your destination and ask the reception whether they are having any events you can take part in.

Go to a Meet-up
Another excellent way to meet people when you are traveling by yourself is to go to meetups. meetups.com, for example, is a whole website dedicated to events that are being hosted by like-minded people who are into a particular hobby. So if you are into knitting for example and in Paris for a week you can see on meetup.com if there are any knitting meetups. If you a football fan, you can again go on to meetups.com and search the place you are going to be in and you can see whether there will be a soccer meetup.

Break Bread With Locals
There are websites that actually connect travelers with local people who are willing to cook them a meal. There are eatwith.com and mealsharing.com. Meeting local people in the places you go to is such an important thing I think that it’s a fabulous opportunity to get to know more about the culture and to get to know more about the way people think, what they value, and what they love. This will allow you to get that insider info that a guidebook won’t necessarily be able to give you or another tourist won’t be able to give you because they don’t know the place intimately. Again, going into somebody home and being able to see the way they live and the food they eat is just a very enriching cultural experience. It’s also a great way to ensure that you have that human contact you may crave.

Approach People
Finally, one of the best ways to meet people is straight up to approach them. Travel is all about broadening horizons and putting yourself out there, so what better way to meet people than to just go right up to them and to introduce yourself. Now, it may take a bit of practice because you don’t want to be creepy and you don’t want to freak or creep people out but I think that simply introducing yourself to someone especially another solo traveler is always a great idea.

Solo travel is a beautiful thing and I think it’s something that everyone should do at some point in their lives. I also want to say traveling solo doesn’t necessarily mean traveling alone, so hopefully you will use them on your travels.

Travel

Boston – Cradle of Independence

Most people would have heard about some rebellious Bostonians throwing tea into the water at Boston harbour in an act of protest against the British colonial policy, thus starting the US fight for independence in 1773.

A city introduces itself
Boston (aka Beantown, the City on a Hill or the Hub of the Universe) was founded in 1630 and is the capital of Massachusetts and the biggest city in New England. The former industrial city has transformed into the international, intercultural and technological centre of political importance it is today. Its economic wealth deriving from its financial and educational sectors, home to world-renowned universities like Harvard, Cambridge, MIT and Berklee.

Neighbourhoods
The stunning landscape surrounding Boston’s skyline is only a first impression. Once you get to know at least some of the 23 neighbourhoods you will discover historical, cultural and architectural gems hidden behind every corner. A city characterised by immigration. Find an abundance of Irish Bars and Restaurants in South Boston, culinary delights in the Italian part of Down Town or experience Chinese lifestyle in Chinatown. Visit East Boston to see where the Kennedys grew up or admire the unique architecture in Back Bay and Beacon Hill.

Touring the city
There are numerous ways to explore Boston. Countless guided tours offer captivating insights. In good weather Boston harbour attracts visitors with stunning views and whale watching tours. The whale watching tour was a major trip highlight for some friends of mine who own an Edmonton garbage bin rental company. Enjoy an easy-going afternoon in Boston Common Park or Boston Public Park or rent a “Hubway” bike for $6 per day to have a look around this bike-friendly city. For a self-guided walking tour simply follow the “Freedom Trail”, a paved red line leading to Charlestown past 16 of the most important sights like Massachusetts State House and the Old State House or walk the “Black Heritage Trail” and visit sights fundamental to African-American history.

Evening program
If you need a break, want to treat yourself or feel like a night out you will be glad to know that this is the place for you. New England is famous for its seafood, Boston is particularly famous for “Clam Chowder” (clam soup with bread), comparatively inexpensive “Lobster Rolls”, diners and a bustling nightlife. Many artful and simply delicious delicacies from all over the world are waiting right here. Whether you are looking for a classy cocktail bar, an old-established Irish pub, an after work drink or an inspiring Jazz bar with life music, it´s all too easy to stay out late enjoying the spirit and the hustle and bustle of one of the oldest cities on the US east coast.

Travel

Top 3 Major Travel Scams That You Need To Avoid

There are many people out there who love to take advantage of tourists, and if you are not careful enough, it is very easy to become a victim of a travel scam. From unknowingly revealing credit card information to getting ridiculously overcharged on taxi rides, there are many different types of travel scams out there – and they exist all over the world. It is pretty much safe to say that it is impossible to know when or if you will be scammed. However, it is still very important for you to know what types of travel scams exist out there, and what to do if you ever find yourself ripped off by a stranger.

By the way, just the thought of getting ripped off by a stranger while you are traveling the road for fun sounds pretty disgusting and uncomfortable, doesn’t it? Of course it does! That being said, avoiding travel scams is not really the easiest thing in the world. It requires a lot of common sense, as well as a healthy dose of suspicion. And now, here are some of the most common travel scams that you need to avoid whenever possible!

Taxi Overcharge
It is safe to say that taxi overcharge is one of the most common travel scams in the world. Either the taxi driver will tell you that the meter is not correct and then try to charge you a big rate or you will see the meter go unrealistically fast. In order to avoid this scam, the very first thing that you need to know is how much the ride should actually cost.

The Shell Game
This is one of the oldest, as well as one of the most obvious travel scams out there. When it comes to travel scams, the shell game is one of the oldest tricks in the book. In fact, it is nothing more than a betting game where your only option is to lose both your money and your sanity.

Motorbike Scam
The way this travel scam works is actually pretty simple – you rent a bike, and when you bring it back, the bike’s owner demands more money because there is some damage that you didn’t even know about. In order to avoid this travel scam, the best thing to do is to take a few pictures of the bike first to document any previous damage. Keep in mind that the owner might send someone to cause some damage to the bike or even steal it so you have to pay. But when you have the pictures of the bike in its original state, you have all the proof that you need to prove that you are not guilty.

Travel

The Importance of Personal Time When Traveling With Your Spouse

There is absolutely no doubt that travel, in general, is pretty much always a fun experience that is filled with all sorts of exciting adventures and unforgettable memories. However, it is very important to note that traveling as a couple is actually not the same as traveling solo. In fact, traveling as a couple is actually pretty different and unique, but in the best way possible. With this in mind, if you have ever traveled the world with your significant other, then you already know what we are trying to say here. When it comes to traveling as a couple, it is all about the memories and experiences that you create together. Simply put, couple travel is all about being a cohesive unit and sharing your adventures with one another.

And while it is true that life on the road consists of communication, compromise, and understanding, you need to know that taking the time to do things that are just for you is very important as well. Did you know that taking the time to do things that are just for you can actually lead to even more benefits – not just for yourself, but for your significant other as well? As you can see, being selfish every once in a while can actually lead to some pretty good things!

 

Use Your Time Wisely

We all know that life on the road is not the same as life back home, right? Your regular routines simply don’t work when you are on the road. This is especially the case when you are traveling with your significant other, and the main reason why is because you have to communicate, work, and solve problems together, as well as navigate an unfamiliar area all at the same time. But sometimes you just need to take some time to do your own thing alone – whether it be watching your favorite TV show or doing a solo hike.

You Are Not Actually Being Selfish

Taking some time to do your own thing alone doesn’t necessarily mean that you are being selfish. In fact, it is a great opportunity for both you and your partner to recharge your batteries and prepare for new adventures. And once you are finished doing your own thing, you will be ready to listen, communicate, compromise, and be a loving partner that you know you can be. As you can see, taking time for yourself is actually not a bad thing at all. If anything, it can be good for both you and your partner.

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