Palau: A True Gem for Travellers

Palau is a beautiful nation of islands. It is situated in the southwest of the Philippines in the North Pacific Ocean. Tourism is Palau’s largest industry, and it is one of the wealthiest nations in the pacific.

The country is an archipelago consisting of about 340 coral and a volcanic island. Diving is a famous activity here with truly world-class dive sites. Palau is an enchanting paradise for snorkelers and divers worldwide. Palau is famous for its underwater wonders. This tiny country has lots of activities and attractions to keep travellers happy when not fully submerged.

Let’s explore Palau and find out the best things to do.

Palau Sightseeing:

Koror:

whenever visiting Palau, Koror should not be missed out. This is the most popular island, especially for the tourist. From Koror, you can visit and explore many other destinations.

Kayangel Atoll Belau

Kayangel Atoll Belau is one of the most amazing Palau points of interest. Kayangel offers stunningly beautiful beaches with white sand, seashells, and driftwood. It is a perfect place to sit in the shallow water and enjoy the water with a breathtaking azure color. You can also spend the day here with fishing, snorkeling, and sunbathing.

Bai House:

The city is best known for its traditional Palauan men’s meeting house, a so-called Bai. During the ancient times in the villages meetings were conducted in the Bai. The traditional Bai House is a work of beautiful drawings and a rich history. Only men were allowed to enter the Bai house.

Jellyfish Lake

Jellyfish Lake is a marine lake located in the Eil Malk Island of Palau. This is a unique opportunity that you should not miss when in Palau. It is a real experience when you get a chance to swim among the migrating golden jellyfish. The jellyfish were trapped in the lake because of the sudden rise in the sea levels some twelve thousand years ago. Scuba diving is not allowed in the lake, but tourists can swim alongside the golden-hued jellyfish.

Waterfalls

Head to Ngardmau Falls to see beautiful rainbow shrouded in the mist. The fantastic Ngardmau Falls is located in Babeldaob. It is the largest island in the Republic of Palau. Ngardmau Falls is the largest waterfall in Micronesia. The best way to reach the fall is to trek along a scenic jungle path. Tourists can travel in the monorail to reach the waterfalls. As you follow the downstream you can find beautiful little pools and miniature waterfalls. While hiking you will find historical remains of Japanese colonial times along the trail, such as old locomotive and other parts of an old railway system

Palau Aquarium

Palau Aquarium is a Japanese funded research complex. The aquarium is a part of the Pacific International coral reef centre. This is an outdoor museum where visitors can view marine life through glass sides on ponds. The aquarium has local fish. Some are in the ocean but with a net around them.

Entertainment in Palau: 

Nightlife in Palau has the entertainment to suit everyone’s taste. You can dine in a fine restaurant in Ngerulmud or relax at a coffee shop and then go to a nightclub or you may prefer to go to a theater. The best place to party would be the Taj, Kramer’s Drop off/Neco and Sam’s, all situated in Malakal. For late-night partying, there are always the karaoke bars in Malakal. These places can be fun if you go in groups.

Activities in Palau: 

Flying over the islands: Palau helicopters have a range of scenic flights over the region. They also have a 45 minutes tour over the Rock Islands and the strikingly photogenic seventy islands. These islands cannot be accessed by sea. The only way to have good view is from the sky.

Kayak around Rock Islands: Explore the stunning natural beauty of the Rock Islands by kayak or canoe. Jutting out from the water, the Rock Islands are Palau’s crowning glory. Countless dive and aqua sports centers are offering guided or self-guided kayak tours.

At Palau Eco Theme Park is the longest zip line in the world. It is a great family-friendly opportunity for fun and adventure. It is easily accessible from Cove Resort Palau.

Palau offers a wonderful opportunity to enjoy a host of water sports and activities such as scuba diving, snorkeling, interacting with dolphins and swimming.

Experiencing mud bath in Palau’s Milky Way: bathing in the white limestone mud found on the water floor will make you look ten years younger. The Milky Way lagoon is known to be a natural spa treatment. Local and tourists look forward to applying the white mud from the lagoon all over the body. One can feel relaxed while having a mud bath.

Palau Cuisine: 

Eating out is a pleasure while visiting Palau. However, you need to know the best restaurant and the best cuisine. Local cuisine is typical of the pacific islands and root vegetables such as taro, yams, and pumpkin. Coconut is widely used ingredients for flavoring everything from fish to soups. Some of the specialties are fruit bats soup, broiled fish, tinola soup, pichi-pichi a desert and Halo-halo.s

Regional drinks are Red Rooster (local beer brand) and kava Juice.

Shopping: Koror is a great place to buy storyboards and local handicrafts. There are many shops in Palau selling the usual array of souvenirs and decorative trinkets. Ulekdubs gift shop and Etpison Museum is few of them.

The Best time to visit Palau: there is no real best time to visit Palau since it is great all year-round. To be more precise the best time to visit Palau is between September and May.

The best way to visit Palau is by renting a car since it is relatively cheap.

Connectivity: many establishments offer free WiFi.

Whenever planning to explore Palau in your coming vacations, find out the popular tourist attractions situated in Palau. The natural beauty of this island attracts tourists from across the globe. You will find amazing people and for sure this will be the best holiday of your lifetime.

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Luanda: A Truly Picturesque City

Angola’s capital city Luanda is often referred to as the most expensive city in the world for the ex-pats. Luanda is a city located in the South-West of Africa on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean, near the mouth of the Cuangi River. The city is built around the bay and is in the shape of a semi-circle. People in Luanda speak mostly Portuguese.

Luanda was once a place of conflict but has reinvented itself as a peaceful, stable modern city. The city has been restored which was once historically a center for trade, culture, and commerce. Today, you’ll find a luxury beach party scene, fine dining and shopping in a lush, and welcoming.

You will find beautiful architecture to a museum to relaxing beaches Luanda offers numerous diverse attractions and entertainment options. Luanda doesn’t have much relating to museums, cinemas, and a theatre, so eating out is a big pastime. Mostly restaurants in Luanda are filled with ex-pats. Places like Kintal Da Tia Guida attract mainly Angolans and entire families on weekends, creating a boisterous festive atmosphere.

Let’s Take a Look at the Best Things to Do and See In Luanda: 

The Palacio de Ferro (Iron Palace) is a magnificent palace built by world-renowned architect Gustave Eiffel the builder who built the world-famous Eiffel Tower in Paris and the Statue of Liberty in New York. The Iron Palace is a stunning piece of architecture.

Ilha de Luanda (island of Luanda) it’s not an island but a small peninsula, it’s has some good beaches, restaurants, and bars. If you want to enjoy nightlife and party then this place is a must to visit.

Tourist Attraction in the Outskirts of Luanda: 

Miradourous da Lua is a beautiful landscape created by wind and water. This landscape resembles a moon surface. In other words, it is also known as Moon Valley point. Miradouro da Lua was formed by a cliff with sharp pinnacles that have been eroded from the wind and the sea. This gives it a moon-like surface.

Kissama National Park is two hrs distance from the city of Luanda. This National Park is also called as Quissama National Park. The plants in Kissama are very beautiful with huge Baobab trees. Some mammals in the park include the forest buffalo, eland, antelope, waterbuck and bush bucks among others.

Accommodation: one can stay at the thatched chalets on the banks of Cuanza River with self- contained accommodation facilities at Pousada Caua. This lodge also offers activities like fishing, beach walks, river cruises, bird watching adventures, and others.

Kalandula falls is one of the largest waterfalls by volume in Africa. It is a must-visit attraction whilst you are in the capital. Kalandula Falls is a broad horseshoe-shaped waterfall. It is termed as the awesome power of nature. The best views of the falls come from its base.

Outdoor Activities in Luanda: 

In Luanda, there are interesting and beautiful savannahs that will impress wildlife lovers. Jeep safaris are available for travelers where they come across leopards, elephants, lions, giraffes, antelopes, and various kinds of monkeys. Tourists can go walking all over and admire at the majestic trees that have adapted to the hot climate.

Beaches: 

Among all the beaches of Luanda Mussulo, Ile, Belas, and corymbia are popular beaches. There is a small palm island, which amazes visitors by its beauty.

The beach Mussulo is a good place to get away from the city. The water is warm, and it is relaxing. Tourists can enjoy the quad bikes and boating. So there is plenty to do there. It’s great to go with a group of friends or with the family. Shacks and restaurants are lined along the beach as well as a few hotels and resorts. This place is perfect for a day trip or a romantic overnight getaway.

Go Surfing: Cabo Ledo is the world-famous surfing beach in Luanda. It is a great place for surfers who have just begins to surf. The beach is also available with some quaint bungalows. It is also a great place to camp under the starlit nights.

Entertainment in Luanda: 

Best places to meet girls in Luanda and dating guide: this is the most expensive city in Africa and most expensive in the world, at least if you want to enjoy western living standards. The main area for single nightlife is on Ilha De Luanda and along Avenida Murtala Mohamed, Ilha do Cabo and Miramar. All three of these places try to hook up with Luanda girls.

Nightlife: dance the night away at the chic Switch Supper Club which is open on the weekends until 6a.m. Nightlife can be very expensive. Drink some local beers like Cuca or Tigra before you go out to a bar or club if you want to cut down on your cost.

Cuisine: from fine dining to fabulous street food, including mouth-watering fresh seafood dishes, there is a diverse restaurant scene for your taste buds to explore. Loolal Mar sells the best seafood in Luanda. Though the prices are high the tourist enjoys seafood along with an open-air seaside setting.

Shopping: Maianga is the city’s shopping district for locals. Bellas shopping is the country’s first modern mall. It is a great way to escape a hot day. It is a large mall that has eight cinemas, an entertainment area, a food court and over 100 stores. There are also banks and supermarkets within the mall.

Go crafts shopping at the Benfica market selling everything from perfume, ivory, animal skins, colorful pictures to tourist guidebooks and several types of antiques.

When to visit: October to March are the most culturally active months. They include Angola Restaurant week, the Axiluanda Food Festival, Luanda Cocktail Week, Luanda’s anniversary and it’s very own carnival glorious beach weather too.

Climate: Luanda being the seaside capital city of Angola has the perfect climate for a visit at any time of the year.

Luanda being an appealing destination, one must not miss the opportunity to visit this picturesque city.

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Types of Travel Trip One Should Go On

“To travel is to live” is a saying. It takes a lot of time planning and efforts in deciding what kind of trip would suit you. There are different types of trips with family, friends, spouse or going solo. To some travellers, “Vacation” means easing out on a tropical beach or staying in an urban hotel. But it’s time to think something different and start planning trips that will help you both unwind and grow as a person.

Below are the types of travel trips that will invoke the wanderlust in you to embark on a trip of a lifetime.

 The Weekend Break Trip:

The Weekend break, everyone wants to take a break but due to a hectic work schedule during the week they can’t make it. There is always a way-out where you can still travel by taking short weekend getaways. For that look for cheap airfare deals, fly out on Friday evening and return on Sunday by making the most of the short time you have. Choose a city you’ve always wanted to go to. A weekend break is one of the easiest ways to escape your day-to-day activities and be on time for your job on Monday. There is another option if you have a caravan, you will always have the option of a cheap holiday. Whenever you get a free weekend you can pack up and drive somewhere to a new place. This is the only way to explore the natural beauty that lies close to your home.

 Multi-Day Trip

A multi-day tour or cruise saves your travel budget. You might have had a dream of going to Antarctica, spending two weeks on a cruise ship, spellbound by towering icebergs or kayaking in protected waters. Cruising through the crystal clear waters and getting exposed to an adventurous way of travelling across different parts of the world is something only a cruise trip can make it happen. One has to experience a cruise trip of a lifetime whether local or international.

 Cycling Trips

Cycling trips are another popular method of transportation and adventure travel. Instead of exploring a destination on foot, travellers prefer to climb aboard a bike instead. One can cover more ground at a faster pace and be connected with the landscape, culture, and people there. Mountain biking offers a similar experience but allows access to more remote, off the beaten path destination while introducing a more challenging aspect to the riding as well.

Solo Trip

Solo trips are on the rise and are the most preferred types of trips nowadays. You can take your own decision on how to go about your solo trips. A solo trip is more of enjoying yourself and finding a deeper connection with travel by travelling safe and on your own. Solo travelling keeps you more stretched out whereas the companion travel won’t. Choose a destination where you feel safe and will be in a comfort zone.

Luxury Trip

Those looking forward to living life king-size, a luxury trip happen to be one of the best types of trips for them. Just think if you are living in a palatial hotel relaxing your nerves through spa therapies, nothing beats the comforts and convenience that a luxury trip wraps you in. Everyone should go on a trip once in their life because having a personal butler is kind of amazing.

Canoeing and kayaking

Canoeing and kayaking trips are another popular trip to experience a destination. Here the traveller gets access to the lakes, rivers, and even oceans. However, travellers should have to be experienced with paddling before taking up these types of journeys, as they should be aware of the nature of the water involved.

Fun Trips

Trips with friends: everyone needs a super fun, memory-making trip with their best friends. When we travel with our friends the memories are never forgotten. When intending going on a trip with your friends you tend to conquer fears together and discovering new perspectives.

Exotic Retreat

Sometimes what you need is an exotic retreat. Select a destination that is away from everything and which allows you to just relax and rejuvenate. These types of trips are also great for newlywed couples where you can just spend the start of your new marriage together.

Clubbing Holiday Trip

Clubbing holiday is the best trip for the younger generation and is best for those that like a certain type of music. If you are a lover of dance/electronic type music then Ibiza is one of the best destinations in the world for these types of trips.

Cultural Tourism

Cultural tourism, if you wish to experience different cultures during your vacation, there are plenty of unique places all over the world. One can meet locals, see amazing art, architecture, try new and different food, and visit places of historical and cultural significance. India is one of them with unique festivals, art dance, music, cuisine, architecture, customs, and belief. From the famous Taj Mahal to the Ganges you can enjoy both its cities and natural wonders.

 Group Tour

A group trip is described as a gang going together to party and be together for a few days or more. Age doesn’t matter. The advantage of a group trip is that you will mix around with a lot of people who share your interests and you will probably make some new friends.

Girls and boys trips: An all-girl or all-boys trips are the types of trips that comprise of ultimate fun, extraordinary idea and cool vacation spots. These trips are not only for bachelors parties but they are also meant for travellers who would like to have some heart-to-heart talks, create inexplicable memories, and just be themselves.

 Beach Trip

An Epic Beach Trip- crystal clear water, soft white sand, giant palm trees, and sunny skies. Everyone needs to experience an epic beach trip. These types of trips refer to a hot destination and will be able to lounge around in the sun all day. To visit these places always head to places closer to the equator, as well as around the Mediterranean in Europe.

These are some of the ideas of different holiday trips that you should consider when you go away and will lead you to be a better traveller and provide some experiences you may never have thought about having.

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Antigua and Barbuda: A Beach throughout the Year

Antigua and Barbuda are known for their most ravishing beaches in the world. Antigua proudly proclaims it as “a beach throughout the year”. Barbuda, Antigua’s sleepy sister island, is blessed with some pristine stretches of pink-tinged sand sprinkled with chic resorts, picturesque landscapes, and a wide variety of wildlife. Water sports activities are conducted on both islands like diving, swimming, fishing, sailing, and windsurfing. Antigua and Barbuda is a sun-drenched, aquamarine dream of the country. The land is filled with history and culture making the visitors more aware than just a golden tan.

Certainly, Antigua 300+beaches are stunning but there is still much to excite the traveler on this small Caribbean Island.

ADVENTURE EXPERIENCE AT ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA:

Mt Obama is the highest point on Antigua. It was known as Boggy peak but now has been renamed as Mount Obama in memory of President Obama. The area of hills that Mount Obama is in is transformed into a national park and nature reserve to protect the city. The climb to its summit is a must if you want to experience breathtaking views across the island. The beginners and the experienced hikers can experience this hike. The time taken to climb this mountain is about three hours.

Take a boat to Barbuda the sister island to Antigua. Most visitors spend their time on Antigua, but it is very easy to take a day trip or spend a couple of nights over in Barbuda for an even more intimate Caribbean island experience.

One of the best things to do in Antigua if you want to see the amazing marine life is to go snorkeling. There are many possibilities to snorkel. You can rent snorkel gears and start exploring the beach. You get a little sea scooter that helps you swim faster through the water. You will spot stingray, turtles, etc. Galleon Beach in English Harbor is known for excellent snorkeling, and there is a big chance of spotting sea turtles.

Stingray City Antigua is a shallow pool with a sandy bottom amid a tropical reef, where hundreds of friendly southern stingrays glide through the crystal clear waters waiting to be fed by visitors. This adventure will highlight your vacation and will be an experience to live with you forever.

Nightlife in Antigua and Barbuda

NIGHTLIFE IN ANTIGUA revolves around open-air beachside bars and quaint restaurants scattered around the island. Entertainment hubs in Antigua are located in St. John’s City along stretches of Dickenson Bay, Jolly harbor and English harbor. Sunset cruise, Fetes during the week, Casinos and cinemas allow the visitors a variety of activities to choose from.

Friday evening is dedicated to seafood Friday in Nelson Dockyard. On Sunday evening visitors to Shirley heights lookout point in English Harbour can enjoy steel pan and live band music at the longest-running Sunday party in the Caribbean. It is known as The Shirley heights Sunset Party and BBQ.

Nightlife in Barbuda is very sparse and casual. There are a few bars where you can get a beverage, mingle, and perhaps listen to music. You will hardly get to find a big party going on.

Shopping in Antigua and Barbuda purchasers need only to show their valid departure details to purchase duty-free items from internationally recognized brands. Vendor mall offers a selection of local art and crafts, straw goods, pottery, and jewelry.

Redcliff Quay is a colorful picturesque shopping district. There are several exclusive shops including jewelers, boutiques and craft shops.

The best time for visitors to go to Antigua and Barbuda is from December to April when the weather is at its best.

The best way to move around Antigua is to rent a car. Most hotels and resorts offer car rental services in Antigua. You can easily do it yourself and much cheaper.

SIGHTSEEING IN ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA:

Antigua Rainforest Canopy Tour: Antigua has plenty of pristine, verdant jungle to explore and one of the most exciting ways to experience the natural beauty is to join a Zipline canopy tour. The zip line tours are fun and safe for visitors of any age. The aerial zips give visitors a bird’s eye view of the stunning flora and fauna in Antigua’s rainforest.

Frigate Bird sanctuary, Barbuda is a haven for birders. It is accessible only by boat. The bird sanctuary lies in Barbuda’s northwest lagoon and is one of the largest nesting colonies of frigate birds in the Caribbean. These large sea birds are known for their bright red gullets and one and a half meter wingspan.

Betty’s Hope is an exciting piece of colonial history to be found on the island. Antigua’s first sugar cane plantation stands on this site. The only reaming structure is the two stone windmills. The site is now a national heritage landmark and many aspects of it have been restored, such as the sugar mill towers and sails.

St. John’s, Antigua is the capital city and cruise ship port of Antigua and Barbuda. It is impossible to avoid a visit to Antigua’s capital of St. John’s and it is well worth it. For an overview of the island’s history, discover the island past at the Museum of Antigua and Barbuda, along with the city’s unique Museum of Marine Art. End your day with dinner in one of St. John’s eclectic mix of quirky restaurants and be sure to spend some time exploring the city’s unique shops.

Go for a romantic picnic to one of the best and most romantic places at Half Moon Bay a natural and curve of coral-colored sand that curves for one mile along the southeast coast of the island. Remember to take your snorkel and mask to explore the coral garden that lies just offshore.

Pink Sands Beach at Barbuda’s is one of the biggest draws on the island. This pink sand was formed by the sea by crushing millions of seashells.

The best cuisine served is at the authentic French restaurant Le Bistro Restaurant, family-friendly The Crow Nest and Millers by the bay which has local seafood and reggae.

Where to stay in Antigua:

Antigua is famous for its tourism. There is a wide range of accommodation available on the island catering to everyone’s needs. There are hotels and resorts situated on the eastern coastline where the beaches are best and the water is calm and clear. Few of them are:

Luxury Hotel: Hermitage Bay

Mid-range Hotel in Antigua: Pineapple Beach Club Antigua

Budget Hotel in Antigua: Paige Pond Country Inn

Hostel in Antigua: Caribbean Holiday Apartments.

The Caribbean is loaded with a variety of destinations for travelers to visit but Antigua and Barbuda stand out for many reasons. No matter what type of travel you’ll be doing the country offers a variety of amazing travel experiences for everyone.

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DES MOINES Iowa Unexpected Delight

Des Moines is not only the capital of Iowa, but it is also the largest city making it a prime spot for tourists to visit. You can find plenty of great things to do in Des Moines from fairs to museums to parks. There are family-friendly attractions for adults or young adults travelling alone or with a group of friend. Des Moines has taken many steps to develop as a vibrant cultural landscape with sculpture parks, botanical gardens, and a shopping and dining place. Whatever you choose to do on your visit to this friendly city whether it is touring impressive art collection or catching a baseball game under the lights, don’t be surprised if you find yourself wanting to spend a longer time at Des Moines

Tourist travelling to Des Moines has a wealth of activities to enjoy.

Different things to do in Des Moines:

There are plenty of things to do in Des Moines, a truly unique city to visit. Iowa capital has everything- outdoor activities like breathtaking nature, fun, and games to keep you entertained, art, history, and culture to immerse yourself in and to shop to suit any needs.

Blank Park Zoo is home to animals from all over the world from Koalas and kangaroos to penguins and pandas. Get to know creatures from all over the world in the zoo exhibits including the Aquarium, African Broad walk, Australian Adventure and the Caves. The zoo offers animals feeding for ostriches, small birds, and giraffes along with camel rides, a train that opens on the weekends, a gift shop and a cafe.

Downtown Farmer’s Market has been an iconic feature for 40 years.

It has more than 300 artists, crafters, bakers and farmers come from over 58 counties. You’ll find everything from fruit and vegetables to flowers and art.

The flea market is one of the best places to head to if you’re in search of unique items like antiques, collectables, and other goods. There are also beautiful places to find products like clothes, toys, and tools for meagre prices. The collection varies from new to slightly used, and this is a great way to cycle up something making one man’s trash another man’s treasure. Iowa has many amazing flea markets, some of which are open every day, all year long and others that are open for extravagant three days events seasonally. No matter the time you wish to visit, be sure to go home with something you’ll treasure forever.

Smash Park is the perfect place for some food, drinks, and games. Smash Park is the city’s social entertainment and events venue, offering delicious street food and handcrafted cocktails with games including shuffleboard, pickleball, ping pong, and bocce ball. You will definitely won’t be bored.

Great Escape is located minutes from downtown in Pleasant Hill. Great Escape is an excellent place for family fun, offering bowling, cosmic bowling, laser tag, and a game room. Social Eats and Crafts is a full restaurant inside Great Escape, allowing visitors to grab a bite to eat between all the laser tag and bowling.

Adventure Land Park is Iowa’s most prominent attraction with more than 100 rides and attractions. There are so many games like thrill rides, kiddie rides, family rides, and adventure bay is added water-related attractions. Chicken Shack, Main Street Creamery, Dippin Dots ice cream, and petunia Pig are some of the eateries at the park.

Des Moines unexpected delights.

Agro Adventures: Central Iowa is famous for canoeing, climbing, biking, fishing and winter sports. The goal is to make outdoor recreation fun, accessible, and educational. Argo’s home is a Water Park with a canoe day trip on the Raccoon River.

Backspin Golfers can play on the world’s great destination courses, such as Pebble Beach and St. Andrews indoor at Backspin Golf in Ankeny.

Greater Des Moines has various shopping destination with a blend of major national retailers and unique local boutiques. With several options right off the interstate shopping in Des Moines is convenient, affordable, and sure to find something amazing. Enjoy tax-free shopping at Greater Des Moines on first Friday and Saturday in August.

There’s fun for everyone in Downtown Des Moines whether you are a citizen or a visitor. Rock at a music festival or take a jog on the city streets. You can also relish delicious dinner or immerse yourself in the artistic experience.

Local entertainment: In Downtown Des Moines, you can dance to the beat of your drums, with a vibrant live music scene supported by a passionate community. You can find a cultural event from hip-hop to classical performances of opera legacy. Local artist stars and music legends grace the stages of Downtown DSMn to make it one of the most exciting places for music in Greater Des Moines.

Best place to eat: Downtown Des Moines is a city bursting with flavour. Locally owned breweries, wineries, and restaurants are unique to downtown DSM. You can find the perfect pairing for any craving. Strange things in Des Moines: Stick out your tongue at Raccoon River Brewing Company. Des Moines locals are proud of their home breweries such as Raccoon River Brewing Company. But there’s a special drink at this brewery called Confluence Cream Soda that is tasty, but it turns your mouth bright blue.

High Trestle Trail: this outdoors multi-use trail is scenic and well worth a visit. It used to be a railway line. It’s now mostly smooth and flat, perfect for cycling, running or walking. Most visitors head to iconic High Trestle Trail Bridge. As one of the most extensive trail bridges in the world, it’s a must to see. Check out the bridge after sundown. Blue lights shine on the steel frame of the bridge representing the main river channel running below.

Romantic places for couples in Des Moines:

Splash Seafood Bar & Grill: grab a dish at splash seafood bar and Grill. It has fine dining, premiere oysters, crab and lobster, and world-class wine list. It is a perfect night out for many couples. Prairie Meadows Casino, Racetrack and Hotel: catch live horse racing at Prairie Meadows, beautifully renovated Casino, more than 2000 slot machines, meadows event centre, and hotel are all within one property.

Blue moon Dueling Piano Bar: Catch a tune at Blue Moon Dueling Piano Bar and Restaurant, Where piano players dazzle with entertainment and laughter. Enjoy cocktails for an added evening of delight. Check what you’ve been missing and start planning your next trip to Greater Des Moines.
     

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The Most Stunning Deserts of the World

Desserts in the world are underrated. They receive a significantly small amount of rainfall. They can be either a hot desert or cold desert. Most deserts are quite barren as the dry living condition is too hot to host most plant and animal life. We shouldn’t disrespect the desert because it is so much more than that.
If we imagine, deserts often conjure up a vision of vast empty areas with no life insight. But this isn’t always the case, despite the harsh condition some are home to diverse animal and plant life. They often carry a rich history that can be traced back to millions of years. The continent of Africa is no exception. One-third of the vast African continent is covered by deserts.

Desserts are harsh places, and we love exploring, photographing and learning more about these mystical places. These regions form when regional climate changes resulting in long-lasting drought conditions. Africa’s deserts are home to some of the most extreme landscape and stark conditions on Earth. From volcanic mountains to sand dunes to chalk rock formations, the desert offers a combination of striking beauty and geological wonder.

Take a look at the favourite deserts across the world. 

Syrian Desert 

Syrian Desert is unique for being a combination of a real desert and a steppe meaning low grassland. It is located in the North of the Arabian Peninsula in Syria. The desert is flat but very rocky. The landscape was formed by lava flows emerging from volcanic activities in the region of Jebel Druze in Syria. This desert covers the parts of Syria, Jordan, Iraq and Saudi Arabia.

White Desert Egypt:

While Egypt‘s most popular tourist attractions are the Great Pyramids of Giza and Luxor’s valley of the kings, the country has much to offer than just those spectacular sites. Its lunar looking White Desert is located to the West of the Nile River and is bordered by Sudan to the South, Libya to the west and the Mediterranean Sea to the north. The white desert is home to a chalky, surreal rock formation that looks like a natural sculpture from another planet. If you visit the White Desert, make sure to head to its northern portion to see the impressive crystal mountain; it is a sizeable sparkling rock entirely made of Quartz crystal. These unique formations were, in fact, formed by sandstorms and wind erosion. The White Desert was formerly an ancient sea bed when it dried up. It left behind sedimentary rock layers formed from dead marine plants and animals. The wind swept away the softer rocks leaving behind, the harder rock of the plateau.

Wander through the Namib Desert:

It is the oldest desert in the world. The Namib is a lovely coastal desert that stretches along the Atlantic coast from Angola to the Western Cape province of South Africa. This rugged barren landscape is home to the highest sand dunes in the world. For a truly remote experience, travellers should plan to stay in the Namib Rand Nature Reserve or in Solitaire, both of which are accessible by road. The best times to visit are at any point between June and September when temperatures are manageable and not too hot.

Sahara Dunes, Morocco:

Is a part of the Sahara Desert. It is most welcoming to visitors, accessible from the northern part of Morocco. Let Berbers guide you on a hike from the town of Zagours or camp in Tazzarine; a destination famous among runners for the yearly Marathon des Sables.

The Namib Desert Namibia:

The beautiful Namib is one of the world’s oldest and driest deserts. Its name means an area where there is nothing in Nama a language spoken by some locals in Namibia. The landscape of this stunning region features the biggest sand dunes on the planet and granite peaks. It is home to an impressive amount of wildlife adapted to the area’s dry climate. It’s possible to visit this incredible place by foot, on horseback or by a helicopter.

Great Karoo South Africa:

The Great Karoo is South Africa‘s vast dry heartland. This semi-arid desert is full of exciting features, attractions, craggy mountains, vibrant wildflower, quaint colonial towns and unique wildlife. Visitors come to see the national parks, attend many small-town festivals, go fossil-hunting and stargaze under the big sky.

Makgadikgadi pan:

It is a massive area of bone dry salt pans in Southern Botswana. It is so quiet that you can hear the blood rushing through your veins. The Kalahari Desert landscape is not very welcoming. It is formed by a giant lake that dried up a million years ago. However, if the winter gets substantial rain, the area sprouts bright green grass. It welcomes wildlife like zebra, wild beast and flamingos.

 

Sahara Desert

Sahara Desert: It is one of the largest hot deserts in the world and is the third-largest desert behind Antartica and the Arctic which are north cold deserts. The name of the desert comes from the Arabic word Sahara which means desert. Winds and the rainfall have shaped the Sahara into a landscape of dunes, valleys, flats and sand seas. Camels are some of the most iconic animals of the Sahara. They are known as “Ship of the desert”. They are well adapted for the hot and arid environment according to the San Diego Zoo. The humps on a camel’s back stores fats which can be used for energy and hydration in between meals.

Black Rock Desert

The Black Rock Desert is found in Nevada. It is a quite famous site of The Burning Man. There is an annual weeklong event showing how the construction of Black Rock city took place. During the festival, all traces of it are removed until the following year. Most of the desert is composed of lava beds and alkali flats.

Mojave Desert

Mojave contains Death Valley which sits at an elevation of 282 feet below sea level, making it the lowest point in North America. The trees delineate the boundaries of the region. Las Vegas, Nevada is the Mojave’s largest city.

Greenland

Greenland is the largest non-continental and coldest desert in the world. It is famous for having the largest national park in the world; the North East Greenland National park.

The Atacama Desert is situated in South America. It is considered the driest and non-polar desert in the world. It is noticed that the Atacama Desert has been described as very similar to the Mars surface.

Do visit the amazing African deserts with unique landscapes that merge natural beauty and impressive geological phenomena.

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Kigali Rwanda, The Land of Thousand Hills

Kigali is famous for its lush hillsides, flowering trees, winding boulevards, and bustling streets. It is one of the most attractive capital cities in Africa as well as one of the cleanest and safest cities. Kigali is emerging as a proud city known for its progressive start-ups, energetic art scene, and great dining and coffee.

Kigali offers many interesting places to see and things to do. 

Entrance to the Kigali Genocide Memorial:

No trip to Kigali is complete without spending some quality time at the Kigali Genocide Memorial. The Kigali Genocide Memorial is a final resting place for more than 250000 victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. This is the best place to learn about the worst human tragedy that affected the country and one of the most awful historical times for Africa.

Fly from the sky: 

Skydiving is a popular sport that has been introduced to Kigali. It is the ultimate thrill and not for the faint-hearted. The activity can be done by anybody but needs great mental preparation. Jumping from a small plane to the ground will raise your adrenaline to phenomenal levels. You will need to take a course explaining how to pack your parachute and their safety advice. When you venture out you are not alone, your instructor will be with you all the way.

Kimironko Market: 

The best way to learn about the culture of a country is to visit the local markets. Kimironko Market is a large market where all sorts of items are available. Here you can find handicrafts and souvenirs, colorful baskets, fabric and seamstresses ready to make you a dress, fresh vegetable and fruits and a host of other household items. This market is more spacious allowing you to mingle with the locals as you get to know about their products. So it is better to move along in the market with your guide to help you with translation where necessary.

Climb Mount Kigali for those who love adventure

Climbing Mount Kigali could be just the thing you need. It is not a mountain as such but the highest hill in Kigali reaching 6000 feet. From the top, you can see a view of the entire city of Kigali. It’s gorgeous, there’s a lot of farmlands, coffee, tea, and beans being tented by local farmers, it is so peaceful and quiet. Overall hiking to the top of the mountain is easy because of its gentle slopes. Mount Kigali offers amazing views of the city and with opportunities to take beautiful photos. While on top you can stop for food and beer at the Mera Neza Bar or visit the Fazenda Sengha Horse Ranch for horseback riding.

Go for sauna and massage: 

While in Kigali you will have no shortage of places to go, that offers pedicure, facials or manicure. Healing spa is one of the best spas in Kigali. It offers massages, facials, and a wide range of body treatments, body slimming and toning in an opulent and serene environment. Massage and sauna aren’t reserved for only the high-end hotels but also for the specialized outlets scattered around the city center.

CHILDREN’S OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES IN KIGALI: 

Bambino Super City is a one-stop-shop for kids. At Bambino, there are children’s rides, carousels, restaurants, swimming pools and lots of beautiful spots for a picnic or outdoor walk.

There are weekly events like sports clubs and lessons that can keep your child busy and active week after week.

Dream Team Football Academy, Nyarutarama Tennis club and Fazenda Sengha are some of the clubs.

Are you ready for a night out? There are new ideas for you and your special someone to relax and enjoy a night away. Kigali isn’t exactly known for its party scene. In the last few years, night out in Kigali has grown tremendously. There are several rollicking dance clubs and nightspots if you know where to look. Bars and nightclubs have sprung up all over the city.

Cocktail bars, happy hours and live music can now be found several nights a week and options for going out to have diversified. One of the best Papyrus sits within stumbling distance of Repub Lounge. Papyrus is a restaurant, bakery, and lounge situated upstairs, but in the basement, it’s a sweaty, full volume disco that only really gets going after the clock strikes midnight. When you are tired or need a break, Kigali has some great restaurants and cafes where you can smell some of the local dishes or indulge in a cup of locally grown coffee.

Choma’Dm restaurant and bar in the Nyarutarama neighborhood are one of Kigali’s hippest spots.

Sundowner is popular with expat and intern set. Sundowner is the place to go on Friday or Saturday night to listen to P square and dance until dawn.

Executive Car Wash is located in an actual car wash. This bar serves some of Kigali’s best brochettes alongside a selection of cold beers. It also hosts karaoke nights.

For a romantic time, there are tonnes of unique date opportunities around Kigali.

Go for a couples massage or yoga together: Nothing says I love you more than a relaxing spa date! Surprise your loved one with such an experience this holiday season as Kigali has enough spots for this to cater for all your budget needs.

Enjoy a picnic on one of Kigali’s hills: though Kigali’s public park options are limited, snag some sandwiches from Turambe shop and vanilla éclairs from Baso Patissier before making your way to one of Kigali’s many beautiful hills. Find a quiet spot, lay down a blanket, and enjoy a date in the land of a thousand hills. Travel by taxi, bus or motorcycle to the top of Mt Kigali or pick any of the other surrounding hills at random.

Do a Go Kigali tour: for an in-depth experience of Kigali look no further than Go Kigali tours. These half or full-day tours led by Rwanda guides take visitors through five neighborhoods on an action-packed day of sightseeing, eating and learning about the city. The tour visits markets, milk bars, and local restaurants.Mt. Kigali and more in the course of just a few hours and is a great way to see this beautiful city.

Nyamirambo being Kigali’s colorful neighborhoods is known throughout the city as one of the loudest and interesting areas in town. The neighborhood is historically Muslim and the play host to the famous Gaddafi Mosque as well as a series of fantastic restaurants.

Travelers come from all over to catch a glimpse of the magnificent gorillas, yet there is so much more to see and experience.

With so much to see and do in Kigali, it’s hard to decide where to start when visiting this exciting and vibrant city.

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