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Harbin Ice Festival: Best Attractions & Essential Travel Tips
Harbin, China, isn’t just cold in winter—it’s Siberian cold. But if you’re willing to brave the elements, you’ll be rewarded with one of the most spectacular winter experiences on the planet: the Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival. Every year, sculptors from all over the world descend on this northeastern Chinese city to carve massive ice palaces, intricate sculptures, and gravity-defying towers from blocks of ice harvested straight from the Songhua River. Getting There Harbin is well connected by air and high-speed rail. If you’re flying in, Harbin International Airport is about an hour’s drive from the city center. Coming from Beijing? The bullet train will get you there in…
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Ultimate 8-Day Morocco Itinerary: Explore Marrakesh, Fes, Sahara Desert & More
Morocco is one of those countries that all travelers agree is a must-see, and after spending 8 days in the country, I’m inclined to agree. From the bustling souks of Marrakesh to the tranquil beauty of the Sahara Desert, this North African gem offers a journey through time, culture, and breathtaking landscapes. I spent 8 days in this beautiful country, which I feel is the minimum number of days needed to see all the major highlights. Here’s how I spent my time in Morocco: Must See Places Day 1: Arrive in Casablanca There isn’t much to see in Casablanca; however, it is the most convenient city to fly in and…
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Ultimate Guide: How to Travel to Bhutan – Tips, Costs, and Must-See Attractions
I first heard of Bhutan 11 years ago while researching the happiest countries on Earth. Bhutan intrigued me—a small kingdom in the middle of the Himalayas with limited diplomatic relations with the outside world. Even more impressive is Bhutan’s commitment to sustainability; it is the only carbon-negative country in the world and the only country to reject the notion of Gross Domestic Product as a measure of success, opting instead for Gross National Happiness. I knew I had to visit Bhutan, and finally, 11 years later, I did. How to Visit Bhutan Bhutan is a unique country; up until 2022, foreigners (except Indian nationals) could not travel independently without a…
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A 7-Day Ring Road Adventure in Iceland: A Complete Travel Guide
Iceland has been one of my dream countries for years but timing and other logistics always seemed to get in the way. Iceland is one place everyone should try to visit in their lifetime, simply because there is no place like it.
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What to see in Armenia
Armenia was the final stop of my Caucasus tour. I took a mini bus from Tbilisi in the morning, which took five and a half hours (including immigration). Surprisingly, immigration went pretty smooth. Many Georgians warned me that Armenian immigration officials would press me about my travels in Azerbaijan once they saw the stamp in my passport. Fortunately, they didn’t ask me a single question, so it’s likely they didn’t see the stamp or just didn’t care. I spent 4 full days in Armenia, and despite the short amount of time, felt like I saw the major highlights. Armenia was the first country to official adopt Christianity as its state…
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Georgia : A Backpacker’s Paradise
Georgia was the second stop of my Caucasus tour and hands down my favorite country. Georgia has it all: city life, stunning landscapes, wineries, history, backpacking trails, you name it. I spent 7 days here, but honestly, I could’ve done two-weeks. Before coming to Georgia, you have to decide which route you want to take – the backpacking one, party life, historical tour, or a mix of all, especially if you’re limited on time. Here are my top recommendations for Georgia if you have a week or so to spare. 1) Kazbegi Kazbegi is a region located in north-eastern Georgia, which is roughly 3 hours from Tbilisi. Kazbegi is home…
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Azerbaijan in Four Days
Azerbaijan was the first stop of my two-week tour through the Caucasus region. I didn’t know much about the country aside from being an oil-rich nation, so I kept my expectations to a minimum. Looking back, I wish I spent a few more days here, as Azerbaijan ended up being a hidden gem, and Baku, the capital, is a super neat city with stunning architecture. The highlight of my trip was visiting the countryside, which doesn’t get talked about enough. If you’re in Azerbaijan for four days, here’s what I recommend. Day 1 : Day Tour in Baku Baku is obviously a must see, and its pretty walkable for the…
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Travel Guide to Tunisia
Tunisia is one of Africa’s most visited destinations, but somehow it still feels like a country off the beaten path. Tunisia is often overshadowed by its neighbor, Morocco, which is the most visited country in Africa. I spent 5 days in Tunisia, just enough to get a feel for the country. You can see most of the highlights (excluding the sites in the south) in this timeframe. If you’re limited on time, you’ll want to concentrate all of your energy in the north; this is where you’ll see Roman archeological sites, beaches, and the capital. Here are the must sees for anyone traveling to Tunisia. Tunis + Sidi Bou Said…
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Backpacking Benin
Benin was part two of my journey to the motherland, as I also discovered I have Beninese ancestry. After a week in Togo, I took a taxi to the border and walked across after going through customs, which was a pretty painless process. I spent a week in Benin, which I found to be a bit more lively than Togo. Below are my recommendations for any trip to Benin. Grand Popo A beach city about 15 minutes from the Togolese border. It’s a great place to relax and unwind; many residents from Cotonou come here on the weekends to escape the city life. Porto Novo Benin’s capital and second largest…
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Backpacking Togo
Years ago, I took an Ancestry DNA test and found out I have roots in Togo. Naturally, I began to do more research, which led to my trip here. After all, why not visit the motherland? Togo is a small French speaking (despite being colonized by Germany initially) nation in West Africa, which borders Benin, Burkina Faso, and Ghana. Not much is known about Togo, as it is often overshadowed by its neighbor, Ghana, but it’s definitely worth seeing if you’re in West Africa. What to see in Togo Lomé: Voodoo Market The capital and your starting point in the country if you arrive by air. The capital is pretty…
