How To Travel Across Europe On A Budget-XcelTrip

Travelling aroundEurope can be fairly expensive. Airline tickets, high-speed trains, overnight trains, ferries — they can all eat into all of the travellers limited travel budget. A few recent trends that have helped travellers get around Europe cheaper: weaker currency exchange rates, the rise of the sharing economy, new bus options, and lots of new budget airlines. There are now tons of cheap ways to get around Europe because of all these changes.

This article will look at how to travel across Europe on a budget, just to make sure that all travellers are informed on what they can do to stay within the set budget:

Megabus

Megabus is a cheap way to get around the United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales) as well as to Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam. Tickets can cost as little as 1 GBP if you book at least a month in advance on popular routes. However, even if you don’t scoop up these amazingly cheap deals, you can still travel for a more reasonable price than on the national bus system, as fares rarely top 20 GBP.

Busabout

Busabout is a hop-on/hop-off bus service similar to the Oz or Kiwi Experience in Australia and New Zealand, respectively. A lot of backpackers use this method of travel to get around as well as meet other travellers. You can get on and off whenever you want along one of their set routes. You can buy tickets that lets you travel their whole network with a set number of stops, for example, a nine-day flex pass, which gives you nine stops from your starting city. The pass also comes with a guide and sometimes includes group activities. A two-week pass is $299 USD.

FlixBus

Over the last few years, a new company has entered the market and totally changed the bus system in Europe! German-based FlixBus has routes in 20 European countries and thousands of cities, with prices starting as low as 5 euros. Their buses include Wi-Fi, electrical outlets, up to three three free bags, and comfy seats. It’s essentially Megabus, but less sucky. It’s the best and cheapest way to get around the whole of continental Europe. FlixBus quickly became my favorite non-train way to get across Europe more cheaply.

Budget Airline

By far one of the cheapest ways to travel long-distance in Europe is by budget airline. These airlines are hugely prolific on the continent, and this competition has led to incredibly cheap fares, often as cheap as 1 euro. Here are some of the best airlines to take to travel long-distance:

It’s important to remember that these budget airlines make most of their money through fees, and the second you mess up, they whack you with a fee. They are very strict about baggage limits or forgetting to print out your boarding pass. Be sure to follow their rules to the letter. Sometimes these budget airlines cost more money because of all their fees, so if you’re traveling with a lot of bags, it may be cheaper to fly with one of the larger airlines.

Eurail Pass

Traveling by train allows you the traveller to sit in a bigger seat, relax with a book, and watch the stunning landscape go by. It’s more comfortable than a bus and much less stressful than air travel. The European rail system is one of the best and most extensive in the world. If you’re going to travel by train, it’s hard to beat them on price and convenience for short city-to-city travel. For longer journeys (overnight journeys, between countries, or rides that require a high-speed line, like Paris to Bordeaux or Berlin to Munich), trains tend to be very expensive.

If you plan to travel around Europe in a grand tour or if you are going to be traveling across vast distances and don’t want to fly, getting a rail pass is your best money-saving travel option. Your cost per trip will be a lot lower than if you were to buy these tickets separately.

BlaBlaCar

The rise of the sharing economy has allowed people to hop a ride with locals going their way, and BlaBlaCar is the reigning king of this service. It’s hugely popular and widespread in Europe, and I’ve used this service many times. It lets you rideshare with people who have extra space in their car. You find a ride, they agree to take you, and off you go. You can find rides for as little as 5 euros.

This is the BEST paid way to get around Europe. You get to meet the locals, have a friendly conversation, save tons of money over bus and train travel, and get off the highways and more into the countryside.

Hitchhiking

The best way to travel Europe cheaply is to not pay for it and hitchhike. Hitching is quite common in Europe (and a lot safer than you think), and I’ve met a number of travellers who have done it and have been fine. I myself travelled this way in Bulgaria. But it’s important to use your head when hitchhiking. Always trust your instinct, and use common sense. If the situation feels unsafe, bail out as quick as you can.

Mix and Match Your Transportation

As you can see, there are a lot of ways to get around Europe on a budget. But the best way is to MIX AND MATCH YOUR TRANSPORTATION. The key to traveling around Europe on the cheap is to know when to use each one of the listed transportation methods. For short trips, I like trains and BlaBlaCar. For medium-length trips (half a day), I’ll take a bus, BlaBlaBla car, or train. For long distances, I fly or take a high-speed train or an overnight bus.

Too many travellers think it’s an all or nothing thing. Like one way is always better than the other. That’s not true. There’s no one way to travel Europe. There are a ton — and you need to know when to use which method. What’s more valuable? Time or money?

If you have more time, take the slower cheaper routes (except when flying is cheaper). If you have more money and a shorter trip, fly and take the train. In any given trip, I will take at least four of the above methods on how to get around Europe! It’s a mix and match method. One way isn’t good 100% of the time.

The first step to travel to Europe if you stay anywhere around the world is to grab a flight that would be cheap, so head on over XcelTrip use your cryptocurrency to fly to your preferred city and make memories that lasts a lifetime.

XcelTrip- 6 Beautiful Places To Visit In Bordeaux

With its urban elegance and provincial charm, Bordeaux is an appealing tourist destination in a beautiful region of Southwest France. Bordeaux is called the “Port of the Moon” because of its romantic location on a crescent-shaped bend of the Garonne River. In this splendid setting that allowed trade to flourish, the city has a rich cultural heritage dating back to antiquity. UNESCO declared Bordeaux a World Heritage Site in 1998 thanks to the city’s wealth of architectural treasures. More than 350 buildings are classified as historical monuments.

Here is a list of 6 beautiful places to visit in Bordeaux:

Cathédrale Saint-André

A place of historical importance in the heart of Bordeaux, the Cathedral of Saint Andrew dates back to the 12th century. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this cathedral was part of the Route of Saint James pilgrimage trail. Pilgrims traveled through Bordeaux from the Médoc, Tours, and the British Isles on their way to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. Comparable to Notre-Dame in Paris in its grandeur, the Cathedral of Saint Andrew has an impressive facade with sculptures of the Last Supper, the Ascension, and Christ in Majesty. Interestingly, the western front side of the cathedral is completely unadorned, since it was originally too close to the old town walls. However, now opposite the cathedral stands the Hôtel de Ville (Town Hall), a marvelous palace built in the 1770s. Designed in the Neoclassical style typical of Bordeaux, the Hôtel de Ville is an architectural treasure with an impressive colonnaded facade.

Musée des Beaux-Arts

Set in the pleasant Jardin de la Mairie public park, the Museum of Beaux-Arts occupies part of the Hôtel de Ville (Town Hall). The museum offers a wonderful insight into European art history, with a collection of art spanning the 15th to the 20th centuries. The permanent collection includes masterpieces by Titian, Veronese, Rubens, Delacroix, Renoir, and Rodin, among others. Paintings are organized thematically, grouped by era and country, such as the Renaissance, 17th-century Dutch paintings, and 17th to 18th-century French paintings. The adjoining Galerie des Beaux-Arts features temporary exhibitions of contemporary art.

Place de la Bourse

Lining the quays of Bordeaux for a half mile are palatial classical buildings from the 18th century. The most magnificent examples are found at the Place de la Bourse, which epitomizes the elegance of 18th-century design. In the center of the square is the Fountain of the Three Graces, surrounded by two beautiful pavilion-like buildings: the Palais de la Bourse (formerly the Stock Exchange) and the Musée National des Douanes (Customs Museum), the only museum of its kind in France. These graceful quayside monuments overlook the banks of the Garonne River. Take a scenic walk alongside the Garonne River to admire the glorious architecture of the Place de la Bourse and the shimmering reflections of the buildings in the river.

Basilique Saint-Michel

Exemplifying an extravagant “Rayonnant Gothic” style, this basilica, dedicated to the Archangel, is another important church on the Route of Santiago pilgrimage trail. Along with the Cathedral of Saint Andrew and the Basilica of Saint Seurin, the Basilica of Saint Michael is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. The basilica took 200 years to build, from the 14th to 16th centuries. The church presents a pleasing unity of architectural style, described as “Rayonnant Gothic” (the 13th-century French style of ornate Gothic architecture). From the top of the freestanding belfry, you can take in stunning panoramic views of the city. After visiting the basilica, enjoy a stroll around the Quartier Saint-Michel that surrounds the basilica. This quarter to the south of the Pont de Pierre is the most colorful and atmospheric neighborhood of Bordeaux.

Palais Gallien

The only remaining vestige of the Roman era in Bordeaux, the Palais Gallien was built in the late 2nd century and was located just outside the town of “Burdigala.” This immense amphitheater could accommodate 15,000 spectators on wooden benches. Visiting this exceptional site allows you to envision life during Roman times. The amphitheater offered typical brutal Roman entertainment such as gladiator combats.

Pont de Pierre

One of the iconic sights in Bordeaux, the Pont de Pierre (Stone Bridge) blends perfectly with the city’s elegant riverfront buildings. Imagined in 1817 by engineer Claude Descamps, the Pont de Pierre was completed in 1821 after years of construction work. The result is a beautiful feat of engineering. The bridge spans the Garonne River with 17 graceful arches supported by foundation piles that are set into the riverbed and well designed to withstand strong currents. In the history of Bordeaux, this was the first bridge to cross the Garonne River.

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XcelTrip-6 Fascinating Places To Visit In Santa Fe

Capital of the province by the same name, the seldom explored Argentine city of Santa Fe surprises travellers with its eclectic array of impressive attractions. From intriguing downtown museums to stunning colonial buildings and pristine natural waterways, here is a list of 6 fascinating places to visit in Santa Fe:

Santa Fe La Vieja Archaeological Park

History buffs will enjoy this important archeological site which was home to the original city of Santa Fe until it relocated some 50 kilometers (30 miles) south in the 1660s. Original constructions such as churches, plazas, city hall, and a myriad of grandiose residences are on display to give visitors an insight into how folks lived during the early days of Spanish colonization.

Rosa Galisteo de Rodriguez Museum

Art enthusiasts should pay a visit to the Rosa Galisteo de Rodriguez Museum, a fine arts museum endearingly named after the mother of its founder back in 1918. Set in a charming edifice overlooking a local park, the museum holds some 2,500 works of exquisite contemporary Argentine art.

Juan de Garay Park

As the city’s premier recreational park, Juan de Garay sees a flurry of activity on weekends as locals come to relax among lagoons and flower gardens or get involved in a friendly game of football. During the summer it gets particularly exciting as festivals, art exhibits, and events are held in the evenings.

Visit the Suspension Bridge and Riverfront

An obligatory stop in Santa Fe, be sure to stroll the waterfront’s costanera to see town’s iconic suspension bridge, Puente Colgante, and great views of the coast.

At night, the bridge is illuminated with colored lights, but day or evening this is one of the most beautiful places in town. Lots of locals hang out in the recently renovated areas and rollerblade, skateboard, cycle, or walk their dogs along the promenade. On Sundays, artisans and antique dealers ply their wares and food vendors set up shop for the crowds. Have a drink nearby with views of the palm tree-lined river or take a walk to see the lighthouse.

Cruise the Paraná River

Book a boat trip to cruise the Paraná River from the port in Santa Fe.

You can hop onboard a catamaran with the Costa Litoral company and travel through the islands or take a trip to the nearby city of Paraná. You’ll hear interesting information about the river from a guide and get to see the town’s iconic suspension bridge from a new angle. Sunset cruises are a great option for a glimpse of the city from the water in the evenings and photographs of the light shimmering off the riverfront. The boat has a bar and canteen serving up hot and cold food during your journey.

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XcelTrip-8 Breath-taking Places To Visit In The Canary Islands

Although part of Spain, the Canary Islands are much closer to Africa than they are to Europe. Fuerteventura is only 160 kilometers from the northwest coast of Morocco, close enough for its beaches to be made of blowing Sahara sand. Spanish is the local language, but tourists may be surprised to find a distinctly Canarian character and culture that is quite different from mainland Spain. In other words, don’t expect bullfights or flamenco. Expect to find plenty of other tourists, especially on the islands of Tenerife and Gran

Canaria, most of whom have come for the fabled beaches. There’s no wrong season to visit the islands, as their placement where the tropical climatic zone joins the sub-tropical zone gives them an almost ideal climate of perpetual springtime, with average temperatures varying only 14 degrees throughout the year. Here is a list of 8 breath-taking places to visit in the Canary Islands:

Teide National Park, Tenerife

The third highest volcano in the world at 3,718 meters in altitude, Teide towers above the small island of Tenerife, the best known of the Canary Islands. Teide National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, includes the entire mountain, and a trip inside the immense crater is a highlight of a trip to the Canary Islands. Inside the crater’s rim is a caldera — the crater floor — 19 kilometers in diameter, and a drive across this barren moonscape is like driving into the center of the earth. This crater is actually what’s left of a much larger mountain that blew its top about three million years ago, collapsing into itself. In places, it left walls that rise 457 meters above the crater floor.

Beaches of Gran Canaria

The south coast of Gran Canaria is an almost constant succession of beautiful golden sand beaches. Between Playa de San Agustin on the west and Puerto de Mogán to the east, sunseekers will find no less than six major beach resorts. The largest is Maspalomas, perhaps the island’s most popular beach, painted with bright umbrellas and backed by a promenade and a line of restaurants, cafes, shops, and amusements. It’s one of the island’s liveliest beach scenes at any time of day or night. At one end is a protected reserve of huge sand dunes stretching in layers to the sea. Mountains of wind-rifled sand undulate above beaches, where dunes as high as 12 meters are constantly carved and shifted by sea and wind. You can wander for hours on foot, marveling at their desolate beauty, but it’s more exotic to climb on a dromedary for a lurching ride through this spectacular dunescape.

Works of Cesar Manrique, Lanzarote

The artist Cesar Manrique is remembered not only for his works of art and architecture but for the inspiration and dedication that saved the character of his native island of Lanzarote. After a successful art career in New York and on the continent, he returned to Lanzarote in 1968, where he began a campaign to save Lanzarote from the unbridled tourist development that had ruined so many other holiday destinations. He set the island on a new environmentally and culturally sustainable path by designing and building a series of attractions that used and celebrated the nature of the island — its volcanic landscapes, ragged lava flows, and soaring cliffs.

The Beaches of Fuerteventura

Miles of beaches on the island of Fuerteventura are almost empty, and even most of those with well-developed tourist infrastructures are uncrowded. The northeastern beaches are often quite windy, and the surf on its northern beaches is quite heavy — to the delight of surfers, who find some of Europe’s finest waves here. Corralejo, a fishing port on the north coast, is a surfing center, with rentals, surf schools, and a strong surfer and watersports culture. Playa el Pozo, which has moderate waves and safe swimming waters, has a number of kiosks renting water sports equipment, beach chairs, and sun umbrellas, and there are several other choices along Corralejo’s nearly 16 kilometers of sandy shore.

Santa Cruz de Tenerife

The capital of Tenerife is a lively and attractive city, marked by some outstanding architectural attractions. Foremost of these is the magnificent Auditorio de Tenerife, an opera house and concert hall overlooking the sea, designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava. The concert hall hosts world class performers, conductors, and orchestras. Santa Cruz has other cultural highlights, including the excellent collections of the Museum of Fine Arts, where you’ll find works by Spanish, Flemish, and Canarian painters. At the fascinating Museum of Nature and Man, you can learn more about Tenerife’s native people, before the arrival of European settlers, and about the volcanic history of the island. Close to the museum, the lively Mercado de Nuestra Señora de Africa is a good place to find local crafts. Santa Cruz is where you’ll find the best shopping in Tenerife, and the Canaries’ most famous event, the annual carnival, marked by lavish parades, shows, and extravagant costumes.

Loro Park, Tenerife

One of the most popular tourist attractions in the Canary Islands is this wildlife park just outside of Puerto de la Cruz. Combining high standards of conservation with good entertainment, the park has one of the world’s largest collections of parrots, a large dolphinarium, and an immense aquarium with an underwater tunnel where you can walk as sharks and other sea creatures swim overhead. A bat cave; a gorilla jungle; a huge penguin habitat; and various exotic animals, including tigers and crocodiles, fill the large park.

Cueva de los Verdes

One of the most popular things to do on Lanzarote is to explore the seven-kilometer-long volcanic tube that extends from La Coruna mountain to the sea. These tubes were formed when the surface of a lava flow cooled and hardened while the molten river of lava still flowed beneath it. When the subterranean lava emptied into the ocean, it left the hollow tube deep underground. The two kilometers inside of the cave you can tour is in its original state — the only things that have been added are lights and walkways for safety. You enter the caves through a jameo — a hole created by the collapse of a thin place in the roof of the lava tube. Some of the larger chambers are as high as nine to 12 meters. The stone of the walls is red, orange, and black, formed by compounds such as iron oxide and calcium carbonate in the stone.

Santa Cruz de la Palma

This pleasant seaside townhas the most unspoiled seafront of any in the Canaries and still reflects the favored position it held in the 1500s, when it was one of only three Spanish ports allowed to trade with the New World. Stroll along the cobbled Calle O’Daley to see the handsome homes of wealthy merchants and appreciate the prosperity this town enjoyed in the 17th and 18th centuries. The 16th-century Iglesia del Salvador has a beautiful mudejar ceiling and a painted altarpiece. The Ayuntamiento (town hall) was once the cardinal’s palace, built in 1569, and has a magnificent carved ceiling and Renaissance arcade. Every five years, the island celebrates its patron saint, the Virgin of Las Nieves, with Quinquennial Fiestas, following the same traditions the townspeople have enjoyed since 1680.

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XcelTrip- 6 Offbeat places to visit in Argentina

Argentina is a beautiful country and surely some of the most visited tourist locations in the world. It is the complete package with the highest of Mountains to the greatest beaches that would give travelers what they would enjoy. Although every nook and corner of Argentina is worth exploring, yet there are places to visit in Argentina that cannot be missed.

Here are 6 amazing offbeat places to visit in Argentina:

El Ateneo Grand Splendid

With each incarnation since its inception in 1919 — first as a performing arts theater, then as a cinema, and now a bookstore — the Grand Splendid has proven itself befitting of its majestic title.

Having retained its original frescoed ceilings, ornate theater boxes, elegant rounded balconies, detailed trimmings, and plush red stage curtains, the interior of the building remains as stunning today as when it was first envisioned by architects Peró and Torres Armengol.

In its glory days, the Teatro Grand Splendid hosted such tango legends as Carlos Gardel, Francisco Canaro, Roberto Firpo, and Ignacio Corsini. Building proprietor Max Glucksman was a leading figure in the world of tango in his own right, as owner of the influential Nacional-Odeon record label.

Iguazu Falls

Flowing for the most part through Brazil, the Iguazu river breaks into upper and lower portions right on the divide between Brazil and Argentina.

Depending on the water level of the river, there are between 150 and 300 separate waterfalls at the site pouring water over off a drop of 200 to 300 feet. Despite the hundreds of smaller falls that appear and disappear over the cliffs, over half of the river’s output flows through a channel known simply as the Devil’s Throat.

The border between the two countries runs right down the Devil’s Throat separating, the lion’s share of the falls into the Argentinian side and the rest still pouring out of Brazil. There is a scenic overlook that is accessible from the two countries which attracts tourists from both. The Iguazu Falls may divide the river, but they also seem to bring two countries together.

Xul Solar Museum

With dreams of reforming and perfecting the universe, Argentine artist Xul Solar invented two languages, a spiritual form of chess, a modified piano, and painted works based on his own blend of cosmic mysticism.

The Museo Xul Solar in Buenos Aires holds most of his art, along with documents, letters, and the “heirlooms of the cosmos” that he built. The galleries are located just below Solar’s former apartment, where his rooms are preserved along with his library of around 3,500 books.

Perito Moreno Glacier

If you only visit one glacier in your life, Perito Moreno would be a good one to pick. It towers above the turquoise glacial water of Patagonia’s Los Glaciares National Park, beaming a blinding white and exuding cold blue hues. Unlike most of earth’s other glaciers, Perito Moreno is still growing.

The Perito Moreno Glacier, named for a 19th-century explorer, is currently 19 miles long and rises an average height of 240 feet above the water. Altogether, the glacier covers about 121 square miles. It is part of an ice field located in both Argentina and Chile that is the third largest reserve of freshwater in the world. Part of an area known as Argentina’s Austral Andes, it became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1981.

Laguna del Diamante

At Laguna del Diamante, there are plenty of reasons why life should not exist. To start with, the lagoon rests amongst sulphur-spewing vents within one of the world’s largest volcanic calderas — belonging to the active Argentinian volcano Cerro Galán.

And it’s not just the poisonous gases you have to look out for. The hyper alkaline lagoon (with a pH level of 11) is five times saltier than sea water and has levels of arsenic that are 20,000 times higher than the amount deemed safe for drinking by the EPA.

Aside from the harmful gases and toxic water, the altitude of the site presents even more dangers to life at the lagoon. At 4,600 meters above sea level, oxygen levels are low and ultraviolet light from the sun is 40% more intense than it is in the lowlands.

Cerro Fitz Roy

Cerro Fitz Roy is the most recognizable, and one of the most dangerous mountains in Southern Patagonia. Also known as Monte Fitz Roy, this impressive mountain is situated between Argentina and Chile in the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, and it is undeniably one of the most beautiful hiking areas in Patagonia. Francisco Moreno first saw the mountain in 1877, and he named it after Robert FitzRoy, captain of the HMS Beagle, who, alongside Charles Darwin, charted much of the Patagonian coast in the 1830’s. Cerro Fitz Roy is now part of Los Glaciares National Park, and it is a major attraction for visitors from around the world.

The mountain can be seen from the nearby little village of El Chaltén, but the most spectacular vistas can only be accessed on foot by hiking the many trails surrounding the peak. Hikers can do day-treks, or they can rent camping gear and spend days exploring the area and meeting people along the way. The trails wind through incredibly diverse landscapes of beautifully wooded areas, open fields, and massive boulders.

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XcelTrip-8 Amazing Places To Visit In Argentina

Argentina is one of the biggest countries in South America. It has lots of places to visit which can be natural or man-made. It is a dynamic country with glaciers, vineyards, skyscrapers and many more. Argentina is also one of the top destinations for tourists.

The scenery is Argentina is absolutely stunning and majestic. It hosts some of the highest waterfalls and mountains in all of America.

Here are 8 amazing places to visit in Argentina, to add to your list.

Cordoba sierras

If high mountains with plentiful streams flowing downhill and beautiful flowers is what any traveller considers to be a perfect vacation location then Cordoba Sierras. It is a beautiful and peaceful location near the Cordoba province is must visit in the country as this has unique scenery that can be only found here. It is a great option in places to visit in Argentina.

Mar del Plata Beaches

It is one of the popular Argentina beaches. It is a great place to have a relaxing holiday. Mar del Plata Beaches is one of the best beaches in Argentina and is a must visit. Though the beaches can get crowded in the summer months but otherwise have a very relaxed atmosphere. This is one of the must-visit places in Argentina.

Aconcagua

Aconcagua is the tallest summit in Argentina and the seventh in the world. This is also a paradise for adventure seekers who are not experts. The trek to the summit is not very difficult as it does not require equipment and sticks although it might be very lengthy. Once travellers have reached on they get to see the breath-taking view from up there and glaciers that lay around. It is surely one of the top places to visit in Argentina.

Buenos Aires

It is one of the most bustling cities in Buenos Aires. It is the place for October Olympics in 2019 and it has brought the city on the forefront. It is a great place to have great street food and get into the festive mood. It is a great choice for people who love roaming around and having great food. There are a lot of places to visit in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Puerto Iguazu

One of the reasons to visit Argentina in Puerto Iguazú in theIguacu province. This national park has almost 250 waterfalls altogether. These waterfalls are one of the highest waterfalls in the world and are a must visit in Argentina. It is a must in the list of Argentina sightseeing. Argentina has an abundance of nature and travellers should take up the chance to enjoy it.

Mendoza city

It is one of theprettiest city in Argentina. It is also the wine capital of Argentina. This city is an exceptionally beautiful city. Head to the Mandoza City to view the picture-perfect city with a backdrop of the magnificent Andes with snow-capped and peaks. Every corner of this city can in Instagrammed which makes it the top places the visit to Argentina.

Monte Fitz Roy

This place hosts one of the most iconic mountain peaks of the Andes range. This is a granite mountain surrounded by frozen lakes and glaciers. It is located in southern Patagonia. This is also one of the most loved climbs by the extreme mountaineers. This view is beautiful, rough yet unfathomable at the same time.

Ushuaia

Ushuaia is an epic location and one of the most unique locations in the world as it is the southernmost city in the world. This might make travellers feel like Columbus as it almost feels like the edge of the world. It is surely a must visit and one of the best places to visit in Argentina. This is also the city from where cruises leave for Antarctica.

Use XcelTrip to plan your vacation to all of these 8 amazing places to visit in Argentina and make memories that lasts a lifetime.

XcelTrip-5 Adventure Sports To Try In Brazil

Brazil is a land of many attractions and activities, ranging from historical monuments and bustling city centres to dense jungles and deserted beaches.

However, Brazil is also a fabulous destination for adrenaline junkies seeking an escape filled with exciting adventure sports. It may be a boys’ getaway, honeymoon or corporate teambuilding initiative; adventure sports are always popular. Here are 5 adventure sports to try in Brazil:

Canopy Tours or Zip Lining

These tours allow visitors to explore the forests from the perspective of the towering trees, sliding from one to the other while securely seated in a harness. This has little negative effect on the environment, as everything is secured via tension. This means that trees are not drilled or cut to support the visitors, and no tourists are trampling on delicate vegetation on the ground. Therefore, this is the ideal adrenalin sport for eco-tourists. Various tours are offered, and Rio de Janeiro is popular for this particular activity.

Horse Riding Safaris

The Pantanal is ideal for horse riding safaris, which take visitors through some of the beautiful wonders of Brazil on the back of an equally magnificent animal. These safaris can be done in groups and allow participants to get up close and personal to nature, while covering a greater distance than is possible by hiking. In addition to The Pantanal, other popular places for horse riding safaris include the canyons and waterfalls of Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina, Darwin’s Rainforest Trail from Rio de Janeiro and the Bahia beaches.

Surfing

While surfing can be a laid-back sport, it can certainly induce a fair amount of adrenalin when braving massive swells. Brazil’s coastline promises a variety of beaches, each of which is suited to a different calibre and expertise of surfer. Fernando de Noronha Island may be a small land mass, but it boasts enormous swells, promising surfers plenty of thrills. The more popular, better known beaches can become very full, making it difficult for surfers to be able to move freely. Therefore, the quieter, rougher beaches are usually reserved for these dedicated sportsmen and women.

Cascading Canyoning

This involves climbing down canyons and through waterfalls using ropes and safety gear. This certainly gets the heart pounding, and guarantees spectacular views and never-to-be-forgotten memories. This is a great way to experience the natural beauty of Brazil without impacting negatively on the environment.

Rappelling

This sport is a climbing technique that involves lowering yourself from a cliff or bridge using ropes and safety gear (like abseiling). The beach of Barra de Guaratiba is a popular rappelling site, measuring 50 metres in height. Tours are then perfectly rounded off by a refreshing swim in the ocean.

Use XcelTrip to plan your trip to Brazil to try any of the above 5 Adventure sports and make memories that lasts a lifetime.

XcelTrip- 5 Romantic Places To Visit in Brazil

With a stunning natural landscape, year-round tropical sunshine, vibrant musical scene and seemingly endless beaches, Rio de Janeiro is one of the world’s great romantic cities.

Whether you’re flying do want to Rio for Valentine’s Day; looking for a romantic getaway, or even heading to Rio in the hope of romancing one of the famously good-looking locals, rest assured that Rio offers no end of opportunity to create truly memorable romantic moments.

Couples looking for a romantic vibe in Rio shouldn’t shy away from the tourist trail in Rio — taking the cable car ride up Sugar Loaf mountain or the funicular railway up to see the Christ Statue atop Corcovado is a romantic treat that the inevitable crowds won’t spoil. The beaches, too, bustle with people year-round, but that won’t make sipping a caipirinha on the sands any less special. Be sure to catch the spectacular sunset at Arpoador — the point where Ipanema meets Copacabana, and where a rock jutting out into the ocean is the ideal place to see the sun dip over city and the ocean. Here are our top 5 romantic places to visit in Rio de Janeiro:

Costa Verde

Rio de Janeiro´s city beaches are famous the world over, and with good reason. But if you´ve been partying hard during your Rio vacation and are feeling the need for a little rest and relaxation in more tranquil surrounds, the Costa Verde beckons. This paradisiacal stretch of coastline takes in innumerous beaches and more islands than one could count — the Costa Verde town of Ilha Grande is in itself surrounded by 365 islands. The largest of these is the vast nature reserve of Ilha Grande, whose history as a prison for dangerous criminals and, before that, a leper colony, have not stopped visitors from flocking here in the search for isolated beaches surrounded by wild palms and chattering monkeys, as opposed to the high rise hotels of Copacabana. Of the beaches on Ilha Grande, Lopes Mendes is the most dramatically beautiful with its white sands and lapping waves.

Parqua Lage

This beautiful park, located right next door to Rio de Janeiro’s famous Botanical Gardens, is largely overlooked by tourists. More fool them, as the park is home to one of the most spectacular buildings in the city, framed by the figure of Christ the Redeemer atop his mountain perch. This building is currently home to an art school, and there are regular exhibitions, and is also the location for a coffee shop and restaurant that make great options for a leisurely brunch. The park may be recognisable to hip hop fans — it appears in the video for — Beautiful — , by Snoop Dogg and Pharell.

Sugar Loaf

One of the most famous mountain peaks in the world, Sugar Loaf scarcely needs an introduction. But while you may be familiar with the tourist board images of the cable car making its dizzying ascent up to the top of the mountain, nothing can prepare you for the spectacular views and the true splendour of Rio’s cityscape as it unfurls below. The cable car makes two stops — calling first at Morro da Urca, Sugar Loaf’s smaller sister mountain, before continuing its journey to the lofty vantage point. SugarLoaf just right out of the Atlantic Ocean, and the sweeping vistas of white sand beaches, jungle-clad mountains and crashing waves will take your breath away.

Spa Copacabana Palace

For a truly luxurious experience in Rio, it’s hard to beat the spa at Copacabana Palace. This classic hotel added a five-star spa and beauty salon in 2007, and the treatments here are all about making those well-heeled guests feel like a million dollars. There are a number of treatments for couples, as well as pre-wedding treatments, making this one of the top spots in Rio for a romantic spa treatment. You don’t need to be a guest at the hotel to enjoy a beauty treatment, massage or sauna, but you will need to book in advance, and it goes without saying that treatments at this luxury hotel spa don’t come cheap. If you want to be pampered in style though, this is the place to come.

Arpoador

Located between the world-famous beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema, Arpoador is not a beach whose name trips off the tongue as easily as those of its more famous neighbours, but this curve of sand is well worth your beach time. Really an extension of Ipanema beach, Arpoador is most notable for the giant rock that juts out from the shore into the crashing waves. This rock is lined with walking trails, with some fantastic views over Rio de Janeiro´s stunning coastline. It´s a favourite spot with romantic couples, too, and the sunset views from here are guaranteed to set even the hardest heart a-flutter.

Use XcelTrip to make your Valentine’s Day a memorable one by picking any of these 5 romantic places to visit in Brazil.

XcelTrip- Best beaches to visit around the world

Whether you’re seeking a sandy stretch that feels like it’s your alone, hidden bays on tropical islands or buzzing party spots, we have all the top spots on this year’s list of the 12 most beautiful beaches around the world:

Ngapali Beach — Ngapali, Myanmar

Myanmar has some incredible beaches that are unspoilt, but Ngapali (pronounced ‘Napoly’) on the Bay of Bengal coast is a real highlight. Palm trees line the long, white stretch of sand that’s surrounded by fishing villages.

Glass Beach — California, USA

This is no ordinary beach — Glass Beach gets its name from the smooth colourful glass pieces that make up its shore. Once a local dumping site, the glass has become pretty pebbles over the years and the beach is now a protected spot.

Amanohashidate -Kyoto, Japan

While beaches aren’t the first thing that spring to mind when you think of Japan, this beautiful pine-covered sandbar is a little jewel in northern Kyoto. Its name roughly translates to “bridge in heaven”.

Champagne Beach — Vanuatu

One of the world’s most picturesque beaches, this spot has clear blue waters and sparkling sand. At Champagne Beach you will also find fresh fruit stalls, freshly prepared crab and lobster and cute beachside shacks.

Belle Mare — Mauritius

If powder-white sand and coral reefs are your thing, then Belle Mare beach is heaven. It’s on the south coast of the island and is surrounded by unspoilt nature, with only a few hotels and luxury villas. The coral reef offshore creates a lagoon, so the water is perfect for swimming.

Agiba Beach — Marsa Matrouh, Egypt

Agiba Beach is one of the most beautiful virgin beaches in the world; roughly 40 metres long, the clean sand and waters of the beach are tucked between cliffs. Climb up one of the cliffs for an astonishing view of the Mediterranean, or simply splash straight into the water.

Praia do Camilo — Lagos, Portugal

Make your way down the 200 wooden steps which wind along the orange cliffs to reach this golden, sandy beach. You’ll see the Ponta da Piedade nearby, a landmark rock formation with grottoes and rock arches.

Palombaggia Beach — Porto-Vecchio, Corsica

This is the most famous beach on the island, and we can see why. The beach at Palombaggia is one of Corsica’s finest, with fine white sand. It faces gorgeous blue seas, and is lined with beautiful pine trees, with the Cerbicales islands in the distance.

Sunset Beach — Oahu, Hawaii

Sunset Beach is known as one of the longest stretches of rideable surf in the world, with a wide, sandy stretch to relax on. In the winter months, you can watch big-wave surfing with swells up to 30 feet tall, along with the world’s premier surfing competitions.

Matira Beach -Bora Bora, French Polynesia

Matira Beach is actually the only public beach on the main island, and it just so happens to be the most beautiful one. With white sands and gorgeous lagoon waters, it’s pure paradise.

It’s postcard-perfect — especially when the sun starts to go down as you watch from a waterfront bar.

Whitehaven Beach — Whitsunday Islands, Australia

Whitehaven Beach stretches over 7 km and boasts brilliant white silica sand that is among the purest in the world. It’s right in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, and is one of the world’s most unspoiled and beautiful beaches. Because of the silica, the sand doesn’t retain heat, so it’s a fantastic place to walk barefoot, even on a hot day.

Zlatni rat (Golden Horn Beach) — Brac, Croatia

The Golden Horn is the most spectacular of all Croatia’s beaches. It’s notjustits shape that makes it so beautiful and unique. The pebble beach is surrounded by crystal clear sea, that goes from turquoise blue to dark blue in just 10–20 meters.

Use XcelTrip to visit any or all of these 12 most beautiful beaches around the world and make memories that last a lifetime.

5 Amazing College Towns To Visit In 2020

The word “college” itself comprises community colleges, two-year schools, public and private four-year universities, and more — under those terms, LA could be a college town even though it encompasses more than 200 schools! So when looking at the best college towns in the U.S., we looked for two main criteria — first, a place that’s small enough to have a recognizable sense of community and identity, tied to but not limited to the campus (or campuses); and second, one that’s home to a variety of things to see and do there both on and beyond the campus. You’ll find plenty of the latter in our round-up — towns with outdoor adventure, great museums, diverse culinary scenes, football fandom, and more. Here are 5 amazing college towns to visit in 2020:

Ithaca, New York

Ithaca is a funky town that takes its local culture seriously. A couple of examples: its long-time fight against a proposed nearby highway to maintain the community culture, and its own currency, the Ithaca Hour, created with the purpose of supporting local businesses. Despite being home to Cornell University, Ithaca College, and a community college, all of which double the town’s population during the school year, Ithaca manages to hold on to its unique personality that locals love and keeps alums coming back to visit. Ithaca is also surrounded by several hiking trails that lead to gorges (hence the punny motto “Ithaca is Gorges”); Buttermilk Falls and Six Mile Creek are favorites. Or take a day trip to nearby Watkins Glen State Park or Robert H. Treman State Park to find some beautiful waterfall hikes.

Berkeley, California

Berkeley may be just across theOakland Bay Bridge from San Francisco, but this progressive city is a world unto itself, partially due to its legendarily left-learning university. In the 1960s, Berkeley gained worldwide recognition as the home of the student-led Free Speech Movement. Today it remains a symbol of counterculture that’s most apparent in the independent book and music stores and second-hand clothing shops along Telegraph Avenue, as well as its enticing Gourmet Ghetto (known as the birthplace of “California Cuisine”), where landmark restaurant Chez Panisse still thrives as the epicenter of farm-to-table fare.

St. Augustine, Florida

Whether you are moving your child in at Flagler College for the new school year or just visiting the nation’s oldest European settlement, you’ll find nonstop entertainment in St. Augustine. Not surprisingly, the city overflows with historical attractions including the Oldest Wooden SchoolHouse, Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of Youth, and the Castillo de San Marcos. You can even tour Flagler College, which was built as the Hotel Ponce de Leon in 1888 and features Tiffany windows and gorgeous murals. When you’re ready to satisfy your appetite, head to Columbia Restaurant for its famous “1905” Salad tossed tableside. For a sweet treat, select a gourmet popsicle (try the Elvis with peanut butter, banana and honey) from The Hyppo. At day’s end, head to your room at the Jaybird’s Inn just minutes from the hustle and bustle of downtown.

Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Chapel Hill, not to be confused with the neighboring cities of Raleigh and Durham (or collegiate rivals, depending on who you speak to), is widely known as home to the campus of The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and its Tar Heels basketball team. Sports aside, it’s home to plenty of cultural activities, bars, and restaurants.

Check into The Franklin, a happening hotel situated on Franklin Street, directly in the heart of downtown, or opt for a more luxurious escape at Siena Hotel, which is inspired by a Tuscan villa and home to Il Palio, the state’s only AAA Four Diamond Italian restaurant. Then, pop over to the North Carolina Botanical Garden to scope out the beautiful display gardens and take a stroll through the Piedmont nature trails. A few minutes’ drive away, the Ackland Art Museum features an impressive collection of Asian and European art and North Carolina pottery. For spirits enthusiasts, stop by Top of the Hill Distillery for a tour and tasting of spirits exclusively crafted from North Carolina-grown wheat. When hunger strikes, there are many tempting options. There’s Mama Dip’s Kitchen, a true intro into Southern cuisine; Al’s Burger Shack; Crook’s Corner, a local’s hotspot for over three decades (shrimp and grits are not to miss); Lantern, for celebrated chef Andrea Reusing’s Asian-inspired menu with a focus on Southern ingredients; and Sutton’s Drug Store for no-frills deli sandwiches, hot dogs, burgers and milkshakes; to name a few.

Lawrence, Kansas

Lawrence may be best known as the home of the University of Kansas, but the Haskell Indian Nations University also resides here, energizing the town with a double dose of collegiate vitality. Bookended by the Kansas River (known as the Kaw) and the Wakarusa Rives, KU Jayhawks territory encourages active visitors to come out and play with hiking and biking trails, more than 50 public parks, the South Park gazebo concert stage and late summer fields full of sunflowers.

Populated with local shops, restaurants, and entertainment, Massachusetts Street (“Mass” for short) is the centerpiece of the historic downtown district. The town’s vibrant cultural offerings appeal to creative types through an expansive collection of museums, theaters, and performing arts venues.

Pick any of these 5 amazing college towns to visit in 2020 with XcelTripto make memories that last a lifetime and feel young again while you party with the college crowd.