Plan A Trip To The Amazon

The Amazon basin is a marvel of the world and the imagination, an ecosystem of unrivalled size and diversity, and a place of near mythical status among travellers. The Amazon River has more water than the next eight largest rivers combined, and is twice the area of India, and the basin spans eight countries.

It’s a life spring of the planet, the source of so much of the air, water and weather we all depend on. However, unreasonable travel expectations — like seeing jaguars around every bend — can be a recipe for disappointment. For all its size, the joys of the Amazon are mostly subtle: the ghostly roar of howler monkeys, the remarkable variety of plant life, the kindliness of riverside communities and the quiet but awesome power of the river itself. Here we focus on accessing the Amazon in Brazil.

When to go

May to June is a great time to visit, being midway between the rainiest months (February to April) and the hottest driest ones (September to November). It’s also when the water level in the Amazon River is highest and the surrounding forest is flooded. The Amazon rises and falls by an amazing 12 to 15 meters annually, and few experiences are more sublime, or uniquely Amazonian, than gliding silently in a canoe through the flooded forest. That said, the dry season is attractive for its clear weather and opportunities for long hikes.

Where to go

Manaus is the region’s largest city, and the quickest and easiest route into the jungle. You’ll find many good tour operators here, from budget to upscale. The flip side is that tours tend to be more crowded, and the surrounding area is less pristine.

Getting there

Manaus is serviced by direct flights from all over Brazil, and even Miami. You can also get there by boat from anywhere on the Amazon, including Belém and Porto Velho, but be prepared for a long trip (two to five days).

You can reach Teféand Alter do Chão by air or by boat. For Tefé, most flights and boats connect through Manaus. For Alter do Chão, catch a plane or boat from Manaus or Belém to the city of Santarém, and take a bus or taxi from there (35km). Speedboats are available between Manaus and Tefé, and are faster than an ordinary boat but cheaper than a plane.

Amazon experiences

A common way to experience the Amazon is at a ‘jungle lodge’. Most lodges feature private rooms, family-style meals and daily excursions, but amenities such as en suite bathrooms and 24-hour electricity vary. Many lodges include a chance to sleep in the forest, whether just a night at an established camp or hiking for two or three days on a ‘survival tour’. Near Manaus, Amazon Antonio Jungle Tours and Amazon Gero Tours have good lodges and reasonable rates. Upscale options in the same area include Juma Lodge and Anavilhanas Lodge. And one of the best lodges in the entire Amazon is Uakari Lodge in Mamirauá Reserve.

Riverboats offer another way to see the Amazon — chugging along the river, stopping for excursions, sleeping on board. The boats vary in creature comforts, from hammocks to deluxe berths, and trips typically last five to 10 days. Reliable operators include Amazon Eco Adventures, Lo Peix and Amazon Brazil Jungle Tours.

Plan your trip to the Amazon with XcelTrip and make memories that last a lifetime.

10 Amazing Foods To Try In Brazil

azil that just sum up everything good about food in this country, and when you’ve come and gone, it’s these 10 amazing foods to try in Brazil, that you will definitely miss the most. Your trip to South America just isn’t complete unless you’ve tried all of the following Brazilian foods at least once, with XcelTrip:

Brigadeiro

Brigadeiro is balls of tuffles made with condensed milk and covered in chocolate sprinkles. The traditional brigadeiro is milk chocolate, yet there are also white chocolate versions available, too. They can get even more delicious when made with a whole strawberry in the middle.

Canjica

Canjica is a bowl of whole pieces of white corn mixed with milk, a splash of coconut milk and condensed milk to make a creamy, enviable dessert with sprinkles of cinnamon on top. It is usually served during the annual June Festival, yet as it is too tasty to save for just once a year, it’s easy to find year-round.

Pão de Queijo

This is so much more than just cheese bread. Made with cassava flour so it is totally gluten-free, these little puffs are crispy on the outside, squidgy on the inside and filled with cheesy flavor. They can be sold in packets with mini cheese balls inside, or as great balls the size of large oranges.

Romeu and Julieta

This simple yet incredible combination works on so many levels that it is a marvel how it hasn’t caught on worldwide. It’s guava paste, like a thick jelly, served in between two slices of mild, white cheese. It can be the main part of a pie, a pastel, a cheesecake or simply served as guava jelly and cheese.

Açaí

Super-food açaí is traditional in Brazil, especially in coastal cities where it is a common post-beach snack. Try it plain as sorbet, or ask for banana, strawberry or granola to be added in to take it to a whole new level of tastiness. Açaí can also be found as a smoothie, a juice, in powder or even added into a main meal using its raw, berry form.

Beijinho de Coco

The name literally translates to little kiss of coconut, which fits perfectly with this mouth-sized dessert. It’s made with condensed milk and butter mixed together before being rolled up into little balls and covered in coconut flakes. The top is often decorated with a clove. Light and moreish, these little treats are popular at Brazilian birthday parties.

Coxinhas

This hearty snack is a heap of shredded chicken wrapped up in a gooey, warm dough before being battered and fried. Some even mix the chicken inside with cream cheese for that extra, juicy bite. With its crispy outside texture and soft, fluffy inside, it’s hard to stop at just one.

Empada

Empadas are mini pies that are sold in nearly all snack bars, bars and restaurants throughout Brazil. They are perfect as an on-the-go snack or washed down with a cold beer. The most typical fillings are dried meat, chicken with cream cheese, prawns with cream cheese or heart of palm.

Farofa

Farofa is unique to Brazil and its taste and significance is hard to understand without actually trying it. It is basically fried tapioca flour mixed with small pieces of fried bacon and served alongside rice and beans. Whilst it doesn’t sound much, it is amazing how it works so well with beans and rice, absorbing the juices and adding an extra texture to an otherwise quite mushy meal.

Feijoada

Feijoada is one of the Brazilian main dishes you can find the most and is eaten in every corner of the country. It’s a pot of black beans cooked with chunks of meat, although the truly traditional feijoadas cook it with pig’s ears, trotters and other parts. It’s served with fried kale mixed with bacon bits, rice, farofa (here, farofa works so well to absorb those last bits of bean sauce) and a slice of orange to flavour.

Travel with XcelTrip to south America and make sure to eat one of the above 10 amazing foods to try in Brazil, and make memories that last a lifetime.

Consortium Blockchain Explained

Blockchain is a piece of technology that was created by a pseudonymous group or individual under the name Satoshi Nakamoto. Satoshi arranged blockchain in a manner that was envisioned to facilitate a decentralized and trust less online payments ecosystem in the form of the digital currency Bitcoin. This has deposited the making of other digital currencies and assets which all utilize blockchain technology as a base upon which to build their various platforms. The most common type of blockchains are public, with the most prevalent being Bitcoin and Ethereum. Though, blockchain types such as a consortium blockchain are another thought-provoking application of Satoshi’s initial blockchain execution.

Consortium blockchains can best be understood when compared to their more popular counterpart, public blockchains. This type of blockchain is one that possesses no access restriction, meaning that absolutely anyone with an internet connection can become a participant of a public blockchain. More specifically, anyone in the world is able to read data that is included on the blockchain, and anyone in the world is allowed to execute transactions on a public blockchain. Importantly, there is also no restrictions as to who can participate in the consensus process for blockchains, which is the process that determines the individual or entity that can add a block to the blockchain. Public blockchains are considered to be fully decentralized, with control over the blockchain not being in the hands of any single individual or entity.

Consortium Blockchain

Consortium blockchains differ to their public counterparts in that they are permissioned, thus, not just anyone with an internet connection could gain access to a consortium blockchain. These types of blockchains could also be described as being semi-decentralized. Control over a consortium blockchain is not granted to a single entity, but rather a group of approved individuals. With a consortium blockchain, the consensus process is likely to differ from that of a public blockchain. Instead of anyone being able to partake in the procedure, consensus participants of a consortium blockchain are likely to be a group of pre-approved nodes on the network. Thus, consortium blockchains possess the security features that are inherent in public blockchains, whilst also allowing for a greater degree of control over the network. An example is Hyperledger is an open source collaborative effort that has been created to advance cross-industry blockchain technologies. Created by the Linux Foundation, the technical goals of Hyperledger are the following:

Create enterprise grade, open source, distributed ledger frameworks and code bases to support business transactions.
Provide neutral, open and community-driven infrastructure supported by technical and business governance.
Build technical communities to develop blockchain and shared ledger use cases, field trails and deployments.

Consortium blockchains are often associated with enterprise use, with a group of companies collaborating together to leverage blockchain technology for improved business processes.

Crypto and Blockchain Events That You Must Attend

Here is a list of 9 blockchain and crypto events that you ought to travel to in 2020. Book your tickets with XcelTrip and make connections to grow your knowledge and connections.

10 February, 2020

DAS: London

DAS: London is designed with financial market professionals in mind, DAS: London will bring together 500 attendees to speak directly to the financial institutions, asset managers, and blockchain pioneers about the issues most pressing to them. Topics for this year’s conference include market infrastructure, trading mechanics in exchange and OTC markets, derivatives, exchange-traded products, and perspectives from managers and allocators. DAS is different from other blockchain industry conferences because it is designed with the financial market and investment professionals in mind.

Location: The Rosewood Hotel, London

20- 21 February, 2020

Blockchain Economy, Istanbul

The largest Blockchain conference of the MENA and Eurasia Region, that will be held on February 20–21, 2020, in Istanbul, Turkey. This will be the 2nd event and the 1st event was the largest blockchain event in this region, too. The Wall Street analyst Tom LEE, billionaire investor Tim DRAPER was some of our keynote speakers. For 2020, we’ll host more than 3,000 attendees from 60 countries. Also, I want to kindly mention that Tom LEE already accepted to attend again this year as a keynote speaker.

Location: WOW Convention Center

25–26 February, 2020

Unlock blockchain Forum 2020, Abu Dhabi

UNLOCK Blockchain Forum is an integral part of the blockchain ecosystem in the region as it sheds light on what is being done in Blockchain across the MENA region and specifically in the GCC. It will focus on the success stories in the MENA region whether governmental, financial, health, and others. We will also discuss the tokenization movement including Security token offerings across the board and the rise of crypto exchanges in the MENA region.

Location: Millennium Central Al Mafraq

2–6 March, 2020

Hong Kong Blockchain Week 2020

Hong Kong Blockchain Week delivers specialist content and expert discussions directly from industry leaders who are building the future of blockchain technology and digital assets. Professionals from all parts of the ecosystem, including investors, government, start-ups and enterprise come together for deep learning, robust discussions and high-impact networking.

Location: Hong Kong Ocean Park Marriott Hotel

4–11 March, 2020

London Blockchain Week 2020

Join the world’s leading global network for fintech, blockchain and digital impact for the 2020 London Blockchain Week, the annual multi-series of events, covering the latest trends, controversies and education on Blockchain.

Location: Northumberland street, London, UK

17–18 March, 2020

Blockchain Expo Global, London

Blockchain Expo Global focuses on the future of enterprise technology. The event showcases two days of top-level content from leading brands, embracing and developing cutting edge blockchain technologies. It will present a series of expert keynotes, interactive panel discussions and solution-based case studies.

Location: Olympia Grand, London

23–24 March, 2020

World Blockchain Summit 2020

World Blockchain Summit is a global series of elite gatherings that take place in 10+ destinations across the world. The conference features enterprise use-cases, government use-cases, inspirational keynotes, panel discussions, tech-talks, blockchain exhibition, startup pitch competitions, and a host of networking opportunities.

Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

31 March- 1 April, 2020

Paris blockchain week summit

Paris Blockchain Week Summit is the biggest Blockchain & Digital Assets event in Europe gathering 2500 attendees, 130 speakers and 50 sponsors from all around the world.

On March 31 2020, join us for two days of insightful talks and workshops held by the leaders and influencers of the crypto ecosystem.

Location: STATION F — 5 Parvis Alan Turing 75013 Paris, France

1–2 July, 2020

Blockchain Expo Global, Europe

The Blockchain conference agenda will present a series of expert keynotes, interactive panel discussions and solution-based case studies. All exploring the key industries that are set to be disrupted the most by this new technology, including; legal sectors, retail, financial services, healthcare, insurance, energy, music, government, real estate and more.

Location: RAI Amsterdam, Amsterdam

Book your tickets to the events on XcelTripand keep your eyes open for some cool offers for these events.

10 Most Colourful Places To Visit Around The World

Colour has an effect on us psychologically, they tend to leave a mark in our minds. This article covers the likes of psychedelic deserts of Ethiopia to China’s rainbow-hued mountains, the world is FULL of colourful wonders waiting to be explored.

Put any and all of these 10 most colourful places to visit around the world, on your travel list for the year of 2020:

Havana, Cuba

Rich in culture, character, relaxation and rebellion, Cuba’s capital city of Havana is a riot of colour and surprises. Past and present mix seamlessly here with pastel-shaded colonial buildings, Brooklyn-cool bars and vintage cars lining the shadowy streets. Creaky front doors are left open, old men play chess on the sidewalk, jazz rocks from every corner. There’s glitz and glamour too with Old Havana, built around five spectacular plazas and boasting an array of museums, galleries and restaurants — and the best mojitos on earth. Tourism in Cuba has mushroomed in the last couple of years, so get here soon before it becomes unrecognisable.

Chefchaouen, Morocco

Nestled in the imposing Rif Mountains, ‘The Blue Pearl’ of Chefchaouen is a striking contrast to its arid setting. A picture-postcard perfect collection of blue and white buildings, the city dates back to the 15th century when Jewish refugees fleeing the Spanish Inquisition settled in large numbers, bringing with them their tradition of painting things blue to mirror the sky and remind them of God.

They did a good job covering every inch of the city in this distinctive palette: houses, mosques, government buildings, public squares, lampposts — even the flowerpots. Colour aside, there’s also a buzzing culinary scene, medina streets lined with handmade wares and an ancient fortress to explore.

Cinque Terre, Italy

Clinging to steeply terraced cliffs on the Italian Riviera, the pretty fishing villages that make up Cinque Terre are pastel-painted perfection, dating back to the early medieval period. Swim in the pristine waters, wander through olive groves, while away the hours at a harbour-side cafe or hike the network of coastal trails.

Laguna Colorada, Bolivia

Surrounded by rolling mountains and craggy rocky shores, the ‘Red Lagoon’ may be less than three feet deep but it still packs a punch as one of the world’s most colourful places. High up in the Andes mountains, close to the Chile border, this shallow salt lake, dotted with tiny islands of sodium, is tinted blood red thanks to the algae thriving in its mineral-rich water.

Further colour splashes come from the large number of resident flamingos, including some of the rarest flamingo species in the world. You can combine a trip here with an excursion to the world-famous nearby Salar de Uyuni.

Caño Cristales River, Colombia

Found in the mountain range of Serranía de la Macarena, this crystal clear ‘river of five colours’ is considered one of the oldest rivers in the world. Surrounded by a savannah-meets-jungle landscape, a subaquatic red plant — Macarenia clavigera — grows in the riverbed, resulting in a mesmerising mixture of black rocks, green algae, blue water and yellow sand.

Despite its unnatural appearance, you can safely splash around in the river, which features waterfalls, pools, and caverns. Go anytime from July to November when the river is at its most colourful.

Hitsujiyama Park, Japan

Japan is known for its cherry blossoms so visiting during cherry blossom season is an absolute must. Visit Hitsujiyama Park for the picturesque shibazakura which translates as ‘lawn cherry blossoms’.

From late April to early May, head to Shibazakura Hill in Hitsujiyama Park. With over 400,000 trees of nine different varieties, it’s a perfect patchwork of pink, red, white and violet, set against the backdrop of the gargantuan Mount Buko. For serious viewing pleasure, catch the Chichibu Shibazakura Festival in the park, where the petals are arranged in an extravaganza of shapes and swirls.

Kampung Pelangi, Indonesia

Dubbed the ‘Rainbow Village’, this formerly unassuming spot in southern Indonesia has been given an extreme makeover by the local council. The result? A bonanza of fun and colour, from dazzling striped walls and polka-dot panels to psychedelic heart murals and 3D sharks.

Zhangye Danxia Landform Geological Park, China

One of Mother Nature’s greatest masterpieces, this rocky landscape ofZhangye Danxia Landform Geological Parkin the Gansu province is known for its otherworldly colours that mimic a rainbow painted over the tops of rolling mountains.

This striped technicolour effect is down to the erosion of red sandstone coupled with extreme desert conditions over the course of 24 million years. This caused the rock to dramatically striate into extraordinary shapes, sizes and colours of magenta, maroon, and lemon-hued stone. Catch the rainbow at its best from June to September during dawn or dusk.

Valley Of Flowers National Park, India

Sitting high in the West Himalayas, the Valley of Flowers National Park is a place of outstanding natural beauty. As well as floral pastures, running streams and the beautiful backdrop of snow-capped mountains, there are endless meadows of orchids, poppies, primulas, calendulas, daisies and anemones alongside alpine forests of birch and rhododendron.

The area is also home to rare and endangered wildlife, including the Asiatic black bear, a snow leopard, brown bear and blue sheep. The park is even immortalised in Hindu mythology; legend goes that the monkey god, Hanuman, collected the mythical herb Sanjeevani buti from this park to save Lakshmana.

Dallol, Ethiopia

Dallol is not only the hottest inhabited place on the planet, it’s also one of the most striking thanks to its incredible colours. A vast volcanic crater in the heart of the Danokil desert, the endless landscape is a psychedelic-coloured mix of acidic hot springs, mountains of sulphur, salt canyons and miniature geysers.

Called ‘The Gateway to Hell’ by locals, bubbling bright cyan lava lakes and neon yellow acid pools lie alongside pink-coloured formations rising from bright green gas. Pack your most charming smile (the Afar tribesman appreciate friendly visitors) and lightest clothing then hitch a lift on a camel caravan or — easier option — rent a 4WD vehicle from the nearby town of Mekele.

Travel to any of these 10 most colourful places to visit around the world, with XcelTrip and use Bitcoin to make memories that last a lifetime.

Ocean Cay: Marine Reserve

Deemed as a paradise in the Bahamas, 104.6 Kms south of Miami, Ocean Cay is a 95-acre marine reserve island is owned by MSC Cruises that started welcoming visitors in December 2019. Due to its proximity to Mami there are multiple cruises that you can take to visit this luxurious island. Though the island may seem small, it is well planned out to make sure that you have a relaxing time on the beach. Here are a few things you can do on the Ocean Cay island, by using KAU on XcelTrip:

Activities:

The Island has a lot of activities to offer that allows you to explore the island, the marine life and relax.

Scuba Diving

Take an introductory discover scuba diving course for non-certified divers. Experience the thrill of diving under the care and close supervision of one of our expert PADI Dive Instructors. Although this course does not certify you as a diver, it’s a fun introduction to scuba diving and give you credit towards your diver course should you decide to continue on to be a fully certified Open Water Diver upon your return home.

Beachside Stargazing

Enjoy a welcome drink as your guide, using state of the art computerized tracking telescopes, finds the most striking star clusters, planets, nebulas and galaxies on display that evening. An evening of unbelievable stargazing under the Bahamian sky awaits you, during which you’ll learn some fun space facts about the solar system.

Marine Reserve Snorkelling

Experience a fabulous snorkelling adventure by rubbing shoulders with the many curious creatures of the Bahamas. All snorkelling gear will be provided with instructions for use.

Food on Ocean Cay

If you’re up for some Bahaman cuisine, tropical drinks and snacks the island has a lot to offer.

Seakers Food Court

Discover American classics, Bahamian flavours and dining options for kids. You can also choose one of the beverage packages available to be consumed on the island. A second buffet will be available in the near future.

Food Trucks

Grab a quick bite at one of the food trucks located throughout the island or a drink at one of our beach bars.

Lighthouse Bar

At 100 feet tall, the red and white lighthouse is a striking landmark. Enjoy drinks and food with live music and DJs and an evening visual experience that will enhance the atmosphere.

Shopping

Shopping on the island is taking home a piece of Bahaman culture and art back home.

Bahaman Straw Market

Take a piece of the island with you and shop for authentic Bahamian products at The Bahamian Shop & Artisan Market

Unlike other venues on the island, the Bahamian Artisan Market does not accept the Cruise Card as a form of payment, so please remember to bring some cash (USD).

MSC Logo Shop

Browse our selection of MSC-branded products and take-home memories of your cruise.

You can book your Cruise to the island on theOcean Cay website from the coasts of Miami or New York, if you you’re wondering how to get to any of these coasts, book your flight tickets with KAU on XcelTrip to make memories that last a lifetime.

5 Underrated Places To Visit In Brazil

Throughout the nation of Brazil there are many stunning cities, yet they don’t continuously get the attention they merit. If you are scheduling a trip in the near future, you may want to stay out of the palpable tourist-focused cities like Rio de Janeiro and in its place try one of the other cities that are just as gorgeous but with half the crowds. Many of these places have continued to stay off the radar merely because they are not as popular among tourists, while some can be a little hard to get to as there are no airports directly connecting them. Here are 5 underrated places to visit in Brazil that are absolutely stunning, with XcelTrip:

Curitiba, Paraná

Unlike many popular Brazilian cities, Curitiba sits inland, away from the coastline and consequently, the beaches that make the country so popular. Despite this, the city of Curitiba has much to offer in terms of attractions, especially if you’re into art and nature. The Botanical Garden of Curitiba is one of the most popular places to visit in this city and offers a serene French-inspired nature escape. Also popular is the Oscar Niemeyer Museum which focus on visual arts, architecture and design.

Lençóis National Park, Maranhão

At first glance, this national park in Brazil’s south end may look like a dessert but closer inspection sees that the giant sweeping sand dunes are broken up by turquoise lagoons. The spectacular landscape is created by rainfall as the area sits just outside the Amazon basin and this rainfall collects in the valleys between the dunes. The water remains above ground thanks to a layer of impermeable rock underneath the sand. Visiting the park will be tricky as there are no access roads and 4-wheel drive vehicles are required but make the trip and this is a view you won’t soon forget.

Ilha Grande, Rio de Janeiro

The island of Ilha Grande sits off the coast of the state of Rio de Janeiro and is truly a piece of Brazilian paradise. The island is still very undeveloped and unspoiled by tourism so visitors can enjoy the natural beauty of this Atlantic rainforest. Pristine beaches are ripe for snorkelling and rugged terrain provide plenty of hiking and exploration opportunities.

Porto de Galinhas, Pernambuco

If you’re going toBrazil for the beaches, Porto de Galinhas is one town that you simply can’t miss. Located about 60 kilometers south of the state capital of Recife, this destination has been voted “Best Brazilian Beach” eight times in a row by the readers of Voyage &Tourism Brazilian magazine. There’s spectacular reef snorkelling just a couple hundred meters from the shore and at low tide you can explore the natural tide pools teeming with marine life.

Fortaleza, Ceará

Despite the size of this Brazilian state capital, it still remains relatively underrated as most international tourists tend to stick to the better-known names like Rio and Sao Paulo but the name may be familiar as the city played host to the 2014 FIFA World Cup. The rapidly growing city is a popular leisure destination for Brazilians who enjoy the 25 kilometers of urban beach front along the city’s coast. Each of the four beach areas of Iracema, Meireles, Mucuripe and Praia do Futuro has its own distinct vibe.

Plan your vacation to these 5 underrated places to visit in Brazil with XcelTrip and make memories to last a lifetime.

8 Wonderful Locations To Visit In Brazil

Brazil boasts over 70 national parks and dozens of monuments, including one of the Seven Wonders of the New World — Christ the Redeemer, in Rio de Janeiro. Together, these attractions create one of the most appealing and exciting destinations in South America. People come from every corner of the world to find silver coasts, dazzling blue oceans, sprawling metropolises, and thick jungles that are home to monkeys, jaguars, and river dolphins. Here are 8 wonderful locations to visit in Brazil:

Rio de Janeiro

A city known for its stark contrasts, Rio de Janeiro perfectly blends golden shores, tremendous forests, and a bustling metropolis to create a home for its six million residents and an exotic holiday destination for its millions of annual tourists. Besides the obvious attractions such as Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf, and Copacabana, don’t miss the more off-the-beaten-track spots such as theunforgettableTransCarioca 180-kilometer hike, or the mesmerizing sunset at Arpoador. If you love music, then you don’t need to wait for Carnival for a samba hit; head to the samba schools for their all-year-round samba shows including live music and jaw-dropping dancers.

Belo Horizonte

Belo Horizonte is known for its bar scene rather than thumping nightclubs that comprise dozens of bars packed together to create the ideal late-night drinking spot for socializing and winding down at the end of the week. For food, you’ve come to the right place as everything from mobile stalls to sophisticated restaurants serve up classic Minas Gerais cuisine molded around home comfort and slow-cooking. If art is more your thing, hire a car to Inhotim, a large interactive art gallery set within a botanical garden.

São Paulo

They don’t call São Paulo the ‘concrete jungle’ for nothing. The often misunderstood city is home to over 13 million people and is regarded as the business and financial capital of Brazil. Yet that sweeping definition overlooks the quirks and curiosities that make São Paulo the buzzing cosmopolitan city that it is. For culture, visit some of the country’s finest art galleries and museums before treating your palate at any of the international restaurants celebrated for their haute cuisine. For a change of pace, head to Praca Roosevelt for hipster bars and an alternative, liberal crowd. Pack your stamina for the nightlife that helped give São Paulo its reputation as a city that doesn’t sleep.

Olinda

Originally founded in the early 16th century by the Portuguese settlers, Olinda is a small colonial town neighboring the much larger Recife. Its collection of baroque churches, 18th century convents, and vibrantly-colored houses cling to the hillside coupling exquisite architecture with sweeping ocean views. The local bohemian crowd have restored many of the buildings into artistic hubs, creating a center of art galleries, museums, and open studios. Go there in February to experience one of Brazil’s most traditional and lively carnivals.

Fernando de Noronha

Escape from it all on this picturesque and exclusive gem. Located 350 kilometers off the coast of Brazil, you have to take a flight from Recife to get to this volcanic archipelago. With jagged coastlines, unspoiled scenery, and shallow seas brimming with tropical fish, sharks, turtles, and dolphins, this protected area grants several opportunities for relaxation on golden beaches and getting close to wildlife. The ecological sanctuary limits the number of visitors per year, which is why it still boasts some of the most breathtaking natural landscapes in Brazil.

Bonito

Bonito is located in Mato Grosso do Sul on the border of the Pantanal and comprises crystal clear freshwater pools and deep abysses that create a unique ecosystem. Nutrient-rich rivers such as the Rio da Prata nourish hundreds of freshwater species and grant pleasant snorkeling opportunities among tight-knit shoals of brightly-colored fish. From stalactite-carpeted caverns and underground lakes to a depression in the earth that supports the nest of flocks of macaws, Bonito is a place that impresses with its ecology and beauty alike.

Chapada Diamantina

Take a walk through the wild at the Chapada Diamantina National Park in Bahia. In addition to rocky landscapes of flat-top mountains and deep canyons, the landscape is dotted with incredible natural wonders such at the Cachoeira da Fumaça, one of Brazil’s largest waterfalls where the water lacks volume to reach the bottom and turns into a cloud of mist. Yet one of the most striking features in the area is the two deep, underground cavities — Poço Encantado and Poço Azul. The two pools contain water so clear that it appears the crevices are empty and the sunlight that enters gives the pool a striking electric blue hue.

Amazon

One of the most striking ecosystems in Brazil, the vast Amazon rainforest continues to be an imposing, mysterious jungle despite deforestation and illegal mining in the area. The complex ecosystem comprises hundreds of species of flora and fauna that co-exist in a network unlike any other in the world. Sustainable tours in the region are actually good for the forest by providing an income to resource-lacking locals who come to depend on tourism instead of hunting endangered animals. It also gives you the chance to explore a magnificent part of the world where river dolphins, monkeys, and brightly-coloured tree frogs call home.

Book your vacation with XcelTrip and plan your travels to these 8 wonderful locations to visit in Brazil to make memories that last a lifetime.

2019 At A Glance

As the year of 2019 comes to an end, here are all the wonderful partnerships, changes and events that the XcelLab has created and been a part of, that have made the year a memorable one.

Under XcelTrip– a Next- Generation travel platform powered by the blockchain technology, has been built solely to disrupt the ever-growing trillion-dollar travel industry. The features are scrupulously created to democratize crypto use-cases, that challenges the monopoly of the ecosystem by giving the power back to the users by providing the users full control over their bookings and their anonymity.

An inventory of 1.5 million hotels were added with the partnership with ClearTrip, PriceLine and more. XcelTrip in the year 2019 also the integration of multiple cryptocurrencies such as Litecoin, Dash, Verge currency, announced at Verge meet-up at Rotterdamand KAU (Kinesis).

XcelTrip became the official Travel partners for the Manny Pacquiao Foundation, announced during the WCC Las Vegas that was conducted between the 29th to the 31st of October, 2019. It was also at this event the Didi of the Bitcoin Familywas assigned and announced as an advisor. Aside from this event Team XcelTrip was present at the Blockchain Event in Nigeria, Fintech Expo in Singapore and at Asia Blockchain Summit, Taipei.

XcelTrip is reaching a mass audience through interviews and with a vigorous digital Media presence.

This year also saw the genesis of XcelTrip Nepal, the first of its Kind OTA platform that is aimed at promoting Nepal 2020, in partnership with the Nepal Tourism Board.

XcelTokenreceived a much-needed upgrade of security and was released as XcelToken Plus (XLAB), which is an ERC20 token on the Ethereum Blockchain Platform, that is painstakingly crafted with the purpose of building, engaging and fostering a large crypto-community within the hospitality, retail and gaming sectors.XcelToken Plus is now available for trading on 14 well reputed exchange platforms under the ticker name XLAB.

XLAB was listed on CMC is steadily gaining traction, like its sister verticals- XcelTrip and XcelPay Wallet.

XcelPay Wallet app received an update that would allow the users to top up their mobile phone plan, with Ethreum and bitcoin in over 160 countries, with over 900 carrier. Later this year another update rolled out, that carried UI changes, to enhance the user experience and simplify the transaction process.

2019 was surely the year of progress and we hope to make the year 2020 one that is filled with productivity and excellence.

20 Cuisines Around The World To Try In 2020

As a new decade is approaching us and it’s the time to make resolutions that will make us better as individuals and at the same time help us have a bit of fun. Here are 20 cuisines from around the world to try in 2020, with KAU (Kinesis)- a Gold backed cryptocurrency that eliminates storage fees for physical gold bullion, in addition to offering holders a unique fee-sharing yield model that adds an extra layer of value to gold holders in the form of monthly payments. KAU is now available on XcelTrip, book your travels now. Add these cuisines to your list of 20 in 2020–

Indian Food

India is one of the most densely populated countries on the planet. With so many people within the nation, Indian cuisine is highly varied. Curries are the traditional fare, but Indian food is not confined for curry. There are a number of regions that make vegetarian dishes, and ayurvedic medicinal traditions are often used in creating food. Within India, visitors will find a range of sweet, hot and spicy dishes. Even better, the nation is home to millions of street food stands. At these stands, visitors can try out unique treats for a very cheap price.

Soul Food

During slavery, African-American slaves were only given the leftover, unwanted food. Often, slave owners would try to feed them as little as possible as a way of saving money. This early origin caused soul food to develop. Slaves at the times used collards, mustard greens, turnip tops, dandelions and beets to make up their diet. They often were given the unwanted parts of the meat like offal, oxtail, pigs ears, lard and tripe. With these unwanted, inexpensive pieces, the slaves of the time managed to create a unique, delicious cuisine. Today, soul food includes dishes like chitlins, fried chicken, hog maw, pigs feet, fried okra, collard greens, corn bread, grits and hush puppies. After a delicious meal of soul food, you may not be hungry enough to eat dessert. If you are, you can look forward to cobbler, pecan pie or sweet potato pie.

Cajun Food

Long ago, the French Acadian people had to flee Canada. Although some of the Acadians went back to France, others chose to move to Louisiana. Once there, they combined French cooking style with local ingredients. This type of cuisine is normally formatted within three dishes. The first pot will contain the main dish while another pot contains vegetables. A third pot will generally contain a mixture of steamed rice and seafood. Popular meat choices include pork sausage, shrimp and fish. Due to the area, Cajun cuisine focuses heavily on celery, bell peppers, garlic and onions. Other flavorings include cayenne pepper, bay leaf, black pepper and green onions.

Greek Cuisine

Like Italian cuisine, Greek food dates back thousands of years. Many common Greek dishes have unknown origins because they have been around so long. This cuisine has a unique mix of different Mediterranean styles. Back in the day, the Greeks were well-positioned to become a major port for sea trading. Every time sailors returned from traveling, they brought back different dishes and dining styles. In Greece, visitors can expect fresh herbs, olive oil and feta. Due to its location near the sea, fish is a popular dining option. Pork and lamb are common meat choices because many of the islands are too small to host cattle.

Chinese Food

If characterizing Indian food was hard, Chinese food is impossible to pin down. China has one of the most diverse mixes of cultures and cuisines in the world. The main eight styles of cooking are: Fujian, Cantonese, Anhui, Zhejiang, Szechuan, Shandong and Hunan. In Chinese traditional medicine and culture, the opposites of yin and yang must always be kept in balance. This same balance extends to food. When cooking, the Chinese try to balance different colors, tastes, textures and smells. This focus has paid off and made Chinese cuisine one of the world’s finest.

In a traditional Chinese meal, you can expect to have noodles or rice. Although many American-based Chinese restaurants use fried rice, most China-based Chinese restaurants serve basic steamed rice. With a strong Buddhist history, vegetarian dishes like tofu remain popular. Interestingly, garlic and chilies are considered non-vegetarian in Buddhism because they stimulate the chi. If you go to a Chinese vegetarian restaurant, don’t expect a lot of spices. For non-vegetarian dishes, you can expect Peking duck, thousand year old eggs, squid and a range of meat dishes. Vegetables are always included with dinner, and they are far from your mother’s broccoli. Chinese vegetable dishes are often the most delicious part of the meal.

Lebanese Cuisine

Due to its location, Lebanon has adopted Arabic and Mediterranean influences. Lebanese food uses a lot of fresh fruit, vegetables and seafood. Other than fish, it does not contain a big focus on meat. When dining at a Lebanese restaurant, you can expect delicious pickles, unique salads, Arabic bread, vegetable dishes and vegetable dips.

Japanese Cuisine

The Hibachi or Teppanyaki grill are some of the most delectable of Japanese dining options. At a Hibachi grill, you can watch a cook flip, fry, griddle and cut the food in front of you. This cuisine focuses on noodles, tofu, sushi and vegetables. Each meal is meticulously prepared and exceptionally delicious. Even better, Japanese restaurants often serve oolong or green tea.

American Food

American food is an extremely popular dining option. With so many cultures moving in and out of the country, American food encompasses a range of different dining styles. In Chicago, the deep dish pizza has become famous. Texas has five-alarm chili while the Pacific Northwest is home to microbreweries and coffee. At most traditional American diners, you can expect hot dogs, hamburgers, buffalo wings, biscuits & gravy and omelets.

Thai Food

Over the last decade, Thai food has grown in popularity. Hands down, the most popular dish is pad thai. To truly experience Thai cuisine, you should step away from the basic pad thai and try some of the broths and noodle dishes that make this cuisine so delectable. This cuisine focuses on a lot of herbs and offers a range of sweet, sour, spicy and bitter tastes. It focuses on fresh herbs, so this cuisine always has a vivid flavor.

Mediterranean Cuisine

There is some debate if there is actually a Mediterranean cuisine. This term mostly developed in the 1970s when there was a Mediterranean diet. In general, it consists of fresh fruits, vegetables, seafood and olive oil. Depending on who you ask, it could include different Greek, Italian, Arabic, European or North African dishes.

Moroccan Food

Expect Moroccan cuisine to become the next major hit over the coming decade. With such a rich history and unique dishes, this cuisine is one of the world’s finest. It uses Mediterranean fruits and vegetables to make spicy, flavor-filled meals. Lamb is a popular meat dish, and has a subtler flavor that Western lamb dishes. Due to its location near the sea, fish and shellfish play a strong role in Moroccan cuisine. Beef and chicken are commonly eaten. A local favorite is known as a Tagine and contains chicken, fries and olives. Many of these dishes are flavored with dried fruit, lemon pick and olive oil. At lunch time, Moroccans eat a hot or cold salad and bread. Famously, this cuisine includes couscous. Bread is a major dish and is known as Khobz. It varies from town to town, but often looks like a type of baguette. Other specialties include salted meat and Moroccan pancakes.

French Food

Say Oui, Oui to French cuisine! Five-star chefs are often trained in French cooking. It uses cheese, chocolate and baguettes for delicious meals. Of course, a French meal would never be complete without some wine! Despite their focus on cheese, bread and chocolates, the French amazingly remain thin.

Spanish Cuisine

Spanish cuisine is exceptional because it limits spices. Instead of hiding the flavor of a dish with cumin, chilies or pepper, it only uses enough spice to bring out the natural flavor of the food. Due to its location along the coast, Spanish food has a strong focus on seafood. Famously, cafes and restaurants in Spain offer tapas or pinches. These snack-sized dishes can be made of basically anything and only cost a couple of euros. Before siesta, Spaniards can stop in a local cafe and get a glass of wine and a tapa for merely a couple of euros.

Korean Food

Many people try kimchi and give up on Korean food for good, but this cuisine is more than just kimchi. If you have not had this dish before, kimchi is a fermented cabbage dish that is mixed with vinegar and spice. Other than this common dish, Korean food contains rice, meat, veggies and seafood. It has a unique flavour that you tend to love or hate.

German Food

From sauerkraut to bratwurst, German is known for its flavourful dishes. Restaurant goers can expect spätzle (potatoes), rich varieties of bread, cheese and sausages. Even better, this country is known for its many delicious beers. Surrounded by the world-famous cuisines of Italy, Spain and France, Germany has not gotten the attention it deserves from foodies.

Vietnamese Food

Vietnamese food has not received nearly the attention it deserves. Due to the French colonization of the area, Vietnamese food contains traditional dishes and French cuisine. Visitors can enjoy vegetables, Vietnamese mint, shrimp paste, lime, basil leaves, soy sauce, fish sauce, fruits and vegetables in their meals. These meals are made to balance the five elements and tastes within the dish, so there is a mixture of sweet, spicy, bitter, sour and salty. Common dishes may include balut, duck meat or ginger.

Turkish Cuisine

Coffee and chocolate are just a fraction of what Turkey has to offer. This cuisine has a delicious vegetable stew, eggplant dishes and seafood-based meals. Stuffed dolmas are always delectable and the yogurt is scrumptious. Foodies enjoy eating dumplings, kebabs and baklava. Olive oil is used in abundance and fresh vegetables are a must-have for Turkish dishes. My personal favourite is the kebab. If you can find a street vendor, you can watch as they peel away meat from the spit. You can eat it on a stick, or some street vendors will put the meat in a pita sandwich-like form.

Mexican Food

Mexican food is a common favourite cuisine in America. From chili con carne to enchiladas, spicy Mexican dishes are a popular choice. Western restaurants typically use Northern Mexican cuisine, but there are a number of other options. Ancient Mayan dishes have a subtler flavor while Central and Southern Mexico have a sophisticated taste. Restaurant goers can enjoy eggs, vegetables, beans, chilies and cumin in major Mexican dishes. Chocolate, tomatoes and salsa are always favourites as well

Italian Cuisine

With a culinary history that stretches back centuries, Italian cuisine is one of the world’s favourites. Spumoni ice cream, spaghetti, lasagna and pizza are traditional dishes that are widely available in the United States. Beyond these basic dishes, there are a number of regional favourites like Parmesan cheese and Parma ham. One part of Italy is even known for making a kind of maggot cheese. The cheese is fermented and allowed to sit out so that flies lay eggs. Afterward, it is packed at the perfect time for maggots to develop. It might not suit everyone’s taste buds, but it is a specialty from the country. If this cheese is not to your liking, the country has more than 400 types of cheese.

Although Italian cuisine varies from region to region, each meal will generally be set up in a similar way. It will begin with the antipasto or appetizer menu. Next, diners enjoy the primo course which consists of pasta or rice. The second course is a meat. To top it off, the last course is the dolce or dessert course.

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