National Parks In The USA You Can Explore From Your Couch

As many people practice social distancing — or staying home and avoiding crowds and public spaces — to help curb the spread of the coronavirus, several museums, and theaters have temporarily closed in the name of public health.

But amid the coronavirus pandemic, many places of leisure and cultural institutions are opening their doors virtually to provide resources, online activities, and tours to give people a fun way to stay entertained and connected to the outside world while they’re spending more time at home.

While the National Parks Service hasn’t closed any of its parks to the public due to the coronavirus at the time of writing, making a special visit to a national park may not be in the cards for many Americans and travelers around the world for the time being. Here’s how to virtually visit at least 8 US national parks — all from the comfort of your couch or bed.

Arches National Park.

It’s no surprise that Arches National Park is one of the top national parks in America: it’s a 73,234-acre wonderland of eroded sandstone fins, towers, ribs, gargoyles, hoodoos, balanced rocks, and, of course, arches northwest of Moab. The park protects an amazing landscape that includes the largest proliferation of arches in the world. Over 2,000 arches have been cataloged in Arches National Park. At sunrise, rays of light break over dramatic horizons. Click here to virtually visit Arches National Park.

Badlands National Park

This striking South Dakota landscape boasts a maze of buttes, canyons, pinnacles and spires. Skeletons of three-toed horses and saber-toothed cats are among the many fossilized species found here. Wildlife abounds in the park’s 244,000 acres and can often be seen while hiking, camping and traveling the Badlands Loop Scenic Byway. Click here to virtually visit Badlands National Park.

Big Bend National Park.

On the border with Mexico, separated by a huge bend in the Rio Grande river, Big Bend National Park is one of Texas’ most impressive natural wonders. Mountains, desert, and the river combine to make this area an outstanding outdoor playground for hikers, campers, canoers, birders, and nature lovers in general. Even if you are just up for a drive through the park, you’ll find interesting sites and scenery along the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive, and a quick stop at the Fossil Discovery Exhibit or a soak in the hot springs will make for an outstanding day.Click here to virtually visit Big Bend National Park.

Cuyahoga Valley National Park

The curve of the Cuyahoga makes its mark in the woods of Ohio. Step through the trees, away from the city, and immerse yourself in the history of this vast and boundless country USA. Cuyahoga Valley, a national park in Ohio, is very close to Cleveland and Akron and provides recreational opportunities along the Cuyahoga River. Click here to virtually visit Cuyahoga Valley National Park.

Denali National Park.

Larger than the state of New Jersey, Denali National Park and Preserve is a vast wilderness that is mostly untouched by human hands, save for the one park road and a few scattered services. It is known for legendary wildlife and big adventures, from backcountry camping to mountaineering. Even for those who stick to a bus tour of the park road, and its scenic overlooks, wild adventures often await to surprise and delight. Click here to virtually visit Denali National Park.

Everglades National Park

To visit the Everglades is to step into a haven amongst the mangroves, to immerse yourself in the sense of wonder that surrounds you, and to sink deep into the slow, languid pace of life in a swamp. And thanks to National Park Foundation supporters like you, acres upon acres of this mysterious swampland are protected for generations to come. Click here to virtually visit Everglades National Park.

Glacier National Park

“Crown of the Continent” is an apt nickname for this pair of parks, which feature some of the most impressive mountain scenery in North America. Joined together since 1932 as the world’s first international peace park, Glacier National Park in Montana and Watertown Lakes National Park in Alberta offer a contiguous high-country wonderland of rock, ice, water, and wood. Click here to virtually visit Glacier National Park.

Grand Canyon National Park

Imagine the Grand Canyon with no people. Just the psychedelic-colored canyon walls, the wind, and the river silent and milk chocolaty at the bottom of the gorge. That’s how it must have looked to the Native Americans who lived in and around the Grand Canyon 12,000 years ago, and to the Spanish explorers who laid eyes on the rift in the 16th century. Click here to virtually visit Grand Canyon National Park.

Explore these national parks at the comfort of your couch this spring and make memories that surely will last a lifetime.

Visit The Wonderland Of Natural Attractions, Costa Rica

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Costa Rica is a wonderland of natural attractions, with volcanoes, beaches, cloud forests, and unique wildlife. This is a country that appeals as much to birdwatchers and luxury focused travellers as it does to surfers and backpackers. The busy city of San Jose is home to the country’s best museums and lovely squares, but the real treasures lie beyond the capital, in the forests and small coastal villages. Endless stretches of beach line the Pacific Coast, with small towns that cater to surfers and sun seekers. Inland, the forest-covered mountains offer their own adventures, from volcanoes and waterfalls to ziplining and extraordinary wildlife viewing. Costa Rica also has shoreline on the Caribbean. While this is a lesser visited area of the country, it offers something a little different in terms of culture and attractions, and is known in particular as a breeding ground for green sea turtles.

Arenal Volcano

The Arenal Volcano National Park is found in the rugged Cordillera de Tilarán and is one of the top volcano viewing areas in the country. The main attraction in the park is the Arenal Volcano, reaching 1,633 meters. It looks just as one might imagine a volcano; a cone-shaped mountain with huge ash columns streaming from the crater.

Arenal was dormant from 1500 AD until a massive eruption on July 29, 1968, which killed 82 people and destroyed two villages. Since then, it has seen regular activity and, depending on the day or week, visitors can expect to see anything from a cloud of ash to glowing red lava flowing down the mountain.

The Arenal Observatory Lodge, originally a private observatory established in 1987, is the only lodge within the Arenal Volcano National Park boundaries. It is located on a macadamia nut farm on the south side of the volcano. From the lodge, there are excellent views of the volcano and Arenal Lake in the opposite direction. Numerous hiking trails are in the area, some of which lead to waterfalls, as well as old and recent lava flows.

Dominical

Dominical is a tropical backpacker’s haven, with dirt streets, beautiful beaches, cheap accommodation, casual open-air restaurants, and its own unique vibe. Surfers who come here find it hard to leave, and visits often turn into extended stays. But Dominical also attracts an upper-end crowd who can find small luxury inns and bed and breakfasts on the outskirts or in the hills overlooking the town. These places are often set off on their own and allow for close up wildlife viewing, with howler monkeys waking guests in the morning and toucans flying by the pool.

The town’s main claim to fame is a wide stretch of open beach, backed by shady trees, where vendors set up tables and sell crafts and other items to tourists. Outside of town are quieter beaches where it’s possible to find a peaceful space all to oneself. Due to Dominical’s southern location, it is lush and steamy even in the dry season when northern areas are dusty and the trees have dropped their leaves.

Mal Pais and Santa Teresa

Mal Pais on the Nicoya Peninsula, is an area along the coast known for great waves that attract surfers from all over. The town of Santa Teresa is the main hotspot in the area, but a chain of villages and beaches lie along the Mal Pais, including the villages of Mal Pais and Manzanillo. Today, the area is a mix of backpackers, surfers who never managed to leave, and tourists who wish they had planned a longer vacation. The area is more trendy and has more of a scene than places like Dominical, and development in the area has turned it more upscale.

The National Theater in San Jose

Costa Ricans take pride in the National Theater, which is considered to be the most impressive building in San José. In the 1890s, the ruling coffee barons voted for a tax on coffee exports in order to fund the construction of the theater, and European artisans were imported to design the building.

Completed in 1897, the building features a classical Renaissance columned façade topped by statues symbolizing Dance, Music, and Fame. Inside, the pink marble foyer features allegorical figures of Comedy and Tragedy, and painted murals depicting themes in Costa Rican life.

Rincón de la Vieja National Park

The Rincón de la Vieja Volcano is the main attraction in this park. This active volcano last erupted in 2011 and as a result, hiking trails to the summit are no longer open, but there is still hiking in the area with trails leading to waterfalls and hot springs. This park is also home to a wide variety of wildlife, with tapirs, sloths, monkeys, and large cats such as the jaguar, puma, and ocelot still inhabiting the park.

Monteverde and the Cloud Forests

The Cloud Forests near Monteverde and Santa Elena have become popular ecotourism destinations within Costa Rica. For those itching to immerse themselves in nature and see unique plants and wildlife without venturing too far off the beaten path, this is definitely the place to come. The clouds that cover these forests provide the moisture necessary to sustain the area’s unique habitats that are only found here. While many people come simply for the bird watching, the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve and the Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve sustain all kinds of mammals, amphibians, and reptiles, from jaguars and pumas to frogs and monkeys. Organized hikes are one of the best ways to see the forest, along with canopy tours that may involve zip-lines or bridges and even cable cars.

Visit The Wonderland Of Natural Attractions, Costa Rica, with XcelTrip and make memories that last a lifetime.

Plan Your Vacations To Beautiful Wineries Around The World

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When you think of the best wineries in the world, you probably think of a winery in France, stretching across rolling hills. Maybe a Spanish-style ranch, surrounded by vineyards in California’s Napa Valley. Or perhaps Marlborough Sound in New Zealand, home to some of the best wine from a cool climate. Whatever your idea, a good winery often comes with a beautiful landscape, so the best wineries in the world aren’t that far from some of the world’s most beautiful places.

Chateau Ducru Beaucaillou, France

Named for the large gem-like stones growing in the winery’s 18th estate, this prestigious French winery is located 25 miles north-west of Bordeaux in the heart of the Haut Médoc region and has been long renowned for its location and grand estate as for its wines. A comparatively small winery, Ducru Beaucaillou was established in the early 18th century and is considered one of the finest vineyards in Bordeaux, and a classic example of French winemaking at its best. While there are dozens of wineries in this region of France, Ducru Beaucaillou is one of the most striking, situated overlooking the Gironde estuary in a castle still inhabited by the winery’s owners it’s a classy old-school example of grand cru-grade winemaking, the culmination of centuries of harvests.

Chard Farm Winery, New Zealand

While many New Zealand wineries could be candidates for the best winery in the world, Chard Farm stands apart for several reasons. Firstly, it is an estate that could be appreciated by any teetotaller. Spread over five vineyards in the Central Otago region, the only part of New Zealand that experiences a continental climate, Chard Farm is a family-run operation that channels the best of the region into their bottles. Their wines are not entered into competitions, instead Chard Farm prefers to experiment, chasing ‘interesting’ rather than ‘special’, an approach matched by their eccentric architecture, their engagement with the Otago community and the deep knowledge of the environment. Chard Farm is the perfect example of a small winery whose produce epitomises a place. In this case a pinot noir worth the 20km drive from Queenstown.

Marques de Riscal, Spain

From integration into a remote New Zealand community to an ostentatious jewel in the Spanish crown. Some wineries will make do with a small functional building as their centre, but not Marques de Riscal. When they decided to build a hotel and function centre for their estate they called in superstar architect Frank O. Gehry who designed a building named The City of Wine. Located in the heart of Spain’s Rioja Alavesa region, Marques de Riscal is best known for Gehry’s architectural clash between the estate’s mid-19th century cellars and his 21st century avant garde design that also houses a Michelin-starred restaurant. While it seems that distractions from wine abound here, the wines have won an inordinate number of medals and few were surprised when Wine Enthusiast magazine awarded Marques de Riscal its Best European Winery award in 2013.

Chateau Montelena, California

No list of the world’s best wineries would be complete without at least one from California’s Napa Valley. Ever since the legendary Judgement of Paris blind tasting competition in 1976 in which the European judges unwittingly named Californian wines as better than the French and inadvertently globalised the world of wine, wineries like Chateau Montelena have been setting the pace for the world to follow. Renowned as one of the oldest and most picturesque of Napa’s wineries, Chateau Montelena offers tours, tastings and cellar door sales in its distinctive Gothic castle chateau with private lake and grounds. An absolute must-see on any Napa Valley visit.

Yarra Yering, Yarra Valley, Australia

Though many of the best wineries in the world are right here in Australia, few cool-climate regions have grown as fast in reputation and significance as Victoria’s Yarra Valley. To find a world-class winery within a day trip of a major city is a rarity. To find one with the reputation of Yarra Yering is even rarer. Though the Yarra Valley is thick with dairies, fruit orchards, breweries and bed and breakfasts, this foodie paradise is best known for its wines, with Yarra Yering one of the most awarded and respected. Established in 1973 by Bailey Carrodus, one of the pioneers of Australian winemaking, Yarra Yering saw Sarah Crowe become the first woman to win winemaker of the year in a perfect example of tradition and breaking trends.

Holden Manz Winery, South Africa

The dark horse of global wine production, South Africa has been producing quality wines since the 1650s but only recently has its production been enough to make inroads internationally where it has been consistently awarded. The Hugenots may have brought their French winemaking traditions to South Africa’s Franschhoek Valley, but the ingenuity and resourcefulness that have lead to the region’s success are purely down to the locals. A visit to a winery like Holden Manz is a perfect accompaniment to the typical African outdoor adventures. Other regions boasting established wine routes, with high-quality restaurants and stunning scenery, include Stellenbosch, Constatia and Overberg.

Mission Hill Winery, Canada

Described as “the centrepiece of the Canadian wine tourism industry” by Travel and Leisure magazine, Mission Hill is as renowned for its dazzling location on British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley as it is for its wines. With five vineyards spread out along the valley, many bordering its glacial lakes, the diverse microclimates and wide range of soil varieties produce an unusually wide variety of grapes. The Okanagan Valley, located inland from Vancouver and just north of the US border, is lined with hiking trails, ski slopes, stunning panoramas and villages with outstanding restaurants. Unlike California’s wineries, the northern latitudes mean that visiting during summer often gives 14 hours of daylight, more than enough time to explore other nearby wineries and the stunning landscape.

Lavaux vineyards, Switzerland

Other wineries on this list may be more productive, they may have better reputations for their wine and they may be easier to reach but no other is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and few would argue that any other has a better location. The Lavaux Vineyards lie along 30km of the shores of Lake Geneva and can be traced back to the 11th century. By a quirk of geography, the winery lies in a pocket of Mediterranean climate meaning the chasselas grapes grow easily and with a distinctive character. This means the visitor experiences a tranquil and uniquely timeless place. Lavaux’s 830 hectares of terraced vines can be accessed by ferry, car or hiking trail.

Visit these top wineries around the world with XcelTrip to make memories that last a lifetime.

Enjoy Comida Colombiana With Your Bae This Spring

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Colombian food is meaty, flavorsome and filling. Wash it down with a sip of the strong alcoholic spirit aguardiente and crank up the salsa. Here’s our guide to some comida Colombiana(Colombian food) you must try.

Empanadas

The perfect snack to eat on the move, empanadas are much like an English pasty or Jamaican patty. The stuffed pastries can be filled with whatever you like, but popular fillings include meat, chicken or cheese. Empanadas are eaten all over Latin America, but the distinctive aspect about Colombian empanadas is that they’re almost always deep-fried.

Almuerzo corriente

Colombians know how to do lunch. Almuerzo corriente is a kind of power lunch. With a soup to start followed by a big main, invariably consisting of rice, meat or fish, some kind of lentil and a little salad on the side, the Colombian version of this midday meal is an absolute must-try.

Fritanga

Fritanga is a wonderful mix of fried offal. While it doesn’t sound delicious, and it is most certainly an acquired taste, fritangais a great way to try out bits of meat you wouldn’t normally eat.

Sancocho

Many Colombian dishes are based around the concept of making a meal out of basic ingredients. A great way to get the most flavor out of tougher cuts of meat is to cook them for a long time in soups and stews. The traditional Colombian stew is called sancocho. Chicken, pork and beef sancochos are all delicious, but for a real hearty dish, opt for mondongo — tripe soup.

Chuzo desgranado

Chuzo desgranado is the ultimate post-party snack, often served in 24-hour cafes that fill up once the clubs close. The dish is a mixture of sausage, chicken, beef and pork, served on a bed of lettuce. It’s topped with sweetcorn and crisps along with a triple hit of salsa — tartare, burger sauce and pineapple. This meal won’t win any health prices however, visitors should at least try it once, and they’ll see why it’s so popular.

Chocolate con queso

Chocolate con queso translates as chocolate and cheese. Cheese dipped in hot chocolate might not be your go-to meal but Colombians love it. Particularly popular in the capital, Bogotá, chocolatecon queso is either eaten for breakfast or at around 4 pm, as an afternoon snack. The hot chocolate and stringy, melted cheese are a surprisingly good combination.

Enjoy Comida Colombiana With Your Bae This Spring with XcelTrip to make memories that last a lifetime.

Tips For A Perfect Balinese Vacation

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From navigating the crowds to being monkey-savvy, there are a few tricks to getting the best out of a trip to Bali. We’ve rounded up 6 tips for a perfect vacation at the Island of the Gods.

Respect religious customs

Religion rules the roost in Bali. Don’t get your knickers in a knot when a street is blocked off for a ceremony or your driver pulls over mid-trip to make a blessing — this is all part of the magic of the island. Plan accordingly if your travel dates fall on Nyepi when everything in Bali (even the airport) shuts down for the day, and always dress modestly (covering the shoulders and knees) and conduct yourself appropriately when visiting temples and holy sites.

Don’t fret about ‘Bali belly’

Strict dietary habits are no longer required to prevent spending your Bali break within two steps of a toilet. Once upon a time, salads, cut fruit, ice cubes and most meats were on the danger list, but hygiene standards have improved markedly across the island, and many kitchens offer good quality organic produce. While dodgy prawns will always be out there, by staying hydrated, avoiding notorious local liquor arak and consuming street food with a degree of caution, the dreaded Bali belly should be kept at bay.

Expect crowds

One of the most touristed islands on earth, Bali isn’t exactly an untouched paradise. But while it can be difficult to escape the throngs in southern Bali and Ubud, determined solitude seekers will be pleased to find loads of secluded corners beyond these primary tourist centres. Tip: head to the central mountains, or Bali’s more chilled-out north and west coasts.

Prepare for a mixed bag of price tags

It’s still possible to visit Bali on a shoestring by staying in guesthouses, dining at warungs and shopping at local markets, but you can just as easily blow your life savings as drinks, meals, spa treatments and room rates at high-end establishments are priced similarly to that in Australia, the UK and the US. Look out for online discounts and happy hour deals to keep your bank balance happy.

Choose your base carefully

It pays to put some thought into your Bali base, as chaotic traffic and hot weather are likely to make you stick close to your hotel or guesthouse rather than wander far on foot or sit in stuffy taxis. If you’re looking for real R&R, Kuta probably isn’t your thing. If you want to shop up a storm and eat more than your body weight in fine food, a week on Nusa Lembongan isn’t likely to leave you fully satiated.

Avoid plastic water bottles

Bali’s heat and humidity call for constant hydration, but consider the environment before purchasing another bottled drink. An estimated three million plastic bottles are discarded in Bali each month; help reduce this figure by investing in a stainless-steel bottle that you can refill; most good cafes and restaurants have a water filter available that you can use for free or for a small fee. Earth Café in Seminyak has stainless steel bottles available for purchase.

Use the above tips for a perfect Balinese vacation with XcelTrip to make memories that last a lifetime.

Take A Vacation To The Land Of The Rhythm, Colombia

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Over the past five years, Colombia has experienced a tourism boom. With an increase in the number of flights to the country, an influx of hotel chains and the country’s peace negotiations settled, Colombia is becoming a major tourist destination. Its Caribbean beaches, Pacific coast, Amazon rainforest, Andes mountain range and desert plains appeal to a diverse tourist crowd. Colombia is full of unique and wonderful landscapes. Take a vacation to the land of the rhythm, Colombia and follow our guide to make memories that last a lifetime:

The Mavecure Hills

These ancient rocky hills in the deep jungles of eastern Colombia are barely known outside of the country, but are well worth the extra effort to visit. The jungles have hardly been touched by tourism and the views from the summit of the Mavecure Hills over the jungles at dawn are truly breathtaking.

Barranquilla Carnival

Colombia is the home of the world’s second largest carnivalafter Rio, the Barranquilla Carnival on the Caribbean coast. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime cultural experience and an amazing party as well! In 2018 it takes place in February, so get booking those hotels now.

Buenavista and Pijao

The best up-and-coming destinations to discover the world of Colombian coffee, Buenavista and Pijao are a pair of delightfully off-the-beaten-track towns in the Quindio department, not far from the incredibly popular town of Salento. Buenavista is home to the excellent Panorama Café Hostel, and Pijao is the base for the WakeCup Experience Coffee Tour — perhaps the best of its kind in Colombia. Try and visit in July to enjoy the Yipao Jeep Parade.

Salt Cathedral

First constructed in 1816 by the miners working within the salt mine as an area to pray, the Salt Cathedral has developed dramatically into a major tourist attraction on the outskirts of Bogotá. Located in Zipaquirá, 32 miles (52 kilometers) from Colombia’s capital, Bogotá. The Salt Cathedral is made up of a number of attractions including a 3,000-seat cathedral, the seven stations of the cross, a climbing wall, 3D movie theater, museum, art gallery and café.

La Guajira

The vast Caribbean deserts at the most northerly tip of Colombia are home to some of the country’s most spectacular beaches, surreal scenery, and the best kite surfing in the country. There’s also the incredibly off-the-beaten-track Macuira National Park to discover as well.

The Choco Pacific Coast

The wild jungles of Colombia’s Pacific Coast region are some of the most biodiverse on the planet, and are among the best destinations in Colombia for nature lovers. Between June and October you can watch humpback whales, in September sea turtles come to lay their eggs, and if you’re less of a nature freak then you can always go surfing instead.

Caño Cristales

Caño Cristales, or “the river of five colors,” is located in the Serranía de la Macarena National Park. This unique and wonderfully colorful phenomenon is a picturesque sight located within a remote part of the country. The 62-mile (100-kilometer) stretch of river has beautiful waterfalls and natural pools.

Amazon rainforest communities

The Amazon rainforest is a vast ecosystem covering large areas of Colombia, Peru and Brazil. Visiting the Amazon rainforest is a unique experience, where you will witness communities living with nature and very few material items. Visiting an Amazon community is a life-changing experience; you get to see how villagers live with no running water or electricity. In the Amazon you can trek through the rainforest, visit monkey island, take boat trips and go fishing for piranhas.

Tayrona National Park

Tayrona National Park is located close to the city of Santa Marta, on the Caribbean coast. Tayrona National Park is a sacred area for the local indigenous community of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. The park boasts some of the country’s most beautiful beaches, backed by the rainforest and the snow capped mountains of the Sierra Nevada.

Rosario Islands

The Rosario Islands are a collection of 27, predominantly uninhabited Caribbean islands, located off the coast of Cartagena. These islands are a protected National Park due to their coral reefs and marine life, which make for incredible snorkeling and diving experiences. The islands can be reached by boat from Cartagena’s port, and visitors can stay overnight in hotels dotted around the islands, or alternatively visit for a day trip.

Take A Vacation To The Land Of The Rhythm, Colombiawith XcelTrip and make memories that last a lifetime

Stunning Cities To Visit On Your Spring Getaway To Colombia

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Cast all of your outdated ideas aside, like drug wars and gangsters, and you’ll find that Colombia is a nation brimming with confidence and rushing headfirst into a more peaceful and prosperous future. In this land of contrasts, you’ll encounter snow-capped Andean peaks, tropical Amazonian jungles, turquoise Caribbean coasts, and two sun-kissed deserts. You’ll also find a host of spectacular attractions at the places in between, from the bustling cities of Cartagena and Medellin to the quiet colonial villages of Salento and Mompox.

Above all else, the famous Colombian hospitality will undoubtedly find you coming back for more. Find the best places to visit with our list of the top cities to plan your spring getaway to Colombia.

SALENTO

Source: https://destinationlesstravel.com/

Salentois a charming little town located in the heart of Eje Cafetero (also called the Coffee Triangle), a region in the Andes Mountains famous for producing excellent coffee. Widely known for its coffee estates and verdant landscapes, the small town has long been a popular getaway for vacationing Columbians and foreign backpackers, yet has been able to retain much of its old-world charm.

The real draw of Salento would be Valle de Cocora. Hop on one of those shared jeeps at the main square and visit the swaying lines of Quindio wax palms, Colombia’s national tree. They are also the tallest palm trees known to man, standing nearly 60 meters above the green valley floor!

FILANDIA

Another of Salento’s sister towns is Filandia, also located within the “Coffee Triangle”. It is much less frequented by foreigners than other areas of the region, in fact you will probably be the only few foreigners in town, which is the perfect chance to have an authentic experience of the place. You won’t find stores selling souvenirs and printed t-shirts; instead, you will see a Colombian working-class town that is focused on itself and what it does — traditional woven baskets and coffee.

Stroll along the streets of color-splashed houses and inhale the delicious scent of coffee that lingers in the air. The best thing to do in Filandia is to take a second and do nothing at all, except enjoy a nice cup of the very thing this region is known for. If drinking isn’t enough, visit any of the coffee plantations and learn how it’s made with a local coffee farmer!

JARDIN

While Salento is very popular on the backpacker trail, you could have the idyllic town of Jardin to yourself. Known for its brightly-painted houses, colorful floral displays and milk candies, Jardin is one of the prettiest Columbian towns that has remained virtually unchanged for more than a century, you will feel like you’ve entered a time capsule and have been brought back in the past!

For nature lovers, go on a challenging hike to Cueva del Esplendor, a stunning series of caves and waterfalls a few hours outside the city. Amid beautiful landscapes, this spectacular cave has a 10m waterfall gushing through a large hole in the roof. Jump into the natural pool and have a quick dip!

SAN ANDRES

One simply cannot talk about Colombian beaches without mentioning San Andres. The seahorse-shaped island sits off the shores of Nicaragua and although relatively far away from the mainland, it remains the most popular beach destination for mainlanders. Beach-goers seeking a bit of relaxation will find here the perfect place to laze away in hammocks while watching the world pass by. The sunsets won’t disappoint and many casual beachfront restaurants with great ambiance can be found.

Fun fact: being a Colombian territory in Costa Rican and Nicaraguan waters, San Andres is in fact a duty-free zone! Goods sold there are cheaper than any other airport in the world so get your credit card ready, it’s time for some shopping!

SANTA MARTA

Another prime spot for beach lovers would be Santa Marta. Also located in the Caribbean Sea, it is often used as just a jumping off point for the surrounding islands, but is definitely worth dedicating some more time to! Santa Marta’s inspiring ocean views are no less spectacular than those in San Andres and offers some unforgettable experiences such as swimming with dolphins and reef snorkeling.

Don’t forget to visit Tayrona National Park, it is perhaps the best trip you can take out of Santa Marta and takes only 45-minutes by bus. Its untouched beaches and rustic charm makes it one of the most picturesque sights in Colombia.

MANIZALES

Manizales is tucked high in the Andes Mountains between Medellin and Bogota, surrounded by coffee farms and filled with steep hills. Being home to several big universities in Colombia, the town has a hip and youthful vibe year-round; one unique thing to experience is the emblematic Manizales Fairs, a national cultural heritage that takes place every year on the second week of January, hosting bullfighting, parades and the famous International Coffee Beauty Pageant.

Manizale is also very close to the famous Parque de Los Nevados and its snow-capped volcanoes. Hiking up the national park is challenging but the scenery is definitely rewarding; you will even get to see the world’s only pink lava!

BOGOTA

Bogota, also referred to as The Athens of South America, is Colombia’s capital and one of the largest cities of the continent. The city’s cultural hub is La Candelaria, the cobblestoned historic downtown to which most travelers tend to gravitate. It is packed with colonial buildings, trendy cafes and interesting museums including the most famous Museo del Oro, which contains more than 34,000 pieces of gold and other kinds of articles belonging to the pre-Hispanic societies in Colombia.

Be sure to check out the Gaira Café Cumbia House on a Friday or Saturday night, it will guarantee you a great Colombian-style night out! Run by the popular Colombian singer Carlos Vives, this eclectic restaurant and bar has its own stage for weekend live music shows and serves delicious coastal Colombian dishes.

MEDELLIN

The second biggest Colombian city is Medellin, the epitome of a city that has completely reinvented itself. Once home to Pablo Escobar and considered as the most dangerous city in Colombia, Medellin is now proudly positioned as the country’s most desirable city to live in. Thanks to its remarkable urban innovations throughout the past years, it was even voted as the World’s Most Innovative City in 2012.

Travelers who come here will find an inviting, vibrant city with the best climates one could ever ask for. Any time of the year is good for a visit, but with the famous Fería de las Flores (a huge 11-day flower festival celebrating the region’s culture) taking place in early August, that would be the best time.

Use XcelTrip to plan your spring getaway to Colombia and visit the above cities to make memories that last a lifetime.

Travel Tips: Japan Edition

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For those who are planning a trip to Japan, this article might be a bit of help. we have listed essential Japan travel tips and advice which are especially useful for first timers to Japan. Check out things to know before and during your trip in Japan during the Olympics season:

Time:

JST (Japanese Standard Time) is 9 hours ahead of GMT and has No Daylight-Saving Time. From north to south, all Japan is in one time zone.

Climate:

Japan has four distinct seasons: Spring (March to May), Summer (June to August), Autumn (September to November) and Winter (December to February). The climate and temperature vary depending on season and area, and also each season offers different attractions and sightseeing spots.

Public Holidays:

It’s a simple advice but it’s better to check the Japanese calendar than not doing. Japan has 16 public holidays through the year, and tourist attractions get very very crowded or some may be closed on these days. Especially, the long weekend in May “Golden Week” and middle of August “Obon” are the busiest time of the year. It’s a wiser idea to avoid travelling on these periods in Japan.

Book Accommodation

Japan is one of the most popular countries to travel in the world, so booking accommodation in advance of your trip is essential especially during high season as many hotels tend to be fully booked. Besides regular hotels, there are various types of accommodation available in Japan where tourists can have unique “only in Japan” stay experiences such as Japanese style Ryokan inn and tiny budget capsule hotels.

Book Pocket WiFi

Japan is one of countries where having pocket WiFi could make a massive difference. The area with free public WiFi is expanding slowly but still it’s not like you can connect everywhere you go. Also as I will explain it later, travelling Japan sometimes could be harsh with language barrier, especially in countryside. So the internet could be the biggest savior for your trip to Japan.

Get Japan Rail Pass

If you are planning to travel multiple cities in Japan, Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) is a must-have item, and it can only be purchased outside of Japan which means you should place your order before coming to Japan. This “exclusive to foreigners” rail pass allow you to travel with any JR lines across the country including bullet trains (usually very pricey!). However, if you are only visiting Tokyo, this is not necessary item.

Exchange Money

According to many travellers to Japan, the exchange rate in Japan seems like higher than other countries. Also there are not many exchange counters on the street either. So it’s wiser to have some yen ready in your country before travelling and manage with your credit card while travelling.

Learning the culture

Japan has an unique own culture which is hard to understand for many and very interesting/valuable. While you are in Japan, it’s highly recommended to try one of cultural activities, such as kimono, tea ceremony and samurai training. These experiences could be done only in Japan and don’t miss a chance for the “once in your life time” kind of moment.

Be an early bird

Japan is basically a small sized country with a massive number of population. Everywhere you go, it seems packed even during week. If you are quite keen on photography and wanna capture views of some of famous tourist attractions like on magazines, it may be a bit of disturbance to have tons of people surround you and a subject. So the best way to avoid this situation is to get up early and go to the destination in early morning.

Download apps

Some apps can massively ease your trip like Google map&street view are must. Also transportation app is very useful, which can tell you the nearest station and how to get to your destination, as Tokyo’s (especially) Metro is like a spider web.

Use Suica wisely

If you are not familiar with Japanese money and wanna avoid fuss with dealing with coins, the best way is to use “SUICA” card rightly. It’s basically a electronic money card by JR to use for most of transportation in Japan, but it can be used for shopping too. It’s acceptable at most of convenience stores, vending machines, supermarkets, restaurants and more. You can purchase it or top-up at the ticket machine of any stations.

Use XcelTrip to travel to Japan during the Olympic season and follow the above tips to make your explorations easy to make memories that last a lifetime.

Traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony

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Long regarded as one of the cornerstones of Japanese culture, the chadō, or tea ceremony, is a quintessential expression of aestheticism and philosophy in perfect harmony. But the story of how it came to be is an epic tale spanning centuries, including political intrigue, murder and suicide along the way.

The tea plant was brought to Japan in the 9th century by a Buddhist monk by the name of Eichū on his return from China, where tea had been in widespread use for centuries. Eichū served the drink to an emperor not long after and an imperial decree was issued to start cultivating tea plantations in Japan.

It would take another three centuries before tea ceremonies would become a spiritual practice. Initially, tencha, a type of matcha tea, was consumed at religious rituals in Buddhist monasteries.

But by the 13th century, tea had become a status symbol and samurai were participating in luxurious tea-tasting parties, where prizes were given out for guessing the correct variety of tea. The drink was seen as a decadent luxury, synonymous with Japanese nobility, and tensions started to emerge between opulence and minimalism in tea culture. These tensions would come to a bloody climax more than 200 years later.

In Today’s day and age however the Japanese tea ceremony is something of a tradition that ought never to be missed. Below is a step by step guide for a Japanese Tea Ceremony:

Prior to the ceremony, an invitation has to be sent to the guests and the teahouse has to be cleaned including any garden around it. The utensils have to be selected beforehand and the meal has to be prepared in advance.

Some of the steps of the ceremony change from one school to the other, and several elements, such as the time of the day, the season of the year, and the venue also modify some of the steps. There are some differences between the winter and the summer ceremony, mostly regarding the location of the kettle used to heat the water. However, the same general steps are followed in most cases:

1. The door to the tearoom is opened and the guests come into the room.

2. A tray of sweets or a meal is presented to the guests, depending on the formality of the ceremony and the time of the day.

3. The tea utensils are brought and displayed. The order in which they are presented is:

First, the Mizusashi, or cold water container.
Second is the Furo, a small stove made mostly of clay.
Third is the Chawa or tea bowl, the Chasen or tea whisker, and the Chashaku or teaspoon used to place tea in the bowl.
Fourth is the Natsume or tea container.
And fifth is the Kama or kettle and the kettle lid.

4. Greetings are exchanged. The tea preparer, or Teishu, focuses on entering the right meditative state of mind to prepare the best bowl of tea.

Use XcelTrip to travel to Japan for the Olympics this year and try the traditional Japanese tea ceremony.

Explore The Mysteries Of The Easter Island

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Easter Island, also known as Rapa Nui, is a UNESCO world heritage site, known for its hundreds of gigantic moai statues scattered all over the island. Check out the following places to explore the mysteries of Easter Island.

Rano Raraku

Known as ‘the nursery,’ the volcano of Rano Raraku, about 18km from Hanga Roa, is the quarry for the hard tuff from which the moai were cut. You’ll feel as though you’re stepping back into early Polynesian times, wandering among dozens of moai in all stages of progress studded on the southern slopes of the volcano. At the top, the 360-degree view is truly awesome. Within the crater are a small, glistening lake and about 20 standing moai.

On the southeastern slope of the mountain, look for the unique, kneeling Moai Tukuturi; it has a full body squatting on its heels, with its forearms and hands resting on its thighs.

Ahu Tongariki

The monumental Ahu Tongariki has plenty to set your camera’s flash popping. With 15 imposing statues, it is the largest ahu ever built. The statues gaze over a large, level village site, with ruined remnants scattered about and some petroglyphs nearby; some figures include a turtle with a human face, a tuna fish and a birdman motif.

The site was restored by a Japanese team between 1992 and 1996. A 1960 tsunami had flattened the statues and scattered several topknots far inland. Only one topknot has been returned to its place atop a moai.

Anakena

Beach bums in search of a place to wallow will love this postcard-perfect, white-sand beach. It also forms a lovely backdrop for Ahu Nau Nau, which comprises seven moai, some with topknots. On a rise south of the beach stands Ahu Ature Huki and its lone moai, which was re-erected by Norwegian explorer Thor Heyerdahl with the help of a dozen islanders in 1956. Facilities include public toilets as well as food and souvenir stalls.

Orongo Ceremonial Village

Nearly covered in a bog of floating totora reeds, the crater lake of Rano Kau resembles a giant witch’s cauldron and is a wild greenhouse of endemic biodiversity. Perched 300m above, on the edge of the crater wall on one side and abutting a vertical drop plunging down to the cobalt-blue ocean on the other side, Orongo Ceremonial Village boasts one of the South Pacific’s most dramatic landscapes. It overlooks several small motu (offshore islands), including Motu Nui, Motu Iti and Motu Kao Kao.

Built into the side of the slope, the houses have walls of horizontally overlapping stone slabs, with an earth-covered arched roof of similar materials, making them appear partly subterranean. Orongo was the focus of an island-wide ‘birdman cult’ linked to the God Make in the 18th and 19th centuries. Birdman petroglyphs are visible on a cluster of boulders between the cliff top and the edge of the crater. Orongo is either a steepest climb or a short scenic drive 4km from the centre of town.

Use XcelTrip to plan your trip to Chile and explore the mysteries of the Easter Island to make memories that last a lifetime.