Seek Your Trip

Travel bucket lists and other ideas for adventures of a lifetime

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Exotic Destinations to Try in 2017

If you are already starting to think of where to head in 2017, now is the time to make your travel plans. Clueless on your next destination? We are here to help you decide. Keep on reading and we’ll suggest some of the places that should be on your list.

Hafez_Tomb

Iran

Many may think that Iran is an unsafe country, but in reality, there is nothing that you should be worried about. Even if you are on your own, you will not have a problem. With its many attractions, one that you should see is the Persepolis, which translates to City of the Persians. The Tomb of Hafez is another landmark that draws tourists. There are also plenty of mosques that you can visit. The Kaluts desert is also beautiful, which is best experienced through hiking just in time to view the breath-taking sunset. Of course, your visit is never complete without having a sample of Persian cuisine. It has a distinct taste that will surely make your appetite love Iran.

Lake_Atitlán

Guatemala

This is one country that many of you might not heard of, and hence, only a few are interested. Once you’ve had the chance to explore Guatemala and you’ve got to know its beauty, for sure, you will be easily convinced to include it in your travel plans. Among others, ancient Mayan ruins are amongst its top attractions. Lake Atitlan, which is only three hours away from Guatemala City, should be included in your itinerary. There are also many volcanoes that you can see, including Volcan Santiaguito and Volcan Pacaya. For those who are looking for physical activities, hiking is a must. There are also unique markets that are excellent for finding souvenirs.

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Tanzania 

If you love the idea of visiting Africa, start with Tanzania, and for sure, you will not be disappointed. One of the reasons to visit Tanzania is the fact that it is home of the three of the Seven Natural Wonders that you can find in Africa. To add, it has seven World Heritage Sites. From its many attractions, one that you should experience would be the wildlife and birdlife. There are plenty of national parks and game reserves, providing you with the perfect opportunity to have an encounter with animals in the wild. One that you should visit is the Serengeti National Park, which is popular for the annual Serengeti migration. If you want to go hiking, meanwhile, consider visiting Kilimanjaro.

Ginza_at_Night,_Tokyo

Japan

Technology is one thing that made Japan popular all over the world. Visiting Japan is an opportunity to personally experience the technology that it is known for. You will not have a problem going from one destination to another because they have a world-class bullet train. While there are many places worth checking out, Tokyo, its capital, is one that should not be missed. Here, you can shop for endless toys and sample the best of Japanese cuisine. If you want to go skiing, on the other hand, the powder snow of Niseko will be appealing.

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How to Have a Grand Family Vacation in China

China

Image by Rita Willaert via Filickr

When you think of a family vacation destination, China might not be your first preference, but it should be your preference nonetheless. Oriental China has a lot of places that suit families with members of all ages. Many families overlook the fact that China is very easy to get to and safe to travel. A lot of flights are direct, making China easy, safe and accessible.

If you are planning a trip to China, here are a few things that can help you convert your vacation from good to great and from great to amazing.

  • Develop Your Love for Food

Asia is known for its street food and culinary delights. If you are a food lover, then China is the best place to be. Food is cooked fresh everywhere and focuses on staples like eggs, bread, vegetables, fruit, noodles, and rice. For families that love Western food, there are also fast food restaurants and western cafes found everywhere for convenience.

  • Carry Your Water Bottles

Wherever you go in China, you should have a water bottle with you for making your trip memorable. China does not rely on tap water, so you should fill up your water bottle when you step out of the hotel or be prepared to buy a bottle of water when needed.

  • Travel to Yunnan Province

If you have more than a week worth of time on your hand, travel to the Yunnan province to make your vacation a grand one. There are sights like the stone forest, Jade Dragon Mountain and the Tiger Leaping Gorge, the mystical beauty of which cannot be described in words.

  • Travel to Yangzhou or Harbin

Yangzhou is a modern city located in the South of China which offers a lot of family-friendly activities including night trips, light shows, hiking experiences and more. Harbin is located in the north-east with chilly temperatures and home to the Siberian Tigers and one of the world’s most spectacular ice festival displays.

  • Choose the Best Time to Travel

Going to China at the right time also matters a lot. If you don’t like crowds, then there is no point going to China when they have major holidays. Travelling to China in the first week of May and October, and the months of July and August is not recommended. The number of tourists is overflowing during this season.

  • Book a Reputable Tour Specialist

Tour specialists matter a lot when planning a family trip. With no experience about the new location, it is very important that your tour specialists help arrange a comfortable and worry-free trip for you. Choose to travel with a reputable tour specialist like The China Travel Company and arrange a trip for your family that offers an exhilarating experience all in all.

  • See the Pandas

If your kids love animals, then Chengdu should be on your bucket list. The city is home to the largest Panda research centre, Paradise Island Water Park and the world’s largest building, the New Century Global Centre. You can also hike to the Jiuzhaigou National Park to see one of the most mesmerizing natural wonders of China.

Above mentioned tips are some of the new vacation ideas that you can try. Otherwise, for the traditional Chinese holiday adventure, you can always visit the big cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Hong Kong.

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Exciting Sites to See and Activities to Do in Borneo

The island of Borneo is the biggest island in Asia and the 3rd largest on earth. Borneo is divided between three nations: Indonesia in the south, Brunei and Malaysia in the north. However, more than 73 percent of the island lies within Indonesian territory. Nearly 26 percent is in Malaysia while Brunei has just 1 percent. The island is blessed with a sprawling pristine rainforest, majestic mountains, parks, dive sites and unique wildlife and plant species. Here are some of the most exciting things to do and places to visit in Borneo.

1. Climb Mount Kinabalu

Borneo

In the region of Sabah, you can find Mount Kinabalu – the largest mountain peak in Borneo. The peak of this mountain is about 4,095m above sea level. This famous mountain peak was originally part of an active volcano. At dawn, you will see the picturesque view of the sunrise. If you are really interested in climbing this mountain, you should prepare for a two-day journey.

2. Visit Danum Valley

Danum Valley is one of the best protected low land forests. It has an amazing diversity of wildlife species including flying squirrels, frogs, hyperactive gibbons and exotic species of birds. This rainforest is a haven for nature lovers and bird watchers. The cool atmosphere of the valley gives you a good opportunity to relax and refresh your body and soul.

3. Dive at Sipadan Island

This beautiful island located in Sabah on the east coast of Borneo is one of the best places to dive in Borneo. It is also frequently rated as one of the top dive sites in the whole of Asia. Sipadan is a popular spot for scuba diving and snorkelling. The extensive coral reefs and underwater creatures like sharks, barracuda fish, buffalo fish, groupers and turtles offer you an exciting experience each time you dive at Sipadan Island.

4. Walk through the Rainforest

Borneo

Borneo’s pristine rainforest is acclaimed to be about 140 million years old, making it one of the most ancient forests in the world. It contains many rare and endangered wildlife species such as pygmy elephants, Sumatran rhinos, proboscis monkey, clouded leopards and orangutans. In addition, you will have a chance to see the largest flower on earth. This gigantic flower, known as Rafflesia Arnoldii, has a very repugnant smell which has made people call it the “corpse flower”.

5. Visit Heart of Borneo

Borneo

Heart of Borneo is a unique location that contains some of the most impressive animal and plant species. The flora and fauna here has over 15,000 plant species. You can also watch orangutans – the largest mammals that have the ability to climb trees. You will see how these apes stretch their arms and swing effortlessly on the rainforest canopy as they search for fruits and edible leaves.

Borneo is filled with well-preserved parks and forests which offer you a rare opportunity to learn about the peculiar wildlife and plant species on this island. You can also enjoy a splendid diving experience here. As you prepare for your trip to Borneo, you should ask about the top-rated tour packages that will make your trip a more rewarding and fulfilling adventure.

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5 Tips for Women Traveling Solo Around India

India Travel

India is one of the most popular travel destinations on the planet. It offers history, beauty, delicious cuisine, and a truly unique culture that you will not find anywhere else on the planet. But if you are a woman and you are planning a solo trip around India, you may be concerned about your safety or how you should behave and dress. If that is the case, continue reading for a few tips.

  1. Join a Guided Tour

Rather than travelling totally alone throughout India, why not book a guided tour company that will allow you to meet fellow travellers and have your itinerary planned out for you already? Guided tours are fantastic ways to travel because they take the hassle out of planning and they will be sure to take you to the best places to eat and the best places to see throughout India. Click here to learn more.

  1. Be Assertive and Confident

While you may be used to being very polite when you are at home, when you are in India and you are travelling alone, you need to assert yourself and have plenty of confidence. Politeness may actually be mistaken for a sign of weakness, so never be afraid to speak up and stand up for yourself. If you have to, shout out when someone is hassling you, and do your best to just ignore people, particularly if they are trying to sell you something.

  1. Book Your Stay at an Ashram

Rather than booking a typical guesthouse or hotel, consider staying at an ashram instead. This is especially helpful if you are planning on travelling to a pilgrimage site or a large city. Although staying at an ashram isn’t for every traveller because they usually have strict rules for alcohol use and curfews, these places are safe and welcoming, especially for women. You also get the opportunity to meet fellow travellers, and you can enjoy a spiritual experience while indulging in clean food.

  1. Travel by Train

The best way to get around, particularly over long distances, in India is by train. Also, a lot of the longer routes have cars that are for women only, so you will feel safer in these. You should, however, book your seat in advance because these trains tend to fill up rather quickly.

  1. Dress in a Conservative Way

Because India is conservative, you shouldn’t show a lot of skin. Instead, you need to respect the country’s culture and dress conservatively. This will also prevent unwanted attention from strangers. Even your usual pants and tops may attract more attention than you want simply because they are Western, too fitted, or a little too revealing, so check out some of the local shops when you arrive and consider purchasing some lightweight Indian clothes that will allow you to blend in.

By simply keeping the above five tips in mind while you are travelling throughout India on your own, you’ll be able to stay safe while enjoying all of the unique sights and sounds.

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About Seek Your Trip

Here at Seek Your Trip, we post twice-weekly articles that will get your travel juices flowing. The idea is to inspire you to get out there and explore far-flung places and unusual cultures.