Friday, December 31, 2021
Monday, April 17, 2017
10 Most Expensive Diamond Jewelry Brands
Jewelry has always been a part of mankind’s history and remains to be so in the present. In the earlier times, jewelry was meant to indicate social status, familial roots, and significance. Today, people wear jewelry for a variety of reasons. Some sport it to add zing to their fashion ensemble. Others rock a couple of bracelets and a matching necklace to express their individuality. Of course, many wear jewelry to profess their love and passion, such as engagement and wedding bands.
10. Chopard Aside from making luxury Swiss watches, the house of Chopard is also known for its luxurious jewelry collection. Only using the finest materials for their pieces, Chopard’s line of everyday jewelry is crafted using thick layers of 18-karat gold and precious stones of the highest grade. Not only that, Chopard is very keen on detail and precision, which add more value to their already expensive line of products.
9. Mikimoto Mikimoto’s founder, Kokichi Mikimoto, is not just known for his collection, but also for the fact that he invented and propagated the use of cultured pearls in crafting jewelry pieces. Mikimoto’s collection only selects the finest pearls which include South Sea pearls, pink conch pearls, Tahitian pearls, white pearls, and other rare specimens. On top of that, Mikimoto’s jewelry line only uses 18k gold and platinum for the metal components as well as top grade diamonds. Only the finest silk threads are used for jewelries that have pearl strings.
8. Bvlgari
Bvlgari is no doubt a well known brand of luxury items, from fashion to watches to jewelry. And when it comes to the latter, this Rome-based brand combines elegance and extravagance very well and without losing its penchant for traditions. Even today, Bvlagri’s collection still flaunts the house’s signature features including large gemstones for centerpieces, bold shapes, and the use of cabochon stones (a tradition that dates back to the 1960’s Italian glamour). Aside from the best gemstones, Bvlgari only uses 18-karat gold for its collection.
7. Piaget Another familiar name for the average person, Piaget initially started as a watchmaking company in the Swiss part of the Jura. As the business grew, the business soon ventured into jewelry and excelled in it, crafting luxurious items for those who can afford the price the company demands for their pieces. Today, Piaget takes pride in combining Old World concepts and their modern designs, which now feature sleek lines and bold angles. But its most famous look is the Rose, which has become Piaget’s signature design.
6. Graff Graff is a top of the line brand that is very popular particularly among the rich and the elite. What makes Graff’s collection special is not just the craftsmanship or the quality of the gemstones and metals used to create expensive pieces. Rather, it’s the size of the stones Graff uses in its jewelry line. They are huge and Graff’s founder, Laurence Graff, likes it that way.
5. Tiffany & Co. Even the masses know that Tiffany is a huge luxury name when it comes to jewelry, mainly because their line includes pieces that are wearable day in and day out, whatever the occasion. Their extensive collection is not only limited to women, as Tiffany also caters to men and children as well. Producing classic designs since starting its operations in 1837, Tiffany’s creations are made by expert artisans. And those categorized as ultra luxurious often take years to complete.
4. Buccellati Buccellati celebrates its Roman roots by creating elegant jewelry items from the best Italian gold. The Rome-based jewelry company produced Roman inspired designs and incorporated them in their collection. Roman styled necklaces and bracelet cuffs are just some of their best sellers. Buccellati also takes pride in coming up with certain designs that give their jewelry a very appealing look, like brushing and mattifying metals and heavy encrustation using high quality gemstones and diamonds.
3. Van Cleef & Arpels Van Cleef & Arpels was formed when Estelle Arpels and Alfred Van Cleef decided to make their collaboration a permanent arrangement. While most of its collections show the type of elegance found in Old World items, it has other lines of items that exude its own style and class. The house presents a huge collection that fuses tradition and narrative style with technical expertise.
2. Cartier Another household name in the list, Cartier is a name that has been around for ages. Founded in 1860, Cartier has been the go to jeweller for royals who wanted to have a personalized collection. The panther is Cartier’s most recognizable design, which has been modified and re-conceptualized every now and then to appeal to the ever changing tastes of their customers. Cartier is known for its adherence to its Art-Deco history but creates several lines that celebrate the Old World elegance as well.
1. Harry Winston A name that resonates in the jewelry business, Harry Winston started his business in 1932 and has been on the top ever since. Using only the best gemstones and the finest metals, Harry Winston’s collection are fashioned only by the masters of jewelry craftsmanship. Not only are the items from the house of Harry Winston elegant and extravagant, they are durable as well and can easily pass the test of time.
7. Piaget Another familiar name for the average person, Piaget initially started as a watchmaking company in the Swiss part of the Jura. As the business grew, the business soon ventured into jewelry and excelled in it, crafting luxurious items for those who can afford the price the company demands for their pieces. Today, Piaget takes pride in combining Old World concepts and their modern designs, which now feature sleek lines and bold angles. But its most famous look is the Rose, which has become Piaget’s signature design.
6. Graff Graff is a top of the line brand that is very popular particularly among the rich and the elite. What makes Graff’s collection special is not just the craftsmanship or the quality of the gemstones and metals used to create expensive pieces. Rather, it’s the size of the stones Graff uses in its jewelry line. They are huge and Graff’s founder, Laurence Graff, likes it that way.
5. Tiffany & Co. Even the masses know that Tiffany is a huge luxury name when it comes to jewelry, mainly because their line includes pieces that are wearable day in and day out, whatever the occasion. Their extensive collection is not only limited to women, as Tiffany also caters to men and children as well. Producing classic designs since starting its operations in 1837, Tiffany’s creations are made by expert artisans. And those categorized as ultra luxurious often take years to complete.
4. Buccellati Buccellati celebrates its Roman roots by creating elegant jewelry items from the best Italian gold. The Rome-based jewelry company produced Roman inspired designs and incorporated them in their collection. Roman styled necklaces and bracelet cuffs are just some of their best sellers. Buccellati also takes pride in coming up with certain designs that give their jewelry a very appealing look, like brushing and mattifying metals and heavy encrustation using high quality gemstones and diamonds.
3. Van Cleef & Arpels Van Cleef & Arpels was formed when Estelle Arpels and Alfred Van Cleef decided to make their collaboration a permanent arrangement. While most of its collections show the type of elegance found in Old World items, it has other lines of items that exude its own style and class. The house presents a huge collection that fuses tradition and narrative style with technical expertise.
2. Cartier Another household name in the list, Cartier is a name that has been around for ages. Founded in 1860, Cartier has been the go to jeweller for royals who wanted to have a personalized collection. The panther is Cartier’s most recognizable design, which has been modified and re-conceptualized every now and then to appeal to the ever changing tastes of their customers. Cartier is known for its adherence to its Art-Deco history but creates several lines that celebrate the Old World elegance as well.
1. Harry Winston A name that resonates in the jewelry business, Harry Winston started his business in 1932 and has been on the top ever since. Using only the best gemstones and the finest metals, Harry Winston’s collection are fashioned only by the masters of jewelry craftsmanship. Not only are the items from the house of Harry Winston elegant and extravagant, they are durable as well and can easily pass the test of time.
Friday, March 31, 2017
The 21 Best Budget Travel Destinations For 2017 - But Evergreen for future too
From the Philippines to Georgia, this year’s list of best budget travel destinations features exotic ideas from some of the world’s experts in travel. While some of these countries made the cut thanks to fluctuating currencies (Australia, we’re looking at you), others like Kyrgyzstan are more off-the-beaten path.
With this list, stretch your dollar further in 2017. Time to get traveling!
Northern Vietnam is a great budget travel destination for 2017. Consider renting a motorbike to see spectacular scenery like these rice terraces and mountains.
The digital nomads Jarryd Salem and Alesha Bradford are based in Chiang Mai, Thailand. They are in the midst of traveling across land from Thailand to South Africa, and are documenting their wild journey on NOMADasaurus. These are their two low cost suggestions:
1. Northern Vietnam
Vietnam is known as a budget destination, but the region north of Hanoi along the Chinese border often gets overlooked by travelers. This is truly a shame, because Northern Vietnam is where the most sensational scenery and culture can be found. Rice terraces, towering mountains, twisting roads and ethnic minority people all add to the adventure.
For budget travelers, private accommodation can be found for between $10-15 a night or dorms are as low as $5. Food ranges between $0.50 - $2 a dish and transport never costs more than a few dollars between towns. To really keep your costs down consider renting a motorbike.
2. Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
With 93 percent of the nation covered in mountains and a rich history and culture that goes back thousands of years, Kyrgyzstan is one of the most spectacular and underrated countries in the world. The capital city, Bishkek, is an incredible hub for exploring Central Asia, with Silk Road remnants like the Burana Tower just a short drive away and some incredible trekking opportunities in the surrounding mountains.
Best of all for a budget traveler, Kyrgyzstan is surprisingly affordable. Private accommodation in the city can be found for as little as $15 a night and good meals start around $2. Even a traditional yurt stay with 2 meals can be as cheap as $20 per person.
One of the first budget travel bloggers, Matt Kepnes has made a name for himself with his website and community, Nomadic Matt. And although the backpacker’s travel style might have evolved over the years, he still knows how to travel for less. Here are his favorite go-to spots:
3. Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon offers a good mix of museums, historic buildings, eclectic music and nightlife, and squares and cafés to watch the world go by. I fell in love with this city when I visited. It had this old, gritty feeling that gave it tons of character. Plus, it is much less than many other European destinations, with budget accommodation clocking in around $30.
4. Seoul, South Korea
Seoul is a fascinating metropolis filled with high tech infrastructure, modern skyscrapers, historic buildings, a large expat scene and delicious Korean food all at rock bottom prices. Plus, since it’s a major hub it is easy to access this low cost city.
5. Bucharest, Romania
With several centuries of architecture in Bucharest, there is an interesting display of old and new here. There are plenty of museums, cemeteries, historical sites to explore, plus wild nightlife and cheap, hearty food to be found! A go-to spot for digital nomads, it's a city on the rise.
American Nicole Brewer first moved to South Korea over seven years ago to teach English. Since then the thirtysomething serial expat launched a blog, documenting her adventures at ILuv2GlobeTrot. Brewer now lives in a small town in Oman, where she is teaching at a college. Here are her two favorite budget destinations for 2017:
6. Cape Point, South Africa
Overlooking the Cape of Good Hope, the southern most tip of Africa is a cheap day trip from Cape Town.
Home to African penguins at Boulder Beach and Cape Point National Park, Cape Point is the most southwestern point of Africa. One can take an affordable day trip there from Cape Town with a hop on, hop off tour-bus. For 500 Rand or $35 for a full day, this tour is a must do in 2017.
7. Crete, Greece
The largest island in Greece, Crete is great for those looking to party on a budget, as it offers an array of clubs and restaurants with affordable prices. With idyllic beaches, there are lots of low cost lodging options, making it a steal when compared to the more well-known areas of Athens and Santorini.
The Australian couple Caz and Craig Makepeace of YTravel have traveled all over the world with their two children in tow. While they love life on the road, part of their philosophy is to travel slowly and make sure to experience it all. These are their favorite, off-the-beaten path recommendations:
8. Palawan, The Philippines
The Philippines is heating up as a destination for 2017. Palawan is where the magic still remains a little more untouched and quiet compared to popular, Boracay Island (which we do love). Palawan has some of the most diverse landscapes as well as some of the best aquatic life in the country. You'll spend your days snorkeling, diving, beach hopping and exploring underground cave systems.
Palawan is not a party island like Boracay, which means you'll save more money by spending your evenings relaxing with quiet conversation under a star filled sky instead of pouring it into the nearest beer bucket. That being said, beers are quite cheap in the Philippines.
9. Burleigh Heads, Queensland, Australia
I'm going to go out on a limb here and suggest an Australian town as a budget destination! But honestly, Australia has never looked better for travel from a budget perspective. Flight prices have plummeted and the Aussie dollar is much weaker, meaning travelers can get way more bang for their buck. Competition is also helping to lower the prices of accommodation, tours and eating out.
Burleigh has the best of Australia wrapped up in one small bohemian beachside town. The natural beauty of the beaches, national parks and nearby hinterland provides plenty to do without spending a lot of money. It has a flourishing coffee, food and craft beer culture, making it a hip place for both young and old travelers.
Plus, with a sub-tropical climate that sees 300 days of sunshine a year and very little sweater time, you can travel during off-peak times, save even more money and still have an incredible time.
10. Porto, Portugal
Porto is the second biggest city in Portugal. With its affordable eating, accommodation and inexpensive museums and tours, it is a trending budget destination in Europe.
Porto has a historic center that dates back to 300 BC, a Unesco World Heritage colorful riverside quarter and dramatic 12th-Century Romanesque cathedral churches and chapels. Stop by the Port Houses for a tipple or two as you meander the riverside and hilly streets filled with hipster bars and smoky cafes.
Canadian YouTube star Nadine Sykora has traveled to nearly 50 countries, while earning six figures a year. The millennial is known for her high-quality, adventure focused content. Here are her best budget destinations for 2017:
11. Tobago, Trinidad and Tobago
This small island is not very touristy and cheap in comparison to many other places in the Caribbean. From beaches to restaurants to diving, it is an adventure-lovers dream.
12. Trencin, Slovakia
Think: a beautiful small town under the shadow of a medieval, castle. A lovely place to visit for less in Europe.
Lee Abbamonte, the youngest American to visit every country in the world, is famous for his top 30 lists, like the best cities in the world. These are his three favorite travel destinations for the new year:
13. Luang Prabang, Laos
Laos is tranquil, beautiful and cultural. This out of the way destination has as much bang for the buck as anywhere on earth.
14. Cairo, Egypt
Thanks to political unrest and fluctuating currencies, the cradle of civilization is as cheap as it will ever be. You can get tremendous value especially on top end hotels and tours.
15. Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia
Bolivia is one of the most beautiful and underrated destinations in the world is cheap, fun, easy and well worth acclimating to the altitude for the views and amazing photos. Do it for the gram!
Following an epic year-long road trip around the United States and Canada, Josh and Erin Bender are planning their next big trip and sharing their adventures along the way at Travel With Bender.
Traveling with two young children, here are the Australians' recommendations for low cost family travel:
16. Moab, Utah
Incredibly natural geography make Moab a top notch destination for 2017.
Southern Utah is one of our favorite places in the United States thanks to its mouth-wateringly delicious landscapes. Close to three major national and state parks (Arches, Canyonlands, Dead Horse Point), Moab is centrally positioned to spend a few days exploring this beautiful wilderness. You only need a car or an RV and your sense of adventure. To keep the vacation budget as low as possible, use an RV to save on accommodation costs or make use of small hotels offering off-peak discounts. If you don’t already have one, get your hands on an annual pass for national parks to save on entry fees.
17. Antigua, Guatemala
There are lots of reasons to love amazing Antigua. But if you’re looking for a budget vacation in Central America with a generous dose of culture, this is it.
You can find relatively low cost accommodation, transport and food is cheap, and there’s no shortage of amazing cultural events like Semana Santa - the world’s largest Easter celebration. For peace of mind, consider renting a house or apartment in a gated community.
If you have time, extend your vacation to the nearby Lake Atitlan region which is often ranked as one of the most beautiful places in Central America.
18. Brasov, Romania
With medieval castles and low cost lodging, Romania has lots to offer in 2017.
Romania in winter is magical. It has many of the conveniences of Western Europe but at Eastern European prices. Grab a rental car and drive into the snowy Transylvanian Alps. There’s plenty of affordable holiday homes and apartments in Brasov and the nearby countryside, plus the city houses beautiful Christmas markets. Many Romanians in tourism-centric cities understand and speak some English so language is rarely a problem. And while in the area drive to the heart-warming Libearty Bear Sanctuary and the world famous, Bran Castle, the inspiration for Bram Stoker’s 1897 horror novel, Dracula.
The travel bloggers behind Two Monkeys Travel Kach and Jonathan Howe were recently married and are now on a yearlong honeymoon, which they kicked off in Antarctica. After traveling all around South America and Asia on a shoestring budget, here are their top destinations:
19. Hopkins, Belize
While this surprising little paradise has a reputation as one of the most expensive countries in Central America, that doesn’t mean it isn’t a budget destination. Belize is still a whole lot cheaper than Europe or the Florida coast.
Although a great deal of the 240 miles of coastline are built up with resorts, like Placencia, Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker, we found one little bastion of chill hiding in plain sight: Hopkins. Hopkins, Belize is everything that a Caribbean beach paradise should be - natural, rough around the edges, with fallen palm leaves littering the beach and driftwood washed up on the shoreline. Food and accommodation options are simple, maybe even a bit limited, but that will be the last thing on your mind as you sway in a hammock at sunset, wishing your time here would never end!
20. Copán, Honduras
Kach Howe fell in love with beautiful ruins like these at the budget travelers dream in Copan, Honduras.
Honduras gets a bad reputation as one of the most dangerous countries in the world, which puts a lot of people off from traveling there. In truth, it’s a beautiful country with a huge amount to offer in nature, history and culture. While there is crime in the major cities between gangs, it doesn't affect the tourist destinations as much as the media would lead you to believe.
The high altitude provides fresh, cool air and mountainous landscapes which are home to the best Mayan ruin sites we have seen outside of Mexico. There are far fewer tourists and the ruins offer a much more natural and wild feel to them. The town has everything from cheap hostels to expensive hotels and everything in between, with the best food found on the streets or in tiny street-side cafes. Just an hour minibus ride further into the mountains is a beautiful natural hot springs, sculpted into the terraced hillside. If you give Copán (and the rest of Honduras for that matter) a chance, you’ll be very happy you did!
21. Tbilisi, Georgia
Poland and Czech Republic are better known as budget travel destinations in Europe, but Georgia has lots to offer in terms of architecture and history.
A country usually overlooked as a budget travel destination in favor of more famous names like Czech Republic or Poland, we found Georgia to be one of the most interesting places we’ve ever visited.
In Tbilisi, beautifully preserved orthodox churches and medieval style architecture are punctuated by recent modern architectural landmarks. The Georgian food is truly amazing and the most surprising element of our stay, with far more fresh vegetables and unique flavors than we ever expected.
In the comments below, share your favorite budget hot spots for 2017.
With this list, stretch your dollar further in 2017. Time to get traveling!
Northern Vietnam is a great budget travel destination for 2017. Consider renting a motorbike to see spectacular scenery like these rice terraces and mountains.
The digital nomads Jarryd Salem and Alesha Bradford are based in Chiang Mai, Thailand. They are in the midst of traveling across land from Thailand to South Africa, and are documenting their wild journey on NOMADasaurus. These are their two low cost suggestions:
1. Northern Vietnam
Vietnam is known as a budget destination, but the region north of Hanoi along the Chinese border often gets overlooked by travelers. This is truly a shame, because Northern Vietnam is where the most sensational scenery and culture can be found. Rice terraces, towering mountains, twisting roads and ethnic minority people all add to the adventure.
For budget travelers, private accommodation can be found for between $10-15 a night or dorms are as low as $5. Food ranges between $0.50 - $2 a dish and transport never costs more than a few dollars between towns. To really keep your costs down consider renting a motorbike.
2. Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
With 93 percent of the nation covered in mountains and a rich history and culture that goes back thousands of years, Kyrgyzstan is one of the most spectacular and underrated countries in the world. The capital city, Bishkek, is an incredible hub for exploring Central Asia, with Silk Road remnants like the Burana Tower just a short drive away and some incredible trekking opportunities in the surrounding mountains.
Best of all for a budget traveler, Kyrgyzstan is surprisingly affordable. Private accommodation in the city can be found for as little as $15 a night and good meals start around $2. Even a traditional yurt stay with 2 meals can be as cheap as $20 per person.
One of the first budget travel bloggers, Matt Kepnes has made a name for himself with his website and community, Nomadic Matt. And although the backpacker’s travel style might have evolved over the years, he still knows how to travel for less. Here are his favorite go-to spots:
3. Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon offers a good mix of museums, historic buildings, eclectic music and nightlife, and squares and cafés to watch the world go by. I fell in love with this city when I visited. It had this old, gritty feeling that gave it tons of character. Plus, it is much less than many other European destinations, with budget accommodation clocking in around $30.
4. Seoul, South Korea
Seoul is a fascinating metropolis filled with high tech infrastructure, modern skyscrapers, historic buildings, a large expat scene and delicious Korean food all at rock bottom prices. Plus, since it’s a major hub it is easy to access this low cost city.
5. Bucharest, Romania
With several centuries of architecture in Bucharest, there is an interesting display of old and new here. There are plenty of museums, cemeteries, historical sites to explore, plus wild nightlife and cheap, hearty food to be found! A go-to spot for digital nomads, it's a city on the rise.
American Nicole Brewer first moved to South Korea over seven years ago to teach English. Since then the thirtysomething serial expat launched a blog, documenting her adventures at ILuv2GlobeTrot. Brewer now lives in a small town in Oman, where she is teaching at a college. Here are her two favorite budget destinations for 2017:
6. Cape Point, South Africa
Overlooking the Cape of Good Hope, the southern most tip of Africa is a cheap day trip from Cape Town.
Home to African penguins at Boulder Beach and Cape Point National Park, Cape Point is the most southwestern point of Africa. One can take an affordable day trip there from Cape Town with a hop on, hop off tour-bus. For 500 Rand or $35 for a full day, this tour is a must do in 2017.
7. Crete, Greece
The largest island in Greece, Crete is great for those looking to party on a budget, as it offers an array of clubs and restaurants with affordable prices. With idyllic beaches, there are lots of low cost lodging options, making it a steal when compared to the more well-known areas of Athens and Santorini.
The Australian couple Caz and Craig Makepeace of YTravel have traveled all over the world with their two children in tow. While they love life on the road, part of their philosophy is to travel slowly and make sure to experience it all. These are their favorite, off-the-beaten path recommendations:
8. Palawan, The Philippines
The Philippines is heating up as a destination for 2017. Palawan is where the magic still remains a little more untouched and quiet compared to popular, Boracay Island (which we do love). Palawan has some of the most diverse landscapes as well as some of the best aquatic life in the country. You'll spend your days snorkeling, diving, beach hopping and exploring underground cave systems.
Palawan is not a party island like Boracay, which means you'll save more money by spending your evenings relaxing with quiet conversation under a star filled sky instead of pouring it into the nearest beer bucket. That being said, beers are quite cheap in the Philippines.
9. Burleigh Heads, Queensland, Australia
I'm going to go out on a limb here and suggest an Australian town as a budget destination! But honestly, Australia has never looked better for travel from a budget perspective. Flight prices have plummeted and the Aussie dollar is much weaker, meaning travelers can get way more bang for their buck. Competition is also helping to lower the prices of accommodation, tours and eating out.
Burleigh has the best of Australia wrapped up in one small bohemian beachside town. The natural beauty of the beaches, national parks and nearby hinterland provides plenty to do without spending a lot of money. It has a flourishing coffee, food and craft beer culture, making it a hip place for both young and old travelers.
Plus, with a sub-tropical climate that sees 300 days of sunshine a year and very little sweater time, you can travel during off-peak times, save even more money and still have an incredible time.
10. Porto, Portugal
Porto is the second biggest city in Portugal. With its affordable eating, accommodation and inexpensive museums and tours, it is a trending budget destination in Europe.
Porto has a historic center that dates back to 300 BC, a Unesco World Heritage colorful riverside quarter and dramatic 12th-Century Romanesque cathedral churches and chapels. Stop by the Port Houses for a tipple or two as you meander the riverside and hilly streets filled with hipster bars and smoky cafes.
Canadian YouTube star Nadine Sykora has traveled to nearly 50 countries, while earning six figures a year. The millennial is known for her high-quality, adventure focused content. Here are her best budget destinations for 2017:
11. Tobago, Trinidad and Tobago
This small island is not very touristy and cheap in comparison to many other places in the Caribbean. From beaches to restaurants to diving, it is an adventure-lovers dream.
12. Trencin, Slovakia
Think: a beautiful small town under the shadow of a medieval, castle. A lovely place to visit for less in Europe.
Lee Abbamonte, the youngest American to visit every country in the world, is famous for his top 30 lists, like the best cities in the world. These are his three favorite travel destinations for the new year:
13. Luang Prabang, Laos
Laos is tranquil, beautiful and cultural. This out of the way destination has as much bang for the buck as anywhere on earth.
14. Cairo, Egypt
Thanks to political unrest and fluctuating currencies, the cradle of civilization is as cheap as it will ever be. You can get tremendous value especially on top end hotels and tours.
15. Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia
Bolivia is one of the most beautiful and underrated destinations in the world is cheap, fun, easy and well worth acclimating to the altitude for the views and amazing photos. Do it for the gram!
Following an epic year-long road trip around the United States and Canada, Josh and Erin Bender are planning their next big trip and sharing their adventures along the way at Travel With Bender.
Traveling with two young children, here are the Australians' recommendations for low cost family travel:
16. Moab, Utah
Incredibly natural geography make Moab a top notch destination for 2017.
Southern Utah is one of our favorite places in the United States thanks to its mouth-wateringly delicious landscapes. Close to three major national and state parks (Arches, Canyonlands, Dead Horse Point), Moab is centrally positioned to spend a few days exploring this beautiful wilderness. You only need a car or an RV and your sense of adventure. To keep the vacation budget as low as possible, use an RV to save on accommodation costs or make use of small hotels offering off-peak discounts. If you don’t already have one, get your hands on an annual pass for national parks to save on entry fees.
17. Antigua, Guatemala
There are lots of reasons to love amazing Antigua. But if you’re looking for a budget vacation in Central America with a generous dose of culture, this is it.
You can find relatively low cost accommodation, transport and food is cheap, and there’s no shortage of amazing cultural events like Semana Santa - the world’s largest Easter celebration. For peace of mind, consider renting a house or apartment in a gated community.
If you have time, extend your vacation to the nearby Lake Atitlan region which is often ranked as one of the most beautiful places in Central America.
18. Brasov, Romania
With medieval castles and low cost lodging, Romania has lots to offer in 2017.
The travel bloggers behind Two Monkeys Travel Kach and Jonathan Howe were recently married and are now on a yearlong honeymoon, which they kicked off in Antarctica. After traveling all around South America and Asia on a shoestring budget, here are their top destinations:
19. Hopkins, Belize
While this surprising little paradise has a reputation as one of the most expensive countries in Central America, that doesn’t mean it isn’t a budget destination. Belize is still a whole lot cheaper than Europe or the Florida coast.
Although a great deal of the 240 miles of coastline are built up with resorts, like Placencia, Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker, we found one little bastion of chill hiding in plain sight: Hopkins. Hopkins, Belize is everything that a Caribbean beach paradise should be - natural, rough around the edges, with fallen palm leaves littering the beach and driftwood washed up on the shoreline. Food and accommodation options are simple, maybe even a bit limited, but that will be the last thing on your mind as you sway in a hammock at sunset, wishing your time here would never end!
20. Copán, Honduras
Kach Howe fell in love with beautiful ruins like these at the budget travelers dream in Copan, Honduras.
Honduras gets a bad reputation as one of the most dangerous countries in the world, which puts a lot of people off from traveling there. In truth, it’s a beautiful country with a huge amount to offer in nature, history and culture. While there is crime in the major cities between gangs, it doesn't affect the tourist destinations as much as the media would lead you to believe.
The high altitude provides fresh, cool air and mountainous landscapes which are home to the best Mayan ruin sites we have seen outside of Mexico. There are far fewer tourists and the ruins offer a much more natural and wild feel to them. The town has everything from cheap hostels to expensive hotels and everything in between, with the best food found on the streets or in tiny street-side cafes. Just an hour minibus ride further into the mountains is a beautiful natural hot springs, sculpted into the terraced hillside. If you give Copán (and the rest of Honduras for that matter) a chance, you’ll be very happy you did!
21. Tbilisi, Georgia
Poland and Czech Republic are better known as budget travel destinations in Europe, but Georgia has lots to offer in terms of architecture and history.
A country usually overlooked as a budget travel destination in favor of more famous names like Czech Republic or Poland, we found Georgia to be one of the most interesting places we’ve ever visited.
In Tbilisi, beautifully preserved orthodox churches and medieval style architecture are punctuated by recent modern architectural landmarks. The Georgian food is truly amazing and the most surprising element of our stay, with far more fresh vegetables and unique flavors than we ever expected.
In the comments below, share your favorite budget hot spots for 2017.
Friday, February 24, 2017
Shocking! According to a recent study, men tend to fall in love quicker than women!
Women are often referred to as the weaker sex. They are said to be sensitive and emotional in comparison to men. However, you will be shocked to know that a recent study conducted revealed something quite contradictory. Men who are often touted as strong and not the ones to fall for emotions easily are said to fall in love a lot faster than women. ALSO READ These 7 genius texting hacks are all you need to impress the person you want to date!
Did you ever come across a man who said I love you first or was completely smitten over you? And did you never believe them because how could a man possibly be so emotional about feelings right? Well, if we have to go with this study, maybe those men meant every word they said. The study was published in a news report and it totally broke all our myths about women being the ones to fall for a man faster. Looks like even men are romantic and love the idea of being in love. (ALSO READ How to tell your crush you like him: 7 ways to let him know about your feelings!).
The survey results were based on questions asked to around 172 college students. Not surprisingly, men and women both felt that women being generally more sensitive or rightly so portrayed to be sensitive fell in love quickly. But when the survey was done, most of the men admitted to being the first ones to fall in love and say the three letter word. However, also let us not totally ignore the fact that this study was conducted more on college students and that means adults were not a part of this survey. ALSO READ Befikre and the world of casual dating and sex: 5 tips to get you started
The reason why men tend to fall quickly may be because they are the ones who are termed as the hunters and would want to date as much as possible. Whereas, women prefer a long term relationship and stability; maybe because of that they tend to postpone love. Men get all excited at the thought of being in a relationship, while women thought a lot before actually committing to one person. ALSO READ These are the 10 best dating apps for Android and Iphone in India that you must try!
Regardless of what this study says, give love a chance any way. It doesn’t matter who says the three letter word first. What matters is your feelings and your surety of that person. Do not end up committing to the wrong person. Take all your time and be sure of the person you want to be with. Once this stage is clear, you can go ahead and tell how much you love him/her.
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