"To move, to breathe, to fly, to float, to gain all while you give, to roam the roads of lands remove, to travel is to live."- Hans Christian Andersen -
Cape Town’s latest addition to the art landscape celebrates the African continent’s often under-represented contemporary scene.
The Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (MOCAA), which opened this month, is the largest contemporary African art museum in the world, and the first location entirely dedicated to the tradition, according to The Telegraph. Art critics have hailed it as South Africa’s answer to London’s Tate Modern.
Featuring 100 galleries spread over nine floors, the museum includes work from Athi-Patra Ruga, Chris Ofli, Daniella Mooney, and Edson Chagas, to name a few. A variety of mediums are represented, from large-scale sculpture to painting and video installations.
The building comprises 42 former grain silos, and there is an attached hotel and restaurant. Situated along the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront (a burgeoning creative neighborhood) in a 1920s era construction, the sprawling complex also includes an educational center.
Some commentators have criticized the new museum, pointing to the fact that the museum’s leadership and founding board members are dominated by white people.
“When researching Zeitz, there is certainly some difficulty in ignoring the overarching amount of white, male voices present in the construction of the museum,“ wrote Ellen Agnew in a profile for ART AFRICA magazine.
Still, art industry professionals and diplomats have hailed the new museum.
“By providing a platform for the incredibly talented and passionate artists across Africa and beyond, this museum fills a critical gap in the continent’s art scene. I am proud to be part of this journey,” said Kofi Annan, a Zeitz Mocaa patron and former U.N. secretary general, in a press release.
Entry to the museum is 180 rand (approximately $13.50), and the fee is waived for South African and African citizens from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m.
Our editors share their favorite memories, attractions, and hidden gems of the region.
Source: Travel+Leisure
Source: Travel+Leisure
Little Dix Bay, British Virgin Islands
“My husband and I celebrated our babymoon at this beautiful resort on Virgin Gorda. Now managed by Rosewood Hotels, Little Dix is one of Laurance Rockefeller’s original hotels, a Caribbean icon, and the property has an incredible sense of being at one with nature and the environment. The main restaurant, with its soaring thatched roof, the immaculate grounds, the stylish bungalows, which are blissfully free from TVs: it all adds up to a sense of peach, beauty, and isolation that is unmatched. And I look forward to taking our son there, to honor its timelessness and Caribbean heritage, in the years to come.“ — Jacqueline Gifford, Travel Director
Source: Travel+Leisure
Andros, Bahamas
“For more than 20 years, I’ve been lucky enough to call Andros Island in the Bahamas my hometown – or home island, you could say. Most people call it the the Bahamas’ great backyard since the majority of the land is protected as a national park, which makes the place heaven on Earth for nature lovers and aquatic aficionados. Andros boasts the third largest barrier reef in the world and the island is teeming with hundreds of species of birds, wild orchids, and the famous blue holes (natural freshwater swimming pools). The best part of where I grew up, aside from the natural surroundings, are the people. It’s always polite to wave at someone while driving or to stop and offer a ride for anyone walking along the road. Right near one of the creeks, there’s a small conch salad stand where I try to go to at least once while I’m visiting. The fishermen bring in the freshest, juiciest conch you’ll ever have but the best part is that you’ll most likely end up sitting there devouring the Bahamian ceviche and having a laugh with the owner for hours on end – but hey, it’s island time.” — Kira Turnbull, Photo Associate
Source: Travel+Leisure
Blue Mountains, Jamaica
“You don’t have to love spending lazy days sunning on the beach to enjoy a trip to the Caribbean, which is something I learned on a recent week-long journey to Jamaica’s striking Blue Mountains. Here, evenings get surprisingly cool, there are challenging hikes through thick, tropical vegetation, and every hotel, home, or restaurant you visit serves extraordinary local coffee. There are plenty of other reasons to love this stretch of Jamaica, too, like the stunning mountaintop villas at Strawberry Hill, or a day trip to YS Falls — a seven-tiered waterfall that plunges through the jungle and is now flanked by a series of new infinity pools.“ — Melanie Lieberman, Associate Digital Editor
Source: Travel+Leisure
Vieques Island, Puerto Rico
“On a recent trip to Puerto Rico, I booked a glass-bottomed kayak tour in Vieques’ Mosquito Bay. It’s one of very few bioluminescent bays in the world, and the Guiness Book of World Records calls it the brightest. The conditions are just right for the microorganisms responsible for its glow to thrive, and the new moon on the night of my tour made their agitated flashes exceedingly sparkly every time we dipped an oar or hand into the water. I can still picture the X-ray-like outlines of fish swimming beneath the kayak. It was wildly magical in a way only nature can be.” — Richelle Szypulski, Assistant Digital Editor
Source: Travel+Leisure
Grand Case, St. Martin
“There’s a fantastic beach at Grand Case, a town on the French side of this idyllic little island. But the best thing about it, to my mind, is the food market that appears just off the main high street on Saturdays and Sundays. Simple benches and tables are crammed into a deck overlooking the water, where you can sit and eat the most phoenomenal barbecue, plaintains, and beans and rice, while drinking an ice-cold Carib beer and looking out at the mesmerisingly blue sea.” — Flora Stubbs, Features Director
Source: Travel+Leisure
St John, British Virgin Islands
“There were so many gorgeous places to snorkel in St. John. I was in heaven.” — Laura Teusnik, Executive Managing Editor
Source: Travel+Leisure
Havana, Cuba
“I recently had the opportunity to see Havana through the eyes of two locals, friends-of-friends who happen to also work as tour guides. I was amazed by not only the rich culture — the vibrant art galleries, the abundance of live music, the architecture, the talented artisans at every market — but also the Cubans’ welcoming spirit and passion for teaching Americans about their country and its history. I learned more walking through the less than two square miles of Old Havana with people who were born and raised in the city than I could have learned in any museum. (If you’re able to go in the future, it’s easiest to reach my guide, Jansel Reina, at cubacomfort@gmail.com.)” — Nina Ruggiero, Senior Digital Editor
Source: Travel+Leisure
Natural Pool, Aruba
“Accessible only by ATV, horseback, or on foot, this natural rock pool is tucked away inside iin one of Aruba’s national parks. Known as ‘Cura di Tortuga’ or ‘Conchi,’ the pool formed some 90 million years ago at the time that volcanic activity created the entire island. After a trek through the park, it’s the perfect way to cool off while enjoying some of the best views of the island.” — Jess McHugh, Digital Reporter
So you’ve booked a trip to Greece. On the to-do list: Dust off your camera to capture the awe-inspiring ruins and dazzling cliffside sunsets, find the perfect island-hopping outfits for stylish Instagram snaps in front of white-washed houses draped with bougainvillea, and prepare yourself to come back a few pounds heavier from all the feta and haloumi doused in olive oil that will surely be eaten at many a quaint taverna.
Lower on the list of priorities may be picking up a few Greek phrases to converse with locals while you’re there. Even though Greece is seeing record numbers of tourists, few people consider trying to learn Greek as part of their travels.
The culprit is likely the Greek alphabet. If you’re unfamiliar, think of the angular shapes used by college fraternities and sororities everywhere. Unlike the Latin alphabet of romance languages, Greek letters are indecipherable for English speakers, making the language more difficult to learn than Romance languages such as Spanish, Italian, and French.
But don’t let that stop you from trying to pick up some Greek, especially before you leave for your trip. Michaela Kron of the popular language learning mobile app Duolingo, told Travel + Leisure of a survey they did of their users: “One interesting finding… was that many make the mistake of not learning a language ahead of an international trip, but in hindsight wish they had done it. We actually found that many of our users pick up Duolingo after a trip, likely because they are inspired by their travels to pick up a new language.”
While you’ll find that almost everyone speaks a basic level of English in the most popular tourist destinations, Greeks are a very friendly and social people, and will love if you can trade a bit of banter with them in their own language — even if they poke fun at you for trying. When they treat you to a free slice of halva cake or a shot of ouzo at the end of your meal, you’ll know you scored points for trying.
So get ahead of the curve and try to learn some Greek before you go. We assure you that attempting (and even butchering) the most basic of phrases with locals will make the trip more memorable — and perhaps even lead to a lasting friendship.
Below, you’ll find phrases written first in Greek and the phonetic pronunciation following in parentheses, with emphasis placed on the syllables in capital letters. Use Google Translate to play an audio of how these phrases are pronounced.
Basic Greek Words and Phrases
Hello: Γειά σου (YAH-soo)
The less formal way to say “Hi” would just be “Γεια” (Yah). If addressing a group, say “YAH-sas”.
Nice to meet you: Χάρηκα πολύ (HA-ree-ka po-LEE)
How are you?: Tι κανείς (tee-KAH-nis)?
Good morning: Καλημέρα (kah-lee-MER-ah)
You would say this greeting up until noon, and then for the rest of the day you can use “Γεια” (yah) as the standard greeting.
Good afternoon/evening: Καλησπέρα (kah-lee-SPER-ah)
Beginning around late afternoon/dusk and into the evening, you can use this greeting.
Goodnight: Καληνύχτα (kah-lee-NEEKH-tah)
Say this when going to bed.
Thank you: Ευχαριστώ (eff-kha-ri-STOE)
Remember that a good tourist is a polite tourist.
Please / You’re welcome: Παρακαλώ (para-kah-LOE)
In Greek, the word for “please” and “you’re welcome” is the same, making it all the more easy to learn. It’s polite to say “para-kah-LOE” after asking for directions or the price of something. It can even be used to mean “I beg your pardon?” or “Huh?” when you’ve misunderstood or want someone to repeat something.
My name is… : Με λένε (may LEH-neh)…
What is your name?: πως σε λένε? (pos-oh LEH-neh)
Goodbye: Γειά σου (YAH-soo)
The more informal way of saying bye would just be “Yah.” Recall that this is the same as saying hello (similar to “ciao” in Italian or “aloha” in Hawaiian). If addressing a group, say “YAH-sas.”
See/Talk to you later: Τα λέμε (tah-LEH-meh)
You may hear people ending their conversations with this phrase as well.
Yes: Ναί (neh) ; No: όχι (OH-hee)
Be careful not to confuse yes and no — it’s easy to mistakenly associate “neh” with “no” in English, and “oh-hee” with “okay” when in fact it’s just the opposite! An easy neumonic is to remember that they’re actually the inverse of what you would initially think.
Excuse me / Sorry: Συγνώμη (See-GHNO-mee)
Say this to get someone’s attention, ask to pass by someone, or apologize if you’ve bumped into someone.
Where is the bathroom?: Πού είναι η τουαλέτα (Poh-EE-nay ee tua-LEH-tah)?
Helpful hint: “Poh-EE-nay” means “Where is?” so you can ask for help with locating something by saying this while pointing to a specific location in your guidebook or on a map.
Do you speak English?: Μιλάτε αγγλικά (Mee-LAH-teh ag-li-KAH)?
Cheers!: Στην υγειά μας! (STIN-eh YAH-mas)
This literally means “To our health!” If addressing a group of people not including yourself, say “STIN-eh YAH-sas,” which means “To your health!”
Bottoms up!: Ασπρο πάτο (AHS-pro PAH-toh)
Meaning literally “white bottom,” if you use this with a new Greek acquaintance, you’ll be sure to impress.
How much is it?: Πόσο κάνει αυτό (POH-soh KAH-nee af-TOH)?
You can get by with asking “POH-soh KAH-nee” (How much?). Adding the “af-TOH” just means “How much is it?”
I don’t understand: Δεν καταλαβαίνω (Then Kah-tah-lah-VEH-noh)
Help!: Βοήθεια (voh-EE-thee-yah)
I love Greece: Αγαπώ την Ελλάδα (Ah-gah-POH teen Eh-LAH-tha)
Oops!: Ωπα (OH-pa)
If there’s one Greek word you may have heard before, it’s likely opa. Originally meaning “oops” or “whoops,” it’s now also used frequently as an exclamation of enthusiasm or joy in celebrations or to show appreciation for music, dancing, food, and drinks. For example, when you’ve thoroughly impressed your waiter with your new Greek skills, and he offers you a round of ouzo shots on the house, you can say, “Opa!” in appreciation.
Photographer Stephanie Bassos shows us why we need to visit Sifnos next.
The Port of Sifnos
A ferry arrives at the beach town of Kamares, the port of Sifnos.
Source: Travel+Leisure
Source: Travel+Leisure
Chrisopigi Monastery
After a swim, a couple relaxes on the rocks outside of Chrisopigi Monastery.
Source: Travel+Leisure
Platys Gialos
Chrisopigi is one of the most popular churches on the island, and is a great place to visit on the way to the village of Platys Gialos.
Source: Travel+Leisure
Peristeri?na
Potter George Atsonios sits outside his pottery shop, Peristeri?na, in Kamares.
Source: Travel+Leisure
Motorcycle Rides
Traveling by motorbike is a popular mode of transportation on the island.
Source: Travel+Leisure
Kamares
A flight of stairs leads up to a beautiful home in Kamares.
Source: Travel+Leisure
Maiolica
Andrea Miano stands outside of his restaurant, Maiolica in Platys Gialos. Travelers will have plenty of opportunities to enjoy traditional Mediterranean cuisine.
Source: Travel+Leisure
A Mediterranean Table
At Maiolica, the focus is on local ingredients. The tabbouleh salad, goat cheese tortellini, and marinated sardines are just a few of the menu highlights.
Source: Travel+Leisure
Old Captain
Just a stone’s throw from the Kamares beach is Old Captain: a lively bar known for good music and strong drinks.
Source: Travel+Leisure
In the early morning light, shops begin to open along the main strip in Kamares.
Source: Travel+Leisure
A Pottery Shop
A collection of unique pottery by Antonis Kalogirou.
Source: Travel+Leisure
Kamares Beach
A boy runs across the beach in Kamares.
Source: Travel+Leisure
The Church of the Seven Martyrs
Explore the east side of the island with a visit to The Church of the Seven Martyrs in Kastro.
Source: Travel+Leisure
Camaron Restaurant
Panos and Rania, of the restaurant Camaron, carefully prepare a dish for one of their customers.
Source: Travel+Leisure
People Watching
Camaron, best known for its delicious pizza, is an ideal spot for lunch or dinner while watching visitors return from the nearby port.
There are people who believe that the best travel experiences are to be had after one is firmly established in a career and can afford to travel all over the world. These people are wrong.
Your 20s can be one of the most fulfilling decades of your life for travel. It’s often a time when you’re between being self-sufficient but still very open to allowing new places to change your world view.
And although travelers in their 20s may not be staying in five-star hotels, they’ll have opportunities that aren’t available to older travelers.
For those debating a trip around the world, we’ve got 15 reasons to give you a push. Youth needn’t be wasted on the young.
Source: Travel+Leisure
Your brain is still developing.
Science has shown that our brains are still developing and changing well into the mid-20s. Spend this part of your life traveling throughout the world, and the experiences you have are more likely to shape your brain — and you. One of the biggest changes that happens to our brains in our 20s is the development of emotional intelligence. Those who are able to travel and empathize with other cultures can develop an even more nuanced and global sense of compassion.
Source: Travel+Leisure
It’s cheaper.
Many countries continue to offer student discounts long after you’re a student. Those who want to ride the rails in Europe can get a discounted rate up until they’re 25. And those who want to stay in hostels will find cheaper rates if they’re younger. Some hostels even impose age limits so it won’t even be possible to book a bed if you’re older than 30.
Source: Travel+Leisure
You can go out drinking at night and wake up to sightsee the next day.
The older you get, the longer your hangover.
Source: Travel+Leisure
It’s still socially acceptable to sleep on couches.
Couchsurfing just doesn’t have the same appeal once you turn 31.
Source: Travel+Leisure
You have fewer responsibilities back home.
For many people, your 30s are the decade in which major life changes, like home ownership and family, take over. If you can, travel before you have obligations tying you to your home.
Source: Travel+Leisure
You have plenty of time to recover time lost in your career.
We’re probably going to all be working until we’re (well past) 65. The earlier you prioritize travel, the more time you’ll have to recover any time lost in your career.
Source: Travel+Leisure
It’s easier to learn new languages when you’re younger.
If you’re traveling to a foreign country, it will be easier to pick up a new language now than 10 years from now. Although scientists debate the exact reasons why it’s harder to learn a language the older you get, many say that motivation tends to wane with age.
Source: Travel+Leisure
You’ll be way more fun at parties.
Nothing can make a dinner party quite like a lively story from the road. Travelers can regal fellow party guests with stories about being stranded in Barcelona after missing a train or that time they were on safari and almost got trampled by an elephant.
Source: Travel+Leisure
You can use your travel skills in your career.
On the road, you’ll learn how to make a schedule, stick to it and prioritize — among many other life skills. These practices are also highly valued by employers and mentioning them could help you stand out in your next job interview.
Source: Travel+Leisure
You’ll take more chances.
Your brain’s prefrontal cortex — the part of the brain associated with controlling impulses — isn’t completely developed until your late 20s. Those who travel in their early 20s are more likely to take chances and try new things, like eating grasshoppers in Mexico, ziplining in Africa, or dancing on a table in Ibiza.
Source: Travel+Leisure
You could even have the opportunity to make travel your career.
If you start traveling now, you could wind up making travel your full-time career, either working as a tour guide, travel agent, or something even more wildly fantastic.
Source: Travel+Leisure
You can travel alone or with a tour group.
Travelers in their 20s have flexibility to travel however they prefer. They’re independent enough to travel on their own however there are plenty of travel companies who specifically aim to create group trips for the under-30 crowd.
Source: Travel+Leisure
You can incorporate travel into your education.
Those in their 20s who are debating between a masters and a trip around the world no longer have to choose. Tuition abroad is often cheaper than options available in the U.S. — even after international fees. There are also masters programs that offer a semester or even a year abroad at a sister campus.
Source: Travel+Leisure
Source: Travel+Leisure
It will define you.
Psychologists estimate that 80 percent of life’s defining experiences happen before age 35. Those who prioritize travel in their lives will find that the majority of their life’s defining experiences happened while on the road — meaning there will be great stories to tell the grandkids.
Ever wanted to stand at the foot of Mount Everest or frolic across New Zealand-esq scenery, Walter Mitty style? Now you can get a taste of these unique landscapes and more, without even leaving Asia. To be more precise, a short two and a half hour flight from Singapore to Kota Kinabalu in Sabah is all you need.
Despite occupying such a small area of the world’s third largest island, the tiny Malaysian state of Sabah is chock-full of natural and cultural wonders—and getting from one attraction to another couldn’t be easier. These scenic photos that’s going to flood your timeline are sure to confound your friends and they’ll probably be asking, “are you sure you’re in Kota Kinabalu?”
Desa Cattle Dairy Farm
You don’t have to go all the way to New Zealand to experience wide open pastures and rolling green hills. The Desa Cattle Dairy Farm in Kundasang offers verdant views of the valley right here in Southeast Asia, where visitors can get the chance to pet and feed the grazing cattle, as well as observe the milking process first hand.
The best time to visit the farm is during the early mornings when the weather is at its coolest. Don’t forget to sample the farm’s freshly made dairy products, from specialty milk, ice cream and even gelato!
Bohey Dulang
Not far off the east coast of Sabah lies the beautiful Bohey Dulang Island, a mountainous island formed by the remnants of an ancient volcano and home to spectacular array of coral gardens, vibrant marine life and mirror-smooth waters that rival those found in Maldives.
Explore some of Borneo’s most superb dive sites, or find adventure in-land on a steep 600-metre hike to the top of Bohey Dulang Peak for magnificent views of the island and the majestic lagoon below.
Mount Kinabalu
While the thought of scaling the treacherous Himalayan mountains may sound intimidating, reaching the summit of Southeast Asia’s iconic Mount Kinabalu is a relatively easy task while giving you the same feeling of being on top of the world.
Despite towering over 4,095 metres above sea level, ropes, handrails and lifelines are carefully secured along the most challenging parts of the climb, allowing even novice climbers to get to the top and witness the incredible sunrise over the valley.
Danum Valley
The Danum Valley Conservation area is a naturalist’s paradise, with more than 438 square kilometres of Amazonian-like landscapes and a brilliantly diverse ecosystem of plant, bird and animal life, unchanged and untouched for over a million years!
Visitors can head out for a treetop canopy walk above the tropical sanctuary, observing the elusive orang-utans and Borneo pygmy elephant (the world’s smallest elephant!) in their natural habitat, or enjoy a luxurious jungle stay at the Borneo Rainforest Lodge surrounded by nature.
Kota Kinabalu City Mosque
Not only is Kota Kinabalu City Mosque considered the largest mosque in KK, it’s also one of the most stunning architectural beauties in the city. Though not as colourful as the Nasir-ol-Molk Mosque in Iran, this holy structure maintains its air of mystery being situated atop a pond, giving onlookers its illusion of floating above the water. #instaworthy #mindblown
Did you know that capsule hotels can be found in Singapore as well? For those of you who have only heard of traditional hotels, resorts, boutique hotels, Airbnb and backpackers’ hostels, you might want to check out capsule hotels if you aren’t ready for couchsurfing just yet. In general, capsule hotels offer travellers their own sleeping quarters, shared facilities and amenities, as well as the opportunity to interact and socialise with other like-minded travellers.
What started out as a basic, no-frills accommodation for business travellers in Japan decades ago has morphed into a hit for price-conscious and/or experiential travellers looking for quirkier alternatives. If you have plans to travel in the months ahead, why not consider trying out capsule hotels for a change? Fret not if you don’t know where to begin, below, we at GET.com share with you our top three coolest capsule hotel finds in Asia. Psst, all of them have won the hearts of travellers around the world!
3 Coolest Capsule Hotels In Asia
1. Hey Bear Capsule Hotel, Xinbei, Taiwan
Image source: Hey Bear Capsule Hotel
A mix of cuteness and futurism, Hey Bear Capsule Hotel is a top pick for travellers to Taipei in search of a superb capsule experience complete with comfortable lodging in a space pod-esque capsule, top marks in cleanliness and approachable, helpful staff. There is ample space, a personal 32-inch LED TV, security box, speedy Wi-Fi and more. Its excellent location across from a train station is a definite plus point, too.
Besides making time to visit some of the best night markets in Taiwan, make sure you go on a food hunt nearby Hey Bear Capsule Hotel. They’ve thoughtfully created a food map you can refer to on their website.
Rating on Booking.com: 8.9/10
Rating on TripAdvisor: 4.5/5
Address: 8F, No.1, Sec. 2, ChongXin Rd., SanChong Dist. New Taipei City, Taiwan
The Prime Pod GINZA TOKYO is a great accommodation option for travellers with a preference for something more upscale, with more finesse. The Prime Pod GINZA TOKYO is a luxuriously stylish pod-type hotel that won’t break the bank despite being in the heart of ritzy Ginza. Staying connected is easy as there’s free Wi-Fi throughout the property.
The Prime Pod GINZA TOKYO is also a good option for women as this capsule hotel prioritises guests’ safety and security by only allowing access to the pod areas on each level via a security card.
Pick the standard pod if you’re pinching pennies, or the grand pod if you want to up the luxe factor, for the latter promises a priceless view of the Ginza landmark Wako Clock Tower as well as more atas touches. Those who have stayed at the Prime Pod GINZA TOKYO couldn’t stop raving about their extremely comfortable beds and how spacious the pods are! This definitely sounds like an amazing accommodation option for anyone who’s going to be travelling to Tokyo.
Located a mere minute by foot away from the Higashi-Ginza station, its convenient location makes it ideal for travellers as the Kabuki-Za Theatre and famous Tsukiji Fish Market are nestled close by.
Rating on Booking.com: 8.9/10
Rating on TripAdvisor: 4.5/5
Address: 5-13-19 Ginza | 13F Duplex Ginza Tower, Chuo 104-0061, Tokyo Prefecture
With capsules hidden behind rows and rows of wooden bookshelves, BOOK and BED TOKYO is an absolute dream come true for any book lover. At this cosy bookshop-themed capsule hotel, travellers can choose to sleep behind the bookshelves or on a compact bunk bed. For a more unconventional experience, I’d definitely pick the former.
Free Wi-Fi is available, and you will, of course, have reading lights at your disposal. Though, keep in mind the books there are mainly in Japanese texts since it’s Tokyo we’re talking about here. You’ll find books in English over there, as well.
Its location is spot-on as it will only take you 4 minutes to walk to JR Ikebukuro Station from the capsule hotel. Getting to the Shinjuku and Shibuya district will only take you 10 minutes on the JR Yamanote Line. How awesome is that?
Rating on Booking.com: 8.5/10
Rating on TripAdvisor: 4/5
Address: 1-17-7, Lumiere Building 7th floor,Nishi Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku Tokyo, Japan 171-0021
What do you think? Share your comments with us below!
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Love travelling but worry about earning enough to get on the road? Then you’re in luck! Here are 7 globetrotting professions that could let you satisfy your wanderlusting dreams.
Social Media Managers
The good thing about being a digital nomad is having the freedom to travel and work anywhere in the world. And in this new age, you’ll have social media to thank, as social media platforms require almost round-the-clock monitoring, and thus, employees are not confined to their desks. All you need is a phone, laptop and access to the internet to be able to earn a living.
Web/Graphic Designers
From typography to motion graphics, there’s always a market for designers and illustrators overseas. Many companies offer freelance work to anyone skilled enough to take on a project. If you’ve got a knack for the artistic and an eye for design, there’s a good chance you can let your creative talents fund your travels.
Floor Staffs
Another way to find a job overseas is to check the local bars and coffee shops for any available vacancies. You’re almost always guaranteed a position (especially during seasonal periods) as roles in food and drinks establishments are always in high demand. Having some past working experience would help, but it is by no means necessary!
Teacher/Instructor
It’s surprising how highly sought after professional English teachers are in the world. But simply being a native English speaker isn’t enough. A degree and a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certification is often a perquisite before embarking on an educational journey around the world.
Alternatively, if you have a niche skill like yoga, surfing, scuba diving, or anything like that, why not share your knowledge of the subject while getting paid doing it? Picture spending your days floating above world renowned dive sites, conducting yoga classes atop a secluded mountain shala, or surfing the waves along a beautiful tropical island. The opportunities are endless.
Travel Blogger/Writer
Getting paid to write about travel is the dream job every wayfarer wishes they could have. These days anyone with a flair for writing and adventure can start their own blog. But why narrow it down to just your travel experiences? Writing travel guides, food reviews and suggesting holiday itineraries for established travel sites or blog are a great way to garner online readership.
Busker / Performer
Got a special skill or talent to showcase? Flaunt it on the streets for a chance to earn some extra cash! Pick a busy intersection, place a hat on the ground and brighten up someone’s day with an act or two. Whether it’s painting, juggling, acrobatics or even a magic show, you’ll be surprised how much people will pay to be entertained.
Photographer
If you’ve ever wanted to travel the world with your camera, now’s your chance. It takes hours of practice to perfect the craft, but luck and resourcefulness to capture the perfect moment. If you think you have what it takes to take on this incredible role, then grab your camera and start snapping away! Not only can your images be sold on stock photo sites, you might even see your image on the cover of National Geography one day!
This journey has been delighting passengers for more than seven decades.
The Itinerary
The Blue Train currently operates between Pretoria and Cape Town on select Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, and between Pretoria and Hoedspruit on select Fridays and Saturdays.
The winding journey, which takes travelers past such iconic sights as Victoria Falls and the flat-topped Table Mountain, traverses a total of 994 miles.
Source: Travel+Leisure
Origins of Opulenge
In operation for more than 70 years, the Blue Train began operating in the 1920s, with the intention to provide transportation between Africa’s southernmost and northernmost tips.
As tales gold and diamonds in the area started to spread, more travelers began coming to South Africa, and a burgeoning upper class formed. Travelers expected increasingly luxurious forms of travel, according to the train’s representatives.
Source: Travel+Leisure
Details of Grandeur
In the 1970s, the Blue Train underwent a carriage-by-carriage refurbishment to create the five-star suites and chic spaces its famous for today.
The experience is incredibly upscale even before you step onboard. Guests check into private lounges at the train station before being escorted to their suites on the train.
There are two sets of trains: one of which can accommodate 52 guests, and a weekly train that can accommodate 80 guests and also has a conference car for serious business travelers.
Source: Travel+Leisure
Panoramic Views
The train’s observation car has large windows that showcase the mesmerizing views as the train rolls through vineyards, mountainous terrain, and lush valleys.
Source: Travel+Leisure
High-profile Passengers
The train is the definition of opulence, from the golden shades that line the walls to the plush leather seating.
The Blue Train has hosted such high-profile passengers as Nelson Mandela and Margaret Thatcher.
Source: Travel+Leisure
Source: Travel+Leisure
Colorful Scenes
Travelers heading into Pretoria should be sure to watch out for the bright and bold colors of the jacaranda tree, which is famous for its fragrant purple blooms.
Pretoria is home to so many jacaranda trees, it’s nicknamed the Jacaranda City.
Source: Travel+Leisure
Charming Towns
During the trip, the train will stop at locations like the historic town of Matjiesfontein. The 19th-century lampposts, post offices, and charming coffee shops promise to transport visitors back in time.
Source: Travel+Leisure
Off-train Excursions
On the southbound journey, off-train excursions include visits to the diamond town of Kimberly, where passengers can visit the diamond museum and check out the Big Hole (which claims to be the world’s biggest hole excavated by hand).
Source: Travel+Leisure
Natural Wonders
There’s also have plenty of time to admire the natural beauty of South Africa. The train travels to South Africa’s Limpopo province, which is home to Kruger National Park.
Here, travelers have the chance to spot all of Africa’s Big Five, while overnight journeys throughout the year give visitors a chance to enjoy a stay at one of the park’s private safari lodges.
Source: Travel+Leisure
The Menu
When it’s time to dine, passengers can enjoy a selection of local specialties such as Karoo lamb, ostrich, venison, and oysters fresh from Knysna
All of the plates are served on crystal and china tableware.
Source: Travel+Leisure
Leisure and Dining Spaces
In the train’s dining car, guests can enjoy either private meals or banquets while jazz and classic tunes play in the background.
There’s also a lounge car in the middle of the train where passengers can enjoy countryside views during afternoon high tea, or while having a drink.
In the Club Car, there are Cuban cigars, backgammon, chess, cards, and a well-stocked library.
Source: Travel+Leisure
Suites and Rates
The train’s soundproof and fully carpeted suites can actually convert from a living room to a bedroom. Passengers can choose from either the De Luxe suites, which measure 86 square feet and come with a three-quarter bath, or the Luxury suites, which measure 110 square feet and include a full-sized bath.
Rates start at approximately $1,164 during the low season (January through August and November through December) for a De Luxe double suite.
Love gaming? You’ll want to check out the i hotel in Taiwan.
Dubbed the first e-sports themed hotel in Asia, the property was designed with avid gamers in mind.
Each room comes complete with two computers, each with 32-inch monitors, and DXRacer gaming chairs. The gaming systems feature i5-7400 processors and 16GB of RAM.
And in-room games are just one of the ways guests can indulge while staying at the hotel. The lobby features a larger gaming area for tournament-style matches. There are also quirky touches, like the Imperial March of Star Wars that plays in the elevator.
When it’s time to unwind, guests can also kick back with a 55-inch 4K Ultra HD television. And there’s a free minibar and Wi-Fi.
Booking.com notes that the hotel is especially popular with couples.
Singaporeans are used to a tropical climate with lots of sunshine. Travelling abroad means you’re likely to encounter a very different environment than what you enjoy in the little red dot.
Protecting yourself from the elements through smart fashion choices that stand up to water, wind and cold will keep you comfy in Japan, New York, London or other far-flung destinations during autumn and winter.
Dealing with the drizzle
There’s no need to let a little rain keep you indoors when you’d rather be seeing the sights. However, some studies show our defences against the common cold weaken when we’re wet and chilly, so consider a dependable coat like UNIQLO’s sporty Blocktech Parka.
Lightweight and breathable, it stands up to light rain and slushy, melted snow thanks to a water-repellent coating. It’s also windproof, so you’ll stay snug without the suffocating feel of a plastic raincoat or the bulk of a heavy jacket.
Keeping cosy on frosty days
Of course you’ll want to roll around in the snow, but what happens to your clothes when your body heat melts the snow? Skip the hulking wool jacket and slip into something sleek, sophisticated and incredibly warm, like UNIQLO’s Seamless Down collection. Unlike most down garments, it’s free from surface stitching, which prevents wind and water from penetrating.
Wear the coat on a stroll through the park, or zip it up over your business suit before heading to a meeting. The elasticated cuffs seal in your body’s natural heat, and you can quickly pull up the hood when snowflakes appear. It’s a warmer choice than the Ultra Light Down range, so you’ll stay warm even during heavy winter.
Warmth in the wind
Don’t underestimate the wind, as windchill can blow away the heat your body naturally produces, making you feel colder than it is. What you need to combat the wind is wind proof clothing that blocks wind from passing through. UNIQLO’s full Blocktech collection consists of a Blocktech Parka, Blocktech Fleece Hoodies and Blocktech Warm Lined Pants to wind proof yourself from top to bottom.
Cutting-edge materials make it easy to stay stylish and warm in cold weather. By repelling rain, blocking wind and trapping warmth while letting the body breathe, they’ll get you through the day with a smile on your face.
